BEECHER, Catharine Esther.

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Suggestions Respecting Improvements in Education, First edition of this pamphlet advocating for women's education, by the seminary's founder. This copy has the gift inscription on the front free endpaper, "E. Tomlinson from S. Brigham"; the recipient was likely Eliza Tomlinson (perhaps 1817-1846) and the giver Susan Brigham (1804-1892), both listed among the pupils of the seminary at the rear (p. 81; 84). Brigham became a teacher the following year and was preceptor of the Female Seminary at Uxbridge, Massachusetts, from 1831 to 1835. Harriet Beecher Stowe, who roomed with Brigham in 1829, described her as possessing "a fine mind and most unconquerable energy and perseverance of character. From early childhood she has been determined to obtain an education, and to attain to a certain standard. Where persons are determined to be anything, they will be. I think for this reason she will make a first rate character" (Hedrick, p. 55). A list of 61 women's names is written on the rear pastedown in pencil, perhaps those of students.Catharine Esther Beecher (1800-1878) promoted the domestic role of women and viewed them as suited to the role of teaching in the same way as they were suited to motherhood. The Hartford Female Seminary was one of the first significant American educational establishments for women.

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