Born: 1842 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Died: 1932
Biography:
Anna Elizabeth Dickinson (October 28, 1842 – October 22, 1932) was an American orator and lecturer who played a significant role in advocating for the abolition of slavery and women’s rights. She is particularly known for being the first woman to deliver a political address before the United States Congress. Through her powerful speaking skills and unwavering determination, Dickinson contributed to the Republican Party’s success in the crucial 1863 elections, leading to a changed landscape of political power in the Union just before the Civil War.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 28, 1842, Anna Elizabeth Dickinson was raised in a Quaker and abolitionist household. Her parents, John and Mary Edmundson Dickinson, were devout Quakers who actively fought against slavery. Tragically, Anna’s father passed away in 1844 after delivering a speech against slavery, leaving the family in poverty. To support her children, Mary opened a school in their home and took in boarders. Despite their financial struggles, Mary prioritized education and ensured that Anna received a solid academic foundation.
Anna attended the Friends Select School of Philadelphia and briefly studied at the Westtown School until the age of 15. A passionate reader, she used any earnings she had to buy books, developing an early interest in literary classics. At the age of 14, Anna converted to the Methodist Church, which remained a significant influence throughout her life.
Anna Dickinson’s career in public speaking began to take shape when an essay she wrote about the abuse an abolitionist schoolteacher faced in Kentucky was published in The Liberator, an abolitionist newspaper owned by William Lloyd Garrison. Remarkably, she was not even 14 years old at the time. In her early years, Anna worked as a copyist and later became a teacher in Berks County, Pennsylvania, from 1859 to 1860. During this period, she lived with the Longstreth family in Bristol, Pennsylvania.
In May 1861, Anna secured a clerkship at the United States Mint, becoming one of its first female employees. However, her time at the Mint was short-lived as she faced removal in December of the same year for publicly criticizing General George McClellan’s performance at the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, which she considered an act of treason.
Inspired by the Quaker tradition that encouraged women to speak in public, Anna embarked on a career as a lecturer. She traveled extensively across the country on behalf of the Sanitary Commission, delivering impassioned speeches. Encouraged by prominent women’s rights activists Lucretia Mott and Dr. Hannah Longshore, Anna discovered her natural ability to connect with audiences and captivate them with her words.
Throughout her career, Anna Elizabeth Dickinson’s speeches focused on advocating for the abolition of slavery and promoting women’s rights. She championed equal rights for all individuals, regardless of their gender or race. In addition to her impactful political addresses, Anna also used her oratory skills to address social justice issues and highlight the importance of education for all.
Outside of her influential speaking career, Anna Dickinson made history as the first white woman on record to summit Colorado’s Longs Peak, Lincoln Peak, and Elbert Peak, albeit on a mule. She also became the second white woman to summit Pike’s Peak. Her adventurous spirit and determination extended beyond the political sphere, and she often sought to challenge traditional gender norms through her pursuits.
Anna Elizabeth Dickinson’s impact on society cannot be overstated. As a pioneering female speaker and advocate, she broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of women to enter the realm of politics and public discourse. Through her powerful speeches and relentless determination, she left an indelible mark on the fight for equality and social justice in America.