Family and Early Life
Nellie Quander was born in Washington, D.C. to John Pierson Quander and Hannah Bruce Ford Quander. Her family could trace its lineage and sense of purpose for three hundred years in Maryland and Virginia. They are considered to be one of oldest free African American families whose ancestors had once been enslaved in America. Nellie Quander's relatives included maternal grand-uncle Blanche K. Bruce, a Senator from Mississippi during Reconstruction. Her father was a descendant of Nancy Quander, one of the slaves freed by President of the United States, George Washington in his last will and testament. In addition, Nellie's mother was a relative of West Ford, the freed mulatto son of Bushrod Washington, George Washington's nephew. From his personal knowledge, West Ford informed the Mount Vernon Ladies Association about the interior of Mount Vernon Plantation's interior for later restoration. The association bought Mount Vernon during the 1850s for preservation.
During her early years, Nellie Quander attended Washington, D.C.'s public schools. She graduated from Miner Normal School with honors. It was established in 1851 as the Normal School for Colored Girls to train teachers.
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