Mrs. Anna Cora Mowatt

(Born: March 5, 1819 - Died: July 21, 1870)

American playwright, actress and poet. Anna Cora Ogden was born in Bordeaux, France, as the ninth of fourteen children. Her parents were Eliza Lewis and Samuel Gourvernour Ogden. She emigrated to New York City when still very young, and in 1834, at the age of 15, eloped with James Mowatt, a New York lawyer. He owned an estate on Long Island called Melrose, but within a few years he suffered ill health and lost his fortune. Mr. Mowatt died in 1851, and she later married William F. Ritche in 1854. Mr. Ritchie was the editor of the Richmond Enquirer. She left her husband in 1861, citing irreconcilable differences.