Eliza Farnham

Date of Birth: November 17, 1815

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: December 15, 1864

Biography

Eliza Farnham was a pioneering American activist, author, and reformer known for her work in prison reform and women’s rights during the 19th century. Born in Rensselaerville, New York, she grew up with a strong sense of justice and a passion for social change. Farnham’s career began as a matron at the Sing Sing Prison in New York, where she advocated for the humane treatment of inmates, particularly women. She believed in the rehabilitative potential of kindness and education over punishment, an idea that was revolutionary at the time. In addition to her prison reform efforts, Farnham was an outspoken advocate for women’s rights. She authored several books and essays on the subject, arguing for greater educational and professional opportunities for women. Her works include “Life in Prairie Land” and “California, In-doors and Out,” which provide valuable insights into the lives of women in the 19th century. Farnham also played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States, moving to California during the Gold Rush and promoting the settlement of women in the West. She believed that the presence of women would help to civilize and stabilize the new territories.

5 Interesting Facts about Eliza Farnham

1. Eliza Farnham was an early advocate for the use of phrenology, a now-discredited field that studied the shape of the skull to determine a person’s character and mental abilities.

2. She published her first book, “Life in Prairie Land,” in 1846, detailing her experiences living in Illinois.

3. Farnham was a widow by the age of 30; her husband, Thomas Jefferson Farnham, died in 1848.

4. She traveled to California during the Gold Rush not for gold, but to improve conditions for women and promote their settlement in the West.

5. Farnham’s innovative ideas on prison reform included the introduction of reading materials and moral instruction for inmates.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Eliza Farnham

1. “The soul in its own essence is a being of pure energy; as such, it is never idle.”

2. “Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together.”

3. “The great object of life is sensation- to feel that we exist, even though in pain.”

4. “Man is the master of his own destiny, and though he may be born in a prison, he can still achieve freedom through his thoughts and actions.”

5. “Education is the cornerstone upon which the future of society is built.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Eliza Farnham’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but her wealth was primarily in her influential social reforms and writings rather than monetary gain.