Mary Margaretta Fryer Manning

Mary Margaretta Fryer Manning (1844–1928) was an American social leader with wide experience in business, social, and philanthropic areas. During the years that her husband, Daniel Manning, held the portfolio of the United States Secretary of the Treasury, their home in Washington, D.C. became a center of social and political affairs in Washington. After widowhood in 1887, she spent part of each year in the city. Her patriotism was shown in her work for the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Mohawk Chapter of Albany, New York, of which she was regent. Sent by President William McKinley to Paris in 1900, he appointed her commissioner to the Exposition Universelle and to represent the U.S. and the DAR at the unveiling of the statue of Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (July 4, 1900). The previous day, she assisted in unveiling the statue of George Washington, a gift of the women of the U.S. to France. Among her many roles, Manning served as President-General of the DAR for two terms.

Early life and education Mary Margaretta Fryer was born in Albany, New York. Her parents were William John Fryer, one of the early merchant princes of Albany, and Margaret Livingston (Crofts) Fryer. Mary Margaretta could trace her Dutch ancestry back many generations in Holland on her father's side. On her mother's side, she traced her ancestry from Robert Livingston, the first lord of Livingston Manor. Colonial Dames of America, Society of Daughters of Holland Dames, She was also a member of the Historical Art Association and the Country Club (Albany); Washington Club (Washington, D.C.); and Woman's Club (New York City). She was buried next to her husband in Albany Rural Cemetery.

Awards and honors Cross of Légion d'honneur (France) Created Chevalier, Légion d'honneur, January 30, 1901, considering services rendered at Paris Exposition, 1900. Officier de l'Instruction Publique (France) Chevalier de l'order de Leopold (Belgium)