Colman, Julia (1828–1909)

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Colman, Julia (1828–1909)

American temperance writer. Name variations: (pseudonym) Aunt Julia. Born Feb 16, 1828, in Northampton, NY; died Jan 10, 1909, in Brooklyn, NY; dau. of Henry Root Colman (Methodist minister) and Livia (Spier) Colman; attended Lawrence College and Cazenovia Seminary.

Served as librarian and literary assistant for Methodist Sunday-School Union and Tract Society, NY; wrote under name Aunt Julia for Sunday School Advocate; resigned from Union and Tract Society (1867) to become lecturer and writer on temperance, hygiene and diet; published "Catechisms" on alcohol and tobacco (1872); served in several positions with Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), including chair of leaflet committee, editor of children's page in WCTU magazine, and superintendent of new Department of Temperance Literature (1880–91); published more than 500 temperance materials; writings include The Boys' and Girls' Illustrated Bird Book (1857) and Alcohol and Hygiene (textbook, 1880).