Humanitarian. Remembered for helping former slaves as a benefactor after the Civil War and pioneering African-African nursing homes in the Cleveland, Ohio area. She was born to Polly Simmons, a slave and her master on a plantation in Wayne County, North Carolina. In 1848 her mother was freed and her family moved north, purchasing a home in Cleveland, Ohio with funds from her master. Her education is unknown but she was a pioneer in the movement to welcome and assist African-Americans to the Cleveland area, particularly those moving from southern states through the Great Migration after emancipation. It was here that she learned of the special needs of elderly African-Americans left alone due to slavery. At the time facilities denied access to African-Americans and herself, and around 1893 she and others established a home for aged Blacks. In January of 1895 a board of trustees was named and the "Cleveland Home for Aged Colored People" opened on August 11, 1897. She was married and had several children. Since her death the city of Cleveland has honored her in various ways.
Humanitarian. Remembered for helping former slaves as a benefactor after the Civil War and pioneering African-African nursing homes in the Cleveland, Ohio area. She was born to Polly Simmons, a slave and her master on a plantation in Wayne County, North Carolina. In 1848 her mother was freed and her family moved north, purchasing a home in Cleveland, Ohio with funds from her master. Her education is unknown but she was a pioneer in the movement to welcome and assist African-Americans to the Cleveland area, particularly those moving from southern states through the Great Migration after emancipation. It was here that she learned of the special needs of elderly African-Americans left alone due to slavery. At the time facilities denied access to African-Americans and herself, and around 1893 she and others established a home for aged Blacks. In January of 1895 a board of trustees was named and the "Cleveland Home for Aged Colored People" opened on August 11, 1897. She was married and had several children. Since her death the city of Cleveland has honored her in various ways.
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