Jane Putnam facts for kids

Jane Clark Putnam was an important activist in Boston. She worked to end slavery and to reduce alcohol use. She came from a well-known Black family in the northern United States. Jane was married to George Putnam. She was also the mother of Georgiana Frances Putnam, who became a famous educator.

Jane Putnam helped start a group in the 1830s that worked against alcohol. She was also an officer in the Garrison Society.

Jane Putnam's Early Life

Jane Putnam was born Jane Clark. She belonged to a respected family in Massachusetts. Her parents were Peter Clark and Mitty Rhodes. Her family had lived in Hubbardston since 1768.

On July 3, 1825, Jane married George Putnam. They first lived in Salem. There, they raised their seven children: Joseph, Georgiana, Helen, Jane, Adelaide, George, and Wendell Phillips. Jane was a business owner in Salem. She successfully ran a hair salon with her brother, Anthony Clark.

Fighting for Change

Jane's husband, George, was a leader in the movements against alcohol and slavery. He was one of the first to suggest that Black people should organize. This group would work to address unfair treatment against Black Americans. Jane Putnam was chosen to be the president of the women's group that supported this effort.

These groups were formed because of increasing segregation in Boston. Segregation meant that Black people were kept separate from white people. The Putnam family faced this unfair treatment themselves. For example, they were once not allowed into a museum because of their skin color. Jane Putnam also signed petitions asking the state government to make schools open to all children, regardless of their race.

Leading Social Movements

Jane Putnam was a key activist in Boston's movement against alcohol. She worked with other important women like Susan Paul and Nancy Prince. In 1833, she co-founded Boston's Black women's temperance society. This group worked to reduce the drinking of alcoholic beverages. She started this group with Lavinia Ames Hilton.

Four years later, in 1837, she also helped create the Garrison Juvenile Society. This society taught about history and offered social services. It also held rallies to end slavery. In 1833, the Putnam family's home hosted an event. At this event, William Lloyd Garrison was honored for his work against slavery.