Persephone Sherman

Persephone Fenchurch Fitzculloden Sherman (February 19, 1840 - 1893) is best remembered as the first woman admitted to the The Elevated Knights of the Order of St. Orlas, and as the Order's first High Virago.

Birth and Nationality

Born on February 19, 1840 to Marguerite "Daisy" Montresor Fenchurch Fitzculloden and Hamish Vladimir Fitzculloden. At the time of her birth, the Fitzcullodens were traveling by ship from Cork to Little Cumbrae Island so the baby could be born on the Fitzculloden family estate. A fierce storm arose in the night and by the time the wind died down and the clouds parted, the harbor at Stornoway was in sight and Daisy had been delivered of a baby girl, a month premature but healthy and vigorous nonetheless.

Because of the circumstances of her birth, it was never possible to establish precisely under which country's jurisdiction Persephone had been born, and she was known at various times to claim to be English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and even Manx, depending on what was most convenient and advantageous for her.

Early Life and Marriage

Her parents furnished her with an excellent education, access to an extensive library, and no pressure to marry; by the time she reached her thirty-second birthday she had developed a passionate and extensive interest in botany and a cheerful but total disregard for the whispers circulating among Little Cumbrae society that she was doomed to be an old maid.

Following her birthday she set out on an extended specimen-collecting trip. While in Madagascar, she met monitor lizard-rancher Nathanial Wilberforce Sherman. Although twice her age, Wilber, as he was known, was vital and charismatic, as well as completely captivated by the beautiful, quick-witted, strong-willed younger woman. When she left Madagascar two weeks later on a ship steaming towards Egypt, it was as Mrs. Nathanial W. Sherman.

Following their marriage, the Shermans maintained a peripatetic lifestyle, circumnavigating the globe several times and shipping home crate upon crate of botanical samples, plant specimens, and archaeological and historical artifacts. Wilber doted on his young bride and was inclined to deny her nothing. Fortunately for him, her extravagances generally took the form of extra sherpas, porters, and tents.

In 1879, when it became apparent that Penelope was pregnant, the Shermans returned to Oakland to take up residence at Sherman Ranch. After a brief and trouble-free confinement, Henrietta Gabrielle Nineveh Sherman was born at home on April 1. Persephone soon returned to her active way of life, and Oaklanders became accustomed to seeing her on horseback with the baby perched in front of her on the saddle. For Henrietta's third birthday, Wilber commissioned a custom tandem racing saddle for Persephone's favorite horse. Persephone was delighted with the saddle; it held the child securely leaving both of Persephone's hands free for the reins. Some questioned the wisdom or propriety of this, but neither Persephone nor Henrietta, whose most common utterance during this period was, "Faster, Mama, faster!" paid them any attention.

Challenging Propriety

[in progress: Challenged head of Knights of St. Orlas Avram Hornbeam to duel 1885 (age 45; 6-year-old child) because would not allow her to apply as member because she was female. Chose squid guns; St. Orlas dude horrified & conceded. Knights opened to women, Persephone first High Virago; Henrietta carried on mother's tradition & was last High Virago. Persephone & Wilber died in a tragic hot-air balloon accident when blown out to the Farallons.]

Category: Mystical Oakland

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