Anna Ella Carroll (29 August, 1815-19 February, 1894) was a political activist during the American Civil War. She wrote many pamphlets in favor of emancipation and advised President Lincoln’s presidential cabinet.
Fun Facts about: Anna Ella Carroll
- Anna Ella Carroll was born in Maryland to Thomas King Carroll, a planter who owned a tobacco plantation, and was Governor of Maryland. Her mother was a physician’s daughter.
- The family was very well-off and prominent in the state. Ms. Carroll and her seven younger siblings were all educated at home by their father. Biographers believe Mr. Carroll taught his eldest daughter law, which allowed her access to politics.
- Anna Carroll was considered a reformer, and campaigned against corruption, crime, and the political threat of the Catholic Church which was of great concern in Maryland since they could have swung the state to support slavery.
- The two books she published in the presidential campaign of 1856, The Great American Battle, or, The Contest Between Christianity and Political Romanism and The Star of the West, as well as pamphlets which were widely read and influence many Americans contributed to her political relevance and contacts with the press.
- In the books, Ms. Carroll outlined her reasoning, and the support of the Constitution, for the illegality of secession and Confederacy itself.
- When Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860, Anna Ella Carroll started working towards emancipation, oppose secession, and keep Maryland in the Union. She led, by example, by freeing her slaves.
- The legal arguments made by Ms. Carroll defending President Lincoln’s use during the war were later used by Edward Bates, the Attorney General, to argue that the President had, indeed, acted legally.
- During the Civil War, she worked hand in hand with President Lincoln on issues of emancipation. She was, however, against the Emancipation Proclamation thinking it would cost the Union support and encourage resistance.
- Despite all her wartime publications, she never got paid and even went through two decades of congressional hearings, but she never got a dime.
- Anna Ella Carroll died off Bright’s disease, leaving behind a distinguished by complex legacy which is still evaluated to this day.
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