Mary Hudson Onley 1889-1980

Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Mary Hudson Onley was the daughter of Lavania F. Powell of Boston and William G. Onley of New Bedford. She graduated from New Bedford High School in 1908. In September of 1908, she entered the four year program at Bridgewater Normal School, where she graduated in 1912 as the first African-American. Following graduation, Ms. Onley was hired by the New Bedford Public School System to teach elementary education.

A 12 x 17” black and white poster of Mary Hudson Onley is available for $15.00. Please call the Davis Alumni Center at (508) 697-1290 for further information.

The untimely death of her parents put her in the role of caring for her younger siblings. She later married Reverend Arthur J. Spratley who was pastor of the Union Baptist Church in New Bedford. At this point, Mrs. Spratley became very active in church work. She held the post of President of the Women’s Auxiliary of the United Baptist Convention of Massachusetts and Rhode Island for many years. She also was one of the founders of the Martha Briggs Literary Club and a member of the Martha Briggs Educational Club of New Bedford. In addition, Mrs. Spratley was a charter member of the NAACP of New Bedford and Past Worthy Matron of the J.W. Hood Chapter of the Eastern Stars.

After several years in New Bedford, the Spratley’s moved to Boston, where Reverend Spratley became one of the founders of Concord Baptist Church. Mrs. Spratley resumed teaching in the Boston Public School system. While in Boston, she was very active in numerous civic groups such as the League of Women for Community Service, Boston Teacher’s Alliance, Boston Elementary Teachers Club, and the Delta Omicron Chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. After the death of her husband in the early 1960s, Mrs. Spratley returned to New Bedford, the home of her grandparents who were active in the underground railroad and the abolitionist movement.

Mrs. Spratley has been stamped as a woman of many accomplishments and one who possessed energy, foresight, and determination. She died in 1980 at the age of 91. She had one daughter, Joan M. Spratley Fisher of St. Louis, who was formerly a Commissioner of the Hall of Black Achievement.