Lucy Goode Brooks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lucy Goode Brooks
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Lucy Goode
September 13, 1818 Virginia, U.S.
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| Died | October 7, 1900 (aged 82) Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Founding the Friends' Asylum for Colored Orphans |
Lucy Goode Brooks (born September 13, 1818 – died October 7, 1900) was an American woman who was born into slavery. She played a very important role in starting the Friends' Asylum for Colored Orphans in Richmond, Virginia. This orphanage helped many children after the Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Lucy Goode was born in Virginia on September 13, 1818. Her mother, Judith Goode, was also enslaved. Her father was a white man. Lucy met another enslaved person named Albert Royal Brooks. She taught him how to read and write. This helped them write special notes to see each other.
In 1838, Lucy's owner died. She then became the property of a man named Sublett. That same year, she joined the First Baptist Church of Richmond. Soon after, Sublett allowed Lucy to marry Albert on February 2, 1839. They were also allowed to live together.
Albert's owner let him run a livery stable. Albert collected money from this business. He was also allowed to keep his extra earnings. He used this money to buy his freedom. In 1841, the Baptist church split. Lucy joined a new group that formed the First African Baptist Church.
Working for Freedom
In 1858, Lucy's owner, Sublett, died. His family planned to sell Lucy and her children to different owners. This would separate them forever. Lucy worked hard to make a deal. She talked with merchants who bought her children. They allowed the children to live with Lucy. But the children had to show up for work every day.
Sadly, one of her daughters was sold to owners in Tennessee. This separation was very painful for Lucy. Knowing they could be split up motivated the Brooks family. They worked very hard to buy freedom for Lucy and their children. Lucy's new owner, Daniel Von Groning, also owned her three youngest boys. He allowed Albert to pay for their freedom over time.
It took four years of hard work. On October 21, 1862, their freedom papers were signed. This act of being set free was called manumission. Their older three boys became free when the Civil War ended.
Helping Children and Her Legacy
Lucy had lost a daughter and a son who were sold away. This experience made her want to help other children. After the Civil War, many children were separated from their families. At first, the government offered some help for these children. But soon, they wanted local groups to take over.
Lucy Brooks was a leader in a group called the Ladies Sewing Circle for Charitable Work. She convinced the other ladies to help start an orphanage. She also got support from several churches. This included the local Quaker group. Together, they founded the Friends' Asylum for Colored Orphans.
The city council approved the plan in 1867. The orphanage opened two years later. This organization is still helping families today. It is now called the Friends Association for Children. It provides childcare and support for families with lower incomes.
Lucy Brooks passed away on October 7, 1900, in Richmond, Virginia. She was buried in the Mechanic's Cemetery. In 2008, a special marker was put up in Virginia to honor her. It is located at Charity and Saint Paul Streets. A book about her life was published in 1989.
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Lucy Goode Brooks
