Biography
One of the most influential women of the 19th century, Hale was born in New Hampshire and married at a young age. When her husband, David Hale, died in 1822, she turned to writing in order to support herself and her children. It is evident, however, by her years of involvement in literary circles in Boston and Philadelphia and ever-advancing roles in publication, that she was also an ambitious writer.
In addition to editing the major women's periodicals of her day (most notably, The American Ladies' Magazine and Godey's Lady's Magazine for forty years), she was author of Poems, Northwood, a novel; Sketches of American Character, Flora's Interpreter, Traits of American Life, The Lady's Wreath, Three Hours, or the Vigil of Love; and other Poems, and several children's books. Creator of the poem "Mary Had a Little Lamb." Today she is identified as one of the major proponents of True Womanhood ideology.--Sharon M. HarrisResidence
New Hampshire
Writings
Poems
Papers
Bibliography