Anna Hudlun facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anna Elizabeth Hudlun
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Anna Elizabeth Lewis
February 6, 1840 Uniontown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Died | November 21, 1914 (aged 74) |
| Occupation | Humanitarian, civic worker |
| Spouse(s) | Joseph Henry Hudlun (m. 1855) |
| Children | Nine, including Joanna Snowden Porter |
Anna Elizabeth Hudlun (born Lewis; 1840–1914) was an amazing African-American woman. She was known as a humanitarian and civic worker. People called her "Fire Angel" and "Chicago's Grand Old Lady." These names came from her brave work helping people after the huge fires in Chicago in 1871 and 1874.
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Early Life
Anna Elizabeth Lewis was born on February 6, 1840, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Her mother had recently gained freedom from her Quaker enslavers. Anna's mother found a Quaker family to care for Anna while she worked. Later, her mother returned, and they moved west. They settled in Chicago in 1854 after a short stop in St. Louis, Missouri.
In St. Louis, Anna met Joseph Henry Hudlun. He was born into slavery in Virginia in 1839. They met again in Chicago and married in 1855. Their first child, Joanna Cecilia, was born in 1864. Anna and Joseph had nine children in total.
Helping Chicago After the Fires
Anna and Joseph wanted to build a home and become respected citizens. In 1857, they bought a five-room cottage. This was one of the first houses in Chicago built by and for black owners. Their home, located near Dearborn Station, became a busy place for community activities. It was especially important during the "Great Fires" of the 1870s.
The Hudluns became heroes after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This fire destroyed many homes. Joseph Hudlun, a respected member of the Board of Trade, risked his life. He went back into the burning Board of Trade building to save important books and papers. A portrait of Joseph was hung in the building to honor his bravery.
The Chicago Tribune newspaper called Anna an "angel of the fire." She and Joseph opened their cottage to five families. These families, both black and white, had lost their homes in the fire. Anna actively looked for people in need, offering them shelter and support. She kept her "fire angel" title until she died. The couple helped again during Chicago's second big fire in 1874. Anna was praised once more for her kind work. This time, people called her "Chicago's Grand Old Lady."
Humanitarian and Community Work
Anna Hudlun was known as "Chicago's most important humanitarian and community worker" of her time. She was a well-known figure in the community. People admired her kindness and how much she helped the African American community.
Anna was also a respected member of the city's Board of Trade. She was very active in the Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. She also worked with the black women's movement. Anna fought to keep Chicago's mixed schools open. She also helped care for children supported by the Juvenile Court.
As part of her work with the black women's movement, she helped people find places in Chicago's Home for Aged and Infirm Colored People. Her daughter, Joanna, helped start this home in 1898. Anna was also an early member of the Old Settlers Club. This club worked to remember the achievements of pioneers and black people in the city.
Joseph and Anna Hudlun also played a role in the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped people escape slavery. Chicago was a center for anti-slavery efforts. Workers there offered safe places to stay, transportation, and helped with rescue missions.
Death and Legacy
Anna Elizabeth Hudlun passed away on November 21, 1914. She was remembered "in the hearts of all classes of Chicago's diverse people who honored and loved her." A newspaper said she was "one of the oldest Afro-American settlers in Chicago." Her funeral was held at Quinn Chapel. More than 50 flower tributes were sent, and many letters of sympathy came from all over the country.
