Name: Harriet Kidder (Smith)
Birth Date: June 20, 1816
Birth Place: Winsted, CT
Death Date: March 28, 1915
Death Location: Ocean Grove, NJ
Burial Place: Rosehill Cemetery
Summary
Harriet Kidder was an early resident of Evanston. She came to Evanston in September of 1856 with her husband Rev. Daniel P. Kidder, who was the first professor of Theology at Garrett Biblical Institute. She was active in many Evanston organizations, including the local union of the WCTU. She was also involved in the founding of the Evanston College for Ladies.
Harriet Kidder was the first woman to attend Amenia Seminary in Amenia, NY. She used $200 left to her by her father to attend then went on to have a teaching career before marrying at age 24. It was likely this early interest in education that spurred her to be involved in the women’s colleges in Evanston.
Children: 3 - Daniel, Kate, Eva (Henry M. Kidder was her stepson)
Education: Amenia Seminary , NY (first woman to attend)
Years in Evanston: 1856-1871, 1881-1899
Sources: Willard, Frances. A Classic Town: The Story of Evanston. WT Publishing Associates, 1891. "Something for the Girls: Evanston 1954 [sic]-1920" Evanston History Center Subject Files. Evanston Women Pre 1950: Newspaper Clippings.
Associated Organizations: