Editing Robert Purvis (section)

== Legacy ==

Robert Purvis died on April 15, 1898, his eighty-seven years spanning from slavery's height through Reconstruction's failure. His legacy includes the hundreds of fugitives his Underground Railroad work assisted, the antislavery organizations his leadership strengthened, and the example of committed activism across a lifetime. His Philadelphia base, his wealth deployed in service of justice, and his unwavering identification with Black America despite options his complexion provided all demonstrate character that circumstances tested but could not compromise. Purvis represents what Philadelphia's Black elite contributed to abolition, his privileged background making possible activism that sustained commitment turned into lifelong vocation.<ref name="nash"/>