Mary Moseley
Mary Moseley | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1878 Bahamas |
| Died | 14 January 1960 (aged 81–82) |
| Father | Alfred Edwin Moseley |
Mary Moseley (1878 – 1960) was a Bahamian newspaper editor. She was the editor for 48 years of the Nassau Guardian, which her grandfather, Edwin Charles Moseley, had founded in 1844.[1][2] She served as editor from 1904–1952. She was also the owner of the paper from 1907.
Early life
Moseley was the daughter of Alfred Edwin Moseley and the granddaughter of Edwin Charles Moseley, who founded the Nassau Guardian.[1] She was educated at the Church High School in Nassau[1] and by private tutor.[3] She was born in the Bahamas, which at time was a British colony.[4]
Career
The Guardian
The Nassau Guardian first appeared on 23 November 1844 to support the anti-slavery views of its founder, Moseley's grandfather, Edwin Charles Moseley.[3] Moseley became editor and manager of the Nassau Guardian following the deaths of her father, Alfred Edwin Moseley[1] and, shortly thereafter, her brother Percy in 1904.
Reportedly, she had been appointed to the editor's post "on a 'temporary basis' until a suitable male could be found to edit and manage the publishing business."[3] In 1907, she officially became owner of the business and served as the publication's editor and owner for 48 years.[3]
During World War I, Moseley went to England to advocate for war survivors from the West Indies, including the Bahamas. During her time abroad, Mary's brother Daniel ran the paper during her absence.[3]
Readership wasn't large, averaging only about 300 readers a day with topics primarily covering social and legislative issues. For example, she was rigorous in covering the House of Assembly. The paper's day-to-day financial foundation was largely built on the government printing contracts that Moseley was able to win using her influential contacts.[3] Moseley was widely known outside the Bahamas and apparently referred to, by overseas contacts, as "Mary Mo".[5]
While looking for an editorial successor, Moseley identified a cousin, Australian, C. H. Doyle Moseley, to take her place. Doyle was a journalist who worked for The West Australian newspaper. Before the start of World War II, Doyle traveled to Nassau[6] and joined the staff for a short time[7] before enlisting in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1941. Unfortunately, Doyle was killed in the war[3] in an air battle over Germany.
Mary Moseley continued her work at the paper until 1952 when she sold the enterprise to a group of Nassau businessmen. From that time on, she continued to serve as an editorial adviser.[1][3]
Other activities
In 1926, Moseley published the first edition of The Bahamas Handbook featuring the island's history, geography and society.[2][8]
She served as a trustee for the Nassau Public Library and Museum; she later became chair of the trusteeship committee.[8]
Honours
Moseley was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire by King George V.[8]
Death
Moseley died on 19 January 1960.[1][8][9] She was 81.[3] A funeral was held at Christ Church Cathedral and was well-attended.[5]
References
- ^ a b c d e f Lawlor, Jim (January 18, 2010). "Sip Sip History - Personalities: Mary Moseley 1878 - 1960". Bahamas Weekly. Retrieved 30 June 2025 – via Bahamas Historical Society.
- ^ a b Stout, Wesley (14 Mar 1960). "The Beachcomber (WE ARE just learning)". Fort Lauderdale News. p. 6. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "About Us". The Nassau Guardian. Retrieved 2020-02-10.
- ^ "Our History". The Official Site of The Bahamas. Retrieved 2020-02-10.
- ^ a b "Napier Moore's Scratch Pad". The Financial Post. Toronto. 6 Feb 1960. p. 33. Retrieved 30 June 2025 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Perth Journalist Returns". Mirror. Perth, Western Australia. 13 Jul 1940. Retrieved 2025-06-30 – via Trove.
After a lengthy visit to the British West Indies, Doyle Moseley, popular young Perth journalist and son of Lieut. Colonel H.. D. Moseley, returned to Perth by the Westland this morning.
- ^ "Lt Col. Moseley's Son Married Today". Mirror. Perth, Western Australia. 26 July 1941. Retrieved 2025-06-30 – via Trove.
[Leading Aircraftmen] Moseley is stationed at Geraldton. Prior to joining the R.A.A.F., he was on the "West Australian" and had not long returned from the Bahamas, where he was engaged in journalistic work.
- ^ a b c d Hanna-Ewers, Deanne (2013). Great Women in Bahamian History: Bahamian Women Pioneers. p. 15. ISBN 978-1452053981.
- ^ Colonial Office (1963). Report for the Years 1960 and 1961. London, England: H M Stationery Office. p. 6.