Stuff You Missed in History Class: Two Dorseys – Thomas J. and William Henry

Published on April 30, 2025 by iHeartPodcasts

In the episode titled "Two Dorseys: Thomas J. and William Henry," hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson delve into the intertwined lives of father and son, Thomas J. Dorsey and William Henry Dorsey. This comprehensive exploration uncovers their significant contributions to Philadelphia's black community, their entrepreneurial ventures, and their enduring legacy in preserving black history.

Thomas J. Dorsey: From Slavery to Philadelphian Caterer and Abolitionist

Early Life and Slavery

Thomas J. Dorsey was born around 1812 in Maryland, where he was enslaved from birth. He had three brothers—Charles, William, and Basil—and together, they were enslaved by Sabrik Sollers. Upon Sollers' death in 1834, the Dorsey brothers anticipated their emancipation. However, contrary to their expectations, they were sold to Sollers' son, Thomas Sollers, leading to renewed bondage.

Escape and Settlement in Philadelphia

In 1836, Thomas and his brothers made a daring escape, liberating themselves and relocating to Philadelphia—a free state with a growing black population. Despite Philadelphia's reputation as a haven, black residents faced significant racial hostility, segregation, and limited employment opportunities. Tracy V. Wilson notes, "Philadelphia and Pennsylvania more broadly could be actively hostile toward its black residents," highlighting the challenges they endured (02:56).

Abolitionist Activities

Robert Purvis, a prominent abolitionist, played a pivotal role in assisting the Dorsey brothers upon their arrival in Philadelphia. Purvis helped secure Basil Dorsey a job and later founded the Vigilant Association of Philadelphia, an aid and protection society for those escaping slavery. Thomas Dorsey's commitment to abolitionism was unwavering; he was instrumental in founding the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society alongside figures like Frederick Douglass and Stephen Smith. Holly Fry emphasizes his activism, stating, "Dorsey was part of the Vigilant association and the Underground Railroad, helping thousands liberate themselves from enslavement" (07:47).

Catering Business and Wealth

Transitioning from manual labor, Thomas ventured into the catering industry around 1860. At the time, catering was emerging as a distinct profession in Philadelphia, largely dominated by black entrepreneurs. W.E.B. Du Bois described the catering guild as “a remarkable trade guild” that elevated black caterers to affluence and respect within the community (13:08). Thomas Dorsey became a prominent figure in this industry, operating his business from 1231 Locust Street. In 1867, the Evening Telegraph dubbed him "the prince of caterers," and a later article positioned him at the pinnacle of Philadelphia's catering elite, alongside Henry Jones and Henry Minton (14:31).

Collecting and Social Status

Beyond his business endeavors, Thomas Dorsey was a passionate collector. He amassed an extensive collection of books, artwork, and memorabilia, transforming his home into a museum that showcased black writers, artists, and significant historical documents. His dedication to preserving black history was evident when he stated, "I have gathered every fragment of published matter concerning the colored race" (28:00). This collection included rare scrapbooks that later became invaluable resources for historians like W.E.B. Du Bois.

Death and Legacy

Thomas Dorsey passed away on February 17, 1875. His obituary in the Philadelphia Press lauded him for his benevolence and perseverance, noting, "his benevolent spirit, genial nature and indomitable perseverance over life's barriers shall ever be handed down" (19:48). He left behind a substantial estate, including properties and trusts that supported his descendants. Although his direct business ventures declined after his death, his legacy lived on through his contributions to Philadelphia's social fabric and the preservation of black history.

William Henry Dorsey: Artist and Collector

Early Life and Education

Born on October 23, 1837, William Henry Dorsey grew up in a family that had achieved both affluence and prominence thanks to his father's successful catering business. He attended the Institute for Colored Youth, an institution established by Quakers that later evolved into Cheyney University (21:05).

Marriage and Family

In 1859, William married Virginia Cashin, undertaking a perilous journey to Savannah, Georgia, to bring her back to Philadelphia. Their union resulted in six surviving children, and they established a stable home within the black community. Holly Fry recounts their life, noting the risks William took to maintain and build his family (22:20).

Artistic Career and Collections

William Henry Dorsey was a self-taught artist who specialized in watercolors and oils. Despite his artistic talents, he primarily worked as a civil servant, serving as a personal messenger to Mayor William Stokely and later as a turnkey at Central Station. Nonetheless, he consistently identified himself as an artist, contributing to black art exhibitions within Philadelphia (23:30).

Building on his father's legacy, William inherited wealth that allowed him to focus on his passion for collecting. He transformed his home at 206 Dean Street into a museum, showcasing an eclectic collection that included coins, minerals, weapons, artworks, books, and rare manuscripts. Tracy V. Wilson highlights the significance of his scrapbooks, stating, "Dorsey was intentionally creating a record of black life and black achievement" (29:22).

Legacy and Collections Preservation

William's meticulous scrapbooking efforts resulted in nearly 400 volumes totaling over 30,000 pages, many of which contained rare or now non-existent publications. These scrapbooks served as vital resources for historians and were instrumental in works like Du Bois's The Philadelphia Negro (30:34). After his death on January 9, 1923, these collections were donated to institutions like Cheyney University and Howard University. However, their current state remains precarious, with ongoing concerns about their preservation and accessibility (32:04).

Conclusion

The lives of Thomas J. Dorsey and William Henry Dorsey exemplify resilience, entrepreneurship, and a steadfast commitment to preserving black history in America. Through their endeavors in the catering industry and their passionate collection of historical artifacts, they significantly impacted Philadelphia's black community and left an enduring legacy that continues to inform and inspire.

As Tracy V. Wilson aptly summarizes, "Dorsey created these scrapbooks by methodically clipping articles from newspapers, magazines, and other publications... [they] were intentionally creating a record of black life and black achievement" (29:43). Their story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of historical preservation in shaping our understanding of the past.

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