Marietta Holley

Marietta Holley (pen names, Jemyma, later, Josiah Allen's Wife; July 16, 1836 – March 1, 1926), was an American humorist who used satire to comment on U.S. society and politics. Holley enjoyed a prolific writing career and was a bestselling author in the late 19th century, though she was largely forgotten by the time of her death. Her writing was frequently compared to that of Mark Twain and Edgar Nye. Along with Frances Miriam Whitcher and Ann S. Stephens, Holley is regarded as one of America's most significant early female humorists. Her work appealed to all classes of society. Her readers were scattered over the entire world, and included men and women of every station and grade. Her books were widely read in Europe.

Early years and education

Holley was born in a modest cottage in Ellisburg, New York, on the outskirts of Adams, New York, July 16, 1836. She was the youngest of Mary Taber and John Milton Holley's seven children. The family lived on a small farm in Jefferson County, New York, on the road leading from Adams to Pierrepont Manor. The Holleys went to Jefferson county from Connecticut. Her maternal grandfather, "Old Squire Taber" as he was called, went to Pierrepont Manor from Rhode Island.

She received the rudiments of an English education at a neighboring school, and later, with the exception of teachers in music and French, she pursued her studies at home. At fourteen, she ended her formal education in order to supplement the family income by giving piano lessons. When she was a young girl she was given to poetry, and wrote a great deal. She thought she should like to become a great painter; then she decided to be a poet, but finally abandoned both intentions. Holley commenced her career as a writer when in her teens, though she published nothing until 1876.