Who was Gabriel Prosser and what did he do?
Gabriel (1776 – October 10, 1800), today commonly—if incorrectly—known as Gabriel Prosser, was a literate enslaved blacksmith who planned a large slave rebellion in the Richmond area in the summer of 1800. Information regarding the revolt was leaked prior to its execution, and he and twenty-five followers were taken captive…
Who were Gabriel Prosser’s Brothers Solomon and Martin?
Born into slavery at Brookfield, a tobacco plantation in Henrico County, Virginia, Gabriel had two brothers, Solomon and Martin. They were all held in bondage by slaveholder Thomas Prosser, the owner of Brookfield. As Gabriel and Solomon were trained as blacksmiths, their father may have had that skill.
What happened to Patrick Prosser after the American Revolution?
Prosser was returned to Richmond and tried for his role in the abortive uprising. He was found guilty on October 6, 1800 and executed the following day. Do you find this information helpful?
How did George Prosser plan to gain control of Richmond?
With the help of other slaves, especially Jack Bowler and George Smith, Prosser designed a scheme for a slave revolt. They planned to seize control of Richmond by slaying all whites (except for Methodists, Quakers, and Frenchmen) and then to establish a kingdom of Virginia with Prosser as king.
Born into slavery around 1775, Gabriel Prosser was owned by Thomas H. Prosser of Henrico County, Virginia. Little is known of Prosser’s life before the revolt that catapulted him into notoriety.
What was Prosser like as a person?
A literate blacksmith, Prosser was born in to slavery on a tobacco farm and learned how to read and write along with learning the trade of being a blacksmith with his two brothers. A tall man and generally well-liked, Prosser was not seen as a threat by slave owners and other Whites who encountered him.
What was Daniel Prosser’s plan for the rebellion?
Prosser planned to include enslaved and freed Black Americans as well as poor White people, Indigenous peoples, and French troops in the rebellion. Prosser’s plan was to take possession of Capitol Square in Richmond. Holding Governor James Monroe as a hostage, Prosser believed he could bargain with authorities.