16 Facts About Virginia Prentiss

Virginia Prentiss was a notable community leader through her work with organisations such as the Federated Negro Woman's Club.

Virginia Prentiss was purchased by a John Parker, who owned a plantation near Nashville, and she was forced to be the servant and companion to his youngest daughter.

Virginia Prentiss learned to read and write alongside Parker's daughter and as a teenager learnt domestic skills from Mrs Parker.

Early in 1876, Virginia Prentiss gave birth to a stillborn child.

Traumatised by the events leading up to her son's birth, Wellman became very ill and employed Virginia Prentiss to take care of him as a wet-nurse and nanny.

The young London spent much of his childhood with the Virginia Prentiss family, including attending services at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church with them.

Virginia Prentiss called her "Mammy Jenny", a name she abhorred.

The London family had financial problems and it was Virginia Prentiss who lent the 15-year-old Jack London $300 to buy his first boat, a felucca, which he used to work as an oyster pirate in San Francisco Bay.

Virginia Prentiss encouraged him in his early attempts at getting recognition for his writing and encouraged him to enter competitions.

Virginia Prentiss was a leader of the Federated Negro Woman's Club.

Virginia Prentiss took on the role in 1903 after the death of her husband, their two children, and her only grandchild.

Virginia Prentiss was a wonderful woman and a friend to everyone.

Virginia Prentiss lived at the house London purchased for her until she was no longer able to care for herself.

Virginia Prentiss lived with dementia until her death on November 27,1922 at Napa Psychiatric Hospital, aged 91.

Virginia Prentiss was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland in an unmarked grave.

Virginia Prentiss rejected white superiority throughout her life; she believed black people to be superior since they were "more Christian".