Fannie W Sweasy Smith

Dec 29, 2023

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in 1850-1869 (Born), Activists and Community Leaders, Born or raised in Newark (high school or before), Education, Museums and Libraries

c. 1851 – 1923

Fannie W Smith was the only Newark women to attend the International Congress for Women in 1915, representing the New Jersey branch of the Woman’s Peace Party.

Fannie also served as Vice Principal of Newton Street School, teaching in Newark for 40 years. Her sister Augusta was Vice Principal of Lincoln School. She was President of the Teacher’s Guild and Teacher’s Retirement Fund. She graduated Newark High in 1868 and taught from 1869-1909.

Born in Newark as Fannie Sweasy, she began teaching before her marriage to Stephen E Smith, who died the same year they were married. She was also active in the Presbyterian Church.