5 Inspirational Liberty County Women
One of the amazing things about Liberty County is that we have no shortage of inspiring history and trailblazing heroes that mean a lot to us. Each part of that history and all of the incredible people have shaped our coastal community into what we know and love today. What many don’t know is that many of these heroes are women! In honor of Women’s History Month, we wanted to shine a spotlight on a few of these amazing women. Each and every one of them worked hard to ensure that our home became an even greater place to live over the years. We hope that you enjoy our list of 5 inspirational Liberty County women!
Susie King Taylor
Born into slavery in Liberty County, Susie King Taylor definitely made her mark in Liberty County by fighting for what she believed in. As a child, she bravely sought out a formal education despite incredibly harsh laws against African-Americans. At the age of 14, Susie and her family escaped from the plantation where they were enslaved and made their way to safety behind Union lines. She then met her husband, Edward King, and they both joined the first all African-American regiment in the Union troops. She traveled with the soldiers listed as a laundress but used her education to actually be a nurse and teacher.
The unit was removed from the service a couple years later, so Susie and her husband made their way to Savannah! She set forth to create her own school and continue educating, but faced hardships that made her unable to continue on this path. She began working as a domestic servant before moving to Boston in 1872. After her move, she married her late husband, Russell Taylor and devoted the rest of her life to serving in the Woman’s Relief Corps. Before she passed, Susie became a published author! Check out her book about the time she served during the war titled Reminiscences of My Life in Camp.
Mary Musgrove
Mary Musgrove was one of the earliest women who paved the way for Liberty County. Her amazing story includes influencing peace between the Creek Indians and the colonists that arrived in the 1700s. Mary’s father was an English trader and her mother was a Creek Indian. Growing up with both cultures as an influence made her into the woman that she was! She spoke English and Musckogee, which allowed her to help her husband with his trading business, and also allowed her to serve as an interpreter to James Oglethorpe. Mary spent many years serving both the English and the Creek before she settled on our barrier island, St. Catherines to spend the remaining years of her life.
Elizabeth B. Moore
Elizabeth B. Moore was the headmistress at Dorchester Academy from 1925-1932. During her time at there, she focused on expanding the curriculum and teaching the students how to take pride in their accomplishments. She taught the children about art appreciation, increased physical activity time, improved the music department and added a science department. Elizabeth led Dorchester Academy to great success, and the students were lucky to have such a fearless leader!
Carrie Kent Brown
Carrie Kent Brown was the first African American female to become mayor in Liberty County and the entire state of Georgia! She was a member of the Walthourville all female city council for four years before deciding to run for mayor, an office she successfully held for 24 years! During her time in office, she raised a family, was a devoted member of her church and never stopped continuing to improve the lives of the citizens of the city. She continuously educated herself and made it a better place for all who lived there!
Lyndol Anderson
If you travel to the west end of our county, you’ll find a little town called Walthourville. Located here is a historical marker that says, “organized by women, supported by men.” This is because it was one of the first cities in Georgia to have female leaders! When the town was founded, Governor Jimmy Carter appointed a mayor and council. This council was unique, because it was all women. The council was led by Lyndol Anderson, the first female mayor in Liberty County. As mayor, Anderson was committed to making Walthourville a better place for all. She even donated her monthly pay back to the city and it was used to provide the citizens with running water!
In the years since these women passed, their lives and legacies continue to speak volumes of the brave women that they were! Many of them have had historical markers erected in their honor to recognize their incredible stories. #ExploreLiberty and find them to celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of these and so many countless others!
