JOMU John Muir's DaughterWanda Muir Hanna (1881-1942), John Muir’s eldest daughter, was a vibrant and accomplished woman who lived a life deeply connected to her family and her father’s legacy. She was the older sister of Helen Muir and the first of John and Louie Muir’s two daughters. Named Annie Wanda after her grandmother Anne Gilrye Muir, she was affectionately called “Wanda,” a nod to her mother’s middle name. When Wanda was born in 1881, Muir’s joy was boundless. “I am now the happiest man in the world,” he wrote upon her arrival. Shortly after her birth, Louie encouraged John to embark on a trip to Alaska, sparking a tradition of heartfelt letters to his family that often expressed his longing to return home. As the elder sibling, Wanda quickly adopted a protective role over her younger sister, Helen, born two years later. She frequently wrote to her father about life on the family’s fruit ranch, offering him glimpses into their daily lives. These letters highlighted her deep sense of responsibility and connection to her family, a role she carried throughout her life. Wanda was an adventurous spirit with a love for the outdoors. She enjoyed hiking in the hills around her family’s ranch and was musically talented, playing the violin. During her time at the University of California, Berkeley, she was an active member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, exemplifying her commitment to academic and social pursuits. In 1905, at age 24, Wanda married her college sweetheart, Thomas Hanna, and the couple moved into the adobe house on the Muir property in Martinez. Together, they raised six children:
In addition to their six children, Wanda and Thomas also cared for three adopted children. Their home became a lively gathering place, and Muir joined them for breakfast every morning until his passing in 1914. Like her grandmother and mother, Wanda was deeply involved in civic and community activities. She served on the school board, led various women’s clubs, and welcomed the city’s youth into her home. Wanda was also an active Sierra Club member, championing the causes her father held dear. Her descendants continue her legacy of service, particularly in environmental conservation. Wanda’s adventurous spirit and determination shone through in a letter she wrote to her mother in 1902 during a Sierra Club outing with her father: "Yesterday we had a meeting of college women here in camp... Isn't it a fine answer to the people who say that college girls are weak and good for nothing generally? For there wasn't one of us that could not walk comfortably twenty miles, or if necessary, do anything that has to be done around a camp—from cooking a camp meal to packing a mule." |
Last updated: December 19, 2024