Anna Gardner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anna Gardner
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"A Woman of the Century"
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| Born | January 25, 1816 Nantucket, Massachusetts, US |
| Died | February 18, 1901 (aged 85) Nantucket |
| Occupation | abolitionist, teacher, reformer, writer |
| Language | English |
| Nationality | American |
| Notable works | Harvest Gleanings |
| Relatives | Peter Folger, Benjamin Franklin, Lucretia Mott, Maria Mitchell, Tristram Coffin |
Anna Gardner (January 25, 1816 – February 18, 1901) was an American teacher and writer. She was also a strong supporter of ending slavery and fighting for women's rights. She wrote several books of stories and poems.
Anna Gardner was born in Nantucket, Massachusetts, in 1816. She came from a Quaker family. As a young girl, she read a newspaper called The Liberator. This made her very interested in the movement to end slavery.
In 1841, Anna helped organize the first meeting against slavery in Nantucket. At this meeting, Frederick Douglass gave his first public speech. He spoke so powerfully that he amazed everyone. Anna gave many speeches herself before the American Civil War. After the war, she taught in schools for formerly enslaved people in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
In 1878, she moved back to New York. There, she was badly hurt in a carriage accident. After a long recovery, she returned to her home in Nantucket. She gave several talks at the Nantucket Athenaeum. Anna was a talented writer. In 1881, she published her best work, a book of stories and poems called Harvest Gleanings. She passed away in Nantucket in 1901.
Anna's Early Life
Anna Gardner was born on the island of Nantucket on January 25, 1816. Her father, Oliver C. Gardner, was connected to many important families in Nantucket. Through her father's side, Anna was related to Peter Folger, who was the grandfather of Benjamin Franklin. This also made her a relative of famous people like Lucretia Mott and Maria Mitchell.
Her mother, Hannah Mackerel Gardner, also came from an important family. She was a descendant of Tristram Coffin, who was the first leader of Nantucket. Anna's family had lived in Nantucket for seven generations.
Anna got her love for reading and writing from her mother. Her mother was known for enjoying classic poetry. Her father's family also had a history of writers.
Anna's Work for Change
Anna Gardner learned about slavery when she was young. She decided to dedicate her life to helping others. She became a student, teacher, speaker, and activist. She worked hard for freedom and equal rights for everyone.
When she was eighteen, Anna regularly read The Liberator newspaper. This newspaper was very important in the fight against slavery.
In 1841, when Anna was twenty-five, she helped arrange an important meeting against slavery in Nantucket. Many people attended this event. It was at this meeting that Frederick Douglass gave his first speech as an abolitionist. He was not expecting to speak, but he did, and his words deeply moved the audience.
Anna spent many years teaching formerly enslaved people in the Southern states. She worked in schools in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
In 1878, Anna returned to the North. While in Brooklyn, New York, she was injured in a carriage accident. After many weeks of pain and a partial recovery, she went back to her home in Nantucket. There, she continued to teach and write about truth and helping others.
Besides her work against slavery, Anna also fought for women's rights. She gave several lectures at the Nantucket Athenaeum. In 1881, she published her book of stories and poems, Harvest Gleanings.
Anna Gardner died on February 18, 1901.
