Mary Wood-Allen

Mary Wood-Allen (October 19, 1841 – January 21, 1908) was an American physician, author, and social reformer. She was a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement and an advocate for sexual education and temperance.

Early Life and Education

Mary Augusta Wood was born in Delta, Ohio, to parents who were active in the Methodist Episcopal Church. She attended the University of Michigan, where she earned her medical degree in 1875. She was one of the few women of her time to pursue higher education and a career in medicine.

Career

After completing her education, Wood-Allen began practicing medicine in Toledo, Ohio. She became involved in the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), where she served as the National Superintendent of the Purity Department. In this role, she focused on educating young people about sexual health and morality.

Wood-Allen was also a prolific writer. She authored several books and pamphlets on topics related to health, hygiene, and morality. Some of her notable works include What a Young Girl Ought to Know and Teaching Truth. Her writings were widely distributed and used in educational programs across the United States.

Personal Life

Mary Wood married Dr. Charles Allen in 1865, and they had three children. The couple worked together on various social reform projects, including the promotion of vegetarianism and natural health practices.

Legacy

Mary Wood-Allen's contributions to the fields of medicine, education, and social reform had a lasting impact. She was a pioneer in the movement for sexual education and played a significant role in advancing the rights and health of women and children.

See Also

• Women's suffrage in the United States
• Sexual education in the United States
• Temperance movement
• Women's Christian Temperance Union