Mary H. Hunt
American Temperance Reformer and Educator
1830 – 1906 A.D.

The woman who appeared before more legislative bodies than any other living person, has traveled untold thousands of miles, and has delivered addresses innumerable on temperance, education, and kindred themes.

Her father, Ephraim Hanchett, was a courageous and enthusiastic worker in the anti-slavery movement, and his daughter inherited his best traits.

After a most thorough course of studies she became professor of natural science in one of the leading institutions in Baltimore. in this she was unconsciously training for her life work in behalf of scientific temperance instruction.

When she married and became a mother she found a further education and preparation for her great work. She saw in the liquor traffic and the drink habit the great foe of humanity and the sorrow of mothers and wives.

Her mind took a wide sweep. She saw that rescue work was but a part of what the world needed. The real nature and effects of alcoholic drinks upon mind and body should be known by the children. Instruction should not be optional but compulsory.

She became superintendent of the newly constituted educational department of the National Women’s Christian Temperance Union. A new school literature on hygiene was needed and was created, largely under her direction.

Thoroughly abreast of the times on all scientific and legislative matters, she has, though opposed and misrepresented, won a host of brilliant victories for humanity and temperance.

As a result of her work legislation for compulsory temperance education she has been secured in most of the states of the Union and in all the territories, also in national military and naval academies and in all schools for the Indian and colored races under national control.

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Reference: Woman: Her Position, Influence and Achievement Throughout the Civilized World. Designed and Arranged by William C. King. Published in 1900 by The King-Richardson Co. Copyright 1903 The King-Richardson Co.