Albro Lyons Sr. facts for kids

Albro Lyons Sr. was an important figure in New York City during the 1800s. He was a man of mixed heritage who worked hard to help others. He believed everyone deserved a good education and fought to free enslaved people. His home was a safe place for many on the Underground Railroad.

Who Was Albro Lyons Sr.?

Albro Lyons Sr. was born in the 1800s, though his exact birth and death years are not known. He was a New Yorker with a diverse background. He dedicated his life to improving the lives of African Americans. He focused especially on education and freedom from slavery.

Fighting for Education

Albro Lyons Sr. strongly believed that education was key to a better future. He worked to create more opportunities for African American children and adults to learn. In his time, many schools were segregated, and educational resources for Black communities were limited. His efforts helped open doors for many.

A Safe Stop on the Underground Railroad

One of Albro Lyons Sr.'s most important contributions was his role in the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network of safe houses and routes. It helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the Northern states or Canada.

His boarding house for seamen in New York City became a vital stop on this network. It offered a safe place for freedom seekers to rest and hide. They could then continue their dangerous journey to a new life.

Community Leadership

Albro Lyons Sr. was also an active member of the New York African Society for Mutual Relief. This society was founded in 1808. It was one of the earliest self-help organizations for African Americans in New York.

The society provided support to its members and their families. It helped with things like sickness, death, and unemployment. It also promoted education and moral improvement within the Black community. Being a member showed his commitment to community welfare.

His Family's Legacy

Albro Lyons Sr. was married, and a special double photograph, called an ambrotype, exists of him and his wife. His daughter, Maritcha Remond Lyons, became a notable person herself. She wrote a memoir about her family's experiences. This book helps us understand the challenges and triumphs of African American families during that period.

Albro Lyons Sr. also had a son named Albro Lyons Jr. His son lived from 1854 until 1906. The Lyons family played an important part in the history of New York City. They worked for justice and equality.