Catherine Mary Douge Williams facts for kids

Catherine Mary Douge Williams (1832-1884) was an important African-American woman. She worked for women's rights and education in Albany, New York. People also called her Mary Williams or C. Mary Williams. She was a leader in the fight for women's right to vote, which is called suffrage. She became the first Vice President of the Albany Woman's Suffrage Society. This was a big deal because it was one of the first times a Black woman held a high position in a group that included both Black and white members.

Early Life and Family

Catherine Mary Douge was born in Albany, New York, in 1832. Her parents were Michael and Susan Douge.

A Family of Activists

Her parents were very important leaders in Albany's Black community. They were known as a "power couple" who fought for African-American rights. They also worked against slavery. Michael Douge was a barber. He was part of the Underground Railroad in Albany. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom.

After Black men gained the right to vote, Michael Douge became involved in Black Republican politics in Albany.

In 1833, Catherine's mother, Susan Douge, helped start a group called the Albany Female Lundy Society. She was also its first president. This was the first charity group for African-American women in Albany. They helped Black children go to school. This included the "African School," also known as the Albany School for Educating Children of Color.

Catherine grew up seeing her parents actively involved in their community. This experience greatly influenced her own work as a suffragist and activist later on.

Catherine's Education

Catherine had three siblings: William Lloyd Garrison, Julia A., and John A. All of them went to Albany's District 8 school. Catherine finished her education by the time she was 15 years old.

Adult Life and Work

On May 10, 1847, Catherine Williams started working as an assistant teacher. She taught at the Wilberforce School. She continued to teach there off and on until 1860.

Teaching After the Civil War

After the Civil War ended, Catherine traveled to Virginia and South Carolina. She taught adults and children who had been enslaved. She likely did this through the Freedmen's Bureau. This organization helped formerly enslaved people.

While in South Carolina, Catherine met her second husband. She then returned to Albany in the early 1870s.

Life in Albany

Catherine and her husband lived in Albany's 8th Ward. Later, they moved to the 11th Ward. By 1880, they were living with Catherine's parents on Lark Street. This street was in the Arbor Hill neighborhood.

Fighting for the Right to Vote

In 1880, New York State passed a new law. This law allowed women to vote in school elections. It was called the "School Suffrage" law.

Catherine Williams became very active in the suffrage movement while living on Lark Street. She helped women of color register to vote. She also spread the word about the importance of voting. On April 14, 1880, Catherine and her mother cast their first votes in a school election.

Catherine was the Vice President of the Albany Woman's Suffrage Society for the 11th Ward. She held this important role for at least two years. Her leadership showed that this organization was one of the few women's suffrage groups that included women of color. Catherine came from a respected Black family in a neighborhood with a strong Black community. This gave her an important position in the fight for women's voting rights. She helped at least six women register to vote.

In October 1881, Catherine Williams gave a speech at the statewide Woman Suffrage State Convention.

Marriage and Children

In 1852, Catherine married Henry Hicks. He was the principal of the Wilberforce School. Sadly, Henry and their first child died from an illness.

By 1870, Catherine returned to Albany. She then married Andrew Williams. In the early 1870s, they had a daughter named Susy (or Susie).

Later Years and Legacy

Catherine Williams passed away on March 16, 1884. She died from pulmonary tuberculosis, a lung illness she had for many years. She is buried at Albany Rural Cemetery in Albany County. Catherine Mary Douge Williams is remembered as a pioneering educator and a dedicated leader in the fight for women's suffrage and civil rights.

See also

• African-American women's suffrage movement
• Black suffrage in the United States