Naturally left-handed, she was challenged in school to become right-handed; these frustrations are believed to be responsible for her stutter, which stayed with her permanently.

The way she collected them caught the attention of Minnie M. Oakley in the Circulation department of Milwaukee Public Library.

She became the head of the department by 1890, but meanwhile she worked to ensure children, educators, and parents had access to material that would support literacy.

In order to deliver her donated books, she would often travel by stagecoach, by train, and by sleigh in personally ensure they reached every corner of Milwaukee and its surrounding area.

[8][9][10][11] She traveled to 38 states to speak on prohibition, women's rights, the League of Nations, industrial reform, peace, and education.