Lucy Foster Madison facts for kids

Lucy Foster Madison (April 8, 1865 – March 16, 1932) was an American writer and teacher. She is best known for her exciting adventure stories and historical novels, especially her popular "Peggy Owen" series for girls. Her books often featured strong female characters and took readers on journeys through history.

Early Life and Challenges

Lucy Foster was born on April 8, 1865, in Kirksville, Missouri. Her parents were George W. Foster and Almira Parker. She grew up and finished high school in Louisiana, Missouri.

During her teenage years, Lucy faced a very difficult time. Her father, mother, and brother all passed away. This meant that Lucy, even as a teenager, had to take care of her two younger sisters. She showed great strength and responsibility during this period.

To support her family, Lucy became a school teacher. She taught in her hometown of Louisiana, Missouri, and later in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1890, she married Winfield Scott Madison.

Becoming a Writer

Lucy Foster Madison's writing career began with a newspaper contest. In 1893, a New York newspaper offered a prize for a short story. Lucy decided to enter the competition and won second place! This success encouraged her to write more.

She started writing many short stories and novels. She also helped put together programs for various Chautauqua assemblies. These were popular educational and entertainment gatherings.

Popular Books for Young Readers

Lucy Foster Madison became very well-known for her stories written especially for girls. Her "Peggy Owen" series was a big hit in the early 1900s. These books followed the adventures of a brave girl named Peggy Owen during important times in American history.

Her stories were loved because they were exciting and taught readers about the past. She wrote about different historical periods, from colonial times to the American Revolution.

Later Life

As her husband, Winfield Scott Madison, began to have health problems, the couple decided to move. In 1924, they left the city and moved to a farm near Hudson Falls, New York. Lucy continued to write there.

Lucy Foster Madison passed away on March 16, 1932, in Hudson Falls, New York. She died a few days after having a stroke. Her stories continue to be enjoyed by readers interested in historical adventures.

Books by Lucy Foster Madison

Lucy Foster Madison wrote many books. Here are some of her well-known titles:

• A maid of the first century (1899)
• A maid at King Alfred's court (1900)
• A colonial maid of old Virginia (1902)
• A daughter of the Union (1903)
• A maid of Salem Towne (1906)
• Peggy Owen, patriot: a story for girls (1908)
• Peggy Owen at Yorktown (1910)
• Bee and butterfly: a tale of two cousins (1913)
• Time's follower (1914)
• Joan of Arc: the warrior maid (1918)
• In doublet and hose: a story for girls (1919)
• Peggy Owen: a story for girls (1920)
• Lafayette (1921)
• Peggy Owen at Yorktown (1925)
• Washington (1925)