Marietta Holley
Marietta Holley was an American author born in New York in the 1830s, known for her contributions to both poetry and fiction. Her education was cut short by financial difficulties, prompting her to teach piano as a means of support. Although initially shy about sharing her writing, she gained recognition when several of her poems were published in 1867. Holley transitioned to fiction in 1869 with the introduction of her character Samantha, who would become central to many of her stories. Her first full-length book, *My Opinions and Betsy Bobbet's*, was published in 1873, marking the beginning of a prolific writing career. Over the next few decades, Holley published twenty-five books, predominantly featuring the character Samantha and set in the fictional town of Jonesville. Her works often explored themes relevant to societal issues, including women's rights and racial equality. Holley’s legacy includes a poetry collection, two dramas, and her autobiography, *The Story of My Life*, published posthumously.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Marietta Holley
Author
- Born: July 16, 1836
- Birthplace: Jefferson County, New York
- Died: March 1, 1926
- Place of death: Jefferson County, New York
Biography
Marietta Holley was born in New York in the 1830’s. She attended public schools and was also tutored privately at home until family financial difficulties forced her to end her studies at age fourteen. She then began teaching piano to earn an income. Although she was constantly writing, Holley was sensitive and shy and rarely shared her work, with the exception of poetry she mailed to fellow poet Oliver Wendell Holmes. After several of Holley’s poems were published in 1867 in Peterson’s Magazine, Holley turned her attention to writing fiction. In 1869, her first short fiction was published in Peterson’s Magazine, featuring the character Samantha, who would later appear in much of Holley’s work.
Holley’s first full-length book, My Opinions and Betsy Bobbet’s, was published in 1873. It was the first of many “Samantha” books set in the fictional town of Jonesville. From 1873 to 1914, Holley published twenty-five books, many of them featuring the popular character of Samantha. Other published works include a poetry collection and two dramas. Holley’s autobiography, The Story of My Life, was published several years after her death. Popular titles of Holley’s included Around the World with Josiah Allen’s Wife, Samantha on the Woman Question, Samantha on Children’s Rights, and Samantha on the Race Problem.