M. E. W. Sherwood

Mary Elizabeth Sherwood (pen names: M. E. W. S., M.E.W. Sherwood, Mrs. John Sherwood; nee Wilson; October 27, 1826 – September 12, 1903) was an American author and socialite. She wrote short stories, poetry, several books, and etiquette manuals, in addition to contributing to many magazines and translating poems from European languages. Among her writings are The Sarcasm of Destiny, A Transplanted Rose, Manners and Social Usages, Sweet Briar, and Roxobel. Better known as Mrs. John Sherwood, some of her literary works were published as "M.E.W.S." or "M.E.W. Sherwood".

Sherwood gave readings in parlors for charitable objects, making selections from her own works, and made eight trips to Europe.

She was decorated with the insignia of Officier d'Academie.

Early years and education

Mary Elizabeth ("Lizzie") Wilson was born in Keene, New Hampshire, October 27, 1826. She was the eldest daughter of Gen. James Wilson II, a member of Congress from New Hampshire, and Mary Low (nee Richardson) Wilson. Mary had three younger brothers and three younger sisters.

When her father was in Congress, the family lived in Washington, D.C. Soon after his election, Mary's mother died, leaving her the responsibility of taking care of the large family. She was intelligent, received a thorough education, and was acquainted with George Bancroft, John Lothrop Motley, William Cullen Bryant, William H. Prescott, and others. Her first literary work, at the age of seventeen, was an essay on the "Novel of Jane Eyre" sent to the New-York Tribune in 1848, which attracted much friendly criticism.