American Girl Wiki
Advertisement

These are minor characters in the Addy series.

Aduke[]

Aduke is the grandmother of Ben Walker and the great-grandmother of Sam, Addy, and Esther. She is mentioned only in backstory by Ruth Walker on the first day she and Addy run away.

Aduke had a cowrie shell with her when she was captured and brought to America to be enslaved. She was no older than Addy at the time--about nine years old. The shell was passed down in the family as a keepsake and Ruth gives it to Addy along with one of Sam's shoelaces to wear around her neck; it was to be gifted to her on the journey north. Her parents named Addy after her (though it was originally assumed that they did not name her "Aduke" directly, this was later confirmed). Aduke was Nigerian; her name is Yoruba and means "beloved."

Mary and Jefferson Adams[]

A recently freed elderly couple who appears in A New Beginning: My Journey with Addy (online endings). The couple escaped from Georgia and recently arrived in Philadelphia. Jefferson is good at repairing and cleaning up old things, and Mary is a good cook. They have had several children but do not know where they could be located, as they were sold over the years, and can only hope they may be reunited. When the Protagonist and Addy hear this, they introduce the couple to Ruth Walker and Ruth and Addy accept them as extended family.

Mrs. Andersen[]

Mrs. Andersen is a white woman who Addy sees at the local butcher shop. She is only seen in Addy Studies Freedom and is very upset at the news of Lincoln's assassination, sure that with his death the war will come back and reach up to Philadelphia this time. She tells Addy to save herself before leaving out the door. The butcher says she just carries on so after she leaves.

Ebenezer Bassett[]

Ebenezer Bassett is the active principal of the Institute for Colored Youth, and historically served as such from 1856 until 1869. Harriet Davis states that her family knows him and he was at their house for dinner last week, and he said education is the only way colored people will get ahead. He and Quakers used to fund the school, but now colored people pay for it using annual fees of ten dollars a year.

Mr. Cooper[]

A member of the Quaker Aid Society. He has thick, curly blond hair.[1]

Elizabeth Cope[]

Albert Radisson's fiancee in Shadows on Society Hill. Her full name is Elizabeth W. Cope. She is a tiny woman, not much taller than Addy, with long dark hair, dark eyes with long lashes, and pale skin. Addy thinks her voice is beautiful, like church chimes. She is from Connecticut and was a former bookkeeper, and finds it silly that white people won't sit and eat with blacks, even though they'll let them cook their food.

She initially speaks to Addy like a friend and is kind to her and Momma, inviting Addy to have tea frequently and giving her a lovely dress as a gift. When she realizes they are formerly from North Carolina she swiftly turns on them, becoming cold and ultimately accusing Addy of stealing her ruby-pearl choker and insisting the family must move if it is not returned. She goes as far as hiding it in the shed herself to implicate Addy and attempt to force the Walkers to be evicted from their new home. When Addy looks around the larger house to clear her name and is caught by her, Elizabeth demands the family leave that night. When Addy desperately begs for help to save Esther's life, Elizabeth helps the Walkers, revealing she is skilled in folk medicine. She continues to insist the Walkers must leave and that what has happened changes nothing until her past is revealed. Everything comes clear shortly afterwards, once Addy puts everything together and realizes what Elizabeth has done and the rationale for her actions.

Elizabeth's real name is Bessie; she is Solomon Morgan's niece and his sister Matty's daughter. She has one of her uncle's "protection" stones in her personal belongings, and one of Auntie Lula's quilts in her trunk (of the three Lula made: one for Addy, one for Solomon's sister, and one she and Solomon kept). She is light enough to pass and not originally from Connecticut, but from the Carter plantation in North Carolina. She escaped from the south when she was sixteen; her mother, Matty, was left behind on the plantation. Elizabeth was educated with the help of Quakers in Connecticut but was unable to get a job until she was mistaken for white; as her family was gone she saw no harm in perpetuating the lie, especially after meeting Mrs. Radisson and realizing the woman would never approve of her son marrying a colored woman. Learning the Walkers were from the same nearby plantation she knew of, she became desperate to remove them to keep her background hidden. She sincerely apologizes for her actions and once she lets Albert know everything, he apologies to the Walkers for what she's done. It is unknown if she and Albert will go forward and marry at the conclusion of the story.

Daniel[]

Sarah Moore's cousin. He was born in Canada--and thus born free--after his mother Eva and father escaped enslavement. He is tall and thin, and twelve years old.

He appears in the short story Addy's Little Brother.

Mr. Delmonte[]

The owner of the secondhand store in Addy's neighborhood.

Reverend Drake[]

The minster at Trinity A.M.E. Church.

Mrs. Drake[]

The leader of the children's group at Trinity A.M.E Church. She is Reverend Drake's wife.

Aunt Eva[]

Sarah Moore's aunt, likely through her mother's side. She and her husband escaped to Canada, where their son Daniel was born, but the family returns to the US after the war ends. Eva and Mabel are often up at night talking a lot since their return with both laughter and tears.

Fanny[]

A girl in Addy's class, who appears in A New Beginning: My Journey with Addy. She is a former enslaved girl who originally came from Virginia. It's mentioned that she knew how to read and write before arriving in Philadelphia because the master's daughter secretly taught her.

Master Gifford[]

The owner of a plantation near Master Stevens's plantation. He sold a bunch of enslaved people when he could no longer feed and clothe them, which causes Ben to (rightfully) worry that Master Stevens will sell away some of his enslaved people.

Near the end of the war, so many black people escape from his plantation that he is unable to capture them all.

Bertha Gilbert[]

A woman who is a volunteer with the Quaker Aid Society. She sends a letter to the Walker family regarding their inquiry to let them know that Solomon Morgan, Lula Morgan, and Esther Walker were at a camp she has been working at outside of Raleigh, North Carolina. She remembered Lula taking care of Esther, who had a bad cold, and that she and Solomon appeared thin and frail. They left as soon as Esther was better; she tried to encourage them to stay, but they insisted on heading towards and let her know they were heading towards Philadelphia. She wishes the Walkers the best of luck in finding their family and hopes the letter helps.

Mr. Golden[]

Mr. Golden--along with his wife--are the owners of the boarding house Addy's family moves to before the events of Happy Birthday, Addy!. They rent out five rooms. His skin is golden brown, making Addy think his name is perfect for him.

He is first seen while busy moving a lot of furniture into the boarding house, and greets Addy; when she asks who's moving in, he states that it's enough furniture for ten people but that its only his mother, M'dear, which disappoints her. That night at dinner over the discussion of streetcars, when one young woman says the streetcars should let them ride inside--as Black people can only ride outside on the platforms--Mr. Golden says he'll be an old man before he sees this change come. (Notably, the streetcars and railroad were desegregated by the governor John Geary on March 22, 1867.)

Mrs. Golden[]

Mrs. Golden--with her husband--are the owners of the boarding house Addy's family moves to before the events of Happy Birthday, Addy!. Mrs. Golden cooks supper for the various boarders.

On a night when Addy comes down to supper alone--because Ruth and Ben are working late--Mrs. Golden talks about how the paper reported there was nearly a riot on a streetcar downtown, and three black people were hurt.

Elizabeth Greenfield[]

Billed as the "Black Swan," Elizabeth Greenfield is one of the first black women to perform opera. Born enslaved, she was freed by her Quaker owner and later classically trained in Europe by Queen Victoria's organist, George Thomas Smart, performing for the Queen herself. Addy and Ruth receive tickets to attend a concert she performs at from Albert Radisson.

Mr. Gunter[]

A carpenter assigned by Albert Radisson to supervise the work on his property in Shadows on Society Hill. He is a white man and, when Ben comes for his first day of work, he refuses to believe that Ben is a new hire and says he has no work. Then he says the white men won't work with Ben and since they need to finish the job, he won't let Ben work. Albert Radisson eventually makes him do so.

Isabella Howell[]

Isabella Howell is a well-to-do black girl who Ruth Walker is making a dress for during Addy's Surprise. Her mother, Mrs. Howell, accuses Momma of doing poor work while Isabella stands behind without speaking. Addy notices that she has gotten larger. This is most likely the reason the dress does not fit her anymore. In the illustrations done by Melodye Rosales she is shown as a very light skinned black girl with fine hair; Dahl Taylor made her darker.

Mrs. Howell[]

Mrs. Howell is Isabella's mother, and known to be really particular. Her family lives in a large mansion house on Society Hill. The family has a maid, implying they are quite well off. In the illustrations done by Melodye Rosales she is shown as a very light-skinned black woman; Dahl Taylor made her darker.

When she returns with the damaged tartan dress with popped side seams and buttons, she accuses Ruth Walker of doing very poor work. Mrs. Ford accuses Mrs. Howell of ignoring that her daughter has gained weight since the dress was commissioned, and refunds her only because she is displeased.

Clara Johnson[]

Clara Johnson is only mentioned in Addy Learns a Lesson as Sarah's new desk partner when Addy is paired with Harriet Davis. In Melodye Rosales's illustrations she is shown as light skinned.

Joshua[]

A boy in Addy's class; he is only characterized as a boy who picks his nose in Addy's Wedding Quilt and otherwise is not mentioned or seen.

Billy Maples[]

A boy in Addy's class. In Addy Learns a Lesson, Billy wishes that he could fight in the war so that he could become a hero-even if he loses one of his legs.

Matty[]

Solomon Morgan's sister and Elizabeth Cope's mother. Like Solomon, she was skilled in healing arts and taught her daughter the talents along with Solomon. Elizabeth had to leave her behind when she ran away and escaped to the North (and considered herself to have no more family once she started passing) and Matty later died on the plantation.

Mavis[]

A girl in Addy's class. She is a tall girl with sandy brown hair. She is friends with Harriet Davis (which means she is well off and likely born free) and is also as snotty. However, she is impressed by demonstrated skills.

In Addy Learns a Lesson when Addy is walking home with Harriet, Mavis says she can't believe that Mrs. Dunn gave them seventy-five words to learn. She also piles her books into Addy's hands after Harriet does so first. Harriet shoots her a sly look when she tells Addy she has to serve as their "flunky." The next time Addy walks back with their books, Mavis talks about how Sarah's dress had a brown stain on the front. She also says Addy looks "good enough" to be their flunky. After the spelling bee, she rightly points out that Harriet is jealous of Addy as Addy spelled the word she missed right. She is impressed with Addy's new outfit and Ruth Walker's sewing skills once she is informed that Ruth made her clothes. She warms up to Addy, but is still not close enough to be considered a friend.

In Addy's Wedding Quilt she is impressed with the quilt and asks Addy if she did all the work herself.

Mabel Moore[]

Sarah Moore's mother. She works as a washerwoman and is tall and heavyset. She attends Trinity A.M.E. Church and is part of their Freedom Society that greets freedmen at arrival.

Mabel Moore meets Addy and her mother on the dock at the start of Addy Learns a Lesson and, when she hears Momma is a seamstress, helps Momma get a job at Ford's Dress Shop. The Moores are poorer than the Walkers, and must work harder than the Walkers.

When Addy insists that Sarah go back to school after Sarah is forced to drop out to bring in more money, Mrs. Moore kindly but firmly tells Addy after she tries to protest and say Sarah could possibly become a teacher, that the Moores need money now and can't dream about later before sending her home.

She has a small role in Addy: An American Girl Story, played by a multiple character actress, and only seen during the scene on the docks.

Older Woman[]

An old woman from the Carter Plantation. She knew Elizabeth Cope--Bessie--and took care of Bessie's mother Matty until she died; she saved her quilt for Elizabeth to give to her after coming north. In gratitude, Elizabeth initially sent her money until she herself came to Philadelphia, and now gives her support directly in person. The elderly woman lives in the poor part of Seventh Ward, in room number nine in the Idey Station House.

Overseer[]

The overseer on Master Stevens' plantation. He yells at Sam for pouring water on his head, and yells at Addy when she tries to by pretending she's bringing the afternoon water (which is a ploy to warn Ben and Sam to run away before they are sold). He is the one who chains Ben up after he's sold (and presumably chained Sam).

When Addy doesn't properly pick the worms off the tobacco leaves (because she is miserable at the loss of Ben and Sam), the overseer gathers them in his inspection and force-feeds them to her as punishment.

Mr. Polk[]

The sick elderly man at the hospital who Addy visits in Changes for Addy. Addy reminds him of his granddaughter Charlotte.

Quincy[]

Daniel's older brother and Eva's eldest son. Quincy was about Sam's age when he was killed in battle fighting for the Union; his body was never brought home. The Moores and Daniel's family don't talk about it much, and Daniel misses his older brother.

Albert Radisson[]

An architect. He is a white man who owns a house on Society Hill. After Addy saves his life at the start of Shadows on Society Hill he initially offers a money reward before offering Poppa a job woodworking. He also offers the family to move into the servant's house behind his home on Society Hill and, when he sees Ruth's sewing skills, hires her to alter the wedding dress for his fiancée, Elizabeth Cope. He is an abolitionist like his late uncle, something his mother finds displeasing. He stands up for Ben working on his house.

When Elizabeth becomes intolerant of the Walkers and accuses Addy of theft (and her family urging her to do it), he says he'll do what he can to protect her. When she accuses Addy of stealing her choker, he lays Ben off until the necklace is found, and when he finds it in the shed (where Elizabeth had hidden it it) he says the Walkers must leave in a week and Ben is fired.

When the full story of Elizabeth's actions and background is brought to light, he personally apologizes to Ben for everything that has happened and assures him that he has his job back and the family can stay where they are in their new home. He also lets Mary Tucker stay in the house properly and offers to help her start a new life. It is unknown if Albert and Elizabeth will go forward and marry by the conclusion of the story.

Frank Radisson[]

Albert's late uncle and the previous owner of the house. He was an architect and abolitionist, and described by Mary Tucker as a daring man who did things that others wouldn't chance. He build a hidden underground tunnel and hidden spaces in the house.

Mrs. Radisson[]

Albert Radisson's mother. She is from Virginia and there for the wedding, as well as giving her dress to be restyled and sized to fit Elizabeth Cope. The first time Addy sees her she thinks of her as a bird or a bear as she is short, big chested, and wearing fur coat with a hat with a bird on top in dark tones; she also has grey hair.

Mrs. Radisson does not think much of the cold northern winter, but more importantly she does not like black people at all. She thinks little of Frank for living north and supporting abolition, and chides her son Albert for also being an abolitionist. Upon learning that the Walkers are living on the property, she fusses that he should have kept his uncle's Irish servants rather than hire "coloreds" in place of English servants; when corrected, she dismisses the notion the Walkers aren't servants.

She is racist and and frequently accuses black people of crimes, including the Walkers. She is the kind of woman Momma describes as thinking everything wrong in the world is caused by black people and is very prejudiced, threatening to frequently call the cops on black people and assuming they are up to no good at all times.

When Elizabeth's choker goes missing, Mrs. Radisson immediately implicates Addy as having stolen it; Elizabeth, caught deeply in her passing and wishing to drive the Walkers away to keep her background hidden, goes along with it. She is also the first to suggest the Walkers leave immediately after Addy is caught in Elizabeth's bedroom trying to clear her name.

When Addy begs Elizabeth to save Esther's life, Mrs. Radisson tries to bar the pathway so they can't move from where they are. She also tries to stop Addy when Elizabeth sends her for supplies, and when Addy pulls herself free, she screams after her. This is the last time she is seen in the book; it can be assumed she is upset and possibly infuriated when the truth of Elizabeth's background is revealed.

Miles Roberts[]

A carpenter. He owns a carpentry shop in Philadelphia and is described as a white man with a beard full of sawdust at his appearance. Illustrations she him with light hair. He hires Ben Walker to work for him in Happy Birthday, Addy! and keeps him on until at least prior to the events of Addy's Summer Place.

When he and the Walkers are watching President Lincoln's funeral procession in Addy Studies Freedom, he says he saw Mr. Lincoln come through four years go on the way to inauguration, and heard his address in Independence Hall; he feels that President Lincoln lived the principles of his speech up to his death.

Toby[]

A boy in Addy's class who appears in A New Beginning: My Journey with Addy. He appears to be the protagonist's age and is just learning his letters on a slate.

Mary Tucker[]

A former Union spy. She has brown skin like Addy's, long dark hair, and large dark brown eyes. In Shadows on Society Hill she is first seen in movements, then meets Addy directly when Addy finds her hidden underground room. A bounty was put on her head for her activities during the Civil War where she spied on multiple high-ranking members of the Confederacy and possibly embarrassed the Confederate president. She spied by pretending to be an illiterate enslaved person, which allowed her to be able to listen in on generals' plans openly. She tells Addy that education is the key to true freedom. Addy notices that Mary asks her many questions but doesn't answer the ones she's asked.

Frank Radisson helped her hide in his house when the bounty was put on her head. She promised to stay hidden until he could find her a way to Canada, but he died before he could do so. She had gone out disguised as a maid until Albert and his mother arrived, but cannot risk his mother turning her in as Mrs. Radisson is from the south and thinks badly of black people. When Addy is accused of stealing Elizabeth Cope's choker, she guides Addy to think like a spy by saying that a spy has to create or solve a riddle and to treat this like one. This helps Addy remember the events that led to the accusation and seek the true answers.

When Esther gets extremely sick, Addy gets Miss Tucker to help at first. She tries and while ultimately Elizabeth Cope is the one to help, Miss Tucker later walks Addy through her realizing what Elizabeth has done and why she tried to evict the Walkers. Once Albert learns of her, he allows her to stay in the house properly and working with his late uncle's friends to make sure she can start a new life safely.

Mr. Williams[]

A border at the Goldens' boardinghouse. He is only seen in Addy Studies Freedom. He says he doesn't understand why everyone is fussing and carrying on for when Lincoln didn't care about colored folks. When Mrs. Golden says that Lincoln freed the slaves, Mr. Williams says he freed himself, indicating he escaped to freedom.

References[]

Advertisement