Born: 23 January 1837, United States
Died: 24 February 1915
Country most active: International
Also known as: Amanda Berry
The following is excerpted from “400 Outstanding Women of the World and the Costumology of Their Time” by Minna Moscherosch Schmidt, published in 1933.
Amanda Smith was born in Maryland, January 23, 1837. She was a prominent evangelist, not only in the United States, but in Europe, North Africa and India, as well, where she spent many years in this particular field. She is said to be the first woman to occupy a pulpit in India. She labored much for the elevation of her people, she was greatly impressed by the need of an orphan home for colored children, and in 1895 she secured possession of property in North Harvey, Illinois, to be used for this purpose. By her evangelistic work, donations, and the proceeds from the sale of a book which she had written, she was able to finance the first payment for the building of an orphanage. The institution was a blessing for colored children for several years, but, unfortunately, a few years ago was completely burned down.