Lydia Hamilton Smith - Super Christian (America, atheist, quote, faith)

[QuakerBaker]

Lydia Hamilton Smith was a Catholic woman and 1/4th African-American in the 1800s.

She participated in an Underground Railroad in southern Pennsylvania, not very far from where I was born and spent most of my life in north central Maryland. My Meeting House had helped with the Underground Railroad to escape slaves and may have been in the same network as hers due to proximity for part of her time when she was in the Gettysburg area.

Recently there was a discovery of an underground tunnel connecting her home to a nearby tavern believed to be part of her risking herself to help slaves escape. What a great way to live one's life, securing freedom for others.

She became a widow and then entered a relationship with Thaddeus Stevens who was an influential lawyer and congress member. During the battle of Gettysburg the Confederates burned down their iron furnace which is near Caledonia State Park today and not far from my old home. Did Lydia Hamilton Smith take it personally? No.

She showed that she was a good Christian and despite those who would wish to even enslave her or do her harm she *turned the other cheek* when she loved all and served all. Smith used what money she had and bought food and first aid for BOTH union and confederate soldiers that were wounded in the battle of Gettysburg. It was no doubt actions like this that Lincoln had in mind when he said "with malice towards none and charity for all." Wish we had a politician like Smith today.

She later became a successful business woman and took care of Thaddeus Stevens grave after she essentially became a widow again.

https://www.womenhistoryblog.com/200...ton-smith.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lydia_Hamilton_Smith

[Oakback]

Originally Posted by QuakerBaker

Lydia Hamilton Smith was a Catholic woman and 1/4th African-American in the 1800s.

She participated in an Underground Railroad in southern Pennsylvania, not very far from where I was born and spent most of my life in north central Maryland. My Meeting House had helped with the Underground Railroad to escape slaves and may have been in the same network as hers due to proximity for part of her time when she was in the Gettysburg area.

Recently there was a discovery of an underground tunnel connecting her home to a nearby tavern believed to be part of her risking herself to help slaves escape. What a great way to live one's life, securing freedom for others.

She became a widow and then entered a relationship with Thaddeus Stevens who was an influential lawyer and congress member. During the battle of Gettysburg the Confederates burned down their iron furnace which is near Caledonia State Park today and not far from my old home. Did Lydia Hamilton Smith take it personally? No.

She showed that she was a good Christian and despite those who would wish to even enslave her or do her harm she *turned the other cheek* when she loved all and served all. Smith used what money she had and bought food and first aid for BOTH union and confederate soldiers that were wounded in the battle of Gettysburg. It was no doubt actions like this that Lincoln had in mind when he said "with malice towards none and charity for all." Wish we had a politician like Smith today.

She later became a successful business woman and took care of Thaddeus Stevens grave after she essentially became a widow again.

https://www.womenhistoryblog.com/200...ton-smith.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lydia_Hamilton_Smith

Inspiring example that society could benefit from today.

[Mightyqueen801]

I first learned about her after watching the movie Lincoln. She is depicted as the housekeeper and lover of Thaddeus Stevens (plated by Tommy Lee Jones), and I was curious as to who she was in real life. Thanks for the history.

[BaptistFundie]

Originally Posted by QuakerBaker

Lydia Hamilton Smith was a Catholic woman and 1/4th African-American in the 1800s.

She participated in an Underground Railroad in southern Pennsylvania, not very far from where I was born and spent most of my life in north central Maryland. My Meeting House had helped with the Underground Railroad to escape slaves and may have been in the same network as hers due to proximity for part of her time when she was in the Gettysburg area.

Recently there was a discovery of an underground tunnel connecting her home to a nearby tavern believed to be part of her risking herself to help slaves escape. What a great way to live one's life, securing freedom for others.

She became a widow and then entered a relationship with Thaddeus Stevens who was an influential lawyer and congress member. During the battle of Gettysburg the Confederates burned down their iron furnace which is near Caledonia State Park today and not far from my old home. Did Lydia Hamilton Smith take it personally? No.

She showed that she was a good Christian and despite those who would wish to even enslave her or do her harm she *turned the other cheek* when she loved all and served all. Smith used what money she had and bought food and first aid for BOTH union and confederate soldiers that were wounded in the battle of Gettysburg. It was no doubt actions like this that Lincoln had in mind when he said "with malice towards none and charity for all." Wish we had a politician like Smith today.

She later became a successful business woman and took care of Thaddeus Stevens grave after she essentially became a widow again.

https://www.womenhistoryblog.com/200...ton-smith.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lydia_Hamilton_Smith

She was obviously a very moral and virtuous woman. Did wonderful and great things.

You say she was a "good Christian". Yet, it is true that many non-Christians do many of the same things for different motivations. What specifically informs you as to her faith?

[Thoreau424]

I don't think it's wise to call her a "super Christian". Sure, she may have been very effective, and a great example. But she's really just more in the mold of a genuine Christian. Saying "super Christian" makes her sound sort of on par with the divine and holy, and that she wore some kind of superhero outfit.

We need to be careful that we don't create new issues, selecting and singling out others. We already have to fight notions that any of us are any different from any one else. Regardless of our personal pluses and minuses, we're all on the same level.

I'll resist the urge to try to be like anyone else, and stick with trying to be what God want's *me* to be. I can only be myself.

P.S. The same tactic could be used to elevate an atheist, who did many wonderful things. So the cheerleading on one side of the other isn't warranted.