At the intersection of Ninth and South streets, Catto was accosted by Frank Kelly, an ethnic Irish man, who shot him three times. Catto died of his wounds. The city inquest was not able to determine if Catto had pulled his own gun.

Did Octavius V Catto get married?

Catto never married. He was engaged to Sarah LeCount but was killed before the wedding could take place. His funeral procession down Broad Street to Lebanon Cemetery was viewed by more than five thousand people. Thirty-five years later in 1906, the O.V.

What is Octavius Catto known for?

Octavius Valentine Catto (1839 – 1871) was one of the most influential African American leaders in Philadelphia during the 19th century. Inspired by the Civil War, Catto became an adamant activist for the abolition of slavery and establishment of equal rights for all men, regardless of race.

How was Octavius Catto killed?

Just a block away from his home at 814 South Street, Octavius Catto was shot and killed by Frank Kelly around 3:30 p.m. on October 10, 1871, another incident of tumultuous violence spurred by differing political and social beliefs on Philadelphia's Election Day.

Who was Caroline LeCount?

Caroline LeCount was a prominent leader in Philadelphia's Black community in the late 1800s and early 1900s. She was the first Black woman in the Philadelphia area to pass the city's teacher exam, a supporter of the Union during the Civil War, and an activist who fought to desegregate Philadelphia's streetcars.