Woman of the Century/Jennie O'Neill Potter

POTTER, Miss. Jennie O'Neill, actor and dramatic reader, born in Wisconsin, in 1867. From her father, the impecunious cadet of a good Irish family, who took his English wife to settle in the State of Wisconsin, where Miss Potter was born and "raised," that young American dialect reader derived the quick, perceptive Celtic nature which in her case is well balanced by other and stronger Anglo-Saxon qualities, making just the sort of mixture that means independence, energy and practical success as well as prompt intuition, ready perception and quick emotions. As a performer she is entirely self-made. Circumstances of great sorrow first caused her to turn towards the stage, and with characteristic determination she devoted herself at once to the study of her profession from the most business-like point of view. She made her debut in Minneapolis, Minn., meeting immediately with decided success. Before she had been long out her talent attracted the attention of Major Pond, under whose direction she subsequently undertook her first tour throughout the eastern States. Many in Washington remember her performances, which led to her becoming a favorite in Washington society, introduced by Mrs. Senator Dolph, and particularly and very cordially patronized by the Postmaster-General. In London, bearing letters of introduction from a number of JENNIE O'NEILL POTTER. the most prominent social leaders and press men in the United States, she was warmly welcomed by Mrs. Mackay, Mrs. Ronalds, Mrs. John Wood and other representatives of American society in the British metropolis, and during her first season became a general favorite in the circles where she was invited to give her readings. Among Miss Potter's English patrons are the Duke and Duchess of Newcastle, Lord and Lady Londerborough, Baroness Lionel de Rothschild and Lady Goldsmid.