Mary Estlin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Estlin
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Eliza Wigham and Jane Wigham with Estlin between them
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| Born |
Mary Anne Estlin
31 July 1820 Bristol, England
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| Died | 14 November 1902 (aged 81–82) Bristol, England
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| Nationality | British |
| Known for | Abolitionist |
| Parent(s) | John Bishop Estlin |
Mary Anne Estlin (born July 31, 1820 – died November 14, 1902) was an important British abolitionist. An abolitionist is someone who works to end slavery. Mary Anne Estlin was a key leader in the campaigns against slavery in Britain.
Early Life and Beliefs
Mary Anne Estlin was born in Bristol, England. Her father, John Bishop Estlin, was a famous eye doctor. Her mother, Margaret, died when Mary Anne was very young. Mary Anne grew up sharing her father's strong beliefs. One of his strongest beliefs was that slavery was wrong. She lived at home her whole life and never married.
In 1832, Mary Anne traveled with her father to the West Indies. There, she saw the terrible system of slavery with her own eyes. This experience made her even more determined to fight against it.
Leading the Fight Against Slavery
From 1851, Mary Anne Estlin became a leader. She headed the Bristol and Clifton Ladies Anti-Slavery Society. This group worked hard to end slavery. She and her friend Eliza Wigham were very active in the anti-slavery movement in England.
In 1863, they both joined Clementia Taylor's Ladies' London Emancipation Society. This society also worked to free enslaved people. Mary Anne was known for her strong opinions and for helping to make important letters public. These letters showed different ideas about how to end slavery.
There were different groups of abolitionists. Some, like William Lloyd Garrison, wanted slavery to end immediately. Others wanted it to end slowly. Mary Anne Estlin, along with Eliza Wigham and Jane Smeal, tried to bring these groups together. They wanted everyone to work towards the same goal: ending slavery.
Fighting for Women's Rights
Mary Anne Estlin also believed in equal rights for women. In 1867, she helped start the Bristol Women's Suffrage Society. This group worked to get women the right to vote. She served as the treasurer for this society.
In 1868, she traveled to the USA. There, she met other important activists. These included Lucretia Mott and Susan B. Anthony. They were also fighting for women's rights and to end slavery.
Mary Anne Estlin passed away on November 14, 1902. She was 82 years old. She died in her home in Clifton, Bristol. She is remembered as a brave woman who dedicated her life to justice.
