Born: 31 October 1852, United States
Died: 13 March 1930
Country most active: United States
Also known as: Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman
From Famous Women: An Outline of Feminine Achievement Through the Ages With Life Stories of Five Hundred Noted Women. Written by Joseph Adelman, published 1926 by Ellis M Lonow Company:
Mary Eleanor Wilkins, an American novelist, born in Randolph, Mass of Puritan descent. She was educated at Mount Holyoke Seminary, and for many years was secretary to Dr. O.W. Holmes. In 1902 she married Dr. Chas. M. Freeman of Metuchen, N.J.
Her stories deal mostly with New England life, and she has gained a definite place in American letters as a realistic portrayer [sic] of certain characteristics of New England life which are fast disappearing. The unity, suggestiveness and charm of her short stories, are notable contributions to modern American literature, and her poetic drama Giles Corey, Yeoman, based on the Salem witchcraft craze, is a powerful play.
Among her important books are: “The Adventures of Ann,” “A Humble Romance,” “A New England Nun,” “Pembroke,” “Jerome, a Poor Man,” “The Portion of Labor,” “Butterfly House,” and “The Copy-Cat.”