The Conductor: The Story of Rev. John Rankin, Abolitionism's Essential Founding Father

Known in his day as the “Father of Abolitionism,” Reverend John Rankin is one of the greatest heroes previously lost to history. Sitting high above the small community of Ripley, Ohio, a lantern shone in the front window of a small, red brick home at night. It was a signal to slaves in Kentucky—a beacon of liberty in the darkness—just across the Ohio River. Anyone fleeing bondage could look to Reverend John Rankin’s home for hope. To the slaveholders they fled from, Rankin’s activities as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad invoked rage. Mobs often pelted Rankin with eggs and rocks, bounties were placed on his head, and midnight assassins lurked in the darkness, waiting for the right opportunity to take out the “Father of Abolitionism.” Despite frequent threats, he remained committed to the freedom of his fellow man. Rankin’s impact extended well beyond Ripley. In The Conductor, author Caleb Franz tells the story of the man who served as a George Washington–type figure to the antislavery movement. Rankin’s leadership brought unity and clarity to the often factious abolitionists of the nineteenth century. William Lloyd Garrison, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and countless others found inspiration in his teachings. Rich with drama and adventure, The Conductor elevates Reverend John Rankin to his proper place in the pantheon of American heroes.

About the Author :
Caleb Franz has built a career as a writer, podcaster, and nonprofit professional. He often provides commentary on public affairs and writes on American history. His work has appeared in outlets such as The Independent, Washington Examiner, RealClearHistory, and more. He currently resides in Lexington, Kentucky, with his wife, Danielle.

Review :
The moral brilliance of Rev. John Rankin in his quests for racial justice comes to life in Caleb Franz’s finely-written, well-documented biography The Conductor.  Every American should know the story of Rev. Rankin, who was the mentor of the renowned abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison and whose bold anti-slavery writings and lectures were brimming with timeless wisdom. Consider that 200 years ago Rev. Rankin wrote, “The love of gain first introduced slavery into the world and has been its constant support in every age…It gives energy to the tyrant’s sword, drenches the earth with blood, and binds whole nations in chains.”    “You've heard of the Underground Railroad. Now meet the Conductor. Caleb Franz unearths the story of Reverend John Rankin, who fought against slavery in all its forms, from the early 19th century, when he stood nearly alone, until its destruction. In this discerning book, Rankin finally gets the treatment he deserves.” “Nearly 140 years after his death, Franz has given us a new monument: a biography truly worthy of its subject. As he expertly weaves together original research and historical background, Franz’s scholarship is top-tier, but he also tells his story with incredible pathos. The Conductor is a fitting tribute to an ordinary, conservative man who achieved extraordinary things.” “Franz’s laudable work shines a light on one person who undertook that perilous cause. An abolitionist’s love of God, country, and his fellow human beings superseded all else, including his [Rankin’s] life.”