Welcome to the Genealogy Forum
African American Resource Center!

Jacob C. White

Name: Jacob C. White

Occupation/Training: Barber, Speaker, Writer

Residence: PA

Abolitionist Involvement: In 1832, White was the secretary of an abolitionist group working with Forten, Crummell, Purvis and Whipper, which sent an 11-page petition to the Pennsylvania State Assembly protesting a Bill, then under consideration, which would greatly limit Black migration to the state. Between 1838 and 1844, when it was disbanded, he was also the executive secretary of the Philadelphia Vigilance Committee, which aided fugitive slaves. After 1844, White continued to assist escapees on an individual basis.

In 1859, White participated in an August 1 celebration in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which commemorated the British emancipation of the slaves in the West Indies. This celebration was a daylong abolitionist tradition, and included a procession down the main street of the city with a band playing, a choir, prayer meeting, guest speakers, a banquet, a music concert from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m., and the Grand Emancipation Ball at the conclusion of the evening.

White's son, Jacob C. White, Jr., was a graduate of the Institute for Colored Youth in Philadelphia, which Charles Reason helped to form into an academic institution, and became the principal of the Robert Vaux School in Philadelphia from 1864-1896. This position made White, Jr., the highest ranking Black in that city's school system at that time.

Family: Wife - name unknown, Son - Jacob C. White, Jr.

References: Black Abolitionists, by Benjamin Quarles; Aristocrats of Color, by Willard Gatewood.

BACK to African American Genealogical Resources

The Genealogy Forum - Main Page
Beginners' Center | Chat Rooms | File Libraries
Internet Center | Message Boards
Resource Center | Reunion Center
Genealogy Forum News
Shop With Us

AOL Member Exclusive:
Go Directly to The Genealogy Forum on AOL!

© 1999, 2000 Some Graphics By Carol, All Rights Reserved.
Genealogy Forum.com is a production of Golden Gate Services, Inc. of Franklin, Massachusetts.
© 1998, 1999, 2000 All Rights Reserved. George Ferguson, President.
The Genealogy Forum is a member of the Federation of Genealogical Societies and the National Genealogical Society.
Tree logo provided by MeadPond Designs and is the trademark of GenealogyForum.com.

If you have any questions or comments,
please contact GenealogyForum@aol.com