A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Farley, Harriet
FARLEY, HARRIET,
Well and widely known in America as editor of "The Lowell, or New England Offering," a monthly magazine of industry, the contributors being factory girls, employed in the mills at Lowell, Massachusetts. This work has been re-printed in England, and has excited much interest here, as in other parts of Europe, because it is entirely unparalleled in the annals of factory life; and in no country, except America, is such a proof of female intellect perhaps possible. As one of the pioneers in this new development of mental culture and moral progress, and the chief agent by whom it has been upheld. Miss Farley deserves the good celebrity she has gained. She has told her own story in a letter as remarkable for its simple frankness as its true modesty, by which we learn that she is the sixth of ten children, of "the genuine New Hampshire stock." Her father was a congregational pastor of the town of Claremont, in that state. He afterwards removed to a smaller place, called Atkinson, and combined the labours of preceptor with his parochial duties. Harriet was herself intended for a teacher, and, as she says, learned something of French, drawing, needlework, and the usual accomplishments; but not relishing this kind of life, she betook herself, as many respectable females in America do, to factory labour. With great care and frugality she was enabled lo assist in the liberal education of a brother, and minister to the wants of other members of her family. When the "Lowell, or New England Offering" was started, she became a contributor, and ultimately editor and proprietor.
"I now," she says, "do all the publishing, editing, canvassing, and, as it is bound in my office, I can, in a hurry, help to fold, cut covers, stitch, etc. I have a little girl to assist me in the folding, stitching, etc.; the rest, after it comes from the printer's hand, is all my own work. I employ no agents, and depend upon no one for assistance. My edition is four thousand."
The greater portion of all Harriet Farley has written has appeared in the "Offering;" but in 1847 she selected from these pieces, and added a few original, making a volume, published in Boston under the title of "Shells from the Strand of the Sea of Genius." In the dedication of this book. Miss Farley touches a string which should make every parental heart vibrate—"To my Father and Mother, who gave me that education which has enlivened years of labour; and, while constituting my own happiness, has enabled me to contribute to the enjoyment of others." Let those who think education unnecessary for "operatives," consider what it has done for Harriet Farley, and what sweet reward she has rendered to those who trained her!
Miss Farley stands at the head of her collaborateurs, not only In her capacity of editor, but in her superiority as a writer; yet she has many and talented assistants, contributors, who deserve to share with her in the honour of this new literature. "Mind among the Spindles," is the title given to a handsome volume, selected from the "Lowell Offering," and published in London in 184&.