My Own Name

It is a long distance from London in England to our Philadelphia in America, and if I am to show, as is my purpose, how my visit to the larger city led me to help build up the smaller, then is it wise that I explain somewhat concerning myself, even though those who shall read what I here set down, have no care whatsoever as to whether I be white or black, halt or blind, young or old.

I was born in that city of England called Bristol, and my father's name is also mine. Stephen these good people call him, and in order that there may be no mistake as to which of us is meant when I am spoken of, they refer to me as Stephen of Philadelphia, which is much to my liking.