Mary Elizabeth was the daughter of William Lee and niece of Judge Thomas Lee. She belonged to an old family of high social rank. Born with delicate health, she was a writer who produced prose, poetry, children's fiction, and translations. Lee contributed many short stories and poems to "The Rosebud" and other publications. At age 20, she began contributing to "The Southern Rose," attracting attention. She also became a frequent contributor to "Graham's Magazine," "Godey's Lady's Book," and the "Southern Literary Messenger." Her first volume, "Social Evening," or "Historical Tales for Youth," was published in 1840 by the Massachusetts Board of Education School Library Association, and proved to be one of the most attractive in the collection. "Correggio's Holy Family" was one of her best, but possibly "The Hour of Death," and "The Death Bed of Price Henry" better show her characteristics as a writer. Determined to be remained independent, she continued to write for northern and southern periodicals until her health utterly failed. Lee died in the midst of her family in Charleston on September 23, 1849.
Inscription:
"My Sister, As some Mighty swell Doth part two vessels to one Haven Bound, So death has come between us."
Inscription:
"My Sister, As some Mighty swell Doth part two vessels to one Haven Bound, So death has come between us."
Mary Elizabeth was the daughter of William Lee and niece of Judge Thomas Lee. She belonged to an old family of high social rank. Born with delicate health, she was a writer who produced prose, poetry, children's fiction, and translations. Lee contributed many short stories and poems to "The Rosebud" and other publications. At age 20, she began contributing to "The Southern Rose," attracting attention. She also became a frequent contributor to "Graham's Magazine," "Godey's Lady's Book," and the "Southern Literary Messenger." Her first volume, "Social Evening," or "Historical Tales for Youth," was published in 1840 by the Massachusetts Board of Education School Library Association, and proved to be one of the most attractive in the collection. "Correggio's Holy Family" was one of her best, but possibly "The Hour of Death," and "The Death Bed of Price Henry" better show her characteristics as a writer. Determined to be remained independent, she continued to write for northern and southern periodicals until her health utterly failed. Lee died in the midst of her family in Charleston on September 23, 1849.
Inscription:
"My Sister, As some Mighty swell Doth part two vessels to one Haven Bound, So death has come between us."
Inscription:
"My Sister, As some Mighty swell Doth part two vessels to one Haven Bound, So death has come between us."
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