Bathsheba A. Benedict facts for kids

Bathsheba A. Benedict (1809–1897) was a kind person from Pawtucket, Rhode Island who helped others by giving money. She was a co-founder and major supporter of Benedict College, a special school in South Carolina. This college was created for African Americans who had recently gained their freedom. The school was even named after her!

Who Was Bathsheba Benedict?

Bathsheba Adams Barber was born in Bellingham, Massachusetts in 1809. In 1830, she married Stephen Benedict. He was a banker and owned mills. Stephen was also a church leader and an early abolitionist. This means he worked to end slavery.

Her husband, Stephen, sadly died in a fire in 1868.

A Special Gift for Education

After the American Civil War, many formerly enslaved people in the South needed education. Bathsheba Benedict wanted to help. She used money from her husband's life insurance and his property. She also received a gift from her brother-in-law.

With these funds, Bathsheba gave a large donation to the American Baptist Home Mission Society. This group helped start schools for African Americans in the South.

Founding Benedict College

By 1870, Bathsheba Benedict worked with the Home Mission Society. She provided $13,000 to buy a large piece of land in Columbia, South Carolina. This land used to be a plantation. It became the campus for the new school.

The school was named Benedict Institute in her honor. Later, it became Benedict College. It is now an important historically black college.

Her Lasting Legacy

Bathsheba Benedict's gift helped create a place where many students could learn and grow. Her actions showed her strong belief in education for everyone. She passed away in 1897. She was buried in the Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, Rhode Island.