Woman of the Century/Bessie Agnes Dwyer

DWYER, Miss Bessie Agnes, journalist, was born in Texas. She is the daughter of the late Judge Thomas A. and Annie C. Dwyer, of English descent. Miss Dwyer comes of a family renowned at home and abroad for uncommon gifts. Judge Dwyer left his native heath in youth, and his life became part and parcel of the early history of Texas and the Rio Bravo, "six children blessed his home, and upon the youngest daughter. Bessie, alone fell the mantle of his literary powers and histronic ability. As a child she dominated amateur circles in Texas as an acknowledged star, and she played a wide range of characters. Death abruptly removed Judge Dwyer, and his daughter BESSIE AGNES DWYER. found herself alone on the threshold of womanhood, minus a practical education and heir to naught but her father's mental gifts. The War of of the Rebellion and other reverses dissipated a once generous fortune, and actual necessity faced the bereaved family. Casting to the winds the prejudices existing in the South against female occupation beyond the portals of home, Miss Dwyer accepted a position in the post-office department and held it six years. During that time vagrant poems and sketches from her pen were published. Waning strength necessitated change and rest, and in 1868 she resigned her position and visited her married sister at a remote army post in Arizona and later in New Mexico. Three years of rest restored her health, and she returned to civilization and entered journalism. Her sketches of army life and vivid word painting of scenes in two Territories and Old Mexico won notice at once. Her most remarkable works are two stories published in the Galveston "News," "Mr. Moore of Albuquerque" and "A Daughter of Eve." Miss Dwyer at present fills a position on the staff of the "National Economist." Washington, D. C. She is a correspondent for some of the prominent southern journals. Her home is in San Antonio, Tex.