Social Reformer Nellie Blessing Ester Writes To First Woman Physician, Activist For Sale

NELLIE BLESSING ESTER (1836-1922) was born in Frederick, MD, and became an author, lecturer and reformer who had moral sympathies to the anti-slavery and abolitionist movements, temperance and child welfare protections. She assisted in purchasing Mount Vernon (George Washington’s home) for the U.S. and served as an officer of the Great Sanitary Commission during the Civil War. [Detailed research included]

Ester writes a one-page, ALS, 5 1/2 x 9, Jan. 17, 1889, to social reformers DR. ALICE STOCKHAM AND CORA L. STOCKHAM filled with wonderful content.

“May you have all the joy and gladness this New Year that is good for you.

“The little birds sang east

“And the little birds sang west

“And I smiled to think God’s greatness

“Flows around our incompleteness…

“These, the closing lines of that beautiful little gift of yours — a gift which in its sunny chastity of cover and gold of contents suggests the giver I have taken for my motto this year.

“I am so full of unrest, hence my need for such a thought to pillar me.

“I see you every week in the last pages of ‘The Union Signal.’ What a head for business that woman has in my weekly exclamation to Millie. I and all of us are well. What a source of thanksgiving! I am full of business, too but not the kind which I can turn into money. Alas, that the gift of knowing how to do so was left out of my economy. In all other things: energy, unfoldment, philanthropy, ideality, practical common sense, etc., I fell so well equipped. My book is in press. I am waiting on the proof. My next I will give to the dear Doctor to publish for me. If there is anything in it she would make it go. Dr. Hart’s friend, Mrs. Capt. Thomas, is in much trouble. Her husband is a Banker and has been accused of great-crookedness. The wife has to share the oblong as she used to share the glory. Is not life a funny see-saw? Why did Miss Lord so abruptly stop her Mag. Was it not paying? Has she lost her faith? Have you read Robert Elsmere? Do you approve of it? Do you know how often my thoughts go back to the three delightful days with you in your beautiful home? I wrote up Gunther’s some time ago. Will send you a copy if I can find one. Mollie is downtown or I know she would want a half page for her messages. Oh how cold it is!. The air seems full of snow, hail or rain. How like you to remember me so kindly! I am grateful both for the love and its blessings. The little book is on my desk all the time. I beg to be remembered by your dear household, brother Will, Ruth and baby…

“Faithfully yours,

“Nellie blessing Ester”

DR. ALICE BUNKER STOCKHAM (1833-1912) was a physician, author, publisher and social reformer from Chicago, IL. She was the first female physician in the United States. She practiced medicine focusing on women’s health, genealogy and reproductive education. She advocated for women’s rights and education, sexual health and birth control reform and was active in the temperance movement. She founded her own publishing house, Karezza Publishing Company and wrote several books of her own.

MISS CORA STOCKHAM, was likely Alice’s daughter who assisted Alice in her publishing work, sometimes as secretary of associate editor.

Letter has been written on an extended post office stationary. The writing is quite legible. A couple of short edge breaks reinforced with archival tape.

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