In 1870 Benjamin Turner, who spent the first 40 years of his life as a slave, was elected to the U.
S.
As a candidate for Congr.
Rosner and Frye Gaillard have crafted the story of a remarkable man who taught himself to read when he was young and began a lifetime quest for education and freedom.
In a recreation of Turner\'s own words, based on speeches and other writings that Turner left behind, co-authors Marti S.
He was the first African American from Alabama to earn that distinction.
Congress.
In 1870 Benjamin Turner, who spent the first 40 years of his life as a slave, was elected to the U.
S