-
Title
-
Walworth, Ellen (1832-1915)
-
birthday
-
1832-10-20
-
Birthplace
-
Jacksonville, IL
-
Death Date
-
1915-06-23
-
Occupation
-
Author
-
Education activist
-
Lawyer
-
Biographical Text
-
Ellen Hardin Walworth was an author, activist, lawyer, and co-founder of the Daughter's of the American Revolution. Walworth was born Ellen Hardin and was the oldest of of four children. She grew up in Jacksonville, IL, until her father's death in the Battle of Buena Vista. Her mother remarried after his passing, and her family moved to Saratoga Springs, NY. Sources say Walworth graduated from New York University with a law degree in 1896. Walworth opened her family home as a boarding school and hotel to bring in a stable income. She was also employed as US government clerk in DC for a short time. Walworth was deeply interested in history, and published pieces on various events including the Burgoyne campaign. She also advocated for the restoration and preservation of historic sites, such as George Washington's home, Mount Vernon. She presented her paper, "The Value of National Archives to a Nation's Life and Progress" to the American Historical Association at the World's Columbian Exposition, pushing for the creation of US national archives. In October of 1890, Walworth and multiple other women excluded from the Sons of the American Revolution formed the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was the first editor of their official publication, the American Monthly Magazine, and held the position from 1892 to 1894. During the Spanish-American War, Walworth was part of the establishment of the Women's National War Relief Association, collecting financial aid donations for US Military soldiers.
Walworth married Mansfield Tracy Walworth in 1852. Together they had eight children, Francis Hardin, John J., Mary Elizabeth, Ellen Hardin, Clara Teresa, Mansfield Tracy, Reubena Hyde, and Sarah Margaret. She separated from her husband in 1861, due to his physical abuse, and moved herself and her children to Louisville, KY. Walworth obtained a "limited divorce" from her husband in 1871, following his assault on her while she was pregnant with their final child. Despite this, Walworth continued receiving threats from Mansfield. When attempts to intervene on the situation failed, her son, Frank, made the decision to shoot and kill his father. In order to get her son's conviction overturned, Walworth studied law. This paid off, as he was released in 1977 on the grounds of insanity. Walworth passed on June 23, 1915 in Georgetown University Hospital. She was buried at Greenridge Cemetery.
-
Contributor
-
O'Neill, Iris
Ellen Walworth, Marker