John Chavis facts for kids
John Chavis (born around 1763, died 1838) was an important free Black educator and minister in the southern United States. He was born in North Carolina and fought in the American Revolutionary War. He was likely the first African American to attend college in the U.S. He studied at what is now Princeton University and Washington and Lee University. Later, he became a licensed Presbyterian minister. In Raleigh, North Carolina, he started a private school that was highly respected. Both white and Black students attended his school, though at different times of the day.
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Early Life and Beginnings
The exact date John Chavis was born is not known for sure. Most people believe he was born in 1762 or 1763 in Virginia. Some records suggest he might have been an indentured servant (someone who worked for a period to pay off a debt) for a lawyer named James Milner. Milner had a large library, so it's possible Chavis learned to read and study during this time.
Serving His Country
John Chavis served as a soldier during the American Revolutionary War. He joined the army in December 1778 and was part of the 5th Virginia Regiment for three years. His captain wrote that Chavis "faithfully fulfilled [his duties]." This meant he did his job well and earned the rights given to soldiers who served for three years.
By 1789, tax records showed he was a free Black man who owned a horse. He was married to Sarah Frances Anderson, and they had a son named Anderson Chavis. Around this time, he worked as a tutor for the children of Robert Greenwood, teaching them at home.
His College Journey
In the 1790s, Chavis moved to Princeton, New Jersey. He took private classes to prepare for becoming a Presbyterian minister. In 1792, he was recommended to be accepted into the College of New Jersey (which is now Princeton University).
After his teacher passed away in 1794, Chavis moved to Lexington, Virginia. He continued his studies at Liberty Hall Academy. This school later became Washington and Lee University. In 1796, the school changed its name to Washington Academy after George Washington donated money to it.
Becoming a Minister
On November 19, 1800, John Chavis passed a difficult test to become a minister in Virginia. He was given a license to preach by the Presbytery of Lexington. Six months later, he moved to work with another group of ministers called the Hanover Presbytery.
In 1802, Chavis officially received his papers as a free man from the court in Virginia. The court noted that he had been known to them for several years. They said he had "always conducted himself in a decent orderly and respectable manner." They also mentioned he had been a student at Washington Academy.
Between 1801 and 1807, Chavis worked as a traveling minister. He preached for the Presbyterian Church to both enslaved people and free Black people in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. Some records also show he preached to white people during his travels.
Around 1807 to 1809, Chavis moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. He continued to preach to Black and white church groups in different counties.
A Respected Educator
In 1808, John Chavis opened a school in his home. He taught both white and Black children. He put ads in the Raleigh Register newspaper to get students. At first, he taught both groups together. But after some white parents had concerns, he decided to teach white children during the day and Black children in the evenings.
He charged white students $2.50 for three months of lessons. Black students paid $1.75 for the same time. Chavis taught full-time. For his white students who planned to go to college, he taught important subjects like Latin and Greek. These were required for college at that time.
His school was known as one of the best in the state. Students from some of the most important white families in the South attended his school. These students included future governors, senators, and other leaders.
Later Life and Legacy
John Chavis remained good friends with one of his former white students, Willie P. Mangum. Mangum later became a U.S. Senator from North Carolina. They often wrote letters to each other. Chavis privately believed that slavery should end. He also didn't like President Andrew Jackson and disagreed with Senator Mangum's views on states' rights. Chavis did not speak publicly about ending slavery. He also spoke out against Nat Turner's slave rebellion in 1831. He likely did this to stay safe and keep his freedom and his job as an educator. This was a very difficult time, as laws were passed against free Black people.
After the 1831 rebellion, laws were quickly passed in states that allowed slavery. These laws made it illegal for all Black people to preach. Because of this, Chavis was forced to stop preaching and teaching. However, the Presbyterian church continued to pay him money each year to support him and his wife until he died.
His Death
John Chavis died in June 1838. The exact reasons for his death are not clear. Some stories passed down through families suggest he was killed by white people who did not want him teaching Black people.
In 1986, a group called the John Chavis Historical Society was started. One of their goals was to find where Chavis was buried. In 1988, members of the society found an old cemetery. They believe it might be his burial site.
Remembering John Chavis
John Chavis is remembered with special historical markers in both North Carolina and Virginia.
Several places are named after him, including:
- Chavis Heights apartments
- John Chavis Memorial Park in Raleigh, North Carolina
- An academic building, a student residence, and a boardroom at Washington and Lee University
- Several schools, like John Chavis Middle School in Cherryville, North Carolina
