Jehiel Beman facts for kids

Jehiel Beman (1791-1858) was an important African-American leader in the 1800s. He was a minister who fought against slavery. He also worked hard for people to have the right to vote. He helped people escape slavery through the Underground Railroad in Connecticut. His son, Amos Beman, was also a strong fighter against slavery.

Early Life and Family

Jehiel C. Beman was born in Colchester, Connecticut, in 1791. His parents were Sarah Gerry and Caesar Beman. Caesar Beman had been enslaved. He gained his freedom in 1781 because he served in the US Army during the Revolutionary War.

Jehiel Beman married Fannie Congdon around 1808. They had seven children together. Jehiel worked as a shoemaker. His son, Leverett, also worked with him.

In 1830, the Beman family moved to Middletown, Connecticut. Sadly, his wife Fannie passed away that same year. A few months later, Jehiel married Mrs. Nancy Scott in New Haven, Connecticut.

A Leader for Change

In Middletown, Jehiel Beman became a minister. He led the African Church of Cross Street from 1830 to 1832. This church is now known as the AME Zion Church.

Beman was a strong believer in helping his community. In 1833, he started a Home Temperance Society in Middletown. This group encouraged people to avoid alcohol. In 1836, he founded the Connecticut State Temperance Society of Colored People.

He also tried to raise money for a college for Black students in New Haven. However, this plan faced strong opposition and the college was not built there.

Fighting Against Slavery

Jehiel Beman was a dedicated abolitionist. This means he worked to end slavery. In 1834, he founded the northern Anti-Slavery Society. His wife Nancy and his daughter-in-law Clarissa also started a similar group. It was called the Colored Female Anti-Slavery Society.

Beman traveled across the northeastern states. He gave speeches and raised money for these important causes. His writings were often printed in The Liberator. This was a famous newspaper that fought against slavery. His younger son, the Rev. Amos Beman, often helped him in these efforts.

In 1838, Jehiel and Nancy moved to Boston. There, Jehiel became the pastor of Zion's Church.

Helping on the Underground Railroad

In 1854, Jehiel and Nancy moved back to Middletown. They became agents for the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network of safe houses and routes. It helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the North.

Nancy Beman passed away in 1856. Jehiel Beman died in New York City in 1858. He was buried in Middletown, Connecticut.

Legacy

Jehiel Beman and his family left a lasting mark. In 2021, a new school opened in Middletown, Connecticut. It was named Beman Middle School, honoring the Beman family's important contributions.