George Middleton
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George Middleton (1735 - 1815), an African American Revolutionary War veteran, a Prince Hall freemason, and a community civil rights activist.
After the American Revolution, African Americans began to form their own little community in a town called the North Slop of Beacon Hill in Boston, Massachusetts - Middleton being one of the first. George was a commander of one of only two all Black companies, the Bucks of America. George was one of 5,000 African Americans to participate in the Revolutionary War. Governor John Hancock was so impressed with the courage and devotion that Middleton his company had shown in the war that they were presented with a flag and invited to his home in Beacon Hill to celebrate. This inspired Middleton to form a place for the black community there. After the War Middleton bought land on Joy Street where he would built a home where he lived alone.
Middleton was a violinist, a horse breaker, and coachman. He gained considerable recognition for his accomplishments, including his military experience and other contributions to the city. Middleton was a constant fighter for the rights of African Americans - to that end he organized the African Benevolent Society in 1796, an organization that provided financial relief and job placement for members - primarily widows and orphans. In 1808 he published an anti-slavery statement along with his colleague Prince Hall stating, "Freedom is desirable, if not, would men sacrifice their time, their property and finally their lives in the purist of this?" With this powerful statement parallels between American Revolution and the desires for black people grew. Middleton was recognized for his admiration and his desire to make things better and was appointed Grand Master of the African Lodge in 1809. Middleton died in 1815.
His former home at 5-7 Pinckney Street is on the Boston Black Heritage Trail.
