Newell Houston Ensley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Newell Houston Ensley
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Ensley in 1887
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| Born | August 23, 1852 Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
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| Died | May 23, 1888 (aged 35) |
| Occupation | Professor, musician |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Piper Ensley |
Newell Houston Ensley (born August 23, 1852 – died May 23, 1888) was an American Baptist minister and a brave civil rights activist. He was also a professor who taught at important schools like Shaw University, Howard University, and Alcorn University. He worked hard to make sure everyone was treated fairly.
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A Challenging Start
Newell Houston Ensley was born into slavery in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 23, 1852. His parents were George and Clara Ensley. Even though he was enslaved, he was allowed to play with the white children on the farm. This also gave him a chance to learn how to read.
During the American Civil War (1861–1865), young Ensley ran away. He hid in nearby Union Army camps. But when the army moved on, he had to return to the farm. He was punished for running away.
After the war ended in 1865, slavery was abolished. Ensley stayed on the farm even though he was free. His former owner died in 1866. Ensley's father had died earlier, and his stepfather did not want him to go to school. Despite this, Ensley still found ways to attend lessons. One of his teachers was Benjamin Holmes, who later became famous with the Fisk Jubilee Singers.
His Journey as a Teacher and Scholar
In 1871, Benjamin Holmes left to join the Jubilee Singers on their first tour. Ensley was chosen to take his place as a teacher. Besides teaching, Ensley also taught Sunday school. He became a deacon in his church.
In February 1871, he started studying at Roger Williams University. He also got permission to preach. People knew him for his amazing singing voice. At the same time, he studied at the Nashville Baptist Institute. He finished a six-year course there in May 1877.
In June 1878, he graduated from Roger Williams University. He was third in his class. Then, he went to Newton Theological Seminary in Newton Center, Massachusetts. He graduated three years later. He was the only Black person in his class of seven students.
After finishing his studies, Ensley became a professor. He taught theology and Latin at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. A year later, he moved to Howard University in Washington, D.C. Around this time, he got married. He then moved to Alcorn University in Lorman, Mississippi. From 1882 until his death in 1888, he was a professor there. He taught rhetoric, natural sciences, and vocal music. He was also very good at Greek and was known as a great speaker and poet.
Fighting for Civil Rights
Later in his life, Ensley often traveled to give speeches about issues facing African Americans. He was a strong voice for fairness and equality.
In June 1883, he was in Chicago for a Baptist Minister Conference. He and other ministers, including Reverend E. O. Taylor, went to a restaurant called Race Brothers' oyster house. The restaurant had a rule that they would not serve Black people. Ensley was unfairly forced to leave. This event was reported in newspapers across the country.
In 1886, he went to St. Louis for the First National Convention of Colored Baptists. At this meeting, he spoke out against certain leaders. He believed they were not acting in the best interest of the Colored Conventions Movement. He always stood up for what he believed was right.
Family and Final Years
Newell Ensley married Elizabeth Piper Ensley on September 4, 1882, in Boston. Elizabeth was also an important educator and activist. They had three children together: Roger (born in 1883), Charlotte (born in 1885), and Jean (born in March 1888, but sadly passed away in June 1888).
In 1887, Ensley's health began to decline. He continued to travel and speak across the country. He passed away in Denver, Colorado, on May 23, 1888.
