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The May 5, 1894 issue of The Cecil Whig, a newspaper based in Elkton, Maryland, contains an interview with one of its most famous local residents: Martha Farquaharson Finley, author of the Elsie Dinsmore book series.
A descendant of both Samuel Finley, President of Princeton, and of the Scottish Covenanter martyr John Brown, she references both in this interview, which took place in her home at Elkton.
It was just after her 66th birthday, when Martha spoke of her ancestry, and how she came to settle in Elkton, Maryland, after being born in Chillicothe, Ohio, and living in South Bend, Indiana. She wrote about the persecutions of Covenanters and Waldenses, among other periods of history. She spoke about the process of writing and publishing her books, books; her anonymous publications and those published under the pen name of “Martha Farquaharson”; and many anecdotes of her experience as a writer.
One day I called to see the publishers and was accosted by the cashier who said — ‘This is Miss Martha Farquharson, I believe?” “Yes, sir,” I replied. “I believe I have a check for you,” and with these words he passed out into a back room. Presently he returned and regarding me with a puzzled expression remarked: No, I see it is made out to Miss Finley.” At this I laughed and explained that though Martha Farquharson wrote the books Miss Finley took the checks given in payment for them.
Her Presbyterian affiliation and heritage was a major influence in all of her writings. Her great purpose in writing was to reach and edify young people, though readers of all ages have benefited from her prolific publications.
We hope to keep adding works by Ms. Finley. This interview stands out as a window into her experience as a writer, and we are glad to add it to her page at Log College Press.
