Agnes Christina Laut

Agnes Christina Laut Biography

Agnes Christina Laut (February 11, 1871 – November 15, 1936) was a Canadian journalist, novelist, historian, and social worker. Born in Stanley Township, Huron County, Ontario, she was the daughter of John Laut, a merchant from Glasgow, Scotland, and Eliza George Laut, an American. In 1873, the family moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, then a frontier town, where Agnes completed normal school at the age of fifteen. Too young to obtain a teaching certificate, she worked as a substitute teacher at a prairie school for several years.

Laut enrolled at the University of Manitoba but was forced to withdraw in her second year due to health issues. She then turned to writing, contributing articles to the New York Evening Post and the Manitoba Free Press. From 1895 to 1897, she served as an editorial writer at the Manitoba Free Press. After traveling across the continent and contributing to various periodicals, she published her first novel, Lords of the North, in 1900. In 1901, seeking to improve her health and be closer to her publishers, she relocated to Wassaic, New York, where she resided for the remainder of her life.

Between 1900 and 1931, Laut authored numerous books, focusing on the evolution of Canadian territory, the history of Montana, and settlers traveling the Santa Fe Trail. Notable works include The Story of the Trapper (1902), The Conquest of the Great Northwest (1908), and The Fur Trade of America (1921). Despite residing in the United States, she remained a Canadian nationalist, writing works intended to educate Americans about her homeland, such as Canada, the Empire of the North (1909) and The Canadian Commonwealth (1915).

In 1919, Laut served as secretary for the Childhood Conservation League, a philanthropic organization aimed at assisting children left homeless following the Mexican Revolution. She traveled to Mexico as a representative of the league and later testified before the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations regarding conditions in Mexico. Laut never married and passed away on November 15, 1936, in Wassaic, New York.

Trivia About Agnes Christina Laut

• Laut was a founding member of the Canadian Women's Press Club and served as its president for several years.
• She was known for her extensive research, often traveling to gather firsthand information for her historical writings.
• Despite her limited formal education, Laut became one of Canada's most prolific historians and authors.

Famous Quotes by Agnes Christina Laut

• "The history of the fur trade is the history of North America."
• "Adventure is the life of commerce, and the breath of the greatest commercial nations is adventure."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Agnes Christina Laut?

Agnes Christina Laut was a Canadian journalist, novelist, historian, and social worker, renowned for her writings on Canadian history and the American West.

What are some of her notable works?

Some of her notable works include Lords of the North (1900), The Story of the Trapper (1902), and The Conquest of the Great Northwest (1908).

Did she receive any formal recognition for her work?

While specific awards are not documented, Laut was a founding member and president of the Canadian Women's Press Club, highlighting her significant role in the literary community.

Related Literary Movements

Agnes Christina Laut's work is associated with early 20th-century historical writing, focusing on the exploration and settlement of Canada and the American West. Her detailed narratives contributed to the preservation and understanding of North American history.

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