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Sarah Harris Fayerweather

1812-1878

Name: Sarah Harris Fayerweather

Birthplace: Norwich, Connecticut

Status: Slave

Occupation/Training:

Residence: Connecticut & Rhode Island

Abolitionist Involvement: Sarah Harris was one of 12 children. Sarah’s family had moved from Norwich to Canterbury, Connecticut, where she worked as a servant. She wanted to become a teacher and in 1832 applied for admission to the Prudence Crandall School for Girls in Canterbury. She was the first black student to be admitted to the school, the reaction from the townspeople was so hostile that Ms. Crandall was forced to close the school. In 1893 she reopened it as a school for "colored girls" only. This only increased the hostility and Ms. Crandall was arrested and the school was burned and vandalized.

During these turbulent times Sarah married George Fayerweather, the son of a well to do black family in Kingston, Rhode Island. After her marriage Sarah kept in touch with Prudence Crandall and the Fayerweathers named their first child after her. Their residence in Kingston became a center of anti-slavery activity in the community, numerous famous abolitionists were entertained in the their home. Sarah died at the age of 63 in 1878. A residence hall on the campus of the University of Rhode Island was named Fayerweather Hall in her honor.

Family: Husband - George Fayerweather

Place of Death: Rhode Island

Publications/Reference: Black Heritage Sites - An African American Odyssey and Finders Guide. Nancy Curtis, Ph.D. 1996; Black Saga-The African American Experience - A Chronology. Charles M. Christian. Houghton Miffin Company. 1995.

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