Although small in stature, Martha A. Parsons was a strong and independent woman. Most people who met her remembered her years after her passing as proper, dignified, and even intimidating. These characteristics, along with drive and intelligence, led Martha to a successful career in the predominantly male world of business at the turn of the twentieth century. Her professional success gave her the resources to travel extensively and considerable wealth that she invested shrewdly. Not one to sit around idly, she remained active in civic and church matters throughout her life.
Born on December 6, 1869, in Enfield, Connecticut, Martha was the youngest daughter of John and Juliaette (Allen) Parsons. While attending Enfield High School, Martha earned certificates equal to today’s teaching certificate. But teaching was not her destiny. The world of business called to her instead.
In the 1890s Martha joined the Morgan Envelope Company as a stenographer for the then-generous sum of twelve dollars per week. She was so successful at her subsequent employer, Landers, Frary & Clark of New Britain, that she became Executive Secretary in 1912 of the multi-million dollar corporation, an unheard of accomplishment for a woman at the time. Indeed, Martha signed her mail “M.A. Parsons” so other companies would not know they were dealing with a woman.
Three years after her mother’s death, Martha retired from her successful business career at the age of 50 and returned to live in Enfield with her older sisters, Juliaette and Mary.
Martha Parsons felt strongly about preserving Enfield’s history. To this end, she left her family home to the Enfield Historical Society. She also left a monetary bequest for the dual purposes of maintaining the house and supporting activities to preserve and promote Enfield History.
Martha Parsons was posthumously inducted into the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame in 2010. Click here to see Martha’s page on the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame website.
