"Nothing contributes so much to tranquilize
the mind as a steady purpose-a point on
which the soul may fix its intellectual eye."
~Mary Shelley

Hannah Webster Foster, born this day in
1758. An American novelist who first
published anonymously and a best-seller,
Ms. Foster also wrote political articles for
Boston newspapers. And in 1866 her name
began to appear on her novels.

Mary Wollstonecraft, born this day in 1797.
A British writer and philospher and early
feminist-"A Vindiation of the Rights of
Women" , one of her best known works.
Also, the Mother of Mary Shelley, author
of, "Frankenstein".

Hilda Doolittle, born this day in 1886.
Best known by her initials-H.D. H.D.
was an Imagist poet-part of the avant-
garde in the early 20th century. Erza
Pound played an important role in
her life- presenting her with a sheaf of
love poems, "Hilda's Books". The first
woman to be granted the American
Academy of Arts and Letters Medal.

"Thoughts have no sex."
~Clare Boothe Luce

Sarah Emma Edmonds Seelye, died this
day in 1898. She was born in 1841. As
a young girl, she was raised by a curel
father in Canada- running away to Michigan,
the Union was signing up soldiers for the
Civil War. Then Ms. Edmonds, enlisted as
a man under the name-Franklin Thompson.
Joining the infantry in Michigan- she/he was
trained in Washington D.C. Fought in the
Battle of Blackburn's Ford: First Bull Run/
Manassas, Peninsular Campaign, Antietam,
and Fredericksburg, Va. Sometimes, Mr.
Thompson would act as a spy, either as an
African American male or an Irish peddler
known as Bridget O'Shea. But, after a
year, Mr. Thompson contracted malaria; and
to avoid detection... Ms. Edmonds checked
into a private hospital. A "desertion poster"
for Franklin Thompson made it impossible
for her to return to this soldier life- so she
served as a nurse. In 1865, she published
her story-"Nurse and Spy In the Union Army"
In 1884, Ms. Edmonds received a veteran's
pension as Mrs. Seelye. She was then
married and had three children.

Cathy Guisewite, born this day in 1950.
Ms. Guisewite the creator of the comic
strip "Cathy".

"Independence is happiness."
~Susan B. Anthony

Anna Bartlett Warner, born this day in 1827.
A writer and author of many hymns- most
famous,"Jesus Loves Me, This I Know".

Mary Putnam Jacobi, born this day in 1842.
A physician, she was the first woman to
become a member of the Academy of
Medicine. Ms. Jacobi was a social
reformer dedicated to the expansion of
educational opportunities for women.

Elizabeth Phelps Ward, born this day in
1844. A novelist, children's writer and
advocate for women's rights. "The Gates
Ajar" was her most famous book, only out
sold by "Uncle Tom's Cabin".

Marie Montessori, born this day in 1870.
An educator who developed "spontaneous
response" or the Montessori Method of
education.

On this day in 1888, Mary Ann Nicholls was
found stabbed to death- the first victim of Jack
the Ripper.

At 7am on this day in 1920- Hannibal, Missouri
Mrs. Marie Ruoff Byrum bacame the first
woman to vote under the 19th amendment.

"Sin makes its own hell, and good-
ness its own heaven."
~Mary Baker Eddy

Sophia Smith, born this day in 1796.
Founder of Smith College, opening
its doors to women in 1875.

Julia Marlowe, born this day in 1866.
A Shakespearean actor, she debuted
on Broadway in 1895. Appearing in
more than 70 productions.

Mary Anderson, born this day in 1872.
A labor leader, Ms. Anderson was
known as one of our Nation's foremost
authority in the struggle for women's
rights in their lives and the workplace.

Rose McClendon, born this day in 1884.
A figure in the Harlem Renaissance, Ms.
McClendon made her debut in 1926-
"Deep River" -native opera with jazz-
A director of many plays of the Harlem
Experimental Theatre and co-founder
of Negro People's Theatre in 1935.

Mother Teresa, born this day in 1910.
Known as, "Saint of the Gutter", "Angel
of Mercy". Mother Teresa, cared for the
poorest of the poor of Calcutte, India.
She saw God in every human being.
Beatified by Pope John Paul in 2003,
properly called "Blessed Teresa".

First female iron worker, Patricia Oakes
born this day. From the Mohawk tribe,
her Father and Grandfather, too were
iron workers.

"WOMEN'S EQUALITY DAY"

"There will never be a new world
order until women are a part of it."
~Alice Paul

In 1971 Congress of the United States
reconized August 26th as- "Women's
Equality Day".

On this day in 1920, the Nineteenth
Amendment was passed- granting
women of the United States full rights
to vote.