Mary Peisley facts for kids
Mary Peisley (1718-1757), also known as Mary Neale after her marriage, was an important Irish Quaker writer. She traveled widely to share her beliefs and work for what she thought was right.
Contents
Her Life Story
Early Years and Faith
Mary Peisley was born on January 19, 1718, in Ballymore, County Kildare, Ireland. Her family moved to a farm in Mountrath, County Laois, when she was five years old. She lived there for most of her life. Mary did not have much formal schooling. She worked in people's homes.
When Mary was 26, she began speaking at Quaker meetings. Quakers are a religious group known for their peaceful beliefs and simple way of life. Mary believed strongly in sharing her faith with others.
Traveling to Preach
Mary traveled a lot to share her Quaker message. In 1746, she toured around Ireland with a friend, Elizabeth Tomey. From 1748 to 1750, she traveled all over England. She rode about 5,000 miles in 29 months, attending 525 meetings! She toured Ireland again in 1751.
Mary also helped make changes within the Quaker group. At a big meeting in London, she and five other women suggested that Quaker women should have their own separate group. This idea was accepted later, in 1784.
Journey to America
From 1753 to 1756, Mary Peisley traveled to America with another Quaker, Catherine Payton. They rode about 8,000 miles! They often traveled through wild areas, crossing dangerous creeks and swamps. They visited many places, including North and South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, New England, and Pennsylvania.
During their trip, Mary noticed that Quakers in America needed to improve how they practiced their faith. Her notes and letters from this journey were later seen as predictions of big changes that happened within the Quaker group in the 1800s.
Speaking Against Slavery
Mary Peisley was a strong voice against slavery. She held meetings with African Americans. In 1754, she wrote to Quakers in Virginia about slavery. She said that buying and keeping enslaved people was wrong. She believed it did not follow the "golden rule" of treating others as you would want to be treated.
Later Life and Marriage
On March 17, 1757, Mary married Samuel Neale in Mountrath. Samuel had heard her preach years before and had also become a Quaker minister. Mary died just three days after her wedding. She is buried in the Quaker cemetery in Mountrath. Her husband, Samuel, later collected and published her writings.
