Born: 1812 (circa), United States
Died: 11 June 1874
Country most active: United States
Also known as: NA
The following is republished from the National Park Service. This piece falls under under public domain, as copyright does not apply to “any work of the U.S. Government” where “a work prepared by an officer or employee of the U.S. Government as part of that person’s official duties” (See, 17 U.S.C. §§ 101, 105).
Born circa 1812 in Wilmington, North Carolina to Melinda and Thomas, Clara Vaught, a Black woman, likely began her life enslaved. Following her birth, Vaught remained largely absent from the historical record. However, in December 1852, the Account Book of Francis Jackson, Treasurer the Boston Vigilance Committee credited Vaught for boarding three freedom seekers at her home in Boston. It can be inferred that between 1812 and 1855, Vaught escaped enslavement and ultimately came to reside in Boston.
In March 1855, Jackson’s Account Book again credited Vaught for her work with freedom seekers, recording “Clara Vaught for boarding Geo. Mapsin.” The same year, the Massachusetts Census noted Eliza Cecil, age 11, and George Mapson, age 10, as members of Vaught’s household, which suggests that the George Mapson recorded in the Massachusetts Census is the same Geo. Mapsin recorded in Jackson’s Account Book. In 1855, the Massachusetts Census began on May 1, which indicates that the freedom seeker Mapson boarded with Vaught for at least two months, perhaps longer.
In June 1856, Jackson’s Account Book again credited Vaught for opening her home to freedom seekers, noting “Clara Vaut for Elizabeth White from Edenton.” During 1859, Vaught continued her work aiding freedom seekers. On January 27, 1859 Jackson’s Account Book reimbursed Vaught $7.50 for boarding a Chas. Parmeter, and in April 1859 reimbursed Vaught a further $11.50 for boarding James Gaston and providing him with two shirts.
Just four years prior to her death, the 1870 United States Census recorded Vaught as unable to read or write and with the occupation of “keeping house.” The Boston City Directory for 1870 recorded Vaught as married, a resident of 3 Sears Place, Boston, Massachusetts, and with the occupation of “intelligence office.” On June 11, 1874, Vaught died in Boston at the estimated age of sixty-two.