George Boyer Vashon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Boyer Vashon
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| Born | July 25, 1824 |
| Died | October 5, 1878 (aged 54) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Lawyer, teacher |
| Spouse(s) | Susan Paul Vashon (married 1857–1878; death) |
| Children | 7 |
| Relatives | Mary Frances Vashon (sister) |
George Boyer Vashon (born July 25, 1824 – died October 5, 1878) was an important African American scholar, poet, and lawyer. He was also a strong abolitionist, meaning he worked to end slavery.
Early Life and Education
George Boyer Vashon was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was the third child and only son of John Bethune Vashon, who was also an abolitionist.
When George was 16, in 1840, he started studying at Oberlin Collegiate Institute. This school later became Oberlin College. In 1844, he made history by becoming the first African American to graduate from Oberlin. He was also the valedictorian of his class, which means he was the top student.
A Fight for Justice
George Vashon became the first African American lawyer to practice law in New York State. However, he faced unfair treatment in Pennsylvania. He was not allowed to practice law there in 1847, and again in 1868, simply because of his race. A judge at the time said that Black people should have their own separate territory in the United States. In this separate place, they could vote, practice law, and serve on juries. But the judge said they should not be allowed to do these things in Pennsylvania.
Despite this unfairness, George Vashon achieved a great victory. Just one week later, using the same qualifications, he was allowed to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court. This was a huge step forward for civil rights.
Working for Change
In 1853, George Vashon was a key person at a meeting of abolitionists in Rochester, New York. This meeting was called the National African American Convention. He was one of five important leaders who signed a document called The Claims of Our Common Cause. This document was sent to the people of the United States. Other famous signers included Frederick Douglass.
In the same year, 1853, Vashon became a teacher at New York Central College. This college was near Cortland, New York. He taught young African Americans there. In 1857, he married Susan Paul Vashon. Later, in the 1870s, he lived and worked in Washington, D.C. He also taught at a night school for young African Americans in Washington.
Legacy
Today, Vashon High School in St. Louis, Missouri, is named after George Boyer Vashon and his son, John Boyer Vashon.
Many years after his death, in 2010, the Pennsylvania Bar finally admitted him. This was 163 years after he first tried to practice law in Pennsylvania. This act recognized the injustice he faced and honored his fight for equality.
