Newton Collins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Newton Collins
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Newton Isaac Collins
February 11, 1826 State of Alabama, U.S.
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| Died | September 7, 1903 (aged 77) Austin, Texas, U.S.
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| Known for | Re-enslavement in Texas; post-emancipation prosperity |
Newton Isaac Collins Sr. (born February 11, 1826 – died September 7, 1903) was an amazing African-American man. He was born into slavery in Alabama. Later, he moved to Texas and was sadly forced back into slavery. After the Emancipation Proclamation made slavery illegal, Newton Collins became free again. He then grew into a successful businessman, a large landowner, and an important leader in his community in Texas.
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Early Life and Freedom
Newton Collins was born in Alabama in 1826. His mother was an African-American woman who was enslaved. His father was Silas Collins, who owned his mother.
Silas Collins decided to free young Newton when he was still a child. This act of freeing a slave was called manumission. Silas also made sure Newton got an education. He learned the skills of a carpenter, which is someone who builds things with wood.
Re-enslavement in Texas
After his father, Silas, passed away in the 1840s, Newton Collins moved to Texas. He settled in an area that is now called Manor, Texas. Sadly, even though he had been freed, he was forced back into slavery by a family named Parsons.
In 1854, while still enslaved, Newton married Sarah Elizabeth Harrington. She was also an enslaved person on the Parsons' land. Sarah was able to read and write, just like Newton. Together, they had eight children.
A New Beginning: Freedom and Success
On June 19, 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation was finally announced in Texas. This important declaration meant that all enslaved people were now free. Newton Collins gained his freedom for the second time.
After becoming free, Newton used his carpentry skills to start a business. He built houses and churches all around Travis County, Texas. His business was very successful.
Building a Community
Over the years, Newton Collins earned enough money to buy a lot of land in eastern Travis County. He bought about 506 acres of farmland near Pilot Knob, Texas. This area is close to what is now McKinney Falls State Park.
As Newton and his grown children's families settled on the land, he did something special for his community. He built a one-room school so children could learn. He also built a Methodist church for people to worship. He even hired a teacher for the school and a preacher for the church.
Newton Collins passed away in Austin on September 7, 1903. He was buried in the Collins Cemetery, which is located on his family's land in Pilot Knob.
Legacy
Today, a school in Easton Park, Austin, is named after him: Newton Collins Elementary School. It is believed to be the first modern school in Central Texas named after someone who was once enslaved. His story shows how hard work and leadership can make a big difference.
