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Martha Haines Butt Bennett
Martha Haines BUTT (page 34 crop).jpg
Born Martha Haines Butt
November 22, 1833
Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.
Died February 9, 1871 (aged 37)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Occupation
  • author
  • suffragist
Language English
Nationality American
Alma mater
  • Patapsco Female Institute
  • Harrisburg Female College
Genre
  • short stories
  • essays
  • sketches
Notable works Antifanaticism: A Tale of the South
Spouse
Nathan Ives Bennett
(m. 1865)

Martha Haines Butt (who later became Martha Haines Butt Bennett after marriage) was an American writer. She was born on November 22, 1833, and passed away on February 9, 1871.

Martha was known for her writings that supported slavery, especially in the Southern United States. She wrote for many different newspapers and magazines. When she was just 19, she published a novel called Antifanaticism: A Tale of the South. This book was a response to Uncle Tom's Cabin, which was against slavery.

Even though she wrote against women's rights in the 1850s, Martha changed her mind. By 1870, she became a supporter of women's suffrage. This means she believed women should have the right to vote.

Early Life and Education

Martha Haines Butt was born in Norfolk, Virginia. She was the only child of Francis and Mary Ann Morriss Butt. Her father's family came from England. Her mother, who was a milliner (someone who makes or sells hats), had French ancestors.

Martha went to school at the Patapsco Female Institute. This school was located near Baltimore. She studied there from 1847 to 1850 and earned her diploma. She also received a special gold medal and a Master of Arts degree from Harrisburg Female College.

Writing Career

Martha started writing when she was very young. Her first published work appeared when she was 14 years old. Her most famous book, Antifanaticism: A Tale of the South, came out in 1853. This novel shared views that supported slavery. It was written as a direct answer to Harriet Beecher Stowe's anti-slavery book, Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Martha also published a collection of her short stories, essays, and sketches. This collection was titled The Leisure Moments of Miss Martha Haines Butt, A.M.. In 1866, she released another book called Pastimes with My Little Friends. She often contributed articles to various publications, including the popular Ladies' Home Journal.

Later Life and Legacy

On July 6, 1865, Martha married Nathan Ives Bennett in Norfolk. Her husband was from Bridgeport, Connecticut. They lived in Bridgeport for a while before moving to New York City. Even after her marriage, she was still mostly known by her maiden name, Martha Haines Butt.

In 1870, Martha became involved in the movement for women's voting rights. She served as the vice president of the Virginia State Woman Suffrage Association. This shows her change in views on women's roles in society.

Martha Haines Butt passed away from pneumonia on February 9, 1871. She was staying at the Grand Central Hotel in New York City at the time.

An artist named William Randolph Barbee used Martha's arm and hand as a model. He used them for his famous statue called the Fisher Girl.

Selected Works

Anti fanaticism - a tale of the South. By Miss Martha Haines Butt. (1853)
Antifanaticism (1853)
  • Antifanaticism: A Tale of the South, 1853
  • The Leisure Moments of Miss Martha Haines Butt, A.M., 1860
  • Pastimes with My Little Friends, 1866
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