Martineau, Harriet

Born at Norwich; began losing her hearing in her early teens, possibly caused by starvation during infancy when her wet nurse did not feed her enough. Home schooled by two of her brothers and a sister, plus some private tutoring. Prolific and famous writer of books, journals, and newspaper articles, the first appearing in 1823. Made a two-year tour of the United States 1834-1836 and wrote much about her experiences and observations there, including anti-slavery writings. Puchased land in England's Lake District in 1846 and built a home there. Continued to travel (France and the Near East) and write accounts of her trips. Survived a near-fatal illness in 1855, writing her autobiography at that time. Buried in Old Cemetary in Smethwick, Birmingham.