Stonewall Jackson: The Black Man's Friend
by Richard G. Williams Jr.
Review by Michael Aubrecht

Most people with even a casual interest in the Civil War are familiar with the importance of religion in the day-to-day life of Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. However, what they may not be aware of is how much of a role he played with regard to the implementation and promotion of religion before, during and ultimately “after” the Civil War.

In addition to being one of the South’s most fearsome commanders, Jackson was also very instrumental in the formal establishment of military-based chaplains in the Confederate Army. As a devout evangelical Christian, he was actively religious and held the civilian position of a deacon in the Presbyterian Church. Throughout his participation in the fight for Southern independence, Jackson adamantly maintained the rituals of his faith while on campaign and his steadfast allegiance to God and country became infectious throughout the ranks.

Despite Stonewall’s popular and one-dimensional legacy as an Old Testament warrior, his pre-war contributions may provide us with an even greater appreciation for the man, more so than his achievements on the battlefield. Most notably are his charitable efforts on behalf of local African-Americans, including the rarely discussed establishment of the first black Sunday school in Lexington, Virginia. It is this kinder and gentler side of the Christian soldier that provides the basis for author Richard G. Williams’ latest book entitled, “Stonewall Jackson: The Black Man's Friend.”

The obvious complexity and somewhat paradoxical relationship between Southern slave-holding Christians and their slaves has been a long-debated topic among Civil War historians and enthusiasts. Many critics have questioned how the Confederacy could fight for its own freedom in good conscience, while denying the very same liberty to the African-American population. Others contend that slaves actually benefited spiritually by being baptized into the Christian faith while being held in captivity. Thus a book like this may be viewed differently according to one’s own preconceived notions of faith and race relations.

As a seasoned Christian author whose other works include “Christian Business Legends,” and “The Maxims of Robert E. Lee for Young Gentlemen,” Williams is well aware of this dilemma, as well as the merits of both sides of this argument. He strives to address all aspects of it in a most fair and balanced manner. His message lies in finding the positive stories that are too often forgotten when discussing the racial divide of the antebellum South and its influence and impact on the lives of the minority population.

Unlike previous studies that have been published on Stonewall Jackson’s pre-war life, this book required a level of preparation that went well beyond the scope of most secular studies. In order to tackle subjects as highly contested and sensitive as slavery and religion, Williams understood that he must first be willing to present an honest representation of the sins of bondage in all of its unpleasant details. He also recognized that he would have to take the time required to meticulously research the matter while using primary sources in an effort to establish balance and accuracy.

Frankly, it takes guts to write a study like this and Williams has shown the same courage and tenacity as his primary subject did at the First Battle of Manassas.

Adding to the credence and credibility of his efforts is the validation by nationally acclaimed Civil War historian, Jackson biographer and historical consultant to the film “Gods and Generals,” James I. Robertson, Jr., who has written the foreword to the book. He states, “Exhaustively researched, teeming with useful nuggets and written with an undertone of faith that Jackson himself would have admired, this study clears the air of a lot of myths, accidental and otherwise. The narrative surprises and informs, memorializes and inspires, all at the same time."

Williams begins this journey by painfully depicting the deplorable trials faced by African-Americans as they were shipped from the slave-trading colonies in Africa to the coastal cities of the United States. Along the way, we are reminded of the horrible conditions and mistreatment faced by these prisoners and the author holds nothing back in the telling. He then presents the social, political and financial aspects of slave trading and the history of its institution and practice in 18th and 19th Century America, as well as the shared shame of it all that fell equally on both the North and the South.

This provocative opening provides a solid foundation for the story that is to come. Clearly the examples that follow, depicting the compassion and care given by a percentage of Christian Southerners on behalf of a poor mistreated people, needs to be recognized in order to find something righteous beneath so much suffering.

Thomas Jackson’s efforts are certainly worthy of such recognition, as contradictory, at times, as they may sound. Therefore Williams continues to focus his attentions on Stonewall’s own path to sharing the message of salvation while citing the positive influence that his fellow believers had, in turn, on him. These include glimpses into the lives of his childhood friend Joseph Lightburn, church elder John B. Lyle, manservant Jim Lewis, and many more.

Williams goes on to explain how the local black population in his hometown may have influenced Jackson’s indoctrination into the Christian Faith. He contends that Stonewall may have felt a moral obligation to return the favor. He writes, “It is likely that Jackson’s early attraction to Christianity was aroused by the slaves in his own household ... (and) by slaves that lived in his community.”

As devout Christians, the Jackson family fervently believed that all people were welcomed at the Lord's Table regardless of their race or social stature. As a result, he and his wife were instrumental in the organization, in 1855, of exclusive Sunday school classes for blacks at the Presbyterian Church. The pastor, Dr. William Spottswood White, described the relationship between Jackson and his Sunday afternoon students: "In their religious instruction he succeeded wonderfully. His discipline was systematic and firm, but very kind. ... His servants reverenced and loved him, as they would have done a brother or father. ... He was emphatically the black man's friend." He addressed his students by name and they, in turn, referred to him affectionately as "Marse Major."

Although Jackson could not alter the social status of slaves, Williams tells of how he committed himself to Christian decency and pledged to "assist the souls of those held in bondage." He also adds that Jackson and his wife were guilty of practicing civil disobedience by educating slaves.

Eventually the Sunday school grew beyond the allotted facilities and ultimately blossomed into new churches for African-Americans. In this regard, we can see how the evangelical white Christian slave owner had a positive influence on the spiritual education of those held in captivity. As a result, many ex-slaves became preachers themselves and were later responsible for some of the largest religious revivals that followed the South’s surrender.

Above all others though, the most inspirational stories from this book came out of the classroom itself. It is very pleasant to read the accounts that were written by former slaves who leaped at the opportunity to learn to read and study Biblical Scriptures. Their intellect and enthusiasm were evident in their writings and it is very compelling to see how they, in turn, impacted the church’s white congregation. The resulting fellowship that was shared between these two communities continues to this day.

In a most fitting conclusion, Williams shows the fruits of Jackson’s labor by visiting Lexington in person and sharing the stories of several local residents whose ancestors were participants in Stonewall’s school. Through personal interviews, the author is able to publicize several generational stories that would not have been shared outside of the family if not for his book. A large percentage of these African-Americans hold the memory of Thomas Jackson in the highest regard and all of them are thankful for his influence on their ancestors.

In the end, it is not that difficult to believe the notion of a Christian slaveholder showing compassion and mercy in fulfilling an obligation to "make disciples of all nations." This book reinforces the reasoning as to why a Christian Confederate would go to such lengths to educate and enlighten slaves. Simply put, Thomas Jackson did exactly what his Lord had told him to do. He spread the Good News to everyone. His “students,” in turn, accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and eagerly continued to spread this message as they left the cotton fields and entered the mission field.

So inspirational is this story, that a film company called Franklin Springs Family Media, run by award winning Christian film producer and director Ken Carpenter, is currently producing a documentary based on Williams’ book entitled “Stonewall Jackson: His Fight Before the War.” The movie is currently in the production phase and most of the filming has been completed. You can view the trailer for this film at www.franklinsprings.com/stjtrailer  

Williams’ efforts have been so well received, that he was invited to appear as the guest speaker at the annual Stonewall Jackson Symposium held in Jackson's Mill, West Virginia. In an email interview with me, he discussed his motivation behind the project. He stated, “The book was a labor of love that took four very enjoyable years to research and write. Growing up and living in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley that Jackson called home for the last 10 years of his life, I've always been keenly interested in Jackson. Having been a Sunday school teacher myself for the last 27 years, led to a natural curiosity in Jackson's ministry to slaves and free blacks.”

He added, “As I researched what led Jackson to start this most unusual ministry, I was struck by how seemingly casual contacts and friendships impact history for generations. From the slaves who influenced Jackson's faith in his childhood, to the obscure Lexington bookstore owner who gave Jackson the book that led him to become famous for his prayer life, God's leading is clearly seen. I was also struck by the poetic justice of the story. Slaves likely first piqued Jackson’s faith and this faith eventually led him to reach other slaves with the gospel, despite the evils of slavery. It is truly an amazing story.”

It is an amazing story indeed and one that has been waiting for a very long time to be told. For more information on “Stonewall Jackson: The Black Man's Friend,” visit Richard William’s Web site at www.virginiagentleman.com .

MICHAEL AUBRECHT is a Civil War author and historian who lives in Spotsylvania County. For more information, visit his Web site at www.pinstripepress.net .

Buy it from Amazon