Samuel John Mills facts for kids
Samuel John Mills Jr. (born April 12, 1783 – died June 16, 1818) was an American preacher and missionary from Connecticut. He is remembered for helping to start important groups like the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions and the American Colonization Society in 1817. The American Colonization Society aimed to create a new home in West Africa for free Black Americans.
A Young Missionary's Life
Samuel John Mills Jr. was born in 1783 in Torringford, Connecticut. His father was a Congregational minister, which is a type of Christian pastor. His mother, Esther Robbins, supported their family and his father's work.
Mills went to Williams College in Massachusetts. There, he started a prayer group that became famous for the Haystack Prayer Meeting. This meeting was important because it inspired many young people to become missionaries.
Spreading the Word
In 1810, Mills began studying at Andover Theological Seminary. He became licensed to preach in 1812. He was part of the group that helped create the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. This organization sent missionaries to other countries.
Mills also worked as a missionary in the Mississippi valley. At that time, many European Americans were moving into this area. He helped bring religious teachings to these new settlements.
Forming Important Societies
Samuel Mills had an idea to create a national Bible society. This society would help share Bibles across the country. In May 1816, many different Bible groups met in New York. They came together to form the American Bible Society.
Mills also played a big part in starting the American Colonization Society in 1817. This group worked to help free Black Americans move to Africa. They believed this would give them more opportunities.
Journey to Africa
On November 1, 1817, Samuel Mills sailed from Philadelphia. After a short stop in England, he continued his journey to the west coast of Africa. His goal was to buy land there for the American Colonization Society. This land would become a new home for free Black Americans.
Mills began his trip back to the United States on May 22, 1818. Sadly, he died at sea during the journey. His funeral was held on the ship by Ebenezer Burgess.
