FIRST - Free school south of Mason-Dixon Line-Sumner School/Robert W. Simmons - Parkersburg WV
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 39° 16.186 W 081° 33.151
17S E 452338 N 4346859
Established in January 1862 thru the leadership of Robert Simmons. First free school south of Mason-Dixon Line. Later named for abolitionist senator Charles Sumner. First high school class graduated, 1887.
Waymark Code: WM17CK7
Location: West Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 01/26/2023
Views: 1
TEXT ON THE WEST VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MARKER
Side 1
Sumner School
Established in January 1862 thru the leadership of Robert Simmons. First free school south of Mason-Dixon Line. Later named for abolitionist senator Charles Sumner. First high school class graduated, 1887. Closed in 1955 as state began integration of public schools. Gymnasium erected 1926. Renovated in 1990s as African-American museum and center.
Side 2
Robert W. Simmons
Prominent member of Parkersburg's free African American community, Simmons was instrumental in setting up Sumner School and state's first Sabbath School for black students. A Republican, he attended the first state party convention and was a delegate to national in 1872 and 1876. Local postal station named in honor of this newspaper columnist, barber, civic and political leader in 1999.
FIRST - Classification Variable: Item or Event
Date of FIRST: 01/01/1862
More Information - Web URL: [Web Link]
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