10 Facts About Harry Hosier

Better known as "Black Harry" during his lifetime, Harry Hosier was illiterate and his name is recorded variously as Hoosier, Hoshur, and Hossier.

Harry Hosier is an occupational surname referring to a maker or seller of hosiery, still commonly worn by men as well as women in the 18th century.

Harry Hosier had been transferred by the Dutch from America to the Caribbean island of Sint Eustatius.

Harry Hosier's early life is not well-documented but most sources agree he was a freedman.

Harry Hosier was probably born to two African slaves near Fayetteville, North Carolina, but nothing else is known about his parents.

Harry Hosier seems to have been sold north to Baltimore, Maryland, and to have gained his freedom around the end of the American Revolution.

The first reference to Hosier in Asbury's journals observes, "If I had Harry to go with me and meet the colored people, it would be attended with a blessing".

Harry Hosier's sermons called on Methodists to reject slavery and champion the common working man.

Harry Hosier was not included in the group of black Methodist preachers who were ordained in 1799.

Harry Hosier subsequently preached that he wrestled with God and screamed Psalm 51 repeatedly before recovering and carrying on his ministry.