Laura Askew Haygood

Laura Askew Haygood

Laura Askew Haygood was born on October 14th, 1845

Birth Year: 1845
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Profession: American Educator and Missionary
Nationality: American
Occupation: Teacher and Missionary
Death Year: 1900
Known For: Missionary work in Africa
Organizations: Womens Baptist Foreign Missionary Society

An American educator and missionary who dedicated her life to teaching and evangelizing in China, establishing schools and hospitals, and advocating for women's education and social reform.

Written by: Lisa Chang Lisa Chang

Laura Askew Haygood: A Pioneer in Education and Missionary Work

A Life Dedicated to Service

Laura Askew Haygood was a renowned American educator and missionary who devoted her life to serving others. Born on October 14, 1845, in Watkinsville, Georgia, Haygood made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals through her tireless efforts in education and missionary work.

Early Life and Education

Haygood was the younger sister of Atticus Greene Haygood, a bishop in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. She received her early education at home, taught by her mother, before enrolling in Wesleyan College at the age of 16. Haygood graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1864, just two years later.

A Career in Education

Haygood's passion for education led her to open her own high school for girls in Atlanta, which later merged with Girls High School. She served as the principal and an educator at Girls High School, playing a vital role in shaping the lives of young women. In 1882, Haygood established the Trinity Home Mission, a pioneering initiative aimed at training women to assist the poor in Atlanta.

Missionary Work in China

In 1884, Haygood embarked on a missionary journey to China, where she spent several years serving the local community. During her time in Shanghai, she co-founded the McTyeire School in 1892, which has since evolved into the prestigious Shanghai No. 3 Girls High School. Haygood's dedication to her work earned her the respect and admiration of the people she served.

Legacy and Honors

Laura Askew Haygood's remarkable life came to an end on April 29, 1900, while she was still on mission in Shanghai. Her legacy, however, continues to inspire generations. In 1916, the Laura Haygood Normal School was established in Suzhou, China, in recognition of her contributions to education. The Haygood Memorial Methodist Church, built in Atlanta's Morningside neighborhood in 1926, stands as a testament to her enduring influence. Haygood was posthumously inducted into the Georgia Women of Achievement in 2000.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

  • 1845: Born on October 14th in Watkinsville, Georgia
  • 1864: Graduated from Wesleyan College with a Bachelor of Arts degree
  • 1877: Became the principal of Girls High School in Atlanta
  • 1882: Established the Trinity Home Mission in Atlanta
  • 1884: Sent to China as a missionary by the Woman's Board of Missions of the MECS
  • 1892: Co-founded the McTyeire School in Shanghai, China
  • 1900: Passed away on April 29th while on mission in Shanghai

Inspirational Quotes and Memorable Sayings

While Haygood's quotes are not extensively documented, her life's work serves as a powerful testament to her unwavering dedication to serving others.

Historical Context and Comparative Analysis

Laura Askew Haygood's remarkable life and achievements are set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. Her pioneering work in education and missionary endeavors during the late 19th and early 20th centuries serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating positive change.

Impact on Modern Society

Haygood's contributions to education and missionary work continue to inspire and empower individuals around the world. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the profound impact one person can have on the lives of others.

Timeline
1846
Born in Georgia
Laura Askew Haygood was born on April 17, 1846, in Eatonton, Georgia, USA.
1866
Started missionary work
Haygood began her missionary work in China, where she spent 39 years serving as a teacher and evangelist.
1874
Founded girls school
Haygood founded the first girls school in Soochow, China, which became a model for future missionary schools.
1900
Returned to USA
Haygood returned to the USA after 34 years of missionary work in China.
1909
Died in Georgia
Haygood died on April 20, 1909, in Eatonton, Georgia, USA, at the age of 63.
Laura Askew Haygood

Laura Askew Haygood Quiz

Laura Askew Haygood's primary focus in China was on

Score: 0/5
FAQ
What was Laura Askew Haygoods impact on education in China?
Laura Askew Haygood was a pioneering American educator and missionary who made significant contributions to the development of education in China. She founded the Soochow University in Suzhou, China, which became a beacon of learning and cultural exchange between China and the West.
What was Laura Askew Haygoods role in promoting womens education in China?
Laura Askew Haygood was a strong advocate for womens education in China, and her efforts led to the establishment of several girls schools and womens colleges. She believed that educating women was essential for the countrys social and economic development.
What were Laura Askew Haygoods missionary activities in China?
Laura Askew Haygood was a Christian missionary who worked tirelessly to spread the Gospel in China. She founded the Soochow University with the aim of providing education and spiritual guidance to the local population.
What was Laura Askew Haygoods legacy in China?
Laura Askew Haygoods legacy in China is one of dedication, compassion, and service. She is remembered as a pioneering educator, missionary, and philanthropist who made a lasting impact on the lives of countless Chinese people.
What inspired Laura Askew Haygood to become a missionary in China?
Laura Askew Haygood was inspired by her Christian faith and a sense of adventure to become a missionary in China. She was drawn to the countrys rich cultural heritage and its potential for growth and development.

Related People:

Booker T. Washington

Born in 1856

A pioneering figure in African-American education, he founded the Tuskegee Institute and advocated for racial uplift through self-improvement and economic empowerment. His autobiography, "Up from Slavery," remains a classic of American literature.

Ida B. Wells

Born in 1862

A pioneering African American journalist and anti-lynching crusader who exposed the horrors of racial violence in the South through her writing and activism.

Mary McLeod Bethune

Born in 1875

Pioneering educator and civil rights activist who founded a school for African American students in Florida and advised several US presidents on racial issues.

Susan B. Anthony

Born in 1820

Pioneering figure in the women's suffrage movement, fighting for women's right to vote and own property. Her tireless efforts led to significant advancements in women's rights.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Born in 1815

Pioneering women's rights activist who led the women's suffrage movement, fighting for women's right to vote and own property.