Maggie Newton Van Cott

Margaret Newton Van Cott (March 25, 1830 – August 29, 1914), also known as Margaret Van Cott or Maggie Van Cott, was the first woman to be licensed to preach in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Biography Margaret Ann Newton was born in New York City on March 25, 1830. Her father was William K. Newton, a wealthy real estate broker, and her mother was Rachel A. (née Primrose) Newton. She was brought up in the Episcopal Church, the eldest of four children. She made her first public address in a school in Durham, New York, in 1866. Her success led her to be invited to conduct a number of revival meetings in February 1868. Although there was some opposition to a "lady preacher," she became very popular and successful. In 1872 Bishop Gilbert Haven said "She is without doubt today the most popular, most laborious, and most successful preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church."

It was said that by her 50th birthday she had traveled 143,417 miles, held 9,933 revival meetings, and given 4,294 sermons. She died at home on August 29, 1914, in Catskill, New York, at eighty-four.