Mary Windeyer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lady
Mary Elizabeth Windeyer
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| Born |
Mary Elizabeth Bolton
28 September 1836 |
| Died | 3 December 1912 (aged 76) |
| Occupation | child welfare reformer, temperance advocate, welfare worker, women's activist |
| Spouse(s) | William Charles Windeyer |
| Children | Maria (1859-1931) Mary Emily (1861-1950) Wilhelmina (1863-1864) Jane (1865-1950) Margaret (1866-1939) Richard (1868–1959) William Archibald (1871-1943) Lucy (1872-1920) Edward (1876-1942) |
| Parent(s) | Reverend Robert Thorley Bolton & Jane Martha Ball |
Lady Mary Elizabeth Windeyer (born September 28, 1836 – died December 3, 1912) was an important Australian woman. She worked hard for women's rights, especially for women to have the right to vote in New South Wales. She was also a philanthropist, which means she helped people and organized charities.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Mary was born on September 28, 1836, in Hove, England. She was one of eleven children. Her parents were Reverend Robert Thorley Bolton and Jane Martha Ball. In 1839, when Mary was young, her family moved from England to Sydney, New South Wales. They traveled on a ship called the Strathfieldsaye. After arriving, they settled in Hexham, New South Wales. Her father became a minister there.
On December 31, 1857, Mary married William Charles Windeyer. He was a lawyer and worked for a newspaper called the Empire. Mary and William had nine children together. Sadly, one of their children, Wilhelmina, died when she was a baby. Mary was quite sick in 1874 and 1876. During these times, she stayed with William's mother at Tomago House in Tomago, New South Wales.
Helping Children and Families
Mary was very active in helping children and families. In 1874, she joined other wealthy women to start a hospital in Darlinghurst. This hospital first cared for babies. Later, it changed to help mothers with young children. This hospital eventually became The Infants' Home Child and Family Services.
In 1879, Mary helped create the Boarding Out Society. This group aimed to find good homes for children. They wanted to move children out of government-run orphanages. Two years later, in 1881, the New South Wales government started the Children's Relief Board. Mary was one of the first people to join this board.
Supporting Education
Mary also believed strongly in education for women. Her sister, Anne Jane Bolton, was one of the first women to take a senior public exam in 1871. Anne even won an award for being the best female student. Mary was part of a group that raised money to build The Women's College at the University of Sydney. Her husband, William, was also very involved with the university. He was the Vice Chancellor from 1883 to 1887. He also helped start the Women's College and was its first chairman.
Promoting Women's Progress
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In 1886, Mary and William visited England. When she returned, Mary helped organize a special event in 1888. It was called the Exhibition of Women's Industries and Centenary Fair. This fair was part of the celebrations for 100 years since the First Fleet arrived in Australia. Mary was in charge of sections about education, languages, writing, first aid, silk farming, and nursing.
Mary was a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of New South Wales. This group worked to reduce alcohol use. She also helped start the NSW Women's Literary Society with Rose Scott. This society later became the Womanhood Suffrage League of New South Wales. Mary was the first president of this important group. She became known as Lady Mary when her husband, William, received an honor from the King in 1891.
Advocating for Women's Health
In 1893, Mary began campaigning for a hospital just for women. She wanted to help poor women and train nurses. Her dream came true in 1895. Dr. James Graham founded what became the Crown Street Women's Hospital. Mary was the first president of this new hospital.
Later Life
After her husband William passed away in 1897, Mary moved to live at Tomago House. Lady Mary Windeyer died there on December 3, 1912, at the age of 76.
See also
In Spanish: Mary Elizabeth Windeyer para niños
