Augustus and Mary E. Dorsey

Augustus Dorsey's Pre-War Activism and Business

Augustus Dorsey, father of the Dorsey brothers, owned a second-hand clothing shop in Philadelphia. His business led to great wealth, allowing him to obtain the most valuable real estate owned by an African American in Philadelphia  during the year 1861. Additionally, he attended the Colored convention of 1855 in Philadelphia and was an activist for civil rights. Though the convention did advocate for the abolishment of slavery, it specifically discussed ways in which African Americans could receive economic independence in order to have more mobility and respect in society. Famous abolitionist Fredrick Douglas was in attendance, as well as Stephen Myers.

Civil War

His activism led him to petition for black men to enlist for civil war recruitment. A Civil War recruitment flier from 1863 stated “Fail now, and our race is doomed”, encouraging freed black men to enlist for three years and fight for those who were still enslaved. Having been lucky enough to obtain real estate of great value, he supported the idea that fighting was essential for the liberty of black people across the country. Additionally, the flier calls upon the way that manhood is jeopardized by lack of freedom, and that dying a free man is better than a life of enslavement.

After his death in 1892, Augustus left his sons his properties in his will. He gave both sons his four properties in Philadelphia,containing a portion of the most valuable real estate owned by African Americans in the city, and New Jersey, but all of his properties in D.C were given only to Thomas.

Mary E. Dorsey

Mary E. Dorsey, mother of the Dorsey brothers, passed away in Philadelphia just as her husband Augustus did. Though her community involvement is less known than Augustus, the Washington Bee newspaper regarded her as one of the “...oldest and most respected in Philadelphia.” after her passing in 1886.