Mary Townsend

Mary Townsend (May 14, 1814 – July 8, 1851) was an early American science writer and abolitionist. Born into a prominent Philadelphia Quaker family, she, her parents, and her siblings were educated at the Westtown School. From childhood, Townsend had an interest in insects. She conducted various studies and experiments, examining specimens under a microscope and evaluating their habits. Because illness and the loss of her sight kept her confined to her bed, Townsend taught herself how to write with a braille-like card. In 1844, she published Life in the Insect World: or, Conversations upon Insects, between an Aunt and Her Nieces, which became popular and influential, particularly in influencing other women to pursue science. With her sister Hannah, she also wrote The Anti-Slavery Alphabet, which was published in 1846. Aimed at a juvenile audience, the work taught children the alphabet, using words that would help them develop both a political consciousness and an understanding of human rights. It was sold at anti-slavery fairs to raise money for the abolition movement. Between 1847 and 1851, Townsend worked on a history of England for children, told in rhymes. The work was not published prior to her death in 1851. Early life and education Mary Townsend was born on May 14, 1814, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Priscilla (née Kirk) and Charles Townsend. Priscilla, a Quaker, originally from York, Pennsylvania, attended Westtown School in West Chester. In 1803, she married Charles Townsend, of Chester County, Pennsylvania. Charles had also attended Westtown School, as did the couple's children. He was a druggist and watchmaker in Philadelphia and the couple were members of the Green Street Friends Meeting, for which Priscilla served as a minister. The family lived at 105 Chestnut Street until 1822. Their home was adjacent to Franklin Court, the home of Benjamin Franklin in his later years. In 1823, the family moved to 138 South Tenth Street. They were well-off, but not wealthy, influential in the community, and well-educated. When the Hicksite Separation occurred in 1827, the family sided with the new sect. Although Charles and Priscilla were quietists, they did not object to their children's involvement in reform movements. In 1833, the family would be among the founders of the Spruce Street Friends Meeting. The couple had twelve children, although five died in infancy.