William Nesbit (activist) facts for kids
William Nesbit (born October 11, 1822 – died October 26, 1895) was an important African American leader in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He played a big part in helping to pass the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which gave important rights to all citizens.
William Nesbit's Work
In 1853, Nesbit visited Liberia, a country in Africa. After his trip, he strongly disagreed with the idea of sending Black Americans to live there. He wrote a booklet in 1855 called "Four Months in Liberia, Or, African Colonization Exposed." In it, he said that many of the good things people heard about Liberia were not true.
Nesbit was very active in his community in Altoona. He worked as a Notary Public, which means he could witness signatures on important documents. He also ran for a political position in Blair County, Pennsylvania as a Republican.
He became the first president of The Pennsylvania State Equal Rights League. This group was part of a larger national organization that worked for equal rights. In this role, Nesbit worked with important members of Congress like Charles Sumner, William Kelley, and Thaddeus Stevens. Together, they successfully convinced Congress to pass the Fourteenth Amendment in 1868. This amendment was a huge step for civil rights.
Nesbit also helped organize several National Colored Conventions in Washington, D.C.. These meetings aimed to protest against Black citizens being stopped from voting and having other basic rights in many states.
By 1870, he returned to his original job as a barber.
Nesbit's Family
William Nesbit and his wife, Sarah Thomas (who lived from 1815 to 1888), had five children. His son Charles followed in his father's footsteps and also became a barber in their town.
Nesbit's grandson, Sergeant William C. Nesbit, was a soldier in the 24th Infantry Regiment (United States). He was involved in the Houston riot of 1917. This event happened because of unfair Jim Crow laws and disagreements between the police in Houston and the Black soldiers. Sadly, William C. Nesbit was later put on trial by the military and died.
His Death
William Nesbit passed away in 1895 when he was 73 years old. He died from pneumonia.
People remembered him as a very important Black leader in the area. They said he spent his whole life working to improve things for his community. He was known for being a strong person with good judgment. Many people who knew him were sad to hear of his passing.
