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Lydia Maria Francis Child is from Medford

Lydia Maria Francis Child, noted abolishionist, early feminist and famous author, was born in Medford in 1802 to David Francis, a baker, and his wife, Susannah. Lydia, who preferred to be called Maria, lived in Medford until she was twelve. She lived in Maine for several years before returning to Massachusetts at the age of 18 to live with her brother, Rev. Convers Francis, a local Unitarian minister. While living with Rev. Francis in Watertown, Maria became a Unitarian and began writing.

Maria wrote the first historical novel published in the United States at the age of 22. In 1826, she started Juvenile Miscellany—the first children's magazine in America. In 1828, she moved to Boston after marrying outspoken lawyer, David Lee Child.

Maria soon became outspoken as well and joined David in denouncing slavery. In her second novel, she claimed that some of Boston's largest fortunes were made as a result of involvement in the slave trade. Soon, Bostonians and friends shunned Maria, while others dismissed her work.

In protest, Maria and David moved to Northampton to raise sugar beets to substitute for sugar cane produced by southern slaves. Since their farming endeavor was not very lucrative, Maris started writing short stores and magazine articles to help make ends meet.

Through her writings, Maria remained an active opponent of slavery throughout the Civil War. She also helped Harriet Jacobs, a former slave, publish her own memoirs.

David died in 1874. Maria died six years later in 1880, and came to be well known as one of America's first women writers.

Maria is particularly know for "The New England Boy's Song About Thanksgiving Day." Inspired by fond memories of her Medford childhood, this Thanksgiving tradition has become a part of our lives:

Over the river, and through the wood,
To Grandfather's house we go;
The horse knows the way,
To carry the sleigh,
Through the white and drifter snow.

Source: Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe College and Guideposts, November, 2003.