Henry Beverhout facts for kids

Henry Beverhout was an African-Caribbean religious leader who helped lead a group of settlers to Sierra Leone in Africa. These settlers were formerly enslaved people who had gained their freedom.

Beverhout was born a free person in St. Croix, an island in the Danish West Indies (which are now the U.S. Virgin Islands). He later moved to Charleston, South Carolina.

A New Life in Canada

During the American War of Independence, Henry Beverhout supported the British. He joined a group called the Black Loyalists. These were African Americans who were loyal to the British during the war. After the British lost, many Black Loyalists, including Beverhout, moved to New Brunswick, Canada.

Leading a Community

In New Brunswick, Beverhout became a leader in his community. He helped organize a Methodist church group. The Methodists are a type of Christian church. This group later decided to move to Sierra Leone in Africa, seeking a new home.

Journey to Sierra Leone

The journey to Sierra Leone began from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Henry Beverhout became the leader, or "captain," of a "company" of settlers. These "companies" were like small self-governing groups that the Nova Scotian settlers created. They helped manage their own affairs and make decisions together.

A Strong Voice for Settlers

After arriving in Africa, Henry Beverhout became a very strong critic of the Sierra Leone Company. This was the British company that was in charge of the new settlement. Beverhout spoke out often about the problems and unfair treatment the settlers faced. He wanted to make sure the settlers' voices were heard.

Family Life

Henry Beverhout had two daughters. His daughter Ann married Gustavus Reinhold Nyländer, who was an Anglican missionary. Anglicanism is another type of Christian church. His second daughter, Frances, married another Anglican missionary named Charles Wenzel.