Gertrude Bustill Mossell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gertrude Bustill Mossell
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| Born |
Gertrude Emily Hicks Bustill
July 3, 1855 |
| Died | January 21, 1948 (aged 92) |
| Spouse(s) | Nathan Francis Mossell |
| Parent(s) | Charles Hicks Bustill |
| Relatives | Bustill family |
Gertrude Emily Hicks Bustill Mossell (born July 3, 1855 – died January 21, 1948) was an important African-American journalist, author, teacher, and activist. She worked as the women's editor for the New York Age newspaper from 1885 to 1889. She also held this role for the Indianapolis World from 1891 to 1892. Gertrude strongly believed in supporting black newspapers. She also encouraged more women to become journalists.
Early Life and Education
Gertrude Bustill was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 3, 1855. Her parents were Emily Robinson and Charles Hicks Bustill. She came from the Bustill family, a well-known African-American family. Her great-grandfather, Cyrus Bustill, was a baker for George Washington's army. After the American Revolution, he opened a successful bakery in Philadelphia. He also helped start the first black mutual-aid group in America, called the Free African Society.
Many other Bustill family members were also famous. Gertrude's great-aunt, Grace Bustill Douglass, was an abolitionist and teacher. Grace's daughter, Sarah Mapps Douglas, was an activist and artist.
Gertrude's father encouraged her to learn from a young age. She went to public schools in Philadelphia. These included the Institute for Colored Youth and the Robert Vaux Grammar School. When she graduated, she gave a speech called "Influence." This speech impressed Bishop Henry McNeal Turner. He was the editor of The Christian Recorder, an African Methodist Episcopal newspaper. McNeal published her speech and asked Gertrude to write poems and essays for his newspaper.
Journalism and Writing Career
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After finishing school, Gertrude taught for several years. She taught in Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey. At the same time, she began to write for newspapers. She worked as a writer and editor for many newspapers and magazines. Some of these included the A.M.E. Church Review and the Philadelphia Times. She also wrote for Woman's Era and Colored American Magazine. She was the women's editor for the New York Age from 1885 to 1889. Later, she edited for the Indianapolis World from 1891 to 1892.
Gertrude wrote for both black and white publications. However, her articles often focused on issues important to black women. Her column, "Our Woman's Department," appeared in newspapers across the country. It gave helpful advice on managing a home. It also promoted being careful with money and being practical. Many of these articles were on the front page. Each one started with a note from the editor. It said the column aimed to help "true womanhood, especially that of the African race." Readers could even write to Gertrude at her home.
She also wrote about political and social topics. She used her writing to speak up for racial equality. She especially wanted fair chances for black people in jobs. She often urged more black women to become journalists. Gertrude strongly supported women getting the right to vote. She argued against the idea that women who wanted to vote would never marry. She wrote, "Give women more power in the government offices if the desire is for peace and prosperity."
In 1894, she published a book called The Work of the Afro-American Woman. This book was a collection of essays and poems. It celebrated the achievements of black women in many different areas. In 1902, she wrote a children's book for Sunday school. It was titled Little Dansie's One Day at Sabbath School.
Gertrude Bustill Mossell was also very involved in community work. She led the effort to raise money for the Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital and Training School. This hospital opened in 1895. She raised $30,000 for it. She then became the president of its Social Service Auxiliary. She also helped start the Philadelphia branch of the National Afro-American Council.
Personal Life
In 1880, Gertrude married Nathan Francis Mossell. He was a leading doctor in Philadelphia. They had two daughters, Florence and Mary. Sadly, two other children died when they were babies.
Gertrude Mossell passed away on January 21, 1948. She was 92 years old. She died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
See also
- Bustill family
