Mary Stone McDowell

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Overview

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Mary Stone McDowell born Jersey City, NJ March 22, 1876 (d. 1955). Quaker; Latin teacher fired for refusing to promote war bonds in class. Co-founded Pacifist Teachers League opposing WWII, 1940; co-founded Peacemakers against Cold War and nuclear weapons, 1948. Refused war taxes.

Quotations

“I believe that war is wicked and contrary to our democratic faith. . . and it is also contrary to our Christian faith which teaches us to overcome evil with good. Moreover, in the atomic age and in an interdependent world, even victorious war could only bring disaster to our own country as well as others. War preparations and threats of atomic war cannot give us security. True patriotism calls for world-wide cooperation for human welfare and immediate steps toward universal disarmament through the United Nations.” (letter to IRS, 1954, in The Picket Line, “Non-Communist Demonstrators”; photo Mary McDowell Friends School)