Mary Taft

Mary Taft (; 12 August 1772 – 26 March 1851) was a British Wesleyan Methodist preacher. Her work was supported by many, including her husband, but in 1803, the Methodist conference objected. She took little notice. In 1799, she said that one day "the wonder will then be that the exertions of pious females to bring souls to Christ should ever have been opposed or obstructed." By 1791 she was an enthusiastic Methodist who would attend prayer meetings. The superintendent minister objected to her exhortations but he backtracked when he witnessed the effects it was having. Her skills were recognised and she went on tours of the north of England and the Midlands. She converted people to Methodism and several Methodists to supporters of women preachers. She was invited to talk on different circuits although she was known for challenging complacent views. In 1827 her memoirs were published.

Death and legacy Taft died in Sandiacre near Derby in 1851. Birmingham Library holds an "Autobiographical preaching diary of Mary Taft, Methodist preacher, being an autobiography written for her children, Jane and Eliza Taft" which is thought to have been transcribed by Zechariah Taft in .