James George Barbadoes facts for kids

James George Barbadoes (around 1796–June 22, 1841) was an important African-American leader and abolitionist in Boston, Massachusetts. He lived in the early 1800s. James worked hard to make life better for people of color, both in his local community and across the country.

James Barbadoes' Family Story

His Parents and Early Life

James G. Barbadoes' father, Abel Barbadoes (1756-1817), was born in Lexington, Massachusetts. His mother, Chloe Holloway (1759-1843), was from Hollowell, Maine. They got married in Boston in 1782. They had nine children, including James.

In 1798, James's family lived on Belknap Street in Boston. This area, known as Beacon Hill, became an important neighborhood for African Americans. It shows that the black community was established there even before many wealthy families moved in.

His Wives and Children

James G. Barbadoes married his first wife, Almira Long, in 1818. Later, he married Mary Ann Willis (1803-1828) in 1821. They had four children together. After Mary Ann passed away, he married his third wife, Rebecca Brint (1802-1874), in 1829. They had seven children.

Working for Change: Community and Abolition

Prince Hall Freemasonry: A Brotherhood for Freedom

James G. Barbadoes was a member of the Prince Hall Freemasonry. This was a special group for free black men. In 1775, Prince Hall and other black men wanted to join a white Masonic group but were turned away. So, they started their own, called African Lodge #1.

Later, in 1784, this lodge received official recognition from England and was renamed African Lodge #459. In 1827, it became fully independent and was known as the Prince Hall Freemasonry.

Many important African-American leaders were part of African Lodge #459, including:

• Isaac Barbadoes (a tailor)
• James G. Barbadoes (a hairdresser)
• Thomas Dalton (a bootblack)
• John T. Hilton (a hairdresser)
• Walker Lewis (a hairdresser)
• David Walker (a clothing dealer)

Massachusetts General Colored Association: Fighting for Rights

In 1826, James G. Barbadoes and other members of the Prince Hall Freemasonry started the Massachusetts General Colored Association. Their main goal was "to promote the welfare of the race by working for the destruction of slavery."

This group strongly supported William Lloyd Garrison, a famous abolitionist. Members also worked with other important organizations like the African Society and the African Meeting House.

The Association focused on several key issues:

• Ending unfair laws in Massachusetts that discriminated against black people.
• Making sure public schools and places were open to everyone, no matter their race.
• Allowing people of different races to marry.
• Ending slavery in the Southern states.
• Helping African Americans improve their lives through education and religion.

James G. Barbadoes served as the Secretary of this important organization. Thomas Dalton was the President.

Supporting The Liberator Newspaper

James Barbadoes was a big supporter of The Liberator, an anti-slavery newspaper edited by William Lloyd Garrison. In 1830, James heard Garrison speak in Boston. He later wrote a letter to the newspaper, praising Garrison's speech. He said it was "important and beneficial to our color" and full of wisdom.

National Conventions for Free People of Color

In 1831, James G. Barbadoes was chosen as a delegate from Massachusetts to the First National Convention of Free People of Color. This important meeting took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. James, a hairdresser, was even appointed as a vice president at the convention.

Opposing the American Colonization Society

James G. Barbadoes also played a role in opposing the American Colonization Society. This group wanted to send free African Americans to Africa. Many black leaders, including Barbadoes, believed this was not the solution to slavery or racial inequality. In 1831, James G. Barbadoes led a meeting in Boston where citizens spoke out against this idea. He served as the secretary for this meeting.

Joining the Anti-Slavery Movement

In 1831, William Lloyd Garrison started the New England Anti-Slavery Society. This group believed slavery was wrong and should be ended immediately. They were against sending black people to Africa.

The Society sent speakers across New England to talk about abolition. They also encouraged people to form local anti-slavery groups. By 1833, there were many such groups.

James G. Barbadoes was a strong supporter of these efforts. He even shared a sad story about his own brother, Robert H. Barbadoes, who was kidnapped in New Orleans and held as a slave for months. This shows how personal the fight against slavery was for him.

The American Anti-Slavery Society

In December 1833, James G. Barbadoes traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for a national anti-slavery convention. The journey was very difficult. He had to stay on the deck of a steamboat all night in the cold winter weather. This made him very sick for weeks.

Despite his suffering, James Barbadoes spoke about the importance of freedom. He reminded people that during the Revolutionary War, black soldiers fought bravely for liberty, standing "shoulder to shoulder" with white soldiers.

At this convention, James G. Barbadoes was one of 62 delegates who helped create the American Anti-Slavery Society. This became one of the most important groups fighting for abolition in America. James was elected to the Society's Board of Managers.

He also signed the Society's "Declaration of Sentiments," which stated that all people are created equal and that slavery should end. Other famous signers included William Lloyd Garrison and John G. Whittier.

A Split in the Movement

Later, the anti-slavery movement faced disagreements. Some people, including William Lloyd Garrison, had strong views on women's rights and other social issues. This caused a split in the American Anti-Slavery Society.

African-American abolitionists also had different opinions. James G. Barbadoes, William Cooper Nell, and Charles Remond continued to support Garrison and work with the original society. Others joined a new group called the American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society. This split created a rivalry that lasted for many years before the Civil War.

Education for Black Children in Boston

The African School

James G. Barbadoes was also involved in efforts to educate black children. In 1787, Prince Hall asked the Massachusetts government for public schools for African Americans, but was denied. So, black parents started their own community school in 1798.

In 1808, this school moved to the first floor of the African Meeting House. Later, in 1815, a white businessman named Abiel Smith left money to Boston specifically for the education of African-American children. This money helped fund the existing African School and start new primary schools.

Obituary

James George Barbadoes passed away on June 22, 1841, in Jamaica. He was 45 years old. His obituary appeared in The Liberator newspaper on August 6, 1841.

He had moved to Jamaica hoping for a better life, but sadly, he died of "West Indies fever." Two of his children had also passed away before him. His wife and remaining children likely returned to Boston after his death.

See also

• Dalton, Thomas
• Lew, Barzillai
• Lew, Harry