Alys Pearsall Smith

Alys Whitall Pearsall Smith (1867-January 22, 1951) was the first wife of Bertrand Russell.

Related Topics:
1867 - January 22 - 1951 - Bertrand Russell

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Smith was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Robert Pearsall Smith and Hannah Whitall Smith, who were prominent figures in the Holiness movement in America and the Higher Life movement in Great Britain.

Related Topics:
Philadelphia - Pennsylvania - Robert Pearsall Smith - Hannah Whitall Smith - Holiness movement - Higher Life movement

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The family lived in England from 1873-1875 and then again from 1888 onward. In England the family came into contact with such prominent people as George Bernard Shaw, Henry James, Bernard Berenson (who married Alys's sister Mary), and Bertrand Russell (who married Alys).

Related Topics:
1873 - 1875 - 1888 - George Bernard Shaw - Henry James - Bernard Berenson

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Smith married Bertrand Russell on December 13, 1894 in the Quaker Meeting House in St. Martin's Lane, London, England. In 1911 they separated, and in 1921 they divorced.

Related Topics:
1894 - Quaker - London - 1911 - 1921

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One of her achievements was to chair the Italian Refugees' Relief Committee to help people who fled Mussolini's Italy.

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Smith was the sister of essayist and critic Logan Pearsall Smith. She was the cousin of Martha Carey Thomas.

Related Topics:
Logan Pearsall Smith - Martha Carey Thomas

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