23 Facts About Robert Purvis

Robert Purvis was an American abolitionist in the United States.

Robert Purvis was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and was likely educated at Amherst Academy, a secondary school in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Robert Purvis spent most of his life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Robert Purvis's parents had lived in a common law marriage, prevented from marrying because his mother was a mixed race free woman of color, of Sub-Saharan African and Jewish descent.

Robert Purvis's mother Harriet Judah was born a free woman of color.

Robert Purvis described her as dark-skinned with tightly curled hair, she was most likely of Sub-Saharan African descent as evidenced by her name and her physical description.

Robert Purvis was freed at age 19 by her master's will.

Robert Purvis told the reporter that his grandparents Badaraka and Judah had married.

Robert Purvis's father died while he was a child, and his mother moved to Edinburgh for her sons' education.

Robert Purvis immigrated to the United States as a young man with some of his brothers to make their fortunes.

The couple had three sons: William, born in 1806; Robert Purvis, born in 1810; and Joseph, born in 1812.

In 1832, Robert Purvis married Harriet Davy Forten, a woman of color and the daughter of wealthy sailmaker James Forten and his wife Charlotte, both prominent abolitionists and leaders in Philadelphia.

Robert Purvis became a surgeon and professor for 30 years in the medical school at Howard University.

Robert Purvis was from Byberry Township, where Purvis had moved after the 3-day riots threatened his safety.

In 1833, Robert Purvis helped abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison establish the American Anti-Slavery Society in Philadelphia and signed its "Declaration of Sentiments".

From 1845 to 1850, Robert Purvis served as president of the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, a biracial organization.

Robert Purvis used his own house, then located outside the city, in Byberry Township, as a station on the Underground Railroad.

One of these slaves was Madison Washington, who Robert Purvis harboured during his escape to Canada.

Robert Purvis built Byberry Hall on the edge of the Quaker-owned, Byberry Friends Meeting campus.

Robert Purvis was a friend of both Thomas and his son William Henry Dorsey, who was an artist and collector of Black history.

Robert Purvis was a member of the American Equal Rights Association while Mott was president.

Robert Purvis attended the founding meeting of the Pennsylvania Woman Suffrage Association.

Robert Purvis believed in integrated groups working for greater progress for all.