Fanny Kelly
Fanny Kelly was a North American pioneer woman whose harrowing experience of captivity among the Sioux Indians marked her as a significant figure in frontier literature. In 1871, she published her memoir, "Narrative of My Captivity among the Sioux Indians," detailing her five-month ordeal after being captured by the Sioux. Her account provided a rare female perspective on the complexities of Native American relations during a tumultuous period in American history, blending personal narrative with broader social commentary. Kelly's narrative not only chronicled her survival and resilience but also highlighted the cultural tensions and misunderstandings between settlers and Native Americans. Her work is notable for its vivid descriptions and emotional depth, offering insights into the challenges faced by women on the frontier. By sharing her story, Kelly contributed to the growing body of literature that sought to illuminate the experiences of women in the American West, establishing her legacy as a pioneer in this genre.
Famous Quotes
View all 3 quotes“Mother! what a world of affection is comprised in that single word; how little do we in the giddy round of youthful pleasure and folly heed her wise counsels. How lightly do we look upon that zealous care with which she guides our otherwise erring feet, watches with feelings which none but a mother can know the gradual expansion of our youth to the riper yours of discretion. We may not think of it then, but it will be recalled to our minds in after years, when the gloomy grave or a fearful living separation has placed her far beyond our reach, and her sweet voice of sympathy and consolation for the various ills attendant upon us sounds in our ears no more. How deeply then we regret a thousand deeds that we have done contrary to her gentle admonitions! How we sign for those days once more, that we may retrieve what we have done amiss and make her kind heart glad with happiness! Alas! once gone they can never be recalled, and we grow mournfully sad with the bitter reflection.”
“It is thus with our life. We silently glide along, little dreaming about the waves which will so soon sweep over us, dashing us up against the rocks, or stranding us forever. we do not dream that we shall ever wreck, until the greater wave comes over us, and we bend beneath its power.”
“Experience is a great teacher, and we were then in her school, and learned that while hope offers the faintest token of refuge, we pause upon the fearful brink of eternity, and look back for rescue.”
