Anne Newport Royall

Anne Newport Royall is considered to be the “first American newspaper woman.” In a time where many women wouldn’t take on higher roles, Anne was the first female editor of a newspaper. The newspaper was called Paul Pry and it was dedicated to exposing the corruption of the government and religious fraud. Paul Pry was ended and succeeded by a newspaper called The Huntress.

After the death of her husband, Royall was told that their marriage was not legal and she would not receive what he left to her in his will, leaving her penniless. She pleaded her case to Congress to pass a pension for widowed Revolutionary Wives like herself and, while there, met John Quincy Adams. Royall earned his support for her case and became the first ever woman to interview a United States president.

Royall traveled from Louisiana to Maine to find proof of her marriage, recording her trip in very detailed journals and letters, which were later published as travel books and novels. She provided a glimpse into American life in the nineteenth century, while also publicizing the corrupt and incompetent government. Her books received a lot of negative feedback, causing Royall to be spit on, pushed down the stairs, and even arrested.

Royall moved back to Washington where she lived near a firehouse on Capitol Hill. The firehouse, using federal money, had been converted to a home for a Presbyterian congregation. Royall promoted tolerance for Roman Catholics and Masons, so her writing often went against Presbyterians; this congregation was especially angry when Royall claimed that their use of the firehouse blurred the lines between state and church. This caused the congregation to throw stones at Royall’s window and pray beneath it to try and convert her.

Royall, notorious for her “outspoken and often controversial views, satirical style, gossip, polemics on corruption and religion, and her fiery temperament,” is remembered as paving the way for women in journalism.

Sources:

"Anne Newport Royall (American Author)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2013.

"National Women's History Museum: Women with a Deadline." National Women's History Museum: Women with a Deadline. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2013.

"An Uncommon ScoldTreasure-Talk Describes Life of Anne Royall." An Uncommon Scold (January 2000). N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2013.