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According to The Coffin Family, by Louis Coffin, Mary Coffin "was a most extraordinary woman.... The genius of whatever attaches to the Equal Rights for Woman movement of the present day, in every true and proper sense, she anticipated by two centuries, and reduced to practice, without neglecting her domestic relations. Shewas consulted upon all matters of public importance, because her judgement was superior, and she was universally acknowledged to be a greatwoman. It was not that her husband, Nathaniel Starbuck, was a man of inferior mould, that she gained such prominence, for he was a man of goodability; but because of her pre-eminent qualifications that she acquired sogood a reputation, whereby the husband's qualifications were apparently lessened. In the language of John Richardson, and early preacher, 'The islanders esteemed her as a Judge among them, for little of moment was done without her.' In town meetings which she was accustomed toattend, she took an active part in the debates, usually commencing her address with 'My husband thinks' so and so. From every source of information,as also from tradition, there is abundant evidence that she was posessedof sound judgement, clear understanding, and an elegant way of expressing herself perfectly easy and natural to her. In 1701, at the age of 56, she became interested in the religious faith of the Quakers orFriends, and took the spiritual concerns of the whole island under her special superintendence. She held meetings at her own house which are often alluded to by visiting Friends who have written concerning theisland's early religious history, wrote the quarterly epistles, and preached ina most eloquent and impressive manner; and, withal, was as distinguishedin her domestic economy as she was celebrated a preacher. Of this department John Richardson, who preached at the house, wrote,'Theorder of the house was such in all the parts thereof, as I had not seen the like before; the large and bright-rubbed room was set with suitableseats or chairs for a meeting, so that I did not see anything wantingaccording to place, but something to shand on, for I was not free to set my feet upon the fine cane chair, lest I should break it.'"
Karl-Heinz
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