Born in England
Born in England into a Quaker family. She showed early signs of spiritual sensitivity and a concern for the religious life.
1750–1817 · England
Martha Routh
One of the most widely-traveled women ministers in Quaker history
Life & Ministry
Recorded as a Minister
Became a recorded minister among Friends, beginning a career of extensive travel in religious service that would span decades.
Journey to America
Undertook a prolonged ministerial journey to America, visiting Friends' meetings throughout the eastern seaboard and becoming one of the most widely-traveled women ministers in the Society.
Death
Died in 1817. Her memoir and letters were published in Friends' Library Vol. XII, preserving the record of her extensive ministry.
Connections & Relationships
Catherine Payton Phillips
Fellow Woman MinisterPhillips was a prominent English woman minister of the mid-eighteenth century. Routh continued the strong tradition of women's ministry among Friends that Phillips exemplified.
Sarah Stephenson
Fellow Traveling MinisterStephenson was a contemporary woman minister who also traveled extensively in the ministry. Together they represent the ongoing vitality of women's ministry among Friends in this period.
Available Works
Memoir of the Life, Travels, and Religious Experience of Martha Routh
Available NowCompiled from her own journal, this memoir records her two Atlantic crossings and thousands of miles of ministerial travel throughout England, Ireland, and America between 1794 and 1805.
Letters and Epistles of Martha Routh
ProposedA collection of her correspondence published in Friends' Library Vol. XII, revealing her gifts as a pastoral counselor and spiritual guide.