James Monroe Trotter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Monroe Trotter
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| Born | February 7, 1842 |
| Died | February 26, 1892 (aged 50) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Soldier, Music historian, U.S. Postal Worker, U.S. Federal Government Official |
| Title | Recorder of Deeds, District of Columbia |
| Predecessor | James Campbell Matthews |
| Successor | Blanche Bruce |
| Children | William Monroe Trotter |
| Parent(s) | Richard S. Trotter, Letitia |
James Monroe Trotter (February 7, 1842 – February 26, 1892) was an important American figure. He was a teacher, a brave soldier, and worked for the U.S. Post Office. He also became a famous music historian. Later, he held a high government job in Washington, D.C.
James was born into slavery in Mississippi. His father, who was also his owner, freed him, his two sisters, and their mother. They moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, a free state. James grew up free, went to school, and became a teacher.
During the American Civil War, James joined the 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. This was one of the first Black infantry regiments. He quickly rose through the ranks. He was the second Black man to become a lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
After the war, he moved to Boston with his wife. He was the first Black man hired by the Post Office there. He worked for them for many years. James also wrote a book about music in the United States. This book is still used today. In 1886, he got a big job from President Grover Cleveland. He became the Recorder of Deeds in Washington, D.C. This was the highest federal job for African Americans at that time.
His son, William Monroe Trotter, became a famous activist. He started and edited Boston Guardian, a newspaper for African Americans. James's book, Music and Some Highly Musical People, was the first full history of African-American musicians.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Monroe Trotter was born on February 7, 1842. He was born in a town called Grand Gulf, Mississippi. At birth, James was enslaved. His mother, Letitia, was a slave. His father was her white owner, Richard S. Trotter.
In 1854, Richard Trotter freed Letitia and their three children. He helped them move to Cincinnati, Ohio. Ohio was a free state. Young James went to Gilmore High School in Cincinnati. This school was famous for helping freed slaves.
James studied music there with William F. Colburn. This training helped him later in life. To help his family, James worked as a hotel bellboy. He also worked on riverboats. Around 1856, his family moved to nearby Hamilton.
Trotter later attended Albany Manual Labor Academy. This school was special because it accepted students of all races and genders. It taught regular school subjects and also job skills.
Teaching and Family Life
After his education, James Trotter became a teacher. He taught at schools for Black students in Ohio. He taught in cities like Chillicothe. In Chillicothe, he met Virginia Isaacs, who would become his wife.
Virginia was born free in 1842. She was a woman of color from Charlottesville, Virginia. Her family had a unique history. Her mother was born enslaved at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home. Virginia's grandfather, Joseph Fossett, was freed by Jefferson. He worked hard to buy the freedom of his wife and children. Eventually, his family moved to Chillicothe, Ohio.
Serving in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, James Trotter moved to Boston, Massachusetts. He joined the 55th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. This was one of the first Black units in the Union Army. He joined in June 1863.
James was educated and 21 years old. He quickly moved from a Private to a Sergeant. He was later promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. He was only the second Black man to reach this officer rank.
Marriage and Life in Boston
After the war, Trotter returned to Chillicothe. He married Virginia Isaacs in 1868. The couple then moved to Boston, Massachusetts. Virginia's sister and her husband also moved to Boston. Many Black people moved to Boston after the war. They saw it as a place with good opportunities.
The Trotters had three children. Their son, William Monroe Trotter, went to Harvard University. He became a human rights activist. He also started a newspaper called The Guardian.
Career in Boston and Washington D.C.
In Boston, James Trotter made history. He was the first Black man hired by the United States Post Office Department there. He worked for the Post Office for eighteen years. But he noticed he was not being promoted like his white co-workers. In protest, he decided to resign from his job.
James Trotter was a very talented person. In 1878, he wrote a book called Music and Some Highly Musical People. This was the first complete study of music written in the United States. It is still an important book today. Students use it to learn about music history. It is especially helpful for learning about African-American music. The book has been reprinted several times.
In 1887, President Grover Cleveland appointed him to a new role. James Trotter became the Recorder of Deeds for the District of Columbia. This was one of the highest federal jobs for a Black man at that time. Before him, the famous activist Frederick Douglass held this position. After Trotter, Blanche Bruce was appointed to the office.
James Trotter later returned to Boston. He died there from tuberculosis.
Legacy and Recognition
James Monroe Trotter is remembered for his contributions. The James M. Trotter Convention Center in Columbus, Mississippi, is named in his honor.
