Diaz, Abby Morton, 1821-1904

Abby Morton Diaz (1821-1904) was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Her father, Ichabod Morton, was a social reformer involved in anti-slavery, temperance, and (with Horace Mann) education movements. Abby was secretary for the Juvenile Anti-Slavery Society as a girl. Her family moved to the Brook Farm Community in 1842, where Abby stayed to teach until 1847. She married Manuel Diaz, a Cuban, in 1845. They later separated. Abby taught singing and opened a dancing school in Plymouth. She published her first story in Atlantic Monthly in 1861 and thereafter published juvenile stories and articles on "domestic culture," social reform for women, religious freedom, transcendentalism, and in later years, Christian Science. A children's book, The William Henry Letters, was published in 1870. Abby was one of the original board members of the Women's Education and Industrial Union of Boston (1877) and served as its president, 1881-92, and vice president, 1892-1902. After 1902, she was the honorary president. She traveled and lectured throughout the U.S., and eventually became active in the suffrage movement.

From the guide to the Abby Morton Diaz Papers MS 48., 1879-1900, (Sophia Smith Collection)

American author.

From the description of Abby Morton Diaz papers [manuscript], 1869-1876, no date. (University of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 648018066

Author; Suffragist; Social reformer.

From the description of Papers 1879-1900. (Smith College). WorldCat record id: 46726189

American author and feminist.

From the description of Autograph letter signed : Plymouth, Massachusetts, to John S. Clark, 1869 May 14. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270527157