Mary Newmarch Prescott, American author and sister of Harriet Prescott Spofford, was born in Calais, Maine, August 2, 1849, the daughter of Joseph Prescott and his wife Sarah Bridges. Her parents removed to Derry and afterwards to Newburyport, Massachusetts. Mary was educated chiefly at home by her mother and sister. Her first story was written as a school composition, but was sent to Harper's Magazine and accepted. After that she wrote many poems and short stories which were published in various magazines. She died at the home of her sister, Mrs. Spofford, at Deer Island, Amesbury, Maine, June 14, 1888.

REFERENCES: Nat. Cyc. Amer. Biog., VIII, 1900, 364-65; Boston Evening Transcript, June 15, 1888; Appleton's Cyc. Amer. Biog.

Beadle's Monthly. Vol. III. From Post to Pillar, 1867