Zelia Ball Page facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zelia Ball Page
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Zelia R. Ball
June 21, 1850 |
| Died | July 15, 1937 (aged 87) |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Zelia R. Page |
| Occupation | educator |
| Years active | 1875-1920 |
| Known for | first matron of Langston University |
Zelia Ball Page (1850–1937) was an important African-American teacher. She was born free and spent her life educating young Black people in different states like Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Her husband was the first leader of Langston University, and Zelia was the first "matron" there. A matron is like a headmistress or a person in charge of student welfare, especially for female students.
Contents
Zelia's Early Life and Education
Zelia R. Ball was born on June 21, 1850, in Alexandria, Virginia. Her mother, who was also free, raised her in Washington, D.C.. Zelia's mother helped people escape slavery through the Underground Railroad. Because this work was dangerous, she worried about Zelia's safety.
To keep Zelia safe, her mother arranged for them to travel with a doctor named Peter Parker. They pretended to be his enslaved people to avoid suspicion. They traveled to New York and then made their way to Providence, Rhode Island.
After arriving in Providence, Zelia went to school. Later, she moved to Boston for more education. In 1870, she started attending Wilberforce University. She worked hard and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1875. This was a big achievement for a Black woman at that time.
A Career in Teaching and Leadership
After finishing college, Zelia returned to Providence. She soon married Inman E. Page on June 27, 1878. That same year, the couple moved to Jefferson City, Missouri. They began teaching at the Lincoln Institute.
Zelia became a science teacher, teaching subjects like botany (the study of plants), physiology (how living things work), and zoology (the study of animals). Her husband, Inman, became the principal of the school in 1880. In 1885, Zelia was also made the matron, helping to oversee the students.
During their time at Lincoln, Zelia and Inman had three children: Zelia N., Mary, and Inman Jr. Sadly, their son Inman Jr. passed away when he was seven years old. In 1891, Zelia started the Union Training School. This school taught useful skills to young Black people who needed help. She continued teaching at Lincoln for seven more years.
Moving to Oklahoma and Beyond
In 1898, Zelia and Inman left Lincoln Institute. They moved to Langston, Oklahoma, which was then called Oklahoma Territory. Inman became the first head of the Oklahoma Colored Agricultural and Normal University, which is now known as Langston University.
Zelia was hired as the matron for this new university. Their daughter, Zelia Breaux, also joined the staff as the music instructor. Zelia Ball Page was also an officer for the Afro-American Council in Oklahoma, working to support the Black community.
In 1915, the Pages moved again, this time to Macon, Missouri. Inman became the president of the Colored Baptist College. Just three years later, they moved to Nashville, Tennessee. There, Inman led Roger Williams University, and Zelia continued her important work as a teacher. They briefly returned to Lincoln Institute before moving back to Oklahoma in 1924.
Later Life and Legacy
Zelia Ball Page passed away on July 15, 1937, at her daughter Zelia's home in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She died from heart problems.
Throughout her life, Zelia Ball Page made huge contributions to education. She dedicated her career to teaching and supporting African-American youth. Her efforts helped many young people get an education and learn important skills for their future. She is remembered for her lasting impact on education and her community.
