Jane Cunningham Croly American writer and journalist Date of Birth: 19.12.1829 Country: USA

1. Biography of Jane Cunningham Crowley
2. Early Career in Journalism
3. Professional Success and Advocacy
4. Later Years and Legacy

Biography of Jane Cunningham Crowley

Jane Cunningham Crowley was an American writer and journalist. She developed an interest in journalism at an early age, starting in school. She edited the school newspaper and also helped with a newspaper published by the local church. Jane was born into the family of Joseph Cunningham, a priest, and his wife Jane Scott. When Jane was twelve years old, the Cunningham family moved to the United States. They initially settled in Poughkeepsie, New York, and later in Southbridge, Massachusetts.

Early Career in Journalism

Jane's interest in journalism began during her school years. She spent some time editing the school newspaper and also assisted with the newspaper published by the local church. In 1855, Jane moved to New York to pursue journalism professionally. It was during this time that she first used the pseudonym 'Jennie June'.

Finding work as a journalist was not easy for Jane. After facing numerous rejections, she finally secured a contract with 'Noah's Sunday Times'. Her column focused on traditionally feminine topics such as fashion, cooking, and various artistic fields. During that time, it was extremely difficult for women to succeed in journalism as they were often limited to writing about purely feminine subjects. Male editors rarely allowed their female staff to write about serious topics. It was through her journalism pursuits that Jane met her husband, David G. Crowley, a journalist and editor for the 'New York Herald'. They were married on February 14, 1856, and later had four children together.

Professional Success and Advocacy

Jane's marriage brought her professional success as her husband helped her secure a position at the 'New York World'. Unlike many of her contemporaries who abandoned their career aspirations after marriage, Jane continued her work in journalism. From 1860 to 1887, she edited 'Demorest's Magazine', a women's fashion magazine, and became known as an expert in fashion. She later created her own publication called 'Cycle' and her columns were published in major newspapers across the country.

It is challenging to accurately describe Jane's position on women's role in society during that time. Like many of her contemporaries, she oscillated between the traditional role of a model housewife and the image of a progressive, modern woman. In her essays, Jane predominantly advocated for traditional values. Her more complex works, like 'Jennie June's American Cookery Book', also reflected these traditional values.

Jane also found time to fight for women's rights. In 1856 and 1869, she organized the first women's congresses, advocating for an increase in job opportunities for women. It is worth noting that she did not have any involvement in mainstream politics or the suffragist movement.

Later Years and Legacy

In the summer of 1898, Jane's health began to deteriorate. She had a severe fall, breaking a rib. Around the same time, her closest friend, Emma Demorest, suffered a stroke. Jane was unable to fully recover and announced her retirement in 1900. She spent some time in her homeland, England, before returning to New York. On December 23, 1901, Jane Cunningham Crowley passed away from heart failure.

Jane Cunningham Crowley left a lasting impact on the field of journalism, particularly in the realm of women's fashion. Her dedication to her profession and her advocacy for women's rights continue to inspire aspiring journalists and activists even today.