Mary Powell (suffragist)

Mary Powell
Born
Mary Sadler Powell

1854 (1854)
Gloucestershire, England
Died8 March 1946(1946-03-08) (aged 91–92)
Dunedin, New Zealand
NationalityNew Zealander

Mary Sadler Powell (1854 or 1855 – 8 March 1946) was a New Zealand temperance worker and suffragist.

Life

Powell was born in Gloucestershire, England c. 1854. In 1885 she emigrated to New Zealand, where she lived with her brother.[1] She was active with the Invercargill branch of the Women's Christian Temperance Union New Zealand (WCTU NZ)[2] She served as president of the Invercargill branch, which became the second largest branch of the WCTU in New Zealand.[3] Powell stayed active in the WCTU NZ for over 30 years, working as a corresponding secretary, recording secretary, and organiser. In 1890 she attended her first national convention. In 1900 she attend the WCTU World biennial convention in London, and was made a life member in 1919.[1]

Powell wrote a column promoting the Christian life for young women under the pen name "Aunt Kate" for the New Zealand Methodist. She also supported women's right vote.[1]

Powell never married and she died on 8 March 1946 in Dunedin.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Lovell-Smith, Margaret. "Mary Sadler Powell". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  2. ^ "Powell, Mary Sadler (1854/55?–1946)". Dictionary of Women Worldwide: 25,000 Women Through the Ages. Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
  3. ^ Brookes, Barbara (2017). The Women's Suffrage Petition, 1893. Bridget Williams Books. ISBN 9781988533094.


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