John Jasper
John Jasper (July 4, 1812 - March 30, 1901) was an ex-slave who became a Baptist minister and noted public speaker for Christianity after the American Civil War.[1]
Early life
Born into slavery on July 4, 1812 in Fluvanna County, Virginia, Jasper later worked in Williamsburg. He was sent to work at a tobacco factor in Richmond, Virginia in the 1830s and experienced a personal conversion to Christianity in Capital Square in 1839. Jasper convinced a fellow slave to teach him to read and write, and began studying to become a Baptist minister.[2]
Career
For more than two decades, Rev. Jasper traveled throughout Virginia, often preaching at funeral services for fellow slaves. He often preached at Third Baptists Church in Petersburg, Virginia.
After his own emancipation following the American Civil War, Rev. Jaspar founded the Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in Richmond, which by 1887 had attracted 2500 members and served as a religious and social center of Richmond's predominately black Jackson Ward—providing a Sunday School and other services. Jasper's vivid oratory and dramatic speaking style brought renown and calls for him to preach throughout the Eastern United States.
Death and legacy
He delivered his last sermon a few days before his death at age 88. The Library of Virginia honored him as one of the African American trailblazers in its "Strong Men and Women" series in 2012.[3]