The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1883-09-07
Distinguished Lady Orator.

The childhood of Anna Elizabeth Dickin-
son, was one of trial, loneliness, poverty and
disappointment, but by the power of her own
indomitable will and courage, combined with
rare genius, she has struggled against and
overcome every obstacle.
The vices, follies aud trivial weaknesses
which have cast a shadow over the names of
many noted and noble women, she has
avoided, through all her temptations and
discouragements,a aud has maintained a moral
purity and probity Of character which adds
not only lustre to her fame but honor to her
sex.
She was born in Philadelphia on the 2sth
Of October, 1912. Maynard, headstrong, in
tensely earnest and imaginative, as child,
an attempt was made to "break her WILL"
Solomon's proverb met with at least one glo-
rious exception, for though the rod was not
spared, the child was not spoiled.
Owing to her mothers limited means, she
was educated at the free schools of the Soci-
ETY. of Friends, and the taunts of her better
dressed companions, In regard to the lack of
elegance in her wearing apparel, seemed TO
sting and goad her on to strong and noble
energies, for the lettering of her condition.
When about twelve years of age, she entered
Westown "Boarding School of Friends" aud
remained there two years; from here she
went to the "Friends Select School" In Phil
adelphia, where she pursued dozen branch
es Of study at a time, yet seldom failed In a
recitation. At fourteen she published an ar
ticle on slavery, In the Liberator. At seven
teen she left school and began the life work
which has been blessed with such glorious
results. A remark which she made about
this time 20 q Committeeman Of a country
school, aptly illustrates her Independent
spirit. He had told her that the position
she was about to fill, had formerly been &C.
cupied by man, at a salary of twenty eight
dollars month, but that they would not
pay girl more than sixteen.
Something In his manner aroused The re.
bellious spirit within her, and she replied,
with great vehemence "Sir! Are You fool
or do you take me for one? Though am
too poor, to-day, TO buy pai- of cotton
gloves, would rather 90 In rags, than de-
grade my womsnhood BY accepting anything
at your hands"
After few efforts In the line Of
speech making at the meetings of the "Pro-
gressive Friends" she was invited to speak
in Mullica Hall, New Jersey, In April, 1860.
Her subject was "Woman's Work" At this
meeting and also at the many which follow
ed, ut which she spoke, she created pro-
found sensation. Her earnestness Of man
ner, the cogency of her arguments, her entire
OF self, held her audiences spell
bound, and she seemed to be able to rouse
them TO enthusiasm or fill their eyes with
tears, at will. Her success was assured, and
speech after speech followed In rapid success
sion, for which she received hundred dol
lars night. As campaign speaker she did
wonders. Wherever she went, the halls
were packed. Her vigorous efforts during
The contest between Seymour and Bucking.
ham in Connecticut, during the war, may
we'll be ranked among the browning glories
Of her life. Her name was on every lip;
gifts we're showered u pom her; she was sere.
naded wher ever she went, and even the
Democrats tore off their party badges and
substituted her likeness. For her lecture on
he night preceding the victory of the Re-
publicans she received -four hundred dollars.
Miss Dickinson has attempted the stage
Turing recent years, appearing in her own
md In Shakespearian plays, but her success
las not been marked, and the press hes ad.
'ised her to hold fast to the platform, where
he has achieved so much.
This year she will start out again, playing
Hamlet, Lady Macbeth, and other Shake.
pearl an roles.