Ann Swaine facts for kids

Ann Swaine (born before 1821 – died 21 June 1883) was a British writer. She was also a suffragist, meaning she supported greater rights for women. Ann was very keen on improving university-level education for women in the mid-1800s.

Who Was Ann Swaine?

Ann Swaine was born in a place called Birstall in Yorkshire, England. She was baptised in 1821. She was the first child of Edward and Martha Swaine.

Early Life and Education

Ann was involved with her local church school, the Unitarian Sunday School. She also became the special secretary for the Yorkshire Ladies' Educational Association. This group started in 1825. It was created by women to help other women who were living in tough industrial areas. This association was still active in 2017.

Fighting for Women's Rights

Ann Swaine strongly believed that laws needed to change. She wanted married women to be able to own their own property. She also wanted women to have the chance to go to universities. She was a member of another important group called the Ladies' Council of Education of Yorkshire.

In 1849, Ann's father published a small book. It was based on a talk he gave about voting rights. He argued that all men should be able to vote. However, he did not include women in his ideas for voting rights.

A Writer and Role Model

Ann translated a religious book from French. It was called History of the Doctrine of the Deity of Jesus Christ. This book was published in 1870. In a government survey in 1881, she wrote that she had "no proper trade or profession."

In 1882, Ann Swaine published her own book. It was called Remarkable Women as Examples for Girls. This book shared the life stories of many inspiring women. Some of the women she wrote about included Mary Carpenter, Caroline Herschel, Harriet Martineau, and Charlotte Brontë. These women were great role models for girls.

Her Legacy

Ann Swaine never married. She passed away in York in 1883. Her father was still alive when she died. Ann had taken care of him for 28 years. After her death, a magazine called Englishwoman's Review wrote about her. They said that Ann's writing showed how practical and sensible she was.