User:Phinn/Thomas Morris Chester

Thomas Morris Chester
Born(1834-05-11)May 11, 1834
DiedSeptember 30, 1892(1892-09-30) (aged 58)
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Other namesT. Morris Chester
Occupation(s)Journalist, Lawyer, Soldier, Educator, Diplomat
Known forFirst African American Civil War journalist

Thomas Morris Chester (May 11, 1834 – September 30, 1892) was an American journalist, lawyer, soldier, educator and diplomat. He is best known for being the only African American Civil War journalist. He also became the first black barrister called to the bar in England and a roving European diplomat for Liberia.

Early life and education edit

Thomas Morris Chester was born on May 11, 1834 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the third of eight surviving children of George and Jane Marie Mars Chester.

Journalism edit

During the American Civil War, Chester became a journalist for the Philadelphia Press dispatching reports from the front line focussing on the experience of the Colored Troops fighting in the Union Army.

England edit

Chester became a student of Middle Temple on June 8, 1867 and was called to the bar on April 30, 1870.

References edit

External links edit