Peter Mills (freedman) facts for kids
Peter Mills (born October 26, 1861 – died September 22, 1972) was an amazing person who lived to be 110 years old! He was the last known American born into legal slavery to pass away.
Early Life and Freedom
Peter Mills was born in Prince George's County, Maryland, on October 26, 1861. At the time, many African Americans were forced to work without pay and were not free. This terrible system was called slavery.
The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a big conflict in the United States. It was fought between the Northern states and the Southern states, mainly over the issue of slavery. After the war ended, slavery was abolished, meaning it became illegal. This meant Peter Mills and many others were finally free!
Life After Slavery
After gaining his freedom, Peter Mills worked hard on his father's farm every day. He then moved to bigger cities like Baltimore and Washington, DC. In these cities, he worked on important projects like digging sewers. Sewers are underground pipes that carry away waste water, helping keep cities clean and healthy.
Even with his busy work, Peter Mills found time for fun. He loved to play baseball, which was becoming a very popular sport in America. He first visited Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1881 and eventually decided to make it his home.
A Long Life Remembered
Peter Mills lived a very long life, seeing many changes in America. He passed away on September 22, 1972, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was 110 years old. His life story is a powerful reminder of a difficult time in American history and the strength of those who lived through it.
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