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Johnson, Anna O'Neill

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1884 - 1957

Biographical Note

Anna O'Neill Johnson, American Catholic philanthropist. Johnson (circa 1884-1957) married David J. Johnson in 1911. They made their home in Boston, where she was active in local Catholic charities and interested in political issues. During the World War I era, Johnson served as the chair of a fundraiser for the Fatherless Children of France, writing to well-known people to solicit manuscripts and artwork that could be sold at a benefit auction. The auction was held at the American Art Galleries in New York on February 28, 1921. Johnson purchased the entire collection for $10,000, and donated it to the College of the Holy Cross in 1953.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Anna O'Neill Johnson papers

 Collection
Abstract This collection consists primarily of materials gathered by Anna O'Neill Johnson to support the Fatherless Children of France project during the World War I era, including correspondence and manuscripts by well-known authors, politicians, and public figures; an auction catalog for the Fatherless Children of France fundraiser held in 1921; and related clippings. Johnson's papers also document her friendship with American poet Edwin Markham through his correspondence to her, her notes on their...
Restrictions on access

Collection is open for research. The Fatherless Children of France manuscripts are fragile and should be handled with extra care.

Dates: 1888 - 1952; Majority of material found within 1915 - 1926