Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 22, 2024 Anna Christy Fall – pioneer woman lawyer, writer and suffragist By Inna Babitskaya T hose women lawyers who began to practice their profession in the late 19th century not only made significant input in the fight for women’s rights but also changed the overall situation with social and civil rights. Among the pioneering women lawyers of Massachusetts was Anna Christy Fall, the first woman in a state to plead a case before a jury and to argue Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 Dan - 1972 We Sell Cigars & Accessories! ALL MAJOR BRANDS Singles * Tins * Bundles * Boxes * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Vapes * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES SMOKER’S DELIGHT! 15 HANDMADE CIGARS! Four-Year-Old Tobacco * 100% Long Filler * Cellophane $49.95 WINTER STORE HOURS: OPEN DAILY 7 DAYS A WEEK, 9AM - 6PM R.Y.O. TOBACCO & TUBES ON SALE! WE MAKE HOUSE KEYS! Green Label Cigar Sale! Buy 2 Cigars, Get One FREE! A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 a client’s cause before the Supreme Court. Due to her and her colleague’s efforts, modern professional women have a chance to pursue a judicial career. Anna Christy Fall was born in Chelsea, Mass., on April 23, 1855, to William Christy and Margaret (Wilson) Christy. Her parents were first-generation immigrants. Her father, William Christy (1815–1894), was from the Ballyportry County, Antrim, Ireland. Her mother, Margaret (Wilson) Christy (1822–1904), was from Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland. Both immigrated to the USA in 1847 and married in Boston in 1848. They settled in Chelsea, where their seven children were born – three sons and four daughters. William Christy was a typical hardworking immigrant, who changed a few professions during his life in the USA. He worked as a laborer, well digger and stone mason (from 1860 till 1893). His wife Margaret devoted all her time and efforts to him and their children. Like her parents and siblings, young Anna was very religious. Her daughter Emma Fall Schofield later wrote: “As a child of twelve, she read the Bible from cover to cover in one year. A total of 66 Books of the Old and New Testament, three chapters every weekday and five on Sunday. The stabilizing effect on her character lasted throughout her lifetime. Certain chapters and verses of the Bible were especially loved by my mother; and she would often quote them.” Anna attended Chelsea public schools. Though she grew up in a blue-collar family, she Celebrating Our 52nd Year Chris 2024 Anna Christy Fall Anna Christy Fall Anna’s mother, Margaret (Wilson) Christy George H., Howard, Anna C., Emma L., Lionel & Rebecca H. (Green) Fall always dreamed about something more than a traditional housewife’s role. However, from an early age, she used to help her mother with the home chores. Later Anna often told her children “the story of studying her lessons in High School at the same time she watched the cows and knit socks, stockings and mufflers for her father and the three boys of the family.” Trying to reach her life goal, Anna became one of the best students in her class. Besides reaching excellence in traditional school subjects, she succeeded in writing prose and received recognition at a very young age. “Even in High School she had begun to receive pay for her literary efforts. And the serial story published in a magazine of that period weaving around a romance the jolly doings and camping parties of a group of her companions at Chelsea Beach even now delights her children and grandchildren.” Her daughter Emma proudly wrote: “Mother was quite young when she began to write little stories and articles which she sent to various local journals. And to her surprise and delight most of them were published. Perhaps it was because they were so interesting and full of fun.” Being born to a poor family, Anna C. Fall needed to earn George Howard Fall Rev. James E. Latimer, Dean of Boston University Theological School money for her studies at Boston University’s College of Liberal Arts. After graduating from Chelsea High School in 1873, she began to work as a type-setter, proofreader and writer for the The Youth’s Companion, The Household and other magazines. This experience helped her in her future study. As her daughter Emma remembered, Anna “often mentioned... throughout the years that the experience in type-setting, proof-reading, and creative WOMAN | SEE PAGE 7
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