Mary Dawson Cain (August 17, 1904 – May 6, 1984) was an American newspaper editor, political activist, and gubernatorial candidate in Mississippi.
[2] Cain used her paper to promote segregation and conservative causes, and was particularly critical of the federal government, especially the Social Security tax.
[6] Cain came to national attention in 1952 when she refused to pay $42.87 in Social Security taxes, calling the program "unconstitutional, immoral and un-American".
[6][7] She attempted to dodge the Internal Revenue Service by selling The Summit Sun to her niece for a nominal sum of $1 and closing her bank accounts.
[8][9] Her tax battle went to the Supreme Court; Cain lost, but the government subsequently dropped the suit.