My Contribution: I was a well-known public school teacher during my brief time in Harrisburg. I was an instructor in the summer pro- grams at the Twelfth Street Playground. I engaged in my community by attending church, instructing folk dance, and organizing concerts.
My Legacy: I was a respectable teacher in my community and the President of the Francis Willard Loyal Temperance Legion.
About Me: “The board…extended a vote of thanks for her efficient services as a teacher to Mary Braxton.” — The Evening News, March 2, 1918
“Efforts are being made by Miss Mary Braxton, playground instructor on the Twelfth street recreation grounds, to obtain a concert by the Perseverance Band for the benefit of the colored folk.” — Harrisburg Telegraph, July 31, 1915.
Full Name: Mary Catherine Braxton; Mary Braxton Roberts
Birth Date: 1890
Death Date: July 2, 1920
Place of Birth: Pennsylvania
Sex: Female
Race: “Mulatto” (1910 Federal Census)
Places of Residence: 422 Cranberry Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Connection to the Old Eighth Ward: Resident on Cranberry St. near Tanner’s Alley.
Family Members: Mother: Martha A. Braxton. Brothers: Joseph N. Braxton, James E. Braxton. Husband: Robert R. Roberts. Son: Malcolm Braxton Roberts
Education: Central High School for Girls graduate.
Occupations: Teacher.
Church Membership: Second Baptist Church.
Activism: President of Frances Willard Loyal Temperance Legion; Women’s Association; Music Social Literature Club; Chairperson of the Sponsors Committee; War Camp Community Service
Connections: W.A. Carter.
Coretta Scott Program Music Social Literature Club Mary Braxton Roberts group photo Capital Street Presbyterian Photo Capital Presbyterian Choir – Mary Braxton Autumn, Braxton, October 1940 Cancer Surgical Dressings, April 30, 1951