MY HEROINE: MARY SLESSOR

The Scottish Missionary Who Saved Thousands of Twins

Portrait of Mary Sleso
Ma Slessor lives on
moon

Mary Mitchell Slessor (2 December 1848 – 13 January 1915) was a heroine whose name has been etched in the hearts of all. With her kindness and bravery, she saved the lives of many twins. Born in 1848, in Scotland; Ma Slessor- as she was fondly called- moved to southeastern, Nigeria, to lay a timeless impact on the community and the country at large. With her altruism, she saved our world!

Life and Departure of Mary Slessor

  • 1848 Born on December 2, in Gilcomston, Aberdeen, Scotland.
  • 1859: Started working in a factory to provide support for her family, as her father was a drunkard.
  • 1876: Applied and was accepted by the United Presbyterian Church's Foreign Mission Board. Trained in Edinburgh and sailed on the steamer Ethiopia on 5 August.
  • 1876: Later arrived in Calabar, Nigeria, West Africa just over a month later.
  • 1879: Visited home in Scotland due to malaria illness.
  • 1880: got back to Calabar and took charge of women’s work at Old Town.
  • 1883: Visited Scotland for the second time, with an African girl named Janie
  • 1885: got back to Calabar again but now, in Creek Town. Her mother died in December.
  • 1886: Lost her sister - Janie- in March.
  • 1888: Travelled to Okoyong-an area where many male missionaries had been killed- alone.
  • 1891: Travelled home for the third time due to illness. This time again, with Janie-the African girl.
  • 1892: Became a vice-consul in Okoyong and presided over native court.
  • 1898: Visited home for the fourth time due to illness again, with Janie, Alice, Maggie and Mary; whom she adopted as her children.
  • 1903: Began a mission at Itu to Arochuku.
  • 1905: Settled at Ikotobong and chosen as Vice-President of Ikot Obong Native Court.
  • 1907: visited Scotland for the fifth time due to illness, with Dan-a 6 year old African. Got back to settle at Use Ikot Oku.
  • 1908: started a home for girls and women at Use, Ikot Oku.
  • 1909: Quit court work.
  • 1910: started work at Ikpe.
  • 1912: went on vacation at Grand Canary.
  • 1913: visited Okoyong where she got a Royal medal. She also started work at Odoro Ikpewhere she was working between three stations- Use, Ikpe, and Odoro Ikpe.
  • 1914: Ill again in August.
  • 1915: Died on January 13. at Use.
"I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people."
- Maya Angelou

Ma Slessor will always be my Heroine!