Robert Pleasants facts for kids

Robert Pleasants (1723–1801) was an American teacher and a strong supporter of ending slavery. He was born in Henrico County, Virginia. He owned a large farm and exported tobacco. His father, John Pleasants, was also a Quaker. Quakers are a religious group who believed slavery was wrong. John wrote a will. He wanted his family to free over 500 enslaved people. They were to be freed when they turned 30 years old. Robert was inspired by other anti-slavery leaders. He also connected with the Pennsylvania Abolition Society. This group worked to end slavery.

Fighting for Freedom: Robert Pleasants' Efforts

In Virginia, it was against the law to free enslaved people through a will. This was the law when John Pleasants died in 1771. Robert Pleasants worked hard to change this law. He talked to Virginia lawmakers. He convinced them to make it legal to free enslaved people. When the law changed in 1782, Robert freed his own enslaved people. He then hired them as paid workers. He also made sure they received an education.

A Legal Battle for Justice

Robert Pleasants also took legal action. He hired a famous lawyer, John Marshall. Robert started a court case called Pleasants v Pleasants. He did this to make sure his father's will was followed. His siblings had not freed the enslaved people as the will asked. They won the case at first. The judge, George Wythe, ruled in their favor. However, a higher court changed the ruling. This limited how many people could be freed.

Still, Robert Pleasants gave land to about 78 formerly enslaved people. They received over 350 acres of land. By 1801, he founded the Gravelly Hill School. This was the first school for free Black people in Virginia. Later, a Civil War battle was fought on this land. Part of the area was rebuilt as the Gravel Hill Baptist Church.

Leading the Abolitionist Movement

Robert Pleasants also helped start the Virginia Abolition Society. This group worked to end slavery. He was its president in 1790. The society did not last long. Virginia passed a law in 1798. This law stopped abolitionists from serving on juries. This made it harder for them to help in "freedom suit" cases. These were cases where enslaved people sued for their freedom.

Petitions and Letters for Change

Robert Pleasants sent many requests to the government. He wrote to the Virginia state government. He also wrote to the U.S. Congress. He asked them to end the slave trade. His most famous request was from 1791. It is now kept at the Library of Virginia.

Many of Robert Pleasants' letters still exist. He wrote to important leaders like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Patrick Henry. He wrote about whether slavery was legal or right. Some of these leaders wrote back to him. They agreed that slavery was wrong. Many of Robert Pleasants' papers are kept at the Swem Library. This library is at the College of William and Mary.