Thomas Morris Chester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Morris Chester
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Chester circa 1870 at the age of 36.
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| Born | May 11, 1834 |
| Died | September 30, 1892 (aged 58) Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Resting place | Lincoln Cemetery, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Journalist, lawyer and soldier |
Thomas Morris Chester (born May 11, 1834 – died September 30, 1892) was an amazing American who did many important things. He was a brave soldier, a smart lawyer, and a talented journalist who reported on the American Civil War. He worked hard to make a difference in his community and country.
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Early Life and Learning
Thomas Chester was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on May 11, 1834. He was the fourth child of George and Jane Marie Chester.
When he was 16, Thomas went to Akron College in Pittsburgh. This was a special school for African-American students. Some of his classmates later became famous, like Jeremiah A. Brown and Benjamin Tucker Tanner.
In 1853, he moved to Monrovia, Liberia, in Africa. There, he studied at Alexander High School. A year later, in 1854, he came back to the United States. He enrolled at Thetford Academy in Vermont and finished his studies there in 1856.
After graduating, Thomas returned to Liberia. He became a teacher for people whose families had once been American slaves. He left Africa around 1861, when the American Civil War was starting. He first went to England, visiting Liverpool and London, before returning to the United States.
Serving During the Civil War
Before the Civil War officially began, Thomas Chester helped recruit Black soldiers. He played a big part in forming the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. These were important regiments made up of African-American soldiers.
Later, in 1863, he led two groups of Black emergency militia. Their job was to defend Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, from a possible attack during the famous Gettysburg Campaign. This was the first time that Pennsylvania had given weapons to African Americans to defend the state.
From August 1864 until the Civil War ended in May 1865, Chester worked as a war correspondent. He wrote for The Philadelphia Press, which was a major newspaper at the time. He reported on the war, sharing important news with people across the country.
Travels and Law Studies in Europe
After the Civil War ended, Thomas Chester traveled around Europe. He spent the winter of 1866-1867 at the court of Alexander II of Russia, who was the emperor of Russia. There, he was given the special title of Captain Chester.
In 1867, he visited the International Exposition in Paris, France. This was a big world fair where he met famous people like Alexandre Dumas, a well-known writer.
He then settled in London, England, to study law. In 1867, he began studying at Middle Temple, a famous law school. On April 30, 1870, he became England's first African-American barrister. A barrister is a type of lawyer who can argue cases in higher courts.
Later Life and Work
Thomas Chester returned to the U.S. in 1871 and moved to Louisiana. He worked as a lawyer there. He also held important positions, like being a brigadier-general in the militia and the superintendent of schools in 1875. This meant he was in charge of schools in the area.
In 1884, he was chosen to be the president of the Wilmington, Wrightsville, and Onslow Railroad. This was a big responsibility, showing how much people trusted his leadership.
Sadly, he became ill and returned to his hometown of Harrisburg. He passed away at his mother's home on September 30, 1892. Thomas Chester is buried in Lincoln Cemetery in Penbrook, Pennsylvania.
