A founder of the Republican Party, Kelley gained national attention when he gave a speech against expanding slavery into the territories. He was considered to be a man of strict principles, who advocated for the recruitment of black troops in the Civil War and for extending the franchise to them afterwards. Kelley served on the Union League Committee supporting the raising of African American troops and establishment of Camp William Penn. Along with Thaddeus Stevens, Kelley use his political leverage to helped Catto end public transit segregation and achieve Pennsylvania's ratify the 14th and 15th Amendments. Kelley also introduced...

From their childhood as students at the Vaux School, White and Catto forged a life-long friendship. As sons of prominent Philadelphia families, the two were in the same social and later political circles throughout their lives. They were outgoing, energetic young men on the move! White's father was director of the Sunday school at First African Presbyterian Church; Catto's father was the pastor. The two young men were members of the Banneker Institute and also had formed the Pythian early base ball team together. Jacob White became a highly respected educator and the first African American school principal in...

The Civil War was a defining moment for many in Philadelphia. It was the War that changed Boker from a Democrat to an ardent Republican, embracing the party's principals that led to the passage of the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments. Boker's name is closely interwoven with the rehabilitation of the Republican Party in Philadelphia. When the Union League of Philadelphia was founded in 1862, Boker was the leading spirit and it was through his efforts that both sentiments and support towards the Union cause prevailed in Philadelphia. His efforts forged opportunities for Catto and other leading African American...