Reminiscences of Colored People of Princeton, N. J.: 1800-1900Smith, Anna Bustill
History
Reminiscences of Colored People of Princeton, N. J.: 1800-1900
Smith, Anna Bustill
African Americans -- New Jersey -- Princeton; Princeton (N.J.) -- Biography
_Betsey Stockton_ was one of the first members of the Presbyterian
Church. Hageman tells us “she was a woman of sterling qualities and an
excellent teacher.” She was the first colored missionary to the Hawaiian
Islands and, on her return, taught school. One of her pupils, _Mr. Thomas
Schenck_, attended Lincoln University, graduating in 1869. A bronze
tablet to her memory was recently unveiled in the Presbyterian Church
by Mr. Weber, a former pupil, Gen. A. A. Woodhull making the address. A
stained glass memorial window, the gift of her pupils, adorns the church
and attests to her ability and their love.
_Rev. Chas. W. Gardiner_ was pastor of the First African Presbyterian
Church of Philadelphia for 12 years, and an early record says “he was
no mean expounder of the Word of God.” He was a man of high mental
attainments. His preaching was eloquent, impressive and effective. He was
ever regarded as a profound thinker and leading ecclesiastical. In 1857
he was invited by my father, Joseph C. Bustill (then teaching there), to
help form the First Colored Presbyterian Church of Harrisburg, Pa. He was
pastor there several years. A fine portrait of him still hangs in the
lecture room, evidencing their veneration for him. He spent the remaining
years of his life at his home, corner Green and Witherspoon streets. Dr.
Ashbel Green was always interested in him and remembered him in his will.
His grandchildren, _Mrs. Till_ and _Mrs. Boyer_ are still among us.
_Rev. Mahlon Van Horn_ was graduated from Lincoln University and, for
twenty-five years, was pastor of a congregational church at Newport, R.
I. He was appointed U. S. Consul at St. Thomas Island, and filled his
position with honor to himself and with satisfaction to the Government.
He died in office.
Who could write of Princeton colored people and omit _Uncle Jimmy
Johnson_? “He was at one time the oldest person connected with the
university, because he had known Dr. Duffield s-s-since he was in
kn-kn-knickerbockers.” He came here a fugitive slave, was recognized by a
student and soon was fleeing from the dreaded slave catcher. Mrs. Provost
paid the $1000 demanded and the students paid the cost of the sensational
trial. Mr. Johnson often showed with justifiable pride his account of the
_repayment of every cent_. He lived long to enjoy his freedom and was
ever affectionately regarded by the students. A granite stone “erected
by graduates of Princeton University” marks his grave. His widow was a
woman of fine presence, cultured and refined. She died less than a year
ago.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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