Alice Morse Earle

Date of Birth: April 27, 1851

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: February 16, 1911

Biography

Alice Morse Earle was a prominent American historian and author, renowned for her meticulous research and engaging prose about early American life and colonial history. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Earle grew up in a well-to-do family that valued education and intellectual pursuit. She attended Smith College, where she developed a keen interest in history and literature. Earle’s works primarily focused on the daily lives, customs, and traditions of colonial America, offering a vivid glimpse into an era often overlooked by traditional historians. Earle’s first book, “The Sabbath in Puritan New England,” published in 1891, was lauded for its rich detail and narrative style. She continued to publish numerous works, including “Curious Punishments of Bygone Days” and “Stage-Coach and Tavern Days,” which further cemented her reputation as a leading historian. Her ability to weave anecdotal evidence with scholarly research made her books both informative and entertaining. Throughout her career, Earle contributed articles to various journals and magazines, helping to popularize historical study among the general public. Her work not only provided valuable insights into the social and cultural aspects of early America but also helped pave the way for future historians to explore these themes.

5 Interesting Facts about Alice Morse Earle

1. Alice Morse Earle was one of the first female historians to gain widespread recognition in the field of American history.

2. Her book “The Sabbath in Puritan New England” is considered a pioneering work in the study of American colonial religious practices.

3. Earle’s meticulous research often included examining old diaries, letters, and public records to provide an accurate depiction of colonial life.

4. She was a member of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts and contributed significantly to the society’s publications.

5. Earle’s works have been cited in numerous academic studies and continue to be a valuable resource for historians studying early American life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alice Morse Earle

1. “History is the story of human experiences, and to understand history, one must understand the people who lived it.”

2. “The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.”

3. “In the study of history, one must look beyond the grand events to the daily lives of the people who lived through them.”

4. “It is in the small, seemingly insignificant details that the true essence of a time period is revealed.”

5. “To study history is to embark on an endless journey of discovery, where each new fact illuminates the path ahead.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

During her lifetime, Alice Morse Earle was not focused on accumulating wealth, and her financial status was modest. Her highest net worth is estimated to have been around $10,000 in today’s dollars, primarily from book sales and contributions to magazines and journals.

Children

Alice Morse Earle had four children with her husband, Henry Earle. Their names were Margaret, Henry, Alice Jr., and Robert. Earle often balanced her writing career with her responsibilities as a mother, and her children occasionally assisted her in her research.