Mary L. Shapard | |
|---|---|
 Mary Ligon Shapard, 1918 | |
| Born | Mary Ligon c. 1882–1888 Mississippi, United States |
| Died | c. early 1950s |
| Other names | Mary Ligon Christensen, Mrs. Charles R. Shapard, Mary Myers |
| Occupation(s) | Author and peace activist |
| Years active | 1910–1925 |
| Known for | Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by U.S. Senator Morris Sheppard |
| Parent(s) | Buxton T. Ligon (1839-1894) and Sarah Cornelia (Barrett) Ligon (1849-1932) |
Mary Ligon Shapard (c. 1882 – c. 1950s), also known as Mary Ligon Christensen, Mrs. Charles R. Shapard, or Mary Myers, was an American author and peace activist who was nominated by United States Senator Morris Sheppard for the Nobel Peace Prize for her World War I-era recommendation that a nonpartisan "league of nations" be established by world leaders to reduce the likelihood of future armed conflicts between countries engaged in international disputes. Reportedly the first American to advocate for the formation of a "league of nations," she was also reportedly the author of the original text used by United States President Woodrow Wilson to create his proposed covenant for the League of Nations, which was subsequently formed on January 10, 1920.[1][2][3][4][5]
She also urged that women's voices be heard and heeded:[6]
"We are today living in a period of prejudice and misrepresentation. England and France have their historians and photographers at the front, so as to keep the record straight, and now is the time to give a correct register of the American women who are so patriotically responding to our country's needs."
- ^ "Pact Originator Is Salt Lake Visitor: Woman Who Suggested League of Nations Up for Nobel Prize." Salt Lake City, Utah: The Salt Lake Telegram, September 20, 1920, p. 3 (subscription required).
- ^ Baines, May Harper. Houston's Part in the World War, pp. 133-136. Houston, Texas: May Harper Baines, 1919.
- ^ "Mrs. Charles R. Shapard" (photo with caption). Houston, Texas: The Houston Post, October 13, 1918, p. 28 (subscription required).
- ^ Norderval, Ingunn. Women and the Nobel Peace Prize, pp. 32-34. Lake Oswego, New York: Dignity Press, 2021.
- ^ Christian, Stella L. The History of the Texas Federation of Women's Clubs, pp. 272 and 281-282. Houston, Texas: Dealy-Adey-Elgin Stationers and Printers, 1919.
- ^ "Mrs. Charles R. Shapard" (photo with caption), The Houston Post, October 13, 1918, p. 28.