Mary Ann Mann Cornelius

Mary Ann Mann Cornelius was an influential American writer and social reformer known for her commitment to social causes, particularly temperance and women's suffrage. As president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union in Arkansas, she championed the movement against alcohol consumption while also advocating for women's rights. Cornelius spent significant time in Tacoma, Washington, where she established a free reading room and circulating library aimed at fostering literacy and education among the youth. Her dedication to social welfare extended to her role as a director of the humane society in both Tacoma and Topeka, Kansas, reflecting her deep concern for community well-being. Cornelius authored several novels and occult stories, with notable works including *Little Wolf*, *Uncle Nathan's Farm*, *The White Flame*, and *Why? or A Kansas Girl's Query*. Her writings often explored themes of social justice and the complexities of women's roles in society, contributing to the literary landscape of her time. Through her activism and literary contributions, Cornelius left a lasting impact on the movements she supported, embodying the spirit of reform and advocacy that characterized the late 19th and early 20th centuries.