Fisher, Mary (c. 1623–1698)

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Fisher, Mary (c. 1623–1698)

American Quaker preacher. Name variations: Mary Bayly, Mary Cross. Born c. 1623 in Yorkshire (perhaps in town of Pontefract), England; died 1698 in Charleston, South Carolina; m. William Bayly (sea captain and Quaker preacher), 1662 (died 1675); m. John Cross (cordwainer), Sept 19, 1678 (died c. 1687); children: number uncertain.

Pioneering missionary, was a convert to Society of Friends (Quakers) under influence of George Fox; became itinerant preacher in England (early 1650s); imprisoned numerous times for rebuking priests, was also publicly flogged in Cambridge (1650s); traveled to Barbados, British West Indies, then Massachusetts Bay Colony in Boston (mid-1650s), intent on missionary work in New England; was sent back to Barbados; reportedly traveled alone to Turkey and met Sultan Mohammed IV ("Great Turk," late 1650s); with 2nd husband and children, migrated to Charleston, SC (1682).

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