Walworth, Ellen Hardin (1832–1915)

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Walworth, Ellen Hardin (1832–1915)

American clubwoman. Born Oct 20, 1832, in Jacksonville, IL; died June 23, 1915, in Washington, DC; dau. of John J. Hardin (US congressman) and Sarah Ellen (Smith) Hardin; granddau. of Martin D. Hardin (US senator); m. Mansfield Tracy Walworth (lawyer and novelist), July 29, 1852 (died 1873); children: 3 sons, 5 daughters.

Began study of law after son Frank shot her husband to death, then helped him get released from prison on insanity defense (1877); served as president of Shakespeare Club; was among 1st women to be elected and hold position on board of education in NY state; during 18-year stint, was sole female trustee of Saratoga Monument Association (1876–94); was 1 of 3 official founders of Daughters of American Revolution; became 1st editor of DAR's journal, American Monthly Magazine (1892).