Mary J. Scarlett Dixon

Mary J. Scarlett Dixon (, Scarlett; October 23, 1822 – January 28, 1900) was an American physician and abolitionist from Pennsylvania.

Early life and education Mary J. Scarlett was born in Robeson Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, on October 23, 1822. Her parents were members of the Society of Friends, and Mary was the youngest of seven children. Her father was a farmer. He died when she was about four years old, and a brother's death soon after left the mother with six children, on a farm which was not very productive.

Dixon received her education in West Chester and Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

Abolitionist When the agitation against slavery loomed up in 1830, the Scarlett family was the only one in the neighborhood that took an active part in the abolitionist movement, and their house began hosting anti-slavery lectures. When Mary was sixteen years old, her mother died.

After the family estate was settled, Dixon began to teach in country schools. She taught at Haramony school, in Bart township; she also taught in the family of Thomas Whitson, who then lived near Smyrna.

Dixon and her sister Catharine kept a "free store" in Pennsgrove, Chester County, Pennsylvania but the Catherine's marriage ended this work.

Personal life Dixon resided in Philadelphia. She removed to the home of her nephew, Samuel (or Levi) Lewis, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, after her husband's death, which preceded hers by three years. She died at her nephew's home, January 28, 1900. She is interred at Fair Hill Burial Ground.