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 Our Woman workers. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Women Eminent in the Universalist Church for Literary, 
 Philanthropic and Christian Work. 
 
 BY AIRS. E. R. HANSON. 
 
 SK( IOND r.DITKJX 
 
 CHICAGO : 
 The Stak and Covenant Office. 
 
 I SSI'.
 
 COPYRIGHTED, 
 
 1881. 
 E. R. HANSON. 
 
 GEO. DANIELS. PHINTER, 70 ANO 01 RANDOLPH ST., CHICAQO.
 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 Some two years since, when traveling on an Iowa railroad, I fell into a con- 
 versation with a lady ot a partial faith, when, with no little Incredulity Bhe in- 
 quired, "What women of your church have distinguished themselves by a manifesta- 
 tion of Christian, or philanthropic zeal?" Casting about for an answer to her ques- 
 tion. I was astonished as the long and brilliant procession moved across the field 
 of my mind's vision, and the longer I dwelt on them the greater my astonishment 
 became, and at length I said, "Never did a church include a larger proportion of 
 noble women." 
 
 Then followed the thought, H<>\v rapidly their names are growing dim? How 
 soon it will be difficult, if not impossible, to rescue the data of many of their lives 
 from oblivion. Even in the next generation much that is now obtainable will have 
 gone beyond recovery. Would that some pen might be employed in the delightful 
 task of recording their life-histories, and giving to others who love the church they 
 loved, at least a brief compendium of their lives. With this thought came the im- 
 pulse to begin the pleasing work, ami as my inquiries have extended the materials 
 have increased, until they became to me what I am sure they will prove to be 
 even to those most familiar with the history of our church, a revelation, causing 
 mingled surprise and delight. 
 
 In preparing this book I have greatly needed courage for the delicate task of 
 writing the full truth of the loving and tender work of those who are living; to 
 write it in such a way as not to fall below the credit due them, and in so doing 
 not to briiiK blushes upon their kindly Faces by seeming flattery. Indeed. I have 
 tried to imagine them all as dead, that I might speak the truth with a clear con- 
 science, and I do not believe I have in any one instance overstated the estimate 
 of those win' knew her. I say this because I have found some who were uncon- 
 scious that they had done aught deserving of mention. 
 
 My earnest wish has been not only to refresh the memories ,,f justice-loving 
 people, and preserve a record of the Christian devotedness ami mental abilities >>f 
 our women, but to do. as nearly as possible, exact justice to their relative worth. 
 
 I had intended to print my sketches chronologically, but found it impossible 
 to keep up with the printers, and prepare the articles in chronological succession, 
 and therefore the plan was soon abandoned. 
 
 It was also my purpose to give to each subject a space proportionate to her 
 relative merits, but the materials in some cases were easy and in others diffi- 
 cult to procure. This will explain any apparent disproportion between the sketches. 
 
 The reader should bear in mind that the most of the names here presented are 
 representative. Could all those faithful and consecrated women who deserve places 
 
 1 9C95S0
 
 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 in such a book as this be described, a library and not a volume should contain 
 the splendid record. 
 
 A delightful experience has been mine in my correspondence. More than two 
 thousand letters have been written, to all of which came courteous answers, and 
 but two refusals to co-operate with me have been received, one, with courteous 
 regrets, whose name I have not chronicled, and one, an unimportant one, of whom 
 I was able to collect all the essential facts. Men and women in and out of our 
 church, persons high in office, and social standing, all have kindly responded. 
 Even one of the coroneted heads of Europe promptly furthered my request, as will 
 be seen in the sketch of Clara Barton. I desire to record the fact that men, even 
 those who are supposed to have little sympathy with what is sometimes called the 
 "woman movement," have exhibited the greatest 1 willingness to aid in recording 
 the splendid work of our "Elect Ladies," and have afforded me most welcome as- 
 sistance. I have met none of that hostility to the work of women which is some- 
 times attributed to men. 
 
 In some cases it has required months to And some "missing link," a fact or 
 incident desirable to record correctly. But sooner or later I have obtained most of 
 the data sought, so that I feel confident in saying that the accounts given will in 
 all cases be found trustworthy, and as nearly complete as the most persistent effort 
 could make them. 
 
 This book is. not only designed to refresh the memories of our older people, 
 but to teach our children the grandeur of those women who in the first century of 
 our church have given freely from heart and mind in aid of the "faith once de- 
 livered to the saints." 
 
 With the conviction that I have done my best, I present my offering to the 
 denomination in whose communion my life has been spent, with the hope that it 
 will find a place in the hearts and by the fire-side altars of our people, and that 
 they will take an honorable pride in these, the consecrated and beautiful lives of 
 those who have b >en the products and the exponents of the grandest religious 
 faith ever yet cherished in the heart of man or woman. 
 
 Some among the writers quoted are not, though some are, of the gifted few 
 whose words arrest the attention of a generation, but they belong to those who 
 have had and improved the great opportunity 
 
 To write one earnest word or line, 
 Which, seeking not tin; praise of art, 
 Shall make a clearer faith and manhood shine 
 In the untutored heart. 
 
 She who does this, in verse or prose, 
 May be forgotten in her day, 
 Bui surely shall be crowned at last, with those 
 
 Who live and speak for aye. 
 
 There are larger, older, richer communions than our own, that can point to 
 more richly endowed Institutions, ami greater material trophies than our own pos- 
 
 our Church considers such names as those thai arc r rded in these 
 
 pair's -he may well look with delighl at the bright array, and exclaim with Cor- 
 nelia, the mother of the Gracchi, 
 
 "These ake jiy jewels 1"
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 "When Christianity came from the hand of its author, it was the revelation of a 
 Father whose love is absolutely undiminishable for each ami all hi- children; a love 
 so re-enforced by infinite wisdom ami power, that it will finally place tin- entire 
 family of man in an unbroken ami eternal home. Scarcely, however, had this sub- 
 lime revelation dawned in brightness on the world, when it began t<> enter an 
 eclipse. Converts from Paganism accepted Christ, but most inadequately compre- 
 hended him. ami brought in their gross ami cruel conceptions of God ami religion, 
 until the purity ami beauty of the divinest of all revelations were obscured and 
 concealed by heathen errors. 
 
 The culmination of this baleful influence of darkness and deformity was pro- 
 duced by one of the most powerful of tie' Christian Fathers, who was also one of 
 the most unhuman of men,— Augustine,— a man of gigantic intellect and influence, 
 which were exei'ted in behalf of darkness and error. In his "Latin Christianity" 
 Milman says that Augustine "compelled" thai total change of Christian thought and 
 feeling which was to influence the Christianity of the remotest ages. Having, by 
 his own confessions, spent his youth in the brothels of Carthage, he devoted his 
 vast abilities, after his conversion, to the task of reconciling Christianity ami Pagan- 
 ism. He discarded the woman he should have married, contrary to the earnest 
 wish of Moni.-a, his mother, because he thought a celibate life essential to holiness. 
 His only son was born without legal father or mother, ami his whole life was in 
 direct hostility to that sacred relation, the paternal, on which Christianity is built, 
 and on which all true society rests. Such a man knew nothing and could leach 
 
 nothing of tl ardinal idea of Christ's religion, lie buried the Father out of sight 
 
 beneath the Lawgiver and Executioner. He transferred to the God "f Christianity 
 the savage characteristics of barbarous tyrants. He transfused Christianity with 
 th«' blood of heathen Rome, until its penal code, its false system of obligation ami 
 
 itract, ami the entire spiril and genius of Pagan error were made to overslaugh 
 
 the teachings of Christ. He invented Calvinism before Calvin, and hi.- statement of 
 Christianity was literally man-made; for the head, the heart, the hand of woman 
 nevei assisted the fierce masculine artificer in the construction of the harsh, cruel, 
 and perverted form in which, fur fifteen centuries, the religi f Jesus was
 
 VI INTRODUCTION. 
 
 destined to be travestied to the world. It ignored those relations that are most 
 sacred to woman, and crushed her divinest aspirations and affections, and lay like 
 a nightmare on the race. Every cradle was regarded as a nest in which a moral 
 viper was cherished. Every human mother propagated a race of monsters. Only 
 the omniscient God can tell how woman was tortured and crucified duriag the long 
 ages of that reign of terror. If man held the prevailing religion endurable by rea- 
 son of its masculine traits that gratified the intellect, millions of women found it 
 unspeakably repulsive, as it crushed and lacerated their divinely-human affections. 
 Who can doubt that the monstrous deformity that so long usurped the .place of a 
 genuine Christianity would have been an unborn horror had the wife and mother 
 of Augustine co-operated with him in the interpretation of the teachings of Jesus,— 
 had he recognized the sacred relations of husband, and son, and father ? 
 
 No mother, looking on the face of her babe, ever invented or tolerated the 
 idea of total depravity; no woman, thinking of her son or daughter, however old, 
 —for to the mother the son or daughter always remains a child,— ever conceived 
 the possibility of endless torture for that child. Only the celibate monk in gloomy 
 cell, divorced from the sweet relations of domestic life, ignorant of that best type 
 of heaven, a happy earthly home, could have invented the mediaeval Christianity. 
 Calvinism, Arminianism, Partialism in any form, is in the worst sense of the words 
 a masculine faith, destitute of all feminine grace, and it was not until the potent 
 voice of woman was heard in its interpretation that a perverted Christianity began 
 to slough it- asperities. It was not until the brain of man and the heart of woman, 
 his intellecl an. I her affections, were combined in the study of Christianity, that its 
 character was understood, and our blessed faith appeared. 
 
 The» long eclipse began to disappear with the dawn of the Reformation, and 
 as tin- principles of Christianity asserted themselves, woman advanced more con- 
 spicuously to advocate them, no longer the nun. or the sister of charity, with 
 Bhackled mind and heart oppressed. She began to think and speak ami act untram- 
 meled, under the inspiration of the word of life, and as that word was spoken in 
 it- fullness, her voir,' was heard as never before, for not until the accents of the 
 divine facl or Fatherhood penetrated her heart, unrefracted and unperverted, did 
 she reply with the besl utterances of he,- own spirit; and it was not until that fact 
 began to be admitted thai she took her place at the side of man, his co-partner 
 
 in the religious work of the world. 
 
 When the distinguishing truths of the TJniversalist Church were first pro- 
 claimed in modem time- aboul a century ago woman, so long repressed— was 
 almost .1 Btranger In our religious gatherings. Men came at once in throngs, but 
 women were "like angels' visits, few and far between." Bui as tin' glad tidings. 
 Bpread apace it was discovered that the new-born faith was more essential to the
 
 INTRODUCTION. Vll 
 
 highest needs of woman than to those of man. Neither had ever been satisfied 
 with the old; both found all that could be desired in the new statements of God's 
 disposition and man's di'stiny. The writer of these lines can remember wheu in 
 an assembly of Universalis! worshipers only lien- and there a woman could I"- seen 
 in the crowd oi level-headed men, but she was usually one who, "through the 
 much tribulation' of trial and bereavement, had entered the kingdom; but ere long 
 the number increased, until now the excess of women among our workers is almost 
 as greal as was then the excess of men. 
 
 ft should be said, however, that outside of our organizations, among the great 
 "cloud of witnesses" who have testified to this truth in the supreme court of genius, 
 woman's voice lias often been heard in literature, and her spirit has been active 
 in philanthropy, under the inspiration of this faith. From the nature of the case 
 the millions who, in humble and unregarded ways have lived and labored in its 
 light, and died and made no sign, are unknown, and must forever be unrecorded 
 in our annals, while only the few have left "foot-prints in the sands of Time."* 
 
 In Europe such women as Joanna Baillie, Anna Letitia Barbauld, Mary M. 
 Sherwood. Sarah Flower Adams. Alison K. Cockburn, Lady Byron, Frederika Bremer, 
 Harriet Mart ineau, Elisabeth Frye. Mary Carpenter, Charlote Bronte, Elisabeth Bar- 
 rett Browning. Florence Nightingale, Frances Power Cobbe, Helen M. Williams, 
 Adelaide Procter. Mary Howitt, Elisabeth Arundel Charles. Jean fngelow, Dinah 
 Muloch Craik, Elisabeth C Glephaue; and in America, besides those named in the 
 body of this work. Lydia Maria Child. Margaret Fuller, Dorothea Dix, Harriet 
 Beecher Stowe, A. D. T. 'Whitney, F. If. J. Cieaveland, Eliza Seudder, Lucj Lareom, 
 and a host of others, not any of them professedly belonging to our communion. 
 have left definite declarations of our faith, or have breathed its beneficent spirit in 
 their recorded words. Indeed, with the rarest exceptions, the great and increasing 
 multitude of women who have become eminent in philanthropy and literature. 
 have exercised a potent influence in melting the icy rigors of ancient error, and 
 have helped to hasten the coming of the present era of liberal thought. Some of 
 them would not have confessed, perhaps, even to themselves, that they consciously 
 cherished the faith which their lives really promoted. "They builded better than 
 they knew." But most of those mentioned above have, in definite language, explic- 
 itly uttered the universal faith, and all those named, and multitudes of others have 
 helped to swell the volume of influence that woman has given to restore Christian- 
 ity to its original purity. 
 
 •The render will find the expression of the thought of universal salvation traced through 
 literature, in n volume by the author of this Introduction, entitled: "A Cloud ol Witni 
 containing selections from the writings of poets and other literary and celebrated persons, 
 expressive of the universal triumph oi good over evil.
 
 Till INTRODUCTION. 
 
 It was a happy thought, which this volume has been prepared to exeeuta, to 
 perpetuate the memories of the best known and recognized of the women who, 
 during the first century of the existence of the Universalist Church, have identified 
 themselves with its fate, or who had been instrumental in promoting its growth. 
 They well represent the great multitude of devoted ones who, though less known, 
 were equally consecrated and faithful, and possibly no less influential in establish- 
 ing that church which, alone among Christian sects, advocates the blessed hope 
 expressed by one of the sisters Bronte: 
 
 And oh, there lives within my heart, 
 
 A hope long nursed by me ; 
 And should its cheering ray depart, 
 
 How dark my soul would be ! 
 
 That as in Adam all have died 
 
 In Christ shall all men live; 
 And ever round his throne abide, 
 
 Eternal praise to rive. 
 
 That even the wicked shall at last 
 
 Be fitted for the skies ; 
 And when their dreadful doom is past, 
 
 To life and light arise. 
 
 1 ask not bow remote the day, 
 
 Nor what the sinner's woe, 
 Before their dross is purged away; 
 
 Enough for me to know 
 
 That when the cup of wrath is drained, 
 
 The metal purified, 
 They'll cling to what they once disdained, 
 
 And live by hi in that died. 
 
 The writer of these sketches has produced an array of names that would 
 shed glory on any church, or any cause, anil their words and characters can not 
 be read and studied without causing an increase of love in the hearts of their sis- 
 ters and all others of like precious faith, for their Alma Mater, and new zeal and 
 devotion in behalf <>f a church which can point to such a shining galaxy of noblo 
 women, the produd and exponents of its benign and gracious spirit. 
 
 Chicago, Si'lJlumber, 1881. J. W. HANSON.
 
 Our Woman Workers. 
 
 N the inception of this book the first thought that came to my mind was to 
 give word-pictures of those women who helped to lay the foundations of 
 our church, and who dared, in the old days of persecution, declare to the great, 
 hungering world the blessed truths that had set them free. I felt that the 
 hearts of all Universalists who could be made acquainted with the heroism 
 that had helped those women to endure oblocpiy and despise the shame put 
 upon them, would be drawn very near to them, and would beat warmly in 
 sympathy with them. I gave my thought to a friend, and his reply was: 
 *' Yes! it took men and women, in every sense of the word, to live ami dis- 
 course our faith with Christian hearing before the ignorance of the days of 
 the infancy of our church." My immediate mental response was, — " It takes 
 men and women to-day to tell the beauties of our faith, and Christ's tender 
 sympathy, and God's all-conquering and boundless love, in a manner to touch 
 the hearts of those who believe in a partial salvation; and we have them, 
 and their love, philanthropy and hard work must lie chronicled with those 
 who first rose in its defense." And so I shall give to my readers sketches of 
 our earlier ami later workers, who not only deserve but possess our love and 
 sympathy. 
 
 It will not lie out of place, even in a book which is to treat exclusively 
 of women, to allude to the remarkable circumstances accompanying the 
 founding of the faith in America, that these grand women so nobly defended, 
 and so faithfully lived: for it is one of the strangest stories in all the 
 annals of religious history. As it is related by Rev. John Murray, in his 
 wonderful autobiography, it possesses an irresistible charm, and tills the
 
 2 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 mind of the candid with the conviction that the great and tender-hearted 
 modem apostle of " the faith once delivered to the saints " was a Providen- 
 tial man — an agent of the good Father, to bear to his children the glad tid- 
 ings which had so long been concealed by the darkness of superstition. His 
 flight from England to bury his sorrows in the American wilderness, and 
 to escape the burthen which he felt to convey to the world the new and 
 unpopular truth revealed to him; the anchoring of his ship by stress of 
 weather on the wilderness coast of New Jersey; his interview with the sim- 
 ple-hearted Thomas Potter, who had built a church in which should be 
 preached the doctrine of universal salvation, and his recognition of Murray, 
 of whom he had never heard, as the man God had sent to preach the unsearch- 
 able riches; the question, — "Will you, sir, speak to me and to my neighbors of 
 the things which belong to our peace?" Mr. Murray's refusal, on the ground 
 that he must sail as soon as the wind changed, and the assurance of Mr. 
 Potter that the wind would not change until he had spoken the great 
 message that God had surely sent him to deliver ; and the fact that the wind 
 did not change until Mr. Murray, September 30, 1770, in this sea-coast 
 chapel, did preach to these anxiously waiting souls, in his own words, "a 
 redemption free as the light of heaven," — all this reads like a strange dream. 
 And Mr. Murray was one of the first to herald in this broad America what he truly 
 calls "these glad, these vast yet obnoxious tidings," that the women of 
 long ago, wbo now rest in peace at the end of life's journey, fearlessly 
 defended, and labored to up-build. Kemoving to Gloucester, Mass., in 
 1774, Mr. Murray at once found a generous following, and among his 
 stanch supporters was Winthrop Sargent, a daughter of whom became the 
 devoted wife of the great apostle of a world's salvation. 
 
 It is a matter of history that there were several families in Gloucester, 
 Mass., that had accepted Umversalian views before John Murray's advent. 
 Rev. Richard Eddy, in the"Universalist Quarterly"for April, 1881, declares 
 that they were brought from England, derived from Relley. Undoubtedly 
 there were other nurseries of the good seed in other portions of the land, for 
 Murray found much fallow ground as he toiled. Perhaps there wen; many 
 women consecrated to the great truth so soon to appear in all parts of the 
 land, whose names have perished, but who, if known, would adorn the annals
 
 JUDITH HURRAY. 3 
 
 of our faith. But it seeins especially fitting tlr.it the wife of the first great 
 modern organizer of this truth, who \v,is one of the most accomplished of 
 the "Women of our Church," should he the first to he described in the pages 
 of this hook. 
 
 JUDITH MURRAY. 
 
 Judith Sargent was the widow of John Stephens before she became the 
 second wife of Rev. John Murray, to whom she was married in Salem, Mass., 
 in October, 1788. Mr. Eddy says: "She was born at Gloucester, Mass., 
 May 5, 1751, and was the oldest of eight children of Winthrop and Judith 
 Sargent. Her father descended from William Sargent 2nd, who settled in 
 Gloucester in l(37<i, and was an enterprising and successful merchant, of whom 
 the historian of the town has recorded that he was 'an intelligent and benev- 
 olent man, whose qualities of head and heart secured him universal esteem.' 
 He was an officer in a sloop of war at the taking of Cape Breton in 1745; 
 member of the Committee of Safety in 1775; Government Agent for Cape 
 Ann during the war for Independence ; and delegate to the State Convention 
 for ratifying the Federal Constitution." 
 
 Very little can be learned of this lady's personal appearance. Mr. Eddy 
 remarks: " Very few persons are now living who ever saw Mrs. Murray. A 
 niece, the venerable Mrs. Worcester, is still living in Salem, Mass., 
 who spent several years with her aunt after Mr. Murray's death. Two veiy 
 intelligent aged women who well remember her still reside in Gloucester. 
 These unite in describing her as possessing remarkable personal beauty, gifted 
 with wonderful conversational powers, and much beloved and sought after 
 by the better portion of society. 'The late Rev. Sebastian Streeter, who often 
 met her, describes her as being of commanding person, of very strong deter- 
 mination and nerve, but always discriminating, intelligent and polite." She 
 possessed a strong will — with energy to persevere in whatever she undertook, 
 and a conscience which was ever alive to defend what she thought right, and
 
 4 OUR WOMAN WORKERS . 
 
 to disclaim any ownership in the ideas of others, whether she approved of 
 them or not. Well-authenticated tradition describes her as ever on the alert 
 to defend the sentiments advocated by her distinguished husband, sentiments 
 which she had embraced with the most ardent enthusiasm, going so far, on 
 one occasion, as to prevail upon a member of Mr. Murray's congregation to 
 arise and protest against obnoxious sentiments uttered by Hosea Ballon, in 
 Mr. Murray's absence. Mrs. Murray's decision and zeal were not pertinacity, 
 but a conscientious conviction of duty to combat whatever she considered 
 wrong, and her invincible courage caused those who did not accept her ideas 
 to regard her persistence as obstinacy. I believe these views agree with those 
 of Rev G. L. Demarest, who says, in his introduction to the "Life of Murray," 
 — "While we are interested in the traditions which give glimpses of Mrs. Mur- 
 ray's disposition to rule, and her strength of purpose, we infer, from what we 
 know of her, the possession of strong affectional magnetism, as weU as of 
 masculine energy and intellect, and I respect her conjugal consideration and 
 her spiritual earnestness." 
 
 Mrs. Murray was a very devoted and tender wife; her love for her hus- 
 band amounted almost to idolatry. She says in her biography of him : 
 
 It was upon the 19th day of October, 1809, that the fatal blow was given 
 to a, life so valuable, so greatly endowed, so truly precious; but, although the 
 eorporeal powers "f the long-active preacher became so far useless as to render 
 him helpless as a new-born babe— although he was indeed a complete cripple, yet 
 tie' sainl si ill Lingered; was still detained by the all-wise decree of the Mosl High, 
 a prisoner in Ids clay-built tenement, nor did his complete beatification take place 
 until the Sabbath morning of September ::, 1815, lacking only a few days of six 
 complete years. 
 
 I give tlic above to show the beautiful and simple style in which the 
 biography is written, as well as the tenderness expressed therein. Mrs. Mur- 
 ray, with tine, wifely wisdom and love, was a, patient nurse, never once for- 
 g< feting li< i- duty, and performing it- thoughtfully and tenderly: arid she per- 
 ■ red until Die end of flic long illness, until iho, "beatification" took place. 
 Rev. Richard Eddy, who lias made the history of our church a careful study, 
 writes to me: "During Mr. Murray's lingering illness his wife was untiring 
 in her efforts, not only to contribute to his personal comfort at home, but 
 also .to add to bis fame and secure tie 1 perpetuity of his memory in the
 
 JUDITH MURRAY. 5 
 
 widest possible extent. With patient industry she gathered his widely scat- 
 tered correspondence, selected from his large stock of sermons those which 
 most fully suf forth his distinctive theology, and superintended their publi- 
 cation in three large volumes. After his decease she completed the memoir 
 of his life from 1775 to the date of his death, and published it in style and 
 size corresponding with the Letters and Sermons. No book read by Univer- 
 salists has had a larger sale nor a more deserved popularity. The fascinating 
 style in which the wonderful story is written, the strange and manifestly 
 Providential character of many of its incidents, the history of the manner in 
 which his preaching of universal redemption was received in the many and 
 widely scattered fields in which belabored, the strongly manifest friendship 
 of the warm hearts which sympathized with him, and the bitter intolerance 
 of bis opponents, with many charming literary peculiarities, make the book 
 a noble monument of her devotion, earnestness and ability." 
 
 Her strength of intellect is unquestionable, and the knowledge of the 
 men and women of letters displayed in her writings shows, as she said of 
 Lady Jane Grey, that "her great mind had improved by uniform application." 
 
 Mrs. Murray commenced in February, 1792, to publish in the " Massa- 
 chusetts Magazine" a series of one hundred essays entitled " The Gleaner," 
 under an assumed masculine character. These essays show conclusively that 
 she was one of the ablest of the woman authors in her day in America. 
 The essays were subsequently published in three volumes, in book form, by 
 I. Thomas and E. T. Andrews, in Boston, 1798, dedicated to John Adams, 
 President of the United States. In the preface she quaintly says : 
 
 My desires are, I am free to own, aspiring, perhaps, presumptuously so. I 
 would lie distinguished and respected by my contemporaries; I would be continued 
 in grateful remembrance when I make my exit; and I would descend with celeb- 
 rity to posterity. 
 
 Before the publication of "The Gleaner" Mrs. Murray obtained eight 
 hundred subscribers, and the character of those who desired the book indi- 
 cates in what estimation the essays were held. Among them were John 
 Adams (then President), Fisher Ames, Benjamin Barton, M. D., Nicholas 
 Brown, Maj. Gen. Cobb, Hon. Elbridge Gerry, Capt. W. H. Harrison, Tbos. 
 P. Ives, Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, Hon. Harrison G. Otis, Josiah Quincey,
 
 6 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 David Ramsey, Increase Summer, Lucius Manlius Sargent, "William Tudor, 
 George Washington, Mrs. Martha Washington, John Warren, M. D., etc. In 
 Her acknowledgment to her patrons Mrs. Murray says: 
 
 To my very respectable and numerous patrons and patronesses I am largely 
 indebted. It would be my pride to enhance their pleasure. Could I, in return for 
 the liberal countenance by which they have honored me, bestow on them tranquil- 
 lity with every attendant blessing, it would be equally my duty and my felicity' 
 thus to do; but although my efforts are inadequate to any important effect, I can 
 not, however, suppress the fervid emotions of gratitude with which my breast is 
 replete. The most ardent wishes for their happiness are wafted warm from my 
 heart. 
 
 In the conclusion of the work she gives the reason why she assumed a 
 masculine disguise in her essays : 
 
 Observing, in a variety of instances, the indifference, not to say contempt, 
 with which female productions are regarded, and seeking to arrest attention, at 
 least for a time, I was thus furnished with a very powerful motive for an assump- 
 tion which, I flattered myself, would prove favorable to my aspiring wishes. Another 
 strung inducement was the opportunity it afforded me of making myself mistress of 
 the unbiased sentiments of my associates. A few persons were very partial to my 
 essays. 
 
 We conclude, hy the list of distinguished suhscrihers, that a large num- 
 ber were. Her husband, who was not made acquainted with the secret, 
 became intensely interested in the essays as they appeared in the "Magazine," 
 and insisted upon reading them aloud, but Mrs. Murray adds: — 
 
 I had the good fortune to elude his penetration until my thirty-third article; 
 when in that I gave the story of Eliza, which he had previously given to me. 
 he a1 once declared his conviction that I was the real author. 
 
 After seeing the above, the reader would draw the inference that she had 
 some weakness for the recognition of the equality of the sexes. She presents 
 in " T I n • Gleaner " nearly all the arguments that are now, a century later, 
 employed in behalf of woman's equality with man, and even prophesies her 
 accession to suffrage with an ability that the most brilliant modern writer 
 and speaker can not surpass. Mary Woolstonecroft never has had a more 
 able hi eloquent disciple than Mrs. Murray proves herself to be in the pager 
 of "The Gleaner." She says: 
 
 In this young world the rights of woman begin to be understood; we seen;, 
 at length, determined to do justice to the sex, and improving on the opinions of
 
 JUDITH MURRAY. 7 
 
 Woolstoneoroft, we are ready to contend tor the quantity as well as fhc quality 
 of the mind. 
 
 And if evidence proves anything, she has shown that the female mint! 
 is naturally as susceptible of every improvement as the mind of the male. 
 She gives many brilliant examples, which shone forth even under the 
 oppression and ignorance of men who did everything to " clip the wings of 
 the female mind." She proves veiy conclusively that women are equal in 
 enduring hardships, "as ingenious and fruitful in resources," "their fortitude 
 and heroism can not be surpassed," "they are equally brave and patriotic," "as 
 influential," "as eloquent," "as faithful" (which no one doubts), "as capable of 
 supporting with honor the Government." Every point she accepts for discussion 
 is admirably sustained. She proves too much on one or two of the points, 
 in our judgment. To establish the fortitude and heroism of women, she 
 instances the courage of the Spartans, and tells most thrillingly the story of 
 the Roman Arria, the wife of the Pateus, whose love for her husband 
 conquered every selfish fiber of her being, and is an illustrious instance of 
 that transcendent elevation of which the female mind is susceptible. Quite 
 unlike the Spartan women are those who, as Mrs. Murray says, — 
 
 In successful combat, have shed tears of joy over the bleeding bodies of their 
 wounded suns. 
 
 But true womanly heroism is not all confined to the Greeks and Romans. 
 The reader of Mrs. Murray's life would not fail to see in her tender, careful 
 and affectionate watching of the beloved husband, paralyzed for six long years. 
 heroism, fortitude, patience, and endurance, which sit more gracefully — yes, 
 and divinely — upon a Christian woman than a host of Spartans could display. 
 Read her description of Justice, which is unique and grand : 
 
 Were I to personify Justice, instead of presenting her blind I would denomi- 
 nate her the goddess of Are; she should possess a subtle essence, which should 
 penetrate through, and pervade the inmost recesses of the soul: by every insignia 
 of li^ht I would surround and designate her: while among the ornaments winch 
 composed her crest, a broad and never-closing eye should stand conspicuous; she 
 should possess the power to unravel the knotty entanglements of the most sophis- 
 ticated web; piercing as the forked lightning, instantan s and penetrating, she 
 
 should disclose at a single glance the secret and crooked windings of the most 
 profound labyrinth, while patient and unerring she should listen with calmness to
 
 8 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 the various disquisitions of the interested claimant; and, careful to investigate, her 
 decisions should always accord with her own important nature and office. Uniform 
 in her awards, neither youth, beauty nor innocence should possess a charm to soften 
 her linn inflexibility; dignity, age, the venerable head of snow, these should not awe; 
 adversity should not excite an improper compassion, nor should the tears of the 
 widow or the orphan unduly persuade. Of unbending integrity. Justice should feel, 
 hear and see, but truth alone should be the polar star by which she should shape 
 her movements, and equity only should constrain her determinations. To the rav- 
 ages of wayward passions she should be at all times superior; and her administra- 
 tions should be under the regulation of wisdom. Elevated beings are dishonored 
 by supposition that they can possibly be influenced by improper or foreign repre- 
 sentation, and my delineation of Justice, armed at all points, should be inaccessible 
 even to the suspicion of imbecility. 
 
 In his biographical sketch, Mr. Eddy says: "A very interesting series 
 of letters written by Mrs. Murray to her parents while she was on a visit with 
 her husband to Philadelphia, in 1790, is preserved. They are of value as 
 furnishing us with the names of some of the most eminent Universalist lay- 
 men of that day, and as indicating the respect shown to Mr. Murray by noted 
 public men of that period. 
 
 "They went to Philadelphia to assist in organizing a convention of the 
 Universalists of the United States, — the first attempt in our history at a gen- 
 eral organization — the ' association ' formed at Oxford, Mass., in 1785, being 
 purely local in its aim, and temporary in its purpose, and holding no session 
 after 1787. The Philadelphia convention assembled May 25th, and con- 
 tinued till June 8th, the longest time ever given by our people to convention 
 purposes. 
 
 "At that time the prospects of Universalism in Philadelphia were most 
 flattering. Christopher Marshall, the family of Benjamin Franklin, Dr. Wil- 
 liam Smith, President of the University, and several of the professors in that 
 institution, and Dr. Benjamin Rush, are among those named by Mrs. Murray 
 as favoring the doctrine, and attendants on her husband's preaching. 'The 
 sentiments of the Universalists,' she writes, 'are growing every day more and 
 more respectable in this city. The family of Dr. Franklin is among the 
 foremost of their favorers. Mrs. Bache, the doctor's daughter, says it was 
 her father's opinion that no system in the Christian world was so elfectually 
 calculated to promote the interests of society as that doctrine which shows a 
 God reconciling the lapsed world to himself.' Of Dr. Benjamin Rush Mrs.
 
 JUDITH MUBBAY. 9 
 
 Murray says in the same letter: 'Dr. Rush is a man of sense and letters. 
 He is well known in the medical and literary world. I am happy that I can 
 name Dr. Rush as an open, avowed professor of, and ornament to the religion 
 of Jesus. Addressing Mr. Murray this morning with much candor, he thus 
 expressed himself- Why, my dear sir, you have stood much alone. How 
 have you buffeted the storm'? What a torrent of prejudice, tradition, mal- 
 evolence and calumny have you had to encounter! Twenty years ago I heard 
 your name, — you were preaching in Bachelor's Hall. No consideration would 
 have induced me to come within a mile of the place, and had I met you I 
 should not have conceived it could have been you, except I had found you 
 with the cloven foot and with horns! But now peaceful to myself is the re- 
 volution. The Bible is a consistent book, and everything that is excellent it 
 contains.' " 
 
 Mr. Eddy's account continues: "Like many literary women, Mrs. Murray 
 was an admirer of the drama, and 'The Gleaner' contained two plays writ- 
 ten by her, — one, ' The Traveler Returned,' being full of the patriotic spirit 
 of the Revolution, and of stirring incidents of the war for Independence. The 
 other is more sentimental in its character, and was entitled ' Virtue Tri- 
 umphant.' Both were produced on the stage of the Boston Theater, the 
 former in 1795, and the latter, under the name of 'The Medium,' in 1796. 
 They were critically noticed in the papers of the day, both in the way of 
 attack and defence, the author being at that time unknown, and were, on the 
 whole, highly commended. They display ability, and no little skill in plot, 
 but it may be said that the author's genius is not so manifest in them as it 
 is in her essays, many of which are of superior merit. Her fame as a writer 
 crossed the Atlantic, and arrangements were entered into for the republica- 
 tion of ' The Gleaner' in London, but the death of Rev. Mr. Redding, who 
 had the matter in charge, prevented the consummation. 
 
 '\Mrs. Murray survived her husband about five years, her death occur- 
 ring at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Bingaman, near Natchez, Miss., 
 June 6, 1820. Her last thoughts were of the deserving poor widows 
 in her native town, to whom she left a generous bequest. None of her 
 descendants are now living; but may we not hope that the Universalist 
 women of America will gratefully cherish her memory?"
 
 10 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Mr. Eddy closes his article in the "Quarterly" thus: " Mrs. Murray had 
 two children; a son who died in infancy, in 1789, and a daughter, Julia 
 Maria, born in August, 1791, and married in 1812 to Adam Lewis Bingarnan, 
 of Natchez, Miss. Their marriage took place the evening of the day 
 that Mr. Bingaman graduated from Harvard College. After their daughter's 
 marriage, Mrs. Murray arranged and supervised the publication of her hus- 
 band's sermons and letters, he having been an invalid since 1809. After his 
 death she published his memoir, written by himself to 1774, and brought 
 down by her till the close of his life. She then took up her abode with her 
 daughter, at Natchez, where she died June 6, 1820. At her death she left 
 a large and valuable collection of manuscripts, including her husband's dia- 
 ries, covering nearly the entire period of his residence in America ; his cor- 
 respondence ; many of her own unpublished essays, poems and other papers ; 
 and a large number of letters from General and Mrs. Washington, General 
 Nathaniel Greene and his widow, and many other illustrious persons. These 
 papers, Mrs. Worcester, above referred to, informed the writer, were stored in 
 an unoccupied house on her son-in-law's- plantation, and when an effort was 
 made to remove them a few years afterward, they were found to be utterly 
 rotted and spoiled by the mildew." 
 
 We have only space left for the following extract, which illustrates the 
 literary style and the sentiments of Mrs. Murray. 
 
 , Toward the close of the month which closeth our year, the Savior was born. 
 So In the last day of time, when the divine arrangements are well near completed, the 
 restitution of all things shall be made manifest, and the winding up of the great 
 drama, bringing forward the accomplishment of the design of an all-wise Creator. 
 'rimes of every kind shall be banished from the family of man. The train of ill 
 which has infested the works of the Eternal Mind, shall accompany their origin: 
 and sin being annihilated, sorrow shall be no more. 
 
 Evangelical month! Again I repeat it. Surely I will love thy days, O Decem- 
 ber, and the event produced under thy domain shall ever be right precious to my 
 soul! 
 
 The doctrine of guardian seraphs, this also makes a part of my creed. Some 
 bright celestial was commissioned at my birth to preside over my infantile years, 
 and to continue the attenclanl of my mortal career. During the hour which shall 
 terminate my present mode of being, he will be busy round the bed of death, and 
 he will gratulate, with ineffable transport, the liberated spirit.
 
 LUCY BAliNES. H 
 
 LUCY BARNES, 
 
 Eldest daughter of Rev. Thomas Barnes, was born in Jaffrey, New 
 Hampshire, March 6, 1780. When a child she was sweet in disposition, 
 gentle in deportment, but very undemonstrative, unless an opportunity pre- 
 sented itself by which she could serve some one, or reconcile contending 
 parties; "and then," says the "Christian Intelligencer" of 1825, "she would 
 wear a smile of complacency and satisfaction that was beautiful and heavenly." 
 Her opportunities for an education were veiy limited, but she was an 
 omnivorous reader, and could repeat what she read as easily as most could 
 repeat the chit-chat of an afternoon. 
 
 Lucy made no creed profession until she was nineteen years old. At 
 about that time her father removed to Poland, Maine, at which place a 
 frantic "reformation" was going on. She attended the meetings, and gave 
 all the arguments and all the warnings a most careful and respectful con- 
 sideration; "for," she said, "if their explanations are correct, and this sin- 
 gular work is sanctioned by divine authority, I am perfectly wilhng and ready 
 to embrace Methodism." She was always interested in religious discussions, 
 and read the Bible with great interest, but now she read verse by verse, and 
 conscientiously considered the import of every word ; but the more she read 
 the more clearly she saw the fallacy of the popular explanations, and the 
 more truthful seemed the doctrine that she ever after lived by, and at last 
 died believing. 
 
 As soon as it was known that Lucy had openly proclaimed that she 
 could not put bounds to the love of God, and announced her belief in the 
 doctrine of God's universal goodness to his children, and in the salvation 
 of all, crowds visited her for the purpose of either driving or persuading 
 her from that "anchor of the soul which is both sure and steadfast." Lucy 
 had a peculiar aptitude for logical reasoning, and presented her points so 
 persuasively, and in so amiable and loving a manner, that the most intelli- 
 gent became convinced that her "weapons were not carnal but mighty," and 
 were generous enough to say she was a "real Christian," even if she had 
 embraced the awful doctrine of universal salvation. She had not prayed
 
 12 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 over the Scriptures for comfort alone, but for knowledge also, and in receiv- 
 ing the one the other was added. 
 
 Her father did not disturb her travail of 'soul, but, when she came out 
 of the mist into the light of God's truth, he fell upon his knees and gave 
 thanks. 
 
 Lucy's wish to do good seemed to blossom afresh after the true mean- 
 ing of the Scriptures had been revealed to her. She was constantly trying 
 to impress upon the young the principles of morality, and their duty to live 
 true Christian lives. In her conversation at all times, in her written 
 addresses or short sermons, it was her constant aim to influence for good. 
 
 Soon after her death some of her letters, dissertations and poems were 
 collected and printed in a pamphlet of 71 pages, entitled "The Female 
 Christian." I have used every effort to secure one of the books, but it has 
 been impossible. I find in the "Gospel Banner," of 1858, a review of the 
 pamphlet by Eev. J. W. Hanson, D. D., then editor; but the book has been 
 misplaced. I have no doubt, however, that he then gave the quotations that 
 would be most satisfactory now. This is the first book I have been able 
 to find written by. a woman in defense of Universalism. 
 
 Dr. Hanson says, — "The passages from the letters, verse and prose of 
 the fair, frail hand that has for fifty years been cold can not fail to be read with 
 interest." I will quote generously, to show "how an unlearned maiden 
 could speak of the faith we cherish, in the early dawn of the light we now 
 enjoy." 
 
 In a letter to "a friend who could not believe in the final holiness and 
 happiness of all mankind," she proves that she held her faith understand- 
 ingly: 
 
 The Scriptures declare thcit God is love; that ho is a good Being: that ho is 
 no respecter "f persons, but is good to all, and that he has all power in his own 
 hand, and worketh all things after the counsel of his will. All nature, likewise. 
 proclaims aloud this blessed and divine truth, and also bespeaks his wisdom to 
 !>'■ infinite. He kindly condescends to call us his children, and permits us to 
 address hi in by 'lie endearing appellation of Father. Is it possible that so good, 
 so kind and loving a Father can punish his tender and beloved offspring with the 
 mosl exquisite misery, to the endless ages of eternity, for their disobedience to 
 him, and even for the most trivial faults'.'' Can it be supposed that so wise and 
 powerful a Being is under the necessity of punishing with endless misery, in
 
 LUCY BARNES. 
 
 13 
 
 order to secure th<- peace and honor of his government? If the infinite goodness 
 of our Heavenly Father is sufficient to inspire him with a wish to make all his 
 children perfectly and eternally holy and happy, is not his infinite wisdom sufficient 
 to form a plan for the completion of his wishes? and his infinite power sufficient 
 to execute that divine purpose, that he might not be eternally disappointed and 
 frustrated in so benevolent a wish? 
 
 I suppose you are now ready to tell me it is time to drop this subject, and 
 to speak of the justice, severity and vengeance of our Heavenly Father, and to 
 consider his righl and ids power to punish us as he pleases. But I do not dispute 
 his power nor his right to punish the disobedient with endless misery, but it is 
 his will or inclination to do it which I dispute. Neither do I think, there i> a 
 single passage of Scripture which represents a state of endless woe, though I 
 know the chastisements of the Almighty are very seven — "vengeance is mine, I 
 will repay, saith the Lord"— and the curses and judgments threatened against the 
 disobedient are great indeed; therefore it behooves us all to be good and obedient 
 children, lest they fall upon us. For I do not think it is inconsistent with the 
 divine love of our Universal Parent to chastise the transgressors of his law suf- 
 ficiently to subdue their hardened hearts and stubborn will, and to subject them 
 to his holy government. But can justice require more? Certainly not. But, on 
 tin' contrary, whatever punishment is inflicted, after they are completely humbled 
 and subdued, in my estimation may justly be termed cruelty and revenge. And 
 shall we presume to impute those hateful passions to the Almighty which he him- 
 self has taught us to despise in each other, and which we absolutely abhor even in a 
 savage, who is not contented merely with the death of his enemy, but puts him 
 to the most cruel death which malice and revenge can possibly invent, roasting 
 him alive in such a moderate manner as to prolong his life and misery to the 
 utmost extent of his power? But what is that when compared with endless misery? 
 You are a mother, and doubtless possessed of as tender feelings as ever warmed 
 the heart of a parent, and were I to say that you could with pleasure behold your 
 children punished with such exquisite misery, even for an age, you would think 
 that I was either beside myself or entertained a most unjust opinion of you. But 
 if you could not endure the sight but for one age. what reason have you to sup- 
 pose that the tenderest, most loving and best of Fathers could endure the 
 shocking scene to the endless a^'es of eternity? But perhaps you will say that 
 those who are to suffer thus are not the offspring of God, but the children of the 
 devil. I know the wicked on account of their disobedience are called the children 
 of the wicked one; hut if they are so in reality, we can not reasonably expect 
 they will !»' punished so severely for being too obedient to their father. Satan, as 
 children are in duty bound to honor and obey their parents, even by a command 
 from the -real Eternal himself. Tt is said that sinners justly merit endless pun- 
 ishment, because they sin against an infinite law. etc. Hut surely the Almighty 
 knew, before he created them, that they would sin against him, and likewise what 
 punishment they would merit. Then was ii an act of love, justice or wisdom in 
 him to force into an existence millions of human beings, whom he absolutely 
 
 knew would transgress his law, and thereby incur his displeasure, and n --hate 
 
 him to make them eternally miserable? Had he provided a thousand Saviors for 
 them, and given them a thousand times better chance to escape thai dreadful 
 place of misery, what would it avail them? For is it possible for them to avoid 
 what the all-wise God absolutely knows will happen to them? Now. if a Being of
 
 14 OUB WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 infinite love, justice and tender mercy, and a kind, benevolent Father could do such 
 a thing, is it possible for us to conceive what a being of infinite hatred and revenge 
 would do? It is believed by many that the parable of the rich man and Lazarus 
 is a real description of heaven and hell, and that it evidently sets forth the 
 misery of those who are damned, roasting in flames of fire, and begging for 
 water, even for one drop to mitigate their sufferings, while those in heaven must 
 incessantly behold their distress, and hear their groans and cries and dreadful 
 lamentations to all eternity without having the power to relieve them. If that is 
 really the case, what person is there who possesses any real love for his fellow 
 creatures, who would not much rather be annihilated, and be as though he never 
 had been, than go to such a heaven! 
 
 What would avail to rue the joys of heaven, 
 And all the splendor of the golden coast, 
 If I must know millions of human souls 
 In misery groan, and are forever lost ? 
 
 But I can not believe that such a place of misery ever did exist, or ever will. 
 until there is a change wrought in the Almighty himself, and we behold the great 
 wheel of nature rolling backward. We are told that when we go to heaven we 
 shall there behold the justice of God so plainly in the eternal condemnation of the 
 ungodly that we shall finally rejoice in their misery; if so, why are not the 
 saints here on earth now rejoicing in it, who profess to be born of the spirit of 
 the ever-living and true God, and to know their Master's will and to obey it? 
 and who fancy they have met with all the change they ever shall see, as they 
 suppose no one will ever be changed after death; but surely they must meet with 
 a much greater change than they ever yet have experienced, to endure, much 
 more to behold with pleasure, such a shocking scene to all eternity. Various 
 indeed are all the arguments which might be produced from Scripture, as well as 
 reason, to prove the final restitution of all mankind to their former state of 
 purity and holiness, since the Lord hath spoken of it by the mouth of all his holy 
 prophets since the world began. 
 
 I will quote verbatim from the "Christian Intelligencer," of 1825, sent me 
 by S. H. Colesworthy, of Portland, Maine, publisher of her father's memoir: 
 "Miss Barnes from infancy had in warm weather been sorely afflicted with 
 asthma, but for several years before her death the complaint became more 
 severe and alarming. Though the distress and pressure at the lungs were 
 frequently so great that she seemed to be in the agonies of death, the first 
 language she uttered would be intended to console and comfort her parents. 
 Her individual hope in Christ, and her faith in the universal salvation, 
 remained firm and unwavering to the last, and even in the dread strag- 
 gles of expiring nature the smile of heavenly serenity was visible on her 
 countenance, evincing a willingness to sleep in death, that she might rest in 
 God."
 
 LUCY BAltNES. 15 
 
 Never did a respectful and loving child enter upon a journey to visit her 
 absent parents with more alacrity than Lucy Barnes resigned herself into 
 the hands of a merciful God, to be transported to "that country from whose 
 bourne no traveler returns." In writing to an old lady who had recently 
 
 been brought into the light of the glorious truth, she says : 
 
 t 
 
 1 know the punishments of the Almighty for sin and wickedness are very 
 severe; but although our heavenly Father visits our transgressions with a rod and 
 our iniquities with stripes, yet St. Paul tells us "He doth not (as our earthly 
 parents have done) chasten us after his own pleasure, but for our profit, that we 
 may be partakers of his holiness." 
 
 With regard to rny health, it is very low indeed. I am not able to walk out 
 of my room, nor to sit up but a few moments at a time, so that I have been 
 many days in writing these lines; but although they are penned by a feeble hand, 
 yet, through the grace of God, they proceed from a heart strong in faith, though 
 on the verge of eternity. 
 
 I will give a short quotation from the last written exhortation of Miss 
 Barnes, finished only the day before she died : 
 
 Let us, therefore, be humble, and endeavor to pursue the paths of peace, and 
 to walk in the straight and narrow way. And whenever we discover any going 
 on in vice and wickedness, and walking in the broad road in search of happiness, 
 let us pity their weakness and folly, and mistaken ideas of bliss, and endeavor, if 
 possible, to restore them in the spirit of meekness, "considering ourselves lest we 
 also be tempted." Fur if we had their temptations, we might perhaps do equally 
 as bad or even worse than they. May every blessing attend you which can con- 
 tribute in the least both to your temporal and spiritual welfare. May the God of 
 peace be with you always; may you be patient in tribulation, remembering that 
 whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and thai these afflictions which are sent for 
 our profit are but short, but the joys which will soon dawn upon us are of an 
 endless duration. 
 
 I can think of nothing more sublime than such meekness and patience 
 from one who had struggled for months for eveiy breath which sustained 
 life. 
 
 The writer in the old paper remarks, — "Though the style is not 
 ornamented with the tinsel of rhetoric, it is enriched with all the 
 unstudied fervor, gravity, and resignation which woidd be requisite to a 
 chapter of an inspired volume." 
 
 This beautiful woman — beautiful mentally, physically and spiritually —
 
 16 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 went to rest on the 29th of August, 1809, in the twenty-ninth year of her 
 age. 
 
 She not only inherited the great independence of her father, hut, as did 
 all of the daughters of that revered man, those wonderful Madonna eyes, 
 which could preach sermons, render sympathy, and plead with others to 
 come up higher, without uttering a word. 
 
 Miss Barnes was a diligent student of the Bihle, and was able to state 
 logically the careful deductions of her studious hours. The reader will not 
 often find a document more pointed, clear and unanswerable than the follow- 
 ing, written by a girl of twenty-nine, seventy-five years ago : 
 
 SERIOUS AND IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ANSWERED FROM THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 
 
 Q. What is the will of God with regard to mankind ? 
 
 A. That all men should be saved, and come unto' the knowledge of the 
 truth; and having made known unto us the mystery of his will according to his 
 good pleasure, which he hath purposed in himself, that in the dispensation of the 
 fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which 
 are in heaven and which are on earth, even in him. 
 
 Q. Can the will of God be frustrated? 
 
 A. No. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained 
 of God. All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less 
 than nothing, and vanity. He hath measured the waters in the hollow of his 
 hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the 
 earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a bal- 
 ance. He therefore worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. He doeth 
 according to his will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the 
 earth, and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? 
 
 Q. For what purpose did God send his only begotten Son into the world? 
 
 A. God sent his Sou to be the Savior of the world, to destroy the works of 
 the devil, and to save that which was lost: to finish transgression and make an 
 end of sin, and through death to destroy him that had the power of death, that 
 is the devil, and to give eternal life to as many as the Lord hath given him. 
 
 Q. How many hath the Lord given him? 
 
 A. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand; he 
 hath given him power over all flesh. He hath said unto him. Thou art my Son; 
 this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for 
 thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. He 
 shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the 
 earth. Yea. all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him. 
 
 y. What is eternal life'' 
 
 A. This is life eternal, to know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ 
 whom thou hast sent. 
 
 Q. Will all mankind 1"- hie,-,! with tin- knowledge of God? 
 
 A. Fes. For they shall not teach every man his neighbor and every man 
 his brother, saying, EnOW tin' Lord, for all shall know him from the least to the
 
 LUCY BARNES. 17 
 
 greatest; for I will b<- merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and iniqui- 
 ties will I remember no more. 
 
 Q. But Christ saith, Ye will not come unto mo that ye might have life; and 
 will they, even all, come ami receive eternal life in him? 
 
 A. Yes. All that the Father giveth shall come to me; and him that 
 cometh to me I will in no wise cast out For I came down from heaven not to do 
 
 mine own will, but the will of him that sent me; and this is the Father's will 
 which hath scut me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, 
 bul should raise it up again at the last day. 
 
 Q. Can any one enjoy the kingdom of God except he is horn again? 
 
 A. No. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man he born again, he can 
 not see the kingdom of God. 
 
 Q. What is the new birth? 
 
 A. Being born into the glorious liberty and spirit of the Gospel, turned from 
 darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. 
 
 Q. Will all mankind be blest with the new birth? 
 
 A. Yes. For in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a 
 feast of fat things, a feast' of wine on the lees, of fat things, full of marrow, of wine 
 on the lees, well refined. And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the cover- 
 ing cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations. And all the 
 ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord, and all the kindreds of the 
 nations shall worship before thee. 
 
 Q. But will not some remain in a state of misery to cry and groan to all 
 eternity? 
 
 A. No. For the Lord God will wipe away all tears from off all faces; and the 
 rebuke of the people shall he take away from off all the earth, for the Lord hath 
 spoken it. 
 
 Q. And when will this lie accomplished? 
 
 A. When the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with songs, 
 ami everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow 
 and sighing shall flee away. 
 
 (,). Who are the ransomed of the Lord? 
 
 A. All mankind. For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and 
 men. the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due 
 time. 
 
 Q. But will not some be punished with endless or eternal death, for their diso- 
 bedience to the commands of God? 
 
 A. No. For th«' Lord will swallow up death in victory. The hist enemy that 
 shall be destroyed is death. 
 
 Q. When will death be swallowed up in victory? 
 
 A. 'When this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall 
 have put on immortality, then shall lie broughl to pass the saying that is written. 
 Heath is swallowed up in victory. death! where is thy sting? gravel where 
 is thy victory? 
 
 Q. "Will imt some remain in a state of enmity against God, and in opposition 
 lo_h is will and government, ami blaspheme his holy name, to all eternity? 
 
 A. No. For thus saith the Lord. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone 
 out of my mouth in righteousness and shall not return, that unto me every knee 
 shall bow, every tongue shall swear, surely shall one say, In the Lord have I right-
 
 18 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 eousness and strength. And thus saith St. John the divine, every creature which is in 
 heaven, and on earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I 
 saying, Blessing and honor, and glory and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the 
 throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever. 
 
 Q. Will all these promises ever be fulfilled? 
 
 A. Yes. For God is not a man, that he should lie, neither is he the son of 
 man, that he should repent. Hath he said, and shall he not do it? Hath he spoken 
 and shall he not make it good? 
 
 Q. Will not the unbelief of some exclude them forever from the enjoyment of 
 these promises? 
 
 A. No. For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith 
 of God without effect? God forbid! Yea, let God be true but every man a liar. 
 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief that he might have mercy upon all. 
 
 Q. The Scripture saith the wages of sin is death, and that death is passed upon 
 all men. for that all have sinned; and will not the greater part of mankind remain in 
 this state of sin and death to all eternity? 
 
 A. No. For in this seed (which is Christ) shall all the families of the earth be 
 blessed; therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men unto con- 
 demnation, even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto 
 justification of life; and as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 
 
 LEVISA BUCK. 
 
 Eev. Thomas Barnes was the father of eight children, all from their 
 earliest youth exhibiting remarkable literary talent. Lucy, of whom the pre- 
 ceding sketch gives an account, and Sally, with the subject of this sketch, 
 were among the ablest women of their times. Levisa wrote much beside the 
 life of her father, which is simply and modestly written. The work is a 
 small 12mo. of 105 pages, entitled "Memoir of the Rev. Thomas Barnes, 
 written and compiled by his daughter, Mrs. Levisa Buck, and edited by Rev. 
 George Bates, Portland; S. H. Colesworthy, publisher, 1856." Mr. Barnes 
 whs born in Merrimack, N. H., Oct. 4, 1749, and died in Poland, Me., Oct. 
 3, 1810. She also performed the incredible labor of versifying Job and 
 Psalms, with the thought that they might be read by those who would not 
 read flic originals. 
 
 It has been a great task to collect the few facts I am able to present 
 concerning these noble women, who stood in the front ranks when our friends
 
 LEVIS A 1HJCK. 19 
 
 were few, and who were in their quiet way a tower of strength to our clergy 
 in those darksome days. They were all so unconscious of themselves that 
 they always left themselves entirely out of their work. 
 
 Levisa was not an educated woman, hut she had that "low, sweet voice 
 which is an excellent thing in woman," the first note of which quieted and 
 charmed every one within hearing. She talked neither slowly nor rapidly, 
 but her words were as the dropping of honey from the honeycomb. She 
 delighted in reading the Scriptures, and when she read aloud, to the lovers 
 of poetry they became poems, and to the lovers of history they seemed to be 
 living realities. She resembled her sisters in personal appearance. Mrs. A. 
 M. Pulsifer, of Auburn, Me., writes: "Being an enthusiastic worker in the 
 church, she used often to travel long distances on horse-back, as was the 
 fashion of those times, to attend meetings in the surrounding districts, 
 carrying with her in cold weather her little foot-stove, for the meetings were 
 held in rough, cold buildings, with often no means of heating them, and 
 the people who attended could keep from suffering, in the cold season, only 
 by means of warm clothing and foot-stoves. She gladly assisted the sick 
 and needy, and was ready to give help at any call. She kept herbs and 
 simple remedies always at hand, which she freely dispensed to the sick, often 
 nursing them back to health or quieting their last sufferings to the best of 
 her ability. She was a woman of vigorous intellect. Her children, I under- 
 stand, are all intellectual; two are lawyers in California; a daughter, in Bos- 
 ton, was married to Hon. S. B. Shaw, deceased." 
 
 Tbe following passage is a brief extract from the memoir of her father, 
 who was the first Universalist minister ordained in Maine, Jan. 6, 1802 : 
 
 At the age of thirty-four we find him the father of seven children, and 
 situated in the town of JafTrey, N. II. It was from this place that he went to 
 hear tin- Rev. Caleb Rich, preacher <>f universal salvation. 
 
 Mr. Barnes was one of those benevolent Christians who could not rejoice in 
 view of the hopeless prospect of the supposed finally impenitent, however his 
 creed might lead him to expect he should in a holier state of existence. There- 
 fore, after hearing Mr. Rich, and candidly weighing his arguments, he was led to 
 conclude that God might be more merciful than Ins doctrine had taught him to 
 suppose. It was pleasant to his mind and delightful to his throbbing heart to 
 follow the first dawn of divine light on a subject of such thrilling interest to every 
 human being. He began to wish, and shortly after to hope, that the doctrine ct 
 impartial grace was true; it had enlisted the holiest sympathies of his nature; )*•
 
 20 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 had touched a tender chord in his soul, and, if true, would fill him with all 
 joy and peace in believing. He did not nourish a spirit of vindictive wrath 
 against the new doctrine, nor against its advocate in the person of Mr. Rich. 
 He, therefore, concluded to go the second Sunday to hear the glad tidings of a 
 world's salvation. His wife expostulated with him with much earnestness on the 
 impropriety of his attending that meeting again, but he replied that he much 
 desired to go once more, that he might prove all things, and hold fast to that 
 which is good. And thus were the remonstrances made by his excellent wife 
 attended by the same reply for several succeeding Sabbaths. In the course of the 
 week, Mr. Barnes would relate to her the arguments he had heard in support 
 of the doctrine of universal salvation, until Mrs. B. was fearful her husband would 
 become a believer in what she then thought so fatal an error. One day she 
 urged him, with much feeling, to hear Mr. Rich no more. Mr. Barnes made but 
 little reply to her request, but said, when leaving her— "Can my dear Mary set 
 bounds to the love of God?" She imagined she could; at least she would try. 
 God could not love sinners. But had she not herself been a sinner, and did she 
 not now believe herself a partaker of the love of God? And was he not unchange- 
 able? The supposed non-elect passed before her imagination, and the promises 
 of God. Was it possible they could be impartially applied to all mankind? At 
 length she found it impossible to set bounds to the love of God. The more she 
 tried, the more she found his love overleaping every barrier, until it overcame all 
 sin and death; for infinite love can not be bounded by a finite being. We can 
 not help remarking here that if all Christians would endeavor to study the bound- 
 less love of Jehovah, rather than "limiting the Holy One of Israel," it would be 
 far better for the cause of virtue and religion in the world, and the more surely 
 would the happiness of mankind be secured. On her husband's return, Mrs. 
 Barnes communicated to him her unsuccessful efforts to set bounds to the love of 
 God, and of her hopes in a world's redemption; and after a prayerful examination 
 of the Holy Scriptures, they both openly avowed themselves Universalists. 
 
 Let us imagine ourselves on the solid earth in plain view of a noble ship, 
 freighted with human beings, contending with the wind and waves. We are 
 expecting every moment to see hundreds sink from our view forever. And then 
 let us behold a pilot as he goes to their relief; let us see him bring every one 
 on shore, not leaving a single soul to perish, as a manifestation of his sovereign 
 will and pleasure; let us hear the shouts of joy and the hymns of thanksgiving as 
 they float upon the air from the tongues of those who have been rescued from a 
 watery grave, and who now have the blissful prospect of greeting their wives, 
 their Little ones and their parents. Sueh a scene might give us a fair conception of 
 the joy in the transition from the torments of the doctrine of endless sin and 
 sorrow to the glorious certainty that all mankind shall be safely landed on the 
 "Other side Of Jordan." This heart-cheering truth was truly refreshing to Mr. 
 Barnes and his wife; they were eminently qualified for its enjoyment; their whole 
 souls went with its doctrinal sentiment; they now found their sympathy and love 
 flowing to their whole race, and they fully believed the Lord was good to all his 
 works. This faith was nourished, strengthened and confirmed by a careful perusal 
 of the word of life, until they were both "strong in the Lord, and in the power 
 of his might."
 
 SALLY DUNN. 21 
 
 SALLY DUNN 
 
 Was the youngest of the remarkable daughters of Kev. Thomas Barnes, 
 and was horn in Woodstock, Conn., in the year 1783. She was the ablest 
 woman advocate of our faith, of her times, and a royal mother in Israel. 
 Rev. A. Dinsmore, who married one of her daughters, and from whom I get 
 many facts, says: "The first time I ever saw her was at a convention, in 
 1827, at Livermore, Maine, and my attention was particularly drawn to her 
 on account of her majestic appearance, rapt manner, and the earnest atten- 
 tion she was giving to the speaker, who was the lamented Russel Streeter. 
 As soon as the meeting was dismissed I saw at once by the affectionate title 
 by which she was called by old and young, clergy and laymen, 'Mother 
 Dunn,' that she was a favorite among the people." There was no woman 
 in all that region more widely known and respected, and her influence in 
 establishing our church was as great in Maine at that time as that of any of 
 our ministers. She was what would be called an evangelist. To have 
 called her a preacher would have disquieted her more than anything else, for 
 she especially felt that one should be called to preach the Gospel, although 
 she would sometimes make a conference talk that woidd fill every heart with 
 yeanlings for the better life, and sometimes fill every eye with tears. 
 
 Her education was slender in her youth, but Mr. Dinsmore says, — "She 
 never forgot any knowledge once acquired, and being of a studious habit, 
 and having a purely literary taste and a great love for the Scriptures, she 
 was continually adding the right kind of material to her mind." Early in 
 her youth she took to her heart her father's religious views, and through 
 life was a distinguished advocate of them. Her addresses, or sermons, as I 
 urast call them, were highly appreciated by the educated of the day. "Her 
 insight into and mastery of the Scriptures were truly remarkable, and her 
 clear, easy and graceful manner of explaining difficult texts was a wonder 
 and a delight to our people," and, others have said, a fear almost amount- 
 ing to nightmare to the more intelligent of the darker faith, for she made 
 the dry bones of Orthodoxy rattle. Josiah Dunn, the husband, was a gentle- 
 man of much force of character and high moral tone, nor was he at all behind
 
 22 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 his -wife in clear, intelligent apprehension and approval of Universalism, but he 
 could not use heart and brain to the same advantage, and make the people 
 see and feel what he saw and felt, as did his noble wife. 
 
 In appearance Mrs. Dunn was a queenly Quaker, and one friend said of 
 her, — "As a hostess she was charming. At my coming, in her extended hand 
 I always felt her heart throbs." Knowing this, no one can be surprised 
 that their home was the rendezvous of clergy, philanthropists, and literary 
 people. 
 
 Mrs. Dunn became the mother of thirteen children, five sons and eight 
 daughters, of whom two sons and the youngest daughter are now living, 
 viz : — Hon. E. B. Dunn, of Waterville, Me., aged seventy-nine; Hon. Sebastian 
 Streeter Dunn, formerly a Representative in the Massachusetts Legislature, 
 but now living in Dakota, and Mrs. N. C. Clifford, of Monmouth, Me. They 
 all took honorable positions in society, and reverenced her memory with 
 sweet and tender recollections. 
 
 I think it will not be out of place to speak of this lady's looks, and to 
 relate a pleasant little anecdote concerning her. She was very handsome ; 
 her eyes were a changeable dark brown, filled with liquid light, that some- 
 times were so happy in their expression that she had the appearance of look- 
 ing far away from this world of mortality upon fields of immortal glory, and 
 then again, whenever she heard an argument made in favor of "Orthodoxy," 
 it woidd bring the expression of her beautiful eyes back to this world, and 
 fill them with pity and beneficence, and she woidd look as though she would 
 if she coidd take all the wandering ones into her own arms, and cleanse and 
 save them. Is it any wonder that she should have crept into the hearts of 
 the people? Add to these eyes a clear complexion tinged with red, a 
 remarkable feature of hers late in life, and auburn hair, and a mouth by 
 which one could read her feelings, and a winning voice, and we have her like- 
 ness as it has been given to me. 
 
 When she was about seventeen she accompanied her father on one of 
 his appointments, and there met a gentleman not of our faith, but one who 
 had a heart that could appreciate such a woman as she. They met as 
 strangers, but, before she and her father had departed, the gentleman offered 
 her his heart and hand. The dear girl, with some confusion, rose and
 
 SALLY DUNN. 28 
 
 extended her hand, saying: "I wish you had not spoken, yet I thank you, 
 but I would rather go home with my father." On their way home, to the 
 question of her father, "What did you tell him, Sally?" she repeated: "I 
 told him I would rather go home with you." "Oil and water will not mix," 
 the good father said, "and I rather expect you thought his hell and your 
 heaven would not get on well together." "I should want to be sure, first, 
 that I could turn his hell into my heaven," was her reply. 
 
 After the most of this sketch was in type I received the following from 
 Mrs. A. M. Pulsifer, the great grand-daughter of Mrs. Dunn: "At a semi- 
 centennial of the Elm-street church, Auburn, Me., in response to a 
 toast, Kev. G. W. Quinby, D.D., related the following anecdote: 'I 
 preached my first sermon in Poland, forenoon and afternoon; for, in those 
 days, a minister who didn't preach twice on Sunday was no minister 
 at all. My knees knocked together with anxiety, and I noticed that in my 
 congregation was Mrs. Dunn, a notable woman, who could preach as good 
 a sermon in ten minutes as most ministers could in an hour. I knew she 
 \v;is a great critic, and I went to one of the brethren and told him I was dis- 
 couraged — I didn't know as I could preach my first semion before such a 
 critic. 'Now, don't be exercised,' said my friend; 'I'll give yoii a good clue 
 to her opinion. If, when you are preaching, she takes out her snuff- box 
 and takes a pinch of snuff, you may be sure she is pleased with the sermon. 
 It will be all right.' I preached universal salvation. I remember the text 
 and the hue of thought just as well as I do what happened yesterday. I kept 
 my eyes on Mrs. Dunn. Pretty soon out she fished her snuff-box, and took 
 two of the longest pinches of snuff a woman ever took in this world, and 
 then cried out 'Amen.' I never thanked God for anything more heartily. 
 I have preached against tobacco and snuff, but always with a mental reser- 
 vation in favor of those two pinches. No pinch of snuff ever encouraged a 
 man like that. It took all the knock out of my knees.' " 
 
 The "Gospel Banner" relates: "Rev. T. B. Thayer, D.D., exclaimed, after 
 having listened to her for the first time, at a convention in Saco, twenty 
 years ago: 'Tell me, who is that woman! She has unfolded more of the 
 Gospel in ten minutes than any minister here can in a whole sermon!' She 
 inherited the characteristics of her father, but unquestionably excelled him 
 in her clearness of perception and logical deductions. Her method was more
 
 24 OUK WOMAN W011KEBS. 
 
 nearly akin to that of Eev. Hosea ('Father') Ballou than of any person we 
 ever listened to. The Bible was her delight. She read it and comprehended 
 its teachings, and at that time, when aU sects were so generally intent on 
 bringing our cause into disrepute, she deemed it her duty to embrace every 
 opportunity that presented itself to speak in its defense. But few clergymen 
 of the opposing sects, who called on her for the purpose of 'convincing her 
 of her error,' would venture 'to call' a second time, notwithstanding their 
 positive promise to do so." 
 
 This remarkable woman died in 1858, aged sixty-five years. We regret 
 that persistent inquiries have produced no more than this brief sketch. 
 
 SALLY McKINSTRY 
 
 Was the daughter of Captain Abner Hammond, who was one of the 
 founders of our church in Hudson, N. Y. She was bom in 1798. As a 
 child she was peculiar, thoughtful beyond her years, especiaUy considerate 
 toward old people, and she ever showed great satisfaction if she could be of 
 any service to them. The first act of charity that is remembered of this 
 noble woman was enacted in her childhood, and is characteristic. One day, 
 when very young, she was walking in the street with her father, when they 
 met a httle girl whose dress was so tattered and torn that it could hardly be 
 called a dress. The young philanthropist looked after her for a httle while, 
 white and eager-eyed, and then, placing her hand upon her heart, she said 
 to her father, — "That little girl makes me ache here," and in a moment flew 
 after the poor, distressed little one. Her father saw her unbutton her apron, 
 and heard the words, — "Never mind, I have more," and in another moment 
 she was by her father's side, and with her face bathed in tears, she said, — 
 "God is good to some, sure; but why can he not be so to ah?" The father 
 replied, — "His ways are wonderful, and past finding out, oftentimes, but this 
 morning it is very plain that he sent the poor unfortunate to touch the heart 
 of my little daughter to deeds of charity." From that time on to her death 
 this Universalist sister of charity was on the qui vive to ameliorate the suffer-
 
 SAU.Y M, KINSTHY. 25 
 
 • 
 
 ings of others, and as the poor learned this in after years, she was obliged 
 to devote not only her days to their relief, but oftentimes her nights. 
 
 Hon. Robert McKinstry, to whom she was married in early life, seconded 
 and assisted her in all her charities. He was a gentleman of wealth, high 
 social standing and influence, and mayor of the city for some years, lie was 
 a genuine Universalist and a staunch friend to our church. In his will he 
 bequeathed $20,000 to the First Universalist Church of Hudson, N. Y. The 
 home of the McKinstrys was a most comfortable mansion, but it very soon 
 became altogether too small for the great numbers of poor unfortunates who 
 relied on Mrs. McKinstry for all the necessities of life, and who were received 
 into it as welcome inmates until another home was founded for them. Indeed, 
 so manv resorted to her that she was obliged to rent rooms outside to accom- 
 modate them. Previous to this, however, she kept a reception-room in her 
 own home for the poor. One day a friend from out the city called to see her, 
 and hearing the babel of voices, asked of one of the kinswomen the occasion, 
 and Aunt Becca, whose heart was also filled with love for such, replied, — 
 "They are Sally's Arabs." Of these "Arabs" Mrs. McKinstry took the entire 
 care, thus realizing the dream of her childhood of doing for others. 
 
 How to systematize her work, that she might be able to do most, was 
 her great anxiety, and in considering this question the thought of the Orphan 
 Asylum, which has reflected so much honor on the city of Hudson, was bom. 
 Many feared it was a Quixotic idea, but her father, understanding his daugh- 
 ter's foresight, sagacity, and perseverance, was so sure of its success that he 
 cheerfully co-operated with her by giving a suitable site for the building. 
 She immediately began to solicit .funds. The history of her county says, — 
 "It ever after absorbed and controlled her entire energies, becoming her para- 
 mount and ruling passion, till the work was completed, in 1850." 
 
 Men of means were most earnestly besought to assist, and few turned 
 deaf ears, and she always put the most charitable construction upon the 
 refusal of such as declined to render assistance. 
 
 The history of the county where Mrs. McKinstry lived, says, — "She 
 sought information in all directions, wrote articles, presented the subject 
 before public meetings, sent committees to the legislature, and indeed never 
 faltered until her effort was crowned with success and the asylum W'
 
 26 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 erected, and its permanent continuance provided for. She was immediately, 
 by general consent, chosen chief directress of the institution, an office she 
 held and the duties of which she discharged with singular capacity and 
 devotedness during the rest of her life." 
 
 She had great influence with the politicians, and always had friends of 
 the asylum at Albany, during the legislative sessions, at work for appropria- 
 tions. It was well known that any man who wanted office kept on the right 
 side of "Aunt Sally," which was easily done by aiding the Orphan Asylum. 
 She was undoubtedly the most influential citizen of Hudson. Eev. L. C. 
 Browne, who was her pastor at one time, says, — "She had great influence 
 among the women of the city, in securing coadjutors. Old and young, high 
 and low, were at her service. She knew what was going on in the homes of 
 the poor, and, wherever there was want or brutality to women or children, 
 over such places she kept close scrutiny, and the appearance of her earnest, 
 kindly face in the doorway of an Irish hovel, in either case would bring joy 
 to the face of the abused and shame to the face of the brute ; and there were 
 many of that class, could they have had their own way, who would have can- 
 onized her, Catholic or no Catholic." 
 
 Her obituary says : " The life of this remarkable woman will probably 
 never be written, except upon the records of heaven. The writer of this 
 would gladly have entered upon the pleasing task of giving her biography to 
 the world, but soon discovered that it would be impossible to bring to light a 
 life so full of faith, so full of private benevolence, so bound up in secret, 
 stealthy deeds of kindness, love and mercy; and that very many of these 
 were so delicately connected with the secret happiness and the heartstrings 
 of living parents and children that it would be wrong to publish them dur- 
 ing the present generation. Besides this, to do anything like justice to her 
 memory one must collect from all over the face of this country those thou- 
 sands of letters, written by her own hand and by her dictation, which alone 
 would form a monument to her praise, and teach such a lesson of self-sacrifice 
 and Christ-like devotion as the world has rarely witnessed. No one can read 
 her appeals for aid, her more than motherly counsels to her scattered and 
 apprenticed orphans, 1km- forgiving and imploring appeals to the wayward 
 and vicious whom all others had abandoned, without feeling, as the writer
 
 SALLY McKINKTEY. 27 
 
 of this has often felt and expressed, that God's grace had made of her a won- 
 derful woman. Mrs. McKinstry had no prejudices that even the most inti- 
 mate coidd discover. Her charity was unbounded. In her severest disap- 
 pointments she blamed no one — always had an apology for the most selfish 
 refusal, and a word of praise for the smallest aid to her pet lambs. She 
 seemed to know nothing of Christian sectarianism, but called around her all 
 who would do good, of whatever name, sect, or nation. The excellent ladies 
 that were associated with her in the management of the Orphan Asylum will 
 bear witness to the truthfulness of all that is here written. The mantle that 
 fell as she ascended no one will be willing to put on. The many deeds that 
 her love and patriotism, her faith and prayers enabled her to perform, 
 scarcely any three would be willing to undertake. These ladies will under- 
 take and fully perform all that the best interests of the asylum require. 
 They will endeavor to find out the many precious channels through which 
 her unseen benevolence flowed, and to fill them; and every week they will dis- 
 cover some new evidence of the patience, power, and perseverance of that 
 feeble, faithful woman." 
 
 Mrs. McKinstry was very handsome in early life, and she coidd have 
 been a leader in fashion, for she inherited quite a fortune, but instead of 
 adorning her person with finery, she dressed very economically, and spent all 
 in benevolence, even foregoing the pleasure of traveling, for twenty-five 
 years never leaving the city. 
 
 Some of the boys of her asylum rose to positions of honor, which gave 
 her great pride and satisfaction. One of them was a member of the New 
 York legislature at the session of 1853. Rev. L. C. Browne relates that the 
 gentleman came to Hudson and passed a Sunday while he (Mr. Browne) 
 was boarding at Mrs. McKinstry's. "Aunt Sally" was very happy, and took 
 great delight in introducing him to friends and callers at the house. 
 
 All over the country there are those who have been saved from the 
 oppression of poverty by her, and, better still, from ill-spent lives. She had 
 no children of her own, by birth, to "rise up and call her blessed," but there 
 are scores of the world's children who venerate every letter of her name. 
 God seems to have made her childless that she might be a mother to many 
 of his poor, and she certainly inherited as few have done, the blessing,—
 
 28 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 "Inasmuch as ye have done it to the least of these, ye have done it unto me." 
 Is it any wonder that the good people of Hudson are not only proud of the 
 memory of such a woman, but worship her for her manifestation of that 
 charity which is greatest of all? 
 
 Although a firm believer in our ennobling faith, and ever ready to assist 
 in its promulgation by encouraging and giving, she seldom attended church. 
 Her health, which was very delicate, she sacredly expended in the work to 
 which she had consecrated her hfe. She had great regard for the members 
 of our clergy, and one day when she was extolling their virtues, a friend said, — 
 "Aunt Sally, why do you not attend church more?" She replied, — "My 
 strength is all needed in my work for the Lord's poor, and as he has called 
 such noble men into his vineyard, and entrusted to them the teachings of his 
 life, I am content to leave the work with them, and to such as you. to help 
 them. Women must not be idle. " 
 
 Amanda F., wife of Rev. Gamaliel Collins, writes: "I first met Mrs. 
 McKinstry in the Fall of 18-4G. It was at the end of a wearisome day's 
 journey. The street lamps were already lighted, as we drove rapidly from the 
 depot, stopping before a spacious mansion ablaze with light. We were 
 received by Mr. McKinstry with a stateliness and dignity that, feeling home- 
 sick as I did, being the first time I had left my New England home, chilled 
 me. I had not then learned what a warm, generous nature lay hidden 
 beneath that cold exterior. The family were. at supper. Mrs. McKinstry 
 soon appeared, and her cordial greeting made me feel at home at once. She 
 was dressed in a faded black and white calico, made in the style of what we 
 women call a loose wrapper, fastened at the waist with a belt. Her head was 
 tied up with an abundance of cotton batting, she having had an attack of 
 neuralgia the night before. Her cap was awry, her hair disheveled ; yet, not- 
 withstanding all this, she looked a very handsome woman. Her figure, 
 though a little given to embonpoint, was trim, and her dark grey eyes, pure 
 complexion, fresh white teeth, and classic features are indelibly impressed 
 upon my memory. She had not expected us quite so soon, and our room 
 was not ready, and that evening a large party was to be given in honor of a 
 yotmg bride and groom, who had just come there to board; the relatives from 
 out of town were already arriving; an extra supper had to be prepared, and
 
 SALLY McKINSTRY. 29 
 
 to crown all a gentleman anil lady called at that moment to have a conver- 
 sation about a little girl they had recently adopted from the Orphan Asylum. 
 "During the week that elapsed while awaiting the arrival of our furnituri , 
 1 had many opportunities of learning the past history of this remarkable 
 woman, and of the routine of her daily life. Fearing I might be lonely, she 
 kindly offered me a seat in her own room; and to sit in 'Aunt Sally's' room, 
 as she was affectionately called by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, 
 and witness daily the living panorama of all sorts of people on all sorts of 
 errands, was an event in one's hfe not soon to be forgotten. While every 
 other part of the house was attended to and kept in perfect order and neat- 
 ness, in this room, only, disorder and discomfort reigned supreme. She who 
 never turned away the poorest beggars, or refused to minister To their needs, 
 seldom had a moment to think of her own wants; indeed, I do not think it ever 
 occurred to her that she had any. To recall this room is to remember a 
 comfortless bed, folded away in the daytime into a pine wardrobe; an old 
 settee covered with faded calico; a few chairs, a stove, a square table in the 
 corner with an accumulation of books, papers and writing materials, — for the 
 moments she could snatch from other duties were devoted to a voluminous 
 correspondence, consisting mainly in ajmeals for aid for her Orphan Asylum. 
 To found this home for the orphan had been her dream from early woman- 
 hood; and, at this time, a plain structure recently erected, and which shel- 
 tered from thirty to forty little children, was the fruition of the hopes and 
 efforts of many, many years. To realize this dream, she who was the child 
 of wealthy parents and the wife of a successful business man, had dressed 
 herself in cheap calico; had denied herself the commonest luxuries, even the 
 comforts of life; had been willing to take upon herself the charge of a large 
 and fashionable boarding-house. 'For,' as she said to me, '1 could not have 
 the face to call on Mr. Mac for all the aid 1 require, and by keeping up this 
 establishment 1 can feed and help, somewhat, all who come to me for assist- 
 ance.' This was true; and hourly the applicants came. They were always 
 welcome. No matter how ragged or dirty the beggar-child, his hand was 
 kindly taken in hers, his needs inquired into, and when sent to the kitchen 
 it was with a message to the cook to furnish the food he required. Nor were 
 ihe children the only recipients of her bounty. The poor and afflicted of all
 
 30 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 ages and all conditions sought her presence for sympathy and assistance. 
 Servant girls in want of places found with her a temporary home, till, at 
 last, her house became a sort of incipient intelligence office, and I, with 
 many others, often found it convenient to apply to Mrs. McKinstry when a 
 new servant was wanted. 
 
 "Only once did I know of Mrs. McKinstry leaving her home during the 
 six years I resided in Hudson, except to visit the Orphan Asylum, her parents 
 and sister, who lived directly opposite, and a few indigent families in her 
 immediate neighborhood. I never knew her to treat herself to a drive, or any 
 amusement whatever. The one exception was an unexpected visit paid to 
 myself. I had often jestingly invited her to take tea with me, never suppos- 
 ing, knowing her habits, that she would do so. Much to my delight and sur- 
 prise she walked in one day, attired in a fresh cap and an old black silk, the 
 only dress she possessed except calico, and never indulged in except on Com- 
 mittee days. I will here say a number of ladies connected with the asylum 
 held a meeting once a month at Mrs. McKinstry's house, at which she pre- 
 sided. She laughingly told me she had come to take that cup of tea with me. 
 I had to prepare it early, for she became anxious as night drew on, and I 
 found her nervously pacing the back piazza when I came to announce that it 
 was ready. I considered the visit a great compliment, and told her so. 
 
 "Mrs. McKinstry was thoroughly imbued with the spirit and belief of 
 Universalism. She was ever interested in all that pertained to church affairs. 
 Her house was the temporary abiding-place of all stray ministers, as well as 
 the place of rest and cheer of the resident clergyman and his family. It was 
 our privilege to pass the last weeks of our stay in Hudson in her hospitable 
 home, and to make it our headquarters in our subsequent visits to that city. 
 A few weeks after her decease I crossed the threshold of her late residence for 
 the last time. A beloved and competent relative had succeeded to the charge 
 of affairs. Except the stream of besieging beggars everything was going on 
 as usual. Busy life prevailed, and the broad halls still echoed to the tread of 
 many feet. But for me the house was silent and void ; its inspiration was 
 gone; the charm of her presence had departed forever. 
 
 "1 next, proceeded to pay a visit to an upper room across the street, 
 where resided Mother Jenison and her widowed sister, who for a long time
 
 SARAH JifvOUGHTON. 31 
 
 had been Mrs. McKinstry's pensioners. With streaming eyes they talked of 
 their loss. She had come in, the night of her decease, as she always did the 
 last thing before retiring, to make her kind inquiries, and see if their wants 
 were all attended to. She tallied of her plans for the morrow, and, bidding them 
 a cheerful good night, left them. An hour later, by the moving lights and 
 apparent confusion in the mansion opposite, they felt that something 
 unusual had happened. Too soon the dreadful news came; their protectress 
 was no more. 
 
 "In company with a mutual friend I sought the place where reposed all 
 that was earthly of my beloved friend. Long and reverently we stood by 
 that sodless grave. For us it was a hallowed spot. As yet no stone 
 marked her resting-place, but an offering of flowers lay at the head of her 
 grave. 'They are always here,' said my companion; 'a fresh bouquet every 
 day, placed here by unknown hands.' 
 
 "Many years have passed. I know not what monument rises above that 
 sacred sepulchre, nor on what tablet her virtues are commemorated. I only 
 know her memory is enshrined in the hearts of the poor, and thus she is 
 ever immortal." 
 
 Mrs. McKinstry died June 22, 1862, aged sixty-four years. She was 
 followed to the grave by the inmates of the asylum, and a crying crowd of 
 poor unfortunates from all over the city, and every day for years after her 
 death the hillock in the graveyard where her remains repose was strewn with 
 fresh flowers, the tribute of unknown bauds. 
 
 SARAH BROUGHTON. 
 
 Although this beautiful woman is where neither pity nor sympathy can 
 reach her, yet every letter I receive in regard to her life calls out all the 
 sympathies of my bein^ for the suffering she endured here, and I cannot help 
 wishing that she could know how many of her earthly friends revere and love 
 her memory. 
 
 Sarah Sumner was the daughter of Daniel Sumner, of Lamoille, Vt.
 
 32 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 She was bom in the morning of the 29th of Oct., 1802. The morning was 
 bright and radiant; and when the babe was placed in the mother's arms the 
 mother said: "If betokening signs are true, my babe is to have a pleasant 
 life." But before midday the sun was darkened with angry and forbidding 
 clouds, and a storm of rain and wind succeeded. But the evening of the 
 day was made beautiful by the shining forth of the sun, and its peaceful set- 
 ting. If that mother could have lived to the rounding of that dear one's life, 
 she woidd have recalled the typical omens, and perhaps would have asked 
 the question, — "Why is it that God deals so severely with his bright and good 
 ones?" A friend of Mrs. Broughton said to her, at a time when she was suf- 
 fering from some great trouble,— "I pity you! why are you so afflicted?" and 
 the patient one replied, — "I must need affliction. If we judge of our bodily 
 needs by the violence of the medicine given, we must judge of our spiritual 
 needs by what our spiritual physician administers." This sentiment she 
 expresses in her poem entitled "Sorrow:" 
 
 "I know there are afflictions like the soft Spring morning showers. 
 That drench in tears the opening buds of May's sweet-blooming flowers, 
 Yet add new beauty to the leaf, fresh vigor to the stem. 
 And teach the lily to outvie the proudest diadem." 
 
 And this woidd have been the reply to the mother's question. 
 
 Sarah's family were plain but kind and large-hearted j)eople, fond of 
 reading; and in her girlhood she showed mental superiority and poetical 
 genius. When but four or five years old she would gather blossoms and hide 
 herself among the tall grass, and make what she called verses of the flowers; 
 her artistic eye as well as poetic soul would blend the colors until they were 
 pleasing, and that she called poetry. She was too young to realize that those 
 were to be the only sorrow-free days of her earthly existence. 
 
 Sarah lived by the banks of the winding Lamoille; and soon after her 
 death, Mrs. L. F. W. Gillette wrote an article for the "Ambassador," in which 
 she said, — "Sarah would frequently steal out from her low chamber when the 
 family were at rest, and, with her glistening purple-black hair hanging around 
 her white robe, would glide noiselessly to the river, with her small feet hang- 
 ing down the bank, her ear drinking in the music of the singing waters, and 
 her gaze riveted upon the starry skies, or watching the dappled shadows cast
 
 SARAH BBOUGHTON. 33 
 
 by the waving tree-leaves and the silver moonlight. Nor would she seek her 
 pillow until her sonl was filled with the gathered loveliness; then she would 
 return with her large Mack eyes gleaming with clear, poetic fire. 
 
 "She had few advantages when a child. The great natural world with its 
 beauties, and the angels with their white wings and soaring love, were ever by 
 her side. These were her true instructors, for there was no one wise in hid- 
 den lore, or who could understand and guide her warm, enthusiastic nature, 
 and sympathize in her peculiar and eager desire for mental improvement. 
 And more than ah, the great tide of tenderness that ebbed and flowed in her 
 child-heart was doomed to roll on and in and around the heart-walls, for 
 there was no human being who knew their depths, whose heart could give 
 back in exchange the same deep, mellow sentiment; and in the deep, dark 
 valley she moved alone, her young spirit fearless amid the beauty and grand- 
 eur that surrounded her." 
 
 When about twelve years old her parents moved to New York. Her 
 father died soon after — a great grief to her. At fifteen she supported herself 
 by teaching. When eighteen years old she moved with a friend to Malone, 
 N. Y., but continued her teaching until she was married, which was at the 
 age of twenty-three, in 1825, to S. H. Broughton, of Malone, N. Y. Her 
 only surviving child, Mrs. L. J. Watkins, Han Jose, Cah, says: "I can not 
 give you as much as I would about my mother, for I was not eighteen when 
 I left home, and I have never set eyes on her dear face since, and that was 
 thirty years ago. By nature my mother was a 'Mary,' hut by circumstances 
 a 'Martha:' that is, her cares turned the current of her life from the ideal 
 to the practical. She was very fine-looking — large, dark, lustrous eyes, glossy 
 blue-black hair, and an expressive, broad forehead; and her friends used to 
 say that her smile was the most radiant that ever spread its sweetness upon a 
 human face. In her early life my mother was a Presbyterian, and I have 
 heard her say that she became a Universalist by reading the Bible." 
 
 Soon after her marriage, Mrs. Broughton found that she had not only her- 
 self to provide for, but a husband inclined to indulge in drink: and her first 
 effort toward it was in keeping young lady hoarders for the school; and Mrs. 
 Gillette relates the circumstances which introduced her to the public. One 
 "composition day" a young lady desired to exchange work. If Mrs. Brough-
 
 34 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 ton would write the composition she would perform the labors of the morn- 
 ing. The exchange was agreed upon between them. The composition 
 elicited great praise, and was caUed for as a contribution to the village paper. 
 The young lady consented, and revealed the name of the author. Soon after 
 Mrs. Brough ton became one of the favorites of the "Magazine and Advocate," 
 "Universalist Union," "Ladies' Repository," "Rose of Sharon," and other 
 Universalist publications, and ever devoted her time and strength to our 
 denominational literature. 
 
 Mrs. Broughton was the mother of six grown children — Sumner, Celeste, 
 Harry, Laura, Charles and Maria. Laura is a resident of San Jose, Cal., 
 with whom her father resides — now, alas! debased by appetite, unable to 
 appreciate or enjoy his only child's tender care. Intemperance had brought 
 the husband and father so low, and his cronies were so many, that it was 
 thought best to change their residence, and Michigan was chosen as a place 
 far enough removed from his old haunts for their home. But the change 
 made no improvement; he continued in his old habits tmtil the family was 
 reduced to the lowest poverty, and was supported only by the pen of that 
 crucified heart. It was in 1819 that she came to Michigan and lived within 
 eleven miles of Rev. E. M. Woolley; and longing for sympathy from some 
 true heart, she left home for a visit with the Woolleys. Neither Mr. Woolley 
 nor his daughter, Fidelia, had ever met her until she walked into their modest 
 home for a visit. They saw at a glance that she was the wreck of a once 
 gloriously beautiful woman. Mrs. Gillette says that her long, shining black 
 hair was then threaded with white ; her large, black eyes dimmed by years of 
 sorrow; her features, sharpened by complicated cares and sickness; her slight 
 form emaciated; and the great, massive head seemed too heavy for the slen- 
 der neck that upheld it. To hear her speak and observe her manner, one 
 felt that tender, deep, passionate, all- sacrificing love was her nature. We 
 can but believe that this grand and sorrowing woman went back to her 
 cheerless home comforted by the words spoken to her by the great-hearted 
 Woolley, and cheered by the communion with our then youthful singer, who 
 says: "In the Autumn of 1848 I passed two weeks in her home on the banks 
 of the blue-lipped Clinton. The golden memories of that happy visit will, I 
 trust, be kept by all then there, in the holy home to which we are all hasten-
 
 SARAH BROUGHTON. 35 
 
 ing. To others, perhaps, they would be nothing. It were enough that the 
 wife, the mother, the friend was far more than the world can ever know her 
 to have been. One year more and I was with her again. But the little light 
 that hung about her heart and home at the time of my first visit had all 
 departed. A young bride was on the eve of departure for the land of the set- 
 ting sun; two sons were very ill — one with chills and fever; the other, upon 
 whom she had hoped to lean in her declining years, it was feared was in con- 
 sumption; and her first-born lay in his coffin-home, ready for the bearers. 
 That night, as I sat by her side, she looked up from her pillow and said,— 'I 
 fear insanity;' " and Mrs. Gillette continues by saying, — "When I looked upon 
 her great brain, and thought of the deep tenderness of her nature, and the 
 crushing circumstances of her life, I was only surprised that the spirit had 
 not ere this cut itself away. " A few years later her eldest daughter passed 
 into the life beyond. 
 
 Another writes: "She was a woman of commanding presence, but when 
 I last saw her, her large dark eyes, through which her heart ever spoke, told 
 a story of not only a buried and broken heart, but a brain that had begun to 
 give way beneath the pressure of blending burdens." 
 
 But she so far recovered her health as to be able to write, and among her 
 last productions was the following, to her now only surviving child, Laura, 
 the bride who had gone to the Pacific coast : 
 
 THE FAREWELL. 
 
 The hour has passed, ami thou no more shall see 
 The mother who watched o'er thine infant years, 
 
 Who through griefs weary season cared tor thee, 
 
 While the bruis'd heart-strings wepl their crimson tears. 
 
 No more thou'lt see me; o'er the waters bright, 
 
 In whose clear depth the circling rainbows sleep, 
 Thy onward path shall be, while mournful light 
 
 Collies tO these eyes that can not cease to weep. 
 
 Thou wilt roam gaily on the far-off shore. 
 
 Where the unclouded Summer sunlighl gleams, 
 
 And list at eve the breakers' solemn roar. 
 
 That greets the swelling song ol rushing streams. 
 
 Soft, odorous gales, from many a sea-rocked isle. 
 With balmy wing may fan the orange Bowers,
 
 yg OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 And birds of gorgeous plume may sing the while 
 Their merry carols 'mid the fadeless bowers. 
 
 The morning sunlight on the ocean wave 
 
 May shed a radiance like the smile of God; 
 
 Wild mountain torrents golden sands may lave, 
 And flowery gems inlay the verdant sod; 
 
 But in the lonely hours thy soul shalt turn 
 
 With restless longings to the hallowed shrine, 
 
 Where, till life's latest flame shall cease to burn, 
 Thy mother's deathless love for thee shall pine. 
 
 Upon that heart where thy young head did rest 
 So tenderly, in the bright, sinless years, 
 
 The weary clasp of sorrow's chain is prest, 
 
 And through the gathering gloom no star appears. 
 
 God bless and keep thee; though we meet no more, 
 
 Amid the green paths ot the pleasant earth, 
 I'll wait thee on the high, immortal shore, 
 
 Where time's frail children gain the angel-birth. 
 
 The mother-heart shall know thee, in that clime, 
 
 Where the redeemed ones walk in robes of white, 
 
 And greet thee with the song of bliss sublime, 
 
 And wreathe thy brow with flowers of golden light. 
 
 And we will walk beside life's crystal stream 
 That flows forever from the glorious throne. 
 
 And tune our lyres to love's exhaustless theme, 
 While the eternal ages circle on. 
 
 Her son Henry, thinking only of his mother's comfort, went to Lake 
 Superior prospecting, and -fortune smiled to such an extent that he was soon 
 ahle to send for her, and not only make her comfortahle hut give her all the 
 luxuries of those days. They had anticipated much pleasure and happiness 
 in their new and romantic home, and she had promised her son that she 
 would take no care, hut devote the remainder of her life to literary labor. 
 But I give below a letter written to Mrs. Gillette a few months after she 
 arrived at her new home : 
 
 "It was not until a day or two before her death that I admitted a fatal 
 termination to her disease. She assured me she should recover. How fer- 
 vently ( prayed she would! She revive'! so much the day or two before her
 
 SARAH UROUGHTON. 87 
 
 death, and spoke so cheerfully of her recovery, that I left her a few hours, to 
 go out to the mines, where business required my attention. When I 
 returned in the evening, mother did not know me, and she did not speak 
 except to ask for water. Her poor, shattered frame was nearly wasted away 
 before her spirit left it. in a few moments, I saw there was no hope. She 
 died on the evening of the 20th of December, 1853, after an illness of three 
 weeks, of typhoid fever. She died without a fear. The dark valley of the 
 shadow of death had no terrors for her. This cold, frigid region is not where 
 1 should wish to consign her precious dust to its last abode; but she was 
 anxious to come here, and here she was willing to die. We are alone now, 
 and we feel that she loved us with a love we shall never know again." And 
 this dear boy, forgetting everything but his mother's love and his loss, adds, 
 — "She was in the completest sense a martyr to her love for her children." 
 But the daughter, remembering the long sufferings her mother had endured, 
 says, — "No! She was a martyr to rum." However this was, we are reminded 
 of what Lord Byron says of the oak: "The tree hath lost its blossom ; and the 
 rind, chopped by the ax, looks rough and little worth, but the sap lasts." 
 
 From a manuscript volume of her poems, kindly loaned by her daughter, 
 Mrs. L. J. Watkins, of San Jose, Cal., the following are extracted: 
 
 SUNSET. 
 
 Softly the sunbeams gild the distant mountain. 
 
 Veiling -with purple light its frowning crest, 
 Flinging their radiance o'er the silvery fountain. 
 
 That mirrors back heaven's richly-broidered vest. 
 How beauteous are the sunset-banners, waving 
 
 Their golden-penciled folds along tin' sky. 
 While liquid pearls tho folded flowers are laving, 
 
 And the bright lamps of love are lit on high. 
 
 The gorgeous drapery that veils the azure 
 
 Is folded as no other hand ran fold 
 Save his who bids the whirlwinds do his pleasure. 
 
 And in his grasp the slumbering thunders hold; 
 Whose chariot rolls above the whirling billows 
 
 Borne by the darkling pinions of the storm: 
 Whose throne is based on truth's enduring pillars. 
 
 While love and power his high behests perform.
 
 38 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 It seems as if the angel-band, descending. 
 
 From the bright realms of glory far away. 
 Their flight to some fair orb awhile suspending, 
 
 With heaven's own radiance crowned the fading day. 
 So softly bright the soul, with sweet emotion, 
 
 Bows reverently, as if before that shrine 
 "Where seraphs veil their brows in deep devotion. 
 
 And myriad harpers raise the chant divine. 
 
 With low and silvery tones the gales are sighing 
 
 Their farewell echoes through the quivering boughs. 
 Like the hushed spirit's moan, when friends are dying. 
 
 Ere yet the icy garland twines their brows. 
 Darkness and shadow o'er the vales are creeping, 
 
 Blendings of twilight veil the crystal rill; 
 The lowly wild-flowers' gentle tears seem weeping, 
 
 And mystic influence the spirit thrill. 
 
 Sweet star of even, on the horizon beaming. 
 
 How beautiful thy teachings to the soul! 
 From the mysterious depths of azure gleaming, 
 
 Thou speak'st of climes where floods of knowledge roll; 
 Like the blest star, that beams in smiling splendor, 
 
 When round us sweep the shadows of the tomb, 
 Drawing us upward,, where, in dazzling splendor, 
 
 Love's glorious sun dispels each shade of gloom. 
 
 In this blest home the spirit fondly lingers. 
 
 Above the hallowed mounds where sweetly rest 
 
 The cherished dead, and memory's busy fingers 
 
 Thrill with sad touch the wildly-throbbing breast. 
 
 And as the rainbow tints are fading slowly, 
 + And night her jeweled coronet puts on. 
 
 The spirit trusts, with resignation holy. 
 
 To meet them on the resurrection morn. 
 
 STANZAS. 
 
 How fair is the tinge of the young, vernal rose 
 As in bright blushing beauty its petals unfold, 
 
 And with diamond-drops sparkling the carnation glows, 
 Winn in glory the banners of morn are unroll'd. 
 
 But the violel fringe of those pennons will fade. 
 
 And the tempest's breath darken the carnation's glow; 
 
 And the rose where the pencil of beauty hath stray'd, 
 
 When the storm-cloud hath passed shall lie mournfully low;
 
 SARAH BKOUGHTON. 39 
 
 And the pure gems Of lighl that so brilliantly beamed 
 In a circlet of love round the fond mother's heart. 
 
 One by one must go down in the dark-rolling stream. 
 And like shadows of glory, at sunset depart. 
 
 But a beautiful region is beaming afar. 
 
 Where tin' crystalline fountains, o'er-shadow'd with bloom, 
 Cast their spangles of lighl on the sweet-scented air. 
 
 And the wings of the cherubim scatter perfume. t 
 
 There the flowers that withered 'neath time's chilling sky, 
 
 Transplanted shall live in perennial prime, 
 While the anthems of glory an- sounding on high, 
 
 And the arches of sapphire ring back the loud chime. 
 
 THE FALL OF JERUSALEM. 
 
 How fair is the land to the eye! 
 
 How lovely her prospects appear! 
 The cedars of Lebanon flourish on high, 
 
 And the roses of Sharon are here, 
 The milk and the honey and wine 
 
 From the land of the chosen are flowing; 
 Mount Carmel is spread with a carpet of vine. 
 
 And the balm is from Gilead blowing. 
 The lily and rose in the valley are seen, 
 And the hills of Judea are sunny and green. 
 
 Jerusalem! proud is thy story. 
 
 With splendor and pomp and high daring allied; 
 Here glitters thy temple, the pageant of glory. 
 
 The crowning of Palestine's pride; 
 The sound of the tabret and sackbut is heard. 
 
 As nations go in at thy gate; 
 The heathen the gleam of thy panoply feared. 
 
 And named thee the mighty and great. 
 Art thou guiltless? Ah, no; for the groans of the just 
 And the blood of thy martyrs cries out from the dust. 
 
 Art thou guiltless? answer, thou tears 
 That fell upon Bethany's plain! 
 
 Bear witness, the scourge and the fears which appeared 
 
 On the hill where Messiah was slain! 
 The angel <>f death with the sword of thy doom 
 
 Shall the hand of Omnipotence stay? 
 Speak, prophet of Nafcareth! speak from the tomb 
 
 Where thy murdered mortality lay.
 
 40 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Art thou guiltless? Ah, never! for damp is the sod 
 With the blood of thy prophets, the tears of thy God. 
 
 There's a curse on thy green, sunny bowers; 
 
 The voice of thy thunder comes fearful and loud 
 From the cloud hanging over the turrets and towers. 
 
 And red is the fringe of that ominous cloud. 
 Ah, hushed be the song of thy mirth; 
 
 Let guilty delinquents turn pale; 
 The swift march of earthquakes re-echoes through earth. 
 
 And a rumor of conflict hath laden the gale. 
 O ye innocent! flee to the mountains, for nigh 
 Is the doom of the guilty, and sealed from on high. 
 
 Proud city, thy glory is fading; 
 
 The armor of David is covered with rust. 
 And the Roman avenger through carnage is wading. 
 
 To trample thy splendors in dust! 
 See! proud o'er that battle array 
 
 The Julian banner is streaming; 
 And bright as the sunbeams that gladden the day 
 
 The lance and the helmet are gleaming. 
 Abandoned Solyma! the vial is poured, 
 And famine and faction combine with the sword. 
 
 O where is the shield that was spread 
 
 When the infidel came in his might? 
 For the hearts of the valiant were throbbing with dread, 
 
 As he bared his strong arm for the fight. ' 
 And oft was the proud pagan there, 
 
 To rob and lead captive away; 
 Yet the lion of Judah awoke from his lair, 
 
 And rent from the spoiler his prey, 
 Mourn, hapless Judea! in sackcloth and dust; 
 Thy God thou hast crucified! where is thy trust? 
 
 Now tin' Ottoman sits on thy throne, 
 
 Aim! sways his curs'd rod o'er his subjugate lands. 
 On the hills where the temple of Solomon shone 
 
 The mosque of the Saracen stands. 
 The hand of oppression hath scattered a blight. 
 
 And hath her anathema spoken. 
 In vain, ye crusaders, ye rush to the fight; 
 
 For her bondage is not to be broken; 
 Not yet to be broken! Accomplished her curse, 
 The page of her doom the Most High shall reverse.
 
 EUNICE HALE WAITE COBB. 41 
 
 EUNICE HALE WAITE COBB. 
 
 Eunice Hale Waite was bom in Kennebunk, Me., Jan. 27, 1803, the 
 second child of Capt. Hale Waite and his wife Elizabeth (nee Stanwood). 
 The health of her father failing, he returned to Old Ipswich, Mass., from 
 which they had removed but a short time before her birth. Eunice was in 
 her fifth year when her father died, leaving a widowed mother with four 
 daughters. The two younger than Eunice passed away in infancy or youth. 
 From her father's death until the age of ten she was cared for by her grand- 
 parents, and consequently reared in the midst of the veiy hot-bed of the 
 extremest Calvinism, which, in its most terrible forms, and in all its naked- 
 ness of horrors, was her daily and hourly spiritual pabulum; and her son, 
 Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., the author, says: "Do not forget that this was at the 
 most impressionable period of her life, that period when the mind is sup- 
 posed to take on its most lasting forms of thought and feeling, and this 
 period was wholly under the influence of Calvinistic Limitarianism, pure 
 and undefiled." 
 
 A great and blessed change came to Eunice at the age of ten. Her 
 mother took for her second husband Samuel Locke, Esq., one of the good 
 Father's own men, a man of liberal education, a school preceptor by profes- 
 sion, a great-hearted, liberal-minded, Christian man, and a Universalist. 
 His residence was in Hallowed, Maine, on the Kennebec, thenceforth the 
 home of Eunice Waite. It was not long before the quick-discerning mind 
 of this precocious child saw and felt that the faith of her step-father har- 
 monized with the desire of her soul, and she went to him for spiritual 
 guidance and help. In his wisdom he said: "I will not try to shake your 
 faith, but I would have you study candidly, patiently, Intelligently, fearlessly, 
 the Bible. Study it in the light of God's character as a universal parent. 
 Study the New Testament in the light of what you know to have been the 
 purpose and plan of your Father in heaven in sending his only begotten 
 Son to earth, and you will forget the old dogmas that haunt you by day and 
 by night." She did as advised, and the result was "The First Article," and
 
 42 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 from that time to her passing into everlasting day her soul basked in the full 
 light of the glorious Gospel of the blessed and universal Redeemer. The 
 article above mentioned was written for the "Universalist Magazine" of April 
 21, 1821, a paper published by Henry Bowen, in Boston, and edited by Rev. 
 Hosea Ballou. The paper was a foho, each page 10^x8 inches. The article 
 occupied one -fourth of the paper. 
 
 At that time men were scarce who dared to come boldly to the front 
 as ministers of the Gospel, willing to declare God's universal goodness; and 
 Mr. Ballou, while reading the article for the first time, congratulated him- 
 self to the close, believing the author to be a man, and a new candidate for 
 the ministry. The signature, Eunice Hale Waite, dispelled the hope that it 
 was a male convert who would be willing to come into his Master's vine- 
 yard and work for the redemption of souls. In those days a woman ministry 
 was unheard of; so "Father Ballou," as we will affectionately call him, was 
 conscientious in not urging this young girl to enter a field of labor which it 
 was almost a disgrace for even a man to occupy. And we hope that women 
 wih never forget that men made this new field of labor not only respectable 
 but easy for them to walk therein. 
 
 Mr. Ballou was not wanting in appreciation of a spirit that had burst 
 its fetters; and he said to Rev. Thomas Whittemore, — "What shall we do to 
 show our appreciation of this sister who has dared to face the criticising 
 world for Christ's sake?" It was decided to have this first article printed in 
 sheets and distributed for the purpose of strengthening others who stood 
 between the old and the new theologies, doubting. Two copies were printed 
 on white satin and sent to the author. 
 
 It was not the Bible alone which taught young Eunice to believe in the 
 liberation of every soul from sin and suffering ; it was not that alone that 
 lifted her above the accusation which was almost universally given to God, 
 that he would with pleasure condemn a large portion of his children to 
 eternal wretchedness, but it was our great and beautiful world, lavishly 
 decked with every beauty and grace and needed comfort, that breathed his 
 divine and universal love into her seeking soul. 
 
 The article referred to above, in its original form, was sent to me by 
 R< v. Anson Titus, of WVvnionth, Mass. \i here follows, and this letter i,-;
 
 EUNICE HALE WAITE OOBB. 1 I 
 
 Euin -i Hale Wjite's simple testimony to the beauty and value and glory of 
 the blessed A_brahamic faith: 
 
 To thk Editob of the Univebsalist Magazine— Sir:— Undoubtedly you will 
 I • somewhat surprised al the reception of ;i letter, ;it this time, from an utter 
 stranger, bul although we are strangers to each other, I trust we are not strangers 
 to thai Being who has. I humbly trust, by his grace enabled us to obtain a full 
 belief in his Son Jesus Christ. I have Ions premeditated writing to you. bul have 
 deferred it. realizing my own weakness and inability of writing to one so far 
 superior to myself; but I have now ventured, relying entirely on your charity and 
 Christian disposition to pardon the many errors which may present themselves on 
 this sheet. It will be my object in this epistle, as it may not be uninteresting to 
 you, to give you a short sketch of my life, and conversion to the Abrahamic faith. 
 I was born in Kennebunk. My father dying when I was a child, I spent much of 
 my time with my grandparents, whose object it ever was to store my mind with 
 usefulness and lessons of piety; but they, being strict Calvinists, taught, as many 
 oih.rs do, after the old traditional form, that 
 
 Ther^ is a dreadful fiery hell, 
 
 Where wicked ones must always dwell. 
 
 It was the custom of the family, for those of us who were young, every Sabbath 
 to recite to my grandmother lessons in the catechism, and repeat hymns which 
 we had learnt from the primer and other small books, and my mind being young 
 and tender, thereby became the seat of tradition and error. When I was at the 
 age of ten my mother again married, and removed to Hallowell. My catechetical 
 les~ons now became unpracticed, and my hymns almost forgotten, and nothing 
 particular occurred until the Autumn of 1817, when Winthrop Morse, a Baptist 
 preacher, came to Hallowell. He being much liked as a preacher, and his fame 
 much talked of, consequently excited much attention among the people; and I, 
 feeling a curiosity to hear him, accordingly went and heard him preach from Amos,— 
 "Prepare to meet thy God." He set forth two characters— those who were pre- 
 pared to meet Cod, and those who were nut; and upon his expatiating upon those 
 characters, I found myself to be one of those who were entirely unprepared; and 
 feeling in some degree sensible of my situation, my mind became much exercised, 
 and I felt sensible of the necessity of a preparation being made in this world to 
 meet God in the coming. But tradition, which had been for a long time asleep 
 in my breast, now awoke in its most glaring colors, and would often cause me to 
 answer in the affirmative to some of the most inconsistent questions that were 
 ever asked by man, some of which were the following.— "Do you feel willing to be 
 cast off forever? And do you feel that it would be just in God to consign you to 
 irrecoverable woe?" To these and many others I would readily assent, being 
 totally ignorant of the erroneous nature of them. I was young ami unacquainted 
 with the Scriptures of divine truth: therefore did. like many others, put my trust 
 in an arm of flesh, as it respects religious principles. After I thought I had evi- 
 dence that my sins were forgiven. I strove for a lone; time to support error, to 
 support the doctrine of election and endless misery, but something would always 
 whisper.— "All is not right." I would read some, and converse much with those 
 who would spare no pains in trying to convince me that such tenets were com- 
 patible with the word of God, but still there was something which I could not
 
 44 OUE WOMAN WOEKEES. 
 
 reconcile. My mind continued in this unsettled frame for more than a year. I 
 had heard the doctrine of universal love contended for, but like all others who 
 never peruse the word of God for their own instruction, thought it to be one of the 
 most erroneous principles which man could imbibe, but never could give my rea- 
 sons for thinking so. At length I heard a few words read in your "Notes on the 
 Parables," which convinced me there was a treasure contained in the word of 
 God which I never diligently sought after. My step-father being a man of 
 liberal sentiments, and much acquainted with the Scriptures, I would often ask 
 his .opinion on such passages of Scripture as I could not fully comprehend, being 
 very ignorant of them myself: but he would ever refuse giving me his opinion. 
 knowing my mind was not established, but always commend me to the word of 
 God, assuring me that was the only sure guide which I could take,— and would 
 likewise tell me of the necessity of reading for myself. Finding there was no other 
 resource, I now felt a determination to read, and as far as my abilities would 
 admit, judge for myself. I found the Scriptures were very plain, and contained 
 many precious promises, which appeared to be for all; but still my mind was not 
 established, nor ever would have been, had not more powerful means been applied 
 than is possible for the greatest divines to make use of; it was indeed God alone 
 who could have confirmed my mind, and blessed be his holy name. One Sabbath 
 morning, my mind being very much exercised, and feeling sensible that it was the 
 word of God alone which I ought to take as the man of my counsel, and to him 
 alone I had ought to look for instruction: after committing myself to his care 
 and protection, and beseeching of him to enlighten my understanding, and give me 
 a clear and perfect view of the holy Scriptures and the doctrines therein con- 
 tained, I opened the sacred volume, and immediately cast my eyes upon a chapter 
 which I had no recollection of reading before— it being the second chapter of 1st 
 of Timothy; and never could the cooling streams give more joy to the thirsty 
 traveler on the scorching sands of Arabia than these blessed, comprehensive and 
 universal sentiments gave to my thirsty mind. That thick cloud of error and tra- 
 dition which had so long beclouded my understanding was now dispelled, and I 
 could behold the universal goodness of God not only exhibited in the Scriptures, 
 but in all the works of his bountiful hand. It was here that St. Paul was made 
 an instrument in the hands of God, of converting one to his most holy faith; and 
 may God, as long as he shall grant me breath, grant faculties capable of praising 
 his holy name for bringing me out of nature's darkness into his great and mar- 
 velous light. 
 
 I spent sixteen years of my life, before I enjoyed a mind free and estab- 
 lished; since that, which has been two years, for the most part of the time I have 
 enjoyed uninterrupted happiness in contemplating and meditating on the universal 
 goodness of Clod; and although I have been, and am still, often assailed by the 
 enemies who have begged of me to renounce such erroneous principles, and often 
 told even by professed Christians that it was only the works of the devil, yet I still 
 feel a determination to advocate the cause in which I reel a greal desire to tic 
 assiduously engaged. I have often been told that a belief like mine would do to 
 build upon in prosperity, but would fail in the day of adversity; but, indeed, I 
 have found their assertion to be false, for I have found a firm belief in the mer- 
 cies of God to be a covert from the storm, and a hiding-place from the tempest: 
 and. when trouble has surrounded me. it has made the day of adversity appear 
 '•aim and serene. J was called about live months since to part with an only sister. 

 
 EUNICE HALE YVAITE COBB. 45 
 
 who, being but only two years older than myself, the separation was rendered 
 
 inil I painful: but bow comforting beyond description is the reflection that it is 
 
 no1 eternal; indeed, I fell a great desire for her life, but, when I was called to see 
 her resign her breath to him who gave it. viewing her so far through this trouble- 
 some, sinful world, and about to launch into an unbounded ocean of eternal 
 felicity, how willing did I (eel to leave her in the hands of that being who "work- 
 eth all things after the counsel of his own will." Ami I trust it will be but a 
 short time before i shall be permitted to meet her in the realms of everlasting 
 
 day. where we never shall be again separated. 
 
 I never have had the privilege of hearing the universal love of God publicly 
 contended for but once, and that was soon after my conversion to the faith. As 
 I am deprived of this privilege, I often look forward with acclamations of joy, in 
 
 anticipation of that all-glorious period when the praise of God shall become uni- 
 versal; when, I trust, I shall be, permitted to join, the whole human family, to 
 compose one universal assembly, who will all surround the spotless throne of (bid's 
 eternal love, and there, free from all interruption, join in ascriptions of never-ceas- 
 ing praise to him who died on Calvary's summit; who cried,— "It is finished!" 
 Wowed his gentle head and gave up the ghost; who wrought out and brought in 
 an everlasting salvation, which is unto all, and upon all those who believe. 
 
 Mr. Ballon, I trust I have sufficiently apologized for the liberty which I have 
 taken of writing to you, therefore, I shall now give my reasons for doing it; it 
 was not because I thought myself qualified to fulfill atask like this, which prompted 
 me to undertake it, but the great desire which I have long felt of informing my 
 brothers and sisters in the cause of the great and unbounded goodness of God, of 
 his goodness to one of his most unworthy creatures, and the great satisfaction 
 which I have derived since I have lived in the enjoyment of a firm belief in that 
 glorious doctrine which tends at all times to comfort and animate the believer: 
 and if possible convince its enemies, that there is that joy and comfort in believ- 
 ing which the world can neither give nor take away. Should you think this, after 
 much correction, worthy a place in your Magazine, you have the liberty of insert- 
 ing it. 
 
 After begging an interest in your prayers to God, that I may prove Faithful 
 to the end. I take the liberty of subscribing myself your unworthy sister in 
 Christ. E. H. W. 
 
 The following, which relates the process of her conversion, is from her 
 chary, copied by her son Sylvan us for this book, but, on account of her many 
 old friends in Maine, "The Gospel Banner" has been permitted to print it: 
 
 It was while this revival was in progress that my father, who was a daily 
 reader of his Bible, received, through a friend, Rev. Hosea Ballou's "Notes on the 
 Parables." and his work on Atonement. With these works in hand he set himself 
 to read the Old and New Testaments through in course, the result of which was 
 that his faith, long ago broken loose from Limitarianism, became firmly fixed, and 
 
 he knew that he was a Universalist. I had 1 n watchful of his religious and 
 
 Biblical studies, and knew when he had Anally embraced tic Universalist faith. I 
 dared not converse with him on tin' subject. I really felt— felt it in my heart—
 
 46 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 that it would be sinful in me to converse willingly on religious subjects with one 
 who believed that God would save everybody. I even felt that it might be, on 
 my part— seeking for light and salvation as I was— an unpardonable sin for me to- 
 deliberately come in contact with such a dreadful doctrine! 
 
 Something of my suffering may be gathered from the fact that, when my 
 father would take up the Bible to read to my mother, I would flee from the room, 
 knowing that it was his habit to analyze and explain as he w T ent on. Often, when 
 he was reading aloud from one of Mr. Ballou's works, I would And that the thin 
 partition between my chamber and the room they occupied was not sufficient to 
 deaden his rich, sonorous voice; and then, when I found the heretical arguments 
 reaching my understanding, I would stop my ears with my fingers, and so sit 
 until he had finished his reading for the evening. 
 
 At length, the church government, having become satisfied of the genuineness 
 of my experience, and desirous of enlisting me in their ranks as a convert from 
 Congregationalism, proposed that I should be baptized, and make a full and pubjfc 
 profession of religion.—/, p.— of Calvinism in its strictest sense. As I have before 
 remarked, I felt deeply upon the subject of baptism, and desired that it should be 
 by immersion. Finally, the edict went forth. It was arranged that I should unite 
 myself with the church, and the day was set for my baptism. 
 
 Having reached this stage, I thought what a glorious thing it would be if I 
 could get my dear father to see the error of his way, and come to Jesus, as I 
 had done. The thought, once entertained, burdened me. I pondered long and 
 earnestly. At length I resolved, if it were possible, to bring my father and my 
 minister together, for I fully believed that Mr. Morse, if he could have the oppor- 
 tunity, would not fail of effecting a change in the dear man's views and feelings. 
 Never mind how I went about the work. Suffice it for me to say that I contrived 
 the meeting as I had wished. My father had consented to receive and entertain 
 tin' clergyman who was to baptize me, and dismissed his school much earlier 
 than usual in order that he might properly entertain his guest. But I had not 
 let him know my object. If he suspected it, I had made no sign. I had, however, 
 duly informed my minister of my object, and had urged him to come prepared to 
 lead my erring father to the true Gospel light and life. 
 
 The hour arrived, and with it came my minister, with my father at home to 
 receive him. The tea table was cleared and set aside, and then followed conver- 
 sation. My father was a modest, unobtrusive man. and would not begin an argu- 
 ment with an opponenl in his own house: but his head and face betokened an 
 intellect of exceptional power, and evidently the young minister was not eager to 
 assail him. At Length I discovered that I must bring on the controversy myself, 
 and I did it by remarking to the visitor- that my father had embraced a faith 
 that I feared would resull in his final and eternal ruin. 
 
 "Ah!" said the minister, "what is that?" 
 
 "Why," I replied, "he professes to believe that Cod will eventually save every 
 human being. Really, lie does not believe in the eternal torments of the wicked, 
 nor in a hell set apart for that work." 
 
 The minister appealed to my father to know if I had stated the case truly, 
 and was briefly answered in the affirmative.
 
 EUNICE HALE WAITE COBB. 17 
 
 "Indeed!" cried Mr. Morse, with much surprise. "I can not understand how 
 you can give credit to a doctrine so utterly opposed to the Word ot God." 
 
 My father replied with perfect good nature and calm sincerity, that he did 
 not think he could be iud d to believe anything opposed to the Word of God. 
 
 "As for the doctrine of the final holiness and consequent happiness of all < ; • .< I - 
 children, I find it taught, first, in the very nature of the almighty and omniscient 
 
 Father; ami, next. I And it plainly set forth in the Bible, from beginning to end." 
 
 I may remark here that three simple words from my father's lips sent a 
 strange thrill to my heart. He had said, "final holiness, and consequent bappiness, 
 of— what?— all God's children!" How differently it sounded from "all mankind." or 
 ",:ll men," or "everybody," as we Limitarians were fond of putting it. 
 
 But the minister had come prepared, and he set himself to the work. He 
 commenced in a sort of pitying tone, as though in sorrow for the ignorance of 
 one who knew so little of Scripture. Then he assumed a patronizing air, as of 
 one who was willing to instruct; and he concluded in true heroic style. He had 
 put forth the grand force of argument of which he was master, quoting freely and 
 glibly from the Holy Text, pouring out assertions and propositions fresh from use 
 in his late revival work, and winding up with an earnest appeal t<> his hearer to 
 save himself while yet there mighl he time. 
 
 I saw an easy, waking smile upon my father's face as he prepare, I to speak 
 
 in reply. He had listened in silence, and with profound attention. H immenced 
 
 by presenting what he deemed to be the true (diameter of God. From this he 
 made four direct propositions: First- Did God have in mind a definite purpose 
 when he entered upon the work of creating and peopling the world? Second- 
 Considering that he created children in his own image, what, from his known 
 Character and attributes, must have been the nature of that original purpose? 
 That is;— If he had an end in view in creating man. what was that end? Third— 
 Considering that God is the sole and only creator.— that all things are by him 
 created,— would he have been likely to deliberately create a power whose whole 
 end and aim of life should be to frustrate the grand and holy purposes of his 
 Maker? Fourth— All things considered,— if God had a plan in view in the morning 
 of creation, may we not have faith to believe that he will carry it out to the end. 
 Or. if In- is to fail of accomplishing his purpose, what reason have we to put faith 
 in anything under the sun? "And. sir." said my father.— I can remember his very 
 words and his wondrous look,— "you would tell me that even after God himself 
 has come down to earth, taken on tin' human form, and offered himself, through 
 a cruel, ignominious death, upon the cross, lor the purpose of accomplishing a sal- 
 Nation, which hi' so Lamentably failed to accomplish when he had the work fresh 
 ami new in his hands,— you will tell me that, after all this, the result so earnestly 
 desired by the Almighty Father must depend upon the will and caprice of the 
 poor, Unite, erring and bewildered child and subject!" 
 
 Mr. Morse, it was plain to be seen, was feeling uncomfortable. J'<ut he ral- 
 lied, after a strong effort, and presented more argument. My father, however, with 
 the Bible texts fresh in mind, met him at every turn, and bent hack his own argu- 
 ments and admissions upon himself. At length with a tremor in his frame, which 
 1 Could not fail to see. my minister looked at his watch, and said he was sorry to 
 leave, hut he must do so. as the hour set for his prayer-meeting was nigh at hand. 
 
 I was in an agony of doubt and mental unrest. I could not hear it that the 
 argument should end as it then stood— with all in my father'- favor. One point
 
 48 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 which I had deemed conclusive, and beyond any one's power to demolish, had not 
 yet been put forward; and I determined to present it; and I did it, boldly— desper- 
 ately: 
 
 "Father," said 1, "one thing in the New Testament you have forgotten: the 
 parable of the rich man and Lazarus. How can you dispose of that in a manner 
 consistent with your belief?" 
 
 He laid his hand upon my head, tenderly and affectionately. "My dear child." 
 he said, with a warming, happy smile, "that is one of the plainest and most simple 
 stories told by our Savior — and told for a purpose,— a figure, as you can see, bor- 
 rowed whole cloth from the heathen legends of the old Mythologies. Surely, you 
 can not imagine that Christ intended to present a literal hell in that figure of 
 llttih-x. with Elysium upon one hand, and Tartarus upon the other, and the River 
 Styx running between,— Lazarus upon one shore, and Dives upon the other, con- 
 versing over the Stygian abyss!" And he was going to explain further when the 
 minister's watch came out again, and he said he must go. I asked him to wait a 
 moment, and I would accompany him. I could not bear to be left alone, just then, 
 with my father. On our way to the meeting-house we were mostly silent. Not 
 n word was spoken in allusion to the late discussion. Arriving at the vestry, I 
 took my seat with my sisters, and then gave myself up to thought. At this 
 meeting, called for meditation and prayer, I was to relate my experience for the 
 last time previous to my baptism and admission into the church. When I was 
 called upon to speak, I arose, and tremblingly (for my heart was painfully wrought 
 upon) asked that my baptism might be suspended (that was the word I used); and 
 I further said that I made the request after serious deliberation. 
 
 An old lady, sitting a few pews removed from me, spoke up quickly and 
 excitedly:— "Aha! I guess you've been taught in Master Locke's school since you 
 were with us last!" (My father is even to-day remembered in Hallowed as "Master 
 Locke.") 
 
 The remark, so impudently uttered, gave me strength. "No," said I, firmly 
 ami steadily,— "I have been taught in Christ's school; and I will seek further 
 instruction from I he same divine and blessed source." 
 
 The minister said not a word; he only bowed acquiescence. He knew what 
 I meant. I will only add, that I went to my home and sought the instruction of 
 which I had spoken. I sought it earnestly, humbly, and honestly; and. thank God! 
 very soon my soul was basking in the full glory of my heavenly Father's bound- 
 less and unswerving love. I had become a Universalis!. 
 
 In May, 1821, at the age of eighteen, she commenced a diary, which 
 she kept to the day of her death. "There are many volumes," writes her 
 son, "which are left to us who prize them as a hlessed inheritance," and he 
 kindly copies the opening and significant entry in her journal. 
 
 Mw 8th, 1821: Eave been indulged this evening with a privilege never before 
 i.y me enjoyed; have heard the universal love of God publicly contended for by 
 Rev, Sylvanus Cobb, a, preacher <<( the Universalis! order. Indeed, my soi;l has 
 
 been abundantly feafeted! How animating how heart-cl ring the subject of Cod's 
 
 universal and Impartial benevolence! To me it seems the most glorious theme 
 
 men or angels call dwell upon; and though I have never before heard the doctrine
 
 EUNICK BALE WAITE COBB. 49 
 
 publicly proclaimed from the pulpit, yel I have long enjoyed a Arm belief therein, 
 an<l have derived great satisfaction therefrom. It is now about ;i year and a half 
 since I fully burst the harrowing bonds of the narrow cr I of partialism— man- 
 mad* — and found lighl and joy in the glorious field of God's universal and impar- 
 tial love: and [ And I can gather daily of its wholesome and delicious fruits a 
 fresh supply; and should I in' spared to the common age of man, and he permitted 
 to range the same broad Held of glowing grace, and partake of tin- heavenly 
 bounties, I surely shall find a, spiritual food sufficient for all my wants. In the 
 good Father I fear not to trust. 
 
 The preacher of the sermon which Eunice thus describes, in a little more 
 than a year became her husband, and from that time on in his household 
 she wrought "good and not evil all the days of her life." 
 
 They were married in Hallowed, Me., at her step-father's house, on 
 Sept. 10th, 1822. Mrs. Cobb became the mother of nine children, all of 
 whom lived to call her blessed. Sylvanus, Jr., the celebrated author, who 
 has been most helpful to me in gathering facts relative to his noble mother's 
 life, was born June 5, 1823; Samuel Tucker, born June 11, 1825; Eunice 
 Hale, bom April 15, 1827; Eben, born Jan. 17, 1829; George Winslow, born 
 March 31, 1831; Sarah Waite, born Dec. 1, 1832; Cyrus and Darius (twins i, 
 born Aug. 6, 1834; James Arthur, born Dec. 22, 1842. The youngest of 
 these, James Arthur, died Feb. 24, 1852; Sarah Waite, died Jan. 17, 1853; 
 Eunice Hale (wife of Lafayette Culver), died Sept. 29, 1871. Kev. Sylvanus, 
 D.D., the husband and father, died Oct. 31, 1860, aged sixty-eight years and 
 three months, of hypertrophy of the heart. Dr. Cobb was among the most 
 eminent of his own church, and of the clergy of his times. He was author 
 of a "Commentary on the New Testament," a "Compend of Divinity," and 
 several other works. As a preacher, he was eloquent, a deep scholar, and 
 profound thinker. He founded, and for many years edited, the "Christian 
 Freeman." 
 
 Asa minister's wife, Mrs. Cobb was first settled in Waterville, Maine; 
 her second settlement was in Maiden, Mass.; her next change was to their 
 twenty-two years' home in East Boston, with which church she was con- 
 nected forty years. This home was so pleasant a resort for students, and 
 they at all times found such a spirit of unity and loving communion among 
 its inmates, that they named it the "Castle of Peace." Rev. J. (i. Adams, 
 D.D., says of our sister: — "No woman, since the Christian church began,
 
 50 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 ever had more unquestionably been called to the office of a minister's wife 
 than she. Faithful to aU the interests of home, she took an equally active 
 interest in the work of her husband. She ever waited upon the Lord with 
 joy and gladness. She was sincere, sunny-souled and sympathetic." 
 Mrs. Cobb was also constantly alive in all the great reforms. In the cause 
 of temperance she was an effective worker and speaker. ' In her speeches 
 she was cheery and pathetic by turns, and consequently was welcomed by all 
 who listened. She wrote a good deal for our papers, wrote in prose and 
 verse ; she wrote and published a very tender memorial of her son, James 
 Arthur. After her son's death, many of our people will remember that while 
 her heart was full of sorrow, she woidd often say that for years she had 
 been "proud to be the mother of men, but now she was prouder to be the 
 mother of an angel." 
 
 The most and best of her writings were of personal and local interest. 
 In her correspondence with friends, in her letters of condolence to the 
 bereaved, she was touchingly tender and sympathetic. She was so sin- 
 cere in her sympathy that bereaved ones felt she had drunk with them the 
 cup of bitterness. One of her friends writes me, — "If you had space in 
 your book, I could tell you stories of her ministrations at the bed-side of 
 the sick and dying, that might truly be deemed sublime." We know that 
 many are living to-day who hold her in sweet remembrance, and who 
 never think of her but with blessings welling up from their hearts. Her 
 eldest son, Sylvanus, writes, — "The heart, the great and noble heart of the 
 woman shone forth in its fullness of goodness, in its Christian trustfulness 
 and faithfulness, most clearly, when she wrote of hope and faith, as inspired 
 by her religious belief. It was when her pen was winged with the spirit of 
 Universalism that her powers were most fully shown." 
 
 Her lfist letter was written to the ladies of the Physiological Institute, 
 of which she was a member for thirty years; twelve years its president and 
 fifteen years its corresponding secretary, both of which offices she filled with 
 ability and grace, so say the friends of the Institute. A memorial service 
 in honor of her, acknowledging the great benefit she had rendered, was 
 given under the direction of ihv ladies of the Institute, in Boston. 
 
 Her first sign of failing health was a paralytic shock, and there is some-
 
 Kl'NKT. IIALK WAITE COBB. 51 
 
 tiling very sweet, as well as pathetic, in the resignedness of her spirit over 
 her great calamity. In her reply to a letter from the Institute, she says: 
 
 Indications, I think, are favorable tor my going out before a great while. Of 
 
 course I musl I autious and move slowly. My general health is good, and the 
 
 arm and hand arc beginning to behave very kindly, it is a great blessing to me, 
 and one 1 wish to be thankful tor, that my right hand is preserved to me; that if 
 I can qoI be with my dear sisters in person, 1 can be with them in spirit, and Lei 
 them hear my voice through the silent Language of the pen. I shall always be 
 with you in spirit, and most devoutly will I ever pray for your prosperity and 
 happiness, and I hope there are yet many happy meetings in reserve for us; and 
 at last may we meet in the shining courts above, where separation is never known, 
 and where we shall unite in songs of praise; to God above, the God of everlasting 
 
 love. 
 
 In all troubles she recognized the hand of God, and bowed submis- 
 sively. 
 
 The following, as will be seen, is in response to a letter written to Syl- 
 vanus, Jr. : 
 
 "You ask me to furnish you a letter of my mother's, that you may pub- 
 lish it in your forthcoming work. I have looked over a great many of her 
 familiar missives, but do not find one which I would be willing to print 
 entire. That which came to her loved ones, fresh from her gushing heart, 
 with so much of warmth and thrill, would not interest a stranger. She 
 wrote most emphatically to her friends, and for her friends. But, I will give 
 you a few extracts, and they shall be from the few last letters that she wrote, 
 written with one poor hand hanging limp and helpless with paralysis, with 
 weights to hold her paper in place. Here is one under date of January 31, 
 1880:—" 
 
 My Dear Darling Boy:— Here it is Saturday p.m.. and I will begin my Sun- 
 day's letter to-day. Bro. Adams (J. G.) will be hen' to-morrow, ami I must save 
 strength to talk with him. Oh, darling! how much I have thought of you to-dny. 
 How much I think of you every day,— but particularly to-day, because 1 it is the 
 last day of the month, and the swift passing of time brings me nearer and nearer 
 to the home above and beyond this present home. And your last Letter has done 
 me so much good. I have read it over and over again. Dear one, every word 
 you say is true. Q! so true! What would life On earth be worth if there were 
 no glimpse through faith of the glorious crown of immortality! It is not thai 1 
 should fear to die. I do not ask this faith because I shrink from paying the great 
 debt of nature. But I ask [or it that 1 may have respect for myself,— that I may 
 feel that Life is worth living,— thai good is worth striving for above and beyond its 
 mere return of earth. And. above all else, I ask for thai faith because it makes
 
 52 OUK WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 life grand, and gives to us sublime possibilities. And, further, it gives a substance 
 of joy and bliss which nothing earthly ever gave, and which nothing of earth can 
 take away. 
 
 Oh, the Christian's faith! Here, in my quiet chamber, with the things of earth 
 passing away, and the evening drawing nigh, I realize, as never before, the worth 
 of that faith. It bridges the dark valley of shadows, and uplifts the soul to visions 
 of the better life, even while lingering on this side of the vale. Once more, my 
 darling,— Blessings on our glorious faith! 
 
 Shall I come to you in June,— my month of fragrance and delight,— sweetest 
 month to me of all the year? You know June has been my favorite time for 
 enjoying your beautiful grounds at Hyde Park. We will live in hope; and, mean- 
 time, with our blessed faith to sustain us, we can cheerfully say to the good 
 Father,— "Thy will be done!" 
 
 Sunday Morning, Feb. 29, 1880. 
 
 My Deab Darling Boy:— I come again, on this Sabbath morning, to talk with 
 my first born. I can not tell you what comfort your last dear letter gave me. 
 * * * * I have spent two happy and blessed days. There has been 
 pain of body, and unrest; but the sweet love of my dear ones— and of my friends 
 everywhere— gives me a peace and comfort which earth, even by its pains, can 
 not steal away; and my faith in the dear Redeemer gives me rest when the med- 
 ications of my physician fail me. * * * * 
 
 Darling, I have been thinking— thinking— thinking. Tell dear Molly that she 
 must not think too much of June. I do not dare to. I will let it rest till June 
 comes. I think it is very doubtful about my going out again. If I can be any 
 way comfortable here, in my quiet chamber, I will be content. I wait patiently. 
 To go to Hyde Park and be with the dear ones there, or to "go home," and be 
 with the dear ones there— I intend to be prepared for either. And I am not 
 afraid of the result: let what will come, I will feel it to be the best. * * * 
 
 I might write more— and write, and write, but it would only lie to tell you 
 how much I love you, and that you know already. So. dear boy, I will lav down 
 my pen for now. you can sec that my hand is tired: one poor hand has to do it all. 
 
 I Love you! I love you! I love everybody. Take it, with the blessing of 
 
 Mother. 
 
 The following was written and sent to her son not long before her death. 
 Her hand had become very weak and tremulous, the lines were straggling, 
 but it is a pleasant gleam from the thoughts of a devout Christian woman : 
 
 THOUGHTS ON CREATION. 
 
 When the creator spake, and lighl appeared, 
 
 Ilis great command chaotic darkness cleared. 
 The siin. the moon, the stars to being came, 
 Bathed in the glory of celestial (lame! 
 And then, in furth'rance of his wondrous plan.
 
 EUNICE HALE WAITE COBB. 53 
 
 In his own image he created man. 
 
 (In his own image. O! and shall we add: 
 
 Of his own kith and kin, for good or had.) 
 
 Above all other things of living kind 
 
 To man was given a progressive mind,— 
 
 A mind sufficient f<>r the life of earth. 
 
 Progressing still beyond a heav'nly birth, 
 
 And, as creation qow before him stood, 
 
 He looked on all he'd made, and called it good! 
 
 Ages have rolled on ages since that hour, 
 When once again appears th' Almighty Power,— 
 Again that grand command: Lei there be light! 
 And Bethleh'm's star breaks through tin' gloom of night. 
 Man shall not die! Tin' sleep which we call death 
 Shall find a waking with angelic breath. 
 A solemn joy my yearning soul enthrills; 
 My waning life has triumphed o'er its ills. 
 
 I am well aware that I am giving a good deal of space to this saintly 
 woman, but, nevertheless, I must make an extract from a letter written just 
 one week before she passed away. To-day it seems fresh from her willing, 
 trusting heart — from her very " heart of heart" — and we can not but see and 
 feel the full measure of her unswerving faith : 
 
 Monday, G P. M. April 26. 
 
 My Precious Child:— * * * * It may not be too late for me to 
 say t" you, if you have not done anything yet about the doctor, you need not. I 
 am feeling somewhat differently to-day; I have much, very much to live for; but 
 I can nol help accepting St. Paul's words: "To die is gain." I really feel so in my 
 ease. I am ready and willing to go; and I do not feel that life is so desirable 
 that I should shrink from submitting to the will of the good Father. Let it be as 
 In- shall will. Surely, and from the depths of my quickened sense, I am willing 
 to "go home, to die no more." Indeed, it has come to lie my desire that, if my 
 health can not lie restored— and. Oh, I could enjoy it yet to live,— hut, if my good 
 health can not be restored, then let me go home, to tin' "dear ones gone before." 
 For health .and longer life I will praise the Lord; and. if he lias ordered it other- 
 wise, I still can bless his holy name! The future is bright and beautiful: and in 
 all the broad expanse— narrowing it may he. to the final sleep— there is no shadow 
 of gloom. I know you will love your own dear mother all the same, be she here 
 on earth, or with the ransomed of the beyond! 
 
 I hle^> my children again, and again, and they will never cease to love 
 
 Mother. 
 
 And her beloved son adds: " Surely, of that aged mother, as of those 
 little ones whom our Savior held hi his waiin embrace, it may be said, « Of 
 such is the kingdom of Heaven.' "
 
 54 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Toward the close of the scene, when it became evident that the end 
 was approaching, during one of the visits of Sylvanus, Jr., the following 
 occurred. Read it with interest, for it is her loving hoy's account of his 
 visit, in the "New York Ledger:" 
 
 "There are such things as saints on earth; and if mortals may ever be 
 apotheosized, I see not why tbe apotheosis may not be given in life, as well 
 as after they are dead and gone. Living saints, so recognized, might be a 
 source of emulation to others. 
 
 "Let me speak of one dear old Mother in Israel, who, I firmly belfeve, 
 is drawing near to the shadowy vale with garments white as snow, I have 
 known her many years, and know whereof I speak. Not long since I visited 
 her — confined to a chamber which I fear she will never quit in the flesh. 
 But she is ready for the transition, and waiting patiently the summons to 
 join the loved ones on the other side ; willing to go — willing to stay, if it be 
 the Father's will. The last time I saw her, I spoke of the purity of her life, 
 as I had seen it. She shook her head, and feared there might have been 
 short-comings, which my love had not seen. Yet she had tried. 
 
 "Yes; she bad tried to keep the faith. And finally she took from her 
 bosom a tiny silken bag, suspended from a button, and bade me see what it 
 contained. One of her arms was paralyzed and powerless. I opened it, 
 and found a little book of six leaves, three inches long by two inches wide, 
 and in it written,— 'Rides of Life I Will Try to Live.' She told me she had 
 worn that book in her bosom for many years. Every night, on retiring, she 
 pressed it to her lips — 'Once for my husband in heaven; twice for my chil- 
 dren; three times for all the rest of the world; then once more for myself.' 
 And then she prayed to God for help. 
 
 "I copied the rules she had there set down, some of them of. her own 
 volition, and some derived from others. They are very simple, and you who 
 can not sympathize with an aged mother, grown into the trusting, winsome 
 childhood of life's evening, need not read them. Let me, however, premise 
 that she had given her heart, in childlike love and trust, to her heavenly 
 Redeemer many years before. Tims were the rules set down, in her own 
 fair, nervous hand : (They are set down curiously as to order, but it is, 
 probably, the way they occurred to her.)
 
 EUNICE HALE WAITE COBB. 55 
 
 Avoid repetition. 
 Avoid loud talking:— surely. 
 Avoid unfavorable remarks of any one. 
 Avoid till unpleasant allusions. 
 Avoid telling your own troubles. 
 Avoid unnecessary complaining. 
 
 Avoid all sarcasm. Flee from ill-tempered speech as from a venomous ser- 
 pent. 
 
 Avoid all fault finding. 
 
 Avoid making unfavorable comparisons. 
 
 Avoid interrupting others in conversation. 
 
 Be careful to observe all proper rules of etiquette at table. 
 
 Do not forget your glasses! 
 
 Always take an extra pin! 
 
 Be careful and look, before yon sit down, where you are to sit. 
 
 Avoid putting your hand familiarly on another's person in conversation. 
 
 Be careful what you say; where you say it, and how you say it. 
 
 Avoid unnecessary conversation with strangers in public conveyances. 
 
 Avoid putting anything in another's way. 
 
 Avoid conversation by whispering, when another is speaking, singing or praying. 
 
 Put things in their proper places when you are done with them. 
 
 "And that is the list of rides of daily life as she had them set down. 
 As I have before remarked, or hinted, the grand lessons of Christian life and 
 living, those sublime precepts of the divine Master, as shadowed forth in 
 the Sermon on the Mount, had been incorporated into her life in the years 
 of long, long ago, before I had seen the light. With this in mind, I think 
 we may regard the list as well chosen. I know it is simple; and so is till 
 truth simple. In short, the Master was pleased to set up a little child as the 
 type to be copied by those who would surely be worthy of his blessed king- 
 dom. At all events, the incident was a pleasing one to me, and Grod grant 
 it may be of profit to us all." 
 
 One morning, some time before we were called to mourn, or rejoice, 
 over the translation of this beatified spirit, Dr. J. (t. Adams called upon her 
 "in that upper room," as she expressively called it, where he found the 
 invalid in her evening of life contemplating the outlook upon the city and 
 harbor, and the golden evening sky. It had lifted her heavenward, and 
 she talked of the coming dissolution as though it were but the brushing 
 away of a cloud. At his departure she said, with a beaming smile: — "Tell 
 my friends I am waiting at the river, in joyful hope." 
 
 Mrs. Cobb died at the residence of her son, George W. Cobb- Her obse-
 
 56 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 qvues were attended by Eev. Drs. J. G. Adams and A. St. John Chambre, 
 the latter a former pastor. Dr. Adams was eloquent in the recital of her 
 Christian graces, and his words of sympathy to the friends. Dr. Chambre 
 said that her life was " ' hid with Christ in God' ; and her chamber of illness 
 was radiant with Christian hope and confidence, and peacefully as a child 
 she went out from us. " 
 
 From the "First Article" to the last, all the time, in every thought and 
 in every aspiration, she was ever ready and willing to pass on to the brighter 
 shore, for what is called death, was to her but the passing on to meet the 
 loved ones gone before. To her death was "not so much as the lifting of a 
 latch ; only a step out of a tent already luminous with light that 
 
 shines through its transparent walls." 
 
 The following is a beautiful picture of mother-love and tenderness. 
 This good woman was noted for being careful not to wound the feelings of 
 any human heart; and what was true of her in life, we may say was true 
 unto death. Only two days before she closed her eyes upon the scenes of 
 this world, her son saw her for the last time. She was so glad to see him, 
 and for a few minutes talked lovingly and cheerfully, but finally she laid her 
 head upon his shoulder, and said to him, with an infinite pathos, a tender, 
 wistful longing, and a childlike trustfulness; — "Darling, I am homesick! 
 T want to go home." And then, fearing he might think she wished to leave 
 them, she added, with eagerness: — "You do not blame me, do you?" 
 
 The last part of a private letter from her eldest son, Sylvanus, Jr., I will 
 quote in full, and hope he will not think I have taken an unwarrantable 
 liberty. It certainly must be read with interest, if not with profit, by every 
 mother and son. He says: — "Through all her sickness (and her entire 
 sense, keen and intact, never left her while she breathed), through it ah she con- 
 templated the coming transition with a faith and trust that was unfailing, 
 unshaken, sincere and heartfelt. In her 'heart of heart' she was ready 
 and willing to go whenever it might please the good Father to call her 
 home. That was the way she was pleased to speak of it always. 1 am 
 writing of a mother whom I loved — whom I worshiped. Think of it! The 
 Last time I held her living hand in mine, 1 could look back over more than 
 half a century of clear and well-defined memory of my mother's life. I
 
 MARY CATHERINE TRAY. .57 
 
 was never a wrong-hearted hoy, but I was a bay, strong, vimmy, head- 
 strong, and sometimes reckless. I gave that mother many, many seasons 
 of anxiety and travail of soul. I had been wayward, and I had wandered; 
 yet, in looking back over all the years of my mother's life, I can say this : 
 She never struck me ; she never, never spoke to me a hasty, angry word — 
 never! She never bent upon me an unkind, unloving look; she never, in 
 short, spoke to me a word, or cast upon me a look which I could ever wish 
 to forget, or to blot out! How many, at the age of seven-and-fifty, can say 
 that? Do you wonder that I loved my mother? O, what a blessed thing 
 to me is the memory I hold of her! We are told by the preachers of the 
 day that no man can live and not sin. Such a belief is an outrage upon 
 humanity and a slur upon the God who made us. I am happy in the belief 
 that man, if he will, can hve without sin; and 1 shall always, while sense 
 and memory are mine, cherish deep in my heart the blessed belief that my 
 now sainted mother did, while a dweller on earth, walk her round of 
 daily duties for many an hour and many a day — aye, for long, long seasons, 
 without sin. She may have erred; that is human." 
 
 "Glory!" was the last word that was heard from the lips of this saintly 
 woman, responsive to the sweet music of the Sabbath morning bells, the 
 solemn melody of which filled her chamber, and, as peacefully as a babe 
 closes its eyes in slumber, she closed hers upon all that was earthly, and 
 passed from that " upper room," into the Golden morning of the hereafter. 
 
 MARY CATHERINE PRAY. 
 
 Whose maiden name was Evans, was the wife of James B. Pray. She 
 was born in Portsmouth, N. H., April 12, 180G. Mrs. Jane L. Patterson 
 informs us that : — "When but a young girl she began to write verses. In look- 
 ing over those which have been saved from the many which she w T rote, it is 
 plain that her inspiration, in its largest measure, came from her faith in 
 God and his purpose of good to the world. Almost every poem hymns his
 
 58 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 praise, and portrays the exultation of her perfect living faith. In that pleas- 
 ant home where she passed nearly all the years of her mortal life, and where 
 she reared her family of three sons and two daughters, it was her custom to 
 weave her rhymes while about her daily cares, and never commit them to 
 paper until they were complete, a mental process requiring strength of 
 memoiy which few possess. Not always did she write out her singing fan- 
 cies. To her they were a personal resource, and she cared very little about 
 seeing them in print. Few, even of the large circle of her friends, knew 
 how apart from the daily cares in which she was engaged was the thought 
 which upheld her, and the inner realm in which she revelled. Sometimes 
 she sent her sympathy to mourning friends, or wrote a hymn for a church 
 dedication, and in this way some of her poems were published: but by far the 
 larger number were heart and home songs alone. 
 
 "But Mrs. Pray, as one of our church workers, was always ready when 
 any call reached her for help. Skillful with the needle, she wrought for the 
 increase of the revenue in the Samaritan Society, and through its fairs, 
 and deemed no offering of strength and time too precious to lay upon the 
 altar of her faith. Few have loved their church more reverently and 
 intensely than she. She gave it the devotion of a long and faithful life. 
 Never absent from the Sunday services when it was possible to be present, 
 she was indeed one who sat at her Master's feet in all humility, like Mary, 
 while she remembered with equal fidelity to serve as did Martha. The long 
 line of pastors, some of whom are alive at this time, and some have 
 gone to the life immortal, had in Mrs. Pray a true and considerate friend. 
 She took the minister at once into her friendship, and believed in him and 
 listened to him as one who meant to find the good and pass lightly over all 
 imperfection and fault. The gray-haired sage and the young man but j*st 
 equipped in the Christian armor shared alike in her wide love and charity. 
 The faith which they proclaimed was a bond of indissoluble union between 
 their hearts and hers. The many ministers who have been entertained at 
 her house remained as happy inmates of her memory, and became an inspir- 
 ing circle of unseen spirits, to cheer the after days. 
 
 "Hers was indeed a home of hospitality. Its doors were swung wide 
 i pen to a large retinue of devoted friends, and its bountiful table, spread by
 
 MARY CATHERINE PRAY. 59 
 
 her own careful hands, was the center of unsparing labor as hostess and 
 ( ntertainer. Of the multitudes who have gathered there, through the years, 
 none will ever forget the cheerful grace with which she filled her sphere, or 
 the delight which she always manifested in the presence and service of her 
 friends. The void was widely felt when that social center became a thing 
 of the past, through the translation of its life and light. 
 
 "No picture of Mrs. Pray can be complete which fails to make manifest 
 her wifely and motherly devotion. She lived in the love of her family in an 
 eminent degree. Her husband, sons and daughters were so much a part of 
 herself that her own life would have known incompleteness without them. 
 When one of her daughters passed through weary months of illness to the 
 other shore, though she was very quiet in her grief, and though she leaned 
 upon the everlasting arm with a trust which death was powerless to disturb, 
 she felt the absence keenly, as though some portion of her own being had 
 been divided from her. 
 
 "Among the sick of her neighborhood she was a wise and ready helper, 
 giving her time and sympathy freely, and lighting the shadowy valley by the 
 reflection of her sure faith in the life immortal. Of this life she had an 
 inward assurance stronger than knowledge, of any of the places of this 
 world. She saw its beautiful river, its tree of life, its happy angels, and 
 Jesus, the Savior, sitting on the right hand of God. Her faith knew no 
 wavering or temporary eclipse. Of earthly sorrows she had her portion, but 
 any shadow of this world only brought out in clearer relief the exceeding 
 glory of the world to come." 
 
 We regret that we have space but for the following selection from her 
 writings : 
 
 THE HOME OF THE HEART. 
 
 The home of the heart, where, oh, where is it found? 
 Say where shall we seek it, above or around; 
 In what clime, sphere or realm is this mansion so blest, 
 Oh, where is the ark tor the dove to find rest? 
 
 Is it found in affection? Too transient its joys; 
 Affection's brighl blossoms time quickly destroys; 
 Our dearest hopes perish, our loved ones depart; 
 Then surely affection's no home for the heart.
 
 60 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 In friendship? Ah, no, not the friendships of earth, 
 Although this bright gem is of heavenly birth: 
 Wealth brightens its lustre, there homage is paid, 
 But soon it grows dim in adversity's shade. 
 
 Where then shall we seek for this haven so blest? 
 There sure is some home where the heart can find rest, 
 Else why these soul-longings for something more pure, 
 That the world can not give, that will ever endure. 
 
 Oh, yes, there's a bright clime, a bright world of joy, 
 Where love's blossoms fade not, nor death run destroy, 
 Where the pure and the good their sweet influence impart; 
 In the friendship of heaven is the home of the heart. 
 
 There the sad heart will rest from its sorrow and pain, 
 And the glad heart, its blissful emotions retain; 
 There the cold heart be Avarmed by the joys of the blest, 
 And the fond in the spirit of sympathy rest. 
 
 This Christian woman lived to the age of seventy-three years, and died 
 Nov. 14, 1879. We will close the memorial of this faithful life with the 
 following on that expression of the Savior's divine self- surrender, "The 
 cup which my father gives me, shall I not drink it?" 
 
 Dear Savior, when the dews of death 
 Are gently gathering on my brow, 
 And faint and few the pulses beat, 
 And life's swift stream is ebbing low, 
 Sustained by thy example then, 
 May I from pain nor suffering shrink, 
 But take the cup my father fills, 
 And drink, without a murmur, drink. 
 
 FRANCES DANA GAGE 
 
 Was one of the great forces of the nineteenth century. Eminent in the 
 literary world, and rich in all womanly endowments, she was one of the prin- 
 cipal of the many who aided in the work of reform during the dark times of 
 the nation's peril. 
 
 Frances Dana Barker was hom in Union, Washington Co., Ohio, Oct.
 
 FRANCES DANA GAGE. 61 
 
 12, 1808. Her parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Dana) Barker, were from 
 New Hampshire, and were twenty years before among the early pioneers of 
 the West. Her father was a farmer and cooper, and the daughter was early 
 inured to the tasks that occupied her father's hands in the new country. 
 She acquired the rudiments of an education in a rude log cabin in the woods. 
 At the age of 21, Jan. 1, 182J), Frances Dana Barkerwas married to James 
 L. Gage, of McConnellsville (Ohio), a lawyer, and an earnest abolitionist, 
 whose principles she had adopted. Engrossed with family cans, having been 
 the mother of eight children, she became, notwithstanding, a great student, 
 and contributed to many journals stirring articles on temperance, anti-slavery, 
 and the rights of woman. In 1853 she removed to St. Louis, Mo., and with 
 her constitutional fearlessness she bearded the lion of slavery in his den. 
 The penalty of those days was social ostracism, with threats of violence and 
 destruction of property. Her husband's illness compelled her removal to 
 Columbus, Ohio, where she edited an agricultural paper, but the war de- 
 stroyed its circulation, and her mind was directed to the great events tran- 
 spiring in the South. Four of her sons had entered the union army, and in 
 1802 she went to Port Royal to look after the welfare of the soldiers. She 
 labored with tremendous energies among the soldiers and freedmen in Beau- 
 fort, Paris and Fernandina, and proved herself to be a genuine sister of char- 
 ity. Seeing so much to be done she turned her steps to the North to engage 
 the zeal of others in the great work which she saw must be done. Without 
 remuneration she went from city to city, organizing and addressing aid socie- 
 ties. She went South again as the agent of the Sanitary Commission, and 
 visited Memphis, Vicksburg, Natchez, and other places. In September she 
 was crippled by the upsetting of a carriage in Galesburg, 111. She began 
 her philanthropic labors on her recovery, and was a vigilant laborer in the 
 cause of temperance when her activity was ended by a stroke of paralysis in 
 August, 1867. 
 
 Mrs. Gage has been a voluminous writer. Over the signature "Aunt 
 Fanny" she wrote sketches, stories and poems of great popularity. "'Klsie 
 Magoon" is a temperance story of great interest. "The Saturday Visitor," 
 edited by Jane Swisshelm, the "New York Independent," " Ladies Reposi- 
 tory," and other publications have been enriched by her vigorous and versatile
 
 62 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 pen. Few men or women exerted a wider or better influence during her useful 
 life, than this earnest and loving philanthropist, whose level head and warm 
 heart were impelled by the generous religious faith she cherished and pro- 
 fessed. Her own words are, " Temperance, freedom, justice to the negro, 
 justice to women, are but parts of one great whole, one mighty temple whose 
 builder and maker is God." 
 
 The name of Frances Dana Gage will forever stand among the noble, faith- 
 ful women of the first century of the American republic. 
 
 She writes to us under date of June 2, 1881: "Yours of yesterday is 
 in my hands to-day, and as my invalidism makes me feel that it is not wise 
 for me to put off till to-morrow what should be, or may be done to-day, 1 
 rise from my bed to answer your note. I was born in Ohio, almost in the 
 wilderness, seventy-three years ago. Nearly all my friends were orthodox 
 believers except my father and mother and one brother. I never could accept 
 the belief or doctrine of total depravity or of special providence, or the pow- 
 er of any being by prayer to move the universe, or any having right to do so 
 if he could. Consequently I was led into association with the Universalists, 
 more as a disbeliever in the doctrine of eternal punishment than any fixed 
 faith. My home, after my marriage with James L. Gage, who was a friend 
 of Stephen E. Smith, of New York, became the home of traveling preachers- 
 of that liberal faith. Father Stacy, Father Kidwell, Strong, Jolley, Davis, 
 Sadler, George Rogers, Woodworth, Biddlecome, Billings, Flanders, and 
 many others whose names are forgotten, were our guests for days, weeks and 
 even months. 
 
 " But there came a time when they refused to go with me as an abolitionist, 
 ;in advocate for the rights of women, or earnest temperance pleaders. Then 
 it came to me that Christ's death as an atonement for sinners was not truth, 
 but he had died for what he believed to be truth. Then came the war, 
 then trouble, then paralysis, and for fourteen years I have not listened to a 
 sermon because I am too great a cripple. I have read much, thought much, 
 and feel that life is too precious to be given to doctrines. I feel at ease about 
 the future, and ask my soul as did Whittier, 
 
 "<>i what's i<> be or what is done 
 Wliv Miicficsi thou,
 
 
 Enara 
 
 - ^z^
 
 JULIA H. SCOTT. 68 
 
 The past and th<' to be are one, 
 
 And that is now." 
 
 "I have no pros, no cons about it, know nothing nor seek to know. ] 
 don't think you can truthfully call me anything Imt a believer that all is well." 
 The following is a favorable specimen of her style : 
 
 DARE TO STAND ALONE, 
 lie hold, )><> linn, be strong, be true, 
 
 And dare to stand alone. 
 Strike for the right, whate'er ye do, 
 
 Though helpers there be none. 
 
 Oh! bend not to the swelling surge 
 
 Of popular crime and wrong, 
 'Twill bear thee on to ruin's verge 
 
 With current wild and strong. 
 
 Strike for the right, tho' falsehood rail 
 
 And proud lips coldly sneer: 
 A poisoned arrow can not wound 
 
 A conscience pure and clear. 
 
 Strike for the right, and with clean hands 
 
 Exalt tln> truth on high, 
 Thou'lt And warm, sympathizing hearts 
 
 Anions; the passers by. 
 
 Those who have thought, and felt, and prayed. 
 
 Yet could not singly dare 
 The battle's brunt; hut by thy side 
 
 Will every danger share. 
 
 Strike for the right, uphold the truth; 
 
 Thou'lt lind an answering tone 
 In honest hearts, and soon no more 
 
 lie left to stand alone. 
 
 JULIA H. SCOTT.* 
 
 Caroline M. Sawyer, in her excellent biography of Mrs Scott, truly says: 
 "A nobler example of devotion to religious principles, of never-sleeping effort 
 
 ♦Julia Scott's Life and Poems arc published in a line volume by t he Universal- 
 is! Publishing House, edited by Mrs, c. y\. Sawyer. The facts and recollections 
 in this book arc from that work.
 
 64 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 to sustain, both by precept and example, the doctrine of her Savior, we be- 
 lieve can scarcely be found ; and it is our great desire and prayer to God that 
 that example, however imperfectly it may be presented, may perform its legiti- 
 mate work by leading many others of our sex to the same devotion to God, 
 the same love to our Savior, and the same overmastering desire to live the 
 life of a Christian woman, that rilled and animated her." 
 
 Julia H. Kinney was born in Sheshequin, Penn., Nov. 4, 1801), the eld- 
 est of a family of nine children. She was fortunate in passing her childhood 
 and youth amid scenes as beautiful as earth contains. Mrs. Sawyer charm- 
 ingly describes the locality from personal observation: "Far away from the 
 confused and noisy world, embowered like some sweet picture in the depths 
 of a gigantic emerald vase, lies the charming valley of Sheshequin, hidden 
 among the beautiful Alleghenies. The northern branch of the noble Sus- 
 quehanna, with many a green island sleeping on its breast, pursues its tran- 
 quil course through the valley, while all around, on the north, the east, the 
 south, yea, on the west also, meet towering mountains, which, lifting their 
 shaggy heads above the clouds, seem to shut out the whole world. Never 
 did nature more fully realize the description of Johnson's 'Happy Valley,' 
 than in this little mountain fastness. It is but a strip of intervale of the 
 richest soil, scarcely two miles in width at its widest point, and six or seven 
 miles in length; and like the 'Happy Valley,' permitting ingress and egress 
 only at the narrow gorges where the river itself has broken its jagged way 
 through the mountains." 
 
 When but four years of age, her father was stricken with blindness, and 
 it became the duty of his little daughter to conduct him by the hand from 
 place to place, a habit that became a second nature to the darling child, who 
 learned much from the outward world while performing tins weary task. As 
 she grew older, she became interested in books, and easily learned the rudi- 
 ments of an education from the common school, but the marvelous beauty 
 amid which she moved was photographed on her mind; and a passionate 
 love for all natural objects s^ave to heart and spirit a precocious development. 
 For years her sole reading was the Bible and Bums. With these hooks in 
 hand she sought the many lovely spots about her dwelling, and the sights 
 and sounds of nature mingled with what she saw and read, and she grew
 
 JULIA II. SCOTT. 66 
 
 mentally and spiritually with each succeeding year. The body sympathized 
 with the spirit, and the chubby incarnation of health grew into a slender 
 
 woman, whose lustrous, soulful eyes expressed the imaginative poet. At the 
 early age of twelve she became a contributor to the Philadelphia "Casket" 
 and the New York " Saturday Evening Post," and from this date onward her 
 writings for the press were frequent and copious. 
 
 In January, 1820, a Universalist paper, called the "Candid Examiner," 
 was started in Montrose, Penn., and during the two years of its existence, 
 Julia, then sixteen, frequently wrote for it. Her articles were imbued with 
 a deep religious spirit; indeed, the then new and rising faith in universal sal- 
 vation was embraced by her with all the ardor of her enthusiastic nature. 
 It was the religious faith of her home, which she had inherited from her 
 honored father and beloved mother, and which found a congenial soil in her 
 blight intellect and affectionate heart. 
 
 In 1831, when she was twenty-two years old, she was brought to the 
 notice of Rev. A. B. Grosh, the then editor of " The Magazine and Advocate,"' 
 and at his request she began to write for his paper. It is impossible to real- 
 ize to-day the impression that was created among our people by the appear- 
 ance of her poems. Our ministers were few, and were under continual war- 
 fare with opponents from all quarters. The doctrines they advocated were 
 hated with a relish, "despised and rejected of men," and as her sweet voice 
 was heard, singing in fitting strains the new gospel, it seemed to them as 
 though an angel were encouraging them in their arduous, but loving duty to 
 defend nobly Christ's cause. She was hailed as an "angel helper." It was 
 as when the army of France was well-nigh overwhelmed by its enemies, and 
 the beautiful Joan Dare rallied them to victory over their foes. Stephen R. 
 Smith, A. B. Grosh, A. C. Thomas, T. B. Thayer, and a few others, mostly 
 youn^ r men who have since immortalized their names in our church, were 
 cheered by her advent to new efforts. Mrs. Sawyer describes the joyful ex- 
 citement that seized her, and that pervaded our few struggling and gallant men 
 and women, as the letters " J. H. K." appeared attached to her inspiring 
 poems. " Julia " came to be a beloved name wherever our people were found. 
 A contemporary minister is quoted by Mrs. Sawyer as Baying: 
 
 "It was at the season of ministerial trials and privations of which 1
 
 66 OUK WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 have spoken, and 'J. H. K. appeared as a co-worker with the little band of 
 religious reformers who gave themselves with such untiring devotion to the 
 cause of their crucified Redeemer, as heralds of unlimited salvation. 
 Although the views cherished were so congenial to the heart of woman, and 
 so likely to be embraced with aU the fondness and attachment peculiar to 
 the female heart, yet the reproach and calumny that prejudice and persecu- 
 tion at that time threw round the profession of such faith, were highly cal- 
 culated to deter the gentle and retiring spirit from giving public countenance 
 to doctrines that would involve repudiation from certain classes of society, 
 and limit sociahty to a proscribed few of corresponding views. Under such 
 circumstances, the noble stand taken by Julia H. Kinney seemed to elevate 
 her above her sex. By the young servants of the cross she was regarded 
 as an angel helper, whose smile of approval would encourage to renewed 
 efforts, and as a moral heroine that merited the sympathy and friendliness 
 of all the household of believers. To them she was like Martha and Mary 
 to our blessed Lord, when he labored and suffered and died for a sinful 
 world." 
 
 In response to the suggestion that she could lighten the sorrows of the 
 world by singing her precious faith, she wrote: 
 
 To be able, in any way. to benefit, interest, or even amuse, any of the weary 
 beings thai toil their way through this "vale of tears," whether our efforts are 
 known ami appreciated or not, whether we live within the halo of fame, or sink 
 beneath the pall of obscurity: but to have it in our power to wipe one tear from 
 the cheek of the despondent, to cast one ray of light upon the haggard features 
 <>f misery, oh. the individual who would not. at this gladdening prospect, feci a 
 deep glow of gratitude for the power and the warm promptings of ambition to put 
 it in exercise, must possess a heart colder than the misanthrope, an imagination 
 which nothing can rouse! Anil is this power mine? Tin 1 bare idea of its possi- 
 bility has gilded the dark image- of lite with a glow which they never wore to me 
 before. What would be toil and privation? How would these small considerations 
 
 sink into insignilica when contrasted with the rich, the ample reward of feeding 
 
 that our efforts have met with success, and that those efforts were impelled by 
 disinterested benevolence! Should F ever, through the emanations of my yet unex- 
 perienced pen. reap this sweet harvest of perseverance, 1 should then remember a, 
 few encouraging words Prom Brother <i. as a powerful and. 1 had almost said. 
 (ii-st stimulus t" exertion. 
 
 Her appearance at the age of twenty is thus described by Mrs. Sawyer: 
 "She seemed full of hope and happiness, yet looked pale and somewhat thin,
 
 JULIA H. SCOTT. 07 
 
 for even then the shadow of that disease which ten years afterward laid her 
 in the grave, was falling around her. We well remember the depth and 
 darkness of those large, soft eyes, so full of thought and feeling, and radiant 
 with that peculiar luster which is rarely seen, save in those marked for 
 early death. 
 
 "A slight emharrassrnent was at first perceptible in her manner, hut it 
 soon disappeared, and she conversed with ease and fluency, passing from 
 grave to gay, and from gay to grave, with a charming facility; discussing 
 various subjects of an interesting nature, particularly those connected with 
 her religious faith, with a tine enthusiasm, which was quite inspiring to 
 those who listened, and which brought a beautiful glow to her somewhat pale 
 cheeks. We left her, after an hour thus delightfully spent, with a mingled 
 admiration and regret, which we shall never cease to remember." 
 
 In May, 1834, she removed to Towanda, ten mdes from Sheshequin, 
 and began the occupation of school-teaching. Here she "met her fate," 
 and on May 2, 1835, she was married to Dr. D. L. Scott. A beautiful home 
 in a wilderness of flowers, a fond and beloved husband, and all the elements 
 of happiness, stimulated the flow of her poetic thought, and she seemed 
 destined to a life of unbroken happiness. During these years she was cheer- 
 ful, delightful in her communication with the public, never, however, losing 
 that devotional spirit that was her nature. Two years after her marriage 
 came a daughter to the home circle, and at the same time was formed a new 
 and blessed friendship with one of the rarest spirits that was ever clad in 
 clay, Sarah Edgarton, then just rising into a fame in our church which no 
 other woman has ever achieved. They seemed made for each other, and 
 their correspondence was a continual delight and joy to both. Those who 
 would know more of these rare and kindred spirits than our brief limits 
 will allow should read Mrs. Sawyer's "Life of Julia Scott" and Eev. A. D. 
 Mayo's "Biography of Mrs. S. C. Mayo." They are books that should never 
 be out of print. During this happy period her pen was busy, and some of 
 her sweetest poems were then produced, in the "New Yorker," "Christian 
 Messenger," "Magazine and Advocate," and other papers, and her reputation 
 was continually increasing. 
 
 The great grief of her life came when her darling Marian Almena
 
 68 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 was removed from her tender care by death, at the age of thirteen months. 
 She never recovered from the sorrow. 
 
 In 1838 she attended the General Convention in Boston. Miss Edgar- 
 ton describes her appearance at this time, after sorrow, and the illness of 
 which she ultimately died, had begun to tell upon her. "We had heard her 
 appearance," she writes, "described as 'majestic,' and in younger and 
 healthier days this term would have been singularly appropriate ; but at the 
 time of our first meeting with her, sickness and sorrow had made melan- 
 choly ravages both upon her face and form. Her figure, which was strik- 
 ingly taU, was bowed and emaciated, her cheeks hollow, and her eyes languid 
 and full of touching sorrow ; but there was something in the very droop of 
 her figure which seemed to us eminently graceful, and her countenance, 
 with its fitful color, that came and went with every transition of thought 
 and feeling, and its glorious black eyes, that were one moment radiant with 
 spiritual joy, and the next drooping with the intensest melancholy, was one 
 of the most striking and intellectual that our eyes had ever rested upon." 
 
 At the Convention she was the "observed of all observers," and the 
 extension of her acquaintance among our ministers and others, and the 
 social and spiritual enjoyments of the occasion were many and great, and 
 did much to assuage her sorrow. She thus aUudes to the Convention : 
 
 How like ;i dream does that sweet meeting now seem to me — dim and 
 shadowy, and yet thrilling. Not one countenance there that i'<>r an instant caught 
 my eye, but is indelibly pictured in memory. I shall remember them all, a hun- 
 dred years hence, in heaven. 
 
 "The Last Conference" perpetuates the Convention in her sacred rhymes. 
 
 THE LAST CONFERENCE. 
 
 I saw a glorious multitude 
 
 Bow down in worship there; 
 While lips, at heaven's own altar fired, 
 
 Si'iit up the glowing prayer; 
 And hymns of lofty praise were sung. 
 
 In stirring airs of <>iil; 
 While love's white banner waved aloft, 
 
 In many a silken fold. 
 
 I saw the eye, grown dim with years, 
 Flash forth unearthly light;
 
 JULIA H. SCOTT. (j<j 
 
 The mourner's care-wreathed brow became 
 
 With heavenly visions bright; 
 Ami loveliness seemed lovelier there, 
 
 In the blessed garb of truth; 
 And lisping infancy more wise 
 
 In the golden lore of youth. 
 
 It was a glorious jubilee — 
 A high-wroughl happiness— 
 
 And tears, warm, heart-felt tears alone, 
 
 Could tell of its excess. 
 Oh! many an eye was moist, that ne'er 
 
 Had wept for joy before, 
 And many a callous heart grew soft 
 
 Ere that blessed eve was o'er! 
 
 Was not our Master in the midst? 
 
 Ye cross-tried soldiers, say; 
 Did not his holy spirit breathe 
 
 In every burning lay? 
 Did not his melting voice supply 
 
 Those hallowed words, that fell 
 Like manna from the hand of God, 
 
 To fainting Israel? 
 
 Yes, in our midst that form beloved 
 
 Stood as in days gone by; 
 We knew it by the deep-drawn breath 
 
 And the uplifted eye. 
 We knew it by the love which linked 
 
 So close each fervent heart, 
 Yet gave us strength with smiles of hope 
 
 In the last sad hour to pari. 
 
 Oh! never more, in earthly halls, 
 
 Shall meet that happy hand; 
 Already some have traveled home 
 
 To the glorious Fatherland. 
 And one by one, we're following on, 
 
 To a conference above, 
 Where all may break and eat the bread 
 
 Of everlasting love. 
 
 A second child, a son, was sent to bless her home, and with returning 
 health came increasing vivacity, cheerfulness and literary industry. Some 
 of her best poems were contributed to the " Eose of Sharon." But the re- 
 turn of health was only temporary, and it was soon impaired. At this time, 
 1840, Julia was made happy by a delightful visit from Miss Edgarton, who
 
 70 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 wrote : " We found all that was lovely in the poet beautifully illustrated in 
 the daily life of the woman. Genius was, with her, no glittering mirage hov- 
 ering over a barren and arid life, it was like the rainbow mist uplifting itself 
 from the bosom of a pure and fertilizing stream, and soaring up to heaven 
 in incense wreaths too sweet to be wasted on an earthly shrine. We ram- 
 bled with her through the mountain passes, and bathed our brow in the sil- 
 very waters of her native valley ; we stood with her by the bed of the dying, 
 where, on her own sweet voice, the departing spirit was wafted up in triumph 
 and rejoicing to the throne of the Father; we sat at her side through the 
 simple family devotions that were wont to ascend from her own fireside, and 
 in aU these varied scenes and acts, it is sufficient to say of her, that the poet 
 and the woman were scarcely different phases of the same pure, yet lofty and 
 fervent sold ; that the priestess wore into the Holy of Holies the same Urim 
 and Thummim that dazzled the eyes of those who saw her only in the outer 
 court of the Temple ; and that, as of the Master she loved, so might it be 
 said of this faithful servitor, that 
 
 'In every act, in every thought. 
 
 She lived the precepts that she taught.' " 
 
 Miss Edgarton, by earnest entreaties, prevailed upon Mrs. Scott to return 
 with her as far as Utica, N. Y., for the purpose of visiting their very dear and 
 mutual friends, Rev. A. B. Grosh and lady. Miss Edgarton says the journey 
 was comfortless, and that though Julia was feeble her perception and en- 
 joyment of the ludicrous were never more active. They arrived safely, but 
 on the second day after, Julia was taken violently sick. A letter from Mr. 
 Grosh referring to this visit, says: " Soon after their arrival, Mrs. Scott was 
 prostrated by severe illness, which Dr. Newland considered so critical as to 
 require utmost quiet and veiy carefid nursing. Sarah constituted herself 
 chief nurse, for which she was admirably qualified, and Mrs. Grosh did all 
 in her power and means to aid her and benefit Julia. Her convalescence 
 was almost as speedy as had been the attack. But even when able to sit up 
 in an easy chair, the doctor still prescribed careful attention and every amuse- 
 ment and employment which would engage the attention pleasantly, without 
 wearying it, and prevent thinking and anxiety. He understood well his 
 patient, whose mind and heart were too active and strong for her body. Am 1 .
 
 JULIA H. SCOTT. 71 
 
 who that saw (as I often delighted to see) her glorious eyes and perpetually 
 changing features glow and brighten in reflecting every Hitting thought and 
 feeling of her soul, as the lights and shadows of sun and cloud change the 
 hues and forms of Held and forest — who that saw such play of features could 
 fail to second his conclusions? During the day, inexorable duties to a large 
 family and office business compelled wife and self to devolve nearly all care 
 on the sweet and gentle chief nurse, for whose use we provided all means in 
 house and office and collectable from friends, especially some paintings and 
 pencd sketches from the studio of an artist friend, and rare shells from some 
 collectors, for Julia had once playfully said that she never fell like covet- 
 ing anything except shells and pictures, and the saying was remembered. 
 
 " But when evening came, we met in the invalid's room, all prepared to 
 be 'at our best' for her amusement, with anecdotes, droll incidents, and 
 light stories of amusing adventures. It was in reference to these meetings 
 that Sister Julia afterward sometimes spoke of 'Bro. Grosh's Dutch stories,' 
 and, verily, I exhausted my entire budget, down to the very bottom of my 
 memory, for the clear invalid. 
 
 "As soon as Mrs. Scott felt able, and the doctor permitted, she and 
 Sarah went out 'shopping.' On their return, 'Aunt Hannah' and others of 
 the family had loving evidence of the kind regards of our guests; and that 
 evening, poor I was called to stand up, and, in due form, receive from Julia's 
 hand, in behalf of herself and Sarah, a gold ring, placed on my linger by her- 
 self. Its only ornament, externally, was a double heart, or twin hearts, 
 token (as she said) of the sisterly affection of herself and Sarah for each 
 other, and of both for me. Inside the ring were engraved the initials, long 
 and well known and ever admired, 'J. H. S.' and ' S. C. E.' 
 
 " That ring, how proudly I wore it ! How tenderly it stirred my memory 
 every time I saw or ft It it! And after the donors had ascended on high, to 
 our Father's house, and our immortal home, how priceless became the jewel, 
 and how unspeakably rich its associations! I wo.re it till, to my sorrow, the 
 circlet became very thin and the dear initials threatened to become illegible, 
 but not until the ring broke, could I prevail on myself to lay it aside. I 
 could not feel it right to have it mended. It is as it became and was in- 
 tended to become, and I would not have it otherwise. It is a relic among
 
 72 OUK WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 other relics, and will so remain to me until I rejoin the beloved givers — the 
 two once most admired and best beloved among ' the sweet singers ' in our 
 earthly Zion, now the sainted and glorified among the stars that shine and 
 sing in the Saviour's galaxy of heavenly hosts." 
 
 Soon after this happy visit a dangerous illness seized her, and she writes 
 in January, 1841 : 
 
 I have been very sick, much worse than when in Utiea, and have about done 
 looking for oven comfortable health in this sickly world more. Everything has a 
 bilious, consumptive look to me, except religion. No shadows, thank God! can 
 ever darken the face of the angel of light. Her smiles are ever upon us. 
 
 From this time on her illness was almost constant, but she was able by 
 speUs to write some of her very best productions, though her efforts were in- 
 terdicted by her husband and physician, as they proved so injurious to her 
 bealth, which failed more and more. Her last entry in her journal was this: 
 
 It is now nearly a year since my last entry was made, and it may lie that 
 Length of time before I make another. 
 
 Fur the past year I have had much poor health, and consequent low spirits: 
 have taken one journey in the time, and enjoyed much happiness at home; think 
 I have made some advances in religion— I mean that of the heart: think really I 
 am somewhat better than I was a year ago, though still led astray; can control 
 my passions better, and am better guarded against besetting sins. God be blest: 
 
 From this on she rapidly declined until her departure came. Her hus- 
 band writes: "Julia died last evening, March 5, 1842, at seven o'clock, as 
 she had often wished, easily and quietly, without a struggle or a groan. The 
 most of her time for ten days before her death was spent in communion with 
 her God. She told me yesterday that she had strength given her to pass 
 the preceding night, and it was passed happily. I am alone in the room 
 with her. She looks calmly, serenely beautiful. 
 
 "During the night she fancied she saw — and it amounted to a firm con- 
 viction with her— her little daughter wading about in a limpid stream with 
 pebbly bottom, with beautiful flowers in her hands. She told me of it in the 
 morning, and it seemed a real, tangible thing to her. 0! if I could realize 
 it as she did, I should have no other wish than to arrange my temporal af- 
 fairs and go home to her." 
 
 Miss Edgarton, Mrs. Sawyer, Rev. D. K. Lee, and others, wrote affect- 
 ing tributes to her memory, and her death created a profound sensation
 
 JULIA II. SCOTT. 73 
 
 throughout our church. The death of no woman was ever more deeply 
 mourned hy our people. Mr. Lee's poem was one of great merit, as these 
 stanzas show: 
 
 Another spirit of entrancing song 
 
 Lifts holy anthems in our Father's palace; 
 One seraph more, communing with that throng. 
 
 Presses with radiant lips life's sweetest chalice. 
 
 The world's attractions, dear and bright to some, 
 
 Were dull to her;— the skies contained her treasures. 
 
 God's Loveliest angel came and bore her home- 
 she drinketh from the river of his pleasures! 
 
 As some bright bird, just broke from wiry cell, 
 
 Against whose bars its struggling pinions fretted. 
 
 Soars o'er the rainbow's arch with notes that swell 
 
 More exquisite, more ravishing than ere 'twas netted. 
 
 So that tired spirit burst these fleshly hands. 
 
 Bested her wings upon her angel's pinions, 
 Sprang warbling up to greener, sunnier lands. 
 
 And breathed her holiest songs in love's dominions. 
 
 The subjoined biief poems illustrate the strains of this sweet singer : 
 
 CHRISTIANITY IS WHAT? 
 
 Is what, dost thou ask? 'Tis the sunbeam that dries 
 The night-gathered tear from the violet's eyes— 
 That warms the cold earth round the valueless thorn, 
 Ami flings through the darkness a beautiful morn. 
 
 What is it? The perfume that Meals from sweet flowers 
 When the siek heart is pining for Summer's loved showers, 
 The raindrop that falls on the desolate leaf. 
 The oil that composes the billows of trrief. 
 
 What is it? The young breeze, whose pinions unfurled, 
 Stays nut till their choice gifts have circled the world, 
 A harp-tone at midnight, when nature is still, 
 Or the voice of a dove by a pine-shaded rill. 
 
 What is it? A star on the wild-heaving sea, 
 Prostrating the proud on a prayer-bended knee, 
 A fire that relineth the metal within. 
 The canker which gnaws at the vitals of sin. 
 
 What is it? 'Tis mercy, 'lis justice, 'tis truth— 
 The stall of the aged, tin- glory of youth;
 
 74 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 The rainbow of promise, to brighten our tears 
 A lamp in death's valley dispersing our fears. 
 
 What is it? thou askest. thy answer is there 
 In thy own swelling heart, with its beautiful prayer. 
 It breathes through all nature, it centres above, 
 'Tis our own spirit's essence, 'tis Infinite Love. 
 
 THE REVIVALIST. 
 
 He stood by the altar, a being of gloom. 
 With a visage as wan as a ghost from the tomb, 
 And he lifted his voice as a messenger sent 
 To make the unsanctilied sinner repent. 
 
 But what were his words'? Were they such as were spoken 
 'Mid the wilds of Judea, when fetters were broken, 
 When the poor burdened soul burst its shackles of fear. 
 And rejoiced that the kingdom of heaven drew near? 
 
 Did he preach to his people the gospel of peace? 
 
 The message which causes the mourner to cease? 
 
 Did he melt the proud heart with the language of love. 
 
 With the spirit that breathes from the Changeless above? 
 
 Ah, no! nothing like it. From Sinai's scathed height 
 He had snatched the last phial of wrath in his might, 
 And he hurled forth its contents of vengeance and ire, 
 Till he made every hope of the wretched expire! 
 
 He heaped o'er each vision thick clouds of despair. 
 Ti'l the frozen heart sunk with its ha [-uttered prayer; 
 And then, like Markanna, he turned him and laughed. 
 When he saw that his victims the poison had quaffed! 
 
 Ye, ye, who have listened to preaching like this. 
 Till ye hung, as it were, o'er the pictur d abyss. 
 Did it never occur that ye possibly might 
 Have been led by a teacher deprived of his sight? 
 
 Come away— come away from th ■ saniiel's breath. 
 It bears on its pinions the arrows of de th! 
 It will wreathe for your future a ehaplet care; 
 'Tis the whirl of the tempest— the Lord is not there! 
 
 Come away! for as well migb.1 ye stand on the verge 
 Of Etna's red crater, unharmed by its -urge; 
 Or as well might, you drain the fell dews that distill 
 Prom tin' dark upai tree, unattendel with ill.
 
 JULIA H. SCOTT. 75 
 
 Come away to the beautiful gardens that lie 
 All smiling and bright, 'neatb a soft vernal sky- 
 To the fair promised land where the waters of life 
 Glide smoothly along, unembittered by strife 1 . 
 
 reaee dwells in its borders the penitent one, 
 
 Though crimsoned his hand- with the deeds they havo done, 
 
 May find a sure refuge, from guilt and despair, 
 
 'Neath the banner of Truth, for Jehovah is there. 
 
 THE NEW COMMANDMENT. 
 
 A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I havo 
 loved you, that ye also love one another. 
 
 What was the love of which he spake, 
 
 As bearing to those chosen men? 
 Was it the love which time can make 
 
 Indifferent and cold again? 
 
 Was it the love whose strength is based 
 
 On vanity and worldly pride? 
 The love wine i one slight jar may waste. 
 
 One evil breath may turn aside? 
 
 He bade them lov • as he had loved. 
 
 With that deep, faithful glow of feeling. 
 Which lingers on unchanged, unmoved, 
 
 'Mid blight and death its smiles revealing. 
 
 child of frailty, if within 
 
 Thy soul's dark book one leaf remain 
 Unlettered by the hand of sin, 
 
 One bright page free from yieious stai 
 
 There write these words my Savior. Be 
 
 The influence of thy spirit given, 
 That I may ever love, like thee. 
 
 My fellow-travelers to heaven. 
 
 STANZAS. 
 
 If thou wouldst wake within thy heart 
 
 A music that can never sleep— 
 Wouldst 1 id care's s ha 'owy gloom depart. 
 
 And smile where 'erst thou could'st but weep— 
 
 Go! clothe the shiver ng orphan boy. 
 
 Who wanders lonely through the streets;
 
 76 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 And thou shalt know such depths of joy 
 As the world's votary rarely meets. 
 
 If thou wouldst have thy midnight dreams 
 
 More beautiful than dreams by day, 
 Like perfumed flowers by woodland streams, 
 
 Softer in moonlight's trembling ray- 
 Go, watch the eye of waning health; 
 
 Go, whisper words of hope and peace, 
 And thou shalt have a store of wealth, 
 
 "Which time shall bounteously increase. 
 
 If thou wouldst have thy latest breath 
 
 Pass softly as an infant's sigh— 
 Wouldst fall into the arms of death 
 
 As gently as the flowers that die- 
 Speak pardon to thy kneeling foe, 
 
 E'en on his head thy blessings pour, 
 And angels shall their smiles bestow, 
 
 And bear thee to their own bright shore. 
 
 ELMINA E. BALLOU WALDO 
 
 Was the fourth daughter of the late venerahle Hosea Ballou. She was born 
 April 3d, 1810, in Portsmouth, N. H., six months after her father removed 
 to that place, and five years of her child-life were spent in this more than 
 beautiful and historic city. Books were not as plenty then as now, and 
 Elmina must have realized it in her child-mind, for, young as she was, she 
 commenced in Portsmouth to treat with care any little scrap of paper con- 
 taining printing ; she did this even before she could read much ; would pick 
 up the scraps, fold them, and carefully put them away in a box for future 
 use. In 1815 her hither removed to old Salem, Mass., but remained there 
 only two years, when he was invited to Boston and accepted the call. 
 
 We can s;iy with truth that Elmina was born with a taste for literature. 
 At the early age of ten she showed wonderful discrimination and judgment 
 in regard to the standard literature of the day, which she mastered with ease.
 
 ELMINA R. IJALLOTT WALDO. 77 
 
 Her familiarity with the solid literature of the times was the suhject of 
 wonder to the older heads, to whom she not unfrequently gave abstracts from 
 books with which she was perfectly familiar. She was also dowered with a 
 bright fancy, vivid imagination, quick sympathies, and a retentive memory. 
 She wrote and published very creditable poems at the early age of fourteen. 
 Her son George C. Waldo writes me: "One of her earliest productions was 
 entitled 'The Myrtle. ' It was published originally in the 'Bay State Democrat ; ' 
 but in the life of Hosea Ballon, written by his son, M. M.. Ballon, this poem 
 was inserted by mistake as a specimen of Mr. Ba lion's remarkable poetic 
 facility, and so far is it from all evidence of immaturity that it would have 
 done credit even to him. She wrote both prose and poetiy, as opportunity 
 offered, during her entire life, and left a collection of poems far above 
 the average in literary merit, and all breathing of the high and lofty spirit 
 and genuinely religious feeling which were a part of her character. She 
 wrote for the 'Christian Messenger' as early as 1823." Like her father, Uni- 
 versalism was the atmosphere in which she lived, moved, and had her being. 
 Elmina was married at the age of twenty-two to Rev. J. C. Waldo, and 
 her wedding trip was to the great West, a trip not taken, as similar trips are 
 taken nowadays, to waste time in enjoyment, but to assist her husband in 
 teaching his people how to enjoy the better way. But the Western ague 
 made sad havoc with Mrs. Waldo's health, and they were obliged to return. 
 She performed her duties as a minister's wife in West Cambridge, Mass., at 
 Troy, N. Y., and at New London, Conn. Her son continues: "The life 
 of a country minister's wife, no matter what the denomination, occupied 
 largely in the engrossing cares, small economies, ever-present and ever-pressing 
 demands upon time, patience and endurance consequent upon the rearing of 
 a family, and the faithful performance of those other duties which the parish 
 demands, affords so few opportunities for the development, and so little 
 encouragement for the practice, of the ornamental accomplishments, that we 
 may well wonder if tiny are developed and nourished at all, instead of becom- 
 ing withered and decayed under the demands of daily and never-completed 
 toil." Mrs. Waldo, however, while fulfilling to the utmost all that the posi- 
 tion of wife, mother and pastor's helpmeet coidd require, still found time 
 .for the generous cultivation of her mind, for wide reading and study, and
 
 78 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 firmly fixing in the minds of her children the foundation of a love for litera- 
 ture, art and science, as well as for all the higher, nobler and gentler ameni- 
 ties of life. A friend writes me that "her society was a hberal education, 
 and, whatever were the conditions of her immediate surroundings, she adorned 
 them with the graces and refinements which were the innate qualities of her 
 mind." 
 
 Mrs. Waldo became the mother of seven children, five of whom lived to 
 be grown, and four of them survived their mother. George C. (from whom I 
 have received great assistance) is a resident of Bridgeport, Conn., and is one 
 of the editors and publishers of 'The Daily and Weekly Standard.' Clemen- 
 tina Gr.'s home is in New London, Conn. ; and Maturin Ballou lives at San- 
 dusky, Ohio. The two daughters, Ella and Frances, died some years since. 
 Mrs. Waldo's death occurred after a long illness, on the 20th of June, 1856, 
 in New London, Conn. Just before her death she wrote " The Ideal of the 
 Spiritual," a poem which weU illustrates her poetical abilities. 
 
 THE IDEAL OF THE SPIRITUAL. 
 
 The lofty walls are tapestried superbly 
 
 With scenes of glory, changing evermore; 
 And light— not of the sun or moon— is streaming 
 
 O'er golden dome and tessellated floor. 
 
 Far-reaching aisles, with everlasting pillars, 
 
 And jewelled pavement mortal foot ne'er pressed; 
 
 Such is the inner temple;, at whose altar 
 My weary spirit folds her wings to rest! 
 
 It is a haunted spot— a spell is o'er it. 
 
 And all around, on terrace, lake and tree, 
 Enchanting bird-notes mingle with tin; perfume 
 
 Of flowers, that bloom to live eternally! 
 
 I said 'twas haunted,— not in the old fashion. 
 
 By restless sprites whose coming I should fear,— 
 
 But by the angel forms of the true-hearted 
 Who seek my earthly pilgrimage to cheer. 
 
 I see their radianl smiles, and heai- their voices 
 
 In dear, familiar tones, repeat my name; 
 Fond arms encircle me, and joy ecstatic 
 
 Pervades my soul, and thrill-- my trembling frame.
 
 ELMINA It. KALLOU WALDO. 79 
 
 Borne smile when I describe tliis habitation, 
 
 And say I am deceived; but well I know 
 That he who gave me powers for such creation 
 
 Would never mock my yearning spirit so. 
 
 Not half so real is my outward being, 
 Wearing itself away in earthly strife; 
 
 While stronger, brighter, grows this blest ideal 
 
 The sacred earnest of eternal life. 
 
 Her son says: "This poem fully exemplifies her faith in the hetter life, 
 and her desire to realize that which had through trial, bereavement, sickness 
 and suffering come to he more to her longing spirit than anything which this 
 world coidd afford." It is doubtful if any poem was ever written more 
 redolent of the spirit of the writer, or more abounding in that faith which is 
 "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.'' At the 
 same time its method testifies to the culture, refinement, nice discrimination 
 and correct taste of the writer, and to a, literary ability of no mean rank. 
 
 The following must have been written in the old Washingtonian days: 
 
 THE SOCIAL CTJP OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 Light up the hall and spread the board, 
 
 Bring on the festal cheer; 
 We'll drink and merry be to-night, 
 
 For those we love are here. 
 
 Let music lend her joyous breath 
 
 And mirth her jester bring. 
 So. fill the tempting goblet full. 
 
 With water from the spring! 
 
 Let not the false, deceitful wine 
 
 To friendship's board be brought. 
 For well we know its coral depths 
 
 With ruin's seed- are fraught. 
 
 Shall pure affection's pledge be drunk 
 In poison' s dregged bowl? 
 
 And doth this emblem shadow forth 
 The feelings of the soul? 
 
 Oh, no! the pure and generous spring 
 
 Affection's type should prove; 
 From this alone our cups we'll fill 
 
 In pledging those we love!
 
 80 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Then light the hall and spread the board. 
 And mirth and music bring— 
 
 Go, fill the tempting goblet full 
 With water from the spring! 
 
 SAEAH C. EDGABTON MAYO. 
 
 No other of the women who have glorified the annals of our church 
 has more truly lived the highest Christian life, or better illustrated that 
 sweetness and grace that exalt and ennoble womankind, than did Sarah 
 Edgarton. The melody which she breathed in song was the utterance of a 
 spirit that existed but to love. Her face was the faithful index of her beau- 
 tiful spirit, full of sweet grace and womanly loveliness, and to her the 
 spiritual was as real as the tangible. This sweet singer of God's unbounded 
 love was born in Shirley village, Mass., March 17th, 1819, the tenth of a 
 family of fifteen children. Her home was a model household. Her father 
 was a man of genuine generosity and simplicity, and her mother quiet, 
 womanly, and of an all-pervading gooodness, whose personality touched 
 every inmate with the charm of her motherly character. 
 
 Shirley village, though a factory settlement, is surrounded with charm- 
 ing sceneiy of hill, stream and forest, verdure and fohage, in the midst of 
 which Sarah lived and enjoyed until the age of twenty-seven. A love of 
 nature was her all-engrossing passion. Every flower and change of sky 
 and all the phenomena of the coming and going seasons were to her a 
 delight, and she never tired of endeavoring to preserve in her own pure 
 rhetoric what she saw and heard and felt. The district school, supplemented 
 by a single term in Westford Academy, comprised her technical education, 
 but the books in her father's library and in the neighborhood were all 
 read with avidity; the book of nature was always open before her. 
 
 Her first attempts ;it writing were at the age of twelve, and at sixteen
 
 SARAH EDGARTON MAYO. 81 
 
 she first wrote for publication. At seventeen she experienced religion, of 
 the type which always prevailed in her happy home, and she became at that 
 early age what she remained to the day of her too early death, a pro- 
 nounced Universalist. At this time she wrote her first article for the "Ladies' 
 Repository," and the next year, 1887, her name appears as a regular contrib- 
 utor. At about this time she wrote "The Palfreys" and "Ellen Clifford," 
 "Spring Flowers" and "The Poetry of Woman." She evinced an increasing 
 literary merit, and always displayed a purity and sincerity that were perfect, 
 first and last. 
 
 Her magnetic disposition at once won the esteem and love of such of 
 those eminent in our church as Rev. Henry and Mrs. E. A. Bacon, Mrs. L. 
 J. B. Case, Julia Scott, Rev. T. J. and Caroline M. Sawyer, Revs. A. C. 
 Thomas and T. B. Thayer, and the early called Charlotte Jerauld. Her 
 correspondence with these and others is scattered through the admirable 
 memoir written by her husband, published by Abel Tompkins, Boston, in 
 I860, and the selections from her writings photograph the beauty of her 
 disposition, and invest her character with a continual charm. 
 
 In 1838 she wrote to Julia, Scott: "Your letter, my dear Julia (I love 
 that name), while it afforded me the deepest joy, awakened at the same time 
 emotions of painful sympathy. It is most painful to me to learn that the 
 spirit is depressed and that its embodiment is weak — that your lot is to 
 suffer, to endure, to weep and to pray. My prayers shall be for your 
 recovery to health and happiness, and on these prayers may God yield his 
 blessings. While I have health and friends and a strong heart, I humbly 
 beg my Father to make me grateful ; and as for poverty, I have ever con- 
 sidered it a most blessed evil. Wealth woidd bring me indolence; I am of 
 that foolish kind who would love to lie all day under a green tree and dream 
 Utopian dreams; but he who made me has work for me to perform, and I 
 will perform it with gladness, knowing that it is for my own benefit I labor. 
 I wish I could be with you awhile; it seems as if I should love you so that 
 you would be happy. And I, who am sunny nineteen, and just in that 
 season of life when to live is to be full of gladness— I have often thought 
 that grief and sorrow would chasten and humble and renew me: but what 
 grief coidd I specify from which I would not shrink and plead for e\enip
 
 82 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 tion? A sharp steel and a bitter potion are in the hands of the physician, 
 but their effect is ever salutary, and his will be done." 
 
 Her habits at this time she describes in a letter to her dear friend, Mrs. 
 E. A. Bacon: "So many letters to write — three pages interlined to nearly 
 all — visitors to attend to, of whom we have had not a few; calls upon vil- 
 lagers ; work for our large family ; editorials to pick up ; books to read ; ber- 
 ries to cull; walks to take; flowers to examine ; astronomy to attend to; 
 Sabbath school and Bible class, etc., etc. All these things have kept my 
 mind in constant excitement. Now I mean to be calm and think — reflect 
 upon things a little. The danger will be, I shall be assailed by my invet- 
 erate habit of dreaming. Do you know of any specific'? Were you ever 
 thus troubled? * * * Tell E — I rise about seven o'clock, eat break- 
 fast, wipe dishes, sweep, make beds, sometimes chum,' wash and iron, make 
 toilet, then cloister myself in the study tiU dinner; when this is despatched 
 and the dishes again in the cupboard, I return to my books and pen, and 
 leave them not tiU night. Were she to look in occasionally she would see 
 me sitting in my arm chair with a sheet before me, a happy countenance — 
 sometimes frowning for a thought — a pile of books on the table in front, 
 work-basket, unanswered letters, a dish of berries, flowers, scraps of poetry, 
 etc., etc., all in a fine disorder. Sometimes sisters come in and we enjoy a 
 fine laugh together. Sometimes she might see me thoughtful, and perhaps 
 sometimes in tears. I have things to make me weep ; but it is for others, 
 not for myself, save when I am yearning for absent friends, of whom none 
 are dearer than her own dear self. Some of my letters make me weep, for 
 some of them are very sad. The clock strikes twelve, a warning to close." 
 
 In 1840 appeared the first number of the "Rose of Sharon," a handsome 
 annual, edited and largely written by her, as were the successive numbers 
 until her death, when Mrs. C. M. Sawyer assumed the management. 
 
 To the suggestion that she should enter the general field of literature 
 she replied that whatever talents God had given her should be entirely con- 
 secrated to her own church. She wrote to that kindred spirit, Mrs. L. J. B. 
 Case: 
 
 "lam gratified I must not say flattered by what you have written 
 concerning my probable success in a more open and elevated literary field.
 
 SARAH EDGARTON MAYO. 83 
 
 I confess I have myself often thought of going into the presence of high and 
 mighty ones, but, not to speak of my probable speedy expulsion, I have 
 always restrained my ambition by the thought, if 1 should be kindly 
 received, if my name should become known to the gifted and the wise, surely 
 I am in no way competent to sustain the dignity that would be imposed upon 
 me. I am a timid, shrinking, simple thing, grown up like a weed without 
 care or cultivation, ignorant of the great world, its rules and ceremonies and 
 
 idle pomp. Oh, dear! Mrs. C -, a few such thoughts have soon tamed all 
 
 my aspirations, and I have felt that, instead of venturing further, I would 
 draw myself closely beneath the sheltering wings of our own household of 
 faith." 
 
 Her letters, could they be coUected in a volume, would make one of the 
 most charming of aU the collections of correspondence. She loved to pour 
 out her observations and experiences to all her valued and trusted friends, 
 and' every letter is imbued with the love of Universahsm or the charming 
 influence the great book of nature had wrought upon her soul. In 1810, 
 writing to Rev. Henry Bacon, from New York, she says : 
 
 "Universahsm seems very prosperous in this city. 'AU things work 
 together for good to those who love God,' it is said. 'New Jerusalem' cer- 
 tainly looks not very desolate in the absence of the deserter, neither does 
 'Mystery Babylon' seem miraculously illuminated. A few shouts of defiance 
 have been recently heard from some valiant Babylonish sentinel, and occa- 
 sionally a little trumpeter sends forth a warning blast — Beware ! beware of 
 fatal consequences ! But stiU bravely and beautifully waves the banner of 
 love from Zion's tower, and on it is blazoned this glorious motto: 'Glory to 
 God in the highest! On earth peace, and good will to men.' 
 
 "In the ties of this gospel, Your Sister." 
 
 Writing for the "Repository," the "Rose of Sharon," and the denomina- 
 tional press, and editing the "Flower Vase," and the memoir and poems of 
 Julia Scott, occupied the next three years. 
 
 In 1812 her acquaintance with Charlotte Fillebrown began. Dr. Mayo 
 says: 
 
 "The freshness and sincerity of Charlotte's nature at once gained the 
 heart of her friend. Her sparkling humor and quick perception of the ludi-
 
 84 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 crous were an additional attraction to one who was all her life a most devoted 
 disciple to the rehgion of wit and mirth ; while a congeniality of literary pur- 
 suits added the last bond necessary to cement this happy union of hearts. 
 Sarah also was the older, and, in many things, the instructor and adviser of 
 Charlotte. Their correspondence is beautifully characteristic, and a model 
 of a high, sincere intercourse between friends; possessing the rare charm of 
 discussing the most common details of news and domestic life in a spirit and 
 tact as far removed from the sentimental as the prosaic. In the Summer of 
 1848 Charlotte spent several weeks at Shirley village. The friends, with 
 Sarah's brother, led, for a few weeks, a life of perfect gypsy freedom. Every 
 pond and stream, every hilltop or path running away into the woods, was 
 explored; whole days spent out of doors, or, if anything detained them within, 
 employed in a manner that would have upset the gravity of the most severe 
 advocate of household discipline. At the close of this time they went 
 together to the city and employed their leisure in reading, or visiting the 
 rooms of artists, to which they were generously admitted by some friends 
 who are now among the best-known in American art." 
 
 In 1845 she wrote to Kev. A. D. Mayo, to whom she was now be- 
 trothed: "My prayers go up for you to-night that God will send you health 
 and strength and heavenly peace ; that he will anoint you with power and 
 grace to turn the hearts of men to love and practice goodness. Oh, may 
 you be a faithful and useful minister of eternal truth ! — so shall my heart be 
 satisfied in ah its longings, and you be blessed with the richest and holiest 
 blessings that lie in the gift of God. 
 
 To a friend, after the death of her father, she wrote: "Thank you for 
 this attention in our season of bereavement. Our dear father is indeed gone; 
 we can never look upon his earthly countenance, but we think of the 
 immortality and the incorruption which are now his, and we are truly com- 
 forted. Poor mother is, of course, deeply afflicted. A happy union of 
 thirty-five years has been suddenly interrupted. How vacant must the 
 world mi m fco her -no, not vacant, for she has many dear children and kind 
 friends; but how sadly she must miss one voice, and the kindly beaming 
 of one face that ever gazed into hers with the most devoted love. I wept 
 for father while ho suffered, but I weep only for mother now."
 
 SAKAH EDGARTON MAYO. 85 
 
 July 28, 1817, she was married to Mr. Mayo, and proceeded to their 
 new home where Mr. Mayo was pastor, in Gloucester, Mass. Here the 
 young people hved in a happy world of their own. Dr. Mayo writes, "We 
 lived in a world of poetry and sacred beauty. The kindness of all around 
 us smoothed every trial incident to the early days of professional life, and 
 forgave all neglect of duty. We had many friends with us, and some of 
 them will long rememher the evenings when we sat in our room, the moon 
 streaming in through the green branches and vines about the windows, 
 listening to Sarah as she read to us in a voice that no one who has heard, 
 can ever forget. Then there were pleasant parties upon the beach and the 
 rocks, rides into the neighboring towns, daily visits about the parish, and 
 one of the afternoon excursions to the old church in the "West Parish, " where 
 we held a religious service at sunset, for which Sarah wrote one of her best 
 hymns. The Sabbaths were days of the purest enjoyment. She engaged 
 with me in labors of our little Sabbath-school, and in every way relieved 
 as far as possible my feeble strength. Much of our time was also spent out 
 of doors in the pleasant Autumn weather. She was never wealy of wander- 
 ing about the seashore, and would walk miles in a storm to see the waves 
 beating against the Bass Eocks or tumbling in upon Little Good-Harbor 
 Beach. Thus passed away this beautiful period of time. She was as 
 happy as any one is permitted to be in our earthly lot. She had gained all 
 she had hoped for in life , the love of one entirely devoted to her , a sphere 
 of active usefulness, leisure and a quiet atmosphere for study, and a 
 residence among the grandest and loveliest scenes of nature. I can but 
 faintly describe this period of five months. Of her constant gentleness and 
 love, her devotion to me in all my hours of weariness, which continued ill- 
 health made frequent, her large benevolence and earnest longing to make 
 known her good- will to all about her, 1 can not trust myself to speak. 
 Those who knew her will understand that this meager sketch is but the 
 outline of a portrait to which their recollections must impart grace and 
 finished beauty." 
 
 At this time Starr King, Mr. Mayo, and John Edgarton, Sarah's 
 brother, formed a rare group, of which John Edgarton was unquestionably 
 the chief, and the influence of such grand spirits was inexpressibly stiniu-
 
 86 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 lating and helpful to her. In October the rare spirit of Sarah's brother left 
 earth, and Sarah writes to her sister Mary, "I hope, rny dear Mary, we "are 
 aU well enough instructed in Christian faith not to repine at this severe stroke. 
 Never was a soul better prepared than his for transition into the immortal 
 state. For a year past that has been his favorite theme. Recollect his 
 thoughts and feelings expressed at the close of the article on "Regeneration 
 and Faith," and his article this year on "Immortality." It is a great treas- 
 ure to us to have his high views thus left to comfort us. May we all be as 
 good and strong-hearted as he." 
 
 The following was written to Rev. Starr King, who was her brother's 
 dearest and best friend, and the feeling was so fully reciprocated that the sis- 
 ter felt that her sympathy must be given to the friend : 
 
 "On this beautiful Sabbath morning, holy and serene, when all nature 
 is composed and all heaven is at peace, shall I not make the hours of my 
 solitude and weakness a season of grateful trust in God, and of consolation 
 and cheer to myself and you? Would that you were here, dear Starr! the 
 peace and courage that is in my own soul could not fail to impart itself to 
 you. You would feel as I do, that our loss is not terrible, but that our gain 
 is great. Yes, even in his dying hour itself I felt that the immortal was to 
 be to me the nearer companion, the trustier guide, the more perpetual joy 
 and strength than ever the mortal had been or could be ; that I was losing 
 nothing, but gaining all, by that great transition of his soul from weakness 
 and bondage to the freedom and power of the spiritual and immortal life. 
 Never have I felt him gone, never can I. Can we, who have talked together 
 so much, and always in such perfect sympathy of faith, respecting the nature 
 of the future life, can we ever be separated by any failure of the bodily 
 senses to recognize each other?" 
 
 On Sept. 25th, before the death of John Edgarton, Mrs. Mayo's daughter 
 Carrie was born, and a new fountain of love was unsealed in her heart. Of 
 these months Dr. Mayo says : 
 
 "During the "Winter and Spring, until the first of May, we remained at 
 home, and I can truly say that I never enjoyed four months of higher spirit- 
 ual peace. It was. a daily blessing to live with Sarah, for she bad overcome 
 the world, and communicated the tranquillity of her own mind to all around 

 
 SABAB EDGARTON MAYO. 87 
 
 her. She dwelt in no mystical region of communion with heaven, but her 
 daily life was glorified by the presence of God. Never was she more scrupu- 
 lous in the performance of the minutest household duties than now, and her 
 care for her child was constant. In the new sphere of maternal duty she dis- 
 played the same tenderness, directed by strong common sense, as in all 
 former conditions of her life. As far as was consistent with domestic 
 employments, her social relations were also resumed; but her time was prin- 
 cipally occupied in her own house. 
 
 "The experience of the last year had elevated her nature to a higher 
 plane of thought and meditation. In her social intercourse there appeared a 
 chastened tenderness and self-possession more engaging than the enthusiastic 
 manner of former years. Her intellectual tastes were purified; she read none 
 but the highest books, and wrote nothing. In fact, at one time she deter- 
 mined not to publish again. 'I shall never write any more poetry till I go 
 to heaven,' she said one day, in reply to my expressions of regret at this 
 determination. The same elevation of feeling was discoverable in her relig- 
 ious nature. If her Christian sympathies had been liberal before, they now 
 became universal. Any expression of sectarian partiality, from whatever 
 source, was received in a manner which would have convinced any one that 
 she was a member only of the great spiritual church of her Master. Our 
 conversations of the departed were always cheerful. She felt their presence 
 to be no interruption to the joys or the merriment of social intercourse. She 
 was in truth ripening for another existence." Her last hours are thus described 
 by her loving husband: 
 
 "On Monday and Tuesday she was slightly indisposed, but desired me to 
 go upon a short excursion to recruit my energies, somewhat wasted by anxiety 
 of the last week. On my return, Tuesday evening, I found her upon the bed, 
 from which she never arose. Her illness hurried her on to death with a 
 rapidity which no medical skill could arrest. On Friday she revived, and all 
 believed she would recover. Her conversation was cheerful, and she assured 
 me that the violence of her disease had abated. But at night it returned 
 with increased power, and on Saturday morning I felt that she must be called 
 away. Her intense* suffering prevented her from talking with us till Sabbath 
 noon. Then her pain left her, and she lay with a heavenly smile upon her
 
 88 OUB WOMAN WOKKEES. 
 
 face, awaiting her departure. As we stood around her bed we felt the impo- 
 tence of death in the presence of the immortal spirit. No anxieties for our 
 welfare disturbed her, but the calm radiance of her eyes, and the low melody 
 of her voice as she looked upon us and spoke of death, were like those of a 
 spirit that has seen the heaven to which it is hastening. At sunset she sank 
 into a state of unconsciousness, and when darkness fell upon the earth she 
 passed to her eternal home. 
 
 "We carried her to her burial, arrayed in the flowers she loved. Her 
 mortal remains now rest in the beautiful cemetery of her native village, almost 
 under the shadow of the church spire, upon the brow of a hill whose base is 
 washed by Bow-Brook. 
 
 " 'I have work to do in heaven, but I will always be with you,' were the 
 last words to me , and when on the Sabbath following I spoke to my people 
 on the 'Immortality of the Soul,' we felt that she was indeed with us, and 
 we trust that her high example has not been lost, but has aided us to accept 
 the affliction of her departure in the spirit of him who said in his hour of 
 trial, 'Father not my will but thine be done.' 
 
 "If I have succeeded in presenting a faithful picture of the subject of 
 this memoir, no one can fail to understand her character, whether expressed 
 in her hfe, correspondence, or literary productions. Her nature was as sim- 
 ple as it was deep and beautiful, and can be expressed by no other word than 
 that which was always upon her lips — love, love for everything great and 
 good and beautiful , love for these qualities, so intense that it coidd separate 
 them from the repulsive union with gross affections, in which they are too 
 often found in human character, love so disinterested that her life was al- 
 ways more in the wants and sympathies of others than of herself — flowing 
 out, not only in the form of benevolence and kindness, but of confidence in 
 man, and a willingness to impart the richest treasures of her heart to bless 
 the humblest one about her, rising like a constant hymn of praise to the 
 father of love, and giving to every act of life an unconscious grace and 
 sanctity caught from a converse with spiritual realities. This is the begin- 
 ning and end of her character. Of those arts by which we endeavor to sup- 
 ply the place of genuine emotion she knew nothing; for her own interest or
 
 SARAH K1KJART0N MAYO. 89 
 
 reputation she whs not concerned; she was always so devoted to those near- 
 est her that she had no time to study her own fancies or regret that they 
 were not gratified. Neither was this a sickly or sentimental manifestation of 
 affection. It was not that shallow afl'ectionateness which takes the form of 
 an incessant craving for sympathy and a boundless demand upon the good 
 offices of others — a sentiment which at best is only the most interesting 
 form of selfishness. Her nature was singularly healthy, her love as honest 
 and hearty as it was refined and penetrating. She loved because she could 
 not help it, and with the whole force of her being. The power of this senti- 
 ment was the source of all the strength and beauty of her character. It 
 preserved her from a life of diseased introspection, to which the retired and 
 studious are so much exposed. It elevated the lowest duties performed for 
 the welfare of others to the dignity of religious acts ; it made her content in 
 any spot and under any circumstances, for deep and constant affection can 
 annihilate distance and overlook present inconvenience in the intensity of 
 its conceptions and its self-sufficing suggestions; it gave her faith in God ia 
 the darkest hours, for love in our own souls is the only thing that can assure 
 us of the omnipotence of love in the universe ; it imparted that unconscious 
 gentleness and grace to her person, her manners and conversation that no 
 one could resist; it was the seat of a reserved energy which the heaviest 
 pressure of discouraging circumstances could develop, but never overcome; 
 it was also the source of the ease with which she threw off the burden of care 
 and became a very child in her enjoyment of .humor and gaiety. Where 
 love exists as in her nature, it is the great interpreter of all manifestations, 
 however opposite, for it contains in a comprehensive unity the elements of 
 the widest diversity." 
 
 The memoir from which we have abridged the foregoing is a picture of 
 a beautiful life, and it should always be prized by our people as the record 
 of one of the most sainted spirits our church has produced. 
 
 Our limits prevent us from referring to many of her poems, but we will quote 
 enough so that our readers who have not been acquainted with her writings 
 may see with what delicacy, simplicity and fervor she expressed the quiet 
 musings of her heart and the earnest yearnings of her loving soul:
 
 90 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 THE MISSION OF CHRIST. 
 
 Oh, yes! there is joy in sincerely believing, 
 
 No heart that is faithless can dream of or know: 
 There is strength in the thought that our souls are receiving 
 
 Such wealth as a Father alone can bestow. 
 Then away with the dogma that sin is eternal; 
 
 It dims the bright glow of Immanuel's name; 
 For it was not to build up a kingdom infernal 
 
 That Jesus, the friend of the sorrowful, came. 
 
 It was not to lay in the path of the blinded 
 
 High walls over which they must stumble and fall, 
 That he came, all sublime and serene and high-minded, 
 
 And laid down his life— a redemption for all! 
 It was not to slaughter, in anger and blindness, 
 
 The wandering lambs that were dying of cold, 
 That he lifted them up to his bosom in kindness 
 
 And brought them all home to their rest in the fold. 
 
 He is good, and the heart that serenely reposes 
 
 And lays down its burdens to rest in his love. 
 Will find that the door of salvation ne'er closes 
 
 So long as one sinner continues to rove. 
 He loves the young lambs, though afar they are straying 
 
 He seeks out the weary with tender concern; 
 Oh, hear his soft voice in the wilderness praying, 
 
 "To the arms of your Savior, poor lost ones return!" 
 
 VISIONS. 
 
 Before me, on the dusky air. 
 
 I catch a gleam of golden hair; 
 
 Far through the green copse I pursue; 
 
 "I'was but a sunbeam glancing through. 
 
 When stretched upon the grass T lie, 
 I meet the splendor of thine eye; 
 I start— I search the shallow glen; 
 
 'Tu'iis but a violet gazing in. 
 
 Thy white hand beckons from the hedge, 
 I grasp it to renew my pledge; 
 A shower of bloom falls over mi-; 
 'Twas but the (lowering hawthorn tree! 
 
 From the •] i in wood I hear thee call; 
 I il 'twas but the waterfall!
 
 SARAH EDGARTON MAYO. 91 
 
 Thy lighl step through the Held doth pass; 
 I turn— 'twas Imt the waving grassl 
 
 A sigh comes stealing from the grove— 
 The well-known sigh of slighted love; 
 I lly tn throw me at thy feet; 
 The murmuring pine is all i meet. 
 
 Oh. did I murder thee, thai thou 
 
 Shouldst haunt me with thy pair, dead brow 
 Thai everywhere thy form should be 
 A shadow between heaven and me? 
 
 Oh, worse than keenest sword or knife. 
 The worm that gnawed away thy life! 
 Love fondly given, and trust betrayed. 
 In this is all thy story said. 
 
 THE GOOD SHEPHERD. 
 
 There was a tender Shepherd, and he dwelt 
 
 In Palestine, His faithful lambs were fed 
 Upon the sweetest herbage, and they knelt 
 
 With grateful hearts, and found a welcome bed 
 Close at his fee'. Devotedly they loved 
 
 Their gentle Guide, and followed in his track 
 Like waiting angels; or. if any roved 
 
 Unguardedly, he sought and brought them back. 
 
 He was so good a Shepherd, and his flocks 
 
 Were watched with such untiring ran', and led 
 To such sweet founts— such as th' eternal Rock 
 
 Alone e'er yielded- wen' so richly ted 
 And kindly sh sltered, many sought his fold 
 
 From other flocks, and humbly begged a share 
 Nor was the weakest pleader ever told 
 
 To turn away, tor all were welcome there! 
 
 Then was the Shepherd summoned to a land 
 
 Far from the country of his faithful sheep. 
 He called together all his dear-loved band 
 
 Of brethren; and he bade them saf ly keep 
 His helpless flock, and teed his lambs, tor foes 
 
 Clad in the guise of friends, would seek to win 
 Their guileless hearts, and many fearful woes 
 
 Would hard beset them —from without, within. 
 
 Then to his mourning flock he gently ^pake: 
 
 "Ye little ones, I go— 'tis to prepare 
 A better place for you; but. for my sake.
 
 92 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Be careful of your safety. Oh! beware 
 Of false, enticing thieves, for they will seek 
 
 To lead my little lambs astray. Ye know 
 Your own true Shepherd's voice, and when I speak, 
 
 Then shall ye follow wheresoe'er I go. 
 
 "Beloved, do not grieve that I depart— 
 
 A little while, and we shall meet again; 
 Then will I lead you, cherished of my heart, 
 
 To a far sweeter pasture, to a plain 
 Where living waters flow, and soothing shades 
 
 Give peace and joy, where .sorrow, pain and cold 
 Can never enter, where no foe invades— 
 
 But one good Shepherd guards one peaceful fold." 
 
 THE PERVADING GOD, 
 
 When but a child, there was to me 
 A greatness and a mystery 
 
 O'er all I saw; 
 There hung about me everywhere 
 In earth and sky and cloud and air, 
 
 A brooding, penetrating awe! 
 
 The palest flower, that o'er the brook 
 Hung trembling, had within its look 
 
 A meaning deep; 
 A spirit seemed to interfuse 
 The frailest forms, the dullest hues; 
 
 Each had an awful life to keepl 
 
 Such mysteries made me weep and pray! 
 I stole from outward life away 
 
 To that within; 
 I asked my soul, with all its powers. 
 To league itself with silent hours, 
 
 Some answer from the deep to win. 
 
 So unintelligible then 
 
 The voice that spake, lint later, when 
 
 My heart had grown, 
 When waked by grief, and love, and faith, 
 I bowed to what the spirit saith, 
 
 I heard and understood the tone. 
 
 Oh, mighty now that awful Power, 
 When in some lonely, listening hour, 
 it speaks to tnel
 
 Sarah edgarton mayo. 9a 
 
 Ask mi' not why my heart swells high. 
 Why gushing tears o'erflow my ey( — 
 Is it not awful, then, to be? . 
 
 To be! where all around us is 
 Perpetual thought, perpetual bliss. 
 
 In ebb and flow! 
 Life never pausing, and time— not! • 
 In space no fixed, no central spot, 
 
 From whence we came, or whither gol 
 
 Yet nature the great influx loves; 
 Through the great swelling stars it moves: 
 
 It lifts the sea; 
 Mountains, pervaded, breathe and speak; 
 The streams, o'erfull, in music break. 
 
 And set the mighty Presence free! 
 
 Oh heart of mine! Thou, too, shouldst be 
 An ever full, unsounded sea 
 
 Of joy and love! 
 Come Spirit! let me feel thee near; 
 Soul, enter! Flow upon me here. 
 
 From all beneath, around, above! 
 
 We could scarcely enrich these pages with poetry breathing a purer 
 spirit and a loftier sentiment, expressed in choicer language, had we all litera- 
 ture from which to select, than is contained in the following series of son- 
 nets on the Lord's Prayer, written by Mrs. Jerauld and Mrs. Mayo. We give 
 them place here between the sketches of the two sweet singers, who now 
 seem to those who remember them to shine like twin stars in the heaven to 
 which they have ascended : 
 
 OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN. 
 
 "Father in Heaven!" how many hearts are breathing 
 
 That hallowed name, with reverent lips, to-night; 
 On Southern plains, where graceful vines are wreathing, 
 
 Or on si une lofty, snow-clad Alpine height. 
 The lonely dweller in the rugged mountain, 
 
 The marimr upon the trackless sea. 
 The peasant maiden by the wildwood fountain, 
 
 And childhood lisping at its mother's knee 
 All breathe alike the beautiful petition 
 
 To thee— "Our Father who in heaven art." 
 And thou dost own, most blessed recognition! 
 
 The tie between thee and each human heart!
 
 94 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Thy children! may we ever strive to be 
 Worthy, our Father! of that name and thee! 
 
 Charlotte A. Jerattld. 
 
 HALLOWED BE THY NAME. 
 
 Hallowed, ay, hallowed! not alone in prayer, 
 
 But in our daily thoughts and daily speech; 
 At altar and at hearthstone— everywhere 
 
 That temple-priest or home-apostles preach. 
 Oh, not by words alone, but by our deeds, 
 
 And by our faith, and hope, and spirits' flame, 
 And by the nature of our private creeds. 
 
 We hallow best and glorify thy name. 
 Nature doth hallow it; in every star, 
 
 And every flower, and leaf and leaping wave, 
 She praises thee who from thy realm afar 
 
 Such stores of beauty to this fair earth gave. 
 But these alone should not thy love proclaim— 
 Our hearts, our souls respond— "All hallowed be thy name." 
 
 Saeah C. Edgakton Mato. 
 
 THY KINGDOM COME. 
 
 Where shall thy kingdom come? In halls of state 
 
 Or old cathedrals where the mighty throng. 
 Where mitred priests in robes of purple wait, 
 
 And pealing organs chant the lofty song? 
 Where shall thy kingdom come? In cloisters dim 
 
 Where the pale nun in adoration bends, 
 While with the music of her vesper hymn 
 
 Some fond regret or cherished memory blends? 
 Or in the dwelling of the lowly poor, 
 
 Where humble hopes and meek affections spring? 
 There shall the dove of peace, her wanderings o'er, 
 
 At length find shelter for her weary wing? 
 Where shall thy kingdom eome? Is not thy throne 
 Within the humble, contrite soul alone'' 
 
 C. A. J. 
 
 THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. 
 
 Oh, beautiful and bright that world must be 
 Where life is hut the doing of God's will! 
 Could we on earth as perfectly fulfil 
 Thy holy law, we, also, shoul I be tree] 
 For angels are not happier than are we
 
 SARAH EDGARTON MAYO. 95 
 
 When in our hearts we take our Father's name. 
 And with a resolute and steady aim 
 Make all our deeds with his high will agree. 
 Father! we hive our land of human birth, 
 Which thou to us for a brief home hast given; 
 We love this beautiful and fair young earth. 
 And fain would make it like our home in heaven. 
 Oh! one thing more we truly need— but one— 
 That here as in von heaven thy holy will be done. 
 
 8. C. E. 
 
 GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD. 
 
 Our God, our Father, from thy throne on high. 
 
 Amid the melody of harps divine, 
 Wilt thou not listen to thy children's cry, 
 
 Borne on prayer-incense to thy holy shrine? 
 Father, we hunger! as we faltering tread 
 
 The rugged pathway through life's wilderness. 
 Oh, "give unto us each our daily bread;" 
 
 Strengthen our footsteps as we onward press! 
 Thou who of old thy mercy didst declare 
 
 To Israel wandering in the desert land, 
 Turn not away from this our fervent prayer, 
 
 Nor let our frailties stay thy gracious hand; 
 Thou who with blessings makest each day rife, 
 
 Give to our fainting souls the bread of life! 
 
 C. A. J. 
 
 FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS AYE 1 RGIVE OUR DEBTORS. 
 
 In our hard march through life, we may have offered 
 
 A friendly hand to some poor fainting brother, 
 And in our turn have failed, and no oae proffered 
 
 The aid we lent so freely to another. 
 'We may have lived a life of cheerful duty; 
 
 Have gladly toiled and suffered for our neighbor, 
 And aimed to till his soul with moral beauty, 
 
 Yet reaped but wrong and curses for our labor. 
 Oh. if these debts are from our souls forgiven. 
 
 Not even asking penitent confession. 
 Then. Father, wilt thou from thy throne in heaven 
 
 Bend down and kindly pardon our transgression; 
 But, if we pardon not. can we petition 
 
 The unerring God of heaven to give our sin remission? 
 
 S. C. E.
 
 96 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION. 
 
 From the low hut, where Poverty eontendeth 
 
 Bravely with Vice, the sumptuously fed. 
 While from his heart an anguish-wail ascendeth. 
 
 As weak young voices vainly cry for bread! 
 From the proud soul that burnetii for dominion 
 
 Over the mighty universe of mind- 
 That fain would soar away on eagle pinion, 
 
 Leaving life's tame realities behind; 
 And from the beauty dowered, in humble station. 
 
 Who for the world's gay pageants fondly sighs. 
 From Hagar, maddened by her desolation — 
 
 From every poor, frail heart this prayer should rise: 
 "Suffer us not to fall into temptation!" 
 
 Lead us, oh Father! where our duty lies. 
 
 C. A. J. 
 
 BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL. 
 
 Ere down the purple west tin' sunbeams sink, 
 
 How many a snare may lurk around our way! 
 How oft our trembling feet upon the brink 
 
 Of Passion's stream unconsciously may stray! 
 Father! at thy feet we humbly pray 
 
 That from its burning waves we may not drink! 
 Most .emptingly it gushes o'er our track. 
 
 Flashing like jewels 'neath our eager eyes; 
 Oh, place thine arm around us! Draw us back! 
 
 For he who drinks that deadly water dies. 
 Thou, Father! thou alone hast those supplies 
 
 Which renovate and satisfy the soul; 
 From thy great spirit like a tide they roll, 
 
 And every heart may come and fill ts golden bowl. 
 
 S. C. E. 
 
 FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM, THE POWER, AND THE GLORY, FOREVER. 
 
 Thine is the Kingdom! Everlasting God. 
 
 In all thy works thy sovereignty is shown; 
 Justice and mercy wait upon thy nod. 
 
 And Truth upholds the pillars of thy throne. 
 Thine is the Power— to tame the rebel heart, 
 
 To make the serpent gentle as the dove. 
 Comfort and peace and wisdom to impart. 
 
 And to do all things by thy wondrous Love! 
 Thine is the gUjORY— not <>f earthly kings, 
 
 Not thine their empty pomp and poor renown. 

 
 S\EAH KDGAKTON MAYO. 97 
 
 But with thy goodness the empyrean rings. 
 
 Love is thy seepter, Love thy glorious crown; 
 While earthly thrones return to dusl again, 
 Thine shall endure forever more. Amen! 
 
 C. A. J. 
 
 LUTHEK, 
 
 Twas night, black night, o'er Christendom, 
 And denser nighl within men's souls; 
 
 Thought slumbered in a human tomb. 
 And truth lay hid in dusty scrolls. 
 
 A voice rose clear, amid the gloom 
 
 And silence of tins awful night; 
 A voice that rent the bolted tomb. 
 
 And called the mouldering dead to light. 
 
 A voice sublime, yet calm and sweet, 
 Was heard along the cloistered aisles; 
 
 It echoed through the crowded street, 
 And shook the old cathedral piles. 
 
 It was the voice of one who long 
 
 Had crouched beneath the papal rod; 
 
 He rose at last, sublime and strong. 
 The Champion of the Word of God! 
 
 Rome shook her sceptered arm in wrath. 
 
 And threw her snares along his way; 
 He swept them lightly from Lis path— 
 
 A giant with a thread at play. 
 
 Truth, mighty in his soul, spake out, 
 And Error with her midnight train. 
 
 Blind Superstition, Fear, and Doubt, 
 Fell, ne'er to rise so strong again! 
 
 When papal thunders shook the sky, 
 
 And hurled their red holts at his head. 
 
 He raised the Word of Cod on high, 
 
 And shining helms were 'round him spread. 
 
 When proud philosophy, with sneers 
 
 Upon his holy "Theses" trod, 
 He poured within its startled ears 
 
 The wisdom of the Word of God. 
 
 Old monks i red out from gloomy cells. 
 
 And raised their cowls in mute surprise;
 
 98 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Fair nuns forgot their vesper bells. 
 
 And hope shone in their sweet young eyes. 
 
 The priests, like hissing serpents, spat 
 Their harmless venom in his face; 
 
 But at his feet poor sinners sat, 
 
 And wept to hear him talk of grace. 
 
 Young men, with true and earnest hearts. 
 Gazed on him with adoring eyes. 
 
 And left the lore of human arts 
 
 To learn the wisdom of the skies. 
 
 The stream of Truth ran freely forth, 
 And swept the cloister walls away; 
 
 Young vestals learned the love of earth, 
 And loving, better learned to pray. 
 
 Such fruits the great Reformer saw 
 Hang clustering on his planted tree; 
 
 And though condemned by human law, 
 He felt himself in Christ made fre'e. 
 
 His was the lesson deep ingrained 
 
 Within the tablature of life— 
 That freedom of the soul is gained 
 
 Alone through battle and through strife. 
 
 Oh, be his holy lessons ours! 
 
 Let us pursue the path he trod. 
 And prove, in face of human powers, 
 
 Bold champions of the Word of God! 
 
 CHARLOTTE A. JERAULD. 
 
 "Charlotte," as she was affectionately called by the readers among our 
 people twenty-five years ago, was one of the five or six of the most popular 
 of the women who at that time contributed to make our literature attractive. 
 Her maiden name was Fillebrown, and she was horn in Cambridge, Mass., 
 April 16, 1820. The home of her parents, Kichard and Charlotte, was 
 near Harvard University at the time of her birth, but in early childhood
 

 
 CHARLOTTE A. JERAULD. 99 
 
 they removed to Boston, where she obtained an excellent education in the 
 common schools of the city, and at a very early age evinced a remarkahle 
 aptness for "compositions." They were so excellent that the teacher thought 
 she was shining in borrowed jewels, and, to test her, gave her a subject and 
 a certain length of time to write a certain number of verses. Charlotte's 
 indignation was aroused, and with a defiant pride she took the stint, and 
 more than accomplished it. Her school was visited one day by Daniel 
 Webster and Henry Clay. The teacher read some of the compositions 
 and the honorable gentlemen requested , that the writer of one be pointed 
 out to them. It proved to be Charlotte; an introduction was asked and 
 favored; both gentlemen complimented her, and Mr. Clay said, "I wish 
 you were a boy; I would make a statesman of you." 
 
 Charlotte and her father were very faithful friends ; he seemed to fully 
 realize what nature had done for hjs child, and she was his pride. She 
 loved him in return most faithfully, and she was full of heart, and in sym- 
 pathy with and eloquent for all in distress. Although but nine years old 
 when her father died, she fainted. 
 
 At the age of fifteen years she was compelled to support herself by toil, 
 and her preference was to go where she could have something to do with books, 
 and consequently she entered a book-bindery, and it proved to be the place 
 where the "Ladies, Repository" was bound, and owing to this fact, perhaps, 
 her first essay for publication was sent to that periodical. 
 
 Rev. Henry Bacon, in his memoir of Charlotte, describes the beginning 
 of her literary life in the following way, "We availed ourself of the first 
 opportunity to introduce ourself to the discovered 'Charlotte,' to whom, 
 through the 'Repository,' we had said many encouraging things. We had 
 felt a religious interest in her, from discovering that, while unknown to us, 
 she had attended public worship wherever we chanced to officiate in Boston 
 or its immediate vicinity. We first met her in the bindery, engaged busily 
 in folding 'signatures' of the 'Repository,' and were charmed with the per- 
 fect simplicity of her deportment. She lost no time, at our request, in 
 folding, while we conversed, and the unpretending frankness of her speech 
 and look let us at once into her estimable character. We saw then what 
 was more clearly revealed in after time, that the cheerful and vivacious
 
 100 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 aspect which she wore was but as the stream that, sparkling, flows above the 
 deep arid strong river, holding its course steadily to the solemn sea. Her 
 conversation was the speech of one who would be agreeable to her friends, 
 that friendly feeling might increase, but which, at the same time, had a vein 
 of deep thoughtfulness that made known the richness of the interior charac- 
 ter. She felt aspirings that she could not gratify. She was environed with 
 the necessity to toil, and toil brought wearine&s, and weariness unfitted the 
 mind for intellectual effort when it would fain struggle and be free. The 
 beautiful inducements flowing out of the pride which others take in the efforts 
 of the one they deem 'gifted,' and to whom they would give every facility 
 to develop their talent, were not hers. Few, very few, who imagine their 
 lot hard, and no opportunities afforded them to be 'anything' are less 
 favored than was she when she fixed her purpose and made her first efforts. 
 She had the character that ventures where the soul points the way." 
 
 A very warm friendship at once sprang up between her and Sarah 
 Edgarton, between whom and herself close affinities existed, and a life-long 
 correspondence ensued, a beautiful illustration of which is the sonnets on the 
 Lord's Prayer, written by them alternately. We know of nothing in our lit- 
 erature on that great topic finer than these splendid strains. 
 
 In 1841 Charlotte published her first prose, a pleasing story — "Emma 
 Beaumont." Soon after appeared "Margaret Leslie," a story which, Sarah 
 Edgarton said, "almost cheated her into the belief that the plot was real, 
 which is a proof of no ordinary skill." 
 
 In 1842 she passed a week in Lowell, with Miss Edgarton, at the home 
 of that rare man, who combines the poet and critic, the philosopher and the 
 theologian, the genial wit and the tender Christian as they are rarely com- 
 bined in one organization — Thomas Baldwin Thayer, and here she enjoyed 
 her first communion, which she thus commemorated: 
 
 THE FIRST COMMUNION. 
 
 The table of the Crucified, the Messed Lord, whs sot, 
 And round the sacred board the few, the well beloved, were met: 
 While iln- young herald of the Cross, with earnest voice and eye. 
 Told how the Son of God was born to suffer and to die! 
 
 Be spake, in deeply moving tones, of dark Gethsemane, 
 
 \nd Kadi' : i i^ listeners behold the Mount ,>f Calvary:
 
 CHARLOTTE A. JERAULD. 101 
 
 And. as the fearful Bcenes arose, their eycB with tears grow dim, 
 And each believing heart was stirred with sympathy for him. 
 
 The old, with deeply furrowed cheek and silver Locks, were there; 
 
 The brightly b'eamiug eye of youth, the pale, wan cheek of care; 
 
 The sinful came, with quaking heart, bul met no withering frown, 
 And at the feet Of Jesus laid their heavy burthens down. 
 
 And one there w S amid the group, who ne'er had dared before 
 With Christians to commemorate the sufferings Jesus bore; 
 Although her spirit long had yearned, amid its deepest night, 
 To burst the iron doors of sin and hail the glorious light. 
 
 The maiden was not one to whom the flatterer paid his vow. 
 For beauty ne'er had shed its Light upon her dark, sad brow; 
 Her voice had naught of music, and her step was void of grace, 
 And genius added not a charm to that unlovely face. 
 
 But, oh! she had a loving heart, that mourned, although in vain, 
 To see its wealth, poured freely forth, return unblessed again; 
 And so, with bowed and contrite soul— to him an offering sweet- 
 She laid its priceless treasure down at her Redeemer's feet! 
 
 Much of the development of her genius was due to the influence of Eev. 
 Henry Bacon, whose appreciative biography describes her beautiful life in 
 fitting terms. 
 
 Nov. 19, 1843, she was married to J. W. Jerauld, and subsequently she 
 divided her time between domestic cares and literary pursuits, producing 
 most of the stories, sketches and poems found in the volume "Poetry and 
 Prose, by Mrs. Charlotte A. Jerauld, with a memoir by Henry Bacon, Bos- 
 ton. A. Tompkins, 38 Cornhill, 1860," which first appeared in the "Reposi- 
 tory" and "Rose of Sharon." 
 
 On the last week of July, 1845, her child was born; on the third day 
 after her mind wandered, and in a few hours she became a raving maniac. 
 Her child died August 1st, and Charlotte followed on the 2d. On the suc- 
 ceeding Sabbath she was buried from Warren -street Church, Revs. Hosea 
 Ballou, Sebastian Streeter, and Otis A. Skinner, officiating. Her body 
 reposes in Mt. Auburn. Such are the brief outlines of a rare and beautiful 
 life, that exhaled from earth at the early age of twenty-five, having made a 
 lasting record in those few brief years. A rich harvest for the great Reaper! 
 
 Rev. Henry Bacon, who knew the writer intimately, and who, possess-
 
 102 OUR WO MAM WORKERS. 
 
 mg a rare psychological insight, was thoroughly competent to analyze her 
 character, thus describes her: 
 
 "Charlotte hved to love. Her fondest wish was to be loved by the estima- 
 ble and the good, and one of the chief sorrows of her life was the fear that she 
 appeared frivolous to those whose love coidd be won only by that depth of char- 
 acter to which gayety was but as the foam of the wave to the sea. Her keen 
 sense of the ludicrous was regarded by her as her 'evil genius.' It was active 
 eveiywhere, and yet was accompanied by the most profound reverence for 
 things holy, and appreciation of things beautiful. Such a union is not com- 
 mon, and we must vindicate it ere we enter upon the memoir. The merriest 
 things have been written and said when the intensest pain was felt, and the 
 deepest melancholy was on the soul. This vein was rich in our friend Char- 
 lotte, but it never threw a richness of humor over anything bad. It poured 
 out its affluence as a bird sings, as a brook glitters, as the phosphorescence of 
 the sea charms the voyager; but as that bird could fly heavenward, and that 
 brook held its course to the river, and that phosphorescence took nothing from 
 the majesty and glory of the sea, so the mind and heart of Charlotte possessed 
 the loftier and holier tendencies. Throughout her diversified correspondence, 
 gayety of thought and feeling is met, wit sparkles and glitters ; but never 
 does it minister to malicious feeling or ungenerous criticism. It is a play 
 of words that adds to the garden its butterflies, to the mill-stream its foamy 
 brilliants. Such a restraint of a spontaneous power is as fine an inlet to 
 character as any revelation can give; for as we read of Jesus, he is known 
 by his silence as well as by his speech. There is a weakness of character 
 where fitness of time and occasion is not thought of in indulging wit and 
 humor; there is strength when the proper restraint is continuously imposed. 
 
 "A new existence now dawned on Charlotte. She was brought into a 
 society she was fitted to ornament and enjoy. Acquaintance ripened speed- 
 ily into friendship, and friendship partook of the best elements of perpetuity. 
 She felt what a world of feeling, sympathy and aspiration lies hidden within 
 the soul, waiting the bidding of the appropriate power to call it forth. 
 Timid, weighed down by the small estimate she formed of herself, and look- 
 ing with an artist's eye on superior works in the line of her efforts, she 
 needed the help of natures on which she could lean in trustfulness, and to
 
 CHARLOTTE A. JERAULD. 108 
 
 which she could look up for confidence. To feel that ours is the friendship 
 of the wise and good — to find them opening to us the rich stores of their well- 
 freighted minds, as though we could appreciate the treasures they presented 
 — gives to the shrinking and fearful a confidence in themselves hy making 
 them feel the powers thus addressed. It whs thus with her. She had 
 friends she reverenced. They were to her the wise and good. She felt the 
 inlluence of their presence, their conversation, their letters. Instinctively 
 her nature was richly developed, and ere she hardly knew of the change, she 
 was intimate with them, and poured out the affluence of her soul with per- 
 fect and beautiful frankness and simplicity. She won upon her friends by 
 this perfect freedom from affectation. She greatly disliked everything that 
 bore any likeness to affected speech or manner; and nothing excited more 
 overwhelmingly the sense of the ludicrous than the mask of ceremony worn 
 where simple nature should only be seen. No matter where the mockery was 
 seen, whether at church or in the parlor, incongruities were ludicrous ; and 
 we may be sure that in this case a true sense of the absurd was accompanied 
 by an acute perception of order and harmony. Not lightness of feeling, but 
 because of a profound reverence for religion, she was moved to irresistible 
 mirth whenever stiff and starched ceremony came where only nature 
 belonged." 
 
 Sarah C. E. Mayo thus describes her friend: "She wrote, not from liter- 
 ary ambition, but from an overfull heart, as a bird sings, or a lamb sports, 
 and' scattered her melodies 
 
 As an oak looseneth its golden leaves 
 In kindly Largess to tin- soil it grew on. 
 
 Poetry w r as to her the green tree under which she rested after her daily toils. 
 She gathered no fruit from its boughs, but, listening with charmed ear to 
 murmuring strains amid its foliage, her spirit caught the melody and warbled 
 it aloud. Considering Charlotte's poetry, then, as a spontaneous thing upon 
 which she had bestowed no culture, and from which she expected no fruits, 
 it would be in bad taste to apply to it any other than the simplest aesthetic 
 rules. Was it pure? Was it simple? Was it true'.' There can be but one 
 answer. Sketched she a little cottage, how clearly it stood out upon the 
 landscape, with its mossy roof and overhanging elms. Was an old country
 
 101 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 well her theme, how temptingly trickled the clear drops over the hrim of its 
 mossy bucket. And those fair young cottage maidens, all after Goethe's pat- 
 tern were they, with their clear blue eyes, pure, loving hearts, and gay, ring- 
 ing laughter. 
 
 "Her stories are written with much colloquial ease, and evince a talent 
 which by cultivation might have insured her an honorable place among the 
 story writers of the day. Her heroines are not all run in one niould. Lucy 
 Murray, Margaret Leslie, Isadore De Vaux, are not three reflections of the 
 same woman ; they do not run together like raindrops, but preserve an indi- 
 vidual character. 
 
 "Her poetry is simple, tender, and full of delicate rural pictures. In 
 many of her poems she has displayed gushings of tenderness. It is a ten- 
 derness touched with pity — a pathos that melts, but does not rend our hearts." 
 
 Miss Edgarton says: "We count among the freshest and sweetest of her 
 poems the dewy httle stanzas, — 'Violets.' " We quote but the closing three: 
 
 Pretty, modest violets, 
 
 Many a damsel twists 
 Your glistening amethysts. 
 Amid the rich luxuriant tresses 
 Which the soft South wind caresses, 
 In his sportive play. 
 
 Fairest of the flowers 
 Nursed by April showers, 
 When the long green grass shall wave 
 Luxuriant o'er my lowly grave, 
 Shed your perfume there! 
 
 Pretty, purple violets, 
 Soft, low-breathing violets, 
 I shall hear, at twilight dim. 
 The chiming cadence of your hymn. 
 Lulling me to rest! 
 
 Such is the character of "Carrie" and "Clara," "The Old Wife to her 
 Husband," and " The Hying Wife to her Husband," this last a beautiful 
 poem, and prophetic of her own fate. 
 
 Mr. Bacon thus closes his sketch of this gifted woman: "Poor, obscure,
 
 HARRIET (i. PERRY. 105 
 
 required to toil, having but the limited advantages of education which are 
 secured to the humblest, she put forth her powers timidly, hut successfully, 
 as the Russian violet springs up amid the frozen soil; and when sickness 
 prostrated her energies, just as she was beginning to make better efforts, she 
 murmured not, and only asked to have her pining for the sight of flowers and 
 for the breath of the sweet-scented field answered. God's gift was better 
 than she prayed for. She is now to us a memory and a hope." 
 
 From the volume compiled by Mr. Bacon we select the following poem : 
 
 WE HAVE BEEN Fit I ENDS TOGETHER. 
 
 We have been friends together, in happy days lang syne; 
 
 My heart has felt thy sorrows, anil thou hast shared in mine; 
 
 But n<nv, alas! that holy light lias vanished from thy brow,— 
 
 We have been friends together,— why are we parted now? 
 
 We have walked and sat together 'neath the solemn forest shades, 
 We have laughed and sang together in the green and sunny glades; 
 And are they all forgotten now, those bright and gladsome days? 
 And shall those ancient woods no more re-echo to our lavs? 
 
 Through the gay resorts of pleasure have our merry fo itsteps roved; 
 We have wept sad tears together, by the graves of those we loved; 
 And though tin' silver cord is loosed, let memory whisper thee, 
 "We have been friends together if nevermore we be." 
 
 We have been friends together; and oh. 'tis hard to part 
 
 The tendrils that have twined so close around my inmost heart; 
 Nor mine alone.— for still, despite the coldness of thine eye, 
 I'm sure thou can's! not quite forget the sunny hours gone by. 
 
 And when thy thoughts turn wearily to muse upon the past. 
 And thy mind reverts to former days, too beautiful to last. 
 Then let Faith's angel-finger point thy guttering eyes above, 
 Where broken friendships are unknown, for all is perfect love. 
 
 HARRIET G. PERKY. 
 
 This model Christian woman was born in Norwich, Conn., Sept. 11, 
 1812. Her maiden name was Haskell. The larger part of her youth was 
 passed with her grandparents in Preston, Conn., where she had only the
 
 106 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 advantages of a country school, but her thirst for knowledge aided her in 
 overcoming every obstacle until she developed a mind of unusual strength 
 and clearness. She wrote some very sweet little poems when about four- 
 teen years of age, and from that time on poetry was the only pastime and 
 recreation of a busy life. 
 
 She was married to John B. Perry, June 28, 1835, and became the 
 mother of six children, of whom but two are living — Mrs. Lucy H. Chapman 
 and Mrs. Harriet Perry Geer, from whom I have obtained most of the facts 
 I shall present. She was a busy housewife and a most faithful and devoted 
 mother, and her daughter says it was always a mystery to her family and 
 intimate friends how, with so frail a constitution and feeble body, she 
 accomplished so much. Until the very last of her life she was very watch- 
 fid of the comforts of the sick. No one within reach of her was ever 
 neglected, and she always conversed upon the comfort of her beautiful faith 
 and perfect trust in it in such a manner that the darkened rooms were 
 filled with sunlight and mourning hearts with faith. 
 
 Mrs. Geer says: "I have heard- her say that she could not remember 
 a moment when she was free from pain, but she never murmured at the 
 divine will, but fought the battle bravely, striving to live for the sake of her 
 loved. ones long after life must have ceased to be a blessing to her." Mrs. 
 E. Louisa Mather says of her: "I had glimpses of her saintly soul in let- 
 ters writteii to me for thirty-three years. Her letters strengthened and 
 helped me very much, each one was a sermon to my thirsty spirit, and helped 
 me onward in the pathway of progress and truth. Living as I did where I 
 could not "have the religious privileges my soul craved, her letters supplied 
 the missing sermons, for they were tenderly religious and encouraging. 
 Then she was so unassuming, so modest, so true and loving, that all who 
 knew her as I did — and the influence of her saintly living was wide-spread — 
 must miss her helpful service and her heavenly counsels." Another friend 
 who had known her for many years, and had been with her through many 
 seasons of joys and sorrows, of which her life was full, writes: "She was 
 one of God's saints, a perfect Christian, and none knew her but to love her." 
 
 The most of Mrs. Perry's writings were for the "Ladies' Eepository." 
 From 1840 and onward she wrote for our denominational papers, and every
 
 HARRIET G. PERRY. 107 
 
 thing she has written breathes the spirit of the faith she graced by her beau- 
 tiful life. Rev. L. P. Blackford, her pastor, says: "Her life was veiy quiet 
 and unostentatious, and the sphere of her influence was her family, her 
 neighborhood and her church." 
 
 Mrs. Perry died Jan. lGth, 1881, of consumption. Her mind was clear 
 to the last, and only a few weeks previous to her death she laid aside her pen 
 never to take it up again, saying: "My brain is weary and my hand powerless. 
 I must give it all up." 
 
 The "Christian Leader" soon after her decease published the following: 
 
 "Mrs. Perry was a poet, and possessed the poetic insight. She was espe- 
 cially sensitive to every appeal of the true, the good and the beautiful. In 
 past years the 'Ladies' Repository' and other denominational papers con- 
 tained poems from her pen. In recent years, however, owing to her failing 
 health, she has written but little; but she has given to her family and her 
 church the garnered wisdom of many years. With a fragile frame she had a 
 brilliant mind and one of the purest and sweetest Christian spirits with 
 which it has ever been our privilege to commune on earth. Of all the sainted 
 sisterhood whose sympathy we have enjoyed during a ministry of forty years, 
 there was in her a combination of intelligence, devotion, efficiency and untir- 
 ing zeal which would place her at the head. We have never known one to 
 whose approval or disapproval we shoidd feel more deeply sensitive. She had 
 a spiritual intuition akin to inspiration, and a sense of propriety in matters per- 
 taining to religion approaching the infallible. With a retiring, an unassum- 
 ing nature, she was always made a leader in the church, and had the gift of 
 wise and ready utterance. Some of her poems have much merit, and one on 
 the death of a son is worthy of preservation in 'The Library of Poetry and 
 Song.' We had corresponded thirty years; and her last letter is still unan- 
 swered. She was a most devoted member of our church, and a beautiful 
 example of our faith. She gave to the church her best thought and effort. 
 In the conference meeting she will be sadly missed, for there she always 
 spoke as though face to face with God; and to us, who heard her and saw 
 her face, it seemed the face of an angel. " 
 
 The record of such lives is not in what they have written hi prose or 
 verse; nor in results of which the senses can take cognizance. It is in the
 
 108 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 hearts and lives of those who have heen touched by their unseen and silent 
 power. 
 
 ^<» quote this from the many sweet strams of this saintly woman. 
 
 GOOD AND ILL. 
 
 God of the life whose troubled tide 
 Flows thro' creation, deep and wide. 
 Thy loving purpose threads all ill, 
 From Eden's gate to Zion's hill. 
 
 Rbv. E, W. Reynolds. 
 
 The morn in joy and gladness wakes, 
 
 The sun rejoices in his might, 
 And all creation's harmonies 
 
 Awake to bathe in golden light. 
 Above, beneath, on every side 
 
 Glad sounds are heard, glad sights are seen; 
 Earth's fearful millions worship now, 
 
 With spirits trustful and serene, 
 They worship him the perfect One. 
 
 Whose blessings o'er the earth distill; 
 With reverent love they bow the knee 
 
 To him who does his holy will. 
 
 But let a cloud that sun obscure, 
 
 Let nature cease her joyful hymn, 
 Let stormy winds discordant roar, 
 
 Glad sounds be mute, glad sights grow dim! 
 Let flowing fount and fruitful field, 
 
 And flocks and herds fail, one by one, 
 Then will earth's trusting millions say 
 
 "Thy will, thy perfect will, be done?" 
 Alas! their day hath turned to night; 
 
 The good they worship'd changed to ill; 
 Yet high above their thoughts and ways 
 
 God worketh ou1 liis holy will. 
 
 When health is coursing through each vein, 
 
 And life all fresh and gay is ours, 
 When with light heart and feet we roam, 
 
 And "scarce can see the grass, for flowers," 
 Or when, wrapt in luxurious ease, 
 
 We fear no cold of sky or hearts, 
 When the warm breath <>f human love 
 
 Its Incense to our lives imparts; 
 When health ami wealth and friends are ours, 
 
 And love and joy our steps attend, 
 Oh, then, how easily we trace 
 
 The hand which doth such blessings send. 

 
 HARRIET G. FERRY. 100 
 
 But let a wasting sickness come, 
 
 To pale the chi'i'k ami dim tlio eye— 
 jiifi all the streams of life run low, 
 
 Ami sadly whisper, "Thou must, die!" 
 Lot poverty With ruthless wand 
 
 Our golden idols turn to dust — 
 Lot slander aim its cruel darts, 
 
 'Till we no human soul ran trust- 
 Let health, ami wraith, and joy depart, 
 
 And love in kindred hearts grow chill, 
 Still will we trust and numbly say 
 
 God works through all his perfecl will! 
 
 Aye! God ran turn thy day to eight! 
 
 But night with him is like the day; 
 Tis out of furs he maketh friends; 
 
 And both to him shall honor pay* 
 Through changeful mediums he conducts 
 
 The changeless good thou seest afar! 
 Ask nut all light- enough to know 
 
 His darkness never paled a star! 
 Eternal Father! help thy child 
 
 Thro' earth-born mists to see thee still! 
 To know through ill thou makest good. 
 
 For thou art Love! "Love works no ill." 
 
 A LEAF FROM MY EXPERIENCE. 
 
 I know not how if is with others, hut I And the extreme heat of Summer 
 unfavorable to mental labor. The mind is not inactive, hut it larks the power to 
 condense and arrange, or to fix itself upon anything. Life becomes like a pano- 
 rama, or rather a succession of dissolving views. Visions of the past come ami 
 go, visions of the future mingle with the past, and even the present seems dreamy 
 and unreal. With the mind in this state, it would he impossible to write anything 
 hut a, "Medley." Here and there, however, a, page of the past stands out in such 
 
 pr inence as to have become a fixture, and the mind finds it always condensed 
 
 ami arranged beyond the possibility of change. I ran turn to many such pages 
 in my life-experience, one of which if you will allow the egotism— I will transcribe. 
 
 It was in the Summer of 1841; three dear "little ones" blessed my home 
 with the light of their winsome ways, with the joy of their innocent prattle. 
 Being a zealous religionist, and a believer in the limitarian theology, ami feeling 
 all the responsibility a mother could feel for the safety ami well-being of those 
 dearer to her than life, I strove amid hopes and fears to lead them to Christ ami 
 to God; and as they kneeled around me, ami. Looking up into my face, said, 
 "Our Father" ami other little prayers, I really supposed I was leading them unto 
 him who gave thrni to nir; to the true God and Father. Ah! how little did I 
 know that they were silently, yet surely, leading me instead! 
 
 Ah! those terrible misgivings which would come, as I gazed with love unut- 
 terable upon them —that I hail been instrumental in giving them an existence
 
 110 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 which might— and probably would, to some of them— prove an endless curse! while 
 love grew with each added day, until it seemed that all my heart-strings were 
 clasped in their little dimpled hands. Oh, how vainly did I strive to evade the 
 thought of the terrible responsibility of a mother's position in the face of even a 
 doubt of life's final issues. I pity the mother who feels what I then felt, and pity 
 her all tire more who —believing thus —could feel less; such experiences as that 
 taught me that such a faith destroys all the rich blessings of maternity, and turns 
 the noblest joys of life into a present and prospective curse. 
 
 Once convinced of the wrong, and my nature would not let me rest until 
 satisfaction in regard to it was obtained; and with such agonizing fears for the 
 darli: gs who were ever with me, you will not wonder that my search was honest 
 and earnest to find where the error lay; and thanks be to God, I did not seek in 
 vain! Praise to his holy name that he commissioned the "little ones" to lead me 
 to a knowledge of himself. 
 
 While in this frame of mind, seeking and praying for light, I attended church 
 (the M. E. Church, of which I was a member), and heard a sermon upon the par- 
 able of the "Rich Man and Lazarus." The preacher did not allow a parabolic, but 
 gave it a strictly literal interpretation; spoke of the nearness of hell and heaven, 
 of the groans made in the one being heard in the ether, and vice versa; in short, 
 he showed me the creed I had accepted from childhood in its true light. I had 
 often heard this before, but now, weak in body and worn in spirit, I could not 
 endure it; I wept during th i entire service. At the close a good sister took my 
 hand, and, with astonishment in every featur ', begged to know what troubled me? 
 She ought to have been more astonished had I been tearless. "The sermon," said 
 I; "and, dear sister, if what we have heard be true, I have no motive left to 
 induce me to strive to attain heaven, for I see no choice between the two places; 
 I never could be happy in either." She did not attempt to console me. How 
 could she! Returning home, I sent to a friend, who was a Universalist, and bor- 
 rowed "Ballou on the Parables," just to read his interpretation of this one, but I 
 did read the whole book. The morning dawned, not yet wholly free from the 
 mists and fogs of error, but destined to grow brighter and fairer to the perfect day. 
 
 A new singniflcance to life, to all life was given; and, if I could, how gladly 
 would I tell to any mother the difference in the joy, the bliss, with which \ I 
 embraced the next cherub which came to my home! I welcomed it to the earth 
 as to a home prepared by a loving Father, welcomed it to the love of my own 
 unbound nature, and welcomed it to a life which was to prove an endless blessing. 
 It was lint a short earthly life to which it was welcomed, however, for I was soon 
 called t" part with it, ami also with another, a, sweet child of two years. It was 
 a severe trial, but I felt how seasonably the blessing of a now faith had been 
 given Dae, and its support was "sufficient for me"; death itself now was better than 
 life had been without it. How could I murmur? Love, too, had a new signifi- 
 cance; before, it was bound; now, it was right to give it free course. No true 
 love was idolatry now, and it grew at once into its immortal nature, and assumed 
 its Infinite proportions, and need never be suppressed, as if only led directly to the 
 God of Love. I knew now that loved ones were mine in any world where my 
 love could reach them. Since that time trials have seemed small, because of the 
 greatness of hope, of faith, of joy; for though my sky be overcast with clouds, I 
 feel 
 
 "That every cloud that spreads ahove 
 And . eiletli love, itself is love."
 
 ELIZABETH LOUISA MATHER. Ill 
 
 ELIZABETH LOUISA MATHER. 
 
 The maiden name of this charming lady was Foster, and she was bom 
 in East Haddam, Conn., Jan. 7, 1815. She is from a highly respectable 
 family, and is on her maternal side a relative of Mrs. Abel C. Thomas. She 
 was baptized in the Episcopal Church, of which her parents were members, 
 and at the proper age was confirmed. June 18, 1837, she was married to E. 
 W. Mather, of East Haddam, Conn. Her grandfather, Joel Foster, A. M., 
 had a controversy with Eev. Hosea Ballou when the latter was a young man. 
 Her father came from Massachusetts, and settled in Connecticut in 1809 or 
 1810. The family traces its descent from Miles Standish, the Puritan cap- 
 tain of Plymouth, on the father's side; on her husband's side to Richard 
 Mather, the common ancestor of ah the Mathers in this country. Her hus- 
 band's father became a Universalist in his old age, and was excommunicated 
 from the Congregational Church on that account. They lived in Millington 
 Society, which is the eastern part of East Haddam, from 1837 to 1853, thence 
 moving to East Haddam Landing, on the east bank of the Connecticut River. 
 In both places occasional meetings were held in schoolhouses and halls, 
 where Revs. H. Chaffee, J. Shrigley, S. C. Bulkeley, W. A. Stickney and, last 
 of all, Father Abraham Norwood preached. In the early days of her mar- 
 riage her husband took the "Universalist Union," and the writings of Mrs. 
 Julia H. Scott arrested her attention, and she became a convert to the faith 
 of the world's salvation. She writes me at the age of sixty-seven: 
 
 "How glorious are the pictures which memory brings before me in these 
 later years, when my tired feet are going down life's western hillside, and 
 the sands in my hour-glass are passing swiftly on! How I welcomed the 
 ' Repository ' to my humble home ; how eagerly I read the writings of Mrs. 
 Scott, Mrs. Jerauld, Mrs. Mayo, Mrs. Sawyer, Mrs. Livermore, Mrs. Monroe, 
 Mrs. Soule, Anna M. Bates, and Miss Remick; how r dear even as household 
 names are those of Chapin, Bacon, Sawyer, Thomas, Ballou, and Whitte- 
 more — how I longed to listen to their utterances! 
 
 "There was no liberal church nearer than Middletown, which was more
 
 112 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 than twenty miles away. I have attended only two general conventions of 
 our faith, one holden at Hartford, Conn., September, 1847, where I saw 
 Father Ballon, Bros. Greenwood, Bacon, Tompkins arid several others. 
 What days those were ! I could scarcely eat or sleep, in my great joy of look- 
 ing and hstening. What a ' feast of fat things ' was spread before us ; what 
 an unfailing fountain of love ineffable ; what unsounded deeps of consolation, 
 joy and peace ! We also went to the General Convention at Middletown, 
 Conn., in September, 1855. There I grasped Bro. Whittemore's hand, and 
 Bro. Chapin's. Long and tenderly to be remembered are the incidents of 
 that blissful time. It is a well-spring of pleasure to look back on those far- 
 away times, when was fully revealed to my waiting spirit 'Our Father,' 
 whose name is Love ! To sum it up, I have had but few opportunities to 
 hear liberal preaching; have never had the opportunity to connect myself 
 with the Universalist Church, or to have acquaintance with but very few 
 professing that faith; although, at different periods, I have corresponded with 
 those of that faith — a few dear ones. Mrs. Perry was my correspondent 
 from the time of my first acquaintance until her death — a peiiod of thirty- 
 three years — half of my life ! I am but watching and waiting to go to her. 
 In lieu of actual acquaintance, what comfort I took in writing for the 'Uni- 
 versalist Union,' the 'Ambassador,' the 'Trumpet' and the 'Repository.' 
 Living in an out-of-the-way place, as Milhngton is, how I welcomed the de- 
 nominational papers ! Doing all of my household work of all kinds, I, of 
 course, had but little time for reviewing or elaborating my productions. 
 How well I remember receiving a letter from Mrs. Livermore, inviting me to 
 write for the ' Lily of the Valley.' I had but two days to do a fortnight's 
 washing, to iron, bake, compose, copy and get my poem off. Of course my 
 productions were mediocre, but they seemed to make me one of the house- 
 hold of faith which I so loved — they drew me, ;is it were, into the charmed 
 circle of the dear, dear names I so reverenced and cherished. Thus, but for 
 the papers I received, I was as solitary of liberal friends as Robinson Crusoe 
 on his island; and yet not so, exactly, for I had valued correspondents who 
 were of the faith, and whose words and sympathy were invaluable. In fine, 
 through all these forty-four years my heart has thrilled with this blessed
 
 ELIZABETH LOUISA MATHEB 
 
 118 
 
 hope, even through toil, discouragement, trial and poverty. My love for 
 Universalisni and Universalists has never abated, although I know and have 
 mingled so little with them. Mrs. Thomas says it is ' pathetic,' my clinging 
 so closely to them. 
 
 "Now, as a sequel to this sketch, can you beheve that I have joined a 
 Congregational church? It is a small church not far from my home. There 
 were several who wished me to join — the senior deacon said I ought to be 
 one of them. I told him I was not 'orthodox.' He said I was orthodox 
 enough for him. I told him I believed all would be saved. He said he did 
 not see what difference it made whether I believed all or a pari of mankind 
 were to be saved; what he wanted was Christian character. When I ap- 
 peared before the Examining Committee, I told them I did not understand 
 the Trinity, did not believe in endless misery, etc., in fine, believed that 
 our Father would finally bring home all his children to the blessed feast of 
 love in the mountain of his holiness. I urged upon them not to receive me 
 if they could not fellowship me, for I should still go to church and love them 
 just the same. I felt that I coidd walk with them in Christian love and 
 charity if they received me. I did not ask to be received into the church, 
 but was invited therein. I told them that I should join the Universahst 
 Church if I ever had the chance. Well, I joined them, and feel it my right 
 to speak in favor of our faith at all convenient seasons, in Bible class and 
 church. Was received into membership without assenting to the articles of 
 faith, only on the covenant of love and helpful service. Election and rep- 
 utation no longer have a place in their manual of faith. Bro. Norwood 
 and Mrs. Perry said I did right to join them; other friends dissent from this 
 view. I go to the Universahst church whenever I can; in this home church 
 I find progression and liberality; I trust, God helping, to do a little good 
 therein." 
 
 Mrs. Mather has written essays, stories and poems for the "Ladies' 
 Repository" from 1847 to 1874, for the "Trumpet," "Ambassador," "Golden 
 Ride," "Odd Fellows' Offering," etc., on religious subjects, capital punish- 
 ment, woman's suffrage, etc. We should be glad to quote many of her 
 poems, but the following must suffice :
 
 114 OUK WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 MY BIRTHDAY. 
 
 Upon my rosary of years 
 Another bead is strung; 
 
 And, on the pathway of my life, 
 A sunset ray is flung! 
 
 I tell my beads— and, as they fall, 
 Adown the tide of time 
 
 Come ringing echoes of the past, 
 Which with the waters chime. 
 
 I tell my beads— and those whose feet 
 Were beauteous on life's mount, 
 
 With me are ranging smiling meads, 
 And quaffing Nature's fount. 
 
 I hear the gliding brook give out 
 
 Its gentle roundelay— 
 Amid the arching forest trees, 
 
 Sunshine and shadow play. 
 
 Dimly I see the ruined trace 
 Of castles built by youth; 
 
 Amid the chaos linger yet 
 Halos of love and truth— 
 
 A fond ideal, which shall spring 
 To new and glorious birth, 
 
 When passed to God's eternal home 
 Beyond this changing earth. 
 
 I tell my beads— and childhood's door 
 Once more is opened wide; 
 
 My mother, with her angel lace, 
 Is sitting by my side. 
 
 Oh! to my rosary of years 
 Will many more be strung? 
 
 Or will my footsteps Avander where 
 The old are ever young? 
 
 My Spring and Summer both have gone 
 Beyond the Ant mini's verge, 
 
 I stand amid the wintry winds. 
 Where the sad sea-waves surge! 
 
 Through all these many years of life 
 
 Have I been safely led; 
 My cup of joy hath oft been full, 
 
 My sorrow comforted!
 
 MAH.Y HALL ADAMS. H5 
 
 I know that he who gives, can take, 
 
 And doeth both in love; 
 I gladly take his "strong right hand," 
 
 Thai Leadeth me above. 
 
 Ami 80 with joy I tread along 
 
 The future left for me. 
 Knowing I soon shall reach the land 
 
 Of immortality! 
 
 MARY HALL ADAMS 
 
 Was the daughter of William and Mary Barrett, and was horn in Mai- 
 den, Mass., Sept. 14, 1816. The mother of Mary was a sister of charity 
 among the poor of Maiden, and the father was one of those large-hearted 
 men who are ever ready to do their duty cheerfully. Mr. Barrett helieved 
 in the principles of Christian Universalism, and with his wife Mary exem- 
 plified those principles at home and ahroad. The worthy traits of these 
 daily living Christians were transmitted to their daughter. But she did not 
 wait for the mantle to fall, hut commenced her lahor of love hefoie they 
 departed. Rev. Dr. Cohb says: "When we commenced our pastoral charge 
 at Maiden, Maiy Barrett was a little girl of twelve. Though her father was 
 wealthy, and her associates were of the first class socially, she was ever 
 modest and affable in her manners towards all. There was a combination of 
 intellectuality and benevolence in her expression, and her highest concern 
 was to enrich and adorn the mind. She entered heartily and efficiently 
 into the work of the Sunday-school. Young as she was, she became a 
 teacher and member of the Bible class. She joined the church at s-ixteen, 
 and was ever one of the most earnest and faithful workers, and her enlight- 
 ened and ever-glowing spirit of devotion added to the spiritual interest of 
 the communion." 
 
 When quite young she was called to mourn the loss of sister, father,
 
 116 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 brother and mother; ah died of consumption, and needed great care, which 
 she took upon herself with an unwearied heart ; but f riends saw that the 
 frail little body was overdoing itself, but her comforting was so sweet to the 
 invalids that they did not heed the wasting frame. 
 
 She was never a rollicking school-girl, but ever had that faculty and 
 grace about her that permitted her friends to indulge in their gay pastimes 
 without embarrassment, although she ever had a "half sad and half smiling 
 face." Mrs. E. A. Bacon Lathrop gives, as a reason for her quiet rensive- 
 ness, "An early life of sorrow, and consequent care as an older sister for 
 the broken family circle, and constant liabilities and pressure of ill-health, 
 put this touch of sadness to her sweet face, added a singular grace and dig- 
 nity of character that made us aU love and reverence her." 
 
 In November, 1839, Mary was married to one of our most Christian 
 and influential clergymen, Rev. J. G. Adams, D.D. 
 
 Quotations from her letters to friends will at once enable the reader to 
 recognize the frank simplicity of a pure womanly heart : 
 
 " To be a clergyman's wife has from my childhood been the acme of my 
 desire ; and I regard the day of my marriage as the commencement of my 
 duties and pleasures, in anticipation of which my heart is joyous. It may 
 be a way of trials, vexations, grievances. Let them aU conte ! There has 
 been One to sustain and impart fortitude to my heart, and his hand will 
 still guide and uphold me." 
 
 To another she wrote: "I am very sad at the thought of leaving so 
 many dear friends, and this old home my parents lived and died in ; and then, 
 too, my dear mother, upon her dying pillow, gave into my charge my younger 
 sisters to advise and counsel as far as was in my power, and that makes it 
 hard indeed; but there is one whose home I am bound to bless and cheer, so 
 think of me, dear friend, on the evening, about the time I shall stand at the 
 a liar, to promise, before God and the world, what my heart readily yields — 
 allegiance to the laws of Christian love and a husband." 
 
 And so this beautiful woman, who, if she had been in the Catholic 
 Church, would have been canonized as a saint after her death, took hold of 
 the duties of a minister's wife understandingly. But she inherited the 
 highest type of Universalism, that which refines, moulds and purifies the
 
 MAKY HALL ADAMS. 117 
 
 heart, and puts it in sympathy with everything good, and so it was as easy 
 as smiling for her to cheer the downcast, sympathize with the afflicted, and 
 smooth the pillows of the sick. To he useful to others whs the constant pur- 
 pose of her entire life. "Home was her holiest place, and there she lived 
 unobtrusively, but faithful to both home and church, strengthened in heart 
 and soul by living faith in God." Twelve years in the home of her child- 
 hood she lived as pastor's wife, and with those old familiar friends sus- 
 tained herself with a natural, quiet, sweet dignity and fidelity to her duties, 
 that enhanced the feelings of her friends to a kindness toward her akin to 
 tenderness. 
 
 Mrs. Adams edited the "Sabbath-School Annual,'' published by Rev. J. M. 
 Usher, Boston, for three years, and through her influence the pens of the 
 best authors in our church filled the "Annual" with the most instructive and 
 attractive reading for our young. In a letter to one who assisted her by 
 sending communications, Mrs. Adams wrote : 
 
 "I never more than at present felt the necessity of well-directed efforts 
 to keep, to win, to reclaim the young from what is wrong and unholy; to kindle 
 a love of pure and sound instruction within them, a love of Christ and his 
 precepts in their hearts. I know you feel with me the importance of filling 
 our juvenile papers and books with instructive lessons in morality and religion. 
 
 "We must think and talk more of heaven and God. We must not leave 
 'Father in heaven' and 'better home' to be mentioned only in prayers and in 
 Sunday-school. We must talk of these things in the sunlight, over the 
 needle, around the hearth on Monday or Tuesday, and not consider them 
 Sunday or sick-bed topics nor leave them for the minister." 
 
 Among her warmest friends were Sarah Edgarton (Mrs. Mayo), Charlotte 
 Fillebrown (Mrs. Jerauld), Mrs. E. A. Bacon Lathrop, Rev. E. H. Chapin, 
 D.D., Rev. T. Starr King, Rev. Hosea Ballou, Rev. S. Streeter, Br. H. 
 Ballou 2d, Rev. Thomas Whittemore,D.D., Rev. L. R. Paige, D.D., Rev. 0. 
 A. Skinner, D.B., Rev. J. W. Hanson, B.D. Mrs. Adams' real Christian 
 fortitude shone forth when one of her heart- jewels was transported to heaven. 
 She did not submit without a struggle, for the mother-love was strong and 
 tender, but with a sorrowing heart she submitted to God's will, because he had 
 taken his own and it was right. To a friend she writes :
 
 118 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 "I think much of you with the little treasure in your hands or nestling 
 on your hreast; and I go at once from earth to heaven and find my own 
 little jewel which the Savior hath taken to keep for me. I would gratefully 
 love to fold an infant to my arms and feast upon its opening attractions, but 
 I would not call the departed one hack. I shall always have a child in 
 heaven, and I shall be oftener there because she is one of its angels." 
 
 Mrs. Adams' health was lessening every day, and it was thought advis- 
 able to flee from the sea, and the strong east winds, and so Mr. Adams 
 accepted a call from the people of Worcester, Mass., and removed there in 
 1852. Mrs. Adams, being unable to attend to household duties, remained 
 with her Maiden friends until her new home was made comfortable for her, 
 into which she received a most tender welcome. Her health for a time 
 seemed to improve, and, as it was "impossible for her to keep her light hidden," 
 her heart and brain entered rejoicingly into her duties to the new friends. 
 Her memoir says she found congenial spirits and good earnest workers in her 
 new home. Her first communion in Worcester she describes: 
 
 "Here for the first time I sat with stranger sisters and brothers, away 
 from that old sanctuary where I was christened, received into the visible 
 church, married, and where my babes have been dedicated to the service and 
 will of the Father. Here, on new ground, amid new faces, with stranger 
 hearts all around me, away from kindred and home, I drew near to my God 
 and Savior for their blessings, and the communication of the influence of the 
 Holy Spirit." 
 
 But in speaking of this home among strangers, to another she says: 
 
 "Our home in this beautiful city is just one of the happiest homes that 
 was ever blest with sunshine and starlight." 
 
 To a friend sorrowing over the death of a child, she writes : 
 
 "It is not grateful in his children to remember so keenly the bitter drops 
 in life's cup, while they forget the many pleasant draughts which his hand 
 has presented to them. Therefore, my dear friend, I trust you will not dwell 
 too intently on the single bitter event of your child's death, but rather keep 
 in mind all that you can remember of bis happy youth. To be laid in the 
 grave and sleep in icy coldness is not all — the release of the invisible and 
 mysterious soul, its destiny in unknown regions — unknown to us, but under
 
 MARY HALL ADAMS. 119 
 
 control of hint whom we trust. If God designed that the death of our 
 friends should cause us to he enshrouded in darkness and gloom, would he 
 have sent Jesus to reveal the resurrection life to us? The very fact that our 
 relations and duties to the living do not stop when our friends die may be 
 regarded as a proof that we are to leave the departed with God. In heart- 
 felt prayer I know you will find consolation, and in every season of prayer 
 your trust in God wiU increase." 
 
 To another she wiites : 
 
 "When I think of and sorrow for such as you, a fearful idea of what the 
 separation of wedded hearts must be comes hke a terrible shock upon me. 
 To bring the hand of Providence thus near to my own heart almost over- 
 powers me ; yet thousands are brought to suffer it. I will pity all, and try to 
 console such as I may. To be made perfect through suffering is a hard ex- 
 perience for human hearts; but if, by reason of it, we are brought near unto 
 God, and become like him whose life and death and resurrection were wit- 
 nesses imto us of God's truth, we may always say, 'Thy will be done.' " 
 
 In 1858 the church in Worcester enjoyed a revival, and she referred to 
 it in the following manner : 
 
 "We are having a revival of just such an interest as it becomes Univer- 
 salists to have. Oh, that the washing of regeneration and the Holy Spirit 
 itself may make it as pure and sincere and effectual in the lives of the disci- 
 ples as the Lord himself could desire!" 
 
 In 1859 the health of Mrs. Adams rapidly failed; in December she had 
 an attack of pneumonia, from which she never fully recovered. In 1860 Mr. 
 Adams received and accepted a call to the Second society in Providence, R. I. 
 Just before going there Mrs. Adams writes to a friend : 
 
 "I shall never drive business any more; I have turned that comer, and 
 left it out of sight. Henceforth I am to aU intents and purposes a ' slow 
 coach.' I draw comfort, however, in contemplating the poor snail. He moves 
 slowly, but he moves. He accomplishes his journey and work; and, by the 
 blessing of God, I shall mine, in due time." 
 
 I wish I had space to quote more from this lovely woman's letters, who 
 seems born to illustrate the beauty of the Universalist faith. Mrs. Lathrop 
 says that "her letters were the breathings and aspirations of a Christ-like
 
 120 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 heart, and the influence of them guided many a young person to sit at Jesus' 
 feet." Dr. Adams says in the memoir of his beloved: "The invalid had 
 come to a new home, but she could form but few acquaintances in Provi- 
 dence. Her earthly sphere was narrowing, while a new and grander one 
 was about to open upon her. She was alive to both realities. As the out- 
 ward receded, the inward view opened. This home-land she was nearing 
 seemed to assume the aspect of a heavenly reality. On Thanksgiving Day 
 she took her seat at the table; ' Once more,' were the low but emphatic words 
 as the repast was ended. 
 
 "At her request we assisted her to the piano, that she might again touch 
 the keys ; and she selected the hymn, ' I'll praise my Maker while I've breath.' 
 In a few days those beautiful eyes, which ever looked as ' homes of silent 
 prayer,' were closed upon all earthly scenes." 
 
 MAEY ASHTON LIVERMORE. 
 
 On Dec. 19, 1821, in Boston, Mass., was born one of the most remarka- 
 ble of the women of the nineteenth century. Mary Ashton Kice was the 
 fourth of the six children of Timothy Eice, an old-fashioned Calvinistic Bap- 
 tist, a firm, decided, rigid "close communionist," who instilled the stern religious 
 views he held into the minds of his children, brought up by him in the nurt- 
 ure and admonition of the bluest of Puritanism. In a sketch written in 
 18G8, printed in the "Ladies' Bepository," by one whose opportunities for 
 acquaintance with the subject of this sketch were only surpassed by his rare 
 ability to perceive and describe her characteristics, the author, Bev. J. S. 
 Dennis, says: 
 
 "As a child, Mrs. Livermore was noted for resolution and restless activ- 
 ity. She was the champion of the smaller and poorer children, and even of 
 the animals when subjected to schoolboy torment. She was foremost in stir- 
 ring sports, joining freely in the more athletic games of the boys; but proud- 
 spirited and abrupt if rudely or unfairly treated. To this taste for healthful
 
 MARY A. LIVERMORE.
 
 MARY ASHTON LIVERMORE. 121 
 
 out-door life, and the freedom with which her parents permitted her to 
 indulge it during the first ten years of her life, Mrs. Livermore probably owes 
 the remarkable powers of endurance which have carried her safely through 
 the severe labors of her maturer years. It was a help in this direction, too, 
 that her school studies were never tasks. Where many children plod, and 
 wear out body and mind by protracted application, her wonderful verbal 
 memory and quick perception made the lessons a delight, and left her ample 
 time and strength for the hoop, the ball and the swing. 
 
 "Study became a pleasure — a passion; and aided by much more than 
 common aptitude, she soon stood among the first scholars of the school. In 
 some of the departments she had no equal. At ten years of age her compo- 
 sitions were so much above her years that she was openly charged with pur- 
 loining them. Claiming them as entirely her own, but not being able to con- 
 vince the teacher that such was the fact, it was finally resolved to put her to 
 the test. She was placed in one of the recitation-rooms, with pencil and 
 paper, and required to write a composition of a given length. The result was 
 so remarkable that still greater doubt was entertained, and she was charged 
 with writing out what she had committed to memory. At her own request 
 she was tried once more, and this time a topic was given her, — a strange 
 topic for a child of her age,— 'Self-government!' In a half-hour she re-ap- 
 peared, her paper covered. The composition was wonderingly read, her tri- 
 umph was complete, and from painful distrust she was taken into especial 
 favor. Her productions, both prose and poetic, were passed about and com- 
 mended, and several of them published before she was twelve years of age. 
 Her facile pen was in great demand in times of public and Sabbath- school 
 exercises and exhibitions, and won for her a class of correspondents whose 
 maturer tastes and purposes tended powerfully to ripen her own mind, and 
 develop womanly hues of thought and feeling, while she was yet a child. 
 She graduated from the Hancock School at fourteen years of age, taking a 
 silver medal, and soon after entered the Charlestown Female Seminary, 
 where she remained three years, most of the time in the double capacity of 
 pupil and teacher. She taught Latin, French and Italian, and with such 
 success that pupils, parents and principal were alike unwilling that she should 
 leave.
 
 122 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 "But a sad occurrence, one which changed the whole tone of her life, 
 rendered impossible her longer continuance. It was the death of a sister, 
 under peculiar and painful circumstances. We have already said that Mr. 
 Rice, her father, was a sturdy Calvinist, and that he labored faithfully to im- 
 press his ideas upon the minds of his children. With the daughter of whom 
 we are writing he thoroughly succeeded. She accepted the whole creed, and 
 held it with a thoroughness of conviction and a sharpness of apprehension 
 that made it the controlling force of her life. At the age of fifteen she was 
 'converted,' and baptized by the Rev. R. H. Neale, pastor of the First Bap- 
 tist Church of Boston. Her 'profession' was not an idle one, and she ia 
 remembered as one of the most devoted and active members of the society, 
 church, prayer-meetings, Sabbath -school, mission-school, Bible, general mis- 
 sionary, and all other organizations where one so young was admitted at all. 
 Her religious 'experience' was looked upon as one of the most marked and 
 promising; and some of the more zealous were anxious that her life should 
 be devoted to the work of a foreign missionary. 
 
 "It was while she was in this frame of mind that she entered upon hei 
 duties as pupil and teacher in the seminary at Charlestown. She still lived 
 at home and was under the constant influence of parents and pastor. But 
 home had another attraction. For years it had held a saintly invalid sister, 
 a pure, gentle soul, made ethereal by suffering; one for whom earth had no 
 promise, to whom common aims, hopes and enjoyments were impossible, 
 whose whole spirit was touchingly tender and sweet, and the tones of whose 
 voice melted the heart to sympathy and tears. Her condition, so sharply in 
 contrast with that of the young religious enthusiast who was daily at her side, 
 had opened for her depths of spiritual need not often seen by those in health. 
 She had found in her own experience new interpretations of the soul's long- 
 ings, of the life, words and deeds of the Master; she had felt the warmth of 
 the Great Father's heart, and could not accept the creed which had obtained 
 such control over her gifted sister. In vain did that sister explain, urge, 
 plead and pray; in vain were all the efforts of pastor, parents and friends; 
 in vain did they urge that life is always insecure, and that her hold upon it 
 was particularly frail. All was vain that they tried. Uninstructcd in more 
 hopeful views, hclil by lifelong illness from the great world where she might
 
 MARY ASHTON LIVEWVIORE. 128 
 
 have been taught that God is our Father, and heaven our home ; not know- 
 ing, indeed, but her sister's creed was correct, she yet trusted the intuitions 
 of her own tried sold and stood aloof. Of course this steady, continued 
 refusal to follow the example of the older sister, was set down to the invalid's 
 discredit. She was charged with 'resisting the Spirit,' 'neglecting the means 
 of grace,' with 'hardness of heart,' 'perversity of the natural will' and the 
 whole long catalogue of unkind sayings which are freely used on such occa- 
 sit ns. They seemed to have no effect upon the one for whom they were in- 
 tended, but upon the 'converted' sister, who had so entirely accepted the creed 
 of her father, these harsh aspersions had the force of terrible fact. And they 
 were all the more dreadful because she thought them really applicable to that 
 deijr one whom she knew to be so pure in thought, so gentle and kindly in 
 spirit, so confiding in her Savior, and so trustful and reverent toward her 
 Maker; all this — but of what avail since she was still unconverted? 
 
 "Rarely have sisters loved each other more. In their very differences 
 was the sweet cement which held them like the halves of one heart. Into 
 the fliidst of aU those years of suffering, into that sick-room that had so little 
 brightness of its own, had come the progress, promise and triumph of the sis- 
 ter to whom nature and kindly opportunities were so lavish ; and no friend 
 rejoiced \vith more unselfish gladness than did the invalid to whom all such 
 progress was denied. And no one wondered over the patient endurance, the 
 disarmed suffering, the gentle unconsciousness of deprivation, which were so 
 constant jq the sick-room, more than did the sister whose own experience had 
 been so bright. And all the more wonderful these things appeared in the light, 
 or rather shadow, of that conviction that the idolized invalid was still an 
 alien from the kingdom of grace and truth. So angelic now, what would 
 she not be if reconciled to her Savior? And — oh, horror too frightful for 
 thought!— if she were to die in this condition, and all that purity, sweetness 
 and love bo thrown into the company of fiends ! Prayers, appeals and tear- 
 ful beseechings were redoubled. 
 
 "Thus the three years passed during which the religious enthusiast was 
 pupil and teacher at the seminary in Charlestown; and thus many more 
 might have passed in saintly, unselfish interest on the one hand, in tearful,
 
 124 OUE WOMAN WOBKEES. 
 
 prayerful anxiety on the other — in the sweetest and freest commingling of 
 the hearts of hoth. 
 
 "But the blow fell. The gentle invalid died, died suddenly, died as she 
 had lived — 'unconverted.' Taken without premonition, in violent convul- 
 sions, she lived hut a few hours, and was wholly unconscious to the last. 
 She had so endeared herself to all, that her death, under any circumstances, 
 would have been more than ordinarily painful. But to die as she did, 'un- 
 reconciled;' to go into the grave among the 'finally impenitent;' to be lost, 
 endlessly, hopelessly cast out from God, was overwhelming. The blank 
 despair that rested upon every face and froze every heart was pitiable to 
 behold. 
 
 "To no one, however, did it come with such horror as to the bereaved 
 sister. Keason was almost dethroned. The school was abandoned; books, 
 society, friends, all life's duties and life itself were loathed. The one horrid 
 picture filled the whole mind. Others, with less love for the lost one, or with 
 weaker hold upon the old faith, could not understand her agony, and chided 
 her want of acquiescence in the will of heaven ; her father and pastor explained 
 and prayed; her mother wept and soothed. But all in vain. The early 
 instruction had been too thorough; the cruel creed was held too literally; the 
 terrible situation was seen too vividly; the hopelessness was too certain. The 
 crushed and tortured heart could not stand against the sharp, thorough con- 
 victions of the mind, and absolute insanity seemed inevitable. 
 
 "But a strange relief came; came not from truth, for the frightful dream 
 was still thought a reality; not from reconciliation — that was impossible. It 
 came from open rebellion against heaven; from a bitter sense of God's injus- 
 tice. The whole Calvinistic statement of the divine nature, decrees and 
 providence, was still held to be correct; the Bible was still thought to teach 
 the same old doctrines; no doubt upon any of these subjects had arisen. But 
 such a God, such decrees, such a providence, such a Bible, such treatment of 
 human beings, had grown repugnant to her sense of right, and were turned 
 from with open and pronounced contempt. She was aware of the perils she 
 was encountering; the smokes of the 'unending torment' rose directly in her 
 path; still she could not, would not turn. The kind friends who strove to 
 bring her relief, and warned her of the danger of so faulting heaven, found
 
 MAEY ASHTON LIVERMORE. 125 
 
 her ready to meet all the consequences. She told them she preferred to be 
 in hell with that pure, saintly sister, than be in heaven with such a God. 
 
 "After fairing with everything else, it was resolved to try a change of 
 scene for her relief. And as home, which tiU now had been the dearest spot 
 of earth, had become the focus of cruel association, and as all the well- 
 meant efforts of her friends, and even the tears of parents ami prayersof her 
 kind-hearted pastor, had become repulsive, and as she long< d to escape some- 
 where — so longed that death would have been sought had it meant annihila- 
 tion -she was more than willing for them to send her wherever they wished. 
 She only asked that the spot should be remote from familiar persons and 
 scenes, and where she might have plenty of hard, absorbing work. 
 
 "Accordingly, arrangements were made, and she removed to a lonely 
 plantation in southern Virginia, and assumed the care and instruction of a 
 group of children. The position she occupied was a peculiar one. The fam- 
 ily was opulent, cidtivated and influential ; had accepted her services as gov- 
 erness for their children with particular reference to the religious influence 
 she would have with them, and expressly enjoined a strict observance of 
 daily devotional exercises. And yet it was a skeptical family; the father was 
 almost an atheist. But so little comfort and strength had any of them found 
 among iheir doubts, that they resolved to have their children reared in the 
 full acceptance of the Christian faith. 
 
 "Repugnant as her old convictions had become, yet still holding them to 
 be correct, the distracted, despairing governess accepted and discharged her 
 ditties in good faith. Nothing could have been more fortunate for her, at this 
 time, than it was to be brought in daily contact with such skeptics as these: 
 persons of more than ordinary intelligence, of culture and wide reading, with 
 a library stored with skeptical works, close and shrewd in the doubter's 
 defenses, and yet turning from all with a sad sense of want ami weariness, 
 which they could not bear to transmit to their children. Here, then, she saw 
 the end of that bitter, distrusting tendency which had already begun in her 
 own mind; this, and only this, would be found in that direction. She read 
 and re-read every skeptical work in the house. But they brought no relief, 
 produced no permanent conviction, and left her old faith substantially un- 
 touched. Two years passed away, and her heart grew colder, harder; God
 
 126 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 and heaven were as unattractive as ever. But she had matured; had learned 
 to mask her trouble; had evoked a superficial quiet; coidd smile and be gay, 
 notwithstanding memory all the while burnt like a cancer. Feeling at last 
 that she could hide her misery sufficiently to confront old scenes and old 
 friends with calmness, she came North and took charge of a school in the 
 town of Dnxbury. Here she found the help which lifted the load which had 
 been pressing upon her heart more and more heavily. 
 
 "One Sunday evening, by invitation of a friend, but not willingly, she 
 attended a Universalist meeting. Through her girlhood she had been taught 
 to believe and expect evil and only evil from such persons as Ballou and 
 Whittemore ; and she neither knew nor cared to know anything about the 
 sentiments which these men advocated. Everywhere she heard them spoken 
 against, and ' what everybody said must be true.' Now, for the first time, she 
 was to hear one of the order speak. Her expectations were not high — the 
 preacher was young ; his topic was not especially adapted to her needs. Yet 
 it opened a new era in her existence. It raised the query whether she 
 had not been misreading the Bible ; whether God's character, decrees, and 
 providence had not been misunderstood ; whether the Savior's teaching 
 and mission had not been misrepresented, whether human nature had not 
 been maligned, and human destiny horribly mangled, in the cruel en- 
 ginery of her early creed. As soon as the services closed she pressed 
 forward and asked the clergyman for his sermon, that she might examine it 
 more critically; and read it thrice before retiring, sought its author as soon 
 as her school was over the next day, and asked him to loan her any book 
 which taught the same sentiments. "With admirable judgment he se- 
 lected for her ' Williamson's Exposition of Universalism.' It proved for her 
 both light and life. It blotted out that lurid picture of hell which had so 
 long filled the whole foreground of her thoughts; it tenderly took tbat lost 
 sister from unutterable woe, and placed her in the great home; it swept 
 aside the clouds which had obscured the Creator and all his works, and re- 
 vealed the infinite Father. It seemed to her that the book was inspired; 
 and, fearing that she might not be able to get another like it, she copied it 
 from beginning to end. Returning this work, she received next ' Skinner's 
 Sermons,' and these, too, she copied. The man n scripts now lie before me,
 
 MART ASHTON LIVERMORE. 1 27 
 
 a monument of her anxiety to escape from night to day, from agony to 
 peace. Dreading error, she undertook the task of learning Greek, and pur- 
 sued it until she had read the New Testament. But, gaining access to those 
 ahle works in which all controverted points are critically treated, she turned 
 to them as more exhaustive and satisfactory. Thus the months went by, 
 and her faith grew clearer and firmer. 
 
 "The help she had received in this direction from the young clergyman 
 already referred to, had been constant, wise and delicate. Such anxiety on 
 her part to learn, and such willingness on his part to teach, naturally brought 
 them a great deal together, and so it came about that she became Mrs. D. 
 P. Livermore." 
 
 After her marriage, Mrs. Livermore resided as "minister's wife*" in Stafford, 
 Conn., Maiden and Weymouth, Mass., Auburn, N. Y., and Quincy, 111. 
 Active, untiring, efficient, during these years she was the model housekeeper 
 of a hospitable home, a courageous advocate of whatever her clear mind per- 
 ceived to be right and true, and a warm-hearted and indefatigable friend of 
 the sick and needy. At the same time the productions of her pen appeared 
 in the "Rose of Sharon," "Lily of the Valley," "Ladies' Repository," "Trumpet," 
 "Christian Freeman," "Christian's Ambassador," and "Gospel Banner." In 
 May, 1858, Mr. Livermore became proprietor and editor of the New Cove- 
 nant, the organ of our church in the Northwest, which paper he continued to 
 conduct until May, 1869, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Hanson, D.D., 
 the present (1881) editor, who says: "During eleven years, Mr. Livermore 
 evinced a superior business ability, a rare energy, great editorial skill, and a 
 character for probity and consecration to the responsible duties of his position, 
 seldom equaled, never surpassed. The Universalist denomination owes him 
 a debt of gratitude for services as great as those that have been performed 
 by any one man during the same length of time, but even his tireless efforts 
 would have been less successful had they not been supplemented by the great 
 abilities and wonderful capacity for work, possessed by his gifted belpmeet. 
 When he was Hying on the wings of steam to all parts of the West, in the in- 
 terest of the paper and the great cause it represented, she was as competent 
 'ti business, as full of tact in all the details of management, as watchful ami 
 industrious in the thousand-and-one drudgeries of a pewspaper office, as though
 
 128 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 she had no other task, and at the same time her facile pen was in motion early 
 and late, moving through all the gamut of topics, 'from grave to gay, from lively 
 to severe.' It would be difficult to find two men capable of performing the 
 amount of labor that Mr. and Mrs. Livermore wrought during those busy 
 and useful years." 
 
 For many years her productions appeared every month in the " Repository ; " 
 the most life-like stories, sketches and poems of a high order. For eighteen 
 years her articles adorned the "Rose of Sharon." She edited the "Lily of 
 the Valley" three years, sometimes furnishing a third of its contents under 
 various signatures. A series of war sketches, running through a year of the 
 "Repository," would make a choice volume. Indeed, J. T. Fields asked to 
 publish them in book form, but the Universalist Publishing House at that 
 time intending to put them out with their imprint, objected; a work, I re- 
 gret to say, never done. Of the self-sacrificing nature of Mrs. Livermore's 
 work for the denomination the reader can judge, when it is stated by herself: 
 "I can not remember that I was ever paid a cent in money — only books, an- 
 nuals, sermons, etc. — for any literary work I have done for the Universalist 
 denomination." Two volumes of her stories have been published, but sev- 
 eral most readable volumes might be made from her scattered productions. 
 
 At the present time Mrs. Livermore is President of the "Massachusetts 
 "Woman's Temperance Union," an officer of the "Woman's Educational and 
 Industrial Union," " Woman's Congress;" is Trustee of a Medical College 
 in Boston, admitting Women; and she preaches in some pulpit during the 
 Sundays of about six months of the year. 
 
 In Europe, where Mrs. Livermore has passed her vacations two Summers, 
 she is very popular. In 1880 she was absent nearly six months, and lectured 
 repeatedly in London and thereabouts in the vicinity. She scarcely took a 
 meal at a hotel for three or four weeks, because continually invited out. 
 She saw and made personal acquaintance of people eminent in reform, in 
 liberal religion, in politics, among workers for women, temperance people, 
 etc. the Martineaus, Plights, Taylors, Conways, McLarens, etc. She 
 preached in London several times, visited Rome, Pompeii, Naples, Florence, 
 Genoa, Venice, Milan, Heidelberg, Constance, Pranld'ort-on-tbe-Main, Berlin,
 
 MARY A.SHTON LIVERMORE. 12<J 
 
 Brussels, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Paris, Lyons, Avignon, Geneva, Rouen, 
 Switzerland, etc. 
 
 In addition to the herculean labors of the newspapers, monthlies and 
 
 annuals, while in Chicago Mrs. Livermore was able to officiate as a hard- 
 working member of the Board of Directors of the Chicago "Home for the 
 Friendless," and to he diligent in the Bible-class and Sunday-school of the 
 Church of the Redeemer, of which, during her residence in Chicago, Bevs. 
 A. C. Barry, D.D., J. H. Tuttle, D.D., T. E. St. John, and G. T. Flanders, 
 D.D., were pastors. For several years she was the moving spirit in the 
 Northwestern Conference, an organization that accomplished an immense 
 amount of good. She had many coadjutors, but Rev. J. W. Hanson, D.D., 
 says: "The work was largely accomplished by herself, through correspond- 
 ence, the press, thousands of miles of travel, and eloquent addresses. A 
 hundred thousand dollars endowment of Lombard University, the payment 
 of church debts, and the general revival of our cause to a degree never known 
 before or since in the West, were the work of this Conference." 
 
 Her toil during the war was simply tremendous. Beyond any other 
 woman she was active, energetic, successful. Brockett, in his splendid 
 book, "Woman's Work in the Civil War," devotes large space to Mrs. Liver- 
 more, and says: "Few of the busy, active laborers in the broad field of 
 woman's effort during the war have been more widely or favorably known." 
 The New Covenant blazed with appeals, and in the Sanitary Commission 
 she became a conspicuous leader. She was appointed agent of the North- 
 western branch, and she suggested, planned and earned to successfid termina- 
 tion the great Chicago Fair, which netted almost 8100,000, and its 
 successor, which realized even more; about $1,000,000 in all. Mrs. Liver- 
 more had nothing to do in handling this great amount of money; and was 
 in noway financially benefited for her labors; she was only one of the great 
 forces that assisted in collecting it. Her visits to the army, to the hospitals, 
 to Washington, to all parts of the West, to initiate and inspire other women 
 in the patriotic work demanded by the times, could only he told in a volume. 
 Her eye saw every need; and her eloquent tongue and equally eloquent pen 
 told the story in a way to arouse all hearts; and volunteers, nurses, supplies
 
 130 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 for soldiers and hospitals started up wherever she spoke, as Roderic Dhu's 
 soldiers appeared at his call. 
 
 The following is a specimen of her treatment of the events of the times. 
 The army had long heen inactive, in the Winter of 1861-2. When our gen- 
 erals ordered the Hutchinson family out of the lines, Mrs. Livermore wrote 
 in The New Covenant : " While the whole country has heen waiting in 
 breathless suspense for six months, each one of which seemed an eternity to 
 the loyal people of the North, for the 'grand forward movement' of the army, 
 which is to cut the Gordian knot of the Rebellion, and perform unspeak- 
 able prodigies not lawful for man to utter, a backward movement has been 
 executed on the banks of the Potomac by the valiant commanders there 
 stationed, for which none of us were prepared. No person, even though his 
 imagination possessed a seven-leagued-boot power of travel, could have an- 
 ticipated the last great exploit of our generals, whose energies thus far have 
 been devoted to the achieving of a 'masterly inactivity.' The 'forward 
 movement' has receded, and receded like the cup of Tantalus, but the back- 
 ward movement came suddenly upon us, like a thief in the night. The 
 Hutchinson family, than whom no sweeter songsters gladdened this sorrow- 
 darkened world, have been singing in Washington to the President and to 
 immense audiences, everywhere giving unmixed delight. Week before last 
 they obtained a pass to the camps on the other side of the Potomac, with 
 the laudable purpose of spending a month among them, cheering the hearts 
 of the soldiers, and enlivening the monotonous and barren camp-life with 
 their sweet melody. But they ventured to sing a patriotic song (a beautiful 
 song of Whittier's), which gave offence to a few semi-secessionists among 
 the officers of the army, for which they were severely reprimanded by Gen- 
 erals Franklin and Kearney, their pass revoked by General McClellan, and 
 they driven back to Washington. A backward movement was ordered in- 
 stanter, and no sooner ordered than executed. Brave Franklin! heroic 
 Kearney! victorious McClellan! why did you not order a Te Deum on the 
 occasion of this great victory over a band of Vermont minstrels, half of 
 whom were girls? How must the hearts of the illustrious West-Pointers 
 have pit-a-patted with joy, and dilated with triumph, as they saw the
 
 MA1JY ASIIION LIVERMOEE. LSI 
 
 Hutchinson troupe— Asa B., and Lizzie C, little Dennott and Freddy, naive 
 Viola, melodeon and all -.scampering back through the mud, bowed beneath 
 the weight of their military displeasure." 
 
 It seems incredible that one woman could perform such herculean labors, 
 but they were oniy possible because of her possession of an endurance that is 
 something marvelous. Seldom, during the years of the war, were her hours 
 of labor fewer than eighteen daily. 
 
 After relinquishing the New Covenant Mrs. Livermore became editor of 
 a paper devoted to the interests of woman — "The Agitator;" and in 1870 she 
 moved to Massachusetts, and was for some time connected with the "Wom- 
 an's Journal," of which she was editor with T. W. Higginson, Julia Ward 
 Howe, Wm. Lloyd Garrison and Lucy Stone. 
 
 During "Centenary Year," 1870, Mrs. Livermore performed a valuable 
 work for our Woman's Centenary Association. Rev. I. M. Atwood, D.D., 
 the editor of the "Universalist," now "Christian Leader," truthfully declared 
 that she did more work, and raised more money for the Murray Fund, than 
 any other woman, if not more than any man. Strange to say, though 
 she had filled so many spheres with such ability and success, it was not until 
 she was fifty years of age that she found the position for which, more than 
 for any other, she was born, and which neither she nor her friends had ever 
 suspected — the rostrum. She had addressed public audiences during the 
 war, and during her labors in the Northwestern Conference, but it was not 
 until she occupied the lecture platform that she found herself in the position 
 which of all others she was predestined to fill. By general consent she is 
 denominated the "Queen of the Platform." Rev. J. W. Hanson, D.D., 
 says: "Her thoughts are logically arranged, her rhetoric is of the choicest, 
 her imagination is vivid, her voice is womanly in all its modulations, her 
 manner is that of a well-bred lady, and a halo of magnetism accompanies her 
 in all her public addresses, so that she holds listening assemblies as by 
 enchantment. During the last ten years she has averaged one hundred and 
 fifty lectures each year, in all parts of the land, from Maine to California. 
 Her services are eagerly sought in the pulpits of all churches, wherever she 
 may sojourn on Sunday in her lecture tours, and her discourses never fail to
 
 132 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 elicit unanimous admiration and delight." The topics of her lectures are 
 such as these: "What Shall We Do with Our Daughters'?" "Women of the 
 War;" "Queen Elizabeth;" "Concerning Husbands;" "The Reason Why;" 
 "Superfluous Women;" "Harriet Martineau;" "The Moral Heroism of the 
 Temperance Reform;" "The Coming Man;'' "Beyond the Sea;" "Our Moth- 
 erland;" "The Boy of To-Day. " From hundreds of enthusiastic criticisms 
 of her lectures, I select the following from the Hingham (Mass.) "Journal," 
 which gives my own views: 
 
 "Mrs. Livermore has been, and is, a power in the land on the side of 
 philanthropic and reformatory movements. A wife, a mother, a housekeeper, 
 a writer, an agent for the Sanitary Commission, a newspaper editor, a public 
 speaker, a social power, a great correspondent, a reformer —these employ- 
 ments, earned in each case to excellence, indicate somewhat the busy, use- 
 ful, intense way in which she has lived. Her conspicuous success, however, 
 is seen in the department of public speaking. There is not a woman in the 
 republic who ranks beside her in this respect. The secret of her unrivaled 
 triumph lies not in one, but in several elements of oratorical ability. She 
 never lays aside womanly dignity and grace ; her calm and attractive spirit, 
 earnest but courteous, always wins respect for her, even among those unquali- 
 fiedly opposed to the appearance of woman on the lecture platform. Time 
 has not turned her feelings acrid. Those who know her best detect a ten- 
 dency to the opposite, — an increase of gentleness and kindly expression. 
 Her aim is to persuade ; to rest her arguments on facts, on sound logic, on 
 common sense. Gifted with a fine physical organization, she maintains a 
 vigorous brain, apt at illustration, quick in analysis. Unfettered by manu- 
 script, she speaks eye to eye, face to face with her audiences, and in fluent, 
 forcible language presents her theme with unflagging earnestness. The lis- 
 tener is impressed at once with the conviction that this woman is not speak- 
 ing for display, for notoriety, for money only. Her talent of oratory she uses 
 as a means to an end. Whether one agrees with her or not, one can not 
 despise her learning, or deride her style. Scarcely a preacher or political 
 speaker or lawyer but would give all he has to possess her facile, incisive, 
 captivating address."
 
 MARY ASHTON LIVERMORE. 133 
 
 Of her sermons the following is an average notice: 
 
 "Mrs. Livermore lectured Sunday morning in the Church of the Messinh, 
 on the 'Immortal Life.' Incidents illustrating the many points of the dis- 
 course ahounded, and Mrs. Livermore held her audience intent and immova- 
 ble, only as they were moved by the touching pathos of her words and her 
 own evidently sincere and heartfelt earnestness; and these often bring even 
 strong men to tears." — Montpelier (Vt.) Watchman. 
 
 An accomplished critic, in whose literary judgment I have the utmost 
 confidence, and upon whom I have made frequent calls, says 
 
 "Had Mrs. Livermore devoted herself exclusively to poetry, she would 
 have ranked among our best poets; had she concentrated her mind on fiction, 
 she would have been a novelist of a high order; as an editor she has few 
 equals; but as a pulpit and platform orator she is unrivaled, and no one can 
 survey her path through the world for the last forty years without perceiving 
 that she has accomplished a wonderful work. Her example teaches one les- 
 son to women, that all should remember: A woman need not 'linger superfluous 
 on the stage' because her youth has fled. If she will but elect to employ 
 whatever powers God has given her, she will grow in grace and general 
 power and influence as her years increase. As her mind develops and her 
 soul expands, they will record their inscriptions on the face and in the man- 
 ner. Others will see 'the mind, the music breathing from the face,' and age 
 will wear a dignity, a beauty of its own, not inferior to the attractions of 
 youth. Mrs. Livermore at sixty is personally more attractive than at forty, 
 and has wrought more and better work since she was fifty than during any 
 preceding ten years of her life. She is somewhat above the ordinary height 
 and size, with a face expressive of power, and yet not masculine; a pleasant 
 mouth, magnetic, blue-grey eye, a full brow and a massive head. In repose 
 her countenance expresses thoughtfulness and decision, and in conversation 
 every varying mood is indicated by her mobile features. As a conversational- 
 ist she is fascinating, not only charming but stimulating her listener and 
 raconteur to unwonted ease and fluency." 
 
 From the scattered waifs, the children of the mind of this gifted woman, 
 I select:
 
 !34 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 DREAMS. 
 
 I dreamed: life lay a sunlit path, 
 
 Besprent with flowers of rainbow dyes; 
 Music thrilled all the listening air. 
 
 And o'er me hung cerulean skies. 
 Soft breezes fanned me with their wings, 
 
 Coolness came up from crystal streams. 
 Not fairer was the heaven of God 
 
 Than the bright land of my young dreams. 
 
 But as I gazed, the sun grew dim, 
 
 Forth from the clouds the thunder broke, 
 
 A storm swooped down from out the sky- 
 Groping in darkness, I awoke. 
 
 No more I see a sunny way, 
 
 With flowers and greenness all o'erspread; 
 
 Rough and uneven is the track, 
 
 And leading downward to the dead. 
 
 I dreamed again: and now came Hope, 
 
 An artist of divinest birth, 
 And sketched the future o'er and o'er, 
 
 In colors all too bright for earth; 
 And Friendship bound me fast and close, 
 
 To hearts that throbbed against my own— 
 Ah, what if weary were the way, 
 
 So now I journeyed not alone! 
 
 But from my arms they fell away; 
 
 Some wearied of the love I gave. 
 And some, a-weary of the way, 
 
 Sank heavily within the grave. 
 And the dear artist of that hour, 
 
 His pictures shine on me no more; 
 T^ieir hues were faded long ago, 
 
 I see them not— that dream is o'erl 
 
 Then came the sweetest dream of all— 
 
 We two walked lovingly alone, 
 When lo, the sound of little feet 
 
 Pattered along beside our ownl 
 I held the child with jealous love— 
 
 The hunger of my heart was stilled— 
 "0 God!" I cried, "what, what am I! 
 
 That thus with joy my cup is filled!" 
 
 "I'll smooth for thee the flinty way," 
 
 I said, "it shall not bruise thy feet; 
 I'll shield thee from the tempest's power,
 
 MARY ASHTON LIVEBMOBE. 185 
 
 Anil from the noon-tide's torrid heat." 
 But while I spake, athwart my path 
 
 A pair of strong white pinions gleamed:— 
 Once more we two walked on alone— 
 
 M \ child was not— no more I dreamed. 
 Now do I dream? Afar, afar, 
 
 There lies a green and sunny shore; 
 A glory bathes that land and sky, 
 
 Transcending all I saw of yore. 
 Sometimes the mists that hang between 
 
 A moment lift their fleecy veil, 
 And then I see that land of light. 
 
 By which the noon-day waxeth pale. 
 
 And there the friends who from my arms 
 
 Fell into those of death away, 
 Await my coming o'er the flood, 
 
 Outlooking for me night and day. 
 And there— heart, forget thy pain, 
 
 O eyes, forbear your weeping now— 
 For there I see my radiant child, 
 
 With bliss anil beauty on her brow. 
 
 Nay, 'tis no dream, what now I see. 
 
 That will my unsealed eye-lids mock! 
 Unfading are the coming joys, 
 
 Which the hereafter will unlock. 
 O night of death! when I shall sleep 
 
 A dreamless sleep, to wake new-born, 
 Draw near, and open on my sight 
 
 The effulgence of that endless morn! 
 
 JESUS 
 
 "I have trodden the wine-press alone, and of the people there was none with me. 
 "He was despised and rejected of men, and we hid, as it were, our faces from him. 
 "Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example." 
 
 Angels trod the starry arches vaulted o'er the slumbering world, 
 With their shining robes up-gathered, and their stainless pinions furled, 
 Thrilling with their wond'rous music all the hushed and listening air, 
 And the blissful tidings chanting, "Lo, the Son of God is here." 
 
 Where the waters stole up lightly, as if seeking place to rest, 
 Jesus stood with eyes uplifted, and with clasped hands on his breast; 
 There the unseen Father owned him. as he rose above the stream. 
 And with heavenly light baptized him. in one full and softened beam.
 
 136 OUE WOMAN WOEKEES. 
 
 Radiant wings, whose silvery glancings made the earth and sky grow bright. 
 Lighted up the desert's darkness, changing to a noon its night. 
 When the tempter quailed before him— the majestic sent of God, 
 And the bright Shekinah's glory on the victor's brow abode. 
 
 Yet when rang throughout Judea the heraldic prophet's voice, 
 Foaling to the noble's palace, rising o'er the city's noise, 
 When he came, whose call could summon shining legions from on high, 
 Pharisaic priests and Levites passed him with a scorning eye. 
 
 Pure as God, whose suffrage chose him to illume the world with truth, 
 Holy as the new-born angel, when in heaven begins its youth, 
 With a heart attuned so finely, all its chords so nicely strung, 
 That the faintest touch of sorrow thence a deep compassion wrung; 
 
 With a soul where every virtue as in constellation beamed. 
 
 With a love that, ever gushing, into all his actions streamed, 
 
 Jesus gauged the dark abysses where abode the foulest sin, 
 
 And he fathomed depths the lowest, where the sinning had plunged in. 
 
 Oh, how deep his heart's affection, as he spoke those words of peace, 
 Which brought weakness to his shelter, and the mourner's tears could cease 
 Oh, how strong, and how o'ermastering, was his bosom's secret grief, 
 When he saw the world in madness, thrusting back its sole relief! 
 
 To his heart of God-like largeness none an answering throb could send, 
 None the sympathy could render he was ever prompt to lend; 
 Man could follow in his pathway, in his tracks of joy and life, 
 But alone he chased the darkness, and fought out the fearful strife. 
 
 Midnight steeped the crested mountain, and the stars looked sadly down, 
 When the man of vast divineness sought Gethsemane alone; 
 There, with awe, the dark leaves shivered, and stood still the swaying air, 
 Witnessing his mighty sorrow, listing to his anguished prayer. 
 
 There with grief alone he wrestled; lonely, bore that weight of woe, 
 Reeling underneath an anguish which no lesser soul could know, 
 Crimsoned with the oozing blood-drops, from his o'erfraught heart distilled. 
 Yet not swerving from the trial which the Infinite had willed. 
 
 And while groaned the earth, in horror, shuddering to its very core, 
 While the sun grew pale, and fainting, could behold the deed no more, 
 While the harps above were tuneless, strewn along the floor of heaven, 
 Wondering at the cup of anguish which to Jesus, lips was given, 
 
 Thos<- he loved with tender yearning, whom he fondly chose his own, 
 Who exhaled his best affections, left him e'en to die alone; 
 Be, the mate Of tallest angels, who might wear the crown of God, 
 Was by all he loved, forsaken, and alone the grave he trod.
 
 MAIIY ASHTON LIVERMORE. 137 
 
 What if, then, ye lofty spirits, ye of high and holy heart, 
 
 Wlm to be the world's Messiahs arc by nature set apart— 
 
 What if, lone, betrayed, forsaken, ye must pass through mortal life? 
 
 Jesus trod that path before you, God-upholden in the strife. 
 
 Mrs. Livermore is author of one of our best hymns : 
 
 Jesus, what precepl is like thine, 
 
 "Forgive as ye would be forgiven!" 
 If heeded, oh, what power divine 
 
 Would then transform our earth to heaven. 
 
 Not by the harsh or scornful word 
 
 Should we our brother seek to gain. 
 
 Not by the prison or the sword, 
 
 The shackle or the clanking chain. 
 
 But from our spirits there must flow 
 A love that will his wrong outweigh. 
 
 Our lips must only blessings know. 
 And wrath and sin shall die away. 
 
 THE SLAVE TRAGEDY AT CINCINNATI.* 
 
 Bright the Sabbath sun is shining through the clear and frosty air, 
 Solemnly the bells arc calling to the lease of praise and prayer; 
 
 And with hearts devout and holy, thither many wend their way, 
 To renew to God their pledges— but I can not go to-day, 
 
 For my soul is sick and saddened with that fearful tale of woe, 
 Which has blanched the cheeks of mothers to the whiten,---, of the snow; 
 And my thoughts are wandering ever where the prison walls surround 
 The parents and their children, in hopeless bondage bound. 
 
 '"Margaret Garner, a slave mother, with, five slave children, had escaped from 
 slavery, had reached Cincinnati, was arrested, and under the "Fugitive slave Law" 
 was by the l". S. Commissioner remanded hack to the custody of her i 
 
 who was waiting in th irtroom, with a strong force. As soon as she heard 
 
 the decision, she caught up a knife, lying on the table, and stabbed her baby. 
 with intent to kill all the children. All the: same was she remande i back into 
 slavery. This was the cause of the poem. The last stanza is prophetic. It was 
 written Ave years before the war. 
 
 10
 
 138 °UR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Oh thou mother, maddened, frenzied, when the hunter's toils ensnared 
 Thee and thy brood of nestlings, till thy anguished spirit dared 
 Send to God, uncalled, one darling life that 'round thine own did twine- 
 Worthy of a Spartan mother was that fearful deed of thine! 
 
 Worthy of the Roman father, who sheathed deep his flashing knife 
 In the bosom of Virginia, in the current of her life! 
 Who, rather than his beauteous child should live a tyrant's slave, 
 Opened the way to freedom through the portals of the grave! 
 
 Well I know no stronger yearning than a mother's love can be— 
 I could do and dare forever for the babe upon my knee! 
 And I feel no deeper sorrow could the light of life eclipse, 
 Than to see death's shadows settle on its brow and faded lips. 
 
 •Yet, (oh, God of heaven, forgive me!) baby sitting on my knee, 
 I could close thy blue eyes calmly, smiling now so sweet on me! 
 Ay, my hand could ope the casket, and thy precious soul set free; 
 Better for thee death and heaven, than a life of slavery! 
 
 And before the Judge Eternal, this should be my anguished plea: 
 "They would rob my child of manhood; so, uncalled, I sent it thee! 
 Hope and Love and Joy and Knowledge and her every right they crave; 
 So I gave her what they left her— her inheritance— the grave!" 
 
 And the Lord would judge between us, oh ye men of stony heart! 
 Even 'gainst the strong and mighty, for the weak he taketh part; 
 Think ye hunters of his children bowed beneath your iron rod, 
 With your heel upon their heart-pulse, this ye do unto your God? 
 
 But the day of vengeance eometh— he will set his people free. 
 Though he lead them, like his Israel, through a red and bloody sea; 
 For the tears and gore of bondmen, staining deep the frighted sod, 
 And the wailing cry of millions riseth daily up to God! 
 
 PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. 
 
 "Nature is not lavish of great men, but distributes them charily through 
 the centuries. Often she evolves them from the obscurity where they have 
 slowly crystallized into force and clearness, only when the crises appear for 
 whose mastership they were ordained. Like the stars of evening they spring 
 not into instantaneous being, but only appear after they have been slowly 
 formed in dimness and mistiness, after long revolving, condensing and gath- 
 ering, one by one, pale rays of light. Then they stand out, coruscating on 
 the brow of night, like God's signets, ever after to be the guide and admira- 
 tion of men.
 
 MARY ASHTON LIVERMORE. Igg 
 
 "It was thus with our late heloved President, whose life was crowned 
 with the glory of martyrdom. The discipline of poverty, and hard wrestling 
 with Nature in the blended timber and prairie country of the unsubdued 
 "West, matured him to a late hut sturdy manhood. The softening culture of 
 the schools was held aloof from him. The civic honors, for which in early 
 life he struggled, eluded his pursuit, and crowned his rival. The golden 
 stream of Pactolus flowed far away from his feet. And so Nature and cir- 
 cumstance shaped him vigorous, cool-headed, warm-hearted, self-poised, 
 strong-handed. A childlike simplicity remained in him that ever proved 
 more than a match for the suhtleties of political tricksters. Transcendent 
 honesty and clear-sighted goodness stood him instead of genius and inspira- 
 tion. For half a century his manhood was huilt up hy gradual accretions of 
 power, strength and wisdom, and the qualities which inspire trust, and then 
 the great epoch hurst upon us, for which Providence had heen shaping him. 
 
 "Our country was tossed in the agonies of disruption, and the fires of a 
 gigantic civil war were smouldering in her bosom, when Mr. Lincoln took the 
 reins of government in his hand. Through many a Gethsemane of agony, 
 up many a Calvary of blood, he led the nation steadily, on its sanguinary way 
 to freedom, till the goal was won. Then the Lord took him. One moment 
 he was charged with a nation's fate — the next, a shock — a dim, blank pause — 
 and he beheld the King in his glory. One moment our noisy and capricious 
 applause surged around him — the next, he heard but the One Voice, 'Well 
 done, good and faithful servant!' The nation sobbed its farewell to him, 
 but in its yearning love it still reaches out into the immeasurable heaven of 
 heavens after him. It hoards its memories of him as priceless wealth. It 
 exhumes from the past the minutiae of his daily life, and laughs afresh at his 
 rare humor, and weeps anew over the pathos and tragedy crowded into his 
 history. Because it is a topic of which Americans never weary, and because 
 I held in my heart of hearts with jealous affection my personal memories of 
 this good, great man, I have thought to place on record in the 'Repository' 
 some brief personal reminiscences of President Lincoln, which may not be 
 wholly devoid of interest to those who loved him. 
 
 "I well remember when I first heard of Mr. Lincoln, and the impression 
 made upon me by the first words of his which ever nut my eye. It was in
 
 140 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 1858 — just after my removal into the West from New England — when he was 
 put forward in Illinois as a candidate for the seat in the Senate Chamber, 
 about to be vacated by Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, who was himself a candi- 
 date for re-election. The two aspirants for the same position 'stumped' the 
 State, and met in joint debate at seven points of geographical importance. 
 These debates created the intensest interest, and everywhere the people 
 flocked to hear them. To this day, that memorable and peculiar discussion 
 is known in Illinois as the 'battle of the giants.' One of the localities where 
 these 'giants' wrestled in argument was Springfield, 111., and the first time 
 that I ever heard of Mr. Lincoln was in connection with the joint debate 
 in that city. I shall never forget how I was impressed with his prophetic 
 utterance in that discussion, which has since been so often quoted: 'A house 
 divided against itself can not stand. I believe this government can not 
 endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to 
 be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease 
 to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other.' He seemed, 
 even at that time, to speak thus with lips touched with prophetic fire. Mr. 
 Lincoln lost the election — Mr. Douglas won it — but the former gathered to 
 himself the trust of all haters of slavery and lovers of freedom, and prepared 
 
 the way for his triumphant elevation to a higher post of honor. 
 
 ******* * * 
 
 "I was in the ante-chamber of the President's room one nioming, wait- 
 ing the exit of Secretary Stanton, who was holding an interview with Mr. 
 Lincoln, when, as my party was under the escort of a senator, we were next 
 to enter. A member of the Cabinet takes precedence of all who wish to enter 
 the presence of the Chief Magistrate; a senator ranks next, and goes in be- 
 fore any inferior personages; a member of the House is next in order, while 
 persons unattended by any of these officials take their turn among those 
 desiring an audience. As we were waiting the departure of the Secretary of 
 \V;ir, who was making a long visit, I looked around upon the crowd who bad 
 '. f <it thus far in their claims upon the President's attention. Standing, sit- 
 ting, walking, lounging, talking, with hats on, and, generally, mouths full of 
 tobacco, there were some fifty men in attendance, and besides ourselves only 
 one woman. She was sitting in a corner of the room, with her face close to
 
 MARY ASHTON LIVERMORE. 141 
 
 the wall. Thinking she had shrunk into this place and posture from shame- 
 facedness at being the only woman among so many men, I moved a little 
 toward her to get a peep at her face. I was somewhat curious to look at a 
 woman who feared to show her face hefore any numher of such men as were 
 congregated there. She was poor-looking, shabbily but neatly dressed, mid- 
 dle-aged, sunburnt and careworn. Her hands were tightly clenching a 
 handkerchief, which she held close against her breast, witli the evident effort 
 to master the feeling that was shaking her whole frame, and she was quietly 
 weeping. I saw by her manner that she was in great trouble, and my heart 
 went out to her immediately. Putting my arm over her shoulder, I stooped 
 down, and said as kindly as I could: 
 
 " 'My poor woman, I am afraid you are in trouble; can I do anything to 
 comfort you?' 
 
 "She turned a most imploring face toward me, and clutched my hand 
 nervously. 'Oh,' said she, 'I am in great trouble. My husband is to be shot, 
 and if I can't get him pardoned, nobody can comfort me.' A kindly-appear- 
 ing man stepped forward, a country neighbor of the poor woman, and told 
 her story. Her husband was Major of an Illinois regiment, and had served 
 two years in the army with honor and fidelity. His Colonel, hke too many 
 of the same rank, was a hard-drinking man, and, when intoxicated, abusive, 
 uncontrollable and profane. He was, however, a good soldier, and, in the 
 main, popular with his men. Wlide under the influence of liquor he had 
 come fiercely in collision with the Major, and a most profane and angry alter- 
 cation ensued, in presence of half the regiment. Foul epithets were hurled 
 back and forth, until the Colonel called the Major a 'coward,' with numer- 
 ous obscene and profane prefixes which can not be repeated. The Major 
 was a sober man, reticent and unpopular, and naturally cool and hard to 
 rouse to anger. But this stung him. 'Take that back, Colonel,' he de- 
 manded fiercely, drawing his revolver, 'or you're a dead man.' The Colonel 
 repeated the insult even more offensively. Before the by-standers could 
 interfere, the Colonel fell dead by the Major's hand. For this he was tried, 
 convicted, sentenced to be shot, and was then lying in jail, in Memphis, 
 awaiting his death. He had written his wife a farewell letter, entreating her 
 to be reconciled to the event — a brief epistle, which she handed us to read.
 
 142 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 full of tenderness for her, and accusation against himself, and also evincing 
 great manliness. The Judge-Advocate had also written her, urging her to 
 go immediately to Washington, and, in person, ask the too-forgiving Presi- 
 dent to commute her husband's sentence to imprisonment. A sympathetic 
 neighbor had accompanied her, and they had been then in Washington twen- 
 ty-four hours without having seen the President, simply from their modesty, 
 and ignorance of the most expeditious method of getting an audience with 
 him. 
 
 "Our expressions of sympathy broke the poor woman completely down. 
 She coidd not stand, and sobbed so hysterically that she could not talk. She 
 had been imable to eat or sleep since she had heard of her husband's sen- 
 tence, and, as her townsman expressed it, it seemed as if 'she woidd be sent 
 borne in her coffin if the President didn't take pity on her.' Senator Hen- 
 derson, of Missouri, was to introduce my friends and myself that morning to 
 the notice of the President, and we entreated that he would also escort 
 this poor woman, and give her an immediate opportunity to present her peti- 
 tion. He gladly consented. We sought to aUay the. wife's agitation. 'Now 
 you must be calm,' I said, 'for in a minute or two you are to see the Presi- 
 dent, and it will be best for you to tell your own story.' 
 
 " 'Won't you talk for me?' she entreated. 'I am so tired and worried I 
 can't think, and I can't tell all his story. Do beg the President not to allow 
 my husband to be shot!' 
 
 "We put our arms about the poor creature and pressed her to our hearts 
 as if she had been a sister — for never, before or since, have I seen a woman 
 so pitiable and distressed, or one who so awoke my sympathies. 'Don't fear,' 
 we said; 'the President don't hang or shoot jieople w T hen he ought, and he 
 certainly will spare your poor husband, when he comes to hear all the facts.' 
 While her agitation was at the highest, the door opened out into the ante- 
 chamber, and Secretary Stanton came forth, with a huge budget of important- 
 looking documents. Immediately Senator Henderson ushered us into the 
 apartment the Secretary had vacated, two of us leading the trembling 
 wife between us as if she had been a child learning to walk. The man was 
 first introduced, who then led forward the wife of the condemned Major, say- 
 ing, 'This woman, Mr. President, will tell you her story.' But instead of
 
 MARY ASHTON LIVERMORE. 148 
 
 'telling her story,' she dropped her trembling frame into a chair, only half 
 alive, lifting her white face to fch< President's with a beseeching look that 
 was more eloquent than any words, her colorless lips moving without emit- 
 ting any sound. One of us spoke quickly in her behalf, telling her story, 
 and urging her prayer with as much earnestness as. though she and her hus- 
 band were the friends of a lifetime — all the while her hungry eyes being riveted 
 on the President's face, and tearless sobs shaking her frame. The chair she 
 sat in, touching mine, beat a tattoo that made me nervous. The President 
 was troubled. 'Oh dear!' said he, passing his hand over his face, 'these 
 cases kill me. I wish I did not have to hear about them. What shall I do? 
 You make the laws,' turning to members of Congress in the room, 'and then 
 you come with heart-broken women and ask me to set them aside. You 
 have decided that if a soldier raises his hand against his superior officer, as 
 this man has done, he shall die. Then if I leave the laws to be executed, 
 one of these distressing scenes occurs, which almost kills me.' 
 
 " Somebody ventured the remark that 'this seemed a case where it was safe 
 to incline to the side of mercy.' 
 
 " 'I feel that that is always safe,' replied the President, 'and you know 
 that I am to-day in bad odor all over the coivntry, because I don't have as 
 many persons put to death as the laws condemn.' 
 
 "The attendant of the wife gave to him an abstract of the case, which 
 had been ■ furnished by the Major's counsel, and which the President began 
 gloomily to run over. Now and then he looked pityingly at the speechless 
 woman, whose white face and beseeching eyes w r ere still tow r ard him, expres- 
 sive of an intensity of suffering and desire that was almost fearful. He had 
 turned over some half-dozen pages of the document, when suddenly he 
 dropped it, sprang forward in his chair, his face brightened almost into 
 beauty, and he rubbed his hands together joyfully. 'Oh,' said he, '1 know all 
 about it now— I know all about it! This case has been before me, and I de- 
 cided it ten days ago. The Major's sentence was forwarded for my approval, 
 with a recommendation to mercy, and without any solicitation I have 
 
 changed his sentence of death to two years' imprisonment. Major has 
 
 been a brave man, and a good man, and a good soldier, and he had great 
 provocations, and has had for a year. Your husband knows all about it before
 
 144 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 now,' he said, addressing the wife, 'and when you go hack you must go and 
 see him, and teU him to bear his imprisonment like a man, and take a new 
 start in the world when it is over.' 
 
 "The Major's wife did not at first comprehend, hut we explained to her. 
 She attempted to rise, and made a gesture as if she were going to kneel at 
 the President's feet, but she only slid helplessly to the floor, in a heap before 
 him, and for a long time lay in a dead faint. The President was greatly 
 moved. He helped raise her, and when she was taken from the room he 
 paced back and forth for a few moments, before he could attend to other 
 business. 'Poor woman!' he said, 'I don't believe she would have lived if 
 her husband had been shot. What a heap of trouble this war has made!' 
 
 "The expression of the President's face, as it dawned upon him that he 
 had already interposed between the Major and death, will never leave my 
 memory. His swarthy, rugged, homely face was glorified by the delight of 
 his soul which shone out on his features. He delighted in mercy. It gave 
 him positive happiness to confer a favor. Once after, I had the pleasure of 
 
 seeing those sad features lighted up with holy feeling. 
 
 ******** 
 
 "What work is appointed him in the new country to which he is gone 
 we may not know; but this we know — that henceforth 'joy is duty and love 
 is law.' Never again shall his gentle nature be wrung by a stern necessity. 
 No more shall justice and wisdom demand a severity which pity agonizes 
 to mitigate. In the Laud of the Lord whither he has gone there are no 
 harsh measures to be enforced, no penalties to be inflicted, no pleadings to 
 be withstood. The kindly heart may indulge to the full all its kindliness, and 
 yet be acting only in the line of stringent duty. All we can know or con- 
 jecture is but as the fringe of the border of his robe, lieasonmg upward 
 from the supremest delights of earth, we can but faintly conceive of the de- 
 lights of Heaven. Our sweetest songs are but discordant echoes of the 
 celestial harmony. Beyond these shadowy hints, 
 
 " 'O friend! if thought and sense avail not, 
 To know thee aeiceforth, as thou art— 
 
 That all is well with thee forever, 
 I trust tin' instincts of my heart.'"
 
 -^ o&. (^- 
 
 5 

 
 CAROLINE M. SAWYER. 145 
 
 CAROLINE M. SAWYER 
 
 Is one of the most gifted of American women, in whose heart dwell the 
 voices of poetry and of song, and all the attributes of the earnest Christian. 
 She was born in the quiet town of Newton, Mass., in ltii'2. Her maiden 
 name was Fisher, and she bears relationship to the Gores, Danas, Gridleys, 
 Foxcrofts and Kendricks, and last, but not least, she is a descendant of 
 Thomas Cranmer, who pronounced the divorce between Henry VHI. and the 
 kind, good Queen Katherine of Arragon. Miss Fisher's maternal grand- 
 father (with whom she lived with a widowed mother and a highly educated 
 but invalid uncle) was John Kendrick, who commanded a company at Con- 
 cord and Lexington, and continued his loyalty by being a conscientious Aboli- 
 tionist, who not only talked but worked and gave freely for the bondman. 
 
 The last part of the inscription on his monument, written by William 
 Lloyd Garrison, reads: "If there had been ten like him in the States, the 
 stain of slavery woidd not have darkened another star in the North American 
 constellation. A forerunner of Abohtion, he was a liberal contributor to the 
 first society formed for that object in our country, and died its presiding 
 officer.'* Mrs. Sawyer says: "I sucked in this abhorred heresy with my 
 mother's inilk." With her lofty faith, and such blood coursing her womanly 
 heart, we can not wonder that she ripened apace in this home in which the 
 inmates were lovers of science and literature, liberty and justice. 
 
 The first we learn of her scholarship and wonderful memory is at a 
 Baptist Sunday-school, where the Bible and Watts' hymns were committed 
 to memory. As Caroline took her seat in her class one Sunday, with her 
 face all aglow, the teacher said to her — "Well, little curly-head, what have 
 you for a lesson this morning '?" "I have the first eight chapters of Mark." 
 was the innocent reply. The teacher recalled the fact with great pride years 
 after, saying — "That little girl of eight years recited the eight chapters with- 
 out hesitating upon a word, and at another time the 119th Psalm at one 
 bout, without a word of prompting! Nor was it a Poll parrot recitation, for 
 the very tones of her voice showed that she appreciated the spirit of what
 
 146 OUK WOMAN WOKKEES. 
 
 she had learned." Committing the Scriptures and Watts' hymns was not 
 only her spiritual food, but her only intellectual pastime, for it is well known 
 that sixty years ago children had few story-books besides " Mother Goose," 
 which at that time was almost the only classic. Soon, however, we learn of 
 her standing tip-toe at a bureau, when her chin just rested upon the drawer, 
 in which was carefully put away an elegantly bound edition of Shakespeare, 
 which belonged to the invalid uncle. Her eyes, through her mother's kind- 
 ness, had feasted on the external beauty of the book, and she had also 
 received the promise that as soon as she was old enough she could read it, 
 for the good mother believed, as many another mother has, that she was her 
 child's intellectual purveyor, and understood the compass of her brain, as 
 well as the kind of fuel it needed for nourishment and life. Not so with the 
 child ; her whole being craved something that would help her to converse 
 intelligently with the birds and the flowers and with human hearts. And 
 so we can not blame her that her reading of Shakespeare was surreptitiously 
 indulged, but recall the perplexities she must have encountered in reading 
 that enormous book on tip-toe, patiently turning leaf by leaf without once 
 removing the book from the drawer. Surreptitiously she thought she was 
 breaking the promise given her mother; but, in fact, she was watched by 
 the delighted eyes of her learned uncle. She said to a friend: "I knew I 
 was wickedly breaking a promise not to read it until I was older, but the 
 temptation was too great and my hunger grew by what it fed on, and my 
 disobedient act continued until I completed the last volume." After this 
 intellectual feat, Caroline was not restricted in reading material. Bunyan's 
 Pilgrim's Progress (which she says was- even more fascinating than Shakes- 
 peare), Plutarch's Lives, and Hume's and Smollett's History of England were 
 devoured. This was heavy reading for a child not ten years of age, but not 
 once did she flinch until the task was completed, swallowing also at intervals 
 every other book attainable. 
 
 We next hear of Caroline at school, where "noonings" brought great 
 delight to the children, for as soon as the lunch baskets were emptied, she 
 would mount one of the benches, and the children would gather around with 
 open-eyed and open-mouthed wonder and delight, to listen to her improvised 
 stories of the improbable and absurd doings of knights and ladies, fairies
 
 CAROLINE M. SAWYER. 147 
 
 and hobgoblins, with which she regaled herself as well as them. This con- 
 tinued until the uncle removed her from the meager advantages of a country 
 school to his own supervision. Soon after this, as a labor of love, he pre- 
 pared an herbarium of the hundreds of wild plants of New England growing 
 within ten miles of Boston, for the Royal Botanical Society of Edinburgh, 
 Scotland ; and in all these collections and preparations, from the early days of 
 Spring to the fading days of Autumn, she wandered forth hand in hand with 
 the uncle, whose heart was idled with delight in instructing her in the lore 
 of nature. They clambered hills, and culled the flowers that threw their 
 petals to the careless lovers of blossoms, and explored the valleys, in which 
 are found the floral bells that "toll their perfume on the passing air;" and 
 in the coolness and shade of the forests they not only acquired botanic lore, 
 but health of body, and cultivation in the young girl of that poetic sense 
 and faculty which for a half century have placed the name of Caroline 
 Sawyer high among those of the gifted daughters of song. 
 
 Rev. D. K. Lee said, in speaking of this beautiful relationship and the 
 memory of it: "Such recollections must be arched as with rainbows, and 
 breathings as with festive music ; among the pictures and melodies we shall 
 take from earth to heaven with us, to beautify our mansion there, and give 
 us tender thoughts of the green little island w T orld we left behind." 
 
 Mrs. Sawyer commenced writing when very'young, but w r as as private 
 with her youthful songs as a sweetheart with her lover's letters. The friends 
 who did get a peep at her verses were among the lucky and favored ones. 
 Their importunities to her to send her poenis to be published were without 
 avail. One day, however, she received a paper directed to Miss Caroline M. 
 Fisher. She opened it without excitement, and commenced scanning its con- 
 tents, when her heart gave a great bound of fright in recognizing one of her 
 own poems. Some kind friend to the public had purloined it from Caroline's 
 treasures, and introduced her to the reading world, with which she has ever 
 since been a favorite. She was thirteen years old at this time. I think it 
 was the "Burlington Sentinel " that published her first poem. At all events, 
 young as she was, she was a most welcome contributor to the "Sentinel," 
 and afterward to the "Boston Evening Gazette" and " Democratic Review." 
 
 Miss Caroline did not neglect her studies, but continued them with
 
 148 OUE WOMAN WOKKEKS. 
 
 energy, until she became one of the best-educated women in America. She 
 delighted in French and German, of which she became a most graceful 
 translator ; and in history and mythology, with which she has enriched hun- 
 dreds of fascinating pages. 
 
 In 1831, Caroline M. Fisher was married to Rev. Thomas J. Sawyer, 
 D.D., the pastor of Orchard- street Church, in New York City. Thomas J. 
 Sawyer has been a name long beloved in our household of faith. His voice 
 and pen have been mighty in the defense of our doctrines; and, united in 
 marriage with one of such marked talent, and a faith as lofty as his own, is 
 it any wonder that our church should receive an impetus under their united 
 energies? It owes them, indeed, a debt of obligation that future generations 
 will not fail to recognize and hold in affectionate and perpetual remembrance. 
 
 Mrs. Sawyer has been one of the most prolific writers of our denomina- 
 tional literature; and yet one of the finest critics declares: "Her lyre was 
 always in tune, and always put things in tune around it; and never do we 
 remember to have read a line of hers that clashed a discord, or was harsh, 
 or languid, or heavy. All was graceful, all was musical, all was harmony." 
 
 During Mrs. Sawyer's twenty-five years in New York her pen was con- 
 stantly recording the music of her thoughts. For several years she was 
 editor of the youth's department in the "Christian Messenger," and the 
 children, who loved her, waited with impatient delight from week to week 
 for the beautiful surprises they were sure to receive. Those children are now 
 men and women, who continue to love her not only for the knowledge they 
 received through her writing in that little corner, but for bringing out the 
 latent good within them, and the lifting upward of their young natures into 
 the light of Universalism. 
 
 Mrs. Sawyer, while a contributor to "Graham's Magazine," the "Knick- 
 erbocker Magazine" (of which she was a star), made an engagement in 
 1841 with the "Democratic Review," which she fulfilled with promptness 
 and delight to the publishers. For several years she was a constant con- 
 tributor to the "Odd Fellows' Magazine," published in Baltimore, Md.; for 
 Horace Greeley's "New Yorker; "and that broad-brained man, it is said, read 
 greedily everything of hers that appeared, and, if possible, his face beamed
 
 CAROLINE M. SAWYER. 149 
 
 with a more placid light after the reading. Park Benjamin, who was 
 chary of every line in his paper that was not filled by accomplished writers, 
 opened wide the door into the "New World" for Caroline M. Sawyer. 
 
 "The Merchant's Widow" is a tale that reached great popularity; and her 
 stories, essays and poems would fill volumes. They are of a very even ex- 
 cellence. Scarcely a poor line can he found in ah she has written ; and her 
 literary labors have always heen self-sacrificing; for, while she might have 
 achieved a great popularity, her manifold original productions, and her grace- 
 ful translations from the French and German have heen a labor of love to 
 enrich and elevate the standard of the literature of her own denomination, to 
 which she has been true in every hour of need. When our church was in its 
 Spring-time, she gave to it the sweetness of her heart and the brilliancy of 
 her mind. A grateful minister said some years since: "This large-hearted, 
 scholarly woman came to us in our weakness and loneliness, and drew in voice 
 after voice of a shining band, to charm us into graceful speech and eloquent 
 thought; to set bright visions open before us, and lead our young and ardent 
 church on its march up the hills of light." 
 
 Mrs. Sawyer became editor of the "Rose of Sharon" in 1849. She was 
 a constant contributor from its first appearance, in 1840, during Sarah Ed- 
 garton's editorship. In 18G0 she became editor of the "Ladies' Repository." 
 Her fearless yet Christian manner so enlivened its pages that it not only sus- 
 tained its high literary excellence, but constantly grew in favor with the best 
 readers. At the present time (1881) Thomas J. Sawyer, D.D., is Packard 
 Professor of Theology in Tufts College. He is a distinguished scholar and 
 theologian, and his is one of the most honored names in our church. And 
 Mrs. Sawyer, with her honored husband, is surrounded by troops of friends, 
 and in the fulness of a ripened religious nature, and after fifty years of wed- 
 ded life, faces the Autumn days serenely; the smile of her youth yet lingering 
 Lovingly after seventy years, as though loth to leave the face where so long it 
 has been a constant guest. By forgetting herself and laboring for humanity, 
 she has drawn the atmosphere of eternity closely and sweetly around her 
 sold. 
 
 A volume of her prose and poetical works shoidd be published ; it woidd
 
 150 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 be surpassed in literary merit by few, if any, of the works of American 
 women. The writings of Mrs. Sawyer range through a wide variety of 
 themes. 
 
 VIOLA. 
 
 A PICTURE FROM ZANONI. 
 
 On the low sill sits the singer, 
 
 Youthful, pale and fair, 
 Twining 'round her slender finger 
 Dreamily her hair. 
 
 While above her head the fruited vine, 
 Purpling deep the trellised arches, 
 
 Bowers the open door; 
 Twines among the drooping larches 
 And, athwart the floor 
 
 Weaves the shadow with the shine. 
 There she sits, her heart a mine 
 
 Ever, evermore, 
 Lulled with dreamings of Zanoni, 
 The Seeker of the Stars! 
 
 Scarce is she beyond her childhood. 
 
 With a child's young face; 
 Not a blossom of the wild-wood 
 Hath a sweeter grace; 
 
 Not a song-bird pours a sweeter lay. 
 Rich and low, the wild strain gushes 
 
 Erom her slender throat; 
 Every bird its carol hushes 
 As her trancing note 
 
 Mingles with the fountain's silvery play. 
 Lone, unconscious, thus she whiles away 
 
 Ever, evermore, 
 Life in musings on Zanoni, 
 The Seeker of the Stars. 
 
 Ah, sweet maid! give o'er thy dreaming 
 Of the youthful sage! 
 
 Shun the light forbidden, gleaming 
 Erom tin- mystic page 
 
 Of his volumes weird and old! 
 
 Waken! there is peril, danger 
 In his glance, his smile; 
 
 Wed thee with the English stranger- 
 lb' will not beguile. 
 
 Though liis lips be sometimes cold,
 
 CAKOLINE M. SAWYER. 151 
 
 He is yet <>f mortal mold; 
 
 But torevermore 
 Bur thy heart against Zanoni 
 The Seeker of the Stars. 
 
 Rise! betake thee, silent, lonely. 
 
 To thy chamber still, 
 Though thy father's spirit only 
 Crosses now the sill 
 
 By the living crossed of yore! 
 Though no eyes save his now meet thee 
 
 By the twilight hearth; 
 Though no voice but his may greet thee, 
 Nor in song nor mirth, 
 
 Friend or lover eometh more, 
 Linger there and shut thy door 
 
 Closely evermore, 
 Ere glides in the pale Zanoni, 
 The Seeker of the Stars. 
 
 Warning vain! thy heart is fated! 
 
 Thine is woman's lot! 
 By thy side Love long has waited, 
 
 Though thou knew'st it not 
 In thy child-like innocence! 
 Now a new, divine emotion. 
 
 Fathomlessly deep. 
 Wakes thy bosom, like the ocean. 
 Nevermore to sleep; 
 
 Never to be banished thence,*- 
 Never, until thought and sense. 
 
 Lost forevermore. 
 Die to earth and to Zanoni, 
 The Seeker of the Stars. 
 
 When thy song's full tide was filling 
 
 Life's diviner part, 
 Like a flash electric, thrilling 
 All the thousands' heart- 
 Did not his smile wake thy wondrous power 
 When, thy radiant robes around thee, 
 
 All the mighty throng, 
 With ecstatic plaudits, crowned theo 
 Glorious Queen of Song,— 
 
 In that proud, triumphant hour. 
 Like a frail, dew-laden flower, 
 
 Then and evermore, 
 Bowel thy heart not to Zanoni, 
 The Seeker of the Stars?
 
 15 2 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Ay! as suns in Summers Polar 
 
 Never set in night, 
 So, o'er thy young soul, Viola, 
 In ne'er fading light, 
 
 Pours his spirit its bright, fatal beams. 
 Haunted by his eyes' dark splendor, 
 
 Closer, day by day. 
 Visions beautiful and tender 
 Gather round thy way, 
 
 Till, through twilight's softest gleams, 
 Through thy sleeping, waking dreams 
 
 Ever, evermore, 
 Looks the radiant Zanoni, 
 The Seeker of the Stars. 
 
 Strikes thy doom! the cloud is creeping, 
 
 Closing o'er thy head, 
 While thy Lares, vainly weeping 
 Round thy maiden bed, 
 
 Pour their warnings on thy deafened ears. 
 Underneath the low vines, standing 
 
 Glorious by thy side, 
 He. with voice deep, sweet, commanding. 
 Wooes thee for his bride. 
 
 His henceforth —thy few, brief years, 
 Interwrought with love and tears, 
 
 Ever, evermore, 
 Will be mingled with Zanoni, 
 The Seeker of the Stars. 
 
 THE LOST GEMS. 
 
 While I muse the Are burns. 
 
 As I sit and watch the gleaming 
 Of the faint and fitful blaze, 
 
 Flickering up the narrow chimney, 
 Shedding 'round a twilight haze, 
 
 Prom the glowing mass, enveloped 
 Iii a, soft, gray, ashen wreath. 
 
 Shining gems drop down and darken 
 'Mong the embers underneath. 
 
 Thus, T think, while quick emotion 
 Stirs the founl in feeling's eave, 
 
 You. my darlings dear l'*si darlings 
 Dropl and darkened in the gravel
 
 CAROLINE M. SAWYER. 158 
 
 As I muse the fire burns; 
 
 All through memory's dim recesses 
 Full and strong its light is shed, 
 
 Showing me with Life-like clearness 
 Loved ones lost, estranged and dead — 
 
 There a white hand coldly waves me, 
 Baffling all niy love, adieu; 
 
 There a world ol deep affection 
 Looks from dying eyes of blue; 
 
 There a couch, a fair child on it, 
 Anguished weepers by its side— 
 
 Oh, my darlings— Oh, lust darlings 
 Hearts were breaking when you died! 
 
 As the lire bums I muse; 
 
 Memory takes the chair beside me, 
 Points me to a curtained shrine; 
 
 Little need to ask the meaning — 
 Unrequired is word or sign — 
 
 Well I know! I see them lying. 
 Small, bright robes of silken sheen; 
 
 Slender chains and costly bracelets, 
 Gems with golden links between. 
 
 'Tis too much! a sense of loneness 
 Deep and strange is on me now; 
 
 Oh, my darlings— Oh, lost darlings 
 These are yours, but where are you? 
 
 Still the fire burns; still I muse; 
 
 Back they come, those Summer mornings 
 When I watched you 'mong the flowers; 
 
 Down the garden alleys chasing 
 Golden butterflies and hours: 
 
 On your arm, perchance, a basket 
 Filled with berries from the wood; 
 
 All your fair round cheeks a-glowing 
 With the rich, warm, rosy blood. 
 
 Buttercups and daisies wreathing 
 Like a glory round your head — 
 
 Oh, my darlings— Oh, sweet darlings, 
 Dear and bright, why are you dead? 
 
 As I muse the (Ire burns: 
 
 Looking through my curtained window, 
 All without is gloom and night, 
 
 Bid the (lames that Light inv chamber 
 Every moment seem more bright — 
 
 So while memory gathers round me 
 Shadows darksome, sad and gray, 
 11
 
 154 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Burns within a light that cheers me 
 With a still increasing ray; 
 
 Far through time it sends its beaming, 
 Far beyond the silent sea. 
 
 To the land. Oh, long-lost darlings. 
 Where you're waiting still for me. 
 
 MY TAPER. 
 
 If in some low place, shunned of favored men, 
 I set my candle-stick and trim the light 
 And cheer the dismal nook where only night 
 Reigned hitherto, am I not doing then 
 God's works as truly, faithfully, as when 
 The beacon fire I kindle on the hill, 
 To light a thousand upturned brows, and lill 
 With sudden radiance every glade and glen? 
 Angels appeared to holy men of old 
 In the dark prison, and none saw their light 
 Beyond the walls! The heavenly ones who told 
 The Savior's birth, shone on no mortal sight 
 Save Judah's shepherds'. Let me take heart then 
 And keep my taper bright, though shining for few menl 
 
 HELEN RICH. 
 
 Helen Hinsdale was born June 18, 1827, in Antwerp, Jefferson Co., 
 N. Y. Her father, Ira Hinsdale, was a pioneer farmer, and she was horn in 
 a log cabin on the farm he cleared in 1821. Her mother died in 1879. In 
 those days of log cabins, school advantages were few, and Mrs. Kich speaks 
 of the influence of the need of such ctdture on her entire life with regret and 
 sadness. She had but one term at Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary, in addi- 
 tion to a common-school education. To Universalism she was born, and to 
 that she was bred, and closely to its faith she has lived, and, when a child of 
 twelve, expressed its beauty in rhyme. She was married at twenty, and not- 
 withstanding her life has been one of constant domestic care, she has extorted
 
 HELEN 1UCH. 155 
 
 time to write voluminously and with remarkahle force and beauty several 
 hundred poems and a vast amount of prose, including stories, lectures, ad- 
 dresses, etc. Most of her .studying has been done in spite of engrossing 
 home cares since marriage. She was with Professor J. S. Lee, of Canton, 
 N. Y., several months, in her thirty-seventh year. She writes: 
 
 "I appreciate the honor you do me to appear with the 'Working Women 
 of our Church,' but blush at the comparison. Alas! I have had no such 
 grand opportunities for culture as those blessed women, and have written 
 only when others slept, or when others would have been too weaiy, soul and 
 body, to write. I had only one academical term before marriage, and not 
 until after I was forty did I see more than one city (Syracuse), and no lake or 
 mountain or the sea." 
 
 In reading the following description of Mrs. Rich's present home, by a 
 tourist, it is easy to see that she has now a more congenial abiding place. 
 
 "While in Brasher we enjoyed the generous and refined hospitality of 
 Mr. and Mrs. Moses Rich. Their old-fashioned, one-story, but high-walled, 
 neat and commodious house (one of the best in Brasher) quietly nestles 
 amid the rich foliage of the surrounding trees, and, with its sloping lawn and 
 profusion of blooming flowers, ornamental shrubs and plants, presents a vivid 
 picture of elegant and reigning comfort, the thought of which will long linger 
 in our memoiy. Mrs. Rich is a poetess of rare ability and high merit, and 
 from her pleasant surroundings we wonder not that she is inspired with won- 
 derful poetic fancies." 
 
 Mrs. Rich has written con amove, and not as a vocation. Her poems 
 have had a wide circulation in the periodical press; but her chief productions, 
 poems of great length, have never been published.' Her rare facility of versi- 
 fication, and felicity of diction, may be illustrated by the following lines : 
 
 "Side by side two tiny hillocks, just as little lamlis may meet. 
 
 That have wandered from the fallows to the daisied meadows sweet, 
 
 Sleeping in the blessed sunshine, hearing not the mother's bleat! 
 
 "One was borne to peaceful slumber when the sunset's crimson dyes 
 
 On her catafalque of lilies fell in royal draperies. 
 
 And a train of stately mourners looked farewell with tearless eyes. 
 
 "And I seemed to hear the mother, who had crossed the Silent Sea. 
 To await that angel voyager in her snow-white argosy, 
 Cry, Hosannah to the Savior, once a babe in Bethany.
 
 156 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 "But the other, in the dawning of a bitter April day, 
 When the frozen tears of Heaven on the pale arbutus lay, 
 Was borne out in pauper's coffin by the sexton stern and gray. 
 
 "Never glow of bud or leaflet on that little sinless breast, 
 Never toll of bell or chanting holy words of quietness- 
 Only sobs of mortal anguish, of a sinner unconfessed." 
 
 Mrs. Eich has been a contributor to the "Rose of Sharon," "Lily of the 
 Valley," "Ladies' Repository," "Overland Monthly," "New York Tribune," 
 "Chicago Tribune," "Detroit Tribune," "New Covenant," "Star in the West," 
 "Springfield Republican," "Burlington Hawkeye," "Boston Transcript," 
 "Boston Commonwealth," "Woman's Journal," "Universahst," "Christian 
 Leader," and many other periodical publications. A fine critic, Prof. J. S. 
 Lee, says of her: "She has studied nature and human character, and seems 
 to understand the mysteries of life. She ranges aU through the regions of 
 the beautiful and the sublime, and tires not for her journey, and gives us her 
 impressions in the freshest manner, and her thoughts come to us in the fra- 
 grance of freshly-cut clover and the flowers of Spring ; and some of her earn- 
 est and whole-souled lyrics are worthy of Gerald Massey or Charles Mackay. 
 And such fines as these, addressed to the Adirondacks, are worthy of Milton: 
 
 " 'At night to feel the heart-beat of the stars, 
 
 Alone with awful mysteries, to press 
 The pulse of centuries, to fold the wings 
 
 Of restless thought in heavenly blissfulness.' 
 
 "She speaks of her friend: 
 
 " 'And other's grief was rainbowed by her tears, 
 Her lips dropped sweetness as a rose; no sting 
 Slept in the perfumed chambers of her soul.'" 
 
 Mr. Lee further says: "She is a very prolific writer, but she sacrifices 
 not depth to profuseness. She writes because she can not restrain the emo- 
 tions of her soul. Few genuine poets are so full of the divine impulse." 
 
 "Her eye is quick and keen, and she seizes the beauties of outward 
 nature and the human soul, and reproduces them in terse and vivid lan- 
 guage. Her observation is wide and her range of subjects varied. Her 
 poetic vision glances from earth to heaven, and anon from heaven to earth
 
 HELEN RICH. 157 
 
 again, with lightning velocity. She mounts her Pegasus and rides into the 
 empyreal skies without fear of danger, and quickly descends, safely and grace- 
 fully. Her figures are original, unique and striking. This is a rare thing at 
 this late day, when the poets have visited every department of nature and 
 life, and appropriated nearly everything to he found there. 
 "And in her description of Spring: 
 
 " 'Earth wakes from her long, icy sloop. 
 
 Tuts on her yellow sun-robes fair; 
 The* water-nymphs lave shining feet, 
 
 The wood-nymphs drop their ringlets there.' 
 
 "A delicate and dainty figure- wood-nymphs dropping their soft ringlets 
 on the pearly meadows. 
 "She represents: 
 
 "'Groat, flaming suns, liko mighty conquerors. 
 Taking as prisoners whole hosts of clouds'— 
 
 a figure as striking as it is sublime. 
 
 "She is a vigorous prose writer, as seen in her 'Wills, Won'ts and Can'ts 
 of History,' 'Literature of the Rebellion,' ' Madame De Stael,' and other 
 lectures and contributions to the press. She has lectured extensively on 
 'Temperance,' 'The Rights and Wrongs of Woman,' and is a most fervid and 
 eloquent speaker. She has done much for moral reform and the regenera- 
 tion of society. 
 
 "She is an influential and active member of our church, and she feels a 
 deep interest in the form of Christianity which we represent, and her light is 
 never hid when an opportunity presents itself of doing something for propa- 
 gating it. 
 
 "No one can measure the sphere of her influence as a poet, a lecturer, 
 a moral and social reformer and a Christian." 
 
 Mrs. Rich is one of our most earnest temperance workers, and her lectures 
 upon that subject are recorded as not only persuasive to the fallen, but of 
 high literary merit. One critic said: "Your lecture would be creditable to a 
 man, in power. Your shaft was polished, and glittered in the sunshine of 
 truth." Says another: "She has a firm, clear voice and an imposing per-
 
 158 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 sonal appearance. She unites in an eminent degree the graces of her sex 
 with the persuasive charms which have made oratory almost immortal in 
 every age." A writer in the "Albany Express," after listening to a hterary 
 treat from Mrs. Eich, said: "She is one of the representative women of 
 northern New York, and her writings, politically and poetically, have the true 
 ring of genius." 
 
 Mrs. Eich has one daughter, Mrs. D. C. Lyon, of St. Joseph, Mo., an 
 accomplished musician; and a son, Pitt C. Eich, of Chicago. We should 
 be glad to delight our readers with many pages of Mrs. Eich's poems if it 
 were possible, but we can only present the following: 
 
 LOST AND FOUND. 
 
 (To my Daughter.) 
 
 Oh, my lost bird, that sang to me all day! 
 
 Wee bird, that found its voice within my breast, 
 Trying its pretty wings, has flown away, 
 
 Speeding to palace gardens of the West. 
 There, in a lovely cage, with dainty fare, 
 
 Her bright head flashing 'mid the glossy leaves, 
 With organ trembles, blended song and prayer, 
 
 The old enchantment evermore she weaves. 
 
 When morning sunshine dances on the nest 
 
 (White, downy nest, deserted) mute I glide— 
 My yearning kisses on that shrine are prest. 
 
 And tears are welling in resistless tide. 
 Oh, new-found nest! Oh, sunny head that lies 
 
 Surely beneath an angel's brooding wing. 
 Sings she, in "dreams," of weary, waiting eyes. 
 
 And blind to half the glory of the spring? 
 
 If God cares aught for motherhood, I know 
 
 When Summer lies in Autumn's warm embrace — 
 Her dying roses with his lips aglow— 
 
 That I shall look upon my darling's face, 
 Note the first flutter of the song astir 
 
 In her white throat, and, thrilling in sweet pain, 
 Find recompense for every grief in her, 
 
 And life's lost music live for me again.
 
 HELEN HIGH. 159 
 
 When the first timid leaf with many sighs grew pale, 
 
 And, shuddering, dropped upon the ivied arbor floor, 
 ■When the blue haze, like misty bridal rail, 
 
 Draped the far hills and kissed the pebbly shore. 
 When all my flowers held carnival, and flung 
 
 Their perfumed banners to the August air — 
 My long lost starling "neath the lattice sung 
 
 Of Spring-time glory— sang to death grim care. 
 
 TO MRS. CHISOLM. OF KEMPER COUNTY, MISS. 
 
 I still see my brave husband murdered, hear his dying words, "Jesus— my 
 wife, my dear wife." I see my little Johnny throw his arms about his father to 
 protect him from the mob. "Mother, if I leave him they will kill him;" see his 
 poor little hand shattered with their merciless bullets; hear my sweet Cornelia, 
 dying, exclaim, "Dear mamma, you have a sick baby this morning,"— killed defend- 
 ing her father.— Mrs. Chisolm's letter in New York Tribune. 
 
 I Sweet sister, woman, mother! thy sad story, 
 
 Like Rachel's cry. goes wailing through the land; 
 Nay, thou hast sounded till the deeps of glory, 
 
 Swept every heart-string with thy widowed hand. 
 
 Bereft of home, despoiled of baby fingers 
 
 (Brave Johnny's fingers, clinging not in vain) 
 
 That martyr hand— its potent touch yet lingers, 
 Stinging cold bosoms with a mighty pain. 
 
 And that meek "Mamma!" of thy winsome daughter, 
 
 When I forget the pathos of its sigh. 
 And fall of tears, bitter as Moab's water. 
 
 Unheeded my own darlings' anguish-cry. 
 
 All motherhood through thy white bosom wounded, 
 All wifehood wronged, our faith and honor fled. 
 In vain our eagle's cry for fr loin sounded 
 
 When thou, wan martyr, knelt beside thy dead. 
 
 Sweet soul, be patient: drop by drop the measure 
 
 Of justice tills— all nature takes thy part; 
 Eternal truth gives bonds for thy lost treasure; 
 
 Thy country wears the -cars upon its heart. 
 
 Now Freedom mourns. The spoiler hath his hour, 
 
 But "God is God" in Dixie as in Maine. 
 For every exiled band ther metfa power. 
 
 And (irant shall bring them tu their own again.
 
 160 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 APPLE BLOOMS. 
 
 I keep this festal time of year 
 
 As sacred to a love that died 
 When winds were still, and skies were clear. 
 And life was young, and hope and fear 
 
 Walked with me side by side; 
 And saddest of all earthly glooms 
 To me the pale, sweet apple blooms. 
 
 I never saw the sunshine fall 
 So warm and golden as it lay 
 
 Aslant that woodland waterfall. 
 
 As if the Father's love for all 
 
 Had blessed each flower of May; 
 
 And fair as frost of Eastern looms 
 
 The haunting touch of apple blooms. 
 
 Ah! rare as gales of tropic climes 
 These violets with brooding eyes. 
 
 And fragrance of arbutus vines, 
 
 With iris, royal as the wines 
 Of prophet's paradise! 
 
 The bee in honeyed chalice booms 
 
 Just as in by-gone apple blooms. 
 
 Ah well! a child will weep to see 
 
 The butterfly he held so fast 
 Despoiled of beauty: thus to me 
 The love I prized was mockery!— 
 
 Its gold but worthless dross at last; 
 And hence through memory's silent rooms 
 Like ghosts they drift, white apple blooms. 
 
 IMITATIONS OF UHLAND. 
 
 THE ISLAND. 
 
 Like an emerald crown newly fallen upon the wave] 
 
 And glinted with sunlight, 
 
 The island lies upon the river; 
 
 Ay, thus, my love, lieth thy sweet smile upon my heart. 
 
 THE ANGEI.. 
 
 In my dream an angel with eyes like thine J 
 Came floating down to me; 
 I awoke to sigh that, such angels, alas! 
 Come to me only in drciims.
 
 MARY U. WEBSTEB. 101 
 
 MARY C. WEBSTER. 
 
 The experiences of Mrs. Webster have been the extremes of enjoyment 
 and sorrow. The youngest and the indulged of a large family, she felt no 
 care until her first husband's health began to fail. Mary C. Ward was born 
 in Litchfield, Conn., July, 1825. Her father, William Ward, a gentleman 
 of the "old school," was from a family somewhat inflated by family pride, 
 but he was quiet and retiring in the extreme before strangers, though bubbling 
 over with sparkling wit when surrounded only by well-known friends. 
 William's grandfather, Rev. Solomon Palmer, was educated at Old Yale, 
 preached the Presbyterian doctrine for several years, suqnised his audience 
 one Sunday by announcing his change of views, soon sailed for London, 
 and there received ordination from the Bishop. After returning he took charge 
 of a parish in New Haven. I mention this fact to show the cause of the tend- 
 ency to Episcopacy in the Ward family. When it was first known that 
 William (Mary's father) was to marry Charlotte Munger, the daughter of a 
 poor mechanic, the inflated family pride received a direful shock. But this 
 little Charlotte had sweet and winning ways, a poetic spirit, which beautified 
 and enriched soul and body. She was conscientious, intelligent and loving; 
 ami before the husband's family were aware of it, pride and indignation had 
 given way to love, and she was received as their own. Mrs. Ward was a 
 member of the Episcopal Church for forty years. But through the influence of 
 a beloved and very religious son who came into the blessed sunshine of faith 
 in an impartial God, she carefully read and examined the Scriptures for 
 two years, which led her into the happy belief of universal salvation, and, Mrs. 
 Webster says, by which faith she was sustained through some of the darkest 
 trials of her life, and whose mild effulgence beamed over all her declining 
 years, making them rife with the very beauty of heaven; and to this blessed 
 faith was Mary led by her mother, although her mother's name was never 
 taken from the Episcopal church-book. 
 
 Mary was not systematically educated; for the older children, her par- 
 ents were very anxious that they should receive the richest education, and
 
 162 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 encouraged them to application, to their great sorrow, until the health of sev- 
 eral failed, and they were removed by death. They did by Mary as most 
 loving parents would have doue — took the other extreme; and she was allowed 
 plenty of books, but freedom from all schoolroom restraints, and free chance 
 for exercise in the open air. She says: "I was turned out at the early age of 
 twelve to browse at pleasure (like Charles Lamb) in God's open book and in 
 the wholesome pastures of English literature. Her first published poem 
 was written at the age of twelve. Mary was married when quite young to 
 Mr. F. A. Grannis, a merchant, of Hartford, Conn., and immediately identi- 
 fied herself with our church in that city. The years 1859-60 she traveled 
 abroad with her husband, and put the result of her experiences and observa- 
 tions into a most interesting series of letters called "Thither-Side Sketches" 
 for the "Ladies' Kepository." 
 
 After returning from their foreign trip, where she had realized to the full- 
 est extent the dream of her childhood — of standing upon Italian soil, and visit- 
 ing its art galleries — they built a beautiful surburban home, known to all 
 their reading friends and others as "Lilfred's Best." For several years Mrs. 
 Grannis led a happy, quiet, intellectual life, reading what she most enjoyed, 
 and writing only when the spirit was moved ; and from which lovely home we 
 can easily imagine the following was written : 
 
 COUNTRY SOUNDS IN MAY. 
 
 A murmurous hum of thronging bees 
 Among the blossom-laden trees; 
 The whirr of wings, the song and call 
 Of music-throated warblers, all 
 Responsive to the affluent tide 
 Of joy anil beauty, flooding wide. 
 
 The tremulous stir of leaf and vine, 
 
 The rhythmic sound of sweet-mouthed kine, 
 
 Cropping the fresh and juicy grass. 
 
 While slowly through the lanes they pass, 
 
 Treading above the soft brown mold, 
 
 On verdant carpets, starred with gold. 
 
 The tinkling, us of fairy bells. 
 
 Of tiny brooklets in the dells; 
 
 The drip of mimic waterfall, 
 
 Tim pipe of frog, and tree-toad's call;
 
 MARY C WEBSTER. 168 
 
 The cadence oi the river'8 plash, 
 Suft Lapping, or with merry dash, 
 Rushing in silver waves along, 
 A joy to sight— to hear, a song. 
 
 Thus, through these wonder-working hours, 
 From tow'ring trees to simplest (lowers. 
 Thai grandest miracle is WTOUghl 
 Of life from death, a lesson taught 
 Where Nature's quick'ning pulse is stirred, 
 And her glad sounds of cheer are heard. 
 Thus doth she, from her brimming urn, 
 Pour lavishly, in rich return 
 For many a dark and dreary day. 
 The beauty and the joy of May. 
 
 But the warp and woof of life is not always silver and gold. The health 
 of Mr. Grannis was precarious, and a change of climate must he made in 
 search of that precious blessing — health. The sylvan recesses of Turpentine 
 Camp in the pine forests of Alabama were chosen as the most likely spot 
 that woidd cause "the languid eyes to kindle with their wonted beams, and 
 the pale, thin face to grow round and mantle with the flush of health, and 
 vanished strength return." But the soft, healing properties of the air, 
 which was ever redolent with balsamic odors, did not put new cheer into the 
 invalid's spirit, or rejuvenate the languid pulse, or clothe the pale, thin face 
 or mantle it with health; and so, before it was too late, the dear wife says: 
 "On a golden day we again mounted the ambulance and rode forth from 
 that sylvan region so fraught with new and deep experiences to our soids. 
 The parting from those kind friends, so strongly endeared to us by their 
 many virtues and the loving care bestowed upon us, was a trying scene; 
 while the long homeward journey, alone with the enfeebled invalid, rose up 
 darkly in the future, as a mountainous undertaking fraught with difficulty 
 and danger. But God is good; and through his protecting care the weary 
 journey was at length accomplished. The blessed home threshold was 
 reached. Loving hearts welcomed the weary wanderers, and willing hands min- 
 istered to every want. The peaceful light shining on my darling's face as he 
 went through each familiar room, the whispered words and gush of thank- 
 ful tears as he said 'I shall be happier if I die to-morrow, now that we are at 
 home again,' are they not precious memories to my soul?" Mr. Grannis
 
 164 0UK WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 continued to fail, and soon kissed the hem of His garment and entered into 
 the rest that remaineth. 
 
 Several years after the death of Mr. Grannis, the widow married Eev. C. 
 H. Webster, and was to him a helpmeet indeed. She assisted her husband 
 in his pulpit ministrations while he was performing missionary work. She 
 had never been ordained, but often supplied for absent ministers most 
 acceptably. She has been Vice President of the Woman's Centenary Asso- 
 ciation seven years of its existence. She has intense interest in every project 
 for the welfare of women, but does not believe that women should crowd 
 themselves too much forward — -"but just enough." Mrs. Webster delivered 
 at a civil and military banquet in Montreal an address which was highly 
 complimented. She closed by reciting a poem entitled "Victoria Regia." It 
 was very complimentary to the queen, and was received with tremendous 
 applause. Her letters from the forest of Alabama are instructive and enter- 
 taining. "Bear Ye One Another's Burdens" is a very touching little poem, 
 containing a whole sermon. 
 
 "BEAR YE ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS." 
 
 O mortals! bear ye one another's burdens, 
 
 And thus the perfect law of Christ fulfil; 
 Better than gold, or the world's highest guerdons. 
 
 Is it to know and do his holy will. 
 
 Oh thou who, tenderly compassionate and lowly. 
 Once trod these earthly paths in human guise. 
 
 Thy sacred lessons we have learned too slowly. 
 Too oft thy heavenly precepts we despise. 
 
 From the abundance ol thine own compassion, 
 
 By the exhaustless power of thy pure love. 
 Do thou our wills and tempers kindly fashion 
 
 Into some semblance of the life above; 
 
 That we, while here amid these scenes of trial, 
 
 May never more thy blest instruction slight, 
 And the unerring hand on Faith's clear dial. 
 
 Point ever upward to the realms of light; 
 
 And thus this lower life of ours be glowing 
 With radiance from thy spirit's holy light,
 
 MARY C. WEBSTER. 165 
 
 While from our souls kind words and actions Bowing 
 
 Shall make earth's saddest, darkest seasons bright 
 
 An admirable volume could be made from Mrs. Webster's "Thither 
 Side Sketches"; from her letters from Alabama; and from her many and able 
 communications in prose and verse in the denominational periodical press. 
 In 1877 Mrs. Webster was called to pass through another affliction in the 
 death of her second husband. This poem followed his death: 
 
 TRANSFIGURED. 
 
 I said to Grief, "My portion, thou! 
 
 My meat and drink this rain of tears; 
 Henceforth on broken wing, as now. 
 
 Shall trail the remnant of my years." 
 
 And dark days came and went again; 
 
 And thought was without form, and void, 
 Save as a sickening sense of pain. 
 
 Of wasting want, of hope destroy'd. 
 
 At last the Mount of God was seen, 
 
 And Grief l ame transfigured there, 
 
 With angel vision, calm, serene, 
 
 And angel presence, passing fair. 
 
 And from that travail sore of woe, 
 
 When earth was brass, the sky aflame, 
 Was born a Faith 'twas joy to know, 
 
 And life's great Peace thro' suffering eamo. 
 
 Her home, "Sycamore Place," is in one of the loveliest villages of the 
 Connecticut valley, surrounded by charming scenery which delights all who 
 look upon it. Frequent articles from her pen, dated from Sycamore Place, 
 adorn the pages of our periodical literature. Having no children, she leads a 
 quiet life, and expects little enjoyment beside what comes through her 
 church. She is deeply interested in all that pertains to the prosperity of our 
 denomination and the spread of the Gospel of peace and good will in the 
 world. Notwithstanding her great afflictions she says : "I wish to have it dis- 
 tinctly understood that whatever of sorrow, trial and care maybe endured in 
 this life, I firmly believe the essentially good far overbalances the evil, even of
 
 16G OUlt WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 this lower existence. And if this be the fact here, how much more will this 
 obtain hereafter, when the weakness of mortality is over and the spiritual 
 life is begun." 
 
 MELVINA J. MANLEY 
 
 Was the second wife of Rev. W. E. Manley, D.D., author of Manley's 
 "Commentary on the Old Testament." Her maiden name was Melvina Jane 
 Church. She was the thirteenth of a family of nineteen. She was a daughter 
 of Capt. Richard Church, of Nunda, N. Y., and was in her cradle when her 
 future husband was a boy of ten, separated from her only fifteen miles; and 
 the subsequent man facetiously writes: "Had I known at the time that she 
 would be my wife, I would have made her a visit." Her birth was Dec. 9, 
 1821. As a child she was very bright, active and cheerful, and self-sacrific- 
 ing to her brothers and sisters. Her ambition for a superior education was 
 unbounded, and Dr. Manley says this desire led to disastrous consequences. 
 Her father, having faith in the Puritan process of hardening his children, 
 obliged them to walk a mile and a half to school through rain or snow, 
 which necessitated them to sit all day with garments wet about their limbs. 
 This, Dr. Manley says, made no difference to the old gentleman, who was 
 set in his determination not to have his children grow up with puny constitu- 
 tions; so he kept two or three spans of horses in the barn, bedded with good 
 oat-straw and warmly blanketed, munching hay, oats or corn, for the sake 
 of putting his children through the hardening process, as he thought, but 
 in reality sowing seeds of consumption. Mrs. Church, the Doctor writes, "had 
 more sensible ideas; and her eyes without doubt followed her little loved 
 ones with anxiety and fear. But her husband was the head of his family, and 
 every thing went as he willed. With what complacency we all observe the 
 diminishing of the self-appointed heads of fifty years ago! 
 
 This ambitious girl at the age of sixteen commenced teaching, and not 
 only supported herself but supplied her brothers and sisters in little indul-
 
 MELVINA .1. MANLEY. 107 
 
 gences which the "great head" did not deem necessary. f3y teaching she 
 was able to spend :i few terms at the academy, and she contributed toward 
 the education of her brother Lawrence S. Church, who settled in Woodstock, 
 LI., and became eminent as a lawyer and member of the Legislature. 
 
 Before her marriage, Mrs. Manley subscribed herself as M. Jane Church 
 to most of her articles for the press. She was a permanent contributor to 
 the "Ladies' Repository." She had great gifts in writing Indian stories, the 
 material of which she obtained from her Uncle Rix, who was an Indian 
 trader from 1815 till that trade was displaced by civilized society. Her best 
 production, Dr. Manley writes, has never been published. It is a poem writ- 
 ten in the style of Scott's "Lady of the Lake." Some of her Indian stories 
 were accounted by many equal to Cooper's. The unpublished poem is a 
 legend entitled "The Braves of O-Wash-te-nonk." Miss Church left school- 
 teaching to "fight the battle of life," aided by a Universalist minister with- 
 out means and without health, in October, 1848. In one year from that time 
 Mrs. Mauley's exposure in youth began to show itself in her failing 
 health. Their first-born was a son, who was cared for most tenderly, but he 
 was not destined to remain long upon earth. He died at the age of eighteen 
 months. "From that time on for fifteen years" says Dr. Manley, "we did 
 little but to watch over our children and bury them. Only one survived as 
 long as the first. He was named after Dr. Credner, of Germany, whose library 
 was purchased and given to Canton Theological Seminary. All of our chil- 
 dren were boys but one, and this one we named Eliza Throop, for Mrs A. G. 
 Throop, of Chicago. Six children were born and buried before the departure 
 of the wife and mother." Dr. Manley continues: "The sad termination of 
 this life of struggle and suffering took place away from home, the last week 
 in March, 1877. She was sick only four days, and passed to her reward 
 the 31st." She rests beside her six little ones and the former wife ami bod in 
 the family lot in (Iraceland, near Chicago. 
 
 Mrs. Manley had a fine education. Her judgment on the fitness and pro- 
 priety of words and sentences in English composition was very superior, and 
 was of invaluable service to her husband, the eminent commentator. I give 
 Dr. Mauley's exact words below: 
 
 "I do not suppose it would interest the reader to be informed of all our
 
 168 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 struggles during the last thirty years, of which she bore her part nobly. She 
 hud a peculiar adaptedness to the business I am engaged in. She loved the 
 study of the Scriptures, and was very skilful in defending them. She had a 
 good knowledge of Latin and Greek, and of French and German among the 
 modern languages. I greatly miss her presence and her encouraging words; 
 but I rejoice to know that she suffers no more."' 
 
 HARRIET S. BAKER. 
 
 Miss Baker was born in one of the loveliest of all the beautiful rural 
 villages in New England,— Norridgewock, Me., — Sept. 11, 1829. With few 
 opportunities for the exercise of the great love for our church which from a 
 child she has experienced, her life has been a continual influence for good 
 in its behalf. Isolated from organized churches, she has not only nourished 
 and cherished the faith in her heart, but its truths have been ever on her 
 lips and manifested in her life. She is one of whom there are multitudes, 
 who live on the blessed faith for which our church stands, and find it a light 
 to their feet and a lamp to their path, and who are living and loving epistles 
 in the eyes of all beholders. An invalid for nearly forty years, she has not 
 only been sustained by her faith, but has found a sweet and continual em- 
 ployment in uttering its consoling and cheering words with tongue and pen. 
 Making no pretension to literary ability, her own experiences are constantly 
 saying to her, as the Voice to the Revelator, " Write!" and out of the fulness 
 of her trusting inner life she has sent her messages to the world. " The 
 Gospel Banner" and "New Covenant" have been her chief media of com- 
 munication. " She has done what she could," and what she has done has 
 always gone from her heart's best love for that church to which she gave her 
 covenant vows in 18(51, in the church at North Auburn, the nearest organ- 
 ized church to her home. 
 
 Years ago this sweet-souled woman invited some little children to come 
 into her home every Sabbath, for instruction upon the love of God. She be-
 
 HARRIET S. BAKER. 109 
 
 gan with three little ones only, who were poor and had never been to Bun- 
 day-school. The number increased till she registered over twenty names. This 
 little class continued for more than eight years, there never being but a sin- 
 gle Sabbath when she was able to have them come but some were there, no 
 matter how rough the weather or bad the traveling. She saw them grow 
 op under her care till they were quite young ladies, when her dear mother's 
 long, sad illness obliged her to close her labors. She composed in rhyme 
 each one's lesson, giving a lesson in each of God's love, the works of 
 nature, etc. She printed them with a pen till they were able to read 
 writing. She says : "God gave me thoughts and ways to instruct them ; and I 
 never felt more humble than I did to see them come so constantly, and 
 with such unabated interest, to learn." She previously had three sisters to 
 teach (until they grew up and left home), striving to instruct them in things 
 pertaining to a better life. Thus she was both teacher and superintendent 
 in Sunday-school instructions in her own home for twenty years. The fol- 
 lowing is a favorable example of the strains in which Miss Baker expresses 
 that faith which is so clear to her: 
 
 MY FUTURE AND MY TRUST. 
 
 I can not tell— I can not know 
 
 Whither my weary feet shall go, 
 Or how be fed; 
 
 But in God's love I will confide, 
 
 And let whatever ill betide- 
 By him I'm I'd. 
 
 Although thy tender hand, O God! 
 
 Is holding now thy chastening rod 
 Above my head. 
 
 And fondest hopes lie all around 
 
 Like Autumn leaves upon the ground- 
 Withered and dead. 
 
 E'en in the darkness of the hour 
 I own the mercy, love and power 
 
 That's o'er me still! 
 And some day thou shalt make me see 
 How— and why— there oame to me 
 
 This sad, sad ill 1 
 12
 
 170 OUK WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 And as I trembling stoop to drink 
 The bitter dregs (from which I shrink) 
 
 Within the cup, 
 I'll own thy ways are just and right— 
 For faith is better far than sight. 
 
 And I'll look up! 
 
 Thou'lt lead me better than I know, 
 Out from the mystery of the woe 
 
 That's mine to-day! 
 Thou may'st e'en now have placed a sweet 
 That waits the coming of my feet— 
 
 To gladden all my way! 
 
 Then with the sealed book in my hand, 
 That will unfold to me thy plan 
 
 For coming years, 
 I know that I no joy shall lose, 
 For thou wilt give, as thou dost choose- 
 Away with fears! 
 
 While as a little child I lean 
 Upon thee— oh, thou great Unseen- 
 Close clasp my hand! 
 Thy "promises" thou wilt fulfil. 
 Whether comes good, or seeming ill— 
 In faith I stand. 
 
 JULIA A. CAKNEY. 
 
 " Julia Fletcher" is one who subordinates outward show to intrinsic 
 beauty; and this disposition secured to her many friends in her youth, 
 who still regard her with great kindness and interest, and who speak of her 
 as a most feeling and instructive talker. She was born April G, 1823, in 
 Lancaster, Massachusetts, and commenced rhyming before she coxtld hold a 
 pen; hut her first effusions of verse were published in the Lancaster and 
 Concord local papers at the age of fourteen. Very soon, and for years after, 
 she occupied the " Poet's Corner" in the Boston "Trumpet." In a letter to 
 us she says: " I can well remember my feelings were akin to jealousy when
 
 JULIA A. CARNEY. 171 
 
 I discovered the initials of 'A. C and 'P. C invading the corner I had hegun 
 to consider as my own;" hut we know the solicitude for herself soon turned 
 to admiration for Alice and Phcehe Carey, who sang and lived our beautiful 
 faith, and who still continue to do so, though now beyond this vale of tears. 
 Miss Fletcher was very generous in furnishing articles, both prose and 
 verse, for the " Christian Freeman" when it was established. Something 
 from her pen appeared in almost every number of the " Rose of Sharon," 
 and also in the "Lily of the Valley." In the " Universalist Miscellany" her 
 articles bore the signature of " Eev. Peter Benson's Daughter," and were read 
 with great interest. In 1810 she commenced writing for the "Ladies' Reposi- 
 tory," under the signature of "Julia." Before our child's paper, the 
 "Myitle," became the "Myrtle," in all its changes she was its friend and 
 contributor. Li the " Orphan's Advocate" and " Social Monitor," published 
 in Boston in 1844, appeared that touching poem that has been claimed by 
 so many, and by one who was not born until after its birth : 
 
 THE ERRING. 
 
 Think gently of the erring: 
 
 Ye know not of the power 
 With which the dark temptation came 
 
 In some unguarded hour. 
 Ye may not know how earnestly 
 
 They struggled, or how well, 
 Until the hour of weakness came. 
 
 And sadly thus they fell. 
 
 Think gently of the erring: 
 
 Oh, do not thou forget, 
 However darkly stained by sin. 
 
 He is thy brother yet. 
 Heir of the self-same heritage, 
 
 Child of the self-same God, 
 He hath hut stumbled in the path 
 
 Thou hast in weakness trod. 
 
 Speak gently to the erring: 
 
 For is it not enough 
 That innocence and peace have gone. 
 
 Without thy censure rough? 
 It sure must be a weary lot 
 
 That sin-crushed heart to bear,
 
 172 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 And they who share a happier fate 
 Their chidings well may spare. 
 
 Speak kindly to the erring; 
 
 Thou yet may'st lead them back, 
 With holy words and tones of love, 
 
 From misery's thorny track. 
 Forget not thou hast often sinned. 
 
 And sinful yet must be; 
 Deal gently with the erring one. 
 
 As God hath dealt with thee. 
 
 It has been published in " Adams and Chapin's Hymn Book," but we 
 can not see it too often if we will but profit by its lessons. 
 
 In 1845, when studying phonography in Andrews & Boyle's class, Bos- 
 ton, she was asked to give an impromptu exercise on the black-board. Only 
 ten minutes were allowed, and in that time she wrote the first verse of 
 " Little Things." It has been a favorite of children in Sunday-school exhi- 
 bitions from that time on, and has been recited and sung thousands of times. 
 It was first published in our Sunday-school paper, now caUed the " Myrtle." 
 
 LITTLE THINGS. 
 
 Little drops of water, 
 
 Little grains of sand, 
 Make the mighty ocean 
 
 And the pleasant land. 
 
 Thus the little minutes, 
 
 Humble though they be, 
 Make the mighty ages 
 
 Of eternity. 
 
 Thus our little errors 
 
 Lead the soul away 
 From the path of virtue 
 
 Oft in sin to stray. 
 
 Little deeds of kindness, 
 
 Little words of love. 
 Make our pleasant earth below 
 
 Like the heaven above. 
 
 Soon after her little phonographic poem was published it appeared in 
 the Methodist " Sunday-School Advocate," with an additional verse about
 
 JULIA A. CARNEY. 178 
 
 missionary pennies, to which she lays no claim. She was a regular contrib- 
 utor to the well-known " Boston Olive Branch." She also wrote two volumes, 
 published by J. M. Usher, entitled " Gifts from Julia," and a series of Sun- 
 day-school question books most acceptable and useful to our church at that 
 time. " Poetry of the Seasons" was published by Abel Tompkins. 
 
 Julia Fletcher was married to Rev. T. J. Carney, May 1, 1849. Since 
 her marriage her writing has been chiefly prose, and for the " Phrenological 
 Journal," "Science of Health," "Midland Monthly," and our various denomi- 
 national papers, especially the " New Covenant." In 18G9 and 1870 she 
 conducted the Home and Fireside department of the " New York National 
 Agriculturist," and the " Bee-Keepers' Journal." As she was expected to fill 
 several columns, and with continued novelties, she surprised her readers with 
 a variety of signatures, some of which I will mention, that she may be recog- 
 nized: "Minnie May," "Frank Fisher," " Sallie Sensible," "Minister's 
 Wife," etc. 
 
 Mrs. Carney is the mother of nine children, but five of them are with 
 their father, where trouble and sorrow are not known. One daughter and 
 three sons are with her in Galesburg, 111. The second son, Fletcher Carney, 
 is a graduate of Lombard, and is practicing law in Galesburg, and bids fair 
 to be a very able lawyer. James Weston Carney will graduate in the class 
 of 1883; and the youngest, Eugene Francis, commenced his college course 
 in 1880. 
 
 At the time of Mr. Carney's death, the family had just removed to Apple 
 Creek Prairie, where the people had commenced a church under his ministry. 
 He left home on horseback, and was returning to observe the anniversary of 
 their wedding, when he was thrown from his horse and fatally wounded. 
 At first it was supposed the injury would detain him at home for a few weeks, 
 and he was sure of a speedy recovery; but soon the lesion of a vein in his 
 back caused unconsciousness from which he never recovered. He died May 4, 
 1871, and was buried at White Hall. It was a very severe blow to Mrs. 
 Carney, from which she had not recovered when her son William, a noble 
 young man of twenty, died suddenly of sunstroke. In all his life he had 
 never caused his mother's heart a throb of pain, but his death has nearly 
 broken it. The daughter was in the Sophomore Class with William at the
 
 174 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 time of his death. She is finely educated, and is a great comfort to her 
 mother in these years of lonesomeness. 
 
 The following is from "The Cottage Hearth": 
 
 SOUL BLINDNESS. 
 
 How near another's heart we oft may stand. 
 Yet all unknowing what we fain would know 
 Its heights of joy, its depths of bitter woe, 
 
 As, wrecked upon some desert island's strand, 
 
 They watch our white sails near and nearer grow, 
 
 Then we, who for their rescue death would dare, 
 
 Unheeding pass, and leave them to despair. 
 
 How oft the word which we would gladly speak 
 Might be, unto some darkly groping soul, 
 The key to bid doubt's massive doors unroll, 
 
 The free winds' breath upon the prisoner's cheek, 
 Or, to the hungry heart, sweet pity's dole! 
 
 We hurry on, nor know that they are near, 
 
 As passed Evangeline the one so dear. 
 
 EMILY REBECCA PAGE. 
 
 The facts concerning this rare Christian girl, who was a true worshiper 
 at the shrine of our most precious faith, I received from her aunt, Maria E. 
 Baker, of Chelsea, Mass., and Eev. B. F. Kogers, of Marshalltown, la. 
 Casper Page, of Greenhoro, Vt., and Emily A. Alger were her parents. 
 When the bahe was but two weeks old, the mother closed her eyes for final 
 rest. Her last request was, that her mother, and Eugene Baker, her step- 
 father, should supply the need of parents ; and most faithfully did they keep 
 the trust throughout the girl's entire life. Emily was born May 5, 1834,
 
 EMILY KEBECCA PAGE. 175 
 
 with a delicate constitution, which was most tenderly guarded against expos- 
 ure by the grandparents and aunts, for they shared the fear with others that 
 one with so vigorous and active a mind and so frail a body would never live 
 to womanhood. For years she grew in health and grace of body, until 
 strangers were dazzled by her sparkling beauty. She was slightly above the 
 medium in height, graceful in form, with the daintiest little hand that ever 
 plucked a blossom. Her complexion was clear and pearly, with fair, Saxon 
 hair and lustrous blue eyes. Mr. Rogers says: "Her face was always beam- 
 ing with intelligence and wearing the sunny candor of a child." 
 
 When young she attended a private school in Piermont, N. H. ; when 
 older the Bradford, Vt., Academy, and a short time at St. Johnsbury. It 
 was in Bradford that Mr. Rogers was a schoolmate of hers, and he speaks of 
 her as most thoughtful and considerate. She had a kind and cheering word 
 for every one. She was full of enthusiasm, and had a keen sense of the 
 ludicrous, with strong likes and dislikes; quick at repartee, but never a sting 
 of sarcasm from her pierced the heart of friend or foe. She was too loving 
 and tender-hearted to bring a blush of shame upon the face of the rudest. 
 
 Mr. Rogers remembers with great sadness the last time she appeared in 
 the schoolroom. It was at the close of the academic year. She was so frail 
 that she was obliged to lean upon another while she read her essay, which 
 was scholarly and gemmed with fun and pure wit. 
 
 Her earliest poems were published in the local papers, when she was 
 about twelve years old, and they elicited most favorable criticism ; but it was 
 a premature step, to which she referred in alter years with regret. But 
 her improvement was rapid and continuous, as is ever the case with the "poet 
 born." If her life had been spared to middle age she would have risen high 
 in the literary world, and would have done great service for our church. 
 
 She wrote both poetry and prose for our annuals, also for B. P. Shilla- 
 ber's publication, and for the "Portland Transcript." The "Ladies' Reposi- 
 tory" was one of her favorite mediums. Several years previous to her early 
 death she assisted M. M. Ballou in his literary work. The first and revised 
 edition of "Poets and Poetiy of Vermont," edited by Mrs. Abby Maria Hem- 
 inway, contains several of her poems. 
 
 The grandfather died in Bradford, in 1857, leaving his charge in the
 
 176 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 tender care of the grandmother and aunt Maria. Soon after his death the 
 broken family moved to Chelsea, Mass., where this beautiful girl, whose heart 
 was like the primrose, opening most sweetly at the close of life, died Feb. 14, 
 1862. "Yes, on the day that Emily R. Page was dead, the light went out of 
 our hearts and home," says her aunt. She was buried in Woodlawn Ceme- 
 tery, and the grandmother now rests by her. side. 
 
 Her days were brief; yet the influence of her sweet life, and the enno- 
 bling words which she has left in prose and verse, still linger behind her, and 
 are sacredly cherished by many who knew and loved her. 
 
 The following is a companion piece to "The Old Bridge". 
 
 THE OLD CANOE. 
 
 Where the rocks are gray and the shore s steep, 
 And the waters helow look dark and deep; 
 Where the rugged pine in its lonely pride 
 Leans gloomily over the murky tide; 
 Where the reeds and rushes are long and rank, 
 And the weeds grow thick on the winding bank. 
 Where the shadow is heavy the whole day through, 
 Lies at its moorings the old canoe. 
 
 The useless paddles are idly dropped. 
 
 Like a sea-bird's wings that the storm has lopped 
 
 And crossed on the railing, one o'er one. 
 
 Like the folded hands when the work is done; 
 
 While busily back and forth between 
 
 The spider stretches his silvery screen, 
 
 And the solemn owl, with his dull "too-hoo" 
 
 Settles down on the side of the old canoe. 
 
 The stern, half sunk in the slimy wave. 
 
 Rots slowly away in its living grave. 
 
 And tin' green moss creeps o'er its dull decay. 
 
 Hiding the mouldering dust away. 
 
 Like tin' hand that plants o'er the tomb a flower. 
 
 Or tin' ivy that mantles the falling tower; 
 
 While many a blossom of loveliest hue 
 
 Springs up o'er the stern cf the old canoe. 
 
 The current less waters are dead and still- 
 But the light winds play with the boat at will. 
 And lazily in and out again 
 It floats the length of the rusty chain, 
 Like the weary march of the hands of time
 
 EMILY REBECCA l'AGE. 177 
 
 That meet ;in<J part at the noontide chime; 
 And the shore is kissed at each turning anew 
 By the dripping bow ->f the old canoe. 
 
 Oh, many a time, with a careless hand, 
 
 I have pushed it away from the pebbly strand. 
 
 And paddled it down where the stream runs quick. 
 
 Where the whirls are wild and the eddies are thick, 
 
 And laughed as I leaned o'er the rocking side, 
 
 And looked below in the broken tide, 
 
 To see that the faces and boats were two, 
 
 That, were mirrored back from the old canoe. 
 
 But now, as I lean o'er the crumbling side. 
 
 And I lcok below in the sluggish tide. 
 
 The faee that I see there is graver grown, 
 
 And the laugh that I hear has a soberer tone. 
 
 And the bands that lent to the light skiff wings 
 
 Have grown familiar with sterner things. 
 
 But I love to think of the hours that sped 
 
 As I roeked where the whirls their white spray shed 
 
 Ere the blossom waved, or the green grass grew, 
 
 O'er the mouldering stern of the old canoe. 
 
 In this beautiful poem we get glimpses of her sweet trust in her Father's 
 love: 
 
 TAKEN HOME. 
 
 Like a sweet star, falling slowly 
 
 In the morning's purple light. 
 Day by day the dear one sleeping, 
 
 Faded gently from our sight. 
 
 Scarcely knew we when the angels 
 
 With their shining hands let down 
 Softly to his waiting forehead 
 
 The immortals' starry crown; 
 
 Only that a sudden beauty 
 
 Drifted o'er his face like light, 
 Only that the smile grew holier 
 
 On his lips so wan and white. 
 
 Shall we wee]., that thus so early, 
 
 Going from all care and sin, 
 He has sought the golden portal, 
 
 And the angels let him in?
 
 178 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Shall we weep, dear friends, with thinking 
 That the dew which childhood wears 
 
 Was not quenched from off his forehead, 
 By the gathering dust of years? 
 
 That his feet are saved from going 
 In these thorny ways of ours— 
 
 Led, instead, by silver waters, 
 
 "Where the paths are full of flowers? 
 
 CORDELIA ADALINE QUINBY. 
 
 Mrs. Quinby, whose maiden name was Brooks, was born in Lewiston, 
 Me., in 1833. Her parents were earnest doctrinal Universalists, and could 
 defend their faith with a good deal of ability. One day a model deacon of 
 the olden time (deacons have changed wonderfully since then) made a call 
 upon the family, to enlighten them upon the wrath and vengeance of God. 
 The point he was endeavoring to make was that they must bdieve in a 
 hell or they would go to hell; and while he was expatiating with an apparent 
 delicious delight over the punishment the non-believers in hell would 
 receive, this Cordelia, who could but little more than lisp the name of her 
 Heavenly Father, stepped up in front of this hard-shelled religionist, and said, 
 "Hush! or God will hear you say these bad things about him." From that 
 time on this child seemed baptized with love for God, and as soon as she 
 could read and reason she too found that the doctrinal points of our glorious 
 faith blended with her spiritual intuitions. She united with our church in 
 Auburn, Me., in 1H;*>5. In 1801 she was married to Rev. G. W. Quinby, 
 D.D., for many years the able and successful editor of the "Gospel Banner," 
 Augusta, Me., and author of one of the best books ever published, " Heaven 
 Our Home." 
 
 Mrs. Quinby has been a devoted Sunday-school worker, and is deeply 
 and earnestly interested in everything pertaining to the prosperity of the 
 church of her love. She was superintendent of the Sunday-school in Au-
 
 MINN IK S. DAVIS. 170 
 
 p;usta, Me. , for several years ; Vice-President of the Woman's Centenary Asso- 
 ciation; and always an able coadjutor of her husband in his arduous and 
 manifold labors for the church. * 
 
 With characteristic modesty, Mrs. Quinby would disclaim being ranked 
 where those who know her best would rant her— among the philanthropists 
 of our century; but her generous religious faith has impelled her to co-ope- 
 rate with the abundant labors of her husband, and she deserves a portion of 
 the honor which belongs to those who have abolished the code of blood from 
 the statute-book of the noble State in which she lives. Gov. Dingly has 
 commissioned her as one of the Board of Visitors to the State Insane Hospit- 
 al. Her sweet spirit and beautiful life reflect the holy religion she loves and 
 for which she labors. 
 
 MINNIE S. DAVIS. 
 
 This long- suffering woman was born in Baltimore, Md., March 25, 1835. 
 Her parents, Rev. S. A. Davis and Mary Partridge, moved from Vermont to 
 Maryland soon after their marriage, and Mr. Davis became one of the early 
 preachers of that section of the country. 
 
 Minnie inherited from her mother extreme delicacy of organization, and 
 a highly nervous temperament, a vivid imagination, and acute sensitiveness, 
 combined with those qualities which gave her power to cultivate self-control 
 and composure of manner. When nearly six years old, an accident occurred, 
 the effects of which cast a shadow over her whole life; she was thrown from 
 a carriage, and one of the wheels passed directly over her back. The injury 
 was apparently trifling, and not until years afterward was it suspected that 
 the accident was the cause of a severe spinal complaint. As a cloud no big- 
 ger than a man's hand increases until it obscures the whole sky, so the deli- 
 cate wounded nerve of the spine spread its infection above and below, 
 until the whole column was incurably diseased. From her earliest youth 
 she loved God as her Heavenly Father, and in her conversation of him she
 
 180 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 showed perfect trust and a realization of his nearness and protecting pres- 
 ence. She never wearied in talking of him, and was ever hegging her 
 mother to tell her stories ahout God and Jesus and heaven and the angels. 
 To her unsullied imagination, earth was hut a lower heaven, and all the peo- 
 ple ahout her angels to he. It was always a perfect delight for her to attend 
 church. A friend says of her, that her feelings were too intense to he nor- 
 mal in their nature, or healthful in their effects; the music and the prayer 
 often filled her with ecstasy; and when her father preached upon some in- 
 spiring theme she would listen like one entranced. One day she said to 
 her mother: "I think it is the most beautiful thing in the world to preach 
 about Jesus. I wish I were a boy, for I want to be a minister so very 
 much." The spirit of her grandfather, who was a devout Universalist, seemed 
 to speak through her, for it was one of the most earnest wishes of his heart 
 that one of his sons should preach the Gospel he so loved. But each son in 
 turn disappointed him by entering some other profession, and with quiver- 
 ing lips and tearful eyes he said to his daughter Mary (Minnie's mother): "I 
 have prayed all my life for a minister in my family; and now I have one — 
 but it is a girl." 
 
 When the subject of this sketch was about seven years old her father re- 
 moved to the State of Massachusetts, where he became successively pastor of 
 the parishes in Hingham, Quincy and Sterling. About this time there was a re- 
 vival in the community, and Minnie began to realize that other denominations 
 preached very different doctrines than those taught by her father. Her 
 young schoolmates twitted her with being a Universalist, and told her of an 
 angry God and a burning hell. At first she stood her ground, and resented 
 their arguments with a good deal of force, but as the excitement increased 
 her courage failed. She thought that as so many good peoi)le believed such 
 dreadful things of God, her father and mother might be mistaken. God per- 
 mitted sin and suffering to exist here; might he not let them go on forever? 
 At last, one day, wrought to a frenzy of grief and terror, she flung herself 
 into her mother's arms, and amid her sobs told her of her doubts and fears. 
 Was it not well that the father of that sensitive, frightened babe (she was 
 not much more than that) preached the gospel of love, and that the mother 
 had been endowed by nature with a calm and controlling influence, which
 
 .MINNIE S. DAVIS. 181 
 
 soon brought the little one into her normal condition? Had it been other- 
 wise with this highly organized child, the struggle must have continued until 
 insanity or life-long skepticism would have been the result. As it was, the 
 conflict was brief; and the sunbeam shone upon her troubled heart, where 
 faith in the eternal goodness was planted, never to be disturbed again. 
 
 In her very girlhood she was an artist in story-telling. Nor were her 
 younger sisters slow in finding it out, and they were always interested and 
 delighted auditors; indeed, it soon became their favorite pastime healing 
 Minnie "tell stories." Out-door sports dwindled in attractiveness to them if 
 their sister would respond to — "Tell us astory!" Minnie, nothing loth, would 
 immediately begin; for telling a story was oidy reading one out of her mind. 
 A friend of Minnie's, Mrs. Newcomb, of Detroit, Mich., who was an 
 amanuensis for one of her stories, says that Miss Davis rarely stopped to 
 consider even the subject; and the plot and character would rise before her 
 more rapidly than she could describe them. When tired, she would say to 
 her audience, — "Here ends the first or second chapter," as the case might be; 
 and she would take up the broken thread upon the next occasion as though 
 no time had intervened. Some of the stories were immensely popular with 
 not only the sisters but other young friends, and had to be repeated again 
 and again. One of these — "Rosalie," which was published in 1859, was 
 written through the hand of an amanuensis when Miss Davis was too feeble 
 to hold a pen, and it gave solace to many weary hours thus to review the 
 story of her childhood. 
 
 As a child she seemed to her friends all soul and brain. Her sister, 
 Mrs. Bissel, says: "Although Minnie was but a little more than two years 
 older than myself, I do not remember that she ever joined in any active 
 sports. I can remember distinctly that she was never strong enough to ac- 
 company me on those long rambles that so charm the days of girlhood. She 
 was the home-spirit — the older daughter who knew how to render to a deli- 
 cate and sometimes overburdened mother the little services that lift dis- 
 couragements from loving hearts. Her school-days were often interrupted 
 by w r eeks of illness or suffering from weak eyes ; but her classes did not leave 
 her far behind — for the task of learning is easy for one who has a desire for 
 knowledge, and whose mind is not distracted by the usual recreations of
 
 182 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 young people. Her mother was her constant teacher;- it was from her she 
 learned an abhorrence of slavery and intemperance. But she would pity a 
 man none the less that he was intoxicated; she was not afraid of him, but 
 woidd defend him from jeers and taunts. I well remember, on seeing a 
 poor black man leaning on a fence she went up to him, and asked if he were 
 hungry, and to go home to our house ; he was in a fainting condition from 
 lack of food, and not intoxicated as the rude children had supposed. Our 
 mother always had a kind word for the unfortunate, and hospitality of our 
 home is almost proverbial. With this to justify Minnie's large-heartedness 
 and sympathy for the wandering unfortunates there is no room to wonder 
 why my sister piloted into our home the black, the maimed, the ragged and 
 intoxicated, at all times. Before she was old enough to fully appreciate 
 what a Home for such poor creatures was, she used to talk that when 
 she was older she would erect one, and put them all in it, and take care of 
 them; and notwithstanding her great physical suffering, I believe she would 
 be perfectly happy if she could endow a Home for poor orphan children and 
 superintend it." 
 
 The devoted mother was taken early from her family by death, leaving 
 five daughters, Minnie, the eldest, only thirteen years old, and the youngest, 
 Florence, a babe of three months. Though broken-hearted by the dreadful 
 loss, the young girl's first thought was to comfort her father and sisters. 
 Henceforth, from the holiest chamber of her heart, that mother, shrined and 
 sainted, held a power even more potent than when on earth. 
 
 The following is from Prof. J. S. Lee, who, with his wife, are esteemed 
 and beloved friends of Miss Davis, and through whose influence she was 
 brought before the public ; for she held her own abilities at a very modest esti- 
 mate, and but for their advice and encouragement might never have pub- 
 lished a book. 
 
 "When some seventeen years of age, she came to South Woodstock, 
 Vt., and entered the Green Mountain Institute, of which I then had 
 charge. From the first she excelled as a scholar and a writer. She had a 
 mild, thoughtful, sedate countenance. She seemed matured beyond her 
 years. She was a woman rather than a child, yet she was child-like in dis- 
 position. She was social withal, and a general favorite in the school. She
 
 MINNTF. S. DAVIS. 183 
 
 had the rare faculty of attracting all toward her without being conscious of 
 it. She blended a becoming modesty with a feeling of self-confidence which 
 enabled her to maintain her opinions, even when antagonistic to others, with- 
 out offending them. She was a member of my family. Her amiable dispo- 
 sition and geniality of spirit exerted a good influence over all the members of 
 our little circle. She liked children, and took special interest in their recrea- 
 tions and sports. She loved to tell them simple stories, and frequently wrote 
 little poems for them. Her productions were models of thought and grace. 
 In her studies she was every way successful. 
 
 " After pursuing her studies for about a year she returned home, and 
 was soon engaged in teaching. There she was in her peculiar sphere. She 
 was so successful as a teacher that her services were sought far and near. 
 She did not, like some, adhere strictly to a dull uniformity, which often tires 
 and disgusts pupils, but she devised something new and fresh, and thus suc- 
 ceeded in keeping up their interest in the branches taught. No two terms 
 were just alike. With her ingenious devices and expedients and her glowing 
 enthusiasm, which she imparted to all under her charge, her pupils made 
 rapid progress in their studies. It was a general remark that no teacher in 
 the schools excelled her in securing the fitting exercise of all the faculties of 
 the scholar. But she was too enthusiastic in her work, and labored beyond 
 her powers without realizing it at first. Failing health compelled her to give 
 up her charge. 
 
 " But she could turn her powers into another channel. She seemed 
 ' a born writer.' Her favorite topic was the world of child-life. She had 
 already nearly completed a work which was afterward published under the 
 title of ' Clinton Forest; or, The Harvest of Love.' It treats of child-life, 
 home influence, school scenes, the power of kindness in the treatment of 
 children, the wanderings and trials of the child, the joys and sorrows of life, 
 and the final good fortune of the wanderer. It is a book full of the true 
 gospel spirit, and in harmony with the faith in which we believe. No mem- 
 ber of the family circle can read it without being made better, though it was 
 designed primarily for children. The author was only eighteen years old 
 when this book was finished — the same age as that of Bryant when he wrote 
 the ' Thanatopsis.' She did not dare to publish it, or hardly show it to her
 
 184 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 friends to get their opinion of it; but she made another and higher effort. 
 One day I was talking with her father about my experience as a student in 
 an orthodox coUege, and the trials which I underwent there. I had for sev- 
 eral years been a teacher in liberal schools, and knew something of the con- 
 trast between the two classes of schools. I suggested that his daughter take 
 this as the subject of another work. She took the suggestion, and in due 
 season completed the manuscript of ' Marion Lester; or, The Mother's Mis- 
 take.' The mistake of the mother consisted in sending her daughter to the 
 school where religious error required a severe form of discipline. The plot 
 was entirely the author's. Some of the characters were taken from real life 
 and some were drawn from the imagination. All are admirably and consist- 
 ently worked out, and made to fill their appropriate spheres. This is a 
 remarkable feature of the work written by one so young and with so little 
 experience of the world. It is a healthy book, full of warning and advice, 
 timely and wholesome. I looked over the manuscript, and found little to 
 correct or amend. I advised her to publish it. She prepared it for the press, 
 and in May, 1856, sent it forth, a 'fragile bark,' as she calls it, 'upon the 
 literary sea already teeming with ten thousand lights.' It was a success. 
 The book was read with intense interest by thousands, and it did much to 
 correct the mistake of sending sons and daughters to schools where their 
 religious opinions are treated with ridicule and contempt. It has become 'a 
 classic' in our denomination. 
 
 " Three years after this book was published, ' Clinton Forest,' previously 
 written, was issued from the press, and also had a large sale. No one can 
 measure the influence of two such works. They are an honor not only to 
 the gifted author but to the denomination to which she belongs, and a bless- 
 ing to the world. The world has been the gainer through the power of her 
 pen. Would that she might again take it up and send forth, as formerly, her 
 delightful poems and charming stories depicting the brighter scenes of every- 
 day life!" 
 
 Before the publication of " Marion Lester" she had not published more 
 than half a dozen articles. From that time on she became a frequent con- 
 tributor to the " Trumpet," " Christian Freeman," and local papers. At one 
 time she contributed to a paper published in Philadelphia by Hiram Torrey.
 
 MINNIE S. DAVIS. 185 
 
 For a long time she was a regular contributor to the " Ladies' Repository," 
 and for five years was associate editor with Mrs. Sawyer and Mrs. Soule. In 
 1853 she removed with her father's family to Hartford, Conn. Although her 
 health was very feeble, she had high hopes of usefulness and happiness. 
 She anticipated much under the wider opportunities offered by the cultivated 
 city of Hartford ; but these hopes were never to be realized ; for, though she 
 struggled bravely with advancing disease, in a few months she was obliged 
 to relinquish all — church, Sunday-school, society, books and pen. Her disease 
 rendered her nearly helpless and partially blind. After a period of extreme 
 suffering she rallied sufficiently to be able to sit up a portion of the time and 
 to walk about the house. At times she was strong enough to ride short dis- 
 tances, and at rarer intervals she could walk out in the open air; but she has 
 never been able to take up any of the active duties of life. 
 
 Mrs. A. A. Ellis, a friend of many years, communicates the following: 
 " Wearisome days prolonged into years — months when she could not 
 stand alone or walk — and then nursed into convalescence. All one long, 
 dreary Winter she was kept in a darkened room with her eyes closely covered, 
 not enduring a ray of light, and suffering most intensely. And with aU this 
 pain and suffering and blindness, with it all there came such a longing to 
 use the pen and to pour out her soul in one long poem. One of the best 
 poems she ever gave utterance to was like the 'Nightingale Sang Darkling;' 
 and the spirit of tmrest and of waiting (although waiting is not always 
 idleness, only resting for greater maturity of plan and purpose), which 
 required such unparalleled patience to endure, and such a spirit of faith as 
 martyrs have exemplified, and as the Master gave us in the garden of Geth- 
 semane. And such a spirit our friend has evinced — ' Not my will but thine 
 be done.' Miss Davis' books and writings had just begun to be known and 
 accepted by the believers of the Universaliat Church, and she has received 
 many very flattering notices through the press, and personal letters from 
 friends who had never seen her. One well said of her, that her name was a 
 familiar ' household word.' All through her books or her Sunday-school 
 dramas, of which she wrote many, there shone through them all, like a sil- 
 ver thread, a loving, consecrated spirit which has led many to accept of that 
 faith which teaches that God is the father of all, full of love and tendernes. 
 
 13
 
 186 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 and care over all his children; supporting and comforting them through all 
 the trials and sorrows of this life, and giving them an ahundant entrance in- 
 to that 'house of many mansions.' " 
 
 Content Whipple, who was a friend of Miss Davis, but who has entered 
 the higher life, in a letter mentions the fear she felt, on receiving a letter 
 from her one day, not in her own handwriting, and says: "My fears were 
 realized ; but the cheerful tone of your letter convinced me that though suf- 
 fering in body you still retain your beautiful jjatience and fortitude of spirit. 
 When I try to express my feelings in regard to your sickness, I can find no 
 words to do them justice. When I think of your patience and cheerfulness 
 under such great affliction, I feel condemned for every impatient word or act 
 in my life. May God in his infinite mercy restore you some time to an 
 enjoyable state of health! It is my prayer day and night." 
 
 The following is from the "Gospel Banner," by Eev. Charles A. Skinner, 
 after reading "A Beautiful Spirit," by Mrs. Julia Crouch Culver: 
 
 "There is one of our lady writers to whom the denomination is largely 
 indebted for some of the sweetest lessons it has had set for its learning. But 
 those who have not known her nersonally have missed a sweeter lesson than 
 was ever pictured by her pen— have missed the lesson of patience, quiet sub- 
 mission and holy trust. For some time we have had no contribution from 
 her pen ; and some who do not know may perhaps inquire, — 'Where is Min- 
 nie Davis? Why do we not hear from her as we did in former years? Has 
 she forsaken us, or has her love grown cold?' Neither of these. It is all 
 explained in that one sad word — invalid. But though she does not write, 
 she preaches every day to all who know her, of patience and submission and 
 trust. The following truthful tribute, taken from the 'Norwich Bulletin,' says 
 too little rather than too much in its eulogy : 
 
 " 'A Beautiful Spiiut. — When I sit at my desk, with the stillness of a 
 quiet room about me, there rises up before me that sweet, beautiful woman 
 in one of Hartford's quiet homes. To meet Miss Davis once, causes you to 
 crave another meeting ; to know her well, causes you to love and reverence 
 her, to never forget her, and to feel the blessedness of her influence forever. 
 All day she sits in her easy chair — an invalid -where she has sat for many 
 long and painful years; sits with her white hands folded, hands that long to
 
 MINNIE S. DAVIS. 187 
 
 ■wield the pen as once they did, folded softly together, never telling how they 
 long to work, hut suggestive only of patience and submission. The children 
 of a few years hack know her through her beautiful books, some of which were 
 written entirely by an amanuensis. Many men and women know her also 
 through books written for minds of a larger growth; but few of them know 
 through what exertion and suffering they were written; and only those who 
 know her personally can appreciate her pure soul, which is set in jewels the 
 most beautiful the earth contains. Uncomplaining and patient, she waits on 
 and on; suffering constantly, worse than blind, her eyes giving her pain in- 
 stead of sight. 
 
 " 'You think of her, of what she has done even in her weakness, and 
 what she might do if she had your strength; and your own trials, and the 
 obstacles which seemed like mountains in your path, float off in the air like 
 bubbles ; you feel your nerves growing steadier, and your arm stronger, and 
 you feel that yon can struggle in the arena of life with the dauntless spirit of 
 the gladiator. 
 
 " 'And so that beautiful spirit, almost ripe for heaven, strengthens you 
 with her weakness, helps you with her helplessness, and softens and purifies 
 your heart with her habitual patience and sweet submission. 
 
 " 'Ah! Minnie, Minnie, you know not as you sit in your easy chair, help- 
 less, longing to labor in the dear Master's vineyard, how much you are doing 
 for your friends; how you are helping and strengthening them; and how you 
 are drawing them nearer the beauty and purity of a sinless world, where at 
 last you will find a surcease for ah your sufferings.' " 
 
 In the year 18G9 a great sorrow fell upon the family in the death of 
 Florence, at the age of nineteen years. She was lovely in mind and person, 
 and possessed a sparkling wit, which bubbled over in the most charming say- 
 ings. She was the light of the home, and the joy and pride of her invalid 
 sister. Her death caused a wound which time can never wholly heal. 
 
 At this time a group of young sisters was growing up around her — the 
 children of her father's second marriage. She took the greatest interest in 
 their education. She constituted herself their home instructor, and sought 
 to forai their taste in reading. When suffering most, even when confined in 
 a darkened room, she never wholly relinquished the pleasant task. They, in
 
 188 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 turn, became her readers and amanuenses ; indeed, she feels that she owes 
 much to their sweet companionship and this constant exercise of her mental 
 faculties. 
 
 Miss Davis is interested in all true reforms and in the educational 
 questions of the day. Though feehng her afflictions keenly, she is usually 
 cheerful and serene; but sometimes the yearning to be "up and doing" is so 
 strong that a deep sadness faUs upon her spirit. She is firm in the faith 
 that God's work will be done — that he will never lack the ministers to fulfill 
 his high behests; and she comforts herself with the thought that "they also 
 
 SERVE WHO ONLY STAND AND WAIT." 
 
 The following poem was composed after the author had been confined 
 in a dark room, suffering greatly : 
 
 THE COMFORTER. 
 
 The spirit whispered to my soul, 
 
 Cast down with doubt and fear, 
 "Thy broken heart shall yet be whole. 
 
 The Comforter is near." 
 
 "Rut what can give this pain surcease? " 
 
 Cried my rebellious will, 
 When Jesus gently answered, "Peacel" 
 
 And lo, the storm was still ! 
 
 "Rut it is cold and dark," I said, 
 
 "I can not see the way; 
 My soul is hungering for bread 
 
 And is athirst alway." 
 
 How sweet the answer, "I will bless 
 
 The blind and give them sight. 
 I am the Bread of righteousness. 
 
 I am the Life and Light." 
 
 "But I am weary. Lord," I cried, 
 
 "Willi such a cross opprestl " 
 "Come unto me," he then replied, 
 
 "And I will give thee rest!" 
 
 In tears I said, beneath my breath, 
 
 "My loved are torn from me, 
 And trembles by the river Death, 
 
 My poor mortality 1" 

 
 OT 
 
 HENRIETTA A. BINfiTIAM.
 
 HENRIETTA A. BINGHAM. 189 
 
 Let not thy heart be troubled more, 
 
 Fair is the house of God! 
 To where thy loved have gone before 
 I'll hear thee through the flood." 
 
 Blest Jesus, take me, I am thine! 
 
 The veil is rent apart. 
 Won by such graciousness divine. 
 
 My refuge is thine heart, 
 
 Where I can rest upon thy love 
 
 Through cold, and storm, and night. 
 And trust God's righteousness to prove 
 
 In happiness and light! 
 
 HENRIETTA A. BINGHAM. 
 
 The thought of giving a sketch of Henrietta Bingham's life compels a 
 feeling of great tenderness in my mind, and it would almost seem that even 
 the paper must he touched lightly, and her name tenderly traced; for no 
 woman was ever more solicitous for the Christian influence of our church, 
 and no one ever fulfilled her duty more truly than did she. But I shall not 
 dwell upon the sweetness of her disposition or the features of her literary 
 character. This will he done hy those who have known her long and inti- 
 mately, Rev. Dr. Atwood, one of the most accomplished of literary critics, 
 and a master of "English undefiled": and Hattie Tyng Griswold, a writer 
 whose pure and elegant prose is only surpassed by her melodious verse. 
 Their just and eloquent characterizations photograph the rare and beautiful 
 spirit so perfectly that it only remains for me, with the assistance of her 
 brothers, to give the outlines of her biography, and her yearnings, aspirations 
 and achievements. 
 
 Henrietta Adelaide Burringtoij was the youngest daughter of the second 
 wife. By the first marriage of Henrietta's father there were three children, 
 Rosalie Martha (Hall); Lindley Murray, a clergyman in our denomination; 
 and John Quincy Adams. By the second marriage, with Louisa Chapin
 
 190 OUB WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Rice, there were four children, Howard Rice ; Lorenzo Lester, Professor at 
 Dean Academy; Solon Orville, who was Henrietta's nearest brother in age, 
 and was with her during her last illness, and was to her a kind and 
 ever- watchful physician and tender nurse ; and Henrietta, the youngest and 
 pet. Mrs. Hall died in Gaylord, Mich., March 28th, at about the age of 
 fifty-five. She was a noble Christian woman. Her husband, who survives 
 her, was literally a hero of many battles in our late war. The eldest child 
 (Lindley M.) of Mr. Burrington's first marriage, says of Henrietta's mother: 
 "She was a woman of far more than average ability and intelligence, and of 
 no mean literary attainments. As I recall her she was a very dignified and 
 refined lady. There was a charm about her which made her advent in our 
 home an occasion never to be forgotten. I recall vividly my first impression 
 of her, then a child of seven; and the kind, cordial manner of her reception of 
 the three motherless children conciliated them in a moment, and made an 
 impression deep and lasting, so that she has a place in their hearts to-day 
 hardly second to that of their own sainted mother. " A beautiful tribute from a 
 step-son, who knows whereof he affirms, and who further says: "Of this 
 dear mother we have no picture, but Henrietta bore a remarkable resemblance 
 to her. Especially did I observe this as our dear sister lay upon her death- 
 bed. They were wonderfully alike also in their mental characteristics, and 
 especially in the features of that deeper spirituality, which was marked in 
 both. And when this dear step-mother left us, our home was darkened by 
 a great sorrow, and we all remember her with the tenderest of affection as 
 the years come and go." We wish we had space for the entire beautiful let- 
 ter of this step-son, who seems anxious to pay a tender tribute to the many 
 virtues and accomplishments of the mother of the subject of this sketch. 
 
 Henrietta was born Dec. 21), 1841; and her mother, who had been so 
 tender and kind to the motherless three she took into her heart, died and 
 left four little ones (Henrietta but one year old) to be cared for by whom she 
 knew not. But Henrietta nestled into the heart of her half-sister as naturally 
 as if she belonged there. She was gentle and easily managed, and all went 
 well for eight years, after which the father married; and soon after the be- 
 loved sister married and left home. Henrietta never ceased pining for this.
 
 HENRIETTA A. BINGHAM. l'.il 
 
 si>tcr until she became a woman grown, and she had a .strong attachment for 
 her to the day of her death. 
 
 Henrietta was a, very precocious child. She learned t<> read b< tore she 
 was five, and her brother Lester says she was always classed with those older 
 than herself, and invariably stood at the head of her class. It was quite 
 often, galling to her older brothers, who prided themselves on good scholar- 
 ship, to have Henrietta in their classes, and especially so when she had suc- 
 ceeded in solving some difficult prohlern, or unraveling some knotty con- 
 struction in Milton's "Paradise Lost," which they had failed to fathom. 
 When a child, even, she was a great reader, and eagerly devoured every book 
 she could get hold of. Indeed, reading was her greatest fault in those days, 
 and she probably received more correction for reading while at work than 
 for all other offenses put together; the greatest complaint of her step-mother 
 was that "her head was always in a book." Her opportunities for reading 
 were not great. Her father, being a farmer, had hut few books, and there 
 was no public library in the town; so her only resort was borrowing 
 from her neighbors, which she indulged in quite freely. At the age of thirteen 
 years she taught her first school, and achieved unusual success. She was 
 quite fond of teaching at this time in her life, and devoted a part of every 
 year (the Summer) to that work, until her school education was finished. It 
 was during these years that she began to develop a literary talent. She 
 amused herself during her leisure hours by writing little stories and sending 
 them to her schoolmates to read, and occasionally wrote a little poem for 
 their amusement. She was very shy in regard to these productions, and 
 would never let her older brothers or any member of the family see them. 
 
 At sixteen she left home to attend school at South Woodstock, Vt. Her 
 oldest brother, as he became of age, had taken a portion of his first year's 
 earnings and gone there to school. He sent home such glowang accounts of 
 the school, and entertained such high hopes of a liberal education, that Hen- 
 rietta, began to lay similar plans for her future. When the second brother- 
 was making arrangements to go to South Woodstock, she urged him to take 
 her with him; and as she was not happy at home, and her father thought he 
 could not help her any, her brothers determined to educate her, and she was
 
 192 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 sent to South Woodstock. Here she spent the happiest days of her Hie She 
 was a careful and earnest student, and took great delight in her work Her 
 early love for reading was here allowed full scope. Her progress vas rapid 
 and thorough, and she often astonished her teachers by the ease with which 
 she could master the higher mathematics and the French language. She 
 soon began to show unmistakable signs of literary ability. Here ;;he wrote 
 many pieces, both in prose and in verse, intended for school ei says, but 
 which afterward found their way into the public prints. Here also she 
 formed the strongest attachments of her hfe. Being mature in thought, 
 though young in years, she early became the intimate friend of hei teachers, 
 and came to be regarded by them as an equal, rather than a pupil; and 
 she entered so heartily into the plans and sympathies of her schoolmates, 
 that she became a universal favorite. After having completed the full course 
 of study at this school she became its preceptress, and fulfilled the duties 
 devolving upon her with marked success. 
 
 During these terms, however, she began to feel that her line of duty did 
 not lie in this direction. She had imbibed such a strong love for purely literary 
 work that she determined to make that her occupation. Accordingly, in the 
 Fall of 1862 she set out for Boston, determined to spend the following Winter 
 there in some sort of literary occupation. She soon found employment in 
 the Universalist Publishing House for a part of her time, and occupied the 
 remainder in study. That Winter she was wont to consider the most profit- 
 able of her early hfe, because it gave to her the most ample opportunities. 
 She embraced every occasion that came within her means to hear lectures, 
 concerts, readings, and to attend gatherings of every description. She was 
 very kindly received into Boston society, and succeeded in rubbing off a good 
 deal of what she was pleased to call the rough corners. In the following 
 Spring she received news from her half-sister, Mrs. Hall, then living in Ohio, 
 that her family was sick and needed her assistance. She immediately 
 started on her errand of mercy, and found, on arriving at her sister's home, 
 two of her four children very sick with typhoid fever, and their father in the 
 army of Tennessee, fighting the battles of his country. Before the children 
 had passed beyond the danger-point of their sickness, the mother was taken 
 down. Henrietta, found herself equal to the task, and with the aid of
 
 HENRIETTA A BINGHAM. 198 
 
 neighbors and friends brought them all safely through. When the mother 
 was convalescent, and anxiety was gone, Henrietta was stricken with the 
 terrible fever. Her illness was long and painful, her life being despaired of 
 for many days, and her recovery was very slow, and her health was broken. 
 She never after became the strong and healthy woman that she was 
 before. When the family had quite recovered, and her services were no 
 longer needed, she began to look around for some employment, as her sick- 
 ness had greatly reduced her little store of means. Her wants being made 
 known to her friends, she was very soon employed as preceptress of the pre- 
 paratory department of St. Lawrence University, in which place she was a 
 successful teacher. And it was here that she formed the acquaintance 
 which resulted in her marriage with Henry L. Bingham, March 29, 1866, a 
 theological student in St. Lawrence University. Her husband was in feeble 
 health at the time, and no mother was ever more tender of an infant child 
 than Henrietta of her husband. Her love for him grew day by day to the 
 time of his death. After five brief months, September 5, 1866, death broke 
 the silver cord that held these loving ones together, and the young heart was 
 destined to pursue the remainder of hfe's journey alone. 
 
 A memorial sermon was preached in Clinton, N. Y., by Rev. W. P. 
 Payne, who paid a high tribute to the worth of Mr. Bingham, saying: "He 
 was modest and unassuming, deferential almost to a fault, yet I never met 
 a young man in whom I had greater confidence than in him. I felt that he 
 stood on a firm foundation — that he was incorruptible ; and that, whatever 
 Providence might have in store for him of prosperity or adversity, of joy or 
 sorrow, of tribulations or triumphs, he would leave as a precious legacy to 
 friends and to the world an unspotted and beautiful record." This young 
 man of talent and Christian grace was Henrietta's husband. She survived 
 him ten years and six months, always true to his love and memory. 
 
 Mrs. Bingham was enfeebled long before any outward sign appeared, 
 but she persisted in her literary work until her strength was nearly spent, 
 before she decided to go to the loved and loving home of the parents of her 
 husband) in Columbus, Wis. She reached this haven of rest March 12.1875. 
 No sudden change came, but a gradual decay commenced. She was an 
 idolized child in that home, and she clung to the love of those who were
 
 194 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 parents indeed, as though it were life to her; and their love supported her to 
 the last, showing itself in most patient watchings, in eager, anxious looks, 
 and tenderest care. Not until late Autumn did it become a settled certainty 
 to those saintly parents that ah that was left to them was slipping out of this 
 life. 
 
 Of her spiritual meditations during her last months we get glimpses 
 from her sick bed, from one of our Sisters of Charity, Mrs. M. G. Todd, and 
 from others who watched with her. Once she said, "Formidable mount- 
 ains loom up in my way sometimes, but when I close my eyes I can see the 
 plains beyond, the flowers and sunshine, and sometimes his face." To the 
 dear parents, one day, near the close, she said, "Sit by me, mother and 
 father; nothing can help me through like your love." And so this father 
 and mother, anxious to respond to every look of their dear child, would for- 
 get everything else, and employ all devices to soothe and comfort their only 
 treasure. She had become a part of themselves, and their devotion to her 
 was divinely beautiful. Her eyes seldom wandered from them when they 
 were by. One day she said to a watcher, "Their love has given me the 
 greatest possible happiness in these days of sickness." Weaker and weaker 
 grew the patient sufferer. When the change came, it was like a cloud pass- 
 ing over her large, kind, wistful eyes. Just before she died, when her active 
 brain had begun to wander, a friend mentioned her husband, and at once the 
 cloud lifted from her mind, and clearly but slowly she repeated, "He giveth 
 his beloved sleep." And on Feb. 18, 1877, she "fell on sleep," leaving a 
 beautiful and unfading record to testify that she has been and wrought, and 
 now has gone to higher spheres of labor. 
 
 Rev. Dr. I. M. Atwood says : "It is four years to-day since this strong 
 and beautiful spirit forsook its earthly house. It is of sufficient interest to 
 mention, perhaps, that after deferring, for one cause or another several 
 months, the task of writing a sketch of her for this book, we sit down, by 
 chance, to the work on the anniversary of her death. Four years is no incon- 
 sidefable fraction of our mortal sojourn, and the fact that such a period has 
 slipped by since our friend left us, while her presence pervades recollection 
 as if she had only slipped out for an afternoon call, suggests at once how
 
 HENRIETTA A. BINGBAMj 195 
 
 soon we shall all be across the flood, and how indelible is the impress of a 
 fine and original nature. 
 
 "It would be most easy, as well as most natural, to dwell on her per- 
 sonal traits, since these are what endeared her to her friends, and what recall 
 her most vividly to memory. Bui Mrs. Bingham secures a place in this gal- 
 lery of mental portraits rather on account of her genius and puhlic service 
 than because she shared with other women in the qualities that attract 
 friends. To her character and career as a writer this sketch must be chiefly 
 devoted. 
 
 "Her person was tall and slight, her movements deliberate, her manner 
 hesitating; a good head, crowned with dark brown hair; blue-gray eyes, 
 large and studious; a cast of features indicative of sensibility rather than 
 power; just a shade of melancholy on her face in repose, which quickly gave 
 place to varying expression in conversation; a good listener, attentive, appre- 
 ciative, anticipatory, and when it came her turn to talk, grafting on with 
 ease her own thought; addicted to musing, but prompt to accept a challenge 
 for debate; grave and thoughtful one hour, a very girl the next — such are 
 some of the more prominent traces of her personality lingering in our recol- 
 lection. 
 
 "The circumstances of our making her acquaintance, and of her intro- 
 duction to the general public, we sketched a few days after her death, and we 
 can not hope to do better than reproduce it here. Some time in the Fall of 
 1808 w r e received at the office of the 'Universalist,' Boston, the manuscript 
 of a poem read before one of the literary societies of St. Lawrence University. 
 It had not been folded with care by the young man who sent it to us for pub- 
 lication, and it arrived in a badly crumpled and forlorn condition. Our 
 prejudices were aroused against it at sight. Its length was another circum- 
 stance that sealed up our sympathies; and it was several days before w T e sum- 
 moned courage to attack it. When at Length we began the reading of the 
 poem a new sensation awoke. Here, unquestionably, was merit of no com- 
 mon sort. A certain subtile penetration allured the mind of the appreciative 
 reader, while the inascidine strength of the thought, and the careful finish 
 of the verse, put the stamp of high value on the production. The interest
 
 196 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 awakened by this poem led ns to make inquiries about the author, of whom 
 we had heard little. The agent of the Publishing House informed us that 
 the author of the poem", Mrs. H. A. Bingham, was also the author of 'Mign- 
 onette,' one of the 'Prize Series' of stories published by the house. We took 
 up that little book for the first time, and found in it the same strong lines of 
 power we had traced in the poem. Toward the close of that year Mrs. 
 Bingham, by invitation of the agent of the Publishing House, came to Bos- 
 ton, and in the January following became editor of the 'Ladies' Kepository.' 
 During the five years that she conducted that magazine she made for herself 
 a literary record that woidd honor the brightest name in our church. To a 
 wide and high range of thought, she added delicacy, warmth and graceful 
 humor. Her work on that periodical was of the best quality throughout. 
 She was too conscientious to slight any part of it. We have re-examined 
 nearly all the numbers from January, 18G9, down to the suspension of the 
 magazine; and the high opinion we had of the character of her work 
 as it was produced, has been more than confirmed. The aggregate of her 
 editorial labor was large. She resorted to no devices to fill space and save 
 honest labor. It is her own work, without padding or poaching ; and in qual- 
 ity it suffers nothing in comparison with the best work of its kind. As a 
 gentleman of high culture and fastidious taste once said to us, 'The 'Repos- 
 itory' editorials are surprisingly able. They would do honor to any writer, 
 man or woman.' 
 
 "It was during the comparatively brief period of her editorship that she 
 made her record as a writer. But no one comes suddenly into literary estate. 
 However it may be in other fields, here we earn our inheritance. And Mrs. 
 Bingham was long acquiring the art and mastery which at length marked 
 her out for succession in the line with Julia Scott, Sarah Edgarton, Mrs. 
 Bacon, Caroline M. Sawyer and Nancy T. Munroe. A manuscript volume, 
 containing pieces written at intervals from the age of sixteen until she took 
 charge of the 'Repository,' bears witness to the long and diligent preparation 
 to which her powers were subjected. Mind history and heart history are 
 here photographed by an unconscious artist, and we see, as we turn the leaves 
 of the little book chosen for her girlhood rhymes, how her intellect opened 
 and her faculty grew. The two marked traits of her maturest literary work,
 
 HENRIETTA A. BINGHAM. 107 
 
 thoughtftdness and grace, appear very early. It was her good fortune that 
 she did not make rhymes easily. Had she possessed the fatal facility of 
 some young persons in emitting jingle, she might, like them, have hi en 
 tempted into pouring out profusely a weak wash of metrical prattle, which 
 can he called poetry only hy the same license which allows sound to he called 
 music or words eloquence. But her sense of precision and proportion kept 
 back the flood. Like Lowell, most accurate and idiomatic of our poets, Mrs. 
 Bingham never permitted her muse to run wild, but held it rigorously under 
 the rein of understanding and disciplined taste. Thus it came to pass that 
 her work bore the stamp of quality, and when at length professional duty 
 exacted of her a large amount of literary labor, its uniform high merit pro- 
 voked general surprise. 
 
 "It is a fact which must have been many time^ noted, though wdiether 
 particularly remarked or not we are not aware, that poets are, almost without 
 exception, masters of prose. From Milton to Burns, from Scott to William 
 Morris, or from Halleck to Holmes, the illustrations of this filet are as numer- 
 ous as the prominent names in this department of literature. The classic 
 English is the prose of the poets. The reason of it is not far to seek. The 
 power born with the poet is not something wholly unique, but 'the vision 
 and the faculty divine' is made up in a large part of the same qualities that 
 constitute literary function in general. Mental strength and mental fineness, 
 acuteness, delicacy, humanity, and especially an ear for the more subtle har- 
 monies, are requisites in a literary artist, whether he write in numbers or 
 not. But the necessity laid on the poet to condense and prune and interfuse 
 the letter with the aroma of spirit is precisely the discipline which fits him 
 to produce winnowed and vital prose. 
 
 "Mrs. Bingham was not an exception to the rule. Her specialty was 
 verse, but her pen moved with a force and grace entirely native in essay, edi- 
 torial, stoiy or sketch. It would suit our feeling to allow her to bear witness 
 to this statement at great length ; but the limits within which this essay must 
 fall prohibit extended illustrations. A sample of her manner in each depart- 
 ment must suffice. How like a paragraph from the always felicitous 'Easy 
 Chair' this reads: 
 
 " 'It is easy to celebrate a sentiment, hard to criticise it. The origin of
 
 198 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Decoration Day was so spontaneous, so natural from the overflowing heart 
 of the people, that it could not he argued ahout, only allowed expression. If 
 there were fears that, under the guise of patriotism, we were really fostering 
 sectionahsm and keeping alive a hitterness it were better to forget, the words 
 could not be graciously said over those eloquent graves. If that temper were 
 really in the hearts of the people, to repress its utterance woidd do no good. 
 We must change the feeling by the difficult triumph of principle over senti- 
 ment; a sober, Christian work, to be accomplished only by the slow help of 
 time. But time has proved that this blossoming of tender remembrance nour- 
 ished no such root of bitterness. There is no more efficient rebuker of hatred 
 and revenge than the grave. And as we have written in flowers each year the 
 old legend, 'Sweet and noble it is to die for one's country,' we have learned 
 a nobler appreciation of all sacrifice and suffering, even that of our enemies. 
 
 "So evenly sustained is the excellence of her work that we are at a loss 
 where to excerpt. A few hues from a remarkably strong editorial on 'The 
 Insurrection of Conscience, ' must serve as a hint of the power and independ- 
 ence of her thinking : 
 
 " 'The great men of history have been the products, rather than the lead- 
 ers of an awakened age. There have been eras of conscience, as there have 
 been of material glory or of intellectual vigor. And these will be found to 
 follow periods of lapse and decay by a reaction as inevitable as the turning of 
 the tide. A recent author thinks to have found the secret of Christianity in 
 its self -corrective power, its swinging back like a pendulum from any extreme. 
 But is not this secret deeper even than Christianity — inherent in the very 
 nature of moral life? Wherever conscience exists, it will sooner or later 
 become the dominant power; and true or false in the absolute, it will set 
 itself, like the needle to the pole, to the highest known ideal of righteousness. 
 The reform of Buddha in its pure estate showed this, and the reform of 
 Mohammed. They were the protest of simple righteousness against the 
 sickly shains of a degenerate religion.' 
 
 "The readers of the 'Piepository' during Mrs. Bingham's term of service 
 will remember that she wrote much poetry which yet was not verse. The 
 poet's eyes and the poet's art were hers, and we do not wonder at the fre- 
 quency of such true pictures of nature as this :
 
 HENKIETTA A. BINGHAM. 199 
 
 " 'We have had a royal October; and now on November's edge the sun- 
 beams linger lovingly, loth to fade or chill. Above us as over Ajalon of old, 
 the sun seems to have stayed his journey, and tarries in northern skies as 
 serenely us if no summons across the tropics had ever been decreed. The 
 leaves rustle to their fall, and the pomp of crimson and gold fades from the 
 hills: but still balmy Summer is in the air, and the golden mist is warm over 
 the mountains, and the clouds lie asleep on the bosom of the clear blue, 
 undreaming of storms to come. Yet the beauty that enwraps us as a dream 
 is not the sensuous beauty of the Summer. The full foliage, the profusion of 
 blossoms, the waving harvest-fields, have dropped out of the picture, that a 
 more subtle and ethereal beauty might glide in. It is the beauty of rest and 
 quiet, when the heat and burden of the year's noonday are over, and its 
 hands are folded, its tasks all finished, its desire satisfied. One way or 
 another the immemorial feast of the ingathering has been celebrated, and 
 the harvest home has been sung. The earth has yielded her increase, and 
 the food of all her millions is safe stored in her overflowing garners. And 
 it would seem as if earth and air and sunshine paused entranced together, 
 and sighed with satisfaction, 'It is finished.' 
 
 "For liner examples of the quality here disclosed, we refer the reader to 
 4 Autumnal Rain,' 'Spring,' and 'Under the Snow,' all too long for quotation. 
 
 "In two other departments of prose writing, newspaper correspondence, 
 a distinct modern specialty, and in story-telling for children, Mrs. Bingham 
 displayed the versatility of her powers. The charm and naturalness of both 
 her stories and verses in the 'Myrtle,' during the period that she edited that 
 juvenile, attracted the attention, and elicited the warm praise of hundreds of 
 good judges. But we must turn from these inviting fields to consider, much 
 too briefly, her claims to the place we have accorded her as a poet. Since 
 the materials for illustration are so abundant we may properly spare ourselves 
 the task of interpretation. Mrs. Bingham's poetic gifts were of an order to 
 improve with use. In each of her longer poems there are strokes of power 
 and strains of melody, prophetic of loftier achievement; and we can not 
 doubt that the palsying effect of disease abridged the full movement of her 
 genius. We regard the work she accomplished, strong and flavorsome as it 
 is, as a hint only of the great and rich resources of her nature. Up to the
 
 200 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 time when invalidism suspended her work she had scarcely cleared herself of 
 the coloring of a somewhat morbid personal experience, in the light, or rather 
 dark, of which nearly all her poenis must be read. Had her life been pro- 
 longed and health returned to her, we should have heard at length her liber- 
 ated song, the full note of a rare, sweet singer. A suggestion of what we 
 have in mind is conveyed by a comparison of the two poems, 'The Human 
 Side,' and 'The Divine Side.' The httle poem, 'On the Edge of the Sea,' is 
 a sample also of her healthier mood. Such poems as 'Compensation,' 
 'Divided,* 'Out of the Depths,' 'Sunset,' take a more powerful hold on us 
 because the element of personal feeling compels sympathy. But she was 
 herself aware that so strong a tincture of personal moods, especially when 
 they incline to melancholy, is an alloy of the true poetic quality. 
 
 "Referring the reader to the volumes of the 'Repository' between 1869 
 and 1875 for full memorials of her muse, we make the best use of our 
 remaining space by preserving here her most characteristic and perfectly 
 finished poem, 'L'Envoi.' It is a midnight meditation on the passing year. 
 The familiar shadow rests on it, yet the light of a serene trust illuminates all 
 its deeps : " 
 
 The passing bell proclaims it here— 
 The mystic midnight of the year, 
 
 Sacred to death and birth. 
 In silence comes a year new-given, 
 In silence goes the dead unshriven 
 
 To all the past of earth. 
 
 No click upon the wheel of time 
 That marks the centuries sublime — 
 
 No sound or sign is given, 
 So glide a thousand years away, 
 Serene as one unbroken day,— 
 
 The endless day of heaven. 
 
 Above, the calm and holy air, 
 Below, the earth all silver-fair, 
 
 All cold, and clear, and white; 
 Starry and dim and heavenly still, 
 The night goes on at his great will, 
 
 Maker of night and light. 
 
 In vast procession, grand and slow, 
 The mighty constellations go
 
 HENRIETTA A. BINGHAM. 201 
 
 Across their upper deep: 
 Bencatli their still, unfaltering eyes, 
 Our little world untroubled lies, 
 
 A weary child asleep. 
 
 Our little world; and yet how wide — 
 "What stretch of lands and seas divide 
 
 Beneath the self-same skies! 
 How long is time, how wide is space, 
 Measured from one small hiding-place 
 
 In these immensities! 
 
 Out of the sweet and soothing night 
 I lean a face with stars alight. 
 
 And think of all I love. 
 Or near or far, my swift thought runs, 
 And circles round its chosen ones, 
 
 Like the great thought above. 
 
 Nor these alone, but all who lie 
 At rest beneath this guardian sky, 
 
 While tumults pause and cease, 
 My taper sends its glow-worm spark 
 Into the great world's outer dark, 
 
 With hail of love and peace. 
 
 friends beloved, God keep you all! 
 Softly my prayers and blessings fall 
 
 On each unconscious head. 
 Your eyes from tears, your hearts from pain, 
 Your homes with joy, your store with gain, 
 
 Be kept and comforted. 
 
 Live on, beloved, that life may be 
 The richer for your ministry — 
 One brightness, far and near; 
 
 1 dare not dream— you can not know, 
 How poor were earth if you should go 
 
 Out of its light and cheer! 
 
 And you, unloved because unknown. 
 Whose hearts still beat with mine, as one, 
 
 God bless you all to-night! 
 Your unknown dreams, your unheard prayers, 
 Your secret hopes, and fears, and cares. 
 
 Be precious in his sight. 
 
 And if there be some hearts estranged. 
 Who deem me false, who find me changed, 
 Whose love from mine is riven, 
 
 14
 
 202 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 O friends, where'er the blame may lie. 
 Let it to-night forever die, 
 Forgive, and be forgiven! 
 
 There is no room for strife or hate, 
 We are so small and God so great. 
 
 And his all wrongs redress. 
 Forget the blind, unworthy deed; 
 Remember each heart's sorest need, 
 
 Pity and tenderness. 
 
 There's not enough of love to lose, 
 There's not enough of joy to choose. 
 
 That we should miss the least, 
 But love need ask no doubtful leave; 
 She still can give though none receive, 
 
 And find the giving blest. 
 
 O hearts that on my own take hold, 
 hearts indifferent and cold. 
 
 One blessing on you fall. 
 Life is so weak, and fate so strong. 
 And joy so short, and grief so long, 
 
 God help and shield you all! 
 
 kindred of one common blood, 
 
 1 give you pledge of brotherhood, 
 
 Sworn to this heaven above. 
 The word is poor, the gift is small, 
 Broken and vain the deeds may fall, 
 
 The will is all of love! 
 
 The subjoined tender summing up of the last days of this angelic spirit 
 is from Hattie Tyng Griswold: "The storms of the bitter Winter are upon 
 us ; the whirling of the white flakes greets our dazzled eyes on every hand ; 
 there are wild winds a-blowing; and in the solemn city of the dead whence 
 we have come to-day there is only dreariness and desolation. We have left 
 our friend there. It gives an added pang to death to bury a friend at such 
 a season. There is something almost inviting in the sunny hill-top where 
 our cemetery is situated, in Summer. The great trees lay their broad arms 
 athwart the slope. The grassy paths are full of flowers. Daisies and butter- 
 cups and purple violets dot them, and the wild rose swings its dainty sprays 
 here and there. In the Autumn it is a mass of gorgeous color, with its flam- 
 ing sumach and its golden rod; but in Winter it is so bleak, so cold, so deso-
 
 HENRIETTA A. BINGHAM. 203 
 
 late, that we can not endure to come away and leave one we love in its icy 
 embrace. 
 
 "But after two years of constant suffering we can not weep that our 
 friend has found her rest. She has gained the Nirvana which she yearned 
 for, with such inexpressible yearning, during the long, solitary Winter nights 
 when sleep stood aloof, with finger on her lip, and pressed its balm on every 
 lid but hers. The watch has been long which she has kept, the waiting has 
 been weary — many of the hours have been barbed with pain; but now we 
 feel that she 
 
 ' has the best 
 Which heaven itself can give her— rest!' 
 
 "Hers was a beautiful life and a beautiful death. She had a rich na- 
 ture, both religious and poetical. Endowed with unusual intellectual j>ower, 
 which was well trained and responded readily to calls upon it, it was accom- 
 panied with great spiritual feeling and spiritual culture. She was deeply 
 devotional in spirit, and found it difficult to understand why all her friends 
 did not delight as she did, in prayer and praise. It was her deepest joy, and 
 the indifference of many to it was to her a burden and a grief. She was a 
 great quickener to the faith of others, and a stimulus to all who came under 
 her influence, both spiritually and intellectually. She would have made an 
 admirable minister of the gospel, and, I have no doubt, would have eventu- 
 ally been found in that profession, had not death brought all her large, far- 
 reaching plans to a sudden end. She would have found here a congenial 
 sphere in which to labor, and would have wrought out great results in life 
 and character among her people, I can not doubt. She had the seeing eye 
 and the understanding heart. Nothing that was beautiful escaped her, in 
 nature or in life. No ethereal haze upon the distant hills, no shimmer of 
 silver waters through the trees, no smallest blossom in the sod, was lost to 
 her vision. No smallest blossom of beauty in life and character among her 
 friends bloomed for her in vain. She had a genius for discovering hidden 
 merits. She drew forth much which was never disclosed to other eyes. 
 Some hidden alchemy within herself drew forth the best of other lives. She 
 was a delightful companion, full of wit and humor and repartee, and with an 
 eye for all the comic side of hfe, she was never dull and morbid, or otherwise
 
 204 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 than fresh and insjjiring. She was loved by everybody, though she had par- 
 ticular sympathy with the young. 
 
 "At the close of a life singularly beautiful and trusting, the fruits of that 
 life were seen in the great calm of patient expectation, of serene waiting, the 
 sublime confidence of the later hours. As the large activities of her years 
 of labor passed before her in review, she yearned sometimes to stay and labor 
 on. There was so much to do she cordd scarcely bear to think of being put 
 upon the retired list at so early an hour; and, in addition to this, she had a 
 hearty and genuine delight in life. The world contained much for her. She 
 would have carried her joy of existence on into old age had such been her 
 destiny; yet she was content when she heard the silver trumpet sounding her 
 recall. It is well for her, but the hearts of her friends are heavy. The world 
 has lost an earnest worker, every good and noble cause a faithful advocate, 
 every burdened and oppressed soul a sympathizing friend, every religious 
 movement a prayerful ally. Therefore the world is poorer. Such lives as 
 hers are not counted in great numbers. She was one of the few who stood 
 upon the heights of hfe. Every string in her nature was lofty and fine and 
 attuned to song. Her hfe was rhythmic, it was melodious, it was the round- 
 ing of a sphere. But the snow has fallen upon her, which no earthly sun 
 will ever melt; its coldness separates us for all time, and we mourn her as 
 one whose place no other can fill. Rosemary be upon her grave, and in our 
 hearts remembrance. There is work for her beyond. It is well. Her mem- 
 ory is both a benediction and an inspiration." 
 
 Her principal story, "Mignonette," was written in 1865. "The True 
 Immortality," read at the first anniversary of the Zetagathean (seekers after 
 truth) Society, of the Divinity School at Tufts College, was considered very 
 able. The following poem relates to the father and mother of Henrietta's 
 husband : 
 
 TWO WAYS. 
 
 They had a son, an only son, 
 
 Their hope and happiness and pride, 
 With life's first honors nobly won, 
 
 At manhood's golden gates he died. 
 
 And year by year, with backward gaze 
 From that great light receding slow;
 
 HENRIETTA A. BINGHAM. 20.' 
 
 Through lonely, sad and toilsome ways. 
 Down to their childless age they go. 
 
 She keeps the memory like a shrine 
 
 All incense-wreathed of heart and lip; 
 With that dear presence now divine 
 
 She never yields companionship. 
 
 The pictured face thai Lights the wad. 
 
 Whose garlands never know decay; 
 The books from weary hands let fall. 
 
 The garments never laid away. 
 
 A thousand signs, with tender tone. 
 
 Tell how the fond heart cheats its pain 
 With semblance of a life not gone, 
 
 That any hour may come again. 
 
 She loves the green earth where he lies, 
 
 And stars the sod with snowy bloom; 
 And lingers, as in some sweet guise 
 
 She met him at an open tomb. 
 
 Her year is full of sacred days. 
 
 Each with its special joy in him. 
 She treasures up his words and ways 
 
 Like jewels that no time can dim. 
 
 Her life keeps young with all he loved; 
 
 When those who loved him praise his worth, 
 With strange, new pride her heart is moved, 
 
 She feeds on manna not of earth. 
 
 The mourner at her side is dumb, 
 
 As in a dream he sees and hears; 
 To him all arts of solace come 
 
 Like music to unanswering ears. 
 
 The poor memorials stir him not; 
 
 He never meets the pictured eyes; 
 If haply comes the theme unsought, 
 
 He turns away with vague replies. 
 
 In quiet uncomplaining frame 
 
 He walks his daily duty's round; 
 Life's workday interests the same. 
 
 His thought ami purpose seem to bound.
 
 206 °UB WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 But daily grows he grave and still. 
 
 More bowed with care, more touched with age. 
 
 No past delights his present till, 
 
 No future plans his thoughts engage. 
 
 His eyes have learned a far-off look; 
 
 His head is bowed when none are by; 
 He oftener reads one holy book 
 
 Or muses lone and silently. 
 
 Whate'er he feels, no moan is made, 
 The secret burden none may know 
 
 Nor tenderest pity dare invade 
 That patient dignity of woe. 
 
 For every pain her eyes are dim, 
 
 She mourns with every heart bereft; 
 
 A calm endurance fills for him 
 
 The measure of the life that's left. 
 
 A childless mother ne'er she feels, 
 In every child she sees her own; 
 
 No word or look in him reveals 
 The father who has had a son. 
 
 One wears the sorrow like a erown, 
 
 Nor any life could live apart; 
 And one its anguish smothers down, 
 
 And hides it in a hidden heart. 
 
 Which grief is saddest, who shall seek, 
 Or which most beautiful to see, 
 
 The love for which all words are weak 
 Or that of which no word can be? 
 
 A NIGHT RIDE. 
 
 Roll on, tireless wheels! 
 
 The city's lights fade out behind; 
 Dim. ghostly shapes the way reveals 
 
 A world <if shadows undefined, 
 
 While closer, heavier over all 
 

 
 HENRIETTA A. BINGHAM. 207 
 
 The curtains of th«' darkness fall. 
 Roll on, resistless might. 
 And bear us through the night. 
 
 Roll on with crash and roar. 
 
 To thy swift path our eyes are blind; 
 A realm of chaos lies before, 
 
 A chasm of darkness shuts behind. 
 Above the jar and clash of wheels, 
 The frail-built chariot sways and reels; 
 And danger adds delight 
 To power and speed and night. 
 
 Ride on. mysterious force! 
 
 We know there is a hand of skill 
 That guides thy far and flying course, 
 
 And holds thee vassal to its will. 
 An eye. upon the track is stayed, 
 A hand upon the lever laid: 
 
 That sway the engine feels — 
 That spirit rules the wheels. 
 
 Ride on, with speed or slack, 
 
 Our fate is in a trusty hand. 
 Though gloom and darkness shroud the track, 
 
 Beyond it lies the end we planned. 
 We near and leave the haunts of men; 
 The lights flash out and lade again; 
 Each, as they go and come, 
 A station nearer home. 
 
 O ceaseless roar and roll! 
 
 Ye mind me of a swifter flight — 
 This earthly transit of the soul, 
 
 An unknown journey through the night. 
 No eye of ours the path ran tell. 
 No hand of ours the wheels compel; 
 The force that cleaves our way 
 We can not speed nor stay. 
 
 Roll on, ye wheels of Fate! 
 
 No roar or jar salutes our ears; 
 Ye move in silent, solemn state 
 
 Along tin' highway of the years. 
 On either hand we vaguely see 
 The shadowy hints of destiny, 
 
 And bursts of transient light 
 Gleam out across the night.
 
 108 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Roll on, silent wheels; 
 
 Unknown and dark may be the road. 
 But some strong hand the spirit feels 
 
 That guides it toward an end of good; 
 Ride on, O trusting soul, secure; 
 The way is planned, the end is sure. 
 Ride on without a fear. 
 There is an engineer! 
 
 AT SCHOOL STREET VESTRY. 
 
 MAY 1, 1872. 
 
 I. 
 
 The old church called, and brought her children home. 
 
 A fair and goodly host were they who heard! 
 
 Each loyal heart with one emotion stirred— 
 Proud to have once been hers, where'er they roam — 
 From many a kindred flock and alien dome 
 
 They turned at that pathetic, tender word, 
 
 "One last time, children, gather at my board 
 In memory of me, whose end is come." 
 And as they sat, and every heart was stilled 
 
 With holy songs, and melting words half-said. 
 
 And mighty memories of days long fled, 
 Lo! all the place with solemn rapture thrilled 
 As with a rushing, heavenly wind 'twere filled. 
 
 And penteeostal flames were o'er them shed. 
 
 II. 
 
 Sat at that banquet many an unseen guest. 
 
 The ships had borne them home from every land. 
 
 From Florida's green glades, from Europe's strand. 
 O'er far Pacific seas across the West, 
 From where the northern iceberg lifts its crest 
 
 To where the southern cross shines lone and grand. 
 
 They came, an honored and a welcome band, 
 And took their dear old places with the rest. 
 Ay, and from those unknown, immortal spheres. 
 
 The blessed ones, not passed beyond recall. 
 
 Through the rapt silence let their glory fall. 
 Till tho dimmed vision saw through far-off years 
 That feast when God has wiped away all tears, 
 
 And all are one in him, and be is all!
 
 ANNA MAMA BATES. 20U 
 
 ANNA MAKIA BATES. 
 
 One of the most industrious, efficient and talented of the writers in our 
 periodicals, was Anna Maria Bates, who was born in Pembroke, N. H., Feb. 
 2, 1834. She was an only daughter, with the exception of three half-sisters 
 by a previous marriage of her father. They married and left home while she 
 was very young. Her early life is best described by herself, in an autobio- 
 graphical sketch, re-written by Rev. Thos. Whittemore, and published in the 
 "Trumpet" in 1858: 
 
 "Apart from the world, her life has been spent in her pleasant, native 
 seclusion, whose influences have naturally colored her thoughts, as waters 
 are colored by the minerals over which they flow. Her father was a native 
 of Hingham, Mass., and her mother was born in Pembroke. Miss Bates 
 developed her taste for poetry at an early age. She was exceedingly fond of 
 reading and of flowers, and with'a love for seclusion, she felt, even while a child 
 at school among the village children, that she was among them, but not of 
 them. Her first poems, 'Summer' and 'The Captive Canary,' were written 
 as school compositions when she was about nine years of age ; from this date 
 until she was seventeen she wrote little, being engaged in her school duties. 
 
 "The doctrine of Universalism came to her rather by intuition than 
 instruction, brought up as she had been among Methodist and orthodox influ- 
 ences, and seldom hearing sermons of any other stamp. Her mind early 
 rejected their inharmonious incongruities, and turned to what was more 
 rational and beautiful to a mind that loved the law of kindness." 
 
 When a biographical sketch was asked of her, she wrote: "It is painful 
 to have my name come out at the head of such an article, and it is only my 
 great reverential love for] Father Whittemore that makes me consent to 
 such a thing." In one of her letters to a friend she says: "I must tell you 
 1 am almost a recluse. I live here so quietly, with my parents and one 
 brother, in a large old-fashioned house, full of rude plenty as New England 
 farm-houses are. This is a manufacturing village, but we, happily, live on 
 its borders, out of the noise of the factory, and apart from the thickly
 
 210 OUB WOMAN WOBKEBS. 
 
 crowded houses. From our windows we see dark, old bills, belts of green 
 woods, and in the distance the rippling waters of the Merrimac. Here are 
 green lanes, very beautiful and fragrant in Summer, and in Spring bordered 
 with violets, anemones and daisies. I have no partial faith. My belief in 
 the final holiness and happiness of aU has grown with my growth and 
 strengthened with my strength. I can not believe, as some would have me, 
 that while God showers unnumbered blessings upon one being through eter- 
 nity, another, formed the same, will agonize and suffer. I walk a mile and 
 a half monthly to Universalist meetings, and occasionally attend their social 
 circles, but the .large gatherings of two hundred are not in accordance with my 
 quiet tastes." 
 
 To Mrs. Louise Mather she wrote of a dying friend, "Now the minister- 
 ing spirits wait to bear her away from the bleak, cold Winter of earth to the 
 land where she will bloom in immortal youth, and dwell in the midst of 
 unfading Spring, toward which God's entire family are tending." 
 
 Just before her death she wrote: "My pen and I have been strangers for 
 a long time. We have been painting the interior of our house, and migrating 
 from room to room in the damp, rainy weather. We were obliged to cook 
 over a fireplace, and how our grandmothers ever managed with them to pro- 
 vide food for their large families is a mystery to me! I has just brought 
 
 me in some clusters of pale pink arbutus, damp with May rain. There has 
 been a revival of religion among the Methodists here, and in connection with 
 it I have felt tried by the conduct of a friend. She has always been a Uni- 
 versalist; she told me her religious views would never change, but added, 
 'When you are in Rome do as the Romans do.' The next day I heard she 
 was in the anxious seats, and in two or three weeks was baptized. I felt as 
 if she had either acted a falsehood or told me one, and I am pained and 
 shocked." 
 
 A friend writes: "I think it was in the Spring of 1857 I first saw Anna, 
 when on a visit to her home. She met me at the door; a blonde, with blue 
 eyes; hair of that golden-brown color we read of inverse, and see in old 
 paintings but seldom elsewhere, and cheeks rosy with health. She took me 
 into the large, pleasant sitting-room, whose walls were hung with pictures she 
 had painted, and which was perfumed with May flowers she had gathered
 
 ANNA MARIA BATES. 211 
 
 the day before, as she said, to welcome my coming. Her mother, a pleas- 
 ant, quiet lady, interested me warmly at first sight. They were not then liv- 
 ing in the village. I think the village has since grown around them. The 
 little yard at the front was green with jessamine and woodbine; at the back 
 was Anna's garden where she spent many busy hours. I do not know if my 
 new friend exactly realized the impressions made from her letters and poetry ; 
 the serious or sad tone which pervaded them did not appeal in our daily 
 intercourse, and, as I saw more fully when we met again in after years, she 
 possessed brilliant conversational powers, and a happy faculty of expression 
 which sometimes threw the charm of poetry over very humble things." 
 
 Miss Martha Rernick and Mrs. Mather were very dear friends of Miss 
 Bates, and they speak of her as possessed of a pure and lovely spirit. Her 
 poetry was always musical, very descriptive, and pervaded by a sweet and 
 tender sentiment. Could her productions be collected they would fill a large 
 and valuable volume. Undoubtedly her best poem is "Over the River." It 
 very much resembles the remarkable poem by Miss Nancy W. Priest, "Over 
 the River They Beckon to Me ; " or rather Miss Priest's poem resembles hers, 
 for Miss Bates' was published several years antecedently. Though the 
 resemblance is close, it is no doubt accidental. 
 
 Over the river gloomy and wide, 
 Borne on the waves of the purple tide, 
 With his azure eye and smile of joy, 
 Long ago went our little boy 
 
 When the earth's May moon hung red and high, 
 And laden with flowers the breeze crept by. 
 Away from his home the dear one passed, 
 Like a precious pearl on the deep waves cast; 
 Leaving the hearts that would love forever 
 For heaven's strand shining over the river. 
 
 And another soon, the young bride fair, 
 
 With orange wreath in her flowing hair. 
 
 With the light of joy around her shed, 
 
 Swift as an arrow's flight she sped, 
 
 Oh, memory's harp lias a mournful quiver, 
 
 When it tells how she crossed the darksome riverl 
 
 Behind her a pilgrim, gray and old, 
 
 Passed where the solemn waters rolled. 
 
 Mother and child— another twain.
 
 212 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Seeking a clime unknown to pain; 
 When the Autumn trees began to shiver. 
 Silently passed they over the river. 
 
 Now as I write, another dirge 
 
 Rings through my soul like a sorrowful surge, 
 
 Though above the sky is blue with May, 
 
 And the wild birds sing, and the young lambs play. 
 
 For a fair young rose from its bough is torn, 
 
 A presence bright from the home bower gone; 
 
 Yet death can never the love-chain sever, 
 
 'Twill circle us all when over the river! 
 
 Over the river! Oh, skies of May, 
 
 What charm has your bended blue to-day? 
 
 Though round me the fairest flow'rets blush, 
 
 And the grass grows green by the streamlet's gush, 
 
 I think of those who went from sight 
 
 Like stars that pale in the dawning light. 
 
 Gone, all gone to the blessed band. 
 
 Who tread the shores of the 1 spirit land. 
 
 And thus where the solemn waters flow, 
 
 One by one will the dear ones go 
 
 From the ills of life and its vain endeavor. 
 
 To the land unfading, over the river! 
 
 "The Angel of Patience," of which Miss Bates seemed the personifica- 
 tion, I give below : 
 
 A vision, the form of an angel. 
 
 Came to my wildered dreams. 
 And my feet that were worn with travel 
 
 She led to celestial streams. 
 Her face was pale and saintly. 
 
 And her hands were soft and fair. 
 And she laved my hot brow softly 
 
 In the waters gleaming there. 
 
 With an eager, deep beseeching. 
 
 And a wildly throbbing heart, 
 I prayed this lovely angel, 
 
 "Oh, ne'er from me depart! 
 In the world where I must linger 
 
 The cruel thorns lie sown, 
 And the path is sometimes dreary 
 
 When; I fear to walk alone!" 
 
 With her smile of holy seeming 
 Thus she answered unto me.
 
 ANNA MARIA HATES. 213 
 
 "All the days that are appointed 
 
 I will henceforth dwell with thee. 
 I will tend the few faint roses 
 
 In thy heart's green garden spot, 
 Till they perfume all thy future 
 
 And beautify thy lot. 
 
 "I am Patience, and my mission 
 
 Is to lighten human care, 
 And to ease the heavy burden 
 
 That is all too hard to bear. 
 To the humble and afflicted 
 
 And the weak, my worth is known, 
 For I lead their footsteps upward 
 
 To the shadow 7 of the throne." 
 
 Then I wakened, but around me 
 
 Still I hear the sinking streams. 
 And the angel is beside me 
 
 Wlio was with me in my dreams. 
 Often when my heart grows weary 
 
 As I bow beneath the rod, 
 For the heavenly gift of Patience 
 
 Do I kneel and thank my God. 
 
 NOVEMBER. 
 
 Slowly now the year is dying while the star of evening shines. 
 His requiem is sighing through the lonely mountain pines; 
 There is sadness in the murmur of the waves upon the shore, 
 For they know he is departing, to return ah, nevermore! 
 
 When the early flowers blossomed, he was strong and Wave and young. 
 When the Summer fruits were glowing and the Summer minstrels sung, 
 Like a king, in robes of splendor, did he sit on Autumn's throne. 
 But his pomp has all departed, he is left to die alone. 
 
 He has brought uncounted treasures to the dwellers of the earth, 
 Bright hopes and fond affections to the altar and the hearth; 
 He has twined the orange blossoms for many a gentle head. 
 He has laid, oh, speak it softly, burial flowers o'er the dead. 
 
 He is fading, he is passing; when the Christmas yule-log glows, 
 Winn its lights and garlands glisten, and the wassail cup o'erflows, 
 Out in the lonesome forest 'neath the sky's broad azure dome, 
 The Old Year will be passing to his eternal home.
 
 214 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 How shall we greet another when its benison is poured? 
 Shall we do a nobler service 'neath the banner of our Lord? 
 Shall we feel that prayer is mighty, and strive till we prevail, 
 Till the strong foes of our Zion amid their errors quail? 
 
 Thou, who above art watching over these passing years. 
 Who dost measure in thy mercy our trials and our tears. 
 Let the influence of thy spirit make the heavy burden light, 
 Give us strength to meet the duties of the coming time aright. 
 
 And haste the hour, Father, when in all the world shall be 
 The one fold of the one Shepherd redeemed and blest in thee: 
 When our dying years of sorrow shall for years of joy make room. 
 And the heart's Novembers brighten into Summer's fadeless bloom. 
 
 This beautiful woman died in Suncook, N. H., of typhoid fever, aged 
 thirty- six years. 
 
 AMANDA LANE ROOT. 
 
 PREPARED BY REV. RICHARD EDDY. 
 
 Amanda Lane, daughter of Samuel and Martha Lane, was born in 
 Gloucester, Mass., July 9, 1839. She was educated in the public schools of 
 her native town, and was for several years book-keeper for her father, who 
 was largely engaged in the fishing trade. In her public career she has ren- 
 dered eminent service to the church and to the temperance cause. 
 
 For many years a member of the Universalist church in Gloucester, she 
 has ably represented that body in the local and State bodies, and the State 
 in the General Convention. Identified with the Woman's Centenary Asso- 
 ciation from its organization in 1871, at which time she became its Record- 
 ing Secretary, she was subsequently chosen Vice-President for Massachusetts, 
 having oversight of the woman's work in that State , a position which she 
 most acceptably filled till the pressure of other duties compelled her to resign. 
 
 She is best known to the public at large in connection with her position 
 and influence in the temperance reform. Gloucester, the headquarters of the 
 salt-water fisheries, is, because of the peculiar character of the men who go
 
 AMANDA LANE ROOT. 215 
 
 on the fishing fleet, greatly demoralized at times hy the excessive use of in- 
 toxicants. These special occasions are when the more than five thousand 
 fishermen are, at the close of the fishing season, thrown upon the place with 
 plenty of money, and too often under the sway of evil passions. At such 
 times it requires all the efforts and sacrifices of a devoted philanthropy to 
 curl) the tendencies of the tempted, and to protect from shame and violence 
 the hundreds of homes with which these men are connected. In this emi- 
 nently Christian work, the subject of this sketch was for many years engaged, 
 often securing results of incalculable blessing. Her first public work as 
 associated with others in the temperance cause, was in connection with a 
 division of the Sons of Temperance established several years ago in her 
 native place, in which she occupied a prominent position, and was untiring 
 in her efforts to secure the results at which it aimed. 
 
 In 1862, when Good Templary, distinguished by its fundamental prin- 
 ciple that woman is equally entitled with man to the labors and honors of 
 temperance workers, began to establish its Lodges in Massachusetts, Miss 
 Lane, seeing in such an organization an indication of justice and of wisdom, 
 and an opportunity for the best results, united with several of her friends in 
 seeking a charter for Fraternity Lodge, which was instituted in Gloucester 
 in May, of that year. The second highest place in the organization was 
 assigned to her, and at the close of the first term, her manifest abilities 
 created the demand for her becoming the executive and highest officer in the 
 Lodge. Subsequently her services were unanimously sought, and cheerfully 
 rendered, in other positions of responsibility and trust. During her connec- 
 tion with the Lodge, and mainly by her devotion and fidelity to its work, it 
 became the largest Lodge in the State, and was noted for its high rank in 
 usefulness. 
 
 In 1865, Miss Lane became a member of the Grand Lodge of the State, 
 and such was her reputation in the Order that she was at once elected to one 
 of the highest and most responsible positions in that body. In 1866 and 
 again in 1874, she was a member of the committee to receive, in behalf of 
 the Grand Lodge, the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, and was at each of 
 these sessions a delegate to the supreme body of the Order. At the first of 
 these sessions of the supreme body, she was chosen Right Worthy Grand
 
 216 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Vice-Templar, receiving forty-nine of the fifty-one votes cast; and on the fol- 
 lowing year was unanimously re-elected. Her services have been rendered 
 most acceptably, on Committees on Constitutions and on the State of the 
 Order, two of the most important committees of the Order. At the session 
 of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, in Bloomington, 111., she was again 
 elected to the office of Right Worthy Grand Vice-Templar, and was chosen 
 by the New England Representatives to speak for New England at the Public 
 Reception Meeting. She has been in attendance at many sessions of the 
 Right Worthy Grand Lodge, a body composed of the leading temperance 
 men and women of all sections of the world, by aU of whom she is held in 
 highest esteem, and receives from them most sincere and cordial greetings. 
 
 In 1873 she was elected Grand Worthy Secretary of the Grand Lodge 
 of Massachusetts, an office imposing arduous duty, and a difficult position to 
 fill with the approval of such a large and mixed membership ; but such was 
 her fidelity, promptness, courtesy and great ability, that she was twice unan- 
 imously re-elected. Of her temperance work as a whole, and especiaUy of 
 her labors as a Good Templar, it is not too much to say that her eloquent 
 appeals on the public platform, and her magnetic power in the Lodge-room 
 have been more widely recognized, and brought her into greater prominence 
 than has fallen to the lot of any other woman in New England. While she 
 has avoided, so far as was consistent with her official duties, the notoriety of 
 public life, her earnest speech and her whole-hearted devotion to the tem- 
 perance cause made for her a reputation which brought constant invitations 
 for her services on the public platform. 
 
 In 1870 Miss Lane was married to Solomon F. Root, then of Hinsdale, 
 Mass. Her present home is in East Douglas, in the same State. It has not 
 been her privilege since her marriage to reside where she could have the 
 opportunity of attending the Universalist church, but she has been welcomed 
 to churches of various denominations, and, although frankly avowing her 
 Universalism, has been solicited to take part in their prayer-meetings and 
 Sunday-schools. Happy in her home, blest with an appreciative companion, 
 and devoted to her two children, with a host of friends scattered all over the 
 world, Mrs. Root has demonstrated what woman can do in the great field of 
 Christian and moral effort.
 
 HATTIE TYNG GRISWOLD. 217 
 
 HATTIE TYNG GRISWOLD. 
 
 Hattie Tyng, tlie sweet singer of Wisconsin, or "Apple-Blossoms," as 
 she is poetically designated by her friends, is the daughter of the late Rev. 
 Dudley Tyng of our church, and was born in the "City of Thought," Boston, 
 Mass., Jan. 20, 1842. Surely the old Bay-State must be the nurse of song, 
 for it was there that Hattie Tyng inhaled the inspiration that makes 
 
 "Her songs gush from her heart 
 
 As showers from the clouds of Summer." 
 
 Her mother was a native of New York and was one who with open eyes 
 looked the world in the face and, with clear good judgment, submitted to the 
 ills of her lot heroically, and to its blessings with Christian grace. Add to 
 keen knowledge of human nature, a great fund of incisive sarcasm, love of 
 argument and disputation upon religious and intellectual themes, and 
 boundless pity for the poor and suffering, and we have a good likeness of the 
 inner woman, who was the mother of our poet. Her father was a book- worm 
 and a dreamer, and often put the heroism of his devoted wife to test. Mrs 
 Griswold writes: "Religion absorbed all his mind and all his heart, and left 
 little for practical life. Both embraced Universahsm, in its earliest and 
 weakest days, and fought for it with the aggressiveness of the early days to 
 the end." Mr. Tyng was very poetic by nature, but never penned his in- 
 spirations in aught save sermons. He was born in Maine, where the earlier 
 years of Hattie's life were spent. She was about eleven when her par- 
 ents removed to the West, and settled in Columbus, Wis. Soon after their 
 removal she commenced writing for the local papers, and by her friends was 
 considered a prodigy. She first wrote for the New Covenant when it was 
 under the control of Rev. L. B. Mason. Her acquaintance with him led to her 
 becoming a member of his family when she was about eighteen years old, and 
 she passed several months teaching school in Winnetka, HI., where he resid- 
 ed. It was here that one of the good little girls said to another, who was 
 not always on her good behavior: "Our teacher is a poetess, andifyoudo 
 
 15
 
 2 IN OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 not look out, she will rhyme you up iu the papers." That threat was 
 better than a close of the "oil of birch." Very soon after Rev. D. P. 
 Livermore took the editorial charge of the New Covenant, aud she com- 
 menced a pleasant acquaintance with Mrs. M. A. Livermore, who assisted 
 her in many ways, showing her great kindness and attention. Long before 
 this, however, she was a regularly established contributor to the "New York 
 Home Journal," then under the control of N. P. Willis, who made it a most 
 delightful paper, and to the "Knickerbocker Magazine," which at that time 
 was the leading magazine of the country. It was edited by Charles G. Le- 
 land. Mrs. Griswold established a permanent friendship with both of these 
 editors, which was pleasant and useful to her. N. P. Willis said of her: 
 "Her imaginings are delicate, and the simplicity with which she expresses her 
 thoughts charms me." 
 
 She was at this time writing stories for several papers and periodicals, 
 for which she received remuneration. She was a contributor to the "Old 
 and New," "Christian Register," "Boston Commonwealth," and other publi- 
 cations. She does not write as much as formerly, as she finds an all-en- 
 grossing felicity in quiet domestic cares. 
 
 After writing to Mrs. Griswold for the facts in her life's history, soon 
 came this reply: "I shall be very happy to comply with any request you make 
 which is in my power, and proud to occupy a place in your book, but the 
 few facts in my life woidd not fill a page of your book, 'for I tread with quiet 
 feet the rounds of uneventful years.' " 
 
 In 1863 Hattie Tyng was married to Eugene Sherwood Griswold, a mer- 
 chant in the village where she resided, and where she still lives. Her home 
 is one of the most beautiful and attractive in the city, in which her friends 
 are sure to receive a most graceful and hospitable reception. In 1803 she 
 wrote a long story, entitled "Fate and Faith." It, was published as a serial 
 in the "Ladies' Repository," and breathed the spirit of Universalism, though 
 it was more a struggle after the "eternal verities" of God and immortality. 
 
 During the war she wrote a great deal upon that subject, both prose and 
 poetry, for "Harper's Weekly" and the leading Western papers. Some of 
 her articles stimulated the patriotism and courage of the boys, while others 
 helped tbe mothers to bow more submissively to his will.
 
 HATTIE TYNG GRISWOLD. 210 
 
 The first edition of her poems, "Apple Blossoms," was published in Mil- 
 waukee, by Strickland, in 1874; the second edition by Jansen, McClurg & 
 Co., Chicago, in 1877. Mrs. Griswold continued a regular contributor to the 
 New Covenant after Dr. Hanson took control, in 18G9, until it united with 
 "The Star in the West," and still (1881) communicates with the public 
 through its pages in prose and verse. Following is the editor's opinion of 
 Mrs. Griswold's writing : 
 
 "Mrs. Griswold, our favorite and principal poetical contributor, is the 
 best of all the many women of the West who sing in the ear of the public 
 what their souls experience. She can scarcely be said to rank with those 
 who 'learn in suffering what they teach in song,' for her life seems to have 
 passed along serene paths. Thoughtfulness, a high ethical sense, great puri- 
 ty of spirit, expressed in choice language and with a rythmical elegance, 
 characterize her poems. In every sense of the word she is a poet; and yet, 
 choice as are her rhymes, she is even superior as a prose writer. On any 
 moral theme that enlists her sympathies, her pen possesses great vigor and 
 point. Were she compelled to write daily for the press she would achieve 
 the highest excellence. She ranks very high among American writers, both 
 prose and poetical. Her ' Three Kisses' has gone the rounds of the press 
 several times, ascribed to Mrs. Browning, of whom it is every way worthy; 
 and 'Under the Daisies' would honor any author, living or dead." 
 
 THREE KISSES. 
 
 I have three kisses in my life. 
 
 So sweet and sacred unto me, 
 That now, till death- dews on them rest, 
 
 My lips shall ever kissless be. 
 
 One kiss was given in childhood's hour. 
 
 By one who never gave another; 
 Through life and death I still shall feel 
 
 That last kiss of my mother. 
 
 The next kiss burned my lips for years; 
 
 For years my wild heart reeled in bliss. 
 At every memory of that hour 
 
 When my lips felt young love's first kiss.
 
 220 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 The last kiss of the sacred three 
 
 Hal all the woe which e'er can move 
 
 The heart of woman; it was pressed 
 Upon the dead lips of my love. 
 
 When lips have felt the dying kiss, 
 And felt the kiss of burning love, 
 
 And kissed the dead, then nevermore 
 In kissing should they think to move. 
 
 UNDER THE DAISIES. 
 
 I have just been learning the lesson of life— 
 
 The sad, sad lesson of loving, 
 And all of its power for pleasure or pain 
 
 Been slowly, sadly proving; 
 And all that is left of the bright, bright dream, 
 
 With its thousand brilliant phases, 
 Is a handful of dust in a coffin hid— 
 
 A coffin under the daisies: 
 
 The beautiful, beautiful daisies, 
 
 The snowy, snowy daisies. 
 
 And thus forever, throughout the world, 
 
 Is love a sorrow proving; 
 There's many a sad, sad thing in life, 
 
 But the saddest of all is loving. 
 Life often divides far wider than death, 
 
 Stern fortune the high wall raises; 
 But better far than two hearts estranged, 
 
 Is a low grave starred with daisies: 
 
 The beautiful, beautiful daisies, 
 
 The snowy, snowy daisies. 
 
 And so I am glad that we lived as we did, 
 
 Through the Summer of love together. 
 And that one of us, wearied, lay down to rest, 
 
 Ere the coming of Winter weather; 
 For the sadness of love is love grown cold, 
 
 And 'tis one of its surest phases; 
 So I bless my God, with a breaking heart, 
 
 For that grave enstarred with daisies: 
 
 The beautiful, beautiful daisies, 
 
 The snowy, snowy daisies.
 
 HATTIE TYNG GRISWOLD. 221 
 
 The saying that "one touch of nature makes the whole world kin," was 
 never better illustrated than in the ease of the little song, "Under the Daisies." 
 It has seemed to go straight to the hearts of all sorts of people. Many 
 touching examples proving this are transpiring daily. It is taken to the 
 hearts of mothers who have laid their little ones to rest, and been of untold 
 comfort to all mourners. The secret is here, it will start the flow of tears, 
 and that saves many a heart from breaking. In many a cemetery we find this 
 inscription engraven on the stones, taken from "Under the Daises," "All 
 that is left of the bright, bright dream." Many must have read in a Milwaukee 
 paper an incident which occurred to a lady who was visiting in an out-of-the- 
 way country place. She accompanied a friend to the funeral of a young 
 married lady, who had just moved into the town, and the audience was com- 
 posed mostly of strangers, and there was but a single mourner — the husband. 
 The minister preached and prayed in a perfunctory sort of way ; no feeling 
 was displayed by any one, and the writer says she was nearly wearied out by 
 the ceremony, when a good choir of singers, by the request of the dear lady 
 just before she died, sang "Under the Daisies." She described the effect as 
 electrical. The whole audience was quickened into life, and almost at the 
 same breath broke into a storm of sobs. It was the one touch of nature 
 needed to start the quick -flowing founts of sympathy. 
 
 A young lady, beautiful and attractive, whose life had apparently run 
 in the smoothest of channels, while dying requested her brother and sister, 
 who had often sung the song with her, to sing it once more. It was a very 
 trying thing for them to do, and was attempted reluctantly and finished with 
 difficulty. "I shall soon be with him now," she whispered, thus betraying 
 to them a secret which no soul had ever suspected, and with the last strains 
 of the song she passed away. 
 
 I could repeat many similar incidents to prove that that song has the 
 one touch of nature in it that unites all hearts in sympathy. 
 
 Mrs. J. Hiles writes: "Among the few r women of Wisconsin whose 
 names have become more than local, perhaps Hattie Tyng Griswold's stands 
 out more prominently than any other. It stands on amount, which is some- 
 thing like Mount Tabor of old, so pure are the rays which illuminate it; rays 
 winch are both an emanation and a gathering together. From herself pro-
 
 222 OUE WOMAN WORKEES. 
 
 ceeds her brightest light. The spaces nearest her — the hearts of her husband 
 and children — receive first its warmth and generating influence ; her home 
 is lighted from within. It is the tenderness of the husband, the love of the 
 child, not the admiration of the reader, which folds Hattie Tyng Griswold in 
 its caressing and protecting arms; and from her home as a center, her ben- 
 efactions go out into an ever- widening circumference. There are no strains 
 in the music of her life so sweet to her as the voices of her children; no 
 words of approval so cherished as those with which her husband delights 'to 
 give her honor.' It is the woman, and then the writer; it is the writer 
 because of the woman. The atmosphere of her own home was filled with 
 the sweet scent of 'Apple Blossoms' before their delicate pink and white 
 petals were scattered in many homes, and garnered with their fragrance into 
 many lives. There are small circumferences, about this center with which 
 the reading public has had little to do. Mrs. Griswold has led locally in 
 the temperance cause for years. Since a child her sympathies have been 
 active for the drunkard and his family, and her efforts unceasing for their 
 help and cure. She is president of the Women's Christian Temperance 
 Union, a local organization, and president of the 'Youths' Alliance,' a child's 
 organization for similar work, and for the personal temperance of its mem- 
 bers. She has supplemented these labors with many written articles, and 
 her influence exerted in the cause of temperance has been a living, vital one. 
 The subject of associated charities is engaging her attention, and although 
 the small town in which she lives has no especial need for an organized effort 
 of this kind, still her heart and brain take in humanity in a wider range, 
 and her pen gives to the world the result of the study and thought she has 
 given to the subject. Included in these benefactions, Mrs. Griswold's hand 
 has ever been outstretched to the poor and needy in their own homes. Her 
 Christianity holds all these — home, humanity, labor, in solution, and they 
 are crystallized into thought and action whenever an occasion presents itself. 
 I have written of her as a woman ; she writes what such a woman must 
 write, if she writes at all. Those who have read her book, 'Apple Blossoms,' 
 have found it replete with her love for, and interest in, humanity, as well as 
 in true poetic thought. Who has not known and sung and loved ' Under 
 the Daisies' ? That is but one of the many poems in the book which deal
 
 HATTIE TYNG GRISWOLD. 223 
 
 with the sweetest, saddest, deepest of love's and life's philosophies. The 
 clear, hazel-grey eyes of the woman looked toward the center of life's most 
 hidden and least, understood meanings, and with listening ear caught the 
 refrain of the first song which was ever sung —Love to Grod, and Love in 
 Humanity — and in her own way, and with the strength given to her, she 
 has done the work given her to do." 
 
 Mrs. S. D. Hobart, one of the brilliant women of Wisconsin, writes: 
 " 1 1 attic Tyng Griswold is a name fondly and tenderly spoken in many a home, 
 East and West. From the time when, a school girl herself, she won the 
 hearts of school girls by her merry, rollicking stories of girl-life, to the days 
 when, older and sadder grown, the woes of suffering humanity forced from 
 her pen the deep-thoughted, earnest poems of later years, she has had a 
 strong hold upon the sympathies and affections of her readers. She has 
 always something to say of which some soul stands in need, and she is strong 
 and brave in the utterance of her thought, despite the fears and prejudices 
 of the masses. Many a soul, sinking beneath its weight of sorrow and 
 despair, lias turned to her for relief and found help and comfort. The pang 
 which pierced her mother-heart when she laid her little one ' beneath the 
 buttercups,' has bound her soul in indissoluble union to those of heart- 
 stricken mothers all over the land. Many are the letters she receives from 
 those who are mourning their lost, thanking her for the tender, loving poems 
 which have strengthened her own faith and soothed her own sorrow, and are 
 helping others to lift their eyes to the Light that shines from beyond the 
 tomb. 
 
 " It is much to say of a poet that he or she has written as fine, sweet 
 verse as our language boasts; but far better to be able to say that the life 
 the poet has carved from the yielding rock of time is pure, sweet and com- 
 plete, a help and inspiration to weaker souls. Not what we accomplish, but 
 what we are! that is the true test; and even though the few volumes of 
 poems which Mrs. Griswold has published should be all the literary record 
 that she shall leave when her work is done, those who have known and 
 loved her will recall a brighter record of pure, womanly deeds, and tender, 
 loving, inspiring words, which she lias left in the hearts of her friends. Al- 
 ways ready to extend a helping hand to the needy and distressed; gener<m>
 
 224 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 and hospitable, her kindly ministrations have brightened many a home; and 
 that so carefully, avoiding all ostentation in her charities, that only the recip- 
 ients know of her kindly deeds ; grateful hearts remember her as the one who 
 cared for them when others forgot them, and never put her pleasure or con- 
 venience before their necessities. 
 
 " Drawn by the strong ties of intellectual congeniality to the class of 
 busy toilers in the world of mind, her home is the rendezvous of earnest 
 thinkers, eager young students, and ambitious aspirants for literary honors. 
 To each and all she tenders advice or sympathy as the case requires, and her 
 well- selected library is at the disposal of any hungry mind longing for the 
 ripe fruit of knowledge. 
 
 " The lives which bless and brighten our paths are but for the moment; 
 a word, a look, and they are gone; but when the ocean of eternity surging 
 forever beneath our feet has engulfed our dearest beneath its waves, may we 
 be able to say of each and all of our loved ones as of this poet-friend, ' Her 
 life was worth living, for it benefited mankind! ' " 
 
 A thrilling incident is related by Mrs. M. A. Livermore : 
 
 "Two hues of the little poem, entitled 'Dead,' bore me through the 
 horrors of the awful war, through which I waded neck-deep. As the dead 
 were brought in from the battlefield or were carried out from the overflow- 
 ing hospitals, I used to repeat to myself the two lines : 
 
 He who for country dies, dies not, 
 But liveth evermore! 
 
 and was comforted, and I remember how once — in a time of great mortality 
 —When twenty-six brave fellows lay in their coffins, and four times that 
 number were dying in the hospital, and there was only depression and sad- 
 ness everywhere, I electrified the eight hundred who were within sound of my 
 voice by saying: 
 
 "Brothers, remember in what cause you are suffering and enduring — 
 the cause of the country and humanity, and remember that 
 
 Ho who for country dies, dies not, 
 lint, livclli evermore!
 
 HATTIE TYNG GRISWOLD. 225 
 
 It was a tonic to the depressed hearts of the poor fellows, and at their re- 
 quest I wrote the two lines in scores of their note-hooks. 
 
 DEAD! 
 
 Dead! dead on the field of battle, 
 
 'Mid its awful crash and roar; 
 Dead! gone <>n the last Long marching. 
 
 To the land where nevermore 
 Shall the bugle sound reveille, 
 
 Or the dreadful cannon roar. 
 
 Dead! .lead on the field of battle. 
 
 A gallant heart, and tried; 
 Close, close to the foremost standard, 
 
 Where the fiercest warriors ride, 
 Where men fell like leaves in Autumn. 
 
 And where he fell, and died. 
 
 Dead! dead on the field of battle, 
 
 With his name and his honors white— 
 
 There's nothing on earth so glorious 
 As dying for the right, 
 
 Thank God he died 'mid the foremost. 
 In the fiercest of the fight. 
 
 Dead! dead on the field of battle; 
 
 Could he be alive once more. 
 We would bid him go, and do. and die, 
 
 'Mid the battle's rush and roar. 
 He who for country dies, dies not, 
 
 But lives forevennore. 
 
 "The other simple little poem entitled 'My Darling,' moved me power- 
 fully. D — and I read it together, with tears in our eyes, thinking of the 
 little grave by the sea in which our first-born was laid to sleep, on her filth 
 birthday. It made me weep, as it will others, and any writer who coidd write 
 these two little things has proved her right to the title of one of the poets 
 who are born — not made." 
 
 MY DARLING. 
 
 How can I mourn for a little one dead, 
 
 When I gaze on this world of weeping? 
 Far better to smile with a deep content, 
 
 O'er a baby quietly sleeping,
 
 226 OTJE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 O'er a little one safe from all that can harm, 
 Safe, and quietly sleeping. 
 
 The sun comes up, and the sun goes down 
 
 On sorrow, and sin, and aching, 
 And to all the evil that's in the world. 
 
 My darling will know no waking: 
 He is wrapped in that dream of sweetness and calm 
 
 That will know no cruel waking. 
 
 My heart grows sick and faint with the thought 
 
 Of the great world's burden of sinning; 
 I am glad, I am glad that in evil and wrong 
 
 My darling will make no beginning; 
 He is safe in his soft and mossy bed. 
 
 From the blight and the pang of sinning. 
 
 Then mourn no more for a little one dead, 
 
 Fond heart worn out with thy weeping; 
 Far better to smile with a deep content, 
 
 O'er a baby quietly sleeping; 
 He is safe, he is safe, from all that is sad. 
 
 Safe, and quietly sleeping. 
 
 W. H. Bishop (the "Atlantic" contributor) thus speaks: 
 
 "There ia a serene, helpful spirit and effect in many of the graver por- 
 tions of the book. It contains teachings as well as aesthetic entertainment for 
 its readers, which every book in this day of endless book-making must do to 
 have readers. It has thought, and experience, and faith to bring to those 
 who are already far involved in the problems of life, while it is not without 
 enough of a purely artistic appreciation and use of beauty to make it an ap- 
 propriate souvenir to those whom the seasons have hardly yet assailed, who 
 are themselves the apple blossoms in the orchard of life." 
 
 Alice Cary in 1861 : 
 
 "Write out of your own heart, from your own experience and observa- 
 tion, and you will find a constantly increasing audience. But to one who 
 writes so well and chooses her themes so admirably, I need hardly give this 
 advice." 
 
 Mary A. Livermore in I860: 
 
 "You have superior poetical abilities, and whenever my eye is arrested
 
 HATTIE TYNG GRISWOLD. 227 
 
 by your name, I always read the poem that follows, and always with very 
 
 great delight." 
 
 Charles G. Leland, Editor of " Knickerbocker," writes in 1862: 
 
 "Your 'Thank God for War' is glorious — after my own heart — free and 
 
 wild as a lava flood. The spirit of it is superb. Do you remember the 
 
 'Fisherman and Genie'? You rise up in that poem beyond your earlier ones 
 
 as the Afreet did." 
 
 THE MISSING SHIP. 
 
 From out a sheltered, sunny bay, 
 
 With -white sails rustling in the breeze 
 
 Tin' proud ship like a sea-gull swept, 
 Across tin- distant, purple seas. 
 
 But somewhere on the foaming deep. 
 The ship for angry waves was sport, 
 
 And all we know Is that she ne'er 
 
 Dropped anchor in the wished-for port. 
 
 And many an anxious, troubled heart 
 
 Cries "Where is she?" with trembling lip; 
 
 God only knows, for shades surround 
 That dreamy thing, a missing ship. 
 
 In the broad sea. Humanity, 
 
 A gallant bark with us set sail, 
 But drifting on, our courses changed 
 
 With tie' flrsl rising of the gale; 
 
 And we have spoken many a sail. 
 
 And waited answer with white lip. 
 In hopes t" hear from one who is 
 
 To us through life— a missing ship. 
 
 But never sounds the welcome name. 
 When trumpets answer o'er the sea; 
 
 Yet "Sail ahoy!" still starts the thought 
 That this the missing craft may be. 
 
 Is she afloat, a shattered wreck. 
 Or lies she deep in coral caves. 
 
 Or is she where those floating bergs 
 Wedge tliHin within their icy graves?
 
 228 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 We cannot know until we gain 
 
 That port, for which we all are bound; 
 
 But there we know all sails will meet, 
 And every missing ship be found. 
 
 CROSSES. 
 
 Oh, ye stars that shine in such peerless glory. 
 
 Making the whole dark night-world glad. 
 Ye beam as brightly as though the story 
 
 Of this dark life were not so sad. 
 Do ye not hear, through the rush of spheres. 
 
 And the holy songs of the morning stars, 
 The sighs of the weary and heavy laden. 
 
 And the shrieks that break through fetters and bars? 
 Can ye not see earth's pilgrims sitting 
 
 Down by the wayside, counting their losses. 
 And sad hearts toiling up life's steep hillside. 
 Bearing their crosses? 
 
 Have ye not kind hearts that tremble with pity 
 
 For those whose visions pierce not the thick gloom 
 Which lies in the space 'twixt the beautiful city, 
 
 And the damp, low chambers of earth's cold tomb? 
 Do you not feel for those who are crying 
 
 In each Gethsemane all o'er the land. 
 For the tone of a voice that forever is silent. 
 
 For the thrill of dead lips, or the touch of a hand? 
 Do ye not see low graves in each hollow. 
 
 Bedded with grass, and heavy with mosses. 
 And all around them such sad, silent mourners. 
 Bearing their crosses? 
 
 And can ye look, bright stars of the midnight, 
 
 On all these things without thrilling with woe? 
 Do not this care, and sorrow, and earth-blight 
 
 Make it look dark as ye gaze down below? 
 Or do these things, from tin' height whence ye view them, 
 
 Look to you only as motes on life's glass? 
 And shall we all view them thus when, life ended, 
 
 Over death's bridge we in triumph shall pass? 
 Shall we bless <:<><1 then, that thus he hath sent us. 
 
 Through these dark life-paths, counting our losses, 
 And, sad and heavy, up life's steep hillside 
 Bearing our erosses?
 
 LENA STAKT. 229 
 
 LENA START. 
 
 Mrs. Start is the daughter of Rev. D. T. Stevens, of Maine, and the 
 wife of Rev. W. A. Start, formerly settled in Massachusetts and Illinois, and 
 for a time joint editor and publisher of the Chicago "New Covenant," and 
 recently the efficient State Superintendent of the Massachusetts Universalist 
 Convention. 
 
 In childhood, Lena's mind was very religiously inclined, and in extreme 
 youth she appreciated the doctrine of a world's salvation. She was apt in 
 argument, and her verbal contests with her mates of the partial faith, proved 
 that her parents had not been unmindful or careless of her culture, either in 
 the theory of Universalism or its practical qualities. Her essays on "Practi- 
 cal Universalism," printed in the "Ladies' Repository," and on "The Culture 
 of Woman," do Mrs. Start credit; and an article entitled "Snow-bound" is 
 very poetical. She was a contributor to the " Myrtle," and has from youth 
 been accustomed to write for the press. 
 
 She is an earnest worker in the temperance cause, and her lectures are 
 of uniform excellence. One' delivered before a committee of the Massachu- 
 setts Legislature, in 1880, was so highly commended that it must have been 
 very gratifying to Mrs. Start, who is one of our most conscientious, modest, 
 but faithful workers. 
 
 JULIA E. OUTLAW 
 
 This faithful and persevering woman organized a Sunday-school at Out- 
 law's Bridge, Duplin Co., North Carolina, the first Sunday in July, 1869, 
 with only fourteen pupils, and with all the opposition that the old-fashioned prej- 
 udices could surround her with. She was belied and maligned, and the young 
 people were told by their parents that they were opposed to fishing and hunt-
 
 230 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 ing on Sundays, but would much prefer to have them engage in that than to 
 have them attend Mrs. Outlaw's Sunday- school. And the children of such 
 parents did not at first take an active part in the school ; would only read hi 
 the Bible and sing, and listen to Mrs. Outlaw's explanations, and their faces 
 would light up with real gladness whenever she cleared the mist from any 
 passage of Scripture. One good old Baptist said (and we have no doubt that 
 she was honest, and prayed for what she thought was right) the only thing 
 that she ever prayed earnestly for that was not granted her, was the down- 
 fall of that Sunday-school. "But," Mrs. Outlaw says, "thanks be to God, 
 instead of its downfall, success crowned our efforts, for our little school grad- 
 ually increased until at one time it numbered about sixty, and the daily lives 
 of those children we were proud of. They kept the Sabbath in Christ's own 
 way." At least one hundred have been connected with that school, and it 
 can be no small pleasure for one woman to feel that she has been the means 
 of sending out into the world one hundred Universalists to benefit and bless it. 
 
 And it must be remembered that Mrs. Outlaw had but few friends to 
 help her, and the most of them were poor; but they did not grow languid Or 
 listless in their work, nor did their spirits droop. Although they had dark 
 and gloomy days, the bright and sunny days were so interspersed that cour- 
 age never gave out. "Our friends were many in the North; books and 
 papers began to flow in to us from all quarters. From Mrs. Soule alone we 
 received between sixty and seventy dollars' worth. Mrs. Soule and all others 
 who assisted us in those days will always be remembered in our prayers. 
 The books and papers cheered the hearts of the older ones as well as the 
 lambs of the flock, and their smiling faces and happy hearts are photographed 
 upon my memory. Many who were quite small twelve years ago are grown 
 men and women, and although I am not with them now, the school goes on 
 under their superintendence." At Outlaw's Bridge, as the fruit of the work 
 of this woman, a little church edifice stands near the school-house where the 
 Sunday-school used to meet, and an organization of twenty members, nine 
 of whom were regularly attendant members of the Sunday-school. "If we 
 could have had regular preaching, Universalism would have swept everything 
 in its rapid march." 
 
 This indefatigable woman lias organized a Sunday-school in Dover, N.
 
 EDNA CHAFFEE NOBLE. 281 
 
 C, her new home. She commenced with twenty members, composed of 
 children from Methodist, Baptist and Universalist parents, and says: "Al- 
 though our school is small now, 1 think we shall he able to do some good; for 
 when our glorious doctrine is rightly understood it will cause prejudice to 
 give way, and then the hidden beauties of the Bible, that otherwise lie un- 
 seen, unappreciated, and uncultivated, would soon blossom as the rose; and 
 men would learn to worship the Father in the beauty of holiness, and to love 
 him because he first loved us. Praying God's blessing on our cause and 
 your good work, I remain yours in Christ." 
 
 EDNA CHAFFEE NOBLE. 
 
 The following is written by a friend of Mrs. Noble, whom long and 
 intimate acquaintance qualifies to speak from knowledge and appreciation of 
 the woman and the elocutionist: 
 
 "On the 12th day of August, 18-46, Edna Jane Chaffee first saw the 
 light through the windows of a little farm-house, nestled among the green 
 hills near Bochester, Vt. Her girlhood passed without especial incident, and 
 so her school life, to the culminating event to which we shall refer. At 
 the commencement of her teaching, which continued for some twenty terms, 
 she was waited upon by a certain 'committee,' who wished her to take charge 
 of a school in which the retiring principal had been of the opposite sex. She 
 would 'undertake the work at the same salary which he had received.' 
 
 " 'No, no,' said the committee, 'we can't pay you that. We want you, of 
 course; but we can get any quantity of women to take the place for less 
 money.' 
 
 "'Get them, then!' replied Miss Chaffee; 'if you can find women who 
 are willing to do a man's work for less than a man's wages, you had better 
 secure their services. You can't have mine.' 
 
 "The committee withdrew and consulted, and proposed again, but with 
 the same result. Then, after two or three more consultations and proposals,
 
 232 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 they gave her the school; and she taught it, and taught it well. But they 
 paid her a man's wages. The firmness displayed in this little passage-at- 
 arrns with the committee furnishes the key to Mrs. Noble's character. 
 Mingled with the natural sweetness and generosity of her disposition, it is 
 this which draws so many to respect, esteem and love her. 
 
 "During the last years Miss Chaffee spent as school-teacher, she lost her 
 voice through overwork (she ordinarily taught forty-eight weeks out of fifty- 
 two), and she wrote to Boston to ascertain the best teacher of vocal culture 
 there. Moses T. Brown, Professor of Elocution at Tufts College, was recom- 
 mended, and at the close of her school she began study with him. Her 
 efforts for a time seemed unavailing, for she was seriously iU for several 
 weeks after her first attempts. On recovery, however, she began again, and 
 progressed so rapidly that in about three months she was able to use her 
 voice in ordinary conversation. She then studied for a year with Prof. 
 Brown, and afterward began reading and teaching reading. One of her first 
 engagements was at the St. Lawrence University, Canton, N. Y., where she 
 taught in the Theological Department for three years; making, during the 
 time, an extended reading-trip throughout the West. March 14, 1871, she 
 was married to Dr. Henry S. Noble, whom she had first met at Woodstock, 
 and removed with him to Chester, Vt., where she lived until 1877. Mar- 
 riage, for her, did not mean release from the task to which she had set her 
 hand; and at her home there gradually gathered students from both the 
 Eastern and Western States, attracted by her growing reputation. Her 
 labors with these were varied by frequent courses of readings through the 
 East, one of which was given in aid of the Ladies' New England Centennial 
 Fund. In the Fall of 1877, Mrs. Noble visited friends in Michigan, and 
 after a time became engaged in reading and teaching there. Her reception 
 in Detroit, and the success of her classes in that city, being so far beyond 
 what she had any reason to expect, she decided to return the following sea- 
 son and carry out her long-cherished design of organizing a school after the 
 plan of those of Shoemaker in Philadelphia, Frobisher in New York, and 
 Monroe in Boston. This was the beginning of the 'Detroit Training School 
 in Elocution and English Literature,' which has thus far proved the crown-
 
 C. F. ROCKWELL. 233 
 
 ing effort of her life. This school graduated its first class on May 24, 1881, 
 and has an average yearly attendance of two hundred and fifty students. 
 
 "During the last few years of her work, Mrs. Noble has been obliged to 
 contend against great physical weakness; but the courage and endurance 
 which she has displayed in carrying out her plans, have shown how deeply 
 grounded in her character is that stability of purpose with which she over- 
 came the committee-men. One of her favorite mottoes is, 'This one thing will 
 I do;' and the steadfastness and purity of intention with which she has pur- 
 sued her ideal since she first became aware of what her life-work really was 
 to be, will be an incentive and an example to us all. 
 
 "Those who come within the sphere of her influence rarely know whence 
 flows that sweetness and strength which makes each life better, and each 
 heart glow with purer and higher aspirations ; but the few who are admitted 
 to her confidence realize that its fountain-head is in the realm of past failures 
 which have been forced into successes; triumphs which had all but proved 
 vanquishings; faith which was held fimi amid days of doubt and gloom. 
 Truly of Edna Chaffee Noble it may be said, if said of any, that 'a life of 
 noble purposes, ably and artistically given to the world, is a blessing to man- 
 kind and an honor to God.' " 
 
 C. F. ROCKWELL. 
 
 Through the influence of Mrs. Rockwell a Sunday-school was organized 
 in Girard, Pa., in 1862, which has continued to the present time (1881). 
 During that time she had charge of the primary class for several years, was 
 assistant superintendent for seven years, and is now superintendent. She 
 has been faithful in season and out of season. When teachers are scarce she 
 manages to supply their places, many times carrying on more than one class. 
 She says: "I often leave home Sunday mornings with a sad heart; discour- 
 aged, because I do not expect to see my mates in the Sunday-school to help 
 me to teach the little ones how to consecrate themselves to the work of the 
 
 16
 
 2M OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 church. (We need the fathers and mothers in the Sunday-school! ) I must 
 add that as soon as I see the bright, expectant faces of my pupils, I receive 
 a new impulse to go on, and I do go on in the same old way, from week to 
 week." Mrs. Rockwell has her Sunday-school concerts, observes Easter, 
 Floral Sunday, Harvest and Christmas. She has formed a sewing circle, 
 "Merry Workers," and they intend to do their duty whether they have a 
 pastor or not. The "Guiding Star" was taken by the school from the first of 
 its publication to the last. Thirty copies of the "Myrtle" are taken and dis- 
 tributed through the school. 
 
 Mrs. Rockwell is the soul of all, and is happy while her children, as she 
 calls them, are doing weU, and enjoy her assistance. Her example is one 
 hundreds of our ladies might well copy. Nineteen years of constant labor in 
 a Sunday-school is no trifling duty performed. 
 
 ELLEN E. MILES, 
 
 Who has been for several years a diligent worker for our church as a 
 coadjutor of Rev. P. A. Hanaford, was born in Randolph, Mass., March 1, 
 1835. She is a power in the Sunday-school, has great elocutionary ability, 
 and the faculty to train children. She has written several dramatic pieces 
 appropriate for Sunday-schools. Miss Miles was a teacher for fourteen years 
 in the excellent public schools in Waltham, Charlestown and West Newton, 
 Mass. She has written prose and verse for many years, but never published 
 much until 1870. At about that time she commenced to write for the 
 "Guiding Star" very charming floral or botanical articles. She has also 
 written prose and verse for our periodicals. She has published two very 
 pretty volumes. "Our Home Beyond the Tide" has received commendations 
 from far and near, for the comfort it has given to bereaved hearts. It has 
 been re-published in Great Britain. Her second book, "Seashore and Wood- 
 land Rambles," is very pleasing reading. Miss Miles is at present editing 
 ;'i" "Children's Column" of the "Jersey City Eagle."
 
 ELLEN E. MILES. 235 
 
 The two following sweet poems are the only ones I can give space to, 
 but they are by no means the only beautiful ones she has written : 
 
 BEST. 
 
 What tho' our earthly friends grow worn and weary 
 
 With our sad tears! 
 There liveth One, who, tho' the way be dreary, 
 
 In love appears, 
 And chides us gently for our earth-born sorrow, 
 
 And bids us rest 
 Firm in the faith, until his glad to-morrow, 
 
 That all is best. 
 
 Best, tho' our hopes lie crushed, and torn, and broken 
 
 Beneath our feet; 
 Tho' every prayer for help and guidance spoken 
 
 Seems incomplete; 
 Best, though our path with thorns instead of flowers 
 
 Is thickly spread; 
 Best, tho* the thunder roll and storm clouds lower 
 
 Above our head. 
 
 No shadows fall until the glad light breaketh 
 
 Upon our way. 
 We'll patient wait until our Father maketh 
 
 The perfect day. 
 That day shall dawn in peace and free from sadness 
 
 At last for all. 
 And we shall answer with an unknown gladness 
 
 The Master's call. 
 
 No more shall earth, with all its dreary noises. 
 
 Vex and annoy; 
 No more shall harsh, unkind, discordant voices 
 
 Our peace destroy; 
 The flowers of love, which here so sadly perish. 
 
 Again shall bloom. 
 And all unworthy thoughts which here we cherish, 
 
 No more lind room. 
 
 MOONLIGHT ON THE HUDSON. 
 
 Oh, placid moonbeams, resting soft 
 On palace, tower, ami cottage roof. 
 
 Throwing your silver threads of warp 
 Across the Starlight's golden woof.
 
 236 OUE WOMAN WOKKEES. 
 
 Weaving a web of softest sheen 
 Above the earth's dark robe of green. 
 
 I stand and watch your shimmering light 
 Sparkle like jewels on the tide, 
 
 And wonder if more fair than this 
 
 The stream that laves the farther side, 
 
 Or if the heavenly asphodels 
 
 Are fairer than our lily bells. 
 
 I know no softer moonlight gleams 
 
 Than this which bathes the earth with light; 
 I know no. fairer stars are seen, 
 
 For in that land there is no night; 
 But this my longing soul would know- 
 Do friends who loved me long ago 
 
 Stand just within the golden gate. 
 
 Which swung at eve its portals wide, 
 
 And almost oped to mortal ken 
 The glory of the farther side? 
 
 I wait to hear the answer given, 
 
 "The loved i.of earth shall meet in heaven." 
 
 And, waiting, I will trust the love 
 
 That guards me thro' the darkest hours, 
 
 And though my feet oft press the thorns 
 That lie concealed 'neath sweetest flowers, 
 
 I know his hand will surely guide 
 
 My footsteps safe beyond the tide. 
 
 SOPHIA HILL 
 
 Is the wife of E. P. Hill, of Haverhill, Mass. He is a gentleman of edu- 
 cation and talent, of the editorial profession, and has heen postmaster of the 
 city. Jewett's History of Essex Co., Mass., says: "The Soldiers' Relief 
 Society of Haverhill and Bradford was organized in April, 1861. Officers: 
 Mrs. E. P. Hill, President; Mrs. James Noyes, Secretary; Mrs. E. Fletcher, 
 Treasurer. This powerful organization existed from the commencement till 
 the close of the war. Through all these years, till the last one, Mrs. E. P.
 
 SOPHIA HILL. 237 
 
 Hill was the chief officer, at which time Mrs. Daniel Harrirnau hecame her 
 successor. This occurred when one of those sectarian tornadoes, which 
 sometimes sweep through communities and organizations, had its roll and 
 tumble, only to he remembered as an accident, to escape from which for a 
 long succession of years, in such an organization, would be too much to 
 expect." 
 
 The organization was in perfect harmony with the Sanitary Commis- 
 sion. The cause of the "roll and tumble," referred to in Jewett's History, 
 was that the Christian Commission came in to ask for some of the funds to 
 spend in part for sectarian tracts, which created a division and religious fight, 
 resulting in an orthodox triumph in the election of President the last year. 
 Mrs. Hill was a Universalist when she took the office, remained unflinchingly 
 so to the end, and commanded the respect and support of a large majority of 
 the best and most prominent evangelical people in the community. This 
 little tempest occurred before the great deluge of able preachers from the 
 orthodox churches into ours, and of course before Canon Farrar's "Eternal 
 Hope" spread its illumination over the lands and into the hearts of our grand- 
 est orthodox friends, and made them feel and say: "Verily this doctrine so 
 long prayed for to be true, and so complimentary to our God, is fast becom- 
 ing a light to our feet and a joy to our hearts, instead of a snare to mislead.*' 
 No sermon is required here, however. Mrs. Hill was successively elected 
 President for four years, and never wearied in her noble efforts to accom- 
 plish all in her power for the boys in blue. During those years the Society 
 won a national fame for efficiency and for the great amount of work done at 
 the right time. I quote the following from Schouler's History, vol. 2 : 
 
 "Want of space alone prevents us from giving a complete list of the offi- 
 cers of the Association [meaning the Haverhill Soldiers' Relief Association" 
 during the whole period of its existence. We can not refrain, however, from 
 quoting a paragraph from a letter which we received from a gentleman (not 
 of Haverhill), whom we well know and respect, in regard to Mrs. E. P. Hill, 
 whose devotion to the interests and comfort of our soldiers has made her 
 name precious to them: 
 
 " 'In your 'History of Massachusetts in the Rebellion,' I trust you will 
 give Mrs. E. P. Hill what is her due; she worked all through the war for us
 
 238 OUB WOMAN WOKKEES. 
 
 'boys,' and lost her health in caring for us. It was Mrs. Hill, I might say, 
 saved my life, after I was confined in Libby prison.' " 
 
 Mrs. Hill is a lady of fine mind and large heart, and I can easily under- 
 stand how, with the enthusiasm with which she entered upon her work, she 
 could easily break down in health. She, as the representative head of this 
 local Belief Society, visited hospitals in New York and other places for the 
 purpose of learning the improved methods of accomplishing work. I well 
 remember that this Association was considered a splendid one, and won its 
 fame the first four years of its existence. It was really one of the foremost 
 in Massachusetts. Why should it not be? Haverhill embraces as many 
 grand and noble hearts in the different churches as any jjlace of its size in 
 our land. And we have faith to believe that this little "wave of trouble" has 
 long since ebbed and is lost in the ocean of reconciliation. 
 
 Mrs. Edwin Ayer, of Ayer's village, near Haverhill, was a representative 
 woman during the war, and was at the head of an auxiliary society, in which 
 she wrought a noble work. 
 
 MAETHA EEMICK 
 
 Is a name that will be gladly recognized by all of the old readers of the 
 "Trumpet," "Christian Freeman," and "Ladies' Kepository." She was born 
 in the birth-place of her father in one of the earliest settled towns of New 
 England, Kittery, Maine. Its varied scenery of steep hills and beautiful 
 fields, and the sparkling waters of the broad and limpid Piscataquis, hemmed 
 in by thrifty vales, which are dotted here and there with rural homes sur- 
 rounded by cultivated orchards, give it a picturesqueness that is admired by 
 strangers and tourists. The river forms the western boundary, and a little 
 to the north is the thickly-settled, thrifty village, quite at the entrance of the 
 Navy Yard. 
 
 In the southern section of the place is another village, commanding a dis- 
 tant view of the blue ocean. Here, in this last-named village, are the remains
 
 MARTHA REMICK. 239 
 
 of the once elegant mansion of Sir William Pepperell, the only colonist 
 knighted by our mother country. Nor will we forget that he won his dis- 
 tinction by his capture of Louisburg from the French, at the head of New 
 England troops. The many spacious mansions, although touched by decay, 
 show the aristocratic tendency of this once very prosperous town. 
 Of the noted lion of the place, Miss Remick sings: 
 
 THE TOMB OF SIR WILLIAM PEPPERELL. 
 
 In a lone, deserted field 
 
 Where the bluest violets bloom 
 When the May winds sweep the valleys, 
 
 Stands a stately marble tomb; 
 Not a rose, or vine, or flower 
 
 Clings around it; love's sweet spell 
 Long has vanished from its portals; 
 
 Of its fame alone \ye tell. 
 
 Many years have come and vanished 
 
 Since this silent sleeper led 
 To the storming of a fortress, 
 
 Ranks of men, now lying dead. 
 Where New England won a victory! 
 
 And this grey old tomb-stone's name, 
 High upon tip' scroll of honor, 
 
 Was the first in song and fame ! 
 
 Full a hundred years have vanished 
 
 Since that proud and happy day, 
 When his ships, all richly laden. 
 
 Gathered in this fair blue bay; 
 When these green fields all around us 
 
 With his nodding harvest shone — 
 Wealth, and pride, and state, and honor, 
 
 To this tomb they all have down. 
 
 Yonder in his stately mansion, 
 
 Onee the halls were all aglow 
 With the music and rejoicings 
 
 Of the days of long ago. 
 Now his portrait hangs forgotten 
 
 On the ancient, time-worn wall, 
 And the strangers' faces gather 
 j , In his proud ancestral hall. 
 
 In this tomb he lies forgotten; 
 But the ancient tales will tell
 
 240 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Of the master who was honored. 
 
 And the faithful friend as well; 
 Better than the fame which crowned him, 
 
 Better than his wealth's great store. 
 Are these records which present him 
 
 True and just, forevermore. 
 
 In one of the old homes in Kittery Martha was born, and she still lives in 
 the house to which her mother was taken as a bride by her husband, Rufus 
 Kemick, who then and ever after was universally regarded as a man of sound 
 judgment and unquestioned integrity, and of more than ordinary abilities. 
 His ancestors were from Holland, and came over from their home in the 
 earliest days of the settlement of New England. They were educated, cul- 
 tured people, as the fragments of composition and hand-writing would show, 
 if it were not known from other sources. Miss Eemick says: "My father 
 lived and died in the belief of the salvation of all, and in a severe and wast- 
 ing sickness, at the close of life, he could see no other possibilities, and com- 
 posed himself in the faith that 'he doeth aU things well.' " 
 
 Martha, from youth, seemed gifted with her mother's intellectual tend- 
 encies, and her father's strong faith in Universalism. She says: "My re- 
 ligious opinions were formed as soon as I was old enough to think and reason 
 clearly ; previously to this I felt much anxiety in thinking of those who were 
 dearest to me. I knew I should never be satisfied with heaven were I to at- 
 tain it, if they were suffering." 
 
 Her school-life was one of earnest and absorbing study ; her first school- 
 ing from home was in Augusta, Maine. At one time she attended a Baptist 
 seminary in Charlestown, Mass. "But," she writes, "I learned nearly as 
 well by studying my books at home, for I was satisfied only when I could re- 
 peat the contents of each book from the beginning to the close without ques- 
 tions. Overwork of mind, however, (as should have been expected) prepared 
 the way for sickness, which came, and from which I have never been 
 restored to permanent health." 
 
 Miss Kemick was always a fine prose writer; her stories were received 
 
 gladly by publishers, and read with enthusiasm. But a period of ill health 
 
 rime, which disabled her from writing prose, and at this time the spirit of 
 
 »ng was born within her soul, and from that time on there was scarcely a
 
 MARTHA REMICK. 241 
 
 week that our papers* or periodicals did not regale their readers with some 
 fresh vision from her rich mind. 
 
 When better health came, three novels were written, which quickly found 
 their way to the public, "Agnes Stanhope," "Millicent Hazard," and "Rich- 
 ard Ireton." The last is a book of nearly five hundred pages, but the interest 
 of the reader never diminishes until the last word is read. 
 
 These books are popular in our Sunday-school libraries. Miss Remick 
 has written several long stories, which have been published as serials, not 
 yet put into book form. "The Curate of Lanscott " is an eloquently written 
 and interesting story. She has also several books in manuscript. 
 
 Everything Miss Remick has writtten has a high moral and religious 
 tone, and her writings have been of great benefit to our denomination. They 
 come from a heart that has felt pain as well as joy, for the spirit is both 
 tender and touching. She says: "I have not passed the noon of life, and 
 if I had better health, the best working years, with the ripening experience 
 and thought, would be before." The friends who have watched her career, 
 and who know her spirit, are fully persuaded that this is true. 
 
 "THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY." 
 Here on this earth we walk in cloud and shadow. 
 
 We meet and part 
 With anxious fears of what may come to-morrow 
 In every heart. 
 
 We see as through a glass, but in God's future 
 
 Our fullest praise 
 May be that he through just these mazes guided 
 
 Our earthly ways. 
 
 "THIS DO IN MEMORY OF ME." 
 
 With other friends who have passed on 
 We link tins solium rite; like prayer 
 It brings a blessing from that world
 
 242 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Whose habitants are pure and fair; 
 He knew our needs, the Man of Woes, 
 Who left this token at life's close. 
 
 With other friends who have passed on 
 Around this board in soul we stand, 
 
 Familiar faces glow again, 
 
 We clasp in faith the outstretched hand; 
 
 They are with him who bade us taku 
 
 The bread and wine for his dear sake. 
 
 With other friends who have passed on; 
 
 If round this board not all have bent, 
 His love and kindness all the same 
 
 His blessings on them hath he sent; 
 Whate'er the creed, or e'en if faith 
 
 Wavered for lack of human sight, 
 We feel our hearts may join with them 
 
 To-day within this mystic rite. 
 
 MARY E. DAVIS 
 
 Expresses a good deal of modesty about being clironicled with the noble 
 working women of our church, although £rom girlhood "she has done what 
 she could." She was born in Plainfield, Vt., June 2, 1835. Her father was 
 one of the lords of the field, who by the honest "sweat of his face ate his 
 bread." A wife, delicate in constitution, and eight daughters, constituted 
 his loved ones, and for them he turned the sod and sowed the grain in cheer- 
 ful hope. Junius Davis, the father, was a Universalist, but the mother was 
 a daughter of a "Christian" minister, and always retained some of the ideas 
 of that church, though she ever prayed that Universalism might be trite; but 
 Mr. Davis, with his daughter, attended church at North Montpelier, and list- 
 ened to Revs. Eli Ballon, D.D., Lester Warren and T. R. Spencer, and Miss 
 Davis says: "Under their preaching, and from the perusal of the Ely and 
 Thomas discussion, and the bitter spirit impelled by the sectarianism which 
 was shown toward all liberal thought in the academy which I attended six 
 terms, my faith was established." Miss Davis had only the advantages of a
 
 MARY E. DAVIS. 243 
 
 common school, except the academic terms mentioned, in Barre, Vt., 
 . and when quite young a short time at a private school. It was in this school 
 she commenced her rhyming, and did so very well that, as is often the case, 
 jealousy plotted mischief. One who had been eclipsed by her informed the 
 teacher that "Mary stole her composition." "I think not," replied the 
 teacher, "but if it is the case we will prove it." That day Mary received her 
 subject to write upon from her teacher — "The Exile's Last Dream of Home." 
 She was perplexed, and told her teacher she hardly knew what to do with so 
 great a subject, and begged her to give her some ideas, which the teacher 
 did, and the maligned child was soon ready to read a composition of three 
 stanzas, eight hues each, that settled the question as to her honesty. The 
 poem was sent to Rev. Eli Ballou, D.D., who edited the "Christian Reposi- 
 tory," and from that time on Dr. Ballou received gladly whatever she sent 
 for publication. 
 
 Miss Davis commenced teaching when she was eighteen years old, and 
 earned enough to pay her expenses for four of the terms at school. She 
 began writing prose at twenty years. An editor of a Methodist paper offered 
 fifty dollars for the best original story giving the history of Vermont. Miss 
 Davis was a competitor, and would have received the second prize if one had 
 been offered. The editor, however, gave her two dollars a chapter for any 
 kind of a story she was pleased to write, she to use her own judgment about 
 the number of chapters. 
 
 A severe run of typhoid fever produced effects from which she did not 
 recover for ten years. She wrote for the "Christian Leader" when it was 
 published in New York, and has written many little stories for the "Gospel 
 Banner," "Opal Aubrey" being the most prominent one. Miss Davis has 
 from youth been much interested in the temperance cause, and her stories 
 illustrating the evils of intemperance must have exerted a good influence. 
 
 She published a volume of poems of 348 pages," Glenorie," a long love- 
 story of great sadness in which the heroine 
 
 " Walked nor earthly paths anointed 
 With sorrow's oil," 
 
 reminding the reader somewhat of the sorrows of "Evangeline." The most
 
 244 OUK WOMAN WOEKERS. 
 
 of her poems are baptized with the spirit of her faith, but we have room for 
 only the f ollowiiig : 
 
 AUTUMN SHADOWS. 
 
 The Autumn clouds have gathered 
 
 Far up the sunny sky, 
 The Summer flowers have faded, 
 
 And on her tomb now lie; 
 The cold, sad winds are moaning, 
 
 While, in the chilling rain, 
 The brown leaves droop and tremble. 
 
 Like a heart o'er-fllled with pain. 
 
 Oh, leaves of gold and crimson, 
 
 So glorious in decay. 
 You 'mind us of bright moments 
 
 Which long have passed away; 
 For gloomy Autumn shadows, 
 
 'Tis not on nature's face 
 Alone we find your presence, 
 
 Alone your lines we trace. 
 
 For all our lives have shadows— 
 
 We greet them day by day — 
 Some are of short duration, 
 
 While others longer stay. 
 There is no week that passes 
 
 But brings its shaded hours; 
 God gives us not all sunshine. 
 
 For better oft are showers. 
 
 There's scarce a month that passes 
 But brings the tidings near. 
 
 Some friend, by ties of friendship, 
 Or kindred yet more dear. 
 
 Has crossed the dim, cold valley- 
 Gone to the "other shore"— 
 
 And here on earth we'll meet them, 
 Ah! never, nevermore! 
 
 Oh, withered Autumn trophies! 
 
 We read from your decay 
 The sad and solemn lesson— 
 
 We, too, shall pass away: 
 For we are frail and earthly. 
 And l>e il far or nit, r h.
 
 EMILY L. SHERWOOD. 245 
 
 For us there'll come an Autumn, 
 In which to fade and die. 
 
 But even as the Bowers 
 
 In Spring shall bloom once more, 
 
 Wo, too, shall wake in gladness 
 Beyond earth's fading shore. 
 
 Our souls shall have their Kpring-timo 
 Where joy will never end— 
 
 A homo of light in heaven- 
 There all our hopes do tend. 
 
 No Autumn there shall cloud us 
 
 With cold and weeping showers; 
 No chilling frost shall wither 
 
 The beauteous Summer flowers; 
 But in God's holy sunshine 
 
 All shadows will be o'er, 
 And with the loved united, 
 
 We'll bless God evermore. 
 
 EMILY L. SHEKWOOD, 
 
 Daughter of Monroe Wells Lee, and Mary Dole Lee, was bom in Madi- 
 son, Indiana, March 28, 1839. Mr. Lee's people were from New Jersey, 
 Mrs. Lee's from New England. Mrs. Sherwood's people were Universalists, 
 and she was brought up under the influence of the faith in the salvation of 
 all souls, and, consequently, never knew what it was to suffer in fear of the 
 future. Her father's home was a haven of rest for the clergy of our church, 
 in Indiana and Ohio. He was very social in his habits, was a great reader, 
 sound thinker, and a fine talker; and those characteristics were transmitted 
 to his daughter. Her mother was gentle and retiring, noted for her refine- 
 ment and depth of feeling. Mrs. Sherwood's father died of cholera when 
 she was about ten years old, and his death made so deep an impression that 
 it ended her childhood. Up to that time she attended Mrs. Hunt's private 
 school, which was very popular in Madison, but after her father's death she 
 was sent to the public school. When she was in the second year of the
 
 246 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 high school, the family moved to Indianapolis, Ind., where her brothers were 
 engaged in publishing, with Rev. B. F. Foster and Rev. I. D. Williamson, 
 the "Herald and Era." She was then fifteen years old, and never after regu- 
 larly attended school again. After going to Indianapolis, she commenced 
 working in the office of the "Herald and Era," and for a time had charge of 
 the Youth's Department of the paper. She says: "I was launched upon the 
 literary world by my mother, as Jenny Crayon, after which premature plunge 
 I took to it of my own accord, and from love, being the thing in hfe which 
 affords me most pleasure, whether it ever sees the light of the publisher's 
 page or not." 
 
 Mrs. Sherwood has written many stories, none of which have been pub- 
 lished in book form, but have been extremely interesting. She was a con- 
 tributor to the "Indianapolis Journal," "Commercial " and "News," Santa 
 Barbara (California) "Press " and Washington (D. C.) "Chronicle." And 
 the papers to which she has contributed which promulgated the same precious 
 faith as her own, have been " The Ladies' Repository," " Star in the West," 
 "Christian Leader " and "The Star and Covenant." 
 
 Mrs. Sherwood was married to Henry Lee Sherwood, an attorney, in 
 1859. Her husband was an officer in the Union army; was a staff-officer 
 of Col. White, of the 12th Ohio Regiment, Acting Brigadier, commandmg 
 the 2nd Brigade of West Virginia in Gen. Crook's division. They have 
 been blessed with no children of their own by birth, but Mrs. Sherwood says: 
 "We adopted one who disciplined us, and we him for twelve years." 
 
 In January, 1865, just before the inauguration of the lamented Lincoln, 
 they settled in Washington, D. C, and Mrs. Sherwood says: "The scenes 
 and events of the assassination of the good President are ineffaceable." 
 
 Mrs. Sherwood is a lively, spicy writer. I am glad to give the following 
 as a sample : 
 
 LILACS. 
 
 "Walking into a beautiful room the other day, the sweetest odor of the 
 Spring-time greeted us, and our eyes rested upon a pitcher full of lilacs. 
 Lilacs were never meant to be gathered into bouquets ; their masses of bloom 
 never look so well anywhere else as in a pitcher ; the older and quainter the
 
 EMILY L. SHERWOOD. 247 
 
 form the better, but a pitcher it must be. I never see such a thing of beauty 
 set in such a vase but I also see this picture, the counterpart of an impres- 
 sion made upon my mind at so early a stage in hfe that I know not where 
 to locate it. 
 
 "A little old house, steep-roofed and dormer-windowed, reddish-brown 
 in hue, set in the midst of an old-fashioned garden, for there are none such 
 to be seen now in a radius of many miles from the city. There is a low, 
 square patch at the door in the middle of the front, a door set round with 
 tiny panes of glass to light the spacious hall where the inmates sit in Sum- 
 mer to enjoy its cool drafts. There are roses, climbing vines, and woodbine 
 sweet, aU in a tangle over the porch, and close by a lilac, purple with its 
 long bunches of bloom; and a little way off a shrub, dark in hue, but odor- 
 ous; and on the other side a snowbaU, a round mass of greenish -white flow- 
 ers not unlike a snowball; hence its name. The paths are bordered by 
 fteur de Us — or, as the old lady who loves flowers and makes them objects of 
 her peculiar care, who lives here, says, 'flags,' that wave their long leaves on 
 either side of the way, and peonies make a background of color masses in 
 red or white. There is an oval bed of tulips and jonquils and snowdrops 
 and crocuses and violet borders — old-time pets of the florist, now out of date 
 or superseded by 'coleuses,' 'geraniums,' 'verbenas,' and a host of other 
 showy but scentless flowers. 
 
 "The old lady aforesaid walks, shears in hand, in the midst of her favor- 
 ites , an old lady not afraid to own her age, but from her neat cap to the 
 plain hem of her quaint dress she looks what she is — a lovely woman, no 
 longer young, but the exponent of those graces which beautify and adorn old 
 age as do other graces the dew of youth. This old lady knits little stock- 
 ings for her grandchildren, sitting where she can enjoy the bright sunshine 
 and her afternoon nap at ease in her great ami-chair. 
 
 "Living flowers and httle children, and all fresh, young, growing life; 
 nobody need dread her as a 'mother-in-law,' for on her tongue is the 'law 
 of kindness.' Lovely vision of old-fashioned garden and beautiful old age 
 that always comes up when I smell the hlacs ! 
 
 "To a bee no flower is perfect that has not its cup of honey secreted in 
 the root of the calyx, and it passes by with a buzz of scorn many a fragrant
 
 248 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 blossom to alight with delight upon some odorless one, because of the drop 
 of sweets at its heart; thus nature kindly distributes her favors, odors to one 
 and sweets to another; and, like fortune, she hath her favorites, on whom 
 she lavishes all she hath to give of beauty, sweetness, and fragrance, while to 
 a few she takes away even while she gives more abundantly of one or an- 
 other quality. All wild roses are delicious, with a fragrance peculiarly their 
 own, and though less beautiful than when doubled by cultivation, they con- 
 tain honey; but for every petal added by the florist something is lost of 
 sweetness and odor, until the bee has to do without the honey and the florist 
 has to inocrdate the fragrance, and thus we have the flavor of 'teas' and 
 other scents in our roses. But in the garden of our vision the old 'hundred- 
 leaf roses,' blooming annually, furnish both fragrance and petals for 'rose- 
 water' in unlimited supply. One of the strange freaks of nature in some 
 parts of America, say New York State, the Spring violets are generally odor- 
 less, but the few Autumnal blooming ones are as sweet as the best English 
 plants. I have gathered creamy white ones on sunny slopes as late as 
 October in western New York. 
 
 "City and suburban gardens will always be more or less subject to the 
 caprice and pruning of the landscape gardener; but nature will be as wil- 
 ful in the future as in the past, and if we cannot enjoy an old-fashioned gar- 
 den save in imagination at a sniff of lilac-scented air, we can seek her haunts 
 and gather from her violet banks, and of her trailing arbutus, and her thou- 
 sand lovely beauties not set down in the books, at our own sweet will, and 
 thus keep young hearts if the grey hairs do come. Only the other day a 
 gentleman said : 'I feel just like a boy these lovely Spring days, and woidd 
 like to go rambling through the woods, peering into birds' nests, killing 
 snakes, swimming in the 'deep holes' in the creeks, climbing trees to look 
 into birds' nests, and other wild boyish antics, if I were not obliged to attend 
 to this everlasting 'business,' which chains us men down until we get care- 
 worn and grey as rats, and stiff as old dray-horses, and too old to enjoy tramps 
 by the time we have earned enough to take life comfortably.' 
 
 "My advice was, be a boy and drop 'cares,' or run away from them for a 
 day and hunt, fish, or observe nature with a boy's zest and a man's intelli- 
 gence ; or, for that matter, let careworn women do the same. Nature's heart
 
 JANE L. PATTERSON. 249 
 
 is ever open to embrace and cheer with hope, health and happiness those 
 who truly love her. Follow her up from the first violet she brings forth in 
 the Springtime until she paints and flowers in Autumnal beauty, and has 
 naught but bare boughs and aster stalks to tell what her life hath been. " 
 
 JANE L. PATTEESON. 
 
 Jane Lippitt, daughter of Daniel Lippitt and Catharine Burch, was 
 born in Otsego, N. Y., June 4, 1829. As a child, she was thoughtful and 
 studious. To master whatever she undertook seems to have been an element 
 of her nature. She never appeared in school with an unprepared or half- 
 learned lesson. With her there was an early development of conscience. 
 The least failure in any undertaking gave her keen anguish, and nerved her 
 whole being to renewed purpose and endeavor. 
 
 Her father, a man of fine culture and remarkable intellectual power, 
 united in his pursuits the work of farmer and teacher. He owned and culti- 
 vated land, and in Winter kept the district school. Jane early learned all 
 the homely tasks of farm life. She could spin flax, tow and wool, and before 
 she was twelve years old she made Summer clothes for a younger brother 
 out of linen which she had helped to manufacture. 
 
 When in her tenth year, the family removed from New York to Penn- 
 sylvania, settling in Summit Township, Crawford County, a region compara- 
 tively new. Forests of immense trees covered more than half the farm. 
 The houses of the neighborhood were built of logs, round or hewn, some of 
 them firm and strong as a citadel. Coming from older places these houses 
 looked uninviting. The strong and heroic mother yielded to a passion of 
 homesick tears when she saw the rude shelter and its wild surroundings ; but 
 it was only for a moment. The sun shone, the young trees about the house 
 blossomed, the garden grew in luxuriance, and hope, the normal state of her 
 woman's heart, soon asserted itself. The children took delight in the new 
 
 17
 
 250 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 scene. They hunted wintergreens and wild flowers ; found where all the nut 
 trees grew ; and in the fresh life of field and forest, gathered a freshness and 
 naturalness better than gold. 
 
 The "Log School-house on the Gore,'' which Jane has memorialized in 
 one of her stories, " Wilhtts and I," furnished the neighborhood an intel- 
 lectual center, and in Summer, when some faithful girl acted as teacher, or 
 in Winter, when the old Professor graced the low room, there was enough to 
 learn, and, always, either there or at home, the needed help for the earnest 
 
 student. 
 
 When but twelve years old, a singular illness came with its arresting 
 
 hand, and for three years the " Log School-house on the Gore" missed its 
 studious and intense pupil. When she went again with regularity, it was in 
 the capacity of teacher. She was then scarcely well, and the walk down 
 and lip the precipitous banks of Pine Run accelerated her heart-beats much 
 beyond the healthy medium ; but the school needed a teacher, and she, to 
 whom work seemed as much a necessity as the song is to t'he bird, needed the 
 school. The years of sickness had been marked seasons in her life. She had 
 studied constantly when not wholly prostrated. Under the daily instruction of 
 her competent father, her progress had been more rapid than if she had been 
 a pupil in the best seminary ; and the meditations of those weeks when con- 
 fined to the bed, expecting at any time to face the great change, were per- 
 haps the best preparation for her awaiting life. Naturally of a serious cast, 
 given to thought on religious questions, making her earliest plays the meet- 
 ing-house with its forms of worship, the presence of utter weakness and 
 dependence forced upon her thought the dogmas of the old church, and 
 made her sick-bed a place of mental torture. One day an aunt, who made 
 her home with the family, and was interested and helpful, almost like a 
 mother, sat reading the New Testament aloud in the room of the invalid. 
 She read this passage in Timothy : " For we both labor and suffer reproach 
 because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of 
 them that believe." 
 
 "Is that in the Bible?" said Jane, and asked for a second reading. 
 
 She took the book and read it herself. Then she began, as her strength 
 crept back a little, to read the whole Bible in course, that she might find for her-
 
 JANE L. PATTERSON. 251 
 
 self all its mighty promises. This habit she rigidly followed, until she had 
 read it seven times. At the beginning of her inquiry she found a human 
 helper. Two of the neighbors had come from New York, and had heard 
 Fathers Ballou and Stacy, and were earnest and consistent Universalists, 
 John Whiting and Benjamin Skill'. The Skiff and Lippitt families were veiy 
 intimate. A friendship like that of David and Jonathan existed between 
 Minor Skiff and Lorenzo Lippitt, a friendship early sealed for heaven. The 
 young men were together at every interval of leisure, and always passed their 
 Sundays in a fellowship closer than that of brothers. 
 
 Being at rest in the deep places of his own soul, Benjamin Skiff natur- 
 ally felt anxious for his sick young neighbor, and in ways fatherly and heav- 
 enly kind, he helped to scatter the clouds that hung about her mental sky. 
 He loaned her books — the "Life of Murray," "Ballou's Sermons," an English 
 treatise on Endless Punishment, and other works. These she read with the 
 avidity of one famishing for the bread of life, and ere long she found the full 
 and satisfying supply, and doubt of God and fear of his dispensations de- 
 parted forever. 
 
 The first time she ever heard a Universalist sermon she walked for that 
 purpose nearly three miles in a January thaw. She asked her father for a 
 horse, intending to go on horseback, but the careful farmer said the going 
 was too bad for the horses. She slipped into her room, put on her Sunday 
 dress and a pair of stout boots, and defied the January thaw. She was light 
 of foot, and knew all the cross-lot ways and dry places, and when she got to 
 the school-house in Harmonsburg, tired and with heart all a-flutter, nobody 
 would have known by her boots that she had walked anywhere but on the 
 "highway cast up for the redeemed." She heard in the morning Bushnell 
 Fowler Hitchcock, a man of sainted memory; and in the afternoon Ammi 
 Bond, one of the keenest minds our church has ever had. The privilege of 
 the preached word was so great that she lost no opportunity, when her 
 strength was equal to the distance ; and when she was sixteen she kept the 
 school in the Rundell neighborhood, where Mr. Hitchcock preached regularly 
 once a month. Nearly every patron of the school was a Universalist. 
 When she swept the house on Saturday afternoon, she knew she should see 
 the faces of her children on this one precious Sunday, in company with their
 
 252 OUK WOMAN WOKKEKS. 
 
 parents, and older brothers and sisters who stayed at home in harvest-time, 
 unless the day was too rainy to work in the field. In the Autumn of this 
 year her father removed from Summit to this pleasant valley. The aunt, of 
 whom I have spoken, had married and settled here, and it was an easy thing 
 in those days to sell one farm and buy another, especially when the hearts of 
 a family, so long associated as one, pleaded for the change that they might be 
 near aunty; and Jane had ready a more emphatic plea — the monthly meet- 
 ing in the school-house, where the people came from near and afar, and dur- 
 ing intermission the young folks chatted in groups, and the men discussed 
 the sermon, and the matrons sometimes their housekeeping. They were 
 earnest men and women, full of neighborhood affections, intensified by their 
 happy faith, and the meetings and the intermissions had their ministry in 
 building the life. 
 
 The period of sowing seems to have been longer in the subject of this 
 sketch than is common to those who have literary gifts. She took in germ- 
 inal inspirations from those wonderful old forests which she loved to explore, 
 from the babbling brook, from the quaint Pine Run Bridge, from field and 
 flower and friend. She wrote but little until she was twenty years old. A 
 few scraps of verse, which seem rather the groping of a soul after expression, 
 than the promise of after fruitage, are all that have been preserved. About 
 this time she began to send occasional poems and letters to "The New Cove- 
 nant." She also published a few pieces in the "Trumpet" and the "Star." 
 Samuel P. Skinner, editor of the "Covenant," made favorable mention of her 
 contributions and inserted everything which she sent. She was entering that 
 awakening period when the school-keeping and the work of the home took 
 on a transfiguring glory under the touch of love. It was a time of intense 
 living, when every work of hand or brain springs into being with gracious 
 ease, and the amount of productiveness during these years seems almost fab- 
 ulous. 
 
 In the Summer of her twenty-second year she was married to Rev. Adon- 
 iram Judson Patterson, D.D., and went with him to the house of his mother, 
 where they passed nearly two years. The parents of Mr. Patterson had dedi- 
 cated him to the ministry from his birth, and his early education was 
 directed with reference to this profession. But the death of his father ren-
 
 JANE L. PATTERSON. 253 
 
 dered it necessary that he gather up certain odds and ends of business, that 
 his mother might he secured in an independent living, before he took tip the 
 work of his profession. The young wife lent a willing hand in these endeav- 
 ors, and a sympathetic heart in eveiy effort to get ready for the chosen call- 
 ing. In the Spring of 1853 they went out together to build for themselves 
 and the world. It was a wide and whitening field, that large area of Western 
 Pennsylvania, with its lovely center in Girard, and the work was absorbing, 
 and at times almost overwhelming. For two years and more the energies of 
 their lives were poured out for this waiting people. Full of the faith and 
 earnest in desire that the world might know the great salvation, Mrs. Patter- 
 son walked hand in hand with her husband, with interested counsel in all 
 the sermons, with desire for the growth of minister and people 
 in the faith and power of the gospel. Had the opportunity for woman 
 which has since come, then swept the land, she would have been a minister. 
 It was her highest love, and the fabric of her happiest dreams. Many a time 
 in sleep she has told multitudes of the love of the good God, to awake and 
 find she had been dreaming. 
 
 During the two years in Girard and the eleven years passed in Ports- 
 mouth, she gave hut little to the press. An occasional poeni or brief letter 
 was all she essayed, and these only under irresistible movings of the spirit. 
 She took sole care of her house, and did what she could to help the old and 
 sick of the parish, and to fulfill the duty and the grace of hospitality. So 
 entirely did she lose herself in these works that when a certain editor, who 
 had been guest in her home, asked her for articles for his magazine, she pro- 
 fessed to understand him as desiring a recipe for making bread, which she 
 wrote out with great precision, and which he published. 
 
 The war shook her like a tree tempest-tossed. Her letters were volu- 
 minous. They were full of the spirit and passing events of the time. But 
 she dropped even her journal during those years, and scarcely wrote a poem. 
 On a certain evening, feeling great loneliness, she began a story of the times. 
 On other lonely evenings she took up the theme, until she had written one 
 hundred and fifty manuscript pages. Then other cares crowded it aside. 
 The prizes of the series which was published while R. A. Ballou was agent 
 of the Boston House, were pending. Mr. Ballou suggested to Mr. Patterson
 
 254 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 that his wife write. There was yet a month before the close of the time 
 when the manuscripts must be in. To finish the story already begim in so 
 brief a time, with all the work of the home pending, seemed impossible. But 
 there was no time to parley. It was at once decided that Mr. Patterson 
 should get the dinners, and relieve his wife of all company during the fore- 
 noons, and she would try to finish the story in the time allotted. She found 
 the stillest corner of the house, and went to work on Monday morning. She 
 hung her watch before her, that she might not be tempted to dream over her 
 sentences. She made from twenty-five to twenty-eight pages each forenoon 
 for five days in the week, giving Saturday to domestic duties. After dinner 
 she ransacked great files of the "Kebellion Eecord," that the dates of events 
 might be entirely accurate, and sometimes, over-weary, slept. In three 
 weeks the story was completed. On the fourth she copied the first one hun- 
 dred and fifty pages, which were written on scraps of any sort, never think- 
 ing of the printer, and sent on her manuscript several days before the expira- 
 tion of time. There are on record few equal feats of rapid writing. The 
 committee were nearly a year reading the manuscripts, of which there were 
 over thirty. The first prize was unanimously awarded to Mrs. Patterson's 
 story. Competent judges are of the opinion that if "Victory" had been pub- 
 lished as soon as it was written, and just at the close of the war, it would 
 have circulated widely. As it was, the sale was largely within our own 
 denomination, the outside world fearing a secular book with the Universalist 
 stamp. As it was passing through the press, in the Spring of 18GG, the 
 agent of the house urged Mrs. Patterson to write a serial for the "Beposi- 
 tory" which should illustrate the work of our faith in daily hfe. She had 
 assisted him in editing the magazine during the Winter, and had written two 
 short stories, "My Hero" and "Pine Eun Bridge." She undertook the task 
 of a long story with great reluctance, doubting her strength to accomplish it 
 adequately. But the need of our church of books suitable for the Sunday- 
 school, urged so eloquently by the agent, stimulated her endeavor, and she 
 produced "Out of Sight," a stoiy into which she wove much of her own 
 vital life, in a truly conscientious desire to help the world. While it was 
 passing through the "Eepository" the house changed agents, and the story 
 was never re-published in book form, according to the original intention.
 
 JANE L. PATTERSON. 255 
 
 The change of homes to Roxbury came about this time, and the sorrow 
 of leaving old scenes, places and friends, and especially her beloved sister 
 and her growing family, coupled with the overstrain in the work of brain 
 and hands, 1 nought on nervous prostration, which rendered her a semi- 
 invalid for two or three years, and from which she has not yet wholly re- 
 covered. She is obliged to do her mental work in the forenoon, even the 
 writing of a letter after dinner often causing great prostration. Her contri- 
 butions of prose and verse to the "Ladies' Repository" while Mrs. Bingham 
 edited the magazine, were as frequent as her strength would allow. The 
 first time she ever saw this able and now translated woman, Mrs. Bingham 
 called at her home on a rainy November night, in the Autumn of 1808. She 
 had taken charge of the "Repository," and there was no straw of which bricks 
 could be made. Mrs. Patterson had in hand a story of twenty pages or 
 more, with which Mrs. Bingham was much pleased, and it appeared in the 
 first number which she edited. After " Willitts and I," came " The Belle of 
 the Prairie," "Over the Plains,' 1 "Which is Better," "The Romance of 
 High Rocks," "My Lost Banker," and other prose articles and poems. 
 
 In January, 1879, Mrs. Patterson became one of the editors of the 
 "Christian Leader," having exclusive charge of the "Home Department." 
 By stipulation her work is chiefly that of selection. But she can not be con- 
 tented to fill the page always with the thoughts of others, and when the 
 spirit moves she writes a poem or a story. She gives untiring care to what- 
 ever work engages her, doing it to the best of her ability and strength. 
 Friends outside our church have tried to enlist her in secidar periodicals, 
 assuring her that slie could receive much greater compensation ; but she is 
 so consecrated a Universalist that she has never been tempted beyond de- 
 nominational limits. 
 
 In the Summer of 1872, she traveled in the West with her sick husband, 
 and was prostrated in St. Paul with malarious fever. Up to that time she 
 had suffered greatly from diffidence, dreading to face strangers and never lift- 
 ing her voice even in the conference room. Face to face with death, she 
 became emancipated from herself. After passing under the cloud and through 
 the sea, she forgot to care what the world might say of her or her work. 
 When her husband, after their return, was again prostrated by illness, she
 
 256 
 
 OUB WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 went at his urgent plea into bis pulpit and conducted tbe Sunday service. 
 Tbe people, who knew bow shrinking she had been in the past, were electri- 
 fied at her appearance in this high place. After the service, which the people 
 said was conducted as if she had "done it a thousand times," they gathered 
 about her, and requested that she take the place of her husband whenever 
 he needed the assistance of a minister, if she was able to do so. He was ill 
 at repeated intervals until vacation, and she served in his stead several times. 
 When his health became restored she kept her quiet home work and ways, 
 unless some sick minister or needy church or institution called for her help. 
 Mrs. Patterson has always taken deep interest in our young min- 
 isters and in the young men fitting for the ministry. Many of the young 
 men, while in college, have found in her house a home, and there are a good 
 dozen of our young ministers who affectionately call her mother. 
 
 In the summer of 1878 Dr. Patterson visited Europe. As soon as the 
 voyage was suggested, the Committee of the Eoxbury parish asked that 
 Mrs. Patterson supply the pulpit until his return. She cheerfully accepted 
 the charge, not only preaching on Sunday and attending the Sunday-school 
 and the week-day meetings, but visiting the sick, attending funerals, and 
 answering every call for Christian help and sympathy. The work prospered 
 in her hands. The congregation steadily increased, and some excellent fami- 
 lies were added to the church, who have ever since been among its most 
 effective workers. While in the pulpit she forgets everything but the absorb- 
 ing and uplifting service, and has found her highest experiences while com- 
 muning with God on this mount of vision. Her sermons are thoughtful and 
 orderly, and yet they are prose poems. Each sermon is a lyric and, deliv- 
 ered in her faultless elocution, enlists the most rapt attention, and leaves an 
 impression never to be forgotten. 
 
 A few years ago, a class in the Divinity School, some of whose members 
 were frequently in her home, requested of her the favor of a poem on their 
 Zetagathean Anniversary. Rev. A. D. Mayo was the orator, and she wrote 
 for the occasion a poem of marked power, entitled "The Divine Call." 
 
 Mrs. Patterson has done a good deal of literary work, and has done it 
 well; and yet she scarcely thinks of herself as a literary character at all. 
 She is eminently domestic. There is nothing iu the management of her
 
 JANE L. PATTERSON. 257 
 
 home with which she is not particularly familiar. She has derived more 
 satisfaction from the praises lavished upon her hread, thau from all the good 
 things she has heard concerning the productions of her pen. She has 
 always extended a hountiful hospitahty, and yet she presides in her home 
 with so much ease and freedom as never to seem hurdened by her cares. 
 She is scrupulously careful in attending to all the little details of duty. 
 
 With no children of her own to educate, Mrs. Patterson has bestowed 
 much careful attention upon the education of the young. Almost constantly 
 for many years one or more young persons have been inmates of her home, 
 while enjoying the training of the Boston schools, and her efforts in this di- 
 rection will be felt as an influence for good, long after her pen is laid aside and 
 her busy hand is still. For whatever she writes, she has a mother's affection. 
 This comes not from vanity, for toward the weaker children of her brain it is 
 like a mother's pity. She never calls her verses poems, and will not allow 
 her friends to call her a poet. Still her friends believe that she has told 
 some pleasant stories by her rhymes, and impressed some needed truths as 
 well. I will append one or two as samples in closing my notice of this 
 woman-worker, of whose life it may be justly said : " She hath done what 
 she could," in love and honor for the church, which has done all for her, in 
 giving her the everlasting faith, which has been, and is "an anchor to the soul 
 sure and steadfast." 
 
 A SILVER WEDDING. 
 
 Just flve-and-twcnty years ago 
 While yet the earth was white with snow, 
 Nor even the robin's daring strain 
 Told that the Spring had eome again, 
 Two human hearts forgot the cold. 
 Forgot the ice on stream and wold. 
 And fall of sunny Bummer weather 
 Tried building a new world together. 
 
 Of all fair things their world was made; 
 With precious stones its floor inlaid; 
 Its far horizon hung with stars. 
 Its roof a mass of rainbow bars. 
 While all the fragrant air between 
 Was laden with the golden sheen
 
 258 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Of sunshine, and the brilliant hues 
 Of blossoms, born of honey-dews. 
 
 'Twas built and swung in ample space 
 That constellation's ranks to grace 
 Above the sweep of telescope 
 In the ethereal realm of hope; 
 Whose name, from dawn of mortal birth 
 The sweetest known in heaven or earth, 
 The dearest through eternal years — 
 God's name, Love's constellation bears. 
 
 This fair new world, its course begun 
 Around the attractive central sun 
 Revolved, in order fine and true, 
 And all the changing seasons knew 
 Which come to make the roses bloom 
 And win the happy song-birds home; 
 To ripen fruit and harvest sheaf 
 And gild the radiant Autumn leaf. 
 
 In calm and storm this happy pair 
 
 Who built Love's world so staunch and fair 
 
 Have kept its sunshine and its stars, 
 
 Its fragrant flowers and rainbow bars. 
 
 They are standing now amid the sheen 
 
 Of silver light which falls between 
 
 The ruddy morning's opening glow 
 
 And splendors which the sunsets know. 
 
 The West is like an open way 
 
 To mansions of eternal day, 
 
 Where Love's free course through cycles new, 
 
 In all sweet concord leal and true, 
 
 Shall keep its freight of bliss untold. 
 
 Increasing, as the age of gold 
 
 With warmer radiance clasps the sphere 
 
 Which Love's true wedlock builded here. 
 
 "GOD IS A SPIRIT." 
 
 Waiting a little down by the spring. 
 
 Weary with bearing the pitcher all day, 
 
 Backward and forward witli patient wing 
 To the busy harvesters over the way, 
 
 Came there a vision so full of grace 
 
 That the weary traces torsook my face. 

 
 LUCY M. CREAMER. 250 
 
 Back from the view of the present hour. 
 
 Far away from the common scene, 
 Girded with mountains, God's signs of power, 
 
 A deep, still well in a rim of green; 
 And weary with travel, and toil and eare, 
 My Lord and my Master resting there. 
 
 Near him a woman her pitcher bore; 
 
 He pressed his lips to the eooling stone, 
 And gladly drank of tin 1 welcome store, 
 
 Humbly asking tin- gracious boon; 
 While sln> with wonder akin to awe, 
 Questioned the symbols of love she saw. 
 
 Jesus rested by Jacob's well; 
 
 Oh, the bliss of his sympathy. 
 How like a wave's o'er- mastering swell 
 
 It lapped my soul in love's full sea. 
 And made me glad of the smallest sign 
 That I am his and he is mine! 
 
 Deeper and fuller than Jacob's well, 
 
 Higher and stronger than Gerizim, 
 The truth that the woman heard him tell. 
 
 As she waiting listened and talked with him; 
 And I, as it floated adown the air, 
 Found new strength for my daily care, 
 
 Grateful voices singing of him 
 
 Rose from the mint-grass round the spring,, 
 Soared, aloft from the pitcher's rim. 
 
 Swelled from the field of harvesting; 
 "God is a Spirit," the full song said. 
 And his field, the world, shall be harvested. 
 
 LUCY M. CREAMER 
 
 Is the daughter of Josiali and Mary Gore. At the time of her birth, 
 March 27, 18-12, they were living in Milford, Conn., but in her extreme youth 
 they moved to New Haven, Conn., where in the public schools she received 
 all the advantages ever given her for an education; but she was an apt pupil
 
 260 OUK WOMAN WOEKEBS. 
 
 iiud easily acquired and retained everything that was taught in the school. 
 Once reading her lesson was sufficient to insure a glib recitation. After 
 leaving school she became an omnivorous reader. She regrets reading the 
 great number of novels devoured by her in her girlhood, but the fairy stories 
 read in her youth give cheeiy and delightful memories to her in these later 
 years, and have assisted her in her poetic fancies. She woidd advise the 
 reading of Bible history and fairy stories to all young people. 
 
 Her mother very early in life became a member of the Presbyterian 
 church, and in that creed the children were taught, although the father pre- 
 ferred the Episcopal church, and the children attended with him. The dark 
 side of the Presbyterian catechism at times pervaded the spirit of Lucy, and 
 her youthful heart was overcome with torturing sympathy for her family and 
 friends. Very early in life she found that the jingling of rhymes was easy to 
 her, but she took no especial care to make them, only "when it delighted her 
 school-mates, and for compositions." Although she was a very hapjry child 
 by nature, and the buoyancy of her spirits was enjoyed by all her friends, her 
 rhymes always took a doleful turn, and the effect of the reading of them up- 
 on the school was lachrymose in the extreme. I greatly fear Miss Lucy, 
 after seeing the effect a few times, made an extra effort to intensify the flow 
 of tears. 
 
 Mrs. Creamer says: "I had a fun-loving nature, but I also had long 
 hours of silent suffering. I was ever longing for some unattainable good. 
 Nobody answered my questionings satisfactorily. I tried to learn the truth 
 of the hereafter, but I was ever put off with replies that to me meant nothing, 
 or else sent to the right-about, with the words, 'You are not old enough to 
 understand these things.' In my despondent moods, my great dissatisfaction 
 with myself, not being able to be as good as I really wished to be, gave me 
 longings for death. To die and go up to heaven and see God on his great 
 white throne, and Jesus standing by his side, showing him which the good 
 people were, became an intensified desire. Dying in childhood seemed my 
 only chance to hear the sweet and welcome words, 'Enter thou into the 
 joy of thy Lord.' " In one of these painfully despondent moods, practically 
 thinking over in her consciousness the fact of her mother's prospect in the 
 future life, sli" wrote the following:
 
 LUCY M. CREAMER. 261 
 
 THE DYING GIRL. 
 
 "Farewell, mother, I am going, 
 
 Going to Leave this world of care. 
 And in heaven I hope to greet thee, 
 
 Hope to meet my mother there. 
 
 "Farewell, father, I am going, 
 
 Going to leave this world of sin, 
 But if you ever come to heaven 
 
 I hope the Lord will let you in!" 
 
 I do not quote this for its beautiful diction, or poetical worth, but to 
 show how a little child of eight years can suffer when the character of God 
 has been presented with its most winsome trait, Love, obscured. The first 
 stanza shows that she was pretty sure of meeting her mother, who had believed 
 in God's eternal vengeance ; but about her father, who only attended the 
 Episcopal church, and was not a member, and could not take into his great 
 heart the doctrine of eternal retribution, she expresses fear. 
 
 Again she says : "I was taught to believe that we must give an account 
 of every idle word, and on solemn investigation most of my words seemed 
 idle." 
 
 When she was about fourteen, a series of revival meetings in the Meth- 
 odist church near her was in progress. Many of her school friends attended 
 and became interested. There first she heard the love of Jesus extolled and 
 sung, until her heart caught the refrain, and she awoke to a new life. When 
 they talked of hell the avenues of love to her heart would close ; but when 
 they spoke of the mighty tenderness the yearning Jesus has for our sick 
 souls, it melted all obduracy, and she felt the delight of being loved by that 
 great and tender heart. All at once a consciousness of some all-comforting 
 power came over her feelings. She thought she was converted, and said so, 
 and her heart was baptized with the love of God, and her tongue gave utter- 
 ance to it in beautiful language. The gift of prayer, also, was hers, and her 
 tender pleadings to the Savior to melt the hearts of the sinful, brought forth 
 the loud "amens." A tempter came to her; the "aniens" flattered her — only 
 fourteen, remember — and she began to prepare, commit, her speeches and 
 prayers, and then a feeling of condemnation came over her that she had not 
 left God to speak through her heart. She became distressed at what she had
 
 262 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 done, and dreamed one night that she died and went before God, and the 
 only thing that he condemned her for was for joining the Methodist church, 
 when she did not believe in its doctrines. He pronounced her a hypocrite, 
 and sent her to the lowest hell for that! She writes: "The dream made 
 such an impression upon me, that I could neither speak nor pray in public 
 for years, and I made up my mind that if I must go to hell I would not go 
 for being a hypocrite." 
 
 After a while she returned to the Episcopal church, and was quietly con- 
 firmed, believing that there she could find perfect rest. But shs soon found 
 that there were some parts of the liturgy she coidd not repeat, and immedi- 
 ately she set to work reading to learn the truth. 
 
 In 1865 she was married to Charles N. Creamer, of New York, who was 
 to her a most kind and generous husband for eleven years ; at the end of that 
 time she had the sorrow of seeing him suddenly lose his reason, and on the 
 4th of June, 1878, just two years from the first manifestation of the disease, 
 he died of brain fever. 
 
 It was in 1869, when this great sorrow-cloud was upon her heart, that 
 she heard that Eev. P. A. Hanaford was to preach in town. With others 
 she discussed the propriety of hearing a woman preach, but they decided to 
 go. And Mrs. Creamer says: 
 
 "She had a sweet face and a pleasing manner, but above all her attrac- 
 tions was the fact that for the first time in my life I heard my own thoughts 
 voiced. And it was as if I had stood up myself, and told truly and faithfully 
 what seemed to me true about life and death and God ; and I further thought 
 and said, 'If this is Universalism, then I am a Universalist.' I did not make 
 haste. Sunday after Sunday I listened to her, until the time came when I 
 felt impelled to avow my circumstances, and ask these people if they would 
 let me come and work among them. I united with the church, Mrs. Hana- 
 ford giving me the right hand of fellowship. I can not tell to you the sense 
 of freedom that came to me with this new experience. All the weight of 
 doubt and protest at the inconsistencies of God's goodness and justice, Jesus' 
 supremacy in wisdom and sacrifice, floated away as mist rises from a mount- 
 ain-top, and the underlying principles of eternal love and mercy, infinite wis- 
 dom that shapes all things to their end, and divine justice that will not allow
 
 LUCY M. CREAMER. 263 
 
 one jot or tittle of law to be transgressed by so much as a hair's breadth, 
 became apparent, as the daylight of unbidden thought shone upon them." 
 
 Mrs. Creamer became a very efficient Sunday-school teacher, and 
 retained one class of girls for five years. Her watchfulness and anxiety 
 through the illness of her husband somewhat undermined her health. She 
 read medicine for some time through the advice of Mrs. D. S. Connor, M. 
 D., and then graduated at the New Haven Training School for Nurses, and 
 remained there until she accepted the superintendency of the House of 
 Mercy, Pittsfield Hospital, Mass. 
 
 Although Mrs. Creamer has had great trouble, and experienced much 
 suffering, since she heard Mrs. Hanaford preach her beautiful faith, her con- 
 victions have been since then, that God's goodness can not fail, however the 
 clouds may disguise it. And from that time on, she says: "I have felt 
 songs growing up in my soul, and larger usefulness opening out before me, 
 and I have sung my songs and done my work with a happy heart." 
 
 The following are selected from her poems : 
 
 UNAVAILING. 
 
 . One day up toward a shelving shore, 
 A earcdess wave at flood-tide crept; 
 Laughing and rippling more and more. 
 As near and nearer the waiting shore. 
 With dance and glitter and sparkle, it swept. 
 
 At last with a touch like a kiss. 
 
 The shore and the little wave met; 
 
 Then the wave Leapt back to the ocean's breast, 
 
 Willi a pain in her heart, and a strange unrest. 
 
 And the rugged shore as with tears was wet. 
 
 Oh, fain would the bright little wave 
 Have lingered to sport with the shore. 
 With glitter and sparkle to sue it; 
 With low happy murmurs to woo it. 
 And play in delight at its side evermore. 
 
 But the little wave sobs and sighs 
 
 For tin' shore that is kissed and left. 
 
 And though hidden deep iu the ocean's breast. 
 
 It never, no never'll be quite at rest, 
 
 And the shore is sad of its smile bereft.
 
 264 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 While echoing still that stifled moan, 
 
 Is ever heard by the patient shore 
 
 That surf-beaten, storm-lashed, or still and lone, 
 
 Still listens for one low murmuring tone, 
 
 And waits the return of the wave evermore. 
 
 TO-DAY, 
 
 Now is the fulness of the perfect season; 
 
 This is the day that holds all days in one, 
 The present hour enfolds both faith and reason 
 
 In its embrace, and claims a victory won. 
 
 The ache of hearts to-day is spent in healing, 
 The joy of life increases with its sway, 
 
 And Time that hitherto seemed void of feeling, 
 Is throbbing like a human pulse to-day. 
 
 The life that wraps the earth, a crimson ocean, 
 "With ebb and flow laps it on every side, 
 
 And surges with an ever restless motion, 
 Claiming its own, to with its own abide. 
 
 Each noble deed to-day bears on its bosom, 
 Was yesterday a yearning in some breast, 
 
 Responding to the longing for a fusion, ■ 
 
 That good for good somewhere in life possessed. 
 
 To-day has clouds, but who would miss the wonder? 
 
 The sunshine colors them with golden light. 
 To-day has storms; the sunshine and the thunder 
 
 Awakes the power of thought by eaar or sight. 
 
 To-day, to-day, the gladdening earth rejoices, 
 Her life drinks deeper of the crimson flood, 
 
 And what was ill in yesterday all voices 
 
 Within her soul, declare to-day proves good. 
 
 That hearts have ached must ache e'er reason teaches 
 The lessons of the best, the highest skill; 
 
 To-day has learned, and in her turn she preaches 
 A quick submission to a Mighty Will. 
 
 A glorious Past sends all its rays to brighten 
 The golden splendor of its peerless shine, 
 
 And the fair Sun of Righteousness shall brighten 
 From East to West with Reason's light divine.
 
 CYNTHIA OLDS HATHAWAY. 265 
 
 WHAT IS DEATH ? 
 
 What's Death? 
 'Tis but the folding of the hands in sleep, 
 
 After ;i day of Labor or <>f strife, 
 To be awakened by the gleams of dawn, 
 
 The golden dawn of an eternal life. 
 
 What's Death? 
 'Tis but the flitting of a Summer cloud 
 
 That darkens for a moment life's bright sky, 
 That washes out the stains of earth and time, 
 
 That leaves the soul refreshed, and passes by. 
 
 What's death V 
 'Tis but the laying down of care and pain, 
 
 To work and weary not in fields more fair, 
 To know that here we did not love in vain, 
 
 For Love's great heart itself receives us there. 
 
 CYNTHIA OLDS HATHAWAY, 
 
 Who has gone up into the light of the eternal morning, was born in Brim- 
 field, Mass., February 23, 1820. As a child she was very diffident and retiring, 
 but as she grew into womanhood her shyness was a becoming reserve, and 
 all through life she had the bearing of a quiet, dignified woman. She was 
 married to Mr. P. M. Hathaway, in the Universalist church at Warren, Mass., 
 April 18, 1847, by Rev. J. H. Moore. She has been a contributor to our 
 papers and periodicals for many years. "The Universalist," now "Christian 
 Leader," and "Ladies' Repository," were her favorite meditims, through which 
 to express her thoughts. She was very modest in regard to her talents as a 
 writer, and seldom sent anything for publication without consulting her hus- 
 band, although she was superior to him in literary ability. Some of her 
 prose articles, which attracted attention, were "The Minister's Calling," and 
 "Our Relation to God." The latter was highly commended by G. H. Emer- 
 son, D.D., the able editor and fine critic. From among her poems, perhaps 
 "The Prodigal Son," "Just Out of Sight," and "Reunion" woidd be consider- 
 
 1S
 
 266 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 ed superior. "Under the Oleander" I take pleasure in presenting, as it was 
 a favorite of her own. It was an inspiration from a veritable circumstance : 
 
 UNDER THE OLEANDER. 
 
 Within my humble, quiet room, 
 
 A tall, green oleander flings 
 The perfume of its clustered bloom. 
 
 Abroad on many viewless wings. 
 
 And every day a little child 
 
 In long-sleeved tire and Quaker hood, 
 Trips gaily in with aspect mild, 
 
 To share my fragrant solitude. 
 
 A little girl whose four swift years, 
 
 Like diamonds gleam upon her brow, 
 More smiles are hers, and fewer tears, 
 
 Than often childhood's days endow. 
 
 Beneath the oleander tree, 
 
 She takes her wonted seat the while, 
 And now her talk flows fast and free, 
 
 While I reply by word or smile. 
 
 Anon I call her roving thought 
 
 To the bright flowers above her head, 
 Not to instruct, but to be taught 
 
 By what in childish lore is said, 
 
 And still I wonder more and more. 
 
 At her quaint sayings, wisdom-fraught 
 As oft I stand rebuked, before 
 
 The subtler beauty of her thought. 
 
 We speak of that Almighty power, 
 
 That from the dark repulsive earth, 
 Brings forth the green leaf and the flower, 
 
 And gives to all their timely birth. 
 
 And now we pass to God's sweet love, 
 
 His watchful and o'ershadowing care, 
 That guardeth all, below, above, 
 
 The Little child and floweret fair. 
 
 And then she says with lisping word, 
 
 Her shining eyes with love a-light, 
 "He is so good, T love the Lord, 
 
 I do! r told Him so last night." 

 
 CYNTHIA OLDS HATHAWAY. 267 
 
 Mrs. Eathaway died in Brookfield, Mass., March 28, 1879, and was 
 buried from the church in which she was married thirty-four years previously. 
 
 In my correspondence with Mr. Hathaway, he says: "I am glad to have 
 an opportunity to speak of the dear departed, for she was amiability person- 
 ified, and often my lips repeat the words of Mrs. Hemans: 
 
 " O ! while with me she lived. 
 Would I had loved her more ! " 
 
 HELEN L. WEAVER. 
 
 Helen Lane was the daughter of Epes and Mary Lane, and was bom in 
 Lanesville, Mass. (now a part of Gloucester), October 26, 1836. In child- 
 hood she showed great love for books and aptness to learn. She made teach- 
 ing her chosen vocation, and completed her preparation for it at the Salem 
 Normal School, where she graduated among the first in her class, though 
 among the youngest in age. She at once entered upon the work she was so 
 well fitted for, and in it achieved success. "While teaching in Chelsea she 
 became acquainted with Professor Lewis B. Monroe, afterward Dean of 
 the Boston University School of Oratory, and then just rising into notice 
 by his system of vocal culture. She at once joined his classes and soon 
 showed such development of oratorical powers that the pupil almost rivaled 
 the teacher. Rev. C. H. Leonard, D.D., (Professor in Tufts Divinity School) 
 "was her most loved minister, from whose semions she received her deepest 
 religious impressions, and of whose church she became an active and effi- 
 cient member. 
 
 She was married November 1, 1862, to Rev. A. J. Weaver, pastor of the 
 Universalist church in Fitchburg, Mass. She resided here scarcely two years 
 when her husband's health failing he sought relief by an overland trip to the 
 Pacific coast. She soon followed by steamer, and for nearly three years was
 
 268 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 head assistant in the Washington street Grammar School in San Francisco. 
 They then both returned east, and her husband accepted an invitation to the 
 pastorate of the new Universalist church in Biddeford, Maine. 
 
 It was during their residence here that Mrs. Weaver mainly gained her 
 reputation as a public reader. She read from the pure love of it. It 
 was her native element. She read as the birds fly, because it was born in 
 her, and to her there was a charm about it that enraptured her, and flooded 
 her with delight. Like music or painting or oratory, it was a gift, a great 
 gift, which was made more perfect and effective by a long course of vocal train- 
 ing. In the gratification of this gift lay the sweetness of her existence. 
 
 Mrs. Weaver, for the last five years of her life, lived in Las Animas, Col., 
 where her husband's health made it necessary for them to reside. She was 
 East among her friends on a visit, when after a few days' severe illness she 
 passed away, Aug. 25, 1879 — -42 years old. Her departure from earth was 
 so striking and beautiful that its like is seldom seen. It was supposed and 
 announced by the physicians that she would recover. One morning on 
 awakening she called her sister (at whose house she was sick) to her room, 
 and said: "Last night it came to me that I can not get well, but that I 
 shall die to-morrow. I wish you to send a telegram at once to that effect, to 
 my husband in Colorado, and to my father and mother." 
 
 She then called for paper, and wrote a long letter to her husband, bid- 
 ding him good bye, and saying she would wait for him on the other side. 
 She wrote two more to absent friends. She then distributed her articles of 
 adornment to her friends. She called for paper and made out full arrange- 
 ments for the services at her funeral. She then sent for the minister whom 
 she wished to attend and gave him the order of service which she had pre- 
 pared, specifying the selections of Scripture and hymns. Her mind was calm 
 and clear. In her letter to her husband, she said: "I have already begun 
 to die. My feet are even now cold, and the chill of death is stealing toward 
 my vitals. What I say I must say quickly." 
 
 She was constantly conversing of the other world and of those who had 
 gone before her and were waiting to welcome her. Indeed, for a whole day 
 before the close she did not seem to be in either world wholly, but rather to 
 vibrate between the two, having a hold on earth with her senses but touching
 
 LUCY S. SMITH. 269 
 
 the heavenly world with her spiritual nature. Longfellow's beautiful poem, 
 beginning, "There is no death! What seems so is transition," was con- 
 stantly on her lips; what work she would do, what friends meet, and what 
 enjoyments possess in the future world, were the topics of her conversation. 
 Such a thing as doubt did not seem to occur to her. She had a friend, Mrs. 
 S., in Colorado, who had just lost her young babe, and she said: "Tell Mrs- 
 S. I will try and find her babe, and will take care of it for her till she 
 comes." 
 
 Said her sister, afterward, in describing her death: "All the beautiful 
 things the minister said at the funeral sounded to me stale, after listening to 
 Helen for three days." As the hour approached about which it had "come 
 to her" that she should die, she called the family and friends about the bed, 
 took each one by the hand and said good bye, and then closing her eyes, she 
 was gone. An appropriate end for a noble life. 
 
 The "Leader," of Las Animas, Col., — her home — said: "In the death of 
 this estimable lady, the loss not only to her husband, but to the entire com- 
 munity, is simply irreparable. Society sought her on eveiy hand for her 
 genial manners, appreciation of the beautiful, and her rare accomplishment 
 as a reader." 
 
 LUCY S. SMITH. 
 
 This particularly bright, intelligent woman, was the daughter of Sam- 
 uel and Eunice Deming StiUman, and was born in Whitestown, Oneida Co., 
 N. Y., July 11, 1792. She was married to Rev. Stephen R. Smith, March 
 27, 1821. She has lived in widowhood since February 17, 1850. She is 
 the mother of ten children, live of whom are living. Mrs. Smith was a rare 
 woman in her day. A day with the Smiths was something to be looked for- 
 ward to with great pleasure by the clergy and scholars generally. Her con- 
 versation sparkled with wit; she was quick at repartee, and sometimes in- 
 dulged in a sarcasm.
 
 270 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 The following is from her son, Junius S. Smith, of Buffalo, N. Y., to 
 whom I wrote for information : 
 
 "Yours received some days since. The answer I have delayed in order 
 to talk it over with mother and my sisters, yesterday heing mother's eighty- 
 ninth birthday. She sees very well, reads a great deal for a person of her 
 age, knits and enjoys work of that kind, and greatly enjoys the visits of her 
 friends, although her hearing for the past two or three years has been a little 
 dull. She occasionally takes a ride for an hour or two, but of course does 
 not walk any considerable distance; is still the center of the household. 
 She has never done, so far as I know, much literary work, and has no de- 
 sire for notoriety in any form." 
 
 The following is from Rev. A. B. Grosh, who knew well and appreciated 
 this most interesting woman. 
 
 "The following incident may serve to show the quiet manner and ready 
 wit, as well as the humanity and good common sense of this amiable and 
 excellent woman, who yet survives in her home in Buffalo, N. Y., at an ad- 
 vanced age — 'a mother in Israel' indeed. 
 
 "A party of lay and ministering brethren, from their various neighbor- 
 hoods, had gathered in the parlor of Bro. S. R. Smith, in Clinton, N. Y. 
 They were waiting for dinner, that, in company with their host, they might 
 immediately after start for their common destination, to attend an associa- 
 tion or conference the next day. The weather was dark and lowering, with 
 occasional showers, and the roads were very muddy. The distance to be 
 traveled rendered an early start desirable that their ride might be ended 
 before nightfall. But knowing the promptitude of 'the gude wife' in all her 
 household ways, they waited in serene confidence, as they gathered into 
 small groups, and beguiled the time between glances at the dark clouds above 
 and the drenched earth beneath, with the cordial chat which enlivened such 
 occasional meetings of the brethren of the olden time. Among the guests 
 were Rev. Geo. Messenger, then just entering our ministry, and Rev. John 
 Samuel Thompson, a late Irish convert from the Methodists — the former un- 
 assuming, diffident, even shrinking in humility before assuming pretension ; 
 and the latter, pompous, boastful of his superior learning and ability, and 
 inclined to lord it over any who would admit his arrogant pretensions.
 
 LUOY H. SMITH. 271 
 
 Bro. Thompson soon found a desirable listener in Bro. Messenger, who 
 had seated himself in a distant corner of the room, and opened conversation 
 on his favorite topics — his great erudition and wonderful attainments, and 
 the consequent advancement at which he would enter the spirit world before 
 more ignorant and less cultured soids, and the greater glory which would be 
 awarded him there! Poor Bro. Messenger shrunk more and more within 
 himself, before the towering form, as the ponderous sentences of 'great swell- 
 ing words of vanity' rolled forth ; and as he shrunk in silent but visible diffi- 
 dence, the boaster's tones grew more loud, and his bearing more lordly. 
 
 "Just then Bro. Smith glanced around the room, and saw Mrs. Smith 
 seated at a table, seemingly so engrossed in reading a book as to be utterly 
 oblivious of preparing dinner, and the greatly needed haste in starting on 
 the journey! Surprised — even startled at the unexpected and unwelcome 
 sight, he spoke so earnestly as to attract the attention of the whole company 
 — 'Why, Lucy! do you not know how far we have to ride in these bad roads 
 before night, and the necessity of an early dinner, that we may start early?' 
 
 "Smilingly closing the book, she calmly replied with an unmistakable 
 look and emphasis, 'Yes, I know all that; but if, as Mr. Thompson says, 
 we are to be advanced above others in glory and happiness in the next 
 world, according to our knowledge and acquirements in this life, I thought 
 somebody else might get our dinners, and I would spend the time in acquir- 
 ing knowledge, so as to share in his great superiority over others in the world 
 to come.' Curtesying gracefully, she left the room. The company smiled, 
 and some even laughed in appreciation of this palpable application of the 
 Apostle's, 'What have we that we have not received?' and the Savior's 
 'When ye have done all that is commanded, say, We are unprofitable ser- 
 vants.' But the poor self-in'oriner (his arguments wilted before her keen 
 and polished wit, and his pretensions punctured by her sharp though humor- 
 ous rebuke), stood gulping down liis wrath and embarrassment, wondering 
 what had so stung and discomfited him! 
 
 "The above anecdote, in substance, I had from Bro. S. R. Smith him- 
 self, many years, if not more than half a century ago, and related in the 
 very room where the events took place." 
 
 Rev. L. ('. Browne sail recenth in the "Christian Leader'
 
 272 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 "Several of the widows of our deceased clergymen reside in Western 
 New York. Always foremost among these we have in mind is Mrs. Stephen 
 
 E. Smith 'Aunt Lucy.' Her home is in Buffalo, where she lives in comfort 
 
 and is approaching the age of fourscore and ten. Few women we have ever 
 known have been endowed with such strength and fortitude and motherly 
 patience and prudence. No minister's wife of our order in this State has 
 set so many meals for travelling ministers; and none with so moderate rev- 
 enues. When the State Convention was fixed at Utica there have been, we 
 think, no fewer than forty ministerial guests at the old parsonage in Clinton 
 within the space of two weeks." 
 
 EMELINE C. TOMLINSON. 
 
 Mrs. Tomlinson is such a woman as the poet had in his mind when he 
 spoke of one whose days were 
 
 "Bound each to each, in natural piety," 
 
 and yet as 
 
 "Not too «ood 
 iPor human nature's daily food." 
 
 Cheerful in disposition, sunny in temperament, vivacious in manner, 
 bright and witty in conversation, with a constant set of immovable purposes 
 in behalf of her religious and moral convictions, and yet with no domestic 
 duty neglected, and no social obligation unfulfilled, she might well be put 
 forward as a product of that religious faith which she prizes above all else. 
 She has done much for it, but it has done far more for her than she can ever 
 
 do for it. 
 
 Mrs. Tomlinson first opened her eyes upon this bright world May 20, 
 1831. She was peculiarly fortunate in being well born. At that time very 
 little attention was paid to the laws of heredity, but no taint of blood, no 
 unbridled passion or unholy appetites were transmitted from cither parent. 
 The home where her young fife was passed was on a farm in Perinton,
 
 ,;':± ' V. A /"1< 
 
 
 
 , 
 
 EMELINE C. TOMLINSON.

 
 EMELINE C. T0MLIN80N. 278 
 
 Monroe Co., N. Y., just east of the city of Rochester. Here she developed 
 naturally and healthfully, perhaps a little spoiled by an only and older sister 
 and brother, who contended for the care of the baby of the household. 
 
 At eight years of age her father rented his beautiful farm and removed 
 to Geneseo, Livingston Co., where there was a flourishing academy, in order 
 that his children might have an opportunity to obtain a thorough education. 
 For in those days the public schools were not what they now are, and there 
 was no good school nearer than Rochester. The son was sent there awhile, 
 but when the two daughters had outgrown the district school, the father 
 determined to remove where his children could board at home and have the 
 advantages of a thorough education. He was led to do this from the fact 
 that he had been deprived of that great privilege.- He remained three years 
 at Geneseo at a great pecuniary loss, then returned to his own home. 
 
 Amy, the older daughter, was at an age when she coidd improve these 
 great opportunities, but Emeline was only eleven when they returned to the 
 old home. Therefore the next Summer she was sent to Rochester where she 
 attended one of the public schools, and where she made wonderful progress in her 
 studies. Afterward she attended six months at an academy near her father's. 
 Mrs. Tomlinson, in speaking of what she did after her academic labors, 
 remarks, "I taught the young idea of the neighboring village target practice 
 one season." In the Fall of 1849 she went to Albany to attend the State 
 Normal School. She was then but seventeen. Her acquirements were such 
 that she graduated- in one year, although it required severe study to accom- 
 plish it. Study was no task; she was never so happy as when in school, 
 and she has told me that the saddest day she had ever known was that on 
 which she received her diploma, and felt that her school days were over. 
 She says, "There were no colleges at that time open to women, and 1 felt that 
 I had only sipped at the fount of learning." She further says, "A feeling 
 almost of indignation took possession of me at the injustice shown to my sex, 
 nor have I ever ceased to feel that I was defrauded of my divine right." 
 
 After six months spent at home she took the school in her own district 
 to teach for one year. But at the end of four months, Sept. 10, 1850, she 
 was married to Rev. D. C. Toinlinson, and removed to Newark, Wayne Co., 
 where Mr. Tomlinson had already been settled as pastor one year. She
 
 211 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 entered with her whole soul into the work of the church, for she had always 
 loved it. Mrs. Tomlinson says, "I was a birthright Universalist, both my 
 parents being zealous advocates of our glorious faith, both having been con- 
 verted from old-school Presbyterianism. " Her father said to a clergyman, 
 "There is one member of my family who is alwas ready to attend church, 
 nor am I ever obliged to wait for even the tying of her bonnet strings." Mrs. 
 Tornlinson's love of church-going has increased from that time on to the 
 present. From girlhood she has been a teacher in the Sunday-school, and 
 in her younger days a member of the choir. Mr. Tomlinson jocosely told 
 me one day that he thought Mrs. Tomlinson fell in love with his 
 profession quite as much as with him. Her duties as a minister's wife, 
 although arduous, were never irksome, and in every parish where they 
 resided she found her duties labors of love. 
 
 At the General Convention in Buffalo, in 18G9, she and her husband 
 were among the first to suggest that Universalist women should organize into 
 an association to help secure the Murray Fund. Mr. Tomlinson always 
 referred with pride to the fact that he gave the first notice to call the ladies 
 together who were, afterwards the organizers of our great and noble Associa- 
 tion. Mrs. Tomlinson called the meeting to order, and was nominated to 
 preside at the first meeting, but declined in favor of Mrs. J. M. Whitcomb, 
 M. D. Mrs. Tomlinson was elected Secretary ]>ro tan., and at the perma- 
 nent organization was elected Kecording Secretary. This office, at that time, 
 involved a great amount of labor, and was filled by her until the Grand Centen- 
 nial gathering at Gloucester, when she resigned it to take .charge of a little 
 daughter born one month previous. The officers of the Association appreci- 
 ate, as no one else can, the amount of labor performed by Mrs. Tomlinson, 
 Secretary, and Mrs. Adams, Treasurer of the Association. 
 
 In May, 1872, Mr. Tomlinson accepted the position of Financial Sec- 
 retary of Buchtel College, Ohio, and the following October the family re- 
 moved to Akron, Ohio. 
 
 In the Spring of 1874, the great temperance movement, known as the 
 Crusade, was inaugurated. From the first, Mrs. Tomlinson felt a divine call 
 to this work, and enough of her father's spirit pervaded her soul to forbid
 
 EMELINE C. TOMLINSON. 275 
 
 lier being "disobedient to the heavenly vision." Wherever duty calls, she is 
 true to that high behest; and at this time she buckled on the armor for life, 
 feeling that it was not a battle that coidd be fought in a day, but was a war- 
 fare against principalities and powers, against wickedness in high places, 
 which would require time — years perchance — to win the victory. And she 
 labored as though she never admitted a doubt that the right would prevail. 
 From the first she took an active part, leading a band the first day the la- 
 dies went on the street. When the women organized for permanent effort, 
 she was elected first Vice-President, which office she filled while she resided 
 in Akron, six years. When the street work was discontinued, the subject of 
 a Friendly Inn was discussed in which Mrs. T. took the deepest interest. 
 The idea finally crystallized into a comfortable inn with reading and din- 
 ing room on the first floor and assembly room above, which was used for 
 prayer-meetings and business. Here, too, the Dorcas Society met, a benevolent 
 organization composed of ladies from all the churches, and designed to aid 
 the city poor. It was a union society; so also were the temperance workers, 
 a union of earnest women, therefore the Friendly Inn was called "The 
 Union." The first three years Mrs. Tomlinson was Secretary of the 
 Dorcas Society. She was then elected President, which position she held 
 until her removal from Akron, three years longer. Before she left Akron for 
 their home in Chicago — her husband having assumed the State Superin- 
 intendency of Illinois — her co-workers gave her a public farewell reception, ex- 
 pressing the deepest regret at losing her from their midst. Perhaps the most 
 prominent trait in Mrs. T.'s character is her hopefulness. She never loses 
 faith in the final triumph of good over evil, and consequently labors with a 
 courage that knows no defeat. 
 
 At the same time she worked for the church, being President of the 
 Ladies' Social Aid Society several years, and always holding some office that 
 called out her energies. 
 
 During three years of the eight that she lived in Akron, she was on the 
 Examining Committee of the College, and every term found her at the Col- 
 I ige, listening to the recitations. 
 
 With all Mrs. Tomhnson's duties and outside cares, she yet found time
 
 276 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 to write some things for publication. At all public meetings in the temper- 
 ance cause, she was called upon to furnish a paper on some topic, and never 
 failed to respond. 
 
 Her first published article was written about fifteen years ago. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Tomlinson have always been very hospitable, and conse- 
 quently their home has always been a "Zion's Hotel," as one of their friends 
 christened it. Of course, they have often been imposed upon by the minis- 
 terial tramp. After long suffering from that class of ministers, who enter a 
 home only to revolutionize all its domestic arrangements, requiring a sepa- 
 rate bill-of-fare, a change of the bed, etc., Mrs. Tomhnson wrote an article 
 for the "Christian Leader," entitled "Clerical Bores." It was written in a 
 style that attracted much attention, and there was quite a fluttering in the 
 ministerial ranks. Mrs. T. has positive convictions on every subject pertain- 
 ing to the welfare of humanity; especially is she deeply interested in the ad- 
 vancement of her own sex. She claims for them eqrual rights, educationally, 
 politically and socially. Aside from the subject of temperance, her pen has 
 been used in the interests of women. An article written for the "Woman's 
 Journal," of Boston, and largely copied into other papers, was entitled 
 "Natural Protectors." She does not attempt sermons or essays, but writes 
 in an off-hand, dashing style, seeking to show the absurdity of a thing by 
 good-natured sarcasm and ridicule. We quote from the article mentioned as 
 an illustration of her style : 
 
 "It has been said from time immemorial that man is woman's natural 
 protector. Let us investigate this subject, and discover the facts in the 
 case. We will go back to first principles and see how it was with the first 
 man and first woman. When Adam and Eve both sinned, and the Lord 
 called them to account, did this champion of woman, this 'natural pro- 
 tector,' come boldly forward, acknowledge his transgression, and shield the 
 'weaker vessel'?' What says the record? 'And the Lord God called unto 
 Adam, and said unto him: 'Where art thou?' And he said: 'I heard thy 
 voice in the garden and was afraid.' Brave spirit! And the Lord said: 'Hast 
 thou eaten of the tree whereof I commanded thou shouldst not eat?' And the 
 man said: 'The woman whom thou gavest to be with mo, she gave me of the 
 tree, and I did eat.' A manly reply. Lovely protection, indeed! And tin i
 
 EMELINE C. TOMLINSON. 277 
 
 precedent, thus early established, has been faithfully followed by the sons of 
 Adam, toward the daughters of Eve, ever since." 
 
 In a paper, called "Tracts and their Distribution," read before the Ohio 
 State Convention of Universalists, she thus discourses : 
 
 "The subject of tracts has not been an attractive one. The methods of 
 their distribution in former times tended to disgust many, who might other- 
 wise have been benefited. Colporteurs, with a funereal air, and tall, gaunt 
 females, with a chief-mourner expression, armed with tracts, on such sub- 
 jects as 'An Angry God,' 'An Endless Hell,' and 'The Sinner's Doom,' 
 would enter our homes and after thrusting them in our faces, offer to pray 
 with us. If they had sung at the close, 'My thoughts on awful subjects 
 roll, damnation and the dead,' or 'Hark from the tombs a doleful sound,' it 
 would have been in perfect harmony. But the world moves, and the Amer- 
 ican Tract Society with it." After this playful introduction followed an ex- 
 haustive treatise on the subject, and closing with this earnest plea: 
 
 "Let us then send these little missionaries through the length and 
 breadth of our land. Let us sow broadcast this precious seed. The birds of 
 the air mil cany it, the winds of heaven waft it. We may not know where 
 it will lodge, or measure the harvest of sheaves, but let us 
 'Learn to labor ami to wait.'" 
 
 But with all Mrs. Tomlinson's outside cares, she has never neglected her 
 home. That has ever been her first thought. "I do not claim any brilliant 
 gifts, any remarkable talents," we once heard her exclaim, "but I do think I 
 have a genius for making a home." In proof of this the home was always 
 made so pleasant that her husband and sons have never been tempted to 
 leave it for other attractions, but have ever found it to be "Sweet, sweet 
 home." 
 
 Dr. Hanson who has had a close acquaintance with the family, says: 
 
 "The home which this good woman always made so attractive, not 
 only to her family, but to all sojourners, has been blessed by two sons, young 
 men of promise, both of whom were graduated at Buchtel College, Akron, 
 Ohio, in 1880, and a sweet daughter, Mary, but alas, it was suddenly darkened 
 while this little sketch was being written, by the death of him to whom it was 
 always an ante-room of Heaven. Rev. De Witt Clinton Tomlinson was one
 
 278 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 of the most genial of men, and one of the most consecrated of ministers. He 
 was engaged as Superintendent of Churches in Illinois, and had performed 
 an important service at a great grove meeting in Wedron, 111., Sunday, 
 July 24, 1881, when he was suddenly attacked by congestion of the liver, and 
 died on Wednesday following, aged 57 years. Mrs. Tornhnson was absent in 
 Colorado, seeking relief from a severe pulmonary attack. His remains now 
 repose in Hudson, Mich. He was one of the most excellent of men, and had 
 wrought a great and good work for his church, for humanity, and for God. 
 While all were fearing declining health for the subject of this sketch, the 
 strong man, the picture of manly vigor and health, was taken from the chil- 
 dren, who loved, and the wife, who idolized him. But the bereaved widow 
 does not mourn as those who have no hope. She exemplifies her precious 
 faith by Christian resignation ; and the spirit she exhibits, and that sustains 
 her, is embodied in the poet's lines: 
 
 "With patient heart thy course of duty run. 
 
 God nothing does, nor suffers to be done, 
 But thou \vouldst do thyself, if thou eouldst see 
 
 The end of all he does as well as he." 
 
 ELIZABETH OAKES SMITH 
 
 Is a descendant of Dr. Uriah Oakes, one of the early Presidents of Har- 
 vard College, and of Thomas Prince, a direct descendant of John Prince, who 
 was ordained colleague of Rev. Dr. Joseph Sewell, of the Old South Church, 
 Boston, and continued in that church for forty years. David Prince (Eliza- 
 beth's father) married Sophia Blanchard, whose ancestors can be traced to 
 the Huguenot exiles from France. Elizabeth was born in 1806, and named 
 for her grandmother Oakes. 
 
 From her mother Elizabeth seemed to inherit a dash of French courtesy, 
 and when I heard her lecture thirty years ago, from her graceful, dignified 
 and refined manner, it would be very easy (if such honor had ever been con-
 
 ELIZABETH OAKES SMITH. 279 
 
 f erred upon woman) to believe that she had kneeling received a blow from 
 the sword of the "honor-giving hand of Cceur-de-Leon." 
 
 Elizabeth Oakes Prince was married in 1823, to Seba Smith, the well- 
 known author, journalist, poet, humorist, and distinguished mathematician, 
 and author of "Jack Downing's Letters," whom she aided in his journal- 
 istic enterprises. 
 
 In 1889, in an attempt to speculate in land, Mr. Smith risked and lost 
 all his property. Soon after the family removed to New York. The loss of 
 the property did not influence Mrs. Smith's friends to turn the cold shoulder. 
 She was admired for her talents, charming personal attractions, and the 
 bravery she exhibited after her husband's misfortunes. She assumed the 
 burthen of the day, and was happy. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Pitt 
 Fessenden, with their families, were among her warmest friends, attracted 
 by her wealth of mind and soul; and they enjoyed her and her husband no 
 less after than before the sordid dollars took their flight. That child of gen- 
 ius, John Neal, who was the first, even before Lucretia Mott, to advocate in 
 public woman suffrage, fully sympathized with Mrs. Smith, and she 
 received his cordial endorsement to earn her bread by speaking the truths 
 which to her seemed divine. And she writes me that she was born with "a 
 sense of the equality of the sexes," and had a desire to present her arguments 
 whether remuneration came or not. She was the first woman admitted into 
 the lyceum as a popular lecturer. She spoke on "Woman's Eights" and 
 other topics until the civil war broke up the lyceums of the country. She 
 always delighted her audiences, whatever the subject, with the fine fancies 
 she wove into her lectures. 
 
 A sketch of Mrs. Smith's life, with an accompanying portrait, was writ- 
 ten more than twenty years ago by George Ripley. He says, "Her head is 
 large, almost massive, and fully developed in each of the cardinal regions, 
 especially developed in Ideality, Causality, Mirthfulness, Conscientiousness 
 and Benevolence. No phrenologist woidd hesitate to ascribe to her an un- 
 usual share of justice and philanthropy, as actuating and controlling motives 
 of action. Hence the reformatory vein which runs through her writings. 
 
 "Mrs. Smith has a distinguished personal appearance. She is somewhat 
 above the common stature, of full symmetrical proportions, but with no lack
 
 280 OUB WOMAN WOEKEES. 
 
 of feminine delicacy and grace; with dark 'presaging eyes,' kindled with the 
 latent fire of contemplation and rapt musings ; rich brown hair, whose mas- 
 sive folds give softness to her classicaUy chiseled features; and a general 
 expression of countenance which combines intellectual energy with tender 
 feeling. As a specimen of womanly beauty in the maturity of its charms, 
 she is a favorite subject with artists, who have in vain attempted to copy 
 with the pencil the living expression which gives character to her features. 
 As a lecturer she owes much to the grace and dignity of her manner, as well 
 as to the justness and importance of her thoughts. She speaks from written 
 notes, though with the freedom and facility of extemporaneous discourse. 
 Her style is carefully elaborated, abounding with piquant historical illustra- 
 tions, and embellished with the appropriate ornaments that are naturally 
 suggested to a poetical mind. Without being an orator in the usual sense of 
 the term as implying the command of artificial rhetoric, her elocution is grace- 
 ful and impressive, her bearing is singularly self-possessed, the few gestures 
 which she employs are always significant, her intonations are informed by 
 thought and glow with electric feeling, showing that woman's lips are the fit 
 medium for the highest ideas, and that 'truths divine come mended from her 
 tongue.' In her lectures, as in her writings, she has ever displayed the 
 inspiration of the loftiest sentiments; no truckling to vulgar prejudices has 
 vitiated the purity of her eloquence ; always loyal to humanity, to faith in 
 progress, and to the hope of the kingdom of heaven on earth, she has pleaded 
 for divine ideas in a womanly spirit, sustained by an unfaltering trust in the 
 natural trinity of Goodness, Beauty and Truth." 
 
 Mrs. Smith wrote and published little poems and stories when she was 
 six years old. When I wrote her about it she replied, "I was no more pre- 
 cocious than my playmates, only more observing, and more pestering with 
 my questions. When quite a babe I wanted to know the whys and where- 
 fores of everything." And she referred me to her autobiography in the 
 "Phrenological Journal." 
 
 She received her baptism of Universalism from her grandfather Blanch- 
 ard, who was an intelligent believer and a conscientious advocate of it in the 
 days of its odium. The following shows what an unwise doctrine the old- 
 fashioned theology was.
 
 ELIZABETH OAKES SMITH. 281 
 
 "I learned very early to doubt the opinions of others. The old Pilgrim 
 theology, when I was no more than half a dozen years, gave me a sense of 
 horror. That little children should be such terrible creatures — 'in hell only 
 a span long' — born with nothing good in them, I stoutly denied, declaring 
 that '/ was (/<»>,/, and always was, and always meant to be,' at which people 
 laughed, of course, or warned my mother that I needed looking after. Oth- 
 ers exclaimed, 'Oh, you strange child! don't talk in this way; don't bother 
 your brains about what is beyond you.' My mother would tell me that it was 
 an improper way to talk, and bade me be silent. In these dilemmas I used 
 to go to the Bible — a child of six years 'searching the Scriptures' — and 
 remember, as if but yesterday, the light and comfort I found when I first 
 was arrested by the passage, 'If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, 
 who giveth abundantly, and upbraideth not.' 
 
 "What a comfort was in these words, 'upbraideth not,' to a little child so 
 often repulsed ! I took heart at once. I carried up all my ignorances and 
 impediments and imbecilities to the Great Audit, and found help and com- 
 fort, and what was more, patience to wait; but still I suffered a great deal 
 by this deferred knowledge, and sometimes would say, 'I don't think it right 
 to keep little girls ignorant when they want to know so much.' " 
 
 Asking questions was one of the unpardonable sins of her childhood, 
 whether they were answered or not. She knew every flower and tree within 
 miles of her home, and could tell the shape of the leaves and the varying 
 tints of the petals. From babyhood she took an interest and delight in all 
 of God's works. Her "Autobiography" so perfectly depicts the thoughts, 
 feelings and aspirations of children in general, and will so refresh the mem- 
 ories of those whose heads are silvered with age — as few writers are able to 
 do — that it is worthy of preservation, and only lack of space prevents me from 
 transferring it to these pages. 
 
 ******** 
 
 "As I pen these little incidents they seem puerile subjects for an article, 
 
 and yet I think it well to preserve them. Could we have the record of a few 
 
 minds from early childhood, written honestly by persons of tenacious memory 
 
 like mine — for I recall after this lapse of time, not only events, but the exact 
 
 words, looks, and attitudes of those connected therewith, the locality, period 
 13
 
 282 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 of the year, kind of weather, also — I am sure some psychological intimations 
 might be obtained in aid of education. Grown people need the help of chil- 
 dren. 
 
 "Children are far more penetrating than is generally thought, and de- 
 tect a false ingredient as by natural instinct. They are made false in the 
 nursery, and go out into the world with conventional rather than moral ideas. 
 I do not believe in perpetual teaching, coercion and reprimand ; much may 
 be left to spontaneous insight. 
 
 "My grandfather Prince never rebuffed me in my search after ideas, but 
 answered me with conscientious tenderness. I got to thinking he knew 
 everything. Judge, then, of my surprise when he once honestly said, 'I do 
 not know.' I had been gathering flowers in the corn-field, and came home 
 with my hands filled with the dehcate silk of the Indian corn. Grandfather 
 was reading, but as I placed myself on his knee he stroked my head tenderly. 
 At length, observing what I held in my hand, he exclaimed, 'Ah, child, do 
 you know what you have done? There will be no corn where you have 
 pulled out the silk.' 
 
 " 'Why grandpa; why will there be no corn?' 
 
 " 'I can not give the reason, child ; I only know the fact from observation.' 
 
 "It must be remembered that botany and geology were then in their in- 
 fancy. 
 
 "Puritan children were rigidly held to a routine of duty varying little 
 from day to day. First, every child was out of bed and dressed by rise of 
 sun, at all seasons. Ablutions many and often were in order, for my mother 
 believed in the bath, and the shower-bath at that, to be used at least once 
 in the week. At my grandmother's this thrilling and breath-taking operation 
 was considered a cruelty, and remonstrated against in my case, I being 
 thought delicate. Every child was carefully inspected by the mother's eye, 
 to be sure tbat no rents were to be found, and no strings or buttons missing. 
 We all knelt in the nursery at prayers — the Lord's Prayer. It was a pretty 
 sight, a family of six to eight children at the breakfast table, each one bright 
 mid white and -nice to the last degree. 
 
 "We appeared after breakfast before my mother, and took what was 

 
 ELIZABETH OAKES SMITH. 288 
 
 called our stint, which was an amount of knitting or sewing to be done dur- 
 ing the day, whether we went to school or not. This stint was exacted from 
 the time I was four years old till I was in my teens, and as there were three 
 and four girls in the family, a considerable amount of linen was made up by 
 us. Later in life I learned that this unvarying toil was bad for me, as I be- 
 came afflicted with a 'busy devil,' that woidd not let me rest. I could not 
 be idle even when I would. I must have work, reading, writing, when others 
 were at play. In this way I have done much for the poor which otherwise I 
 might not have found time for. I have passed hardly an idle hour in my 
 whole life, and have rarely been disabled, having never had any organic 
 'disease. 
 
 "I used to gravely discuss like a little casuist the proportions of evil-doing, 
 and how some might do one way and some another, and yet God would love 
 them both. He would not expect children to do just like me, for somehow I 
 could not stop thinking about things, and wickedness was worse in me than 
 in them. Other children might do as my sister did, who was quite perfect, 
 but I was a little different, and perhaps an idiot about some things. 
 
 "There was one in the neighborhood witli blear eyes and slovenly 
 mouth, who was a misery to me. I never for a moment felt that I had any- 
 thing akin to her ; but as I was a little different from my sister and others, I 
 could not define wherein the mental difference consisted, and once quite 
 shocked my mother by asking 'if I had not had good care I might not have 
 been hke her?' 
 
 "It will thus be seen that children need a great deal of help in solving 
 their mental problems. To incur maternity is to incur the responsibility of 
 not only training, but of comforting the misgivings of the child. They are 
 called dull or irritable when the only thing required is that they should be 
 revealed to themselves. Their heart questionings, their perilous misgivings 
 are as real to them as to children of a larger growth. Mothers should merge 
 all considerations into the interests of the household, most especially to the 
 vital claims of the child.
 
 284 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 "I have an old 'Reward of Merit,' in the shape of a little volume pre- 
 sented to me at school by my teacher. It bears the date of June, and I 
 would not be six years old till the next August. This meager child's book, 
 'The History of the Holy Jesus,' with its paper, yellowed by time, its poor, 
 blurred type, and crabbed illustrations (what a contrast to a modern child's 
 book!) brings back the whole sad period of which I am about to speak, all 
 my unchildish grief, and unconscious precocity. I see the face of my kind 
 teacher, Mr. Butler, with his stiff hair erect from his forehead, his pale face 
 and pale blue eyes. I see the scholars with their eyes fixed upon me as I 
 stood beside him and read in Scott's Lessons, and spelt from Morse's Dic- 
 tionary, a child less than six years ranking with those three times my age. I see 
 children twice my age, to my infinite pity and disgust, blundering through 
 Webster's spelling book, and reading b-a-k-e-r. I am sure I felt no conceit 
 nor vanity at my position, for in my simple piety I thanked God for helping 
 me to learn, and giving me a love for it. I recall my little fervent prayers 
 and thanksgivings, and my efforts to inspire my mates with a like spirit. 
 Ah ! children are naturally so religious and so desirous to be helpful ! " 
 
 She thus describes her birthplace : 
 
 "In a little cottage, set like a pearl in emerald, lived a young man and 
 woman who were truly husband and wife. The home had four rooms on the 
 ground floor — a garden in front — the gable of the house fronting the county 
 road. In the garden grew lilies and roses; tall hollyhocks, london-pride, 
 mallows, and love-lies-bleeding, with a wilderness of pansies known as the 
 'lady's delight.' On two sides of the cottage was a grove of aromatic pines, 
 somewhat somber, perhaps, and full of suppressed whisperings, but loudly 
 resonant when the elements were high. Here were found the trailing arbu- 
 tus, which the Pilgrim dames tenderly named the Mayflower, and the berries 
 of the wintergreen, like rubies, and Indian pipe, like a pearl blossom. 
 
 "Here three daughters were born to the young pair, of which I was the 
 second. When I was nearly forty years old, I took occasion to visit this 
 pretty cottage in company with my lovely son, Sidney. As a coincidence T 
 here found a bright young mother living quite alone, and three little girls, as 
 in my mother's day. The mother was pleased with the notice I took of her 
 children, and remarked:
 
 ELIZABETH OAKES SMITH. 285 
 
 " 'My house has an interest of itself; you must know that a poet was 
 bom here in this very room.' 
 
 "I was pleased at this and gave her my card, at which she grasped my 
 hand warmly, saying: 
 
 " 'I must know just how you look,' and she studied my face with pleas- 
 ant scrutiny.' 
 
 "In this oasis of verdure and heavenly peace I was born." 
 
 Mrs. Smith wrote under a nom deplume until after her husband's mis- 
 fortunes, then she introduced herself to the reading world as Elizabeth Oakes 
 Smith, that she might gain support for her family. Their fortune took its 
 flight in 1839, and in 1813 she wrote the "Sinless Child," which has, without 
 doubt, few superiors in felicity of expression in any author's productions. 
 Says George Ripley, the great critic, in the "Phrenological Journal," "It has 
 won the admiration even of fastidious critics. It is a production of uncom- 
 mon tenderness and grace, illustrating the most elevated and winning truits 
 of humanity, by images of surpassing loveliness." The "Journal" further 
 expresses itself concerning Mrs. Smith's writings: "'The Salamander; -or 
 The Laus Angel,' a Christmas legend, replete with weird and startling con- 
 ceptions, clothing the profoundest truth in the robes of a subtle allegory, and 
 redeeming the supernatural strangeness of its plot by a style of delicious 
 sweetness and spirit; 'Shadow-Land,' a discussion of the mystic element in 
 human nature; 'Woman and Her Needs' (published in 1851), a wise and dis- 
 criminating statement of the demands of women on society; and 'Dress 
 and Beauty,' an examination of the dictates of natural taste in regard 
 to female costume, in which full justice is done both to the aesthetic and 
 practical elements of the subject." 
 
 Mrs. Smith published "The Western Captive" in 1850; "Bertha and 
 Lily," into which she put many of her own experiences, in 1854; "News 
 Boy," 1855; "The Two Wives," 1870; "Kitty Howard's Journal" in 1871. 
 "The Roman Tribute," in five acts, and "Jacob Leister" are tragedies of in- 
 terest. One can easily see by a few of the many of Mrs. Smith's writings 
 that she has been no idler, and at the ripe old age of seventy-five years her 
 pen continues to trace out her imaginings, with almost, if not quite, as much 
 strength and beauty as thirty years ago.
 
 286 OUR VrOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Mrs. Smith, as her years increase, becomes more and more sure of the 
 fullness of God's universal love; and through her life, so full of disap- 
 pointments and sorrows, has possessed her soul in sweetness through our own 
 blessed faith, for she is assured by it that "griefs die," or "slumber quietly in 
 the chamber of peace." 
 
 She supplied the pulpit as preacher for a year, in Canastota, N. Y., and 
 has appeared in other pulpits with great acceptability, all over the country. 
 She has always been a cheerful, industrious woman, a devoted mother, a no- 
 ble housewife, having neglected no home duty for public efforts. She has 
 been the mother of six boys, four of whom have crossed over into the great 
 unseen. 
 
 Mrs. Smith, in these days of old age, (I must call her old, for seventy- 
 six years fraught with joys and sorrows, disappointments and hopes, have 
 come and gone for her; but there are some people it is almost out of the 
 question to imagine as being beyond the years of youth, and she is one of 
 those), says, "You must excuse this miserable scrawl, for just now I am suf- 
 fering the ignoble martyrdom of poverty. No disgrace, it is said, but most 
 uncomfortable. I am just now in the midst of all kinds of work unaBsthetic, 
 and unless the sentiment is in the soul of me, I am out of the pale of it. I 
 think you would not dislike all this, borne not so much enduringly, as in the 
 light of that 'Stern daughter of the voice of God,' as Wordsworth so grandly 
 calls Duty. We are apt to attach too much importance to elegant surround- 
 ings. I do not feel that poverty touches me, only it restricts me. Material 
 deficiencies can be cured or endured, but there is no help for poverty of soul." 
 
 The foUowing beautiful poem gives evidence of her tenderness of heart 
 and strength of faith. 
 
 LIMITATION. 
 
 Alone wo stand to solve the doubt, 
 Alone to work salvation ou1 . 
 Casting our helpless hands about 
 
 For human help, for human cheer, 
 Or only for a human tear, 
 Forgetting God is always near. 
 
 The poet, in his grandest flight. 
 
 Sees ranged beyond him height o'er height, 
 
 Dreams thai elude his utmosl might. 

 
 HANNAH R. UKOSH. 287 
 
 And music borne by echo back, 
 
 Pines "ii a solitary track. 
 
 Till faint hearts cry alas ! alack 
 
 Ami beauty born of flnesl art. 
 Slips from the limner's hand apart, 
 And leaves him aching at the heart. 
 
 The fairesl face hath never brought 
 
 Its fairest look. The deepest thought 
 
 Is never into language wrought. 
 
 The quaint, old litanies that fell 
 
 From ancient seers, great hearts impel 
 
 To nobler deeds than he-roes tell. 
 
 We live, we breathe, all unexprest ; 
 Our holiest, noblest in the hreast 
 Lies struggling in a wild unrest. 
 
 Our onward lights eternal shine ; 
 Unconquered by unmanly pine. 
 Our royal amaranths we twine. 
 
 If, hungering with a latent sense, 
 
 We know not. ask not, how or whence, 
 
 We take our consecration thence. 
 
 The wine press must alone be trod, 
 
 The burning ploughshare pressed unshod, 
 
 There is no rock of help, but God. 
 
 HANNAH E. GEOSH. 
 
 The maiden name of this Christian woman was Kinehart. She was 
 horn in Coventry, Chester Co., Pa., April 20, 1800, where she lived till the 
 death of her parents, after which she resided with an older sister in Ma- 
 rietta, Pa. Soon after changing homes, she commenced school-teaching, for 
 which she was especially fitted and amply prepared, her tender, gentle, yet 
 dignified manner winning the respect and love of the children (the larger as 
 well as the smaller ones). In 182-4, she was united in marriage to our re-
 
 288 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 vered and saintly brother, Rev. A. B. Grosk. ' They did not remove from 
 Marietta until 1830, when she accompanied her husband to Utica, N. Y., where 
 for the next fourteen years he published, and a part of the time edited, the 
 "Evangelical Magazine and Gospel Advocate," at this time, however, edited 
 by Rev. Dolphus Skinner. Their trip from Marietta to Utica occupied two 
 weeks, and was made in a two-horse wagon, over muddy roads. A snow-storm 
 overtaking them, we must presume that the last part of the drive was through 
 mud and snow. The only sunshine which shone forth to cheer them upon 
 this tedious trip, was what each made for the other and for the three little 
 ones which had their united attention. 
 
 The thought frequently comes to me, are we faithful in teaching our 
 children the privations, the hardships and consecration of our early minis- 
 ters (and their wives), who, with holy faith, nothing doubting God's great 
 goodness, continued without fainting by the way, to clear the mists from the 
 beclouded Scriptures, that we and they to-day might possess our faith in love 
 and trust, and walk this earth with the assurance that a Divine Being governs? 
 
 It will be remembered that in the days we are writing about, it was the 
 custom for men of business to board their workmen, and as a matter of 
 course, this sweet woman opened the doors of her house to her husband's 
 printers, and her house was always a home to them, as to all who came with- 
 in its walls. All of the clergy and other friends who have been entertained 
 by her in days a-gone, say that her hospitality was unbounded. Rev. Caro- 
 line A. Soide, who spent seven months of her young, married life in the 
 home of Mrs. Grosh, says: "I could speak in very tender words, for she was 
 a rare woman, a devoted wife, a faithful mother, a consecrated friend. I 
 could not do her goodness justice, were I to try." Strangers and friends en- 
 joyed the comfort of her attention. We can reverse the Scripture and say 
 that all friends and strangers were entertained by an angel. 
 
 Mrs. Grosh was a model house-wife, and one who believed that the 
 sublimest offices ever fulfilled by woman are those of wife to a noble man, and 
 mother of his children ; it was a religious duty to her, that the little ones 
 who had been entrusted to her care, and he to whom she had pledged herself 
 to honor his house, should have the first warmth of her heart, and strength 
 of her hands, and these two sources from which the happiness of life comes,
 
 HANNAH R. GROSH. 289 
 
 seemed inexhaustible in her. She was ;ui active member in her church, 
 and won the respect of all those who worked with her or knew her. She was 
 a sort of saintly oracle, whom strangers, as well as friends, sought when per- 
 plexed, in trouble or sorrow. In personal appearance she was small, with 
 wavy, dark brown hair, and hazel eyes which were always lighted with a 
 pleasant smile. 
 
 Mrs. Grosh was especially active during the Washingtonian Temperance 
 Reform, in organizing the wives and daughters of reformed men into Martha 
 Washington societies, and in the various charitable operations to provide 
 food, fuel and clothing for the needy men and their families, until they could 
 gather means to help themselves and each other, for mutual help was the 
 great aim of the truly benevolent women engaged in that reform. 
 
 After I had my sketch nearly completed, I wrote Bro. Grosh asking for 
 further information. His reply follows: 
 
 "I do not think I can add more to your account, though I could speak 
 much out of a full heart to her praise as maid and wife, as mother, neighbor, 
 friend, in all which and other relations of hfe, her memory is blessed by all 
 who knew her well and truly, and most of all, her children all grew up and 
 blessed her in youth and unto death. Of her, as of her successor, I can 
 truly say what I have generally intimated in the 'dedication' of my 'Mentor 
 in the Granges.' Bro. S. K. Smith said similarly of his 'Lucy' — an 
 eulogy applicable to most ministers' wives I have known— 'All I have become 
 and all I have accomplished in my ministry, is in a very great degree due to 
 my wife. She always so ordered my household and relieved me of my many 
 business cares, as to give me the requisite ease of mind and leisure for my 
 studies and labors; and so sympathized with me in my duties and endeavors as 
 to stimulate my efforts, lighten my burdens, soothe my disappointments, and 
 make my trials endurable. My home was always a refuge and a place of 
 rest for me; and its hospitalities to my brethren and friends were always 
 prepared by her care, and dispensed with a liberal hand, a smiling face, and 
 a cheerfvd welcome.' " 
 
 The dedication alluded to, here follows: "To my wife I dedicate this 
 book. Her sympathy inspired, her approval encouraged, and her counsels 
 guided, its preparation; while her management of our domestic and business
 
 290 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 affairs released rne from many cares, and afforded the needed leisure for my* 
 labors; and thus through her, I also dedicate it to the many thousands of 
 women, whose similar inspirations, encouragements, counsels and sacrifices, 
 aid and enable their husbands, sons and brothers to plan and to do for them- 
 selves, their families and mankind. May our great order add many other 
 thousands to the numbers of these earliest educators of our race and lifelong 
 helpers of our sex, and increase their opportunities, and strengthen their in- 
 fluence in every good way, and word and work." 
 
 In 1844, her health, which had been delicate for some years, began to 
 fail, and the watchful eyes of her husband noted the change, and she was 
 taken to a milder climate (Maryland), under the influence of which she im- 
 proved, and the following year accompanied her husband to Reading, Pa., 
 where she apparently quite regained her health. In the Spring of 1849, a 
 severe cold settled upon her throat and lungs, from which she never re- 
 covered. On Nov. 10, 1849, she reached forward to the realities of that 
 world in which at last we shall all rejoice, "no wanderer lost, a family in 
 heaven." 
 
 Rev. A. C. Thomas delivered a very tender and beautiful address upon 
 the text, "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." We 
 quote a few extracts : 
 
 "And yet, not on the score of what she was, but on the knowledge of 
 what God is, did she rely for that blessed home on high which we trust she 
 has attained. And it was this reliance, this humble faith, that wrought in 
 her the two-fold benediction of an exemplary life and a happy heart. 
 
 "Calmly and without a murmur she awaited her change, and though 
 there were mingliugs of natural desire, as connected with continuance in the 
 earthly groups of friendship and love, they were sanctified by rapturous visions 
 of reunion where 'there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, 
 nor any more pain.' " 
 
 "Connected in blood, interest, trial, labor, may you continue steadfast 
 in the principles and love imparted by both the precept and example of the 
 mother who bore you, and who sent to you her dying blessing. Cleave to 
 her memory, and the joy of prosperity will be associated with the happy 
 recollections of home, and even the knell of her departure will be changed
 
 LYDIA IIINMAN CASE. 291 
 
 to musical echoes from the realm of her incorruptible dwelling." 
 
 Her children were, E. Allen, Hosea B., Emma M., married to John G. 
 Jones, Utica, N. Y., M. Letitia, Malvina h\, and Warren iiinehart. 
 
 1 had heard very much concerning the first and second wife of Rev. A. 
 B. Grosh, and wrote him accordingly, but he with his accustomed modesty 
 for himself and those belonging to him, hesitated. But the beloved present 
 wife in a quiet way known only to herself, sent the following, and I feel 
 sure my readers will not fail to see through it the Christian graces of the 
 author. It was the first response I received in reference to the subject of 
 this sketch, but it seems a fitting close. Mrs. Jones, of Utica, N. Y., from 
 whom I quote in the sketch of Mrs. Gillette, also rendered me assistance. 
 
 "You some time since wrote my husband about giving my name a place 
 in your new book. Please do no such thing. I am nothing but a plain, 
 every-day woman, who has never done anything to merit such distinction. 
 Besides, it would trouble me to see my name associated with women so dis- 
 tinguished as Mrs. Soule, Clara Barton, Helen Gilson, Mrs. Thomas, etc. 
 No, no, the contrast would be too great. 
 
 "But if you will allow me, I will name one who would, I think, fill a 
 niche in your group, my husband's first wife, Mrs. Hannah Grosh. She 
 was not a great woman as the world counts greatness, but she was so thor- 
 oughly good, so Christ-like in spirit, that I feel her 'name should not perish 
 from the earth.' A low-voiced, gentle, loving woman who never seemed to 
 think of herself, but only of what she could do to lighten the burdens, and 
 contribute to the comfort and happiness of others. Though physically frail, 
 she was a woman of wonderful strength of character, strong to endure, to 
 dare and to do, where a principle was involved." 
 
 LYDIA HINMAN CASE. 
 
 Mrs. Case, the "Chicago Tribune" says, is of medium height, well- 
 proportioned, and graceful. Her abundant jet black hair is worn in a coif- 
 fure of braids, showing a perfectly shaped as well as perfectly balanced head.
 
 292 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Her large, lustrous, brown eyes have a fund of mirth and pensiveness; her 
 mouth is attractive either in its dimpling smiles, or its repose of sadness. 
 She is very shy, modest, and retiring. In response to my letter of inquiries 
 concerning the facts of her life, and my wish to enroll her with the crowd of 
 brain workers for our church, she replied, "I consider it a great compliment 
 to be placed among your 'Workers,' for it strikes me very forcibly that I am 
 one of the drones, and my life has been so eventless and uninteresting, 
 that there will be nothing in a sketch that will give your readers patience to 
 peruse it, if you fill out the dates." 
 
 Lydia was born in Elba, Dodge Co., Wis., September, 1852. The 
 "Tribune" speaks of a sadness which pervades her expression when her feat- 
 ures are in repose, but when we learn the facts of her youth, that from her 
 earliest recollections until six years ago, some one, oftener two, and some- 
 times three of her family were sick at a time, we shall not wonder that "Dim 
 sadness did not spare her." Whe"n she was fifteen years old, she commenced 
 attending the Liberal Institute, in Jefferson, Wis., and continued whenever 
 her health would permit, until it closed, wMen she went to Madison Univer- 
 sity, returning again to Jefferson when it was re-opened. On account of ill- 
 health she was advised by her physician to leave school. As soon as she 
 partly recovered, her parents sent her East to study music, but she had been 
 there scarcely six months when she was summoned home to attend a sick 
 brother. For four years she watched and attended him, except when she 
 left home for short intervals to renew her strength, and for four years her 
 mind lay fallow, for she says, "I had no time or inclination to write, or even 
 think of it during my poor brother's entire illness. The past six years I have 
 spent with my books, pen and piano, except when rambling for health, or 
 too ill for any of these amusements. " 
 
 Miss Hinman is a fine pianist, and a musical composer. Mr. Emil C. 
 Gaebler, of Watertown, Wis., a composer, says, "Miss Hinman shows orig- 
 inality and unmistakable signs of fine talent as a composer of music." She 
 has published but little of her musical composition. She says, "I began my 
 scribbling at a veiy youthful age for the amusement of an invalid sister, who 
 was much cleverer than I at rhyming, and left me so far behind at making 
 up stories, that I gave up that field entirely to her." The Faculty of the In-
 
 
 LYDIA HINMAN CASE. 298 
 
 stitute was the first to encourage her to set adrift some of her sweet poems. 
 Since then she has corresponded for numberless papers and periodicals. 
 While rambling for health among the balsamic forests, she corresponded for 
 the "Sunday Telegraph," dating her articles, "Among the Pines," and a fine 
 critic says of them, "Her sketches show her to be a writer of power. Her 
 descriptions are life-like, and have the clear outline, the mellow light and the 
 fresh beauty of the Summer woods. We know of no writings of this class 
 in books or magazines that are superior to hers. " 
 
 She has been a frequent and valuable correspondent to The Star and 
 Covenant, and the following selections show that she bids fair to rank hi ff h 
 among "the singers of the liberal faith." 
 
 DAISY CHAINS, 
 
 Down in the meadow, half asleep, 
 
 Where breezes through the grasses sweep, 
 
 An idle youth in quiet lay, 
 
 While at his side a blue-eyed fay 
 
 Sat weaving with such artful care, 
 
 A dainty chain of daisies fair. 
 
 His eyes were closed in sweet content 
 
 Her thoughts alone on mischief bent; 
 
 She wound the chain about his head, 
 
 And arms, and form, and o'er him spread, 
 
 'Till he seemed but a daisy bed. 
 
 The laughing eyes then open flew. 
 And peered into the eyes of blue : 
 Up rose his hands, and with a bound, 
 The chain lay broken on the ground. 
 The blue ryes flashed with sudden light, 
 And flinging him the daisies white. 
 The vengeance in her eyes he read. 
 As haughtily the midget said. 
 "Young man, another time I'll make 
 A stouter chain you cannot break." 
 
 The little witch! Could it be true? 
 
 How well she spoke her dear heart knew ; 
 
 For sure enough, around his heart
 
 294 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Shu wove a chain he could not part. 
 And if this very day you pass 
 Across the meadow's waving grass. 
 You'll see the children of the twain, 
 A-wearing each a daisy-chain. 
 
 AT THE GATE. 
 
 There's nothing to do but to wait. 
 Till the face of the porter I see. 
 Who will beckon and smile, 
 And will solve me the while 
 Life's wonderful mystery. 
 
 As I patiently wait , 
 
 At the gate. 
 Until it be opened to me. 
 
 I lonely and wistfully stand, 
 I am tarnished with wrong and with sin, 
 I am soiled with the dust 
 Of the road, yet I trust 
 The One who's watching within, 
 While I wearily wait 
 At the gate, 
 Will pity and bid me come in. 
 
 There are many that pass through the gate. 
 There are many turn sadly away, 
 And the dear ones that leave 
 Me their absence to grieve, 
 I miss from my side day by day, 
 As they pass through the gate 
 And I wait 
 My turn in the silent array. 
 
 Very near to the portals I seem, 
 And I catch a clear glimpse of the blest 
 As the door widely swings, 
 As if opened with wings; 
 Yet well do I know it is best, 
 That I patiently wait 
 At the gate. 
 E'en tho' I am longing to rest. 
 
 And yet, methinks, harder than all 
 Of tin; griefs that have burdened the past 

 
 ELIZABETH DELANO BKOWNE. 295 
 
 All life's wearisome toil. 
 All its bitter turmoil, 
 Its days with clouds overcast. 
 Is to patiently wait 
 At the gate, 
 Until it be opened at last. 
 
 
 ELIZABETH DELANO BROWNE, 
 
 Second wife of Kev. L. C. Browne, was born in Middlefield, N. Y., June 
 1, 1824. She has been from early girlhood a Universalist, and has been an 
 earnest worker in Sunday- school wherever her lot has been cast. She was 
 formerly a constant contributor to such of our publications as the "Magazine 
 and Advocate," "Star of Bethlehem," "Ladies' Repository. " "Lizzie" was 
 her usual signature. She seldom signed her own name, feeling very shy 
 about having the editors know who "Lizzie" was. She was a spicy writer, 
 and whatever she wrote was read with interest. She was a resident of a 
 small place, and in a letter to us said, "The comfort I took in reading the 
 magazines and papers that found their way through the mail to me in those 
 old days, not seeing or knowing much of the great outside world, I can not 
 express to you. They were most eagerly welcomed, and were companions of 
 tbe choicest intelligence." 
 
 Her name was Pope, and she was a teacher in one of the public schools 
 in Lowell, Mass., for five years, during which time she wrote articles for the 
 "Christian Messenger," published in New York. She wrote for the "Lily of 
 the Valley," when it was edited by Mrs. Livermore, and others. "The Better 
 Faith, " a story written by her years ago, is most creditable to the author. 
 Abel Tompkins published it with other stories in a Sunday-school book. 
 
 Miss Pope was married to Rev. L. C. Browne in the Autumn of 1852. 
 In recent years she has spoken frequently in churches of various denomina- 
 tions on the subject of Temperance. She has also given discourses or lec- 
 tures on "Women at Home," and her lectures have elicited much interest.
 
 296 • OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Indeed, she has done almost everything that her hands and hrain could find 
 to do, which would not interfere with household duties and cares, which are 
 paramount to all else to her, for she is a veritable Martha. Since her hus- 
 band's sight was impaired her pen has been quite idle, the most of her writ- 
 ings being translations from the French. 
 
 ADA R. NOETON 
 
 Was twin sister to Ida Carnahan. She is also sister to Lucy, who married 
 Abner C. Thomas, son of Rev. Abel C. Thomas. These sisters are the 
 daughters of Rowena, eldest sister of the Cary sisters. Ada, the subject of 
 this sketch, married James Norton, of Hightstown, N. J. They are all in- 
 tellectual, gifted women, but Mrs. Norton has the most marked poetic gifts 
 of all next to Alice, who declared that Ada really possessed more poetical 
 genius than herself. We lament very much that we have only space for the 
 following. 
 
 HIGH AND LOW. 
 
 It is easier before the world to work some mighty deed, 
 Than to do the humble duties that the world will never heed. 
 Than to work as worn and weary women work for conscience sake, 
 Than to toil and moil as men must toil and moil but bread to make. 
 
 It is easier to climb the mountains, even to the top, 
 Looking over broad expanses from each shady resting spot, 
 Than to travel on the burning plain when that the sun is high, 
 Level sameness under foot, stretched to meet a brooding sky. 
 
 Dowered with a Sampson's strength, verily, many men are found. 
 That with arms about the temple's props may raze it to the ground. 
 One man may pull a temple down to show his power, when 
 To rear the stately edifice it takes a million men. 
 
 Grand it is to do great deeds, and grand it is to stand on high, 
 Grand to pull a temple down when the multitude is by.
 
 LUELLA JULIETTE BARTLETT CASE. 297 
 
 But the toiling millions on the plains that look so low and small 
 It is their hard hands thai build the stately temples, after all. 
 
 15cst and strongest grow the natures that with most of hardship cope. 
 Out of sorrow and temptation Bpringetfa charity and hope, 
 And some humble deeds of humble folk shine Luminous and grand, 
 Like a little patch of sunshine let into a cloudy land. 
 
 Masons, builders, workmen only, are we each and every one; 
 The best stone high or low can lay. a duty humbly done ; 
 Brothers, sisters, there is one seeth even a sparro\v*s fall, 
 Who will number every stone we lay upon his temple's wall. 
 
 LUELLA JULIETTE BAKTLETT CASE, 
 
 Who was one of our most finished and elegant writers, and one of oui 
 most pure and spiritual women, was born in Kingston, N. H., December 30, 
 1807. Her maiden name was Bartlett; she was a granddaughter of Gov- 
 ernor Josiah Bartlett, of New Hampshire, who was one of the signers of tin 
 Declaration of Independence, and upon the memoir of whose life she was 
 engaged at the time of her last illness. Miss Bartlett was married to Elipha- 
 let Case, May 8, 1828, and resided in Lowell, Mass., and in Cincinnati. 
 Ohio. 
 
 Mrs. E. A. Bacon said, in the "Repository," at the time of her death, 
 "To us outside of her family circle she seemed one of those rare beings, whose 
 pen is an index to their person and character. The gentle charities and 
 amenities of social life, the cultivation of the most refined and delicate taste, 
 the constant pursuit of literature harmoniously blended in her nature to make 
 it complete." 
 
 She was vivacious and sprightly to a delightful degree, but could be su- 
 premely calm and dignified, if occasion called. Her whole person and dress 
 and demeanor expressed the extreme of refinement. She possessed a rare 
 and noble mind, refined and delicate taste, a heart of love, ever overflow- 
 ing with charity for others. She never mourned over the past, but her heart 
 and brain ever worked on with forward look. She was a contributor to the 
 "Rose of Sharon," the "Quarterly" and the "Laches' Repository," and withou*
 
 298 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 doubt to all of our denominational papers. To the "Star of Bethlehem," ed- 
 ited by Rev. T. B. Thayer, D.D., and our lamented Rev. Abel C. Thomas, she 
 was a choice contributor. Dr. Thayer said of her, "She at least, if any one, 
 could say that she never wrote a line, which dying she woidd wish unwritten." 
 On the 10th of October, 1857, in the home of her childhood, surround- 
 ed by kind and tender friends to administer all that loving hearts could sug- 
 gest, the ved was drawn which closed the earthly sight for heavenly visions. 
 Her disease was a painful and lingering dropsy and paralysis, and yet, 
 
 "Palm to palm to pray. 
 Her hands were ever raised 
 To him who smooths the way." 
 
 Rev. T. B. Thayer, D.D., pays a just tribute to this rare woman. "As 
 to her disposition it is safe to say that she was one of the sweetest-tempered 
 women I ever knew, always cheerful, patient and hopeful under the most un- 
 toward circumstances, and never by word or act casting her burdens on 
 others. She was as lovely in disposition and character as in person and 
 manners, always a perfect lady in her bearing towards others, cordial and 
 pleasing in her address, and sincerely Christian in spirit, and in the whole 
 conduct of her life. She was conscientious to an extreme degree, and did 
 what she regarded as her duty, without regard to others, their faithfulness or 
 unfaithfulness, their love or their hatred. In conversation she was one of 
 the most interesting and magnetic persons I ever met. She was well read 
 in the best current literature, a clear, strong thinker, discriminating in judg- 
 ment, critical in her tastes, and, therefore, always had something to say 
 which was instructive and attractive. As a writer she was remarkable for 
 the richness of her thoughts and the perfectly classic purity of her style. 
 She wrote but little, but that little was always read and admired by those 
 whose opinion was worth something. And then she always wrote with a 
 purpose, seeking to elevate, encourage and ennoble those who read her pro- 
 ductions. Her imagination was very active, but it never led her judgment 
 astray, for she had a large measure of sterling good sense, and in many 
 : 'lings was eminently practical in her views of life and of the world. During 
 the period thai her husband was editor of a paper in Cincinnati, she wrote 
 many poems and short articles which attracted the attention of other jour-
 
 LUELLA JULIETTE BAETLETT CASK. 29!) 
 
 mils, und were largely quoted with generous praise. In answer to the repeat- 
 ed question, 'Who is the author'?' he disclosed her name, and gave a brief 
 
 sketch of her antecedents. I can safely say that, in my early ministry, hav- 
 ing hoarded with Mr. Case two or three years, I owed more to her society, 
 influence and friendly criticism of my sermons and writings, than to any 
 other cause, what little merit they may have. And she is one of the few 
 persons I have met in my life, of whom I could say the longer I knew, the 
 more I admired and valued them." 
 
 I am at a loss in selecting from the writings of Mrs. Case, but will ven- 
 ture to quote "Voices from Etruria," her last contribution to the "Rose of 
 Sharon," 1857. 
 
 VOICES FROM ETRURIA. 
 
 Pictured form of one who Long 
 
 Of this world has ceased to be. 
 In the balls of Light and song 
 
 Not one vestige tells of thee. 
 Why art thbu amidst the, gloom 
 Of Etruria's storied tomb ? 
 
 Massy locks of raven hair 
 
 Cluster round thy beaming face; 
 Floating vestments, rich and rare, 
 
 bend thy form etherial grace. 
 Light of step— .if (lashing eye— 
 Girl! Thy smile was son-cry! 
 
 Who was In' with flutes that mete 
 
 Measures of melodious chime. 
 With thine own dark eyes, and feet 
 
 Moving in harmonic tine ? 
 Flowed your Lives in kindred streams? 
 Shared ye child] l's pleasant dreams? 
 
 Nought replies! O'er your repose 
 
 Ages bend with sullen jeer- 
 Soars the ilex— blooms the rose 
 
 O'er Etruria's mouldering bier. 
 Ye have been— no more appears— 
 Centuries count your buried years! 
 
 Ceased the dance, and bowed the head. 
 
 At. the beck of haughty Borne, 
 When she marched with triumph tread. 
 
 Citing nations to their doom?
 
 300 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Humbled lie her eagles proud, 
 Wrapped, like ye, in misty shroud! 
 
 With her lordly legions passed 
 
 Mightier powers— a phantom train- 
 Touching all her projects vast 
 
 With a spell that made them vain; 
 Silently they cited her 
 To the same low sepulchre. 
 
 Ye survived, while armies swept 
 
 Round your halls in tempest march- 
 While the mould and ivy crept 
 
 O'er Tarquinii's crumbling arch— 
 Ye have braved each whirlwind hour, 
 Roman and Barbarian power. 
 
 Ye have turned a solemn page 
 In a dead world's history; 
 
 Nations of a distant age- 
 Ask ye what their fate will be; 
 
 Speak, ye prophets, from the gloom 
 
 Of your silent, centuriei tomb! 
 
 Tell the world that nations feel 
 
 Mightier force than sword and mine. 
 Bidding throne and fortress reel 
 
 As the tempest sways the vine- 
 Tell how ancient empire fell 
 Girt with tower and citadel. 
 
 Turn the tear-stained page of man, 
 
 Soiled with sensualism and crime- 
 Show, how, since the years began, 
 Selfish power has transient time- 
 How its crown is gnawed with rust, 
 And its sceptre falls to dust. 
 
 True the steel, the rampart strong, 
 
 Firm the hands that hold the sway- 
 There is One, who guards no wrong, 
 
 Whom all powers and hosts obey. 
 He, alone, the safety brings. 
 Lord of Lords, and King of Kings! 
 
 There are few liner hymns in the language than this : 
 
 GOD'S KINGDOM HERE. 
 
 Oh, where, our Saviour, sweeps the lino 
 
 That marks thy kingdom's holy reign ? 
 Is it where northern meteors shine,
 
 JJL>. £d du U < Jn an a 4 -
 
 M. LOUISE THOMAS. 301 
 
 Or i_r 1 1 « I -^ the cross the southern main? 
 Where breaks the dawn o'er spicy Lands, 
 Or twilight sleeps on deserl .-amis ? 
 
 Is it where sunny skies grow dim 
 
 With smoke of heathen sacrifice? 
 Or where, in costly domes the hymn 
 
 Is taughl on incense-clouds to rise? 
 Nay, nay; thy blessed Word has shown 
 Thy kingdom is the hearl alone! 
 
 That, solemn world whoce bounds between 
 
 Life's mysteries of birth and death, 
 Are filled with warring hosts unseen, 
 
 Beings of power though not of breath, 
 The spirit realm, where'er it be, 
 Is the dominion ,swayed by thee. 
 
 Wild, phantom shapes of gloom and fear, 
 
 Roam dimly through the haunted spot, 
 And earth holds not a land so drear 
 
 As the sad hearl that owns thee not, 
 Where sorrows wound and pleasures pall, 
 And death's dread shadow darkens all. 
 
 But lift thy sceptre there, its bowers 
 
 Shall be serene and sweet and fair, 
 And as in time's primeval hours, 
 
 The holy ones shall gather there. 
 And heaven's own peace the soul o'erflow, 
 E'en while it lingers here below. 
 
 M. LOUISE THOMAS. 
 
 I have felt great anxiety in regard to many of the sketches in the 
 "Woman Workers." I have felt incompetent to portray the nobleness, self- 
 sacrifice and sweetness of many a life recorded in these pages; and in pre- 
 paring this one, I was sure that, words would fail me to present her life-work 
 so that it could he felt and realized by others. In answer to my letter re- 
 questing facts, came the following: "If you want bare facts, I can give them 
 to you equal to Gradgrind. Where was I born"? Who were my forefathers
 
 302 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 (and mothers) and all that sort of thing? But dearly beloved, when you 
 come to drawing on fancy, I do not understand it. Exploits ! There are 
 none in my hfe to record. I never did anything worth telling, and I never 
 wrote anything worth reading. That is a fact. I have tried to do both, to 
 be faithful, and I know I am industrious and persevering and love animals 
 and nature and humanity and ah that ; but how in the world is one going to 
 dissect one's self and lay these things before the world? I would just like 
 to do it if it were somebody else, but for myself, I can not." 
 
 Her refusal did not daunt me in the least. I felt independent of her 
 in collecting " exploits " sufficient to give a readable sketch, for there are 
 hundreds in New York and Pennsylvania who have watched her career with 
 interest and admiration, who had jotted down many an item unknown to 
 her ; but dates are interesting, and without her help I could not produce 
 them. I had written to several friends for assistance, but they were dilatory 
 in their replies, and that had put me into a condition to scout figures. I was 
 about to commence my sketch when the following arrived from Scotland, 
 from the pen of one who needs no introduction from me, one who has known 
 the subject of this sketch for thirty years at least — Caroline A. Soule, our 
 devoted missionary to hard-shelled, Presbyterian Scotland. 
 
 Some journalist, after relating a part of the great amount of philanthropic 
 work done by Mrs. Thomas, said, "A woman like this is greater than all 
 the Cassars." 
 
 It will be remembered, that soon after the translation of her husband, 
 Dr. Chapin passed on to the beyond. Mrs. Thomas attended his funeral, 
 and in a letter to me, she wrote : 
 
 "Yes, God is calling home his own. I was in New York at the funeral 
 of Dr. Chapin. The lights are not going out, but God is setting them liigher 
 up, and how differently the world looks to those who see it under these up- 
 lifted lights. Ah me ! how changed and strange it is ; it is like the earth as it 
 lies to-day covered with its heavy fall of snow; the landmarks are all gone, 
 and one is lost and bewildered by the strange silence and the chill. God 
 help me ! " 
 
 Mrs. Soule thus describes the subject of this sketch : 
 
 "Mrs. M. Louise Thomas, the second President of the Woman's Centenary
 
 M. LOUISE THOMAS. 308 
 
 Association, has a birthright in the Univcrsalist Church, heing a memher of 
 one of the oldest Univcrsalist families in the United States. She was horn 
 at Mt. Holly, N. J., during the temporary residence there of her parents, 
 both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Her father, Judge S. N. Palm- 
 er, of Pottsville, a man of undoubted integrity and nobility of character, was 
 of old Puritan stock, being on his mother's side a lineal descendant of Gov. 
 Bradford and Rev. John Robinson, the faithful pastor of the Mayflower; 
 and on that of his- father, of Miles Standish. 
 
 "To those intimate friends of Mrs. Thomas who, time and again, have 
 marveled at her fearless energy, her steady will-power, her systematic indus- 
 try, her unbaffled patience, her large love of humanity, her ardent taste for 
 study, and the tireless persistency with which she seeks perfection in those 
 hranches that accord most directly with her nature — to those who have known 
 her as I have known her, it is an easy matter to trace in her characteristics, 
 those which marked so decidedly the lives whence she draws her descent. 
 Had she been horn when our country was yet in its infancy, she would have 
 been known as one of the bravest of our colonial women, undaunted by the 
 perils of those perilous times. Had she been born when we were passing 
 from our colonial to our independent life, she would have been the peer of 
 those noble women who sold their jewels to buy clothing for Washington's 
 troops, who blessed their sons and sent them into the army with unshed 
 tears, and who kept up the spirits of absent husbands and fathers with let- 
 ters breathing only of that love which death could not chill, that sacrifice 
 which nothing could terrify. Born, fortunately for our church, when the in- 
 heritance of every child was a free country and an untrammeled conscience, 
 she brought into her life-work those elements of character which have made 
 her a successful woman in the grandest sense of that word; never intimidated 
 when duty called though obstacles innumerable might block the way; never 
 turned aside from her convictions, whether according or not with popular 
 views; discerning, intuitively as it were, the right from the wrong; censur- 
 ing error with a severity that yet had no sting, because of the charity that 
 was back of it ; and seeing and fostering true merit in spite of entanglements 
 or shadows. 
 
 "The childhood and girlhood of Mrs. Thomas was lived in a home where
 
 304 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 all the best standards of life were not only taught, but practised, and thus 
 her innate refinement and nobility were developed and cultivated to a degree 
 which eminently qualified her for the high and responsible positions she was 
 hereafter to assume. Accustomed always to the very best of American so- 
 ciety, and gifted with rare conversational powers, when she passed from her 
 early home to that of her wedded life, she at once took up in a dignified way 
 the new and arduous duties that devolved upon her, and as mistress of her own 
 house received and entertained the almost countless new friends that claimed 
 her hospitality, with a tender grace and a cordial heartiness that has made 
 that home, wherever it was for the time located, a spot of lovely memories. 
 
 "In 1843 she became the wife of Rev. Abel C. Thomas, and from the 
 day of her marriage, was the interested, and earnest, and constant co-worker 
 with him in all the varied duties incident to a minister's wife. None were 
 too great for her, however much they might demand of patience, energy, in- 
 dustry, health, strength and even sacrifice. None were too small for her, if 
 by contributing that mite she could dry one tear, or awaken one smile. She 
 kept 'open house' literally, seldom without some claimant upon her hospi- 
 tality, and all were welcomed, and all were the better and happier for their 
 sojourn under her roof. The children, the young people and the adults of 
 the parish alike received her labors of love, the Sunday-school finding in 
 her one deeply interested in the religious training of youth, the Bible class 
 reaping rich treasures from her marvelous memory, and the different aid so- 
 cieties connected with the church all receiving her able ministrations. Her 
 married life was begun in Brooklyn, N. Y. From there the home treasures 
 went to Cincinnati, 0. ; then East again to Philadelphia, where for fifteen 
 years she was a tireless laborer in every branch of church work, diligent, too, 
 all the while in the performance of home duties, and carefully superintend- 
 ing the education of her two sons. 
 
 "During this period, she with her children accompanied her husband in 
 an extended tour through Great Britain and on the Continent, spending 
 eighteen months in travel. Her vivid pictures of foreign life and her graphic 
 descriptions of the varied events of those months have added many times to 
 the pleasure of her guests, while the foreign letters which were published and
 
 M. LOUISE 'i l.nMAS. 305 
 
 widely circulated, give evidence of literary abilities, which, hud literature been 
 her (dioiee, would have made her a successful author. 
 
 "During this tour many charming friendships woe made with persons 
 high in social life, and intimacies formed with the best literary minds of the 
 day, and these have been always kept up, and the Old and the New World are 
 thus beautifully blended in her life. It has been my good fortune to meet 
 several of the people who made the acquaintance of Mrs. Thomas while in 
 ( Ireat Britain, and 1 have always found that she had so won upon their hearts 
 that they entertained for her an affectionate regard that time could never 
 weaken. I well remember a Winter's day spent in Carrickfcrgus, a suburb of 
 Belfast, Ireland, in company with the widow of the celebrated Dr. Drum- 
 mond, of Dublin, and his daughter, Mrs. Campbell. The falling snow was 
 blown every way by wild gusts of wind. The sea was in a fury lashing the 
 garden walls and casting its foam all about the lawn, but I heeded neither 
 snow nor sea, as seated beside the cheery grate blazing with coals, I listened 
 to what had happened twenty-seven years before— to the memories of Mrs. 
 Drummond and her daughter, relative to the visit of Kev. A. C. Thomas, wife 
 and sons. I felt proud that Mrs. Thomas was my countrywoman and my 
 friend. They alluded particularly to her rare conversational gifts, and said 
 she was the centre of attraction at every social gathering to which she was 
 invited. 
 
 "Shortly after their return home, Philadelphia became the busy centre 
 through which the loyal North poured its supplies of men and arms down to 
 the scene of battle, and received the retiring thousands for medical treatment 
 in the many hospitals in and around that city. Mrs. Thomas saw the 
 need of a direct, personal, womanly influence to communicate between tin se 
 heroic sufferers and their distant homes, and at once organized a system of 
 correspondence with anxious friends, and of personal visitations of the sick 
 and wounded, during which she wrote thousands of letters, giving nearly 
 her whole time to the sad, yet sorely-needed work. 
 
 "At the close of the war it was found that Mrs. Thomas's health had 
 suffered greatly from the long strain of overwork, and her husband having 
 been for several years also very feeble, it was thought best for them to seek
 
 306 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 rest in the country. Accordingly in the Spring of 1864 they removed to 
 Hightstown, N. J., a thriving farming neighborhood, with a good Universa- 
 lis! Church and an intelligent people. 
 
 "Up to this time Mrs. Thomas had never spent a single week on a farm, 
 nor in the country, except as a traveler journeying from place to place. But 
 she entered at once with keen relish into all the enjoyments and wondrous 
 developments of rural life. She made friends with the farmers, asked them 
 questions on all sorts of farming subjects, examined their flocks and herds, 
 scrutinized their corn bins and cattle stalls, watched the green-houses, the 
 propagating beds and the nursling fruit trees, studied soils and fertilizers, 
 and became, in short, an earnest, interested student of the whole science of 
 the tillage of the soil; and this not to the detriment of her other pursuits 
 and studies, attending sedulously to aU the requirements of her high sofcial 
 position and keeping well up with the standard literature of the day. 
 
 "Their next home was in Bridgeport, Conn., where they spent two years. 
 In 1867 they purchased a small farm at Tacony, near the Delaware, above 
 Philadelphia. Here, from the very first, Mrs. Thomas has had the entire and 
 sole direction and management of all the farming operations, illustrating by 
 a quiet, yet persistent energy, that a woman may and can be a successful 
 agriculturist, and at the same time an educated and refined lady. While 
 closely familiar with all the details of field, garden, woodland and dairy work, 
 she has never allowed these intimacies to dwarf in the least her purely in- 
 tellectual labors, but rather demonstrated that intelligence is the best helper 
 nature can have in its manifold efforts to develop its best productions. 
 
 "Her crops of wheat, lye, oats, corn and hay are equal to any in the 
 neighborhood, and her small but very select herd of Aldemey cattle, all of 
 the purest blood and all raised on the place from imported stock, are truly 
 beautiful. She has sent them into distant parts of the country, East and 
 West, and has generally orders for them in advance. I may mention here 
 that when I visited the British Museum, London, hi 1878, the finest ear of 
 maize on exhibition was 'from the farm of Mrs. M. L. Thomas, Tacony, Pa., 
 U. S. A.' It was a long, perfect ear of yellow corn. 
 
 "She is a skillful apiarian, handling the honey-bees like dry corn, open- 
 ing their hives, or lifting them all from one hive to another with perfect
 
 M. LOUISE THOMAS. 307 
 
 impunity. Her poultry-house is very thorough unci complete, and her poultry- 
 yard, filled with pure blooded light Brahma fowls is her special pride, and 
 she claims that it is also profitable. 
 
 "She has brought up and educated a large number of boys and girls 
 mostly orphans of various nationalities, among them negroes, Indians, Scotch, 
 Dutch, German and American, and it is her boast that nearly all of them have 
 turned out to be honest and useful men and women. Some of these are 
 always her helps upon the farm, and she contends that herein lies a just 
 solution of the domestic labor queston, and of the reform and education 
 of the so-called criminal* classes. 
 
 "Mrs. Thomas has been during the whole period of her life a pro- 
 nounced, denominational Universe list, never temporizing and never wavering 
 in her loyalty to the faith it represents. 
 
 "For six years she was the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Universalist 
 Convention, and not a single duty connected with that office was ever delay- 
 ed or imperfectly fulfilled, though during that time her hands were heavily 
 burdened with other denominational work. From the very first she has been 
 one of the active spirits of the Woman's Centenary Association. She was 
 elected Vice President for Pennsylvania at its organization in Buffalo, N. Y., 
 in September, 1800, and retained that office eleven years, when she gave it 
 up to become the second President. In all the dark and trying hours of the 
 early years of the Association she was its steadfast supporter, holding to 
 its interests with the grip of a love that nothing could shatter. In 1871 she 
 was one of a committee of three, appointed to submit a constitution for its 
 re-organization, and in 1873 she became one of its incorporators for Na- 
 tional Work in the District of Columbia. She has also had the exclusive 
 charge of the publication of tracts and books for the W. C. A. — the only or- 
 ganized Tract Society of the Universalist Church, and which has already 
 put into circulation over three millions of pages. Beginning this enterprise 
 with an absurdly small sum of money, she has wrought so frugally, and yet 
 so wisely, that every civilized land has already reaped benefit from the liter- 
 ature it has published and scattered. 
 
 "The home of Mrs. Thomas is marked by a cordial, yet simple hospi- 
 tality that makes it one to be ever tenderly remembered by those who have
 
 308 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 eaten at its table, or slept under its roof. It has numbered amongst its 
 guests many of America's most celebrated men and women, while not a few 
 from other lands have carried over the sea beautiful memories of that manse 
 on the Delaware. If the south poreh could speak, it would be wonderfully 
 eloquent in its narrations of the conversations it has heard, as doctors of 
 divinity, doctors of law, doctors of medicine, poets, philosophers, novelists, 
 historians, e litors, business men of every class, have rested their weary 
 footsteps there, and poured out their hearts' best emotions, and the best 
 thoughts of their brains into the sympathetic ears of a host and hostess, 
 whose house was never so crowded but it had room for one more. 
 
 "The manse is a perfect storehouse of treasures, gathered far and near, 
 by the taste of its mistress. There are rare old books and manuscripts in 
 a library of over two thousand volumes. There is very old china, and quaint 
 furniture, and aU these seem to be in harmony with the grand old trees 
 overshadowing the house, and the ancient historic neighborhood of Phila- 
 delphia. 
 
 "During the time of the Exposition in 1876, the manse was crowded for 
 six months with guests from aU parts of the Union and from Europe; and 
 though there was never a 'let up' of visitors, for one hour, yet everyone was 
 made to feel himself, or herself, cordially welcome. And during this j^eriod 
 to blend more closely the past and the present, the abundant and delicious 
 food was served on china over a hundred years old ; and on curious pewter 
 dishes that had come down from the Colonial period; while the quaint can- 
 dlestick you carried to your room at night had seen its third century. 
 
 "From the time Mrs. Thomas and family became residents of this lovely 
 country home, there loomed in the distance a shadow that was calculated to 
 touch the heart with a tender fear. As the years rolled on the shadow deep- 
 ened, and grew nearer till it rested steadfastly on the threshold, and all came 
 to know that it would never pass away till the 'best beloved' of the household 
 should have been borne across that threshold never to return, till rest should 
 come to one of the most brilliant brains the New World had given birth to, 
 and yet that shadow had never power to dim the glory of that home. All 
 knew that the master was slowly but surely descending into the silent val- 
 ley, but all knew that beyond the valley lay the eternal home, and that he
 
 M. LOUISE THOMAS. 809 
 
 who had been a herald o) ,the cross in this world would be there like unto 
 the angels of God. 
 
 "The watching of that long, slow decline/of that gradual wastingaway of 
 
 the life-forces, was very saddening to her who for years had rested so secure- 
 ly in that grand man's protecting care; hut with a heroism horn (if pure 
 wifely devotion, Mrs. Thomas hore it all with a calmness wonderful to see, in 
 turn hecoming herself the protector, lavishing on the invalid, with the usury 
 of love, all the tenderness of which he stood in need. The strain grew 
 harder and harder as the years came and went, and the decline of strength 
 hecame more evident; and yet, so systematic was her industry, that all her 
 private and public work was ever faithfully attended to; her hospitalities 
 were as generous as ever; her correspondence, always voluminous, was 
 scarcely interfered with ; the farm and all husiness interests well looked after. 
 But she sacredly denied herself, during the latter years, those visits to dis- 
 tant friends that were so congenial, and fastened herself to the home that 
 held her dearest treasure. 
 
 "When the end came at length, and he who had charmed America and 
 Great Britain with his rare eloquence, who had lifted the veil for thousands 
 and shown them the exceeding heauties of a faith in Universahsm ; who had 
 consecrated head, heart and hand to his great work as a Gospel minister and 
 a Gospel writer, — when he closed his eyes on earth and earthly scenes, and 
 spent his last night above ground in the solemn quiet of that church whose 
 walls had so often resounded with his voice ; when the precious dust slept 
 with dust, and the precious spirit went hack to God, and the loneliness of 
 widowhood was upon her, — even then Mrs. Thomas did not falter in her life- 
 work. Almost worn out was the hody with the strain of years, but the sold was 
 yet brave and strong. Elected within a month to the office of President of the 
 Woman's Centenary Association, she at once took up the duties devolving 
 upon that office with accustomed promptitude. The needs of the Scottish 
 Mission were abundantly provided for out of her own generosity, and the 
 whole work pushed on with quiet but resistless energy. In Sorosis, 
 in the Woman's Congress, in the New Century Club, in all her 
 public connections, she became again the busy helper, her insight 
 into character, her patience with details and her sound judgment mak-
 
 310 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 ing her highly efficient. And though necessarily heavily burdened with 
 business of a private character, her house is still the same hospitable one, 
 the sick and needy and friendless receiving there as warm a welcome as the 
 weU, the rich and the high-born. Still does motherless infancy find there all 
 that it seemed to have lost forever; still does the stranger from other lands 
 meet there the reception so grateful to one in a foreign country; still does she 
 go to the bedside of the sick with all needed aid; still to the couch of the dy- 
 ing with tender promises; still to the grave with the mourners, helping when 
 help is most needed. When I think of her, I am always reminded of those 
 women of the first century, who waited so long at the foot of the cruel cross, 
 and who went so early to the silent sepulchre." 
 
 ANNIE M. THYNG, 
 
 One of our active temperance workers, was born in Horton, Nova Scotia. 
 Her maiden name was Starratt. The close-communion Baptist church was 
 where she attended divine worship during her youth, and she says, "My en- 
 trance into that church was the stepping-stone that led me up and out into 
 the glorious light and liberty of our faith ; and standing as I do to-day with 
 my feet firmly fixed upon this rock, I thank God for the church that first led 
 me to seek salvation. More do I thank him that I was led into our all-era - 
 bracing faith — the universal fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man. 
 Only a close-communion Baptist, who has emerged from that into the light 
 of our divine faith, can realize the narrowness of the old dogmas. My soul 
 in thankfulness rejoices, and its refrain is ever, 'Glory to God in the 
 highest! 1 " 
 
 She was assisted into the light of our faith by hearing Rev. A. J. Pat- 
 terson, D.D., of Boston, preach. Dr. Patterson says, "Mrs. Thyng was an 
 earnest worker in our church, and a very efficient help in our prayer-meet- 
 ings. She has remarkable natural gifts, and a wonderful measure of mag- 
 netism; is a natural orator, and when at her best sways a congregation as
 
 MARTHA A. ADAMS. 3H 
 
 few persons can. In her temperance work she goes right down to the 
 drunkard, takes hirn hy the hand, talks to him, pleads with him as a sister 
 might plead with a beloved brother, opens to him his very soul, and makes 
 hi in see himself as God sees him; then, having awakened penitence pro- 
 found, by a happy turn she shows the highway of holiness that invites his 
 footsteps, and kindles hope and earnest resolve to enter that way and be a 
 man. Mrs. Thyng will, I think, in a half hour's effort, secure more names, 
 from a promiscuous crowd, to the temperance pledge, than any temperance 
 orator of my acquaintance." 
 
 Mrs. Thyng for the last seven years has worked almost constantly for 
 the cause of temperance, and has done a good work towards cultivating that 
 part of the Master's vineyard. She has secured thousands of names to the 
 total abstinence pledge, and has sustained and supported many a weak and 
 erring one, until strength was given to stand alone. When the women of 
 our nation rose in opposition to this great and direful foe, she was one of the 
 first to commence work in Boston, Mass., and then in other parts of the 
 state. She did a noble work in New York and Canada. The last four 
 years of her time has been given to Iowa and Minnesota. 
 
 MARTHA A. ADAMS, 
 
 The second wife of Rev. J. G. Adams, D. D., at present, 1881, resid- 
 ing at Melrose Highlands, Mass., was born in Charlton, Mass., April 20, 1831. 
 From girlhood she had a genius to manage children (a rare gift), and at the 
 early age of sixteen commenced teaching school, and proved herself com- 
 petent and successful. She taught in Charlton (her birthplace), Brookfield 
 and Worcester, Mass., and New Haven, Ct. She was married in 1865, and, 
 during Dr. Adams's pastorate in Providence, R. I., Lowell, Mass., and Cin- 
 cinnati, Ohio, was a willing and earnest helpmeet. In her infancy she wis 
 cradled in the lap of our faith, and never has been indifferent to its beauties, 
 or lukewarm in her work for its prosperity. It is frequently said, that to
 
 312 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 have one fully appreciate our doctrine, and "God's eternal goodness," one 
 should be educated in the dismal dogmas of orthodoxy. Not so with Mrs. 
 Adams ; her gratitude and zeal grew upon the doctrine she was born in, and 
 that her soul fed upon in youth. A diligent worker at all times in our Sun- 
 day-school, not simply hstening to the replies of the pupil to questions asked, 
 but intelligently explaining the life and spirit of the lesson, time spent in the 
 Sunday-school has never been time lost to her. 
 
 The cause of Temperance enlisted her zeal in early life, and during her 
 residence in Cincinnati she was a hearty co-operator in that notable move- 
 ment the "Woman's Crusade in the West." 
 
 Mrs. Caroline A. Soule, after speaking of her consecration to, and in- 
 dustry for our church, says: 
 
 "Of Mrs. Martha A. Adams I could write much, had I time. Tho' I 
 never knew her till we began our W. C. A. work in 1869, I regard her as 
 one of the truly grand women of America. She is one of the most just 
 women I ever knew, exact in all her dealings. Her friendship is graced with 
 innumerable tendernesses, and her business with marked exactness. She has 
 handled a good deal over $100,000 as treasurer of the W. C. A., and I defy 
 any one to find a wrong figure in her accounts." 
 
 Mrs. Adams takes anxious interest in all the movements of women, and 
 most intensely believes in the Christian mission of her sex in our own and in 
 all the churches of the one common Leader and Lord. 
 
 HARRIET M. BLANCHARD. 
 
 Eev. Warren Skinner removed from New Hampshire to Brownville, 
 Jefferson Co., N. Y., where the subject of this sketch was born, May 9, 1818. 
 Miss Skinner was married, in Proctors vi lie, Vt., April 28, 1839, to James M. 
 Blanchard, then of Rochester. They removed to Washington in 1861, and 
 Mrs. Blanchard in the Fall of 1861 commenced her work for the soldiers. 
 The larger part of her time was devoted to hospital work. She visited all 

 
 HAERIET M. BLANCHAHD. 313 
 
 the hospitals in and around Washington, and a numher of times went to 
 Alexandria, Fairfax Court House and WindrniU Point, supplying in great 
 quantities delicacies and food to the sick and wounded. 
 
 Mrs. Robert Farnham, a wealthy and prominent lady of "Washington, 
 threw open her spacious house, and a Soldiers' Relief Association was 
 formed, where almost unlimited supplies were sent from the friends at the 
 North. An ambulance was furnished the Association by the Secretary of 
 War, which enabled Mrs. Blanchard and the Association to furnish the sol- 
 diers with much that would not otherwise have reached them. 
 
 In July, 1863, while Mrs. Blanchard was working with all her might for 
 the comfort and relief of the sick and dying, whose mothers were too far 
 away to administer the cooling draughts, and whisper words of cheer to their 
 dear ones, two of her own sons sacrificed their lives on the altar of our coun- 
 try. Let us hope that some other blessed Sister of Charity supplied her 
 place, as best she could, to her dear ones. One of her sons was killed at 
 Gettysburg, the 2d of the month ; the other in the navy, dying on board the 
 steamship, "Alabama," of Dupont's Blockading Squadron, near the island of 
 llayti, on the 23d of the same month. Mrs. Blanchard says: 
 
 "I thought my life-work was done, and that I could not rise above the 
 anguish of this crushing blow; but after a time it occurred to me that there 
 were many mothers who had sons languishing on sick beds, and I could re- 
 lieve them in various ways, so I took up my work again in a spirit consecrated 
 by my great sorrow, and continued to the end." 
 
 During the war a Newsboys' Home was established in Washington, 
 which seemed a necessity from the large number of boys who came with 
 the army and were left there without home or friends. Mrs. Blanchard was 
 chosen on the Board of Managers, and she was a most efficient officer until 
 the Home was no longer needed. 
 
 In 18G5 Mrs. Blanchard was appointed on the Board of Managers of the 
 Association for the Relief of Colored Women and Children, and still occupies 
 the position of Chairman of Clothing Committee, and also works on other 
 committees. 
 
 At the close of the war she was chosen visitor for the "Provident Aid 
 Society," at the time when there were countless numbers of destitute person 
 
 21
 
 314 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 whom the war had drawn to the city. During the three years in which this 
 society existed, Mrs. Blanchard caused one thousand persons to be relieved 
 from its funds. 
 
 Iu 1870 she organized the Woman's Christian Association, which had 
 for its object the improvement of the moral, social and religious condition of 
 that class of women, in the District of Columbia, who needed a helping hand 
 to save them from want and degradation. Mrs. Blanchard says : 
 
 "From the time of its organization until a year ago, I have literally 
 worked night and day for the 'Home,' and trust that by the grace of God I 
 have lightened the burden of many a sin-sick and suffering sister." 
 
 Mrs. Blanchard further says that the women of the Universalist parish 
 in Washington paid the first money, $200 into the treasury. 
 
 HELEN LOUISE GILSON. 
 
 When beginning this work I received from Mrs. A. B. Grosh, of Wash- 
 ington, D. C, the injunction, "Do not forget 'sweet Helen Gilson!' For that 
 life, so full of inspiration and faith and so brief, was crowded with choicest 
 good works, and should be more fully written than it yet has been." 
 
 She was born in Boston, in humble circumstances, in 1835. She was 
 educated in the public schools of the city, and at the early age of seventeen 
 years was appointed head assistant in the old Phillips' grammar school for 
 boys, and continued there until her health failed. She was a frequent visitor 
 in Chelsea, Mass., where Rev. Charles H. Leonard, D.D., was settled as pas- 
 tor for many years. When in that city she attended his church, and finally 
 joined it; and after removing to Chelsea, and establishing herself as gover- 
 ness in her guardian's (Hon. Frank B. Fay's) family, she became a constant 
 attendant and a very efficient teacher in the Sunday-school, a position she 
 retained until the war. As soon as hospitals were established, at the very 
 beginning of the war, in 1801, Miss Gilson applied to Dorothea Dix, superior 
 of female nurses, for a position where she could work for the sick and suffer-
 
 HELEN LOUISE GILSON. 315 
 
 ing. She was unsuccessful, a veiy proper rule existing which prohibited 
 nurses entering the hospitals until they had arrived at a required age, which 
 Miss Gilson had not reached, and consequently she was rejected. She went 
 to Washington immediately and visited the hospitals, and in May, 1802, she 
 began her sacred work. Mr. Fay, her guardian, also volunteered his ser- 
 vices, and was with the Anny of the Potomac, and from the first to the last 
 1 tattle he rendered most valuable voluntary services. 
 
 Miss Gilson's personal appearance at the time when she assumed her 
 great work, was remarkable. She was slight and graceful in form, with feat- 
 ures exquisitely moulded; a voice of strange power in conversation, and en- 
 dowed with a marvelous gift of song that seemed to the listening ear of the 
 sick or wounded like the voice of a seraph. No human being ever went forth 
 better endowed to perform the blessed work than did she. She possessed 
 the "rare heart, head, enthusiasm, tact, courage, firmness and holy will" 
 that were needed in every woman who was to mingle with aU classes of men, 
 sick or well, good or bad, upon battle-fields and in camp. Her dress seemed 
 to blend with her quiet self, being of the simplest gray flannel. Her first 
 work in the army is described by herself upon being asked how she man- 
 aged to pass through the barriers of official service? 
 
 "When I reached the White-House Landing I saw the transport 'Wilson 
 Small' in the offing, and knew that it was full of wounded men ; so, calling a 
 boatman, and directing him to row me to the vessel, I went on board. 
 
 "A poor feUow was undergoing an amputation; and, seeing that the sur- 
 geon wanted help, I took hold of the limb and held it for him. The surgeon 
 looked up, at first surprised, then said, 'Thank you,' and I stayed and helped 
 him. Then I went on with him to the next case; he made no objection, and 
 from that time I never had any difficulty there; though often, in a change of 
 place, I would have to make my way afresh." 
 
 Preparing herself for efficiency, she attended surgical lectures to acquire 
 technical skill, and in spite of her rejection by Miss Dix, she succeeded, in 
 May, 18(52, in gaining admission to one of the hospital transports of the 
 Sanitary Commission, on the Panmnkev River, and soon alter she was able 
 to take the field. She was of great service in MeClellan's Peninsular cam- 
 paign, and after the seven days' disastrous battles of the Chickahominy, all
 
 316 OUR WOMAN WOEKEES. 
 
 the powers of her frail hody were brought into requisition. She had the 
 courage to undertake a superhuman amount of labor, and strength was given 
 her to perform all she had undertaken. After Pope's accession to McClel- 
 lan's command, Miss Gilson wrote home, expressing in familiar language her 
 unpremeditated thoughts. Mrs. Clapp, in "Old and New" for April and May, 
 1872, quotes largely from her letters, extracts of which we here give. 
 
 "The more this experience comes to me, the more I am lifted into the 
 upper ether of peace and rest. I am stronger in soul and healthier in body, 
 yet I never worked harder in my life. 
 
 "Washington, September, 1862. The corridors of the Capitol are full 
 of beds, and every church and other available place will be crowded with our 
 wounded men. Our women everywhere will surely devote all possible time 
 to this great claim. 
 
 •*•**#**** 
 
 "The sick and wounded are lying all along our route in barns, neglected 
 and filthy, their wounds all alive with vermin. No shirts or drawers have 
 yet been received, though urgently needed. Stores have to be transported 
 from Frederick, nineteen miles by wagon, a slow process. I have drawn 
 corn starch and liquors from the 'Commission,' and have prepared gallons of 
 corn starch to feed the poor fellows shot in the mouth and throat. I fed one 
 man yesterday, who had lain three days among the dead on the field. I have 
 been too busy to write before ; have slept in an ambulance or barn for several 
 nights. 
 
 "Antietam, 21st. — We remained at the hospital till afternoon, minister- 
 ing to the sick and wounded. Such horrible wounds! There were not 
 enough able-bodied men to bury the dead. Amputations were going on, 
 and we were assisting by feeding the famishing. 
 
 ***** * * * 
 
 "I came to Washington last evening to see about supplies. Our men at 
 Keedysville have been full of vermin for want of clean clothes ; in one hos- 
 pital erysipelas and hospital gangrene broke out. The men were so filthy!— 
 imploring us incessantly for shirts and drawers and socks, and oh, there is 
 such joy when they get clean handkerchiefs with cologne. I have been round
 
 HELEN LOUISE GILSON. 917 
 
 among the men in all the hams, making gallons of corn starch, and feeding 
 the worst cases of wounded; those with eyes shot out, tongues shot away, 
 and wounds in the brain. I dressed live wounds for a rebel lieutenant, and 
 then he hegged me to 'take the hest care of him, that he might get hack and 
 fight us again !' 
 
 " When 1 arrived on the battle-field, men were lying in all directions, 
 the dying and the dead. With so much to do for the living, we coidd only 
 pass the dying by, who were past all earthly healing. I may not describe 
 the held. Its horrors no tongue can tell. 
 
 "Three thousand have already heen buried, yet you could hardly advance 
 a dozen paces without stepping upon the dead. The doctors tell me I ought 
 not to stoop over the men to feed them; but 1 must do it; it is so much more 
 satisfying to them, and so much more like the home ministry. 
 
 "It is Sunday night, and I am writing by my ration of candle, a small 
 piece. 
 
 "I have had a busy, busy day. Let me give you an account of it. This 
 morning we rose at reveille, and immediately proceeded to the hospital, which 
 is in two barns just across the way. Having but one basin and sponge for 
 the washing of seventy-five sick men, you can imagine the operation a long 
 one ; especially as I feel inclined to be so unreasonable as to insist that fever 
 patients should have clean feet. This being over, next comes the breakfast; 
 and, considering that we have but one old tin dipper to about every six men, 
 this process also is a slow one. A little corn starch or gruel must be made 
 for the sickest; then, in many cases, they must be fed, and I find their appe- 
 tite is much improved by a pleasant chat during the process. Then, while 
 Mrs. H. was preparing raspberry vinegar, or some other cooling drink, I went 
 to the men, bathing their heads with hay-rum, and writing letters for those 
 who were most ill. I have several patients who are bein^ doctored for home- 
 sickness (nostalgia), and I make it a business to talk with such men half an 
 hour each day. It has a wonderfully cheering effect. Then comes the din- 
 ner, another long process; and after that a little nap for the boys; then a 
 chapter, some songs and a few words of cheer, with constant calls for care, 
 meanwhile. 
 
 "Nov. 2, 18G2, Pleasant Valley, Md. — The valley was bathed this morn-
 
 318 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 ing in the Autumn light, but my heart was dreary and desolate. Nine hun- 
 dred sick here, and I could not find a place either for myself or stores. 
 Bustle and confusion everywhere ; the army marching or cannonading in the 
 distance. Besides looking after myself and stores, I have to provide forage 
 for our two horses, and rations for the dinner; and most of all, the sick must 
 be cared for. 
 
 "I have been all day with a church full of fever cases. What think you 
 was brought them for dinner? Salt beef boiled (very fat at that), hard-tack 
 and pea-soup ! Thanks to our Chelsea friends, I could supply crackers for 
 the most delicate. After dinner I was chaplain again, sang, prayed and 
 tallied with the men. I could not have asked a more attentive audience. 
 When I finished there were tears in many eyes. 
 
 "How I wish that some one abler than myself could have spoken to 
 these sick and weary souls ! You can not imagine how receptive the soul of 
 a soldier is, who is prostrate and suffering. Then is the opportunity for in- 
 fluence, to talk with him of home, of his errors, and of the temptations of 
 the army." 
 
 Notwithstanding the strict rules necessary to the proper distribution of 
 supplies, special privileges were accorded to her, and she was liberally sup- 
 plied with vast amounts of stores, and permitted to exercise entire control 
 over their distribution. 
 
 Miss Gilson reached Gettysburg just as the great contest closed. Rev. 
 Dr. H. W. Bellows, who saw her wonderful work on that dreadful time, de- 
 scribes her with his eloquent pen : 
 
 "One woman, young .and fair, but grave and earnest, clothed in purity 
 and mercy — the only woman on that whole vast earn}) — moved in and out 
 of the hospital tents, speaking some tender words, giving some restoring cor- 
 dial, holding the hand of a dying boy, or receiving the last words of a hus- 
 band for his widowed wife. I can never forget how, amid scenes which 
 under ordinary circumstances no woman could have appeared in without 
 gross indecorum, the holy pity and purity of this angel of mercy made her 
 presence seem as fit as though she had indeed dropped out of heaven. The
 
 HELEN LOUISE GILSON. 819 
 
 men themselves ; sick or well, afl seemed awed and purified by such a resi- 
 dent among them. 
 
 "When we had exhausted the little store of comforts we had brought 
 with us, one of the sufferers said to Miss Gilson, 'Ma'am, can't you sing us 
 ;i little hymn?' 'Oh, yes!' she answered; 'I'll sing you a song that'll do for 
 either side;' and there, in the midst of that band of neglected sufferers, she 
 stood, and with a look of heavenly pity and earnestness, her eyes raised to 
 God, sang, 'When this Cruel War is Over,' in a clear, pleading voice that 
 made me remove my hat, and long to cast myself upon my knees. Sighs 
 and groans ceased ; and, while the song went on, pain seemed charmed away. 
 The moment it ceased, one poor fellow, who had lost his right arm, raised 
 his left and said, '0 ma'am ! I wish I had my other arm back, if it was only 
 to clap my hands for your song!' " 
 
 In October, 1863, Miss Gilson took a brief respite home, and in Novem- 
 ber went with Mr. Fay to Folly Island, where during all the Winter she ex- 
 ercised her rare executive ability and marvellous power of ministration among 
 the sick and wounded, in the Department of South Carolina. In the early 
 Spring of 18G-4 she returned to her chosen field in the Army of the Potomac. 
 In May came the onset under Grant. The battle of the Wilderness filled 
 Fredericksburg with sick and wounded. May 13th Miss Gilson writes: 
 
 "The heart revolts at the thought of describing the state of things here. 
 The sights are terrible; and the air is heavy with the horrible odor, not from 
 the wounded alone, but from the accumulation of filth about the city. Every 
 church, store and dwelling is filled with the wounded, and they are constantly 
 arriving from the front, twelve miles from here. The slaughter is horrible, 
 and the bravery of our men beyond comparison ; not only the impulsive cour- 
 age of the battle-field, but the calmer and more quiet courage of men content 
 to lie, as they are lying, on the hard floors, after severe and painful amputa- 
 tions, and not a pad or soft pillow for their terrible wounds. 
 
 "It is midnight now; the patients are asleep, and we are awaiting the 
 arrival of ambulances from the front, with our wounded from the battle of 
 yesterday. Every hour is important, but with every victory come sad tidings 
 of the fall of some of our best and bravest men." 
 
 Reed in his "Hospital Life" says
 
 320 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 "One afternoon, just before the evacuation of Fredericksburg, when the 
 atmosphere of our rooms was close and foul, and we were longing for a 
 breath of our cooler Northern air, and the men were moaning in pain or 
 restless with fever, and our hearts were sick with pity for the sufferers, I 
 heard a light step upon the stairs, and, looking up, I saw a young lady enter, 
 who brought with her such an atmosphere of calm and cheerful courage, so 
 much freshness, such an expression of gentle, womanly sympathy, that her 
 mere presence seemed to revive the drooping spirits of the men, and to give a 
 new power of endurance through the long and painful hours of suffering. First 
 with one, then at the side of another; a friendly word here, a gentle nod and 
 smile there; a tender sympathy with each prostrate sufferer, a sympathy 
 which could read in his eyes his longing for home-love and for the presence 
 of some absent one — in those few minutes hers was indeed an angel minis- 
 try. Before she left the room she sang to them, first some stirring na- 
 tional melody, then some sweet or plaintive hymn to strengthen the heart, 
 and I remember how the notes penetrated to every part of the building. 
 Soldiers with less severe wounds, from the rooms above, began to crawl out 
 into the entry, and men from below crept up on their hands and knees, to 
 catch every note, and to receive of the benediction of her presence, for such 
 it was to them. Then she went away. I did not know who she was, but I 
 was as much moved and melted as any soldier of them all. This is my first 
 reminiscence of Helen Gilson." 
 
 With the progress of our army and the change of policy towards the 
 negroes, they flocked to our fines, in great numbers for protection and care. 
 A writer thus describes, in "Old and New," a scene in which Miss Gilson 
 must have appeared to the liberated bondmen like the angel of light she was : 
 
 "Our steamer was anchored in the river. A hundred vessels were there, 
 waiting orders to move. Night came on. There were gleaming signals all 
 about us, and a thousand colored lights were reflected in the water. In the 
 distance we could hear, low and soft, the first notes of the negroes' evening 
 hymn. Impassioned and plaintive it came on, increasing in volume, until 
 the whole chorus broke out into one of those indescribably wild, fervid melo- 
 dies, of which it is impossible to resist the impression, until it melted away 
 into the subdued moanings of a few who were charged with the refrain.
 
 HELEN LOUISE GILSON. 821 
 
 Our boat was soon lowered, and idled with an eager company who were im- 
 patient to reach the negro barge before their service was over. Clambering 
 up the sides of the great steamer, we found them just settling down to sleep; 
 but, as we moved about among them, there were enough who were willing to 
 repeat their hymn. . . Under the nickering of our single light it was a 
 picture indeed. Their countenances were all aglow with the passion of their 
 song, and, as I stood looking upon that sea of uplifted faces, 1 ilaught 
 that there was hardly an emotion which could be awakened by intense relig- 
 ious feeling, that did not find expression there. . . When their song had 
 ceased, Miss Gilson addressed them. She pictured the reality of freedom, 
 told them what it meant, and what they had to do. No longer would there 
 lie a, master to deal out the peck of corn, no longer a mistress to care for 
 the old people or the children. They were now to w r ork for themselves, pro- 
 vide for their own sick, and support their own infirm, but all this was to be 
 done under new conditions. No overseer was to stand over them with the 
 whip, for their new master was the necessity of earning their daily bread, 
 and very soon higher motives would come. Then, in the simplest language, 
 she explained the difference between their former relations with their then 
 masters, and their new relations with the Northern people, showing that 
 labor here was voluntary, and that they coidd only expect to secure land era- 
 ployeis by doing faithfully all they had to do. Then, after enforcing truth- 
 fulness, neatness and economy, she said: 
 
 " 'You know that the Lord Jesus died and rose again for you. You 
 love to sing his praise, and to draw near to him in prayer. But remember 
 that this is not all of religion. You must do right, as well as pray right. 
 Your lives must be full of kind deeds towards each other, full of gentle and 
 loving affection, full of unselfishness and truth; this is true piety. Youmust 
 make Monday and Tuesday just as good and pure as Sunday is, remember- 
 ing that God looks not oidy at your prayers and your emotions, but at the 
 way you live and speak and act, every hour of your lives.' 
 
 "Then she sang Whittier's appropriate hymn: 
 
 "'Oh, praise an' tanks, de Lord he i-onae 
 
 To set de people free : 
 And massa t ink it day of doom, 
 
 And we of jubilee.
 
 322 OUB WOMAN WORKERS . 
 
 De Lord dat heap de Red Sea wabes, 
 
 He just as strong as den ; 
 He say de word ; last night we slabes. 
 
 To-day de Lord's free men.' 
 
 "Here were a thousand people breathing their first free air; they were 
 new-born, with the delicious sense of freedom. They listened with moist- 
 ened eyes to every word which concerned their future, and felt that its utter- 
 ance came from a heart which could embrace them aU in its sympathies. 
 
 "As she spoke the circle grew larger, and the people pressed around her 
 more eagerly. It was all a part of their new life. They welcomed it; and, by 
 every expression of gratitude to her, they showed how desirous they were to learn. 
 Those who were present can never forget the scene — a thousand dusky faces, 
 expressive of such fervency and enthusiasm, their large eyes filled with tears, 
 answering to the throbbing heart below, all dimly outlined by the flickering 
 rays of a single lamp. And when it was over we felt that we could under- 
 stand better our relations to them, and the new duties which this great hour 
 had brought upon us." 
 
 At the battle of Cold Harbor, June 7th, Miss Gilson describes her hos- 
 pitals at White House : 
 
 "This White House is a tremendous field. We are working night and 
 day. When we think of preparing for a night's rest, heavy ambulance-trains 
 arrive loaded with these poor, suffering men, helpless and broken, the dead 
 among the living. The transportation over fifteen miles of bad roads in 
 army wagons is worse than death, they say. . . We make twenty or 
 thirty gallons of milk punch at a time, and immense caldrons of soup. But 
 there is no end." 
 
 Our army crossed the James, and fronted Petersburg. Before the army 
 was in position, Miss Gilson, accompanied by Hon. F. B. Fay and a part of 
 the auxiliary corps of the Sanitary Commission, were in sight of the intrench - 
 ments, in preparation for the dreadful scenes impending. The Battle began 
 before the medical supplies of the army arrived, and her stores were of im- 
 mense value to many of the wounded. June 7, she wrote: 
 
 July 8. — "It is hot, and we are smothered by the dust. The day has 
 been a hard one. My men in the kitchen are down with fever. 1 have 
 stood all day over a raging stove, making soups and gruels for two hundred
 
 HELEN LOUISE GIL SON. 323 
 
 men ; then later, tea for a hundred more, besides the diet for the convales- 
 cents. Yet I have found the time to visit the wards, to read to the men, 
 listen to complaints, and straighten out abuses. Poor fellows! they are full 
 of their 'miseries,' their special term for all pain. They are like children in 
 one's hands. These details only show you how much there is to do." 
 
 July 12. — . . . . "Many of our friends have fainted at their posts, and 
 have been sent home with typhoid fever. But so far I seem to keep my 
 strength." 
 
 She continued steadfastly at her work through the Autumn and Winter, 
 and in the Spring of 1805 wrote: 
 
 "I am tired, tired, chronically tired. Tired to the very marrow of my 
 bones. Last night I tried to answer your letter, but dropped asleep, pen in 
 hand. Last evening, from the special diet, I fed three divisions of the hos- 
 pital. Each case was catered for separately. Each day I have to decide 
 how much beef or mutton is needed, order it, waste nothing, save the pieces 
 of bread for puddings, etc., and at the same time the adaptations necessary 
 in all the cases arising in such a vast hospital, keeping a wholesome and 
 pleasant atmosphere — make the brain as well as the hand weary. 
 
 March 17, 1865.— "There are stages in our physical and mental devel- 
 opment when we think much, not about, but upon ourselves. We need 
 these lessons while we are learning to live. After that, an unconscious growth 
 goes on; and with an eye ever raised to Christ, our pattern, and to heaven, 
 our home, we lose ourselves in the attaining; and are hardly conscious of in- 
 dividual life, which is swallowed up in doing and living for others. From 
 this outside life, comes inward peace, sweet rest, which is more than ecstacy 
 to the weary soul. Intense joy, intense sorrow, wears the soul; but for the 
 peace that comes from looking Christ ward and heavenward, let its seek." 
 
 19th. — "You spoke of spiritual nearness. I have always believed in it, 
 and last Sunday I was thinking of you particularly, as the day of your motto. 
 It is a great comfort to believe in the spritual presence of those we love, 
 either in this world or the other, when we are homesick and heartsick here; 
 and sweeter still, in the nearness and communion of One who abideth ever 
 and always, ministering to our loneliness, even before we can send up our 
 petitions.
 
 324 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 ... "I wish I could hear the robins or some spring-bird; it is so lonely 
 without them." 
 
 As the war drew near its close, her hfe approached its end. She enter- 
 ed Richmond, and had her quarters at a hospital in Camp Lee, in May, 1865. 
 She returned soon after to Massachusetts, with health broken. On her last 
 birthday she wrote : 
 
 "Life has been long to me, but God has given me the sunshine of sweet, 
 dear friendships. I thank him for the joy and the sorrow. I love humanity, 
 the world*, and I want to live that I may serve and be happy through my 
 work. 
 
 "I was reading for my comfort to-day the fifty-fourth chapter of Isaiah. 
 It is beautiful, and I have taken to my heart that sweet promise, 'For a 
 small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather 
 thee.' I will trust." 
 
 Rev. W. H. Channing gives in Mrs. Clapp's memorial the following 
 reminiscence : 
 
 "I first saw her standing at an open tent door, with two large tin ves- 
 sels of farina and soup before her, supplying nurses who were carrying re- 
 freshments to the wounded, after the first disastrous defeat at Fredericks- 
 burg. Never have I forgotten, and never shall I forget, the light of her eyes, 
 and her smile when, looking up, she gladly greeted me as a fellow-helper; 
 that glance, and her first words, revealed to me her generous, devoted heart. 
 
 "What radiance of womanly sweetness she spread around her by her 
 presence, the music of her voice, her gracious loveliness ! How raised above 
 all frivolous folly she seemed by earnest straightforwardness, transparent 
 sincerity and commanding conscience ! It was most noticeable how soldiers 
 and officers, nurses and surgeons, grew courteous, affable, gentle, refined, 
 under the charm. Utterly unconscious of her own attractive beauty, she 
 moved to and fro, clad in a spotless robe of innocence, like a little child or 
 a guardian spirit. An influence went out through look, manner, gesture, 
 benign, calm, purifying, till, unaware almost the rough were softened, and 
 the coarse made clean, and the brave and manly quickened to finer heroism, 
 by reverence for noble womanhood. And what sagacity, good sense, wis- 
 dom, marked the action and Bpeech of this seemingly untaught and inexperi-
 
 HELEN LOUISE GILSON. 325 
 
 encecl country-girl! One marveled at her well-ordered arrangements, her 
 forethought, prompt adaptation, skill, deftness, tact. Whence had she 
 gained this shrewd discernment of character, this power of managing others 
 hy honest directness of speech and dealing, this presence of mind in emer- 
 gencies, this energy to turn evil into good, and make the best of all condi- 
 tions? 
 
 "Do you remember that Sunday evening in the gloaming, when she 
 came, with her attendant, on horseback, to the Rowe-House Hospital on the 
 Plains, and at our request, standing at the head of the stairs, sang hymn 
 after hymn to our poor, wounded fellows'? They said it was like voices of 
 angels. Ay! it was so. She stands for us now at the head of the golden 
 stairway to the heavens, and the voice is ever, 'Nearer, my God, to thee; 
 Nearer to thee.' " 
 
 I wrote to Dr. Bellows, referring to what he had said of Miss Gilson in 
 his account of her, after the battle of Gettysburg, and asked him if I could 
 not have something concerning this lovely woman, fresh from his pen and 
 warm from his heart, and he generously responded with the following : 
 
 Deak Madam:- "Walpoee, N. H., July 16, 1880. 
 
 Your letter of July 12th, asking me to write you freely about Miss Helen 
 Gilson, comes, I fear, to a very exhausted witness, who has already publicly 
 said all the little of interest he knew about that lovely woman. She gave 
 the freshness of her young life to the cause of the Union, in following up the 
 battle fields of our dreadfid yet glorious war, that she might be a ministering 
 angel in hospitals and among the wounded and dying. She was so young, 
 so beautiful, so delicate in aspect and maidenly ways, that she stood out 
 among the equally noble and patriotic women who were nurses in the war, 
 as something specially angelic. Doubtless, there were equally youthful and 
 equally consecrated maidens at work elsewhere (for the field was too wide for 
 any single observer to note all who adorned it with charity and mercy), but 
 I never happened to meet any woman of Helen Gilson's loveliness, upon the 
 battle field, or in the hospitals. Her I have met in scenes that it required 
 all the bravest man's courage to even look upon, amid the marred and bleed- 
 ing victims of artillery and musketry, and of the surgeon's kindly cruel knife.
 
 326 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 I have seen her when she was the only woman in camp, moving about among 
 hiuidreds of men, half-clothed, and with scores lying about still in the gore of 
 untended wounds, with rows of others waiting for the relief of amputations. 
 I have seen her holding a poor, rough soldier's hand (the representative of 
 mother, wife, sister, daughter), while the doctor cut and sawed off his leg or 
 arm, or probed his wound. And I observed, without exception, such a rev- 
 erence for her purity, such a sanctity around her innocence in the eyes and 
 minds of the soldiers, that it consecrated the place, and made all that would 
 elsewhere have been strange and unseemly, lit and holy. Miss Gilson had a 
 seraph's voice, and she used her gift of song as a curative and cordial. She 
 could while away the anguish of wounds with this magical voice. Never 
 was personal beauty a more consecrated instrument of mercy. I never wit- 
 nessed the least consciousness in her of her personal charms, but I have seen 
 their triumph, when even those whose homesickness and pangs they soothed 
 or banished, did not suspect what calmed and blest them. 
 
 "I never met Helen Gilson after the war, until one day riding in the cars 
 between Fitchburg and Boston, a lady entered and took the vacant seat by 
 my side. Occupied with a book, and not suffering from curiosity, I rode on 
 twenty miles without a suspicion who or what the lady was. But suddenly 
 her voice arrested my attention, and in a moment we were mutually engross- 
 ed with old recollections and sympathies, such as only those who recall to- 
 gether the most tragic and affecting scenes, can have. This was not long 
 before her lamented death. Already the tremendous strain on her heart and 
 nerves and muscles had changed her sadly, and it was no wonder that one 
 who had lived a decade of years in every single year of the war, should end 
 her life in what for others would be a premature decay. 
 
 "I love to think of her only as I myself saw her, and nothing could 
 deepen the love, admiration and reverence with which her memory lives in 
 my heart, and in my mind's eye her face, in my mind's ear her voice, and 
 in my soid the sanctified purity of her spirit. 
 
 "Very respectfully yours, 
 
 "H. W. Bellows." 
 
 Reed's "Hospital Life" is dedicated "To Hon. Frank B. Fay, the hu- 
 mane and Christian gentleman, the friend of the soldier in camp and in hos-
 
 HELEN LOUISE GILSON. 327 
 
 pita], and of the suffering everywhere." And the following is Mr. Fay's 
 tribute to Helen L. Gilson: 
 
 "To the memory of one whose years, measured by the sands of time, 
 were few; not so when reckoned by the value of the loyal and royal service 
 she performed. 
 
 "The writer knew her well in the home, in society, and in the more 
 trying experiences of the army hospital and in the field, and in each position 
 and in each relation he felt her goodness of heart and greatness of soul. He 
 loved her for what she lias been to those near and dear to him, for what she 
 has done for others, and for what she has tried to be to all. 
 
 "With his family there was no kinship of blood, but there grew up in 
 those years of association with them in that home a higher relationship of 
 reciprocal affection, appreciation and trust. 
 
 "Her thoughtfulness, her gentleness, her dignity, and her playfulness, 
 showed the strong contrasts in her nature, which so singularly combined the 
 child and the woman. 
 
 "She was charitable in judgment, ready to forgive those whose lips had 
 questioned her fidelity or the purity of her motives, and equally ready to con- 
 fess her faults. 
 
 "She often said, 'true affection does not make us blind; but, although 
 keenly alive to the errors of those we love, we can the more readily pardon.' 
 
 "With confidence in her ability to work in responsible positions, she was 
 humble, and did not desire notoriety, declining always to furnish for publi- 
 cation any history of her army life. 
 
 "Her faculty in arranging a hospital, her tact in managing the patients 
 and the soldier nurses, her ability to pray and sing with dying men, to con- 
 duct religious and funeral ceremonies; her adaptation to circumstances, her 
 courage in hours of danger — all fitted her for the service she performed. 
 
 "Her last public work, in lately re-establishing a Colored Orphans' 
 Home in Richmond, brought her in contact with a race she loved so well, 
 and afforded her another opportunity for administrative labor. 
 
 "In her presence the profane lip was silent, and she won the respect 
 and love alike of friend and stranger, of the aged, of whom she was so 
 thoughtful, and of the young, whom she so readily instructed and amused.
 
 328 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 "Loving her Savior, she loved the divinity in our humanity, and be- 
 lieved that all good thoughts, words, deeds, are divine ; that we are but the 
 channel through which they flow, and that the divine current is sure to de- 
 posit in our hearts the seeds of constant joy. This was the only reward she 
 
 sought. 
 
 "Thousands who saw and appreciated her work in the army, the few 
 who were associated with her in a kindred service, and other thousands who 
 knew her only through her offices to those they loved, will mourn at her 
 translation. Those who knew her best and loved her most will most readily 
 acquiesce in this great discipline ; for they know with what cheerful faith she 
 entered the gateway towards which she had so often looked, and how willing 
 she will be to wait for a re-union with those she loved on earth, while we 
 may well anticipate her welcome above by those, gone before, to whom she 
 
 had ministered."' 
 
 "There is rest for the weary." 
 
 Miss Gilson died in Newton, Mass., and was buried from the Universal - 
 ist church, Chelsea, and her remains lie in Woodlawn Cemetery. The 
 soldiers raised a beautiful monument above her grave, bearing the following 
 inscription, "Helen L. Gilson. Born Nov. 22, 1835; died April 20, 1868. 
 A tribute from soldiers of the war of 1861 to 1865, for self-sacrificing labors 
 in the army hospitals." The monument occupies a spot on Chapel Hill, the 
 highest land in Woodlawn Cemetery, Chelsea. The plat of ground is called 
 the "Field of Mercy," and no other burial has been made in it. 
 
 Mr. Fay further says, "Her grave is' decorated by the soldiers on 
 'Memorial Day.' She was loved by them and all who knew her. Few left 
 so sweet a memory." 
 
 Her married name was Osgood. Her married life was a short one, and 
 she is always spoken of as "Miss Gilson," and her monument was so in- 
 scribed, acceptably to all parties interested in her and in her great work. 
 
 She established a Colored Home at Richmond, Va., and a white school 
 at the South. 
 
 There was no woman (unless we except Clara Barton) among the many 
 angels of mercy that ministered to our sick and dying, who so richly deserves 
 to be called the Florence Nightingale of America as Helen Gilson, if indeed
 
 MARY T. REED. 329 
 
 these twin spirits did not altogether surpass "Santa Filomela." In length 
 of service, number of battles witnessed, of sick and wounded cared for, as in 
 rare accomplishments of person, voice, and ability to minister in speech and 
 song, and in that true magnetism of presence that made her seem like an 
 angel from heaven — in her entire record during our cruel war, she was 
 surpassed by no woman whose name is recorded, and it is a blessed thought 
 that her views of God and man, of life and eternity, inspired and sustained 
 her to accomphsh the great work to which she consecrated her young life. 
 Let us never forget or cease to honor the name of this Sister of Charity, 
 Helen Louise Gilson, who will always 
 
 " Stand 
 In the great history of the laud, 
 A noble type of good 
 Heroic womanhood," 
 
 MAEY T. EEED 
 
 Is the wife of Rev. D. M. Reed, one of our popular clergymen, to whom 
 she was married in Piermont, N. H., in 1846. Her maiden name was Thresh- 
 er, and she was born in Deerrield, N. H., and received a fine education in 
 her native State. Mrs. Reed was a school-teacher, and at one time taught 
 in our seminary at Woodstock, Vt., and says at that time she builded better 
 than she knew, for some of her students have become quite eminent. "Yet," 
 she adds, "I suspect these people, many of them, who have attained emi- 
 nence, will rind when the great book is opened that the Recording Angel has 
 marked them lower than many whose names were never heard beyond their 
 quiet neighborhood." 
 
 Mrs. Reed has written and published enough to fill a large volume. Her 
 published correspondence from the South, and indeed from different parts of 
 our country, is veiy interesting. In her travels she sees and appreciates a 1 !
 
 330 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 the charming scenery, and transmits her .observations to paper so vividly that 
 readers can easily imagine that instead of reading her letters they are accom- 
 panying her in her rovings. She has great intuition, and detects shams 
 readily in men or women. 
 
 Mrs. Eeed says, "I have been no idler in the vineyard, have done my 
 work in a qniet, humble way, yet 1 am no mother in Israol, and can claim 
 no lot or part among the great workers.'' I feel that I have no right to per- 
 mit Mrs. Heed's modesty to shut her out from among our "Woman Workers." 
 She has lectured upon different subjects, with marked ability. The home of 
 Mr. and Mrs. Eeed is one that the poet, the naturalist or the wayfaring 
 traveler can look forward to for enjoyment and rest. 
 
 A favorable specimen of her style here f ollows : 
 
 IS LIFE WORTH LIVING? 
 
 "This is one of the many questions recently agitated by the philosophers 
 of the nineteenth century. It is a new way of putting the old, old question 
 which so jjerplexed Hamlet ages ago, 'To be, or not to be.' 
 
 "The Pessimists at once answer in the negative. The Optimists in the 
 affirmative. Is it that the one gets so much more out of life than the other? 
 
 "To a spectator with our limited f acid ties, looking down upon this mun- 
 dane sphere, it surely must seem that many lives are not worth the living, 
 either to the possessor or to others, unless it be that the sorrows and burdens 
 they heap upon their fellows are as the refiner's fire, to purify. It must be 
 that the power to make life a blessing is given to the struggling children of 
 earth. Whose fault is it when it proves, as it so often does, to be otherwise? 
 Were it possible for one to live to himself, or to die to himself, without affect- 
 ing the well-being of others, a worthless life woidd not be quite so dreadful 
 as it is. 
 
 "Was not tin' individual actuated by a noble ambition who said, 'Every 
 day of my life I want to make somebody glad that I was born.' 
 
 "hois not, much depend upon what one makes the chief end of his liv- 
 ing? To the butterflies of fashion, while basking in the sunshine of pros- 
 perity, life ni'iy seem pleasant as a Summer day without clouds. But when
 
 MARY T. REED. 331 
 
 the storm gathers and the tempests heat upon their poor, frail, gauzy wings, 
 they droop at once, and the question under consideration is then answered 
 in the negative. 
 
 "Another class is represented by the bee. They are too busy in gather- 
 ing sweets from every flower, in laying up treasures as though they expected 
 to enjoy them here forever, to speculate much on the philosophy of life. 
 They have not time even to notice their neighbor bending under the weight 
 of heavy burdens. If these do not enjoy the highest kind of happiness, nei- 
 ther have they gauged the depths of misery and sorrow. 
 
 "According to the doctrine of the Buddhist, human existence on this 
 earth is an evil. This sect numbers about two hundred and ninety millions. 
 Many Christians call it a vale of tears, a state of probation, certainly not 
 worth living if this is ah. 
 
 " 'Whom the gods love, die young.' From this, if the gods have been 
 correctly reported, it is evident that they did not consider this hfe worth the 
 living, so early removed their favorites to a better one. 
 
 "The philosopher has speculated and puzzled over the problems of life 
 till faith, hope and love have perished within him. Baffled at every turn he 
 finally gives up in despair these enigmas more perplexing than the riddle of 
 the Sphynx. 
 
 "But those who accept whatever is as right and best, are the most to be 
 envied. The existence of evil in the world, which has so taxed the faith 
 and baffled the intellect of philosophers in all ages, does not trouble them. 
 
 "What can the Optimists know of uiihappiness? When the sun disap- 
 pears they direct their gaze with delight upon the glorious firmament studded 
 with stars. When the light and splendor of these luminaries become dim, 
 or quite obscured by dense clouds, they know that it is only that refreshing 
 showers may fall upon the thirsty earth, causing it to bud and blossom with 
 beauty. 
 
 "Perhaps in listening to celestial harmonies they do not hear the dis- 
 cords of earth, or hearing, think with the poet that 
 
 "'All discord is harmony not understood. 
 All partial evil universal yood.'"
 
 332 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 MARY T. MOORE. 
 
 One of the many unobtrusive, devoted and saintly women of our church 
 was Mrs. Mary T. Moore, who was born in Sidney, Me., in 1796. Her 
 maiden name was Pierce. She was married in 1826, in Norridgewock, Me. 
 and subsequently lived in Portland, Buffalo, N. Y., and Chicago, 111. In 
 1868 she returned to Norridgewock, where she died Nov. 25, 1878, in her 
 eighty-second year. Providentially Mrs. Moore was able to exercise her de- 
 sire to do good. Her own personal expenses she kept very small, and gen- 
 erously devoted her large income to benevolent uses. Besides numerous gifts 
 to individuals, she was very liberal to her church. Lombard University, West- 
 brook Seminary, the Woman's Centenary, St. Paid's Church and other de- 
 nominational enterprises were her beneficiaries. Her gifts were only limited 
 by her means. The writer of this too brief and inadequate sketch gratefully 
 records a noble act of which she received the benefit. Her name should be 
 held in lasting remembrance. 
 
 ELSIE A. BURR, 
 
 The daughter of Atwell and Betsey Burr, of La Fox, 111., was a born 
 Universahst. She not only tallied about it and wrote about it, but she lived 
 the life of a consecrated Universalist Christian. She was a Avoman of deep 
 thought, clear brain and firm purpose. She was an invalid for years, and 
 was an inmate at Dansville, N. Y., from May, 1873, when she repaired to 
 that home with hope for improved health. She remained there until De- 
 cember of the same year, when she was informed by the physician what she 
 had read in her symptoms that she coidd live but a short time. Her reply 
 was that of a Christian, "If I am to die, I am willing." She called her be- 
 loved nephew to her, and with comforting and soothing words prepared him 
 as best she conld for the sad news. 
 
 In December, 1873, the following notice of our worthy friend appeared
 
 NANCY THORNING MONROE. 383 
 
 in the New Covenant. "Our sister was a Universalist Christian in every 
 sense of the word, and will long he remenihered hy all who knew her, es- 
 pecially the poor, whom she delighted to aid hy every means in her power. 
 Deprived of the privilege of attending church by poor health, her well-worn 
 Bible testifies on what her faith was founded. She was a contributor to the 
 "Better Covenant" and New Covenant, and to other papers and periodicals. 
 
 NANCY THORNING MONROE 
 
 Is a name familiar to most reading Universalists, and a name beloved 
 by them. She was born in Littleton, Mass., in the year 1820. Her maiden 
 name was Thorning. N. Thorning was her signature in the "Repository," 
 wliich she commenced writing for at the early age of sixteen, and continued 
 her contributions until that magazine ceased to exist. "Sorrow and Joy" 
 was her first article written for that monthly in November, 1837. Rev. 
 Henry Bacon, then the editor of the "Repository," hailed with much pleas- 
 ure this new writer, the promise of whose early days has been more than ful- 
 filled. Her marriage, a few years later, brought editor and contributor into 
 close family relations, standing as brother and sister to each other, for sub- 
 sequently she was married to Edwin Monroe, Jr., brother of Mrs. E. A. 
 Bacon, Emehne R. Pierce, Faustina Dennis and Martha Brooks. She was 
 bereaved by his death, Sept. 1, 1868, when he was fifty-six years of age. 
 Edwin Monroe was a man honored and respected by the entire community, 
 for his sterling worth and upright life. He was the founder, and, at the time 
 of his death, deacon of the Universalist church of his town and its firm and 
 devoted friend. 
 
 Twice before her husband's death was she left childless, and recently 
 her daughter, Lilian T. (Hollander), was taken from her. She is now an in- 
 valid, and we regret that our application for data for an extended sketch of 
 her life reached her at a time when illness and sorrow had unfitted her to 
 respond, except very briefly. She deserves a more extended tribute than 1
 
 334 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 am able to give, for Mrs. Monroe was one of the most valued of the sister- 
 hood who elevated our literature into prominence, and who attracted the at- 
 tention of thepubhc to the ability of the women of our church. She wrote at 
 much length and with commensurate force and point. A series of continued 
 articles entitled "The Social Observatory," and another, "Talks in My Home," 
 attracted great attention, and poems, tales and sketches, in much variety, 
 flowed from her pen. We give an extract from "A Fear for the Future," as 
 a specimen of her prose writings, taken from the "Eepository." 
 
 "Intellectual growth in woman, requires intellectual growth in man. 
 Only the narrow-minded fear the former, only strongly conservative and in- 
 dolent natures fear the bad influence upon women of education, cultivation 
 and intellectual elevation. It is more than idle, aU this talk of 'lustrous eyes 
 and winning dimples,' giving place to 'blackened faces and rough heads,' 
 and needless also is it in these days to cite instances to prove the contrary. 
 There is a blindness so obstinate it shuts its eyes in the broad sunlight and 
 avers it is midnight darkness. Let it grope its way along, till the burning 
 heat of the noonday sun send conviction to the brain which nothing else can 
 reach. 
 
 "It is true there may be a cultivation of the head and intellect at the ex- 
 pense of the heart and the affections, but we have yet to learn that women 
 are in more danger of this than men. There may be, too, inharmonious na- 
 tures, ill-disciplined minds carried away by one idea, mathematicians and 
 nothing more, artists and nothing more, politicians and nothing more ; more, 
 this is an evil, but why we should fear it to any greater extent among women 
 than men, we cannot say. Because one woman may chance to be 
 wholly absorbed in art to the exclusion of most womanly proclivities, must 
 all other women, no matter how much talent and inclination may incline 
 them that way, smother all such aspirations? Occasionally from the ranks 
 of wives and mothers we can spare a Harriet Hosmer; she might not have 
 filled the former situations well ; that of artist she certainly does. The world 
 need not tremble and think that all women who understand the simplest 
 rules of art, are going to rush madly from the spheres of private duty and 
 take up the chisel. 
 
 "There has been a great deal of false sentimentality expended upon this
 
 NANCY THORNING MONROE. 335 
 
 subject, a vast deal of talk of woman's mixing with man in the business of 
 life, of soiling her purity in life's tumult and bustle. Men with a little ro- 
 mance in their composition, and a great fear of what they call strong-minded 
 women, (a vague term to designate a sort of anomalous animal between a 
 man and a woman), like to place woman upon a pedestal, and once in a 
 while, when it suits their convenience, come up and worship her; they like 
 to keep her as a sort of household deity, veiled sometimes, if possible, so that 
 her pure eyes may not see all the paths in which they, her sometimes devout 
 worshipers, tread. 
 
 "It was for no such use God made woman. Eve was given to Adam as 
 his helpmeet. She was not placed upon the earth merely to be protected by 
 him and to be looked upon with similar admiration. God did not say to 
 Adam, 'I have given you this beautiful creature, and you must protect her 
 from the beasts of the fields and the fowls of the air; she is frail and delicate, 
 she won't understand all you understand, she is weak in body and intellect 
 compared to yourself, but you see she is beautiful, and she wiU be to you 
 more of a companion than all those beasts you have just been naming.' 
 No, none of this. But she was to be his helpmeet, bone of his bone and 
 flesh of his flesh. The fruit of the forbidden tree which made them hke unto 
 gods, was partaken by her as well as by him, and since the? hour they were 
 driven from Paradise, she, equally with him, has shared the punishment for 
 transgression. Hand in hand woman went with man out of the garden of 
 Eden, and God designed that thus she should travel with him to the end of 
 time." 
 
 Her poetical productions are numerous and excellent. 
 
 CAXDLEMAS. 
 
 Winter had hound Ids brow with holly, 
 
 And passing 'neath the mistletoe, had clasped 
 
 The New Year in his cold embrace His breath 
 
 Congealed in icy tears upon the cheek 
 
 He pressed. Hoarse winds mourned through the leafless trees 
 
 A requiem for the past; while no glad song 
 
 Of brook or bird welcomed the New Year in. 
 
 Pale and wan the sun of February 
 
 Shone in on Candlemas. A mother rose 
 
 And lighting up the tapers duly ranged,
 
 336 OUE WOMAN WOEKEKS. 
 
 Each taper named for one she loved, sat down 
 To watch their burning. This for her first born, 
 She of the glowing cheek and bounding step, 
 Who woke within her heart a mother's love. 
 The next was for a pale and drooping girl. 
 Over whose couch for long, long days and nights 
 She oft had trembling hung. And as she turned 
 To watch that taper's blaze, her cheek grew pale, 
 And every pulse was still. Yet it burned on. 
 Oh, sunny-haired, and sunny-browed was she, 
 The very sunlight of her home, whose course 
 Was imaged forth by the next taper's light, 
 Laughing amid the flowers, herself a flower. 
 Singing amid the birds, herself a bird, 
 And nestling like a birdling safe at home, 
 Within her parents' nest. The next, her boy. 
 Her noble boy, growing to be a man, 
 So tall, so straight, so fair to look upon. 
 His mother's heart might well be proud ; but love 
 Was stronger than her pride, and as she gazed, 
 Her eye grew dim ; the light that had flashed there 
 Faded away ; her heart grew sick with dread, 
 And her brain reeled. Did not the taper burn 
 With fearful speed, already half consumed, 
 While all the rest did seem but newly lit ? 
 She closed her eyes and pressed her .tightened hands 
 Upon her brow, and prayed aloud: "Not yet, 
 O ! God, let it not burn out yet ; O ! give 
 A longer life unto my best beloved ; 
 O ! stay the flickering blaze ; in mercy hear. 
 And let not darkness come upon me now." 
 She prayed in agony, then took her hands 
 Down from her pallid face, unclosed her eyes. 
 Her eager, streaming eyes. The lights burned on— 
 Yes, they burned on, and brighter than them all, 
 Yet nearer to its close than all the rest, 
 Was the doomed one she sought. She turned no more 
 From its clear light, but sat and watched through all- 
 Saw the last spark go out in darkness there, 
 Then veiled her face once more, and cried. " My son ! 
 
 A few short weeks, it might be months, and then 
 One day they bore into that mother's home 
 Her only boy, silent and still and cold. 
 No life within the outstretched limbs, no breath 
 Within tin' parted lips. Close clung his hair 
 I " i ■ ■ 1 1 !ii^ brow, wet with tin' salt sea foam; 
 This told his fate, and so they laid him there 
 Beside his mother, and she clasped her hands
 
 E. A. BACON LATHROP. 837 
 
 As once before upon her tearful face. 
 And cried, "O! God, my son!" 
 
 And thus he died ! 
 His lamp of life had early burned away, 
 And bis sad, weeping mother lights no more 
 At Candlemas the taper's blaze; she asks 
 No farther light upon the future's page. 
 God in his own good time will mak : all clear ; 
 And when as one by one the lights go out 
 Upon her way, she clasps no more her hands 
 Before her eyes, but lifts her gaze above. 
 And sees the lights kindled on earth, renewed 
 Again in Heaven. 
 
 E. A. BACON LATHEOP. 
 
 Eliza A. Monroe was born in the year 1816, in the good old revolutionary 
 town of Lexington, Mass. She says, "I have always felt a little proud that 
 one of my ancestors lies under the cenotaph that covers the illustrious first 
 martyrs of our liberty." Mrs. Lathrop, formerly known everywhere among 
 our people as Mrs. Bacon, has been one of the most efficient workers that 
 our church was ever blessed with. She was the third child and eldest 
 daughter of a family of seven children. The name of each daughter is a 
 household treasure to our denomination. Martha married Kev. E. G. 
 Brooks, D.D. Faustina married Rev. J. S. Dennis. Emeline, the artist 
 and poet, was the wife of Mr. Caleb S. Pierce, of Peoria, 111., and the subjf ct of 
 this sketch married Henry Bacon, who had but a year previously been or- 
 dained over the new East Cambridge parish, with which the Monroe family 
 were indentified ; and Nancy Thorning married Edwin Monroe. I can not 
 surprise our friends in good old Massachusetts with anything fresh and new to 
 them of this family, for they were well known to the Universalists of that 
 State. They had the reputation of being book- worms, and enjoying each other's 
 society, and of writing for each other's amusement. Eliza (Mrs. Lathrop), 
 however, was a little more given to such amusements than either of the others.
 
 338 OUK WOMAN WOEKERS. 
 
 she was more frequently caught with pencil and paper, and the question, 
 when a child, was frequently asked by the others, "What are you writing 
 now, E. A.?" 
 
 Mr. Bacon, many of our friends will remember, took great satisfaction in 
 his wife's ability, and rather persisted that she should cultivate her gifts, and 
 so we frequently heard from her through the " Eepository , " which magazine 
 her husband edited twenty years. 
 
 Mrs. Bacon took no literary responsibility until after Mr. Bacon's death, 
 which occurred in 1856, when she says, "Necessity required me to help sup- 
 port myself and three boys, and I accepted the editorship of the 'Ladies' Re- 
 pository,' which I continued for five years. Truth to tell I always considered 
 myself a Hessian in literature, never joining the army till I needed its sup- 
 port, and 'What's the foe who kiUs for hire?' " She also says, "I must con- 
 fess, I never 'lisped in numbers,' and was a pretty old child before the 
 'numbers came,' and I feel as though it would be just to omit me from the 
 'Woman Workers.' I confess the high company is tempting to join." 
 
 During her life with Mr. Bacon, she was noted as a superior pastor's 
 wife, who took intense interest in the parishes over which her husband was 
 settled, which were Cambridge, Haverhill, Marblehead, Mass. ; Providence, 
 R. I. ; and Philadelphia, Penn., in which city she became a widow, and soon 
 returned to her kindred and old home in Cambridge, where she resided until 
 her second marriage with Rev. T. S. Lathrop in 1861. Mr. Lathrop was 
 educated among the Unitarians, and had always been settled over Unitarian 
 parishes, but being in sympathy with the Universalists, it was a slight change 
 for him to take a Universalist parish at Bridgeport, Conn., which he took a 
 few months before he was united in marriage to Mrs. Bacon. They resided 
 in that city seven years, after which they took charge of the pleasant parish 
 in the quiet little town of North Salem, N. Y., where they have resided in 
 harmony with all around for thirteen years. 
 
 Mrs. Bacon has three boys, in whom any mother's heart would have a 
 right to rejoice and take pride. She says, "They are my best gifts to the 
 world. Henry is a successful artist in Paris, where he has resided some 
 seventeen years; Edwin M., is managing editor of the old 'Boston Advertiser,' 
 the office that he first entered as a reporter, fresh from school fourteen years
 
 E. A. BACON LATHROP. 889 
 
 ago, and Earle C. learned the machinist trade, and is now manufacturing 
 his own patent 'hoisting engine' in New York," and as an admirer of his 
 pluck says of him, "If you want an engine to raise the Rocky Mountains, 
 he's the man for you." 
 
 The readers of the old "Ladies' Repository" were always delighted with 
 Mrs. Bacon's contributions, and her signature "E. A. B." was a warranty for 
 what preceded it, and the character of the " Repository " while under her 
 editorial care, proved that she only needed the spur of necessity to render her 
 a finished pen-artist, while her memoir of Mr. Bacon and her volume of his 
 sermons placed her among the hest of our editors and writers. It is a source 
 of regret to us that we are unable to present more minute particulars of her 
 life, but her name will always rank high among our toilers with pen and 
 heart and brain. We should be glad to make copious selections from Mrs. 
 Bacon's writings, but as we draw towards the end of our pleasant task, ac- 
 cumulating materials compel a brevity we regret. We quote: 
 
 HYMN. 
 
 Young hearts are glad, young eyes are bright, 
 
 To welcome in this day, 
 We stand a congregated band, 
 
 Our grateful vows to pay. 
 
 Recall we now a festive week. 
 
 Long centuries ago, 
 When parents, missing one like us, 
 
 Were filled with fear and woe. 
 
 Recall how in the temple aisles 
 
 They found the holy child. 
 How young he did liis Father's work, 
 
 The pure and undeflled. 
 
 Dear Saviour, may thy cares for Tis 
 
 End thus in grateful hymn! 
 Dear Father, may our work for theo 
 
 This blessed day begin! 
 
 "I have been led to this moralizing to-day by writing for the first time on 
 a new desk, not new from the manufacturers, for there are a few ink stains
 
 340 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 upon it, and the cloth upon which my paper lies is worn nearly threadbare 
 in one spot, where a busy arm has moved at the will of a busier brain. 
 
 "Now, I have many times looked upon this very desk, as it has stood for 
 several years past in a friend's study, with somewhat covetous eyes. It 
 seemed to be the one thing needful to make my own httle study complete, 
 and I woidd compare its broad top, where I could rest my arms and think or 
 dream between the long pauses with which I often indulge my pen ; its row 
 of nice, large drawers where I might deposit separately my accepted, rejected 
 and corrected 'Repository' communications; its ample apartments for all 
 needful writing apparatus, its cosy httle « pigeon holes,' for choice letters 
 and dainty scraps of literature, and its sort of side table for text books, flower 
 vase, or anything that best suited me; I would contrast aU these with my old 
 round table with its odd mixture of books, papers, pamphlets, sewing ma- 
 terials, and a httle narrow, unbusiness-like portable desk, where I was obliged 
 to sit at my writing continually in one attitude, and the residt would always 
 be in favor of my friend's property. 
 
 "Now I find this very property in my own study, the round table and 
 portable desk removed, and myself sitting, the sole possessor of the coveted 
 treasure. And yet, and yet, I am not satisfied, because of the entailments 
 that have accompanied the new possession. With it I am ever to be reminded 
 of what was and is not. The friend who bequeathed it to me is now hun- 
 dreds of miles off in those far Western regions — even on the broad Mississippi 
 — -those regions that have grasped so many of the heart's dearest treasures. 
 He has borne with him too the light of our home circle, the life of aU our 
 family festivals. With his gift I am ever to be reminded of a certain Sum- 
 mer day when four of us stood upon our cottage porch, and watched with 
 tearful eyes the receding figure that for so many years had been a very pres- 
 ence of joy among us; and the Summer seemed to die out, 'and over all 
 things brooding slept the quiet sense of something lost,' when we felt how 
 long the time might be before we should look into that dear face again. 
 
 "Ah friend! with your presence I could well dispense with the property 
 you have left me. What comfort or luxury can atone for the loss of kind 
 voices and loving eyes and the constant interchange of every mood of thought 
 and feeling?
 
 ANNA LIPPITT MARVIN. 341 
 
 "Even now I look with fond regret too upon the old table and little desk, 
 endeared to me by sacred duties, the labor of love that I have accomplished 
 while seated before them and tins spacious substitute, that is like the thought 
 of its original possessor, strong, well-planned and nicely adjusted, seems out of 
 place in my womanish -looking study, that is dedicated to memory rather than 
 letters; and its old furniture, suited alike to literature or the pleasant domes- 
 tic art of needle-work, was perhaps more in harmony with its occupant. 
 
 "I am much hke one, I imagine, as I enter into the possession of my new 
 property, who through a long life has toiled in a snug little homestead, and 
 at last has become possessor of broad lands and baronial halls. He rides up 
 the grand avenues, and treads the stately rooms, but ah dear and tender as- 
 sociations are with the old homestead, the well-sweep, lilac bushes and apple 
 orchard. 
 
 "Ah me! I will never, I trust, break the ninth Commandment again." 
 
 ANNA LIPPITT MARVIN. 
 
 Mrs. Marvin was the daughter of Daniel and Catherine Burch Lippitt 
 and wife of Hon. Thomas E. 0. Marvin, of Portsmouth, N. H. She was 
 bom in Cohocton, N. Y., September 26, 1834. The following tender and 
 beautiful tribute is from the fruitful pen of Mrs. J. L. Patterson, sister to the 
 angelic woman described. I must forego the pleasure of giving the introduc- 
 tion to this tribute, published in the "Christian Leader'-' of April 21, 1881. 
 
 Mrs. Patterson says: 
 
 "I count it one of God's benedictions that there came to me in the 
 home of my childhood one who was altogether true and noble. Love does 
 not make me blind to faults; rather does it make clear the vision, and very 
 sensitive the heart. We were like other families with our virtues and our 
 faults, our successes and our failures, however noble the aim. And I could 
 see these, as they coidd be seen in me. But when I took into my heart the 
 love of my only sister, something sacred made its abode there from the time
 
 312 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 when I, a little wondering girl, was called to look upon her infant face. Her 
 dark eyes seemed to have depths which this world could not fathom, and as I 
 looked into them, I had full faith that she came from the world of angels to 
 make her home with us. 
 
 "Year after year, through childhood, she was my special love and charge. 
 I gave her the guardian care of a mother in all of our school life which we 
 passed together, a happy period made short by years of invalidism on my 
 jmrt, and an utter dependence upon the instruction of my father at home. 
 She had no such hindrance. Reasonably healthy as child and maiden, she 
 pursued her studies as long as she cared to attend school. 'A Tribute to Our 
 Mother' was, I think, her first venture in print. It was warm with a daugh- 
 ter's loving reverence, and outreaching with the faith of the Christian. Af- 
 terwards, when we had care of the young church in Girard, and she attend- 
 ed, for nearly two years, the academy there, occasional poems appeared in 
 the 'Ambassador,' and the 'Christian Repository,' of Montpelier. These, 
 for the most part, were sent to friends, and without her knowledge. She 
 was a very timid girl, not counting her divine gift at its true value. 
 
 "When the editor of the 'Ladies' Repository' wrote her that the 'At- 
 lantic' published no better verses than her's, she received the compliment as 
 a flattering extravagance. For two or three years she wrote quite frequently 
 for this magazine over her own initials, A. M. L., Cassewago, Penn. I pict- 
 ured for her a life devoted to authorship. It seemed to me that she only needed 
 to work the mine, to produce large yields of the finest ore. After our re- 
 moval to New England, I wrote her to this effect, depicting a fair and suc- 
 cessful future. I could see the laurels already growing for her brow. She 
 answered me, 'Your letter brings to my mind's eye two pictures; one of a 
 woman, intense, hungry-eyed, wild-haired and homeless, writing for bread; 
 the other, a woman sitting quietly by her husband's fireside, her heart hushed 
 by his love, and in her arms that sweetest of all poems, a child of her own. 
 I look on this picture, then on that, and what wonder if I hesitate on the 
 threshold of the way you see opening before me ?' 
 
 "After the death of our father, in the Spring of I860, Anne came to 
 New Hampshire to make her home with me. In the Autumn of that year 
 she met a young man of our congregation, Thomas E. 0. Marvin. He was
 
 ANNA LIPPITT MAKYIN. 843 
 
 at once attracted by her quiet loveliness, and she found in him the providen- 
 tial center for her affectionate interest. They had a brief but happy court- 
 ship, and on Thanksgiving day of 1801 they were married. 
 
 "Her pen was now almost wholly laid aside, in preparation for the new 
 home which must be huilded. She had never flooded the papers with her 
 verses, but when they did appear they were like a strain of music from a di- 
 vine instrument. Through all her married life of nineteen years, I think she 
 wrote less than a dozen pieces; but after a fair May morning in the Spring 
 of 1863 her arms were never empty of 'that sweetest of all poems, a child 
 of her own.' Seven sons and two daughters were born to her, two of 
 whom, a son and a daughter, preceded her to the happy bind. 
 
 "In writing me of the christening of the three youngest children in the 
 same month in which Mabel went to heaven, she says, 'I went through it 
 all, thanking God for the ones I had in my sight, trying to still the heavy 
 ache, ache for the little lamb I cannot see. Oh, no, my heart cannot be 
 healed of its longing till I find my baby again, till I can hold her in my arms. 
 I should never think of saying those strange words, 
 
 "Nol as a child shall we again behold her.' 
 
 "No mother ever wrote that. Would any maiden, would any full-grown 
 beautiful angel, make up to me my lost darling in her sweet, pure infancy? 
 No, no! I want my baby when I go to her, just as she was, only made im- 
 mortal. Can I wait for that day? 
 
 "If I felt any degree of disappointment that Mrs. Marvin did not keep 
 her place in literature, it was more than compensated by the rare order of her 
 life as wife and mother. The full flower of her womanhood came to blos- 
 som in her home. She governed her children wholly by reason and the af- 
 fections, never deeming her time too precious to explain to them the basis of 
 her wishes, if they showed any hesitancy in keeping her requests. If she de- 
 nied what seemed to them a pleasure, she did it in such a way that the child 
 yielded willingly, seeing the righteousness of her reason. On one occasion 
 little Kay came into the sitting room after teasing his mother for some time 
 to go out. The day was cold, and she deemed it imprudent for him to go. 
 He thought he was alone in the room, and he soliloquized, '0 she is a beau- 
 tiful woman; she is a beautiful woman, and I love her! I do!' 'Who is a
 
 34-i OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 beautiful woman?' said his father from an unobserved corner. He turned 
 proudly and answered, 'My mother.' She had denied his wish, but she had 
 done it in such a way that his little heart was filled with delight. 
 
 "She was a woman of intense convictions and unwavering religious faith. 
 In her sixteenth year -she united with the first Universalist Church of Cas- 
 sewago, Pennsylvania, and after making her home in New Hampshire, she 
 transferred her membership to the old church in Portsmouth, her husband 
 becoming a member at the same time. She gave to this venerable centre of 
 worship a large degree of her heart's love and loyalty. She attended its 
 services when it was possible, going many a time when a woman less devoutly 
 Christian would have yielded to physical weakness and staid in her own 
 chamber. 
 
 "Years ago a young friend went out into the immortal life, and as the 
 voice of our dearly beloved to us I will close with her 
 
 "IN MEMORIAM." 
 
 Our hearts keep best the portrait of a friend; 
 
 They need no dumb remembrancer of art, 
 For love, the rarest limner, will defend 
 
 His sacred studio in the human heart. 
 
 Within this picture gallery, now and then. 
 Each one of us, withdrawn from earthly strife, 
 
 May And the faces of our lost again, 
 Faithful as when they walked with us in life. 
 
 We do not think what chaplets they have worn, 
 What words of wisdom they have left unsaid, 
 
 But simply how we loved them, as we mourn 
 Above the still, white faces of our dead. 
 
 And so to-night I hallow all my heart 
 With thoughts of one forever passed away, 
 
 Whose leaves of life were rudely blown apart 
 Ere they had opened to tin; noon of day. 
 
 Rudely, didsl say? O blind and crippled Faith! 
 
 How crossed witli doubt, how slow to comprehend! 
 Wt we believe that our departed hath 
 Entered that life whose day shall know no end. 
 
 Thru ]et us give him joy instead <>f tears: 
 This life of ours this weak and transient breath,
 
 EMELINE E. PIERCE. 945 
 
 When measured by heaven's bright eternal years 
 This life of ours 'twere better to call death. 
 
 sweeter than the In-art of any rose, 
 
 Fairer than empty honor's brightest bays, 
 And softer than an anthem's solemn close, 
 
 Shall be the memory of his upright ways. 
 
 Far from life's ocean, turbulent and hoarse. 
 Where wrecks of pomp and vanity are whirled. 
 
 Like some pure stream he kept his even course 
 Along the still, green valleys of the world. 
 
 And shall I murmur thai my friend is gone? 
 
 That from earth's ills he is forever Eree? 
 Passed in his placid beauty— crowned with dawn— 
 
 Into the light of love's eternal sea? 
 
 But oh, for those who keep his memory warm, 
 And for his vanished presence still must yearn, 
 
 Who watch and wait for a familiar form 
 That never, never, never will return. 
 
 God help the hearts that miss his face to-night. 
 With sure and steadfast faith which cannot fail, 
 
 And lift upon their sad and tearful sight, 
 What glory wraps him round within the vail. 
 
 Then let us give him joy instead of tears, 
 
 Joy that such tears his eyes no longer dim, 
 Joy that his heart shall throb no more with fears, 
 
 Joy for the hope that we shall go to him. 
 
 How fast they gather on that radiant shore. 
 The friends who walked with us but yesterday, 
 
 The holy hands that we shall clasp no more. 
 White, gloaming hands that beckon us away. 
 
 EMELINE R. PIERCE. 
 
 I cannot mention the great and good amount of work done by Mrs. Ba- 
 con, and keep entirely silent about her sister, Mrs. E. R. Pierce. If she were 
 living, her shy, shrinking nature would lay her delicate fingers upon my pen 
 
 23
 
 346 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 to stay its progress in writing the little I shall find time or room for. By na- 
 ture she was an artist, and stole time from the homely duties of the household 
 (to which she was true in every sense of the word) to instruct her young 
 daughter in her beautiful refining art. Her sister says of her, "If there was 
 one trait prominent in our dear Eineline, it was the harmony and repose of 
 her whole nature. She seemed hke one perfectly disciplined. In the beauti- 
 ful month of June, I saw her for the last time at her home in Peoria, fad- 
 ing daily away from the husband and children." 
 
 She was a pleasing writer of verse, and one of the many who graced the 
 pages of the "Repository." She was born in Charlestown, Mass., April 6, 
 1823; married Caleb S. Pierce, Aug. 1, 1845, and died in Peoria, 111., Aug. 
 1, 1869. 
 
 SAEAH STUAET MAKSH. 
 
 Sarah Stuart Clarke, daughter of William L. and Cornelia C. Clarke, 
 was bom in Kendall, Orleans Co., N. Y., January 17, 1830. In her child- 
 hood she was compelled to attend Partialist churches, and she can remember 
 being almost crazed at the doctrines inculcated at the early age of three 
 years, but the study of the Scriptures and the intelligent teachings of father 
 and mother, who were inclined to liberal views, prevented disastrous results. 
 At the age of seven she had discarded all confidence in the popular errors, and 
 at nine years, encouraged by her parents and stimulated by their liberal prin- 
 ciples and reverent lives, she embraced the great hope of universal salvation. 
 She heard her first sermon, when ten years old, from "Father Miles," an 
 earnest Christian. Since then she has been an understanding and rejoicing 
 believer in the full gospel of the blessed Lord. 
 
 February 17, 1852, she was married to George B. Marsh, of Pavilion, 
 N. Y. She was baptized by Rev. J. J. Austin, her mother and infant son 
 receiving the sacred rite on the same day, and in 1855 the family removed 
 to Chicago, where she by letter became a member of St. Paul's church, of
 
 ELIZABETH E. SAWYER. 847 
 
 which, a few years later, Rev. W. II. Ryder, D.D., became pastor. Since 
 then Mrs. Marsh has been an active and efficient worker in the denomina- 
 tion, in its local and general work, and in organized charities. She was 
 Vice President of the Women's Centenary Association (see account in this 
 book). In 1873 she became President of the Woman's Association of Illi- 
 nois, which office she held for five years. She has been the leading spirit in 
 the work of the association from that time to the present. In 1875 she was 
 chosen one of the trustees of the Illinois Convention, which office she holds 
 at the present time. In October, 1877, she was elected as one of the trustees 
 of the General Convention, the only woman ever placed on the Board. 
 
 Besides working for the church, Mrs. Marsh has found time to engage 
 in humanitarian work. She has been President of the Washingtonian 
 Home, Secretary of the Orphan Asylum two years, one of the incorpo- 
 rators of the Illinois Industrial School for Girls, and President of its Exec- 
 utive Committee. 
 
 Not many women are so blessed with wealth and leisure, as to enable 
 them to devote so much time in serving the church and mankind, and still 
 fewer are those who have the inclination to devote themselves so generously 
 as Mrs. Marsh has done, and continues to do. 
 
 ELIZABETH E. SAWYER. 
 
 The native place of Elizabeth E. Turner was Lyme, N. H. The views 
 from the hill near the house within which she first saw the light, take in 
 some of the grandest scenery of that great realm of grandeur, where artists 
 love to linger. She was born on the 27th of August, 1822. Her father, 
 Jacob Turner, could trace his line of ancestry direct to Humphrey Turner, 
 who settled in Plymouth in the year 1G28. Later the Turners dwelt in 
 Scituate, Mass., and the farm is still occupied by one of the descendants. It 
 is a family of most honorable record, not only through the early history of 
 the country, but to the present time. Elizabeth's grandmother was a Cush-
 
 348 OUR WOMAN WOEKEES. 
 
 ing, a descendant of the Cusbings who settled and owned the town of Hing- 
 ham, and their history is traceable to the days previous to the establishing 
 of the church of England. Elizabeth's father was a justice of the peace, and 
 transacted the business that is now usually prosecuted by legal men in these 
 days of many lawyers. He had his ups and downs in financial changes, but 
 would have managed to sail a smooth sea if his health had not failed him, 
 which it did utterly, and forced the family to move, in 1833, to the busy city 
 which in after years was called the "City of Spindles," Lowell, Mass. Here 
 the mother and older daughters took active part in supporting the family. I 
 say older which is true, but the subject of this sketch, the eldest, was but 
 eleven years of age when she entered the Lowell mills, and did her share in 
 keeping the wolf from the door. At that time the manufacturing population 
 of Lowell was wholly different from the present ; it was largely of intelligent 
 young women from New England country towns. 
 
 The father and mother who had, expectantly, looked forward to see their 
 children highly educated, were made very unhappy by this pressure of cir- 
 cumstances. Elizabeth, at this youthful age, was prepared for the High 
 school, but her working by no means stopped her education. In a few years 
 she joined a society, organized by Rev. Abel C. Thomas, "The Improvement 
 Circle," where essays, stories and poetry were read aloud by the different 
 authors, and criticised and prepared for the "Lowell Offering," the first 
 magazine ever written solely by women. This association was composed 
 of women who had been accustomed to homes of culture, and who were com- 
 pelled, by change of circumstances, to toil with their hands. 
 
 Elizabeth's mother was naturally a Universalist, born so, I imagine, for 
 her sympathies were active for those in sorrow and need, and her pity great 
 for sin-sick soids, which she would help if she could, and it was good reason- 
 ing to her that if there were any person, divine or human, who would not give 
 the "heavy-burdened rest," he was not worthy the name of Love or Mercy. 
 
 Elizabeth's father, during a long illness, made the Scriptures his only 
 study, and read himself iuto our blissful belief. Their first enjoyment in 
 hearing the doctrine of Christ preached, pure and perfect, was when they 
 removed to Lowell and sat under the scholarly, scriptural and tender preach- 
 ing of Rev. T. B. Thayer, D. D., Rev. Abel C. Thomas and Rev. A. A. Miner,
 
 ELIZABETH E. SAWYER. ;;i'.i 
 
 D.D. In 1818 the Turners removed to Boston, and joined Dr. Miner's 
 church, which was just after he had removed from Lowell to Boston. In his 
 Sunday-school she and all the members of her family were very active, as 
 they had been in our cause during their residence in Lowell. 
 
 She was married to Charles B. Sawyer, of Boston, July SI, 1851, and in 
 1856 Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer moved to the then promising city of the West 
 (Chicago), and they have always been staunch supporters and members of 
 St. Paul's Church, Rev. W. H. Ryder, D.D., pastor. 
 
 They have one son, Charles, who married the daughter of ;i prominent 
 physician, Dr. S. C. Ames, of Boston, Mass. Their household is one of har- 
 mony, luxury and culture. Mrs. Sawyer from girlhood was very retiring, and 
 to witness any obtrusiveness, especially of women, was always repulsive to her. 
 She is most truly a womanly woman, and one who must be known intimately 
 to be appreciated. Her friends over-rule her own modest estimate of her lit- 
 erary abilities, and insist that she possesses talents of a superior order. The 
 subjoined will sustain their judgment. 
 
 FEED MY SHEEP. 
 
 Earnest, faithful, thoughtful women', 
 
 Listen to our earnest '-all, 
 As we plead for those less favored. 
 
 Who are still in Error's thrall. 
 And direct your close attention 
 
 To those words with meaning deep, 
 Spoken by our loving Saviour 
 
 To his followers— " Feed my sheep!" 
 
 To those tones so sweet and tender. 
 
 Uttered centuries ago. 
 Can we nol hear sweetest echoes, 
 
 While relieving human woe? 
 Hearts an' heavy, souls an' darkened, 
 
 Spirits shrouded deep in idoom. 
 Waiting for our glorious gospel 
 
 Which can glorify the tomb. 
 Sisters, lei us do our duty ! 
 
 Help to lift tin' heavy cloud 
 Which o'erhangs so many households, 
 
 Ami the highest hopes enshroud ! 
 Heed our blessed Savior's message, 
 
 Let it break our lengthened sleep,
 
 350 OUB WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Nerve each heart and hand to labor 
 At his bidding—" Feed my sheep ! " 
 
 Grand as is our present era, 
 
 Wondrous as its findings are. 
 Mighty with its viewless forces, 
 
 Laying nations' secrets bare. 
 Not-withstanding all this glory. 
 
 Is there not another side. 
 Not so fair or bright, or cheering, 
 
 Checking all this human pride ? 
 Everywhere are workers needed 
 
 To arrest the reign of crime ; 
 Women, waken to the summons, 
 
 To the needs of this, our time ! 
 Never could that earnest pleading 
 
 Better be obeyed than now ; 
 Never could a better harvest 
 
 Gathered be— then let us bow 
 With a joyful recognition. 
 
 And this precept ever keep, 
 And, henceforward, strive with gladness 
 
 Faithfully to feed his sheep ! 
 
 OEPHIA E. CANTWELL. 
 
 Mrs. Cantwell was the third daughter of Rev. I. D. Williamson, D.D., 
 and was born in Albany, N. Y., June 27, 1834. Like many ministers' 
 daughters she was educated in many places— New York, Memphis, Mobile, 
 Cincinnati, Louisville — owing to her father's frequent pastoral changes. Her 
 first recollections are of Baltimore, Md., and her final educational finish was 
 at the Normal School, Albany. 
 
 From her earliest days she was interested in church and Sunday-school 
 work, and was a great help to ber father. She was especially gifted with 
 musical abilities, and when not more than eight years old took prominent 
 parts in the musical entertainments of the church and Sunday-school, to the 
 delight of all. Her first musical teacher was Rev. G. L. Demarest, D.D., 
 the present General Secretary of our church, then a business man and Super-
 
 OllPHIA E. GANTWELL. 351 
 
 intcndcnt of the Orchard -street Sunday-school, who from his love of music 
 and love of children taught the little miss, then six. years old, the rudiments 
 of the divine art in his own house. From that time the whole hent of her 
 mind was in the direction of music, for which she was endowed with a mar- 
 vellous gift. A sweet and powerful soprano voice, a thorough musical edu- 
 cation, and an engrossing passion, all these seemed to make music her 
 vocation. Her musical education was perfected in Philadelphia, where she 
 was fully prepared for professional concert singing by John J. Fraser, of the 
 Scguin troupe. Indeed her own personal choice would have compelled her 
 to adopt music as a profession, which she might have followed to her great 
 emolument, but the earnest dissuasions of those she loved better than she 
 loved music, and the eloquent tongue of a captivating young minister, caused 
 her to reserve for the delight of a few, a gift that might have charmed great 
 audiences. Accordingly, July 8, 1863, Orphia Williamson was married to 
 Rev. J. S. Cantwell, D.D., in Columbus, O., where the young couple lived 
 two years, and in 1865 Dr. Williamson and his son-in-law purchased the 
 "Star in the West," and Cincinnati became the home of Mrs. Cantwell. 
 During the sixteen years of Dr. CantweU's connection with that paper, which 
 he made one of the best religious journals ever printed, his wife was a faithful 
 helper, working early and late, year in and year out, with a devotedness and 
 energy impossihle to excel, to render her husband's enterprise successful. If 
 devotedness, perseverance, toil, not surpassed by galley slaves, could have 
 wrought success they would have achieved it, but non -paying subscribers and 
 financial reverses compelled their abandonment of a work for which both 
 were amply qualified. They deserved great success. 
 
 Mrs. Cantwell is a charming writer, having few superiors in the rare art 
 of letter-writing, and if she would she might obtain great success. 
 
 The Woman's Centenary Association has always had an ardent sup- 
 porter in Mrs. Cantwell, who was elected Vice-President for Ohio at ifs initial 
 meeting in Buffalo, and who has long been Corresponding Secretary. Her 
 services have been very efficient and valuable in the great national organiza- 
 tion of the women of our church. 
 
 In 1881 Dr. Cantwell took pastoral charge of the parish in North Attle- 
 horo, Mass., and Mrs. Cantwell is admirably adapted to the position she oc-
 
 352 0UR WOMAN WORKEES. 
 
 cupies — the difficult, and yet for one with such gifts as hers, the delightful 
 relation of minister's wife. Possessed of rare social accomplishments, genial, 
 sunny, with the finest colloquial gifts, she is no doubt far happier than when 
 in beautiful "Ingleside," her happy home on the banks of the Ohio for so 
 many years, and the delightful retreat where so many have found an atmos- 
 phere of social and intellectual refinement and domestic cheer and happiness, 
 more attractive than the wonderful natural scenery in which that home was 
 so appropriately set. But however prosperous and attractive any other home 
 may be, there will never be another earthly spot around which will cluster so 
 much that is dear, as in that home at "Ingleside, ' ? from which now all the 
 former inmates have gone, the venerable Dr. Williamson, beloved and mighty 
 apostle of the truth, to the house not made with hands, and the rest else- 
 where, faithfully performing the world's work in their appointed places. 
 
 Mrs. Cantwell has an only daughter, Georgia, now sixteen years of age. 
 
 L. A. E. MESSENGER. 
 
 This lady is the widow of Kev. George Messenger, well known in the 
 ministry of the Universalist Church, to whom she was married at about the 
 age of twenty-five, and who died at Springfield, Ohio, some years ago. She 
 is entitled to a record in these pages on account of her life-long relations to 
 the church and her munificent gifts to Buchtel College. Mrs. Messenger is 
 a native of Massachusetts, and was born December 30, 1800. Before her 
 marriage to Mr. Messenger she was engaged in teaching, and her interest in 
 education undoubtedly dates from this period of her life. She had gradu- 
 ated from an Eastern seminary, and was well prepared for usefulness in this 
 calling. She lived with Mr. Messenger a long life of mutual happiness and 
 affection. Her son, William, was born several years after her marriage, and 
 around him were centered their fondest hopes of life and happiness. He 
 married early and went to Mississippi to reside, where he died at the early 
 age of twenty-seven. This bereavement proved a lifelong sorrow to the
 
 MAJtV T. GODDARD. :;:,:; 
 
 afflicted parents. During the son's residence in the South Mr. and Mrs. 
 Messenger spent several Winters with him, and after his death took up their 
 permanent residence at Springfield, 0. 
 
 Mr. Messenger was one of the first Board of Trustees of Buchtel College, 
 and was deeply interested in the founding of the institution. He contributed 
 S 1,000 to the building fund, and after his death his widow became actively 
 engaged in the welfare of the same institution. Through the instrumentality 
 of Hon. J. R. Buchtel, she endowed the chair of mental and moral philoso- 
 phy, in memory of her husband, to the munificent amount of $25,000. She 
 lias also contributed largely to the expenses of the institution, and given 
 again and again for various special purposes, besides contributing nearly 
 $2,000 to the recent effort to liquidate the indebtedness. Her contributions 
 aggregate over $30,000. 
 
 Mrs. Messenger now resides at Akron in the family of Mr. Buchtel, and 
 is passing a serene and happy old age, whose greatly lengthened shadows are 
 cheered by the consolations of Christian faith, and constantly brightened by 
 the thought that her work on earth has not been in vain, and that she has 
 done much towards making the institution successful to which the last years 
 of her husband's life were so earnestly devoted. 
 
 MARY T. GODDARD. 
 
 BY REV. J. (i. ADAMS, D. D. 
 
 We are all the more inclined to speak of Mrs. Goddard in this book, 
 because of the hesitancy which we know would be manifested on her part, 
 should we propose an "interview" that we might ascertain personally certain 
 facts in connection with her work in behalf of our church interests, she hav- 
 ing, as we have reason to know, not the least desire that these duties most 
 conscientiously done by her, should be the occasion of any trumpeting of them 
 before (be public. But, the saying, coming from the best of sources, that
 
 354 
 
 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 "Wisdom is justified of her children," aud the fact that the true and faithful 
 in the Christian cause are worthy of heing mentioned for their own sakes and 
 for the benefit of others who need the inspiration of their example, prompt 
 us to venture upon the brief affirmations which follow. 
 
 Mary Thompson Frothingham was the daughter of Kichard Frothing- 
 ham, of Charlestown, Mass., one of the steadfast members and friends of 
 the Universalist Society in that place. The late Hon. Richard Frothingham, 
 the well-known historian of Charlestown, was her only brother. From her 
 earliest days she was instructed in the doctrines of the church of which she 
 afterwards became so true and constant a helper. 
 
 November 2, 1836, Miss Frothingham was united in marriage with Mr. 
 Thomas A. Goddard, a merchant of Boston. Mr. Goddard was a member 
 of the Second Universalist Church in that city, and during a part of the long 
 pastorate of the senior Rev. Hosea Ballou of that church, he was the faith- 
 ful and beloved Superintendent of its Sunday-school. He was in mind, 
 heart and character a Christian Universalist, and is honored and tenderly 
 remembered. Prosperous in business, he was always liberal in his con- 
 contributions to the church and the charities which in a large city were ever 
 making appeals to him and his companion. From the time of the first 
 movements for the founding of Tufts College, he was among its most in- 
 terested and generous helpers, and was one the first treasurers of the institu- 
 tion. Mrs. Goddard shared in all his benevolent solicitudes and exertions. 
 Soon after their return from a voyage to Africa, in 18GG, they removed to 
 Newton, Mass., where they had prepared an attractive home for themselves 
 during the remainder of their lives, but the faithful husband departed this 
 life, July 10, 1868, leaving an honored name in our churches. 
 
 Mrs. Goddard had enjoyed the pastorates of Messrs. Revs. Hosea Ballou 
 and E. H. Chapin and A. A. Miner, D.D., at the School Street Church, and 
 for sometime after her removal to Newton, continued to worship on the Sab- 
 bath in this place blessed to her with such precious memories of the past. 
 But when in 1872 the Committee of the Massachusetts Universalist Conven- 
 tion had taken successful steps to set up a Universalist Church in Newtonville, 
 her helping heart and hand were in readiness to encourage and strengthen 
 the new movement. It proved prosperous above the first hopes of its most
 
 ALICE AND PHCEBB CARY. 355 
 
 sanguine friends. When its first pastor, Rev. J. Coleman Adams, was called 
 to the ministry of the church, Mrs. Goddard was one of his most helpful 
 and generous supporters. She was proffered the lirst presidency of tin- 
 Woman's Centenary Association, hut declined. 
 
 Mrs. Goddard has in various ways expressed her interest in the educa- 
 tional movements of the LJniversalist Church. When a few years since the 
 infant seminary at I Jarre, Vt., hecaine greatly embarrassed, a devoted friend 
 acting as its agent, determined to make an earnest effort in its behalf. He 
 came to Massachusetts, and calling on Mrs. Goddard, the result was Goddard 
 Seminary, now a prosperous and highly promising institution. 
 
 For years past, Tufts College has needed in addition to its other build- 
 ings, a commodious chapel, and strong appeals to the generosity of the friends 
 of the coUege have from time to time been made to this end. At the last 
 Commencement Day, the president of the college announced among other 
 benefactions with which the institution had been favored during the preced- 
 ing year, that of §25,000 for the new chapel, the generous gift of Mrs. 
 Goddard. 
 
 May such helpers be multiplied, to their honor and to the prosperity 
 and blessing of our church and of the Church Universal. 
 
 ALICE AND PHCEBE CAEY. 
 
 In the year 1838 the columns of the "Sentinel" (subsequently the "Star 
 in the West"), in Cincinnati, 0., contained a poem over the signature "A. C," 
 and soon after others followed with the same initials, and others with "P. C." 
 These w^ere the initials of Alice and Phoebe Cary, daughters of Robert Oary, 
 a substantial and respected farmer of Mt. Healthy, 0., eight miles north of 
 Cincinnati, whose house was for many years the ever hospitable home in 
 which the ministers of our church found welcome. He died Feb. 12, 1866. 
 He was a lineal descendant of Walter Cary, a Huguenot, who left France on
 
 356 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 the revocation of the edict of Nautes, and whose son, Walter, came to Bridge- 
 water, Mass., and opened the first grammar school in America. The mother 
 of these remarkable sisters died of consumption, and five of their sisters, all 
 women of genius, preceded them to the immortal world. 
 
 The farm was a picturesque and fertile one, in the Miami valley, and 
 was reclaimed by the hand of Eobert Cary from the aboriginal wilderness. 
 Here, until she was twelve, Alice, the fourth daughter, played and worked, 
 dreamed and thougbt, and absorbed that love of nature that never deserted 
 her, and that always characterized her writings. She describes the scene : 
 
 "Low and little and black and old. 
 With children, many as it can hold. 
 All at the windows open wide. 
 Heads and shoulders clear outside, 
 And fair young faces all ablush, 
 Perhaps you may have seen some day 
 Roses crowding the self-same way. 
 Out of a wilding wayside bush." 
 
 In 1832, after a great struggle, the farm had been paid for and a new 
 house built. In 1834 two of the daughters, one a child and one a young 
 woman, Alice's inseparable companion, were smitten by death, and soon the 
 mother followed, July 13, 1835, leaving Alice at fifteen motherless, and with 
 sisters too young or too old to be her companions. But her father was a 
 grand man, of "great intelligence, sound principles and blameless life," 
 writes Phoebe, "a tender, loving father, who sang his children to sleep with 
 holy hymns, and habitually went about his work repeating the words of the 
 grand, old Hebrew poets, and the sweet and precious promises of the New 
 Testament of our Lord." And of her mother, Elizabeth (Jessup), she writes: 
 
 "She held her home beneath a hand. 
 As steady and serene. 
 As though it were a palace, and 
 As though she were a queen," 
 
 Alice was born April 2G, 1820. She began writing for the press at the 
 early age of eighteen, and for some time confined her published poems to our 
 denominational journals. At length she wrote for the "National Era," and 
 other prints, and soon achieved a wide reputation as a poetical and prose
 
 ALICE AND PHCEBE CAIiY. 357 
 
 writer, contributing to the "Independent," "New York Ledger," "Atlantic," 
 "Harpers' " and other publications. In 18-iO, with her sister Phoebe, she pub- 
 lished a volume of poems. Next year the "Clover-nook Papers" appeared, 
 
 and in 1858 "Lyra and Other Poems." These volumes were followed by 
 "Hagar," "Married, not Mated," "Holyrood" and other works. 
 
 In 1850 she removed to New York, where she and her sister resided until 
 the time of their death, their home being one of the great literary centers of 
 the city, and their Sunday evening receptions among the most attractive 
 gatherings of the great metropolis. 
 
 Alice was for many years the victim of a painful cancerous disease, 
 which made her a great sufferer, but she kept a cheerful heart, and was sus- 
 tained and blessed by the religious faith in which she was assured. Her 
 last Winter was one of great physical suffering. She could only walk with 
 the aid of crutches. Her nerves were tortured by the noises of the street, 
 and she fled to Northampton, and then to Vermont, carried from place to 
 place by loving hands. She returned home and gradually but continually 
 failed. 
 
 As her strength declined she reverted to her childhood's hymns, and to 
 passages of Scripture, which she repeated. On February 7th she wrote her 
 last lines, "The rainbow comes but with the storm," and endeavored to 
 make a cap for an aged woman, but the work was never completed, and 
 February 12th her pure spirit was released from its fetters of clay. She was 
 buried from the Church of the Strangers, Eev. C. F. Deems conducting the ob- 
 sequies. All the members of Sorosis were present, and eminent literary and 
 other people. 
 
 Her pallbearers were P. T. Barnum, Horace Greeley, Bayard Taylor, 
 Dr. W. F. Holcombe, Oliver Johnson, A. J. Johnson, F. B. Carpenter 
 and Richard B. Kimball, nearly all devoted friends, of her own religious 
 faith. 
 
 The good Horace Greeley followed the remains to Greenwood, notwith- 
 standing the terrible storm that prevailed. 
 
 Alice was not only a poet, but she was full of an intense sympathy with 
 nature and mankind, had a most loving disposition, a rare insight into spir- 
 itual things, and won all hearts by her sweetness and grace of manner.
 
 358 
 
 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Phoebe says, "Her affections were deep and steadfast, and her heart large 
 enough not only to hold the whole human race in its love, but all dumb and 
 helpless creatures as well." 
 
 Alice's poems are always tender, sweet, musical, and her prose singu- 
 larly pure and elegant. Her name has become a household word in all parts 
 of our country, and her genius wiU be felt in generations to come. In one 
 sense not great, her poems are in the best sense. They are not surpassed in 
 tenderness, sweetness, spirituality, purity. The red blood of a good woman's 
 heart circulates in every hne, and the light and warmth of a heavenly at- 
 mosphere surrounds and pervades all she wrote. 
 
 Alice was the first elected president of Sorosis, the celebrated woman's 
 club of New York, but her health and her extreme modesty caused her to 
 resign the position. 
 
 We here give the poem that Alice considered her best, and another 
 which will always be a popular favorite. 
 
 THE SURE WITNESS. 
 
 The solemn wood had spread 
 
 Shadows around my head, 
 
 "Curtains they are," I said, 
 "Hung dim and still about the house of prayer." 
 
 Softly among the limbs, 
 
 Turning the leaves of hymns, 
 I heard the winds, and asked if God were there, 
 No voice replied, but while I listening stood, 
 Sweet peace made holy hushes through the wood. 
 
 With ruddy open hand, 
 
 I saw the wild rose stand, 
 Beside the green gate of the Summer hills, 
 
 And pulling at her dress, 
 
 I cried, "Sweet hermitess. 
 Hast thou beheld him who the dew distils?" 
 No voice replied, hut while I listening bent, 
 Her gracious beauty made my heart content. 
 
 Th'' moon in splender shone, 
 "She walketh Heaven alone, 
 And seeth all things," to myself I mused; 
 "Hast thou beheld him thru. 
 Who hides himsolf from men,
 
 ALICE AND PHCEBE CAEY. 359 
 
 In that great power though nature interfused, 
 No speech made answer and no sign appeared, 
 But in the silence I was soothed and cheered. 
 
 "Walking ono time, strange awe 
 
 Thrilling my soul, I saw 
 A kingly splendor round about the night, 
 
 Such cunning work the hand 
 
 Of spinner never planned, 
 The finest wool may not be washed so white, 
 "Hast thou come out of hoaven?" I asked, and lo! 
 The snuw was nil the answer of the snow. 
 
 Then my heart said, "Give o'er, 
 
 Question no more, no more, 
 The wind, the snow-storm, the wild hermit flower; 
 
 The illuminated air, 
 
 The pleasure after prayer, 
 Proclaim the unoriginated power; 
 The mystery that hides him here and there, 
 Bears the sure witness he is everywhere." 
 
 PICTURES OF MEMORY. 
 
 Among the beautiful pictures 
 
 That hang on memory's wall. 
 Is one of a dim old forest. 
 
 That seemeth best of all; 
 Not for its gnarled oaks olden. 
 
 Dark with the mistletoe; 
 Not for the violets golden, 
 
 That sprinkle the vale below; 
 Not for the milk-white lilies, 
 
 That lean from the fragrant ledge; 
 Coquetting all day with th" sunbeams. 
 
 Ami stealing their golden edge; 
 Not for the vines on the upland, 
 
 Where the bright red berries rest; 
 Nor the pink, nop tie pale sweet cowslips, 
 
 It seemeth to me the tiest. 
 
 I once had a little brother 
 
 With eyes that were dark and deep; 
 In the lap of the old dim forest. 
 
 He lieth in peace asleep. 
 Light as the down on the thistle,
 
 3(30 OUK WOMAN WOBKEES. 
 
 Free as the winds that blow, 
 We roved there the beautiful Summers- 
 
 The Summers of long ago; 
 But his feet 0:1 the hills grew weary. 
 
 And one of the Autumn eves, 
 I made for my little brother 
 
 A bed of the yellow leaves. 
 
 Sweetly his rale arms folded 
 
 My neck in a meek embrace, 
 As the light of immortal beauty 
 
 Silently covered his face; 
 And when the arrows of sunset 
 
 Lodged in the tree-tops bright, 
 He fell in his saint-like beauty 
 
 Asleep by the gates of light; 
 Therefore, of all the pictures 
 
 That hang on memory's wall. 
 The one of the dim old forest 
 
 Seemeth the best of all. 
 
 Mrs. M. Louise Thomas, to whom we have beeu indebted for the oppor- 
 tunity to consult a large amount of material pertaining to the lives of the 
 Cary sisters, which she had accumulated, was for many years their intimate 
 and confidential friend. She passed weeks at their house during the last 
 months of Alice's life, and possesses a most valuable store of precious remi- 
 niscence. On one occasion she asked Alice which of her poems she con- 
 sidered better than any others. She named "The Sure Witness," and "An 
 Order for a Picture," but the public verdict would be in favor of "Among 
 the Beautiful Pictures. " Referring to her niece, Ada Carnahan, she said, " She 
 is far superior, as a poet, to myself. " Phoebe told Mrs. Thomas that she was 
 very much tried by the report that Alice had been indifferent to her religious 
 faith, because Dr. Deems had conducted her funeral services, a report that 
 was encouraged by the language of Doctor Deems, in styling hiinself her 
 pastor, and in making no reference to her religious faith, in his remarks. 
 The fact is that Alice was in no sense a member of his church, and that he 
 was selected because of his acquaintance and frequent attendance at the" 
 house. A movement was on foot to place a memorial window in Dr. Deems' 
 church, "The Church of the Strangers," and when Phoebe heard of it she
 
 ALICE AND PHOEBE CARY. 3d 
 
 sent for Dr. Deems, and so earnestly protested against tho movement, as cal- 
 culated to do injustice to her sister's religious faith, that it was abandoned, 
 and the money subscribed was appropriated to her monument. She often 
 insisted that when her own death should occur, one of the ministers of her 
 own cherished faith should be engaged, and as those in the neighborhood 
 were away on their Summer vacations at the time of her death, an old 
 friend of many years, Rev. A. G. Laurie, of Erie, Pa., was summoned by 
 telegraph to attend. 
 
 Referring to her parents and to Alice, Phoebe writes: 
 
 "Both husband and wife were among the early converts to Universal- 
 ism, and the ' Trumpet' read by them from the publication of its first num- 
 ber to the close of their lives, was for many years the only paper seen by 
 Alice. Though singularly liberal and unsectarian in her views, she always 
 preserved a strong attachment to the church of her parents, and in the main 
 accepted its doctrines. Caring little for creed and minor points, she most 
 firmly believed in human brotherhood, as taught by Jesus, and in a God 
 whose loving kindness is so deep and so unchangeable, that there can never 
 come a time to even the vilest sinner, in all the ages of eternity, when, if he 
 arise and go to him, his Father will not see him afar off, and have compas- 
 sion upon him. In this faith which she has so often sung, she lived, and 
 wrought, and hoped, and in this faith which grew stronger, deeper and more 
 assured with years of trial and sorrow and sickness, she passed from death 
 ttnto life." 
 
 And Mary Clemmer Ames, in her biography, says, "Justice tempered 
 by love, the supreme attribute of her own nature, ran into her individual 
 conceptions of God, and of his dealings with the human race, she believed 
 that the opportunity would come to every human being, that everything that 
 God had made would have its chances, if not in tins existence, then in an- 
 other. Without this faith, at times, human life woidd have been to her in- 
 tolerable." 
 
 It was her soul's consolation to say: 
 
 Nay, but 'tis not tho end; 
 
 God were not God, if such a thing could be, 
 If not in time, then in eternity, 
 24
 
 362 0UI1 WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 There must be room for penitence to mead 
 Life's broken chance, else noise of wars 
 Would unmake heaven. 
 
 She thus expresses her faith : 
 
 We are mariners and God the sea, 
 And though we make false reckonings and run 
 Wide of a righteous course, and are undone. 
 Out of his deeps of love we cannot be. 
 
 For, by those heavy strokes we misname ill, 
 Through the fierce fire of sin, this tempering doubt. 
 Our natures more and more are beaten out, 
 To perfecter reflections of his will. 
 
 Of course there were bigots who endeavored to defraud our faith of so 
 saintly and eminent an advocate as Alice Cary. Henry Ward Beecher re- 
 plied to one of them, in very severe language, in the "Christian Union," 
 closing thus, "As for Miss Cary, we know, from many a long and earnest 
 conference with her on such subjects, how immovable was her faith in the 
 final restoration of all souls to the image and favor of God; and how com- 
 patible was this faith, not only in her case, but in that of hundreds of others, 
 with a genuine and most attractive piety. In view of the fact that we who 
 hold the doctrine of eternal punishment can not bear to dweU upon it, and 
 dare not ask of God to help us realize it, is it not a grievous wrong that those 
 who are impelled to withhold their assent to it, should for that reason be set 
 beyond the pale of Christian charity not only, .but too often of common 
 courtesy?" 
 
 Phoebe was bom Sept. 4, 1824. She was as self-reliant and exuberant 
 in her manners, as her sister was timid and thoughtful. Her prominent 
 trait was humor. She was believed by many of her friends to be the wittiest 
 of women, and the rare Sunday evening gatherings for which their pleasant 
 home was famous for fifteen years, were always brightened by her brilliant 
 wit, which was as characteristic of her personality as is the perfume of the
 
 ALICE AND PHCEBE CARY. ggg 
 
 rose. Sometimes her wit would coruscate like pyrotechnics for a half hour. 
 To these gatherings came men and women of all creeds, authors, artists, 
 clergymen, musicians, scientists, and whoever was the special lion of any 
 evening, Alice and Phoebe were always the magnetic centres of two delight- 
 ed groups, and good Horace Greeley was always present for a while before 
 disappearing, to give a temperance address or listen to the greatest pulpit 
 orator of this generation, Rev. Dr. Chapin. 
 
 Though inferior in the main as a poet to her sister, she wrote one hymn 
 in a moment of happy inspiration, that surpassed anything Alice ever wrote 
 — "One Sweetly Solemn Thought." 
 
 The beautiful philosophy of life that made her the sunny soul she was, 
 grew out of her comprehensive faith in universal salvation, the expression of 
 which is found in her "Woman's Conclusions: " 
 
 Yea, I said, if a miracle such as this 
 
 Could be wrought for me, at my bidding, still 
 I would choose to have my past as it is, 
 
 And let my future come as it will. 
 
 ************* 
 
 So Let my past stand just as it stands, 
 
 And Let me now, as I may. grow old; 
 I ant what I am. and my Life for me 
 
 Is the best— or it had not been, I hold. 
 
 Phoebe's first articles were prose in the "National Era," Washington. In 
 1850 was published "Poems of Alice and Phoebe Cary." In 1851 "Poems 
 and Parodies" by Plnebe. In 1868, "Poems of Faith, Hope and Love," by 
 Phoebe, her last volume. She aided Rev. Dr. Deems in the selection of a 
 choice hymnal, "Hymns for ah Christians." 
 
 Her best poem was hastily thrown off one Sunday morning after return- 
 ing from church. We give it as finally revised by herself : 
 
 One Bweetly solemn thought 
 
 Comes tu me o'er and o'er: 
 I'm nearer to my home to-day 
 
 Than I ever have been before, 
 
 Nearer my Father's house, 
 
 Where the many mansions be; 
 Nearer the great white throne. 
 
 Nearer the crystal sea.
 
 364 
 
 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Nearer the bound of life, 
 
 Where we lay our burdens down; 
 Nearer leaving the cross, 
 
 Nearer gaining the crown. 
 
 But the waves of that silent sea 
 Roll dark before my sight, 
 
 That brightly on the other side 
 Break on a shore of light. 
 
 0, if my mortal feet 
 
 Have almost gained the brink, 
 If it be I'm nearer home 
 
 Even to-day than I think, 
 
 Father, perfect my trust, 
 
 Let my spirit feel in death 
 
 That her feet are firmly set, 
 
 On the rock of a living faith. 
 
 It is sometimes said that our faith has no power to reclaim the sinner. 
 Let this incident refute the mistaken charge : 
 
 A gentleman in China, intrusted with a package for a young man from 
 his friends in the United States, learned that he would probably be found 
 in a certain gambling house. He went thither, but not seeing the young 
 man, sat down and waited in the hope that he might come in. The place 
 was a bedlam of noises, men getting angry over their cards, and frequently 
 coming to blows. Near him sat two men — one young, the other forty 
 years of age. They were betting and drinking in a terrible way, the older 
 one giving utterance continually to the foulest profanity. Two games had 
 been finished, the young man losing each time. The third game, with fresh 
 bottles of brandy, had just begun, and the young man sat lazily back in his 
 chair while the oldest shuffled his cards. The man was a long time dealing 
 the cards, and the young man, looking carelessly about the room, began to 
 sing the hymn of Phoebe Cary above quoted. "The words," says the writer 
 of the story, "repeated in such a vile jilace at first made me shudder. A Sab- 
 bath-school hymn in a gambling den!" But while the young man sang, the
 
 ALICE AND PH05BE CAST. 865 
 
 elder stopped dealing the cards, stared at the singer a moment, and throwing 
 the cards on the floor exclaimed, "Harry, where did you learn that tune?" 
 "What tune?" "Why, that one you've been singing." The young man 
 said he did not know what he had been singing, when the elder repeated the 
 winds, with tears in his eyes, and the young man said he had learned them 
 in a Sunday-school in America. "Come," said the elder, getting up; "come, 
 Harry, here's what I have won from you ; go and use it for some good pur- 
 pose. As for me, as God sees me, I have played my last game, and drunk 
 my last bottle. I have misled you, Harry, and I am sorry. Give me your 
 hand, my boy, and say that, for old America's sake, if for no other, you will 
 quit this infernal business." The gentleman who tells the stoiy (originally 
 published in the Boston "Daily News") saw these two men leave the gambling 
 house together, and walk away arm in arm; and he remarks, "It must be a 
 source of great joy to Miss Gary td know that her lines, which have com- 
 forted so many Christian hearts, have been the means of awakening in the 
 breast of two tempted and erring men on the other side of the globe, a reso- 
 lution to lead a better life." It w r as a source of great joy to Miss Cary, as 
 we happen to know. Before us lies a private letter from her to an aged 
 friend in this city (Horace Greeley) with the printed story inclosed, and con- 
 taining this comment, "I inclose the hymn and the story for you, not because 
 I am vain of the notice, but because I thought you would feel a peculiar in- 
 terest in them wdien you know the hymn was written eighteen years ago 
 (1844) in your home. I composed it in the little back third story bedroom, 
 one Sunday morning, after coming from church; and it makes me feel very 
 happy to think that any word I could say has done a little good in the world." 
 
 After the intimate society and affection which the sisters had so long 
 shared, it was unnatural that Phoebe should live when her sister had gone. 
 She never reacted from the terrible nervous and mental strain of her long 
 illness, and, failing day by day, she followed her in a few months. July 81, 
 1871. The incarnation of health, she rapidly sunk, without apparent disease, 
 till she was re-united to the loved one. 
 
 Not quite equal intellectually, she had fine gifts and rare culture, and 
 was able by her hvely temperament to fill the home with sunshine, and sup-
 
 306 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 plement the characteristics of her eminent sister. She died in Newport and 
 her remains were brought to her New York home and carried to All Souls' 
 Church (Unitarian), on account of its convenience, and Rev. A. G. Lawrie, 
 who discovered and prophesied her genius thirty years before, pronounced a 
 eidogy, aided by Bernard Peters, formerly of our ministry, who had been 
 their pastor in Cincinnati. A large number of men and women eminent in 
 letters were present. The services were closed with her immortal hymn. 
 The remains were deposited in Greenwood Cemetery, where now the three 
 deserted clay-tenements of the three sisters lie side by side. 
 
 Mrs. M. Louise Thomas describes them from long and intimate ac- 
 quaintance : 
 
 "Alice was tall, graceful and exceedingly noble in person, with a smooth, 
 gliding step as she walked. Her hair was long, brown, silken and wavy, and 
 she wore it loosely coiled and fastened with a comb low at the back of her 
 head. Her eyes were a beautiful brown, with a wistful, tender sadness 
 in them. Her lips were thin and sensitive, yet with a firm, dignified ex- 
 pression, and her chin was round and full. Of the two she was spiritually 
 and mentally the stronger, and the true head of the house. Her courage 
 and industry never failed, she wrought early and late even after disease laid 
 its hands upon her. 
 
 "Phoebe was rather short and plump, with black hair, a quiet step, black 
 eyes and a dark olive complexion. She was strikingly Oriental in manner 
 and appearance, bright, vivacious and wonderfully witty in conversation. It 
 was a wit that was sparkling, spontaneous and natural, just as bright and 
 ready when she was alone with one friend, as in the most brilliant assembly 
 — the quickest repartee, the neatest turns, the most refined suggestion — she 
 well deserved the name given to her, 'The wittiest woman in America.' It 
 would be impossible to repeat her witty sayings as they fell from her lips. 
 They came like beautiful pearls, a constant surprise even to those who knew 
 her best. 
 
 "They both loved their friends, but Phoebe was more influenced by other 
 minds than Alice ; she was less self-reliant and less strong. " 
 
 Oliver Johnson, in the "Tribune," gave this tribute, "Her religious sen- 
 timents were deep and strong, her faith in the eternal goodness unwavering.
 
 ALICE AND PHCBBE CARY. 367 
 
 Educated in the faith of Universalism, she believed to the last in the final 
 salvation of all God's children. On this subject she spoke to the writer with 
 great distinctness and emphasis only a few weeks before her death, and once 
 she indicated her faith by repeating with approbation the remark of one who 
 said, in reply to the argument in favor of endless misery, 'Well, if God ever 
 sends me into such misery, I know he will give me a constitution to bear it.' " 
 
 Keferring to the religious faith of the sisters Mrs. M. L. Thomas writes 
 to us: 
 
 "The writer knew them in the closest intimacy of personal friendship 
 from the year 1844, was with them in their closing sickness, and stood by 
 the open grave at Greenwood when each in turn was quietly borne to her 
 final rest, and can testify without reserve to their abiding trust and steadfast 
 belief in the religious faith in which they were reared. Their belief in the 
 final salvation of all created souls, was the one strongest of all ties that 
 bound us together as sisters in spirit. They were never dogmatic, bigoted 
 nor sectarian in any narrow sense, but they were both distinctively and 
 openly professed Universalists. They welcomed into the circle of their 
 friendship, persons of every shade of religious thought and feeling, with the 
 most generous catholicity of spirit, and this sometimes caused their position 
 to be misunderstood." 
 
 A younger sister, Elmina, was full of promise, but died after a long ill- 
 ness, which could not be described better than by our own dear friend, and 
 one of the most richly endowed of all our ministry, Rev. A. G. Laurie, who 
 conducted the funeral of Phoebe, "They had a younger sister, in face, spirit 
 and disposition loveliest among women. Each time I looked at her, Elmina 
 seemed to me to have come down from heaven, bringing its light and love 
 along with her to shed them on everybody near her. And through ten pa- 
 tient and smiling years of bodily decay and spiritual cheer, I watched her, on 
 the arm of Christ, passing back to heaven." She married Alex. Swift, of 
 Cincinnati, whose previous wife was the eldest daughter of the family, Susan 
 Cary. Elmina was named for the daughter of Hosea Ballon, the wife of 
 Rev. J. C. Waldo, a sketch of whom is on page 76 of this volume. 
 
 The other children were, Rowena, born 1814, married Isaac V. Carna- 
 han, and died 1869; Rhoda, born 1818, died 1883; Asa, born 1822; Warren,
 
 368 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 born 1826; Lucy, bom 1829, died 1833. Their only descendants living are 
 Mrs. Ada C. Norton, Mrs. Lucy A. Thomas, daughters of Rowena and two 
 sons of Warren. 
 
 The homestead of the Cary family, "Clovernook," house and grounds, 
 has been purchased by Alexander Swift, Esq., and given to Cincinnati as a 
 public park, this year, 1881. On the day of its consecration Mr. Swift de- 
 scribed how forty-three years ago he made his first visit to the Cary home- 
 stead, where he found a father, four daughters and two sons; how forty-one 
 years ago he stood up with the second daughter, Susan, in the best room, 
 and was married to her by the Rev. George Rogers, a divine of the Univers- 
 alist denomination, and how, many years after, he wedded the youngest girl, 
 Elmina, who is also numbered with the dead. He read "Our Homestead," 
 and stopped between lines to point out the "apple boughs that almost cast 
 their fruit upon the roof. " The cherry tree whose limbs creaked against the 
 panes, the old well, the sweetbriar bush, and grand old well-sweep, and 
 damask rose beside the gate were gone, but their places were known, and 
 they were -called up before the listeners. Phoebe's hymn. "Nearer Home," 
 which was written by her when Mr. Swift was in New York, was recited by 
 Mr. Swift. 
 
 Nothing could have been more delightful to these rare spirits than to 
 know that the old home they loved so well was to be consecrated to the 
 pubhc as it now is, by the munificence of the generous giver. 
 
 CLAKA BARTON. 
 
 Whatever strong-armed man hath wrought, whatever he hath won. 
 That goal hath woman also reached, that action hath she dono. 
 
 TMost of the following sketcli has been written expressly for this vol- 
 ume bv R. J. Hinton, Esq., the eminent journalist, editor of the "Gazette," 
 Wasbington, D. C. As it reached me so late, I was .forced to abbreviate and
 
 CLARA P.ARTON.
 
 CLARA BARTON. 869 
 
 supplement it lure and there, to my great regret. My own additions are in 
 brackets.] 
 
 Clara Barton illustrates by her ancestral associations the sources of char- 
 acter whose actions would have made her world-famous in earlier days. The 
 Bartons are of early Puritan stock. Tall, strongly framed, dark of complex- 
 ion, firmly limbed, with marked features, black hair and very dark gray eyes. 
 Miss Barton's face shows power. Her eyes indicate an introspective spirit, 
 where her broad forehead shows intellectual strength, her voice, so low, 
 sweet, yet fine and tensely toned, has a musical timbre in it, which when 
 its possessor is roused, can become clear and resonant with deep contralto 
 notes, and tones having marked oratorical effects concealed in and convey- 
 able by them. [Her voice is an ideal one, sweet and low, and modulated 
 with heart-tones, though her reticence of speech and modesty of demeanor 
 do not permit her to be given to much speaking.] 
 
 Captain Stephen Barton, the father of Clara, was one of ten children. 
 He was born in Massachusetts and entered the army under "Mad Anthony 
 Wayne," at twenty-one. He served against Indians and in the West for 
 three years, being present at Detroit when Wayne's treaty was made. He 
 was discharged and returned to Central Massachusetts, where some years 
 after he married Miss Dolly Stone, daughter of Capt. Stone, of Oxford. 
 Miss Stone was some years younger, of rare beauty of face and form, excel- 
 lent education, and personal qualities which ripened into a vigorous and de- 
 termined character. Possessing a wonderful control both over himself and 
 others, of a character whose strong traits were fortitude, integrity and deter- 
 mination, he was naturally a leader among men. In religion he was one of 
 the early Universalists, one of the founders and supporters of that society in 
 his native town, this society being one of the first to erect a church in Ox- 
 ford. As a young man he heard Hosea Ballon perform his part at the dedi- 
 cation services of the church. From that time on that church had no more 
 staunch supporter, nor its principles a more determined and able defender 
 than he. In that faith he reared his family, and so well grounded were the 
 instructions given, and so well supported the principles inculcated, that no 
 one of them ever felt it necessary to seek another faith. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was the youngest of a family of five children.
 
 ;,7;; OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 two sons and three daughters. She was born in Oxford. As a child her in- 
 struction was directed chiefly by her brothers and sisters, three of whom 
 were teachers, and at a very early age she chose that profession for herself. 
 The strong point of her father's character was her most prominent charac- 
 teristic. After some years spent in teaching in the public schools of her na- 
 tive town, she closed her own school course at the Clinton Liberal Institute, 
 under control of the Eev. Dr. Sawyer, enjoying the immediate and excellent 
 instructions of Miss Louise M. Barker, whose life and memory have always 
 remained most dear to her. She resumed teaching in Hightstown, N. J., 
 and became a member of the family of Eichard M. Norton, that pa- 
 triarch of Universalism and the father of Mary Norton, where ripened a 
 friendship which the succeeding years have only served to deepen. The fol- 
 lowing year found her opening the public schools at Bordentown, N. J., 
 where she commenced with six pupils, in a neglected, somewhat dilapidated 
 stone school-house of small dimensions, the only school-room in the town. 
 At the end of eighteen months she left there a school of six hundred pupils 
 in a fine brick edifice, built at a cost of $4,000, the present public school 
 building of Bordentown. 
 
 Failing in voice she went to Washington, D. C, for a milder climate, 
 and after some months spent in recovering her voice and recuperating her 
 strength, she assumed a clerkship in the patent office, under Hon. Charles 
 Mason's commission. Miss Barton was the first woman to receive an ap- 
 pointment as government clerk upon her own individual merits and fitness 
 for the position. 
 
 Her experiences were not wholly of a pleasant character. It was no 
 uncommon thing for a majority of the male clerks to turn out into the corri- 
 dors of the department to indulge in vulgar witticisms and comments that 
 were decidedly rude in character. 
 
 Miss Barton soon became suspected of anti-slavery tendencies and feel- 
 ings. She held this position until about the middle of President Buchanan's 
 term, when she was removed for this reason. Returning to Massachusetts 
 she occupied the following two or three years in study. 
 
 ]Clara Barton returned to Washington after the election of Mr. Lincoln, 
 and was immediately after re-instated in her former position. Roused to 

 
 CLAHA BARTON. 371 
 
 patriotic earnestness during the early months of the great straggle, she went 
 to the Commissioner of Patents, lion. D. P. Holloway, and volunteered her 
 services to lill the desks of any two positions, occupied by disloyal persons, 
 below an examinership, acceptably to the department, provided two disloyal 
 men should be dismissed, and the salaries accruing to the two positions to be 
 idled by her, should be returned to the United States treasury. Commis- 
 sioner Holloway, while affected to tears by the patriotism which prompted 
 Miss Barton's offer, declined only because no law or regulation provided for 
 such action. But she declined to draw upon the treasury for her services, 
 and turned her labors to caring for the sick and wounded soldiery then crowd- 
 ing the camps and hospitals in and around Washington. Noting the inade- 
 quacy of # the medical facilities of the army and their inability to reach and 
 allay the terrible sufferings of battlefields, she saw the widening sphere of 
 her usefulness and before long was found in the wake, and at times almost 
 upon the verge of the din and carnage of the contending armies. In this 
 work she was not alone; she was circled by broad-minded, large-brained, warm 
 and loving-hearted women, who — so many of them stricken, too, -with their own 
 great personal sacrifices — found the healing work of their own lives to be in 
 aiding the healing of their country's defenders. Naturally an organizer, con- 
 cerned with the larger movements of sanitary and hospital, in her very 
 grain a commander, Clara Barton quickly found herself drafted, and accept- 
 ably too, for field service. 
 
 [At this time the hospitals in the capital were cared for by private gener- 
 osity and the Sanitary Commission, and as the great armies of the nation were 
 in the field where there were few to minister to sick and wounded, she felt the 
 call to go forth and do what she could. Here was the great struggle of her 
 life. She was young, fair, without any protection, except her maiden purity 
 and angel-mission, and she must, if she obeyed the call, plunge not only into 
 all the horrors of battle and the greater horrors of reeking hospitals, but go 
 among men and women of all grades, and be liable to insidt, possible vio- 
 lence, and exposed to misconstruction, and even incur a liability to that tar- 
 nish of reputation that to so white a soul as hers is worse than wounds or 
 death. She had consulted her father, and he had exhorted her to follow 
 the call to duty. A Royal Arch Mason himself, his daughter was initiated to
 
 372 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 the degree to which the daughters of Masons are admitted, and the emblem 
 of the rite she had observed was always worn on her heart, and a talisman 
 indeed, it often proved. Wearing this amulet, and with the hly of womanly 
 innocence in her hand, this modern Joan of Arc, without sword or warlike 
 panoply, at length overcame aU doubts, and went forth to her great work. 
 As I think of her and the immaculate record that she made during the dread- 
 ful years that followed, I see in her example one that should be impressed 
 on all American women. 
 
 Bear a lily in thy hand, 
 
 Gates of brass cannot withstand 
 
 One touch of that magic wand. 
 
 From the battle of Cedar Mountain in the Summer of 1862, where she 
 was first found upon the field assuaging the sufferings of the wounded •men 
 left by Gen. Banks's retreating army to the wooded acres of Fairfax Station, 
 covered by the thousands of wounded from the fight of the second Bull Run, 
 Clmntilly, in its rain and darkness, the hurrying off of the wounded by the 
 crowded trains, and the hasty burial of the dead by the men composing her 
 httle band of relief, and finally her escape by the last car of the last train 
 upon which was hurried away the last wounded men before the advance of the 
 enemy's cavalry, are already matters of history. After a few days' rest and 
 replenishing of stores at Washington, we again find her hastening with her 
 wagon trains, following the Northern army which was marching to oppose 
 Lee's invasion of Maryland, arriving in time to ply her work of relief at 
 "South Mountain," reaching "Antietam" on the following day, September 
 17, 1862. For her fearless presence close upon the skirts of this awful 
 field of slaughter, where she found surgeons dressing wounds with corn husks 
 for bandages, and without material for lights with which to continue their 
 labors after darkness had settled down upon the gloom and misery, where 
 the contents of her thoughtfully and well provided wagons replenished the 
 exhausted supplies of the surgeons, she was justly styled by them "the Angel 
 of the Battlefield." 
 
 Eesting a short time in Washington, she again set out, retracing the 
 same steps to meet the anticipated attack of Lee upon Harper's Ferry. 
 Crossing with her train into Virginia, at Harper's Ferry, she followed with
 
 CLARA BARTON. 378 
 
 General Sturgis's division of the army to Falmouth, where the two armies 
 faced each other, the rebels being entrenched at Fredericksburg. 
 
 [This very year a note from Gen. Sturgis, with a basket of flowers, elic- 
 ited a characteristic response from her, whose sentiments and language are 
 charged with that heart-eloquence that distinguishes her. 1 extract:] 
 
 "Washington, D. C, April 5th. 
 
 "J/y Dear General: — This magnificent basket of flowers and your let- 
 ter are before me. I found them waiting to greet me on my return from an 
 official caU this afternoon. 
 
 "I have no thanks to speak, no words to speak them. I have only tears, 
 silent tears and silent memories. For the last hour I have sat here with my 
 gifts', my thoughts, my tears and you — here, in the midst of the old days, the 
 grand old years of struggle and history, a nation's second birth, a nation's 
 pain and a nation's life. 
 
 "In this little hour I have lived it all over as I have never done in any 
 one hour since the carnage ended and 'the cannon's lips grew cold.' 
 
 "It is not that commendation is new to me, that this overcomes me. It 
 is not that you speak me fair words of praise ; I am used to that. It is not 
 that you accord me a place in the grateful remembrance of our heroes, alive 
 or dead ; I am used to that. It comes to me from all sides and all sources, 
 through all the years. 
 
 "But, General, it is that you, who knew me, who saw me, who helped 
 me, who knew the helplessness of a woman alone in an army like that, who 
 shielded me with kindness when a word, a look could have crushed me. It 
 is that you should say it; that you should turn artist and paint my picture 
 for your dead soldiers, that rains the tears on my face, your 'Well done, 
 good and faithful servant,' that melts me like a snowfiake and humbles me 
 like a child. 
 
 "Come and see me, General, and let me say, if I tan, what I can not 
 write, and keep always, I pray you, a place in your memory for your grate- 
 ful friend, Clara Barton." 
 
 There is in all Miss Barton writes or says on the war a concentrated 
 wealth of eloquent earnestness and passionate devotion, which the writer, in
 
 374 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 common with other friends who know her well and love her deeply, believes 
 would have made her, if health had not failed when the shock of armies 
 ceased, the most eloquent orator, high priestess of the period, in the depicting 
 by her own historical presence, tender voice, so replete with the echoes of 
 endurance and service, carrying with its vibrant tones words of "silver and 
 gold," to tell and to declare what was done and how it was done in the days 
 when heroism was the inheritance of the common deeds, and high valor the 
 reward of the exceptional and renowned. 
 
 But to return to the record of service. Then came the battle of Fred- 
 ericksburg under Burnside, with aU the horrors of those December days in 
 1862. Miss Barton was present and remained in the field through that Win- 
 ter until Spring. She lived most of the Winter in army wagons, without the 
 shelter of house or tent, with the snow at times an even three feet deep. In 
 April, 18G3, she was sent to Charleston (S. C.) Harbor as hospital superin- 
 tendent, and remained there for several months, witnessing the night attack 
 on Fort Wagner and the continued siege of Morris Island. 
 
 [It is impossible to follow Miss Barton with descriptions of her experi- 
 ences. She was on Morris Island during the long operations of that region. 
 There in the hot sand, ankle deep, without tree or shrub, boding water and 
 cooking, and staunching and dressing the wounds of men torn by rebel shot, 
 she continued her work. Several times ill, she persevered until Sumter, 
 Wagner and Gregg were captured.] 
 
 In the Spring of 1861 Miss Barton returned to Washington, just in time 
 to go on to Fredericksburg to receive the wounded from the "Wilderness" 
 (May, 1864). Upon Gen. Butler's succeeding to the command of the "Army 
 of the James" at Bermuda Hundred, Miss Barton, at his invitation, attached 
 herself to the 10th army corps. She found, perhaps, here, the widest field 
 for her usefulness that she had yet met, the investment covering a long fine. 
 She remained there until February, 1864, taking charge, one after another, 
 of the field hospitals, being afforded every facility and liberty through Gen. 
 Butler's uniform kindness and appreciation. On returning to Washington 
 she found the exchange of Andersonville prisoners had commenced at An- 
 napolis. Miss Barton conceived this to be a greater work even than that re- 
 quired by the wants of the field. She went to Annapolis to assist in receiv-
 
 CLAUA BARTON. 375 
 
 iiig theni as they were taken from the boats. It was here that she saw the 
 necessity for opening some general means of communication for the parents, 
 relatives and friends scattered through the United States, whose soldiers did 
 not return. 
 
 In an address at Dansville, N. Y.. where she now resides, made on Sep- 
 tember 20, 1880, to the survivors of the First New York Dragoons, Miss Bar- 
 ton has told so well the reasons which controlled and inspired her in organ- 
 izing her "Bureau of Missing Soldiers," that no better expression than her 
 own words can be given of one of the most striking incidents in the history 
 of rehef. 
 
 "As I looked over your regimental and my own lists, I found, that al- 
 though I might have known very little of your living present members, I had 
 had something to do with your dead and your missing. I find among my 
 own records the names of over twenty soldiers of the First New York Dra- 
 goons, whose graves I found, had them properly covered, enclosed, marked, 
 and suitable burial rites performed in the prison cemetery of Andersonville. 
 There are other soldiers standing here who learned the terrors of its stock- 
 ade prison grounds, its hardships and starvation, but who, thank God, es- 
 caped the narrow, crowded trenches, that day by day, through the terrible 
 months, stared them in the face. Again, by reference to my records, I find 
 a stiU larger number whose only history at the close of the war was summed 
 up in one little word, 'missing!' The heart-broken friends appealed to me 
 for help; and by the aid of surviving comrades, I gained intelligence of the 
 fate of nearly one-half the number, and, soldiers, I greatly fear there are 
 some whose names to-day stand on the rolls against the dark word 'deserter,' 
 who were never unfaithful to their trust, who fell in the stem path of duty, 
 on the lone picket line, perhaps, or wounded, and left in some tangled ravine 
 to perish alone, under the waters in some dark night, or, crazed with fever, to 
 die in some tent or hut, or by the wayside unknowing and unknown, with 
 none to tell his fate or save his honor; alone with his tarnished name he 
 sleeps, quiet and sweet, 
 
 'Low in the soil he died to save, 
 
 Nor recks the wrongs above his grave.'" 
 
 The feelings so well expressed in the foregoing, led Miss Barton to make
 
 376 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 a request to the War Department to authorize her to correspond with the friends 
 of the missing prisoners. It was looked upon as too large and difficult a 
 scheme to be entertained or practically accomplished, so it was declined. 
 Great numbers of letters received by her would not permit of giving it up. 
 She sought Mr. Lincoln and made her plan known to him. It looked to him 
 no less vast than to the others, but he saw a way to accomplish it, and in the 
 place of the mere official assent which might have been expected, Mr. Lin- 
 coln wrote and published to the people of the country over his own name, a 
 request for them to address Miss Barton, at Annapolis, for any information 
 wanted of any missing soldier. This resulted in a flood of communications 
 pouring in from all quarters of the North and West. In less than five days 
 after the piiblishing of this letter, there had accumulated more than five 
 bushels of letters. They continued to arrive at the rate of one hundred a 
 day for more than a year. Having organized the system of correspondence, 
 Miss Barton, at the request of the Secretary of War, went in July, 1865, to 
 AndersonviUe, leaving the correspondence in charge of clerks. 
 
 This recital is but coldly phrased. But, what wondrous days! What 
 heroic nights! What suffering bravely borne! What deeds of daring! 
 What loving kindness! What a mighty outpouring of spiritual and heart 
 forces are embraced in the words ! The great mother heart of Clara Barton 
 went out in loving service to the nation's heroes, and has been satisfied. 
 She, indeed, has truly been wedded to humane service! 
 
 She describes her experiences: 
 
 "During a search for the missing men of the United States Army, com- 
 menced in March, 1865, under the sanction of our late lamented President 
 Lincoln, I formed the acquaintance of Dorrance Atwater, of Connecticut, a 
 member of the 2nd New York Cavalry, who had been a prisoner at Belle Isle 
 and AndersonviUe twenty-two months, and charged by the rebel authority 
 with the duty of keeping the Death Register of the Union prisoners who died 
 amid the nameless cruelties of the last named prison. 
 
 "I first learned by minute inquiry the method adopted in the burial of 
 the dead, and by carefully comparing his accounts, with a draft which he 
 had made of the grounds, I became convinced of the possibility of identifying 
 the graves, comparing the number, post or board, marking each man's posi- 
 tion in the trench in which he was buried with the corresponding number
 
 OLARA BARTON. 377 
 
 standing against his name upon the register kept by Mr. Atwater, which he 
 informed me was then in the possession of the War Department. 
 
 "The dead had been buried by Union soldiers, the number of the graves 
 marked is 12,1)20; interspersed through this Death Register were 400 num- 
 bers against which stood only the dark word 'unknown.'" When they had 
 finished their work, only 400 tablets had on them the touching inscription, 
 "Unknown Union Soldiers" ! 
 
 Addressing the Grand Army of the Republic, Memorial Day, in Dans- 
 ville, N. Y., in 1879, she said: 
 
 "Yes, it is over. The calls are answered, the marches are ended, the 
 nation saved, and with the glory of gladness in her eyes, the shekinah of 
 victory on her brow, she covers her tear-stained face, and with grief-bowed 
 head, sits humbly down in the ashes of her woe to mourn her loss — to wee}) 
 her dead. 
 
 "Decorated graves — white May blossoms of '79. Who lays a flower 
 on those little lost graves to-day, who on the thousands and thousands like 
 them all through the land? 
 
 'Far down by the yellow rivers, 
 
 In their oozy graves they rot; 
 Strange vines, and strange flowers grow o'er them 
 
 And their far homes know them not.' 
 
 "Thirteen thousand dead in one prison! Three hundred thousand dead 
 
 in one war! Dead everywhere ! On every battlefield they lie, in the crowded 
 
 yards of every prison ground, in the dark ravines of the tangled forest, 
 
 in the miry poison swamps where the slimy serpent crawls by day and the 
 
 will o' the wisp dances vigils at night, 'in the beds of the mighty rivers, 
 
 under the waves of the salt sea,' in the drifting sands of the desert islands; 
 
 •on the lonely picket hue and by the wayside, where the weary soldier laid 
 
 down with his knapsack and his gun, and his march of life was ended.' 
 
 There on their strange beds they sleep, till the 'morning of the great reveille.' 
 
 They sleep, and you remember. 
 
 ******** 
 
 "American women, how proud I am of you; how proud I have always 
 been since those days to have been a woman. Abraham Lincoln said thr.t
 
 878 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 without the help of the women the rebellion could not have been put down, 
 nor the country saved. Since that time I have counted all women citizens." 
 
 Congress, during the session of 1865-66, recognized the • services per- 
 formed by Clara Barton by passing a bill to reimburse her for the expendi- 
 tures incurred in searching for missing soldiers. The famous 39th Congress 
 understood clearly the great advantage, in a financial sense, derived from 
 her labors. The work she performed not only gave to loving hearts that 
 quiet and repose which follows certainty, but it filled up the hiatus in the 
 records of many thousand soldiers, and brought about the just settlement of 
 their pay and bounty accounts. The rolls saved by the heroic persistency and 
 courage of Dorrance Atwater while a prisoner at Anderson ville, and made 
 public through Miss Barton's efforts for the benefit of those related to the 
 13, QUO dead whose names were recorded in the Atwater rolls, were the means 
 of rightfully adjusting accounts amounting to millions of dollars. The time 
 will yet come when the historian, following the record of woman's war- 
 work, will review the labors of Clara Barton with careful admiration for its 
 sagacity and comprehensiveness, as well as the loving spirit it evinces. 
 
 After repeated calls from numerous quarters, Miss Barton, in October, 
 1866, commenced the delivery of a course of war lectures, entitled "Works 
 and Incidents of Army Life." She continued to deliver these lectures to 
 houses crowded to overflowing by tear-bedimmed audiences, until the failure 
 of her health in 1868, when, after a Winter of severe illness in Washington, 
 being prostrated by nervous exhaustion and malarial fever, she was advised 
 to go to Europe. She sailed from New York in the Summer of 1869, reach- 
 ing Switzerland in September of that year. 
 
 Miss Barton's fame as a«n "Angel of the Battlefield" having preceded 
 her in Europe, she had been waited upon by a delegation from the "Interna- 
 tional Committee" of the "Geneva Treaty of the Red Cross." On the break- 
 ing out of the war between France and Germany, in July, 1870, she was again 
 sought by a corps of assistants of the Red Cross Society, under charge of 
 Dr. Louis Appia, on their way to the frontier, and invited to join them. 
 She followed immediately after their departure, through Basle and up the 
 French side of the Rhine, through Strasburg to the hard-fought field of Ha- 
 gemau, arriving in time to participate in caring for the wounded; retracing
 
 CLARA BARTON. 379 
 
 back to the siege of Strasburg; after some weeks here, she was called to 
 Carlsruhe by the Grand Duchess of Baden, to consult in reference to the 
 establishment of what was then known as the American barracks, which is 
 another term for our "flying hospitals,*' an arrangement until then unknown 
 in European warfare. She remained with the Grand Duchess until the fall 
 of Strasburg, and then went to that city, entering it with the German army. 
 Miss Barton commenced the work of relieving the destitute by establishing 
 a system of paid labor among the women, which continued for eight months, 
 and furnished employment for several hundreds of persons. This work, so 
 well done, was peculiarly illustrative of Miss Barton's methods. The writer 
 was in Strasburg three years later and heard from those who worked under 
 her direction the wonderful results achieved. During these eight months 
 Miss Barton also entered the city of Metz at its surrender, helping for a few 
 days to assist in administering relief to the starving inhabitants, besides 
 rendering aid to the wounded returning from Sedan, and entering Paris at 
 the close of the siege, June, 1871, closed her work in Strasburg and again 
 entered Paris at the fall of the Commune, taking large quantities of supplies 
 and money. Entering the city at the time the troops of Versailles were 
 shooting down the Communists and the city was smoking in ruins, she sought 
 the mayor, and asked for a place from which to distribute her supplies to the 
 poor; was requested to use his house for the purpose, and did so. Miss 
 Barton remained six weeks, meeting and relieving the destitute under his 
 authority and co-operation. 
 
 Miss Barton was honored alike by the esteem and friendship of German 
 and French authorities. The Grand Duchess Stephanie, of Baden, remains 
 her warm personal friend and is her constant correspondent. The Empress 
 of Germany gave her the Iron Cross of Merit, and the Grand Duchess of 
 Baden gave the Gold Cross of Remembrance. The Ribbon and Cross of the 
 Legion of Honor would have been presented to her by M. Thiers had she 
 been willing, in accordance with usage, to make the formal application 
 necessaiy. This Miss Barton, as an American, could not feel it right to do. 
 
 [In response to a letter from me to Her Royal Highness the Grand 
 Duchess of Baden, that eminent lady dictated the following:
 
 380 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 "Karlsruhe, 16 Oct., 1880. 
 
 "Madam: — H. E. H. the Grand Duchess of Baden charges rue with an 
 answer to the letter asking for news ahout Miss Barton. Her Koyal High- 
 ness sent an inquiry to the lady who was acquainted with Miss Barton, and 
 a great help to her during the days of work at Strasburg. Unhappily this 
 lady is now so ill that she could only tell by dictation what follows and what 
 I translated for you into English. 
 
 "Never will the Grand Duchess forget Miss Barton, whom she values 
 sincerely, and for whose activity Her Boyal Highness has the greatest praise. 
 
 Yours truly, M. v. Schienan." 
 
 The letter dictated describes at great length the immense and beneficent 
 labor she performed.] 
 
 The latter part of the Summer of 1870, following the fall of the Com- 
 mune, was passed by Miss Barton in much needed rest, in the south of 
 France. In the Autumn of that year, having returned to Carlsruhe, she pro- 
 ceeded in the following Winter to the destitute cities in the east of France, 
 Belfort, Montbeliard, etc., distributing contributions of monies among the 
 poor, which had been entrusted to her charge for that purpose by Mr. Ed- 
 mund Dwight, the benevolent and efficient agent of the "Boston French Be- 
 lief Fund." 
 
 In 1873 Miss Barton was in London for seven months; was confined to 
 her room and couch with severe sickness, caused by bronchial difficulties and 
 nervous affection, her life being often despaired of. 
 
 Miss Barton returned to the United States in 1874. After a short time 
 spent in Washington and Massachusetts, she went to the Health Cure at 
 Dansville, N. Y., and finally purchased a home in that town, where she now 
 resides. As soon as her health permitted Miss Barton came to the Federal 
 capital and presented in person to Mr. Hayes the letter of the Geneva "Red 
 Cross" Committee, asking recognition by the United States. It was not until 
 June, 1881, that her efforts were successful. President Garfield publicly ap- 
 proved of the request for ratification of this volunteer treaty of beneficence 
 and relief, and Secretary Blaine wrote semi-officially, declaring that the Ex- 
 ecutive approved and would favorably present the matter to Congress at the
 
 ADELINE TODD. 381 
 
 next session. Miss Barton has also completed the organization of an Amer- 
 ican Society of the Red Cross, of which she was properly chosen, being the 
 accredited delegate of the Geneva International Committee, as weU as the 
 one American supremely and practically well informed on its workings, meth- 
 ods and objects, as its first President. 
 
 Clara Barton is a woman of notable face, striking appearance and pos- 
 sesses memorable characteristics. Shrinking from notoriety, she is still un- 
 flinching in the performance of duty. Modest to bashfulness almost as to 
 her own personality, and shrinking from controversy, she does not, however, 
 hesitate at accepting any responsibility that properly arises, and has in an 
 eminent degree the "courage of her convictions" and actions also. Gifted 
 with a rare breadth and keenness of intellect, she would readily have won a 
 place in literature. Her name is one that adds honor to her country's record, 
 and she herself remains a woman loved by her friends, esteemed by all who 
 have been honored in knowing her, and recognized as one worthy of admira- 
 tion and renown beside Florence Nightingale and Dorothea Dix. 
 
 [No woman who has ever trodden this continent more richly deserves 
 a full biography to preserve the memory of her good deeds as examples to 
 the women of all succeeding generations.] 
 
 ADELINE TODD. 
 
 Mrs. Freeman H. Todd, of St. Stephen, New Brunswick, was born in 
 Newburyport, Mass., December 5, 1815. Her parents were descendants of 
 the first settlers in the old town of Newbury. Boardman street, near Lord 
 Timothy Dexter's place, was formerly their property and home. They were 
 engaged in ship building and foreign commerce. William Boardman, the 
 lather of Mrs. Todd, was a highly respected merchant, but financial reverses 
 overtaking him, he removed to Calais. Me., in 1828. He was a gentleman 
 of the old school, courteous and genial.
 
 382 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Adeline Boardman, the eldest of nine children, was sent back for a two 
 years' course of study, to Miss Mary Hodge, of Newburyport. On her return 
 to Calais, when only sixteen years of age, she engaged in teaching in the 
 public schools. Her evenings were employed in writing stories and sketches 
 for the "Youths' Companion," published in Boston, for which she was lib- 
 erally paid. For her first book, "The Sisters," Mr. Ballard, the publisher, 
 sent her a sum of money, so large to her youthful eyes that she was "wild 
 with excitement." Occasionally she contributed to the newspapers and 
 magazines, but her heart was with the children, and it was for them she loved' 
 to write. 
 
 At the age of twenty- two she was married to Freeman H. Todd, Esq., 
 of St. Stephen, New Brunswick. Her husband is a very successful business 
 man, in fact a millionaire. He is extensively engaged in lumbering and 
 banking and in railway enterprise's. Their home, called "Doer Hill," is on 
 the banks of the St. Croix river and commands a fine view of the river and 
 the country and city. 
 
 Mrs. Todd was educated in the orthodox faith, but several years after 
 her marriage she became interested in Universahsm. It is impossible for 
 her to become a bigot, and yet she has decided convictions upon religious 
 truth. Sickness and sorrows have intensified and confirmed these. For 
 years she has been an invalid, with no prospect of being restored to health. 
 The death of her children has tested her faith. When the first shadow was 
 thrown across the hearth-stone, she wrote: 
 
 "Yes, Carrie is dead! and our home is desolate. No sweet voice wakes 
 us with its morning carol, or rose-bud lips with their early greeting. No 
 fingers touch the piano since she filled the house with melody. No flowers 
 grace our rooms since the artist has gone from them. The dog is taken to a 
 neighbor's, as his moans made us almost wild, and her canary is hidden 
 away in a servant's room, lest the sight or sound of it should stab the mother 
 heart. Poor mother! so wan, so still, so utterly benumbed by sorrow, hold- 
 ing the Bible on her knees, the picture of her darling in her hands, while her 
 thoughts are far, far away to the new home, among the angels. All through 
 the illness she attended to her every want, until death touched her with his 
 icy finger. Then she fell moaning into my arms, and congestion of the brain
 
 ADELINE TODD. HK.i 
 
 very mercifully kept the poor mother from witnessing the last agonies and 
 the solemn burial. 
 
 "God is good, and God is compassionate, but faith and trust and hope 
 cannot be born in a day. In the meantime we 'sit dumb under the shadow 
 of our great affliction.' 
 
 " When I see my husband returning from his daily walk to the grave, 
 pallid, and with quivering lips, I wonder why 'Grandpa's' pet could not have 
 been spared to us; why our only daughter must suffer such keen anguish, 
 \vhile others are exempt; why the one ewe lamb must be taken from the 
 widow, while other homes are filled with childish voices. 
 
 "I cannot help questioning at times; all seems so dark and strange, but 
 yet I know "that behind and above all there is a love and compassion, far ex- 
 ceeding all I feel for my poor, bereft darling. 
 
 "No mother heart was ever the same after the death of a beloved child. 
 The bloom is rubbed, the rose tints are faded, and a great rent is made in 
 the web of her life. But the Savior can see it, and somewhere and at some 
 time he will help her take up the tangled, broken threads with his pitying 
 fingers, and he will weave anew with such divine tissues of love that only 
 the scar will remain." 
 
 During her months of sickness, when confined to her room, she was 
 accustomed to write stories for the entertainment of her children. At their 
 solicitation she consented to have thein published. The manuscripts were 
 given to her pastor, Rev. H. A. Philbrook, who disposed of them to the Uni- 
 versalist Publishing House, of Boston, for the benefit of his Sunday-school. 
 At that time she was a patient at the Round Hill water cure establishment 
 iu Northhampton, Mass, and the two volumes, "Ida Wihnot" and "Ed. Lee," 
 formed a portion of the famous "Round Hill" series, which have had a large 
 circulation. 
 
 It is impossible to give an. adequate idea of Mrs. Todd's genius by selec- 
 tions. She is pre-eminently a story writer for children, and only the continu- 
 ity of an entire tale can impart the sense of her abilities. 
 
 Her brother, George Boardman, is one of the principal ornithologists of 
 the present generation. His "Birds of Maine ami New Brunswick," in 
 Baird's "Birds," illustrates his abilities.
 
 381 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 MARTHA WASHBURNE. 
 
 When Thomas Barnes and the earlier apostles of our faith began their 
 work in Maine, they found their hearers among the best families of that sec- 
 tion. The Coolidges, the Washburnes, the Morisons, the Haineses, the Ben- 
 jamins, the Bradfords, the Stricklands, the Hollands, the Livermores, the 
 Howes, the Smalls, were the natural and acknowledged intellectual and social 
 aristocracy of the State, and they were almost all of our faith. The excel- 
 lence of their character, and their great influence on .their times and on their 
 descendants, now scattered in all sections of our country, and still prominent 
 in sustaining the blessed religion of which their mothers and fathers were 
 the first modern advocates, were often due to the Christian fidelity and con- 
 secration of the mothers who taught and transmitted the religion they loved. 
 Could we but develop the facts, it woidd unquestionably be learned that the 
 quiet women of those days, who had no desire for publicity, and no ambi- 
 tion beyond the rearing of their families, who never aspired to make speeches, 
 and to whom the production of books was undreamed of, are the real artifi- 
 cers of the characters that to-day are their monuments. Among them should 
 be mentioned — one of a class, many of whose names we would gladly record 
 — Martha, daughter of Samuel Benjamin. She was born in Livermore, Me. 
 —a twin daughter— Oct. 4, 1792. She married, March 30, 1812, Israel 
 Washburne, who was born in Raynham, Mass., Nov. 18, 1781, and died May 
 6, 1861. Her life was one of great purity and excellence. Her house was 
 tlit! ministers' home. Her character was one of great womanly force, im- 
 pressing itself by a quiet yet irresistible womanly influence on all who knew 
 her. A genuine Christian wife and mother, reverenced wherever known, she 
 will be especially remembered in the remarkable career of her eminent and 
 distinguished children. Israel (LL.D.) — M. C. 32d-86th Congresses, from 
 M line, and Governor of the State in 1861-2; Algernon S., merchant and 
 banker; Elihu B., M. C., Illinois, 1852-69, Secretary of State under Gen. 
 Grant, and Minister Plenipotentiary to France; Cadwalader C, (LL.D.) — M. 
 C. 34th— 10th Congresses, Major General in the war of the Rebellion, and
 
 ELIZABETH BUCHTEL. 385 
 
 Governor of Wisconsin in 1H71; Martha (Stephenson) ; Churles A., elector 
 for California, I860, Minister to Paraguay in lHlil, and author of "History 
 of Paraguay" and other works; Samuel B., shipmaster in the Merchant Ma- 
 rine and captain in the navy during the late war; Mary !>., (Buffum); 
 William D., Surveyor General of Minnesota 18(31— (>;">, M. C, present Congress; 
 Carohne A., wife of Dr. F. S. Holmes, surgeon 6th Maine, in the late war. 
 At one time three of the hrothers were in Congress together, and since then 
 the fourth has occupied the position. It is to such women as she, honored 
 wives and mothers, that our church owes a large part of its success, and 
 surely such nohle characters are the highest product, as they should he the 
 chief boast of our religion. There are and have been thousands of such as 
 Martha Washburne, whose names are indelibly recorded in the Book of Life, 
 though unrecorded in human annals. May they be increased and multiplied 
 the "Elect Ladies" of our Zion. 
 
 ELIZABETH BUCHTEL. 
 
 Mrs. Buchtel is the wife of Hon. John B. Buchtel, of Akron, Ohio, 
 whose princely gifts to the college which bears his name, give him high rank 
 among the benefactors of the nineteenth century. Her maiden name was 
 Davidson, and she was born in Union County, Peun., Aug. 2">, 1821, the 
 second in a family of twelve children. I believe her parents were origi- 
 oally New Englanders. When Elizabeth was about thirteen years of age, 
 the Davidson family removed to Akron, and made their home on a farm 
 about four miles from the present city, and here she lived until her marriage 
 with Mr. Buchtel, Jan. 10, 1843. 
 
 Mr. Buchtel was then a young, rugged and energetic farm laborer, doing 
 "days' works" in the vicinity. But he was even then noted for his industry 
 and enterprise in whatever he undertook, and his services were constantly in 
 demand in the season when the farmers needed help. Uniting their humble 
 fortunes, and the union sanctified by mutual affection, with industry and pru-
 
 386 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 dence the young couple soon emerged from the condition of comparative pov- 
 erty, and began that career in other relations which has resulted in wealth and 
 affluence. I need not attempt to teU the story of their early days. It is 
 the old narrative illustrated happily in many a pioneer's experience in the 
 West, where the husband and wife equally share struggle and privation, and 
 are equally entitled to the honor and benefit of achievement. Whatever suc- 
 cess Mr. Buchtel has secured from the date of his marriage to the present 
 time, has been largely due to the sympathy and co-operation of his wife, who 
 is now as deeply interested as himself in the great educational enterprise 
 which has made their name so widely known. 
 
 Buchtel College would never indeed have been established but for the 
 quiet and efficient influence of this noble woman. In the darkest hours of 
 the enterprise she has been a tower of strength to Mr. Buchtel and those 
 associated with him. From the first she entered heartily into this enterprise, 
 and has never given up hope of its ultimate success. Notwithstanding the 
 constant drain of the institution on her husband's wealth, she has nobly 
 seconded every sacrifice and nerved him for the accomplishment of the great 
 work of his life. In Mr. Buchtel's hours of despondency — natural under the 
 many trying circumstances — her cheerful courage would come to the front, 
 and serve as inspiration to new effort. Her own subscriptions to the college 
 have been large, and she has aided it in various ways, but to her influence in 
 the home must be credited the largest share of its success. In this way no 
 woman has done more in the past decade for the Universalist Church, and 
 she, therefore, deserves this prominent notice in our "Woman Workers." 
 
 Mrs. Buchtel is a member of the Universalist Church at Akron and a 
 constant helper in all the social and philanthropic work of the church. Her 
 beautiful home is the centre of interest for many of the young people of the 
 college, and she takes special pains to become acquainted with them person- 
 ally, and to make it pleasant for those who are strangers in the place. 
 
 Mrs. Buchtel is below medium height and small in figure, with soft, 
 brown eyes and delicate, regular features, and is thus in marked contrast 
 with the massive frame and stalwart manhood of her husband, whom nature 
 ciist, in a gigantic mould. During "Commencement" and at other times when 
 her spacious parlors are crowded with the guests and students of the college,
 
 MYRA J. NORTIIRUI'. 387 
 
 she glides among her company with the easy grace which reveals the natural 
 horn lady, speaking gentle and pleasant, words in a low and winning voice. 
 Always amiable and cheerful, accustomed to looking on the hright side, her 
 sunny disposition and many domestic virtues make her a worthy companion 
 of the great hearted man, whose restless, energetic life needs in the home 
 exactly the influence which his wife supplies. 
 
 The chair of English Literature in the college was instituted by Mr. 
 Buchtel in the name of his wife, and is known as the "Elizabeth Buchtel 
 Professorship." It is a noble endowment, and will long stand as a memorial 
 of her fidelity and the husband's recognition of her worth and influence. 
 But equally with himself, Mrs. Buchtel deserves credit for Buchtel College 
 and whatever influence it may exercise on this and succeeding generations. 
 Her name deserves honor while our church stands. 
 
 MYRA J. NORTHRUP. 
 
 This rising poet is a native of Deerfield N. Y., and a resident of Topeka, 
 Kans. She united with our church in Seneca, Kans., some two years since. 
 Beared in the "orthodox" faith, she writes, "I was a natural Universalist." 
 She began writing verse at twelve, and her purpose is to express the divine 
 love and man's universal brotherhood. 
 
 CHRISTMAS CAROL. 
 
 Long ago. oh, thought amazing! 
 
 Came a snug earth's sad be arts raising; 
 
 Lo! a heavenly hosl is praising, 
 While the courts of heaven ring! 
 
 Shepherds there their flocks attending 
 
 Caught the strains so sweetly blending, 
 
 O'er Judea'S hilltops wending 
 For is burn a Savior King! 
 
 Hear the notes of praise, resounding 
 O'er the earth, with joy abounding,
 
 388 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 All the great and wise confounding, 
 
 As they catch the song again; 
 
 Joy and peace on earth 'tis bringing, 
 Light and hope 'mid darkness flinging, 
 "Glory be to God," they're singing, 
 Peace on earth, good will toward men!" 
 
 O'er the golden hilltops stealing, 
 Hear the song, earth's hope revealing. 
 Louder still and louder pealing, 
 
 Till it sounds far o'er the plains; 
 Darkness now hath fled forever, 
 Man need mourn in sorrow never, 
 For is born on earth a Savior 
 
 Christ, the Lord, forever reigns! 
 
 Born to raise the lost and dying, 
 All in sin's dark valley lying, 
 Born to vanquish pain and sighing, 
 
 Let the earth with gladness praise; 
 Praise him, man, by sorrow riven, 
 For this wondrous blessing given, 
 Praise him all ye hosts of. heaven, 
 
 Swell the song through endless days. 
 
 JANE MUNEOE 
 
 Was daughter of a Scotchman, who belonged to a regiment of High- 
 landers in Wolfe's army, at the conquest of Quebec. He remained in this 
 country and settled in Minot, Me. She was born April, 1780. She became 
 the teacher of the young in that vicinity. She reached her conclusions in 
 favor of Universalism very early, and became a most strenuous advocate of 
 our faith. Rev. Zenas Thompson, then a mere lad, listened with delight to 
 her simple eloquence, and no doubt owes his early bent to the ministry to her 
 influence. She had a pure heart, a pleasing personality and an irresistible 
 charm of speech, and wrought a great deal, in a quiet way, in disseminating 
 her faith in a region where now it seems the prevailing thought. Mr. 
 Thompson relates that a gentleman whose deceased wife was her Bister,
 
 L. W. BROWN. 380 
 
 offered his hand in marriage, but while in nearly all respects such a union 
 seemed very proper, for the gentleman was a very intelligent and highly re- 
 spectable man, tbere was one obstacle in the way, as he looked at it. He 
 was a very devoted member of the orthodox church in old Connecticut where 
 tbe color of orthodoxy was quite as deep as anywhere, and he felt that her 
 heresy was a serious obstacle to their union, and he resolved to make a strong 
 effort to remove it, that it should not disturb their future harmony. Accord- 
 ingly, he proposed that they should at once discuss the subject, while he 
 would attempt to show her the error of her doctrine. To this proposition 
 Miss Munroe readily assented. A thorough discussion ensued. The result 
 was his complete conversion to her faith and prompt avowal of it. Their 
 marriage soon foUowed, and Mr. B. returned to his home in Connecticut with 
 a splendid Universalist wife, and she most happy in being the wife of a hus- 
 band whose heart was renewed, whose hope was brightened and whose faith 
 "a lamp to his feet." 
 
 L. W. BROWN. 
 
 This faithful Christian is the widow of Rev. John S. Brown, who 
 died in Richmond, N. Y., March 23, 1855. She began her work as a minis- 
 ter's wife about the year 1818, in Perry, N. Y., and added teaching to her 
 home duties. They removed to Taunton, Mass., in 1851, and subsequently 
 she returned to Perry. In 1862 she was a teacher in Clinton Liberal Insti- 
 tute, and afterwards removed to Akron, Ohio, where she now resides. 
 
 Sbe has been remarkable for her wonderful work of caring for and edu- 
 cating young persons. With no means which she has not earned by hard 
 work, she has reared many — how many, no one knows — to lives of usefulness 
 and honor. It has been impossible to obtain data. Mrs. Brown so shrinks 
 from public notice, that I am disinclined to give in these pages more than a 
 brief remembrance, hoping to be able to enlarge upon it one of these years;
 
 390 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 but I feel that she owes it to her faith to let her "light shine that others may 
 see her good works, and glorify her Father in heaven." 
 
 Mrs. E. A. Richards, of Perry, N. Y., says, "Although we all know her 
 to be a very busy woman, never having but one suit of clothes, the rest all 
 going for somebody who in her judgment needs it most, she has so dis- 
 tributed her life-work that to gather it, would be about as impossible as to 
 stand on the shore of our beautiful lake and tell how many pebbles a certain 
 wave had touched." 
 
 MES. B. MELLEN, 
 
 Wife of one of our clergymen, Rev. C. W. Mellen, could build a ship on 
 canvas only second to Lane, the great marine painter. Mrs. Mellen was a 
 born artist. She loved the sea, and few have ever rendered such marine 
 views as she has produced. Her copies of Lane so equaled that great artist's 
 work that he himself was unable to distinguish the copy from the original. 
 
 SAEAH E. DUNBAR. 
 
 Sarah E. Wilkinson was born March 20, 1843, on a farm near the village 
 of Lexington, Ohio. When nine years of age her parents removed to Nor- 
 walk in the same State, and in the public schools she was educated. She 
 improved her opportunities and was graduated with honor in June, 1861. 
 She became a teacher in the school where she had formerly been a pupil, and 
 remained until she was married to Oliver P. Dunbar, a gentleman in every way 
 worthy of her, and now Master Mechanic of the Canada Southern Railroad.
 
 BARAH E. DUNBAR. 891 
 
 Some time after her marriage, Mrs. Dunbar resumed her connection 
 with the Norwalk High School and taught, until at the solicitation of friends, 
 she opened a 3elect school, which sin; conducted very successfully until her 
 removal to Grosse Isle, Mich., a picturesque island at the mouth of the De- 
 troit river, which is her present home. 
 
 Her father, Samuel Wilkinson, was, and is an earnest Christian Univer- 
 salis!, and one of the hest of men. His daughter was reared in that faith, 
 «nd early took her position in the front rank of workers for her church, when 
 the Norwalk Universalist Society was organized. She was one of two teachers 
 that led off in the Sunday-school work of that church, organizing with four 
 scholars — two apiece. She had the satisfaction of seeing her work grow 
 under her hands, until the school hecame large and flourishing, and so suc- 
 cessful was she in the management of her pupils and her influence upon 
 them, that she was solicited to prepare an essay upon Sunday-school work, 
 to be read at the Sunday-school Convention at Hamilton, Ohio, which was 
 listened to with more than ordinary interest by those present on that occa- 
 sion. Subsequently she presented a paper upon the "Higher Education of 
 Woman," before the Universalist State Convention at Norwalk, which was a 
 fine production. This paper was again delivered before the Cary Society, 
 of Buchtel College, and afterwards printed in the "Star in the West." 
 
 Her manner upon the platform is very womanly and attractive. Her 
 histrionic abilities are rare and her facial expression something remarkable. 
 But so modest was she in regard to her abilities in this line, that it took a 
 great deal of persuasion upon the part of a friend who loved and admired 
 her, to induce her to cultivate her talent. She has lately graduated from a 
 two years' course of elocution in the city of Detroit. Her church relations 
 are with the society in Detroit, in which she is interested and works, as much 
 as fourteen miles of distance will permit. 
 
 Mrs. Dunbar has been correspondent for several papers, among which 
 is the "Cleveland Leader," and her racy, sparkling, semi-satirical letters are 
 always welcomed by its readers. She was, also, at times, a contributor to 
 the "Star in the West." From the first organization of the Woman's Cen- 
 tenary Association, she has taken an interest in it, being at one time its Vice 
 President for Ohio.
 
 392 OUE WOMAN WOEKEKS. 
 
 Happy in her domestic relations, a devoted wife, a loving mother to her 
 one little daughter of ten years, a lover of the faith in which she was reared , 
 a true and loyal friend under aU circumstances, and a lovely and attractive 
 woman whose friendship is to be prized, is Sarah E. Dunbar. 
 
 SARAH GREGG 
 
 Was one of the many of the ministrants of the battlefield and hospital, who 
 responded to the call of the suffering. January 1, 1863, she went from 
 Ottawa (the place of her residence), to Mound City, and exerted all her 
 powers to aid the seven hundred in the hospital there. She was soon recalled 
 to take charge of Stebbins' Hospital, Ottawa. In 18G3 she went to Vicks- 
 burg, and brought a steamer load of sick and wounded to St. Louis, the 
 low stage of water preventing further progress up the river. Her husband 
 enlisted the third time, and she remained acting as nurse until 1865, perform- 
 ing an immense amount of labor, and surpassing the achievements of any 
 general, if it be true that — 
 
 The drying of a single tear has more 
 Of honest fame than shedding seas of gore. 
 
 ELIZABETH D. STACY 
 
 Is a native of New York; was married by Rev. N. Stacy, to his son. 
 Judge E. C. Stacy, at Wayne, Penn., Feb. 21, 1842. Her maiden name was 
 Heath. She completed medical studies (homeopathic) after marriage. Re- 
 fused admission to medical lectures in Buffalo, N. Y., for the atrocious crime 
 of being a woman, she perfected her studies elsewhere, and attained a skill 
 which insured her an extensive practice. At one time during the War, she
 
 DR. HARRIET K. HUNT. 393 
 
 was the only practicing physician in Freeborn Co., Minn. At fifteen she 
 took the total abstinence pledge, and in 1808 began active temperance work 
 in Minnesota. She has filled most of the offices in Good Templary, and luis 
 many times represented her lodge in the Minnesota Grand Lodge. In 1872, 
 she represented Minnesota in the Grand Lodge of the World, in Madison, 
 Wis. ; in 1873, in London, England; in 1874, in Boston, Mass. ; in Louisville, 
 Ky., in 1876; in 1878, Minneapolis, Minn. In 187G, she assisted in organ- 
 izing the Woman's Temperance Union in Albert Lea, and represented the 
 Union in Minneapolis in 1877, and became one of the Vice Presidents, and 
 in 1878, in Chicago, and in St. Paid in 1880. Mrs. Stacy is an earnest, de- 
 voted worker for temperance and morality and religion — a grand example 
 of self-reliance, faith and devotedness to duty. She resides in Albert Lea, 
 Minnesota. 
 
 GRACIA SKINNER 
 
 Is the widow of Rev. Dolphus Skinner, D.D., of Utica, N. Y. She is 
 tenderly remembered by mulitudes of our people, especially by those of New 
 York. She is one of the ministers' wives of the olden time, whose latch- 
 string was ever out for the wayfaring minister. She was born in Springfield, 
 Vt., March 16, 1804, and was married to that rare man, Dolphus Skinner, 
 September 9, 1825. She is passing her declining years with a son, in 
 Detroit, Mich., and is honored by all who know her. 
 
 DR. HARRIET K. HUNT, 
 
 The first real "woman doctor" in this country, who received the respect 
 and confidence of the people, has eaten salt at my table. Tt was years ago, 
 but time will never obliterate her kindly pleasant face and hearty laugh. It. 
 
 •2C:
 
 894 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 was a query to me how she became a doctor. Who taught her was a prob- 
 lem I dared not ask her to solve for me. It was in the days of saddle-bags, 
 nearly fifty years ago, when men doctors knew every thing, and kept what 
 they knew to themselves oftentimes, or rather they were not permitted to 
 impart it to women. Mrs. Lucy Stone says she acquired her medical knowl- 
 edge of Dr. Valentine Mott. God bless him ! for if there is any one profes- 
 sion women are especially fitted for it is that of ministering to the sick. Our 
 kindly-remembered Dr. Hunt had struggles that few have heart or nerve to 
 encounter, but overcame them all, and died in Boston, Jan. 2, 1875, a 
 wealthy woman. 
 
 ELMINA J. POWERS. 
 
 This devoted Christian woman entered the hospital service, and labored 
 with great assiduity and success till the close of the war. She published her 
 experiences and observations in a volume entiled "Hospital PenciUings." In 
 1866 she entered St. Lawrence Theological Scool, as a student, but at the 
 end of six months she was obliged to abandon her studies on account of ill 
 health. She died in Worcester, Mass., September 21, 1871. She was a pure, 
 devoted, good woman. 
 
 H. B. MANFORD. 
 
 Mrs. Manford's maiden name was Bryant. She was born in New York, 
 and was a school teacher in Warrenville, 111., for some years before she was 
 married, in Arlington, 111., July 3, 1844, to E. Manford, a licentiate in our 
 ministry. She has been of great assistance to her husband; has acted as 
 assistant editor of a monthly periodical, published by him, entitled "Man- 
 ford's Magazine." Some years ago she traveled and lectured on temperance 

 
 JUDITH S. AND SUSAN PLUMMER. 395 
 
 and canvassed for his magazine and books, and for several years past she has 
 been active in local and Slate denominational work. She has been Presi- 
 dent of the Illinois Woman's Association for several years. 
 
 She has one child, a daughter, an estimable woman, the wife of Dr. 
 Norman Bridge, of Chicago, a physician of excellent repute. 
 
 MARY MONELL 
 
 The church in Lincoln, Neb., owes its existence to the Christian zeal 
 and persistency of one consecrated woman. A mere handful of people, with- 
 out means, were unable to erect a temple of worship in the capital of Ne- 
 braska, when Mrs. Monell set her head, heart and hands to the work, and 
 the result she deserved was at length reached. It was obtained by her earn- 
 est appeals to a multitude of people, far and near, involving an incredible 
 amount of labor. She sacrificed her health by her arduous labors. Mrs 
 Mon ell's heart is ever open to the appeals of the needy, and is always on the 
 watch to find some one who needs her charity. She is a native of Hudson, 
 N. Y., and is a woman of education and refinement. 
 
 JUDITH S. AND SUSAN PLUMMEE. 
 
 The Universalist church in Lawrence, Mass., has an honorable record. 
 The first man killed in the war of the Eebelhon was Sumner H. Needham, 
 who fell in Baltimore, April 19, 1861, an attendant of that church. 
 His was the first funeral of a soldier killed, and the obsequies were con- 
 ducted by Rev. Geo. H. Weaver, D.D., an honored minister in our church. 
 Among the faithful nurses in Washington hospitals were two sisters, mem- 
 bers of the Lawrence parish, Judith S. Plummer and Susan Plummer.
 
 390 
 
 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 They entered upon the service very early in 1861, and were most efficient 
 and faithful in their ministrations to the sick and wounded. Thus the Law- 
 rence pastor, one of his male members and two of his woman workers were 
 among the first to take a prominent part in the great work of the Civil War. 
 
 SAEAH B. VASSALL. 
 
 Was a daughter of Stephen Barton and sister of Clara. Born in Ox- 
 ford, Mass., she married Vester VassaU. She had two children, Bernard 
 Barton and Irving Stetson. They removed to Washington in 1856, and re- 
 mained till 1871, when they returned to Massachusetts, where she died May 
 23, 1874. Her life was filled with a beautiful faith and trust, and she was 
 a model Universalist woman in faith and in deed. 
 
 The memories of hex - virtues yet 
 
 Linger like twilight hues when the bright sun has set. 
 
 MES. CHAELES SPEAE, 
 
 Wife of the "Prisoner's Friend," was a devoted attendant at the Saint 
 Elizabeth Hospital, Washington, D. C, during the rebellion. 
 
 SAEAH THOMPSON 
 
 Sarah Thompson was a daughter of Timothy Thompson, who was one 
 of the old members of the Universalist church in Charlestown, Mass. She was 
 a very intelligent Christian Universalist, a true and earnest worker in the
 
 . ESTHER GRAVES. ;-}<)7 
 
 Sunday-school, which she always called the "children's church," or path to 
 heaven. She was a fine talker and was ever ready to speak of the excel- 
 lencies of her faith, and do all in her power to promote the spread of her 
 cherished belief. 
 
 SARAH PACKARD, 
 
 Of Boston, died at the ripe age of 83 years and four months. She 
 was a pious, Christian woman, a devoted member of School Street Church, 
 and fully sympathized with, and seconded, the noble munificence of her hus- 
 band, Sylvanus Packard, who founded the Packard professorship in Tufts 
 College, Mass. 
 
 MRS. N. M. GAYLORD, 
 
 Whose husband, Eev. N. M. Ofaylord, was for several years chaplain of 
 Campbell Hospital, Washington, D. C, was of great service to thousands of 
 sick and wounded soldiers, who were under her husband's care in that great 
 establishment. 
 
 ESTHER GRAVES, 
 
 Of Bowdoinham, Me., was a volunteer nurse all through the war. On 
 her return home, after her efficient service, she received an ovation from the 
 people of Bowdoinham, without distinction of sect, for her long and ardu- 
 ous labors of love.
 
 398 OUR WOMAN WORKERS, 
 
 AURORA CLARK, 
 
 Of Springfield, Maine, was a volunteer nurse in the Washington hos- 
 pitals. She married Robinson, the soldier who risked his hfe to protect Sen- 
 ator Seward, at the time of President Lincoln's assassination. 
 
 THE UNKNOWN WOMEN. 
 
 BY REV. G. S. WEAVER, D.D. 
 
 In the Union Cemeteries along the track of the late war, where are 
 buried the soldiers who gave their lives to their country, there are many 
 graves which are marked with the simple inscription, "Unknown." What is 
 meant is, that here lies the dust of a faithful and loyal man who died that 
 his country might live, but of whose name and hfe, nothing more is known. 
 And yet to the thoughtful and holiest patriotism this is sufficient. The little 
 ridge of earth that assures his countrymen that a brother's form took this 
 lowly bed that they might have a country to enjoy, tells the richest story that 
 can be told to the men who truly honor and love their country. There is no test 
 of loyalty to one's country greater than to die for it, and the graves of these 
 unknown soldiers will be held in profound regard by the American people so 
 long as they love the government founded by their fathers. 
 
 There is a kind of pain felt by the thoughtful reader of the world's his- 
 tories, as he thinks of the multitudes of the unknown people who constituted 
 not only the bone and sinew, but the heart and soul of the nations of men. 
 The histories tell us of kings, generals, diplomats, founders of dynasties and 
 great institutions, often moved by pride, greed, enmity or ambition, to their 
 greatest works, while the masses of the honest, hearty, wholesome people 
 who form the obscure, colorless background on which these notable char- 
 acters are made to exhibit their tawdry glory, are left even without mention 
 as the nameless unknown. It is perhaps one of the necessities of history
 
 THE UNKNOWN WOMEN. :;'.i\t 
 
 that the profoundest and best life of by far the greatest number of the people 
 has no place in it; but if it is a necessity, it is one so sad, on account of its 
 injustice, as to make every history very largely a cemetery of the unknown 
 dead, through which we walk with uncovered heads and saddened, reverent 
 spirits. 
 
 One can hardly read thoughtfully the sixteenth chapter of Romans, in 
 which Paul commends with affectionate respect, Phoebe, Priscilla and Aquilla, 
 .luiiia, Urbane, Tryphena, Tryphosa and Julia, sainted women workers in 
 some of the first Christian churches, preachers it may be with the Apostles, 
 without thinking of the great company of timid, reserved, sensitive, bigh- 
 souled women who shrank from public hfe, and yet who were full of faith 
 and love and good works, whose souls were fountains of religion, and in 
 whose "hearts the Lord dwelt by faith," whose piety and noble living made 
 their churches possible then, as such women do now. 
 
 And a singular feeling of sadness may creep over many readers of this 
 book, which seeks faithfully to give some account of some of the more notable 
 Women Workers of the Universalist Church, as they think of many others 
 equally scholarly, Christian and worthy, and who have given equally faithful 
 service to the church and humanity, and who are yet remanded to the great 
 company of the Unknown who have served the Lord and their kind. No 
 one has had any large acquaintance with this church, without observing the 
 intelligence and devotion of its women. From the beginning its appeal to 
 woman's soul was direct and powerful, and those who received its faith, felt 
 its power in stirring their aspirations and hopes as they had not been stirred 
 before. It found woman under the ban of a social custom which gave her 
 soul no recognition beyond that of a beggar asking for the crumbs that fell 
 from man's richer table. She had no voice in file church, save that of the 
 enquirer. In the home she was a subject between her husband and her 
 children, in society she was the underling that served tables or man's 
 caprices and desires by turns. She might pick up the crumbs of 
 knowledge that fell from th< tables where men enjoyed their feasts of reason 
 and flows of soul, but her mental stomach was not supposed to he capable of 
 digesting a full, or even a half-meal of the food <>!' men. Women them- 
 selves accepted this inferior position as theirs, by the nature given them by
 
 400 °UR WOMAN WOEKERS. 
 
 their Maker. They had and sought for no education beyond the commonest 
 rudiments. They were not teachers even of common schools. Their work 
 was in the kitchen, at the spinning-wheel and the loom, their pleasure was in 
 the parlor and boudoir. There was scarcely a protest in the best woman's 
 soul against this servility which an ignorant and cruel barbarism had im- 
 posed upon them, because the scale of avoirdupois tipped against them. 
 
 When Univeisahsm came to them with its God of love and justice, its 
 spiritual democracy, its free and natural reading of the New Testament, with- 
 out the interposition of an orthodox interpretation, they began to feel that 
 somehow woman had a place in Christianity that they had not seen before. 
 They read of Elizabeth and Mary, and the revelations made through them, 
 and the respect given to them ; of the women who received the Savior, and 
 of his ministration to them; of their being "last at the cross and the first at 
 the tomb ; " of his appearing first to them after his resurrection, and making 
 them the heralds of that great Gospel which brought life and immortality to 
 light; of their being at the ascension, and in the place where the disciples 
 were gathered waiting for the return of their Master in spirit, and were of 
 "one mind and one accord," praying and praising, till the glory of Pentecost 
 burst upon them — upon the men and women alike, and on God's servants 
 and on his handmaidens he poured out his spirit and they prophesied or 
 preached. They read Paul's statement that "there is neither male nor fe- 
 male, buL both are one in Christ," or alike, and his many statements about 
 the women who were the servants of the early churches, and who "labored 
 with him in the Lord," some of whom are spoken of and commended to the 
 churches as though they were preachers; and then beyond all this they read 
 of the responsibility of each human soul, the high life of aspiration and ser- 
 vice, and the great work of doing good to which it is called by the Christian 
 religion, and they began to think and feel that the life of God's free children 
 was before 'hem as before their brothers. And this thinking and feeling 
 grew aa other good things grew with them, until a great revolution has been 
 wrought in the condition and life of women. Universalism was indeed like 
 the Gospel when it was first preached, leaven put into the measure of hu- 
 manity, and it, worked among the women just as it did at first, awakening 
 them to the new life of development and duty to which it called them.
 
 THE UNKNOWN WOMEN. 401 
 
 That woman received the first direct uplift of Christ's helps in a greater 
 degree than man, is no doubt true, because she was in a more desperate need 
 of that help. She was not only under the heavy weight of her own sins, 
 but under the cruel tyranny of her brother and the grinding social customs 
 which he had established. During the early period of the Christian Church, 
 Christ's Gospel wrought mightily for woman and for man through woman, 
 as ii wrought mightily for truth and grace in the souls, and the social life of 
 men and women; and its progress was rapid and powerful; but that progress 
 was more rapid than thorough, wider than it was deep, and brought into the 
 church multitudes who were only half converted, or not so much as that, 
 who hindered the legitimate work of the church, weighted it with falsity and 
 evil, turned it to worldly and political uses, and finally wrought it into some- 
 thing else than the church which Christ and his Apostles left it, and made it 
 an abettor of many human oppressions and false doctrines and practices. 
 
 In this crippled, changed, corrupted condition it struggled on through 
 many centuries, darkened, perverted, used by tyrants, bigots and zealots, by 
 turns, till Luther struck his great blow for its partial deliverance. Then fol- 
 lowed a season of desperate struggle between Protestant and Catholic. As 
 that subsided the renaissance of Universalism followed, and the old first work 
 of renewing men and institutions began again, and that work was, as at first, 
 felt powerfully by the women who were reached by it. It was to them a great 
 joy. They received their children into their arms, not as specimens of total 
 depravity, but as pure souls made in God's image — gifts of divine love to be 
 brought up in the nurture of the Lord, and to be enjoyed not only in this 
 world but in the one to come. They received their girls as equally dear to 
 God as their boys. They looked upon their families as God's, not to be 
 separated by sin or death, but to dwell together forever in the house not 
 made with hands, and their homes where were enkindled the sweetest and 
 strongest loves of the human heart, as symbols of the everlasting Home in 
 heaven, in which the whole family shall at last enjoy the beatitudes of re- 
 deemed spirits. 
 
 And very soon they began to make themselves fell in our literature and 
 our churches, but most in our homes and in the social influences which went 
 out from them. When we began to found schools by which our church could
 
 402 OUE WOMAN WOEKEES. 
 
 educate its children in its own way, it received the hearty approval of our 
 women, and they have educated great numbers of their sons and daughters 
 in them. Of our four coUeges, three give equal advantages to young men 
 and women, and have done so from the beginning. The other was at the 
 beginning, and remains yet too much under the conservative influence of 
 opinions which hold woman as incapacitated for the higher walks of intel- 
 lectual life — opinions not born of Universalism, but of the avoirdupois of 
 masculinity. In this work of education our women have taken a noble and 
 active part. They have not only given it their approval and their youth, but 
 their money. Many and many a noble woman in our church standing behind 
 her husband, has influenced him to give bountifully to our institutions. 
 These invisible benefactors are very largely among the Unknown in the record 
 book of our church. 
 
 In the Sunday-school work of our church, too, there are many who have 
 done most intelligent and useful work, as superintendents, teachers and li- 
 brarians, in sowing the seeds of truth, in training young minds in the right 
 ways of thought and life, and in winning their souls to the Savior, who have 
 yet been so private and undemonstrative in public ways, that they can go into 
 the record only as the Unknown. 
 
 But more and better of this womanly worth, which adorns the kingdom 
 of the Master, is found in the richly intelligent and strongly endowed sords 
 of so many of the women of our church, who are the inspiring and sustain- 
 ing spirits of our faith and work all over the land. We have scarcely a 
 church in efficient order that does not owe its existence and continued life 
 to the godly women who put the best of their souls into it, as much as to the 
 men who help it and the ministers who preach to it. It is the experience of 
 every minister that every church to which he has ministered, has a strong pow- 
 er of womanly worth to which it owes in no small degree its success. Every 
 minister knows that he owes much of his own success to the encouragement, 
 sympathy and helpfulness of the noble women, who put much of their best 
 life into the cause of the Master. How constant are the prayers and affections 
 of every true Christian woman, for the church of her choice and the cause it 
 represents. How genuine and holy are her devotions to the religion that so 
 blesses her soul and enriches her life. These women, so strong in the mind
 
 MINISTERS WIVES. _ 403 
 
 and heart and power of usefulness, that they are not only in a large degree 
 the life of the church, hut equally the life and leaven of society, are, for the 
 most part, so absorbed in the private ways and walks of life, that their names 
 must be relegated to that great class who go into the record as Unknown; 
 and yet they are the Lord's blessed ones, who are doing his work and honor- 
 ing his religion, and brightening and saving the world he died to redeem. 
 
 No mention of the names of our women known to the public, as the 
 Women "Workers of our Church, would, therefore, be just, unless sujiplemented 
 by an appreciative recognition of the worth and work of the less public, but 
 not less meritorious characters and services of the Unnamed Many who are 
 honoring our church with the glory of Christian Womanhood. 
 
 MINISTERS' WIVES. 
 
 BY REV. J. W. HANSON, D.D. 
 
 Besides the unknown and unrecorded wives, mothers, sisters and daugh- 
 ters of generous givers to our cause, who often have prompted the husband, 
 son, brother or father to the generous act; besides those who have co-oper- 
 ated with teachers in our institutions of learning; besides the woman teach- 
 ers m our Sunday-schools and colleges and academies; besides the faithful 
 members of auxiliary associations; besides the great multitude of consecrated 
 ones, some of whom have been found in every church, parish and Sunday- 
 school, filling the great company of the Unknown, so eloquently described 
 in the foregoing by Dr. Weaver, there is one blessed group that must not be 
 left unnoticed — Ministers' Wives. 
 
 Of all the women we have ever known, our ministers' wives deserve 
 canonization. They have been t\w saints in our calendar. They have 
 been obliged to be "anxious about many things," while they often, also, not 
 only have chosen "the good part," but have been themselves by far the bet- 
 ter part of many a matrimonial co-partnership, which, but for their influence
 
 404 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 would have been but a sorry enterprise. We have seen Martha and Mary 
 combined in more than one minister's wife, and sometime a Dorcas, a Lydia 
 and a Cornelia superadded, and the part of each sustained as consistently as 
 though only the one was to be filled. The faithful wife, the devoted 
 mother, the kindly and peace-promoting neighbor, the dispenser of charity 
 among the poor, as busy in public as though home had no duties, and as 
 active at home as though that were the exclusive arena of her activities — 
 how many a pastor and how many a parish has been compelled, as she has 
 laid her burden down, to cry with the poet, 
 
 In this dim Avorld of crowding cares 
 We scarcely know, till wildered eyes 
 See white wings, lessening up the skies - 
 
 The angel with us unawares. 
 
 Our most successful ministers have confessed, what every useful one 
 among them would acknowledge, and what the more discerning have per- 
 ceived, but what, alas! has escaped the observation of the multitude, that 
 the abilities and efforts of the successful minister were in many ways supple- 
 mented and complemented by the silent partner in the matrimonial firm, that 
 
 Sternest critic, safest guide. 
 
 The dear wife angel of the home. 
 
 Many a graduate from the schools runs the gauntlet of professors and 
 classmates with all sorts of defects of manner and matter, of composition and 
 style, of gesticulation and habit, that no one else will ever mention, and that 
 only she, the intelligent, sensitive monitor, who takes him in hand in the se- 
 clusion of the home circle, sees, and when he is keenly sensitive to his recent 
 short comings, she, his wife, who hears for the congregation, by the persist- 
 ent attrition of loving criticism, flails away his chaff, grinds off the obstruct- 
 ing faults, until the rough ashlar is "polished after the similitude of a palace." 
 The continued improvement of many a pulpiteer is due to the constant sug- 
 gestions of a loving wife. Sidney Smith called his wife his "fooloineter." 
 It must have been because she so heard for the congregation that her hus- 
 band would be foolish not to profit by her advice.
 
 MINISTERS WIVES. 405 
 
 Many a young minister is a learned simpleton ; familiar with books, he 
 knows little else. In a half-dozen calls he can undo the work of his best 
 sermon, lie has a deal of talent, possibly, but not a thimbleful of tact. 
 What he must learn, if at all, by slow degrees, and after the much tribulation 
 of repeated failure, his wife, with fine feminine tact knows intuitively, and 
 for the first few years of married life, and sometimes till one or the other 
 obeys the call to depart from life, she has the double duty to perform of un- 
 doing his mistakes and teaching a dull pupil. 
 
 How ever the unmarried minister achieves success, overcoming the natural 
 greenness of the graduated theologue, and steering clear of the pitfalls that 
 are strewn along his pathway as he pursues his devious and solitary way, we 
 can not explain, unless it be true that 
 
 Some sweet little cherub sits up aloft. 
 And looks out for the life of 
 
 such as are destined to pursue the journey "in maiden meditation, fancy 
 free." But the rule proved by its exceptions is that the unaccredited angel 
 whose plastic hand moidds the powers of the successful minister into in- 
 creasing usefulness, wears the disguise of muslin or silk, and is known as 
 "only the minister's wife." 
 
 By far the larger number of those who have wrought great usefulness 
 in this sphere of hfe, have been those who have devoted their energies to 
 their families. They have cheered and comforted careworn husbands, have 
 relieved them from the petty anxieties that would have engrossed and weak- 
 ened their faculties, and by what would be drudgery, servitude, were it not 
 the highest and holiest of service, self-sacrifice, they have belonged to the 
 order of angelhood because they have been "ministering spirits," and so were 
 no less angels though they wore the disguise of wife, and were arrayed in 
 garments fitted for household toil. 
 
 It is no more true that all God's angels are ministering spirits, than that 
 all ministering spirits rise into the altitude bf angelhood, and thus such lives 
 of sacrifice and service, often of martyrdom to lowly duties, as these (.bet 
 women have lived, have won for them the crowns that only those nearest the. 
 throne can wear. They have filled their homes with the previous aroma of
 
 40G OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 their saintliness. They have touched with divine influence those with whom 
 
 they have mingled. 
 
 None knew them but to love them, 
 None named them but to praise. 
 
 Living they glorified life, and when they darkened earth by leaving it 
 and ascending, they added a new attraction to heaven. Many such we have 
 known among the dead, do know among the living, their acquaintance 
 a precious privilege, their companionship a benediction. "We would be glad 
 to record the names of many of the living and the dead, deserving places 
 among these " angels of the household. " We cannot resist the desire to 
 name a representative of the blessed group. Harriet E. Tuttle, whose 
 maiden name was Merriman, was born in Connecticut, July 12, 1824; was 
 married to Rev. J. H. Tuttle, in Salisbury, N. Y., in August, 1819; settled 
 in Fulton, N. Y., till 1853, in Rochester till 1859, in Chicago, 111., till 1866, 
 and during the remainder of her life in Minneapolis, Minn. She died in 
 Dresden, Germany, in 1871, while absent with her son, George Montgomery. 
 Her remains lie in Rosehill, Chicago. She was a model minister's wife, de- 
 voted, consecrated, successful in aU the duties of the lot in life to which she 
 seemed called by divine appointment. In manifold ways she filled the sphere 
 of duty, and in every parish where she labored, in every home she visited, in 
 every heart in which she is remembered. She is one of those of whom the 
 poet spake : 
 
 Only the actions of the just 
 
 Smell sweet and blossom in the dust. 
 
 She was typical of a multitude of like precious spirits, who must be re- 
 manded to the muster roll of the "Unknown." 
 
 How many there are, whose names need not be written, whose beautiful 
 hands are busy with household cares, whose feet are ever moving to fulfill 
 offices of service, whose record earth will never know, but whose names and 
 deeds are written in the Book of Life!
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 
 
 THE CHAPIN HOME. 
 
 The Cbapin Home for the Aged and Infirm is situated on Sixty-sixth and 
 Sixty-seventh streets, between Lexington and Third avenues, New York City. 
 It was named by its original incorporators in honor of Rev. Edward Hubbell 
 Chapin, D.D., LL.D., the pre-eminent pulpit orator of America, of 
 whose Church of the Divine Paternity it is the beloved and fortunate child. 
 The grounds with the building, thirty-seven and one-half acres of land in 
 Franklin County, and eight lots in Maple Grove Cemetery, are valued at 
 $83,000. Besides these it possessed, in 1881, cash assets of $40,860. The 
 receipts during the year ending May, 1881, were $18,538. -41, and its expenses 
 $9,003.31. It was incorporated May 0, 1809, for the purpose set forth in its 
 expressive title, with power to possess real estate to the value of $100,000, 
 and personal property to the value of $500,000. An annual contribution of 
 $10 constitutes any one properly endorsed an annual member, and $100 a 
 life member. Only those over sixty-five years old are eligible as inmates, 
 and $300 is the price of admission fee. The greatest care is taken that only 
 most respectable persons in reduced circumstances are admitted to this beau- 
 tiful home, and all such are required to surrender to the trustees ah property 
 in possession or that may be acquired after admission, to go into the treasury 
 of the Home. During the year ending May, 1881, there were fifty-two in. 
 mates, aggregating three thousand nine hundred years, averaging seventy- 
 five years, the oldest one hundred and four, the youngest sixty-eight. 
 
 The officers for 1881 were: President, Mrs. E. H. Chapin; Vice-Presi-
 
 408 OUE WOMAN WOEKEES. 
 
 dents, Mrs. N. L. Cort, Mrs. C. P. Huntington, Mrs. C. L. Stickney; Treas- 
 urer, Mrs. D. D. T. Marshall; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. D. D. You- 
 mans; Recording Secretary, Mrs. V. C. King. 
 
 Trustees elected May 11, 1881: Mrs. M. M. Barkalow, Mrs. A. P. 
 Brainerd, Mrs. E. H. Chapin, Mrs. N. L. Cort, Mrs. T. Crane, Mrs. G. L. 
 dwell, Mrs. C. Davison, Mrs. C. H. Delarnater, Mrs. M. Ferris, Mrs. W. S. 
 Fogg, Mrs. E. R. Holden, Mrs. J. W. Howard, Mrs. C. P. Huntington, Mrs .N. 
 Huggins, Mrs. J. A. Jameson, Mrs. G. Kent, Mrs. V. C. King, Mrs. G. G. 
 Lake, Mrs. D. D. T. Marshall, Mrs. T. F. McDowell, Mrs. G. W. Pearce, 
 Mrs. H. J. Price, Mrs. I. 0. Rhines, Mrs. A. Slmmway, Mrs. A. A. Smith, 
 Mrs. E. P. Smith, Mrs. C. L. Stickney, Mrs. J. A. Fithian, Mrs. J. W. Whit- 
 field, Mrs. D. D. Youmans; Matron, Mrs. M. L. Selby. 
 
 Advisory Committee: Dr. J. M. Pullman, Rev. C. H. Eaton, Rev. S. A. 
 Gardner, D. D. T. Marshall, C. L. Stickney, E. B. FeUows, C. P. Hunting- 
 ton, N. L. Cort, E. R. Holden, H. Wilson. 
 
 Executive Committee: Mrs. N. L. Cort, Mrs. D. D. Youmans, Mrs. M. 
 M. Barkalow, Mrs. N. Huggins, Mrs. E. R. Holden, Mrs. A. A. Smith, Mrs. 
 G. Kent, Mrs. A. Slmmway, Mrs. G. L. Crowell, Mrs. C. H. Delarnater; 
 Counsel, Hon. Ethan Allen, Geo. H. Foster. 
 
 Corporators : Mrs. Edwin H. Chapin, Mrs. D. D. T. Marshall, Mrs. 
 Emily A. Wall, Mrs. M. K. Pelletreau, Mrs. John W. Cochrane, Mrs. Joseph 
 A. Jameson, Mrs. George G. Lake, Mrs. Charles L. Stickney, Mrs. Adolph 
 Rusch, Mrs. James Cushing, Jr., Mrs. Mary Ferris, Mrs. George Hoffman, 
 Mrs. Colis P. Huntington, Mrs. Caroline M. Sawyer, Mrs. C. S. Groot, Mrs. 
 William M. Whitney, Mrs. Lemuel Smith, Miss Sarah Phillips, their associ- 
 ates and successors. 
 
 Life Members: Mr. W. Banks, Mr. W. M. Banks, Mrs. J. Bryan, Mr. 
 P. T. Barnum, Mr. J. S. Barron, Mr. G. H. Bissell, Mr. J. L. Clark, Mrs. J. 
 L. Clark, Mrs. E. H. Chapin, Mrs. T. Crane, Mrs. J. W. Cochrane, Mrs. J. 
 Cushing, Mrs. N. L. Cort, Mrs. W. L. Cooper, Mrs. R. B. Connolly, Mr. J. 
 M. Duclos, Mr. R. L. Darragh, Mrs. W. H. Daly, Mrs. M. Ferris, Mrs. T. J. 
 S. Flint, Mrs. S. French, Mrs. J. A. Fithian, Mrs. G. Fulton, Mrs. D. C. 
 (lately, Miss S. Gage, Mrs. C. S. Groot, Mrs. C. F. Goodhue, Mrs. J. W. 
 Howard, Mr. C. P. Huntington, Mrs. C. P. Huntington, Mr. G. Hoffman,
 
 THE CHAPIN HOME. III! I 
 
 Mrs. G. Hoffman, Mr. J. H. Harbeck, Mrs. J. H. Harbeck, Mr. A. H. 
 Hart, Mr. J. H. Hart, Mrs. A. Haverneyer, Mr. E. S. Hutchins, Mr. J. A. 
 Jameson, Mrs. J. A. Jameson, Mrs. F. Keii'fer, Mr. G. G. Lake, Mrs. Gr. G. 
 Lake, Mr. D. D. T. Marshall, Mrs. D. D. T. Marshall, Mrs. A. Mellen, Mr. 
 R. Martin, Miss R. Morrow, Mr. G. Nason, Mrs. A. Osborn, Mrs. J. Peters, 
 Mr. M. K. Pelletrau, Mrs. M. K. Pelletrau, Miss S. Phillips, Mr. M. H. Perry, 
 Mr. E. H. Riker, Mr. I. 0. Rhines, Mrs. I. 0. Rhines, Mrs. A. Ruscli, Mr. 
 A. Rusch, Mr. B. F. Romaine, Mrs. B. F. Romaine, Mr. C. L. Stickney, 
 Mrs. C. L. Stickney, Mr. L. Smith, Mrs. C. M. Sawyer, Mrs. C. A. Soule, 
 Airs. E. T. Sherman, Mrs. H. G. Stebbins, Mrs. E. Stephenson, Mrs. E. A. 
 Wall, Mrs. E. Weston, Mr. W. M. Whitney, Mr. J. Weeks, Mrs. H. Wilson. 
 Associate Members : Mrs. D. 0. Archer, Mrs. M. M. Barkalow, Mrs. H. 
 15. Brundrette, Mrs. N. G. Bradford, Mrs. B. W. Bradford, Mrs. A. P. Brain- 
 mi, Mr. N. L. Cort, Miss E. Cort, Mrs. G. L. Crowell, Mrs. M. L. dwell, 
 Jr., Mrs. T. Crowell, Mrs. M. Chamberlain, Mrs. J. Demarest, Mr. T. J. 
 Davis, Mrs. C. H. Delaniater, Mrs. C. Davison, Mrs. E. Elsworth, Rev. C. H. 
 Eaton, Mr. A. Follett, Mrs. A. Follett, Mr. E. B. Fellows, Mrs. W. S. Fogg, 
 Mrs. J. W. Frothingham, Mrs. M. T. Goddard, Mrs. N. Huggins, Mrs. J. P. 
 Hnggins, Mr. F. C. Haverneyer, Mr. E. R. Holden, Mrs. E. R. Holden, Mr. 
 W. J. Hutchinson, Mrs. C. H. Jacquelin, Mrs. G. Kent, Mrs. V. C. King, 
 Mrs. G. W. Kruger, Mrs. C. G. Lippincott, Mr. Q. McAdam, Mrs. T. F. Mc- 
 Dowell, Mrs. W. H. Neilson, Mrs. E. Opdyke, Mrs. R. P. Perrin, Mrs. G. W. 
 Pearce, Mrs. T. S. H. Pearson, Mrs. C. T. Perry, Mrs. H. J. Price, Rev. J. 
 M. Pullman, Mrs. E. Reed, Mrs. W. Scott, Mrs. M. G. Seaman, Mrs. A. 
 Shumway, Mrs. A. A. Smith, Mrs. E. P. Smith, Mrs. C. L. Stickney, Jr., 
 Rev. E. C. Sweetser, Mrs. S. Tousey, Mrs. H. Taylor, Mrs. C. F. Taggart, 
 Mis. A. A. Van Tine, Mrs. D. Van Buren, Mrs. J. Y. Watkins, Mrs. J. Y. 
 Watkins, Jr., Mrs. J. W. Whitfield, Mr. H. Wilson, Mrs. R. T. Woodward, 
 Mrs. C. F. Wallace, Mrs. D. I). Youmans. 
 
 The annual report for May, 1881, closes in these words: 
 "In closing our report we be,L, r leave to remind our friends that we have 
 no permanent fond, ami, although our faith is strong that the 'ban-el of 
 meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail,' still it rests with us 
 and with you that this gracious and filial charity shall not lie restricted in i + 
 " 27
 
 410 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 ministrations, and, more than this, that it shall be placed beyond the neces- 
 sity of constant appeals to your generosity by a sufficient permanent founda- 
 tion." 
 
 This beautiful charity is honorable to the sisterhood of the head, heart 
 and hand, that have established and sustain it. The most cultivated and 
 accomplished of the Universalist ladies of New York co-operate in its support, 
 thus proving themselves to be fully worthy to occupy the front rank among 
 "Our Woman Workers." May the affluence of the great metropolis flow into 
 the treasury of the Home, until its ability to aid shall be commensurate with 
 the needs of the needy and the large sympathies of those who have estab- 
 lished and sustain it. 
 
 While these pages were passing through the press Mrs. Chapin died sud- 
 denly, in Kockport, Mass., July 22, 1881, aged sixty-three years. Her hus- 
 band, Rev. Dr. Chapin, died Dec. 26, 1880. 
 
 Mrs Sophia Hoffman, mentioned above, gave the first money toward 
 the Home, and was appointed to lay the corner stone of the building. She 
 has been greatly favored in possessing the desire to bestow benefits on the 
 needy, and the means to gratify the divine disposition. 
 
 THE WOMAN'S CENTENAEY 
 ASSOCIATION. 
 
 The Woman's Centenary Association was one of the outgrowths of the 
 centenary year of the Universalist church. During the Spring and Summer 
 of 1859, when the plan of raising the sum of $200,000, to be called "The 
 Murray Fund," in commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of the 
 tblishment of the church in America, was being discussed, it occurred to 
 some thoughtful minds that the women ought to be called upon to take a 
 distin:! and active part, and at the meeting of the General Convention in 
 Buffalo, N. Y., in September, when the work of the coming year became the
 
 WOMAN S CENTENARY ASSOCIATION. 411 
 
 theme of the convention. On the morning of the third day of the session a 
 meeting of women was called in the vestry, to consider the importance of the 
 subject. 
 
 Mrs. D. C. Tomlinson was called to the chair. Mrs. F. J. M. Whit- 
 comh, Secretary. Mrs. Eliza Bailey led in prayer, invoking the divine bless- 
 ing and asking for light and guidance on hehalf of the women about to 
 engage in it. Mrs. Caroline A. Soule then made an eloquent, stirring speech, 
 setting forth the importance of enlisting all the forces of the denomination 
 to secure the best results. Rev. D. C. Tomlinson came in from the conven- 
 tion and addressed the meeting with great zeal and earnestness. Brief 
 speeches were made by Mrs. Bailey and others, after which the "Woman's 
 Centenary Aid Association" was duly organized. A canvass for membership 
 was made, and the foundation of our Memorial Fund was laid in the sum 
 of .S^~:} subscribed before the close of the meeting. 
 
 On motion, Mrs. C. A. Soule was elected President of the Association; 
 Mrs. D. C. Tomlinson, Recording Secretary; Mrs. F. J. M. Whitcomb, Cor- 
 responding Secretary; Mrs. J. G. Adams, Treasurer. Vice President for 
 Maine, Mrs. J. A. Stockwell; for New Hampshire, Mrs. S. H. McCollester; 
 Vermont, Mrs. J. H. Farns worth; Massachusetts, Mrs. H. A. Bingham; Con- 
 necticut, Mrs. C. A. Skinner; Rhode Island, Mrs. L. W. Ballou; New York, 
 Mrs. L. W. Brown; Pennsylvania, Mrs. A. C. Thomas; New Jersey, Mrs. C. 
 M. Norton; Maryland, Mrs. J. H. Mason; District of Columbia, Mrs. A. B. 
 Grosh; Virginia, Mrs. S. J. Ward well; Ohio, Mrs. J. S. Cantwell; Indiana, 
 Mrs. A. W. Bruce; Illinois, Mrs. G. B. Marsh; Michigan, Mrs. H. L. Hay- 
 ward; Minnesota, Mrs. Paris Gibson; Wisconsin, Mrs. E. T. Wilkes; Iowa, 
 Mrs. W. R. Chamberlain; Missouri, Mrs. J. G. Hull; Kansas, Mrs. L. Den- 
 man; California, Mrs. J. Hale; Nebraska, Mrs. J. D. Monell. 
 
 The corner-stone of the Murray Fund was laid by the Illinois branch of 
 the Woman's Centenary Aid Association, in the handsome amount of 
 $500, the net profits of an entertainment held in the vestry of St. Paid's 
 Church, Chicago — the first entertainment ever gotten up by the women of 
 our church for a national denominational purpose. The total amount of the 
 money raised by the Woman's Centenary Aid Association was $35,974.26; 
 the expenses were S77o\73; donation to the Buffalo church, $200; put into
 
 412 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 the treasury of the General Convention for the Murray Fund, $35,000.53. 
 Nearly 13,000 women became members, their contributions varying from $1 
 to $100, $200, $300, and in one case reaching as high as $1,000. 
 
 The success of the Association during the Centenary year was far be- 
 yond the hopes of its most sanguine friends, while the social and spiritual 
 good accomplished was more than commensurate with the pecuniary results. 
 The series of glorious meetings held by its officers in different sections of the 
 country, during the Winter of 1869 and the Spring and Summer of 1870, 
 culminated in the immense concourse which gathered in the Universalist 
 church at Gloucester, on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 21, 1870. 
 
 On Wednesday, the 20th of September, 1871, the Woman's Centenary 
 Aid Association met in Philadelphia, Pa., with the General Convention, for 
 the purpose of giving a resume of its work, and dissolving its organization. 
 But the social and spiritual good resulting from its two years' existence had 
 been so great, and the pecuniary results so promising, it was decided that a 
 force so important should not be lost to the denomination. Consequently a 
 new organization was effected under the name of the Woman's Centenary 
 Association. Two sessions were held in the vestry of the Church of the 
 Messiah; one at 3 p. m., Wednesday, when the President, being unable to 
 preside from sudden illness, called Mrs. H. A. Bingham, of Massachusetts, to 
 the chair. Miss Amanda Lane wa> elected Secretary pro tern. 
 
 The record of the Secretary, a ponderous volume of elegantly executed 
 chirography was exhibited to the members, with the information that it con- 
 tained nearly thirteen thousand names with the amount subscribed, and the 
 post office address of each member. 
 
 On the question of the adoption of a constitution to suit the new organ- 
 ization a committee of three was appointed, consisting of Mrs. M. L. Thomas, 
 Mrs. M. A. Adams and Mrs. H. A. Bingham, to draft a constitution. 
 
 The constitution presented by the committee was one prepared by Mrs. 
 Soule. It was submitted to the meeting, discussed and voted upon clause by 
 clause, and finally unanimously adopted. It was the same document that 
 has been used without change or amendment up to the time of the present 
 writing, a period of ten years. 
 
 It was decided by vote that the Association should become the patron 

 
 WOMAN S CENTENARY ASSOCIATION. 413 
 
 of the spiritual needs of the church, should encourage weak Sunday- 
 schools, and should stimulate missionary effort by the distribution of relig- 
 ious literature. It was agreed that all one dollar annua] memberships should 
 be expended in the work of the year, and aU sums over one dollar should be 
 invested to constitute a permanent fund, the interest only to be used. 
 
 A gift of $25 constitutes a Life Membership, and $100 a Patron. A 
 department was organized to be known as Specified Gifts. By this any 
 member or non-member may present money or gifts of any kind to the Exec- 
 utive Board, for such special purpose as they shall name, and the money or 
 gift will be at once passed over to the individual, institution or organization 
 named by the donor. 
 
 The largest single gift to the Association came through this department 
 during this year, from Gen. James Pierce, of Sharpsville, Pa., who gave $10,- 
 000, in the name of his wife, to endow a woman professorship in Buchtel 
 College. 
 
 During this year, also in May, 1873, the Executive Board decided to 
 enter upon the publication of a series of tracts, believing that to be the wisest 
 use to which the money in the treasury could be applied. Mrs. M. L. 
 Thomas was appointed a Committee of Publication. 
 
 The officers of the new organization were the same as in the old except- 
 ing where resignations made it necessary to fill the vacancies. 
 
 Sept. 17, 1873, the General Convention met in Washington, D. C. The 
 Woman's Centenary Association at the same time and place, convened in 
 the small hall of the Masonic Temple of that city. The President, Mrs. C. 
 A. Soule, was in the chair. The first report of the Committee on Tracts was 
 read. 
 
 The fact of meeting in the national capital suggested the possibility of 
 securing an act of incorporation and charter under a law of Congress that 
 should give additional prestige to the national character of the Centenary 
 Association, and with the advice and assistance of Rev. A. B. Grosh, whose 
 large experience in other national organizations enabled him to accomplish 
 tins, a charter was obtained, Sept. 18, 1873, under a special act of Congress, 
 approved May 5, 1870, in winch it was declared that "the object of the Asso- 
 ciation is to promote the interests of the Universalist church."
 
 414 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 The names appended to the document as incorporators are Caroline A. 
 Soule, M. Louise Thomas, F. J. M. Whitcomb, Augusta Chapin, Sarah S. 
 Grosh, Susan K. Turner, Georgiana A. Rowley, Harriet M. Blanchard, Ma- 
 hnda F. S. Kelsey, the four last named being residents of the District of 
 Columbia to meet the requirements of the law. Subscribing witnesses, 
 A. B. Grosh, Joshua R. Norton. It was signed in the house of Mr. Grosh, 
 and afterward regularly recorded, and the charter handed to the corporators. 
 
 The next annual meeting of the Association was held with the General 
 Convention at the Church of the Divine Paternity, New York City, at 9 
 a. m., Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1874, the President, Mrs. C. A. Soule, in the 
 chair. 
 
 During the year then closed some criticisms had been indulged in by 
 certain well-meaning brethren, regarding the independent or co-operative ac- 
 tion of women in religious and church affairs, which at times waxed warm. 
 The subject was brought before the convention and fully discussed, both 
 sides having a patient hearing. Mrs. Soule spoke at length in defense of the 
 women and the Association, and various other speakers on the opposing side 
 were heard. Finally it was voted with hearty applause that the Convention 
 approved of the work of the Woman's Centenary Association, and declared 
 it to be auxiliary to that of the Convention. 
 
 These resolutions respecting the relations of the Convention and the As- 
 sociation were passed to the Association at its session the same day, and were 
 read by the President. 
 
 On motion a committee of three was appointed to draft resolutions ex- 
 pressing the sense of the Association in regard to said resolutions. Mrs. M. 
 L. Thomas, Mrs. G. W. Quinby and Mrs. D. C. Tomlinson were appointed 
 said committee, and reported as follows : 
 
 " Resolved, That we hail with deep satisfaction the action of the Conven- 
 tion at this session in recognizing the loyal attitude of the Woman's Centen- 
 ary Association, and making it possible for us to co-operate with them in the 
 work of the church, and that we cordially accept the hand of fellowship thus 
 extended. And still further, that we hereby authorize our President to con- 
 fer with the Board of Trustees, and arrange with them a plan of mutual 
 work for the year."
 
 WOMAN S CENTENARY ASSOCIATION. -A15 
 
 This resolution was unanimously adopted. This amiable settlement of 
 a vexed question gave a new impulse to the work of the Association which 
 lias continued without interruption up to the present time, enabling it to ex- 
 tend its missionary operations in every direction. 
 
 Among the outposts a little band of believers in Scotland had enlisted 
 the interest of the Association, and had received regular pecuniary aid from it. 
 Circumstances transpired which made it necessary for some one to visit this 
 station, to ascertain with certainty its condition and its needs, and on May 
 8, 1875, Mrs. Soide embarked from New York on that mission of observa- 
 tion. She spent several months in Scotland, preaching in Dunfermline, 
 Glasgow, Larbert, Dundee and other places. She helped to organize the 
 "Scottish Universalist Convention." She also assisted at the dedication of a 
 little church at Stenhousemuir in the following August, the only Universalist 
 church edifice in aU Great Britain. 
 
 Three years later Mrs. Soule sailed again for Scotland from New York, 
 on Saturday, May 18, 1875, in the Anchor Line steamship "Anchoria," as 
 the accredited evangelist of the "Woman's Centenary Association of the Uni- 
 versalist church of America, under a contract to remain from two to three 
 years. Large numbers of friends gathered on the steamer to bid her farewell 
 on the eve of her departure, among them the Hon. Thurlow Weed, the friend 
 of her early childhood. 
 
 On her arrival in Scotland Mrs. Soide preached for awhile in Dunferm- 
 line, and then went to Glasgow, and on the 21st of March, 1879, organized 
 there the "St. Paul's Universalist Church," with a church constitution and a 
 regularly appointed board of officers. She established a Sunday-school and 
 weekly conference meetings, and has held three regular sessions for worship 
 each Sunday. A church library has been instituted to which members and 
 honest inquirers have weekly access, and tracts and books are distributed at 
 every session of worship, and not less than twenty barrels of solidly packed 
 literature have been scattered over the United Kingdom. 
 
 Later the Scottish Convention conferred the rite of ordination on Mrs. 
 Soule, causing her to be the first woman ever ordained to the Christian min- 
 istry in Europe.
 
 41G OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 One of her first acts after her ordination was to observe the sacrament 
 of the Lord's Supper in her church. The vessels used on the occasion were 
 the gift of our venerable friend, Rev. C. F. LeFevre, D.D. Mrs. Soide is 
 still engaged in Glasgow. 
 
 In 1875 the Treasurer, Mrs. M. A*. Adams, reported that the Association 
 had raised something over $100,000, nearly the whole of which has been 
 expended in the work of the church. 
 
 The Publication Committee reports at this time that more than 3,000,- 
 000 pages of tracts have been distributed, besides books, papers and circulars 
 explanatory of our faith. They have been sent to every laud and nation on 
 the earth where our ships go, to all the islands of the sea, and from many of 
 the most distant points letters of thanks have come for the new light shed 
 upon the Gospel. The one head that has planned, and the one hand that 
 has managed this department of labor has been that of Mrs. M. L. Thomas. 
 Above any other work of our church, it deserves the pre-eminence for econ- 
 omy, efficiency and success. 
 
 The following ladies have served as officers of the Association : 
 
 President. — Rev. Caroline A. Soule, until 1880, when she resigned, and 
 Mrs. M. Louise Thomas was elected. 
 
 Recording Secretary. — -Mrs. D. C. Tomlinson, Miss Amanda Lane, 
 Mrs. A. B. Grosh, Rev. F. E. Kollock, Mrs. A. M. Hall. 
 
 Cor. Secretary. — Mrs. F. J. M. Whitcomb, Miss Ellen E. Miles, Mrs. 
 O. E. CantweU. 
 
 N. W. Cor. Secretary.— Mrs. G. B. Marsh, Mrs. E. R. Hanson. 
 
 Treasurer. — Mrs. Martha A. Adams. 
 
 Vtce President. — Maine: Mrs. J. A. Stockwell, Miss Eleanor Law- 
 rence, Mrs. G. W. Case, Mrs. C. A. Quinby; New Hampshire: Mrs. Annie 
 Glover, Mrs. S. H. McCollester, Mrs. E. J. Jacquette, Mrs. G. L. Dernarest, 
 Mrs. Loretta Foster; Vermont: Mrs. J. H. Farnsworth, Mrs. M. H. Harris, 
 Rev. Annette J. Shaw; Massachusetts: Mrs. H. A. Bingham, Miss Amanda 
 Lane, Mrs. Helen A. Potter, Mrs. Mary L. Draper; Connecticut: Mrs. C. A. 
 Skinner, Mrs. M. C. Webster, Mrs. O. P. Amies, Mrs. Amy A. Ellis; Rhode 
 Island: Mrs. L. W. Ballou, Mrs S. C. Carpenter, Mrs. C. W. Holbrook, Mrs. 
 C. M. Jackson; New York: Mrs. L. W. Brown, Mrs. S. C. Hoffman, Mrs.
 
 WOMAN S CENTENARY ASSOCIATION. 417 
 
 Lucy G. Bucklin; New Jersey: Mrs. C. M. Norton, Mrs. Anna E. Hitch- 
 cock; Delaware: Mrs. J. T. Goodrich; Pennsylvania: Mrs. M. L. Thomas, 
 Mrs. John Mason, Jr.; Maryland: Mrs. L. H. Mason, Mrs. M. Kemp, Mrs. 
 R. A. Tichmore; Virginia: Mrs. S. J. Wardwell; West Virginia : Mrs. Wm. 
 A. Jones, Mrs. Abhie W. Lott; District of Columbia: Mrs. A. B. Grosh, 
 Miss C. Gove, Mrs. A. Kelsey, Mrs. Emily L. Sherwood: North Carolina- 
 Mrs. Hope Bain, Mrs. Julia E. Outlaw; South Carolina, Mis. D. B. Clayton; 
 Georgia: Mrs. L. F. W. Andrews; Alabama: Mrs. J. C. Burruss; Florida: 
 Miss H. H. Fay, Miss Fanny Ransom; Kentucky: Miss Jennie Gifford, Mrs. 
 Waters, Mrs. J. W. Herby; Ohio: Mrs. O. E. Cantwell, Mrs. D. C. Tornlin- 
 son, Mrs. Helen E. Lough; Michigan: Mrs. H. L. Hayward, Rev. F. W. 
 Gillette, Mrs. S. A. Peterman, Miss Mary A. Johnson, Mrs. E. L. Rexfoid; 
 Indiana: Mrs. A. W. Bruce, Mrs. M. Crosley, Mrs. C. L. Bassett; Illinois: 
 Mrs. G. B. Marsh, Mrs. W. H. Ryder, Mrs. S. Brookins, Mrs. M. C. Swan; 
 Missouri: Mrs. Wm. Allen, Mrs. S. G. Hull; Mississippi: Mrs. T. H. Rush; 
 Arkansas: Mrs. Eli Thornberg; Louisiana: Mrs. Geo. H. Deere, Mrs. S. J. 
 McLean, Mrs. A. M. Newton; Texas: Mrs. L. A. Cook, Mrs. Hawkins 
 Boone, Mrs. James Billings; Wisconsin: Rev. E. T. Wilkes, Miss Ruth 
 Graham, Mrs. A. C. Fish, Mrs. M. G. Todd, Mrs. E. R. Coleman; Iowa: 
 Mrs. W. R. Chamberlain, Mrs. M. P. Kingman, Mrs. W. P. Payne, Mrs. A. 
 K. Powers, Rev. F. W. Gillette; Minnesota: Mrs. Paris Gibson, Mrs. Dr. 
 Goodwin, Mrs. R. Blakely, Mrs. H. P. Morison, Mrs. F. R. E. Cornell; 
 Kansas: Mrs. L. Denman, Mrs. J. H. Ballon, Rev. S. M. Barnes; Colorado: 
 Mrs. G. Collins, Rev. E. T. Wilkes, Mrs. M. E. Haywood; Nebraska: Mrs. 
 J. D. Monell, Mrs. S. R. Fairbanks, Rev. M. J. DeLong; Utah Territory: 
 Mrs. Addie Bascom; California: Mrs. J. Hale, Mrs. Alpheus Bull, Mrs. W. 
 H. Sears; Oregon: Mrs. A. Morrison; Washington Territory: Rev. S. A. 
 McAllister; Wyoming Territory: J. W. Fisher, Mrs. G. A. Seabright : Cana- 
 da: Mrs. E. G. Shaw; Scotland: Mrs. J. U. Mitchell, Mrs. A. Reid: Eng- 
 land: Mrs. Pollard, Mrs. R. Spear. In nearly all the States the women of 
 our church are united in working through the Woman's Centenary Associa- 
 tion. 
 
 Rev. J. G. Adams, D.D., says in a letter to me: 
 
 "Of the woman who manifested her devotion to Christ in the use of the
 
 418 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 precious ointment, the holy Teacher said, 'Verily I say unto you, whereso- 
 ever this Gospel shall he preached in the whole world, there shall also that 
 this woman hath done he told for a memorial of her.' The doings of our 
 faithful women for the huilding up and honoring of the Master's cause, 
 however humble these may be, and scrupulously questioned by others, will 
 stand as a glorious memorial of them in the days and years to come, when 
 the heavenly principles of our Gospel shall be the life of a Christian civiliza- 
 tion, and the blessing of a regenerated race." 
 
 Harriet Putnam Morison, one of the Minnesota Vice Presidents, was a 
 descendant of the famous Israel Putnam, and was a native of Maine, in 
 which State she was married, in Livermore, in 1840, to Hon. D. Morison 
 now of Minneapolis, Minn. She died in Vienna, Austria, in the Autumn of 
 1880, while on a European journey. She was a devoted friend of the 
 Woman's Centenary Association, and of all the interests of our church. She 
 possessed rare womanly qualities, and had won universal esteem. 
 
 THE UNIVEKSALIST WOMEN'S MISSION- 
 AEY ASSOCIATION OF WISCONSIN. 
 
 This Association was organized at Whitewater, June 7, 1879. The fol- 
 lowing officers were elected: Mrs. H. B. Lafhn, President; Mrs. J. Reymer, 
 Secretary; Mrs. M. G. Todd, Treasurer. Mrs. Lafhn says, "The cause of 
 the organization of our Association was that a spirit of determination en- 
 tered the hearts of a few to do all in their power to bring about the much- 
 needed and long-hoped-for result — a State Missionary. Our object was fully 
 understood to be the raising of funds to assist the Missionary Committee in 
 securing such a laborer. We banded ourselves as helpers, not as leaders, 
 and the clergy have our thanks for the kindly interest they have shown in 
 the prosperity of our Association." 
 
 At the first annual meeting the following officers were chosen : Mrs. H.
 
 ILLINOIS WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 419 
 
 B. Laflin, President; Mrs. M. Frazier, Secretary; Mrs. M. G. Todd, Treas- 
 urer. The second annual meeting was held at Columbus, June 3, 1881. 
 The report showed progress. The officers chosen at this meeting were Mrs. 
 Laflin, President; Mrs. H. Slade, Secretary; Mrs. M. G. Todd, Treasurer. 
 Executive Committee, Mrs. H. J. Lewis, Mrs. Wm. Eogers, Miss Clara Fratt. 
 
 I take great pleasure in saying that all of the officers of the Association 
 have manifested remarkable aptitude for their duties. The interest of the 
 President is intense for our church. She was educated an orthodox, but, 
 with her husband, thought herself into the light of Universalism before they 
 had ever heard a sermon preached setting forth its beauties. They did not 
 know what Universahsm was, nor what their belief would be called, until 
 fifteen years ago, when they heard their first serrnon, and it illumined the 
 whole world to them. 
 
 Mrs. Laflin has corresponded for a number of our papers, and for the 
 "Ladies' Repository." She is a native of Vermont, and possesses strong 
 traits of character. 
 
 Mrs. H. J. Lewis, of Neenah, a most devoted worker in our church, and 
 Mrs. Charles Clark, wife of the "paper king" of the State, and Mrs. Laflin 
 are life members of the Association. 
 
 ILLINOIS WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 
 
 This society was organized in Mendota, Dec. 2, 18G8, to consist of 
 delegates from Aid Societies connected with churches and societies — a dele- 
 gate for every five members — and of the presidents of Aid Societies, and the 
 officers of the Association, for the purpose of raising funds to foster the in- 
 terests of the denomination, especially in educational and missionary matters. 
 
 The first effort was to build a large boarding hall, connected with Lom- 
 bard University, but the great Centenary year turned all hearts to the Mur- 
 ray Fund, and the work was deferred. A small building was given by the 
 Northwestern Conference, which after three years was abandoned.
 
 420 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 In 1874 the State Convention recognized the Association as auxiliary, 
 and at its request it received the supervision of the missionary work, and 
 managed it for two years. Eevs. Sophie Gibh and S. M. Perkins, and Mrs. 
 J. Gorton were State Missionaries, and wrought a good work, but in 1870 the 
 missionary work was relinquished, and the missionary boxes were confided 
 to the Association, Mrs. H. B. Manford, Superintendent. In 1881 the mis- 
 sionary boxes were surrendered. The membership receipts are given to 
 Lombard University. From its organization to the present time about nine 
 thousand dollars have passed through the treasury. 
 
 The presidents have been Mesdames M. A. Livermore, J. V. N. Stand- 
 ish, G. B. Marsh and H. B. Manford. 
 
 THE MICHIGAN WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION 
 
 Was organized in 1880. The officers are, President, Mrs. S. M. Cook; 
 Vice President, Mrs. S. A. Peterman, M. D. ; Secretary, Mrs. E. L. West- 
 cott; Treasurer, Mrs. Carrie Williams. The ladies have scarcely commenced 
 their work. In my next book I expect to give a glowing account of what 
 they have accomplished. 
 
 INDIANA WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 
 
 This young society was organized in Dublin, Sept. 2, 1871). Mrs. E. N. 
 John, President; Rev. M. T. Clark, Secretary; Mrs. Joseph Bulla, Treasurer. 
 In 1880 Mrs. Gr. S. Newcomb was elected President; Mrs. N. Wilson, Vice 
 President; Mrs. T. Hoffman, Treasurer. In 1881 the same President and
 
 ST. MARY PROFESSORSHIP. ll>] 
 
 Secretary, and Miss Belle Itockingfield, Treasurer, and Mesdames S. F. John 
 and E. Davis, Vice Presidents. The society is a vigorous one, promising to 
 be very efficient. 
 
 THE ST. MAEY PROFESSORSHIP, 
 CANTON, N. Y. 
 
 At the Commencement of St. Lawrence University, Canton, N. Y., in 
 1872, Mrs. C. A. Soule was present and came to realize its pressing needs, 
 especially those pertaining to the education of the lady students of the col- 
 lege.. She learned that a Woman Professorship was the greatest need. 
 
 At a meeting of the Executive Committee held July 3, 1872, Mrs. Soule 
 was requested to render assistance in securing a fund to pay the salary of a 
 Woman Professor in the college. 
 
 At the annual session of the New York Convention of Universalists 
 held at Richrield Springs, August 29, 1872, the Woman's Centenary Asso- 
 ciation took hold of the subject in earnest. Under the lead of Mrs. Soide, 
 the project was fairly inaugurated. Mrs. S. gave one of her characteristic 
 addresses, which indicated that her heart was in the work. The movement 
 was made to secure one hundred names of women in the State, who should 
 pledge themselves to the Trustees of St. Lawrence University to pay the 
 salary of a Woman Professor for five years, each woman paying ten dollars 
 annually. Many names were obtained at the convention, and afterwards the 
 balance was nearly, if not quite, made up in different sections of the State. 
 Mrs. Soule also proposed a name for the new professorship. It should bs 
 called "St. Mary Professorship." 
 
 Mrs. Stockwell, of Bangor, Me., Mrs. S. M. Perkins, of Cooperstown N. 
 Y., and Mrs. Eliza Bailey, of Rochester, N. Y., also made brief addresses in 
 behalf of the enterprise. The whole matter was accomplished in three- 
 fourths of an hour, and two thousand dollars pledged during that time. 
 
 At the opening of the college term in Angus;, \xl-, Miss Lucy G.
 
 422 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 French, daughter of Eev. W. R. French, of Maine, a graduate of 7/estbrook 
 Seminary, who had been appointed by President A. G. Gaines to this profes- 
 sorship, took her place in the college and remained three years, performing 
 her duties faithfully and satisfactorily. In August, 1876, Miss Clara Weaver, 
 daughter of Rev. Dr. G. S. Weaver, now of Canton, N. Y., was appointed 
 her successor. She is a graduate of the college, and a finished classical 
 scholar. 
 
 The lady students of the college have averaged about one -third of the 
 whole number, while since 1861 twelve ladies have been educated for the 
 ministry in the Theological School. 
 
 THE ELIZABETH BUCHTEL AND CHLOE 
 PIEECE PKOFESSOESHIPS. 
 
 In the Spring of 1873 Hon. John R. Buchtel proposed to endow one 
 woman professorship to be called the Elizabeth Buchtel Professorship, if the 
 women of Ohio and Western Pennsylvania would endow another. This ef- 
 fort was seconded. After some consultation it was thought best to have the 
 money raised under the auspices of the Woman's Centenary Association. 
 Mrs. Soule gave herself personally to the work of raising subscriptions. She 
 came and attended the State Convention which was appointed at Akron, for 
 the express purpose of agitating the subject. There w.is a very large gather- 
 ing. Great enthusiasm prevailed. Subscription cards were distributed in 
 the audience, and a large amount for the endowment of a woman professor- 
 ship raised then and there. After the meeting Mrs. Soule visited Mrs. Chloe 
 Pierce, of Sharpsville, Pa., who had become interested in the idea of having 
 women associated in the faculty of the college. After conversing with her 
 noble husband on the subject, largely through Mrs. Smile's influence, they 
 decided to give $10,000 to this grand object. Mrs. Soule labored several 
 months in the good causo, holding meetings in its interest, assisted by our 

 
 THE LADIES' REPOSITORY. 423 
 
 glergyraen, by Mrs. J. G. Adams and by Mrs. E. C. Tomlinson. Several 
 thousand dollars were subscribed, but there were still about three thousand 
 dollars wanting when the State Convention met at Cleveland in June, 1874. 
 A strong appeal was offered and a vigorous effort made to secure the remain- 
 ing funds aeeess iry to complete the endowment, which was successful. The 
 s 1 0,000 was secured, and the professorship named the "Chloe Pierce Pro- 
 fessorship," in honor of the generous donor. 
 
 I quote from the "Ladies' Repository,*' July, 1873, the following: 
 "Buchtel College owes its existence not only to the grand man whose 
 name it bears, but to his wife, who has seconded all his labors and, if possi- 
 ble, doubled all his sacrifices in its behalf." 
 
 THE LADIES' REPOSITOKY. 
 
 The "Ladies' Repository" was established in 1832, by an association of 
 clergymen, and edited by Rev. Daniel D. Smith, and was called "The Uni- 
 versalist." It was published simultaneously in Boston and Lowell, Mass. 
 At the end of its first year it was transferred to S. and S. F. Streeter, and at 
 the close of the second volume it became the property of Rev. D. D. Smith, 
 and adopted the additional name of "Ladies' Repository." In January, 
 1830, it was conveyed to Abel Tompkins, and Rev. A. A. Folsom became 
 editor, but in August of that year, Rev. Henry Bacon succeeded Mr. Folsom. 
 He remained editor, and Mr. Tompkins publisher, until 1856, a period of 
 twenty years. During those twenty years more of the women of our church 
 achieved literary distinction, and became identified with its history, than 
 during any succeeding or preceding period of the same length, and for his* 
 great influence in encouraging and fostering the literary efforts of the best 
 among our women writers, the name of Abel Tompkins deserves grateful 
 recognition, and must always occupy honorable rank. After more than 
 forty years of existence this publication was discontinued.
 
 WOMAN MINISTERS. 
 
 i~The writer of this volume regrets being coinpelled to abridge her 
 sketches of the Woman Ministers in the Universalist Ministry. She had 
 written at far greater length than the remaining pages exhibit, when the 
 part of the book already electrotyped had exceeded the number to which she 
 had limited herself, and she was reluctantly compelled to reduce nearly all 
 the biographical sketches that follow, and particularly the more prominent 
 ones. She regrets being compeUed to omit selections from the writings of sev- 
 eral, which she had carefully made.] 
 
 The Universalist denomination is solving the problem of a Woman Min- 
 istry. For several years an increasing number of women have exercised 
 their gifts, either as licentiates or clergy, until now there are some thirty or- 
 dained and licensed preachers of our faith. 
 
 The first Universalist woman who ever attempted to brave public opinion 
 by standing in a pulpit as a preacher of the Gospel, was 
 
 MAEIA COOK, 
 
 Who preached before the Western Association, in Bainbridge, N. Y., in 
 June, 1811. She was not only considered a very presumptuous woman, but 
 her desire to occupy such an attitude was considered as a proof that her 
 mind had lost its balance. All we know of her is contained in "Stephen R. 
 Smith's Historical Sketches," Vol. 1, pages 31 and 32, published in Buffalo, 
 in 1843. Mr. Smith says: 
 
 "At the same session of the Association, the council was honored with 
 the attendance of — and the congregation edified by a discours2 from — a fe-
 
 MARIA COOK. 425 
 
 male preacher. She too, was a Universalist. Miss Maria Cook was at the 
 time some thirty-five years of age, of genteel and commanding appearance, 
 well educated, and certainly a very good speaker. From the character of 
 her discourses, it would appear that Universalism as a system was unknown 
 to her; and it was rather the result of her feelings, than of an extensive ac- 
 quaintance with the Scriptures, that she had made it the creed of her adoption. 
 Difficult as many found it, to reconcile the ministry of Miss Cook with their 
 ideas of duty and propriety, they still accorded her their sympathy and their 
 hospitality. She was a Universalist and a preacher of that doctrine. None 
 doubted the purity of her motives, or the sincerity of her heart, and satisfied 
 that she could do no hurt, they yielded her the right of choosing this manner of 
 doing good. And for a time — while the double charm of novelty and singularity 
 furnished it attractions — multitudes crowded to hear her ministrations; but 
 these influences coidd not and they did not last long, and she was permitted 
 and encouraged to discontinue her public labors, and to seek a more con- 
 genial sphere under the protection of a hospitable private family. Miss 
 Cook's connections were numerous and respectable, and were by her repre- 
 sented as inveterately opposed to Universalism. This was probably true, but 
 there is much reason to believe that their opposition to her grew out of a few 
 other considerations. They were extremely averse to her assumption of the 
 ministerial character, and probably not without grounds of apprehension that 
 so extraordinary an undertaking was an evidence of mental alienation." 
 
 One who has heard one or more of the several brilliant women who have 
 occupied our pulpits, and who have wrought a grand work, such as Olympia 
 Brown, Fidelia Gillette, Phoebe Hanaford or Augusta Chapin, will smile at 
 the grave fears of the fathers who suspected a "gentle," "commanding," 
 " well educated " woman, " a good speaker, of pure motives and sincere 
 heart," to whom multitudes crowded, of " mental alienation," because she 
 felt called to proclaim a Gospel that more than any other form of religious 
 faith, meets the needs of the heart of woman. If the fears of the fathers 
 that Miss Cook's attempt to preach the Gospel was evidence of mental un- 
 soundness were well founded, it would seem to follow that her successors who 
 attempt to imitate her example an' "mentally alienated," but if so, it will be 
 conceded that there is no little "method in their madness." 
 
 28
 
 426 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 LYDIA A. JENKINS, 
 
 Who was one of our earliest preachers or evangelists, laid no claim to 
 the title "Rev.," as she was never ordained. She was a woman of intellect 
 and taste and of extensive scientific and literary culture. She embraced in 
 her topics that of agriculture, practical and scientific. She possessed sur- 
 passingly fine conversational powers. When speaking of God's eternal good- 
 ness and love, her words never failed to inspire the hearts and hands of our 
 people to greater exertions for the growth of the faith. 
 
 An early injury to the spine made her a hfe-long invalid, and impaired 
 her strength for public labor. She was a practising physician at the time of 
 her death, and with her husband was conducting the Hygienic Institute at 
 Binghamton, N. Y. 
 
 CHAELOTTE POETEK 
 
 Was the wife of Rev. L. F. Porter. Her independence and desire to do 
 her share of life's labor is charmingly described in Mrs. Hanaford's "Women 
 of the Century," by Mrs. M. L. Thomas. I take pleasure in quoting: 
 
 "She was never regularly ordained (by man) ; but she has preached with 
 great power and acceptance for many years in the northeastern part of the 
 State. 
 
 "The services of Mrs. Porter were desired at a funeral a few miles away 
 and Brother Bailey went to her house to carry the message. She was not at 
 home, and he was told that to find her he would have to go out into the sugar- 
 camp, where she was engaged in gathering the maple sap, and making it 
 into sugar. It was night then, but his errand admitted no delay. So he 
 drove as far as he could follow the wagon-path; then, as it was quite dark,
 
 OLYMPIA BROWN WILLIS. 427 
 
 lie hitched his horse to a tree, and walked on as hest he could by the star- 
 light. Presently he heard, on the still, frosty air, a woman's voice, singing 
 a hymn of praise to God, and very soon the camp-fire came in sight. Stand 
 ing still, he says he watched the scene for some minutes, listening to the 
 hymn in this strange and lonely place, the snow covering the ground, the 
 stars over head, the tire burning, and Mrs. Porter singing as she passed from 
 place to place, in the work in which she was engaged, with no human being 
 near. She is a strong, good woman, often supplies her husband's pulpit, 
 and is liked quite as well as he, and he is above the average in point of 
 eloquence." 
 
 Mrs. Porter has preached most of the time for a number of years, and 
 has accomplished a great amount of good. She says, "I have never asked 
 for ordination, but I have received letters of license from the New York Con- 
 vention and from the one where I am now living, Pennsylvania. Mrs. 
 Porter's home is at present in Susquehanna. 
 
 OLYMPIA BKOWN WILLIS. 
 
 The right of any woman to engage in any work to which she feels called, 
 no one should question, but the compiler of these pages is not prepared to 
 prophesy whether, in the final result, women equally with men will demon- 
 strate their fitness for the ministry. The object of this book is not to advo- 
 cate or oppose a Woman Ministry, but to chronicle what women have done, 
 and to do the fullest justice to their work, to "naught extenuate nor set aught 
 down in malice." 
 
 In different ages of the Christian Church there have been attempts on 
 the part of women to preach the gospel. Occasionally, one like Dinah Morris, 
 in "Adam Bede," has exhibited that rare capacity of mind and aptitude of 
 nature that amount to genius for this great calling. Such cases, however, 
 were exceptional. But the sacred rite of ordination had rarely been con- 
 ferred until the Universalist Church broke the continuity of the old succes-
 
 428 OUB WOMAN "WORKERS. 
 
 sion by recognizing a Woman Ministry. The first to be ordained was Olym- 
 pia Brown. She "was the first that ever burst into that unknown sea." 
 
 When Olympia Brown began her work, it required fortitude, persistence 
 and conviction of duty of the highest kind to persevere. Prejudice was en- 
 countered which now can scarcely be imagined. Opposition was met that is 
 now almost unknown. Whatever may be the issue, Olympia Brown must be 
 recorded as the "Arnold Van Winkelried" of the pulpit, who first cried to the 
 ranks of the masculine clergy, "Make way for Liberty," and began a career 
 that has been distinguished by ability and success. She was born in Prairie 
 Bonde, Michigan. She is of small stature, dark brown hair, with com- 
 plexion corresponding ; large dark brown eyes, seemingly always on the alert 
 to learn what is going on in the world, active in temperament, and possessed 
 of an unusual amount of natural vigor. She takes a good deal of pride in 
 referring to her abounding health, whenever she hears a reverend gentleman 
 complain of lassitude or indisposition. She attended school in her native 
 place until she learned every thing the school at that time could give to 
 so active a brain. At fifteen she began to teach in the district school, and 
 continued so to do until the age of eighteen, when she went to South Had- 
 ley, Mass., and attended the Mount Holyoke Seminary. Before the year was 
 through, she became interested in theology and began more fully to realize 
 the broader and better views of God's character, and was willing to make 
 any sacrifice and perform any labor in her power to make her friends see 
 him as she saw him, and bring them into nearer relations with him and with 
 one another. But before taking so great a responsibility upon herself, she 
 must prepare for it, so after her return from Mount Holyoke she went to 
 Yellow Springs, Ohio, and commenced her college course at Antioch, then 
 under the presidency of Horace Mann. 
 
 She graduated in 18G0, at which time she received the degree of A. B., 
 and immediately her heart and brain turned toward theology. "Where shall 
 I go," was the queston, "to Meadville or Canton?" She applied to Meadville, 
 but in that theological school it was too great an innovation to admit a woman. 
 She next wrote to Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Fisher, President of Canton, N. Y., 
 Theological School, and received a most cordial reply. His frank and en- 
 couraging letter, telling her that she would be received at Canton and treated
 
 OLYMPIA BROWN WILLIS. 429 
 
 in every respect like any other student, made her forget the misfortune of be- 
 ing a woman, for a season at Least, until she had eclipsed some of the mascu- 
 line students in her studies. Gratefully does she remember those who treat- 
 ed her with consideration for being a woman, and with pity she remembers 
 those who tried to hinder her progress. 
 
 Dr. Fisher was opposed to a Woman Ministry, but did not feel willing to 
 allow his own views to hinder a woman from entering the profession if she 
 felt a call to it. He wrote, "No woman has ever been admitted to this col- 
 lege, and personally I do not think women are called to the ministry, but 
 that I shall leave with the great Head of the church." He closed his kind 
 letter by adding, "I shall render you every aid in my power," and she en- 
 tered the theological school in the Autumn of 1861, and graduated in the 
 Spring of 1868. 
 
 Immediately after her graduation, she was ordained at Malone, N. Y. 
 Dr. Fisher preached the sermon. Rev. J. S. Lee, D.D., and Rev. J. T. Good- 
 rich assisted in the ceremony. 
 
 Very soon after leaving Canton she supplied the pulpit in Marshfield, Vt. 
 Her first settlement was at Weymouth, Mass. She supplied until April 1st, 
 after which she was regularly engaged as pastor, in which position she re- 
 mained until October, 1869. She was installed at Weymouth, July 8, 1864. 
 Rev. Sylvanus Cobb, D.D., preached the sermon, and Rev. George H. Emer- 
 son, D.D., took part in the services. One of the most earnest and devoted 
 members of the Weymouth Church, writes me, "When Rev. Miss Brown 
 came among us, the society was in a poor and unhealthy condition ; but as 
 soon as possible she went to work, and she was an earnest worker, totally 
 unselfish, doing everything in her power for the advancement and best in- 
 terests of the society. When at the end of more than five years' faithful 
 labor Miss Brown sent in her resignation, it was not received until a consul- 
 tation had been held with her, and they were assured that she felt it her duty 
 to go, and then, reluctantly." 
 
 In October, 1869, she became pastor in Bridgeport, Conn. I wrote to a 
 member of the parish, who replied, "No woman can know her well without 
 respecting her as a Christian woman and preacher of the Gospel of good 
 tidings. I listened to her nearly every Sunday, and felt that as a preacher
 
 430 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 she was earnest, faithful and true to the great Master's work. Her heart 
 was ever open to those with whom she came in contact. I have never seen 
 the person who would willingly work harder and sacrifice more for our bless- 
 ed faith." 
 
 In 18G7 she delivered the address to the Alumni in Antioch, on "Diver- 
 sity of Gifts." After her address, the degree of A. M. was conferred. Her 
 graduating essay seven years previous, was one of the best of the class, twen- 
 ty-eight in number, but this address the "Star in the West" said, "Was in 
 every way superior, showing conclusively that she had been steadily fitting 
 herself for the work she had chosen. She has accomplished much more 
 perhaps, than she dared hope, and has made it easier in all future time for 
 woman to labor in the pulpit." "Women of the Century" says of her, "She 
 took her place in the ranks of the ministry as well furnished intellectually as 
 any man ever was ; and in logical acumen and forcible speech she has few 
 equals." 
 
 Mrs. WiUis is an able Woman Suffragist, but she considers this subject 
 incidental to what she was sent to do, although it lies very near her heart. In 
 her campaign in 18G7, through Kansas, she made two hundred speeches. 
 My reader must remember that in 1867 political influence was more or less 
 against the movement, and no preparation for the presentation of this 
 subject had been made previous to her campaign, and yet one-third of all 
 the votes cast were for Woman Suffrage. Very good for a "border ruffian" 
 State. It has been my pleasure to listen to Mrs. Willis but once on the sub- 
 ject above mentioned, at the Woman's Congress, in Chicago, in 1880. 
 Many speeches were made, and many kinds of speeches — long speeches and 
 short speeches, strong speeches and flimsy speeches, but among the most 
 eloquent hers was pre-eminent. It was logical, Scriptural, fervent, and in 
 all respects a most powerful forensic effort. At the Woman's Congress at 
 St. Louis, the reporters said she was one of the ablest women, by no means 
 second to Susan B. Anthony. She was reported as having concise thought, 
 and in elaborating it, both Scripture and logic were brought into requisition. 
 
 Olympia Brown was married in Providence, B. I., in April, 1873, to Mr. 
 John Henry Willis, a merchant of Bridgeport. . This union has been blest 
 by the advent of two promising children, the elder a son, Henry Parker; the 
 younger, m daughter, Gwendolin. Their home is one of hospitality and
 
 OLYMPIA BROWN WILLIS. 131 
 
 culture, and in tenderness and care of the household Mrs. Willis is in every 
 sense of the word a model wife and mother. As her years increase her na- 
 ture develops new graces. She prefers to wear her baptismal name, and is 
 usually called, as before marriage, Olympia Brown, though many of her 
 friends, whose judgment we accept, designate her as Mrs. Willis. 
 
 In March, 187G, Mrs. Willis removed to Racine, Wis., and the follow- 
 ing letter from Hon. A. C. Fish, of that city, who was formerly one of our 
 most consecrated ministers, will inform my readers in what estimation she 
 is held in that society. 
 
 "Dear Mada/tn: — I take pleasure in saying that Olympia Brown Willis's 
 work at Racine, where she is now preaching, is such as any preacher might 
 rejoice in. The field was by no means a promising one when she entered it. 
 The parish had made several unsuccessful efforts to raise by subscription a 
 sufficient amount to call a minister. Mrs. Willis's 'call' to the place consisted 
 solely in her knowledge of the fact that there was no regular preaching in 
 the Universalist church. Her response to a most discouraging view of the 
 situation by the Secretary of the parish deserves a place in her record. 
 
 " 'Yours just received. I infer that there is no objection to a Sunday 
 service in Racine, therefore I shall be there one week from next Sunday, 
 Feb. 24th. You will oblige me by giving the proper notice. I will preach 
 morning, afternoon or evening, or all three as the people may desire. Yours 
 for the good cause.' 
 
 "Added to other obstacles in her path w T as the inevitable prejudice 
 against a 'woman preacher.' She preached three Sundays, and March 10th, 
 1878, the vote was unanimous to engage her for two years' time to begin first 
 Sunday in April. At the end of the first year her salary was increased and 
 a flattering resolution passed without dissenting voice. 
 
 "As one of the results of her three years' labor in Racine, the parish has 
 just completed the thorough renovation and repair of its church building, at 
 a cash expenditure ot about four thousand dollars, making it one of the neat- 
 est and most attractive houses of worship in the city." 
 
 Referring to the compliment the Racine parish paid her of making her 
 life member of the Woman's Centenary Association, she says, "It was a most 
 generous compliment on their part, which I appreciated and with which 1 
 was pleased, but I have conscientiously refrained from belonging to soeieti*
 
 432 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 of women only, believing that the Lord knew what was best when he placed 
 men and women, boys and girls, together in families. I have the highest 
 respect for the efficient, energetic management of the Woman's Centenary 
 Association, the Woman's Congress and the Woman's Christian Union. I 
 respect all our organizations for raising money for our cause, whether com- 
 posed of lay- women or lay-men or both. I shall render each and all of them 
 any aid in my power. " 
 
 Olympia Brown Willis is one of the half-dozen of our Woman Ministers 
 who would be placed by the general consent of our people in the front rank. 
 
 Mr. Fish writes, "Mrs. Willis's spirit of work and tact in setting others 
 at work is excellent, and her ability as a preacher is recognized, not only by 
 her own church, but by the public. We always feel when she rises to speak 
 that she has something to say that is 'in point,' and she always says it well. 
 When she came to Kacine some of the parish were groping about in search 
 of 'advanced thought,' some from social and other causes hid become inter- 
 ested in other churches, and some were indifferent. Mrs. Willis's sermons in- 
 terested the indifferent, called many of the wanderers back, and furnished 
 food for thought to the most advanced thinkers. 
 
 "In addition to her church work she is a model wife and mother, giving 
 her children scrupulous care and attention. 
 
 "The world is moving in the direction of women occupying wider fields 
 of usefulness than ever before, and Olympia Brown Willis's record entitles her 
 to a place among the pioneers in the grand work. " 
 
 Mrs. Willis writes to me under recent date, "To-day I feel more and 
 more interested in the work of the ministry than ever before. 'I must go 
 on,' as Constantine said, 'until the God who leads me stops.' " 
 
 AUGUSTA J. CHAPIN. 
 
 Rev. Augusta J. Chapin, who in voice, dignity of manner and natural- 
 ness is admirably fitted for the Christian ministry, is the daughter of Almon 
 M. and Jane (Pease) Chapin. She was born in Lakeville, Livingston Co.,
 
 ' . - I 
 
 
 AUGUSTA J. CHAPIN.
 
 AUGUSTA J. CHAPIN. 433 
 
 N. Y., July 10, 183G. When but six years of age her parents moved to Ve- 
 vay, Ingham Co., Mich., and this has been the family home from that time 
 to the present. 
 
 Her childhood was passed before the wonderful changes of modem 
 times had occurred, and of course in extreme seclusion. Neighbors were 
 "like angels' visits." A friend of Miss Chapin writes, "Augusta was very 
 small of her age, very delicate in complexion and painfully sensitive and re- 
 tiring in manner, but her father, being proud of her aptness to learn and 
 ability to retain what she had learned, gratified his pride, and the mis- 
 taken idea that most people had in those years, that parents could not com- 
 mence too young "to teach the young idea," and so he allowed her to go reg- 
 ularly to school at three years of age." 
 
 In the little red school-house — of course it was red, as most school - 
 houses were in those days — Augusta commenced her education, and the 
 school being small and she apt, it pleased the teacher to give her a good 
 deal of attention. Mathematics was her favorite study, and she paid little 
 attention to any other branch until she had completed the full amount of 
 mathematics prescribed in a college course. After which she took Greek, 
 Latin, French and German, and filled in an irregular way the entire classical 
 course. 
 
 The ample library which was brought into this wilderness by the father, 
 afforded great pleasure and much instruction to the child and woman. The 
 New Testament was used as a reading book in school, and whole chapters 
 were read daily by teachers and pupils in alternate verses. In the primitive 
 Sunday-schools which she attended, no instructions or explanations were 
 ever given, but credits and cards were awarded to those who recited the great- 
 est number of verses weekly. In the strife for these rewards Augusta com- 
 mitted to memory, in process of time, the Gospels and other large portions 
 of the New Testament. 
 
 Attracted by the mystic style and wonderful imagery of "Pilgrim's 
 Progress," she read it scores of times before she was able to understand its 
 allegorical teachings. "Robinson Crusoe" became a volume of unfailing in- 
 terest to her. She read and re-read it until the pages were worn and soiled, 
 until the covers were gone, and many of the outside leaves missing, and
 
 434 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 finally all remonstrances failing to wean her from the book, it was seized and 
 burned in her presence, to her great dismay and grief, before she was ten 
 years old. 
 
 At the age of fourteen she taught a term of school some miles from 
 home. She then resumed her own attendance at school, and continued it 
 until the Winter after she was sixteen, when she taught another term. At 
 the close of this term she went at once to Olivet College, located in Eaton 
 Co., Mich. Miss Chapin remained at Olivet several years, studying hard, 
 and too much secluding herself from society, not even giving herself time to 
 make acquaintances among the students. 
 
 Olivet College is under the control of the Congregationalists, and was 
 modeled upon the same plan as Oberlin before it, and still retains this char- 
 acter. The religious atmosphere was very stringent, and it strongly attracted 
 the attention of this young girl. Her mind had never before been turned 
 to religious doctrines. She was called upon or forced to pass through 
 a religious experience of the most painful character, and for months, while in 
 uncertainty as to the truth or falsity of the doctrine of eternal punishment, 
 lived in excitement which bordered on insanity, and doubtless would have 
 ended in madness had she come to the conclusion that the horrible dogma 
 was true. Young and ignorant as she was she plodded through the Biblical 
 evidences pro and con, with no friend to counsel and no aids but ortbodox 
 commentaries. But finally all doubts were removed, and she was sure that 
 Universalism was the doctrine of the Bible as weU as of nature and reason. 
 At the early age of seventeen she was in possession of this immovable con- 
 viction, and looking forward to the work of preaching the full Gospel. She 
 says: 
 
 "I have no recollection of ever considering the question of whether I would 
 preach or not. I never deliberately chose the profession of the ministry; 
 from the moment I believed in Universalism it was a matter of course that 
 1 was to preach it. I never questioned as to how I came by this purpose, 
 nor did it ever seem in the least strange that I should preach, nor had I any 
 real conception of how my course must appear to my friends and the world 
 until I had been more than ten years in the active work. So, when people have 
 asked me how I came to enter the ministry, I have answered truly that they
 
 AUGUSTA J. CHAPIN. 
 
 435 
 
 knew as much about it as I, and I think it was this wondering question so 
 often asked, that finally made me aware that my position and work were un- 
 usual for a woman. Yet I have never been able to realize this fact except by 
 strong effort, and have always forgotten it utterly at other times, and when 
 engaged in my work. I have never felt it necessary, as so many do, to assert 
 myself or maintain my position, to explain it or apologize for it." 
 
 When Miss Chapin left Olivet she entered "Michigan Female College." 
 This college, then in its infancy, met with reverses, and after the death of its 
 president, ten years later, the school was abandoned. At these two schools, 
 with such instructions as she received from her father, she completed a clas- 
 sical course. Not wishing to take a degree from either of these institutions, 
 she left school with the intention of going to Lombard University or Antioch, 
 to study another year and graduate in due course. She was, however, im- 
 mediately drawn into a busy life, and found no more time to spend as a stu- 
 dent within college halls. The Trustees of Lombard University ascertaining 
 the facts, conferred upon her in June, 1868, the degree of Master of Arts. 
 This was given not only as an honorary degree, but because it had been actu- 
 ally earned by the usual study and training in other institutions. 
 
 For two years Miss Chapin was principal of schools in Lansing and 
 Lyons. Afterwards at the latter place, she took the principalship of the 
 "Lyons Institute," and for two years taught ten or twelve hours a day. She 
 took the classes in the Greek, Latin, French and German languages, also in 
 the higher mathematics, oil painting and drawing. 
 
 She began preaching before her teaching was abandoned, if indeed, 
 teaching has ever been adandoned by her. I think up to the present time, 
 she has continued to have classes in languages or literature. Her first ser- 
 mon was preached in Portland, Mich., May 1, 1850, a year before Olympia 
 Brown entered Canton, and twenty years from the date of her first sermon 
 she held anniversary services in the same church, many members of the old 
 church and choir being present. 
 
 Miss Chapin entered the ministry under the old regime, when Letters 
 of Fellowship were only given to candidates who had "preached to good ac- 
 ceptance for one year or over." One securing such a Letter of Fellowship, 
 was regularly admitted to the Universalis! ministry, and might be ordained
 
 436 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 at once. But she made no application for fellowship until she had been 
 preaching three years. The letter when asked for was granted immediately 
 by a unanimous vote of the Convention convened at Portland, Mich., May 3 
 and 4, 1862. She was formally ordained at Lansing, Mich., Dec. 3, 1863, 
 Rev. C. W. Knickerbacker preaching the sermon. 
 
 The first years of her ministry were spent in itinerant work. Miss Cha- 
 pin says, "There was not in 1862 a settled pastor in Michigan." She had a 
 circuit of regular appointments, which she filled once in two or four weeks. 
 She writes me, "My settlements have been at Portland, Mich., 1864; Mount 
 Pleasant, la., 1868; Iowa City, la., Jan. 1, 1870; Pittsburg, Penn., 1875, 
 and Aurora, 111., in 1871. I have preached as regular supply at several 
 places — at Milwaukee, Wis., for six months; at Blue Island, 111., for nearly 
 two years; at Lansing, Mich., for six months; for several weeks in San 
 Francisco, Cal., and for a few months in Allston, near Boston, Mass., and 
 recently in Decatur and Lapeer, Mich. I have preached in fifteen different 
 States in the Union, including those on the Pacific Coast. I attended the 
 first State Convention ever held in Oregon, and did nearly all the preaching." 
 
 The most of the time she has preached twice on Sundays, and often 
 three times. She has preached more than 2,000 sermons. At one time in 
 Western Pennsylvania, she preached twenty-one evenings in succession. 
 She adds, "I have solemnized marriages in many of these States, among the 
 rest I performed a marriage ceremony in San Francisco, July 11, 1874, and 
 I suppose that this was the first instance of a woman performing the mar- 
 riage ceremony on the Pacific Coast." 
 
 Churches were built during her pastorate in Iowa City and in Decatur. 
 She preached Rev. L. G. Powers' ordination sermon, also Rev. F. E. Kol- 
 lock's. She was the ministerial delegate from Iowa to the Centennial Conven- 
 tion, consequently member of the Council. This without doubt, was the first 
 instance of a woman taking a seat in the Council of the General Convention. 
 A new departure of the new century. 
 
 She accepted the invitation to deliver the address before the graduating 
 class of the Divinity School of St. Lawrence, at Canton, N. Y., but being 
 called to the Pacific Const to attend a sick brother, she withdrew from the 
 engagement. She is a member of the "Congress of Women," and in New York
 
 CAROLINE A. SOULE.
 
 CAROLINE A. SOULE. ^137 
 
 City, contributed a paper on "Women in the Ministry." hi 1808, and again in 
 1878 she gave the Annual Address before the Zeteealian Society, of Lombard 
 University. The latter occasion being a short time alter the death of Bryant, 
 she made him the subject of her address. 
 
 The " Galesburg llegister" said of the address, "The quotations were 
 given with a faultless elocution, and the lecture throughout was in a high po- 
 etical strain, well worthy of the grand life of which it treated." 
 
 Eev. J. W. Hanson, D.D., says, "Her pulpit manner is eminently appro- 
 priate and fitting, and her sermons are characterized by good sense, a per- 
 spicuous style, and entire absence of all affectation. She impresses her 
 hearers with a conviction of her sincerity, and that she treats her theme 
 conscientiously and thoroughly." 
 
 Miss Chapin has written a good deal for our denominational papers and 
 magazines. She wrote a series of articles for the Sunday-school lessons, 
 which appeared in the "New .Covenant" in 1878, but says, "What ever else I 
 am, I am quite sure of not being much of an author. My life has been a busy 
 one. Public and professional duties have crowded upon me, until I have 
 always had more than I knew how to do. And often a great opportunity 
 has come to me before I knew how to use it." But the readers, of such 
 articles of hers as "Music in Education," and "Success in Church Work," 
 in the "Ladies' Repository," will differ from her own estimate of her 
 ability as an author. They show her to be capable of great literary excel- 
 lence. Only absolute want of space, at this stage of my work compels me to 
 refrain from demonstrating my opinion by publishing these very able papers. 
 
 The portrait of Miss Chapin is a faithful presentation of her personal 
 appearance. 
 
 CAKOLINE A. SOULE. 
 
 Amid all the records of beautiful womanhood contained in this volume, 
 there are none more varied and interesting than that which I am now to 
 place before the reader. Caroline A. Soule has occupied for nearly forty
 
 438 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 years a prominent position in the Universalist church, and the record of 
 these years, filled as they have been with consecrated labor in various depart- 
 ments of our social, literary and religious hfe, is of almost romantic interest. 
 I am to sketch the career of one who has been not only faithful to all the 
 responsibilities and duties of womanhood, and a worker in particular church 
 relations, but who has successively occupied among us the position of edu- 
 cator, author, editor, organizer, evangelist and pastor! To crowd into the 
 compass of a few pages the history or incidents of such a career is clearly 
 impossible. But I may be successful in giving the outlines so honorable 
 to the heroic worker, and so inspiring to all who seek the emulation of noble 
 example. 
 
 Caroline Augusta White was born in Albany, N. Y., September 3, 1824. 
 She was the daughter of Nathaniel and Elizabeth White, and the third child 
 in a family of six, three of whom died in infancy. As blood is said to "al- 
 ways tell" — rather doubtful sometimes I think — I may mention the fact 
 that on her father's side she is pure English, he being a descendant of the 
 Whites and Steeles who emigrated to New England from the parent country 
 some 200 years ago, and by intermarriages the blood was kept pure. On 
 the mother's side singularly enough, she is French and Dutch, her maternal 
 grandfather being a full blooded Frenchman from the south of France, her 
 maternal grandmother equally full blooded Holland Dutch, a descendant of 
 one of the first settlers of Albany. Mr. and Mrs. White were among the earliest 
 Universalists in that city, and if not strictly born in that faith, their distin- 
 guished daughter was certainly reared in it, and her first childish recollections 
 of divine worship were all associated with the little church on Herkimer 
 street, the first ever erected by the Universalists in the capital of New York, 
 and of which Rev. I. D. Williamson, then a young man, was pastor. With 
 Mr. Williamson and his successor, Rev. S. R. Smith, began that intimacy 
 and friendship with the Universalist ministry which has since been so widely 
 extended, and around which are now clustered so many tender and jirecious 
 memories of the departed. 
 
 Caroline resided in Albany throughout childhood and early girlhood, 
 going, as was the custom in those days, from one "dame's" school to another, 
 and improving to the uttermost the few advantages that then came in the way
 
 CAROLINE A. SOULE. 430 
 
 of the pupils attending these primitive affairs. She was an extremely shy and 
 diffident child, sensitive to such an extreme degree, that she was often in 
 tears, yet possessed of such a tender and resolute conscience that she never 
 failed to do the duty that was required in the home or schcol. At ahout the 
 age of twelve, having manifested unusual eagerness for study, her father did 
 what was then an almost unheard of thing for a mechanic to do, sent her to 
 the Albany Female Academy, then one of the most celebrated institutions in 
 the land. She attended the academy five years, and was graduated with dis- 
 tinguished honor in July, 1841, receiving one of three gold medals, offered 
 as prizes for the best English composition. The subject of her graduating 
 essay was, "The Goodness of God not fully Demonstrated Without the Aid 
 of Revelation, " and although written several months before she attained her 
 seventeenth birthday, it was altogether a highly creditable composition, 
 evincing at that early period of life that sublime faith in the love of God 
 which is the characteristic of the Universalist church, and it was also, as we 
 now see, an unconscious forecast of her career as a religious writer ami 
 teacher. 
 
 Unfortunately her health failed so rapidly during the last few weeks of 
 her school life that her teachers feared she would not be able to attend the 
 graduating exercises which were to continue several days, but intense excite- 
 ment kept her up through the five days, and she returned home only to go 
 from one fainting fit to another, until her parents almost despaired of her 
 life, and for years she was a sufferer from the imprudence. 
 
 In the Spring of the following year, 1842, Miss White became Princi- 
 pal of the Female Department of Clinton Liberal Institute, near Utica, N. Y., 
 being selected for that position by Rev. S. R. Smith, her Albany pastor, 
 and here she remained for two terms or about seven months. The Institute 
 was then seeing its darkest days, and Miss White used to recall the days 
 spent at Clinton as among the "bitter-sweet" experiences of her life — bitter, 
 for she made no money at a time when she sorely needed it; sweet, for she 
 made friends whose love followed her in all her wanderings. Evidently it 
 was at Clinton that the young principal began that self-sacrifice for the 
 good of the Universalist church which has never forsaken her, and which 
 she afterwards was to exemplify in many various ways.
 
 440 OUR WOMAN "WORKERS. 
 
 Some recent "Keminiscences" of Mrs. Sortie's sent to me by her old and 
 valued friend, Rev. A. B. Grosh, pertain to tins period of her life. 
 
 "In April, 1842, Dr. Clowes brought a young lady to our house in 
 Utica, N. Y., to rest and wait for the Clinton stage. She was about seven- 
 teen years old, but so smaU, slender, timid and shrinking that she looked 
 even younger. And this was Caroline Augusta White, selected by Rev. S. 
 R. Smith (a good judge of needed character and abihty) to be the Principal 
 of the Female Dejmrtment of the Clinton Liberal Institute. A few glances 
 when unseen by her showed that, although of slight make, she was well de- 
 veloped and balanced, and had regular features with mild expression. Her 
 large, dewy eyes, not then contracted by long, painful disease, were veiled by 
 drooping lashes, from beneath which came occasional gleams of mirth and 
 pleasure. We wondered how she would fare among pupils, some larger and 
 older than herself. I had had a trial of that kind in early life, and hoped she 
 too might succeed, but fears intermingled. We learned afterward that she soon 
 made proof of her ability and aptness to teach, and readily won the respect 
 and love of her pupils, but that some of the older ones jocosely insisted that 
 she must wear a cap, to make her appear more matronly, as they did not 
 like to be governed by one so much their junior. I had often seen Moravian 
 girls in their carjs, and was not surprised, therefore, to learn that the cap did 
 not make the youthful principal appear any older. 
 
 "After some months I saw her again among her pupils at their annual 
 examination. She was very quiet, pleasant and at her ease, for all seemed to 
 be swayed and moved without effort by her spirit alone. She had proved her 
 ability and skill as a teacher, and taken her position and rank as a woman 
 of intelligence and influence." 
 
 Miss White returned to Albany at the close of 1812, and remained at 
 home until the 28th of August, 1813, when she was married to Rev. H. B. 
 Soule, then pastor of the Universalist church in Utica, going with him to 
 that city after a brief bridal tour, and becoming members of the family of 
 Rev. A. B. Grosh. Here, as Mr. Grosh writes, "She blossomed out of her 
 timidity and reticence as a stranger, into a pleasant companion of parents 
 and children and the beloved friend." The stay in Utica was only for about 
 a year, but this was sufficient to lay the foundation of that valuable friend-
 
 CAROLINE A. SOULE. 441 
 
 ship with Mr. Grosh which has cheered and comforted Mrs. Soule all her 
 days, a friendship which now links heart to heart across the broad Atlantic, 
 and finds rare delight in the interchange of a most delightful and instructive 
 correspondence. 
 
 We can only briefly outline the changes of the next few years. In the 
 following Spring Mr. and Mrs. Soule removed to Boston, Mass., he becom- 
 ing colleague with Father Ballon. In June, 1845, they removed to Glou- 
 cester, Mass., and in May, 1840, to Hartford, Conn., which city had been 
 the birthplace of Mrs. Soide's father. In April, 1851, they removed to 
 Granby, and not long after to Lyons, N. Y. Mr. Soule left his family on the 
 last day of December, 1851, the picture of health and happiness, and with 
 every prospect of a long and useful life. Before the month of January had 
 quite passed away, he was dead and buried, a victim to that terrible disease, 
 small-pox, and in its most malignant form. Such was the swift sorrow that 
 came upon the devoted wife and mother. 
 
 Mrs. Soule was thus, with hardly a note of warning, left a widow to 
 battle with the world, when a little more than twenty-seven years old, with 
 five children, two daughters and three sons, the eldest a little over seven 
 years of age, the youngest only a year — a widow with about $300 in money, 
 her husband's library and their furniture ! It was a heart-rending bereave- 
 ment, and touched the sympathies of all our people. But the consoling 
 faith in which Caroline Soule was reared and had tints far lived, did not de- 
 sert her in extremity. "God took my husband, but he did not leave me 
 comfortless," she often remarked in recalling those days. Friends rallied 
 around her, and help came. The sharp edge of poverty, that edge which 
 cuts into the heart with the fear of destitution, was turned aside and imme- 
 diate danger of penury averted. And above all, most wonderful providence 
 of God, by and through these afflictions the latent power of the future writer 
 and preacher was developed, and avenues for usefulness and bread-winning 
 for herself and children rapidly opened before her. 
 
 The Universalist public first became acquainted with Mrs. Soule's abil- 
 ity as a writer by a most touching and beautiful article on the death of her 
 husband, originally published in the "Christian Ambassador," and afterwards 
 in tract form. We do not recall its exact title, but it was devoted to the 
 
 29
 
 442 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 comforting power of Universalism, as illustrated in her own experience, and 
 created a profound impression throughout our church by the pathetic and 
 eloquent expression of her sorrow, and the consolations of her Christian 
 faith. It is our impression that Mr. Soule died without realizing the fact 
 that his wife possessed decided literary ability, although her first stories were 
 published in the "Hartford Times," while he was living. At his death the 
 pen became at once her resource, and it was soon plying to good purpose to 
 secure a livelihood for herself and children. Though at this time not gener- 
 ally known as one of our writers, the sketches and stories which she had con- 
 tributed to several papers gave evidence of ability, and in view of this fact it 
 was proposed that she prepare a memoir of her husband. She was then in 
 a state of health that tbreatened entire physical prostration, but this did not 
 deter her from the work. She entered on her task. While not neglecting 
 her duties as a mother, she worked so diligently at the memoir that in a 
 few months it was ready for the press. She attended to its jrablication her- 
 self, going to New York and spending several weeks there, revising it and 
 reading the proof. In September, 1852, it was before the public, a large 
 12mo volume of 396 pages, the biographical portion containing 171 pages, 
 and the remainder devoted to a selection from the sermons and addresses of 
 Mr. Soule. 
 
 With the publication of this memoir Mrs. Soule's reputation as a grace- 
 ful and interesting writer was at once established. Although so rapidly pre- 
 pared, it shows few traces of haste or carelessness in style, and in form and 
 method is a model of its kind. It has long been a favorite volume in our 
 home and Sunday-school libraries. Whittier's beautiful words on the title 
 page are an index to the religious consolation of its pages : 
 
 God calls our loved ones, but we lose not wholly 
 
 What he has given; 
 They live on earth, in thought and deed, as truly 
 
 As in his heaven. 
 
 We can give in these pages no adequate history of the labors and strug- 
 gles of this gifted woman during the next twelve or fifteen years of her life. 
 They cover not only a literary experience which was largely identified with 
 the Universalist church, but also many associations of hardship and toil, and
 
 CAROLINE A. SOULE. Wd 
 
 passages in personal history which rooted themselves as additional sorrows 
 in her already stricken life. "Meanwhile," in the words of Rev. A. B. Grosh, 
 "her home had been in the West, where her children grew up amid the hard- 
 ships of pioneer life. She had passed through those changes which toil, 
 privations and the sufferings of body, mind and heart, endured for years, 
 are apt to work in the female form and features. These had taught her 
 womanly confidence and perseverance in chosen labors for those she loved, 
 but did not remove, if they did not increase, the timidity of her early years, 
 which made her shrink from crowds and especially from strangers. . Only 
 her necessities, and the pressing wants of her loved ones, forced her to brave 
 publicity." 
 
 But before coming to the record of Mrs. Soide's public life, which Mr. 
 Grosh alludes to, I must touch still further on her labors with the pen — 
 that industrious pen which was ever busy, and the instrumentality of her 
 largest usefulness before the eloquent voice was heard in public. For sev- 
 eral years Mrs. Soule was a regular contributor to "Gleason's Pictorial" and 
 the "Flag of the Union," both Boston publications of a popular character. 
 She also contributed more or less to all our denominational weeklies. From 
 1852 until 1857 she was a regular contributor to the "Ladies' Repository." 
 In the latter year she became Western Corresponding Editor, which position 
 she retained until the "Repository" passed into new hands on the death of 
 her friend, the publisher, Abel Tompkins. During this time she resided in 
 Iowa, and corresponded for several other journals, and once edited (sub rosa) 
 a political paper for six months, during the second Lincoln campaign. In 
 addition to the memoir of her husband, she has written three books, "Home 
 Life: or a Peep. Across the Threshold," "The Pet of the Settlement," and 
 "Wine or Water, a Temperance Story. These books, I believe, all belong 
 to the period of her Western experience. She also edited for two years "The 
 Rose Bud," a juvenile annual, published by Abel Tompkins. Her stories 
 and prose articles, if collected, would fill many volumes, while her poems and 
 ditties for children are almost countless. 
 
 Mrs. Soule has done in her day almost every species of writing, but her 
 specialty is stories. These are generally of a sweet, domestic character, wuth 
 a moderate infusion of the tender sentiment when required for plot or inter-
 
 444 OUB WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 est. As a writer for children and the home, she has no superior in the 
 Univer salist church. It was her love for the children, and a desire to exer- 
 cise her gifts in this special direction, that caused her to embark, in July, 
 1868, in the publication, in New York, of the "Guiding Star," a semi- 
 monthly Sunday-school paper, of which she was, for several years, her own 
 publisher, and for the entire eleven years of its existence, its sole proprietor 
 and editor. The earlier volumes of this paper, which enjoyed the undivided 
 efforts of Mrs. Soule as editor, were highly successful, and secured a large 
 constituency of readers. Her experience as the original publisher of the 
 "Guiding Star" is well and humorously told in an address given in New 
 York, entitled "A Little Bit of What I Know About Publishing a Paper," be- 
 fore "Sorosis," of which assembly of noted women Mrs. Soule was for many 
 years a conspicuous member. Mrs. Soule's experience as an editor is not yet 
 all told. She was for seven months at one time sole editor of the "Christian 
 Leader," then the organ of the New York State Convention of Universahsts, 
 doing all the work excepting the strictly theological portion, and at the 
 same time writing stories, sketches and poems for the contributors' depart- 
 ment — work entirely outside the sphere of a managing editor. Her ad in- 
 terim editorship was a valuable service to the church at that particular time. 
 
 With aU this multitudinous labor, who woidd imagine that Mrs. Soule 
 managed to get time for private correspondence? Yet it is a fact that she is 
 a most faithful and painstaking correspondent, and for many years her pri- 
 vate letters have averaged over six hundred a year! During her residence in 
 New York she also acted for three years as amanuensis to Hon. Thurlow 
 Weed, one of her early Albany friends, the well known editor and politician, 
 doing the work at night after a hard day's labor in a newspaper office. 
 
 I now come to the record of Mrs. Soide's public life as an evangelist 
 and pastor. And here again a thrilling interest attaches to her career, and 
 the; same devotion and womanly self-sacrifice is exhibited. Of this great 
 change in her life Rev. Mr. Grosh writes: 
 
 "The desire to aid her church and advance its interests, during its cen- 
 tennial year, 1870, led her and others to organize the 'Woman's Centenary- 
 Association of the Universalist Church,' and to engage mind, heart and hand 
 in its arduous and successful labors. The same necessities, the same self-
 
 CAROLINE A. SOULE. 445 
 
 sacrifice for others, the same love for the cause of Jesus, led her to become 
 an advocate for the higher education of her sex and a preacher of the Gospel 
 of the world's salvation, to leave children, friends, home and country, and 
 become the solitary missionary of the W. C. A., among strangers, in distant, 
 foreign Scotland." 
 
 In correspondence with Mr. Grosh, Mrs. Soule has told the story of her 
 early attempts at public speaking in such a frank and interesting way that 
 I gieatly regret that the space at my disposal for this article is not sufficient 
 to publish it in full. But yet a few extracts must be made. Writing in Feb- 
 ruary, 1880, to this revered friend, Mrs. Soule says: 
 
 "I can say honestly, I was led by God's hand into speaking of our faith 
 in public. It was something I never sought. It verily came to me. Ten 
 years ago I would have said, had any one told me I should ever even speak 
 in a conference meeting, 'It is one of the impossibilities!' While I was never 
 decidedly against women preaching, I was not for it. I waited to see how it 
 would result, only astonished that women had the courage to speak in pul- 
 pits! It never occurred to me that I could. I was so diffident naturally, 
 had such a fear of the sound of my own voice, had such a weak voice — in- 
 deed, I did not seem to myself to possess any requisites of a public speaker. 
 And, in fact, ten years ago the thought of ever speaking on any subject, had 
 not entered my head. Mrs. Bucklin and some others will tell you how, at a 
 Sunday-school conference meeting, at Frankfort on the Mohawk, in April, 
 1869, I actually ran away when I learned that the Conference was deter- 
 mined I should speak! I ran away because of my great dread of speaking! 
 Very silly, it seems to me now, this fear of uttering a few words in the pres- 
 ence of those brothers and sisters on a subject I had so much at heart, but 
 I could not help it then. 
 
 "After our W. C. A. began its work, I was necessarily obliged to speak 
 to our women ; but my sufferings were intense always, and only my love for 
 the cause carried me through. 
 
 "My first real public address, outside of our church work, was in the 
 Union League Theater, New York City, in October, 1873, at the first Wom- 
 an's Congress. How I ever dared consent to read a paper there, I don't 
 know, only that I was anxious that Universahsm should be well represented.
 
 446 OUB WOMAN WOEKERS. 
 
 If ever a human being made a desperate effort to overcome timidity, it was 
 myself, when I stepped on that platform about noon, and saw before me a 
 sea of heads, with the formidable row of reporters at my feet. I read 
 my paper of thirty minutes long, and spoke impromptu thirty more. But 
 I did it for Universahsm, not for myself. I had many compliments from the 
 press. I was glad, but I was left with no wish to emerge from my former 
 obscurity as a speaker. I did not yet believe my strength lay in speaking. " 
 The beginning in this direction once made, the way again providentially 
 opened before our brave sister, and it was not long before she was entirely 
 engaged in preaching. Her first sermons were prepared and preached at 
 the Chapin Home, in New York, while she was yet engaged on the "Chris- 
 tian Leader," her advent into the ministry dating from the first Sunday in 
 1874, after which Mrs. Soule was fairly embarked on that career as a 
 preacher of universal love, foreshadowed in the graduating essay, at Albany, 
 of the girl of seventeen, a career hidden in the secrets of God until the 
 woman, after years of trial and suffering, had reached her fiftieth year. 
 What a noble celebration of the half century in the life of Caroline A. Soule ! 
 In the Autumn of this year, 1874, Mrs. Soule made a second visit to 
 Cincinnati — the first was in 1873 — when she attended the General Conven- 
 tion of that year, and spent several months in the home of her friend, Rev. 
 Dr. Cantwell, the delightful "Ingleside" on the banks of the Ohio river, 
 which she so much admired on account of its romantic situation, taking in 
 the sweep of the beautiful river for nearly a mile east and west, and overlook- 
 ing the Kentucky hills. In this peaceful retreat she passed many happy 
 hours in company with her devoted friends and the pastor of her childhood, 
 Rev. I. D. Williamson, D.D., who in November of 1876 was numbered among 
 the immortals. Mrs. Soule's attachment to "Ingleside" was made evident in 
 her published articles and letters of this period. The natural situation of the 
 place, and the quaint Doric architecture of the old house delighted her. As 
 she says, it reminded her of the Rhine, "for on both sides of the river here 
 are steep banks, terraced off with vineyards, where purple grapes are gather- 
 ing sweetness and beauty every hour in the Autumn sun." The old man- 
 sion is now deserted by the inmates of those joyful days. Tire central figure 
 in the group, the venerable Dr. Williamson, is no more on earth, Mrs. Soule 

 
 CAROLINE A. SOULE. 447 
 
 is in distant Scotland, and the editor of tho "Star in the West," and his es- 
 timable wife, are now doing parish work, amid new and strange surround- 
 ings in North Attleboro, Mass. 
 
 •Just previous to this visit to Cincinnati, Mrs. Soule entered upon her 
 work as Superintendent of the Woman's Centenary Association, and held a 
 series of meetings throughout Ohio in the interest of a woman professor- 
 ship in Buchtel College, at Akron. She was present at the dedication of this 
 institution in 187:5, and made one of the addresses on the occasion. Her 
 efforts in its behalf were crowned with success, and a full professorship of 
 $20,000 was secured. Her work as Superintendent of the Association was 
 begun at Clinton, N. Y., the scene of her girlhood labors as Principal of the 
 Institute, and before it closed extended as far west as Nebraska, and 
 for several months she had charge of a mission church in that State, and did 
 much by her presence to strengthen and confirm the little band of believers. 
 It is impossible to record even the various places where she preached and 
 lectured. The work prospered under her care, and a good impetus was given 
 to the interests of the Association wherever her eloquent voice was lifted. 
 But during the two months named above, her labors were too much for her 
 strength, and the time had evidently come when nature demanded a cessa- 
 tion of the strain. About the beginning of February she left Cincinnati, 
 which had been her headquarters, for New York, expecting to be gone two 
 weeks. Three years passed away before she again saw "Ingleside" and the 
 Queen City. Arriving at New York she was taken ill, and did not again 
 leave the city for any kind of work until May 8th, when she sailed for Liver- 
 pool, in the steamer "Erin," as she said, "not knowing, or caring much, 
 whether or not I should see the Old World, but only longing for sleep." 
 
 Partial recover; from her nervous trouble and rest to the weary brain 
 was the immediate result of the ocean voyage. After a brief tour through 
 England, visiting the many points of interest and enjoying every hour of her 
 trip, amid the historical and poetical associations of the country, she passed 
 on to Scotland, whither she was attracted by the little hand of Universalists 
 in the vicinity of Larbert, near Sterling. The friends crowded around her, 
 and their urgent entreaties were not to be disregarded, especially in that land 
 where Universahst preachers were so scarce. She consented, and thus again
 
 418 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 opened unexpectedly a new era in her life, that of missionary to Calvinistic 
 Scotland. 
 
 Her first services were held in Stenhousemuir, Larbert, soon after at the 
 dedication of the rebuilt church at Stenhousemuir, where she also pro- 
 nounced the sentence of dedication. This was in August, and in Sejitember 
 she visited Dundee and officiated twice in the Unitarian Christian Church, 
 of which Rev. Henry Williamson, formerly of Norwalk, Conn., was the pas- 
 tor, but she was compelled to resort, in serious illness, to the Hydropathic 
 Institute at the Bridge of Allan, where her life was saved by wise medical 
 treatment. 
 
 Mrs. Soule returned to New York, and from September, 1875, until No- 
 vember, 1876, she did not speak in public, and almost abandoned the idea 
 of ever preaching again. But the success she had achieved was not lost up- 
 on herself or her friends, and in November she accepted an invitation to 
 preach for the "Liberal Christian Association," of Elizabeth, N. J., and thus 
 assumed her first pastorate. Mrs Soule says of this Association, "It was not 
 a church to which I was invited to preach, but rather a curious assemblage 
 of men and women who had become so weary of the style of preaching in 
 Elizabeth, and so anxious for a little spot where they could go on Sundays 
 and be refreshed, that they had associated themselves together under this 
 name for a year or so. There were only about thirty or forty in all. " 
 
 We are now to survey Mrs. Soule as a regularly constituted Missionary 
 to Scotland, in the employ of the Woman's Centenary Association. Re- 
 sponding to the request of the friends in Scotland, the Association consented 
 to send Mrs. Soule out for a year as missionary, to help them in the brave 
 struggle they were waging against the direful sway of the prevailing Calvinism. 
 Mrs. Soule was willing to undertake the work and assume charge of the first 
 mission established by our church in foreign lands. It was decided that the 
 project of the "Scottish Mission" be at once laid before the people, and if it 
 received encouragement, be duly inaugurated in June, 1878. The response 
 was swiftly in favor of the enterprise. Many meetings were held, and the 
 almost unanimous voice of the church was heard in approbation. Carolina 
 A. Souh: ions to be the First Foreign Missionary of the Universcdist Church.
 
 CAROLINE A. SOULE. 449 
 
 This was fitting. The first Christian Missionary a as a woman, the Woman 
 of Samaria, who carried the Gospel from the Well of Sychar to those who 
 never had heard of the Christ. 
 
 The events of the Fall of 1877 and of the next six months hefore the 
 Scottish Mission went into operation need not he detailed. Returning East 
 as far as Chicago, after a visit to the West to the General Convention and 
 the annual meeting of the Centenary Association, she gave an address in Dr. 
 Ryder's church, on "The Responsibility of Christian Women." Then unex- 
 pectedly came the opportunity for signal usefulness at Lincoln, Neb., already 
 referred to. Ten weeks were spent there. At Tecumseh, in that State, Mrs. 
 Soule organized a parish of thirty-three members, and preached the first 
 Universalist sermon ever heard at York. Returning to Cincinnati for the 
 third time, she expected to stay two weeks and remained ten, again making 
 her home at "Ingleside," and preaching every Sunday at Aurora, Ind., and 
 meantime editing the "Guiding Star" and writing for the "Star in the West." 
 She preached her last sermon before leaving America in Rev. Mrs. Hana- 
 ford's church in Jersey City, and in the evening of the same day, gave an 
 address to the large congregation that assembled to bid her farewell. 
 
 On the 18th of May, 1878, the missionary sailed for Glasgow, and on 
 the first Sunday in June preached her first sermon in that city, the head- 
 quarters of the mission. It was the same sermon that she had preached last 
 in America, and this seemed to tie the knot firmly between the Universalists 
 of the two countries. Mrs. Soule still remains abroad actively engaged in 
 the work of her mission, her leave of absence for one year having been twice 
 extended by the Association under whose auspices she is working. 
 
 We can not more appropriately end this record of the heroic "Woman 
 Worker," than by quoting from one of her letters to Rev. A. B. Grosh, in 
 which she briefly reviews her first year's work in Scotland, and writes touch- 
 ingly of the w r ay in which she came into the ministry : 
 
 "During the first year of my sojourn in Scotland I preached in Glasgow, 
 Larbert, Dunfermline, Braidwood, Lochee and Dundee, Scotland; in Mose- 
 ley, Peckham Rye, Stratford and London, England; and in Belfast, Ireland. 
 During my second year in Scotland, I have preached in Glasgow on Sundays,
 
 450 OUE WOMAN WOEKEBS. 
 
 and in Auchtermuchty, Carluke, Braidwood, Perth and Dundee on week 
 nights; delivered a Channing Memorial Address in Aberdeen, and preached 
 and lectured on temperance at the convention meeting in Larbert. 
 
 "Such, my dear friend, briefly given, is the record of the year's work. 
 I have been led, in despite of myself, into preaching. God's hand has been 
 in it all. Up to this date I have never sought a place to preach. I have 
 never taken any steps to secure a place. I have never wished for a place. I 
 have never prayed for one. They have always come to me. The voice of 
 God has sounded in my ear, and I have obeyed in childlike humility. 
 
 "My case is a very curious one, .... quite different from that of 
 young men and women who study for the ministry. I never was called by 
 God to preach tiU I was in my fiftieth year. I had, before that, done a good 
 literary work for our church. I was well known. It was not as though I 
 had lately come into the church. Everybody knew me. My character was 
 established, and was, I believe, without reproach. There were some friends 
 who would have liked me to be ordained before I left the United States, but 
 I could not bring my mind to ask license and ordination. It seemed to me 
 that I must leave myself entirely in the hands of the Lord. I was not sure, 
 myself, that I could preach continuously — that I had the requisite qualifica- 
 tions. I felt that I must make full proof of my ministry " 
 
 Since the above letter was written (February, 1880), Mrs. Soule has 
 been regularly ordained as a preacher by the Scottish Convention of Univer- 
 sahsts, the first woman ever ordained in Scotland to the Gospel ministry. 
 Her mission has been eminently successful, not only in Glasgow where she 
 has organized a parish, but also in other parts of Scotland. The people of 
 her congregation fairly idolize her, and will be plunged into distress when she 
 is recalled. Several attempts have been made to secure her return, but the 
 Glasgow friends have resisted them strongly, and thus far have succeeded in 
 keeping hei among them. But the opinion gains ground in the church that 
 the coming year will see Caroline Soule again in 'her native land, and at work 
 in familiar fields for the upholding of the Master's great cause. 
 
 We ought not to omit a brief reference to her domestic qualifications, 
 which are fully equal to her mental abilities, and the only thing of which we 
 ever heard her express any vanity was her capability as a housekeeper. She
 
 6r?sL^<~d 
 
 £Un^^*<^^
 
 P1KEBE A. HAXAFORD. 451 
 
 has the home talent in a remarkably strong degree, and one of the sacrifices 
 she makes in devoting herself to ;i public career is giving up her own home- 
 life. 
 
 Those who only know Mrs. Soule as a writer and preacher can form no 
 idea how delightful a companion she is in the home circle; cheerful, witty in 
 a quiet way, full of impromptu shyness, amiable, interesting and lovable to 
 children, who never fail to worship her. She is a woman who never aggra- 
 vates one by nervous peculiarities, but on the contrary, her mere presence is 
 restful. Those who have visited her in her own little home, "Content," at 
 Fordham, N. Y., can bear testimony to this, that her highest aim seems to 
 be to make those around her happy; while in the wider sphere of public life 
 her largest ambition has been to benefit and help huruanity. 
 
 PHCEBE A. HANAFOED. 
 
 Although I feel that I cannot improve upon the sketch of Mrs. Hana- 
 ford's life, which is given in one of her own books, "Women of the Century," 
 and by one who knows better than any one else can know, the great amount 
 of work which has been accomplished by this active woman, and her excel- 
 lencies of spirit and character, yet, I feel inclined to restate some of the points 
 of interest in my own way, giving a general credit to Miss Miles for most of 
 the facts. 
 
 Phcebe A. Coffin was born May 6, 1829, of Quaker parents, on the is- 
 land of Nantucket, and is a descendant of the old schoolmaster and poet, 
 Peter Folger, whose daughter was the mother of Benjamin Franklin, which 
 makes her blood relation to our great statesman and philosopher, and which 
 also brings her in close relationship to Maria Mitchell, the astronomer, and 
 Lucretia Coffin Mott, the Quaker preacher and reformer. Such relationship 
 will not be frowned upon by anybody who has blue blood in her own veins. 
 Until Phoebe Coffin was sixteen years old she studied in the public and
 
 452 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 private schools of her native place, and at that time she commenced teach- 
 ing, hut continued to pursue her studies with great assiduity with the late 
 Eev. Ethan Allan, then rector of the Episcopal Church on the island. In her 
 girlhood she was physically and mentally very attractive. She won the hearts 
 of the old people by the gentle respect and consideration with which she ever 
 treated them, and the love of the young people by her willingness to at 
 least halve with them. 
 
 "In 1819 she married Dr. J. H. Hanaford, and removed to Newton, 
 Mass., where for a year she assisted her husband in teaching, at the same 
 time devoting her leisure hours to literary pursuits. She then returned to 
 Nantucket and resided there until, in 1857, with her husband and two 
 young children, she removed to the town of Beverly, Mass., where she be- 
 came personally active in the temperance cause, since which time she has oc- 
 cupied prominent .offices in the Grand and subordinate lodges of Good Tem- 
 plars. She became chaplain and treasurer of the Daughters of Temperance 
 when eighteen; was Worthy Chief several times in subordinate lodges of 
 Good Templars, Chaplain of the Grand Worthy Lodge of Massachusetts one 
 year, and a member of the Eight Worthy Lodge in 18G7. She assisted in 
 preparing the degree ritual, and wrote aU but one of the hymns in the rit- 
 ual now used among Good Templars for the dedication of a hall, or the bu- 
 rial of a member. 
 
 "In 186-4 she removed to Eeading, Mass., where she united with the Uni- 
 versalists of that place, and soon after accepted the editorship of that popu- 
 lar magazine, 'The Ladies' Eepository.' During her three years labor on 
 this publication its subscription hst w r as increased some thousands. In 1866 
 she commenced preaching in the town of Hingham, Mass., where, in 1868, 
 she was ordained and installed pastor of the First Universalist Church, Eev. 
 John G. Adams and Eev. Olympia Brown preaching the sermons. In 1869 
 she accepted a call from the Universalist Society at Waltham, and for one 
 year supplied the desk on alternate Sundays at Hingham and Waltham, 
 sending supplies to the vacant pulpit. At the close of the same year, she had 
 a unanimous call from the Universalist Church in New Haven, Conn. The 
 following April she took charge of the New Haven Society, and was installed 
 as pastor, June 9, 1870, Eev. Dr. E. H Cliapin preaching the sermon."
 
 PHCEBE A. UANAl'OiiJj. 453 
 
 In 1874 she removed to Jersey City, and was installed pastor of the 
 Church of the Good Shepherd, on the Heights. Rev. John G. Adams 
 preached her installation sermon. Her hymns at all her installments were 
 written hy women. 
 
 "She was the first woman regularly ordained in Massachusetts or New 
 England; the first woman who ever as a regularly appointed chaplain offici- 
 ated in the Legislature of Connecticut; the first woman in the world who 
 ever officiated in such capacity in a legislative hody of men. She was a mem- 
 ber of the Universalist Committee on Fellowship, Ordination and Discipline 
 in Connecticut, and has served for three years as chairman of such a com- 
 mittee in New Jersey. She was one of the vice presidents of the association 
 for the advancement of women (Women's Congress) at its formation, and 
 has since been on its Executive Board, and has furnished papers for two Con- 
 gresses. And she was the first woman minister who ever gave the charge at 
 the ordination of a man minister — the occasion being the ordination of Rev. 
 W. G. Haskell, in Marblehead, Mass., and was the first woman who ever at- 
 tended a Masonic festival, and responded with an address to a toast by regu- 
 lar appointment. She is seeking to open the way for other women, as 
 Olympia Brown, Lucy Stone, Lucretia Mott and others have opened the way 
 for her. She disclaims credit for having walked in a God-appointed path; 
 but only claims to be a busy, hopeful, loving woman, whose highest joy will 
 be attained when right shall triumph over might, and every soul shall be 
 saved from sin. 
 
 "None but those who know her in her home can conceive of the amount 
 of labor which she performs with her pen. Not only does she write both 
 prose and verse for many of the newspapers and other periodicals of the day, 
 but she has had published ten volumes. She is never idle. Through Win- 
 ter's cold and Summer's heat she is busy, active in all the reforms of the 
 day, a prominent worker for woman suffrage, a general favorite in the lecture 
 field, while as a preacher she is having an enviable success." 
 
 Among her works which have had a generous, appreciative circulation, 
 are, "My Brother," prose and verse, 1852; "Lucretia, the Quakeress," an 
 Anti- Slavery story, published first in "The Independent Democrat" of Con- 
 cord, N. H., and then in book-form in 1853; "Leonette," a Sunday-school
 
 454 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 book, 1857; "The Best of Books and its History," 1860, previously delivered 
 as lectures in the Baptist Sunday school of Nantucket; "The Young Cap- 
 tain," a memorial of Capt. Richard C. Derby, who fell at Antietam, 1865; 
 "Frank Nelson, or the Runaway Boy," a juvenile, 1865; "Life of Abraham 
 Lincoln," 1865; B. B. Russell, Boston, the sale of which reached twenty thous- 
 and, five thousand being also published in Germany; "Field, Gunboat, Hospital 
 and Prison," records of the war, 1866; "The Soldier's Daughter," a prize- 
 story, 1866; "The Life of George Peabody," 1870 (which reached a sale of 
 sixteen thousand); "From Shore to Shore, and Other Poems," 1871; same 
 year, "The Life of Charles Dickens." Other smaller volumes for children, 
 many editorials, sketches and other articles in prose and verse for many peri- 
 odicals, and several published speeches and sermons attest to her busy pen. 
 
 Had Mrs. Hanaford written less, her writings would undoubtedly have 
 been more thoughtful and spirited, and, notwithstanding the favor with 
 which her writings are looked upon, she would to-day enjoy a higher reputa- 
 tion as an author. But after reading the following, fresh from her pen, I 
 question whether I shall ever have a reader who has been sanctified by a 
 mother's love, whose convictions will not be in favor of the course she has 
 pursued. She says: 
 
 "All my books have been prepared among pressing duties of a domes- 
 tic, editorial or pastoral character, and I have never had leisure to do justice 
 to any powers God may have bestowed upon me. But I have done the best 
 I could under the circumstances, and have attained a measure of success far 
 beyond my expectations. Some of my books were 'made to order,' and such 
 are never the best which a writer might prepare. If the coming years afford 
 me the leisure, I hope to do something more worthy of our church, and of 
 the Woman's Cause. I claim to have been industrious and conscientious in 
 my work, and if I have often written for money, it was because I had chil- 
 dren who needed bread and education, and I therefore preferred the means of 
 helping them rather than literary fame for myself. I am no poet; I am 
 a preacher, and God called me to preach." 
 
 Mrs. Hanaford is an easy speaker, and graceful in every movement. 
 She is a woman with quick sympathies, and has done her part nobly for our 
 church and for woman. She has been an untiring toiler in her profession
 
 PHCEBE A. HANAFORD. 455 
 
 and with her pen, but, successful as she has been as a prose and poetical 
 writer, her work in the pulpit, on the platform and in the pastoral field has 
 been far more useful, and has been crowned with a success of which anv 
 worker for humanity might be gratefully proud. Her likeness in this volume 
 will convey to the reader an impression of her personal appearance. 
 
 The subjoined is a favorable selection from the many poems with which 
 Mrs. Hanaford has enriched our literature. 
 
 OUH HOME BEYOND THE TIDE. 
 [Written on receiving from a friend a beautiful engraving with the above title.] 
 
 Our home is beyond the tide, friend, 
 
 Our home is beyond the tide, 
 Where the glorious city of Lighl is seen 
 
 Whose gates arc open wide; 
 Through the golden streets of that city fair, 
 
 We soon shall pass along; 
 And a holy joy shall till our hearts, 
 
 As we greei the shining throng 
 Who walk those streets through the endless day— 
 
 Earth's dear Dili's side by side. 
 Oh, the bliss that awaits us when we reach 
 
 Our home beyond tin' tide! 
 
 Our home is beyond the tide, friend, 
 
 Our home is beyond tin' tide. 
 When' the river of life, with its water bright, 
 
 Is rolling deep and wide 
 There the tree of life, with its fruit so fair, 
 
 O'er the sparkling waters bend-; 
 And beneath its shade, with unmeasured bliss, 
 
 Wc shall meet our cherished friends. 
 Oh, we soon shall rest in those sacred bowers, 
 
 Where no cynic our love shall chide, 
 And the saints' communion unhindered share. 
 
 In our home beyond tie' tide! 
 
 Our home is beyond the tide, friend, 
 
 Our lnnne is beyond tin' tide; 
 And though between us and that blissful shore 
 
 The river of death may glide,
 
 456 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Yet its waters rough, surging round our barks, 
 
 Can never our souls o'erwhelm; 
 We've hope for the anchor, and love for the breeze. 
 
 And our Savior at the helm. 
 We shall safely pass o'er the Jordan of death, 
 
 To the land where the saints abide, 
 To the home of the angels, the mansions of joy, 
 
 To our home beyond the tide. 
 
 Our home is beyond the tide, friend, 
 
 Our home is beyond the tide, 
 And many a loved one, speeding there, 
 
 Has vanished from our side. 
 For us will the voiceless Charon soon 
 
 With his muffled oar draw nigh, 
 And bear us to meet the welcome sweet 
 
 Of loved ones now on high. 
 How thrills the heart with the thought of tones 
 
 Which ne'er from our hearts have died, 
 Of the faces dear which we hope to greet 
 
 In our home beyond the tide! 
 
 Our home is beyond the tide, friend, 
 
 Our home is beyond the tide; 
 And we must not sigh, with a vain regret, 
 
 For the ills which here betide. 
 But oft, from the heights of faith sublime, 
 
 Gaze far o'er the darksome wave, 
 And bless our God for the rest from care 
 
 In the land beyond the grave. 
 The waves of sin surge no more round the Rock, 
 
 In the cleft of which we hide. 
 Oh, with longing hearts we wait the call 
 
 To our home beyond the tide! 
 
 Our home is beyond the tide, friend, 
 
 Our home is beyond the tide; 
 And we must not sigh for those earthly joys, 
 
 "Best Wisdom" hath denied. 
 For the thorns of earth, there are flowers in heaveb; 
 
 For its cares, there is long repose; 
 For the vale of tears, there's the mount of joy. 
 
 Where the heart with rapture glows. 
 Then with loving hearts wo will do his will, 
 
 In whose promise our hearts confide, 
 And patiently wait for our turn to reach 
 
 Our home beyond the tide.
 
 SARAH M. BARNES. ■ 457 
 
 SAKAH M. BARNES 
 
 Is the daughter of Isaiah and Mary (Trull) Merrill, and was born in 
 the old South Parish of Andover, Mass. Notwithstanding that circumstance, 
 however, she never felt that she was "conceived in sin and born in iniquity," 
 — a subject of God's wrath, and deserving eternal perdition; for her earliest 
 recollection of her father and mother was that they were Universahsts, BO 
 that though outwardly surrounded, as that ever- to-be-remembered "sweet 
 home" was, by the teachings of God's eternal vengeance, Universahsm was 
 the vital atmosphere within. 
 
 Andover is not far from the shadow of Bunker Hill, and Sarah Mer- 
 rill was introduced to this world of shade and sunshine one year (lacking 
 three days— June 20th, 1824) before the laying of the corner-stone of that 
 historic monument. Mothers did not remain at home for babies in those 
 days, so we can record Sarah as making her first public effort on that great 
 day. We can scarce call it her maiden speech, but, with propriety, can say 
 it was her first ; for, with distress to her mother, her voice was heard far 
 above Daniel Webster's, who on that occasion delivered one of his im- 
 mortal addresses. 
 
 When we say that the home of Isaiah Men-ill was a home for the min- 
 isters, do not imagine that the only desire the clergy had to drift that way 
 was because of the bounty of his table. He was a Universalist, and the 
 bread of life to him was the Scriptures and the few books then published 
 which inculcated our blessed faith; and he loved to talk about them, and the 
 clergy enjoyed his ability to do so. And this little daughter would sit with 
 one hand on her father's knee, intently looking him in the face, and mentally 
 drinking in all he or they said. Old Father Whittemore once remarked: "If 
 that child were a boy, we would make a minister of him." She immediately 
 turned her innocent face to the reverend father and said: "Why can't a 
 little girl tell the folks that God is going to save the big children and the 
 little ones too?" Mr. Whittemore gave one of his hearty laughs, and face- 
 
 t'ously "gave it up" by telling the child to ask Bro. Streeter. 
 30
 
 458 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 It is proverbial that girls never adhere to their ideal plans of mar- 
 riage. We do not proclaim this as against our loyal, true, inconstant sex, 
 but to say that Sarah Merrill did just what she always said she would do — 
 marry a Universalist. And so Rev. Alfred Barnes and Sarah Merrill became 
 one, with a united determination to hve in the spirit of our generous 
 faith ; and, to-day, after a married life of thirty-five years, they are working 
 together hand in hand, cheered, sustained and blest by the joys of that 
 trust and faith, that God will work all things for good. 
 
 About 1845, on account of ill health, Mr. Barnes was obliged to retire 
 from the ministiy for a few years and engage in secular pursuits. After a 
 little more than two years, we find our friends in Woonsocket, R. I., where 
 Mrs. Barnes says: "We enjoyed the preaching of Rev. John Boyden, and 
 our memoiy of him and his parish is most lasting and tender." "Do you 
 wonder," she continues, "that I have always retained a love for our church 
 work, after living under the spiritual influence of the preaching of Rev. John 
 Boyden, and the companionship of Latimer Ballon, our model Sunday-school 
 superintendent ? " 
 
 In 1850 they removed to Wisconsin, and in 1858 to Peoria, 111., where 
 they enjoyed, and were spiritually lifted up by, the ministrations of Revs. 
 Daniel M. Reed, Holden R. Nye, and Royal H. Pullman. "It was here," 
 Mrs. Barnes says, "in the Peoria society, that was developed within me the 
 active zeal in society work which has been of incalculable benefit to me as a 
 minister's wife (since Mr. Barnes has resumed the ministry), also in my own 
 ministiy. I count my Peoria days as ten years of the most active labor of 
 my life. I never have been and never can be to any other society what I 
 was to that, because the conditions will never be the same. I was then in 
 my prime; but now I must say, though the spirit is willing, the flesh is 
 weak." 
 
 Mrs. Barnes's whole life had been consecrated to our church; she had 
 studied the Scriptures as few have done outside of the ministiy; and those 
 who advised her to enter the ministry were those who knew what her 
 life had been. In 1808 they removed to Bradford, HI., and Mr. Barnes com- 
 menced preaching. In 1870 he received a call from Earlville, HI., where
 
 SARAH M. BARNES. 459 
 
 they enjoyed a very pleasant and successful pastorate of four years, and 
 that people always speak of them with tenderness and respect. 
 
 In May, 1874, Mr. Barnes received and accepted a call to the parish in 
 Lawrence, Kansas. In the then unsettled condition of the parish, it was 
 thought very desirable that it should not long remain without a pastor, and 
 as Mr. Barnes could not close his labors in Earlville before the first of Sep- 
 tember, it was the unanimous wish of the parish that Mrs. Barnes should 
 act as a sort of John the Baptist. Mrs. Barnes says, "I think that time the 
 most momentous of my life, and I hardly know to this day how I dared 
 accept the weighty responsibility of that call." 
 
 After earnest solicitations from her friends, Mrs. Barnes asked and re- 
 ceived from the Kansas Convention in 1875 license to preach. Since that 
 time she has traveled many thousand miles, and preached in thirty different 
 places; supplied the Seneca pulpit for nearly a year, once a month, and 
 Junction City every Sunday for over a year. Besides her preaching, she has 
 written many temperance lectures and given numberless talks on that im- 
 portant subject ; attended funerals wherever called ; and solemnized marriages, 
 the Kansas law permitting licentiates to perform the marriage ceremony. 
 
 I have received a letter from Junction City, written by a lady of great 
 culture (Mrs. Humphrey), from which I will make quotations. I wish 
 I had space to print the entire letter : 
 
 "During the four years which Mrs. Barnes has passed in Junction City, 
 she has by her earnest and sympathetic nature, her dignified and womanly 
 bearing, won the respect and esteem of all. 
 
 "Her sermons are forcible and logical, and clearly explain the text: they 
 inform the understanding, but in a manner which affects the heart : tiny arc 
 replete with metaphysical speculations, which, while they please the more 
 cultivated, are so simplified as to be for the most part capable of com- 
 prehension by the most humble of her congregation. 
 
 "In the combination and arrangement of her words she adopts a mosi 
 graceful and natural style, and her sentences, though brightened by adorn, 
 ment, are not excessively ornate. The manner of her delivery is excellent, 
 her dignified and pleasing personal appearance adding greatly to the effect. 
 Mrs. Barnes particularly excels in her discourses on 'Home' and 'Woman': and
 
 460 0UR WOMAN WOEKEBS. 
 
 her own character affords a most cogent refutation of the argument so fre- 
 quently used against ladies engaging in any of the professsions, that 'the 
 woman who oversteps the hounds of her sphere is unworthy to remain in it.' 
 Her own personnel and the ahility displayed in the management of her 
 household affairs render her a model of domestic virtue. 
 
 "Although possessed of scholarly attainments hy no means inconsiderable, 
 Mrs. Barnes is no book-worm. Her views upon all important topics are 
 characterized by soundness and liberality, and she manifests a praise- 
 worthy interest in and lends her influence to aU the good projects of the day. 
 
 "But most of all in her talent for organization and in her executive 
 ability the eminent and unusual power of Mrs. Barnes prominently appears. 
 It is to these and her happy social accomplishments, as much as to the 
 excellence of her sermons, that our church in Junction City owes its con- 
 tinued existence as well as organization." 
 
 Her husband, Bev. A. Barnes, a devoted and successful minister, writes: 
 "My success is due largely, if not wholly, to the efficient aid which has been 
 rendered by my good wife. In all outside work that has proved eminently 
 successful Mrs. Barnes has given her undivided attention, which has not 
 only greatly lightened my cares and burdens, but tended to make my minis- 
 try a success, if success it can be called; therefore, in all ways, as a true 
 wife and helpmate, I expect to die, if not in debt to my fellow-men, greatly 
 indebted to her. In this instance the vine has changed its legitimate order, 
 and clings to the sterner qualities in true womanhood. " 
 
 Besides her preaching and lecturing on temperance, Mrs. Barnes' letters 
 while acting as nurse in our hospitals during our civil war were read with 
 great interest by all her friends, but especially by the relatives of the boys 
 in blue. She left Vicksburg against her will, a short time before its sur- 
 render. When Gov. Yates called for nurses she was the first to respond. 
 She was entertaining a few friends at her tea-table — Rev. D. M. Reed and 
 lady, with others — when a loud and sudden ringing of the door-bell startled 
 them. Hearts all over the country in those days tried to be prepared for 
 alarms or sad news. The bell was answered, and the cry was for nurses. 
 "When am I wanted?" asked Mrs. Barnes. "In two hours and a half yen 
 must be ready if you go with us." Of course it seemed impossible, but
 
 HA UAH M. BARNES. 401 
 
 nothing was impossible with our women in those days; and, although tears 
 fell from all eyes, the tumble lingers of the guests had picked up and packed 
 the needed wherewithal, and, at the end of the time set for starting, the 
 company at the tea-table sent her away in tears but with blessings. 
 
 Rev. K. H. Pullman, of Baltimore, Md., communicates the following: 
 "I took charge of the Peoria church in 1867. Among my earliest acquaint- 
 ances were Brother and Sister Barnes. I soon found that Peoria was full 
 of praises for Mrs. Barnes, on account of her noble and heroic work for the 
 cause of the Union, her instant and forward action in all public meetings 
 to provide ways and means to care for sick and wounded soldiers, her per- 
 sonal supervision of much of this work, and her volunteer service in the 
 hospitals. Her quick intelligence, womanly deportment, the graces of her 
 warm heart, her dignified bearing, her zeal, and her faithful work, gave her 
 great prominence in the city. I soon found that the bitteresl orthodox 
 prejudices had been greatly overcome by her devotion and her Christian 
 bearing, and that our church was honored, and its name lifted into high 
 respect in the city, through the influence of her name. I felt a profound 
 respect for her, because that never for a moment did she waver in her de- 
 votion to our church. Honored herself, she was made glad to use her influ- 
 ence in honoring her church. She did not, like many others, grow giddy by 
 public applause and seek the popular churches. Alas, how many of our 
 people, when they have arisen from adversity into wealth and fame, have 
 turned coldly upon the humble church in which they were reared, and given 
 their money and influence to more popular churches ! 
 
 "She was entirely consecrated to Universalism — had a deep love for 
 the name — and I respect her the more for that also. In the 'Women's 
 Home Mission,' an institution of our church, she was always an active and 
 efficient worker. In Sunday-school work she was especially at home. My 
 particular attention was called to her intellectual powers by an essay on 
 "Doctrinal Teaching," which she was appointed to write, and which on a pub- 
 lic occasion she read. I said at once, "That woman ought to preach": and 
 from thenceforth I sought to move her to give up her life to the work o( the 
 Universalist ministry. Bro. Barnes, on account of ill health, had given up 
 the ministry, to which he had been ordained years before. His health now
 
 4(J2 OUE WOMAN WORKEES. 
 
 having been partially restored, I sought (not in vain) to urge him to re-enter 
 the ministry, as, free from all family cares, he could have the help of his 
 wife. I believed he could do a grand work for our church by re-entering the 
 pulpit, helped and encouraged by a wife so earnest, devoted, and willing, 
 and anxious. So I lost my right-hand man in my work in Peoria, and one 
 of the leading and most efficient women of the church. Never was an ex- 
 minister so efficient, warm-hearted and true a layman as Bro. Barnes ; and 
 never had such a man a truer wife." 
 
 Mrs. Barnes thus describes how she learned that she had received a call 
 to preach, "A clear-headed Quaker lady asked me once to give my experience 
 of my ' call from God ' to preach. She was very much shocked when I re- 
 plied I was not sure I had received a call from God — that had I been satisfied 
 with the test of an aged minister, to be satisfied if the people had a call to 
 hear me, I might have accepted that. ' Why! ' said she, 'don't thee like thy 
 mission? Isn't thy heart in it?' On replying that I was consecrated, heart 
 and soul and body, to the work, that I enjoyed it better than aught else on 
 earth, that were it not for my household duties I would go out into the 
 highways and by-ways, asking for neither purse nor scrip, trusting in God for 
 what I should eat and drink and the wherewithal to be clothed, she was 
 satisfied, and assured me my call was in my own heart, and she bade me 
 God speed in my mission." 
 
 MAEY T. CLAEK 
 
 Was born in Sydd, Kent, England, December, 1814, in which place she 
 received a common education, and from that time on has been a close 
 student. Her parents being Episcopalians, she was educated in that faith, 
 and for years never questioned the creed of her parents. At the age of 
 twenty-one she was prostrated by a severe illness, and became partially par- 
 alyzed, and for seven long years was confined to her bed. During these 
 years of illness she read every book that could be purchased or borrowed.
 
 MAJtY T. CLARK. W6 
 
 She became especially interested in theological works and works of mental 
 philosophy. Towards the last of her illness she became interested in the 
 subject of baptism, and finally decided that immersion was "God's way," and 
 she received no real content of spirit until slit- had so far recovered that she 
 could with safety be immersed. She observed the rite in London, when she 
 was thirty-three years old. She soon became so much improved that she 
 w.is able to take a school in London, and taught for some time there. 
 
 She came to America in 1851, and soon connected herself with the Bap- 
 tist church, thinking, I suppose, as she agreed with them on baptism, that 
 in other respects her faith would harmonize with the creed of that church. 
 She says, "I could not stay in it, and left from inability to believe the cruel, 
 unjust, unreasonable doctrines." After leaving the Baptist church she was for 
 a number of years in close connection with the "Congregationalist Friends, "' 
 by some called "Progressive Friends," an old organized and recorded body, 
 gathered in Pennsylvania about sixty years or more ago. Wendell Phillips, 
 Lucretia Mott.and others like them, sympathized with them. She was first 
 licensed, afterwards ordained as elder, after which she solemnized marria- 
 ges. Mrs. Clark says, "I respect the requirements of churches too much 
 not to conform to their laws." 
 
 Mrs. Clark's maiden name was Thomas. She was married in 1863 to 
 Dr. Clark, of Williainsport, Warren Co., Lad. 
 
 Referring to the first years of the above account, Mrs. Clark says, "1 en- 
 dured what I can only call a great fight. I was a full believer in hell and all 
 its horrors, and wonder to-day why 1 did not lose faith in the all-wise 
 and merciful God. My whole being hungered and thirsted for love." Un- 
 doubtedly if Mrs. Clark had not possessed great reasoning powers, and pray- 
 erfully read the Scriptures, she would be where many another religiously- 
 sensitive organized woman is — looking out through the iron bars of an insane 
 asylum, crying to her heavenly Father for mercy! When ten years ago Mrs. 
 Clark settled in Dublin, Ind., she found herself, as to the leading points, a 
 full Universalist, but says, "Not because I had heard it preached, or read 
 books on our blessed faith, but from Bible study and soul-conviction, that 
 was as clear as the noonday sun." 
 
 In 1875 she was fellowshiped, and her ordination at the hands of the
 
 464 OUE WOMAN WOKKEKS. 
 
 body of Friends was recognized, or she would have been re-ordained. 
 
 "Out of Egypt and the wilderness into Canaan! That is all to which I 
 can compare the change I have experienced. To-day I am a full believer 
 in a full salvation, and at sixty-six years of age a hard worker and a happy 
 woman." 
 
 Mrs. Clark is not a college graduate, nor did she ever read theology with 
 a clergyman. She is a fine Bible scholar, a good theologian, a close reasoner 
 and a very ready speaker, and never uses notes. 
 
 In 1878 she preached the Occasional Sermon at Fort Wayne, Ind. 
 She is a member of the Committee of Fellowship, Ordination and Discipline. 
 
 SARAH MARIA PERKINS. 
 
 Sarah Maria Clinton was bom in Otsego, N. Y., April 23, 1824. She 
 was the seventh of a family of nine children, and one of six daughters. At 
 a very early age Sarah exhibited a natural love for out of door sports, and at 
 the same time developed a great fondness for books and study, and was 
 always an apt scholar. She remembers a prize of one dollar which she once 
 gained by "spelling down" the entire school. Tbe strife ran high, even 
 among the witnessing parents. She was one of the youngest pupils, but she 
 carried off the dollar, and she informs me that no subsequent triumph ever 
 gave her the sincere pleasure of that success. 
 
 At the age of ten her father died, leaving no property, and the dearly 
 beloved widow-mother struggled hard to keep the wolf from the door. She 
 first trained her children to cherish a firm faith in God, and in the triumph 
 of good over evil. She set them examples of industry and economy, by car- 
 rying her burdens cheerfully, and denying herself first. She would say, "Self- 
 reliance, my dear children, with habits of industry and a (inn trust in God, 
 will carry you through safely. " And the dear old mother, with a heart full
 
 
 SARAH M. PERKINS.
 
 SAltAII MARIA PERKINS. 405 
 
 of kindness to every thing God had made, lived to see her children carrying 
 out the principles she had so lovingly inculcated. 
 
 Sarah continued to study for the purpose of becoming a teacher, think- 
 ing at that time that a district school teacher stood upon almost the highest 
 pinnacle that any woman could, with propriety, attempt to reach. She said 
 to one of her intimate teacher friends one day, when a little desponding, "It 
 is all a mistake that God made me a girl, for if 1 were a man 1 could and 
 would preach." "And what would you preach?" the friend inpuired. "I 
 would preach the triumph of good over evil," was the reply 
 
 At fifteen she became a member of the church and a Sunday-school 
 teacher, and at eighteen, in Otsego, at Hope Mills, in her own district, she 
 began her work as a school teacher. With her hard-earned money in her 
 pocket, she starts for the old academy in South Adams, and she continued, 
 in this piece meal way, teaching Summers and attending school Winters, 
 until she acquired a fine education. Thirty years ago there were no colleges 
 for girls, save at Oberlin, Ohio, while for boys, colleges have existed six hun- 
 dred years. A friend writes me that she was a most successful teacher in 
 Savoy and Cheshire, Massachusetts, where she had pupils in algebra and 
 the highest English branches, down to the alphabet, a school of sixty chil- 
 dren in one room, and governed with rare executive ability. 
 
 In December, 1817, she was married to Rev. Oren Perkins, who was 
 pastor of the church in Bernardston, Mass. She was a pastor's wife three 
 years in that place, several years in Wilmington, for a time in Shirley, and 
 twelve years in Winchester, N. H. The rest from teaching and the various 
 pleasant duties of a pastor's wife, and the care of little children, helped the 
 years to glide too rapidly and too joyously by, at least so feared Mrs. Per- 
 kins, when the reverses came, loss of health to the husband, and loss of the 
 savings of many years of earnest work. The fruit of Mrs. Perkins's youth- 
 ful out of doors roving served her well at Cooperstown, where we find them 
 after their adversities. 
 
 The family assumed charge of a large seminary in this beautiful and 
 attractive place. For several years Mrs. Perkins taught classes, studied 
 French, took charge of one bundled persons, looked after eight servants, and 
 declares to-day that those busy years were the most profitable of her life.
 
 466 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 At this time a brother's family of little children were left without a mother, 
 and she took the four half-orphans into her own home, looking carefully 
 after their welfare, until other homes were provided. At length the little 
 daughters are becoming young ladies, and the mother remembers the meager- 
 ness of her own opportunities, and desires a better future for them, but the 
 purse, as of old, is nearly empty. 
 
 "What can I do now to earn a little money?" was the question which 
 came to the willingly toiling woman's lips. The Boston Universalist Pub- 
 lishing House offered prizes for the best Sunday-school book. "Alice and 
 her Friends," by Mrs. Perkins, took one of the prizes. Mrs. Perkins wrote 
 other books. One, "Eugene Cooper," has gone through many editions. A 
 lecture was thought of, written and given. The children were educated. 
 One of them graduated at Glenwood Seminary. The second, Florence, took 
 the first honors of her class at Vassar College, at her graduation, and is 
 now a teacher in Greek and Latin in the High School at Burlington, Vt. 
 The youngest, Emma, also took a four years' course at Vassar, and one day 
 the family were surprised by a telegram, addressed, "Miss Florence. You 
 are not the only Valedictorian ; send congratulations to Emma." A return 
 telegram went over the wires, "The King is dead; long live the King." This 
 youngest daughter is now a teacher of Latin in Cleveland, Ohio. 
 
 To Mrs. Perkins the old desire to preach returned as the fledgelings left 
 the home nest, and she received license to preach in Illinois, while working 
 for the Woman's Missionary Association, and was ordained at West Concord, 
 Vt., February 13, 1877. 
 
 Mrs. Perkins has also been active in the work of the National Woman's 
 Christian Temperance Union. She has been employed to give lectures under 
 its auspices. Indeed, she is everywhere an earnest worker in the vineyard, 
 ever ready to help the less fortunate, and is a cheerful, practical Christian 
 woman. She possesses a faith in unseen realities, as clear as the noonday 
 sun, and can say with one of old, "I know that my Bedeemer liveth." She 
 is a calm, self-possessed speaker, entirely womanly in her manner. Her lan- 
 guage is choice, transparent, forcible, and as a preacher she ranks well 
 among the women who occupy pulpits in our church. Mrs. Perkins's prose 
 is much superior to her poetry, but "My Sisters" is worthy of any author.
 
 MARY J. DE LONG. 467 
 
 It would be easy to enrich these pages with copious prose and poetical 
 passages from the writings of Mrs. Perkins, and it scarcely seems just to her 
 worth, to be compelled, by the pressure on my pen, to resist the temptation. 
 She is one of the most brilliant of our writers. 
 
 In 1880, Mr. Perkins's health began to fail, a despondency settled down 
 upon his spirits which the active exertions of his friends could not dispel. A 
 Western trip was taken, believing it would benefit him, and he was engaged 
 to assist Rev. Dr. Hanson on The New Covenant, but suddenly, and under 
 circumstances of great sadness, he dropped the shroud of clay, leaving his 
 wife and daughters heartbroken. But the strong faith of Mrs. Perkins in 
 the overruling providence of her Heavenly Father sustains her, while she 
 pursues her pilgrimage to its appointed end. 
 
 MAEY J. De LONG. 
 
 Abram Swart and his wife Lucinda (Arnold), the father and mother of 
 Mrs. De Long, were residing in Bethany, Penn., when the subject of this 
 sketch was born in March, 1831. The indomitable will of the father filled 
 their home with plenty. Mr. Swart, in his youth, had been somewhat in- 
 doctrinated into the faith of the Dutch Reformed Church. Mrs. Swart was 
 from a Baptist family, but they both quite early in their married life be- 
 came converted to Universalism, and lived and died strong in the faith. 
 
 It was here in this quiet little hamlet, known to all the country around 
 as the "Glass Works," that Mary passed her childhood. The town consist* d 
 of the "Works," of the houses in which the proprietors and the workmen 
 lived, the store, the blacksmith shop, saw mill and grist mill. "It was skirt- 
 ed on the outside by a few poor, stony, hilly farms, which supplied barely 
 enough to feed the community. Dark and sombre hemlock and beech forests 
 spread in every direction, beautiful little lakes lav hack on the hills hidden in 
 these forests, and deer and fish were plenty. The glass-blowers were Ger-
 
 468 
 
 OUR WOMAN WOHKEES. 
 
 maris. There was no meeting-house, but up on the West hill, nearly a mile 
 from the 'Works,' on a bare, rocky plateau, sat the school-house, 'a ragged 
 beggar, sunning.' Here meetings were held whenever a minister could be 
 found to preach. Sometimes during the inclemency of Winter the meetings 
 were held in Mr. Swarfs house. Here preached George Rogers, of sainted 
 memory, S. P. Landers, and Wm. M. De Long, now among the immortals." 
 
 Says Mrs. De Long, "To the careful and conscientious training which I 
 received in our blessed faith from my parents, I owe entirely the joy and 
 comfort it has been to me in all my later life. " 
 
 Mr. Swart was elected to a public office which necessitated his removal 
 to Honesdale. He immediately put Mary into a private school, under the 
 control of the Presbyterians, though it was strictly private, no one being re- 
 sponsible except the lady who taught it. In reading the description of the 
 barbarous treatment this child received, I think it can but lead mothers to 
 realize the danger of sending their children to schools where their own blessed 
 faith is not taught, and it should impress them to use every power, if obliged 
 to send their children away from home, to send them to our own schools. 
 
 "The town and school," says Mrs. De Long, "was ravaged every Winter 
 by a ' revival,' more or less disastrous to its legitimate interests; and I was 
 made to feel myself an outcast, an infidel, in every way which bigoted school- 
 girl ingenuity could devise. When I look back to it now, I wonder how 
 I endured it, and why I did not resent it in such a way as to put a stop to it 
 one way or another. I have always felt that if the school had not depended 
 upon public patronage, and my tuition bills had not been large and promptly 
 paid, I should have found it quite beyond endurance. But my teacher for 
 her own interest stood between me and downright persecution. My father 
 took a careful and close supervision of my instruction in Bible language, and, 
 so far as he understood it himself, in Scripture exegesis, and by that means I 
 was brought safely through it all. But when I remember how near I came 
 to the shipwreck of all the grand and holy truths which have so blessed 
 my later years, and so comforted my bitter sorrows, I have no words to ex- 
 2)ress my gratitude and affection to my dear and honored father, that he did 
 so wisely, and lovingly teach me the principles of his own happy and precious 
 faith. My parents did much forme, sacrificed for me in many ways, edu-
 
 MAKY .1. DB LONG. 169 
 
 oated and cared for rnc in every way they could, but for nothing they did for 
 me am I so thankful to-day — have I been so thankful in the days that are 
 passed — as that they taught me the distinctive doctrines of Universalism, 
 and so grounded and established me in them, as that they have become a 
 part of my life." 
 
 In 1858, Mary, with her sister Kose, (Rose C. Swart, now of the State 
 Normal School, at Oshkosh, Wis.), removed to Racine, Wis. Nearly ten 
 years she was engaged in teaching in the public schools. In 1869 she taught 
 in .Jefferson Liberal Institute with Prof. Elmore Chase. 
 
 Mrs. De Long's reply, when I asked for the correct data of her preach- 
 ing, was, "I have preached ever since I could make 'pot-hooks' in my copy- 
 book." Her brother Willie, who went home forty years since, was her 
 constant companion, and when, as a little girl, she told him of the longings 
 of her almost infant spirit to preach, he woidd most sarcastically say, '"You 
 can't preach;" but when she would produce the little sermons she had pre- 
 pared, he, with a good deal of child-dignity would take them, making no ob- 
 jection to her writing the sermons, but the preaching he reserved for himself, 
 and when sometimes she insisted that she woidd preach as is her spirit to 
 do now, he most indignantly would remark, "What do you say that for? 
 You know girls can't preach! " 
 
 But not until she went to Jefferson had she seriously given any thought 
 to becoming a minister. Incidentally, to Rev. E. Garfield, she made the n - 
 mark, "All my life-long desire has been to preach UniversaJism." His imme- 
 diate reply was, "Why don't you preach, then?" "How? When? Where?" 
 "Next Sunday, in my pulpit. Write a sermon, bring it to me and permit 
 me to criticise it." Mary Swart had studied the Bible and theology all her 
 life, had read the standard works in our literature until the points of doe- 
 trine were as familiar as household words; she had been educated and 
 grounded in the faith, and yet with diffidence she contemplated the work of 
 writing a sermon, while the question, "Why don't you preach?" sounded as 
 music all through that sleepless night, and she said over and over to herself, 
 "Possibly I might preach," and in the morning she decided to try 
 
 In May, 1869, she preached her sennon in Rev. E. Garfield's pulpit, as 
 she had been invited to do. She was licensed to preach by the Wisconsin
 
 470 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Convention in June, 1869, and preached in Stoughton and other places 
 through that year. In April, 1871, she was married to Rev. Wm. M. De Long, 
 of Binghamton, N. Y. Mr. De Long was then in the employ of the North 
 Branch Association of Universahsts, which included three counties in Penn- 
 sylvania. She was ordained in Speedville, N. Y., in 1876. During the year 
 she and her husband rode more than three thousand miles in a private car- 
 riage, outside of public conveyances, and preached at least five sermons a 
 week, besides attending an incredible number of funerals and several wed- 
 dings. Mr. De Long, whose health had been failing for more than a year, 
 soon utterly broke down, and they were obliged to return to their home in 
 Binghamton for rest and recuperation; but the malady was too deep, and they 
 traveled farther into the country, but the pure mountain air made no change 
 for the better. Mrs. De Long accepted a caU to preach for a year, but at the 
 end of nine months they were obliged to return to their old home, where 
 Mrs. De Long devoted aU her time to her husband until his death, in Octo- 
 ber, 1877. Is it a surprise that after six years of constant watching by the 
 bedside of a declining loved one, the care and grief should almost strand the 
 health of Mrs. De Long? Her brother says, "Her devotion to a bed-ridden 
 husband for six long years, was something sublime. It was the hardest task 
 I ever knew a woman to endure." 
 
 In 1878 she went to Kansas in search of health and opportunity to 
 preach, for to preach Universalism then seemed to be the only desire left, 
 and she writes, "This wish unconquered and unconquerable, sustained me, 
 upheld me, gave me something to live for. It is yet the one supreme pas- 
 sion with me. May the good Father grant his grace upon me and upon my 
 labors, that I may be a humble ' instrument for good in so great a cause." 
 
 One who has known her for a half century writes, "Throughout all her 
 life of fifty years she has ever kept her duty full in view, and made her life 
 conform to it. It has been marked by conscientious work, and has been one 
 long struggle with untoward circumstances. She is one of the most forgiv- 
 ing of women, and one of the most courageous." 
 
 She has addressed legislatures and other large bodies, and always with 
 the dignity and self-poise becoming a womanly woman. Another friend 
 writes, "She is one of the most long-suffering, faithful, untiring, devoted
 
 LUCIA FIDELIA VV. GILLETTE. 471 
 
 women in this world. With a highly nervous and never strong constitution, 
 she has, by dint of a sort of physical wiriness, and by force of a heart that 
 never beat a retreat, fought her way through an immense amount of work, 
 both manual and mental. With only small means at her command, she has 
 always been generous and helpful fco others. I sometimes think her head is 
 wonderful, but I truly think her heart is still more so. bhe has one of the 
 truest, stoutest, tenderest hearts that ever heat." 
 
 Mr. D. Ostrander, of Milwaukee, writes, "Intellectually Mrs. De Long 
 is the peer of any woman in the West, and indeed there are hut few men 
 who can boast a better culture, or clearer and more vigorous mental percep- 
 tions. In the pulpit and out of it she will be found a potential factor in the 
 reformatory and progressive movements that in the near future are to possess 
 with an ahsorbing interest the active thoughts of liberal people." 
 
 LUCIA FIDELIA W. GILLETTE. 
 
 The grandparents of Lucia Fidelia Woolley Gillette, on her mother's 
 side, were sturdy, primitive New Englanders; on the father's side of English 
 and of Huguenot French ancestry. Mrs. Gillette so much resembled he 
 father's mother that the first pet name given her was "Grandma." 
 
 Rev. E. N. Woolley, her father, was of Saxon type, six feet in height, 
 fair, features clear-cut and firm, deep-set, starry blue eyes, and his daughter 
 says, "An air of kingship and social grace always attended him." 
 
 I wrote to Mrs. Gillette for facts of interest in her life, and her reply 
 was, "The most interesting item I can give you, excepting my ministry, is 
 that I was born under the shadow, or in the halo of genius," in a quiet little 
 rural hamlet, in the town of Nelson, Madison Co., New York, only a few 
 nnles from Alderbrook Cottage, the home of Fanny Forrester." 
 
 She was the eldest of her father's family, and, from her first smile 
 to his last breath, he and she were confiding friends'. As a child, her early 
 friends write me that she was very beautiful, and at a very early age read
 
 472 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 and appreciated the books intended for scholarly people, Mrs. J. G. Jones, 
 of Utica. N. Y., daughter of Eev. A. B. Grosh, gives the following descrip- 
 tion of her when recovering from a fit of sickness, soon after she commenced 
 writing for the public : 
 
 "I remember her as a slender, intellectual looking girl, very fair, with 
 large, friendly blue eyes beneath a full, broad forehead. Her head was large 
 and weU covered with hght brown, wavy hair, put back plainly but loosely." 
 Her father said of her that she crept around books, stumbled over books, 
 when learning to walk, and when very young he discovered that she always 
 carried paper and pencil with her. Her favorite way of composing, however, 
 was to first sing her thoughts. One morning, when she was "putting to 
 rights" things about him, supposing he was writing a sermon, she kept on 
 her singing, and he copied as she sang. When she stopped singing, he looked 
 up and asked, "Is there any more of that, and where is it?" "Of what?" 
 "Of that poem you were singing to yourself?" And in imitation of a habit 
 of his, she put her forefinger to her head, and answered, "here." "Why, 
 Grandma, I must send that to Brother Skinner" — Bev. Dolphus Skinner, 
 who was then editing the "Magazine and Advocate." Tbe whole account of 
 this was described to Horace Greeley by Mr. Woolley, in a most fatherly man- 
 ner, and he added, "My child is as timid and shy as a sensitive plant, but 
 she knows no fear when with me, and child-like flew into my arms and begged 
 me not to send her verses for strangers to read, but we compromised by 
 my promising to attach another signature." It therefore appeared over the 
 name of "Lyra," a signature of her father's choosing, which she used mostly 
 until her marriage. 
 
 In answer to a letter concerning these facts, Mrs. Gillette says, "0, yes! 
 my father was pleased, and no subsequent praise has effaced, or ever can 
 efface from my memory the smile that spread over his whole face, and his lov- 
 ing and tender words of encouragement. "But," she adds, "you know parents 
 are easily pleased, but delighted as I was with my father's praise, I be- 
 came anxious to know if there was any worth to others in what I wrote, so 
 unknown to my father or any one, I sent to Mr. Greeley a poem called the 
 'Prairie Grave,' over the signature of 'Carrie Bussell,' and to my surprise, it 
 appeared immediately in the 'New York Tribune.' It was my father's habit
 
 LUCIA FIDELIA \Y. GILLETTE. 173 
 
 to read the 'Tribune' aloud, and when he read the 'Prairie Grave,' he looked 
 up and said, 'Grandma, 1 am sure that is yours, but why did you change the 
 name?' I confessed the truth, and told him 1 wanted to save him from 
 reading a severe criticism about his daughter." 
 
 Remember, Mrs. Gillette was a child when the following was written : 
 
 THE PRAIEIE GRAVE. 
 
 Young May had hung her blossoms out 
 
 On vine and shrub and tree, 
 And sent her sunbeams, hand in hand. 
 
 Across the azure sea, 
 When, underneath an oak tree's shade, 
 
 Tar on the Western Wild, 
 A mourning mother stood beside 
 
 The coffin of her child. 
 
 She heeded not the low-breathed hymn, 
 
 Tiie fervent, simple prayer. 
 She thought not of the stranger forms 
 
 Thai gather'd round her there; 
 But when another footstep came, 
 
 She knew the heavy tread, 
 And saw her husband's bloated face 
 
 By the white face of her dead. 
 
 One careless look the father gave— 
 
 Brushed off a falling tear- 
 Then laughed a wild and drunken laugh, 
 
 And staggered from the bier; 
 While strangers cover'd o'er the face, 
 
 So fair, and white, and eold. 
 And laid the little shrouded form 
 
 Beneath the prairie mould. 
 
 And then each stranger turned away, 
 
 And left the mother there, 
 Alone in her deep wretchedness, 
 
 And in her wild despair; 
 And as she pressed her trembling hands 
 
 Upon her burning brow. 
 She murmured in her agony, 
 
 "If Qod would take me now! 
 
 "My child! my child! my darling one. 
 
 How can I leave you here. 
 Without one human eye to watch. 
 
 31
 
 474 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 One weeping mourner near. 
 For. ere the morrow's setting sun 
 
 Shall gild thy prairie grave, 
 The filling sail will bear me on. 
 
 Across the shining wave. 
 
 "And then, amid the rock-crowned hills. 
 
 Where, in my girlhood's hours, 
 I heard the wild bird's gushing song, 
 
 And plucked the forest flowers, 
 There, I shall miss thy merry voice, 
 
 Thy childish happy play 
 And the soft light of thy dark eye, 
 
 That drove my gloom away. 
 
 "My child! my child! oh, who will come 
 
 At mellow even-tide, 
 And with a heart of yearning love, 
 
 Sit fondly by thy side, 
 Oh! who will watch the Summer flowers 
 
 In graceful beauty wave. 
 Or hear the wild winds sing around 
 
 Thy lonely prairie grave? 
 
 "Oh darling! could I take thee back 
 
 Within the old church shade. 
 Where eight long, weary years ago. 
 
 My eldest born was laid, 
 But here, oh, here, no human eye 
 
 One burning tear will shed. 
 No human heart will come to pray 
 
 Beside thy dust-strewn bed. 
 
 "And yet, my darling, there is One, 
 
 Who never hath forgot. 
 And his all-seeing eye will guard 
 
 This little, lonely spot; 
 And I will drive this burning pain 
 
 Back from my throbbing brow, 
 And try to thank that Changeless Friend, 
 
 That he hath called thee now." 
 
 As soon as that sweet-hearted and grand-souled editor found out who it 
 was who sent the poem, he wrote her words of commendation, and gave her 
 solid encouragement to continue her writing. This, with her father's praise, 
 gave her confidence, and she soon became a regular contributor to our papers
 
 LUCIA FIDELIA W. GILLETTE. 475 
 
 anil magazines. In 1855 she wrote her father's memoir, one of the most 
 readable of biographies. 
 
 Mrs. Gillette has written a good deal of prose, and during the war a vol- 
 ume was ready for publication, and a publisher engaged, but the failure of 
 the firm stopped the work, and I think she has made no attempt to secure its 
 publication since. Her book, published in 1878, "Pebbles," has many choice 
 poems in it. The first edition sold readily, and received most favorable criti- 
 cism. 
 
 Mrs. Gillette was married Dec. 23, 1850, and in a letter to us says, "I 
 never spoke a word in public after my graduation essay, until my precious 
 daughter was nineteen years old, being always more than usually engrossed 
 in domestic cares and labors, and very quietly living in my household, amid 
 my books and my loves, and the dear joys and comforts of religion and the 
 blessed church." 
 
 In 1870 she gave her first lecture, subject, "Fanny Forrester." I will 
 make a specimen quotation from her critics: 
 
 Said the "Concord News," "Her lecture is full of poetic fire and tender 
 pathos, and sublime flights of earnest utterance hold the minds of all in rapt 
 attention. Her kindness of heart, and unostentatious and unaffected man- 
 ner, and her serious expression of countenance make all feel that she talks for 
 the truth's sake, and not for any personal effect." An eminent and schol- 
 arly Eastern divine says, "There are scenes of heroism in her life that woidd 
 have made pictures in the New Testament, and had they occurred at Naza- 
 reth or Jerusalem, the name of Fidelia would have been added to those of 
 Mary and Salome, and the stories would have been selected with the beauties 
 of the Bible." 
 
 After much urging from true and substantial friends of many years' 
 standing, she asked for and received, in 1873, Letter of License, with a line 
 from the President of the Michigan Convention of Universalists, saying, "You 
 are so well known in the church you can be ordained at once." But her 
 timidity made her feel uncertain whether she was "sent to preach the Gos- 
 pel, to bind up the brokenhearted, to unseal the eyes of the blind, and to 
 open the prison doors for those who are in bonds," so that she shrank from 
 greater obligations. Her thought was, "If I am needed as a comforter and
 
 476 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 helper in the most sacred places of the church, God will show me the fact; 
 until then I will work with the outside army of licentiates." 
 
 Kev. A. Crum, President of the Ordaining Council, wrote to her again, 
 saying, "The church holds open her doors, and hids you welcome to her 
 proudest titles and her highest honors. If you will not come in we can only 
 wait your time. " 
 
 Four years Mrs. Gillette waited and questioned herself, "Can I go to 
 the intemperate, and take them hy the hand as hrothers or sisters, and use 
 my influence for their reformation? Can I go into the. homes of want and 
 destitution, and speak words of encouragement, and leave substantial evi- 
 dence of my good will? Can I at all times refrain from speaking words 
 which might cause dissension or discord among friends? Am I willing not 
 only to preach, but to live Universahsm as nearly as it is possible for me to 
 do?" As soon as she could answer these questions satisfactorily to herself, 
 she bowed her head for the laying on of hands and the blessings of the 
 church, and was ordained in Manchester, Mich., by an Ordaining Council 
 called for that purpose, in February, 1877, Eev. A. Crum preaching the or- 
 daining sermon. She writes, "God bless the Universahst ministry of Michi- 
 gan for its full, free grace to women." The Council consisted of Kevs. C. W. 
 Knickerbacker, J. B. Gilman, M. B. Carpenter, J. Straub, Chs. Fluhrer and 
 A. Crum. All gave her the fullest courtesy, and were anxious to grant her 
 the highest honors. 
 
 She was State Missionary for Michigan before and after her ordination, 
 and at the same time acted as agent for the "Northwestern Universahst Pub- 
 lishing House." Her work in Iowa is most successful. She considers it the 
 most efficient work of her ministry. She has often preached three sermons 
 on Sundays, and three or four on week days, for the church, and lectured 
 on temperance and other subjects. Few men have worked more earnestly 
 and continuously. Her field has chiefly been in New Sharon and Xnoxville. 
 
 Mrs. M. Paddock, of Michigan, hearing of my intended work, begged 
 the privilege of saying that from the time Mrs. Gillette came into Michigan, 
 until the last three years, she was frequently at her house, and she knew her 
 under all circumstances in life, and she says, "Of her home life I know she 
 was the pride and comfort of her father's house. I have heard him say,
 
 LUCIA FIDELIA W. GILLETTE. 477 
 
 4 Well, rny daughter, I can say for yon, that good as you may bo wherever 
 else you are, you are the best at home.' " Another life-long friend wi 
 * * "I write hoping to be permitted to give some informal ion in regard to 
 the life of Mrs. Gillette. I have known her as long as any one in Michigan, 
 and I am happy in sending you some of my impressions as to her life and 
 character. Thirty-three years ago Last Blay, one bright Spring morning, there 
 came to our gate a wagon with household furniture, and containing Fidelia 
 Woolley and her father with the two youngest children. The mother and 
 other sister were left with friends in Birmingham, as they were not able to 
 come until their home was settled for them. We were friends from that day, 
 as were all who saw her, made so by her sweet smile and winning ways. 
 She taught the district school that Summer. Her own love for children 
 drew them to her. There is one by my side now, who has not seen her 
 since she was a child of ten, who says, 'I know Mrs. Gillette must be good, 
 because I always loved her so when I was little.' 
 
 "Conscientious in all that she did, with a love for the right, kept her true 
 in all the relations of life, as wife and mother, daughter, sister or friend. 
 Her faith and love of our religion has been her help and stay in many a dark 
 hour, when many would have given up in despair. To her father she was a 
 blessing, and to her brothers and sisters her love has ever gone out in deeds 
 as well as words of love. In society she was, and is now, a favorite. Quiet, 
 gentle, tender to all, she imparts a share of her own ease with a faculty to 
 draw others out and make them converse almost fluently, when without her 
 presence they would hardly have uttered a word. In her disposition she is 
 loving and tender, forbearing and longsuffering, but firm and true to the 
 right in all things. 
 
 "I must think that circumstances combined to push her into public 
 labor, and I know that only because love stood behind her and held her up, 
 did she have strength to fight out successfully the battle, with her tender sen- 
 sitiveness, that enabled her to make her first attempt before the public. 
 While she is still successful, I must believe the place native to her, and in 
 which she is happiest, and where her life manifests its greatest beauty, La 
 with her books and her pen, in the home of love, guarded by a sacred and 
 protecting tenderness. "
 
 478 
 
 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 The following sweet poem, 
 the friends of Mrs. Gillette: 
 
 I am sure, will be read with pleasure by all 
 
 PEACE. 
 
 Out of the dear old Bible, 
 
 After a day like this— 
 A day with no tender voices. 
 
 An eve, with no lips to kiss. 
 
 A day of such lonely anguish 
 
 As only my God can know 
 And no voice in the evening whispers, 
 
 "My darling, why grieve you so?" 
 
 No home in the heart I yearn for, 
 
 No refuge, no place of rest- 
 Only the world's cold billows 
 
 To surge o'er my troubled breast. 
 
 One of the dear old stories, 
 
 Which his love blossoms through, 
 
 As he cared for the birds and lilies, 
 
 And the hearts that were dearer, too. 
 
 One of the sweet, old stories, 
 
 After a day like this, 
 Till out of the precious pages 
 
 Smiles the gentle face I miss. 
 
 And I fall asleep in the fire-light. 
 While lips like the ruby wine, 
 
 Are pressed, with their richest nectar, 
 In the silence, close to mine. 
 
 ADA C. BOWLES 
 
 Was born in Gloucester, Mass., Aug. 2, 1836. She was the youngest of 
 ten children, all of whom were expected to be self-supporting very early in 
 life. Ada had a brave heart, and did not despond or consider it a calamity 
 that she was not to inherit lands, but rather rejoiced that she inherited from 
 her parents a high morality and industrious habits.
 
 ADA C. BOWLES. 479 
 
 As soon as she was old enough to study, she applied herself with a relish 
 and a determination that would warrant success with one with a less active 
 brain. Her education was obtained at public schools, supplemented of course 
 by additional study by herself, as will appear by the fact that at the age of 
 fifteen she commenced teaching where she had been a pupil, and continued 
 successfully for several years in the same school. She was a lover of nature 
 and animals, and was an expert at swimming, rowing and climbing, and 
 thinks no Swiss ever loved his mountains more than she did her ocean, 
 which was her soul's darling pride; nor could he climb his mountains with 
 more ease than she could swim in or row over the sea. It was her habit 
 also for years, to take her Newfoundland dog, who was her constant 
 companion, and in the hush of night perch herself upon an overhanging 
 cliff, and watch with delight, sometimes for hours, the waves as they rose, 
 
 Rippling rounding from the sea. 
 
 It was in one of these quiet seasons that she pledged to God and woman her 
 strength, her heart, her mind. To this exhilarating exercise and complete 
 repose of soul she ascribes her enjoyable steadiness of health. 
 
 From this time on she was interested in " An ti- Slavery," "Woman's 
 Rights" and "Temperance." Without doubt, in her girlhood, she had visions 
 of her independent self, occupying a most enviable position among the women 
 engaged in reform movements. But all of this beautiful independence she 
 very properly forsook for a husband, and with a good deal of naivete declares, 
 "That is Woman's Rights! " 
 
 In 1859 she was united in marriage to Rev. B. P. Bowles, a husband 
 who has co-operated with her in all her work on the reforms of the day. Mr. 
 Bowles has from youth been a steadfast friend to the advancement of women, 
 and has earnestly supported all work for her progression. He not only 
 seconded Mrs. Bowles in her work for reforms, but made every effort to in- 
 terest her in the doctrines of his own church, with which she was not ac- 
 quainted, and he presented the beauties of bis faith so clearly that she most 
 adopt it, or turn her face from the light, and close her heart against the 
 truth, and so with good judgment she accepted the former, and soon became 
 a most zealous teacher of a Bible class, and an earnest worker in the church.
 
 480 
 
 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Mrs. Bowles gained her first freedom as a speaker, when a teacher in a 
 Normal class of fifty in the Cambridgeport Sunday-school Union, of which 
 she became an efficient officer. She has ever been an earnest worker in the 
 temperance cause, and could win the attention of an audience without trouble. 
 She became an attractive speaker on " Woman's Rights," and has ever held 
 herself in readiness for duty. Mr. Bowles encouraged her to preach, as did 
 others, feeling sure as she had enlightened people on moral questions, and 
 persuaded them to take a bold stand, that she could, with her religious na- 
 ture, lift them up spiritually, and so in accordance with her own feelings she 
 accepted appointments, and after preaching about three years, she passed 
 the usual examination, and was unanimously granted a Letter of License by 
 the Massachusetts Committee of Fellowship. 
 
 Mrs. Bowles was elected, with Mrs. Livermore, Trustee of the Massa- 
 chusetts State Convention. They were the first women elected to that office 
 by that body. She was re-elected for three years. She was non-resident 
 pastor of Marlboro, Mass., when her husband received a .call to Philadelphia, 
 in 1874. In that year she was ordained in Pennsylvania at the State Con- 
 vention. Rev. R. H. Pullman preached the sermon. She was at the same 
 time appointed to preach the Occasional Sermon, in 1875. She soon became 
 non-resident pastor at East Philadelphia. She had started a church 'and Sun- 
 day-school in Trenton, N. J., when Mr. Bowles accepted a call from the people 
 of Osage, Iowa, in 1878. Their stay was short in this beautiful inland town, 
 for he obeyed a call to the smiling city by the Golden Gate. While in Cali- 
 fornia Mrs. Bowles led a very busy life. She delivered a good many lectures, 
 was President of the Woman's Suffrage Society, and was editor of the 
 Woman's Suffrage column in the "San Francisco Transcript." In 1880 they 
 moved from the setting toward the rising sun, to reside in Boston, Mass., and 
 Mrs. Bowles supplied the pulpit at Valley Falls, R. I. 
 
 Mrs. Bowles has been a contributor to the " Woman's Journal " ever 
 since its existed, and has corresponded for many papers, although she feels 
 that her literary work has been slight, compared to her other active labors. 
 "But, after all," she says, "the most important step that I have taken in 
 life, is that in marrying I made myself step-mother of a son and two 
 daughters, and as I am a very happy one, I think I cannot be a very cruel
 
 ELIZA TUPPER WILKES. 481 
 
 one. I have a son whose seventh birthday comes this year (1881) and two 
 daughters of my own. Our darling Charlie (my step-son) has left as. My 
 eldest step-daughter is my housekeeper, and the second married the only son 
 of R. P. Stebbins, D.D., of California." Her other children have Ik en care 
 fully nurtured, and are promising, and her skillful management of her do- 
 mestic affairs proves that it may be profitable for a woman to do many things 
 outside her home, which, meantime, need not suffer, hut gain, as she is able 
 to bring in fresh ideas, and ampler means hy her earnings to carry them out. 
 It is but just to say that Mrs. Bowles has never neglected her home for 
 other work, but her step-children, as well as her own. have had the tender, 
 careful watching of a loving mother. She lectures on " Meddling Women," 
 "Old Maids," "Strong-minded House-keeping" and "Strong Drink and Weak 
 Men." The "Boston Post" says, "Mrs. Bowles wins her way to the hearts 
 of every audience before which she appears." 
 
 ELIZA TUPPER WILKES 
 
 Was bom in the little town of Hoidton, Me., Oct. 8, 1844. When about 
 eight years old, her parents moved to Iowa. Until she was fifteen especial 
 attention was given to her education at home by a private tutor. She re- 
 ceived her first public instruction in Mr. Harris's popular school at Mt. Pleasant, 
 Iowa. From Mt. Pleasant she went to Maine, and attended an academy for 
 two years. She returned to Iowa when eighteen, and soon commenced a 
 course of studies at the University in Pella, Iowa, from which college she 
 graduated in 1866 with honor. Through her education and the class of books 
 she considered it her duty to read, she became morbidly interested in the 
 heathen, and in 1807 received an appointment to go to India to teach in the 
 Baptist Mission, which from childhood had been her pet intention. Before 
 her preparations for departure were completed her mother was taken very 
 sick, and she abandoned for a time her cherished idea, but she could not 
 abandon the interest she entertained in the condition of the heathen, for it
 
 482 OUK WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 was then the popular idea, that if they did not before death learn that there 
 was a God, and repent and believe, he would send them to hell. As she in- 
 vestigated the subject of future punishment, aU at once a new light shone in 
 upon the Scriptures, and her delight in reading them grew day by day. She 
 was lifted up, and filled with love for her heavenly Father that she could not 
 explain until she read Whittier's "Eternal Goodness," which illuminated her 
 heart and understanding, and enabled her to see God's character in its true 
 light. From that time on she was a Universalist and studied its theology. 
 
 Miss Tupper wrote to Mr. Whittier of the light and comfort obtained 
 from his poem, to which he expressed great satisfaction. 
 
 Miss Tupper began to preach in the Spring of 1868. Her first settle- 
 ment was in Neenah and Menasha, Wis., where she remained two years, and 
 she rejoices in the friendship of many there. In November, 1869, she was 
 married to W. A. "Wilkes, of Neenah. In 1870 she removed to Rochester, 
 Minn., and commenced her work as pastor of that society, and the three 
 years of the relationship enjoyed by pastor and people were very pleasant, 
 and are recalled by both with much satisfaction. Mrs. Wilkes was ordained 
 at Rochester, in March, 1871. After leaving Rochester she preached in 
 Webster, Mass., a short time, and then moved to Colorado Springs, Col., 
 where she preached two years for a society composed of Universalists, Uni- 
 tarians and Liberals. The great altitude so reduced her nervous health that 
 she was forced to make a change. Dakota was chosen as the most hopeful 
 rdace, where she now resides, at Sioux Falls. She occasionally preaches in a 
 school-house in the country, and sometimes supplies for the Yankton Society, 
 and has preached in the Methodist and Congregational Churches in Sioux 
 Falls. She was Vice President of the Woman's Centenary Association for 
 some years, and is now President of the Home Temperance Union. 
 
 Mrs. Wilkes has always been one of the most modest of women, never 
 presuming, and much beloved wherever she has lived. She says, "In my 
 ministerial life the blessing to which I am most indebted is the good, judi- 
 cious and peace-making friends who have always been my strength and 
 comfort, and I do not think credit can be given to me, unless it is given to 
 those who believed in me. My pride is that I worked my own way through 
 college."
 
 FANNIE U. HUBERTS. 483 
 
 In her private life she takes pride in being the mother of four boys, and 
 well she may, for in training them for careers of usefulness and honor, she 
 will do a work for humanity that no public stations can equal, though occu- 
 pied until the hair is silvered and the eyes grow dim with years. 
 
 Mrs. Wilkes is very intelligent, and sweetly affable, and converses with 
 ease and grace. " She speaks as the birds sing, naturally," said one of our 
 most cultured man -ministers. 
 
 FANNIE U. ROBERTS 
 
 Was born in South Berwick, Maine, in 1834, and was the daughter of 
 Frederic and Hannah Cogswell, both of whom were preachers in the Chris- 
 tian Church. She was married when quite young, and joined the Congrega- 
 tional Church in Northwood, N. H., at the age of twenty-eight, though 
 she had always cherished Universalistic views. In 1870 she began to lecture 
 on moral themes, and in 1871 supplied the pulpits of the Universalist 
 churches in Kensington, N. H., and Wells, Me., till she accepted a call 
 from Battery, Maine. Her ordination sermon was preached by Rev. G. W. 
 Quinby, D.D., Feb. 5, 1874, and she continued preaching till she lost her 
 voice, when she fled to Minnesota, where she died Aug. 2G, 1875, at the 
 home of her sister, Mrs. Lizzie Waite, in Winona. She sent her farewell 
 message to Dr. Quinby, saying, "TeM him I die in ike faith." Rev. P. A 
 Hanaford says, "She was no ordinary woman;" and Rev. S. S. Fletcher 
 writes, "You cannot overstate the love and esteem in which our dear sister 
 Roberts was held by all the societies to which she had ever ministered. She 
 was eloquent and instructive as a preacher, and most efficient in all the pas- 
 toral relations. She was ever modest, and the sweet, unaffected dignity of 
 her womanly nature shone out in all her acts, and whatever may be Baid or 
 thought of a woman ministry, with Mrs. Roberts it proved an entire success." 
 
 Mrs. Roberts was made a justice of the peace, and officiated at the mar- 
 riage of her son.
 
 484 OUK WOMAN WOKKERS. 
 
 PEUDY LE CLERC HASKELL, 
 
 Daughter of Napoleon and Rosy H. LeClerc, was born at Louisville, 
 Ky., Feb. 6, 1844. She was an exceedingly debcate child, and her life was 
 only preserved by the greatest parental devotion. On many different occa- 
 sions she was given up as dead, and once her anxious, heavy-hearted parents 
 read her obituary, while they were still faithfully watching at her bedside. 
 During her youth her parents moved to Vevay, Inch, where she spent the 
 greater portion of her feeble years. 
 
 Being mentally bright and industrious, at the age of nineteen she en- 
 tered the seminary at Ladoga, Ind., where she spent the school months of 
 1863-64. Here she was industrious, cheerful, and sometimes mischievous, 
 being invariably introduced to visitors as "our little heretic," "our little Uni- 
 versalist," etc., etc. Her father learning these facts, furnished her our 
 best denominational books, and she was then very soon "always ready to give 
 a reason for her hope." She has told the writer that these experiences 
 strengthened her in our beautiful faith, and she believed they were not un- 
 productive of good influences upon such as heard them. Before fifteen years 
 of age she had received a first-class certificate to teach school for one year, 
 and she returned to Vevay and engaged for a few terms in the business of 
 teaching. She was, however, determined to enter the ministry of the Univer- 
 salist Church, and began her preparations under the direction of Rev. E. 
 Case, who was then her pastor at Vevay. She was regularly ordained at 
 Madison, Ind., Thursday eve., Oct. 14, 1869, sermon by Rev. A. W. Bruce, 
 of LaFayette. 
 
 She was immediately engaged as pastor of the Madison Church, in be- 
 half of which she accomplished good and lasting results, but was compelled 
 to resign, on account of impaired health, when her resignation was accepted, 
 accompanied by flattering resolutions. 
 
 From this date Miss LeClerc spent the next few months in seeking health 
 and strength, travelling, visiting and preaching only occasionally, yet form- 
 ing friendships while helping on our cause, at Greencastle, Crawfordsville,
 
 I'W'DY LE CLERC HASKELL. 48.", 
 
 Fincastle, Guilford, Milan, Mt. Carmel, Patriot, etc., etc., in Indiana, and at 
 St. Cloud and Minneapolis, Minn., as well as at many other points in Ohio 
 and other States. 
 
 While attending our General Convention at Cincinnati, Ohio, in the year 
 1872, she was associated with Miss A. J. Chapin, then of Iowa, in conduct- 
 ing a Communion service, and impressed representatives of our church in 
 Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, with her eminent fitness to hecorne their pastor. Ju the 
 coming Spring she was engaged as pastor for one year, and at its close was 
 re-engaged for a second year, and then for a third, at a salary of $1,200, much 
 of which was spent for the city poor. But her continued ill health ami 
 the advice of her physicians that she retire from active pulpit labor for at 
 least one year, induced her resignation, to the regret of all the people. She 
 returned to her parents' home at Aurora, Ind., hut this climate seemed not 
 to improve her health, and she arranged to spend her next Winter at Atlanta, 
 Ga., and was the guest of our brother minister, Rev. W. H. Grigsby, and 
 wife, of the Executive Department of State. Her general health was greatly 
 improved by the mild climate, rest, recreation and pleasant surroundings. 
 Greater sufferings were, however, awaiting her, as in March, 187G, she was 
 hurried home to her dying father's bedside, and the great shock, as she dearly 
 loved and almost idolized her father, together with the abrupt and unex- 
 pected change in climate, came near ending her life. Shortly after her 
 father's death, she and her mother and sister, wdiom she supported, re- 
 moved to Newtown, Ohio, where she had engaged as pastor, accomplished a 
 good work, and formed many dear and lasting friendships. In the Fall of 
 1877, she settled in Covington, Ivy., where she resided until March 28, 1878, 
 when she was married to Eev. C. L. Haskell, of our ministry, whom she 
 learned to know intimately as a student of the Iowa Wesleyan University, 
 when in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1873-4. 
 
 Rev. Mr Haskell was the pastor of our Oxford, Ohio, church, where was 
 established one of the happiest ministerial homes that mortals ever enjoy. 
 I;, v. P. LeClerc Haskell, while superintending her household affairs, con- 
 tinued to preach occasionally until the time of her death, which occurred 
 December 27, 1878. Funeral services were conducted at Oxford, Ohio, Sun- 
 day, December 29, by Rev. W. S. Bacon. Her remains were carefully laid
 
 486 
 
 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 away by loving hands in the beautiful cemetery at Newtown, Ohio. On 
 the tasteful monument which marks her grave are these words, "Rev. 
 P. LeClerc, wife of Rev. C. L. Haskell, passed into the higher life, Decem- 
 ber 27, 1878. 
 
 Mrs. Haskell was about the medium size, with jet black hair, which she 
 wore combed plainly back, dark hazel eyes, full of ''heavenly rhetoric," a neat 
 cut mouth, nose inclined to Grecian, a face both interesting and pleasing, 
 showing the thoughts and feelings passing in her mind. 
 
 She freely gave eight years of her best life to the church she so dearly 
 loved, lecturing in the meantime as frequently as opportunities offered and 
 strength would permit, on various themes, and to the entire satisfaction of 
 her audiences. When we fully consider the many adverse influences against 
 which she had constantly to battle, we must acknowledge that few persons 
 have accomplished so much, and none more in the same years, than Rev. 
 P. LeClerc Haskell. 
 
 SOPHIE A. GIBB 
 
 Was born in Oxford, Erie Co., Ohio, June 3, 1842. Her maiden name 
 was Schofield. She was married atTownsend, Ohio, in March, 18(32, to Rev. 
 S. F. Gibb, now a clergyman of our church. Mrs. Gibb is a graduate of no 
 theological school, but says, "What little I know I have learned by observa- 
 tion and application since I left my teens. I was cradled in the lap of ortho- 
 doxy of the bluest kind. All my young life was darkened by that religion ; 
 it became a terror to me, and entered my heart like a dagger. 
 
 "At fifteen I lost a darling brother who had never been converted, and 
 I was told there was no hope for him. Then my heart rebelled against that 
 God whom I had struggled so long and so hard to love. How dark the 
 years that followed no one knows. 
 
 "At twenty I heard the first Universalist sermon; it was preached by 
 Geo. R. Brown, and was indeed good news. I began reading Universalism,
 
 LOTTIE DAVIS CHOSLEY. 487 
 
 and soon embraced it with my whole soul. I found that for which I had 
 before sought in vain, comfort in religion; it fed to its fullness my poor, 
 starved heart. I wanted to teach that which had created the world anew to 
 me, and to-day I preach it, not because L feel a fitness, but because I have 
 learned to love God and humanity." 
 
 Mrs. (iibb has stored her mind with substantial reading. She was 
 licensed to preach, in 1874, by the Illinois Convention, and ordained in Syca- 
 more, in January, 187G. She was first settled in Kirkwood, ill., as regular 
 pastor, and then in Sheridan. Airs. Gibb did a good work for our church in 
 these places. Her next settlement was in Waverly, Iowa, where she re- 
 mained one year. Her present residence (1881) is in Charleston, 111. She 
 has for many years been a thorough advocate of temperance, and her lec- 
 tures on that subject have been spoken of as strong and interesting. Dur- 
 ing the first two years of her ministry, before she had settled, she was 
 agent for the Woman's Association of Illinois. She says, "When I realize 
 what the work of the ministry is, and how small and weak I am, I feel that 
 I am scarcely worthy a place among the Woman Workers." 
 
 LOTTIE DAVIS CEOSLEY. 
 
 In answer to a request Mrs. Crosley responded, "At the extreme begin- 
 ning, 'I am born,' as Copperfield expressed it. Said event is reported to have 
 taken place, March 9, 1848, in Colerain township, Hamilton Co., Ohio.'' 
 Her father and mother, Joshua and Elizabeth Davis, were the parents o\ 
 eight daughters, she being the seventh. The older sisters thought it easier 
 to perform the household duties than to teach her what they had learned 
 from their mother, so Lottie's time was her own for a season, and 1 am v< ry 
 sure none of it was lost, for she roamed the fields and woods, strengthening 
 her mind by contemplation, and her body by exercise. Bui the dear old 
 father, flunking that was idleness, and believing that Satan found mischief
 
 488 OUE WOMAN WOEKERS. 
 
 for just such hands and brains, took her into the fields for a different purpose 
 than hunting wild flowers. She must plant, and watch the coming up and 
 blossoming and fruiting of the staff of life, and so she worked on until hus- 
 bandry was an accomplished science with her. She writes me, "I have done 
 every thing in the line of farming but plowing, and to this fact I attribute 
 largely the grand physical constitution with which I am blessed. I was not 
 overworked although I performed tasks which now seem almost incredible to 
 myself." In performing the labors of a farmer, she became an expert equestri- 
 enne, almost a second Kairy, I should judge, for she says, "To-day I will drive 
 anything one may choose to put into harness." Her first affliction was in the 
 death of a beloved brother by a railroad collision. It was a sudden arrow, 
 and it pierced deeply. Soon after this her parents removed to Oxford, Butler 
 Co., where they still reside, and where at the Female College she gained her 
 education. 
 
 On the fifteenth of December, 1867, she was united in marriage to Mr. 
 S. Gath, of Oxford, by Kev. Dr. Cantwell. She says, "In eleven months 
 from that time my husband was buried. Two months later my first born, a 
 darling boy, came to bring comfort and consolation, which only those who 
 have 'passed under the same rod' can understand. I was made a wife, a 
 widow and a mother before my twenty-first birthday." 
 
 In 1870 she became the wife of Eev. W. J. Crosley, but did not com- 
 mence her public work until 1875. She was licensed by the Ohio Conven- 
 tion in June 1877, but previous to this she did a great amount of work for 
 different societies. In April, 1879, ordination was conferred. She was 
 pastor at Abington and Pleasant Hill, Indiana, four years; at Kidgeville and 
 Woodstock, Ohio, four years. The past year she has been preaching at Jef- 
 fersonville and Palestine. Aside from this she adds, "I have done not a little 
 of what Kev. W. C. Brooks, of Indiana, calls ' tramp preaching.' I also do my 
 own house work, washing and ironing included, and all the sewing for my 
 family, even my own dressmaking, and quite often my own millinery," and 
 to my surprise she adds, "I have no time for idleness if I had the inclination !" 
 She is the mother of two sons, in whom her heart rejoices. 
 
 Mrs. Crosley is a woman of superior mental gifts, possesses a fine voice 
 and unaffected manner, and is a useful and effective preacher.
 
 ELIZABETH M. BHUCE. 489 
 
 FLORENCE ELLEN KOLLOCK. 
 
 William Edward, the father of Miss Kollock, was a native of New Bruns- 
 wick, her mother, Ann Margaret Hunter, was a native of England. Miss 
 Kollock's father and hrothers, Nelson, George and Wellington (who was killed 
 at Buena Vista in a tornado), removed to Wisconsin many years ago. Miss 
 Kollock's father lived in Waukesha, where she was bom on the 19th of Jan- 
 uary, 1849. She was graduated at St. Lawrence Theological School, in 1876, 
 and was ordained in 1877, Bev. A. J. Chapin preaching her ordination ser- 
 mon. Her first settlement was in Waverly, la., where she gave good satis- 
 faction. She commenced an engagement with the Blue Island, Hi., society, 
 in September, 1878. During the years 1880 and 1881, she divided her time 
 between Blue Island and Englewood. In the latter place she assisted in 
 collecting funds for building a church, which was dedicated in June, 1881. 
 She resigned the parish at Blue Island in June, 1881, for the purpose of 
 spending her entire time with the Englewood society, and the society in Blue 
 Island passed complimentary resolutions when she left. 
 
 ELIZABETH M. BRUCE. 
 
 Mrs. Bruce writes me, in reply to the question which is usually consid- 
 ered impolite, "I was born Sept. 30, 1830, and am, therefore, in Septem- 
 ber, 1881, 51 years old." She was born in Middleport, Niagara Co., New 
 York. Her father, Eli Hurd, was a gentleman of culture, refinement and 
 exquisite taste, and cultivated in his daughter a love of the beautiful, and her 
 childhood home was one of beauty, the memory of which will be a "joy for- 
 ever." Her mother, Lucy Crocker Hurd, died when her daughter was only 
 three years old. 
 
 Mrs. Bruce was educated at Clinton Liberal Institute, Ingham Univer- 
 
 32
 
 490 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 sity, and Antioch College, and left college finely educated; but she continues 
 to be a student. She was married in 1853 to Rev. J. E. Bruce; after that, 
 she had the usual peripatetic lot of a minister's wife, living in Taunton, Sip- 
 pican and Newburyport, Mass., Middletown, Conn., and Shoreham, Vermont, 
 after which she spent four years in the British Islands, mostly in Lynn 
 Begis. 
 
 In 1860 Mrs. Bruce preached her first sermon ; after that for seven years 
 she remained "pulpit silent." The last fourteen years she has preached most 
 of the time. She has written three series of Sunday-school books, "Life 
 Stories for Children," "Happy Heart and Helpful Hand" series (twenty-one 
 in number), also a part of the "Myrtle" series. Her stories deservedly rank 
 high as among the best of our juvenile literature. She has also written one 
 novel, "A Thousand a Year," and many smaller stories. She has edited the 
 "Myrtle," our Sunday-school weekly, published in Boston, for seven years. 
 
 She is singularly quiet and unassuming in demeanor. Her own estimate 
 of herself is far below that cherished by her friends and those who know her 
 best. She is a busy and patient worker, whose chief reward is in the good 
 influence she always exerts. 
 
 As a speaker in Conference meetings she is simple and eloquent. The 
 following is a favorable specimen of her writings: 
 
 VISIT OF THE BURIED HOURS. 
 
 'Tis night, a holy Autumn night. 
 
 The very air is still. 
 The Autumn wind is breathing low 
 
 Against yon distant hill; 
 I cannot sleep, a troubled dream 
 
 Is flitting through my brain. 
 And memories which I long since lost, 
 
 Come back to me again. 
 
 I see within their quiet graves 
 
 The buried hopes of years, 
 And heavily they press my heart 
 
 So full of bitter tears. 
 The wasted hours, the days misspent, 
 
 The hopes unrealized. 
 Conic to mi' as Christ's little ones 
 
 Of him yet un baptized.
 
 ANNETTE J. SHAW. 491 
 
 Oh help me, God, to humbly Bpend, 
 
 In truthful prayer, this hour. 
 Thai these lone orphaned visitors 
 
 .May Leave their mighty power 
 Upon my heart, and unto it 
 
 May Borne new strength be ^iven, 
 To conseorate and new baptize 
 
 Mr for the work of heaven. 
 
 JOSEPHINE LAPHAM 
 
 Was a young woman of rare mind, a graduate of Antioch College. She 
 was licensed to preach in 1808. The "Repository" contains an essay from 
 her pen on "Woman's Work in the Sunday-school," which is eloquent. Miss 
 Lapham was from Woodstock, 0. 
 
 ANNETTE J. SHAW 
 
 Is among the younger workers in the ministry of the Universalist church. 
 Her labors have been many, and faithfully performed. She was born in Sut- 
 ton, Vt., June 7, 1848, and was the daughter of Daniel G. and Lovina Shaw. 
 She was educated in Barton Academy, and the Green Mountain Institute, 
 South Woodstock, Vt., there fitting for college. In the Fall of 1809 she en- 
 tered St. Lawrence University, and graduated in 1873, receiving the degree 
 of A. B. On leaving college she was at once engaged as preceptress of Can- 
 ton Union School, where she taught the languages, and largely fitted her 
 classes for entering college. But her mind was upon the ministry, so relin- 
 quishing teaching, she set herself to the task of preparing fully for it. In the 
 Autumn of 1874 she entered Canton Theological School, graduating in 1*7*',, 
 and during her theological course was instructor in St. Lawrence University,
 
 492 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 in German and Greek. On graduating from the University, Miss Shaw chose 
 for her subject, "The Power of Fiction in Beform," and on graduating from 
 the Theological School chose, "Is it the Office of Eehgion to Drive Men or 
 to Draw Them?" She was ordained to the full work of the Christian min- 
 istry at East Charleston, Vt., Oct. 25, 1877, where, and at Barton Landing, 
 she was settled. But after a few months of labor in these places she 
 was obliged to relinquish her work on account of ill health, for the period of 
 two years. But in November of 1879 she was invited to assume charge of a 
 movement in the vicinity of Barton, Vt., where she remained, until recently 
 she has accepted a caU from Blue Island, 111. As a sermonizer and preacher 
 she ranks high, and her associates in the ministry have accorded her places 
 of trust and honor. She gave the Occasional Sermon before the Northern 
 (Vt.) Association, in 1879. and was Standing Clerk of the same for a 
 series of years. 
 
 MAEY A. STEAUB. 
 
 Joseph and Elizabeth Straub, the parents of Mary, were American born, 
 of German parents. They came into DeKalb Co., Ind., when it was a wil- 
 derness, and struggled on against wind and tide until Mary was five years 
 old, when, desiring a better fortune, they determined to remove to another 
 part of the State, CarroU County, where they resided but a short time, when 
 the sickness of the entire family forced them back into the old neighborhood. 
 
 Mary never recovered from the malaria contracted in Carroll County, 
 where they sought their fortune, but where constant sickness disturbed 
 the welfare and happiness of the family. Her parents were zealous, 
 church-going people, but of different denominations. When Mary was 
 thirteen years old she united with the church of the "United Brethren," but 
 all at once darkness obscured her spiritual vision, and she exclaimed to her- 
 self aloud, "I wish it were not so, but I suppose it must be, for everybody 
 says so, and I read in the Bible that there is an eternal hell." She had
 
 MA11Y A. STKAUB. 493 
 
 never heard of the doctrine of universal salvation, and it was some time be- 
 fore she heard it preached. She kept on praying for light, and it cami 
 
 it always will to those- who pray with earnestness. A light shone in upon 
 her heart that illuminated the whole world to her, and through its light she 
 saw God, not a partial, hut a universal Father. She was happy. But her 
 repose in this wonderful revelation was to be tried in the crucible of experi- 
 ence. She felt the approach of a great Borrow which followed, hut the new 
 faith she had embraced not only sustained her hut grew brighter. The fa- 
 ther soon crossed to his home beyond the tide, and teaching was the only 
 resource of his daughter, which she attempted, but was soon obliged to aban- 
 don. It seemed as though she must be tried as by fire. She had left the 
 church of which she had been a member for some time, and had had no op- 
 portunity to join the one that in maturer years was her choice. Is it any 
 wonder that a young girl, in feeble health, without parents ami without 
 means, should in moments of despondency feel that she had neither temporal 
 nor spiritual home? But every time when her star of hope had touched the 
 horizon to disappear and leave her in darkness, it would return and light up 
 her mind with greater clearness. She was soon situated so as to unite with 
 the church of her choice, at Huntertown, Ind., which was then under the 
 charge of Rev. J. Merrifield. In 18G5 she was transferred to the church in 
 Dowagiac, Mich., where she became very much interested in denominational 
 work. 
 
 In October, 1870, in Portland, she delivered her first sermon. As a lit- 
 erary effort it was highly spoken of, but her friends, on account of deficient 
 health, advised a literary held. But her heart longed to tell the glad tidings it 
 rejoiced in, and so, -in 1875, she obtained license to preach from the Bi 
 Convention of Illinois, but after several efforts she found her health insuffi- 
 cient for the duties and responsibilities of the preacher, and she abandoned 
 the idea, hut vainly endeavored to settle her thoughts and affections upon 
 other employment. 
 
 Finally, in 1878, she received and accepted a unanimous invitation from 
 Castalia, la., where she united her efforts with a small band of beli< \ 
 whom Rev. I. A. Eberhari had organized into a church, which has steadily 
 increased under the influence of her ministry. She was ordained this same
 
 494 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 year, in Peoria, 111., in September, at the State Convention. Castalia is the 
 only settlement she has had, and the following is the estimation in which 
 she is held in this small but intelligent society. 
 
 Mr. Morell Clark writes, "I see by a late Star and Covenant that you 
 are to publish biographical sketches of our 'Woman Workers,' and we beg to 
 be allowed a corner for our dear pastor, Eev. M. A. Straub. We wish to tes- 
 tify to her true and gentle Christian character, to the good work she has 
 done, to our love for her, and the universal verdict that she has every trait 
 needed to make a good and efficient minister, except good health. She re- 
 sponds cheerfully to every demand made upon her time. Among the many, 
 but by no means the least, she has taught us to love our neighbors as our- 
 selves. The idea of employing a woman preacher seemed dreadful to outsiders, 
 but we felt that nothing could be more proper than that the Gospel of divine 
 love shoidd be preached by our Marys and Marthas. That our blessed faith 
 affords the richest fields for woman's love to glean, can not be denied, and as 
 time rolls on, we feel more certain than ever that our faith was well founded, 
 and that in this modest and conscientious little woman we have a pearl of 
 great price, a minister of the Gospel whose daily walk speaks volumes, and 
 whose life overflows with that soul-inspiring eloquence so essential to one of 
 her profession." 
 
 Miss Straub is s-ister to Rev. J. Straub and to S. W. Straub, the musical 
 composer. She has been a contributor to religious and secular papers for 
 many years, and has a happy faculty of writing songs and hymns for Sunday- 
 school singing books. 
 
 CAREIE W. BBAINARD. 
 
 Miss lhainard was bom in Lee, Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1852. In 1855 
 her parents moved to Oneida, 111. After graduating at the High School in 
 that place, she took a college course at Lombard University, Galesburg, 111. 
 She graduated in 1875 with honor. In September, 1878, she went to Can- 
 ton, N. Y., to attend the Theological School, and her mind grasped readily
 
 RUTH A. J). TABOR. 195 
 
 the theory of the doctrine that it is her duty and pleasure to teach to othi 
 
 She was licensed to preach by the New York Statu Convention, January, 
 1880, and was ordained in Leroy, 111., her first settlement, in February, 1881. 
 Miss Urainard is from a good family, and has thoroughly fitted herself for 
 the important profession she has chosen, and has taken hold <>f her work in 
 earnest. She is a modest, dignified woman, who wins friends by her straight- 
 forward frankness. 
 
 ABBIE E. DANFORTH 
 
 Is a woman especially fitted for the ministry. She was graduated from 
 St. Lawrence Theological School, in 1877. She was ordained in 1H7*. Sin- 
 is a woman of heart, brain and good common sense. She writes, "When quite 
 a young girl and enveloped in clouds of scepticism, having lost faith in the 
 God of whom I had been taught in the Bible, and in nearly everything per- 
 taining to Christianity, the 'Star in the West' began shining in my home, and 
 it shone brighter and blighter there for twenty-one years. It brought many 
 things from the darkness to light, that were new and precious to me. It be- 
 came a member of our family." 
 
 Mrs. Danforth possesses rare gifts for usefulness in the Chiistian min- 
 istry. 
 
 RUTH A. D. TABOR 
 
 Was born at West Scituate, Mass. She has splendid elocutionary abil- 
 ity. She was finely educated before going to St. Lawrence Theological 
 School, at which place she took a partial course. She has had settlements 
 at Cavendish, Williamsville and Springfield, Yt., and a portion of the time
 
 496 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 was at Winchester, N. H. She is now preaching at Gaysville and Bethel, 
 Vt. She was married to Rev. James B. Tabor, Aug. 25, 1869. Her hus- 
 band is one of the two sons that Rev. T. H. Tabor, of Illinois, has given to 
 our ministry. The sons are of great credit to the father, who is one of our 
 devoted and consecrated ministers. 
 
 MARIANNA THOMPSON FOLSOM 
 
 Was ordained in 1870, and subsequently married Rev. A. P. Folsom. 
 They now reside in MarshaUtown, la., where Mr. Folsom is engaged in sec- 
 ular business. Mrs. Folsom is not regularly employed in ministerial labor. 
 
 LORENZA HAYNES 
 
 Formerly resided in Waltham, Mass., and was an efficient and faithful 
 librarian in that town. She is a graduate of St. Lawrence Theological 
 School, and was ordained in 1875. She resides at present in Fairfield, Me. 
 
 ANNETTE G. WALTZE, 
 
 Who, her friends say, has a capacity for a future brilliant record, was 
 born in Augusta, Maine, Feb. 26, 1849. She graduated at the Augusta High 
 School, and then attended the Normal at Farmington. By Rev. Dr. Quin- 
 by's advice and under his supervision, she preached her first sermon in Litch- 
 field, Maine, Oct. 23, 1876. Miss Waltze entered Canton Theological School, 
 Oct. 11, 1877, and graduated in June, 1880. She was licensed in January,
 
 EMMA E. BAILEY. 497 
 
 1880, and in July of that year made an engagement with the society at 
 Brownfield, Maine. She was ordained in Brownfield, in September, 1881. 
 Miss Waltze uses her pen with ease, and lias a natural gift for writing 
 hymns, several of which have attracted marked attention. 
 
 ELLA ELIZABETH BAKTLETT 
 
 Is finely educated, and graduated at St. Lawrence Theological School in 
 1878. Her present settlement (1881) is Geneva, N. Y. 
 
 CAKOLINE ELIZA ANGELL 
 
 Was ordained in 1877, and is now residing at Pittsfield, Maine. Before 
 her ordination she supplied the pulpit made vacant by Rev. Mrs. Roberts, 
 and after her death, assisted in a memorial service which was given in the 
 church in Kittery, Maine. 
 
 EMMA E. BAILEY 
 
 Is the daughter of Rev. G. W. and Eliza Bailey, and sister of Rev. 
 James Murray Bailey. She was licensed to preach in 1878, and ordained in 
 July, 1881. She had preached as an evangelist for three years. West 
 Swanzey was her first settlement as pastor. For the last eight years Miss 
 Bailey has worked in some way with brain, voice or hand, for the faith that 
 is so dear to her. She is a young lady of great amiability and earn 
 and can never bring discredit upon the cause she loves. With her mother 
 she hopes soon to publish a book — "Life Experiences."
 
 498 OUE WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 MYEA KINGSBUEY. 
 
 This, the latest woman to enter our ministry, was ordained just as this 
 page was being made up. She was ordained in Sheshequin, Pa., Sept. 
 8, 1881. She is settled in Williston, Vt., 
 
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 
 
 Besides credits given in the body of this volume to those who have aided me. 
 I must record my acknowledgments to my husband whose intimate knowledge of 
 our people and sympathy in my book, have furnished me with many facts and 
 suggestions, and stimulated me to the delightful employment of two busy years. 
 Next to him, my revered friend, Rev. A. B. Grosh, has been of invaluable assist- 
 ance, by most enthusiastic and untiring efforts which have greatly added to the 
 interest of the book. Besides these I have been much helped by Mrs. M. L. 
 Thomas, I. M. Atwood, D.D., Hon. F. B. Fay, C. H. Leonard, D.D., H. W. Bellows, 
 D.D., G. S. Weaver, D.D., J. S. Cantwell, D.D., Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., Rev. B. F. 
 Rogers, Miss Mary Norton, Rev. Anson Titus, Rev. Richard Eddy, Chas. Caverly, 
 Esq., T. B. Thayer, D.D., S. H. Colesworthy, Esq., Mrs. C. M. Sawyer, Hon. I. 
 Washburne, G. L. Demarest, D.D., J. S. Lee, D.D., Richard J. Hinton, Esq., Dr. L. 
 P. Brockett, Mrs. B. Stainton, and others. They all have my thanks in my own 
 behalf, and in behalf of my readers,
 
 Index of Illustrations. 
 
 Barton. Clara 368 
 
 Bingham, Henrietta A L89 
 
 Chapin, Augusta J 470 
 
 Cobb, Eunice H Frontispiece 
 
 Hanaford, Phoebe A 451 
 
 Jerauld, Charlotte A 98 
 
 Liverinore, Mary A 120 
 
 Mayo, Sarah C. E SO 
 
 Perkins, Sarah M 403 
 
 Sawyer, ('aniline M 145 
 
 Scott, Julia H 63 
 
 Soule, Caroline A 437 
 
 Thomas, M. Louise 301 
 
 Tomlinson. Eineline C 272 
 
 Index of Biographies. 
 
 Adams, Martha A 311 
 
 Adams, Mary H 115 
 
 Angell, Caroline E - 497 
 
 Bacon, E. A 337 
 
 Bailey, Emma E 497 
 
 Baker, Harriet S 168 
 
 Barnes, Lucy 11 
 
 Barnes, Sarah M 457 
 
 BartlOtt, E. E 497 
 
 Barton. Clara 368 
 
 Bates, Anna M. 209 
 
 Bingham, Henrietta A 189 
 
 Brainard, Carrie \Y 494 
 
 Ulan. shard. Harriet M 312 
 
 Bowies, Ada C 478 
 
 Broughton, Sarah 31 
 
 Browne Elizabeth D 295 
 
 Brown, LueindaW 389 
 
 Brown, Olympia 427 
 
 Bruce, Elizabeth M 489 
 
 Buehtel. Elizabeth 385 
 
 Bu.k. Levisa 18 
 
 Burr. Elsie A 332 
 
 Cantwell, Orphia E 350 
 
 Carney, Julia A 170 
 
 Car y, Alice 355 
 
 Cary, Phcebe 355 
 
 Case, L, J. B 297 
 
 Case. Lydia H 291 
 
 Chapin, Augusta J 432 
 
 chapin Home 407 
 
 Chloe Pierce Professorship 422 
 
 Clarke, Aurora 398 
 
 Clark. Mary T 462 
 
 Cobb. Eunice H. W 41 
 
 Cook. Maria 424 
 
 Creamer, Lucy U 259 
 
 Crosley. Lottie D 188 
 
 Danforth, A. E 
 
 Davis, Mary E 242 
 
 I)a\is. Minnie S ] 79 
 
 DeLong. Mary J 467 
 
 Dunbar. Sarah E 390 
 
 Dunn. Sally 21 
 
 Elizabeth Buehtel Professorship 422 
 
 Folsom, MariaimaT 196 
 
 Gage, Prances l> < ; o 
 
 Gaylord, Mrs, N. M 397
 
 500 
 
 OUR WOMAN WORKERS. 
 
 Gibb, Sophie 486 
 
 Gilson, Helen L 314 
 
 Gillette. Lucia F. W 471 
 
 Goddard, M. T 353 
 
 Graves, Esther 397 
 
 Gregg, Sarah 392 
 
 Griswold, Hattie T 217 
 
 Grosh, Hannah R 287 
 
 Hanaford. Phoebe A 451 
 
 Haskell. P. LeClerc 484 
 
 Hathaway. Cynthia 265 
 
 Haynes, Lorenza 496 
 
 Hill, Sophia 236 
 
 Hunt, Harriet K 393 
 
 Illinois Association 419 
 
 Indiana Association 420 
 
 Introduction v 
 
 Jenkins, Ly dia A 426 
 
 Jerauld, Charlotte A 98 
 
 Kingsbury, Myra 498 
 
 Kollock, Florence E 489 
 
 Ladies' Kepositor v 423 
 
 Lapham, Josephine 491 
 
 Lathrop, E. A. B 337 
 
 Livermore, Mary A 120 
 
 Manford. H. B 394 
 
 Manley, Melvina M 166 
 
 Marsh, Sarah S 346 
 
 Marvin, Anna L 341 
 
 Mather, Elizabeth L Ill 
 
 Mayo, S. C. E 80 
 
 McKinstry. Sally 24 
 
 Mellen, Mrs. B 390 
 
 Messenger, L. A. E 352 
 
 Michigan Association 420 
 
 Mdes, Ellen M 234 
 
 Ministers' Wives 403 
 
 Hortell, Mary 395 
 
 Monroe, Nancy T 333 
 
 Moore, Mary T 332 
 
 Mi in roe, Jane 388 
 
 .Murray, Judith 3 
 
 Noble, EdnaC 237 
 
 Northrop, Myra J 337 
 
 Norton . Aila R 296 
 
 Outlaw, Julia E 229 
 
 Packard, Sarah 397 
 
 Page, Emily R 171 
 
 Patterson, JaneL 249 
 
 Perkins, Sarah M <n;:s 
 
 Perry. Harriet G 105 
 
 Pierce, Emeline R 345 
 
 Plummer, J. S. and S 395 
 
 Porter, Charlotte 426 
 
 Powers, Ermina 394 
 
 Pray, Mary C 57 
 
 Professorships, Woman 385 
 
 Quinby, Cordelia A 178 
 
 Reed, Mary T 329 
 
 Remick, Martha 238 
 
 Repository, Ladies' 423 
 
 Rich, Helen 154 
 
 Roberts, Fannie U 483 
 
 Rockwell, C. F 233 
 
 Root, Amanda L 214 
 
 Sawyer, Caroline M 145 
 
 Sawyer. Elizabeth E 347 
 
 Scott, Julia H 63 
 
 Shaw, Annette J 491 
 
 Sherwood, Emily L 245 
 
 Skinner, Gracia 393 
 
 Smith, E. Oakes 278 
 
 Smith, Lucy S 269 
 
 Soule, Caroline A 437 
 
 Spear, Mrs. C 396 
 
 Stacy. Elizabeth D 392 
 
 Start, Lena 229 
 
 St. Mary Professorship 421 
 
 Straub. Mary A 492 
 
 Tabor, Ruth A. D 495 
 
 Thomas, M. Louise 301 
 
 Thompson, Sarah 396 
 
 Thy ng, Annie M 310 
 
 Todd, Adaline 381 
 
 Tomlinson, Emeline C 272 
 
 Unknown Women 398 
 
 Vassall, Sarah B 396 
 
 Waldo, ElminaR.B 76 
 
 Waltze, Annette G 496 
 
 Washburne, Martha 384 
 
 Weaver, H. L 267 
 
 Webster, Mary C 161 
 
 Wilkes. Eliza T 481 
 
 Willis. O. B 427 
 
 Wisconsin Association 418 
 
 Woman's Centenary 410 
 
 Woman Ministers 424 
 
 Woman Professorship 385

 
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