Mary Ann M'Clintock

Mary Ann M'Clintock or Mary Ann McClintock (1800–1884) was a strong advocate for both Women's Right's and the abolition movement. She is best remembered for her role in founding the First Women's Rights Convention of Seneca Falls, as well as the Western New York Anti-Slavery Society.

Early life Born Mary Ann Wilson in Burlington, New Jersey, M'Clintock was raised in a Quaker home. At some point early in Wilson's childhood, she moved to West Chester, PA, where, by 1814, she attended Westtown School. By 1820, she was married to Thomas M'Clintock, a fellow socially progressive Quaker. Shortly after their union, M'Clintock began having children. Between 1821 and 1831, M'Clintock had five children: Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Sarah, Charles, and Julia. It was in Waterloo that M'Clintock began, in earnest, her career in advocacy and organization.

Career of advocacy M'Clintock began her work in advocacy in 1833, when she was very active in the anti-slavery movements throughout Philadelphia. She had a strong influence within Quaker communities, where she was often recognized as a leader and minister.

In 1842, M'Clintock helped establish the Western New York Anti-Slavery Society, assisting in organizing the meetings, spreading word about the group, and writing its constitution. This chapter became a significant organization, hosting notable speakers such as Frederick Douglass.

M'Clintock was also an active member in Quaker politics. She took issue with the prevalent idea that different denominations of Christianity could not cooperate. M'Clintock believed that Quakers could create large-scale social change if they were willing to cooperate with all denominations of Christians. For this reason, in October of 1848, M'Clintock established the Progressive Friends, or Friends of Human Progress. While living in Waterloo, M'Clintock served the clerk for every meeting of the group.

She is predominantly remembered for her work establishing the First Women's Rights Convention in Seneca Falls. Her daughter, Elisabeth, continued to fight for women's suffrage, living a life inspired by her mother.