Jennings, May Mann, 1872-1963

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Civic, political, and environmental leader, of Florida; b. May Elizabeth Austin Mann; married William Sherman Jennings.

From the description of Papers, 1889-1928. (University of Florida). WorldCat record id: 28412421

Political, social, and environmental activist.

Born in New Jersey, daughter of state senator Austin Shuey Mann; moved to Crystal River, Florida, in 1874. Educated at St. Joseph's Convent in St. Augustine. Married to William Sherman Jennings, Governor of Florida, 1901-1905; Florida Director, General Federation of Women's Clubs, 1914-1917; member, executive committee, state Audubon Society, 1919-1924. Interested in conservation, Seminiole Indians, and women's suffrage.

From the description of Papers, 1889-1963. (University of Florida). WorldCat record id: 27719200

May Mann Jennings was a leading member of the women's club movement and an influential advocate for social reform and civic causes in Florida and nationwide. Born in New Jersey in 1872, she moved with her family to Crystal River, Florida, in 1874. She was educated at St. Joseph's Convent in St. Augustine, and lived primarily in Jacksonville throughout her life. No stranger to politics, her father was Florida State Senator Austin Shuey Mann and she married future Governor William Sherman Jennings in 1891. During their years in the Governor's mansion, she became known as the "Mother of Forestry" for her advocacy efforts on behalf of the state Board of Forestry. Her interests varied widely and she championed numerous causes related to the Seminole Indians, women's rights and suffrage, conservation, beautification efforts, child welfare, public health, education, and Democratic politics.

A prominent leader in the women's club movement, she served as president of the Florida Federation of Women's Clubs from 1914-1917, and as both Florida director and vice president of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (1918-1920). She also held several important leadership positions with social club and civic organizations throughout Florida, including numerous beautification committees and the state Audubon Society. During her tenure as president of the Florida Federation of Women's Clubs, she spearheaded the effort to have the Royal Palm State Park established in 1915, thereby preserving a portion of the Everglades for public use. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s she continued to oversee and advocate for the Royal Palm Park on behalf of the Federation. She was appointed to the Everglades National Park Commission in the late 1930s and pushed for the creation of a national Everglades Park. She died April 24, 1963.

From the guide to the May Mann Jennings Papers, 1889-1963, (Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida)

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf Jennings, May Mann, 1872-1963. Papers, 1889-1928. University of Florida
creatorOf Jennings, May Mann, 1872-1963. Papers, 1889-1963. University of Florida
creatorOf May Mann Jennings Papers, 1889-1963 Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida
referencedIn Bryan, William James. Letters, 1930. Florida State University
referencedIn Florida Historical Society. Records, 1923-1982. University of Florida
referencedIn Florida Historical Society Records, 1923-1982 Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
correspondedWith Bryan, William James. person
associatedWith Florida Audubon Society. corporateBody
associatedWith Florida Historical Society. corporateBody
Place Name Admin Code Country
Florida
Florida
Subject
Education
Conservationists
Conservationists
Conservation of natural resources
Conservation of natural resources
Conservation of natural resources
Governors' spouses
Governors' spouses
Landscape protection
Seminole Indians
Urban beautification
Women
Women
Women conservationists
Women conservationists
Women in public life
Women in public life
Women social reformers
Women social reformers
Women's rights
Occupation
Civic leaders
Conservationists
Women civic leaders
Women conservationists
Activity

Person

Birth 1872

Death 1963

Information

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