Abigail Quigley McCarthy Papers

Collection

Identifier: SC-008

Staff Only

This collection houses material written by or about Abigail Quigley McCarthy, a Catholic author, educator, and activist with many ties to St. Kate’s. McCarthy was an alumna of the College of St. Catherine (1936), was a faculty member in the English Department (1940-1945), and later served on the Board of Trustees.

Various drafts, proofs, and published versions of her writings form the bulk of the collection: articles, such as her regular column in the liberal Catholic journal Commonweal; a memoir, Private Faces/Public Places; and a novel, One Woman Lost. The collection also includes biographical material documenting her connection to St. Kate’s, her writing career, her experience as the wife of Senator Eugene McCarthy, her life following her separation from her husband, and her death and funeral. These materials include some personal correspondence.

Dates

1940 - 1990
Majority of material found within 1970 - 1980

Creator

McCarthy, Abigail Q. (Abigail Quigley) (Person)

Biography:

Abigail Quigley McCarthy (1915-2001), originally from Wabasha, Minnesota, attended the College of St. Catherine, graduating in 1936 with a bachelor's degree in English. She continued her studies at the University of Minnesota (M.A., 1942), the University of Chicago, and the Bread Loaf School of English in Vermont. While teaching high school in Mandan, North Dakota, she met her future husband, Eugene McCarthy, who later served in the U.S. House of Representatives (1949-1959) and the Senate (1959-1971). Mrs. McCarthy campaigned for her husband and was active in public life, playing an important role in many political and social events. Her acquaintance included many high-profile politicians, as well as activists like Coretta Scott King. She was a member of organizations such as Church Women United, Women's Equity Action League, and the Women's Campaign Fund.

After her separation from her husband in 1969, McCarthy became well known as a writer as a result of her long-running column in Commonweal (1974-1999) and her books, Private Faces/Public Places and One Woman Lost. McCarthy also wrote reviews, commentary, and short stories which appeared in various publications.

McCarthy remained a strong supporter of St. Kate’s and of women’s education until her death on February 1, 2001 in Washington, D.C. The College recognized her many accomplishments in 1986 by naming the Abigail Quigley McCarthy Center for Women in her honor.