Elinore Pruitt Stewart was a fascinating woman who wore two hats: homesteader and memoirist. Here's a rundown of what I know about her:
Homesteader:
- Lived in Wyoming: She arrived in 1909 and homesteaded in the southwestern part of the state. Her homestead is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places [National Register of Historic Places].
- Married life: She met her husband Clyde Stewart shortly after arriving and they built a life together on their homestead.
Memoirist:
- Documented her experiences: Between 1909 and 1914, she wrote letters describing her homesteading life to a former employer.
- Published works: These letters were compiled into two books, "Letters of a Woman Homesteader" (her most famous work) and "Letters on an Elk Hunt, by a Woman Homesteader". "Letters of a Woman Homesteader" was even adapted into a movie called "Heartland" in 1979.
- Legacy: Her writings provide a unique perspective on the experiences of women homesteaders in the American West, a perspective that was often overlooked.
Here are some additional details you might find interesting:
- Early life: Born Elinore Pruitt in Oklahoma in 1876, her formal education was limited.
- Resourceful and adventurous: Her letters depict her as a strong, capable woman who thrived in the challenging homesteading environment.
- Died in 1933: She left behind a literary legacy that continues to inspire readers today.