Woman of the Century/Elizabeth Oakes Prince Smith

SMITH, Mrs. Elizabeth Oakes Prince, author, born in North Yarmouth, Me., 12th August, 1806. Her maiden name was Prince. She received a careful education in her native town. At an early age she became the wife of Seba Smith, the journalist and author, and for years she aided him in his editorial labors. For three years she edited "The Mayflower," an annual published in Boston, Mass. In 1842 she and her husband removed to New York City, where they engaged in literary work. She was the first woman in the United States to become a public lecturer, and she has preached in different churches. At one time she acted as pastor of an independent congregation in Canastota, Madison county, N. Y. Her husband died 29th July, 186S, in Patchogue, N. Y., and she went to Hollywood, S. C., where she has since made her home. She was for many years a regular contributor to magazines and periodicals, but of late years has withdrawn from the public. Among her published volumes are: "Riches Without Wings" (1838); "The Sinless Child" (1841); "Stories for Children" (1847); "Woman and Her Needs" (1851); "Hints on Dress and Beauty" (1852); "Bald Eagle, or the Last of the Ramapaughs" (1867); "The Roman Tribute," a tragedy (1850), and "Old New York, or Jacob Leisler," a tragedy (1853).