Mary Jeff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Jeff
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Born | 1873 Glasgow, Scotland
|
| Died | 1941 (aged 67–68) Milngavie, Scotland
|
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Known for | Local politics |
Mary Jeff (1873–1941) was a Scottish activist and politician. She is best known for her important role in the Glasgow rent strike, where she helped families fight for fair housing.
Contents
Mary Jeff: A Champion for Her Community
Mary Jeff was a Scottish woman who worked hard to make life better for people in her community. She was an activist, meaning she actively campaigned for change, and later became a politician. Her efforts helped many families, especially during a tough time called the Glasgow Rent Strike.
Early Life and Family
Mary Jeff was born Mary Russell Watson in Coatbridge, Scotland, in 1873. When she was 23, in 1896, she moved to Govan. There, she lived with her husband, Andrew Jeff, who worked as a printer. They had three sons together.
Fighting for Fair Housing
Mary and her husband were very involved in their community. They both played a big part in the Govan rent strike. A rent strike happens when tenants (people renting homes) refuse to pay rent to protest unfair conditions or high prices.
- Andrew Jeff was the leader of the South Govan Tenants Committee.
- Mary Jeff was part of a group of women who campaigned against families being kicked out of their homes.
- These women bravely stood up to bailiffs, who were people sent to remove tenants.
- Other strong women involved included Mary Barbour, Agnes Dollan, Mary Laird, and Helen Crawfurd.
Mary was also a member of the Kinning Park Co-operative Women's Guild. This group helped women work together for common goals. She also led the Ladies section of the Govan War Memorial Committee. This committee honored those who served in World War I. Mary had a personal connection to the war, as two of her three sons served, and one sadly died.
Becoming a Politician
In 1919, Mary Jeff was elected to the Govan parish council. A parish council is a local government body that helps manage community services. She served on this council until at least 1926. During her time on the council, she worked on two important committees:
- The Children's Committee, which focused on the well-being of children.
- The Relief Committee, which helped people in need.
Later Years and Legacy
Later in her life, Mary Jeff moved to Milngavie. She stayed active in her new community. She was a member of the Milngavie Bowling Club and an active member of St Luke's Church of Scotland.
Mary Jeff passed away in 1941 in Milngavie. She was buried in Old Monkland Cemetery. Her life showed how one person could make a real difference by standing up for what is right and helping others in their community.
