This is a transcription of the Fanny Huntington (Runnells) Poole biography from New Hampshire Women: A Collection of Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Daughters and Residents of the Granite State, Who are Worthy Representatives of their Sex in the Various Walks and Conditions of Life, The New Hampshire Publishing Co., Concord, NH, 1895, page 217.
Fanny Huntington (Runnells) Poole
FANNY HUNTINGTON RUNNELLS POOLE is directly descended from the early Huntingtons of Connecticut, who have given us Governor Samuel Huntington, Jedediah Huntington in poetry, and Daniel Huntington in art. She was born in Orford, and is the daughter of Rev. M. T. Runnells, well-known as pastor and historian. In June, 1895, she published the successful book of verses entitled, “A Bank of Violets,” which has already secured the favorable consideration of forty reviewers in America and England. She has received appreciative letters from several of the literati, among them Pierre Loti, I. Zangwill, and John Gilmer Speed, who is a grandnephew of John Keats-—one of her favorite poets. Mrs. Poole attended the seminary at Tilton two years. She is a musician; much of her early life having been devoted to piano study begun under her mother’s guidance. Eleven years were spent in music study and teaching in Boston, New York, Frankfort (Ky.), and at the Parkesburg (Pa.) Classical Institute. Her repertoire is extensive; Beethoven and Chopin are her especial delight. Indeed, had it not been for her absorbing love for literature she would have chosen the profession of pianiste. But the poetry and charm of a quiet life appeal more directly to Mrs. Poole. In 1891 occurred her marriage with Allan A. Paul Poole, a nephew of the English historical painter, Paul Poole, R. A. Mrs. Poole and her children have spent the last few summers near her father’s home at Newport. Although Boston is her winter home, the long bright days from May to November have usually found her, from earliest youth, among the beautiful New Hampshire hills she loves so well.