Eva Roberta Coles Boone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eva Roberta Coles Boone
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| Born |
Eva Roberta Coles
January 8, 1880 Charlottesville, Virginia
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| Died | December 8, 1902 (aged 22) Palaballa, Congo Free State
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Educator, Missionary |
| Spouse(s) |
Clinton Caldwell Boone
(m. 1901) |
Eva Roberta Coles Boone was an inspiring African-American teacher and missionary. She lived from 1880 to 1902. With her husband, Clinton Caldwell Boone, she traveled from Charlottesville, Virginia, to serve in the Congo Free State. Today, this country is known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Her Early Life
Eva Roberta Coles was born on January 8, 1880, in Charlottesville, Virginia. She attended Hartshorn Memorial College. This was a very special school. It was the first college in the world for women of color. Eva finished her studies there in 1899.
Becoming a Missionary
After graduating, Eva returned to Charlottesville to teach. In 1901, she married Clinton Caldwell Boone. Clinton had studied at Virginia Union University. He earned his divinity degree in 1900. His father was also a minister. Clinton grew up in Hertford County, North Carolina.
Eva and Clinton were chosen to work as missionaries. They received support from two groups: the American Baptist Missionary Union and the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention. On May 24, 1901, they arrived at the Palaballa station. This station was in the Katanga province of the Congo Free State.
Life in the Congo
At that time, it was quite rare for American religious groups to send people of color as missionaries to Africa. Eva worked hard at the Palaballa station. She taught young children in a kindergarten class. She also helped people by giving medical treatment.
Eva also started a sewing circle for the women in the village. She wanted to teach them how to sew. However, in the culture of the Kongo people, men traditionally did most of the sewing. Eva slowly worked to change these cultural ideas. The women of the village respected her greatly. They called her "Mama Bunu."
Her Legacy
Sadly, Eva died on December 8, 1902, in Palaballa. She passed away from a venomous bite. She and her husband had also experienced the loss of their infant child. Eva Roberta Coles Boone is remembered for her dedication and service as a teacher and missionary.
