Freeman, Mary Eleanor Wilkins (1852-1930), was an American author. She became known for her short stories, which accurately and sensitively describe New England village life during the late 1800’s. Freeman’s works reflect her Puritan religious background and often deal with matters of conscience. Her stories also vividly portray the economic hardships of rural New England life. The central character in several stories is an older woman in conflict with her family, village society, or a suitor.
Freeman’s best stories were published in the two collections A Humble Romance (1887) and A New England Nun (1891). In addition to short stories, Freeman wrote children’s stories, a play, poems, and 12 novels. She was born on Oct. 31, 1852, in Randolph, Massachusetts. She died on March 13, 1930.
