Burwell Toler

Biography

Burwell Toler (circa 1822 – July 21, 1880) (also known as "Burrell Toler") was an African American carpenter, minister and Republican politician. Probably born into slavery in Hanover County, Virginia, Toler became a carpenter and preacher before the American Civil War. The Colored Baptist Shiloh Association ordained him a minister on August 13, 1865, and the following month Rev. Toler received his first authorization to perform marriages, from Henrico County. The Freedmen's Bureau considered him a leader acting on behalf of the African American community during Congressional Reconstruction, noting that he had the respect and confidence of all classes of citizens. He was the first minister at Shiloh Baptist Church in Ashland, the Hanover County seat, as well as at Abner Baptist Church and Jerusalem Baptist Church, also in Hanover County. Rev. Toler also founded churches in nearby Caroline, Goochland and King George counties.

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