Jonathan Myrick Daniels - Keene, NH - New Hampshire Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

In Keene, on the lawn of a church, is this historical sign for Jonathan Myrick Daniels.

The sign is located on West Street, near the intersection with Federal Street, on the lawn of the Saint James Episcopal Church. The sign is a state historical marker, with the year 2011 at the bottom. The sign has the following text:

"Jonathan Myrick Daniels
1939-1965
_._
Civil Rights activist Daniels worshiped at St. James Episcopal Church during his high school years. Born in Keene, he graduated from Virginia Military Institute before entering the Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, MA. While studying for the priesthood, he went south to assist with voter registration. On August 20, 1965 in Hayneville, AL. Daniels was shot and killed as he stepped in front of a young African-American coworker, saving her life. His funeral was held at St. James."

Daniels had answered the call by Martin Luther King who was recruiting students and clergy to join the civil rights movement in Selma, Alabama. In Selma, he stayed with a local African-American family - the Wests. Some of his efforts involved trying to integrate blacks in to local Episcopal Churches - which weren't welcoming. He also directly assisted and tutored those in need. He was part of a group of protesters who were arrested and some held in jail for six days. After they were released, they were waiting for transport. They went to Varner's store to buy drinks, but barring the door was Tom L. Coleman, who had a pistol and shotgun. In short, Tom started to threaten the crowd and pointed the shotgun at a girl. Jonathan pushed her down and bore the full brunt of the shotgun fire and died instantly. Coleman was tried but not found guilty. Martin Luther King said of him, "one of the most heroic Christian deeds of which I have heard in my entire ministry was performed by Jonathan Daniels."

Sources:

New Hampshire Historical Markers (List of Markers):
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Wikipedia (Jonathan Myrick Daniels):
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Marker Name: Jonathan Myrick Daniels Official Marker Number: 0226 Marker Type: Official NH State Marker Location: 44 West Street, Keene, NH Date Marker Established: 1/1/2011

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