10 MARY'S WHO CHANGED the WORLD

Ok, so that's an overstatement. Christianity's Virgin Mary, by virtue of giving birth to Jesus, certainly impacted the world. But, who are these other ladies named Mary, who made earth shattering news? With the exception of history buffs, most people probably are not aware of Mary's who made a positive difference for future generations, by stepping out of the female gender roles foisted upon them by society.

A mere 77 years ago today, women didn't have the right to vote in US elections. 110 years ago, married women weren't allowed, by law, to own property, and were only granted the right to have credit in their own names 32 years ago. Long after the Civil War was over, society demanded females wear corsets. Girdles were still very much en vogue in the 1950s and early 1960s. It wasn't until 1965 that married couples were given the legal right to buy contraceptives.

Living in a society with such rigid gender roles, it took courage for these 10 Mary's to accomplish their achievements. Take a look at contributions made during their lifetimes:

1. Mary Edwards Walker was a surgeon who wore trousers. A Women's Rights Activist, she was the first woman to win the Congressional Medal of Honor, for her service on the battlefields in the Civil War. 1832 -1919
2. Mary Elizabeth (Van Lew) Bowser, a freed slave, was a Union spy during the Civil War. 1839-unknown
3. Mary Anna Curtis Lee, the wife of Confederate General Robert E Lee, taught her slaves to read and write. She advocated emancipation. 1808-1823
4. Mary Fields, a freed slave, went on to become a stage coach driver and mail carrier. Died 1914
5. Mary Bethune McLeod started a school with $1.50 and went on to work with Presidents. 1875-1955
6. Mary Harris "Mother" Jones organized laborers, fighting for humane working conditions and fair wages for workers. She helped found the International Workers of the World. When she wasn't busy organizing or participating in strikes, she wrote and published articles.1837-1930
7. Mary Hunter Austin was a pioneer and published author. 1868-193?
8. Mary Ashton Rice Livermore was a major organizer of the US Sanitary Commission during the Civil War. She was a leader of the woman's suffrage movement, advocate for temperance and lectured on social reform.1820-1905
9. Mary Ann Ball Bickerdyke worked as a physician after her husband died. She served as a nurse during the Civil War, winning the admiration of soldiers and President Grant, as well. She also, built hospitals. 1817-1901
10. Mary Baker Eddy found a connection between spirituality and physical health, and called it "Christine Science". She published a book explaining the concept, and later founded the Church of Christ, Science. She also founded the Massachusetts Metaphysical College, where she taught for many years. 1821-1910

Today, it's not unusual for women to pursue a career as a surgeon, be elected as mayors or governors, start, own, operate multi-million dollar corporations; and females definitely have freedom when it comes to dress codes! When Virginia Slims™ advertised, "You've come a long way, baby", they weren't just whistling Dixie. Free thinking women, like these 10 Mary's, and the men that encouraged them, helped pave the way for a society where women are no longer considered "less than" their talented brethren.

Reference:

Women In History "Mary Edwards Walker" Lakewood Public Library, (http://www.lkwdpl.org/wihohio/walk-mar.htm)
Sue Robinson, "A Day In Black History" Gibbs Magazine (http://www.gibbsmagazine.com/Eliz.htm)
Author Unknown, "Mary Anna Custis Lee", Wikipedia.org. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Anna_Custis_Lee)
Sara R Massey, "SLAVE MARY FIELDS FELT AT HOME IN MONTANA, WHETHER WORKING IN A CONVENT OR MANAGING A MAIL ROUTE", Black Cowboys (http://www.blackcowboys.com/maryfields.htm)
Author Unknown, "Mary McLeod Bethune", National Women Hall of Fame, (http://www.greatwomen.org/women.php?action=viewone&id=18)
Sarah K Horsley, "Mary Harris (Mother) Jones" Fem Bio, (http://www.fembio.org/english/biography.php/woman/biography/mary-harris-mother-jones/)
Authors Unknown, "EARLY INDEPENDENCE RESIDENTS, Mary Hunter Austin", Owens Valley History.com, (http://www.owensvalleyhistory.com/mary_austin/page49.html)
Charles A Howe, "Mary and Daniel Livermore", Dictionary of Unitarian & Universalist Biography, (http://www.uua.org/uuhs/duub/articles/livermorefamily.html) T Marck, "Mary Bickerdyke", About Famous People , (http://www.aboutfamouspeople.com/article1018.html)
JohnAuthor Unknown, "Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910), Founder of Christian Science", Cornerstone Books, (http://marybakereddy.wwwhubs.com/)
Author Unknown, "History of Civil Marraige in the U. S.", Wikepedia, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_civil_marriage_in_the_U.S