Murray, Judith Sargent, 1751-1820

Judith Sargent Murray is regarded by many historians as the first American feminist writer. She is also considered to be the primary theorist regarding the merits of women's education during the early republic. She is best known for her three volume compilation of essays, poetry, and plays entitled The Gleaner. She was the wife of sea captain John Stevens (1741-86) and of the Rev. John Murray (1741-1815), the founder of the Universalist denomination in America. A member of a prominent Gloucester, Mass., family, she was the sister of Winthrop Sargent (1753-1820), secretary and acting governor of the Northwest Territory and first governor of the Mississippi Territory.

From the description of Judith Sargent Murray papers (Z/1827.00). (Harvard University, Divinity School Library). WorldCat record id: 182766859