Samuel Adjar Crowther

A rare and interesting cabinet card (CDV) of Samuel Adjar Crowther which probably dates from around the 1860s. Samuel (Adjar) Crowther was born December 31st, 1809 in Africa. He was the first ever African to be ordained by the church Missionary Society who was consecrated a bishop to the Niger region of Africa. He had been sold into slavery at the age of twelve but was rescued by a British Cruiser and was taken to a mission school where he was baptized. In 1842 he went to Church Missionary College in London. He later went back to his people in Africa and worked as a missionary from 1843 to 1851. He spent the rest of his life in evangelistic work in Niger. He established churches, elementary schools and high schools and one college. It was in Niger that he spent the rest of his life. Hand inscribed in faint ink under picture "Samuel Adjar Crowther, Bishop of Niger Territory". Buxton photographer's mark on front and also on back. 4.25" x  6.5".