Influential Welsh preacher, publisher, and abolitionist from Remsen focus of program on Saturday

The Oneida County History Center will host a talk by Ted Engle of the Saint David’s Society on Saturday, October 9th at 1pm on the influential Welsh preacher, publisher and abolitionist Reverend Robert Everett, who lived in Remsen

Rev. Robert Everett was a Welsh-American who came to Oneida County from Wales in 1823. He got involved in the anti-slavery movement very quickly.

Eventually he moved to the Remsen-Steuben region and became a publisher and preacher. His books have been distributed across the country, in the territories, and even internationally. He also translated and published speeches against slavery by Frederick Douglas and Harriet Beecher Stowe (Uncle Tom’s Cabin).

“It just wasn’t Everett; his whole family was unique,” said Engle. “His wife was his sales representative and the pastor’s wife in two churches. His son joined John Brown in Kansas during the Bleeding Kansas fight. His eldest daughter attended the first integrated school in New York and later became a teacher and principal. His second daughter became a surgeon. His third daughter moved south after the war and founded two schools for freed slaves. This is really noteworthy for women, as they didn’t get the right to vote until 1920. The Everett women were 60 years ahead of the rest of the world. “

In Remsen he became station master of the Underground Railroad and helped many escaped slaves escape to Canada. At the time of his death, he was internationally known and adored.

Engle became interested in Everett after hearing a talk from Dr. Jerry Hunter of the University of Wales had visited about the Welsh in the Civil War. He led the project to nominate Everett to the Abolitionist Hall of Fame.

“I knew a little about Everett before, but I didn’t know how well known he was in Europe,” he said. “A little later, I met the Abolitionist Hall of Fame and wondered if I could nominate Everett for the hall. I had a follow-up interview with Dr. Hunter and attended the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2018 where I learned more about the induction process. At that point in time, I thought the project was feasible and asked the Remsen-Steuben Group and the St. Davids Group to become sponsors. Other groups also wanted to participate. The application was completed in 2019 and he was eventually selected. The application itself required numerous references and literary sources and was 54 pages long. “

The original launch was canceled due to COVID-19 and the new date will be 2022.

“Everett impressed me most because he was looking for an area where he could not compete with other abolitionists but make a unique contribution,” said Engle.

“By using his skills, he did not try to exert any control over the anti-slavery movement, but instead expanded his influence nationwide without competing with others,” added Engle. “He showed that you don’t have to be rich, powerful or politically connected to make a difference. A small, calm, humble man can make a big difference if he is persistent and focused. “

If you want to participate via Zoom, you can register for this meeting in advance at: oneidacountyhistory.org/programs. After registration, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to attend the meeting.