Birthplace of Paul Robeson in Princeton, NJ
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2015-05-07
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The house was constructed in 1842. Anthony Simmons, a local black caterer, purchased the house from the Burton estate in 1847, and he lived here for 22 years. During his residence here, Simmons helped to found the Presbyterian school where Betsey Stockton taught. Simmons died in 1868; in his will, Simmons left the property to the Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church for use as a manse.
The best known Presbyterian minister who lived in the house was Reverend William Drew Roberson, who lived here with his family in the late 19th century. His son, Paul Robeson famous black actor, athlete, singer and political activist, was born here on April 9, 1898.
Paul Leroy Robeson was an American singer and actor who became involved with the Civil Rights Movement. At Rutgers College, he was an outstanding football player, then had an international career in singing, as well as acting in theater and movies. He became politically involved in response to the Spanish Civil War, fascism, and social injustices. His advocacy of anti-imperialism, affiliation with communism, and criticism of the United States government caused him to be blacklisted during the McCarthy era. Ill health forced him into retirement from his career. He remained until his death an advocate of the Communist Party..
Original file name IMG_2707 (1).jpg
Original file name IMG_2707 (1).jpg
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Birthplace of Paul Robeson, Paul Leroy Robeson, American Actor, American Communist, Princeton, Mercer County, Borough of Princeton, The Delaware Region, New Jersey, NJ, Jersey, The Garden State, The Raritan Valley Region
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