Katharine A. O'Keeffe O'Mahoney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Katharine A. O'Keeffe O'Mahoney
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"A Woman of the Century"
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| Born | Katharine A. O'Keeffe 1855 Kilkenny, Ireland |
| Died | 2 January 1918 Lawrence, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Resting place | Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence |
| Occupation | educator, lecturer, writer |
| Language | English |
| Nationality | Irish, American |
| Alma mater | Sisters of Notre Dame, St. Mary's School, Lawrence High School |
| Notable works | Famous Irishwomen |
| Spouse |
Daniel J. O'Mahoney
(m. 1896) |
Katharine A. O'Keeffe O'Mahoney (born O'Keeffe; 1855 – January 2, 1918) was an amazing woman from Ireland who became an educator, speaker, and writer in America. She was known for teaching poetry to the famous writer Robert Frost. Katharine also wrote a book called Famous Irishwomen in 1907.
She was one of the first Catholic women in New England to speak publicly. She gave many talks, including "A Trip to Ireland" and "Joan of Arc." She also started and edited The Sunday Register, a Catholic newspaper, before she got married.
Early Life and School
Katharine A. O'Keeffe was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1855. Her parents were Patrick and Rose (Gore) O'Keeffe. Her family, the O'Keeffes, were an old Irish family. Her mother's family, the Gores, had English roots.
When Katharine was a baby, her family moved to the United States. They first lived in Methuen, Massachusetts, and later moved to Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Katharine went to the Sisters of Notre Dame, St. Mary's School, for several years. After that, she attended Lawrence High School. She graduated in 1873 with the highest honors in her class. She also had private teachers who helped her learn even more.
Her Career
Katharine O'Keeffe taught at Lawrence High School from 1873 to 1892. She taught history, public speaking, and how to write well. One of her students was the famous poet Robert Frost, whom she taught poetry. From a young age, Katharine was very good at reciting things. As a teacher, she was known for explaining subjects clearly and powerfully.
Starting in 1885, she became a public speaker, giving talks on literature and history. She was likely the first Irish-American woman in New England to become a public speaker. She became well-known during a time when Irish people were working for land rights in Ireland. Her first public speech was in Boston. Over time, she became a very popular and skilled speaker.
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Some of her popular lectures included "A Trip to Ireland," "Mary, Queen of Scots," and "An Evening With Milton." She gave these talks to large audiences in many towns and cities across New England. In 1892, she gave a special speech for Memorial Day in Newburyport, Massachusetts. She also spoke at the Catholic Summer School in New London, Connecticut.
In 1892, Katharine started, published, and edited a newspaper called the Catholic Register. She also wrote for other newspapers and magazines like the Boston Pilot and Donahoe's Magazine. She was a busy writer and editor, creating her own works and putting together collections. She wrote "Longfellow Night" and a series of school readings. She was also part of the New England Woman's Press Association.
Katharine wrote several books, including:
- Catholicity in Lawrence (1882)
- Faith of Our Fathers (a poem, 1892)
- Moore's Birthday, a musical allegory (1893)
- Famous Irishwomen (1907)
- Collection of Hibernian Odes (1908)
Her Personal Life
Katharine O'Mahoney was very active in her community. She was important in the women's part of the Irish Land League. She also started and led the Aventine Literary Club and the Orphans' Friends' Society in Lawrence County. She helped organize a group called the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, leading it for five years.
In 1884, she visited England and Ireland with her father. They were hosted by Michael Davitt, a famous Irish leader. On July 9, 1896, she married Daniel J. O'Mahoney. He was the superintendent of streets for the city of Lawrence. Katharine O'Mahoney passed away on January 2, 1918, in Lawrence.
Her Books
- Sketch of Catholicity in Lawrence and Vicinity, 1882
- An Evening with Longfellow
- Faith of Our Fathers, 1892
- Moore's Birthday: A Musical Allegory, 1893
- Famous Irishwomen, 1907
- Collection of Hibernian Odes, 1908
