Frances Reynolds Keyser facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Frances Reynolds Keyser
Frances Reynolds Keyser, from a 1909 photograph.
Born	1860s Georgia
Died	1932 New York
Nationality	American
Occupation	Educator, suffragist, clubwoman

Frances Reynolds Keyser (born in the 1860s, died 1932) was an important American woman. She was a teacher, a leader in women's clubs, and someone who fought for women's right to vote (a suffragist).

She took over as the head of the White Rose Mission in New York City after Victoria Earle Matthews. She also worked closely with Mary McLeod Bethune as a top leader at the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute.

Early Life and Education

Frances Reynolds was born in Georgia around 1862, during the American Civil War. She was very smart, and a kind person who gave money to good causes (a philanthropist) helped her. This person paid for her to go to New York City to train as a teacher.

In 1880, she finished her studies with high honors from Hunter College.

Her Career and Work

Frances Reynolds started her career teaching in New York City. After her husband passed away, she moved back to the southern United States. She taught in Maryland and Florida for a while.

Later, Victoria Earle Matthews asked her to come back to New York. She wanted Frances to work at the White Rose Mission. This mission was a Christian home, a kindergarten, a library, and a place for the community to gather.

Leading the White Rose Mission

When Victoria Earle Matthews died in 1907, Keyser became the new leader (superintendent) of the White Rose Mission. In 1911, she spoke at a meeting for social workers. She talked about the important work they were doing at the White Rose Mission.

Working with Mary McLeod Bethune

In 1912, Keyser moved to Florida again. She went to help Mary McLeod Bethune at the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute. Keyser worked there until she retired in 1924.

She taught many subjects at the school, including English, drama, public speaking, and Latin. She also managed the school's money as the bookkeeper. By 1922, she was known as the "dean and director" of the school's academic programs. She also started and managed Keyser Elementary School, which was part of Bethune-Cookman College.

Community and Women's Rights

While in New York, Keyser was friends with important people like Hubert Harrison and Paul Laurence Dunbar. She was very active in groups that worked for social change.

She was involved with the Brooklyn Equal Suffrage League, which fought for women's right to vote. She also joined the YWCA and the National Association of Colored Women. She was the first president of the Empire State Federation of Women's Clubs. Keyser was also on the first main committee of the NAACP.

When she was in Florida, she led the State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs from 1915 to 1917.

Personal Life

Frances Reynolds Keyser was married for a short time. She passed away in New York in 1932. She was about 70 years old and had been in poor health for ten years.