Susan E. Cannon Allen facts for kids

Susan E. Cannon Allen (born May 26, 1859 – died May 12, 1935) was an important African-American leader from Illinois. She worked hard for women's right to vote, also known as suffrage. She also supported the temperance movement, which aimed to reduce alcohol use. Susan Allen held many leadership roles in women's clubs, working to improve her community and state.

Early Life and Education

Susan E. Cannon Allen was born in Galesburg, Illinois. Her parents were James and Clarissa Richardson Cannon. She was their only daughter. Her great-grandparents, Thomas and Susan Richardson, came to Knox County from Kentucky. They traveled through the Underground Railroad, a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom.

Susan went to schools in Monmouth. She hoped to teach foreign languages. However, she later chose to do missionary work. This work was for the United Presbyterian Church in Galesburg.

In 1877, she married John R. Allen. Their marriage lasted 56 years until he passed away in 1933. They had many children together.

Working for Her Community and Women's Rights

Susan E. Cannon Allen was very dedicated to helping other African-American people. She also worked to improve her community. Women's clubs were very important. They helped women like Susan develop leadership skills. These clubs also allowed them to speak up for women's rights and fairness for all races. They also did a lot of community service.

From 1910 to 1911, Susan Allen was the vice president of the Autumn Leaf Club. This was one of the oldest African-American women's clubs in Illinois. It was located in Galesburg. The Autumn Leaf Club started in June 1890. Eva Solomon founded it to raise money for the local Allen Chapel A. M. E. Church. The club focused on helping the community. Its motto was "love one another." Susan E. Cannon Allen was one of the 24 women who first started this club.

In 1909, she also helped start the Woman's Progressive Club. She worked with 24 other women to create it. Susan served as a trustee, steward, and president of this club. The Woman's Progressive Club mainly did charity work. They helped elderly people and those who were poor.