Marie Johnson (suffragist) facts for kids

Marie Johnson (born 24 December 1874 – died 12 July 1974) was an important Irish woman. She was a teacher, but she is best known for her work as a trade unionist and suffragist. A trade unionist helps workers get fair pay and good working conditions. A suffragist fights for the right to vote. Marie Johnson spent her life working to make things better for others.

Early Life and Education

Marie Annie Tregay was born on 24 December 1874 in Truro, Cornwall, England. Her father, James Tregay, was a miner who later became a basket-weaver after losing his sight. He believed in Ireland having its own government.

Marie went to college in London, at Whitelands College in Chelsea. She finished her studies in 1894 and became a qualified teacher. Her first teaching job was at St. Multose's National School in Kinsale, Ireland.

Marriage and Family Life

While teaching in Kinsale, Marie met Thomas Johnson. They got married in Liverpool in 1898. Thomas also worked in Kinsale for a time, but his job later moved them to Belfast.

In 1899, Marie and Thomas had a son named Thomas James Frederick, who later became an actor. Both Marie and Thomas became deeply involved in helping workers. Thomas Johnson later became a very important political leader in Ireland. He led the Irish Labour Party and served in the Irish Parliament.

Fighting for Change: Marie's Activism

Marie Johnson was a strong voice for change throughout her life. She worked hard to improve conditions for workers and to gain voting rights for women.

Helping Workers Unite

Marie and her husband worked together to organize workers in Belfast's textile mills. This meant helping mill workers form a union to speak up for their rights. Marie worked closely with another important activist named Winifred Carney. Marie was the secretary of the Textile Workers' Union. When she became ill, she suggested Winifred Carney take over her role. Later, Marie became a leader in the Irish Women Workers' Union. This union helped women workers get better treatment.

Supporting Women's Right to Vote

Marie was a very strong supporter of the Women's Social and Political Union. This group actively campaigned for women to have the right to vote. When Winifred Carney ran for election as a Sinn Féin candidate, Marie Johnson was part of her campaign team, helping her get elected.

Working for Peace and Justice

In 1913, Marie helped raise money to support people affected by the Dublin Lock-out. This was a major dispute between workers and employers in Dublin. She also played a part in the peace talks during the Irish Civil War.

In 1924, Marie Johnson represented Ireland at a big international meeting in Washington, D.C. This was the 4th congress of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. At this meeting, she proudly told the United States Congress that women in Ireland already had the right to vote.

Breaking Barriers in Local Government

In 1925, Marie Johnson made history. She became the first woman from the Labour Party to be elected to local government. She was elected to the Rathmines Urban Council, which helped manage local affairs in Rathmines, Dublin.

Marie Johnson passed away on 12 July 1974 in a home in Howth, County Dublin. Before she died, she wrote down her memories of being involved in the movement for women's voting rights. These important writings are now kept safe in the National Library of Ireland.