questions guide learning, George Washington Carver

My Tuesday morning novel study class has begun the study of the life and works of George Washington Carver. The ‘key’ student question we are pursuing is: What did George Washington Carver do that made him so famous?

Here is what we have learned so far:

George was born into a slave family sometime in January 1864.

His mother was Mary, she lived in a hut on the Carver farm, near Diamond, Missouri, with baby George and his older brother and sister. His father ‘big George’ lived on the next farm.

       Slavery was terminated during the year 1865 starting with the passing of the 13^th amendment, signed by President Lincoln, on January 31, 1865. Lincoln was assassinated in April 1865.

       George and his mother, Mary, are kidnapped from the Carver farm sometime during the summer by bushwhackers against ending slavery. Baby George was rescued; his mother was never seen again. His sister died in the attack.

       Three quarters of the states approve the 13^th amendment on December 6, 1865. It is officially signed into law by the Secretary of State on December 18, 1865.

It reads:

Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

       Susan Carver took care of George during his early years, allowing him the time and space to recover health enough to move forward with his life. He had a difficult time learning to speak because his vocal chords were damaged by a severe cough resulting from the exposure he suffered during the kidnapping. He was frail and sickly and learned many home skills (Ie. he becomes an expert at doing laundry for people) and hand crafts because he could not do the heavy farm work.

       His love of nature and gift for caring for ailing plants begins to grow and gain notice.