abolitionist

[ ab-uh-lish-uh-nist ]

noun

(especially prior to the Civil War) a person who advocated or supported the abolition of slavery in the U.S.
a person who favors the abolition of any law or practice deemed harmful to society: the abolitionists who are opposed to capital punishment.

Origin of abolitionist

First recorded in 1830–40; abolition + -ist

Most radical was the 1856 Provisional Constitution drafted by northern abolitionists, including John Brown.
One U.S. Constitution Just Wasn’t Enough | Tom Arnold-Forster | July 4, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Until Haiti, abolitionists focused on either gradual emancipation, or simply ending the slave trade, not slavery itself.
How Blacks Freed Themselves from Slavery | Eric Herschthal | February 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Paul Ryan made essentially the same comparison between abolitionists and anti-abortion advocates.
GOP Politicians Say Abortion Is Like Slavery And Destroys Jobs | Emily Shire | January 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
For abolitionists, it is about the possibility that even people who do something horrible can change.
Death Penalty Survives In California, But Three-Strikes Law Cut Back | David R. Dow | November 9, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
If California dumps the death penalty this November, abolitionists will probably dance in the streets.
Life Without Parole Is A Terrible Idea | David R. Dow | April 27, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST

What could the Abolitionists do now with their Northern societies to show that slavery was a wrong and a sin?
Beacon Lights of History, Volume XII | John Lord
Being old and choleric, he would go off into a fierce passion against the abolitionists.
Personal Recollections of Pardee Butler | Pardee Butler
Gen. Maclean didn't see any use of going back until they had whipped the Abolitionists.
Personal Recollections of Pardee Butler | Pardee Butler
Burnett evidently went away from Lawrence with a good opinion of this family of Yankee abolitionists, and Bro.
Personal Recollections of Pardee Butler | Pardee Butler
These people denounced the act of the mob, but at the same time they expressed their disapproval of Abolitionists.
Historic Adventures | Rupert S. Holland

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