Mary Clemmer

Mary Clemmer Ames (1839–1884) was an American journalist and author best known for her Washington, D.C., letters written under the name Mary Clemmer. Born Mary Abigail Clemmer, she became a prominent newspaper correspondent in the nation’s capital, reporting on politics and public life with a distinctive personal voice. Her “Washington Letter” columns were widely read and helped shape the genre of political society commentary. She also wrote books and essays, including works of biography and social observation. Clemmer married Daniel Ames, and she published under both her married name and her pen name. She died in 1884.