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Quincy, Illinois: Grave of USA's First African-American Priest

It says so on Augustine "Good Father Gus" Tolton's grave obelisk, in 19th century vernacular.

St. Peters Cemetery

Address:
312 N. 33rd St., Quincy, IL
Directions:
St. Peters Cemetery. From IL-104/Broadway St. turn south at the stoplight onto N. 33rd St. Drive a hundred yards. Turn left just past the Midas muffler shop, but before the AMC movie theater. Drive straight into the cemetery. You'll see the tan obelisk straight ahead.
Hours:
Gated after hours. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
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Grave of USA's First African-American Priest

Francis Cardinal George initiated the canonization process for Augustine Tolton in 2010, announcing the cause for canonization for sainthood. In 2019 Pope Francis advanced his cause for sainthood, elevating Tolton to Venerable.

[John, 11/17/2023]

Grave of Father Gus.

Grave of First Black Priest in the USA

St. Peters Cemetery is the final resting place of the Rev. Augustine Toulton, the first African-American Roman Catholic priest in the United States. He was ordained in Rome on April 24, 1886.

[Chris S., 08/11/2020]

A former slave, Augustine was known in Chicago as "Good Father Gus" and praised for his sermons, his singing voice, and his talent for playing the accordion. Although rejected in his hometown of Quincy, he asked to be buried there.


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