Judith Sargent Murray Were I to personify Justice instead of presenting her blind, I would denominate her the goddess of fire….of unbending integrity Justice should feel, hear and see; but truth alone should be the polar star by which she should shape her movements, and equity only should constrain her determinations. -Judith Sargent Murray By Nichole Harryman

Early Life (69 years old) Born in Gloucester, Massachusetts One of eight kids born to Winthrop Sargent and Judith Saunders Sargent Although rich, she was only educated in reading and writing. She was self taught, much at the aid of their family’s large library. Her father took great pride in the nine year old prodigy as she began writing poetry.

1769, at eighteen years old, she married ship captain John Stevens. No children of their own, but they adopted a niece and a cousin. She soon befriended John Murray, a preacher whom she viewed as a mentor. Due to her recently adopted faith, she was excommunicated from Gloucester’s First Parish Church in 1780 During the revolution, their family suffered severe debt due to insecure sea trade. Hoping to help the family, Judith began writing under the pseudonym of “Constantia”. Unfortunately, it was not enough to remove the debt and John Stevens fled to the West Indies where he died in 1786 First Marriage

In 1788, Judith Sargent Stevens marries John Murray. 1789, Judith bore a son, but he only lived a few hours Finally, she gave birth to her only daughter, at forty years old. Her name was Julia Maria

Views She was a feminist Wished for equality for men and women She was fair. Didn’t believe that one should receive the short end of the stick, ever. She treated men and women alike.

Works On Equality of the Sexes, written in 1779, published 1790 She also wrote for The Massachusetts Magazine, and The Boston Weekly Magazine on several different occasions

Last Days Her life turned upside down when John fell ill due to a stroke She rounded up church members to aid John in movement and never left his side 1815, John died, giving Judith peace that he was no longer confined to a bed At 69 years old, Judith Sargent Murray died. June 9 th 1820

Quiz Where was Judith Sargent Murray born? What was her most notable piece of work? What was her writing name during the revolution?

Sources resources/biography/biographies/judith- sargent-murray/ resources/biography/biographies/judith- sargent-murray/ Judith_Sargent_Murray Judith_Sargent_Murray