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Philadelphia Periwigs, Perfumes, and Purpose: Black Barber and Social Activist Joseph Cassey, 1789–1848
- Pennsylvania History: A Journal of Mid-Atlantic Studies
- Penn State University Press
- Volume 82, Number 2, Spring 2015
- pp. 140-161
- Article
- Additional Information
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Joseph Cassey was a free black child refugee from the French West Indies who arrived in Philadelphia circa 1800. He married Amy Williams, the only child of Rev. Peter Williams Jr., a black community leader in New York City. Cassey ascended to the wealthiest ranks of the black community and joined Reverend Williams and sailmaker James Forten to promote social change in Philadelphia and New York City. Hard working by day, an activist by night, barber Cassey amassed considerable wealth and promoted antislavery and education in the black community, while within razor-close proximity to the founders of this country.