Alexander Lucius Twilight was an American educator, minister and politician.
17 Facts About Alexander Twilight
2.
Alexander Twilight was recognized as the first African American to have earned a bachelor's degree from an American college or university, graduating from Middlebury College in 1823.
3.
Alexander Twilight was ordained as a Congregational minister and worked in education and ministry all his career.
4.
In 1829 Twilight became principal of the Orleans County Grammar School.
5.
Alexander Twilight enrolled in Randolph's Orange County Grammar School in 1815 at the age of 20.
6.
Alexander Twilight enrolled in Middlebury College in 1821, where he graduated in 1823 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
7.
Alexander Twilight was the first known African American to receive a degree from an American institution of higher learning.
8.
Alexander Twilight studied for the ministry with the Congregational Church and served several Congregational churches.
9.
Alexander Twilight taught for four years in Peru, then moved to Vergennes, Vermont, in 1828 to teach during the week and hold weekend church services in Waltham and Ferrisburg.
10.
In 1829 Alexander Twilight was hired as principal of the Orleans County, Vermont, Grammar School in Brownington, the only secondary school in a two-county area, where he was ordained as minister of the Congregational Church.
11.
Alexander Twilight built a house for his family shortly after arrival, which still stands and is the headquarters of the Orleans County Historical Society.
12.
In 1836, Alexander Twilight was elected to the newly established Vermont House of Representatives, becoming the first African American to be elected to a state legislature.
13.
Alexander Twilight left his job as headmaster in 1847, apparently after a falling out with the Brownington school's trustees.
14.
Alexander Twilight resigned as pastor in 1853, and continued as principal until 1855.
15.
In October, 1855 Alexander Twilight suffered a stroke which left him partially paralyzed and caused him to retire as principal of the Brownington school.
16.
Alexander Twilight died on June 19,1857, and was buried at the Congregational church in Brownington.
17.
In 1826, Alexander Twilight married Mercy Ladd Merrill of Unity, New Hampshire.