Maria Freeman Gray facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maria Freeman Gray
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Maria Freeman Gray in 1899
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| Born | February 15, 1832 New Salem, Massachusetts
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| Died | March 16, 1915 (aged 83) San Francisco, California
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| Nationality | American |
Maria Freeman Gray (born 1832, died 1915) was an important American woman. She was a teacher, and she believed in equal rights for women. She also believed in fairness for everyone in society. Maria was active in groups that worked for peace and against countries taking over other lands.
Maria Gray's Early Life
Maria Freeman Gray was born on February 15, 1832, in New Salem, Massachusetts. She went to school at Wilbraham Wesleyan Academy.
Becoming a Teacher
In 1852, Maria traveled west. She was part of a program that encouraged women to become teachers. This program was started by Catharine Beecher. Maria taught at different schools. She spent two years teaching at Fort Wayne College.
In 1855, Maria married Judge John Henry Gray. They had two sons, who later became known as the Gray brothers. Her husband was famous for changing a law in Iowa. This law had stopped free Black people from entering the state. Sadly, her husband passed away in 1865.
Working for Change
In 1862, while living in Iowa, Maria became the president of the state's Women's Loyal League. This group worked to end slavery in the United States.
Later, in California, Maria continued her work for important causes. She was a vice-president for several state groups. These included the Anti-Imperialist League, which opposed countries taking over others. She also worked with the Universal Peace Union, which promoted peace. Another group was the American Humane Education Society.
In 1888, Maria Gray and five other women ran for a spot on the San Francisco Board of Education. Even though women could not legally vote at that time, they still ran. All six women lost the election. However, they saw it as a victory. They had shown that women could be strong candidates and compete in elections.
In 1900, Maria was chosen to represent California. She went to an important meeting in Paris, France. This meeting was called the International Congress for the Rights of Women. It happened during a big world fair called the Exposition Universelle.
Maria also wrote for newspapers and magazines. She was a member of the Pacific Coast Women's Press Association. In 1900, she spoke to the U.S. Congress on behalf of this association.
Maria Gray's Beliefs
Maria Freeman Gray was a Quaker. Quakers are a religious group known for their peaceful beliefs. She was a member of the Race Street Meeting in Philadelphia. Maria was also a socialist. This means she believed in a society where everyone is treated fairly and has equal opportunities.
