Edith May

Edith May was the pen name of Anne Drinker (3 December 1827 – 23 February 1903), an American writer of verse and other matter for literary journals and magazines. Her parents were Joseph D. Drinker (1796-1881), a wealthy Philadelphia merchant, and Eleanor/Elinor Skyrin Drinker (died 1877), daughter of John and Ann (Drinker) Skyrin, a land owner. She was also a descendant of Elizabeth Sandwith Drinker, the diarist.

May was reared amid refined surroundings, and as she got older, she received the best education that the private schools of Philadelphia could provide. Following the education in her native city, she was sent abroad, where special attention was given to her musical development and also to the study of German, French and Spanish. When she returned to Philadelphia, she was prepared to make her formal entrance into society. Though she was received into the most exclusive circles, this admiration did not affect May. Thoughtful and studious, she devoted her attention to the poor, needy, and sick of the city.

In 1885, the asylum's authorities granted May a month's leave of absence, and she was taken to the convalescent's retreat at the Pennsylvania State Lunatic Hospital (now, Harrisburg State Hospital). After her arrival there, she showed no symptoms of insanity, and the leave of absence was extended indefinitely. Persisting on her behalf, and with the passage of improved legislation, May was released from the Pennsylvania State Lunatic Hospital later that year, after being confined for a total of ten years.

Then came Joe's trial on the charge of murder. He boldly asserted his fearlessness of death and said he had avenged his sister and was satisfied. May came at once to her brother's side and spent the greater part of her inheritance to save Joe's life. The jury rendered a verdict of insanity. Joe was sent to an insane asylum and May retired from society,

May's portrait was painted by Thomas Sully in 1850.

A play honoring May's life, The Rage of Society, written by playwright Jan Quackenbush, was produced in 1984 in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania.