Professor Jim, James H. Williams

James H. William, known as Professor Jim, was born a Captive in Yonkers, NY in 1788 who later escaped to Connecticut and became a servant to Episcopal Bishop Brownell of Hartford in the early 1820’s. When Trinity College in Hartford was created, he became a janitor there, a job he held for fifty years until his death in 1878. His narrative, The Life of James Williams, Better Known as Professor Jim, For Half a Century Janitor of Trinity College, was published in 1873, and he is remembered to this day during graduation ceremonies at Trinity. 

Kevin Johnson’s presentation of Professor Jim is told from an emotional and exciting first-person perspective that vividly illustrates the journey of this African American in the early 1800’s. He tells of his early life in New York, his escape and adventure on the high seas, his battle in the War of 1812, and his final years spent at Trinity College. The presentation is based on extensive research in the collections of the Connecticut State Library and the Museum of Connecticut History at 231 Capitol Ave, opposite the State Capitol in Hartford. 

The Story of Professor Jim - StoryMap

Kevin Johnson is an employee of the State Library’s History and Genealogy Unit. He has been presenting Historical Characters such as Jordan Freeman of the American Revolution and Pvt. William Webb of the 29th Connecticut Volunteers of the Civil War for more than 25 years and has given more than 600 presentations.

If your organization is interested in reserving a performance, please contact State Library staff at (860) 757-6580 for availability. Performances may not be open to the public. Please contact the sponsoring organization for more information.

Organizations who would like to videotape or broadcast a performance must submit a 'Permission to Publish' form in advance. A link to the form is provided below.