George E. Stephens facts for kids

George E. Stephens (born 1832 – died April 24, 1888) was an important figure during the American Civil War. He served as a soldier in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, which was a Union Army group. He was also a war correspondent, meaning he wrote news reports from the war for a newspaper called the New York Weekly Anglo-African.

Early Life and Family

George Stephens was born in 1832 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His family had moved there from Virginia the year before. They left Virginia to escape violence that happened after a slave rebellion led by Nat Turner.

George's father, William Stephens, worked different jobs like shining shoes, waiting tables, and as a laborer. He was also a preacher at the First African Baptist Church. This church was very active in the abolitionist movement, which worked to end slavery. It also helped people escape slavery through the Underground Railroad.

Schooling and Learning

George Stephens received a good education. He likely went to schools run by the Quakers and the Pennsylvania Abolition Society. These groups often helped educate African Americans during that time.

Working Life

George Stephens worked as a cabinet maker, building furniture. He also spent time as an upholsterer, fixing and covering furniture, and as a sailor, traveling on ships.

After the Civil War ended, he worked with the Freedmen's Bureau in Virginia. His job was to help educate people who had recently been freed from slavery. Later, he worked in Philadelphia for a while before moving to Brooklyn, New York, where he passed away in 1888.

Helping His Community

In 1853, George Stephens and 15 other people started a group called the Banneker Institute. This group was a literary society and library, named after the famous African-American mathematician Benjamin Banneker. Stephens was also active in the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people find freedom.

During his time as a sailor in 1857 and 1858, Stephens had a very scary experience. He was almost enslaved in Charleston, South Carolina. This event made his strong dislike for slavery even greater.

Fighting in the Civil War

When the Civil War began, many African Americans in the North, including Stephens, were upset. The government at first did not want them to fight against the South.

Stephens first joined the army as a cook and personal helper for Benjamin C. Tilghman, an officer. While serving with Tilghman's regiment, Stephens started sending his war reports to the New York Weekly Anglo-African newspaper.

In March 1863, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry began to form. This was the first army regiment made up of free Black soldiers from the North. Stephens strongly encouraged other Black people to support this regiment. He spent several months helping to recruit soldiers.

On April 30, 1863, he officially joined the 54th Massachusetts as a 1st Sergeant. He was right in the middle of the attack on Fort Wagner in Charleston Harbor on July 18, 1863. He was wounded during this battle and barely avoided being captured.

George Stephens continued to fight throughout the war with the 54th Massachusetts. He earned promotions during his service, becoming a 2nd Lieutenant and then a 1st Lieutenant. He left the army in August 1865 after the war ended.