Mary Molson facts for kids

Mary D. (Maud) Molson Hughes (born September 26, 1846 – died August 26, 1881) was an important speaker and activist who fought for voting rights. She was a member of the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA). She traveled across the country, giving speeches to support equal voting rights for both African-American men and women.

Early Life

Mary D. Molson was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Her birthday was September 26, 1846. Her parents were John and Louisa Clark Molson. Mary was the third of their six children. Her siblings included James, Ellen, John, Samuel, Josey, and Charles.

Her Work as an Activist

Mary Molson was a lecturer, which means she gave speeches. She was also an orator, a skilled public speaker. She was an African-American suffragist. A suffragist is someone who works to get voting rights for others. Mary believed that Black women should have the same right to vote as Black men.

After she finished her studies at Alfred University, she started giving talks. In the spring of 1869, she lectured around western New York. She often spoke with Charles Lenox Remond. He was a famous abolitionist from Massachusetts. They both supported the Fifteenth Amendment. This amendment gave African-American men the right to vote.

In 1869, Mary spoke at the Colored Men's Convention in Binghamton, New York. She also took part in a celebration parade for emancipation. This parade went through the Eighth Ward. She gave another speech at the Wesley Union A.M.E. Zion Church. A newspaper called the Harrisburg Telegraph wrote about her speech on September 14. They said she was introduced by Professor O. L. C. Hughes. He was an editor of a newspaper called the Progress of Liberty. He told the audience he did not agree with her ideas about women voting.

However, the newspaper said Miss Molson gave her lecture in a very pleasing way. They noted that she had prepared her topic with great care. She spoke clearly in favor of voting rights for everyone. She especially believed that women should have as much right to vote as men. She answered common arguments against women's suffrage. The newspaper compared her speaking style to another famous speaker, Anna Dickinson. They even said Mary's speaking skills might be better.

Personal Life

Mary Molson lived in Addison, New York, until she was 18 years old.

She attended Alfred University from 1862 to 1863. She graduated with very high honors.

Mary later married Orra L. C. Hughes. They had a daughter named Lulu Missouri Hughes in 1870. Lulu later became Lulu Missouri (Hughes) Brown.

Death

Mary Molson died when she was 35 years old. She passed away on August 26, 1881. She died from a serious illness called "inflammatory rheumatism" and a related infection. She is buried at Collins Center Cemetery. This cemetery is in Collins Center, Cattaraugus County, New York.