Mary Louise Booth

Mary Louise Booth was born in Millville, Long Island (later known as Yaphank) April 19, 1831. Her father, William  Booth was the local miller and schoolteacher who believed strongly in the value of education for girls. Through diligent study she became fluent in seven foreign languages and later, when her father became principle of a school in Williamsburg, (later known as Brooklyn) she joined him there as a teacher. She began a literary career as a translator during the Civil War, translating works by French writers who were supporters of the Union cause, and continued this profession for the rest of her life. In 1867 she became the editor of the fledgling publication Harper’s Bazaar, a position she also continued until her death.

Her work for suffrage began after a chance meeting with Susan B. Anthony. She served as first secretary to the Women’s Rights convention in 1855 in Seneca Falls, NY. While not one of the most active suffragists, she served as an example that women could hold a difficult and arduous position in a profession that had been previously dominated by men. She died in 1889.