An Uncommon Woman: The Life of Lydia Hamilton Smith

Lydia Hamilton Smith (1813–1884) was a prominent African American businesswoman and the longtime companion and collaborator of the Pennsylvania’s abolitionist congressman Thaddeus Stevens. Their relationship fascinated and infuriated many. In his biography of this remarkable woman, Mark Kelley accords Smith the recognition that she deserves, revealing how Smith served the cause of abolition and crossed racialized social boundaries.