Maria W. Stewart, born Maria Miller in 1803 in Hartford, Connecticut, is best known as one of the earliest female public speakers in the United States. Despite facing numerous challenges and hardships throughout her life, Stewart emerged as a prominent figure in the abolitionist movement and made significant contributions to the fight for civil rights and gender equality. Little is known about Stewart’s parents, as she was orphaned at a young age. After being left without parental support, she became an indentured servant and served as a clergyman until the age of fifteen. Despite the limitations imposed by her circumstances, Stewart displayed remarkable determination and initiative by attending Connecticut Sabbath schools and teaching herself to read and write.
In 1826, Maria Miller married James W. Stewart, a shipping agent who had previously served in the War of 1812. The marriage marked her entry into Boston’s small free black middle class, where she quickly became involved in various institutions dedicated to social and political causes. Following her husband’s passing in 1829, Stewart faced further adversity when the white executors of his will unjustly took her inheritance through legal actions, leaving her in a state of financial hardship. Stewart’s pivotal moment came when she responded to William Lloyd Garrison’s call for black women to contribute to his newspaper, The Liberator, in 1831. Her first essay, “Religion and the Pure Principles of Morality,” was published and garnered attention, leading to the launch of her public speaking career. At a time when women, especially black women, were prohibited from speaking in public, Stewart fearlessly addressed audiences on topics such as religion, justice, equality, and civil rights for African Americans.
Notably, her speeches at the African American Female Intelligence Society and the New England Anti-Slavery Society meetings challenged societal norms and sparked important conversations about race and gender. Stewart’s writings and speeches were published in The Liberator, amplifying her message and inspiring other women, both black and white, to become advocates for social change.
Following her relocation to New York City, Stewart continued her activism by participating in the 1837 Women’s Anti-slavery Convention. However, she chose to focus on teaching in public schools in Manhattan and Brooklyn, eventually assuming the role of assistant principal at the Williamsburg School in Brooklyn. Despite her decision to step away from public speaking, Stewart remained committed to advocating for equality and justice. Stewart’s later years saw her move to Baltimore before settling in Washington, D.C. During the Civil War, she taught at a school and later took on the role of overseeing housekeeping at the Freedmen’s Hospital and Asylum. Her resilience and dedication to serving her community continued to shine through as she managed the hospital’s cleaning staff.
In 1878, at the age of seventy-five, Maria W. Stewart began receiving a widow’s pension based on her husband’s service in the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812. This provided her with some financial stability and allowed her to republish her work, including additional material about her experiences during the Civil War. The book, titled “Meditations from the Pen of Mrs. Maria W. Stewart,” was released in December 1879, shortly before her passing. Maria W. Stewart’s impact on the abolitionist movement and her trailblazing efforts as a female public speaker continue to inspire generations. Her unwavering commitment to social justice and equality serves as a testament to the resilience of individuals who strive to create positive change in the face of adversity. Stewart’s legacy lives on as a beacon of hope and empowerment for all those who continue to advocate for a more just and equitable society.