Quincy in Adams County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Augustine Tolton
Father Tolton, the first negro priest in the United States, was born of slave parents in Brush Creek, Missouri, in 1854. Educated at Quincy schools, he returned to this city after his ordination in Rome, Italy, in 1886. He celebrated his first public mass as St. Boniface Church. He became pastor of St. Joseph Church in Quincy and later established St. Monica's Church for negroes in Chicago. He died in Chicago in 1897, and is buried at St. Peter's Cemetery, Quincy.
Erected 1974 by The Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County and the Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.
Location. 39° 55.918′ N, 91° 24.293′ W. Marker is in Quincy, Illinois, in Adams County. Marker is at the intersection of Maine Street and 7th Street on Maine Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Quincy IL 62301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Boniface Catholic Church (here, next to this marker); In Memory of the Potawatomi Indian "Trail of Death" (a few steps from this marker); World Trade Center Artifact (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Site of St. Peter Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Browning House (about 400 feet away); Original Site of Quincy College (about 500 feet away); St. John's Episcopal Church (about 500 feet away); Lincoln's Confidante (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Quincy.
Also see . . . Augustus Tolton. Wikipedia biography (Submitted on January 11, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 863 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 26, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on January 11, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.