“Some are and must be greater than the rest.”
As early as 1816 a Mr. Boardman, a colored student, was here. Many have since graduated from the Seminary. Revs. L. Z. Johnson and G. S. Stark received the degree of A. B. on examination.
Betsey Stockton was one of the first members of the Presbyterian Church. Hageman tells us “she was a woman of sterling qualities and an excellent teacher.” She was the first colored missionary to the Hawaiian Islands and, on her return, taught school. One of her pupils, Mr. Thomas Schenck, attended Lincoln University, graduating in 1869. A bronze tablet to her memory was recently unveiled in the Presbyterian Church by Mr. Weber, a former pupil, Gen. A. A. Woodhull making the address. A stained glass memorial window, the gift of her pupils, adorns the church and attests to her ability and their love.
Rev. Chas. W. Gardiner was pastor of the First African Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia for 12 years, and an early record says “he was no mean expounder of the Word of God.” He was a man of high mental attainments. His preaching was eloquent, impressive and effective. He was ever regarded as a profound thinker and leading ecclesiastical. In 1857 he was invited by my father, Joseph C. Bustill (then teaching there), to help form the First Colored Presbyterian Church of Harrisburg, Pa. He was pastor there several years. A fine portrait of him still hangs in the lecture room, evidencing their veneration for him. He spent the remaining years of his life at his home, corner Green and Witherspoon streets. Dr. Ashbel Green was always interested in him and remembered him in his will. His grandchildren, Mrs. Till and Mrs. Boyer are still among us.
Rev. Mahlon Van Horn was graduated from Lincoln University and, for twenty-five years, was pastor of a congregational church at Newport, R. I. He was appointed U. S. Consul at St. Thomas Island, and filled his position with honor to himself and with satisfaction to the Government. He died in office.
Who could write of Princeton colored people and omit Uncle Jimmy Johnson? “He was at one time the oldest person connected with the university, because he had known Dr. Duffield s-s-since he was in kn-kn-knickerbockers.” He came here a fugitive slave, was recognized by a student and soon was fleeing from the dreaded slave catcher. Mrs. Provost paid the $1000 demanded and the students paid the cost of the sensational trial. Mr. Johnson often showed with justifiable pride his account of the repayment of every cent. He lived long to enjoy his freedom and was ever affectionately regarded by the students. A granite stone “erected by graduates of Princeton University” marks his grave. His widow was a woman of fine presence, cultured and refined. She died less than a year ago.
James Titus, Sr., who owned his home on Green street, was for many years the trusted messenger of the university. His son, James, Jr., was twenty-eight years gold melter and refiner for M. F. Cronin, Seventh and Sansom streets, Philadelphia. His son, James, III, owns several properties and resides in our town. His son, George P. Titus, was associated with his father till his death, when he succeeded him. He is now practical and consulting metalurgist for the Deuber Watchcase Manufacturing Co., Canton, O. His son, James, IV, graduated from the high school and business college of Canton, and is his father’s assistant. A son of James, III, holds a position in the same company.
Rev. William D. Robeson was, for nearly twenty-five years, pastor of the Presbyterian Church. He was a graduate of Lincoln University and Seminary. His many superior qualities of mind and heart won for him many friends and kept his work pre-eminent. He gave to Princeton the best years of his life, made many improvements in the church methods and church property. He is ever the defender of justice—standing firmly for the rights of our race. He is a Christian gentleman. Two churches he has pastored since are gratified to have him help them so much—financially as well as spiritually. He is particularly successful in collecting funds. He has built one church and liquidated a large indebtedness on the other. He and his wife M. Louisa Bustill (a Philadelphia school teacher), are of blessed memory to those who knew them. Their son, William D., Jr., is the only colored Princeton graduate of the Trenton High School. A graduate of Lincoln University, studied medicine at University of Pennsylvania. Reeve is doing well in Detroit. Bennie graduated from Biddle University and is now in the seminary. Marion graduated from Scotia and Paul Bustill is a member of the baseball, football and basketball teams and the Glee Club of Somerville High School.