Letitia Youmans (3 January 1827 – 16 July 1896) was a Canadian school teacher who became an activist for the temperance movement.

Youmans founded and served as the first president of the Ontario chapter of the Women's Christian Temperance Union.

In her autobiography, Letitia Youmans describes the moment:"I spent three months (1837) with this teacher, during which time an incident occurred which had much to do with shaping my future destiny.

He closed by informing us that he had discovered a safeguard against the danger, and then proceeded to read a temperance pledge which he had drawn up and signed himself. "

"The late lamented Mr. Crooks, Minister of Education for Ontario, instituted the movement of scientific instruction on the effects of alcohol in the schools, in response to a petition from the WCTU.

The United States-based Methodist Episcopal Church, began work in 1791 among British immigrants to Upper Canada.

In 1837, Cobourg's Upper Canada Academy, a Wesleyan Methodist school, was incorporated by Royal Charter.

Many a night my pillow was wet with my tears over the thought of the Egyptian darkness which surrounded me, but as is often remarked, the darkest hour is just before the break of day.

This spiritual decision provides context to Youmans other activities; i.e. teacher, temperance leader, and community activist.

And while not ignoring the laurel wreath, he pointed out, with greater earnestness, the superior beauty of the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley.

"Friday evening was set apart for religious services, in which members of all churches represented in the school took a part.

On one of these occasions, our principal gave an earnest appeal for immediate consecration to Christ, asking those who would enlist in His service to make it known by rising.

Youmans describes a Christmas Eve when everyone associated with the Cobourg schools met at Victoria College and mingled with the Who's Who of the area.

It was a state occasion, and to those of us who hailed from the country, it was a fiery ordeal to be marched in single file and presented to our hosts and hostesses.

The warm, fatherly grasp of Dr. Ryerson's hand, and the welcome extended to us, dispelled every fear… The pupils of our rival school, under the superintendence of Prof. Hurlbut and lady, were also guests on that occasion."

[10] While helping his wife with the Cobourg Ladies' Seminary, Professor Van Norman served on the Victoria College faculty.

When Youmans completed her course at the Cobourg Ladies' Seminary, she continued her education at the Burlington school.

The Ornamental course included: "The French Language, Instrumental and Vocal Music, Perspective, Drawing and Painting, Wax Flowers, Embroidery, and the Principles of Etiquette and Female Manners.

In her autobiography, Mrs. Youmans discusses her decision to marry and offers advice to young women contemplating such a marriage as hers.

She also describes her husband,"I do not hesitate to present the man to whom I then pledged my heart and hand as an embodiment of the characteristics which would ensure happiness in the marriage relation.

He was a British subject, loyal to his country, well persuaded in his political views, and yet no blind adherent to partyism; benevolent almost beyond his means to every good cause.

Although not holding a college diploma, his mind was well stored with useful knowledge, and his house abundantly supplied with the best reading matter of the day.

"[18] In the mid-19th century, long-distance public transportation in Upper Canada took place along Lake Ontario by means of small steamboats following daily schedules.

Daniel McMullen's Picton Ladies' Academy, she travelled there by steamer October, 1849, during what she called "that inclement season."

The boat for Napanee that day carried a bar, and they had voted not to give business to any company that sold alcohol.

Today's Sunday Schools often merely provide an hour-long church program usually based on Bible stories.

Mrs. Youmans agreed to take on the Sabbath School class for the youth of the Methodist church where she and her husband attended.