Concise Encyclopedia of Tufts History
Sauer, Anne
Branco, Jessica
Bennett, John
Crowley, Zachary
2000
Livermore, Mary A., 1820-1905
Mary A. Livermore (1820-1905), H1896, was the first female to receive an honorary degree from Tufts College. | |
Born on Dec. 19, 1820, in Boston, Mary A. Rice began her education in Boston public schools. She transferred to a Charlestown seminary school for four years, where she continued as a teacher after her graduation. She soon moved and began working as a teacher at a family school on a southern plantation, where she first came in direct contact with slavery. This experience made her an ardent abolitionist. She moved back north and married Rev. Daniel P. Livermore, a Universalist clergyman, on May 6, 1845. | |
Mrs. Livermore gained fame for her work with the United States Sanitary Commission during the Civil War. She also became a noted member of the Women's Suffrage movement, and spent much of her life involved in causes related to the advancement of women. | |
A long time friend of Tufts, Mrs. Livermore wrote a poem entitled "Tufts College" in 1855. This poem appeared in various publications, including the centennial issue of Tuftonian magazine in June 1952. | |
Mrs. Livermore received an honorary degree of LL. D. from Tufts College at Commencement in 1896, making her the first female to receive an honorary degree at the college. | |
She died at her home in Melrose, Massachusetts, on May 23, 1905. | |
Source: VF, TCG | |
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