Miriam Leslie facts for kids
Miriam Florence Leslie (born Folline) was an important American publisher and writer. She was married to Frank Leslie, a well-known publisher. After he passed away, she took over his business. She managed to turn it from being deeply in debt into a very successful company. Miriam even legally changed her name to Frank Leslie to honor him and the business. She was also a strong supporter of women's rights. She left a large part of her money to Carrie Chapman Catt to help women gain the right to vote. This led to the creation of the Leslie Woman Suffrage Commission.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Career
Miriam Florence Folline was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on June 5, 1836. She once said her childhood lacked love and fun. She claimed her family were French Huguenots who came to America for religious freedom. Miriam grew up in New York City. She was well-educated and could speak French, Spanish, and Italian.
She was married four times. Her first marriage in 1854 ended two years later. She then married Ephraim Squier, a scientist who studied ancient cultures.
Miriam started working for Frank Leslie's Lady's Magazine. When the editor became ill, Miriam offered to help. She took over the position permanently when the editor died. By November 1871, the magazine stated it was "conducted by Miriam F. Squier."
Taking Charge of the Business
Miriam divorced Ephraim Squier in 1873 to marry publisher Frank Leslie. They traveled a lot, including a big train trip from New York City to San Francisco. Miriam wrote about this journey in her book, California: A Pleasure Trip from Gotham to the Golden Gate (1877). This trip and a tough economic time left Frank Leslie's business with a lot of debt.
When Frank Leslie died in 1880, his business owed $300,000. Miriam Leslie took charge of the company. She worked hard to make it profitable again. In June 1881, she legally changed her name to Frank Leslie. She reorganized the business and became its president. Under her leadership, the number of readers for Popular Monthly grew by 200,000 in just four months.
In 1891, Miriam Leslie married Willie Wilde, who was the older brother of the famous writer Oscar Wilde. They divorced two years later. In 1902, she sold all her publishing companies.
Legacy and Women's Rights
Miriam Leslie passed away on September 18, 1914. She is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx, New York City.
In her will, she left most of her money to Carrie Chapman Catt. Miriam wanted her fortune to help women get the right to vote. Some relatives tried to challenge her will. However, Carrie Chapman Catt still received enough money. She used it to create the Leslie Woman Suffrage Commission. This organization worked to support women's suffrage.
Her Books
- Rents in Our Robes (1888)
- Are Men Gay Deceivers? and Other Sketches (1893)
- A Social Mirage (1899)
