Mary Ingram Stille

Mary Ingram Stille (July 1, 1854 – November 4, 1935) was an American historian, journalist, and temperance reformer. The early success of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (W.C.T.U.) in Pennsylvania was largely due through her efforts.

Early life and education Mary Ingram Stille was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, July 1, 1854. She was the oldest of the three daughters of Abram and Hannah Jefferis Stille. She represented on the father's side the fifth generation of the Philips family, who came to the U.S. from Wales in 1755. On her mother's side, she was the seventh in descent from George and Jane Chandler, who came to the U.S. in 1687 from England. Her ancestors served in the American Revolution, and her grandfather, Josiah Philips, was called out by President George Washington to aid in the suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion. After a reconstruction of the organization, she was made a charter member. and as an officer (Councillor) of the Chester County Historical Society.

In May, 1884, the first organization of the W.C.T.U. was effected in West Chester, and, having always supported the cause of temperance, she at once identified herself with the work and became a useful member. She filled positions in the State and national divisions of the temperance work. In 1889 and 1890, she was actively engaged in the State headquarters, assisting in that work, and when the new State organ was published, she held the position of treasurer as long as that office existed. The early success of the venture was largely due to her efforts.

Personal life In religion, she was a Quaker by birth, but later became a member of the Presbyterian Church.