William Drew Robeson I facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Drew Robeson I
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| Born | July 27, 1844 |
| Died | May 17, 1918 (aged 73) |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse(s) | Maria Louisa Bustill |
| Children | Paul Robeson, and 6 others |
| Parent(s) | Benjamin Robeson (1811–c1889) Sabra (1811 – c 1885) |
| Relatives | Bustill family (by marriage) |
William Drew Robeson I (born July 27, 1844 – died May 17, 1918) was an important minister. He led the Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church in Princeton, New Jersey from 1880 to 1901. He was also the father of the famous singer and activist, Paul Robeson. The church he served was built especially for its Black members.
Contents
Early Life and Freedom
William Drew Robeson was born into slavery in 1844. His parents, Benjamin and Sabra, were enslaved on a large farm called a plantation. This plantation was located in Martin County, North Carolina. William was a descendant of the Igbo people from West Africa.
Escaping Slavery
When William was 15 years old, he bravely escaped slavery. In 1860, he and his brother Ezekiel used the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network of safe houses and routes. It helped enslaved people reach freedom in the North. They traveled all the way to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which was a free state.
Serving in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, William joined the Union Army. He was 16 years old when he became a laborer in 1861. He helped the Union effort to end slavery in the Southern states.
Getting an Education
After the war, William went to Lincoln College. This school is now a university. He worked hard and earned two degrees there. He received his first degree in 1873 and a theology degree in 1876. A theology degree means he studied religion to become a minister.
Family Life
While at Lincoln University, William met Maria Louisa Bustill. They got married in 1878. They had seven children together. Their children included Gertrude, William Jr. (called "Bill"), John (called "Reed"), Benjamin, Marian, and Paul. Paul LeRoy Robeson (1898–1976) was their youngest child.
Sadly, Louisa died in 1904 when Paul was only six years old. Her clothes caught fire from a coal stove in a kitchen accident.
A Life of Ministry
William Drew Robeson dedicated his life to serving his community as a minister.
Leading the Princeton Church
From 1880 to 1901, Reverend Robeson was the minister of the Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church. This church was built for the Black members of the First Presbyterian Church of Princeton.
After 20 years, Reverend Robeson was asked to leave his church. He had spoken out against unfairness in society. Some white residents in Princeton did not like this. Even though he was dismissed, he showed great kindness. He told his church members, "Do not be discouraged." He wanted them to keep working for good things.
Moving to Westfield
After leaving Princeton, Reverend Robeson moved to Westfield, New Jersey. From 1907 to 1910, he was the pastor of the Downer Street Saint Luke African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. He helped the church build its new building, which was finished in 1908.
His younger children went to the Washington School in Westfield. The Robeson family lived on Spring Street at that time.
Later Years in Somerville
In 1910, Reverend Robeson moved again. He went to Somerville, New Jersey. There, he led the Saint Thomas African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.
William Drew Robeson I passed away on May 17, 1918. He was buried next to his wife in Princeton Cemetery.
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William Drew Robeson I
