Julia A. Ames

Julia A. Ames (14 October 1861 - 12 December 1891) was an American journalist, editor and temperance reformer.

Early years and education

Ames was born near Odell, Illinois, 14 October 1861. She was the daughter of a well-known wealthy citizen of Streator, Illinois. She was a graduate of Streator Township High School, the Illinois Wesleyan University, and of the Chicago School of Oratory (now Columbia College Chicago). Her work in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union began in Streator, where she helped Mrs. Plumb, the district president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union.

Career

The first of the Chicago daily newspapers to publish a Woman's Christian Temperance Union department was the Chicago Inter Ocean. In her first interviews with the editors, Ames' work was often cut. At first only a few inches of space were given to her. This was gradually increased as the editors learned they could trust her, till, eventually, she usually occupied nearly a column, and editors ceased to cut her manuscript. Other and more important work soon came to her. When the national superintendent of press-work, Esther Housh, needed an assistant, Ames received the appointment. Her connection with the central union brought her into intimate contact with other women, among whom were Helen Louise Hood, Matilda Carse, Elizabeth Wheeler Andrew, and Frances Willard, and their conversations molded Ames' views.

When Andrew felt that, on account of her health, she must give up her work on the Union Signal, the question of her successor was earnestly discussed. The thoughts of the leaders at once turned to Ames, and despite her youth, she justified the choice of those who urged her to follow Andrew. Up to 1889, her special province was the difficult one of news from the field and children's department. She originated the department of illustrated biography and the queen's garden. Her forte was not so much writing, though she was ready with her pen, as it was the ability to choose or reject others' writing, and the winning power to draw from them their best thoughts. In 1889, she had sole charge of the Union Signal in the absence of the editor. She took a vacation trip to Europe in 1890, spending a month in London, England, and visiting Lady Henry Somerset at Eastnor Castle. Ames was received with honor by the British Woman's Temperance Association. While in London, she organized the press department of that society on lines similar to those of the American organization. She traveled through Europe with a party conducted by Sarah E. Morgan, under the auspices of Mrs. M. B. Willard's school for girls. She witnessed the Passion Play at Oberammergau, visited Rome and other cities, and returned to the US to resume her editorial duties on the "Union Signal". She attended the Boston convention in November, 1891, in her editorial capacity. She assisted in editing the daily Union Signal, prepared the Associated Press dispatches each night, and was the chairman of one or two committees. She was not well when she left Chicago, and she contracted a severe cold, which through the pressure of her work developed into typhoid pneumonia, of which she died 12 December 1891. Ames was a member of the Woman's Temperance Publishing Association Circle of King's Daughters and was president of that organization when she left Chicago for her European tour. The silver cross and the white ribbon were the symbols of her life.[1]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Willard 1893, p. 23.

Bibliography

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