Cyrus Bustill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cyrus Bustill
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| Born | February 2, 1732 Springfield, New Jersey, U.S.
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| Died | 1806 (aged 73–74) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Occupation | Brewer |
| Known for | Abolitionist work in the United States |
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Notable work
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Founding member of the Free African Society in Philadelphia |
| Relatives | Bustill family |
Cyrus Bustill (born February 2, 1732 – died 1806) was an important African-American leader. He was a skilled brewer and baker. Cyrus Bustill also worked as an abolitionist, meaning he fought to end slavery. He was a respected community leader in his time.
He owned a successful business in the African-American community in Philadelphia. Cyrus Bustill also helped start the Free African Society in the city. This group was very important for helping African Americans.
Early Life and Freedom
Cyrus Bustill was born in Burlington, New Jersey, on February 2, 1732. His father was Samuel Bustill, a Quaker lawyer. His mother, Parthenia, was an African woman who was enslaved by Samuel.
After his father died in 1742, Cyrus was sold to another Quaker named Thomas Prior. But there was a special agreement. Thomas Prior promised to let Cyrus train as a baker. Cyrus could then earn money to buy his own freedom.
Some records say Cyrus bought his freedom in 1774. Other records suggest Thomas Prior set him free in 1769. This act of setting an enslaved person free was called "manumission." Cyrus was likely one of many enslaved people freed by Quakers during that time.
By 1791, Cyrus Bustill owned land in a Black settlement called Guineatown. This area was in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Family and Legacy
Cyrus Bustill married Elizabeth Morey. She was born in 1746 and died in 1827. Elizabeth had both Native American and European ancestors. They had several children, including Grace Douglass, David Bowser Bustill, and Mary Bustill.
Cyrus Bustill is known as the founder of the important Bustill family. Many of his descendants became famous. These include:
- Paul Robeson (1898–1976), a famous singer and actor.
- David Bustill Bowser (1820–1900), a painter.
- Sarah Mapps Douglass (1806–1882), an educator and activist.
- Robert Douglass Jr. (1809–1887), another artist.
- Gertrude Bustill Mossell (1855–1948), a journalist and author.
Cyrus Bustill passed away in 1806. He is buried at the Eden Cemetery in Collingdale, Pennsylvania.
