Robert Pelham Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Pelham Jr.
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Pelham in 1887
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| Born | January 4, 1859 |
| Died | May 12, 1943 (aged 84) |
| Alma mater | Howard University |
| Occupation | Journalist, civil servant |
| Political party | Republican |
| Children | 4, including Sara Pelham Speaks |
Robert A. Pelham Jr. (born January 4, 1859 – died June 12, 1943) was an important American journalist and a government worker. He lived and worked in Detroit, Michigan and Washington, D.C..
With his brother Benjamin, he helped start the Detroit Plaindealer newspaper in 1883. Robert Pelham Jr. held many public jobs in Michigan. Later, he worked for the United States Census Bureau in Washington, D.C. He also kept working as a journalist. Toward the end of his life, he edited the Washington Tribune newspaper. He was also part of several groups that worked for civil rights, like the National Afro-American League.
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Robert Pelham Jr.'s Early Life
Robert Pelham Jr. was born in Petersburg, Virginia, on January 4, 1859. His parents, Robert and Frances Pelham, were free African Americans. They had seven children: Benjamin, Robert, Joseph, Frederick, Meta, Emma, and Delia.
- Benjamin worked with Robert on the Detroit Plaindealer newspaper.
- Joseph became a school principal.
- Frederick was a civil engineer. He was known for building strong bridges.
- Meta was a teacher and also worked for the Plaindealer.
In 1859, Robert's family moved north to get a better education. They settled in Detroit, Michigan, in 1868. Robert went to a public school taught by Fannie Richards. In 1871, schools became integrated, meaning Black and white students could attend together. Robert graduated from high school in 1877. He also spent three years studying at a military academy.
Robert Pelham Jr.'s Journalism Career
In 1871, while still a student, Pelham started working at the Daily Post. This newspaper later became the Detroit Morning Tribune. It was a leading Republican newspaper in Michigan.
In 1883, Pelham and his brother Benjamin started their own newspaper, the Detroit Plaindealer. The paper was published until 1893. In the Plaindealer, Pelham praised the work of Ida B. Wells. He also supported calls for Black people across the country to organize for civil rights.
Pelham worked with D. Augustus Straker to create branches of the National Afro-American League in Michigan. They helped Black people who faced legal problems. Pelham was an important leader in the league at a national level.
Robert Pelham Jr.'s Government Work
Robert Pelham Jr. was successful in politics and received many public appointments.
- From 1887 to 1892, he was a deputy oil inspector for Michigan.
- From 1893 to 1898, he inspected the Detroit Water Department.
- In 1892 and 1899, he was a special agent for the United States Land Office.
- In 1900, he worked at the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
- He also served as a sergeant-at-arms at the 1896 Republican National Convention.
Around 1900, Pelham moved to Washington, D.C., to work for the federal government. He spent 37 years at the United States Census Bureau. While working, he also went to night school at Howard University and earned a law degree in 1904.
Pelham was very good at his job at the Census Bureau. In 1902, he was recognized for how fast and accurate his work was. He even invented and patented a machine for pasting in 1905. In 1913, he designed a machine for counting data. When he retired, he was the head of a special statistics division.
In 1919, Pelham was chosen to join the American Negro Academy. This was an important group of African American scholars and activists. They worked to fight against racist ideas and promote equality for Black people. They also published the history of African American life. Pelham became the corresponding secretary for this group and held that position until he died.
After he retired, Pelham edited and published the Washington Tribune newspaper from 1939 to 1941. He also started the Capital News Services, Inc. From 1940 to 1942, he was part of the Spingarn Medal Commission, which gives awards for outstanding achievements by African Americans.
Robert Pelham Jr.'s Family and Death
In 1893, Pelham married Gabriell Lewis, who was a musician. They moved to Washington, D.C. They had four children: Dorothy Pelham Beckley, Sara Pelham Speaks, Robert B., and Fred.
Robert Pelham Jr. passed away on June 12, 1943. His funeral was held at Metropolitan AME Church. He was buried in Columbian Harmony Cemetery.
