Lucy Ross Henson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lucy Ross Henson
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Lucy Ross Henson, from a 1911 newspaper
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Lucy Ross Henson
1888 New York, New York, US
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| Died | March 12, 1968 |
| Spouse(s) | Matthew Henson |
Lucy Jane Ross Henson (born June 1879 – died March 12, 1968) was an amazing American woman. She was a talented singer, worked at a bank, and directed music. She was also very active in community clubs in Harlem, New York. Lucy is best known as the wife of Matthew Henson, a famous explorer. She spent much of her life sharing his story and keeping his memory alive.
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Early Life
Lucy Jane Ross was born in New York City in June 1879. Her parents were Mediator Ross and Susan Randolph.
A Life of Purpose
Lucy Henson was a gifted soprano singer. She was well-known in Baptist church groups. In 1909, her husband Matthew Henson reached the North Pole. He was with fellow American Robert Peary and four local guides.
Sharing Matthew Henson's Story
By 1910, Lucy was already speaking to audiences. She worked hard to make sure Matthew's important role in the expedition was not forgotten. She carefully saved and collected items from his Arctic trips. These included his knife, ice pick, saw, camera, and lantern slides. She later gave these valuable items to Morgan State University. This helped preserve his incredible story.
Community Involvement
Lucy was very active at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem. She was involved there for over fifty years. In 1913, she was the president of the Church Choirs Club. During World War I, she led a group of Black women who helped with war efforts at the church. In the 1930s, she became the church's music director. She also served as vice-president of the Adam Clayton Powell Crusaders Club.
Lucy Henson made history as the first Black clerk. She worked at the Manufacturers' Trust Company bank. She was also a member of several important clubs. These included the Harlem Club, the Negro Business and Professional Women's Club, and The National Council of Negro Women.
Honoring an Explorer
In 1954, Lucy and her husband visited President Eisenhower. This was to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Peary-Henson expedition. In 1959, she attended a special event. A postage stamp was revealed to mark the 50th anniversary of the expedition. This event took place in Peary's hometown, Cresson, Pennsylvania. Later that year, lawmakers in New York City tried to get a federal pension for Lucy. This was to honor her husband's contributions and help her financially.
Personal Life
Lucy Ross became the second wife of Matthew Alexander Henson. They married in 1907 when she was 27 years old. Matthew Henson passed away in 1955. Lucy died in 1968, at the age of 79. She passed away at a hospital in New York. Her remains were first buried in New York's Woodlawn Cemetery. However, since 1988, her grave has been at Arlington National Cemetery.
