Charleston, South Carolina’s Elizabeth Ann Timothy:  First Female Newspaper Editor and Publisher in America

By Mark A. Leon

Elizabeth Ann Timothy, born around 1700, was a pioneering figure in American journalism, recognized as the first female newspaper editor and publisher in the United States. Originally from the Netherlands, she was part of a French Huguenot family that emigrated to America, settling in Philadelphia before moving to Charleston, South Carolina.

After the accidental death of her husband, Lewis Timothy, in 1738, Elizabeth took over the publication of the *South-Carolina Gazette*, fulfilling a business contract with Benjamin Franklin, who had been her husband’s partner. She became the first woman in the American colonies to own and publish a newspaper, a significant achievement given the era’s gender norms.

Elizabeth managed the newspaper and printing business with notable skill, praised by Franklin for her accounting abilities and business acumen. She continued to publish the *Gazette* for several years, eventually passing the business to her son, Peter, when he came of age.

Her contributions to journalism were later recognized with her induction into the South Carolina Press Association Hall of Fame and the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame. Her legacy continued through her family, with her son and daughter-in-law maintaining the printing tradition in South Carolina.

Partnership with Benjamin Franklin

Elizabeth Timothy’s partnership with Benjamin Franklin played a crucial role in shaping her career as a newspaper publisher in colonial America. This partnership began when her husband, Lewis Timothy, entered into a six-year business agreement with Franklin to publish the *South-Carolina Gazette*. Franklin provided the press and equipment, covering a third of the expenses and receiving a third of the profits.

After Lewis Timothy’s accidental death in 1738, Elizabeth assumed control of the newspaper, as her son Peter was too young to take over. Franklin agreed to continue the partnership with Elizabeth until Peter was capable of running the business. This arrangement allowed Elizabeth to become the first female newspaper editor and publisher in America, managing the *Gazette* under her son’s name due to societal norms.

Franklin praised Elizabeth’s management skills, particularly her accounting abilities, which he attributed to her Dutch education. Her success in maintaining the newspaper’s operations and eventually buying out Franklin’s interest in the business underscored her competence and resilience. This partnership not only facilitated her entry into the publishing world but also highlighted her capabilities, setting a precedent for women in journalism.

Elizabeth Timothy faced several challenges as a female publisher in colonial America:

1. Gender Norms: During the 18th century, societal norms largely restricted women from professional roles, particularly in fields like publishing, which were dominated by men. Women were generally expected to focus on domestic responsibilities rather than business endeavors.

2. Physical Demands: Printing was considered a physically demanding job, and it was often assumed that women were not capable of performing all the tasks required to run a press. Despite this, Elizabeth successfully managed the operations of the *South-Carolina Gazette*.

3. Financial Necessity: After the death of her husband, Lewis Timothy, Elizabeth took over the newspaper out of financial necessity. Widows in the printing business often had to continue their husbands’ work to support their families.

4. Business Acumen: Elizabeth had to demonstrate strong business skills to maintain the newspaper’s success. She was praised by Benjamin Franklin for her clear accounting and effective management, which was crucial in an era where women’s business capabilities were often underestimated.

5. Advocacy and Editorial Influence: As a publisher, Elizabeth played a role in advocating for the colonial cause, which could have exposed her to political pressures and risks during a tumultuous period leading up to the American Revolution.

Despite these challenges, Elizabeth Timothy’s successful management of the *South-Carolina Gazette* established her as a pioneering figure in American journalism and solidifying her legacy as a Charleston pioneer.

Additional Resources

• Elizabeth Timothy – History of American Women 
  Elizabeth Timothy | Legacy of Leadership Profile | Knowitall.org 
  Elizabeth Timothy, First Female Publisher and Charleston Resident