Dorothea Lynde Dix

Dorothea Lynde Dix was born April 12, 1802, at Hampton, ME., where her parents were temporarily located. Her father, Joseph Dix, was descended from good Puritan stock, which for generations had maintained its stamina in New England. He himself, however, seems to have been lacking in mental balance and unable to maintain his wife and three children suitably. Having no established business occupation he repeatedly changed his residence. His legal domicile was Worcester, Mass., but for short periods he endeavored to make a living in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. In religious matters his zeal outran his discretion, and at times his spiritual fervor led him to compose, publish and distribute fanatical tracts. In her childish days the little Dorothea was often called upon to paste and stitch these unprofitable leaflets. The mother evidently lacked force of character sufficient to counterbalance her husband's weak judgement, or even to command the respect of her eldest child.