Nellie Bly

Date of Birth: May 5, 1864

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: January 27, 1922

Biography

Nellie Bly, born Elizabeth Jane Cochran on May 5, 1864, in Cochran’s Mills, Pennsylvania, was an American journalist, industrialist, inventor, and charity worker who is best known for her pioneering and investigative reporting. She began her career in journalism at the age of 18 after writing a compelling letter to the Pittsburgh Dispatch in response to an article that suggested women should stay out of the workforce and focus on domestic duties. Her work caught the editor’s attention, leading to a job offer. Bly became famous for her record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days, emulating Jules Verne’s fictional character Phileas Fogg from “Around the World in Eighty Days.” Her journey, which started on November 14, 1889, and ended on January 25, 1890, captivated the public and solidified her place in journalism history. Bly’s most notable investigative work was her undercover assignment in 1887, where she feigned insanity to expose the harsh conditions at the Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island (now Roosevelt Island) in New York City. Her report, “Ten Days in a Mad-House,” led to significant reforms in the treatment of the mentally ill and showcased her fearless approach to journalism. After her journalistic career, Bly became an industrialist and patented several inventions, including a novel milk can and a stacking garbage can. She also ran a manufacturing company, Iron Clad Manufacturing Co., which made steel containers. During World War I, she reported from the front lines in Europe, further demonstrating her adventurous spirit and dedication to journalism. Nellie Bly passed away on January 27, 1922, at the age of 57.

5 Interesting Facts about Nellie Bly

1. Nellie Bly’s real name was Elizabeth Jane Cochran.

2. Bly traveled around the world in 72 days, beating the fictional record set by Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne’s novel.

3. Her undercover investigation at the Women’s Lunatic Asylum led to significant mental health care reforms.

4. Bly was also an inventor, holding several patents, including one for an improved milk can.

5. She reported from the front lines during World War I, showcasing her bravery and commitment to journalism.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Nellie Bly

1. “Energy rightly applied and directed will accomplish anything.”

2. “I said I could and I would. And I did.”

3. “I always had the feeling that nothing could stop me.”

4. “It is only after one is in trouble that one realizes how little sympathy and kindness there is in the world.”

5. “Even that was all up-hill work, for the editors and proprietors of newspapers did not believe in ‘lady scribblers.’”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Nellie Bly’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as an industrialist, she managed a successful manufacturing company, Iron Clad Manufacturing Co.