Mary William Houston – Women’s Rights Pioneer

mary william houston

Fast Facts About Mary

  • Date of Birth: April 9, 1850
  • Date of Death: December 14, 1931
  • Place of Birth: Independence, Texas
  • Married John Simeon Morrow in 1871
  • Five children

When examining the annals of Texan history, the towering figure of Sam Houston – a statesman, general, and pivotal player in the Texas Revolution – frequently dominates the narrative. Yet, alongside the spotlight that illuminates his heroic exploits, the glow radiates onto those who surrounded him, revealing intriguing narratives woven through the rich fabric of the American West. One such figure is his daughter, Mary William Houston.

Born on April 9, 1850, to Sam Houston and his wife Margaret Lea, Mary William, or ‘Mary Willie’ as she was affectionately called within the family, embodied a surprising twist in the Houston family narrative. The Houston couple had envisioned their third child to be a boy, ideally named after Andrew Jackson, a mentor of Sam’s. However, upon the arrival of a baby girl, they pivoted, bestowing upon her the names Mary William.

A delightful anecdote around her birth involves a locket of her hair, described by her mother as black, turning a beautiful auburn upon reaching her father in Washington. This event could be seen as an early indication of Mary Willie’s life – one that would not conform to expectations, but instead shine with its unique luster.

Educated at Baylor Female Seminary, Mary Willie was an early participant in the movement towards women’s education in a time when such endeavors were far from commonplace. Her education served as the foundation for the resilient and independent spirit she would later exhibit.

In 1871, Mary Willie married John Simeon Morrow, a first cousin of her sister’s husband, and by the early 1880s, they had settled in Abilene, Texas. John established a law practice, integrating into the burgeoning legal landscape of the growing city. But Mary Willie was not content to be merely the wife of a lawyer. She was a woman with ambitions of her own and a clear recognition of the increasingly pivotal role women would play in society.

After her husband’s death, Mary Willie took on the role of Abilene’s postmistress in 1910. The position was one of significant responsibility and influence, providing a vital link between the city and the wider world. This was a woman in the male-dominated 19th century who was not afraid to step into roles traditionally filled by men, further testament to her resilience and independence.

However, Mary Willie’s sphere of influence wasn’t restricted to her professional life. She was also a pillar of her local Presbyterian Church, underlining her commitment to the spiritual and community life in Abilene. Her actions spoke volumes about her understanding of the role of faith in personal and societal stability and progress.

On December 14, 1931, at the age of 81, Mary William Houston passed away in Stamford, Texas, at her daughter’s home. Her legacy, though less conspicuous than that of her father’s, remains an important part of the broader story of Texas and, more specifically, the role of women in its history.

The life of Mary William Houston offers a compelling glimpse into the experience of women in the American West during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Her story, while partially overshadowed by her famous father’s, deserves recognition for its testament to the emerging resilience and independence of women in a rapidly changing society. The tale of Mary Willie is not just the story of a girl born into a prominent family, but of a woman who carved out her own path against the backdrop of a transforming America.