Many know Kate Adams Keller as the mother of the author and disability rights advocate, Helen Keller. But Kate’s own life story is one of strength, dedication, and support for her daughter. Her efforts to help Helen and her influence on Helen’s early education were crucial.
In this post, we will delve into Kate Adams Keller’s background, education, professional life, marital life, and her impact on her daughter, Helen Keller.
Background and Education
Katherine Adams Keller was born Catherine Everett Adams on August 12, 1856, in Memphis, Tennessee. She came from an upper-class Southern background, her father, Charles W. Adams, was a Confederate general in the Civil War. Growing up in an upper-class family provided Kate a solid education and cultural background. Despite the challenges of post-war Southern society, Kate’s family maintained their social standing, which influenced her values and outlook on life.
Professional Life
Kate Adams Keller lived mainly as a homemaker and mother. The late 19th and early 20th century women of her social standing often concentrated on household work and child care. Kate’s dedication to her family showed in her efforts to find help for her daughter Helen, who lost her sight and hearing at 19 months old. Kate searched for a solution for Helen’s disabilities and saw many doctors and specialists, resulting in the life-changing intervention of Anne Sullivan.
Marital Life
Kate Adams Keller married Captain Arthur Henley Keller, a Confederate officer and editor of the Tuscumbia North Alabamian newspaper in 1877. The couple lived on a homestead that the Keller family had owned for generations called Ivy Green in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Their marriage, though difficult because they had a child with disabilities, was one of mutual support and shared commitment to family. The couple had four children together.
Her Daughter, Helen Keller
Helen Keller’s story is one of triumph over adversity – and much of her success is owed to her mother’s determination to get her help and education. When Helen lost her sight and hearing to an illness at a young age, Kate refused to let her daughter live in isolation. Alexander Graham Bell advised her to contact the Perkins Institute for the Blind. This led to Anne Sullivan being Helen’s lifelong teacher and companion.
This support did not stop there. She was a constant source of support and encouragement for her daughter. Kate believed in Helen’s potential and made sure she had the best resources and opportunities available.
Life beyond Helen’s Success
While much of Kate Adams Keller’s life was spent supporting Helen, she also maintained her own interests and social contacts. She was known for her intelligence, grace, and strong will. The way Kate managed to balance motherhood with social obligations was a testament to her strength and determination.
