Walter, Cornelia Wells (1813–1898)

American journalist . Born on June 7, 1813, in Boston, Massachusetts; died on January 31, 1898, in Boston; daughter of Lynde Walter and Ann (Minshull) Walter; married William Bordman Richards (an iron and steel dealer), on September 22, 1847 (died 1877); children: Annie (died at age three); Elise Bordman (b. 1848); twins (b. 1853) Walter (died at six months) and William Reuben; and possibly one other child.

A woman known for her warmth and beauty, Cornelia Walter entered the field of journalism when she took over her older brother Lynde Minshull Walter's position as editor at the Boston Transcript after his death in 1842. The quality of her work and her sharp mind earned her the admiration of her peers. A crisp writing style characterized Walter's columns about Boston social and literary life. She spoke boldly through her pen in opposition to female suffrage, unorthodox religious theories, the Mexican War, and the annexation of Texas, and in support of higher education for women. She also traded snide barbs with author Edgar Allan Poe. Upon her marriage in 1847, however, she retired as editor and devoted herself to domestic duties, thereafter contributing occasionally to the Transcript. That same year, Walter published a history of Cambridge's famous cemetery, Mount Auburn Illustrated. She died at age 84 in 1898.

sources:

Sicherman, Barbara, and Carol Hurd Green, eds. Notable American Women: The Modern Period. Cambridge, MA: The Belknap Press of Harvard University, 1980.

Jacquie Maurice , freelance writer, Calgary, Alberta, Canada