Lydia Maria Child (11 February 1802-20 October 1880), abolitionist and popular author, was born into a large family at Medford, Massachusetts. At twelve her mother died and she was sent to live with her married sister in Maine. She remained there until 1824, when her brother Convers Francis was married, and she then joined his household at Watertown, Massachusetts. He took a personal hand in her education and introduced her into the circle of friends, including Emerson, that came to his house for discussions. She also met and formed lasting friendships with Theodore Parker and Margaret Fuller. In October 1826 she married David Lee Child, an active reformer who became a founding member of the New England Anti-Slavery Society. Soon after moving to the Boston area, Child found herself the mainstay of the family's finances as her husband remained an unemployed reformer with an occasional unsuccessful foray into agriculture. Starting with Hobomok...