Charlotta Gordon Pyles facts for kids

Charlotta Gordon Pyles (born around 1790-1806, died 1880) was an amazing African American woman who fought against slavery. She was known as an abolitionist, which means she worked to end slavery. Charlotta also gave powerful speeches to raise money. She used this money to buy the freedom of some of her family members. Pyles helped many runaway slaves find their way to Canada and also supported women's right to vote.

Charlotta Pyles's Early Life

Charlotta Pyles was born into slavery in Tennessee. She lived on a large farm called a plantation near Bardstown, Kentucky. Her children were also born into slavery on this farm. After the farm owner, Hugh Gordon, passed away, his daughter Frances Gordon took over. Frances moved Charlotta and her family from Kentucky to Iowa. There, Frances set Charlotta and some of her family free.

A Difficult Start

It's hard to know Charlotta's exact birthdate because records for enslaved people were rarely kept. Some say she was born in April 1790. Others believe it was in 1804 or 1806. Some stories say Charlotta's mother was a Seminole Indian and her father was enslaved.

Charlotta grew up on Hugh Gordon's farm in Kentucky. When Hugh Gordon died, his daughter Frances inherited Charlotta and her family. Frances Gordon wanted to free the Pyles family from slavery. Her Wesleyan Methodist faith taught that slavery was wrong and encouraged setting enslaved people free.

Fighting for Freedom in Court

Even though Frances Gordon wanted to free the family, her brothers disagreed. They tried to stop her twice, in 1853 and 1854. They claimed Frances was too old and unwell to make decisions. But Frances Gordon bravely defended herself in court. The judge, Col. W.H. Hays, and the jury agreed with Frances.

After winning the court case, Frances took the Pyles family north to find freedom. They eventually settled in Keokuk, Iowa. Sadly, Charlotta's son, Benjamin, was kidnapped and sold back into slavery during this time.

A Voice for Change

Even after Charlotta was free, her son Benjamin and two of her sons-in-law were still enslaved. Charlotta decided she had to buy their freedom. She needed $1,500 for each person, which was a total of $3,000. This was a huge amount of money back then.

Speaking Out

To raise the money, Charlotta Pyles began giving public speeches. She traveled to big cities like Philadelphia and New York. Even though she had no formal schooling, her speeches were very popular. People loved to hear her speak. In just six months, she raised all the money she needed! She then used it to buy the freedom of her sons-in-law.

Meeting Other Leaders

Charlotta's powerful speeches caught the attention of other important activists. One was Frederick Douglass, a famous abolitionist. Another was Susan B. Anthony, a leader in the women's right to vote movement. Frederick Douglass even wrote a poem about Charlotta Pyles in his newspaper on December 14, 1855.

After her lecture tour, Charlotta continued to fight against slavery. Her home in Keokuk became a safe place for runaway slaves. She helped them on their journey to Canada, which was a safe haven for many. Charlotta Pyles also worked to help women gain the right to vote. She passed away on January 19, 1880, and is buried in Keokuk, Iowa.