Mary Hardway Walker facts for kids

Mary Hardway Walker (born around 1848, died 1969) was an amazing American woman. She became famous for learning to read when she was 116 years old! Many people believed she was America's oldest student.

A Long Life Begins

Mary Hardway Walker was born in Union Springs, Alabama around the year 1848. When she was 15 years old, in 1863, she became free. She got married and had her first child by the time she was 20.

In 1917, Mary and her family moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee. There, she worked hard to support her local church. She cooked, cleaned, helped care for children, and even sold sandwiches.

Learning to Read at 116

In 1963, Mary Walker decided to go back to school. She joined a special class to learn how to read. This was incredible because she was 116 years old at the time!

Mary's dedication to learning made her famous. She received many special awards. The U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare gave her a certificate. It named her America's oldest student.

She was also named Chattanooga's Ambassador of Goodwill. Many important people from the government praised her. Mary Walker passed away in 1969. She was reportedly 121 years old. After she died, her retirement home was renamed in her honor.

Her Story in a Book

Mary Walker's inspiring journey was shared in a children's book. The book is called The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read. It was published in 2020. This book helps more young people learn about her amazing life.

See also

• List of last surviving American enslaved people