Mitchell

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Ellen M. Mitchell

Ellen M. Mitchell (1838-1920) was one of the first women to teach philosophy at a co-educational institution, the University of Denver, from 1890 to 1892.

Mitchell wrote fiction and poetry under the pen name Ella Ellwood until her marriage in the late 1860s. Unlike most women in her era, she continued to write and teach after her marriage, leading women’s philosophy circles in St. Louis (1870s), Denver (1880s), and Syracuse (1890s). She wrote several books and articles on philosophy and feminism, including “A Study of Hegel,” A Study of Greek Philosophy, and “A Plea for the Fallen Woman."

The letters displayed here demonstrate Mitchell’s pride in her work as well as her self-awareness as a woman in a man’s field. They are displayed with the permission of Sterling Library, Yale University and Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.

March 15, 1890

Dear Mr. Davidson,

Your letter received and yesterday came the circulars for “A Course of Study in the Adirondacks,” and a list of subjects of lectures. I will have it copied and return it to you soon.

I have waited to reply to your last letter until my own plans were matured. I now expect to leave Denver for Boston as early as the 15^th of April; I am to give a lecture on Aristotle’s Politics on the 5^th of May. Audacious woman! I hear you exclaim. Perhaps so, but I have been studying Aristotle for a long time with all the helps, internal and external, that I could obtain. In the presence of your scholarship I feel my deficiencies; but still I can speak my mind and exert a little influence in discriminating the truth that ethics must be infused into politics in the “new life” some of us are seeking to lead. Aristotle and Dante have been the teachers who have helped me the most; among the living ones, I do not count yourself as the least. When I tell you that fifty copies of your “Prolegomena” have been sold in Denver to ladies in my classes and others whose interest was stimulated by our discussion of the subject, you will know that the seed you sowed in that little volume is bearing fruit. . . .

Now, as to your lectures in Denver. I am selfish and want to be here when they are given. Aside from that, I do not believe you would enjoy your stay here as much unless I am here. Denver is apathetic in some ways, and a little preliminary work is necessary to ensure success for lectures. I believe it would be better for you to come to us in November, if possible, when we are all fresh for the writing work, and give us a course of lectures. We might have a Literary School then as in Chicago; we have some talent of our own that could contribute if necessary.

I have been intending to go to Europe during the summer, but shall return before November; if I do not go, I hope to join you in the Adirondacks.

Yours cordially,

Ellen M. Mitchell

December 4, 1891

Dear Mrs. Sunderland,

I have asked my publishers to send you my little book on Greek Philosophy, believing you would be interested in it for its own sake, for mine, and because it is the work of a woman inspired by the sympathy and friendly cooperation of sister women. It has already received far wider sympathy and appreciation than I expected.

I am busy here with classes and lectures. I have a class in Plato and lecture before “The New England Women’s Club” on Monday, on “The Paradise of Dante.” I am an ardent Dante lover. I go to Denver in January for a course of lectures on philosophy before the university students, and classes in Dante.

Sincerely,

Ellen M. Mitchell

Rogersd@mail.montclair.edu