Celeste Brackett Newcomer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Celeste Brackett Newcomer
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Celeste Brackett Newcomer, from a 1922 publication
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Celeste Elizabeth Brackett
June 12, 1871 Harper's Ferry, West Virginia
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| Died | February 19, 1951 Hillsboro, Virginia
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| Occupation | Educator |
| Parent(s) | Nathan Cook Brackett |
Celeste Brackett Newcomer (born June 12, 1871 – died February 19, 1951) was an important American educator. She also helped run a bank and was active in community clubs. She lived in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Celeste Elizabeth Brackett was born in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Her parents were Nathan Cook Brackett and Nancy Louise Wood.
Helping Others After the Civil War
After the American Civil War, Celeste's parents moved from Maine to West Virginia. They were part of a group that helped set up schools for formerly enslaved people. In 1867, her father, Nathan Cook Brackett, became the first president of Storer College. This college helped train teachers and taught useful skills to Black students.
College Days
Celeste went to Hillsdale College in Michigan. While she was there, she met her future husband, John Curtin Newcomer. He also graduated from Hillsdale College.
Her Career and Community Work
After college, Celeste Newcomer became a teacher. She taught domestic science at Storer College. This included important skills like cooking and home nursing.
Working with Family
Celeste worked alongside many family members at Storer College. Her parents, her husband, two aunts, and her sister Mary also taught there. It was a true family effort to help the students.
Active in Her Community
Celeste was very involved in her community.
- She was the president of the local chapter of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. This group worked to reduce alcohol use.
- She helped start the Bolivar Woman's Club.
- She was also on the board of directors for the Bank of Harpers Ferry. This meant she helped make important decisions for the bank.
Personal Life
Celeste Brackett married John Curtin Newcomer in 1894. He was a minister and a teacher.
Her Children
They had four children:
- Mary Louise (born 1896)
- Daniel (born 1899)
- Lionel (born 1903)
- John Nathan (born 1914)
A Sad Loss
During World War I, her son Daniel sadly passed away. He was training at an army aviation camp in Texas. He died from measles and pneumonia.
Later Years
Celeste's husband passed away in 1937. After being ill for several years, Celeste died in 1951. She was 79 years old and passed away in Hillsboro, Virginia.
Her Home
The house she owned from 1929 to 1944 is now known as the Bird-Brady House. It is located on the grounds of the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
