Mary Ann Prout
African-American educator
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mary Ann Prout (February 14, 1800 or 1801 – 1884) was an African-American educator and founder of the Black fraternal society, Independent Order of St. Luke. Prout died in Baltimore around 1884.[1][2]
February 14, 1800 or 1801
Mary Ann Prout | |
|---|---|
| Born | Mary Ann Prout February 14, 1800 or 1801 Maryland |
| Died | 1884 Baltimore, Maryland |
| Occupations | founder, businesswoman, teacher. |
| Known for | Founder of the Black fraternal society, Independent Order of St. Luke |
Early life
Prout was thought to be born in either South River or Baltimore, Maryland in 1800 or 1801.[3] Prout was enslaved at birth and was later freed before the American Civil War.[4]
Career
Prout founded a day school in Baltimore in 1830, and taught there until its closure in 1867.[3] Prout was a member of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. She was involved in other humanitarian ventures; a trusteeship of the Gregory Aged Women's Home, president of the local chapter of the National Reform Educational Association, and founded a secret order in 1867 that became the Independent Order of St. Luke, a Black aid organization.
The Independent Order of St. Luke
The Independent Order of St. Luke was founded in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1867 by Mary Ann Prout.[5] Originally a women's only aid society, it allowed men to join in the 1880s.[4]
