Robert Carter III was born on February 28, 1728, in the United States. He grew up in colonial Virginia, where his family owned a large plantation that relied heavily on slave labor. Despite his privileged upbringing, Carter was known for his open-minded nature, which set him apart from many of his peers.
As a young man, Carter began attending religious services held by Quaker, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Baptist preachers. His exposure to different faiths and beliefs had a profound impact on him, leading him to question the morality of slavery. In 1787, Carter converted to the Baptist faith and made the decision to free his slaves.
Over the course of his life, Carter went on to free over 500 slaves, decades before the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation. He provided many of the newly freed slaves with places to live on his vast plantation lands, ensuring that they could build new lives for themselves. Carter also supported refugees from Haiti who were escaping the revolution, providing them with shelter and assistance.
Despite his controversial beliefs on slavery, Carter was a prominent figure in colonial Virginia politics. For two decades, he served on the Colonial Virginia Governor's Council, where he used his influence to advocate for the rights of marginalized groups and push for social reforms.
Carter married Frances Ann Tasker, with whom he had 17 children. Of their 17 children, 12 reached adulthood, forming a close-knit family that supported Carter in his philanthropic endeavors and abolitionist efforts.
Robert Carter III's legacy as a pioneer of abolitionism and philanthropy in colonial Virginia continues to be celebrated today. His bold actions in freeing slaves and providing support to marginalized communities paved the way for future generations of activists and reformers. Carter's commitment to social justice and equality serves as a powerful example of the impact that one individual can have on society.