George Fayerweather facts for kids
George Fayerweather III (born 1802, died 1869) was an important blacksmith. He also worked hard to end slavery. This movement was called abolitionism. George was from South Kingstown, Rhode Island. He had both Narragansett and African heritage.
Growing Up and Family
George Fayerweather III was born into a family of blacksmiths. His father, also named George, built their family home in 1820. This home is known as the Fayerweather homestead. George's mother was a Narragansett woman. Her family had important leaders called sachems. George's father's family had been enslaved. But they became free after the American Revolutionary War.
Becoming a Blacksmith
George and his brother Solomon learned blacksmithing from their father. Blacksmithing was a very important job in the 1800s. Blacksmiths made and repaired metal tools and objects. Many of George's family members also became blacksmiths.
Fighting for Freedom
George Fayerweather moved to Canterbury, Connecticut. In 1833, he married Sarah Harris. Sarah was born free in Norwich, Connecticut. She was the first African-American girl to attend Prudence Crandall's school in Canterbury.
Many parents did not want their daughters to go to school with Sarah. So, they took their children out of the school. The school eventually closed because of a law passed in Connecticut. This law made it harder for Black students to get an education.
A Center for Change
In 1855, George and his family moved back to Kingston. They lived in the Fayerweather homestead. George became the village blacksmith, just like his father and brother.
Their home became a busy place for people who wanted to end slavery. Many famous people who fought against slavery visited them. George Fayerweather died in Kingston on November 13, 1869. He was buried at Old Fernwood Cemetery.
