Part of the American History & Genealogy Project

Charlotte Perkins Gilman 1860 ~ 1935

Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Charlotte Perkins Oilman, writer on social philosophy, and questions of sociology, was born in Hartford, Connecticut, July 3, 1860. Daughter of Frederic Beecher and Mary A. Fitch (Westcott) Perkins, and great-granddaughter of Lyman Beecher. In 1884 she married C. W. Stetson, and on June 11, 1900, she was married to George H. Oilman, of New York.

In 1890 she began lecturing on ethics, economics and sociology, writing on these subjects for magazines and papers. She is especially identified with the work for the advance of women and the labor question; is a member of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, American Sociology Association, and League for Political Education. Among her writings are: "Women and Economics," "In This Our World," "The Yellow Wallpaper," "Concerning Children," "The Home, Its Work and Influence," "Human Work."

Mrs. Oilman's philosophy is dynamic; it is essentially one of hope, courage, joy; and it is for America of to-day. W. D. Howells pronounces her short story, "The Yellow Wallpaper," a psychological masterpiece. Her sociological works have been translated into many languages. She now publishes, edits and writes entirely a magazine. The Forerunner.

Women of America

Source: The Part Taken by Women in American History, By Mrs. John A. Logan, Published by The Perry-Nalle Publishing Company, Wilmington, Delaware, 1912.