John Newton Templeton
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| This article, John Newton Templeton, has recently been created via the Articles for creation process. Please check to see if the reviewer has accidentally left this template after accepting the draft and take appropriate action as necessary.
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John Newton Templeton[1](1807 - 1851) was born into slavery in 1807. He and his family were emancipated in 1813 when their owner, Thomas Wiliamson, died. He moved with Williamson's widow, Anne, to Adams County, Ohio. Anne had taught John to read and write. He was invited by the President of Ohio University to attend the college. He began in 1824 and graduated in 1828[2]. He was the fourth black[3] in the country to graduate from college and the first west of the Ohio River. He had been targeted by the American Colonization Society to become the first President of Liberia. He ultimately turned this offer down. John dedicated his life to teaching black children and adults. He taught in Ohio, Virginia (West Virginia), and Pennsylvania[4]. He became the first teacher and principal of the African School in Pittsburgh, PA. It was the city's first black school. He was active in the church and supported the anti-slavery movement. His time at Ohio University is presented in a play by Charles Smith, Free Man of Color.
