London R. Ferebee (1849 – AFT 1883) was an African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church preacher and author, who was born into slavery on August 18, 1849, in a place called Big Ditch, in Currituck County, North Carolina. He wrote his biography of being born into a slave family, surviving the American Civil War, his imprisonment and later work for the church. He worked while very young, and escaped at a young age. He made a life for himself in education, politics, and religion. He led a full life and, along the way, endured many sufferings and hardships. Biography Early life and slavery When he was still quite young, Ferebee's mother was sold because she beat her master to the ground. Ferebee was moved with his mother and two other children, and remained with his family until was old enough to render services. He was then separated from his family and employed by a man named Edwin T. Cowles. Ferebee was still extremely young when he began to work. Because of Ferebee's youth, Cowles was extremely kind to him, and would not allow for him to be abused in any way. Freedom and education At twelve years old, Ferebee ran away with a group of Yankees, as they were called, who delivered him to his father, Abel M. Ferebee, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Together, they stayed in Elizabeth City until the Yankees announced that they were to travel to Newbern, NC. Figuring that moving to Newbern was safer than staying in Elizabeth City with the Civil War, both the Ferebees, and a large group of colored people, moved with the Yankees. Once in Newbern, still under the care of his father, young Ferebee started attending private school at a Christian church. By the time he was fifteen, he was the top student in his class and had become assistant teacher. While his health was starting to falter, at age thirteen, and his eyesight was beginning to fail him, he decided to take up a profession in religion. Soon thereafter, he was elected Superintendent of the Sabbath School, and then elected secretary of the church and Board of Trustees. One morning, on Ferebee's accord, a young man by the name of Miles Bartlette was sent back a year, into primary school. A few days after this event, Bartlette attempted to kill Ferebee. Bartlette stabbed a dagger through Ferebee's left shoulder blade,