Hester A. Benedict

Esther (nickname, "Hester") A. Baldwin was born in Streetsboro, Portage County, Ohio, October 2, 1838. Her parents were Harvey Baldwin (1796–1882) and Lucinda (Brown) Baldwin (1814–1898). Hester's siblings included Ellen, Isabella, and Wesley. She was an attentive reader, choosing many of the best authors, as well as current literature for her entertainment. She readily assimilated what she read, and made it her own. Her early poetical efforts were promising. Benedict was educated under private tutors and in Western Reserve Seminary. ==Career==

Benedict's first poem was published when she was seven years old. As a young woman, she was a contributor to the New York City and Philadelphia magazines. They made their home for many years in Alameda, California. In 1880, Col. and Mrs. Dickinson went to Japan, where they spent one year and were the guests of the Mikado. There, Col. Dickinson made a close study of the commercial affairs of Japan, while Benedict served as a correspondent from for the New York Mail. She was a founder of the California Writers Club, and for several terms, served on the board of directors and later, was elected to an honorary vice-presidency. ==Personal life==

For years, Dickinson was active in church and civic circles in Alameda. Her ashes were consigned to the waters of the Golden Gate at a ceremony conducted October 24, 1926, by the California Writers Club in accordance with her will. ==Selected works==

By Hester A. Benedict • Vesta (1872) (Text) • Fagots (1895) (Text) By Hester Dickinson • Songs En Route (1911) (Text) ==References==