Robert Roberts (butler) facts for kids
Robert Roberts (born in 1780 in Charleston, South Carolina, and died in 1860) was an important writer. He wrote a book called The House Servant's Directory: A Monitor for Private Families. This book was published in 1827. It was special because it was the first book published for money in the United States that was written by an African American.
Robert Roberts's Life
Robert Roberts was born in 1780. He worked as a butler or manservant for many years. A butler is a head servant in a large house, responsible for the dining room and wine cellar. A manservant is a male servant who helps with personal needs.
From 1810 to 1812, Roberts likely traveled outside the country with a man named Nathan Appleton. Appleton was a successful businessman. Later, in 1825, Roberts became the butler for Christopher Gore. Gore was a very important person. He was a Governor and a Senator from Massachusetts. A Governor is the leader of a state, and a Senator helps make laws in the government. Roberts worked for Governor Gore until Gore passed away in 1827.
His Famous Book
Roberts wrote The House Servant's Directory: A Monitor for Private Families. He wanted to help other servants learn how to do their jobs well. He hoped his book would help them satisfy their employers and earn a good reputation. The book was very popular. Two more editions were printed after the first one. This shows how useful and well-liked his advice was.
Family and Activism
In 1805, Robert Roberts married Dorothy Hall. They did not have any children. Sadly, Dorothy died in 1813 from a sickness called tuberculosis. Later that same year, Robert married Sarah Easton. They had a large family with twelve children.
As he got older, Robert Roberts became well-known in Boston. He was an abolitionist. An abolitionist is someone who works to end slavery. He also worked hard to make sure that all children, no matter their background, had equal rights to go to school. He believed everyone deserved a good education.
See also
- List of people with reduplicated names
