Susan Paul Vashon facts for kids
Susan Paul Smith Vashon (born September 19, 1838 – died November 27, 1912) was an important American educator and activist. She worked to end slavery and was a leader in women's clubs. During the Civil War, Susan Vashon helped soldiers and people who had to leave their homes. She was also part of the Underground Railroad, a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom. She worked as a teacher and a school principal. Later in her life, Vashon helped start and lead several women's clubs in Missouri.
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Early Life and Education
Susan Vashon was born in Boston on September 19, 1838. Her father, Elijah W. Smith, was a famous composer and played the cornet. Susan's mother died when she was young, so her grandmother raised her. Her grandfather, Thomas Paul, was a minister. Many people in her family were active in the movement to end slavery, called abolitionism.
Susan went to Miss O'Mears Seminary in Somerville, Massachusetts. She was the only Black student there. She was a very good student and graduated at the top of her class. This is called being the valedictorian.
Teacher and Family Life
After finishing school, Susan taught for a short time in Pittsburgh. She lived there with her father. The principal of the school where she taught was George Boyer Vashon. Susan married George on February 17, 1857. They had seven children together. After their first child was born in 1859, Susan stopped teaching for a while.
Helping the Underground Railroad
Susan Vashon, her husband George, and George's father all helped the Underground Railroad. This was a secret system that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. They risked a lot to help others.
Civil War Efforts
During the Civil War, Susan Vashon helped wounded soldiers. In 1864 and 1865, she organized special events called bazaars. These events raised money for medical care and homes for soldiers and people who had lost their homes in Pittsburgh.
Moving and New Roles
In 1872, Susan Vashon and her family moved to Washington, D.C.. Susan started teaching again. She later became the principal at Thaddeus Stevens School. She worked there until 1880.
Leading Women's Clubs
The Vashon family moved to St. Louis in 1882. In St. Louis, Susan became very involved with women's clubs. She joined the Missouri State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs and became its president in 1902.
Susan Vashon also helped create the St. Louis Association of Colored Women's Clubs. She served as its president in 1903. She played a big part in bringing the national meeting of the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) to St. Louis in 1904. This was a very important event for Black women across the country.
Later Life and Legacy
Susan Vashon passed away at her home on November 27, 1912. She was buried in Bellefontaine Cemetery. Today, Vashon High School in St. Louis is named after the Vashon family, honoring their contributions to education and civil rights.
