On April 29, 1902, a woman calling herself "Rose" wrote an affectionate letter to Paul Laurence Dunbar, who was living in Chicago after permanently separating from his wife Alice three months earlier.
Have you missed me just a wee bit today, you dear, dear bad boy? You must come to see me here, at home, for soon it will be known that you are in the city and people will wonder why you do not come to see -- well, to see an old acquaintance. So come Wednesday any time after 5 p.m. and I shall be very very glad to greet you. Ah! Paul, things seem quite as they should be, don't you think?
Your Rose of Today
"Rose" [Edith Birney] to Paul Laurence Dunbar, April 29, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Letters from "Rose" are full of passion and she called Paul her "boy" and "soul mate." She was a performer of some kind, and had evidently known Paul during, and possibly before, his marriage.
Dear, I am sick today. My head aches furiously. Indeed I cannot leave the house. It really seems sad that after so long we are yet to be apart. I shall not complain. I have so much that I had not a little while ago. Somehow I felt during all of those stupid years that passed without you, without a word, a glance, that it would not always be. I shall lay my poor aching head upon a pillow and rest and perhaps I shall be able to see you tomorrow for a little while about 2 p.m.
"Rose" [Edith Birney] to Paul Laurence Dunbar, June 22, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
My soul-mate: Tis a strange world, confused and contradictory, and one meets extremes in men, in women of the same clay. Yet still there is one soul whose song is not elusive, whose heart story is plain, plain! That soul is the mate! We should seek the "kiss-comrade" of the soul and be happy! By so doing, we will find happiness. It will come and we shall clasp hands like two little glad hearted children that have been granted a long yearned for holiday. We will make the future one long glorious holiday! I shall be your helper, your kiss-comrade, your soul's mate, your all, everything. And you -- the God of love only knows what you will be to me. And now, dearest, be patient just a little while longer and the reward -- the golden reward will be yours, ours! Write to me, or I may see you for one brief hour tonight, no longer for I have a rehearsal.
"Rose" [Edith Birney] to Paul Laurence Dunbar, June 23, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
I did not forget you today, nor any day. I have a little memory token for you, on this your birthday. If you can run out Saturday afternoon I shall be so glad. I have been ill since I saw you. I returned home that day at 12:15 and went to bed. I shall give you the little trinket whenever I see you. My dear, shall that be very soon?
"Rose" [Edith Birney] to Paul Laurence Dunbar, June 27, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
My dearest, how are you? I trust you are better in every sense of the word. I do so hate to have you gloomy and to see your spirits so low. God has been so good to us. You feel sure with your heart of hearts that I love you so dearly, so truly, that though we are struggling against what seems hopeless odds, we will win out and you shall find rest, peace, contentment, and best of all happiness with
Your Rose"Rose" [Edith Birney] to Paul Laurence Dunbar, August 19, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Paul often employed a secretary to handle his typing and correspondence. Preserved in his secretary's notebook is the draft of a letter from Paul to "Rose." Written by hand, it is comprised of complete words and shorthand symbols but not full sentences. A mailing address on the page reveals that "Rose" was actually named Edith L. Birney and she lived on Ada Street in Chicago. Newspapers of the period mention an Edith Birney who was active in social clubs, literary groups and music ensembles in Des Moines, Iowa, before moving to Chicago. She was the organist at a church less than two blocks from Ada Street.
The White City is all astir and throbbing with life -- intense life and a never-ending nervous activity that seems a characteristic of the genuine Chicagoan. A part and parcel of this great throbbing mass of humanity are an Iowa girl and boy who are preserving their identities, even in this great city. I refer to Miss Edith Birney, formerly of Des Moines, Iowa, the lovely and accomplished young pianist, now organist of St. John's A. M. E. Church and teacher of the piano, and Mr. E. W. Thompson, the wide awake young city editor upon the staff of the Illinois Conservator, one of the most influential journals of the state.
"Through a Woman's Eyes," by Katherine Davis-Tillman. Iowa State Bystander (Des Moines, Iowa). January 19, 1900. Page 1.
Chicago -- In a quiet way certain elements of our smart set have been having their own good time. This form of social entertainment has brought to the light two charming additions to the set, Miss Marie Madison, a bewitching beauty from the Virginias who is visiting her sister, and Miss Edith Birney, a strong acquisition to the musical circle who manages to divide her time between labors in a small church and exclusive social functions where her voice and pianoforte playing are much admired.
"Things Literary and Musical." The Colored American (Washington, D. C.). April 6, 1901. Page 2.
Paul and Edith Birney appeared on the same stage during a musical and literary recital at the Appomattox Club, a prestigious social organization for African Americans in Chicago.
Vocal "The Fisher Maiden" Miss Edith Louise Birney
Poems Paul Laurence Dunbar
Program for Appomattox Club recital, May 16, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
"Rose" continued to write to Paul even after he left Chicago and returned to Dayton in the fall of 1903.
Boy dear, I wonder if you think I have forgotten everything because conditions are changed? I do not believe you even imagine such a state of affairs. How are you? You must be better and I am glad. There can be no possible harm in your writing to me. I have known you long, and I should always like to keep in touch with you. I have a little token for you if you write so I may know your true address -- so I may know that you are really at home. There is much I could say, but you are so silent that I shall reserve my little chat till I've heard from you. May your New Year be a brighter one than you have ever known - may all your heart's dearest wishes be gratified. May I hope to hear from you quite soon?
"Rose" [Edith Birney] to Paul Laurence Dunbar, no date. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
How I love your song! I sing it in the early morn, I sing it at grey twilight, and sometimes I sing it almost at midnight. I shall sing it for you when you come up to see your sister, for confess, aren't you wild to see your sister and the dear little ones? And besides you need a change, now don't you? I must say goodbye for a little while, Boy dear. May I hope to hear from you again soon?
"Rose" [Edith Birney] to Paul Laurence Dunbar, no date. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Paul did not have a sister, but "Rose" may have been referring to Electra Holland Murphy. She was the wife of Paul's half-brother Robert and they lived in Chicago with their children. Edith Birney married an undertaker from St. Louis in September 1904. She became active in the musical scene of St. Louis, performing under the name Edith Birney-Harrison. The letter from Paul to "Rose" found in the secretary's notebook mentions marriage and an upcoming trip to St. Louis. Paul was scheduled to appear in St. Louis in March 1904.
Miss Edith L. Birney of Chicago, who recently graduated from the Des Moines conservatory of music, forsook a promising musical career to become the wife of Jas. H. Harrison, a St. Louis undertaker. The couple kept their plans secret, not even confiding to their relatives until the last moment.
"Colored Undertaker Takes a Bride." St. Louis Daily Globe-Democrat (St. Louis, Missouri). September 23, 1904. Page 11.
My Rose:
just found report marriage false glad really false equally glad should prove be true and happy I leave Chicago shortly way to St. Louis and hope to see when I get there. I may write to again greater length.
Lovingly,
Boy
Draft of letter from Paul Laurence Dunbar to "Rose" [Edith Birney], no date [c. 1904]. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Commencing October 22, Mr. Jas. W. Grant will present grand sacred concerts every Sunday afternoon during the season of 1905-06. Two of the following eminent artists will appear at each concert: Mesdames Lulu V. Wilkins, Ollivette Hall, Edith Birney-Harrison.
"Grant's Latest Idea. Sunday Afternoon Sacred Concerts." St. Louis Palladium (St. Louis, Missouri). October 14, 1905. Page 1.