Seth Paine, Local Abolitionist
Q&A with Author of New Book: “The Anointed One: the Untold Story of Seth Paine, Midwest Abolitionist”
Patty Charhut sat down with historian Nancy Schumm about her new book, “The Anointed One” – the story of Seth Paine, founder of the Village of Lake Zurich. Seth’s story evolves against a backdrop of cross-country migration and change from 1816-1872.
Patty Charhut: Hi, Nancy, thanks for talking with us today about your new book. I understand you’re a historian and researcher. How did you come across Seth Paine? And why write about him?
Nancy Schumm: Hi, Patty, thanks for your interest in this special project. Because of my 20 years of work around and in Lake Zurich, I was familiar with Seth Paine, but became interested in learning more about him when I was working on a study of the Underground Railroad in Lake County and Northeastern Illinois. While Seth was well known for being a member of the Underground Railroad, I came across an article where he renounced the Liberty Party in 1847 and I wondered about the full story. I found through my research that Seth hated hypocritical groups and when the Liberty Party established rules for membership, he believed that action was wrong. Instead, he stuck with those he knew were truly committed to abolishing slavery. Then, I discovered that he opened The Woman’s Home in Chicago in 1867 and noted that 140 women lived there in 1872 and it was still functioning in the early 1890s. I was perplexed why The Woman’s Home had never been mentioned in Chicago history and I was determined to find out why, and learn the rest of Seth’s story.
PC: You’ve written several books before, but not a biography with fictional undertones. How was writing about Seth Paine different?
NS: Seth’s story carried so many rich details that I uncovered, I found that it almost wrote itself. He was quoted often (both from good and bad angles) in the news media, and with the help of a family personal journal, I felt confident telling the story almost from his voice. I related to his commitment to humanity and his ability to “fail” forward, pick himself up and rededicate to another cause.
PC: You share in your book that Seth had a dream to better society. Do you feel, after having researched and written about him, that he achieved his Utopian dream?
NS: I think Seth was settled with what he had accomplished in his life. He was likely disappointed that all his ideas were not embraced, but I believe that in the end he was surrounded by people who loved and admired him and were thankful that he was able to help them and so many others who had struggles.
PC: Seth led a full, rich life with many ups and downs, and he never gave up. I think people can relate to that determination despite the odds. Being a humanitarian is not easy.
NS: Absolutely. Seth is an unusual man with a wide breadth of character. We should all be as passionate and dedicated to our causes.
PC: Certainly history buffs will want to read the book, but why should everyday folks give the book a chance?
NS: The story of Seth Paine is a biography of resilience during times of division in the United States. There are so many similarities to today's times.
PC: What’s next for you?
NS: I will be speaking and doing a book signing at Lake Zurich History Days at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 4 at the Ela Historical Society. I’d love to see you all there! I am looking for speaking engagements and places to tell Seth’s story, and bookstores that will carry the biography. Anyone interested can contact
nancyschumm2@gmail.com or 847-975-8391.
PC: Great! Last but not least, where can we get our hands on “The Anointed One” right now?
NS: You bet, click here to purchase on Amazon where the book is currently enjoying a 4.5-review (out of 5)! If you read it, I’d love your feedback!