Evolution of Race Relations - Buxton as a Microcosm
Bryan & Shannon Prince

Today, in recognition of today's theme of Diversity and Race Relations, I would like to talk to you about the experience of my community. My name is Shannon Prince and I am the Curator of the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum in North Buxton in what was once a haven for fugitive slaves.

Buxton was founded by a White Presbyterian Minister, Reverend William King. He was born in Londonderry Ireland in 1812 and moved to the United States as a young man. There, he married into a slaveholding family in Louisiana. Through a series of circumstances he became the owner of slaves. He inherited some when his wife and father-in-law died, some came in a package with the purchase of a farm, and some he purchased out-right to help work at a school in which he taught. As time went on, he began to see more and more how evil slavery was, not only to the slave but also to the owner.

After becoming a missionary he accepted a position as a missionary to Canada. While he had spoken against slavery, and had planned to free his own slaves, his actions had not resolved this. When it became widely known by the leaders of the Presbyterian Church that King was a slave-owner he became the subject of a great deal of controversy. This helped to strengthen and quicken his resolve. He sought the help of the Church and Lord Elgin, who was the Governor General of Canada, to acquire a 9000 acre parcel of property a few miles from here in Raleigh Township. It was here where he brought his own 15 slaves and established a colony where other fugitive slaves and free Blacks could come and establish a new home. This all began as a result of the evolution of the character of a single man.

In the beginning there was a lot of opposition to this plan among the White population that lived in Kent County. Mass meetings of protest were held. Newspapers railed against it. Petitions were signed. "The Negro is a distinct species of the Human Family and, is far inferior to that of the European. Let each link in the great Scale of existence have its place. Amalgamation is as disgusting to the eye, as it is immoral in its tendencies and all good men will discountenance it."

The importance of religion and education was stressed. It was, in fact education that helped bring down the barriers that divided the races. Shortly after arriving here in 1849, Reverend King and a delegation of mixed race found the doors of the district school locked to them. They then built their own log schoolhouse on Rev. King's farm. After it was completed word came from Chatham that a mob would come to prevent it from opening. Armed supporters hid in the surrounding forest to prevent this. The school opened with 14 black and 2 white children. One of Rev. King's biographers wrote that it was the first integrated school in North America - whether or not it was I can't say for sure. The quality of the education at Buxton became so renowned that within a year there were more white children in this school than in the district school. Soon the parents of the remainder of the students asked permission to enroll their children. The District school was forced to close and Buxton became the only common school in the township. The friendships and understanding were increasing and many of the old settlers who had signed the petition against the settlement asked that their names be stricken from the paper.

The Elgin Settlement grew very quickly and prosperously through the 1850's under Rev. King's firm direction. Strict rules of conduct applied ie. no liquor allowed and young unmarried couple getting a little too familiar had to answer to the church elders. Homes had to be of a certain minimum size and have a porch and a flower garden in front. No outside charity was to be accepted.

In September, 1857 there was a celebration and feast held in Buxton. The purpose was to celebrate the success of the Settlement and to share that success with everyone from the entire district. Between 800 and 1000 people attended. As mentioned previously, there had been a great deal of opposition by the existing population to having a Black Settlement in the area and even within Canada. Barriers were being lowered as they began to realize that their fears were exaggerated and unfounded. Reverend King wrote that many of those Whites that had signed the petition against allowing Blacks to settle in the township came to him and asked that their names be removed.

Then came the Civil War. Buxton men, like Black men across North America were eager to join in a cause that was particularly meaningful to them. For the first 2 years of the war Blacks were not allowed to enlist - it was considered to be a "White man's war". It was said that Blacks were not trustworthy, that they were cowardly and would run at the first sign of trouble. When Abraham Lincoln finally allowed Blacks to enlist, 70 men from Buxton returned to the United States and joined the Union Army to fight for the freedom of their people. They also fought for pride - that they were also men, brave men, men commitment, men of character, men who were worthy of respect. In engagement after engagement, they earned that respect.

During this same war, President Lincoln commissioned the Howe Inquiry to come to Canada to study the progress of Blacks there. This was in preparation for establishing a new society when slavery was finally abolished in the United States and where the races could live together in harmony. You can not only hear, but feel the respect of one race for another when the Commissioners visited Buxton and wrote: "Buxton is certainly a very interesting place. Sixteen year ago it was a wilderness. Now, good highways are laid out in all directions through the forest, and by their side are about two hundred cottages, all looking neat and comfortable. Around each one is a cleared space, which is well cultivated. There are signs of industry, and thrift, and comfort, everywhere: signs of intemperance, of idleness, of want, nowhere. Most interesting of all, are the inhabitants. Twenty years ago, most of them were slaves, who owned nothing, not even their children. Now they own themselves; they own their houses and farms; and they have their wives and their children about them. They have the great essentials for human happiness; something to love, something to do, and something to hope for."

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