Ann Eliza Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ann Eliza Smith
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From the January 1899 edition of The Vermonter magazine
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| Born | Ann Eliza Brainerd October 7, 1819 St. Albans, Vermont, U.S. |
| Died | January 6, 1905 (aged 85) St. Albans, Vermont, U.S. |
| Resting place | Greenwood Cemetery, St. Albans, Vermont |
| Pen name | Mrs. J. Gregory Smith |
| Occupation | Author |
| Language | English |
| Nationality | American |
| Period | Late 1800s |
| Genre | Novels |
| Notable works | Atla |
| Spouse |
J. Gregory Smith
(m. 1842) |
| Children | 6 (including Edward Curtis Smith) |
| Relatives | Lawrence Brainerd |
Ann Eliza Smith (born Ann Eliza Brainerd, October 7, 1819 – January 6, 1905) was an American writer. She was also known by her pen name, Mrs. J. Gregory Smith.
Ann Eliza Smith was a leader for women in Vermont. She helped organize the Vermont women's display at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876. This was a big fair celebrating 100 years of American independence. She was often chosen to represent Vermont women at important events.
During the Civil War, she played a brave role when Confederate soldiers attacked her town in what was known as the St. Albans Raid. For her actions, she was given an honorary title of lieutenant colonel by the Governor of Vermont.
Early Life
Ann Eliza Brainerd was born in St. Albans, Vermont on October 7, 1819. Her father was Lawrence Brainerd, who was a U.S. Senator. She grew up and went to school in St. Albans.
Career
In 1842, Ann Eliza married J. Gregory Smith. He later became the Governor during the Civil War. They had six children together. One of their sons, Edward Curtis Smith, also became governor later on.
As an Author
Ann Eliza Smith wrote many essays and poems. She is best known for her three novels: Seola, Selma, and Atla.
Her first published book was From Dawn to Sunrise (1876). This book explored different historical and philosophical ideas about religion. It was very successful! One author even called it "The smartest book ever written in Vermont."
Her next novel was Seola (1878). It was written like a diary from a very, very long time ago, before the great flood mentioned in some ancient stories.
Then came Selma (1883), which was a love story about Vikings.
Her third novel, Atla (1886), was about the famous lost island of Atlantis sinking into the ocean.
In 1924, her novel Seola was updated and renamed Angels and Women. This was done by a group called the "Bible Students," who are now known as Jehovah's Witnesses. Ann Eliza Smith usually wrote under her married name, Mrs. J. Gregory Smith. However, Seola and Angels and Women were first published without an author's name. Later, the Library of Congress confirmed she was the author.
The St. Albans Raid
On October 19, 1864, a surprising event happened in St. Albans. It was the northernmost land attack of the Civil War. Confederate soldiers secretly entered the town. They robbed several banks and hurt two people, one of whom later died. Then, they tried to escape to Canada.
Since her husband, J. Gregory Smith, was the governor, their home was a target for the raiders. Governor Smith was not home at the time. When Mrs. Smith saw the raiders, she bravely appeared at her front door. She was holding an unloaded pistol, the only weapon she could find! Because of her courage, the raiders decided to skip their house.
After the raiders left, she quickly worked to organize the people of St. Albans. She helped them try to chase after the raiders. Unfortunately, they couldn't stop them from getting away to Canada.
For her brave actions in defending her home and helping the town, Governor Peter T. Washburn honored Mrs. Smith. He gave her the honorary title of brevet lieutenant colonel on his military staff. Governor Washburn had been a general in the Vermont Militia during the war. Under his command, the militia tried to catch the raiders and later patrolled the border to prevent more attacks.
Death and Legacy
Ann Eliza Smith passed away in St. Albans on January 6, 1905. She was buried in Greenwood Cemetery. The town of Brainerd, Minnesota was named in her honor.
Selected Works
- Seola
- The iceberg's story, 1881
- Selma, 1883
- Notes of travel in Mexico and California , 1886
- Poems : "gather up the fragments", 1889
- Lines to a cricket, holograph poem found in the... by J Gregory Smith, Mrs., 1901
- Atla : a story of the lost island, 1886
- From dawn to sunrise : a review, historical and philosophical of the religious ideas of mankind, 1876
- Personal reminiscences of early life in Vermont : published in the St. Albans Daily Messenger, starting November 22, 1924
- Angels and women
