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Octavius Valentine Catto was born in Charlelston South Caroline on February 22, 1839 and moved to Philadelphia with his family in 1850. Son of a prominent Presbyterian minister, Catto graduated (and was class valedictorian) at the Institute for Colored Youth (which later became Cheney University) and later was a professor at the Institute. A renaissance man, he was trained in classical languages, was an accomplished athlete, founding, coaching and playing shortstop for the Pythians, one of the first Black Baseball teams. Catto helped to found the Banneker Institure, was inducted as a member of the Franklin Institute, and during the Civil War, raised a Black Regiment .In 1867 he led an action using passive resistance and political influence to desegregate Philadelphia streetcars. He was said to be a speaker of pleasing voice, gracioous yet forceful manner and persuasive power. On October 10, 1871 on election day in the first election after the passage of the 15th amendment, he was murdered on the street by Frank Kelly, a Democratic operative, who was tried for the murder and acquited. Catto was buried in Lebanon Cemetery, but was disenterred and buried in Eden Cemetery, near Darby. More information , Eden Cemetery is also the resting place of Underground Railroad icon and streetcar activist William Still |
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