Hester A. Benedict

Hester A. Benedict (, Baldwin; after first marriage, Benedict; after second marriage, Dickinson; October 2, 1838 – December 28, 1921) was an American poet and writer. She had a literary reputation in the East before her removal to California where she served as president of the Pacific Coast Women's Press Association in San Francisco. Dickinson's works included, Vesta, Fagots (1895), and Songs En Route (1911). After her second marriage, she retained "Hester A. Benedict" as a literary name, and also used it as a pen name in her second book, but not for the third one.

Early life and education 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.

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)