Rachel Cliff (politician) facts for kids

Rachel Cliff (1806-1885) was an important American woman. She was one of only two women who officially represented her state at a big meeting in Philadelphia in 1855. This meeting was part of the Colored Conventions Movement. Rachel Cliff worked as a janitress, which means she was a female janitor, in Philadelphia.

Early Life and Family

Rachel Cliff was born in New Jersey in 1806. Both of her parents were also from New Jersey. Later, she moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There, she married Isaac Cliff, who worked as a barber. Rachel and Isaac had a son named John Cliff, who was born around 1839 or 1840.

Working for Change

Rachel Cliff was part of the Colored Conventions Movement. This was a group of free and formerly enslaved African Americans. They worked hard to improve rights for African Americans. They focused on laws, jobs, and education.

The 1855 National Convention

In 1855, Rachel Cliff was a delegate at the National Colored Convention in Philadelphia. This was a very important meeting. She was one of only two women from Pennsylvania chosen to be a delegate.

At this convention, leaders talked about many important topics. They discussed creating a special school for African Americans. This school would teach them useful skills for jobs. They also shared a message to help people who were still enslaved.

Later Life

Rachel Cliff became a widow sometime before 1874. Her husband, Isaac, passed away before her. In 1874, city records in Philadelphia listed her as a "janitrix." By 1880, she was living with two of her nephews. One nephew was a musician, and the other was a waiter.

Death

Rachel Cliff passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 28, 1885. She died at a place called the 24th Ward Home for Aged and Infirm Colored Persons. She was buried two days later in Lebanon Cemetery.