Anna Bustill Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anna Bustill Smith
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| Born | 1862 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
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| Died | August 1945 (aged 82–83) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Author and genealogist |
| Known for | Documenting the history of the Bustill family |
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Notable work
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First known Black genealogist in the United States |
Anna Bustill Smith (1862 – 1945) was an important American writer and historian. She was known for being the first African-American genealogist. A genealogist is someone who studies family history. Anna was also a suffragist, meaning she supported women's right to vote.
She was a cousin of the famous singer and activist Paul Robeson. Anna was part of the well-known Bustill family from Philadelphia. She wrote important books about her family's history. One of her famous works was Reminiscences of Colored People of Princeton, N.J., 1800–1900. This book looked at the history of the Black community in Princeton, New Jersey.
Early Life and Family
Anna Amelia Bustill was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1862. Her family had a long history of fighting for freedom and equality. Her great-grandfather, Cyrus Bustill, was once enslaved. He bought his freedom and helped start the Free African Society in Philadelphia.
Anna's father, Joseph Cassey Bustill, was also a hero. He joined the Underground Railroad when he was only seventeen. The Underground Railroad was a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. Anna's mother was Sarah Bustill.
Her family was very active in the African-American community in Philadelphia. They were also members of the Quaker church. Quakers are a religious group known for their peaceful beliefs and their work against slavery. In 1880, Anna lived with her parents in Lower Oxford, Pennsylvania.
Later Years and Contributions
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Anna Bustill Smith later married James H. Smith. He was from Chicago, Illinois. They lived in Chicago for a while before moving back to Philadelphia.
In 1913, Anna published her important book, Reminiscences of Colored People of Princeton, N.J., 1800–1900. This book helped to preserve the history of the Black community in Princeton. It showed her skill as a genealogist and historian.
Anna Bustill Smith lived in Philadelphia until she passed away in August 1945. She left behind her children: Anna Smith, Virgie S. Rhetta, John Smith, and Curtis Smith. Her work helped many people learn about the rich history of African-American families.
