Elizabeth Christitch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elizabeth Christitch
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Wood-engraving by Henri Thiriat based on Abdullah Freres' photograph 1889
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| Born | 1861 Patrickswell, Limerick, Ireland |
| Died | 26 January 1933 (aged 71–72) London, England, United Kingdom |
| Nationality | Irish |
Elizabeth Christitch (who also wrote as Ben Hurst) was a talented Irish and Serbian woman. Born in 1861, she became a journalist, writer, poet, and translator. She was also a strong patriot, meaning she deeply loved her home countries. She used her writing and actions to support important causes during her lifetime.
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Her Early Life and Family
Elizabeth O'Brien was born in a place called Patrickswell in Limerick, Ireland. Her father was John O'Brien.
Elizabeth married Colonel Ljubomir N. Christitch, a soldier from Serbia. They had three children together. Their son, Nikola Christitch, became a general in the Yugoslav Army. He was also an Aide de Camp (a personal assistant) to two kings, Alexander I of Yugoslavia and Peter II of Yugoslavia. Their daughters were Annie Christitch and Janie Christitch. Annie also became a patriot, like her mother. Janie later became a nun known as Mother Mary of the Cross.
A Life of Service and Writing
Elizabeth Christitch was very active in social causes. In 1911, she helped start the Catholic Women's Suffrage Society. This group worked to gain voting rights for women.
After marrying, she moved to Serbia, her husband's home country. She worked as a nurse during the Balkan War in 1913, helping Serbian soldiers. When World War I began, she continued her nursing work for the Red Cross in Belgrade.
Christitch was a busy journalist. She wrote for newspapers like the Tribune, several London daily papers, and the Chicago Tribune. She also wrote stories for different magazines. She was known for translating the Serbian national anthem into English. This version was sung in Britain during the war.
Elizabeth Christitch wrote about many important topics. These included politics in the Balkan region and around the world. She also wrote about women's right to vote and the Irish Home Rule movement. This movement sought to give Ireland more control over its own government. Her most famous novel was The Pride of Garr, published in 1925.
Challenges and Recognition
Elizabeth Christitch was one of the first members of the Serbian Relief Fund Committee. This group helped people suffering in Serbia. During World War I, she and her daughter Annie were held as prisoners in Serbia for three and a half years. They were eventually freed with help from Pope Benedict XV.
Pope Benedict XV admired Elizabeth's work. In 1919, she had a special meeting with him at the Vatican. The Pope reportedly told her, "we should like to see women electors everywhere." This showed his support for women's voting rights.
Elizabeth Christitch passed away in London on January 26, 1933. She died due to a weak heart.
Awards and Honours
- Elizabeth Christitch received medals from both the Serbian government and the American Red Cross. These awards recognized her important work and dedication.
Her Published Works
- Light and Shade in Albania, 1913
- A word on woman suffrage
- The Slovenes : A Small Nationality, 1918
- The Slovenes and Their Leaders, 1918
- Church conditions in Jugo-slavia, 1920
- Reunion and fusion of the southern slavs, 1921
- The Pride of Garr, 1925
