Description
Born in Corinth, Vermont, Alexander Twilight was indentured from age 8-20 to a farmer, then studied for 12 years completing secondary school and the first two years of college-level courses before starting as a junior at Middlebury. He taught in NY and VT and became a licensed Congregational minister. He was the principal for many years in Brownington, where he raised money for, designed and built Athenian Hall, a four-story granite building, which served as a residence dormitory for out of town students attending the Vermont Grammar School aka the Brownington Academy.
Alexander Twilight was the son of Ichabod Twilight, a free mulatto from New Hampshire, who was able to earn his freedom after serving as a soldier in the Continental Army, during the American Revolution. Ichabod and his wife Mary are listed as “the first negroes to settle in Corinth.” Twilight was the first African-American to earn a bachelor’s degree from an American college, graduating from Middlebury College in 1823. He was the first and only African-American to be elected as a state legislator, before the Civil War, and served in the Vermont House of Representatives.
This Alexander Twilight History Mug is part of our African American History and Vermont series which includes many unique individuals who played an important part in molding Vermont’s history.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
