John S. Durham (ambassador) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John S. Durham
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| Born | July 18, 1861 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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| Died | October 17, 1919 (aged 58) London, England
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Constance Mackenzie
(m. 1897) |
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John Stephens Durham (1861–1919) was an amazing African-American man who did many important things. He was a writer, a lawyer, an engineer, and even a diplomat! He worked for the United States government as a special representative to Haiti.
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John Durham's Early Life
John S. Durham was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 18, 1861. His parents were Elizabeth Stephens and John Durham. His uncles helped start the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which was an important church for African Americans. It is said that his grandfather was involved in a brave uprising against slavery.
Family Life and Marriage
In 1897, John Durham married Constance Mackenzie. She was in charge of kindergarten schools in Philadelphia. They had two sons together.
Education and Learning
John Durham's father passed away when John was young. Because of this, John worked while he went to public schools in Philadelphia. He graduated from the Institute for Colored Youths. After that, he worked as a teacher and a principal in schools across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey.
University Studies
John Durham then went to the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1886 with a science degree. While at university, he played football and helped edit the student newspaper, The Daily Pennsylvanian. He also wrote for The Times newspaper. After graduating, he continued his studies. In 1888, he earned a degree in civil engineering. He also studied law for a short time but did not finish law school. For several years, he worked for the Philadelphia Bulletin newspaper.
A Career of Service
John Durham had a very interesting and varied career. He used his skills in many different ways, from writing to working for the government.
Working as a Diplomat
In 1891, President Benjamin Harrison chose John Durham for an important job. He was appointed to be the United States Minister Resident to Haiti. This meant he was a special representative for the U.S. in Haiti, like an ambassador. He also worked as the U.S. Charge d'Affaires to Santo Domingo. He served in these roles from July 1891 to November 1893. He took over this important position from another famous African-American, Frederick Douglass.
Law and Business Ventures
After his time as a diplomat, John Durham studied hard and passed the bar exam in 1895. This meant he could become a lawyer. In 1896, he went back to Santo Domingo to manage a sugar plantation for four years. Later, in 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt appointed him as an assistant U.S. Attorney. He worked with the Spanish Treaty Claims Commission in Cuba until 1910. He also had his own successful law practice in Cuba and owned sugar plantations.
Writing and Legacy
John Durham was also an author. He wrote two books: Diane, Priestess of Haiti and To Teach the Negro History: a suggestion. He passed away in London on October 17, 1919, leaving behind a large estate.
