Sarah Rector’s name may not be as widely recognized as other historical figures, but her story is one of incredible resilience, opportunity, and the complexities of race and wealth in early 20th-century America. Born into humble beginnings, Sarah’s life took a dramatic and unexpected turn when she became one of the wealthiest African Americans in the country while still a child. Her journey from obscurity to prominence highlights the intersection of African American and Native American histories, the legacy of slavery, and the systemic racism that shaped her life and wealth.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into Sarah Rector’s life, exploring how she became known as the “Richest Colored Girl in the World.” We’ll examine the societal challenges she faced, how she navigated her newfound wealth, and the legacy she left behind.
The Early Days: Born into History
Sarah Rector was born on March 3, 1902, in Indian Territory, a region that would later become part of Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Joseph and Rose Rector, descendants of Creek Freedmen. The term “Freedmen” referred to African Americans who had been enslaved by Native American tribes, such as the Creek, Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Seminole Nations. After the Civil War, these enslaved individuals were freed and, in many cases, incorporated into the tribes as citizens under the Treaty of 1866.
As part of that treaty and subsequent legislation, the U.S. government implemented the Dawes Allotment Act of 1887, which divided tribal lands into individual parcels. Each tribal member, including Freedmen, was allotted 160 acres of land. Sarah, just five years old at the time, received her allotment in 1907.
Sarah’s parcel, located in Glenpool, Oklahoma, was initially considered barren and unsuitable for farming, leaving her family struggling to pay the taxes on it. Little did they know that beneath the rocky, unpromising soil lay a fortune that would forever change their lives.
The Oil Boom: Sarah Becomes a Millionaire
The year 1913 marked a turning point in Sarah’s life. An independent oil driller, B.B. Jones, leased her land and struck oil. The well produced an astonishing 2,500 barrels of oil per day, instantly transforming Sarah’s life. At just 11 years old, she was earning $300 per day from oil royalties—the equivalent of more than $8,000 per day in today’s money. By the time she turned 12, her wealth had grown to over $11,000 per month, making her one of the wealthiest African Americans in the country.
Her sudden wealth did not go unnoticed. Newspapers, both black and white, began referring to her as the “Richest Colored Girl in the World.” Her story captivated the public, but it also exposed her to intense scrutiny and challenges, particularly because of her race.
Challenges of Wealth: Racism and Guardianship
As a minor, Sarah’s wealth was placed under the oversight of a court-appointed guardian. However, Oklahoma laws at the time did not allow African Americans to manage large sums of money, regardless of their age. This systemic racism led to Sarah being placed under the guardianship of T.J. Porter, a white man.
This arrangement sparked national concern, particularly within the African American community. Activists and organizations, including Booker T. Washington and the NAACP, closely monitored Sarah’s case to ensure her wealth was not exploited. They feared her guardian might embezzle her funds or mismanage her estate, as was common for wealthy black individuals during this era.
Adding to the racial dynamics, there were efforts to legally reclassify Sarah as white. This reclassification was not a recognition of equality but rather an attempt to rationalize her wealth within the context of a deeply segregated society. Many white Americans at the time could not fathom the idea of a young black girl being so wealthy and sought ways to manipulate the system to control her assets.
Living the High Life: Sarah’s Affluent Lifestyle
Despite the challenges surrounding her guardianship, Sarah’s wealth afforded her a life of luxury. She lived in a grand home in Kansas City, Missouri, and owned multiple properties, including a 2,000-acre ranch. She also purchased luxury items like fine clothes and expensive cars, which were rare for African Americans at the time.
Sarah’s lifestyle was a reflection of her wealth, but it also made her a target for opportunists. She received numerous proposals from men seeking to marry her for her fortune, as well as countless letters from people asking for financial help. Even as a teenager, Sarah had to navigate the complexities of sudden fame and the pressures of being a wealthy African American in a racially divided country.
Education and Family Life
Sarah Rector valued education and used her wealth to secure a brighter future for herself. She attended the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Alabama, one of the most prestigious historically black colleges in the United States. Tuskegee was founded by Booker T. Washington, who had taken a personal interest in Sarah’s well-being.
In 1920, Sarah married Kenneth Campbell, a businessman. The couple had three sons and lived a comfortable life in Kansas City. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1930. Sarah later remarried William Crawford, and she continued to live a private and relatively quiet life, managing her wealth and raising her children.
The Legacy of Sarah Rector
Sarah Rector’s story is one of triumph, but it is also a reflection of the systemic racism and exploitation that black individuals faced during her time. Despite the challenges, she managed to maintain her wealth and lived a comfortable life until her death on July 22, 1967, at the age of 65.
Her legacy is a powerful reminder of the resilience and accomplishments of African Americans in the face of adversity. Sarah’s life also serves as a lens through which we can examine the intersections of race, wealth, and power in American history.
Lesser-Known Facts About Sarah Rector
While much of Sarah Rector’s story has been documented, there are a few intriguing and lesser-known facts about her life that further illustrate her remarkable journey:
- She Was an Early Real Estate Investor
Sarah Rector didn’t just rely on her oil wealth to sustain her lifestyle. She invested heavily in real estate and owned multiple properties, including commercial buildings in Kansas City. This foresight helped her maintain financial stability long after her oil income diminished. - She Was a Philanthropist
Despite the challenges of being in the public eye, Sarah quietly gave back to her community. She donated to charities and causes that supported African Americans, particularly in education and housing. - Her Story Inspired Activist Movements
Sarah’s case became a rallying point for the NAACP and other civil rights activists who were fighting against the systemic racism that denied African Americans equal rights to their wealth and property. Her guardianship arrangement was scrutinized and used as an example of the injustices faced by black Americans. - Her Land Was Part of the Famous Glenn Pool Oil Field
The oil well on Sarah’s land was part of the Glenn Pool Oil Field, one of the largest and most productive oil fields in the United States during the early 20th century. This field played a significant role in Oklahoma’s oil boom and contributed to the state’s economic development.
Sarah Rector’s life is a testament to the complexities of race, wealth, and identity in America. Her story deserves to be remembered and celebrated not just for its uniqueness but for what it reveals about the resilience and achievements of African Americans throughout history. From her humble roots as a Creek Freedman descendant to her rise as a millionaire oil magnate, Sarah Rector’s journey continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.
