Mary E. Brown, Suffragist and Advocate for Women’s Rights (1865 — 1948)

Editor’s Note:  The newspaper clips and images in this entry were provided to the Social Welfare History Project by Mary E. Brown’s great-granddaughter:  Cheryl Valentine Watson.  Watson is the daughter of Lesher Valentine, a grandson of Mary Brown, whose name appears in Mrs. Brown’s obit.

Mary E. Brown (1865-1948) – Suffragist and Life-Long Advocate for Women’s Rights

Mary E. Brown was a native of Delaware and an outstanding advocate for women’s rights.  Her father was Captain Thomas Crowley, one of the leaders of the First Delaware Regiment in the Civil War.  She had two children: a son, Walter Garrett Valentine and a daughter, Madeleine Brown Brice.

In January, 1919, Mary Brown was one of the suffragists who picketed the White House during President Woodrow Wilson’s Administration and was arrested for her efforts advocating for the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote.  She was sentenced and spent five days in the District of Columbia’s jail.  She received a silver cell door pin that was given to the women who were imprisoned for picketing.

Subsequently, Mary Brown continued her advocacy for women’s rights by touring the country, speaking and actively participating in the National Woman’s Party. She was the Regional Director for the Eastern area and treasurer of the Delaware Branch of the National Woman’s Party.

Mary Brown died December 21, 1948. She is buried at Mount Salem Cemetery in Wilmington, DE.

How to Cite this Article (APA Format): Social Welfare History Project (2013). Mary E. Brown, suffragist and advocate for women’s rights (1865 — 1948). Social Welfare History Project. Retrieved [date accessed] from https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/woman-suffrage/brown-mary-e-suffragist/