P. H. A. Braxton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
P. H. A. Braxton
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Braxton in 1887
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| Born | September 22, 1852 |
| Died | March 7, 1900 (aged 47) |
| Occupation | Minister, civil servant |
| Political party | Republican |
| Religion | Baptist |
P. H. A. Braxton (born September 22, 1852 – died March 7, 1900) was an important preacher and leader in Virginia and Maryland. He lived during the Reconstruction Era, a time after the American Civil War when the country was rebuilding.
Braxton worked as a county constable in King William County, Virginia. He also served as a United States Custom House collector. For about 20 years, starting in 1879, he was the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Baltimore. He worked hard to improve civil rights and education for everyone.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Patrick Henry Alexander Braxton was born into slavery in King William County, Virginia, on September 22, 1852. His parents, Benjamin and Patsy Braxton, were also enslaved. Patrick was the only child from their last marriage to live to adulthood.
In 1863, after his owner passed away, his family returned to King William County. They worked there until they were freed in 1865, when the American Civil War ended. Patrick was the only one of his parents' sons who had not been sold or died.
He stayed in King William County, working on farms. In 1868, a school opened at the Cat-tail Baptist church. Braxton started attending full-time and later went to night classes. He also joined a debating club. In August 1872, he graduated as the top student in his class.
Early Career in Public Service
Braxton became involved in politics. In May 1872, he was chosen as a county constable. This job meant he helped keep the peace and enforce laws.
Later that year, he had to serve a warrant for a local doctor. The doctor was known for causing trouble. When Braxton and two other men went to the doctor's farm, the doctor refused to cooperate. He even threatened Braxton. Braxton and his companions managed to get the doctor to come with them.
However, the doctor then accused Braxton of hurting him. Braxton felt this was unfair because he was just doing his job. He believed the accusation was due to prejudice because he was Black and the doctor was white. Because of this, Braxton decided to leave his position.
Braxton then began to study law. In 1874, he served on a United States jury. He also moved to Washington, D.C. In June 1875, he got a job as a collector at the United States Custom House in Low Cedar Point, Virginia.
Religious Career and Community Work
In October 1875, Braxton was baptized. He was then asked to preach the gospel in July 1876. In December 1878, he became a collecting agent for a large Baptist organization. He moved to Richmond, Virginia, for this role.
In April 1879, he moved to Baltimore, Maryland, to join Calvary Baptist Church. He officially became the church's pastor on June 8, 1879. He was very successful at Calvary. The church grew from just ten members meeting in a borrowed space to a large group meeting in a newly built church.
Braxton was a member of several important religious groups. He was a strong supporter of civil rights for African Americans. He also spoke out for better education for Black children and for hiring Black teachers.
In February 1892, a group of mostly white ministers removed Braxton from their conference. His church strongly disagreed with this decision. That same year, Braxton met with President Benjamin Harrison. He wanted to talk about the violence against Black people in the South. When the president said he couldn't do much, Braxton spoke up at a convention of Black Baptists. He protested the lack of power to protect the rights of Black citizens. Braxton retired from his work in 1899.
Family Life
On October 18, 1881, P. H. A. Braxton married Katie Bannister, who was from Baltimore.
Braxton passed away on March 7, 1900. His funeral was held at Temple Baptist Church, which used to be Calvary Baptist Church, where he had been the pastor.
Images for kids
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Braxton in 1887
