Martha Ann Erskine Ricks facts for kids
Martha Ann Ricks (1817–1901) was an amazing woman from Liberia. She was one of the first people to move there from America. Martha was born into slavery in Tennessee, USA. Her father, George Erskine, bought her freedom and the freedom of her family. In 1830, when she was 13, Martha and her family moved to Liberia.
In Liberia, Martha Ann Ricks was a successful farmer. She was also very good at needlework, especially quilting. She spent over 20 years making a special quilt for Queen Victoria of England. In 1892, Martha traveled to England with Jane Roberts, Liberia's former First Lady. Martha met Queen Victoria and gave her the beautiful quilt.
Early Life and Moving to Liberia
Martha Ann was born in Tennessee, USA. At that time, she was born into slavery. Her father, George Erskine, worked hard to save money. He used his savings to buy freedom for Martha, her mother, and her brothers and sisters.
In 1830, when Martha was 13, her family moved to Liberia. They settled in a town called Clay-Ashland. This move was part of a project by the American Colonization Society. This group helped free African Americans move to Liberia.
Life in Liberia
In Liberia, Martha Ann married Zion Harris. She had met him on the ship journey to Liberia. Martha and Zion became successful farmers. They raised animals like turkeys, ducks, and sheep. They also grew many crops.
Martha Ann was also known for her excellent needlework. She was very skilled at quilting. In 1858, she even won a prize for some silk stockings she had made. After Zion Harris passed away, Martha married again. Her second husband was Henry Ricks, and she became known as Martha Ann Ricks.
The Quilt for Queen Victoria
Over many years, Martha Ann Ricks became very interested in Queen Victoria of England. She dreamed of meeting the Queen one day. Martha decided to make a special gift for the Queen.
For 25 years, Martha Ann worked on a beautiful quilt. The quilt showed a Liberian Coffee Tree. It was made from silk cotton. The pattern had over 300 green leaves and red coffee berries. A "tree of life" design was in the middle, and the background was white.
When Martha Ricks was 76 years old, her dream came true. The Liberian Ambassador, Edward Blyden, helped her arrange a trip to England. Martha traveled with Jane Roberts, who was Liberia's former First Lady.
On July 16, 1892, Martha Ann Ricks met Queen Victoria. They met at Windsor Castle in England. Martha personally gave her special quilt to the Queen. Martha Ann Ricks passed away in 1901.
Legacy
- Kyra Hicks wrote a book about her, called Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria (2012).
- Her story was also shared in a short radio show on BBC. It was called "Looking for Aunt Martha's Quilt" (2017). Her descendant, Florence Dennis-Huskin, read the story.
