This etext was produced by
Amy E Zelmer <a.zelmer@cqu.edu.au>
Col Choat <CChoat@sanderson.net.au>
Sue Asscher <asschers@dingoblue.net.au>
M. Wollstonecraft was born in 1759. Her father was so great awanderer, that the place of her birth is uncertain; she supposed,however, it was London, or Epping Forest: at the latter place shespent the first five years of her life. In early youth sheexhibited traces of exquisite sensibility, soundness ofunderstanding, and decision of character; but her father being adespot in his family, and her mother one of his subjects, Mary,derived little benefit from their parental training. She receivedno literary instructions but such as were to be had in ordinary dayschools. Before her sixteenth year she became acquainted with Mr.Clare a clergyman, and Miss Frances Blood; the latter, two yearsolder than herself; who possessing good taste and some knowledge ofthe fine arts, seems to have given the first impulse to theformation of her character. At the age of nineteen, she left herparents, and resided with a Mrs. Dawson for two years; when shereturned to the parental roof to give attention to her mother,whose ill health made her presence necessary. On the death of hermother, Mary bade a final adieu to her father's house, and becamethe inmate of F. Blood; thus situated, their intimacy increased,and a strong attachment was reciprocated. In 1783 she commenced aday school at Newington green, in conjunction with her friend, F.Blood. At this place she became acquainted with Dr. Price, to whomshe became strongly attached; the regard was mutual.
It is said that she became a teacher from motives of benevolence,or rather philanthropy, and during the time she continued in theprofession, she gave proof of superior qualification for theperformance of its arduous and important duties. Her friend andcoadjutor married and removed to Lisbon, in Portugal, where shedied of a pulmonary disease; the symp