Susan E. Cannon Allen
Susan E. Cannon Allen (May 26, 1859 – May 12, 1935)[1] was an African American suffragist.
Susan E. Cannon Allen | |
|---|---|
| Born | Susan E. Cannon May 26, 1859 |
| Died | May 12, 1935 |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | suffragist |
Personal Life and Education
Cannon Allen was born in Galesburg, Illinois to James and Clarissa Richardson Cannon, and she was their only daughter. Her great-grandparents, Thomas and Susan Richardson, came to Knox county from Kentucky through the Underground Railroad.[2]
She attended Monmouth schools with the goal of teaching foreign languages but did not end up pursuing that. She instead pursued missionary work in the United Presbyterian Church in Galesburg, Illinois.[2]
She later, in 1877 married John R. Allen which lasted 56 years until he passed away in 1933. They had twenty children together.[2]
Community and Suffrage Work
Susan E. Cannon Allen was passionate about uplifting other African American people and doing community work. From 1910 to 1911 she was vice president of the Autumn Leaf Club which was one of the oldest Colored Women's Club in Illinois, and was located in Galesburg.[2]
She helped to found the Woman's Progressive Club in 1909 alongside twenty four other women. Susan was trustee, steward and the president of the club. As a club they mostly did charity work for the elderly and the poor.[2]
References
- "Knox County "Mrs. Susan Allen Obituary"". www.illinoisancestors.org. Retrieved March 25, 2020.
- Guyton, Amber. "Biographical Sketch of Susan Cannon Allen". Women and Social Movements in the United States, 1600-2000. Alexandria, VA, Alexander Street 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2020.