Lucie Johnson Scruggs facts for kids
Lucie Johnson Scruggs (born Lucie Johnson; October 14, 1864 – November 24, 1892) was an amazing woman from Virginia. She was born into slavery but grew up to become a teacher and a writer. Her husband, Lawson A. Scruggs, wrote a book about important women, and he made sure to include her story.
Contents
Lucie's Early Life and Education
Lucie Johnson was born on October 14, 1864, in Richmond, Virginia. She was the youngest of four children. Lucie was born into slavery and also had some Native American heritage. For her first nine years, she mostly knew only her mother's slaveowner's grandchildren.
Starting School and Special Talents
In 1873, when Lucie was nine, she started public school in Richmond. Her sister was already in the fourth grade. Lucie was very smart, especially in math. She was promoted twice each school year!
Moving for Health and College
When Lucie was fourteen, she joined the First Baptist Church of Richmond. She missed two winters of school because she was sick. Doctors thought a change of climate might help her. So, she moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, to attend Shaw University. She graduated in May 1883. After graduating, she went to New York City to live with her mother.
Lucie's Career and Achievements
In October 1883, Lucie began teaching in Chatham, Virginia. This was shortly after her only brother passed away. In May 1884, she returned to New York. There, she and her sister opened a private school for girls. They ran the school for four years.
Writing and Publishing
During this time, Lucie also wrote articles for newspapers like the Richmond Planet. In 1886, she published her own book. It was a grammar book for beginners called Grammar-Land.
Marriage and Later Life
Lucie Johnson had met Lawson A. Scruggs at Shaw University. They married on February 22, 1888, in New York. Soon after, Lucie wrote a play called Farmer Fox. She and her husband then moved to Raleigh. There, she joined the Blount Street Baptist Church. Lucie was also a member of the Second Baptist Church and the King's Daughters' Missionary Society. She even started a group called the Pansy Literary Society and was its president twice.
Lucie and Lawson had two children, Leonard and Goldie. Sadly, Lucie passed away on November 24, 1892, after a short illness. The next year, her husband, Lawson Scruggs, published his book "Women of Distinction." He made sure to include his beloved wife's story in it.
