Later life Maria Edgeworth

maria edgeworth, c. 1841

richard edgeworth comparatively fair , forgiving in dealings tenants , actively involved in estate s management. after debating issue economist david ricardo, maria came believe better management , further application of science agriculture raise food production , lower prices. both richard , maria in favour of catholic emancipation, enfranchisement catholics without property restrictions (although admitted against own interest), agricultural reform , increased educational opportunities women. particularly worked hard improve living standards of poor in edgeworthstown. in trying improve conditions in village provided schools local children of denominations.

after father s death in 1817 edited memoirs, , extended them biographical comments. active writer last.

she worked relief of famine-stricken irish peasants during irish potato famine. wrote orlandino benefit of relieve fund. letters quaker relief committee provide vivid account of desperate plight facing tenants in edgeworthstown, extreme conditions under lived, , struggle obtain whatever aid , assistance alleviate plight. through efforts received gifts poor america.

during irish famine edgeworth insisted of tenants had paid rent in full receive relief. edgeworth punished of tenants voted against tory preferences.

with election of william rowan hamilton president of royal irish academy, maria became dominant source of advice hamilton, particularly on issue of literature in ireland. suggested women should allowed participate in events held academy. guidance , help, hamilton made edgeworth honorary member of royal irish academy in 1837, following in footsteps of louisa beaufort, former member of academy , relative of hers.

after visit see relations in trim, maria, in eighties, began feel heart pains , died of heart attack in edgeworthstown on 22 may 1849.