Alexander Twilight (1795-1857)

Alexander Lucius Twilight was an African-American (A-A) educator, minister and politician. He was the first male A-A to earn a degree from an American college or university graduating from Middlebury College in 1823. He was also the only A-A ever elected to the state legislature (1836), serving in the Vermont House of Representatives, before the Civil War (1861-5).

He was born on 23rd September, 1795, in Bradford, Vermont. In 1798 they moved to Corinth.

Alexander’s father, Ichabod was black, his mother Mary was described as ‘white’ or ‘light skinned’ implying she was of partial African descent. It is believed they were free and mixed race of African and English descent.They are both listed in the Corinth, Vermont town history as *the first negroes to settle in Corinth where they bought property, moving from Bradforf on November 28,1798 *

From the age of 8 he worked on a neighbour’s farm. For the next 12 years he read, studied and learned mathematics while working in various labour positions.

In 1815, aged of 20, he enrolled at Randolph’s Orange County Grammar School. Between 1815-21 he completed the secondary school courses and the first two years of college level curriculum. In 1821 enrolled at Middlebury College and left in 1823 with an Arts degree. The first A-A to be awarded a degree from an American institution of higher learning.

Nobody realized it at the time.
In 1826 Edward Jones claimed that honor which resulted in Middlebury publishing Alexander’s earlier graduation.

His first job was in Peru, New York, where he stayed for 4 years. In 1828 he moved to Vergennes, Vermont to teach during the week and hold week-end services in Waltham and Ferrisburg.

In 1829 he was hired as principal of the Orleans County, Vermont, Grammar school. in Brownington. He was ordained a minister of the Congregational Church. He built a house for his family (now the headquarters of the Orleans County Historical Society) .

Alexander wanted to build a residence dormitory to accommodate borders. Built between 1834-6 the result was Athenian Hall - a massive, 4 storey, granite building. ( See ‘Old Stone House Museum’)

In 1836 elected first A-A to the Vermont House of representatives. Unsuccessful in bid not to share school funding with the new Craftsbury school.

In 1847, after 18 years, left headship having fallen out with Brownington trustees. He taught at Shipton and Hatley, Quebec. Without him his old school closed in 1852.

He resumed duties as principal and pastor. Resigned as pastor in 1853. In October 1855 he suffered a stroke, which left him partially paralyzed.- retired from teaching.

Alexander died on 19th June 1857, aged 61.

His house and the Athenian Hall are included in the Brownington Village Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sources
Old Stone House Museum
Timelines from Black History