James L. Smallwood facts for kids

James L. Smallwood (born 1845, died 1885) was an important American educator and barber. He was born in Philadelphia. Smallwood made history as the first African American person to serve on a jury in York County, Pennsylvania. He also started the famous James Smallwood Schoolhouse in York, Pennsylvania. Smallwood helped create the Lebanon Cemetery in York, PA, and was an active member of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. He passed away on November 3, 1885.

Early Life and Education

James L. Smallwood was born in 1845 in Philadelphia. His mother was Lydia Smallwood. He grew up with five brothers and sisters. One of his brothers later worked for a very important judge named Salmon P. Chase, who was a Supreme Court Justice.

Smallwood went to the Institute for Colored Youth, a special school for young Black students. He finished his studies there in 1864.

Career and Community Work

Smallwood was a founding member of Lebanon Cemetery in North York, Pennsylvania. At that time, many cemeteries in York only allowed white people to be buried there. This meant that cemeteries for African Americans and other people of color had to be built outside the city.

Smallwood was also a dedicated member of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. He often worked with the church on different projects. For example, he spoke at the 16th anniversary celebration of the group that ran the church's Sunday school. He also organized events, like performances by young church members.

He made history by becoming the first African American person to serve on a jury in York County, Pennsylvania.

James L. Smallwood Schoolhouse

In 1867, Smallwood became a teacher at a school in York, Pennsylvania. At that time, schools were separated by race. In 1871, Smallwood opened the very first school for African American students in York. Today, it is known as the James L. Smallwood Schoolhouse.

He started the school with help from the local African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. People often praised Smallwood for being a great teacher. They also admired the good work done by his students and the school.

The school was located in a few different places over the years. It started in a room at the local church. The last building for the school opened in 1892, which was seven years after James Smallwood passed away. This building was named in his honor. It was located near the corner of S. Pershing Avenue and W. College Street in York. The school stayed open until the 1960s, when York City schools became desegregated, meaning students of all races could attend the same schools.

Historical Marker

The place where the school was located became a historical site in Pennsylvania on May 4, 2002. You can find a special marker there today. It is near the intersection of S. Pershing Ave. and W. College Ave. The marker explains that the school was built in 1892. It was part of a movement to create schools where Black students could be taught by Black teachers. The marker also says the school represents the national fight for equal education for everyone, no matter their race. It was named in memory of James Smallwood, who was chosen as the teacher for the city's first "colored school" in 1871.