Harriet Robinson

She was born the second of four children in Boston, 1825. Her mother became a widow six years later. To put food on the table, Harriet’s mother moved to Lowell and managed a boarding house with 40 guests. At first Harriet worked in the boarding house alongside her mother and siblings. At age ten she became a mill worker. Many years later, as a political activist, she wrote: “We can hardly realize what a change the cotton factory made in the status of working women. Hitherto woman had always been a money saving rather than a money earning member of the community. Her labor could command but small return. If she worked out as servant, her wages were from 50 cents to $1.00 a week. As a spinner, weaver, or tailoress she could get but 75 cents and her meals. As a teacher her services were not in demand. The arts and professions were nearly all closed to her.”