Unit 3: Chapter 5: Biography

Mary Easton Sibley
1800 – 1878

Mary Easton Sibley moved to St. Louis with her family when she was four years old. As a girl she loved to ride horses and to play the piano.

Easton married George Sibley at age 15. He was living at Fort Osage near modern-day Kansas City. Mary Sibley took a boat up the Missouri River to get to the fort. The boat was small, but she made sure there was room for her piano!

Later the Sibleys moved to St. Charles. Mary Sibley had always been interested in education. While at the fort, she taught some of the Native American girls. She taught English to German immigrants and opened a school for African Americans. In 1827, she and her husband founded Lindenwood College. Many people say it was the first college west of the Mississippi River.

In 1832 Sibley wrote: “I hold our country will never prosper unless people get knowledge.”

Take a Closer Look

An Important Fort
Fort Osage was originally built to forge a friendship with the Osage people. The fort also served as a military post to protect the Louisiana Territory. George Sibley was a representative for government trade at the fort.

Nineteenth Century Schools
Education in the 19th century was limited. Often, only children of wealthy families received formal schooling. Read these first person accounts about schools during this time period.

Helping Others
Mary Easton Sibley wanted to offer children and new immigrants the opportunity to read and write. By doing so, she dedicated her life to helping others achieve their goals.