March is Women's History Month. This Is the First of Three Posts About Women Important to Clarksville's History

Mary Stevens Freeman, a long-time resident of Clarksville, born on March 21, 1880, was one of Austin’s best-known midwives in the early part of the 20th century.

She married John H. Freeman in 1898. Together they had 9 children. She became a member of the Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church at an early age, and was a faithful member of Ebenezer Baptist Church for more than 50 years. Mrs. Freeman died June 11, 1975, in Seattle. At the time of her passing, she had 18 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren, and 24 great-great-grandchildren

Midwives were among the most respected persons in the community. They did more than deliver babies—they counseled women on pre-natal care, were familiar with home remedies, herbs, teas and roots, and practiced practical nursing. Their wisdom and judgment was trusted and respected. Midwives were women of strong character, active in church and fraternal organizations and looked upon as authority figures. Midwives were a great source of support in the moral, social, and physical discipline of the community, especially to the young.

Information provided by Linda Baylor, Mary Stevens Freeman’s great-granddaughter.

Photo of Mary Stevens Freeman was taken in 1956. At the time, she worked as a maid at the Pease Mansion (Woodlawn). She is wearing her maid’s uniform