Clarke, Mary Frances (1803–1887)

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Clarke, Mary Frances (1803–1887)

Irish-American religious order founder. Born Mar 2, 1803, in Dublin, Ireland; died Dec 4, 1887, in Dubuque, Iowa.

With 4 other religious women, immigrated to America (1833), taught in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and organized as the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Nov 1, 1833), of which Clarke served as superior; on invitation of Bishop Matthias Loras and Father Pierre De Smet, traveled to Dubuque with 4 others, becoming the 1st Roman Catholic nuns in Iowa Territory (1833); was influential in opening the St. Mary's Female Academy (1843), the 1st women's college in IA (later known as Mt. St. Joseph College, then Clarke College).

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Clarke, Mary Frances (1803–1887)

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