Henrietta Duterte facts for kids
Henrietta Duterte (born 1817 – died 1903) was an amazing African-American woman. She owned a funeral home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was also a philanthropist, meaning she loved to help others. Plus, she was an abolitionist, which means she worked to end slavery. Henrietta was the first American woman to own a funeral business. Her business even helped people escape slavery on the Underground Railroad.
Henrietta Duterte's Life Story
Henrietta Duterte was born Henrietta Bowers. She came from a wealthy, free Black family in Philadelphia. She grew up in an area called the Seventh Ward. This neighborhood became famous because of a book by W.E.B. DuBois. His book, The Philadelphia Negro, was the first big study of a Black American community.
Henrietta was one of 13 children. Her brother, John C. Bowers, was a businessman and also worked to end slavery. Another brother, Thomas Bowers, was a famous opera singer. Henrietta was known for her stylish clothes. She started her career as a tailor, making clothes.
Taking Over the Family Business
In 1852, Henrietta married Francis A. Duterte. Francis was from Haiti and owned a funeral business. Sadly, Henrietta and Francis lost their children when they were very young. Francis himself passed away in 1858.
After her husband died, Henrietta took over the funeral parlor. This made her the first American woman to run such a business. Her funeral home became known for its quick service. This was very important back then, before modern ways of preserving bodies existed. Her business was very successful. It was estimated to make about $8,000 a year, which would be over $200,000 today!
Helping Others and the Underground Railroad
Henrietta Duterte was a member of the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. She used her funeral business to help people fleeing from the Southern states. She would often hide runaway slaves in coffins. Sometimes, she disguised them as part of funeral processions. This helped them travel without being caught.
Because her business did so well, Henrietta could give a lot of money to her community. She supported the AME Church of St. Thomas. She also helped the Philadelphia Home for Aged and Infirm Colored Persons. This home cared for older Black people who needed help. She also gave money to the Freedman's Aid Society. This group helped formerly enslaved people after the Civil War.
Later in her life, Henrietta gave her funeral home to her nephew, Joseph Seth. Henrietta passed away on December 23, 1903, when she was 86 years old. She is buried in the historic Eden Cemetery in Collingdale, Pennsylvania.
