Ellen J. Dortch
| Helen Dortch Longstreet | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Born | Helen "Ellen" J. Dortch April 20, 1863 Carnesville, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | May 3, 1962 (aged 99) Milledgeville, Georgia, U.S. |
| Resting place | Westview Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Occupation | newspaper reporter, editor, publisher, librarian |
| Language | English |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Gainesville Seminary; Notre Dame of Maryland University |
| Spouse | James Longstreet (m. 1897) |
Helen Dortch Longstreet (nicknames: Ellen, "Fighting Lady"; April 20, 1863 – May 3, 1962) was an American newspaper reporter, editor, publisher, and business manager. She was the first woman who tried to secure a public office in the state of Georgia. Known as the "Fighting Lady," she was the second wife of Confederate General James Longstreet. She earned her nickname from being a champion of causes such as preservation of the environment and civil rights. She is also remembered for her work as a Confederate memorialist and postmistress.
In Governor William Yates Atkinson's first campaign, she rendered him valuable service by her vigorous editorials. Her stirring fight to have women made eligible to the position of State Librarian was the first successful movement in the State of Georgia toward breaking down the prejudice against women holding high political positions. Dortch Longstreet was the proprietor and editor of two weeklies, Vice-President of the Georgia Weekly Press Association, Secretary of the Woman's Press Club of Georgia, and Assistant Librarian of the State of Georgia. She was also the leader of the movement to have the Georgia University opened to women, was an advocate of modern industrial education, and took interest in the advancement of the women of her State and country.
Helen Dortch was born in Carnesville, Georgia on April 20, 1863. She descended from an old North Carolina family notable in the political and war history of that State. Her father, James Speed Dortch (died August 1891) was a lawyer in the northeast part of the state and, also edited the Carnesville Tribune. She was the only daughter and was the idol of his heart. He directed her education and she grew up as his friend and companion, and was as much at home with law books as in literature.
She attended Gainesville Seminary (now Brenau University) for a year. In 1885, she was back at home and began publishing the Tribune, while the father remained as editor. Dortch Longstreet returned to school 1887-89, studying at Notre Dame of Maryland University.
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