Eliza R. Sunderland

Eliza R. Sunderland (, Read; April 19, 1839 – March 3, 1910) was an American writer, educator, lecturer, and women's rights advocate of the long nineteenth century. She was a prolific writer for literary and religious papers and magazines. She was also prominent in her religious denomination, no woman in the country being called upon more often than Sunderland for addresses at local, state, and national Unitarian gatherings. She was one of the organizers and the first president of the Western Women's Conference. At the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago, in 1893, she represented the Unitarian women of the U.S. and gave one of the most notable addresses of the parliament. She was especially well-fitted to serve as a member of the board of school visitors in Hartford, Connecticut on account of her lifelong interest in school matters, her experience as a teacher, and her intellectual training.

Early life and education Eliza Jane Read was born in Huntsville, Illinois, April 19, 1839. Her father was Amasa Read, a native of Worcester County, Massachusetts, who removed to Illinois in 1838 as one of the earliest pioneer settlers in the central-western part of the State. Her mother, whose maiden name was Jane Henderson, was born in Ohio, of Scotch ancestry, and was a woman of remarkably vigorous mind and noble character. There were three children born to the parents, who reached adult years: Eliza and two younger brothers, Thomas H. and James M. Read. of heart disease. She died at her home in Hartford, March 3, 1910. Eliza Read Sunderland - a brief sketch of her life : memorial addresses. was published in 1912.

Selected works Stories from Genesis, 1890 Heroes and Heroines, 1895 James Martineau and his greatest book - A Centennial Tribute, 1905 (with Jabez Thomas Sunderland)