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THI NEW YORK / PUBLIC LIBRAR
-enox and V- Fcandsitleftg,
: MS,
-MRS. W. A. INGHAM,
Women of Cleveland
AND
THEIR WORK,
PHILANTHROPIC, EDUCATIONAL, LITERARY, MEDICAL AND ARTISTIC.
A HISTORY,
IX WHICH MORE THAN ONE THOUSAND PEOPEE OF CEEVE-
eand's PAST AND PRESENT ARE mentioned
AS PARTICIPANTS.
BY
MRS. W. A. INGHAM.
Introduction by Hon. C. C. Baedwin, LL. D..
Pres't Western Reserve Historical Society.
A Word Commendatory by Mrs. Sarah K. Boeton.
Cleveland, O.
W. A. Ingham, 138 Superior St.
1893-
.:t~~ -
411047
A£~ TILDE*
.2 1907 l
"Honor the dead; quicken the living."
The woman singeth at her spinning icheel A pleasant chant. '■'■ * * :;: *
While, thus apart from toil, our souls pursue Some high, calm, spheric tune, and prove our work, The better for the sweetness of our song.
— Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
COPYRIGHT BY W. A. INGHAM.
IS93-
TNI CllVEUNn fT«. 1 fUl. CO. ClfVEL'1
DEDICATED TO THE
IDomen tPorkers of <Det>elanb, ©v
IN WHATEVER PURSUIT THEY MAY HONOR THE MASTER.
"inasmuch as ye have bone it unro one of ttje least of these, my brethren, ye bar>e bone it unto mc,"
INTRODUCTION.
TJISTORY is the relation of past life, the story of former experience ; it is said to be many sided. It may be as varied in relation as life is in experience, and what is most valuable and most to be admired to-day is most valuable in history. It has been thought to be uninter- estingly written by " Mr. Dryasdust," and, indeed, the works of many historians have been more valuable for what they have incidentally revealed than for what the authors intended carefully to preserve. I would hardly go so far as Mr. Her- bert Spencer, who — in his little book on educa- tion— with courage and with force stigmatizes many histories as useless because the authors chose the wrong facts to relate. His criticisms apply more forcibly to compilations than to original relation, for one can hardly make a narra-
INTRODUCTION. V
tive from the life that has not its value. There may be as much variety in the written relation of history as in the relation by living persons in con- versation. The lives of women and their work in our locality are of special value to be known and to be well presented.
Every true man feels strongly that the world is better for women, and that his own ideal and its very measurable realization is elevated by their work. Yet, when he writes history he forgets this and relates especially those matters that are with- in the more ordinary range of his own activity. But that which most ennobles life, that — above a ugood support" — which cares for the educa- tional, moral and religious welfare of those who most need the care, often because they fail to care for themselves — -such charity is best worthv to be related, and such charity do we expect of woman. The experience, and above all the exam- ple, are most worthy and inspiriting.
vi INTRODUCTION.
It is not yet one hundred years since onr large and prosperous city was begun. When onr fair historian commenced her work, it was not too late to learn from original settlers, by only one remove, of earliest Cleveland, and to learn very directly of its noble women, of true and best New England mould, with its educational and missionary spirit and active intellect ; women who laid here broader and nobler foundations than the exploits so gener- ally registered — the felling of forests, the tilling of new soil, occasional hunger, the killing of bears or perchance an Indian murder. The work of these noble women lives ; lives in the continuation of the same work, in stimulating others in lines educational, moral or religious, and we need hardly say in temporal prosperity.
I welcome this history, told as it should be ; the author's own life, religious, educational and charit- able, evidently directing her story ; no mere com- pilation, but where she herself has led. Much
INTRODUCTION. vii
herein would never have been rescued or told but for her. It is a large, original contribution to the best history of our city. No better or more useful narrative could be made than of the chari- ties, the literary activities, and the lives of the women of Cleveland — the better part of humanity working so usefullv, unselfishlv and disinterestedlv for us all.
The history of past Cleveland develops into the present. Having enjoyed the privilege of looking over advance sheets of the book, I have learned many delightful things about our own city. Women who have become famous as writers, those helping to sustain our newspapers — who have led in art — in history and have influenced the cause of political advancement are all here.
We have a book, now, to which we can go, to learn of writers, educators, physicians, artists and patrons of art in Cleveland. Its style grows upon me and after reading her page, I, a solemn, matter-
Vlll [NTRODUCTION.
of-fact man, am not only better informed but lighter of heart and happier. I am more and more of opinion that Cleveland and its history will al- ways be indebted to the author.
C. C. Baldwin.
A WORD COMMENDATORY.
"T is fitting that the biographer of the Women of Cleveland and historian of their work should, herself, have been a participant in many depart- ments so vividly described in the following pages. A teacher in onr citv schools — afterward, in one of Ohio's higher institutions of learning — a church worker — pioneer in the organization of the Foreign and Home Missionary Societies of the Methodist Episcopal Church — a leader in the Temperance Crusade, culminating in the National Union, in which she is a charter member, Mrs. Ingham knows something of woman's work.
Later, she is a founder, trustee and secretary in the Cleveland School of Art — connected with the Press Club — and Daughters of the American Revo- lution— President of the Northern Ohio Columbian Association.
X A WORD COMMENDATORY.
Her Flag Festival, a processional entertain- ment, and the Four Hundredth Anniversary Program are used in every State of the Union, bringing large receipts to the various causes for whose benefit presented.
A believer in the ability of woman to accomplish much yet unattained, she attempts encouragement by reciting examples in this record of work ; win- ning to greater achievement the younger women favored with superior advantages.
This book is the result of much thought and
patient labor; many years of careful search have
been given in preparation of its detail, data and
accuracy of delineation.
Sarah K. Bolton.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Mrs. B. Rouse, Founder of Woman's Work in Cleveland — Union Prayer Meeting — The Ladies' Tract Society.
CHAPTER II.
Cleveland in 1800 — Mrs. Juliana Walworth Long — Mrs. Mary H. Severance — Historical Sketch — Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Payne.
CHAPTER III.
Mrs. Philo Scovill— Old Trinity— Mrs. Noble H. Merwin— The Log Court House.
CHAPTER IV.
The Western Reserve— Brooklyn— Moses Cleaveland— Mrs. Stiles and Mrs. Guun — John Jacob Astor's House — Major Lorenzo Carter — Judge Josiah Barber and Wife— George Watkins — Charles Taylor's Farm — Levi Sargent — Walk-in-the-Water.
CHAPTER V.
Heroic Women of Cleveland — Rosamond Sargent — The Black Bottle — Jerusha T. Barber — Mrs. George L. Chapman — Mrs. Zerviah Cham- pion— Mrs. Julia Selden — Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Barber, Jr. — Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lord.
CHAPTER VI.
The Presbyterian Church— Mrs. Elisha Taylor — Mrs. Samuel Stark- weather— Mrs. C. M. Giddings — The First Foreign Missionary Soci- ety— Its Workers — Mrs. Erastus F. Gaylord.
CHAPTER VII.
Mrs. Grace Johnston— The Methodist Episcopal Church — Mrs. Eliza T. Worley— Mrs. B. Rouse— The Baptist Church— Mrs. William T. Smith — Mrs. C. A. Seaman — First Congregational, Plymouth, Bohemian, Polish, and Swedish Missions — German Work— Mrs. J. Rothweiler.
CHAPTER VIII.
Ohio City— The First Sewing Circle— Miss Harriet Barber— The Flats- Columbus Block — The Formation of Churches — Mrs. Abigail Ran- dall—Mrs. Alfred Davis — Mrs. Charles Winslow— Sixteen Women of Cleveland — An After-Uinner Coffee.
xil TAKLK OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER ix.
The Female Charitable Society of Old Trinity— Moral Reform Society— The Social Evil— Maternal Association— Mrs. S. Williamson— Mrs. Louisa Pickands.
CHAPTER X.
Ohio City— Some Prominent Men and How They Found Their Wives- Going a Maying — Mrs. D. P. Rhodes— Mrs. Belden Seymour— Mrs. Mary A. Deguon — Mrs. J. H. Sargent— Mrs. G. W. Jones— Twenty-five Women of Cleveland— Mrs. W. B. Castle— Mrs. Kate Newell Doggett.
CHAPTER XI.
Mrs. J. A. Harris— " The Dear Old Martha Washington and Dorcas"— Mrs. C. A. Dean— Mrs. A. H. Barney— Mrs. J. E. Lyon— Mrs. William Mittleberger— Report of Fifty Years Ago— Protestant Orphan Asylum— Mrs. Stillman Witt— Sophia L. Hewitt — Ladies' Temper- ance Union.
CHAPTER XII.
A Phantom Charity — Mrs. Charlotte Degmeier — Mrs. Jacob Lowman— The Ragged School— Children's Aid Society— Trinity Cathedral Home- Mrs. John Shelley— Mrs. Harvey Rice— Mrs. O. A. Brooks— Mrs. X. W. Taylor — Orphan Asylum Workers — Mar}- Champion— Mrs. Eliza Jennings— Mrs. Lewis Burton— Mrs. M. Wetmore— Mrs. Julia Bedell.
CHAPTER XIII.
Soldier's Aid Society of Northern Ohio— Dear Mrs. President — Mary Clark Brayton— Ellen F. Terry— Mrs. William Melhiuch — Miss Sara Mahan — Fifty Workers.
CHAPTER XIV.
Dorcas— Mrs. J. Ross— Mrs. J. S. White— Ladies' Bethel and Mission Aid Society— Mrs. H. Chisholm— Rebecca — Railroad Woman's Union — Woman's Repository— Woman's Exchange— Fifty Workers— Secret Orders— Mixed Societies— Lida Baldwin Infants' Rest— The Cure for Poverty.
CHAPTER XV.
Sarah E. Fitch— The Woman's Christian Association— The Retreat— Its Founder— Mrs. Meribah Farmer and Mrs. Tatum— Mrs. A. P. Dutcher — The Boarding Home — Home for Aged Women — Day Nurs- ery and Free Kindergarten Branch Association— The Educational and Industrial Union — Eliza Jennings Home for Incurables — Hon- orable Mention.
TABLE OF CONTEXTS. Xlll
CHAPTER XVI.
Woman's Temperance Crusade— Its Marvelous Outcome— The Workers- Mrs. S. W. Duncan— League Organization— Dealers' Pledge— Mr. Joseph Perkins— River Street Friendly Inn— Mrs. John Coon— The Open Door.
CHAPTER XVII.
Woman's Temperance Crusade— Special Mention— Mr. W. H. Doan— Our Dead — Mrs. Joseph Perkins— Pearl Street Inn.
CHAPTER XVIII.
St. Clair Street Inn— Mrs. M. C. Worthington— Central Friendly Inn— Miss F. Jennie Duty— Columbian Statistics— Mrs/ Emma C. Worthington —The W. C. T. U. of To-day— National W. C. T. U.— Women of the Salvation Army— Our Vs.
CHAPTER XIX.
Church Societies— Fifty Noble Women — Columbian Statistics— Presby- terial Work— W. H. M. S.— Mrs. Lucy Webb Hayes— Episcopal Church— Mrs. C. S. Bates— Congregational— Mrs. J. G. W. Cowles— Missionaries at Home— Miss S. C. Valentine— Miss Sarah L. Andrews — McAll Mission— King's Daughters— Mrs. Conway W. Noble — Women's Council— Roman Catholic Church — Mrs. T. J. Mooney — Miss Joanna O'Mara — Hebrew Women's Work — Mrs. Manuel Halle — Bohemian Hundreds— Marie Hajek.
CHAPTER XX.
The Pioneer Schools of Cleveland — The First School-house— Mrs. Irene Hickox Scranton — Mrs. Mary Scranton Bradford — The First Free .School— .Seventeen Noted Teachers.
CHAPTER XXI.
Thirty Noble Women of Cleveland — Eight Hundred and Twenty-two Teachers of To-day — Miss Ellen G. Reveley — Mrs. Lucretia R. Gar- field—Mrs. Rebecca D. Rickoff.
CHAPTER XXII.
Miss Linda T. Guilford— Mrs. Eliza Clark — The Woman's College— Mrs. Flora Stone Mather — Our Musicians — Suburban Schools— Mrs. A. A. F. Johnston.
CHAPTER XXIII.
Early Literary Women of Cleveland — Mrs. Maria M. Herrick— Mrs. L. C. Parker— Mrs. H. E. G. Arey.
XIV TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER xxiv.
Five Famous Women of Cleveland— Susan Coolidge — Constance Fenni- more Woolson — Lydia Hoyt Farmer — Sarah K. Bolton — Lucy Seaman Bainbridge.
CHAPTER XXV.
Sixty Well-known Women of Culture — Twelve Clubs for Intellectual Ad- vancement— The Columbian Association.
CHAPTER XXVI.
Mr>. Mary Mason Fairbanks— Cleveland Newspapers — Old Round Table — Julia Vaughn Willey — Harriet Gaylord Smith — Ohio Farmer — Good Thomas Brown— Twelve Sprightly Writers — Helen Barron Bostwick — Correspondence.
CHAPTER XXVII.
Mrs. Harriet J. Kester — Cleveland School of Art — Louise F. Randolph — Georgia L.Norton — Patronesses — Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Olney — Suburban Ladies — Helen Elizabeth King — Luella Varney — Emma D. Cleveland — Katharine H. Clark— Fifteen Artists— Caroline L. Ransom.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Woman's Medical Work— Myra K. Merrick, M. I).— Eliza J. Merrick— Miss E. Grisell— Mrs. C. A. Seaman, Founder of the Woman's Medical College — Finette Scott Seelye— Medical Missionaries — Dr. Martha A. Canfield — Lillian G. Towslee, M. D. — Institutions.
CHAPTER XXIX.
Our Pallas Athenes — Mrs. Frances D. Gage— Mrs. Caroline M. Severance — The First Mrs. D. R. Tilden— Mrs. H. H. Little— Minervas in Council — Mrs. Betsey M. Cowles — Mrs. Louisa Southworth — Mrs. S. M. Perkins — Mrs. I). Cadwell.
CHAPTER XXX
A Successful Woman of Cleveland— Mrs. Mar}- S. Cary— Mrs. Cornelia Lossing Tilden— Mrs. C. T. Doan — Industrial Pursuits — Miss Nellie M. Horton— Out-Door Industries— Ella Grant Wilson.
CHAPTER I.
MRS. B. ROUSE, FOUNDER OF WOMAN'S WORK IN CLEVELAND — UNION PRAYER MEETING — THE LADIES' TRACT SOCIETY.
W /'OMEN'S lives are richer and broader in * * this century than ever before. The world is educated, now, to know that besides keeping well ordered homes and caring for loYed ones, we may work for humanity; may seek our own im- proYement. This inner and outer life, happily combined, prevents narrowness; removes from fri- volity and unworthy pursuits; develops unselfish- ness, furnishing a channel for the outflow of Christly affection toward all the world.
Cleveland women have ever been foremost in philanthropic endeavor; it is just that we gather from the past and the present some record of their fruitful toil in the white harvest field, whither we were sent to glean. In these days of God-speed to all good work, when the silver and the gold are- poured into willing hands wherewith to establish
l6 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
dispensaries, hospitals, homes for the homeless, cen- ters of relief, reform, and means of educational and industrial advantage, it is appropriate to review the infancy of humanitarian work within this city's limit. These beginnings imply woman's struggle with poverty, with difficulty almost insurmountable.
It was a bright October morning that I called upon the founder of woman's work in Cleveland — Mrs. Rebecca Cromwell Rouse, then upward of four-score years, passing her evening time with a daughter, Mrs. Loren Prentiss. She was born in Salem, Mass., October 30th, 1799 ; her childhood was spent in affluence, her education liberal. With remarkable intellectual and spiritual gifts, her mind always retained the culture acquired by early vears of travel and familiaritv with nearlv all lands beneath the sun. Endowed with Puritanic energy, resolute of soul and studious to please only her Lord, we found her looking backward with joy and forward with rejoicing when she should enter into the King's palace. At the date of her conversion, in 1810, there were but few Sunday schools in America, and the little children of New England churches went each Sabbath morning to recite the Westminster catechism to the Seven Deacons.
AND THEIR WORK. i;
At eighteen, Miss Rebecca Cromwell married Benjamin Ronse, a young man in the business circles of Boston, Mass. In 1825, they removed to the City of New York, where, under the lead of Arthur Tappan, she visited the byways and worst localities of the metropolis. In time, both herself and husband decided, upon the request of the American Sabbath School Union, to go as mission- aries to the Western Reserve, with residence and headquarters at Cleveland, O. After parting with friends, particularly those of the Delancy Street Baptist Church, they journeyed many clays, arriv- ing at this port October 19th, 1830. At that time there was no village above the Public Square, the population numbering one thousand. Euclid ave- nue was known as the Buffalo road and Fairmount, the road to Xewburgh. They stopped on that Sabbath morning at Merwin's Tavern, a frame building painted red, on the present site of Brat- ■enahl's Block, Superior and South Water streets, the latter called, then, Vineyard lane. After break- fast, Mrs. Rouse asked the landlord if there were no places of worship in the village and received for reply that a few Methodists were holding a prayer- meeting in the upper story of the opposite house.
l8 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
They crossed the street, and found present among other few, Mrs. Daniel Worley, Joel Sizer, and young Mr. Bump, the school-master. At this time, the Episcopalians had a small, wooden meeting- house, corner of St. Clair and Seneca streets, with organized parish services and Sunday school; here, again, female piety predominated, there being but two male members. This was Old Trinity. Dur- ing the week following her arrival, Mrs. Rouse gathered about her several good women for relig- ious work, at her own hired house, temporarily occupied, on Superior street, near the later Judge Bishop Block.
In a picture owned by Mrs. Rouse, their newly built home shows favorably, as a white cottage on the exact site of the present Rouse Block. The cottage has a face, apparently, all windows, from the fact that the front room was used as a deposi- tory for the publications of the American Sunday School Union and Tract Society. This called forth the derisive remark from main- male " sin-
J
ners," then resident in our city, that "there is more religion in Rouse's windows than in the whole village besides."
The names of those who constituted these early
AND THEIR WORK. 19
assemblies in Cleveland were Mrs. Joel Scranton, Mrs. I). Worley, Mrs. Dr. Long, Mrs. Chas. Gid- dings, Mrs. Moses White, Mrs. Gabberden, Mrs. Edmund Clark, Mrs. Geo. Hoadley, Mrs. H. P. Weddell, Mrs. John M. Sterling. From this gath- ering grew the Woman's Union Gospel work of Cleveland, which now, under various forms, is a crown of glory upon the fair brow of our own Forest Citv.
October 30th, 1830, Mrs. Rouse had organized the Ladies' Tract Society of the Village of Cleve- land, auxiliary to the parent society of New York, the leader being its representative in the homes of our people.
20 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
CHAPTER II.
CLEVELAND IN 180O — MRS. JULIANA WALWORTH LONG — MRS. MARY H. SEVERANCE — HISTOR- ICAL SKETCH — MR. AND MRS. H. B. PAYNE.
IV /TRS. Mary H. Severance, an elect lady, -*-*-■- whose name is found on all records of be- nevolence in this city, whether for the home church, the Foreign Mission, the orphan, the needy, or the soldier, furnishes to this review of woman's work, information of her loved and venerated mother, Mrs. Dr. Long, wife of the first physician and surgeon that came to this city and count}'.
What with Airs. Severance's graceful narration, Rev. Dr. Hawks' eloquent tribute, and Hon. Alfred Kelley's reminiscences, this chapter will have un- usual interest. Necessarily, allusion must be made to the first settlement upon the Western Reserve, and to the planting of a church here, for the life of Juliana Walworth Long has been co- extensive with the entire historv of the social and
AND THEIR WORK. 21
religious institutions of this portion of Ohio. She was born in Aurora, New York, September 19th, 1794. In 1799, her father, Mr. John Walworth, made a tour to this country. Coming to Cleveland, he stayed two weeks with Major Lorenzo Carter, who was then living in a log house situate in the northern angle formed by Cuyahoga river and Union lane. He returned home, went to Connecti- cut and purchased a tract of two thousand acres on Grand river, in the present township of Paines- ville. February 27th, 1800, he left Aurora with his wife, four children, servants, and a small party of friends, and proceeded in sleighs to Buffalo. Resting there a few days they continued their journey, driving upon the ice, camping one night on shore, spreading their beds upon hemlock boughs. Leaving his family at Presque Isle, now Erie, Mr. Walworth and servant, with two horses and a yoke of oxen, made their way, sixty miles, through the wilderness to Grand River, his house- hold goods being transported from Buffalo in sleighs. There being no road, this journey from Presque Isle occupied five and a half days.
Arriving, their nearest neighbors on the east were fifteen miles distant, and no road. On the
22 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
west, eight miles away, was the lt Marsh," now Mentor — a settlement of five families. Thither, by a bridle-path, Mr. Walworth went for food. Four weeks later he returned to Erie for his family and goods. These were placed upon a flat-boat, and the dear ones reached their destination in the wilderness, April 7th, 1800, where they lived two weeks in a tent and hut.
About this time, General Edward Payne arrived with several workmen, and two comfortable houses were erected. His name wras, without doubt, given to the town — Paynes ville. In 1806, Hon. John Walworth, grandfather of Mrs. M. H. Severance, foreseeing the advantages of this port for a larger town, removed to Cleveland, exchanging his prop- erty with Governor Huntington, occupying a block- house which stood on the opposite side of the present American. The removal thither was made in a boat, which upset, en route. Air. Walworth was Postmaster, Clerk of Court, Recorder, Col- lector of Customs, and Associate Judge. He is described as a small man of active habits and pleasing countenance, possessing energy, though compelled to struggle against a tendency to con- sumption. His determined, hopeful character is
AND THEIR WORK. 23
seen in the fact that after a tedious journey in the Spring from Aurora, N. Y., to " Grand River," in the township of Painesville, in sleighs from Buffalo and no roads, he wrote back to a Connecticut friend a cheerful letter, giving the name " Bloom- ing Grove " to the forest whose branches over- shadowed his lowly dwelling.
Mrs. Walworth is remembered as a kind, judi- cious, dignified woman, spoken of with great re- spect by all persons who shared her hospitality. In those days were no hotels or boarding-houses, and the few resident families had to receive all newcomers, so that the cares of early housekeepers were much greater than those of the present. Juliana was now twelve years old. She received her education with her parents and at the little school in Painesville. April 7th, 181 1, she was married to Dr. David Long, late of Hebron, N. Y. Dr. and Mrs. Long first resided in a frame structure near the Lighthouse. Afterwards, they lived in a dwelling in the rear of the American ; pasture grounds extended back from it to the river. The Doctor's name was given to the street running from South Water east to Seneca, and John Walworth's name appears with the street from Central Way to
24 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Scowden. We have, also, Walworth Place and Walworth Run. In 1810, there were but three frame dwellings here and five or six log houses, and in 181 2, Mrs. Long relates that the Public Square was only partly cleared, and had in it many stumps and bushes. In 1 831, Dr. Long built a stone house, with ample grounds, corner of Superior and Seneca streets. This eminent lady, although fra- gile physically, possessed unusual energy and res- oluteness of character ; self-reliant and decided, she triumphed over bodily delicacy, and attended well to her household management. She, with her hus- band, had great love for children. P>esides taking- good care of her own, their house was the asylum for many homeless ones. Six of these called her mother, and received from her a mother's love. So proverbial was this characteristic that a dear little boy who had received her care, temporarily, upon hearing of some orphan child, inquired, l Why don't he go to Aunty Ongs ? ' Her heart and hand were given to every work in which God could be honored by doing good to humanity. Through her husband she learned much of the needs of the sick, and in these days of skilled nurses, prepared delicacies and other appliances, one can hardly un-
AND THEIR WORK. 25
derstand how much care was given in the early davs. Though of nervous temperament, her fortitude was always sufficient for demands upon the emer- gency. A boundless benevolence was her leading trait, which, combined with read}' disposition to sacrifice self, made her one of the most remarkable of our representative women. An adopted child says that she would work for others, would knit stockings for poor children when she could not hold up her head. The same person relates that Dr. Long, having once returned from visiting a patient in Xewburgh, reported that the sick man needed comforts which he was too poor to pur- chase. These Mrs. Long speedily prepared, and, with another lady, drove towards the sick man's house. As they were descending Clark's Hill, some part of the harness gave way. Her friend advised that they return home. Mrs. Long's answer was, k Xo, the man needs the comforts now," and, tak- ing off a gingham apron, she cut its strings, tied up the harness with them and fulfilled her errand of mercy. It is said of her that in the last war with England, and in that against the Slaveholders' Rebellion, she did what she could to aid her country. In both wars she prepared lint for the
26 WOMEN OF CLKYKLAXD
wounded, and personally ministered to them and to the sick. In the war of 1S12, though the scene of conflict wras not on this ground, many ill and wounded soldiers were brought to this post and her visits were esteemed only second to her hus- band's ; in fact, she supplemented his efforts. Mrs. George Wallace, Mrs. John Walworth, and Mrs. Dr. Long refused to flee, but stayed with their husbands after Hull's disgraceful surrender of De- troit, when it was supposed Cleveland would be taken. One of the soldiers on his dying bed gave Mrs. Long his blanket, which she religiously pre- served. When Sumter was fired upon and the people were hastening to offer gifts for their sons and brothers in the field, Mrs. Long brought out that cherished blanket, in one corner of which wras wrought " 1812," and would have sent it for some brave boy, had she not been persuaded to substitute other gifts in its place. This rare woman heard the boom of Perry's guns in the engagement that immortalized his name. She rejoiced in the over- throw of the Rebellion.
Mrs. Long heard the Gospel chiefly from the missionaries that itinerated, or preached a part of the time only in a particular locality. The first
AND THEIR WORK. 2/
sermon she remembered to have heard was in a barn, at Euclid, by Rev. Mr. Badger ; afterward she worshipped, with others, in a log school-house on the south side of St. Clair street, near the site of the Kennard House ; also in private residences.
Mrs. Severance says that her mother was one of the first ladies in Cleveland to banish wines and liquors from her sideboard, being convinced from Dr. Lyman Beecher\s lectures that teetotalism is the only right course ; she was ever thereafter a staunch temperance advocate. The latter part of her life was full of good works, and hundreds blessed her gentle charities. This precious leader died in July, 1866, aged 72, surrounded by a host of loving friends even to the fcmrth generation, re- vered and mourned by the entire community. It is well to refresh our minds in reviewing the career of one who did so much for Cleveland, she, " be- ing dead, yet speaketh."
The following pioneer sketch is given in connec- tion with Mrs Long : Mr. Job V. Stiles located in Cleveland in 1796, and built a cabin on the ground opposite the Weddell House on Bank street. He was the first white settler in Cleveland. The same year, Judge Kingsbury settled at Conneaut. In
2^ WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
the Spring of 1797, he came to Cleveland, put up a house near where the Post Office now is, but in the Autumn removed upon the ridge of the Kins- man road. Other settlers came here and removed,
ls did Mr. Stiles. It was thought the locality was not conducive to health, as ague and other bilious diseases prevailed. This retarded progress. Set- tlements were begun in Xewburgh and Euclid in [798. So late as July, 1801, Rev. Joseph Badger, the first missionary, but not the first minister upon the Reserve, visited Cleveland. He speaks of lodging in Autumn of the same year when on a
:^it to the Indians on the Huron and the Maumee at [Major Lorenzo Carter's. He came by the South- ern route, passing through Pittsburgh and arriving at the cabin of Rev. William Wick, at Voungstown, in the latter part of December, 1800. On the last Sabbath of that month he preached his first ser- mon on the Reserve, having been received by Mr. Wick " as a familiar friend. " Mr. Badger soon made a missionary tour through the infant settle- ment and preached the Gospel to the scattered households in the wilderness. He came as far
vest as Cleveland, and went from here to Paines- ville.
AND THEIR WORK. 29
The settlements, separated by miles of unbroken forests and by streams not yet bridged, consisted of a few families, usually, from one or two to five or six ; at the utmost, eleven. Going from Cleve- land he found in Euclid, one family ; in Chagrin, one ; in Mentor, four ( there had been five, one was homesick and went back East ) ; in Paines- ville, two. These two at Painesville were Mr. John Walworth's and Gen. Edward Payne's; to them he preached. He must have been the first minister whom they had heard since coming hither in April, 1800, fifteen months before.
The marriage of Henry B.Payne with Mary Perry, a descendant of the Commodore, gives lustre to local history. Mrs. Payne's love for learning, and liber- ality to our School of Art ; her public spirit and lovely character make for herself a warm place in the hearts of Clevelanders. The magnificent Perry-Payne block, situate in one of the old places of Superior street, is of itself a memorial to pio- neer enterprise. Mr. and Airs. Dudley Baldwin and the Wicks leave traces of splendid ancestry and of their own thrift in this metropolis of the Western Reserve.
3<D WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
CHAPTER III.
MRS. PHILO SCOVILL — OLD TRINITY — MRS. NOBLE H-. MERWIN — THE LOG COURT HOUSE.
A TRS. Philo Scovill was born December 27, ^^^ 1800. Of vigorous health, she has passed a life-time of work ; first, for her home and chil- dren, after them the city's welfare and her church, then the orphan, sick, and friendless.
There is upon our list of honored women none more public spirited and wide-awake, nor one more unselfish than our venerable friend, the last of Cleveland's pioneer women to pass away.
With characteristic regard, she desired this sketch to embody a history of Trinity Parish and its charities, rather than a personal record. In fact, a tribute to her must be an outline of church history, for she is so closely identified with its be- ginning, and has always been so devoted to its progress, that she is frequently called " Mother of Old Trinity." Her mother, one of the noblest
ANT) THEIR WORK. 3 1
women of the Revolution, left to the daughter a rare heritage — common sense, energy and cheer- fulness. Judging from the celerity with which she thoroughly informed us upon difficult points in Cleveland's past, we had hoped that she might see a birthday in 1900. Her grandfather, John Walker, was a Tory in the early days of our country, and held office under Government in Hartford, Conn. His daughter, married to Benjamin Bixby, located on Ohio soil at New Lisbon, Columbiana County, where Mrs. Scovill was born. She came to this city August 16, 1816, and was married Februarv 16, 1819. For several years thereafter her life was full of home duties, her attention absorbed with the rearing of children, devotion to her husband's interests, a man who was struggling under diffi- culties to do all possible for the town in which he had determined to reside.
It will be of interest to know that in 1826, after removing a crooked rail fence from the lot, Philo Scovill built and occupied the Franklin House, standing on the present site of Scovill Block. It was the first three-storied building on the Western Reserve, and of imposing appearance'for that day. On one side of it was N. E. Crittenden's little
32 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
jewelry shop. On the other, Dockstader & Tom- linsorTs hat store.
During the Winter of 1796-97, just three people lived in onr whole city — Mr. and Mrs. Job Stiles and Joseph Landon. Fifteen persons resided here January 1st, 1798. The next year the families of Rodolphus Edwards and Nathaniel Doane arrived, being ninety-two days on their way from Con- necticut.
In 1800, with accessions to the XewT England exodus and Ohio immigration, several houses were built on the high ground east of the Cuyahoga.
According to the record and tradition furnished by Mrs. Scovill, the early inhabitants of Cleveland, from 1796 through the next two decades, did little credit to their Puritan training. In less than five years after the first cabin was put up, a distillery appeared, but no house of worship. Religion be- came a theme of coarse jesting. As an example, a party of infidels bore in mock procession through the streets the effigy of Christ. A better senti- ment awakened first in the women of the period. Of necessity, then, the organization of churches must be included in this history of mothers.
The first printed trace we have of religious
AND THEIR WORK. 33
services here is in the records of the Buckingham family, furnished by Mrs. N. K. McDole. Mrs. Noble H. Merwin (Minerva Buckingham), a Pres- byterian lady, and her husband came here in the Fall of 18 1 5, Cleveland having just attained the dignity of a village, with 30 families including 150 persons. There being no public worship, Airs. Merwin and her family inviting the neighbors, led them to the log court house and opened her Bible, leading the services until a missionary was sent to the people. Her Christian influence was sincerely felt. She died at an early date.
Mrs. Scovill describes the famous log court house as two stories high and standing where the oldest fountain in the Public Square now is. At the west end, lower story, was the jail, with debtors' and criminals' cells, grated windows in front ; east end, upper story, the court room. At the landing of the inside staircase, a fire-place, sizzling with green oak wood, feebly struggled to warm the in- stitution. This was the assembly room for every description of meeting until the Academy was built.
Trinity Parish was organized at the residence of Phineas Shepherd, November 9th, 1816. At this
34 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
time there was no diocesan organization, nor even missionary society, connected with Ohio. Darins Cooper was appointed to read service March 2, 181 7. Rev. Roger Searle, rector of St. Peter's Parish, Plymouth, Conn., visited Cleveland. After- ward, he reorganized this parish.
Mr. George L. Chapman, who was present, says the reorganization was effected at the house of Phineas Shepherd, who had removed to Brooklyn, the name by which the whole tract of country west of the Cuvahoga was called. This house was of logs, standing where 230 Pearl street now is. There were thirteen families and eleven com- municants in the parish. Dr. Brown states: " September 27, 1819, Bishop Philander Chase first officially visited the parish and confirmed ten per- sons. Rev. Roger Searle made annual visitations. He was the first Episcopalian preacher in the Northwest. In 1827, Rev. Silas C. Freeman, being duly commissioned, set forth to secure means toward the erection of a church edifice. Western New York and Boston seem to have contributed most liberally. A lot was purchased of General Perkins, corner St. Clair and Seneca streets, for $250, and a frame building erected by White &
AND THEIR WORK. 35
Hamblin, at a cost of $3,070, amid more struggles and trials than would be known in erecting all the churches in the city at present. When Trinity was built it was known as ' The Church,' and among other duties which devolved upon it was to show to all the people whence cometh the wind ; hence, on each of the four pinnacles was planted a weather-cock, made according to contract, ' of sheet iron, of such form as may be directed, but not to be so large or expensive as the one on the court house.' Such taste was rebuked bv the failure of the iron birds to turn, and so after awhile the stub- born weather-cocks were removed."
Until the church was erected, services were held where a room could be procured, first in the log court house, then in the Academy, and at length in Free Masons' Hall. All persons religiously in- clined united in this worship.
The corporation of Trinity Parish was formed in 1828, and the building completed ; in after time cut in two, separated, and the extremes united by the advice of Philo Scovill. The names of the in- corporators were : Josiah Barber, Phineas Shep- herd, Charles Taylor, James F. Clark, Sherlock J. Andrews and John W. Allen. At the close of
36 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
1829, Rev. Mr. Freeman, overborne with missionary labor, resigned Trinity, and for a time Rev. William N. Lyster was pastor.
Do not imagine we have wandered away from Mrs. Scovill. While her loved Zion was in prepa- ration, she rocked the cradle, spun linen, and studied music. The occupant of the cradle at that particular juncture was her daughter Caroline, who advanced so rapidly that at three years old she knit lovely yarn into strips at Miss Beard's school, and at five read the English reader. She is now Mrs. Bemis.
Mr. Herbert C. Foote led the first choir in Old Trinity. Airs. Foote, a small, quaint figure, was leading treble ; Mrs. Scovill stood next.
Let us glance into " the church " during its earliest Christinas carols. The women singers were twelve in number, six of them married, dressed in black with bishop sleeves, white caps and poke bonnets ; six young ladies arrayed in white, all the sweet faces with woman's crowning glory combed smoothly adown the cheek and over the ear. In their hands, all in a line, is the anthem prepared for the occasion, printed on fly-sheets,
" Strike the cymbal. Roll the timbrel."
AND THEIR WORK. 37
And again,
" Hosanna in the Highest."
No dim religious light pervades the sanctuary, but an illumination from candelabra of wood sus- pended from the ceiling, perforated and holding in pyramidal shape hosts of tallow candles.
Across the middle of the eight windows, in a wooden frame, are lighted candles. The interior of the edifice is grand with festoons of ground pine.
From the vestibule, stairs at either side lead to the gallery at the door end ; under the stairs, on the men's side of the house, is the vestry, out of which the beloved pastor emerges, wearing the first white surplice, for all preceding missionaries and bishops were robed in canonical black. As the minister slowly passes up the aisle to the chancel, Miss Sarah Hyde, with rapt expression, leans for- ward in the choir, and whispers, " Do see Mr. Ivyster ; doesn't he look like the Lord himself? '
In reviewing Mrs. Scovill's career, we can but be impressed with the nobility of her character. Struggling with poverty, she was brave and cheerT ful. She affirms that one Winter here the cor- poration lived on three dollars, this amount being
38 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
kept in lively circulation. During one season Philo Scovill saw but two silver dollars. It was a struggle for life these pioneers had. She sustained her husband, brought up her children, ministered to her neighbors, to the public, the Church of Christ, the orphans, and in a later day, when the Rebellion broke out, she nourished the Union sol- dier. Dear, last pioneer woman of Cleveland, we salute thee ! She knew how to bear adversity, but better than that, she knew how to bear prosperity. She never assumed airs, and through fourscore years and more, her good sense and good cheer have made her eminent among our women.
In the language of her pastor, Rev. J. W. Brown, D. D., uttered during her life-time: " Sweetly may the day of life decline with thee, and the dawning of the morrow be an abundant entrance into life eternal, and when ours shall be- come a tradition of the past for the remembrance of those who come after, may our memory be as sweet to them, and Old Trinity be as precious as the memory of our ancestry and Old Trinity of the past is to us! "
AND THEIR WORK. 39
CHAPTER IV.
THE WESTERN RESERVE — BROOKLYN — MOSES CLEAVELAND — MRS. STILES AND MRS. Gl'NN — JOHN JACOB ASTOR'S HOUSE — MAJOR LORENZO CARTER — JUDGE JOSIAH BARBER AND WIFE — GEORGE WATKINS — CHAS. TAYLOR'S FARM — LEVI SARGENT — WALK-IN-THE-WATER.
OKETCHING pioneer women of Cleveland is ^ fascinating employment, and if in delineating them we occasionally refer to their husbands and sons, pardon.
Ohio City, known now as the West Side, ob- tained its charter first, and is, in all respects, en- titled to early consideration. The treaty between the French and English ceded, in 1763, the terri- tory south of the lakes to England. Under certain grants, Connecticut obtained a recognition of her claim in a compromise, by which a tract was set off to her on the south shore of Lake Erie, con- taining 3,666,921 acres, known as New Connecti-
40 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
cut, or the Western Reserve. Cleveland is situ- ated precisely in the center of this Reserve, sixty miles from each extremitv.
Moses Cleaveland was here in 1796, two years after the extinguishment of the Indian title and before there was a single white settler in the whole Northwestern Territory.
General Moses Cleaveland, standing in the Public Square through Winter's snow and Summer's rain, represents no myth. He was the son of Colonel Aaron and Thankful Paine Cleaveland, born Janu- ary 29th, 1754, in Canterbury, Conn. He entered Yale College in 1777 ; left his studies to join the Continental Army, but resigned after the siege of Yorktown, in October, 1781 ; became a lawyer; married Esther Champion, March 21st, 1794; was appointed, in 1796, Superintendent of the Connecti- cut Land Co., which purchased the Western Re- serve. The surveying part}' numbered fifty-two persons, of whom two were women — Mrs. Job V. Stiles and Mrs. Elijah Gunn. Moses Cleaveland died in his native town, November 16th, 1806. The Indian title upon Ohio City was not extinguished until July 4th, 1805.
Away back, between 1783 and 1800, a block-
AND THEIR WORK, 4 1
house was built as a trading post by John Jacob Astor, at the outlet of the old river, beyond the present location of the water-works, probably at the foot of Waverly street. It was one of the series erected throughout the West by this enter- prising founder of the American Fur Company, only one other being known in Ohio — at Marietta, our oldest town. Mr. Astor may have named the immense tract of land lying west of the Cuyahoga — Brooklyn — in honor of his own neighboring city. If so, our claim is fixed to exceedingly blue blood. This ancient and honorable block-house has a story, as related by Joel Scranton to Robert San- derson ; it suffered vicissitudes. Beavers so filled up the river outlet that access was denied. Then it was moved to the little piece of land, called in these degenerate times, Whiskey Island.
About sixty years after that, Government opened the river straight to the light-house ; then the United States moved the block-house to the upper end of the pier. Its next journey was to the foot of Superior street, close to the old, red ware- house. Its roof was composed of eleven courses of shingles — one or two sets being hewed out with a broad-axe. Within the century, the building has
42 WOMEN OK CLEVELAND
again been moved and made over ; between the joists adhered fur and wool — remains of Mr. As- tor's occupancy. It is a quaint little affair, old, un- painted, with windows like coarse needles' eyes ; rented to two families, Nos. 152 and 154 Hanover street, the property of Mrs. Mary Sanderson Pol- lock, who, with her sister, Mrs. Amelia Sanderson Hubbell, preserves all possible trace of pioneer ex- istence. In 1797, Major Lorenzo Carter built a log dwelling under the hill on the west bank of the river ; it was tavern and school-house ; about its immense fire-place for some years were held mer- ry-makings, social gatherings and settlers' coun- cils. In 1800, or earlier, Samuel P. Lord appeared as land owner of Brooklyn township ; he left, but we have his four children as ancestors — Mrs. Judge Josiah Barber, Mrs. Abigail Randall, Richard Lord, and S. P. Lord, Jr., an eccentric character. J. H. Strong, agent of these lands, or one of his family, gave name to Strongsville. There arrived in these wilds, in 1818, from New England, besides Judge and Mrs. Barber, the Branch family, George Wat- kins and Thos. O. Young.
The Watkins' settled at Doan's Corners. Of this party, George Watkins, now of Logan avenue,
AND THEIR WORK. 43
East End, is sole survivor. The Barbers, Branches and Kelloggs bought tracts in Brooklyn. What is now the South Side is included in these pioneers' farms, extending to Clark avenue. Mr. Epaphro- ditus Ackley owned beyond Walworth Run be- tween Scranton and Barber avenues. Including the ground now occupied by Riverside Cemetery, came the Brainards', Aikins1, Fosters' and Fishs' lands. Charles Taylor's farm ran back from the present State street to the river bed, including one hundred acres on the plateau overlooking the lake. Most notable of the old mansions near the ro- mantic John Jacob Astor house is the former residence of Mr. Chas. Taylor, No. 386 Detroit street, and that of his son, DeWitt Clinton, two doors away, the latter almost unchanged, the for- mer remodeled. The wing ol No. 384, called the " East Room," was shared with the public. Clergy- men of the Episcopal Church preached in it ; Sun- day schools and other gatherings were held ; in 182 1, Mr. John H. Sargent attended Sabbath school there. Two of our streets — Taylor and Clinton — were named by this pioneer. Levi Sargeant came here in 1818, with no railroads, steamboats or any- thing else to make civilization easy. The next
44 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
season, however, the famous boat, Walk-in-the Water, plied in Lake Erie, to and from Buffalo. She first entered Cleveland harbor, September ist, 1818. Then began chopping, clearing and build- ing. On the summit of a formidable hill, now corner of Pearl and Franklin streets, Judge Josiah Barber erected a fortress of logs, roomy and hos- pitable. The teamsters of prairie-schooners, or, huge Pennsylvania covered wagons, dreaded this hill worse than any between it and Wooster. Be- hold onr present lovely grade of Pearl street !
Between this point and Jay street was an apple orchard ; across onr present Franklin avenue stretched a plum orchard, while the underlying sand was adapted to the growth of watermelons. The first frame residence in Brooklyn was put up by Phineas Shepard in 1819. The house still stands as No. 342 Pearl street.
AND THEIR WORK. 45
CHAPTER V.
HEROIC WOMEN OF CLEVELAND — ROSAMOND SAR- GENT— THE BLACK BOTTLE — J E RUSH A T. BAR- BER— MRS. GEO. L. CHAPMAN — MRS. ZERVIAH CHAMPION — MRS. LUCY SELDEN — MR. AND MRS. JOSIAH BARBER, JR. — MR. AND MRS. RICHARD LORD.
" 1\/T^ recollection of the early work of the ■ ^ women of the West Side," says Mr. John H. Sargent, u was of them at the wash tub, cook- ing stove, and the needle, with no patent wringers, no hard coal, gas stoves, or sewing machines.
u The women of those days were strong of brain and strong in arms, and used to exemplify theory by practice. Their names I now recall were Mrs. Charles Taylor, Mrs. Barber, Mrs. Shepard, Mrs. Sargent, Mrs. Lord, Mrs. Tylee, Mrs. Tnttle and Mrs. Randall. A little later, some one of them used to open her unfinished house every Sabbath for meetings. There was one among them that
46 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
neither I, nor the poor of the town, could ever forget, for she never forgot me or them. That woman was my own mother.' '
Rosamond B. Sargent was of uncommon in- tellect, possessing "faculty" in eminent degree, excelling in good works, pronounced in anti- slavery sentiment, and not a whit behind the tem- perance women of to-day. Shoemaker Smith and his black bottle wrere the disgrace of the town, from the emptied condition of one and the full state of the other. He frequently lay in the gutter with icicles appended to his tangled locks or mingled with them. She warmed and fed him, putting him into one of her neat rooms, trying to reform him. Her efforts availed only temporarily; he subsequently died in the sand.
She wrought with her hands, earning enough to take her back to New Hampshire for a little vaca- tion. Mrs. Sargent was a grand woman ; bright, original, a true child of the Church ; a communi- cant in Old Trinity. It was very pleasant to talk with her eldest child, Mrs. Jerusha T. Barber, who told me how hard the pioneer women worked. There were no hotels ; they must keep open house and entertain new-comers ; that in her childhood
AND THEIR WORK. 47
she has known eight persons at once finding lodg- ing on straw laid upon the floor of her mother's cellar kitchen.
I asked Mrs. Barber how Cleveland came to be "a village, six miles from Newburg?" She says that persons coming here would find such a stretch of sand that they pushed further on until reaching arable soil ; that they planted orchards first at Newburg, and the Brooklyn people went there for fruit until their orchards were sufficiently advanced. When that had been accomplished, their young people had husking and paring bees. The amuse- ments of the older ones were limited ; confined to an occasional quilting of an afternoon and playing whist evenings. These women used to carry their washings across the river to the Flats in the shade, where was an undergrowth of grass. In her young days, Mrs. B. has gathered eight quarts of huckle- berries at once in our present Franklin Court and cranberries in the outlying marshes of Kennard and adjacent streets ; wild strawberries grew every- where. She spoke in high terms of her neighbors : Mrs. Charles Taylor, Mrs. Abigail Randall and Mrs. Reuben Champion, her that was Zerviah Hvde.
4<S Wo.MKX Of Ci.KVKl-ANH
Mrs. Mary A. Degnou describes the excellent women of old times as making soap, dipping can- dles, or running them into moulds ; curing hams, spinning wool, weaving cloth, knitting socks, making their own garments and those of their husbands and sons.
In 1824, Judge Josiah Barber had moved into his new and aristocratic brick residence in the apple orchard. He entertained most hospitably, and being first incorporator of Trinity Parish, Bishop Chase, on his visits hither, stopped there always. Jernsha Barber, nee Sargent, was confirmed in this house by the Bishop, married in 1825, and went to live on one of the South Side farms for a quarter of a century. She was a model pioneer woman, always ready to recall " Auld Lang Syne." She resided mostly at Collamer with her daughter, Mrs. James McCroskey, who inherits from splendid stock her fondness for temperance work. Her son, Hon. Josiah Barber, resided at No. 129 Franklin avenue. His personal history would read like a romance ; public-spirited, noble-hearted — every- body's friend. His memory was a treasure-house of information — and he so willing to impart. As President of Riverside Cemeterv Association and
AND THEIR WORK. 49
its Superintendent, lie made that spot a lovely place of repose for our dead. His wife is daughter of the chief pioneer in Columbus, O., inheriting the enterprise and thrift of her ancestors. She is devoted to her husband's .memory, an excellent neighbor, and possesses first-class executive ability. Lucy Sargent, the youngest of our pioneer women, married Robert C. Selden, a man of remarkably good principles, who died not long since. They, too, occupied a suburban farm. His family are well known and honored.
We pause long enough to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lord, who, in 1826, occupied their frame house, corner of Pearl and Franklin streets, oppo- site Judge Josiah Barber's. These two gentlemen were brothers-in-law and had bought a large tract of land here ; for some time they were the only male members of Old Trinity. The Lords were truly aristocratic, living stylishly, owning a horse and carriage, keeping one servant ; in their well- appointed home was a clavichord, with fluted green silk in the front carvings, culminating in a central rosette ; this keyed instrument resembled an up- right piano-forte.
Mrs. Stephen N. Herrick, mother of Mrs.
50 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Eleanor Seymour and Mrs. Nancy J. Russell, was niece of Mr. Lord. Some time since, Mrs. Russell presented the portrait of their uncle to Judge C. C. Baldwin, for the Western Reserve Historical Society, and it hangs now, with those of other pioneers, in those rooms.
Mrs. Lord was fond of flower culture, obtaining seeds and bulbs from her Eastern home, driving over the Alleghany mountains to get there, and as a counterpart to the plum and apple orchards of the Barbers she had a profusion of bloom, tulip and oleander being specialties, and for shrub, hazel bushes. The garden was very large, taking in a slice of Pearl street back through Hicks. From the long ago is wafted to us the breath of the lilac, rose and honeysuckle, of apple-blossom, sweet-brier and mignonette. A coronal of flowers for the snow-white heads of those who prepared the way for our elegant homes in the avenues of the beautiful Forest City!
AND THEIR WORK. 5 1
CHAPTER VI.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH — MRS. ELISHA TAY- LOR— MRS. SAMUEL STARKWEATHER — MRS. C. M. GIDDINGS — THE FIRST FOREIGN MISSION- ARY SOCIETY — ITS WORKERS — MRS. ERASTUS F. GAYLORD.
~^HE first church edifice in this vicinity, occu- A pied, probably, by several denominations in turn, was built in 1817, at Euclid; it is still used as a house of worship. The first sermon preached in Cleveland was by a Presbyterian — Rev. Mr. Badger ; the earliest Sunday school was established in June, 1820. Dr. and Mrs. Long, with their children, were members, and Elisha Taylor, Super- intendent. Persistent effort was required to com- bat the prejudices and overcome the indifference of the people. Mrs. Taylor united with him in bringing their characteristic energy to bear upon strengthening the religious institutions of the place. They were noted for hospitality, and readi-
52 WOMEN OF CLKYKLAXI)
ly entertained ministers of all sects who occasion- ally preached here. The First Presbyterian Church was formally organized September 19th, 1820, by Rev. William Hanford, of Hudson, O., and Rev. Randolph Stone, with sixteen members, of whom eleven were women ; for a time the little society worshiped in the log conrt-honse. In the Autumn of 1822, they removed to the upper room of the Academy, just built on the site of the present headquarters of the Fire Department ; subsequent- ly, the congregation met in the third story of a building erected by Dr. Long, on Superior street, near the American House, and called the " Gar- ret/1 Airs. Long lived to unite with her people in the Old Stone Church on the Public Square, opened in 1834, the society having been incor- porated in 1827.
An early worker in this Sunday school and mem- ber of the church was Miss Julia Judd, born in New Britain, Conn., in 1810, came here in 1825, married June 25th, 1828, to Samuel Starkweather, a prominent young man. This lady is brave enough to identify herself with temperance work, even though its exigencies demand prayer in the saloons. In early married life, with others, she
AND THEIR WORK. 53
had wines on her sideboard, bnt at Jndge Stark- weather's house-warming, corner of Water and Lake streets, observing its effect upon the young men present, she banished the use of all intoxi- cating liquors from future festivities.
Mrs. Charles M. Giddings was married in Detroit, Michigan, August 1st, 1827, removed immediately to Cleveland, joined the First Presbyterian Church in 183 1. She belonged to the original Ladies' Union prayer meeting, organized over sixty years ago. She was a sister of the second Airs. Xoble H. Merwin.
This record cannot be complete without an early Foreign Missionary Society ; Airs. Mary H. Sever- ance was for twenty years its secretary. The first organized effort for the cause of Foreign Missions was made in 1831, by the formation of a society of less than a dozen young ladies of the First Presby- terian Church, and was auxiliary to the American Board. This number constituted its active mem- bership ; perhaps as many more married ladies be- came honorary members, and proved their interest by inviting to their houses the little band. Miss Sarah C. Van Tyne was its first directress and Miss Charlotte Hutchings, secretary. Both of
54 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
these left for foreign fields ; the former, as Mrs. Adams, labored among the Zulus of Africa ; the latter, for a number of years in Ceylon. The con- secration of these ladies intensified interest in the work, and the society was regularly sustained by monthly and sometimes fortnightly meetings for forty-two years, without change of constitution, other than as the maidens grew into matrons the word u young '' was dropped from its title. With the growth of the city the membership increased, nntil five churches were represented, and the daughters of the earlv members fell into line. From one of Mrs. Severance1 s last reports, over $2,500 were paid to the American Board. This was but a small part of the good accomplished. There was an outfitting of each of three mission- aries ; work for those who had gone out ; knowl- edge gained of the needs of the cause and its rep- resentatives beyond the seas, bringing us into greater sympathy with them. It was a sort of school to many from which they date their inter- est in Missions. Ministers were enlisted and often at the meetings ; sometimes returned missionaries favored the Society with their presence. The gatherings were so enjoyable that they are now
AND THEIR WORK. 55
frequently referred to as the " dear old Society we were so sorry to give up." In 1874, it seemed best for greater enlargement to be connected with the Ladies' Board of Missions. The separate societies formed in each church were reorganized as a Pres- bvterial whole. The names of the original active members were Mrs. Hutchings, Misses Fitch, C. Wheeler, S. C. Van Tvne, Isabella and Marv Will- iamson, Mary Ann Buxton, Caroline Baldwin, C. Webb, Mary H. Long, R. Miles, Miss Clisbee'. Among the honorary members were Mrs. P. M. WTeddell, Mrs. David Long, Mrs. S. J. Andrews, Mrs. Samuel Starkweather and Mrs. C. L. Lathrop. These, with names of Mrs. John A. Foot, Mrs. J. T. Avery and of Mrs. William Day, are fragrant with precious deeds. To complete the roll of those who for years were associated, would be pleasant, but too lengthy. Many of them have finished their course, leaving blessed memories.
Mrs. Erastus F. Gaylord, born in 1801, in Madi- son, N. Y., was the daughter of General Erastus Cleveland, of that place ; educated at Litchfield, Ct, and married in 1823. She and her husband celebrated their golden wedding in '73, and we did predict for them a diamond anniversary, but death
56 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
called too soon. Mr. Gavlord, oil this festal dav, looked as though he had stepped out of a picture. Mrs. Gavlord had courage ; she prayed for the freedom of the slave and for the triumph of reform.
She was, of course, a temperance advocate, and tells us of her friend, Mrs. Dr. H. dishing, a lady whose name's mention cannot fail to call forth a sigh of regret at her early loss, as she was one of the honored movers in a society of ladies which ex- acted a pledge of each member, not only to refrain from the use of stimulating drinks, but to discour- age the use of the same, socially, in every possible wav. Mrs. Gavlord loved little children, and was ready to help all good work. She was keen in- tellectually, and quick at repartee ; her bojis mots were the delight of friends ; her latest ought to go into history. At her grandson's wedding — that of young Mr. Newberry and Miss Paige Eells — General Garfield was receiving with family friends. When Mrs. Gaylord made her adieux to the President-elect, she said : " My leave-taking to you is pax fibi\ but I suppose many would say instead : ' Remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom ! ' "
This veteran stated that her first sight of the
AND THEIR WORK.
0/
Forest City in 1835 was of a cluster of houses oc- cupying parts of Superior, Ontario, St. Clair, Eu- clid, and Seneca streets ; and she had pride that this little one expanded so rapidly into Ohio's sec- ond cit\\ Mrs. Gavlord took great interest in this history of women's work in Cleveland and often wrote to me during its progress. Penned by her own hand, I give this quaint morceau by Cowper, on . seeing some names of little note in British print :
'' Oh, fond attempt to give a deathless lot To names ignoble, born to be forgot ! In vain, recorded on historic page They court the notice of a future age, Those twinkling tiny lustres of the land Drop one by one from Fame's neglecting hand. Lethean gulfs receive them as they fall And dark oblivion soon absorbs them all ! '
5'S WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
CHAPTER VII.
MRS. GRACE JOHNSTON — THE METHODIST EPISCO- PAL CHURCH — MRS. ELIZA T. WORLEY — MRS. B. ROUSE — THE BAPTIST CHURCH — MRS. WILL- IAM T. SMITH — MRS. C. A. SEAMAN — FIRST CONGREGATIONAL, PLYMOUTH, BOHEMIAN, POLISH AND SWEDISH MISSIONS — GERMAN WORK — MRS. J. ROTHWEILER.
"^HE writer of this history is sure that the mysterious unknown who traversed these wilds previous to Rev. Mr. Badger's time — i8or — with exhortation " to flee the wrath to come " was of the Methodist persuasion, for, on the green earth is hardly a spot, this side of Anam, to which the itinerant preacher has not penetrated. We know that some one established Divine Service in Euclid before the beginning of this century, but of him is no trace; there is a record that in 1822, Captain William C. Johnston moved from Detroit to Cleveland ; his wife, Mrs. Grace, was a member
AND THEIR WORK. 59
of tht- [Methodist Episcopal Church, and remained the only one in the place for some years. Her daughter is Mrs. E. J. H. Cridland, of this city. In [823, Cleveland was made a preaching place and attached to Hudson Circuit. History further develops that a gentleman residing in one of the eastern cities, and owning real estate in Cleveland, being desirous to see Methodism established here in 1820, sent to a person living in the place a deed of the lot corner of Ontario and Rockwell streets, for a meeting-house, but no one being found wall- ing to pay the recorder's fee, or even the postage upon the mailed packages, the deed was returned to the donor. ( ) tempora ! O mores !
In 1S27, a class was formed of five women and two men. Of these, Andrew Tomlinson was leader ; the others were Grace Johnston, Eliza Wdrley, Elizabeth Southard, Rev. Joel Sizer and wife, and Lucy Knowlton.
In the same year a class was formed at Doan's Corners of eleven women and nine men.
After vicissitudes of " Euclid and Cleveland Cir- cuit," and others not interesting to the general pub- lic, a lot was secured, corner St. Clair and Wood streets, then the suburbs of the city.
60 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Nearly all the ground north to the lake shore was covered with oak trees and bushes ; in like manner east to Erie street, beyond which lay avast quagmire, partly cleared, enlivening the town at spring-tide and during the night with frog-bass and tree-toad contralto.
Not until April, 1841, was there on this lot a church finished and dedicated. Never did a de- nomination struggle more fiercelv with adversity. Its people worshiped wherever room could be pro- cured ; latterly in a hall upon the second floor of a building on the north side of Superior street, west of the Park.
In 1893, are twenty-five Methodist houses of worship, and in the First Church, so compassed about is it with " modernitv " that we doubt whether John Wesley would know even the altar rail ! The real cathedral tint, too, prevails through stained window-glass of Munich.
The Epworth Memorial Church on Willson avenue, corner of Prospect street, so named be- cause, in the old edifice, situated on the site of this new one, was born the Epworth League, at the historic convention of Young People's Societies, May 14th, 1889. It is built of marble and a gem
AND THEIR WORK. 6l
of architectural art — Norman, bordering on mod- ernized Romanesque, lofty gable with combination interior ; groined arches, converging in a dome that might befit the Mosqne of Omar, or astonish the Abyssinian queen, in a degree fully equal to her view of the glories of Solomon's Temple, as she came up from Sheba to Jerusalem. In the auditorium will be placed a fine large memorial window — the upper part in shape of the Epworth wheel, with divisions for departments of work, symbolized by appropriate Scripture illustrations and texts. Rev. B. F. Dimmick, the pastor, di- rects this enterprise, and the younger generation ablv second his most deserving effort.
What would the fathers and mothers in our Israel think to see it? Truly, the circuit rider with pony and saddlebags, emerging from the wil- derness, could not recognize his own Zion. Eet us return to our beloved pioneer :
Eliza Tomlinson Worley was a noble early woman of the First Church, and paid the initial dollar toward the erection of an edifice. She was wife of a leading man in this town, Daniel Worley, postmaster and member of the first Board of Edu- cation.
62 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
She was born in Maryland, July 20th, 1797. From infancy her education was religions, and her father's house the home of Methodist bishops and other clergy. At fifteen, she united with the so- ciety and indicated, as was the fashion in early times, to what communion she belonged by her garb, so that in after years her young daughter, Mrs. George P. Burwell, of this city, was wont to amuse herself hours at a time by putting on and walking about in her mother's Methodist dresses.
In 1815 she married, and left her childhood home w7ith a large family party for Cleveland, O. Incredible hardships were endured en route, and at Portage three of their number were buried. The survivors regaining health, flatboats were built, on which the journey was continued. Coming down the Cuyahoga they landed at this wharf in May, 1824. Foremost in all good works, the sick and the needy blessed her. She ardently supported the Ladies' Union Prayer Meeting of sixty years ago.
Even in old age the young were fond of her, so bright and cheerful, so genial and sympathetic was she — the mother of eleven children, thev all re- vered her.
AND THEIR WORK. 63
In advanced life she was a saintly looking woman, and this appearance was heightened by her graceful wearing of the softest of lace and muslins, with steel gray dress fabrics.
She went swiftly to her rest from the residence of her daughter ; hers is the oldest memorial win- dow in the First Methodist Church.
Other memorial windows are for Mary Grandy Winslow, Cornelia Cowles, Margaret Johnson, Martha Peet.
" Mother Pritchard " was universally beloved ; so also was a late coiner, Mrs. Mary A. Fletcher, for years principal of a ladies' Bible class and president of the Woman's Foreign Missionary So- ciety, in the First Methodist Episcopal Church.
She was born in Hancock, N. H., November 22d, 1801. Her parents removing to the Green Mountain State, she finished her school-days but not her studies at Windsor and Chester, Female Seminaries of Vermont. At sixteen years of age, she commenced teaching, and held for seven years an important position, taking meanwhile the Cam- bridge course of mathematics, and abstruse natural science under Major Stevens.
Brought up in Calvanistic belief, she estrayed
64 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
from so rigid a faith, and in May, 1819, was admit- ted to the Methodist communion, of which she was justly a representative member. In March, 1825, sne niarried Rev. I). L. Fletcher, and for fifteen years was the zealous, untiring wife of a pioneer preacher.
( )f vigorous health, she continued to study and teach during forty-five years, acquiring a familiar knowledge of Latin, French, Spanish and Italian, and becoming proficient in sketching. She has been principal of Ohio seminaries, and opened the Ladies' College of Jackson, Miss., before the war, herself delivering courses of lectures before the pupils. As a Biblical scholar she was superior, hav- ing been for fiftv years in charge of Bible classes. Not only with severer studies was she occupied. She practiced successfully les beaux arts, a set of china comprising two hundred pieces having been decorated by her skillful fingers, in almost as many different patterns. The representation of a tea- plant upon an antique bowl, moss roses upon saucer and plate, and pitcher-plant upon pitchers, indicate the work of an artist. The fortunate daughter of this rare mother is Mrs. Joseph Ingersoll.
A fruitful source of inspiration during past
AND THEIR WORK. 65
•
months has been my own loved mother's narration of removal from New York to pioneer life at Ann Arbor, Michigan ; how she and her sister founded there the church of her choice ; how mother cap- tivated the young minister sent on as missionary to the Northwestern Territory ; how she became a Methodist preacher's wife, and what a time of it she had teaching school to eke out father's salary of $80 per year !
Mother's pictured face smiles upon me, now, from the wall.
" How fast the river runs between its green banks and the rushes ! It's very near the sea ; I hear the waves ! How green the banks are now ;; how bright the flowers growing on them, and how tall the rushes! Who is standing on the shore? I know her by the face ! But the portrait on the wall is not divine enough ! The light about the head is shining on me as I go ! "
The first Baptist meeting was held here in 1832, in the old Academy, by Rev. Richmond Taggart. The earliest society of this communion was formed in the Fall of 1833, with fourteen members, eight of whom were ladies : Mrs. B. Rouse, Mrs. Griffiths, Mrs. Melvin, Mrs. Milo Hickox, Mrs. H.
66 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Ranney, Mrs. C. A. Seaman, Mrs. Perlee Abbey, Mrs. Belden. In that same year, the Baptist Church was formally organized with twenty-seven mem- bers. The first edifice, corner Champlain and Seneca streets, was dedicated by Rev. Elisha Tucker. Its early Foreign Missionary Society or- ganized in 1833 — Mrs. B. Ronse, President. This denomination here includes many honorable names of the past and present — brave and persistent Christian laborers. Among them are Rev. and Mrs. S. W. Adams — always loved and venerated. Eldest of all is, probably, Mrs. William T. Smith, everywhere enrolled in Woman's Union Gospel Work, from membership in the Moral Reform So- ciety to the chairmanship of a modern Friendly Inn Committee. She was horn in Stonington, Conn., March 6th, 1814; educated and married in Rochester, removing to Cleveland in 1836 ; the wife of a cheery, business man, mother of eight children, yet ever ready to labor among almost hopeless cases ; prompt, fervent and forgetting self. A son, Frank, a Union soldier, and her daughter— Mrs. H. A. Sherwin, are among the gos- pel workers of to-day.
Mr. and Mrs. John Seaman came here in 1833,
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when the Academy was used as a place of worship by the few Baptist villagers ; this excellent couple are among the constituent members of the First Baptist Church.
A seemingly authentic record states that the First Congregational Church was organized in January, 1852, with thirty-nine members, and Plymouth, a few months later with thirty. Ober- lin was the center and source of Congregational- ism, in Northern Ohio, so that this denomination hardly belongs to good old times. It does a glori- ous work ; and is pre-eminently a home missionary church. Bohemian women of Cleveland are being evangelized through Christian agencies ; that of Mrs. Clara H. Schauffler is extensive and effectual. The Bible Readers' Home and Training School sends out helpers who distribute tracts, relieve the destitute and otherwise aid humanity. The chief Bible reader is Miss Reitinger, who holds gospel services. An Industrial Union is connected with the Mission ; Mrs. Schauffler has a girls' club ; missionary and educational training is extended to the Polish population. The Congregationalists have also a Swedish beginning. This noble church is first in reforms ; a right hand of power
68 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
in everything that helps the world to better liv- ing.
The Disciple Church of Cleveland was organ- ized in February, 1842, in a little chapel on Ver- mont street, with fourteen members, of whom Mrs. R. A. Cannon is the only survivor among the women present.
The German Methodist Episcopal Church was formed in 1846, Mrs. Jacob Rothweiler being an earnest pioneer in that branch. Her daughter, Louise, is missionary in Corea.
German Protestant Churches here of all varie- ties number -fifty; the women in each, so far as can be ascertained, are organized into one Aid Society, which assists the local work.
AND THEIR WORK. 69
CHAPTER VIII.
OHIO CITY — THE FIRST SEWING CIRCLE — MISS HARRIET BARBER — THE FLATS — COLUMBUS BLOCK — THE FORMATION OF CHURCHES — MRS. ABIGAIL RANDALL — MRS. ALFRED DAVIS — MRS. CHAS. WINSLOW — SIXTEEN WOMEN OF CLEVELAND — AN AFTER-DINNER COFFEE.
A LL the section west of the Cuyahoga was ^ * called Brooklyn, until 1831. Throughout the country, land began to rise in value, noticeably, wherever it was supposed a city might be laid out ; the mouth of the Cuyahoga offering inducement. The stimulus supplied by internal improvements, especially canals, was the cause. An association, known as the Buffalo Company, bought Lorenzo Carter's farm — a tract west of the Cuyahoga, and Ohio City was planned. Albany and Vermont men were also enthusiastic, Connecticut having pioneered. Old Trinity, corner of St. Clair and Seneca streets, was then the only church. Our en-
;0 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
terprising people walked over the hills, or were ferried across the river to service either there or to the " Academy." Among these were Mrs. Rosamond Sargent and her daughter, Mrs. Geo. L. Chapman — exemplary church women. These two dear people constantly ministered to the ill and destitute. In those days were no skilled profes- sional nurses, and a large part of the duty of benevolent women was to watch at night w7ith the sick. In 1832 came cholera, and Mrs. Chapman was thus occupied as often as every other night ; east of the Cuyahoga, Mrs. B. Rouse was equally devoted and heroic. Dr. Theodore Sterling recalls many touching incidents of their fidelity to the suffering.
As far back as 1825, sewing societies for the fitting out of missionaries, home and foreign, or the filling of boxes for the frontier, existed in each church. The first sewing circle, composed of ladies irrespective of sect, for the making up of garments for the city's poor, was formed in Colum- bus Block, in 1832 ; of this, Mrs. Richard Lord was President ; Harriet Barber, Secretary, and Mrs. Chapman, Treasurer.
The celebrated years of 1835 and 1836, when
AND THEIR WORK. J I
speculation raged more fiercely throughout the United States than at any period before or since, touched with rosy fingers the west side of the Cuyahoga. In these "flush times," the Flats be- came the source of much of our city's wealth. Manufactories and lumber yards, then, like the " mustard seed," have grown into trees, on whose branches, extending into the avenues and parks, sing the birds of progress. The Flats are historic ground. Main street was the thoroughfare through the Buffalo Company's allotment, which included the valley at the base of the hills, from the foot of Hanover street, on the west, to the river on the east. The corner of Main and Elm streets seems, then, to have been the center of prosperity. On Detroit street hill was the Columbus Block, popu- lous with stores and offices, occupying which were, among others, W. T. Ward and Co., Gilman Fol- som, Judge Foot, C. h. Russell. Now, too, were our people strong enough to organize their own parish. Brooklyn, having given birth to Trinity, prepared for the incoming of the pioneer Saint of Holy Writ. On a record, yellow with age, I find that in a hall in Columbus Block, a meeting was " holden," January 4th, 1836, which adopted the
72 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
following, with six articles of association ap- pended :
"We, the inhabitants of the village of Brooklyn, being desirous of promoting the spiritual good of our fellow creatures and of advancing the Re- deemer's kingdom in the world, do hereby organ- ize ourselves into a parish agreeably to the doc- trines, worship, usages and regulations of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. The style of this parish shall be the wardens and vestry of St. John's Church." Rev. L. Davis was chairman of the meeting. The war- dens and vestrymen incorporated, March 12th, 1836. Easter Monday, March 27th, the corpora- tion decided to bnild a house of public worship in Ohio City, on land given by Judge Josiah Barber, on the present corner of Wall and Church streets. A lot adjoining, for a rectory, on which St. John's Chapel now stands, was donated by Abigail Ran- dall, sister of Richard Lord. This lady, whose acts of benevolence were absolutely without os- tentation, was a benefactor of the town. And thus, as a city, we come into possession of the present old cathedral-like structure, ivy-covered without, but modern within. Meantime, in 1834,
AND THEIR WORK. 73
Mrs. Burton and her two daughters ; a family named Conklin, and William Warmington, who built the first frame house on Franklin avenue, join together and form a nucleus for a Methodist Church ; the first sermon being preached by Rev. Daniel M. Conant in Mr. Warmington's home, then on Detroit street. For the three succeeding years, 1834-1837, the Methodist Episcopal Church in Ohio City was a part of Brunswick Circuit. Until 1837, services were held, alternating with the L niversalists, in a small brick school-house on Vermont street, used for a long time as the Eighth Ward voting place.
December 15th, 1834, a lot was bought for a new house of worship, north-east corner of Hanover and Church streets ; June 30th, 1836, a brick edi- fice was begun. In November, the walls were ready for the roof. A terrible storm blew them down ; despair seized upon the little band, in- cluding Ambrose Anthony, Diodate Clark, Capt. Alfred Davis and wife — the latter, formerly Miss Bessie Sessions, a well-known young lady. Under the greatest financial stress, they began the work of reconstruction. The city council, just organ- ized, offered them a room in Columbus Block, on
74 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Detroit street hill, provided the Methodist society would furnish seats. The offer was gladly accept- ed. In a short time, the Columbus Block was burned and the infant struggling church sent back to the school-house. In November, 1838, they oc- cupied the basement on Hanover street. Ten years afterward they moved into the audience room. The society continued to worship there un- til December, 1869, when it was merged into the Franklin Avenue M. E. Church, now the largest of that denomination in this fair city.
A Presbyterian Society was formed December 21st, 1835, by Father Keep. Of this, Misses Cor- delia Buxton and Catharine Taylor, now Mrs. S. H. Sheldon and Mrs. M. Lufkin, are the surviving char- ter members. Later, were Mr. and Mrs. Stephen N. Herrick, the Folsoms, and twenty-five more; Mr. and Mrs. Newton were among the faithful early — the mantle of the mother envelopes her daughter, Mrs. Dr. Dutton. Mrs. Lucy Webb, mother of the first Mrs. Robt. Sanderson, is mentioned as one leaving an impress upon the times in which she lived. Mrs. Chas. Winslow, a thoroughly Christian woman, Mrs. Pickands, Mrs. Slaght, Ladies Fol- som, at later date, were included ; also, the first Mrs. Dr. Tilden, gifted and beautiful.
AND THEIR WORK. 75
Resuming our sketch of Mrs. Chapman ; zeal- ously she labored for St. John's ; loved, venerated through a long, useful life, abounding in good deeds ; most fragrant of these was the sending of flowers to sick-rooms ; she wrote a book of poems and several sketches, and in society none surpassed her in suavity and grace. I used to admire her at an after-dinner coffee, for example : with white cap and kerchief, a dress of black or gray satin, perfectly white rolls of hair crowning a sweet face glowing with enthusiasm in recalling the activities of pioneer life, and all the while knitting up threads of gold on golden needles — the web sure to prove little socks or mittens for some favored child.
76 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
CHAPTER IX.
THE FEMALE CHARITABLE SOCIETY OF OLD TRINI- TY— MORAL REFORM SOCIETY — THE SOCIAL EVIL — MATERNAL ASSOCIATION — MRS. S.WILL- IAMSON— MRS. LOUISA PICKANDS.
r^HE Female Charitable Society of Trinity -*■ Church was formed December 26th, 1837. The following ladies held positions : President, Airs. Lyman Kendall ; Vice-President, Mrs. Levi Tucker, wife of the Baptist minister ; Secretary, Mrs. Edmund Clark ; Treasurer, Mrs. Hobart Ford ; Directresses, Mrs. Ahaz Merchant, Mrs. J. Whiting, Mrs. E. F. Gardner, Airs. Dr. Mills, Mrs. C. L. Lathrop, Mrs. S. Ford, Mrs. John Shelley.
The Association did good work among the des- titute, and often met in the Baptist Church, corner of Champlain and Seneca streets. Mrs. B. Har- rington, a lady distinguished for charitable work, succeeded Mrs. Ford as Treasurer, and served faithfully for years in the successors, viz. :
AXD THEIR WORK. *]J
u
Domestic Missionary Society of Trinity Church," and the " Ladies' Beneyolent Society of Trinity Parish,' ' which latter culminated, in 1856, in a per- manent institution.
The records are obscure of the early formation of general organizations of ladies, but we in- fer from a letter written by Mrs. M. B. Tolbut, Secretary of the Moral Reform Society of Clari- don, Geauga Count)*, to the same society in Cleve- land, that of the first mentioned, several auxiliaries were formed in Ohio, during 1837 and 1838, and that the Parent Society existed in New York. Their organ was the Advocate and Guardian, their object to inculcate virtue and good morals and to save young women from ruin.
The first definite statement we have is the fol- lowing : At a meeting of ladies of Cleveland, held June 24th, 1840, the Female Moral Reform Society was reorganized, the constitution of the Parent Society adopted, and the following persons elected officers :
First Directress, Mrs. Lathrop ; Second Di- rectress, Mrs. J. M. Sterling ; Secretary and Treas- urer, Mrs. M. S. Curry. The alternates were, re- spectively : Mrs. Wade, Mrs. Seymour, Mrs. Gay-
78 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
lord. Board of Managers: Mrs. William T. Smith, Ladies Hickox, Goodman, Wightman, Chandler, Rockwell, Sonthworth, Avery, Sexton, Sloane, Taylor, Pearsons, Foot. The following names of members are found on the register, many of whom are yonng ladies : Mrs. M. W. Bnrnham, Ellen Gunning, Elizabeth Whittlesey, Romelia Hanks, Cornelia M. Sackrider, Eliza Duty, Marga- ret Sheldon, Manchester, F. C. Fairchild, Sarah T. Fisk, Mrs. W. H. Otis, Mrs. S. J. Andrews, Mrs. S. C. Aikin, Mrs. Pritchard, Mrs. S. E. Hutchinson, Mrs. Long, Mrs. Severance, Mrs. L. A. Penfield, Mrs. M. Cutter, Mrs. Brainard, Mrs. John Day, Julia DeForest, Jane Searles, Harriet Malvin, Maria Sutherland, Amelia Beebe, Catherine Brown, Harriet Hurst, Mary and Amanda Burns, Mary Ager, Mary Jones, Silas Belden, Mrs. Fitch, E. Mcintosh, Julia Rector, O. Clarke, Edw. Fair- child, Lucy A. Cutter. The list of officers for 1841 is Mrs. Edward Wade, Mrs, Seymour, Mrs. E. F. Gaylord.
In a minute signed by Maria B. Fairchild, Sec- retary, written September 14th, 1842, is the follow- ing : "In consequence of a suggestion from the society in Troy, after some discussion it was
AND THEIR WORK. JO,
" Resolved, That a Moral Reform Convention for the State of Ohio be held in Cleveland, on the sec- ond Wednesdav of October.
" Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to write a notice of this convention, to be published in the Advocate of Moral Reform, Oberlin Evangel- ist and Ohio Observer.
" Resolved, That Miss Morgan be invited to spend the Winter with us in prosecuting the labors of missionary."
Mrs. Sloane was appointed to communicate with the F. M. R. S. of Buffalo, X. Y., October 12th, 1843 ; this society seemed to receive an impetus by the election of Mrs. B. Rouse, Mrs. M. M. Herrick and Mrs. M. E. Williamson to its leading offices. The latter is the wife of S. Williamson, Esq., then young, well educated and public-spirited. She is yet heartily engaged in all good work. As Secre- tary and Treasurer of this organization, she pre- sents full minutes, and is unusually business like in detail. The ladies sustained their work by the payment each, annually, of sums ranging from twelve and a half to fifty cents. The efficiency of this band of ladies is fully attested by a narrative given entire in Mrs. Rouse's diary, extracts from which are presented :
October 30th : Was visited early this morning
a
No WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
by two gentlemen, residents of Cleveland, who have just landed from a steamer, saying that at Erie they were called upon to see a young woman in the ladies' cabin who had a few minutes previ- ous, told some of the members that she was being forcibly taken away and did not wish to go further with the person by whom she was accompanied. Upon inquiry, they elicited some items of her per- sonal history : She lived in Franklin, Vt. Her father was a farmer. Owing to the opposition of an older sister, she had been forbidden by the father to marry the man of her choice, and the mother, to soften grief and divert her mind, caused her to go to Whitehall, N. Y., where were family friends. After a week she fell in with a wicked woman, who enticed her, under pretense of visiting the City of New York, into a house of in- famy. After three days and nights of wretched- ness, upon her earnest pleading she was taken from this place, only to find herself in the hands of a deceiver, who, by promising to take her to a place of safety from which she could return home, had brought her aboard this steamer. After se- curing passage, she found she was to be taken to the Copper Mine Region, Lake Superior. Know-
AND THEIR WORK. Si
ing not what to do in her anguish, she had con- fided in the passengers, and by a salutary course of procedure, these two gentlemen had rescued and taken her in charge until arriving at the Cleveland pier, and then bringing her to the American House, they placed the unfortunate woman in the keeping of the President of this Society." -Mrs. Rouse adds: " October 31 : — I have seen and conversed with this young woman and to-day took her to my own house. She is a good-looking, artless country girl, unsuspecting and entirely ignorant of the art and deception with which we all are daily sur- rounded. We are wishing to send her to her parents, to whom the gentlemen on the boat wrote before they landed, and I am anxiously waiting to find some one to protect her as far as Whitehall or Albanv."
Then, as now, was sin abroad in the land, and these dear women knew instinctively that the only safeguard for young people is within the sheltering arms of " home, sweet home," and they did what in them lay to save the unsuspecting and misguided, to restore them to their own firesides. If parents in these days would screen their children from these dangerous influences, would erect an altar
82 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
within the household about which the children might cluster, and endeavor to make home such in the fullest sense — the one spot in all the world most attractive to the child — and then, by affec- tionate and effective discipline, train their girls and boys to love purity and to avoid even the ap- pearance of evil, there would not now be heard the lamentation coming up from all over the country, and especially from cities, that our young girls are daily and nightly preparing, on the streets, for lives of abandonment and disgrace ; our police would not have to be called in to enforce family discipline ; houses of refuge, reformatories and re- treats would not be filled as they are now. Solomon w7as wiser than us of to-day.
The last written trace of the F. M. R. S. we find Wednesday, January 10, 1844, and copy verbatim Mrs. Williamson's minutes: ''Monthly meeting held in the vestry of Stone Church ; reading by the directress and prayer by Mrs. Townsend ; min- utes read by the secretary ; committees called upon to report ; the committee to solicit subscriptions for the support of a missionary being still unpre- pared to report satisfactorily, was discharged, particularly in consideration of the city's being at
AND THEIR WORK. S3
present visited by a committee from the Martha Washington and Dorcas Society, which committee is expected to report to the Moral Reform Society all such objects as would properly come under its care.
" Remarks were then made by Mrs. Fitch ; the Constitution was read, and a few names secured as members, the petitions to the Legislature circu- lated, and the meeting adjourned." We conclude that, by mutual agreement, this early society was merged in the new project for relieving the desti- tute of the city and at the same time ministering to the spiritual needs of those visited, and that the " faire gospellers'1 united with the Martha Wash- ington and Dorcas Society.
In 1837, and continuing through 1840, a number of ladies formed the " Maternal Association ' of Ohio City, Mrs. Louisa Pickands, president. The society published a magazine which met the want of the day. Mothers met once a week for prayer and consultation upon the best methods of training children, etc. The inference is, that our present u mothers' meetings" are not a new feat- ure,— only " revised and improved." We see the names of ladies prominent in these early societies
84 W'OMKN OF CLEVELAND
also prominent in those of later date ; for the workers in any good cause are found doing all they can to help other enterprises whose aim is to lift up humanity. It is a delight to look into the faces of these veterans who " count it all joy " to reach out a hand to those who fall.
Doing good is a better cosmetic than paste or powder ; it leaves its impress on every feature of the face ; there is a softened radiance, a peculiar expression, 011 these countenances that needs no sculptured Madonna for a model. It is a light shining within a vase of alabaster — the soul illu- minating brow, eye and lip. Such faces they have who, in the Revelation of St. John the Divine, "follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth."
AND THEIR WORK. 8=;
CHAPTER X.
OHIO CITY — SOME PROMINENT MEN AND HOW THEY FOUND THEIR WIVES — GOING A MAY- ING— MRS. D. P. RHODES — MRS. BELDEN SEY- MOUR— MRS. MARY A. DEGNON — MRS. J. H. SARGENT — MRS. G. W. JONES — TWENTY-FIVE WOMEN OF CLEVELAND — MRS. W. B. CASTLE — MRS. KATE NEWELL DOGGETT.
^THHE original Judge Josiah Barber was unspar- *■ ing in liberality — a benefactor — a strict churchman, the host and intimate friend of Bishop Chase. His wife was Abigail Gilbert ; her only daughter married Mr. Robert Russell in Conneticut, who died. She rejoined her father, Judge Barber, here, with three small children, of whom were Sophia Lord and Charlotte Agusta. These two daugh- ters, grown into elegant, cultured women, became active participants in the social world of Ohio City.
In 1827, while yet a frontier town, William
86 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
B. Castle removed from Toronto, C. W., with his father. In time he associated with himself Chas. M. Giddings, Norman C. Baldwin, and other prom- inent men, in establishing the first lumber yard in Cleveland, foundation of a grand factor in the city's enterprise — still retaining interests in Can- ada. In 1835, from Sudbury, Vt., appeared a young man of indomitable energy who preferred Western enterprise to Eastern luxury — Mr. Daniel P. Rhodes, pioneering in the coal trade here ; he was broad, sympathetic, kind to everybody, doing much to build up the city west of the Cuyahoga, led the people in persistent demand for convenient access to Superior street. Would he might have seen our magnificent viaduct ! He associated with him Mr. J. F. Card; together they developed the mineral resources of Tuscarawas and Stark coun- ties. Others eminent besides those mentioned were Col. Brunson, David Griffith, the two Wards, uncles of Mr. Belden Seymour. Mrs. Judge Foot, Mrs. Chas. Rhodes, Mrs. Griffith, Mrs. Seth Johnson, Mrs. Capt. Sweet, were quiet, retiring women, but of the best, and formed a little coterie on the pres- ent Washington street. Mrs. Eleanor H. Seymour, and her sister, Mrs. Nancy J. Russell, give very
AND THEIR WORK. 87
clear description of the farms on Detroit Road in Barber and Lord's allotment. Needham Stand- art had a house so large that Rosamond Sar- gent always called it " Castle Needham.1' Airs. Standart was an elegant woman.
Mr. Jackson's farm, where lived Julia and Mary ; Mr. Herrick's, father of Eleanor and Nancy, and Mr. Hnrd's; Dr. Kirtland's, in Rockport ; Catharine Taylor Lnfkin gathered, in 1829, wild roses grow- ing in the marsh close to their farm ; this marsh extended np to Gordon avenue ; even later the children on Detroit Road played in the woods where Altenheim and the Elliott property are now, culling Indian pipe, ferns and forget-me-nots. In good old times they had May-pole dances, there, on the first day of that month, a crowned queen, with maids of honor dressed in white, the boys making an arbor, covered with boughs, and often a throne of twigs with a buffalo robe carpet ; other parties the young folks had, beginning at 6 p. m. and breaking up at 9 o'clock.
Air. and Mrs. John Deguon came from New York ; he was superintendent of the Cuyahoga Furnace Foundry, of which Elisha Sterling may have been first proprietor ; among successors to its owner-
88 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
ship were Mr. Win. B. Castle and Mr. J. F. Hollo- wav.
Mrs. Degnon wrought among the sick and desti- tute ; once after making a muslin shroud for the dead, she inquired of a maiden daughter for a warm flat-iron to press seams ; the reply was, " I can get you nothing; I'm a mourner." No. 223 Hanover street, one of the oldest houses on the West Side, was their former home ; she and her daughters, Mary and Eliza, reside in the stately brick near by. Mrs. Degnon says that all the women of early times were united ; standing shoulder to shoulder in good work and domestic helpfuless.
Those were glowing" davs in the " thirties." Mr. and Mrs. T. P. Handy were among the singers in Old Stone Church, coming here in 1832 ; they sang in stately oratories, bearing part in Handel's " Creation ;" their duets are recalled even now. In the choir of St. John's Episcopal Church were Mr. W. B. Castle, Captain Lord, Daniel Tyler, and his sister, Elizabeth, Sophia Lord Russell, Julia WTard, Mary Newell ; Dr. Hill played the organ. His wife is mentioned with pleasant recollection. Mr. Geo. L. Chapman was chorister. The young peo-
AND THEIR WORK. 89
pie married ; Sophia Lord Russell became Mrs. Daniel P. Rhodes ; her sister, Charlotte, Mrs. Hatch. Mr. John H. Sargent asked Miss Julia Jackson to share his fortunes, and her sister is Mrs. Standart, of Toledo ; Eleanor Herrick and Belden Seymour; Nancy J. Herrick and Mr. Russell, brother of Mrs. S. B. Prentiss. C. L. Russell, of another family, married Miss Lucy Winslow. In 1838, Herman A. and H. B. Hurlbut were here, the Willards, and young L. L. Davis ; M. B. Scott, who married a sister of S. Williamson. In 1839, the Hartnells came to this city from England.
Representing interests in Albany, were General and Mrs. Waller, taking high rank from the first; central figures in the picture of long ago ; with them a step-daughter, Mary Newell, and in time her sister, Kate Newell Horton. The great-grand- parents of these sisters on both sides were minis- ters ; Colonel Williams, a maternal grandfather, in the Continental Army, as also in that of 18 12. George Newell, their father, was a graduate of Burlington, Vt., an ancestor, Nath. Newell, in the china trade. These sisters were highly educated ; Kate, a linguist ; Mary, from the seminaries of
90 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Middlebury and Burlington. The latter was born Sept. ii, 1818, at Charlotte, Vt.
The Ohio City Exchange, corner of Main and Center streets, with its mahogany balustrades, was the most elegant building west of Albany.
July 4, 1838, occurred its opening — a gala day in our history — by Low and Atherton. At high noon was a banquet, attended by guests from De- troit, Erie, Sandusky, Buffalo. Before the dinner was a boat ride through the old river bed into the Lake, making a complete circuit. Mary Newell was in high spirits and danced every figure, despite the protest of Mrs. H. A. Hurlbut that "it would not do." On a bright day in 1840, Mary Newell was married to W. B. Castle in St. John's Church ; the occasion was a grand one ; he fair, she dark, with flashing black eyes and curls floating to her waist. She wore a wreath of orange buds, which the writer touched on a snowy day in January, 1893, and the beautiful wedding dress, too, of white brocaded satin, garnished with silk blonde, a long white blonde veil, white kid gloves and satin vslippers, a la mode. The same day I saw her mother's wedding gown of white levantine silk, and an aunt's, of china crepe, and a marvel of art
AND THEIR WORK. 91
in embroidery, of Mrs. Doggett's own work — dear relics of joyous youth, preserved as only Mrs. Castle knows how. The young married people of that period had sleigh rides, lake sails and always dancing. The Exchange might tell how those gay troops of wit and beauty laughed, sang, and what merry-go-rounds there were on "light, fantastic toe."
Mr. W. B. Castle became a representative man in everv respect, cultured, devout, and one of the best mayors we ever had; he did much to develop the iron and lumber interest. The Rhodes and Castles excelled in church work, in hospitality, good cheer. Marriage alliances were formed ; Kitty Castle becoming Mrs. R. R. Rhodes. An intimate friend of these ladies is Mrs. Judge Bolton, long connected with Lakeside Hospital and Aged Women's Home. A younger Miss Castle is now Mrs. C. C. Bolton ; another, Mrs. D. Z. Norton. Fannie Rhodes, a beautiful character, died, and much brightness went out with her. James F. Rhodes married Anna Card. They live in Cambridge, Mass. Mr. Rhodes has written a United States history that gives him place among American authors. All the wives of these gentle-
92 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
men take appropriate place among the women of Cleveland.
We are informed that in 1808, Lorenzo Carter built here a freight boat, designed for the lake trade ; she was named the " Zephyr." We have two shipbuilders here now, Messrs. J. F. Pank- hurst and H. D. Cofhnbnry, whose wives are repre- sentative Cleveland women in high social position ; bnt the shipbuilder whom everybody remembers as a standby in the past is Capt. G. W. Jones, coming to Ohio City in 1841 ; built, in 1835, the first mer- chant vessel for Lake Superior, named " John Jacob Astor," which took the place of the Bateau, in carrying supplies to Indian traders. On her first trip, in September of that year, Stanard Rock was discovered, on which is built a light-house. Mrs. Jones was public-spirited ; out among the poor, one of the trustees of the Woman's Medical College and of the Orphan Asylum. Later on, in 1852, we have two sisters, Mrs. Mc- Neil and Mrs. Purdy, wives of eminent dealers ; these ladies are well known and honored ; their husbands, with Mr. J. A. Redington and Capt. W. B. Guyles, go through our streets, familiarly known, even to the children.
AND THEIR WORK. 93
Mrs. Judge Coffinbury and Mrs. A. H. Dela- mater remain to lis reminders of the strong busi- ness career of two noble men passed away, and by their own excellent qualities attach us to the past and present of their lives among us.
Of all our women, none excel Mrs. John H. Sar- gent in originality and intelligence. To this day she is studying French and in her grand children lives her youth over again. She has the good sense to go through Europe dressed in strong cloth, with only a valise for baggage. She has actually kissed the blarney stone, has kept house in Rome, and brought back relics from nearlv all lands. Her "Mater Dolorosa," from a Spanish cathedral, a painting two hundred years old, is a Mexican treasure. Entering fully into the ludi- crous, she and Mrs. Degnon cannot be forgotten as Betsey Prig and Sairy Gamp.
Mrs. Castle's sister, Kate Newell Horton's first school was in Columbus block, afterward in the basement of Saint John's Episcopal Church. April 27, 1857, she opened a school for young ladies and misses at 41 Walcott street, corner of Indiana, in Chicago, 111.
Rev. Henry Bannister's reminiscences of Mrs.
94 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Doggett at Cazenovia Seminary were such as to re- veal the promise of her early prime. She was, intellectually, a Margaret Fuller type of woman. With great sorrows in her first marriage ; her motherly devotion to an unfortunate little daugh- ter, dying very young, is spoken of by her friends as partaking of the moral sublime. She had the pushing spirit of the West, and that strange, sad episode over, left Cleveland. Mr. William E. Doggett was one of Chicago's most public-spirited citizens. He was the first to give the South Side people the benefit of open-air concerts on the lake front, a boon highly appreciated by all classes. Some years since he was shipwrecked on Lake Erie, and was taken to a house in almost lifeless condition, and regaining consciousness made the acquaintance of Kate Newell Horton, whom he afterward married in St. John's Episcopal Church, Cleveland, Ohio. He was a wealthy and accom- plished merchant, one of God's noblemen, dowrered in equal measure with the manhood of strength and gentleness. Her marriage with this rare character introduced her to a life almost ideal. Theirs was the only true alliance — a union of minds and hearts as well as hands. Added to this
AND THEIR WORK. 95
summit level of earthly happiness was a tasteful and luxurious home, lofty and assured social posi- tion, wide opportunities for culture and benefi- cence. These were studiously improved, and the years flowed full, deep and rich, — "the ripe, round, mellow years of life's sunny prime." A Chicago friend states that this hospitable couple resided at the south-west corner of Michigan avenue and Harmon court, in which elegant mansion all the more prominent artists, singers, literary people, and actors were greeted in an intellectual atmos- phere rather rare in those days ; banquets being given in all departments of the magic realm of the ideal. Mrs. Doggett was a devotee of art and has published in book form several fine essays that have had a large sale. She was for several terms president of the Woman's Congress ; the founder of the Fortnightly Club of Chicago and Cleveland, and a prominent member of the Academy of Sciences ; also an active member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Mrs. Doggett was often heard on the lecture platform, and one of the founders of the Beethoven Society of Chicago and of the Chicago Philosophical Soci- ety. She translated the " Grammar of Painting
96 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
and Engraving," by a celebrated French author, Charles Blanc, writing much and ably upon cog- nate themes. It is no exaggeration to say that west of Boston she was without an equal among women as authority in matters of taste. Her lect- ures were illustrated by a superb collection, made in Italy and France, and she freely gave them. Mrs. Doggett was a pronounced friend of the u woman movement" in all its noblest phases. She died in Cuba, ten years ago.
AND THEIR WORK. 9;
CHAPTER XL
MRS. J. A. HARRIS — "THE DEAR OLD MARTHA WASHINGTON AND DORCAS " — MRS. C. A. DEAN — MRS. A. H. BARNEY — MRS. J. E. LYON — MRS. WILLIAM MITTLEBERGER — REPORT OF FIFTY YEARS AGO — PROTESTANT ORPHAN ASYLUM — MRS. STILLMAN WITT — SOPHIA L. HEWITT — LADIES' TEMPERANCE UNION,
TI 70MEN who combine quick intelligence ^ * with cool judgment, an absolute unselfish- ness with power to discern the genuine in human nature, are born for leadership. No matter how nearly perfect their domestic qualities may be, they cannot, if they would, confine their influence simply to the home circle. They belong to the public, and the record of their li\Tes is a record of the progress of good work in the cities where they reside. Such a woman is Mrs J. A. Harris. Possessed in the past of vigorous health and a flow of animal spirits, warm-hearted and sympa-
98 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
thetic, she has been, from her early residence here, a favorite. The writer of this sketch well remembers, when a young girl, of dropping into a called meeting of the women of Cleveland, at the Old Stone Church parlors. Mrs. Ronse was presiding over a choice assembly of ladies. Mrs. Harris spoke and everybody listened, and for the instant, there was to me no other person present in the room; her voice was so clear and distinct and her presence so commanding. Withal, a practical good sense pervaded her utterance, and unusual kindness shone in every feature of her face.
Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Harris came here in 1837, occupying their cottage on Bank street upon the exact site of the present Harris Block. April 1st, Mr. Harris connected himself with the Cleveland Herald, and from that date, he and his wife estab- lished intimate relations with the people of Cleve- land. They were singularly alike — both possessed of extreme kindness of heart, of unusual energy and of proverbial cheerfulness. Old residents cannot fail to recollect their gayety of tempera- ment and vivacity during the prime of life. Public-spirited, they identified themselves with all
AND THEIR WORK. 99
good causes outside of church lines, and were always noted for their strict temperance princi- ples. They were full of help and encouragement for young persons beginning an honorable career. Youthful writers and artists will gratefully recall the kind words bestowed by them. Identified with early woman's work, Airs. Harris' especial forte was in entertainments. Full of ingenuity and adaptability, she could charm a city with her skillfully devised and attractive methods of re- plenishing a depleted treasury. With character- istic energy, our friend' has all through the years not abated a tithe of her vigorous aid, but helps us of to-day. She is, even now, vice president of the Early Settlers' Association.
Temperance Work of Fiftv Years Ago. — The Washingtonian movement originated with seven hard drinkers wTho, occasionally, met in a tavern in Baltimore, in 1840 ; then and there resolv- ing that they would drink no more. They formed on the spot a society for the propagation of total abstinence among those who, with themselves, had been addicted to the excessive use of stimu- lants. This movement spread over the land, re- claiming thousands, and the rushing wave struck
■■■
IOO WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Cleveland. As may be supposed, there were in this city ladies brave and womanly enough to identify themselves with the temperance cause, and the feminine counterpart of this great move- ment crystalized here, during 1843, m tne Martha Washington Society, for the retarding of intem- perance, to which was added systematic labor for the inevitable result of this vice, viz : poverty of every description ; and with the example before them of that good woman of Joppa, full of alms- deeds, who was always making " coats and gar- ments,' ' the women with one accord organized a Relief Society in connection ; hence we have the celebrated Martha Washington and Dorcas Societv, with the following officers : First direct- ress, Mrs. Benjamin Rouse; second directress, Mrs. J. A. Harris ; secretary, Mrs. William Mittle- berger ; treasurer, Mrs. C. A. Dean. To Mrs. Rouse and Mrs. Harris was delegated at the first, by common consent, the Martha Washington part, and day after day these two blessed women fol- lowed up drinking men, whether in shop, store or office, soliciting their names to the temperance pledge and to membership ; often followed by twenty or more, rough in appearance but appar-
AND THEIR WORK. IOI
ently sincere, who wished to sign the pledge. The degraded of onr sex they tried to help into a better life, and did all in their power to uplift every species of abandoned humanity. Ladies adapted to other branches of work were busy, cutting, making and refitting, soliciting for means and with other detail known only to patient, per- sistent Christian women. The records of this Society are wonderful. Mrs. Rouse describes minutely what was done, apparently each day for these six years, and her journal for this period would itself compose a volume. We see from various sources that this organization had the entire confidence of the citizens generally; judges, lawyers, doctors, merchants of all sorts, mechanics, and other laborers gave their mite, or, of their abundance. One dollar in those days was as munificent a gift as ten dollars now. These good ladies took as donations, merchandise of every sort, and seemed particularly grateful for wood. One item among at least five thousand pathetic notes is this : " Mr. Brown gave us twenty cords of four- foot wood. A noble dona- tion, and from a stranger in our city, too."
All possible sects and nationalities likely to be
102 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
included among the destitute of any city shared in the liberal outflow of these Christian hearts, even Indians coming in for a share. In a letter written to the ladies October 25th, 1847, by Alvan Coe, mention is made of four aboriginal youths, who had left their friends and come here to be instructed. Mr. Coe compares the Society to the daughter of Pharaoh, who found in the Ark among the flags, a Moses — " Moses " in this case meaning the four impecunious native Americans : Pen-go, Mish-keau, Sno-bin-a, Was-so-gum, the last mentioned having been received into Mrs. Rouse's home. Mr. Coe speaks of the thrill of jov that will go from wigwam to wigwam as these poor converted Indian mothers hear of the kind- ness of ladies in Cleveland.
One of the rare, delightful things about this Societv is the exceeding love for it that all the workers bore, and, to the praise of womankind be it said, that not one word of jar or dissension was ever heard among them. The reason is because they loved it for the work's sake, never thinking of position or other advantages to be gained.
We continue these annals from the " dear old Martha Washington and Dorcas " — the one, a
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comparatively modern lady walking beside her of the Acts of the Apostles in perfect harmony. Thus it is that Christ doth inspire all of every age to work for others, and, in so doing, saith : " In- asmuch as ye have done it nnto one of the least of these ye have done it nnto me."
One of the choice spirits among early workers of onr city was Mrs. C. A. Dean, treasurer of this remarkable Society when it met in an upper room of Miller's Block. kk In works of charity she shone like a star." Among other enthusiastic partici- pants were Mrs. Elisha Taylor, Mrs. A. H. Barney, of New York, and her sister Mrs. J. E. Lyon, one of the active women of Oswego, X. Y. The last mentioned two were sisters of James J. Tracy, of this city.
From November 4, 1848, to November 10, 1849, Mrs. J. E. Lyon was its secretary. In a note to the writer of this series, Mrs Lyon says : " The work of that period was dear to all our hearts, and, so far as I can recollect, our noble, indefati- gable president, Mrs. Rouse, was head and front. Many a poor wanderer was rescued from destruc- tion by her untiring care and vigilance."
Mrs. Lyon's report for 1849 is as follows :
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11 Tlie past year has been one of unusual suffer- ing and sorrow among the poor of our city. The Winter, so extremely cold and long, found them not as well supplied at its commencement as some of the most thrifty and industrious always try to be. Scarcity of work last Autumn, as well as extreme sickness prevented this, so that many who had never begged before, and whom nothing but starvation could have induced to do it, had this year to be assisted by us. During the Sum- mer months that dreadful scourge, the cholera, in its sad ravages brought suffering and death upon many poor families who had no one but us to rely on for help.
" The calls upon our president have, of course, been increasing, and as no case has received aid without her personal inspection of the premises of the applicant, and obtaining an exact knowl- edge of their destitution and worthiness, we can well imagine what her labors must have been, and what a tax upon her time, strength and sympa- thies !
" Mrs. Rouse has been for six years the presi- dent, and has a large part of the real labor to perform. All that we have been able to do this
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vear in assisting her is to meet one afternoon each week during the Fall and Winter months, to make and mend garments for her to distribute. This is her manner of work : When application is made, she visits the family who require aid — perhaps they live on the flats, under the hill, or on the hill, down by the pier, often up in Jerusalem, or in Oregon street — finds out their condition, inquiring what they most need, whether worthy or unworthy of assistance. If the former, she comes up to our rooms, in the third story of Miller's Block, weighs out the quantity she deems neces- sary for their wants ; of candles, flour, meal and meats, selects the garments they need, puts them all in her carriage, and starts off again for desti- tute places, ready to begin the work of distribu- tion. Perhaps she finds the people in the coldest day of Winter without a stick of wood. It would be a sad task, indeed, were we not cheered by the thankful and Christian deportment of man}' who bless and pray for us. Mrs. Rouse now feels that it will be utterly impossible for her to accept the office of president the coining vear. Wrho of us stands ready to fill her place ? Who of us has the self-denial necessary to give up our time to visit-
106 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
ing and supplying these poor distressed creatures and relieving them ; to have our homes besieged at all hours of the day by the sick, the lame, the halt and the blind ? Can we not have some per- manent mode of relief? We need in our city a House of Refuge, an Orphan Asylum, where the children of drunken parents and orphans, left houseless by the desolating scourge that has visited our shores during the past summer, may find a home. Mrs. Rouse proposes that we tem- porarily hire a house for that purpose, secure a competent person to take charge under our super- vision, and have these dear, lonely children where they can be trained for usefulness and happiness. This would be also a kind of office where the poor could apply and to which we could all go and share in lightening the labors of our president, and at a future time may we not hope that some of our benevolent and wealthy citizens will give us a lot of ground in a convenient localitv and funds to erect thereon a good, substantial building as a fixed abode for orphan children ? This will require an increase of subscriptions ; but a little more from each one would enable us to make at least a beginning in this noble enterprise.
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" The number of families who have applied for assistance during the past year is 231, consisting of 1,051 individuals; the quantity of flour given out is 2,632 lbs. ; beef and pork, 254 lbs. ; sugar, 280 lbs. ; fish, 415 lbs. ; candles, 325 lbs. ; rice, 227 lbs. ; coffee, 165 lbs. ; tea, 19 V2 lbs. ; bushels of meal, 23 ; number of garments distributed, 736 ; comforters for beds, 26 ; pairs of shoes and stock- ings, 99 ; number of loads of wood, 59/ '
Mrs. William Mittleberger was one of the rarest of its workers, her enthusiasm kindled even after thirty years had passed, at the mere mention of the Society's name. Her eyes sparkled and her cheeks glowed as the old memories came trooping about her pillow. Upon her and Mrs. A. H. Bar- ney fell the task of soliciting funds for its main- tenance. Leonard Case, Jr., was the first person to give a ten dollar bill. The books of the treas- urer show that the business men must nearlv all have contributed either money or merchandise. Without design of invidious mention, we are glad to record that the husband of our gray-haired friend, Mrs. W. T. Smith, seemed in those days to be very liberal in the line of shoes. From 1843 to 1852, this Society absorbed all woman's work
io8 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
into its own and included the second visitation of cholera, during which its usefulness as well as its labors were wonderfully increased.
Miss Anne Walworth, a worker of 1872, states that " one branch of the Martha Washington Society " was provision for needy little ones. " The most loathsome places in the city were visited, particularly those about the canal, and children were often found, especially during and after the cholera of 1849, *n a deplorable state of destitution. The want of .1 place where such might be sheltered was greatly felt, and an attempt was made by the ladies of this city to provide for it by the establishment of a kind of temporary home under the roof of a pious and humble couple, who, for a small sum paid weekly, were willing to take a dozen or more poor chil- dren to board and care for. Means to accomplish this were obtained by collections made from time to time upon business streets. Our first Asylum was in a very plain house upon the site of the present City Hall. As time went on, the need of a permanent establishment became apparent, until at last it was deemed advisable to call the atten- tion of the public to the subject.
AND THEIR WORK. IO9
u A meeting of citizens was therefore held in the Stone Church, January 22, 1852, at which it was resolved to organize an institution for the purpose of sheltering orphan and destitute chil- dren, to be called the Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum. A committee of gentlemen drew up a plan for work, which was handed to a committee of ladies to be executed.
" A dwelling house was found for rent, corner of Erie and Ohio streets, and as the feeble associ- ation was hesitating in regard to this expense, a noble woman of Cleveland, Mrs. Stillman Witt, stepped forward and pledged its payment.
1 A self-sacrificing Christian lady, whose name should never be forgotten in the annals of this Asylum, offered her gratuitous services as matron and teacher. The lady to whom the institution is thus indebted is Miss Sophia L. Hewitt.
" The house was furnished by contributions from the garrets and store rooms of its friends, and April 21, 1852, eleven children, none of them over eight years of age, were transferred to this lowly asylum on Erie street."
We close this narration with a letter written in 1880 to Mrs. L. Prentiss by Mrs. Mittleberger, in
HO WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
which is foreshadowed the establishment of this first charity of Cleveland, the outcome of the Martha Washington and Dorcas Society.
" Mrs. Ronse gave, in person, to the poor, here, there and everywhere, in all winds and weathers, first visiting applicants for aid. Sometimes the dear woman, in spite of vigilance, would be im- posed upon, as it is easy to recall her entertaining accounts of such cases. The securing of money fell upon a few of us, who did not find the task an easy one. As Cleveland charities have grown and multiplied till now they are sustained by magnifi- cent and almost spontaneous liberality, we have often smiled at the thought of ever having gone round from office to office through Superior and Water streets, then down on the dock, often mounting outside stairways and always choosing some cold, stormy Fall day to ask for $i subscrip- tions to the dear old Martha Washington and Dorcas Society. If ever, after some earnest ap- peal, a kind-hearted donor handed out a $5 or $10 bill, what commenting and rejoicing there would be for days after ! Once there was much merri- ment caused by a question asked, ' if the Presi- dent received a salarv for her services ? ' How
AND THEIR WORK. Ill
little that interrogator dreamed of the kind of salary the dear, earnest worker did have then, and has had all during the years of service, for her continued labors of love. The Master whom she served is the only one who knows. I have been trying to think why onr Society ever disbanded. Was it not because it was supplanted by another charity to which it gave birth ? The quick ear of Mrs. Ronse and others in their rounds of visita- tion among the poor and suffering caught the cry of the children, and she could not rest until an effort was made to hush it, and a few of them were gathered together under one roof.
"The Society left a most creditable record, which it is pleasant to know will in part, at least, soon be given to the public in the history that is beins; written of the earlv work of Cleveland women. A happy thought it was that led to such an undertaking ! "
This movement having crystalized, there was organized, June 27th, 1850, the Cleveland Ladies' Temperance Union, with the pledge that intox- icating liquors should not be used as a beverage, nor as an article of entertainment.
Directors — Mrs. B. Rouse, Mrs. J. A. Harris,
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Mrs. J. Lyman ; Treasurer — Mrs. C. D. Bray ton ; Secretaries — Miss M. A. Brayton and Mrs. Win. Warren.
Managers — Mrs. E. T. Sterling, Mrs. Win. Alit- tleberger, Mrs. E. F. Gaylord, Mrs. H. F. Brayton, Mrs. Levi Benedict, Mrs. M. C. Sloane, Mrs. Joel Scranton, Mrs. Kelsey, Mrs. Elisha Taylor, Mrs. S. Williamson, Mrs. B. M. Williams, Miss Eliza P. Otis.
Committee on Lectures — Mrs. S. B. Canfield, Mrs. S. C. Aiken, .Airs. S. W. Adams, Mrs. WTm. Day, Airs. G. B. Perry, all of these wives of cler- gymen.
Committee on Collections — Mrs. M. C. Sloane, Mrs. E. Taylor, Airs. L. Benedict.
January ist, 1853, this Society enrolled fourteen hundred members.
AM) THEIR WORK. 113
CHAPTER XII.
A PHANTOM CHARITY — MRS. CHARLOTTE DEG- MKIEK — MRS. JACOB LOWMAN — THE RAGGED SCHOOL — CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY — TRINITY CATHEDRAL HOME — MRS. JOHN SHELLEY — MRS. HARVEY RICE — MRS. O. A. BROOKS — MRS. N. W.TAYLOR — ORPHAN ASYLUM WORK- ERS— MARY CHAMPION — MRS. ELIZA JEN- NINGS— MRS. LEWIS BURTON — MRS. M. WET- MORE — MRS. JULIA BEDELL.
A LMOST another early benevolence, a minute ^* of which is furnished by Mrs. S. Williamson — Protestant Home for Friendless Strangers — con- cerning whose fate we can obtain no tidings. It seems, like Melchisedek, to have no father or mother, neither beginning nor end of days. We should pronounce it a phantom, did not its visible constitution look sadly at us out of its hollow eyes. We can not withhold a surmise that this skeleton ought to be clothed with the substance of the modern Bethel.
[14 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
In 1853, Mrs. Charlotte Degmeier, wife of a German Methodist minister stationed in this city, seeing the great number of neglected children here, conceived the project of a School and Relief Society, directing her attention more particularly to those of her own nationality. Gathering to- gether boys and girls in the old brick building, corner of Detroit and Pearl streets, she began her labors of love, with the co-operation of the follow- ing ladies : Mrs. Alf. Davis, Mrs. Horace Benton, Mrs. W. P>. Guyles, Mrs. John Cannon, and others.
Subsequently, Mrs. Degmeier purchased a build- ing on Main street and to it removed her school; the Relief Society meeting for sewing at private houses in Ohio City. Xot far from this date, Rev. D. Prosser established a Ragged School, corner of Water and Canal streets ; his pulpit was an in- verted flour barrel, from which he preached to the u great unwashed.'" This effort for the rescue of destitute children was warmly seconded by Mrs. Harriet Sanford Mitchell and Mrs. Abby Fitch Babbitt. Mrs. Charlotte Degmeier, removing from Cleveland to Dayton, sold her Main street building, and the Ohio City undertaking was merged into the Ragged School enterprise. As the work pro-
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gressed, Messrs. G. W. Whitney, Samuel Foljambe and A. W. Brockway became, in 1855, identified with the leadership of its various departments of Sabbath labor, and Mrs. Jacob Lowman, whose labors among idle and destitute children and youth were a marvel ; Mrs. John Hale, Mrs. Elizabeth Staats, Mrs. Marble, Robert Waterton and daugh- ters, Miss Nellie Wick, Miss Mary B. Janes, and did others contributed clothing, taught classes, and missionary work among tenement house population. The school and relief headquarters were by this time located in a large brown house on Champlain street, not far from the present site of the Central Police Station, built by benevolent citizens for this mission. Manv of these children, coming from the unemployed and vicious classes, it seemed imperative that a missionary be appointed to visit the homes of the abandoned. Robert Waterton was chosen, and proved to be the man for the place. Having the correct idea of labor for those people, he opened a brush factory on Champlain street, still continuing the religious exercises on Sunday. Mr. Waterton had the confidence of the community, and when the work had in turn been given up by the Methodists and by the Young
Il6 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Men's Christian Association, he laid it before Harvey Rice and T. P. Handy. These benevolent men aided Mr. Waterton's efforts, and in 1857 the Children's Aid Society was formed, and in 1865 incorporated under the State law, with a Board of Trustees and the institution called the Industrial School, set in operation under the efficient man- agement of Robert Waterton, receiving generous assistance from citv and countv authorities.
A wealthy Methodist lady, Mrs. Eliza Jennings, became interested in him and his work, from the fact that in an earlier day Mr. Waterton attended upon the sick and dying bed of her husband, and in his simple, hearty fashion led Mr. Jennings to Christ. As a token of her appreciation she 'pre- sented their homestead — a large house and twelve acres on Detroit street — to the Children's Aid Society, and, in 1868, Mr. Waterton, with his own and his large adopted family, occupied the prem- ises. Subsequently Leonard Case presented the Society with twenty acres of valuable land adjoin- ing. Amasa Stone, Esq., added the gift of an elegant building, suitable for the noble under- taking. Leffingwell Chapel was given by a lady ; women aided the work ahvavs.
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The Children's Aid Society now possesses on Detroit street every advantage for destitute boys and girls, its Home being accessible by the Lake Shore Railroad and West Side Street Railway. The project is supported solely by its own indus- tries and by voluntary contributions from city and country ; citizens, not only east of the Cuyahoga, but from the West and South Sides, give it their liberal and hearty sympathy. Rev. and Mrs. Will- iam Sampson, Superintendent and Matron, are well fitted for their arduous tasks. From the records, the writer judges that one hundred and fifty bovs and girls are there cared for yearly. In- dustry is inculcated as a cardinal virtue, and the farm gives opportunity for boys to cultivate a habit of manual labor.
The institution knows no sect or nationality and has a Christ-like mission, viz.: To benefit the neglected, destitute and homeless children of Cleveland and vicinity, who are over four and less than sixteen years of age, by receiving, maintain- ing and instructing them in the branches of a common school education, and in the principles of sound morality, with habits of industry, until they can maintain themselves or be provided with homes in good families.
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Many ladies identified with the three charities named in this and the previous chapter have place here. The Children's Hospital in the Protestant Orphan Asylum is a memorial for Mary Clark Brayton, wife of Dr. Alleyne Maynard. The fur- nishing of this hospital was entrusted to Mrs. S. M. Hanna, who does valiant service wherever en- listed. Mrs. T. S. Paddock, Mrs. G. W. Jones, Airs. Horace Benton, Mrs. Jason Canfield, Airs. John Poole, Mrs. Randall P. Wade, Airs. Thomas AVilson, Airs. C. W. Lepper, Airs. H. Chisholm are all friends of the orphan, with others whose names have not come to us. Omission must not be made of Airs. Julia Warren Shunk, matron of the Asy- lum, and of Aliss AI. J. Weaver ; they both leave ineffaceable impress upon children. Like Alade- moiselle Baptistine, Aliss W.'s whole life has been 1 but a succession of pious works, producing upon her a kind of transparent whiteness — the beauty of goodness — a little earth containing a spark." A venerable member was Airs. Harvey Rice, born in Putney, Vt., in 1812 ; came to Cleveland in 1833 ; in 1840, married Hon. Harvey Rice. She felt for twenty years a practical interest in the Children's Aid Society, and Industrial School, be-
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ing equally devoted to Trinity Church Home for Sick and Friendless.
Mrs. Eliza Jennings, Mrs. Lewis Burton and Mrs. Minerva Wetmore are daughters of Judge Wallace, of Canfield, Mahoning County, Ohio. The last mentioned of these sisters is a worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and like Airs. Burton, active in the reforms of the day. The first of these ladies was born in 1808, in Columbi- ana county ; after marriage, residing in Virginia. Mrs. Jennings possessed unusual vigor and energy, excelling in business traits, was a lady of travel and culture ; in manner, stately and courteous ; in Christian character, richly endowed, public- spirited and benevolent. Giving to the Methodists of Illinois their Seminary at Aurora, it was named in her honor, "Jennings Institute." We are lareelv indebted to her munificence for the second charity mentioned here, and for the Home for In- curables on the grounds directly adjacent to and west of the Industrial School building. This emi- nent woman died after a brief illness at the resi- dence of her sister, Mrs. Minerva Wetmore, Sun- day morning, September 25th, 1887, aged 76. The younger sister, Jane, is fitted to be the wife of Rev.
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Lewis Burton, I). D., the beloved senior rector of the Protestant Episcopal Church of this city ; for twenty-four years rector of St. John's Church ; the founder of St. Mark's, and its present rector emeritus. This beautiful edifice is built largely through the good management and liberality of Dr. and Mrs. Burton, with the untiring assistance and self-denying labor of Rev. F. M. Hall, his vestrymen and other members ; prominent among these is Mrs. J. C. Williams, abounding in good works. The children of Dr. and Mrs. Burton, of Mrs. Wetmore and of Mrs. Williams, are an honor to the homes which nourished and sent them forth to make this world better. In connection should be mentioned the lovely character and unusual beneficence of Julia, the invalid wife of Bishop G. T. Bedell, who was one of the rarest women of Cleveland.
Trinity Church Home for Sick and Friendless was opened in 1856, with Mrs. Philo Scovill Presi- dent of its Board of Managers. This Home was secured to Trinity Parish through Rev. Dr. Bolles, and afterwards more favorably located by Mr. Scovill. A beloved worker in this charitv was Mrs. John Shelley, a lady of refined taste, a good
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housekeeper, a faithful mother; one who loved nature and cultivated flowers ; yet was she devoted to the needy, to the orphan. Avoiding publicity, she served the Church with true devotion, giving generously. Active in all good work, her specialty was the Diet Kitchen, which she founded for fur- nishing nourishment to the destitute sick. Her daughter, Mrs. E. C. Pechin, states that the Home is the result of a bequest left to Trinity Church by Mr. William Stubbs, an Englishman, who, desiring to benefit his fellow creatures, left all that he had — $4,000 — to the establishment of such a Home. This institution has been in active operation since December, 1856, and now numbers twelve inmates. While under the direction and management of a Board of Managers belonging to Trinity Parish (this being one of the requirements of Mr. Stubbs' will), the Home has extended its benefits to all denominations. It has no endowment fund, and is entirely supported by free-will offerings from members of Trinity Cathedral, and a few others. It is certainly a charity that deserves to be more widely known and appreciated by the general public. It is located, now, corner of Euclid ave- nue and Perry street. With the wife of Bishop
122 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Leonard president of its Board of Managers, the indwellers of the Home are under the direct care of the Sisterhood of the Blessed Nativity, con- nected with Trinity Cathedral. The other twenty- three members of the Board of Control are : Mrs, N. W.' Taylor, Mrs. George Avery, Mrs. George B. Ely, Mrs. Mary S. Pechin, Mrs. J. T. Wann, Mrs. Mary S. Bradford, Mrs. W. A. Ludlum, Mrs. Bailey, Mrs. E. S. Flint, Mrs. William Edwards, Airs. Emily Brainerd, Mrs. H. M. Brainard, Mrs. James H. Lee, Mrs. R. D. Lowe, Mrs. O. A. Brooks, Mrs. Gaylord, Mrs. I. M. Himes, Mrs. Bnrt Parsons, Airs. Ansel Roberts, Mrs. Sarah Haydn, and Miss Katharine Mather ; from St. Paul's Church, Mrs. D. Z. Norton and Mrs. A. C. Hord ; from Grace, Miss Handerson ; from St. John's, Airs. R. R. Rhodes ; and from Emanuel, Mrs. Geo. Deming. Of these ladies should be mentioned Airs. O. A. Brooks and Airs. N. W. Taylor, whose long services for Trinity and its charities have won for them a place in the hearts of all communicants. The generosity of Air. and Airs. S. L. Alather and their devotion, is shared by their family who live to perpetuate the good begun by the departed. Alary Champion was the first child baptized in
AND THEIR WORK. 1 23
Old Trinity. Her father's beautiful home stood on the site of Huron Street Hospital. The Cham- pions were an old family, connected with which are many prominent names, the founder of our city leading them all.
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CHAPTER XIII. soldiers' aid society OF NORTHERN OHIO —
DEAR MRS. PRESIDENT — MARY CLARK BRAY- TON — ELLEN F. TERRY — MRS. WILLIAM MEL- HINCH — MISS SARA MAHAN.
"T is said that among the centers of supply and -*• distribution of the United States Sanitary Commission none accomplished so much as the Soldiers' Aid Society of Northern Ohio, headquar- ters at 95 Bank Street. This extraordinary efficiency was due almost wholly to the energy and business ability of its officers. The one thing we admire most of all is the privilege of looking over the record * of women who do something in the world ; therefore are we proud to present the work and its results of this celebrated Society, composed entirely of ladies ; organized at Chapin's Hall, April 20, 1861, five days after the President's proc- lamation for troops.
Mr. H. F. Brayton gave the writer access to these records.
AND THEIR WORK. 1 25
No constitution or by-laws were ever adopted, and beyond a verbal pledge to work for the soldiers while the war should last, and a fee of twenty-five cents monthly, no form of membership was prescribed, and no written word held the as- sociation together to its latest dav. Its sole cohesive power was the bond of a common and undying patriotism.
In October, 1861, it was offered to the United States Sanitary Commission as one of its receiving and distributing branches, and the following month its name was changed from the Soldiers' Aid Society of Cleveland to that which stands at the head of this article. In 1862 and 1863, the number of its auxiliaries was 525. None of these ever seceded or became disaffected, but throughout the war the utmost cordiality prevailed between them and the central office. In the five years from its organization to April, 1866, this Society had col- lected and disbursed $130,405.09 in cash, and $1,000,003 in stores, making a grand total of $1,133,405.09. This amount was received mainly from contributions, though the excess over $1,000,- 000 was mostly made from the proceeds of exhibi- tions, concerts, and the Northern Ohio Sanitary
126 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Fair, held in February and March, 1864. The net proceeds of this bazar were $79,000. Supplies and necessary funds were forwarded to the western depot of the Sanitary Commission at Louisville, except in few instances where they were required for the eastern armies. The recep- tion, repacking and forwarding of this vast quan- tity of stores, as well as all the correspondence required with the auxiliaries, and with the western depot, and the bookkeeping necessary in conse- quence, involved a great amount of labor, which was performed with the utmost cheerfulness. Not only were the services connected with the actual needs of the war, but among its additional institu- tions and operations, the most important was the " Soldiers' Home," established near the old rail- road depot, x\pril 17th, 1861, as a lodging room for disabled soldiers in transit, having in connection a system of meal tickets, given to deserving soldiers of this class." In October, 1863, the Soldiers1 Home was Opened, a building 235 feet by 25 feet, erected and furnished with funds obtained through personal solicitation of ladies, maintained until June 1, 1866, affording special relief to 56,520 registered inmates, to whom were given 111,707 meals, and
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29,973 lodgings, at a cost of $27,408. Xo govern- ment support was received for this Home, and no rations drawn from the commissary. The lady officers gave it daily personal attention, directing its management and appointing its officials. They established a Hospital Directory for the soldiers of Northern Ohio, recording promptly the condition and location of sick and wounded men, from re- turns received from all hospitals in which they were found. In May, 1865, an employment agency was opened and continued for six months ; 205 discharged soldiers were pnt into business situa- tions by their personal efforts; the families of the disabled men were cared for again and again, many of them being regular pensioners of the ladies' bounty. Its surplus funds, June 1, 1866, $9,000, were used in the settlement of soldiers' war claims, bounties, back pay, pensions, etc., free of charge to the claimant. The secretarv and treasurer were daily in attendance as clerks.
The admirable management and detail of this grand work, even to the shipping and other busi- ness of a great receiving and forwarding house, show what woman, in emergency, may do.
Before officers were permanently appointed,
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.Mrs. B. Rouse, .Mrs. S. B. Page, Mrs. C. I), and Miss Mary Clark Bray ton, Mrs. George A. Bene- dict, Mrs. J. A. Harris, Mrs. H. L. Whitman, Mrs. C. A. Terry, Mrs. Dr. Long, Mrs. Lewis Severance, Mrs. Philo Scovill and Mrs E. F. Gaylord were prominent in labor for Camp Taylor and in dis- bursing funds raised for the benefit of volunteers1 families. At length were chosen, president, Mrs. Rebecca Cromwell Rouse ; secretary, Mary Clark Brayton ; treasurer, Miss Ellen F. Terry ; vice- presidents, Mrs. William Melhinch, Mrs. John Shelley, Mrs. Lewis Burton.
Chairmen of Standing Committees — Mrs. Joseph Perkins, Mrs. Charles Hickox, Mrs. Joseph Lyman, Mrs. M. C. Younglove, Mrs. D. Howe, Mrs. J. A. Harris, Mrs. Hiram Griswold, Mrs. W. P. South- worth, Mrs. D. Chittenden, Mrs. J. H. Chase, Mrs. S. Belden, Mrs. Peter Thatcher. Mrs. William Mittleberger, assisted by ladies mentioned, can- vassed the city for funds.
The Sanitary Fair was probably the largest en- tertainment of the kind ever given in Ohio. It were vain to enumerate the ladies who took part in this and other devices for securing money, or even to mention those enrolled in committees ;
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they number hundreds. Every part of the city was represented by true women, who in their country's peril were worthy of husbands, brothers, and sons, whom they had bidden to go to the front, and, if need be, come home on their shields. Grand, glorious women ! The State of Ohio is proud be- yond expression of their patriotism.
The entire time of the four first mentioned offi- cers, viz : Ladies Rouse, Brayton, Terry and Mel- hinch, was given daily to this work from 8 o'clock a. M. to 6 p. M., or later, for five and a half years. These being in circumstances of wealth or inde- pendence, no salary asked or received, no traveling expenses were charged to the Society, although the president visited repeatedly every part of our terri- tory, organizing and encouraging auxiliaries. Both secretary and treasurer went more than once to the front of the armv and to the large gener- al hospitals in southern cities. All these ladies were equal to the emergency, and no sires of the revolution could have had more loyal daughters than these.
It is impossible to present the sum total of the president's work. Once, she had three gun boats at her service on the Ohio river, and was aboard
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one of them when mattresses were hung about the pilot house to shield the pilot from rebel bullets. Her visits to Louisville, Pittsburgh Landing, and Perrvville can never be forgotten. An en- thusiastic friend, writing of her in 1867, furnishes a just tribute: "She is of tireless energy and ex- haustless sympathy for every form of human suffer- ing. For forty years she has been the foremost in all benevolent movements among the ladies of Cleveland, spending most of her time and income in the relief of the unfortunate ; yet she is entirely free from personal ambition and love of power or notoriety. She is a descendant of Oliver Crom- well, and has much of his energy and strength of endurance, but is remarkablv unselfish and ladv- like. It is due to her efforts that there was not a town of any size in the region, to which the Soldiers' Aid Society of Northern Ohio looked for its contributions, which had not its Aid Society, or Alert Club, or both. Though plain and polite in person, she possessed the rare ability of in- fluencing those whom she addressed. Earnestly patriotic herself, she never failed to inspire those who listened with the resolution to do all possible for their countrv."
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The secretary and treasurer of the Soldiers' Aid Society were young ladies of wealth, high social position, of accomplished education, fond of intellectual pursuits, and of modest, retiring dis- position. During the whole of the war they iso- lated themselves in the one work of caring for soldiers. They had sufficient executive ability to have conducted the enterprise of a large mercan- tile establishment ; and the perfect system and order apparent in their transaction of business would have done honor to any mercantile house in the world. After the war was over they acted as clerks of the Free Claim Agency, for recovering soldiers' dues from the government. From earlv morn until evening, and sometimes far into the night, Miss Brayton is said to have toiled in the Aid rooms, or elsewhere, conducting the immense correspondence of the Society, and contributing to the Cleveland newspapers on topics connected with the work. Not one of these ladies received a dollar of pay.
Now, in her turn, superintending and purchasing supplies for the Soldiers' Home, looking out for a place for some partially disabled soldier, or re- lieving the wants of his family ; at rare intervals
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varying her labors by a journey to the front-, or a temporary distribution of supplies at hospitals in Nashville, Huntsville, Bridgeport or Chattanooga, and then having ascertained by personal inspec- tion what was most necessary for the comfort and health of the army, returning to her work, and by eloquent and admirable appeals to the auxiliaries, securing and promptly forwarding necessary stores. Her untiring energy impaired her health repeated- ly, but she would never lay down her work so long as there was opportunity of serving her country's defenders.
Mary Clark Brayton was born in Albany, in 1833. In 1840, her mother married Dr. Charles D. Bray- ton, of Cleveland, Ohio, and subsequently Miss Mary Clark adopted the name by which she is universallv known. She was married to Dr. Alleyne Maynard, October 21st, 1875, and died July 1 2th, 1878.
Miss Ellen F. Terry was a daughter of Dr. Charles A. Terry, then Professor in the Cleveland Medical College. Her mother wras one of the sweetest spirits in a choice circle of Old Trinity's Parish. Miss Terry kept the books of the Soldiers' Aid Society, of itself a great labor, made all dis-
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bursements of cash, and did her whole work with a neatness, accuracy and dispatch that would have done honor to anv business man in the country. No monthly statement of accounts from any of the branches of the Sanitary Commission reporting to its Western office at Louisville were drawn up with such careful accuracy and completeness as those from the Cleveland branch, although in most of them experienced and skillful male accountants were employed to make them up. Miss Terry also superintended the building of the Soldiers' Home, and took her turn with Miss Brayton in its management. She also assisted in other labors of the Society, and made occasional visits to the front and the hospitals. A lady residing in our city, who could always be counted on to " stay by the stuff" in absence of chief officers at the front, was Mrs. Rosamond Dexter Melhinch. Having no family cares, and boarding at the American House, Mrs. Melhinch put on her hat and shawl the in- stant Sumter was fired upon, and scarce took them off until the Rebellion was subdued. Brain, heart and hands all enlisted, she sewed during the war, and for four months of the time sustained the brunt of receiving troops, seeing that meals were
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properly served, and that anxious friends who were apt to come in any hour of the day or night were helped and comforted. Supplying the sick at the hospital on the pier with food, beds and medical attendance, she was often up until three o'clock in the morning. Brave, patriotic woman ! She lost her health, but has never murmured on that account. She helped everywhere with shears, needle, and all implements of woman's work that furnish physical relief. What soldier that has re- ceived a u comfort bag" and bundle of warm underwear, but that has grateful remembrance. Mrs. Melhinch relates that, bv wav of diversion from her accustomed duties, one morning she and Miss Ellen Terry went out to solicit funds for the construction of the pier Hospital, and in the short time they were out collected $1,800. Mrs. Mel- hinch speaks in the highest terms of the business men of the city, who always responded liberally to the ladies' call for help, regarding at this crisis vox fe mince, vox Dei.
In August, 1864, a small printing office with a hand-press was attached to the rooms ; the ladies learned how to set type and work the press, issu- ing weekly bulletins to their auxiliaries, to stimu-
AND THEIR WORK. I35
late and encourage effort. For two years, from October, 1862, two columns, weekly, were con- tributed to the Cleveland Leader, by the ladies, for the benefit of the auxiliaries, keeping them to the highest condition of patriotic activity, but the fair corps editorial, with their stirring appeals, digests of business, sanitary news, home relief re- ports and condensed letters from the front, often overrun the allotted columns, and a regular office with unlimited capacities, by way of space, was provided, and the ladies issued circulars and bulletins ad libitum. Those who assisted in this department at different times during the earlier years of the war were Misses Mary Shelley, Carrie Grant, Georgia Gordon, Helen Lester, Nellie Rus- sell, Clara Woolson, Nettie Brayton, Mrs. George S. Mygatt and Mrs. Frank W. Parsons. The in- voicing and registering had become too important to be left to the changing hands of volunteer com- mittees, and Miss Sara Mahan, whose valuable services had for some months been given, was, from August 1, 1862, employed as foreman of the printing office. Mrs. Miller and Miss Carrie P. Younglove cheerfully gave their services, and Miss Ruth Gillett was employed to assist Miss Mahan.
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Conceive of the number of cards, bill forms, price lists of material, letter heads, blanks, circu- lars and bulletins issued by these ladies, until the close of the war. The total amount of reporters' bulletins and documents of the General Commis- sion issued by the Cleveland branch is 74,725. This, added to 29,525 copies of the Society's own publications, makes the total of 104,300, exclusive of minor print, and of several thousand copies of Loyal League publications from Philadelphia, Xew York and Boston houses.
We must here acknowledge the services of Mrs. George Willey, Mrs. John M. Sterling, Jr., Miss Vaughan, Miss Stewart, Misses Anna Baldwin and Annis Carter, members of the Document Commit- tee, for more than two years of its heaviest duties. During 1869, Misses Mary Bray ton and Ellen Terry prepared a general history of the Society, and ac- counts of special relief — a great labor — in book form: "Our Acre and its Harvest," dedicated to the " Branches of the Vine." Mrs. Miller, alluded to as one of Miss Mahan's assistants, was after- ward matron of the Soldiers' Home, at Dayton, to which our Aid Society gave $5,000, for the sup- port of its members. We believe that most of the
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ladies mentioned as connected with this marvelous printing office still reside here. One of them, Miss Gordon, married a Belgian Count, and died a few years since.
Mary Shelley is our Mrs. E. C. Pechin, foremost in charitable and patriotic endeavor. The central figure in this branch is the indefatigable laborer, Miss Sara, daughter of Rev. Asa Mali an, for- merly president of Oberlin College, and later of London, England. Mrs. Mahan, her mother, was a Dix, relative of the governor, famous for his ut- terance, "If any man hauls down the American flag, shoot him on the spot."
When yet a young girl, Miss Sara taught the Lake Superior government school, at Bay City, Wis. ; was noted for quick intelligence and execu- tive power, always attracting admiration by her courage and fearlessness. She excelled in out-door sports, and was an accomplished horsewoman ; had her own sledge and dogs up there, which she managed with much skill. She is remembered as the first lady skater on Cleveland ice, and those here during the Rebellion will not forget how speedily she came to business with her horse and phaeton. Close application to writing and the
T3-s WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
work of the printing office so impaired her eyes that at 28 years she was forced to wear glasses suited to a person of 75, and constant standing in- duced lameness, so that she, the fleet and athletic, often went upon crutches. Despite these disabili- ties, at the close of the war she went into business, in Chicago, exhibiting remarkable ability. Subse- quently, she established a boarding and day school at Bay City, but was finally obliged to succumb to exhausted nature, dying a martyr to her country, in this city, January 22, 1875, aged 34 years, at the residence of her sister, Mrs. W. C. North. Both Mrs. Maynard and Miss Mahan died for the Union cause as much as any soldier ever did in battle. Either of them would have been a Joan of Arc, in the siege of Orleans.
The War and the Claim Agency, the duties of which last were relinquished in 1867, draw a red line between woman's earlier work and her work of to-dav in this city.
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CHAPTER XIV.
DORCAS — MRS. J. ROSS — MRS. J. S. WHITE — LADIES' BETHEL AND MISSION AID SOCIETY — MRS. H. CHISHOLM — REBECCA — RAILROAD WOMAN'S UNION — WOMAN'S REPOSITORY — WOMAN'S EN- CHANGE — FIFTY WORKERS — SECRET ORDERS — MINED SOCIETIES — LIDA BALDWIN INFANTS' REST — THE CURE FOR POVERTY.
A FAVORITE Relief Society is " Dorcas," *■ named by Mrs. J. A. Harris, upon its organi- zation in 1867, when the Allopaths and Home- opaths decided each to go separate ways, and have hospitals of their own. A few ladies of the Willson Street Hospital found themselves with sick people to be cared for. Mrs. H. H. Little was the first president, a lady of extended reputa- tion for philanthropy and advanced views on the woman question. Mrs. C. E. Wyman, the present beloved head of the Society, states that u the suc- cess of Dorcas was assured from the beginning ; for
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the ladies who took up the work were possessed of characteristics that mean permanence and ad- vancement." Besides the ladies named, Mrs. A. Mcintosh, Mrs. J. Ross, Mrs. W. T. -Smith, Mrs. W. B. Hancock, Mrs. Peter Thatcher, Mrs. J. Richards, Mrs. Horace Fuller, Mrs. M. H. Nyce, Mrs. Sarah W. Mansfield, and Sarah L. Chittenden are enrolled. In 1872, Mrs. Joshua Ross was chosen to preside. During the illness and death of her husband, the untiring Mrs. W. C. Xorth supplied her place until 1877. Mrs. Charles L. and Mrs. J. H. Rhodes, Mrs. N. A. Gilbert, Mrs. A. B. Foster, Mrs. Castle, Mrs. Dr. Leggett, and her mother, Mrs. O. C. Whitney, Mrs. Dr. Gerould, Mrs. Dr. Prentice, Mrs. W. G. Rose, Mrs. F. W. Pelton, Mrs. L. A. Benton, Mrs. M. C. Worthing- ton have been, and most of them still are, excep- tionally faithful. Mrs. J. S. White is very success- ful in raising money and in carrying forward the religious work of the institution maintained : the In- valids1 Home, No. 600 East Madison avenue, Mrs. M. C. Worthington, chairman. The aim of the " Mod- ern " Dorcas is to aid destitute women and chil- dren, to help the sick of both sexes, and in exigency it has been known to pay the rent of distressed
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women. Its latest enterprise, to establish this hos- pital for incurables, is a grand undertaking, and has the fullest sympathy of our best citizens. Mrs. Joshua Ross deserves extended notice. In 1874, she was chosen president of the Ladies' Christian Union, the auxiliary of the Y. M. C. A., holding its work for eight years. During that time she was on the executive committee of the Bethel Relief Association, and on the purchasing and soliciting committees of the Aged Woman's Home, and chairman of the Domestic Missionary Society of the Second Presbyterian Church. After fourteen years of leadership in Dorcas, she re- signed, and Mrs. B. D. Babcock became a loved president. In 1887, Mrs. C. E. Wyman was elected chairman, and is distinguished for ability and de- votion.
November 14, 1867, a large number of ladies representing the different churches of the city assembled on Spring street for the purpose of forming the Ladies1 Bethel and Mission Aid Society, designed to co-operate with and extend the interests of the Bethel Union, organized Jan- uary 31, 1867. Its object was to afford Christian sympathy and material aid to the needy connected
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with the mission, and, as far as practicable, to visit and relieve the families of the poor. The officers were: president, Mrs. B. Ronse ; vice president, Mrs. S. Williamson ; secretary, Mrs. John Poole ; Board of Managers, the three officers and Mrs. D. A. Shepard, Mrs. H. Newberry, Mrs. L. M. Hnbby, Mrs. E. C. Pope, Mrs. G. L. Chapman, Mrs. W. B. Gnyles, and Mrs. H. Chisholm. In 1880, the last mentioned was president of the Society, a lady whom the orphan, the needy, the betraved and abandoned have reason to revere and love, and whom such call " friend," is surely a friend of Him who gave his life for humanity.
Yet another Relief Association is " Rebecca," formed in 1S73, which does all it can to aid those less fortunate than themselves. Mrs. E. A. Wil- son, of WTade Park avenue, is its secretary, with headquarters in City Hall.
In 1878, the Railroad Woman's Union organized to render aid socially, religiously and charitably to all classes of railway employees. This agency is still effective.
The Woman's Repository was established in December, 1880, by Mrs. G. V. R. Wickham, who, in writing out the needs of working women for
AND THEIR WORK. 143
one of the city dailies, saw the necessity for a center of deposit for woman's handwork. For two years, Mrs. Wickham gave her services ; afterward, Mrs. R. R. Rhodes, Mrs. J. C. Delamater, Mrs. F. L. Tnttle assumed the management. What beau- tiful embroideries there were, from elegant sofa pillows to initials for hat-bands, painting on velvet and silks, knitted and wrought lace, dainty silk mittens, invalids' slippers, pressed and framed sea-mosses, dolls in full dress, crocheted woolen goods, widows' caps and sweeping caps, all sorts of plain, made-up material, baby carriage blankets, etching, stamping and pinking. A little French woman, through this agency, was able to bury a helpless daughter outside the potter's field. A woman who had lost six children and her husband was face to face with death in the taking of her seventh by consumption. Being a good cook, the management told her to bring of her best work. They sold for her, weekly, twenty-one dozen of doughnuts, at eighteen cents per dozen, twenty loaves of bread, at twelve cents the loaf. Many more instances of help might be given. Why that Repository should not have lived, we never knew. At present, we have a struggling Woman's Ex-
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change, high up in the Kendall Block, opened in [890 by the ladies of Grace Church (Protestant Episcopal), and eminently worthy of patronage. Miss H. F. Handerson is president of its Board; her associates are Mrs. E. W. Worthington, wife of the rector, Mrs. Kemmer, and Mrs. William Bowler.
There are nine secret societies in Cleveland, in- cluding thousands of members ; the Pythian Sis- ters alone have four hundred and twenty-seven ; then, there are the Daughters of Rebecca, the Eastern Star, seven posts of the Woman's Relief Corps, Daughters of Veterans, the Daughters of St. George, the Ladies of Honor, Woman's Protestant Association, and Chosen Friends. The tendency of the times is to organize and fraternize. Comradeship and that " fellow feeling which makes us wondrous kind ' fill our lodges and halls with women who find in their home lives a lack of the social element, so neces- sary to happiness. Airs. Louise K. Sherman, an earnest Christian woman, is my ideal realized of a Pythian Sister; Airs. Louisa Roland, Mrs. Crane, widow of one of our brave colonels, and many other ladies work in the Relief Corps.
AND THEIR WORK. I45
Several organizations exist with ladies npon their Boards of Management ; " Lakeside/' a Prot- estant hospital, has twenty-four ; Huron Street Hospital is largely controlled and maintained by ladies, the Humane Society, or S. P. C. A., with a UC' annex; little children as well as domestic animals being: shielded from cruelty. An attache of this organization is vers* attractive, The Lida Baldwin Infants' Rest, a beautiful building on Cedar avenue, near Bell, completed and occupied January 1, 1892. This charity was located by Mr. H. R. Hatch, a well-known philanthropist here, as a memorial for his wife, who, in her life-time was very desirous to do for children, but on account of deafness, was deprived of that pleasure. Most appropriately does this excellent and charming work bear the girl-name of Mrs. Hatch.
The Jones Home for Friendless Children, on Pearl street, is a well placed beneficence. Airs. S. C. Moore is chairman of its Board. Other mixed charities there are, which may not now claim at- tention.
The West Side Fraucn Verein, organized in 1876, is prosperous ; composed of three hundred German ladies, Mrs. John Meckes, president.
146 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Altenheim is their institution; an exceedingly valuable property.
Several smaller benevolent societies of various nationalities exist unrecorded, save in their good deeds ; among these the " Oakdale Benevolent/' organized in 1891, and " S. S. S.,n a mystery of effort on the South Side.
The writer finds two causes which tend to im- poverish a large proportion of our population. They are : first, intemperance in general ; secondly, the sufferings of under-paid women in the lower grades of labor. To shut the breweries and saloons, to treat drunkenness as a crime, to oblige a man by law to support his family, and for us to give work at living wages to women, would solve the problem now puzzling so many philanthro- pists. Sewing schools, employment bureaus, edu- cation of the masses, the prosecution of radical temperance work, the centralization of power in churches and Sunday schools, any provision for neglected, or abandoned children, for adults, sick or helpless, and the aged, or to redeem fallen hu- manity, are deserving our noblest liberality and highest Christian effort.
AND THEIR WORK. 147
CHAPTER XV.
SARAH E. FITCH — THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN ASSO- CIATION — THE RETREAT — ITS FOUNDER — MRS. MERIBAH FARMER AND MRS. TATUM — MRS. A. P. DUTCHER — THE BOARDING HOME — HOME FOR AGED WOMEN — DAY NURSERY AND FREE KINDERGARTEN BRANCH ASSOCIA- . TION — THE EDUCATIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL UNION — ELIZA JENNINGS HOME FOR INCUR- ABLES— HONORABLE MENTION.
A T /TE are glad to know that taking up the work * of to-dav will afford ua fountain and sev- enty palm trees" to thirsty readers and faint pil- grims, not so much for the manner of this pen's utterance as for its subject, always beloved by the citizens of Cleveland, viz., the work of its women. We delineate in this chapter her who for years has stood in this city at the head of laborers for humanity, Miss Sarah E. Fitch, president of the Woman's Christian Association. She possesses the
148 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
rare grace of modesty with much dignity. Hers is an unwavering faith, an absolute evenness of temper under all provocation to the reverse. She is unselfish, hence love for human souls and patient sacrifice mark every step of her way. Entirely wanting in any form of self-aggrandizement, she possesses in eminent degree the love of women everywhere; of those who meet her in the councils of association work, and of any who are touched, even remotely, by her influence — but especially does she live in the hearts of the women of Cleve- land, whether they occupy the drawing rooms of the avenues, or the close apartments of tenement houses. Best of all, the fallen love her.
One of our cherished writers, Mrs. Fairbanks, long connected with her in membership in that grand old church — the First Presbvterian — leaves this line: "It is a gracious privilege to testify to the worth and wrork of Cleveland's noblest wom- an." Mrs. Mary H. Severance adds a laurel leaf to our wreath of testimonial, having known her from childhood. Miss Fitch consecrated herself to good work in youth ; her first efforts were in the Sunday school. In looking after children in their homes, the needs of the poor and sorrowing were
AND THEIR WORK. 1 49
revealed to her and so aroused her sympathies as to lay the foundation for these succeeding years of charitable and helpful labors. The great secret of her success as teacher and leader in these varied ways of usefulness from the first seems to have been due to unimpassioned, excellent judg- ment and steady perseverance, self-abnegation and whole-souled devotion to work. This made her a helper to her pastors, Rev. Dr. Aikin, Rev. Dr. Goodrich, and their successors. Dr. G. once said, "It would be like losing my right arm to have Miss Fitch laid aside." Mrs. S. truly states: "Others mav have had more brilliant talents, but verv few have been so steadfast and true to their convic- tions of duty, and so successful in winning the respect and confidence of the varied classes to whom she has been a blessing."
When the Woman's Christian Association was formed here in November, 1868, by H. Thane Miller, of Cincinnati, Sarah E. Fitch was unani- mously chosen president.
This is the oldest branch of entire woman's work here now in active and progressive labor, ex- cept the Board of Managers of the Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum ; its growth has been
150 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
marvelous. We may add that the Young Ladies' Branch, Mrs. J. B. Perkins, president, was organ- ized in 1 881, and devoted to work for children. It included also the Flower Mission.
Miss Fitch, the wise counselor and head of this beneficent and systematic labor bestowed by scores of Christian women, would desire that no words of eulogy be pronounced upon herself, but good angels looking down write her name in the Lamb's Book of Life as she goes patiently, quietly upon her way, herself a ministering spirit to the sin-laden.
Especially it is her favorite work to call such as the Countess de Gasparin, in her address to the fallen women of Paris, would turn aside from the second death.
" God made thee to be a good daughter, a worthy wife. It was for this, thy mother prayed.
" You feel it !
lk If you could, if you durst, you would flee from the cursed house, the fetid slum.
" The debauchery shop is a horror to you ; it fills you with nausea, you are afraid !
uTis hell itself!
"If you could, if you durst, you would cross the infamous threshold.
AND THEIR WORK. 15 1
u
My child, come ! I know the one who will save you.
" Come, my child ! He who is called Jesus, the vSon of God, He despises you not.
<l My child! I laid hold on your hand, to lead you out of darkness. Let us speed on to the light. Come ! the night has passed, the day has dawned.
lk Look onward ! Before you is the good way ; before you, the pure future ; before you is heaven."
Best of all, to the contrite Magdalen, Christ said, ki Woman, sin no more ; thy faith hath saved thee."
The records of the Retreat read like a romance. This chronicle would not lay bare the secrets of a single unhappy life there registered. We all know too little of this mission with the Scarlet Letter. Many who come here are very young girls, who have erred through lack of parental restraint, and have but just begun a sinful life ; others, again, are incorrigible, and to free them from the power of evil associates, are placed here by their parents. More than half of the thousand girls here rescued from publicity of shame might carry this plaint, written bv one of their number :
152 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
If I should die to-night,
Even hearts estranged would turn once more to me.
Recalling other days remorsefully,
The eyes that chill me with averted glance,
Would look upon me, as of yore, perchance
And soften in the old familiar way,
For who could war with dumb, unconscious clav ?
So, might I rest, forgiven of all,
" Oh ! friends, I pray to-night,
Keep not your kisses for my dead, cold brow.
The way is lonely, let me feel them now,
Think gently of me, I am travel-worn ;
My faltering feet are pierced with many a thorn.
Forgive, oh ! hearts estranged and give, I plead.
When dreamless rest is mine,
The tenderness for which I long to-night."
The work of Sarah E. Fitch and of Sarah O. Peck lie close to the heart of the Crucified One, dear women ! so sacred is it we may scarce unveil its depth.
The Retreat encourages no idlers. It is a bee- hive for industrv ; evervbodv must have something to do. Beautiful hand-work and painting with the needle, the care of plants which convert the re- ception room into a bower of tropical beauty ; all arts of skilled house wiferv are here taught and practiced.
The matron, Miss Sarah O. Peck, born in Mich- igan, and educated at Vassar, gives her life-work
AND THEIR WORK. 153
to these girls ; her sympathy and faith render her a power in the institution.
Another lady — one of the Board of Managers from the first, who has always been interested in girls' reform — taught the Bible class when the Retreat was simply a private house at 267 Perry street — Mrs. Dr. A. P. Dntcher. She has passed into the skies, leaving a memory absolutely fra- grant. She devoted all her energies to reclaiming the unfortunate who came within reach. While the Retreat was on Perry street it was within a few doors of her residence. Then her visits to the inmates were dailv and her influence for o-ood can- not be overestimated. She took the inmates to her home, taught them sewing and different work, read to them from good books, and cheered them with her sweet, sunny smile that always beamed with Divine love. Sometimes Mrs. Dutcher would take an inmate to her home, share her bed with her, become her inseparable companion, striving bv night and dav to direct the thoughts of the erring one to things higher and holier than this life. Such women may leave but a faint impres- sion on the external affairs of the world, but in the hearts of the few who feel their holv influence
154 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
they leave an impress that enchains us to them in the better world to which Mrs. Dntcher has been called. Her daughter, Mrs. J. C. Covert, is en- listed in the same reform.
At the opening of that work for fallen women, the chairman of its Board of Managers was Mrs. Meribah Farmer, a minister in the Society of Friends. Her private charities were numerously known to intimate associates. She, too, is among the hospital workers of the past.
The founder of the Retreat is a niece of Mrs. Farmer-Hannah B. Tatum, also a minister among the Friends, who, in her loved mission work in houses of ill-fame in this city, felt the need of a home to which to invite those girls who desired to reform. She enthusiastically laid the subject be- fore the Board of Managers of the Woman's Christian Association, and they were able to re- spond, in 1869, through the beneficence of a well- known citizen, who paid the rent of their little building. Several of the first inmates were some with whom Mrs. Tatum had prayed and plead in their abodes of shame. Six months after its open- ing this lady became matron, but in one year re- signed, to engage in outdoor philanthropy. Her
AND THEIR WORK. 155
labors in Ohio and the South are well known. Her voice has singular sweetness and power, and her saintly face and Quaker garb render her a marked woman in assemblies.
The Woman's Christian Association owns prop- erty valued in the aggregate at $200,000 and up- wards. Its headquarters are the parlors of the " Home," at Xo. 16 Walnut street.
This ;v Home ' has the same relation to our Association and to Cleveland that the Margaret Louise Home, Xo. 14 East 16th Street, bears to the City of Xew York, and to its Y. W. C. A. It is simply an attractive boarding place for vounor women who are self-sustaining:. Its privileges are especially available to persons seeking employment, or as a stopping-place, until permanent quarters are obtained. Music and a choice library, a substantial table, and a matron's careful attention render the Home such as its name implies. The munificence of Stillman Witt gave the grounds and original house to our city, in 1868 ; since the death of this gentleman, Mrs. Witt has made additions and other improvements, until now the building presents an imposing ap- pearance. It is filled to overflowing with boarders
156 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
and needs still further enlargement. Mr. E. I. Baldwin has filled one large case with encyclo- paedias and other standard books of reference, poetry and the best of fiction.
The head of the committee controlling the Wal- nut street " Home ' is Mrs. E. H. Huntington, the eminent president of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, of Cleveland Presbytery. She and Mrs. James Barnett, two old-time friends of Miss Fitch, are at her side through the years. All of the institutions pertaining to the Association are well furnished throughout, exponent of the wealth and liberality of leading citizen^. Of these, a universal favorite with Cleveland people is the Aged Woman's Home, on Kennard street, with whose origin is connected an interesting fact. Mrs. Dr. Lewis Burton, one of the oldest members of the Association, in her missionary visits at the Infirmary, occasionally encountered women of re- finement, condemned by circumstances to spend unhappy lives in the dreary companionship of ordinary paupers. " It seems to me," said Mrs. Burton, one day, in a meeting of the Board of Managers, "that we need in Cleveland a home for aged women." The ladies took the suggestion
AND THEIR WORK. 157
into consideration, and as a result there was opened in July, 1877, another magnificent "Home," thus making possible an old age of comfort to many a lonely woman. This has been accom- plished through the liberal devising of our la- mented townsman, Amasa Stone. Mrs. Stone was also deeply interested in this benevolence, as, also, her daughter, Mrs. John Hay.
A glance inside the Kennard street mansion reveals most attractive rooms ; the larger sleeping apartments each contain large closets and two beds ; the smaller, one. There are rocking-chairs and lounges, soft carpets and foot-stools. Comfort, even luxury is in every appointment. It is alto- gether probable that the aged ones residing here — at least the majority of them — have never before enjoyed a tithe of such embarras dc richesse. Those aged veterans who choose to work are busied with piecing quilts, with making aprons, with dressing dolls, all of which are kept constantly on sale at the institution. The entrance fee, entitling one to life residence, is $150, but, in order to enter, each must be sixty years of age and citizens of Cleve- land or its immediate vicinity for a period of five years. Women of property are admitted on con-
158 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
(litionthatatdecea.se their investments accrue to the association for this Home's maintenance. Af- fairs are administered by a committee of compe- tent ladies, who have secured as matron Mrs. Comstock, a woman of dignified presence and keen appreciation of the untiring efforts of the noble women in charge for those residing under their roof-tree. She is fitted for this delicate and un- usually responsible position, being prudent, just, and humane. Any one is happy here who is happy anywhere ; some people always are discon- tented, even under fortunate and fostering circum- stances.
Mrs. Eliza Kingsley Arter is chairman of the Controlling Committee, and Mrs. C. E. Lowman, secretary — two names well known in Methodist circles. Mrs. H. A. Griffin, too, is here.
In 1882, the Young Ladies' Branch was merged into the Dav Nursery and Free Kindergarten Association, a beautiful and favorite charity, pre- sided over by Mrs. M. E. Rawson ; Carolyn Kel- logg Cushing, secretary. The nurseries are five : Perkins, the gift of the lamented Joseph Perkins; Louise, aided by Mrs. J. J. Tracy ; Wade, pre- sented and supported in part by Mr. J. H. Wade ;
AND THEIR WORK. 1 59
Bethlehem, supported by Mrs. Flora Stone Mather, who owns the building ; Mary Whittlesey Memor- ial, the benefaction, in every sense, of Miss Florence Harkness. This branch association supplements all beneficence bv vigilance and admirable man- agement in collecting and disbursing funds.
In 1886, the Woman's Christian Association established a new branch, the " Educational and Industrial Union," for the encouragement and training of self-sustaining young women. This important department grows in usefulness, and we hope at an early day to see a building erected commensurate to its needs. Mrs. Levi T. Scho- field, a noble woman, is in charge, assisted by the excellent judgment and generous aid of Mrs. Geo. W. Gardner. Mrs. S. S. Gardner and Mrs. Sanborn render efficient service. Miss Clara A. Urann, chairman of the Class Committee, has been of invaluable help in organizing and maintaining a course in English Literature. Mrs. Annie E. Hull is a host in herself; bright, energetic and hopeful. Instruction is given in plain cooking, dress-fitting and making, milliner}', penmanship, elocution, physical culture, literature, music — vocal, piano, and guitar ; the common branches taught in the free classes.
160 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
The youngest institution of the association is the Eliza Jennings Home for Incurables, on Detroit Road, West Cleveland, established in 1887, and bearing the dear name of its founder. Of this, Mrs. A. P. Buel is chairman, and Mrs. L. Lescelles, secretary. It is a quiet, charming hospital. Rose Day there, on ua perfect day in June," is a luxury.
The workers in this very large Society include
•
now, and have included in past years, the most active and influential in the whole city. Some of them are quite advanced in life ; not a few are widows of wealth)" and public-spirited citizens. Women of culture, of unaffected modesty, are upon its committees. Unanimity and sweetness of spirit characterize their deliberations. Their methods are conservative.
The missionary spirit of some of its representa- tives seems to pervade with odor of spikenard the by-ways of our city and those centers wherein the helpless and dependent are gathered together.
Of these are Miss Valentine and Mrs. Robinson, Bible readers ; Mrs. S. W. Adams and Mrs. James Galbrath.
Mrs. Flora Stone Mather has a record in philan- thropy remarkable for so young a woman. Her
AND THEIR WORK. l6l
work appears especially in the Young Ladies' Branch and in the Young Ladies' Temperance League ; the munificence of her beloved father is continued in her interest in the Industrial Home, and in the College for Women. Carrie Younglove Abbott, secretary of the Association, is beneficent and painstaking.
There are hosts of loved women connected with the Association who should be mentioned in this history, but to review their labors would require another full chapter.
We have here in official position, Mrs. S. Will- iamson, one of the early workers ; Airs. L. Austin,
the relative and Cleveland hostess of ex-President
»
and Mrs. R. B. Hayes ; Mrs. R. R. Sloan, Mrs. H. C. Haydn, Mrs. E. Curtis, Mrs. Standart, Airs. William Meriam, the corresponding secretary ; and Miss C. M. Leonard, the faithful treasurer.
We find Mrs. Sabin and Mrs. Senter, Airs. B. S. Coergswell, eminent in missionary effort at the Workhouse, and in all good enterprises connected with Plymouth Congregational Church. Enrolled in these lines of beautiful endeavor are ladies west of the Cuyahoga.
Among these officers are the wife and daughter
162 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
of Rev. J. A. Thome, the slave's advocate and so long pastor of the First Congregational Church of this city. Anna Thome is known now as Mrs. Dr. Bovnton.
Here are Mrs. E. C. Beach, Mrs. A. H. Potter, Mrs. C. W. Lepper, for many years a director.
Names synonymous with good work and liberal giving are those of Mrs. D. P. Eells, Mrs. J. H. Wade, and Mrs. Judge Bolton.
Intellectual women are among these numbers. The utterances of her who first edited and of those who afterward edited their paper, the Earnest Worker, are wise, hopeful, and often entertaining. It was a journal of high order of merit, and beauti- ful in appearance. Its columns delighted all philanthropic hearts among us. Emma Janes, its first editor, is the Washington correspondent of leading American journals.
Mrs. Howard M. Ingham, who for ten years edited this paper, has force and executive ability. She was, as well the secretary of the Association. For accuracy, fidelity and general efficiency she is unexampled. Her report, read by herself at the Societv's fifteenth anniversarv, is one of the ablest papers on record among our workers. She wrote
AND THEIR WORK. l6l
3
the history of the Association for its twentieth anniversary. Twice has her talent been called into requisition at sessions of the International Conference of the Association. She was for years a beloved secretary in the Woman's Foreign Mis- sionary Society. In Sabbath-school and mothers' meetings, she excels in Bible instruction. She was president of the Young Ladies' Temperance League, and of the Educational and Industrial Union. Better than anything else that may be said, she is a devoted wife and mother and a help- ful friend.
For literary and philanthropic industry, none exceed Mrs. Emma H. Adams, here enrolled. Her contributions to the Society's paper, to our dailies, to the religious periodicals of Ohio, and to St. Nicholas, and other magazines, give her rank among the brain of Cleveland. The circulars writ- ten by her and published in the legal department of our temperance work stirred the whole State to regard the duty of the hour. She, now, travels in the northwest, and writes books.
Mrs. L. A. Ferguson is on the Association's roll. She has spent much time in foreign lands, and bears the culture of such rare opportunity. Over
164 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
her initials she has delighted the reading public with bright letters of travel and essays upon art, literature and kindred subjects.
Mrs. M. E. Rawson is among our original thinkers and forceful writers.
There are no more brilliant women among us than was Mrs. J. C. Delamater and is Mrs. N. Coe Stewart. Both of them were, respectively, chair- men of the Department of Entertainments for Self- Supporting Women, participated in by the city's best talent, and thoroughly enjoyed by those for whom they are instituted.
The labor of Mrs. Delamater and of Mrs. Stewart was manifold. They have delighted immense audiences by tuneful utterance for " the good, the true, the beautiful." Enthusiastic in tempera- ment, unselfish, amiable, and cheerful, they have won friends everywhere.
AND THEIR WORK. 1 6
0
CHAPTER XVI.
[If there be a touch of the auto-biographical in this history,
pardon, dear reader.]
WOMAN'S TEMPERANCE CRUSADE — ITS MARVELOUS OUTCOME — THE WORKERS — MRS. S. W. DUN- CAN — LEAGUE ORGANIZATION — DEALERS' PLEDGE — MR. JOSEPH PERKINS — RIVER STREET FRIENDLY INN — MRS. JOHN COON — THE OPEN DOOR.
A MOVEMENT, led by Mrs. Eliza J. Thomp- ^ *- son, arose in Hillsboro, O., December 23, 1874, of entering saloons with a band of women, who prayed, sang, and implored the proprietor to give up his business. This impulse seized Christian people at Washington C. H., and rapidly spread among the towns north and south in our State. The ladies of Cleveland, regarding each other with apprehension, said, " Can this wave strike the cities? We think not." Mrs. Sarah K. Bolton (Mrs. C. E.) at that time was secretary of the Woman's Christian Association, and the writer,
l66 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
chairman of its Missionary Committee. Mrs. Bol- ton said: "It w//.s7 come to the cities and onr Association will inaugurate the movement here." She urged with persistence that I go out into the State and observe the work. A well organized band at Berea, O., led by Mrs. W. D. Godman, claimed my attention for a day, and its work fascin- ated me; we went into saloons, kneeling on the floor, then held a prayer-meeting just outside the only brewery there, while the discomfited Teuton, who rented the premises, remonstrated from an upper window. Similar exercises were held in a billiard hall, one of the men present joining in the hymn, kk Nearer, My God, to Thee." At request of Miss Sarah E. Fitch, President of the Woman's Christian Association, the day's history was pre- sented, March 10, 1874, at a called meeting of ladies in the First Baptist Church, corner of Euclid avenue and Erie street, supplemented by exhor- tation from Mrs. Moses Hill. The audience was large and the services notably full of inspiration. A paper setting forth the necessity of aggressive work against the liquor traffic had been prepared by three ladies of the Executive Committee, con- vened at No. 16 Walnut street, March 3rd. Fri-
AND THEIR WORK. l6~
day, March 13th, a League was organized for work in this city, Miss Sarah E. Fitch, president ; "Sirs. W. A. Ingham, secretary. The ladies of various denominations were intensely interested, assem- bling daily for prayer and conference, either in the church named or in the First Presbyterian, or in the old chapel of the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation. After a resolution to commence street crusade work, a leader was appointed under the following instructions :
( 1 ) That no band should enter any premises unless by consent of the proprietor.
(2) Xor, for the present, be without police pro- tection.
(3) To be accompanied, always, by reporters, that we might be properly represented before the public.
Rigidly carrying out these instructions by the authorized band leaders, prevented the excesses occurring in many other cities, and resulted in the high standing of the Cleveland work. It will be re- membered that the women composing this League were of social position, wives of men who were commercially a power in the city.
After the mavor decided to enforce the sidewalk
1 68 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
ordinance, through the counsel of the Advisory Committee of ten gentlemen who had consulted the best legal talent here, we had a right to occupy the pavement a short time to converse with the dealers, also to enter unoccupied ground, or by in- vitation any building contiguous to a saloon. March 17, representatives of six denominations, to the number of twenty-two, went out from an assem- bly of six hundred Christian women for the pur- pose of holding saloon prayer-meetings. So far as can now be recalled, these are the ladies, with ten others, carriages having been provided : Mrs. W. T. Smith, Mrs. John Coon, Mrs. Warrick Price, Mrs. Hannah Tatum, Mrs. W. P. Cooke, Airs. S. W. Adams, Mrs. N. Coe Stewart, Airs. Geo. E. Hall, Mrs. R. F. Smith, Airs. S. Starkweather, Mrs. R. D. Noble, with the writer as leader. A great crowd of people gathered about the doors of a gilded saloon in the Public Square, in which more young men had been ruined than the churches were able to save. We stood in front of a bar ; the Scriptures, a part of Isa. 28th : " Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Bphraim," were read by the band leader. Mrs. Stewart begun the hymn, which we all sang, "There is
AXD THEIR WORK. 1 69
a fountain, filled with blood!" Mrs. John Coon offered a fervent prayer and endeavored to per- suade the deathly pale bar-tender to give up selling liquor. The next day seventeen ladies left the First Baptist Church with similar intent and ac- complished their work in two great hotels and four saloons. The daughters of Rev. Dr. Wolcott sang, Miss Duty read the parable of the Prodigal Son. West Side workers were equally engaged. Eight- eenth Ward ladies held similar services two weeks before we began in the central part of the city. After March 19, the greatest excitement prevailed throughout Cleveland, and for six weeks the liquor traffic was shaken to its center. The voice of God was heard above the confusion that reigned in the past. Pulpit thundered to pulpit the denuncia- tions of the book against the sin of intemperance. Multitudes gathered in the churches to hear elo- quent men talk of the great evil that holds our city in its grasp. Brave women prayed, sung, and exhorted in wigwams, billiard rooms, and before saloon bars. The streets were filled with proces- sions of temperance societies, mostly of the Romish Church, which favored the revival in extraordinary demonstrations of numbers of men, marshaled in
t;o WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
line and gay with scarfs and banners. In these days, too, God was blasphemed, sudden judgments overtook the violently profane in onr streets. The avenger seemed to be in the midst, and flashes of his sword disclosed to wicked men their danger. Wholesale dealers blanched as they saw women by hundreds pouring into their strong- holds ; the retailer held on to the railing of his counter with ashen face, and some men, who had not forgotten a mother's prayers, actually wept. A few venders not wholly lost to good influences arranged to sell out or close up, declaring theirs to be a vile business. Men who drank staid more at home, and, for the first time in years, looked tenderly upon the wan faces of toiling wives and on their own little children, old before their time with want and sorrow. Hundreds signed the temperance pledge, and some were converted like Saul of Tarsus, who, in an earlier crusade, was convicted in the midst of a riotous mob by the audible prayer of -the martyr Stephen. Out of the three thousand women leagued together to suppress intemperance in our eighteen wards, but few hundreds were engaged in street work. The quiet conservatives impressed their carriages into
AND THEIR WORK. 171
service, waiting upon property owners, laboring with them concerning the wrong of leasing houses or lands for the sale of intoxicating liquors. One gentle lady, Mrs. S. Williamson, by her potent in- fluence with such, closed up seven of the worst saloons in Union Lane. Others of our number wrought among drunkards and their families, per- suading to sobrietv of living ; and our voting- ladies drew off into a powerful league for the aid of children of inebriate fathers and mothers, and to discourage social drinking among the upper classes. Wherever were great bodies of men, in hospitals,, manufactories, vessels at the docks, depots, halls in which were convened brotherhoods of various orders, all were visited, and thousands invited by woman's voice in supplication to newness of life. The might of prayer prevailed throughout the city ; the tide of evil swept back, as Israel's chil- dren passed by ; and for a time the Promised Land seemed so near that we forgot the intervening wilderness. In June, 1874, the State League was formed at Springfield, O., and early in November, the Woman's Temperance League of Cleveland was reorganized auxiliary thereto, with Mrs. S. W. Duncan as president and treasurer. The follow- ing officers and committees were selected :
I 72 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Vice Presidents: Mrs. S. W. Adams, Mrs. H. C. Ford.
Corresponding Secretary : Mrs. W. A. Ingham.
Recording Secretary : Miss F. Jennie Duty.
Assistant Secretaries : Mrs. E. H. Adams and Mrs. J. C. Delamater.
Executive Board : Mrs. Joseph Perkins, Mrs. S. Williamson, Mrs. E. P. Morgan, Mrs. Win. T. Smith, Mrs. S. H. Sheldon, Miss Sarah E. Fitch, and the officers, ex officio members of Executive Committee.
(i). Standing Committees. — Street Work: Mrs. W. A. Ingham, Mrs. S. W. Adams, Mrs. W. P. Cooke, Mrs. N. Coe Stewart, Mrs. John Coon, Mrs. Lewis Burton, Mrs. C. E. Bolton.
(2). Relief: Mrs. C. E. Bolton, Mrs. Samuel Williamson, Mrs. Horace Benton, Mrs. R. D. Xoble, Mrs. Geo. E. Hall, Mrs. Stillman Witt, Mrs. Lester L. Hickox.
( 3 ). Drinking Fountain : Mrs. Chas. H. Strong, Mrs. A. P. Massey, Mrs. Geo. Worthington ( Mrs. M. C), Mrs. A. H. Delamater, Mrs. W. P. South- worth, Mrs. J. E. Colby, Mrs. S. Starkweather.
(4). Friendly Inn: Mrs. James Mason, Mrs. Geo. H. Ely, Mrs. W. P. Cooke, Mrs. H. C. Ford,
AND THEIR WORK. 1 73
Mrs. Geo. Worthington, Mrs. John Coon, Miss F. Jennie Duty.
Ward Committees (appointed in March). — 1 st Ward, Mrs. Allen T. Brinsmade, Miss F. J. Duty ; 2nd, Mrs. G. W. Whitney ; 3d, Mrs. John Seaman ; 4th, Mrs. Willard W. Partridge ; 5th, Mrs. C. E. Wheeler; 6th, Mrs. Robt. Hanna, Mrs. B. S. Coggswell ; 7th, Mrs. W. B. Porter ; 8th, Mrs. Geo. Presley, Mrs. J. N. Glidden ; 9th, Mrs. Geo. T. Chapman, Mrs. A. Davis ; 10th, Mrs. Lewis Burton; nth, Mrs. J. D. Sholes, Mrs. T. K. Dissette ; 12th, Mrs. Jacob Klein ; 13th, Mrs. Jason Canfield, Mrs. N. Coe Stewart ; 14th, Mrs. J. H. Tagg, a veteran worker of the Methodist Church ; 15th, Mrs. C. H. Strong; 16th, Mrs. C. L. More- house; 17th, Mrs. C. E. Bolton; 18th, Airs. Elroy M. Curtis.
The eighteen chairmen of Ward Committees had selected aids to the number of one hundred to visit women, irrespective of sect or nationality, as far as possible, and urge them to enlist in sup- pressing intemperance, in whatever way they might elect, and to see also that our pledge books circulated in all eligible places.
Observing the character of the crowds that
174 WOMEN OH CLEVELAND
daily followed in street work, and noting the in- terest of the general public, Mr. Perkins saw that we needed the temperance pledge with us con- stantly ; so he ordered, early in the crusade, books beautifully bound in leather ; printed on one side was, "Druggists' and Dealers' Pledge,' on the
reverse, "Citizens' Pledge, No. ." Inside, the
gilt edged blank leaves were prefaced by :
PLEDGE.
The subscribers, residents in
dlerclanb,
desirous of aiding the cause of
(Temperance,
and of thus banishing from the community that which is so destructive to private happiness and public prosperity, do hereby
piebgc ©urselrcs,
not to manufacture, sell, or furnish to others,
3nto.xtcattug itquors,
distilled, malt," or vinous, to be used as a beverage, nor to
£ease any Property
for such purpose, by agent or otherwise.
On the reverse side for citizens, the same, except that the word "use' was employed instead of " sell."
Drawing-room lectures were instituted by Mrs. Duncan, in aid of the Friendly Inn fund. River Street Inn had been opened previous to this time in Brinkerhoff's saloon, afterwards in a commo-
AND THEIR WORK. 1 75
dious building, with Mrs. John Coon in charge. Miss S. L. Andrews, and Belle Brayton, Mrs. R. D. Noble, Mrs. Geo. E. Hall and her sister Mrs. C. B. Hanna, Mrs. W. T. Smith, Mrs. S. Starkweather, Mrs. T. D. Crocker, Mrs. J. S. Prather, Mrs. J. H. Burridge.
Other inns were established, respectively on St. Clair street, near the wire mills, at Central Place, on Pearl street. Reading rooms, possibly, with facilities for public worship, were located at the East End, on the South Side, in the eighteenth ward and in Rock's Block, Woodland avenue. Rev. and Mrs. Samuel W. Duncan, removing to Cincin- nati, various changes occurred in the methods and management of city work. Mothers' meetings and Yoke Fellows' or reformed men's services originated at Central Place Inn, and were adopted at the various centers, together with gospel tem- perance meetings on Sundays, all led by earnest, self-sacrificing women, who, in this world, may not see the results of their patient seed-sowing, but which cannot fail to be full of fruition. Thousands of souls were preached unto, who else would have heard but little of Christ ; spirits in prison, bound by the chains of habit. Verily, He did
1 76 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
send us kk to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives." A marvelous revival of spiritual power, especially among the inebriate class, was manifest for full six years after the cru- sade. Visitation in homes of the intemperate, and in resorts of the depraved, as also in police stations, jail and the workhouse, with reforms generally among criminal classes, were instituted ; Bible readings in various centers, and distribution of temperance literature; indeed, all practical agencies for evangelization have been adopted by volunteer missionaries. Cooking schools, sewing and kitchen garden classes for girls, bands of hope and evening instruction for boys, temperance and Sabbath-schools for both sexes, and it may be other methods for children are still successfullv carried forward by enthusiastic leaders.
The Open Door, established in 1877, was an in- stitution in which anv homeless woman might find temporary shelter, including released female pris- oners from the workhouse ; the latter remaining until labor was provided for them. This useful charity was an outgrowth of the missionary work of Central Place Inn, which is designed to reach the population living in the vicinity of the Hay-
AND THEIR WORK. 1 77
market, Commercial street, and other unevangel- ized localities — a wide and fertile field. The Open Door was the necessary complement to the Inns.
Teaching to the children the pernicious effects of alcohol upon the human system, cannot fail to help the reform, from a new and living direction. Gradually other lines of work, usually those planned by State and National W. C. T. U., be- came prominent. Whenever the traffic in intoxi- cating liquors is attacked there is perceptible a wide-spread growth of total abstinent sentiment among the people. The headquarters for State work were located in 1882, in the Y. M. C. A. building, corner of Euclid avenue and Sheriff street.
Probably the severest and most effectual labor ever performed by women of Ohio, since the days of the Sanitary Commission, during the Rebellion, was accomplished at these headquarters, in 1883 and '84, by Mrs. Mary A. Woodbridge, president ; Miss F. Jennie Duty, secretary ; Mrs. E. J. Phin- ney, treasurer, and later corresponding secretary, and their assistants, in a campaign for Constitu- tional Prohibition. For nearly twenty years the city temperance women have been before the pub-
178 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
lie ; printed mention is not adequate description of their labors. The extended mission and well- known names of Miss Duty and Mrs. Prather ; the less conspicuous, though effective work of Mrs. E. Chittenden, Mrs. W. W. Partridge, Mrs. Mary Hubbell, Mrs. E. C. Pope, Mrs. J. S. White, Mrs. Dr. Keeler, Mrs. W. T. Smith, Mrs. R. D. Noble, Mrs. A. D. Morton, Mrs. E. C. Beach, Mrs. Potter and Miss Pollock, with that of Mrs. William Tay- lor, the eloquent Bible reader, and others, are well known. More laborious toilers than these do not exist, who, as Sarah Smiley says, " fish in cess- pools for souls." We have a sense of the fitness of things in mention of the missionary effort at the workhouse, by Mrs. B. S. Coggswell, and in St. Clair Street Inn, of Mrs. C. E. Wheeler ; of the un- tiring labor of Mrs. H. C. Ford, Mrs. Comstock, and Anna Edwards, of the East End ; of patient Mrs. F. W. Reeder and Mrs. Dr. Sheppard, on the South Side ; of West Side ladies in Pearl Street Inn ; of sweet Minnie Gillette and Anna Penfield, every- where throughout Ohio. Shall we at this moment be unmindful of the magnificent leadership of Mrs. W. P. Cooke, during the crusade proper, in March and April, 1874? A noble woman, whose unselfish
AND THEIR WORK. 1 79
labor for her own church, during a quarter of a century, needs among her friends no marble or granite reminder. Other band leaders were Mrs. John Coon and Miss Sarah L. Andrews ; Mrs. Sarah K. Bolton and Mrs. Duncan ; Mrs. S. W. Adams and Miss Duty; Mrs. H. C. Haydn, Mrs. S. H. Lee, Mrs. H. M. Ingham, Mrs. Dr. Burton, Airs. A. A. Brackenridge, Mrs. N. Coe Stewart, Miss Emma Janes, and Mrs. James Galbrath, Mrs. Moses Hill, Mrs. William Morgan, Miss Sarah Fitch, Mrs. H. C. Ford, Mrs. Brigham, Mrs. Wm. Bucher, Airs. J. E. Stephens, Mrs. Gilbert, Mrs. Detchon, Miss Josephine Hillsdale, Mrs. B. Excell, Mrs. J. Canfield, Miss Stork, Mrs. Delamater.
One day, Mrs. Wheeler and Airs. W. B. Porter had led a band of women to upper St. Clair street. Three savage dogs were set upon these martyr spirits by a saloon-keeper. Both these ladies since that memorable day have passed into the skies. Mrs. Porter was then so fragile and delicate that the winds of heaven could not touch her roughly. The daughter of a Presbyterian mission- ary, herself born on heathen soil, she had all the fire that burned in her father's heart, in the far-off lands of the Orient. Do you suppose that this
180 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
frail little apostle and her gentle band withdrew at the approach of these furious beasts ? No ; in the same spirit of loving kindness in which they sought to dissuade the saloon-keeper from his work of death, they called to the dogs, patted their heads, and sang such heavenly music that the animals crouched at the feet of the women, and became by far the most respectably behaved and attentive of the crowd. " My God hath sent his angel and hath shut the lions' mouths ! " The saloon-keeper alluded to was afterward converted, joined our forces, and his saloon was for a time the St. Clair Street Inn.
On Good Fridav, the anniversarv of the cruci- fixion of our Lord, we determined to move upon the German saloons, knowing that of all the days of the year, that is the one on which the hearts of those people may be touched. So, with the prayers and benediction of a Nast and Nachtrieb upon us, we solemnly set forth in various direc- tions from the First Baptist Church. Two of the leaders, Mrs. S. K. Bolton and Mrs. H. M. Ingham, accompanied a band into Woodland avenue and Cross streets ; they received a partial shower of stones, but no physical injury was sustained. The
AND THEIR WORK. l8l
same day, Mrs. Coon and Mrs. Cooke, with twenty others, stopped before a noted saloon in an uptown street. Here impious roughs had a painting of Christ — the Ecce Homo — crowned with thorns, elevated upon a pole, and draped in black, held up to be jeered at by the blaspheming crowd. " They crucified the Son of God afresh ; they put him to open shame." Looking on the patient face, up- lifted there, and then down through the years, we felt that he would have again prayed, "Father, for- give them, for they know not what they do." " And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto
me."
l82 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
CHAPTER XVII.
WOMAN'S TEMPERANCE CRUSADE — SPECIAL MEN- TION— MR. W. H. DOAN — OUR DEAD — MRS. JOSEPH PERKINS — PEARL STREET INN.
I ^ARLY in the chapter, Thursday, March 19th, *^* was mentioned. Forty of us went on that
J
date, opposed, though unharmed, through Ontario street ; withdrawing to the Public Square, from the steps of the Y. M. C. A. building great crowds of people were exhorted by eloquent women to a better life. Just here, permit me to say that this Association, ever ready to aid reforms, opens its doors and lends protection to all who need defense ; in performance of noble work for human- ity, these young men are untiring. On this Thurs- day, violence met an unauthorized band of ladies in the Eleventh Ward on Lorain street. Friday, the 20th, a company, with their lives endangered, went up Garden street and held glorious meetings. Before departure, a few leaders were summoned to
AND THEIR WORK. 183
Mayor Otis' office to receive information from him and from a Police Commissioner that a proclama- tion would soon be issued enforcing the sidewalk ordinance. The following Monday, after the issue of the proclamation, those of the West Side ladies who had waited upon the Lord, came forth with strength renewed ; " they mounted up on wings as eagles ; they ran and were not weary ; walked and fainted not." The same day, two hundred and sixteen of us went out of the First Baptist Church and called upon the wholesale dealers of Water and Bank streets ; Mrs. Emma White Perkins in the forefront, led the singing. Not long afterward fifteen hundred women assembled in the First Presbyterian Church ; five hundred of them, led by Mrs. W. A. Ingham and Mrs. S. W. Duncan, called upon the wholesale dealers in Mer- win and River streets. Can we forget how the stately Episcopalian, Mrs. William Mittleberger, or the cultured Baptist, Mrs. Lucy Seaman Bain- bridge, of Rhode Island, with others of our own number, exhorted to newness of life the vast crowd surrounding the wharf? One bright after- noon a praying band went through River street, lined with saloons and sailors' boarding houses.
184 WOMKX OF CLEVELAND
Refused admission at many doors, they passed on, patient and calm. One saloon-keeper relented and sent for the ladies to come back. Entering, they saw four men playing cards, the chief of whom, with long gray hair, filthy, ragged, forlorn, blasphemed Christ at sight of his followers. The leader of the band, Mrs. Coon, approached him, and with angelic sympathy, laid her hand on his shoulder, saying : " My brother, did you know that Christ died for you ? " Awe-struck, he ceased to blaspheme, and turned deadly pale. The next day in another den the same band met him again. He became a clean, respectable man, and was for a time a member of the Euclid Avenue Congrega- tional Church. He was Colonel Westbrook, of Virginia, and prominent in the Confederate service. May 1st, 1874, a large audience gathered in First Presbyterian Church to hear numerical results. The Praying Bands had visited three distilleries, eight breweries, thirty drug stores, thirty-five hotels — ten of these had abolished a bar — fortv wholesale dealers, eleven hundred saloons ; had held seventy out-door services, also in the wigwams on Garden and St. Clair streets, in Carleton Hall, Broadway, on the tug " Cru-
AND THEIR WORK. 185
sader," and in a number of warehouses and offices into which we had been invited to pray for neigh- boring liquor sellers refusing us admission ; Mrs. Moses Hill and one or two more had held service in engine houses and Foresters1 Lodge. Total number of dealers who had signed the pledge, seventy-five ; property owners, two hundred ; citi- zens, ten thousand.
Among the helps to our cause we acknowledged the noon meetings at the Stone Church parlors ; the citizens' mass meetings ; the workers' gather- ings Saturday afternoons ; the pastors, a powerful adjunct; the sweet singers of the various churches; generous citizens ; the Cleveland press. It is our conviction, that a few should have special men- tion : Mrs. S. P. Churchill, for her singing each day through the movement ; Mrs. S. W. Duncan had executive ability and skill in developing ways, means and results ; during her stay here, in and after 1874, she was an incentive to labor and a practical exponent of ideas advanced to others ; Rev. A. J. F. Behrends, D. D., Rev. H. C. Haydn, D. D., Rev. C. S. Pomeroy, D. D., Rev. S. W. Dun- can, Rev. S. Wolcott, D. D., Bishop R. Dubs, Messrs. Joseph Perkins, J. D. Rockefeller, W. A.
1 86 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Ingham, S. H. Sheldon, and the Y. M. C. A., were a right arm of power.
Mr. W. H. Doan, eminent in Cleveland for good works, ever ready with purse and a kind word to aid our cause, always maintained that through the influence of the Temperance Crusade he established the People's Tabernacle in Ontario street. For years this was a center of reform, and through Mr. C. E. Bolton the great building was a source of education to thousands of working men and their families, as well as of entertain- ment and good cheer to the general public. These two men gave an uplift to effort for the whole people. Mrs. Doan is yet with us ; Mr. Doan's sisters — all widows, are here, and in good work : Caroline Doan Walters, Mrs. Harriet Sprague, Mrs. Lucy Miller, Mrs. Martha Mc- Reynolds. Several ladies, Miss Sarah L. Andrews and others, are active now, elsewhere. A large number of our Crusaders and later workers have laid down the Cross to wear the Crown : Mrs. A. R. Thomas, Mrs. William Mittleberger, Rev. Fred- erick Brooks, Mrs. G. H. Haskell, Mrs. Robert Hanna, Mrs. E. P. Morgan, Mrs. H. R. Hoising- ton, Mrs. E. D. and J. C. Delamater, Mrs. A. A.
AND THEIR WORK. 187
Brakenridge, Mrs. Mary Hubbell, Mrs. R. San- derson, Mrs. C. E. Wheeler, Mrs. W. B. Porter, Mrs. Dr. Keeler, Mrs. J. F. C. Hayes, Miss Belle Brayton, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Perkins, Mr. W. H. Doan, Mrs. William Taylor and her son, Mr. J. L. Taylor, with many more.
Mrs. Moses Hill, unusually gifted in prayer and exhortation, went from her elegant home in Kal- amazoo, Mich., to the "many mansions."
When I looked upon Mrs. John Coon with a lily in her hand, so beautifully placed for burial by the loving touch of Mrs. L. T. Schofield and Mrs. Alice M. Claflen, I recalled her thrilling voice in those prayers that arrested many a wan- dering soul, and longed for the hour when we shall greet each other on the "shining shore."
Two women of Cleveland, one departed, and one in the shadow of three-score and ten, gave themselves to this great work:
Mrs. Joseph Perkins. — The subjoined was furnished by her intimate friend, Miss Mary H. Ingersoll, a lady connected with good work, both in the Presbvterian Church and in the various associations of which she is a member. Miss IngersoH's excellent judgment and helpful intelli-
1 88 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
gence are well known to Cleveland workers : Mrs. Perkins was born in Culpepper county, Va., where for several generations her maternal ancestors had lived. Her great grandmother, Betty Washington, was a sister of General George Washington, and her grandfather, Colonel Howell Lewis, was the favorite among his nephews, indeed the only one mentioned in his will. Mrs. Perkins' father, Robert McAnery Steele, was of Scotch parentage ; he died when she was but six years old. Seven years later her mother removed to Marietta, O., in order to secure better educational advantages for her children. Mrs. Perkins, after her marriage, resided in Warren until 1851, when she removed to Cleveland. Of her noble and useful life here, many delight to testify. Her home was truly the center of that life ; but this did not mean a selfish absorption in the interests of her family in order to secure for them the highest social honors and distinctions. Her great ambition for her children was that they should become useful Christians, and for this she faithfully labored to train them. While very conscientious in discharging her duties as mistress of a large household, her care for the comfort and happiness of every member of it
AND THEIR WORK. 1 89
awakened in those employed by her the warmest affection ; touching instances of this have recently come to my knowledge. Her hospitality was gen- erous and cordial, even to those who came as strangers, but who went away filled with delight- ful remembrance of her gracious welcome and kindly courtesy. The prominent place she held in church, of which for twentv-five vears she was a member, was accorded her because of what she was, not because of her wealth or social position. The following, from the Ladies* Society of this church, will show the estimate of Mrs. Perkins' character of those bv whom, outside of her own family, she was best known and most beloved : " Her quick perception of what was right, and her unwavering adherence to it, gave great value to her judgment; her decisions, always promptly reached, were expressed with great deference for those who differed from her, while her inimitable humor was a charm to which all yielded." Con- nected with Mrs. Perkins in church work, it was repeatedly my privilege to go with her to homes of poverty. The entire absence of anything like ostentation or condescension in her manner, her ready sympathy with sorrow or misfortune, her
190 WOMKN OF CLEVELAND
unaffected interest in the details of want and woe, and the rare good sense of the advice she gave and the plans for relief she proposed, won my warmest love and admiration. In her position, as one of the managers of the Retreat, the strength and beauty of Mrs. Perkins' character were very clearly shown. Longing with a true mother-love to help the unfortunate inmates of that home, giving them generously of her sympathy and encouragement, she labored to awaken in them a love for purity and true womanliness, and a trust in the Divine strength, as the only hope for a restored womanhood. Her last purchases were Christmas gifts for these girls ; and to many of them the cherished remembrance from so true a friend will doubtless prove the inspiration to hope, in the struggle toward a better life. Mrs. Perkins was one of the organizers of the Woman's Chris- tian Temperance League, chairman of its first Executive Committee, and, until prevented by protracted illness in her family and her own declining health, actively engaged in the prosecu- tion of its work. The characteristics of Mrs. Perkins most strongly impressed on those associ- ated with her in these various benevolent enter-
AND THEIR WORK. 191
prises, are : an excellent judgment ; a sympathy responsive to every just appeal ; wit, quick and sparkling, but never caustic, and beautifying all, a Christian faith and love, not paraded, but sus- taining and controlling. The desire that she might learn the lesson which the All-wise Teacher intended in her discipline of sorrow and bereave- ment seemed at last granted. She was able to feel,
" 111 that He blesses is our good, And unblest good is ill ; And all is right that seems most wrong, If it be His sweet will."
Very evident and wonderfully beautiful, as re- vealed during the last few months of her life, was the ripening of the " fruits of the Spirit " in her, until an almost angelic sweetness smiled in her face even through the lines of pain and weariness. Surely among all the descendants of the family most honored in our land, none are worthier than Martha Steele Perkins, and what makes her most worthy our admiring, reverent love, is not that she was a Washington, but that as wife, as mother, as friend, she was a Christian.
Friendly Inn Work. — From 1876-82, the Pearl Street Inn was a phenomenal success. At
192 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
the close of the first twelve months the restaurant paid into the Ladies' Treasury $130. For years the Saturday night boys' class had a remarkable career. Miss Ada Jones — now wife of Rev. Mr. Bonnell — was leader and inspiration. Street chil- dren came in, acquired temperance instruction and book knowledge ; were informed upon every- day topics and heard parliamentary drill. Miss Jones possessed tact, ability, adaptation. Many young business men now point to those years as the seed-sowing time of their lives, and acknowl- edge thrift and prosperity through those influences. The Girls' Sewing School and Knitting Class, superintended on Saturday afternoons by Miss Lina Moore, now Mrs. N. S. Amstutz, Mrs. H. C. Spooner and Miss Nellie Hutchings, with a corps of faithful assistants, were full of results. Scien- tific temperance instruction simplified was given at each session. Mothers' meetings, enrolling two hundred and seventy, were held Wednesdays, in charge of the chairman, Mrs. W. A. Ingham. Many wives of drunkards, and others who felt the need in their own lives of spiritual uplifting, came to the chapel to listen to Bible readings by Mrs. Lewis Burton, Mrs. H. M. Ingham, Mrs. H. Ben-
AND THEIR WORK. 193
ton, Mrs. S. H. Lee, Mrs. Hayes, Mrs. Sanderson, and other ladies ; prayer and song were inter- spersed ; Miss Ellen Turner, now Mrs. Chas. Luck, organist. A hearty experience meeting and plain lunch followed. The sunshine of that mothers' meeting still pervades some lives. Among the best missionary workers in this department were Mrs. E. D. Delamater and Mrs. Jas. Mclntyre ; Mrs. Campbell was our canal-boat visitor. The reformed men's meetings had power ; * at one time, three hundred were connected with this Inn. Our own gospel temperance pledge, cottage prayer- meetings, anniversary suppers, and every agency known to Christian women prevailed. The In- dustrial Committee, presided over by Mrs. Smith Moore, conducted the annual " Mothers' Fair," in which Mrs. John Grant and Mrs. J. D. Bothwell, aided by citizens generally, helped on the reform. Pearl Inn was the pioneer in this city of dime en- tertainments. Fine talent, aided by amateur be- ginners among girls and boys, brought out choice music, readings, recitations and tableaux ; the physical effect of alcohol on brain, nerves and blood were given by ladies.
* Held on Sabbath afternoons. Miss Emma Warner, now Mrs. Lemperley, played the organ.
194 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Thousands of persons were supplied with ice- water in the heat of Summer, with literature at all seasons, and invited to reading room privileges. Drawing room assemblies were held at the resi- dence of the chairman, who during this glad har- vest in the white fields of suffering humanity, made herself familiar with the coffee house sys- tems of England and Scotland, and went " crusad- ing ' with ladies of London in Shoreditch. In all, one thousand persons were enrolled as regular attendants in the various departments of Pearl Inn ; each one having influence in some home, or work-shop and on the streets. This center of education and reform lives now only in memory — for the chairman could no longer bear the phys- ical and financial strain resulting from being the bearer of most of the heavy burden of work after the first five years of this Inn's history. The neighboring churches are stronger in missionary effort, through its agency ; the number redeemed by its influence will only be known when " the books are opened."
AND THEIR WORK. 1 95
CHAPTER XVIII.
ST. CLAIR STREET INN— MRS. M. C. WORTHING- TOX — CENTRAL FRIENDLY INN — MISS F. JEN- NIE DUTY — COLUMBIAN STATISTICS — MRS. EMMA C. WORTHINGTON — THE W. C. T. U. OF TO-DAY — NATIONAL W. C. T. U — WOMEN OF THE SALVATION ARMY — OUR Y'S.
/^VNE of the worst saloons of St. Clair street ^^ was rented, June 15th, 1874, by Mrs. Maria C. Worthington and other benevolent ladies for a reading room. Two of these helpers were Mrs. C. E. Wheeler, of precious memory, and Mrs. James Mason. Pictures, mottoes and brackets ornamented the renovated walls ; plants and vines the windows ; papers, magazines and books wTere on the tables. Religious services were held Sab- bath afternoons and Wednesday evenings ; socia- bles, Saturday evenings. Later on, lodgings were furnished. These ladies laid much stress upon attractive boarding homes for voung men. During
196 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
the first two years, three hundred meetings were held . for prayer and conference ; sixty sociables ; mothers' meetings established ; twenty of them held; nin? hundred families visited; nineteen hundred pledges obtained ; ninety saloons called upon ; thirteen closed ; five keepers and their wives leading new lives ; forty drunkards reformed and fourteen hundred tracts and papers distributed, besides a good work among boys and young men. Mary Andrews, from China, often gave Bible read- ings. More room was required and furnished. Mrs. Worthington purchased the ancient Waring Street Methodist Church building and presented it to her Board. A great work progressed for years. Men reformed and women helped by the Inn, grew self-sustaining and were in their places, as work people, living comfortably; many railroad men's families came to reside in the vicinity. Mrs. Worthington greatly needed relief from the heavy burdens imposed by exigencies of temperance work in the old Fifth and Seventh Wards. Aged sick women found in distress were cared for by these elect women, and in time given quarters in rented rooms on Hamilton street. From this be- ginning came the Invalids' Home. Airs. Worthing-
AND THEIR WORK. 197
ton laid before the Young Men's Christian Associ- ation the need of their special line of work in the changing population of that section. They ac- cepted her proposition, taking all services, except those of the children ; these little ones, neighbor- ing pastors placed in their own Sunday schools. When all arrangements were definitely made, this excellent woman made a gift of the St. Clair Street Inn building to the Y. M. C. A., and it be- came known as the Alabama Street Branch Station. Mrs. Worthington was born at Dorset, Vt., in 181 7. Surrounded by mountains, she from child- hood drank in elevation of soul from the air of the peaks, so that when reverses came to her father — Mr. Blackmer — she was ready for any emergency, teaching first, a country school ; then the primary department of the Bennington Seminary, herself taking lessons in the higher classes. In 1836, her family removed to Cleveland ; the father engag- ing in business, in a house on the site now oc- cupied by the W. P. Southworth Co. Just in the rear was a little white chapel in the midst of a cluster of dwellings. In this chapel, Miss Black- mer opened a private school, which was in a short time absorbed in the newly established free school
198 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
system. This young lady did mission work in rooms provided at the foot of Superior street, for the Sunday instruction of the children of sailors ; her class were all converted ; Father Taylor being in the prime of his street labors here. His successor was Rev. Win. Day, who became chap- lain to the lake marine corps, and the Bethel was built where Hotel Pence now stands.
Mr. George Worthington, an industrious young man, came here in 1837, from Syracuse, N. Y., doing an infinitesimal trade in hardware and jew- elry on the Square, just where our Court House now is. He invited Miss Blackmer to share his destiny. Economical and prosperous, Mr. Worth- ington bought in time a plat of ground on Euclid 1 avenue, only two residences being in sight, those of Messrs. Irad Kellev and Horace Weddell. Mrs. W. was a devoted wife and mother, strictly domestic, and helped, largely, by her frugality and attention, in amassing the fortune which came de- servedly. In 1874, she was an ardent crusader ; all the nobility of her nature asserted itself, and without intention of her own she stood a central figure in the temperance movement. She always had a too modest estimate of her own abilities and
AND THEIR WORK. 199
worth ; seeking retirement, her good deeds are known to the recipients of her ever-abonnding charity. Of deeply spiritual nature and habit, she has been greatly sought for as leader in the benev- olent work of the Second Presbyterian Church, but pursuing the 'even tenor of her way,' has built up a grand work for the city she loves so well. In her errands of mercy for the Invalids' Home, with which she is closely connected, Mrs. Chas. L. Rhodes, a noble worker, is usually her companion.
Central Friendly Inn was established September 7th, 1874 — a new building was occupied April 22nd, 1888. This was the gift of many people, Messrs'. Joseph Perkins and J. D. Rockefeller be- ing large donors. It is located on Broadway, corner of Central avenue, in a section of the city needing just such a mission station. "Not willing that any should perish," is the motto, of the insti- tution, which contains reading rooms for men, for boys, eighteen lodgings, facilities for cooking and sewing schools, kitchen garden classes, coffee room and carpenter shop. The chapel is large and com- modious ; Miss F. Jennie Duty, leader and super- intendent ; a lady of means, education, and con-
200 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
nected with one of the old families of Cleveland, who gives her life to temperance work. Nine gospel meetings, varying in character, are held each week, besides those for mothers and children. It is estimated that at least twenty-two hundred visits are made bv several laborers, each vear. Reformed men are a Bine Ribbon Band, a Band of Hope for girls and boys ; one hundred and twenty- five young men and women enrolled in a "Y," for social, temperance and philanthropic purposes; a W. C. T. U., for mothers and women in general; these meetings are all inspiring ; anniversary oc- casions, delightful with flowers and music, experi- ence and Bible reading. All-day services on special dates are crowded with people who need to be touched by the power of the Gospel. Central Friendly Inn is a noble beneficence ; a beacon- light on a rocky shore, preventing total wreck of storrn-tossed souls. Mrs. Lucy Galbraith, Mrs. E. Chittenden, Mrs. Byrnes, Miss Hatch, Miss L. T. Guilford, Mrs. Herbert Hill, Mrs. Dr. Brockett, Mrs. A. D. Morton, are enrolled here among self-forgetful workers. Mrs. Anna S. Prather has helped this institution in the past, by her readiness in gather- ing funds; she is now president of the Doan Union
AND THEIR WORK. 201
at Music Hall. Central Inn belongs to the present and we trust to the future.
The successor of River Street Station is the Floating Bethel Chapel, that of the South Side Sewing School and reformatory work, the Erin Avenue Baptist Church.
We do not think that sufficient emphasis has been given to the results of the woman's crusade in Cleveland, in producing the great and varied benevolences growing out of the movement. The Columbian ingathering of 1893 shows the strength of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union ; both branches. The Xon-Partisan includes the Central Inn Union, Miss F. Jennie Duty, chair- man, and Miss Delia Hatch, secretary; Music Hall (Doan), Mrs. J. S. Prather, Mrs. H. M. Ingham ; Hough Avenue, Mrs. C. W. Haight; South Cleve- land, Mrs. A. B. Caine ; Bohemian and German Young Women's Unions; Cyril and Central Inn uY's" and the "Other Y's." These nine all re- port at No. 513 Arcade; Miss Mary E. Ingersoll, president, Miss F. E. Huntington, secretary. The institutions maintained are Central Friendly Inn, Woodland Avenue and Willson x\venue Reading Rooms; the two latter in charge of Mrs. Emma
202 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
C. Worthington and Miss Anna Edwards, respect- ively. Mrs. Worthington's successful labor in the Boys1 Reformatory is well known ; this wTas for years connected with the Workhouse. Miss Anna Edwards is a lecturer and organizer, being an original crusader. Carroll Street Mission, Miss M. Ingham; Training Home for Friendless Girls, Mrs. B. S. Coggswell. Abont three thousand persons assemble in these institutions each week for re- formatory, educational and preventive work. The extinction of the liquor traffic, reformation of the intemperate, education of public sentiment, in addition to direct personal effort, are aims of the Union.
The National Non-Partisan Union was formed here in 1889 ; holding annual session in this city in November, 1892 ; Mrs. E. J. Phinney and Mrs. H. M. Ingham, both of Cleveland, president and secretary.
The W. C. T. U. of To-dav.— Of these, in Cleveland are six ; and a membership of some hundreds, with Sunday services at the Jail, lunch for self-sustaining young women at No. 8 Euclid avenue, distribution of temperance literature, lec- tures, etc. Here are Mrs. R. A. Campbell, Mrs. C.
AND THEIR WORK. 203
E. Tillinghast, Mrs. A. R. Singletary, Mrs. Harriet
D. Comnberry, Mrs. Alice Terrell, Mrs. D. W. Gage, Mrs. J. Ellston, Mrs. Virginia Stevens, Mrs. T. K. Doty, Mrs. G. P. Oviatt, Mrs. J. Ellston, Mrs.
E. T. Silver, Mrs. R. A. Cannon and Miss Lucy Jordan, of Rockport. Mrs. H. E. Hammond, dis- trict president, Mrs. E. S. Gillette, hopeful for final victory ; Mrs. J. T. Foote and Mrs. S. M. Perkins have labored faithfullv all these vears. Mrs. Geo. Preslev has freelv given of her means and of home light for the cause ; beloved, earnest, patient. Besides a hundred others, is Mrs. E. O. Buxton, the persistent, successful friend of young women.
Just here, in close sympathy, we are exalted to high privilege in placing the most self-sacrificing of all the women of Cleveland, those of the Salva- tion Army. Heat, frost, darkness, physical suffer- ing are to these undaunted souls a mere bagatelle; they are toiling in the slums, while we sit at com- fortable fire-sides ; they bear the persecution of the ungodly, while we linger in stately halls, or in ex- clusive circles, entertaining and being entertained. On their brows rests the crown of thorns; for them is the cross, the spear, the nails; and for them in the resurrection shall be the glory.
204 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
The " Y" movement began in Cleveland in 1874, and spread throughout the country; becom- ing a department of the National W. C. T. U., in 1880. Of these are here, five unions, doing ex- cellent work, by creating healthy sentiment among young men and women. The West Side UY' is strong ; organized by Mrs. Buxton, and now pre- sided over by Miss Iyuella Bradley, who gives promise of extended usefulness. The East End " Y' is large, influential and persevering. All to- gether in one great assembly, our girls are " an army with banners."
November 20th, 1874, the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union was formed in the Superior Street Presbyterian Church, preliminaries having been arranged in August previous at Lake Chautauqua, N. Y., by seven ladies, of whom the writer of this history is one ; it is now the largest organization of women known, with forty depart- ments of work steadily developing. Its headquar- ters are located in the Woman's Temple, Chicago. The results of the crusade — that Pentecost of power, are not yet fully apparent. We consider it the beginning of the greatest moral movement of the centurv. It has done more to advance the
AND THEIR WORK. 205
cause of woman and of practical Christianity than any combined forces of previous years. It has become of national and international significance, and a World's Christian Temperance Union is formed. Discerning eyes, watching closely the times, must see that the influence of our work penetrates everywhere. It is deft, abounding in tact, marvelously thorough, and uncompromisingly persistent. The Home Protection Movement is sweeping upon us. To my mind, you may find it thus described in Isaiah, the prophet : u Behold, .1 will make thee a new, sharp threshing instru- ment, having teeth ; thou shalt thresh the moun- tains and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff. Thou shalt fan them and the wind shall carry them away ; the whirlwind shall scatter them." The world moves. Reforms know only advance.
2o6 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
CHAPTER XIX.
CHURCH SOCIETIES — FIFTY NOBLE WOMEN — COL- UMBIAN STATISTICS — PRESBYTERIAN WORK — W. H. M. S. — MRS. LUCY WEBB HAYES — EPISCO- PAL CHURCH — MRS. C. S. BATES — CONGREGA- TIONAL— MRS. J. G. W. COWLES — MISSIONARIES AT HOME — MISS S. C. YALENTINE — MISS SARAH L. ANDREWS — McALL MISSION — KING'S DAUGH- TERS— MRS. CONWAY W. NOBLE — WOMAN'S COUNCIL — ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH — MRS. T. J. MOONEY — MISS JOANNA O'MARA — HEBREW WOMAN'S WORK — MRS. MANUEL HALLE — BO- HEMIAN HUNDREDS — MARIE HAJEK.
r 1 ^HE writer, haYing wrought in her own city, ^ for near a quarter-century, in the deepest and strongest of causes, both home and foreign, may with authority hold that the Church ought to be the central power in the redemption of humanity ; herein should be a concentration of loYe, of Christian activitY- From each of these one hundred and
AND THEIR WORK. 20J
sixty Protestant churches of Cleveland is con- stantly lent a hand to the struggling, despairing, unfortunate ; for they have facilities for reaching, spiritually, the young and old, rich and poor, ignorant and learned. Christ, the great Head, came to seek and to save the lost. " The disciple must not be above her Lord." With Sabbath and week-night services crowded, Sunday schools filled with little ones brought hither by missionary visit- ation, met by teachers, so intent upon their work that it is but a labor of love to guide young feet in the way of life, scarce opportunity would be afforded for a great number of expensive outside organizations. There are twenty churches in this city fulfilling our ideal. Of one, its missionary work, home and foreign, is thoroughly systema- tized and well managed ; its Ladies' Benevolent Society, organized in 1872, numbering seventy, expends $500 per year in relief, in contributions to a reading room, day nursery, a Friendly Inn and two hospitals, besides sending boxes of supplies to the frontier. The Sundav school is of mag- nificent proportions, and has its own sewing circles. Bible instruction centers there. The latter, and the sewing school as well, were for a long time
208 WOMEN OK CIJAKLAND
conducted by one of Cleveland's remarkable women, Mrs. William Taylor, of precious memory. The great chorus choir is a complete musical society. The ample audience room is plainly fur- nished, yet bears the impress of the cultured, devout brain and soul of the originators. The people love to go there to hear a genuine gospel. The Second Presbyterian Church has a ladies' society, almost equal in ability and results. The Woman's Benevolent Association of our Church of the Forefathers, Plymouth, organized in 1853, is a grand center of distribution. WTell may Mrs. J. G. W. Cowles say of it to the Columbian Association that filling a blank for statistics feebly portrays the amount of help extended to Chinese, to Indians, to Southern Negroes, and to the various charities of the city. This society's dear little sister of dis- tant Franklin Avenue Congregational, with its ten members in each auxiliary, counts for just as much with our Lord, who, "with equal eye," regards a giant or a sparrow. The Women's Association of Pilgrim Church is unique, with its hundred mem- bers and manifold method; its object being to increase the efficiency of the distinctive work of the women of the church. Among its committees
AND THEIR WORK, 20g
are one on Sewing Circle; on Sewing School; on Hospitality; on Visitation; on Home and City- Missions; on Foreign Missions. What grand anniversaries are in store for this youthful organi- zation, we leave Mrs. A. M. Emerson, Miss Kate Maclnnes, Mrs. J. M. Curtiss, Mrs. E. E. Coe, and their associates to unfold.
The Scranton Avenue Baptist Church, with more pluck than many better known and larger temples, has a Ladies' Aid Society that paid $180 toward expenses, and a Missionary Circle, adding over half a hundred dollars to home and foreign work, as recorded by Mrs. W. H. Ferris.
Mrs. Lloyd Darsie says of the Disciple churches: " The aid given to Foreign Missions is necessarilv scattered in all countries. The home work is more especially devoted to evangelizing the city, starting new missions and helping to sustain those already in being. The societies show healthful growth since the date of their organization, twelve years ago ; on an average trebling the original membership. In eight churches we have sixteen women's societies, in the city of Cleveland, expend- ing annually the sum of three thousand dollars, equally divided between home and foreign."
2IO WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
From the rectory of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church come delightful statistics of all the parishes of Cleveland, so clothed with beautiful substance by Mrs. C. S. Bates that we actually see wide-spread activities in full operation. Mrs. Theodore Bury, a well-known woman of Cleveland, stands for the Senior Missionary Society of St. Paul's; Mrs. W. G. Yates, the Woman's Auxiliary, raising very nearly $1,000 per year; there is the Frederick Brooks Mission Circle and the Girls' Mission Band, all in this great church ; the Ladies' Guilds, of Newburgh, of St. Peter's, of St. James', of all Saints', and the five societies of St. Mary's by Elise Keppler and her associates, the Girls' Friendly Societies of St. John's, of Grace, the Marie Louise of St. Luke's, "Woman's Auxiliaries," "Parish Aids," the "Altar Guilds," the " Little Helpers," of a dozen others, not omit- ting the Frauen Verein of Christus Kirche, nor the Guild of St. Andrews-in-the-East.
Trinity Cathedral has, besides its institution, a Woman's Auxiliary and a branch or Sewing Circle, "Daughters of the Church," which makes garments for any poor clergyman's family, or out- of-the-way church schools, also the "Ministering-
i AND THEIR WORK. 211
Children." Epiphany has its "Dorcas," for benevolence; "Woman's Guild," missionary; "Thimble Society," for general work.
In direct line with the mother church comes the Methodist Episcopal, with its two-score and five mission auxiliaries and "Aids," including these elect women: Mrs. H. J. Caldwell, Mrs. F. S. Hoyt, Mrs. H. Benton, Mrs. W. M. Bayne, Mrs. A. T. Brewer, Mrs. John Mitchell, Mrs. W. M. Reese, Mrs. M. R. Dickey, Miss Jane Henderson, Mrs. A. Sherman, Mrs. O. E. Clapp, Mrs. L. Lazier, Mrs. O. L. Doty, Mrs. C. J. Werwage, Mrs. A. R. Tim- mins, Airs. Baldwin, the noble giver, and a host, east of the Cuyahoga. There is no more ap- propriate place to review the history of the Wom- an's Foreign Missionary Society of to-day.
In 1857, the revolt of the native Indian soldiers, or Sepoys, in the Bombay, Madras and Bengal armies, rendered necessary a reorganization of the whole East Indian army. It was transferred with the government of India to England's crown, and the Christian monarch, Victoria, became its Em- press. With the greater infusion of the European element in the high places of the Orient came desire on the part of Rajahs and others of the
212 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
upper classes to have their seraglios and harems open to instruction in domestic arts of the women occupying- them. -Next came the demand for medical ladies to visit these native women in sick- ness. These points being gained, religious in- struction would be easily introduced. This is said to be the immediate origin of the great modern movement.
The wife of a missionary of India made her husband a pair of slippers, which were seen and admired by a native prince. He desired the woman who made the pretty shoes to visit the Zenana, where lived his favorite wife, and show her how to make a pair for him. Gladly the invi- tation was accepted, for as the bright floss was woven into velvet, the Christian wife spake to the heathen princess of Christ.
The practical outcome of the East Indian revo- lution was the planting of auxiliaries in every church all over our land, whose object is to raise funds to send out ladies adapted to various depart- ments of the work.
Mrs. T. C. Doremus, of New York, — mother of us all — founded, in 1861, the "Woman's Union Missionary Society for Heathen Lands."
AND THEIR WORK. 213
The demand for laborers so increased that the denominations, separating, instituted distinct branches, as follows: In 1868, Woman's Board of Missions, auxiliary to the American Board, Con- gregational; Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1869; the same for the Presbyterian Church in 1870; Baptist, 1871; other churches later. In 1870, the Methodist women of Cleveland inaugurated the movement here and in leading towns of Northern Ohio. A platform meeting in which six ladies took part was held in the First Methodist Church, Cleveland, September 19th, of that year, in presence of an immense audience, many members being present of the Erie Annual Conference then in session here. The enthusiam kindled that evening diffused in all directions, and similar meetings were held wherever practicable. This occasion was memorable from the fact that it was the first time that religious women had ever addressed a mixed audience in Cleveland. Mrs. Moses Hill made a fervent prayer, Mrs. T. S. Paddock read the Scriptures, another lady, the hymns. Mrs. Mary J., wife of Bishop Clark, read a paper upon the necessity for this society. Annie Howe, widow
214 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
of Bishop Edward Thomson, read a poem pre- pared for this meeting, entitled "The Master hath need of the Reapers." Mrs. W. A. Ingham pre- sided and addressed the people upon the "Women of the Orient. " The Presbyterian ladies of North- ern Ohio remodeled their old-time missionary societies, or formed new ones, and other denom- inations followed. Mrs. H. D. Sizer reports forty- six home missionary auxiliaries in this Presbytery, helping in educational and relief work among the alien population of the United States, and diffus- ing Christianity among exceptional classes. Miss Julia Haskell states that there are in the same territory forty-four Foreign Missionary Societies, maintaining a missionary in Syria, Bible women in Africa and China, Zenana work in India, scholarships and schools in South America, China, and other distant lands.
A legion of earnest women are enlisted in foreign and home agencies among Presbyterians, Episco- palians, Congregationalists, Baptists, Friends, Disciples, Methodists, throughout the city, an at- tempt at mention would be to essay counting the innumerable multitude upon the heavenly hills.
The Methodist Woman's Home Missionary
AND THEIR WORK. 215
Society was formed in 1882, auxiliaries being organized here by Mrs. E. L. Rust, National Cor- responding Secretary ; Mrs. Lucy Webb Hayes, our President, though not a Cleveland woman, was a neighbor, residing at Spiegel Grove, Fremont, O., and often visited our societies. She was a devout Christian, a liberal giver and a graceful, cultured ladv. Her motto, uDo unto others as ve would that they should do unto you," was her rule of life; how much we loved her, she will know bye and bye. I asked Mrs. H. C. McCabe, of Dela- ware, O., to furnish a tribute to Mrs. Hayes, and she responded, "We, whose eyes were illumed by the baptismal light of the Temperance Crusade, recognize with delight as our head, her who so modestly, but triumphantly led our cause up to the highest place on earth and maintained it there, despite the traditions of the White House, and customs of courts, old as the world. While we of Ohio were following Jesus of Nazareth through the streets and into the saloons, lifting our eyes, we suddenly saw him enter the palace of the nation; one of our number having meeklv and faithfully followed Him there. Then, we acknowledged the token and said, 'Now is the beginning of that
2l6 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
auspicious day when the kingdoms of this world shall be the Lord Christ's.' And at the moment when this little sister, whose initials are W. H. M. S., put her head above the waves for recognition, proposing not only to carry temperance, but a whole gospel into the darkened homes of our own land to lift them up into the mountain of holiness, who comes to stand by us in work for our country, but this faithful woman who followed Jesus into the Home at the Capitol?"
The Local Missionary Union was organized by a number of ladies, of whom was Mrs. Emily G. Cory, in January, 1888; the Deaconess' Home in May, 1889. In the latter are enrolled as leaders, Mrs. F. A. Arter, Mrs. E. C. Brainard, Mrs. G. H. Foster, Mrs. Levi Gilbert, Mrs. T. M. Irvine.
Miss S. C. Valentine, a devoted missionary of the Woman's Christian Association, and of the Euclid Avenue Baptist Church, states that there are in Cleveland forty Bible readers, deaconesses and missionaries; besides all the volunteer effort of devoted members who visit, relieving want, uplift- ing "hearts bowed down." The very essence of con- secration and self-denial is found in Miss Sarah L. Andrews' work at her home, and Bible-house,
AND THEIR WORK. 217
Faith Rest and School-room. A sewing school of three hundred and fifty girls on Saturday, sixty street boys on Sabbath, large classes during the week of Italians and Chinese, and every day Bible study, reach hundreds of people. To meet current expenses, in order that all this may be free to re- cipients, she has a day-school of thirty girls pre- paring for Wellesley and Vassar. Her personality, which is Christ-likeness, pervades each feature of the great work. Four of the day pupils are pre- paring for endeavor in foreign lands. Associated with Miss Andrews is Mrs. Thompson and a few devout assistants.
The McAll Mission, thus named from the founder, was organized in Cleveland in 1885, hav- ing a present membership of three hundred and fifty. Its object is to give a pure gospel to the working people of France, and is carried on at stations similar to our Friendly Inns, in Paris and other cities. Mrs. Lucretia R. Garfield is president, Mrs. Lydia Hoyt Farmer, secretary, and Mrs. P. M. Hitchcock, treasurer of the Local Auxiliary. The ladies here contribute over $700 annually, to the maintenance of the Salle Cleveland, of our share in Sunday schools, Free Dispensaries, Pub-
2l8 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
lication and Repair funds. Cleveland women have given $527 to the Mission boat for the Seine. Features of the work are religious meetings, dis- tribution of Christian literature, including one hundred and seventeen thousand tracts and illus- trated papers, voluntary offerings from America, Great Britain, and the Continent, carry forward this grand scheme for evangelization. With many others, Mrs. G. M. Barber, one of the Board of Managers, is strongly interested in this Branch, furnishing these statistics. She is a ladv of broad culture, public spirit and a friend to every good cause.
The "King's Daughters," whose headquarters are in New York, was originated some years since by Mrs. Margaret Bottome, of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, as the result of a conversation with Edward Everett Hale, after the publication of his "Ten times one is ten," a delineation of the Harry Wadsworth people who " do good, as they have opportunity." It is a sisterhood working through tens and circles of young women whose free- masonry is, that everywhere among them is "a cheerful outlook, a perfect determination to relieve suffering, and a certainty that it can be relieved, a
AND THEIR WORK. 2IO,
sort of sweetness of disposition coming from the habit of looking across the line, as if death were little or nothing; with that, a disposition to be social, to meet people more than half way." In fact, a translation of "faith, hope, charity; these three." The rule of life is :
Look forward, not back, Look up, not down, Look out, not in,
And lend a hand.
The badge, a maltese cross, to be worn always abont the person, stamped with the initials of the Waldenses' watch-word, Ix His Name. The largest circle in this city is that of which Mrs. Conway W. Noble is centre, meeting in the Chapel of the First Presbyterian Church, on the second Sabbath evening of each month. The Bible readings by Airs. Noble are helpful ; the prayers and testimony of the members, genuine. The beneficence of all the tens and circles is wide- spread ; no ostentation is permitted. Meetings are not reported. "Rainbow Cottage," affording aid to poor children after illness, is a miniature in- stitution cared for bv a circle of twelve, of which Miss Marguerite Pechin and Miss Marion Parsons
220 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
are centres. Mrs. Noble is president of the Order here.
Possibly, the latest organization among us, is the Woman's Council, formed early in 1893, assembling in the building of the Young Men's Christian Association. Its aim is eminently praiseworthy, the spirit excellent. Rev. H. C. Haydn, D. D., and Rev. Win. Knight are advisory.
The remainder of this chapter is given to statis- tics which come with the Columbian ingathering.
Women of the Roman Catholic Church are in- cluded in the following: Altar Societies, Societies of the Sacred Heart, Holy Childhood, Holy Angels, Saints Agnes, Angela, Cecelia; Children of Mary, Young Ladies' Sodalities, Third Order of Saint Francis, Our Lady of Dolores, Saints Joseph, Mary, Alexis, Leonardo, Elizabeth, Beatrice, Holy Rosary, Christian Mothers, Ladies' Aid and Ladies' Total Abstinence of St. Patrick's, Young Ladies' Total Abstinence, Circle of Mercy, Ladies of Charity, with a total membership of twenty thousand.
Communities: Ursuline Sisters, established here, 1850; Ladies of Sacred Heart of Mary, 1851; Sisters of Charity, 1851; Sisters of Good Shepherd,
AND THEIR WORK. 221
1869; Little Sisters of the Poor, 1870; Sisters of St. Joseph, 1872; Sisters of Notre Dame, 1874; Poor Clares, 1877; Franciscan Sisters, 1884. In- stitutions in charge of Communities are four Academies, four Hospitals, three Orphan Asylums, three Reformatories.
Mrs. T. J. Mooney, a lady of ability and devo- tion, has furnished these statistics through a per- sonal canvass of twenty-eight parishes.
Miss Joanna O'Mara makes mention of two Literary Societies among Roman Catholic young ladies, St. Monica's and St. Angela's Reading Circles.
Hebrew ladies' societies : Daughters of Israel, i860 ; Hungarian Ladies' Benevolent, 1867 ; La- dies' Benevolent, 1874; Ladies' Sewing, 1885; Deborah Lodge, 1885; Austrian-Hungarian La- dies, 1889; Ladies' Charitable, 1891. Total mem- bership, eight hundred and seventy. Besides meeting the requirements of general relief work,, these ladies help the Montefiore Home and Jewish Orphan Asylum to thousands of dollars. These statistics are received through the courtesy of Mrs. M. Halle. Nationalities included in these two great factors of our population are English, Irish, Ger-
2 22 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
man, French, Hungarian, Slav, Bohemian, Polish, Russian.
Italian, Afro-American and "secular' women fail to report any organization whatever.
The following deserves mention : Grand Lodge of Bohemian Ladies' Societies of Ohio, with head- quarters at Cleveland ; membership, seven hundred and fifty ; Corresponding Secretary, Marie Hajek, 149 Croton street.
AND THEIR WORK. 223
CHAPTER XX.
THE PIONEER SCHOOLS OF CLEVELAND — THE FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE — MRS. IRENE HICKOX SCRANTON — MRS. MARY SCRANTON BRADFORD — THE FIRST FREE SCHOOL — SEVENTEEN NOTED*TEACHERS.
In 1800, a township school was organized, and five children taught by Sara Doane.
In 1802, a few little ones gathered in Major Carter's log residence, about Miss Anna Spafford, who instructed them in the a, b, c's, reading and ciphering.
Cuyahoga county was organized in 1809; Cleveland had, in 1810, fifty-seven inhabitants, but the oldest among them cannot tell who taught the school that winter. I venture to assert that it was some grand woman, and am only sorry that her name is consigned to oblivion ; the writer asked Mr. Geo. Watkins, of Logan avenue, not long ago, " Can you tell me of some specially bright woman of the earlv time that I mav mention her?"
224 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
His eye sparkled more than usual as he replied, " All of them, ma'am."
Cleveland was incorporated as a village, Decem- ber 23d, 1814. In 1816, the trustees of the town laid out Euclid, St. Clair, Bank, Wood and Bond streets, also a road around the Public Square, and St. Clair Lane. This corporation became owner of a real school house during the Winter of 1816-17. It stood in a grove of oak trees on St. Clair street, at the east side of the lot now occupied by the Kennard House. It was built of logs, and was in size, 24x30 feet ; one of its extremes was occupied by a fire-place and chimney ; the other, enlivened by two windows of twelve lights each, placed high ; its front side, neatly set in a frame of ^1 fence, was similarly glazed, and had a door in ad- dition. Judging from exterior appearance, the boys of that period snow-balled and coasted, or played at leap-frog and walked on stilts, furnishing proof of the truth of the astute remark that " boys will be boys." During its first season, the following persons patronized this minute institution : Mr. Merwin sent two children ; Mr. Williamson, two ; Mr. Shepard, two ; Major Carter, two ; Dr. Long, one ; Mr. Ockembaugh, who kept the jail, one, and
AND THEIR WORK. 225
Mr. Henderson, one. The school was taught for several years by private teachers, who managed affairs, backed by no formidable Board of Educa- tion. Previous to June 13th, 1817, the fair instruct- ress' salary was paid by the carrying out of the fol- lowing original and appropriate measure : All the bachelors of the settlement were taxed a certain sum per capita, unwilling contributors were they to the public weal, in the advancement of knowledge. Ashbel Walworth, Thomas and Irad Kelley, Philo Scovill, Stephen A. Dudley, Thomas O. Young. The amount of tax paid cannot be found in any tradition, but from the fact that these gentlemen, not long after, changed estate, we judge that economy may have been a motive. After the last mentioned date, other means were devised for the support of the school, and we find the names of twenty-five citizens pledged to pay the sum total of $198.70. It is darkly hinted the bachelors aforesaid got their money back, but that we will not credit. In 1819, a larger and better building was put up opposite the primeval log school house, made of brick and called the " Academy. " It was 45x25 ; the lower floor being divided into two de- partments, and the upper room used for church
226 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
and town hall purposes. Authentic records show that for twelve or fifteen years the Academy or High School was kept up. The exemplary girls and boys of the period, from both sides of the river, all attended school together, those west, being ferried across the Cuyahoga, their light steps tend- ing towards the Academy, located on the present site of the headquarters of the Fire Department, St. Clair street.
Pioneer children at school ! How it stirs the blood to review old times. Parties residing in different sections of the village, having small children, maintained private primary departments. Among the teachers of this epoch, who endeared themselves, particularly to their pupils, mention should be made of Miss Eliza Beard, of the x\cad- emy, who afterward went to Green Bay, Wis., Miss Roscoe and Miss Fuller, who subsequently resided in Ashtabula. Ohio City was a little in advance ; Eliza Sargent (afterward, Mrs. Geo. L. Chapman) was one of the earliest teachers — the school-house being about where the Cuyahoga Steam Furnace Foundry now is. The writer copied the following sometime ago from a worn and yellow paper, folded without envelope, after the fashion of sixty
AND THEIR WORK. 22/
years ago : " This may certify that from personal acquaintance I believe that Miss Eliza Sargent possesses a good moral character, and having ex- amined her, consider that she is qualified to teach a district school." Josiah Barber,
One of the School Examiners. Brooklyn, December 20th, 1828.
Mr. John Sargent showed me, a few evenings since, a map of the United States and Territories, drawn in the same year by himself, with pen and ink — -very curious and interesting — Cleveland was promoted to the rank of city in 1836. In that year was instituted, east of the Cuyahoga, the first free school. A mission, Sunday and day school, or- ganized in the old Bethel building, in the year 1833 or '34, sustained as a charity for two or three years by voluntary subscription, passed for support to the City Council ; hence was developed the first public school of Cleveland. It is impossible to find the names of lady teachers, until the beginning of the winter term, December 10th, 1840, when we find recorded, Elizabeth Armstrong, Abby Fitch, Louisa Kingsbury, Sophia Converse, Emma Whitney, Sarah M. Thayer, Louisa Snow, Caro- line Belden, Julia Butler, Maria Sheldon, Eliza
228 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Johnson. A sketch of one pioneer teacher suffices for all ; virtually the same elements make up the character of each.
The pioneer Hickox, of this Western Reserve, came with sons, daughters, and other kinsmen to Trumbull county in 1816. The immediate cause of his removal was financial failure, induced by unduly speculating in patent rights — the " old, old story," told over and over again in this Nation from its infancy, and will continue to be told until the heavens vanish.
Xot finding in the orchards of this new land the lusciousness that marked the golden sweets, the greenings, and rareripes of his native State, the only son volunteered to walk back to Connecticut and procure grafts wherewith to inoculate the sour apple trees of these wilds. The young man plucked a stout staff from a yellow willow tree growing beside a New England stream, in order that his steps might be staid upon the long journey of return. On arriving, he set his willow staff deeply in the wet soil of the new settlement. It grew to be a tree of such generous circumference that it could scarcely be spanned by the stalwart arms of the heroic planter. Do you wonder that
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in due time the metropolis of the Western Reserve came to be called the Forest City?
" He that plants trees loves his race."
It may be well to remark that the grafts brought by young Hickox produced delightful fruit, and from this beginning came those famed apples of Northern Ohio, second only to the golden ones of the Hesperides.
A sister of this brave pedestrian, named Irene, youngest but one of seven daughters, born among the Catskills in Durham, N. Y., was a promising child. At the age of twelve years she became singularly dull in appearance. Her mother, fearing loss of intellect, permitted her to go with Irene's married sister, Mrs. Thomas Merritt, to Clinton, N. Y., to try the effect of being placed in school. It was discovered that her despondency arose from intense anxiety as to the means of obtaining an education, for she brightened at once. From that moment on she shone like a star. The tender and sensitive little one had found her normal atmos- phere. She was a natural student.
Passing over the years, we are informed by a pupil of this rare teacher, Mrs. L. C. Parker, daughter of Hon. Mr. Andrews, of Kinsman, that
230 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Irene Hickox came to Kinsman, Trumbull county, in the Spring of 181 7, teaching school there three successive summers. She was a person of rare mental endowment, and her patrons were not slow to appreciate her worth. They felt the need of higher educational advantages, and sought through her the fulfillment of their project. At the in- stance of Mr. Andrews, she went East ' in the Autumn of 1820, and entered the Female Academy at Litchfield, Conn.
Returning to Kinsman in due time, she opened a boarding school for voting ladies. In those days it was a venture, an experiment, but it proved a success. Daughters of prominent men became members of her school. Ashtabula, Austinburg, and Morgan, on the North ; New Lisbon, Warren, Parkman, and adjoining townships patronized the academy. One serious hindrance was a lack of suitable buildings.
In the meantime Warren had come to the front and secured the teacher, Miss Irene, but the les- sons she taught in Kinsman are ineffaceable. She made everything in school a success. History, philosophy and rhetoric were favorite studies, painting and map-drawing received attention;
AND THEIR WORK. 23 1
composition and letter- writing were always deemed of great importance.
At seventeen, she became an earnest Christian, hence a missionary zeal was infused in all the re- ligious exercises connected with school-day life. To early pupils, her memory is most precious.
Her tact and talent gained wide reputation, and, as may have been anticipated, her services were secured in Cleveland. She opened a school for girls in a wooden building not far from the present location of the American House, and afterwards further up Superior street, near the Public Square.
Mrs. Mary H. Severance and Miss Sarah Fitch, at that time very young children, remember her as a most wise and loving instructor ; so, also, do Mrs. Dudley Baldwin and Mrs. Alex. Sackett. The latter speaks particularly of her teacher's re- quirements of neatness in penmanship. There was a strife between herself and another school girl as to which should have the tidier copy-book. These copy-books were covered with white bristol- board, and tied with blue ribbon.
Irene Hickox is remembered bv all as most at- tractive in manner and kind in instruction, " one of the best women in the world." She] taught*her
232 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
pupils that so long as life should last, they must keep on improving, that their education could never be finished. Her addresses to scholars are yet preserved, admirably composed, the penman- ship almost perfect, on sheets of note paper, yellow with age. It gives me pleasure to transcribe, ver- batim, one of these :
" My Dear Girls : It is hoped that all who become members of this school will merit the approbation of their parents and friends, and honor the institution by diligent attention to their studies, and a strict observance of the following rules :
" Article 1. You are expected to rise every morning by 6 o'clock.
"Art. 2. It is expected you will attend meeting every Sabbath, unless prevented by sickness, or, requested by your parents or friends to be absent.
" Art. 3. You must always treat your parents and teachers with respect, and be polite and obliging to your companions. You must endeavor at all times to preserve a cheerful temper and modest deportment, never giving way to anger or fret- fulness, though your companions be provoking, or your les- sons difficult, and never indulge in rude and boisterous manners.
" Art. 4. You must never permit yourself to slander your companions or any of your acquaintance, as this is a mean and despicable vice, and discovers low breeding and a bad heart.
" Art. 5. You must never tell a lie, though it should appear more advantageous than to speak the truth.
" Art. 6. You must provide yourselves with books, pens, paper, and other articles you make use of in school.
" Art. 7. You must neither tell each other nor look in your books when reciting your lessons.
AND THEIR WORK. 233
" Art. 8. You must neither leave your seats, whisper, nor speak loud to each other without liberty.
" Art. 9. If you leave your seats, whisper, or speak loud without liberty, you become debtors to your teacher ; if you do not, your teacher will give you credit ; and if, at the close of the week, the credit is in your favor, you will be rewarded with a holiday.
" Studies of the Studies of the
First Class. Second Class.
Spelling. Spelling.
Reading. Reading.
Writing. Writing.
Geography. Geography.
Grammar. Grammar."
Arithmetiek. History. Rhetorick. Nat. Philosophy. Chymistry. Mor. Philosophy.
In 1828, she married Mr. Joel Scranton, a dry goods merchant here. For their wedding tour they went to New York by way of the New York & Erie Canal, and bought furniture there at an auction sale, for the young merchant had limited means. On their return, they went to house- keeping in a small story-and-a-half dwelling, cor- ner of Bank and Johnson streets. In 1833, they moved upon a farm not far from the village, there being no buildings in the immediate vicinity ex-
234 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
cept a paper-mill. This tract of land is now well known as Scranton's Flats.
Mrs. Joel Scranton's name is recorded by Mrs. B. Rouse in her diary as one of the original prayer- meeting established October 30, 1830.
She entered into eternal life in 1858. Her daughter, Mrs. Mary S. Bradford, of Euclid avenue, is patriotic and public-spirited ; one of the benevo- lent women of Old Trinity, actively engaged in its parish work, its Church — Home for Sick and Friendless ; among the poor of the city she is a welcome visitant. She was closely identified wTith the Diet Dispensary and Cleveland Humane Society. Her benefactions are far-reaching. Es- pecially does she help children who need a friend ; taking them in childhood, bestowing upon them a mother's love in nurture and education ; almost invariably her proteges became useful men and women. She has founded several seminaries, is president of the Board of Trustees of the Cleveland School of Art ; its constant patron and benefactor. The writer has alluded to her public labors. Her private charities are widespread ; simple, unosten- tatious, beloved, she goes quietly on her way.
Mrs. Scranton requested her pastor if called
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to officiate at her funeral, to announce no eulogy upon her life ; she never desired publicity. Mrs. Bradford may well sav that " in the dear home circle she was the light, and life, and crown.
" In Paradise I trust the same group gather around her with one exception, and this, her last surviving daughter, turns with eagerness to that home beyond, as in former years to the earthly fireside.
" The evening twilight comes on and I quicken my footsteps, as they bend homeward, where a mother's hearty welcome awaits me, and in which the intelligent care of our household queen is sure to make heart's-ease for all."
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CHAPTER XXL
THIRTY NOBLE WOMEN OF CLEVELAND — EIGHT HUNDRED AND TWENTY-TWO TEACHERS OF TO-DAY — MISS ELLEN G. REVELEY — MRS. LUCRETIA R. GARFIELD — MRS. REBECCA D. RICKOFF.
OEVERAL brave spirits now in the activities ^ of Christian work here, other choice ones within the golden pale of Cleveland society, were formerly numbered among the teachers of our public schools. One of them is the wife of a lib- eral and wealthy citizen of the United States and of Cleveland, who still preserves her simplicity and sweetness and who educates her children to work in mission schools — Mrs. J. D. Rockefeller. As I sit at my study-table, fifteen faces come before me, recognized as the centers of lovely homes in our city, besides a very few who are still teaching, or have retired but a short time since from their pro- fession. These are said to have done their work
AND THEIR WORK. 237
well in the past ; it is hoped they have not retro- graded as the years advance.
Mrs. Philo Chamberlin, a devoted member of Trinity, living in affluence, was always helpful to those who needed the inspiration of appreciation and encouragement. Occupying, now, an impor- tant position in one of her beloved church institu- tions, she shows the sublimity of faith and courage in the desolation of bereavement. Mrs. George Deming, Mrs. E. R. Perkins, Mrs. Emma Deitz Freeman, Mrs. Judge Hale and Mrs. Carrie Newton Clarke are more esteemed for themselves than for their elegant belongings ; Miss Anna Rearden, educating a brother who attained eminence on the Pacific Coast in the legal profession; Mrs. Moses G. Watterson, Mrs. Sarah Wood Keffer, Mrs. A. G. Hopkinson, Mrs. J. J. Elwell, now in the upper realm, Mrs. Emily H. Buffett, Kate White, Mary Haver, Mrs. Caroline Heminway, Mary C. C. Lane, Emily Stow, Ann Eliza Hall, Sarah Fisk Prentiss, with good Mr. Fry, Mary S. Webster, Nancy Merrill Wilber, Harriet Vail, Sophia Colby, Miss Hosford, Mrs. W. A. Ingham.
None that knew her can forget dear Julia Beebe, bright, merry, fascinating, who, after rejecting a
238 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
half-dozen lovers, became Mrs. Wilson, of Hart- ford, Connecticut, and who now sleeps in Woodland Cemetery. Well do I remember with what pathos she gathered together one evening the letters of a well-known gentleman, an ardent admirer, whom she could not wed on account of his intemperate habits. She read them all, wept over them, made a little bonfire in the grate, warmed herself thor- oughly over their embers, and retired to forgetful- ness, then and evermore, of the writer.
The beautiful Eliza Janes gave the flower of her youth to these schools. So, too, did the Barnett girls, Martha and Carrie. The three were cul- tured, winning, beloved of those so fortunate as to know them, and laid to rest all too early.
Nor was there lacking among these teachers the spice of romance. Louise Tozier, tired of north- ern winds, sighed for the sunny South. After a marvelously attractive correspondence on the sub- ject with Dr. A. L. Telfair, president of the Board of Education at Raleigh, N. C, she concluded to superintend only little Telfairs and their father during the remainder of her pilgrimage.
Louisa Sxow Willett. — Upon application for information concerning our teachers, to Andrew
AND THEIR WORK. 239
Freese, Esq., founder of our High School, and first superintendent of public instruction, whose wife, to-day, ranks high among our intellectual women ; he cheerfully named Louisa Snow. She was teacher of a girls' school in the old Academy, in 1840 ; was well educated and had great no- bility of soul ; a most self-sacrificing person. She saved not a cent of her salary, spending all upon charitable objects, mostly on persons in destitute circumstances. She used often to call upon the Superintendent, to go with her in search of some poor creature of whom she had heard, and when found would perhaps use every penny she had to afford comfort, or take a shawl from her own shoulders to wrap about a shivering sick mother or child. It was said she could keep scarcely any clothing for herself — giving it away until her friends remonstrated with her for dressing so plainly. She never taught school a month when she was not helping one or more of her pupils to books, perhaps clothing, for which they were too poor to provide themselves. Miss Louisa Snow was a Baptist girl, and a few of the older members of that church must remember that she was active in all good things. She married an excellent man,
240 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Mr. Willett, but he died a month afterwards. She went to Madison, Wis., and there opened a school for young ladies, which, of course, was not a finan- cial success ; then adopted a little orphan boy, the son of Elder Tucker, a once famous Baptist preacher here, and this boy she educated. To en- able her to send him to college she removed to Alton, 111., where the Baptists have an institution. She is now old and by no means rich, but still active in benevolence. Within the past ten years, hearing of a lady (Mrs. C. A. Dean), formerly a teacher in the Rockwell street school in this city, who married in affluence but was then sick in St. Louis, and living in great destitution, she went down to that city and found her in a miserable garret almost blind, and her sense of hearing greatly impaired. Louisa Snow Willett took her (Mrs. D.) to her own home in Alton, nursed and comforted her as only such as she could do, until she slept to awaken nevermore.
No development that the writing of this history brings forth has so stirred my own soul as Mr. Freese's recital of Mrs. Dean's reverses, for I well remember how affectionately this same Mrs. D. and her husband took Julia Beebe and myself to
AND THEIR WORK. 2zj.I
their own beautiful home when we were young girls, alone here, undergoing the rigid preparation required of candidates for teachers' positions.
Emily L. Bisseix. — One other must be men- tioned ere we complete this record of yesterday — Emily L. Bissell, who gave almost ten years to the West Side as Principal of Sheldon, or Orchard street school, and ranked deservedly among the foremost of our instructors. She died in 1871. Her funeral was held in her own beloved church, St. John's Episcopal. The place of the dead was glorified and the remains enwrapped in a robe of snowy flowers, so many loving hands were there, to leave token within the chancel. Particularly, at the funeral services, did the Sabbath school and those heavy-laden with poverty mourn her de- parture. One from lowly life was especially noted, a poor girl, pale with sickness and once severely crippled, to whom Miss Bissell had gone weekly to read the Bible. She sat with flowing eyes and quick ear to catch every word uttered by the min- ister concerning her friend, who no more should bring to her the word of life.
After the ravages of fire in the Northwest, Miss Bissell was first to bring to our Relief Association
242 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
contributions from pupils, and so great an abund- ance of clothing that our Industrial School also shared. Her fatigue, exhaustion even, were very apparent on that still November night as she placed in my hands the strong box of pennies and nickels, with the request that the children of Wis- consin, her own State, be recipients of the collec- tion. Unsparing to herself, faithful, suffering with physical pain, her life was shortened by the ardu- ous duties of her profession. Richly endowed with intellectual gifts, she had a place among our writers. She prepared a Sabbath-school book in manuscript only a short time previous to her death. Her contributions to magazine literature were noted for terseness, originality, and strength. Her article entitled, " Fiftv-two Reasons for Not At- tending the Prayer-meeting," has been copied into almost every religious newspaper, irrespective of denomination.
After all, it is not mental ability, it is not skill as educators that causes any of us to live in the hearts of our fellows ; it is whether we have done anything for "the least of these, my brethren. " Those having the mark of the Lamb in their fore- heads stand forth glowing in light, when all others
AND THEIR WORK. 243
fade ill darkness. The toilsome, way-worn pil- grimage of Emily Bissell, and of scores besides, are exchanged for rest and the glory of the upper sanctuary. " Mother, dear Jerusalem," receives to herself, and crowns with stars those from all professions and from any condition who live not for themselves.
Onr teachers of to-day are noble, true and faith- ful ; to select names for mention among the eight hundred and twenty-two lady instructors in Public schools here would neither be just nor courteous. Miss Ellen G. Reveley is eminent in good work, outside of her position as Normal teacher, Super- visor and one of the Council for the Woman's College. " Mary Cleveland," of the East Indies, named and supported by this lady, is, herself, by this time a missionary in the Orient.
The participation that President and Mrs. Gar- field shared during their earlier years in the noble work of teaching induces me to present here a beloved woman of Cleveland, whose life record the people claim. As instructor, she has shown herself true ; and, during a late epoch in history, is chosen by the American people as a representa- tive wife and mother ; through this we hope to in-
244 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
cite many young girls having no dowry of lands or of gold to the same earnest purpose and heroic endeavor. Miss Rudolph was a farmer's daughter ; one of the memorable hundred and two students attending the Eclectic Institute at Hiram, Ohio, during its first term, her name appearing in its earliest catalogue, and in each one thereafter until 1854-55, covering a period of five years. She was a good student and obtained an excellent educa- tion. She left Hiram to enter the public schools of Cleveland. Among many applications for posi- tions, one came from a friend in Hiram, saying: " There is a remarkable girl here at school bv the name of Lucretia Rudolph. I think she would like a situation as teacher in Cleveland, but she is too modest to venture a personal application. Can you write an encouraging word ? ' The reply of Mr. Freese was in substance : " Tell her to come," naming the day regularly set for examination of candidates. There were as many, perhaps, as fif- v teen or twenty who appeared on the fixed date. Papers were distributed and the work of question- ing and answer proceeded. The replies of Miss Rudolph were unusually correct. The examining committee granted her a certificate of the highest
AND THEIR WORK. 245
grade. She was assigned to Brownell street school, in one of the primary departments, and from the outset was a success, although distrustful of her own abilities, and needed encouragement. At length she gained confidence, and in a month her excellence was recognized. She was quiet, modest, had much refinement, and always spoke to her pupils in words of the greatest kindness. They all loved her dearly. She left Cleveland to become the wife of James A. Garfield. In after years, she taught her children well.
It is obvious that, as farmer's daughter, student, teacher, the wife of a poor man laboring in his profession, Mrs. Garfield possessed and practiced those traits that make a noble woman. She was in eminent degree a companion to her husband, sharing his love of knowledge. Together they read, their minds advancing equally. They loved their friends, and inspired affection in all whom they knew ; their refined, intellectual home circle was a center of culture and comradeship in Ohio, and in the Nation's Capital after General Garfield entered upon the life of statesman. In old time it has been said, " School teachers become poor housekeepers." That saying is effectually dis-
246 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
proved by the well ordered and lovely homes of those of our number who are now wives of mer- chants, professional and other business men of Cleveland. No mistress presides more gracefully than these, and we know to a certainty that their larders are full, side-boards radiant with well-kept silver, and their nurseries and drawing rooms marvelously cared for. The names of these should be reserved for the records of coming years. We are glad that the hundreds of Cleveland pub- lic school teachers were permitted on that memor- able Monday, in 1881, to make the bed of flowers whereon President Garfield was laid to rest. The perfume of tuberose, jessamine, arbor vitae, and buds of white roses but faintly typify the wealth of love bestowed upon the great teacher and his wife who went out from us years agone. Mrs. Garfield has been for a long time president of our McAll Mission.
Mrs. Rebecca D, Rickoff, who gave her best years to Cleveland, should be included among us, being recognized all over the country as an author- ity in educational work. Her friends consider rarest, her reading-charts for use in primary schools, published by the Appletons and superbly illus-
AND THEIR WORK. 247
trated. She is of just repute as a literary7 woman, being both poet and artist. In one of her articles to a leading journal she traces delicately and brill- iantly the close analogy between the relations of lyric and dramatic poetry to those of water color and oil painting. She describes pictures well. Her poems are life-like, vivid, imaginative.
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CHAPTER XXII.
MISS LINDA T. GUILFORD — MRS. ELIZA CLARK — THE WOMAN'S COLLEGE — MRS. FLORA STONE MATHER — OUR MUSICIANS — SUBURBAN SCHOOLS — MRS. A. A. F. JOHNSTON.
A /TINE is a rare privilege — that of studying the •^ record of so many noble lives ; to none do
I turn with more grateful appreciation than to this one, for it is absolutely devoted to the good of others ; self-abnegation, patience, heroism, em- bodied in her who gave almost a life-time to the instruction of the children of our best citizens. As an educator, thorough, persevering, and emi- nently conscientious, she laid deep foundations in the youthful mind and heart. Endowed with the rare gift of inspiring in her scholars enthusiasm for study, they became ideal students. She has been one of the moral and intellectual forces of our city, and to-day her magnetic presence and mold- ing influence stamp themselves upon society ;
AND THEIR WORK. 249
many of the present mothers were her pupils, and to the training which they received is Cleveland largely indebted, for she possessed the power of forming character. Mrs. J. B. Meriam, a repre- sentative of her oldest classes, gave the writer a history of Miss Guilford's school, from its begin- ning in an empty hotel, corner of Prospect and Ontario streets, October 16th, 1848, until it be- came the Cleveland Academy, with Stillman Witt, president and treasurer, and Joseph Perkins, secretary, of its Board of Trustees, but this and much more is written by Miss Guilford herself. Her printed roll of pupils numbers fourteen hun- dred, including names known now in every State of the Union. Hundreds of others are among our substantial citizens, whose children revere this in- structor ; we will give but a glimpse into the inner life of the school.
The study of Latin was insisted on unless the parents objected, which, at that period, was fre- quently the case. Arithmetic, grammar, and the Bible were the leading studies ; reading and spell- ing were required daily, of all. These, with geography, United States history, and frequent composition writing, occupied almost exclusively
250 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
the attention of the school. For many years there was little attempt at teaching the natural sciences or any other of the higher English branches, though the teachers employed were all graduates of eastern schools of repute ; but the ground was taken that such studies require more maturity of mind than is usually found in girls before the age of eighteen. It was the definite aim to teach thoroughly the most important things ; to awaken, if possible, a love of study, and to keep the pupil from superficiality. At that period, there were comparatively few in Cleveland who made educa- tion a matter of pretense. The children, like their parents, were for the most part in earnest, breath- ing in, with the air of their native State, the spirit of buoyant life and enterprise — purified and tem- pered by the higher principles of rectitude and responsibility inherited from New England ancestry.
Among devoted teachers are Miss S. E. Hoising- ton, afterward Mrs. Stoddard, of Independence, Kansas, where she died; Miss L. Peabody, of Oxford, Ohio ; Miss M. R. Barron, now Mrs. M. E. Rawson, and Mrs. K. Kellogg, both of Cleve- land ; Miss E. L. Fox, of the Cooper Institute,
AND THEIR WORK. 25 1
New York. In 1868, Miss Mary E. Ingersoll be- came connected with the school, and in 1872, Miss Sarah L. Andrews ; the latter teaches a limited number of pupils, in her own building, at 276 Huntington street, taking the " Cleveland Acad- emy," when Professor Bridgman left. We believe that between 1872 and 1874 Miss F. A. Fuller had charge of the primary department. The first class, numbering three, graduated in 1867.
In these days of universal Bible study among Christians, it is refreshing to know that this eminent educator forty years ago made the Script- ures a constant text-book. Direct instruction was given from its pages, and strict examinations re- quired therein. The Monday morning exercise was sermon recitation, the girls being required to give synopses of sermons preached the day previous from the various pulpits. So many were there in attendance at the Academy connected with the Second Presbyterian Church that its discourse was given in sections by several misses. This whole exercise on the part of the pupils was a labor of love and entered into with wonderful readiness. During her days of teaching, Miss Guilford went twice to Europe, bringing back with her the cul-
252 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
ture of foreign lands, and the last two years of in- struction were devoted to an art class, composed of former pnpils.
One of the principles instilled into the hearts of those nearest her was kindness to the unfortunate. As much as possible, she was foremost in good works — the organization of the Young Ladies' League for temperance education was largely effected by her. She gives time and means to the instruction of young men and boys in the Friendly Inns. Since Mrs. Arey's residence in Baltimore, Miss Guilford has been president of our Press Club.
A red-letter day in Cleveland's history was October 24th, 1892 ; the dedication of the new building, composing the Woman's College, known as Clark Hall and Guilford Cottage, President C. F. Thwing, chairman of the day. A choir of ladies' voices from the Conservatory of Music sang delightfully, and later, two young ladies led a triple quartet in " What beam so bright?" Eliza Clark, a noble woman of Cleveland, gave the beautiful hall in which Alice Freeman Palmer, ex-president of the Wellesley College, made a fine address. Guilford Cottage, cozy and fresh, floating the
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college colors, was filled with visitors to welcome the auspicious opening. Mrs. Worcester Reed Warner reported in a business way for the Build- ing Committee. Mrs. Flora Stone Mather be- stowed a name in brief, appropriate remarks. " This house is called Guilford Cottage in grateful and loving acknowledgment of the debt which this community owes to her who bears that good Saxon name." Miss Guilford responded entertainingly. Mrs. Mather is noble in charities, in helpfulness everywhere and crowns her past by loyalty to the College, making it possible by her generosity for this charming cottage to be added to the cause of higher education for woman. It is gratifying to know that the students realize their indebtedness to those noble- minded donors, and they pledge themselves to secure the greatest possible growth in unselfish, cultured womanhood.
This pen would be glad to pay a tribute to our music teachers and musicians, vocal and instru- mental, of this city, who have done and do now most beautiful work. Julia Somerville, at home under Italian skies, Ella Russell, in St. Peters- burgh, and others throughout Europe. At home,
254 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
we have Mrs. Henry Perkins, Birdie Hale Britton, and her sisters, Alary and Emma, Mrs. S. C. Ford, Mrs. C. B. Ellinwood, and a troop, besides, whose melody fills earthly choirs, reminding us of what we may hear in putting on immortal youth " in the land that is fairer than day."
The sacred oratorios and college glee clubs of Oberlin have always been a delight to Clevelanders, and in turn our city is a source of enjoyment to that cultured community. Suffer the writer to mention Airs. A. A. F. John- ston, well known from the sensible and polished addresses she has frequently made us. She has held for twenty years the position of principal of the Ladies' Department of Oberlin College.* She is also professor of Mediaeval History, and is remark- able in many directions, being an interesting speaker ; a forceful writer. Her success in man- agement and in moulding the lives of hundreds of voting women is phenomenal. She has a passion for travel and has been abroad several times.
-Rev. John J. Shipherd, the founder of Oberlin College, selected its site in August, 1832 ; all students, irrespective of race, sex, nation or sect were welcomed. The name is in honor of a Strasburg minister who gave his life to a broad philanthropy. Mother Shipherd had recognition in Oberlin's semi-centennial, 1882.
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Northern Ohio is rich in schools ; onr own here, Oberlin, Painesville, Hiram, all have strong at- tractions for the girls and boys of the period. Very dear to the writer is her own Alma Mater, the Ohio Weslevan at Delaware.
2S6 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
CHAPTER XXIII.
EARLY LITERARY WOMEN OF CLEVELAND — MRS. MARIA M. HERRICK — MRS. L. C. PARKER — MRS. H. E. G. AREY.
' I ^HE West Side claims our oldest literary lady, -^ for there, six of her best years were passed; an admirable woman, excelling in those qualities which make the mother at home a power where- ever she may be, and yet who, in her quiet way, found time to work for others. She is the sister of Mrs. A. S. Hunt, so long an enthusiastic missionary with her husband in China and India; and is also related to the first Cleveland girl who sailed to the Orient. This lady edited the earliest magazine published here,, from 1837 through 1840, under the auspices of the Maternal Association of Ohio City, " Mothers' and Young Ladies1 Guide," read in many households, and its editress enshrined in many hearts — Mrs. Maria M. Herrick, over four- score and ten years of age. Through a fall from
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a carriage, long ago, she became prematurely in- firm, and now, sitting in her pleasant apartments on Prospect street, waits for that hour when, with the loved and lost, she shall put on immortal youth. This first magazine was published in Tremont Block, Main street. It is an established fact that the West and South Sides from that day to this furnish a fair share of the literary and much of the musical talent of Cleveland. Mrs. Herrick came to Detroit street, Ohio City, from Utica, N. Y., in November, 1836. Being in full mental vigor, she wrote many of the articles that graced her columns. Looking over the venerable pages, some moons ago, I traced the devotional spirit and practical sense of the writer in several of her contributions and transcribe a few of their subjects: u Duties of Mothers," "Family Govern- ment," " To Young Ladies," " First at the Sep- ulchre," "Similitude," "The Nourished Plant," "A Word in Season," " Self Consecration," " Sewing Societies," " An Orphan's Tale ' (a serial). An extract from Philo's pen cannot fail to awaken merry thought, in a piece entitled * Fashion : ' " The writer well remembers when tight sleeves were k all the go,' but anon, the word of command
258 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
was given, and oh! what a change! How rapid the transition through all the grades, from 'mutton leg' to the extra 'bishop.' What innumerable yards of silk were used to make a covering — for what? For Mount Etna? Xo, for a lady's arm. And, still, the sleeves, like the waters of the Deluge, continued to increase until they required almost as many extra women to carry them as it did Queen Esther's train of old, and the fair beauty resembled more a wasp attached to two balloons, than aught else in the heavens above, the earth beneath, or the waters under the earth. And this was the fashion ! But now (1840), the smaller the sleeve, the greater the beauty. What is to come next, Heaven only knows!" She is not aware of the publication of this slight tribute, but we do not consent that her name be omitted from the roll of women who have helped Cleveland, and o-ive her a merited place in the history of our work. On the last page of Vol. I. of the Guide is a stanza appropriate to her and to other dear gray- haired ones whom we all love :
" As one who, when the sun goes down,
Still lingers on the rosy West, Shaping the shady clouds, to crown
Some vision of the dreamer's breast,
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So I, in memory's sunset sky,
Do shape and fashion things as bright,
And build me bowers that seem to lie Beyond the reach of woe and night."
Mrs. L. C. Parker. — A half hour was spent ten years ago with this lady, a friend of the moth- ers of Mrs. Mary H. Severance and Mrs. Mary Scranton Bradford, herself the mother of Mrs. Louise Barrett, a rare woman of Cleveland and a fine musician. She had always lived upon the Western Reserve, which may be the reason that we seldom find a person of three-score and ten so delightful in conversation as Mrs. Parker — fanciful, practical, scientific, vivacious, as befits her theme. She was fond of the literature of the day and wrote reminiscence of early workful years, ex- celling in epistolary correspondence. Hers was the power to fascinate little children and older people with relation of well remembered tales and poems. Lying upon the center table was a page just written to a nephew, an active business man residing on one of the Sandwich Islands, who had informed her of his Hawaiian laborers, his lumber mills, and of lassoing wild cattle, and I brought the page home with me. Here it is :
260 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
u Lorin, Dear: Away up in the mountain tops, looking off on the vast expanse of water sep- arating you from kith and kin. Eloha ! We are not separated in thought, hardly in vision, for do we not see you careering down the hill-side and away ? Your letter brought to mind lines from Scott's Marmion :
'The Scots can rein a mettled steed,
And love to couch a spear. St. George ! a stirring life they led
That have such neighbors near.'
When your father crossed the Equator on his first voyage to the Islands, he finished ' Rokeby,' and pronounced it one of Scott's best. It has beautiful passages and their interest is enhanced a hundred fold by the recollection of your father's voice and manner, in reading aloud to us ladies — his audience on board the brig — becalmed as we were, a few degrees from the Equator. Every breeze wafted from Micronesia is laden with per- fume. I remember so distinctly away back in the days of Obookiah and the sailing of the first mis- sionaries in 1 819, that at times I almost fancy my- self, like Cleopatra's needle, inscribed all over with histories of the long ago."
Mrs. H. E. G. Arev— The ability of this lady
AND THEIR WORK. 26 1
was acknowledged in Northern Ohio forty-seven rears ago, and until very recently Cleveland has been honored by her presence and work. She has the love of a large circle, being at home in all activities, her pen moving most briskly, perhaps, for reforms, for literature and art. Upon solicita- tion, Airs. Arey has furnished a sprightly bit of history. " Upon the infantile formation of letters into words, I began to write and my copy-book made the back-ground of remarkable effusions, much to the amusement of my tall, leather-jack- eted teacher. These efforts jingled, but beyond that they were indescribable. My friends were first alarmed by a brilliant fiasco upon the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah, followed by the transla- tion of ' Whittington and his Cat.' Learning to read at the age of three and one-half, the writing came two years later. I remember when seven or eight, my father offered me a pair of red morocco shoes if I would go through Murray's Grammar in six weeks ; lost it by a week, but got the shoes. All my subsequent delinquencies in that branch must be attributed to this breach of modern rule. I came to Cleveland in 1844, having given up a nearly completed college course at Oberlin,
262 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
through failure of the eyes. After a time, I took charge of the Department of Mathematics in Miss Fuller's school (Episcopalian) on the west side of the Square. Close beside this building stood another, Mrs. William Day's school (Presbyterian). Mrs. D. was wife of the first Bethel Chaplain, and her husband a brother of Rev. Dr. Aikin's wife. Miss Catharine Jennings, a class-mate at Oberlin, came as Mrs. Day's assistant, and when two or three years later Mrs. Dav retired from teaching, Miss Jennings and I took charge there. My con- tinuance was limited by marriage. Miss Jennings went into the high school, upon its opening. Sub- sequently, she sailed for Syria, as wife of Rev. Mr. Parsons, a missionary afterwards murdered in Turkey. She then taught a girl's school in the land of her adoption.'1 Mrs. Arey was formerly Miss Harriet H. Grannis, writing for the press from childhood. She and Constance Fennimore Wool- son are relatives, and are descended from the Stun- ners, of Boston, a well-known family in old colonial times. Mrs. Arey's early education was received under English oversight in Canada. Mr. Grannis, senior — her father — was a member of that Pro- vincial Parliament prorogued by Lord Gosford,
AND THEIR WORK. 263
previous to the Canadian Rebellion. Mr. and Mrs. Arey's marriage and removal to Buffalo occurred in 1848. A few years later she edited a periodical for children, out of which grew the Home Monthly, a domestic magazine, the first of its kind. She sought to reach the serious work of women in the household, finding something which would elevate and purify what else might be cheerless drudgery, and also help mothers in the training of children. In this editorial work she gathered about her a corps of contributors, among whom were Helen Barron Bostwick and Emily E. Bissell. In 1864, Professor Arey took charge of the State Normal School at Albany, X. Y. Three years later, taking with her their youngest child, she went back to teaching. Removing: later to Cleveland, Professor Arey having been called to the head of our own Normal School, with Miss Ellen G. Reveley as assistant. Mrs. Arey's keen- est life sorrows have been the recent death of a favorite grandchild, and the earlier demise of an only daughter, her companion, friend and helper at every step ; possibly, the school room on that account seemed attractive as a means of absorp- tion, and because young girls trooped so lovingly
264 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
about her. Especially among the latter has been her work, and her aim to use such influence as elevates home life, believing if households are pure, society cannot take a much lower plane. She was the progressive, helpful president of the Cleveland Woman's Press Club from its beginning until her removal to Baltimore. Its ten members grew into a prosperous organization, being now one of the International League of Press Clubs ; during its first two vears, the onlv association of pen-women in Ohio. None of us present at its annual banquet in 1890, at her charming home, can forget the unique and beautiful occasion, made such by the combined skill of herself, daughter, and Mrs. G. V. R. Wickham. Mrs. Arey gave at- tention to decorative art. Her mementoes to friends were the work of her own skilled fingers, through an eye capable of blending colors. In addition to other duties, she was president of the Art and History Club, but lived not alone in the ideal, for one line of endeavor, as she herself says, " grew out of an attempt to solve the problem, ( What is to be done with humanity at its worst?' A volume of her early poems lies upon my table ; from one en- titled " The New Year," I gather expressions typ- ical of the author's own beautiful life among us.
AND THEIR WORK. 265
CHAPTER XXIV.
FIVE FAMOUS WOMEN OF CLEVELAND — SUSAN COOLIDGE — CONSTANCE FENNIMORE WOOLSON — LVDIA HOVT FARMER — SARAH K. BOLTON — LUCY SEAMAN BAINBRIDGE.
" There thev stand,
Shining in order like a living hymn
Written in light."
OUSAN COOLIDGE.— This lady, a charming ^^ writer, widely known by her nom dc plume, was born in Cleveland and lived here during the early- years of her life. Her birthplace was a large, old- fashioned honse on Enclid avenue, situated near where the residence of Mrs. Amasa Stone now stands. She is Miss Sarah Coolidge Woolsey, of choice ancestry and parentage. Her father — de- ceased— was brother of ex-President Woolsey, of Yale College, and also a brother of Theodore Win- throp's mother. Her mother is Jane Andrews Woolsey, only sister of the late Hon. S. J. Andrews,
266 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
of this city. Removing to New Haven, it is said, some years were spent there.
Having traveled extensively in onr own and foreign lands, Susan Coolidge with her mother and one sister, Mrs. and Miss Woolsey, went to reside in Newport, Rhode Island. They are accustomed to the mode of living of families in the highest circles, who are above the affectation of show. They have a lovely, artistic home, a suite of rooms fitted up with antique furniture. From the win- dows is an outlook upon Narragansett Bay.
Miss Coolidge is verv successful in the culture of flowers ; the scarlet geranium, the golden nastur- tium, the coleus of many hues bloom in brilliant parterre under her skillful nurture, and, with such neighbors as she has, may we not hope that the aesthetic sunflower and the snowy lily thrive? This lady sketches and paints with great skill. She is tall and elegant in figure, with dark eyes and silver speech, indeed, her charms of conversa- tion are the delight of friends. Her lovely home is a center of intellectual culture, and the coterie of literary friends who summer on the Bay must make of life something above the average. With this gifted lady, literature is a pastime. Her
AND THEIR WORK. 267
books are mostly stories for children: "The New Year's Bargain" is a decided favorite. In it, each month of the year tells its own story to two little German girls, "What Katy Did," u What Katy Did at School," "Nine Little Goslings," "Cross- patch," "Eyebright," are, all of them, greatly loved by the little ones. Of course she is a con- stant contributor to the St. Nicholas Magazine. She has recently revised and edited the ki Life and Letters of Mrs. Delaney," as well as the "Memoirs of Madame d' Arblay." These give a charming description of English court life and circles of rank in the time of George III. and Qneen Char- lotte, one hundred and fifty years ago. She writes for the Century Magazine, and for the New York Independent.
Susan Coolidge traveled in a Pullman car, when railroads and cars were new, with "H. H." (Helen Hunt) to California. Their letters, addressed respectively to the Independent and Christian Union, were very witty and rich in description. One of her books entitled "Verses," bound in cream and gold, lies upon my table. Within is the "Legend of Kintu," "In the Mist," "Angelus," " Savoir cyest Pardonner" and other true and beau-
268 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
tiful poems. Of these, I choose one, perhaps her most celebrated, "The Cradle Tomb, Westminster Abbey, 1606; by Susan Coolidge, 1872." It is prefaced by the following note: "Two American girls on their visit to Westminster Abbey, in 1876, were attracted to the Cradle Tomb in Henry the Seventh's Chapel. Near by, on a card, they found a manuscript copy of the following verses at- tributed, simply, to 'An American Lady.' On their return to America, thev learned that the poem was written by Susan Coolidge and printed in the Century Magazine, and that it had been copied and placed in the Abbey at the instance of Lady Augusta Stanley. Several friends of these travelers, on hearing of this incident, have asked for a copy of the verses, and to gratify them, an edition has been privately printed in Baltimore at Christmas, 1877:"
THE CRADLE TOMB IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY.
A little rudely sculptured bed,
With shadowing folds of marble lace,
And quilt of marble, primly spread And folded round a baby's face.
Smoothly the mimic coverlet, With royal blazonries bedight,
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Hangs, as by fingers set,
And straightened for the last good-night.
And traced upon the pillowing stone
A dent is seen, as if to bless That quiet sleep, some grieving one
Had leaned, and left a soft impress.
It seems no more than yesterday
Since the sad mother, down the stair
And down the long aisle stole away, And left her darling sleeping there.
But dust upon the cradle lies,
And those who prized the baby so, And decked her couch with heavy sighs,
Were turned to dust long years ago.
Above the peaceful pillowed head
Three centuries brood; and strangers peep
And wonder at the carven bed ; But not unwept the baby's sleep,
For wistful mother-eyes are blurred With sudden mists, as lingerers stay,
And the old dusts are roused and stirred By the warm tear-drops of today.
Soft, furtive hands caress the stone, And hearts, o'erleaping place and age,
Melt into memories, and own A thrill of common parentage.
Men die, but sorrow never dies, The crowding years divide in vain,
270 WOMEN OF 'CLEVELAND
And the wide world is knit with ties Of common brotherhood in pain.
Of common share in grief and loss, And heritage in the immortal bloom
Of love, which, flowering round its cross, Made beautiful a baby's tomb.
Although many pleasant things have been written and will continue to be written of this, our own Cleveland child of song and story, she yet shrinks from public mention. An unusual fondness for retirement prevents her being known under any save the unassuming name she adopts.
An equally gifted and eminent woman, whom the writer well remembers at the Rockwell street grammar school, is Constance Fennimore Woolson. This promising writer was born in Claremont, New Hampshire, but removed at a very early age to this city. Her father will be remembered as C. J. Woolson, of the firm of Woolson & Hitchcock, stove merchants, of Cleveland. Through him, Constance is descended from the Peabodys of New England, a family among whose direct posterity rank some of the strong workers of the age. Her mother was a niece of Fennimore Cooper. She was known among her sisters as a quiet, thought- ful child, flashing at rare intervals into enthusiasm,
AND THEIR WORK. 27 1
as something touching or artistic came in her way. She talked but little ; this quietude remained with her as she grew to mature life, impressing an ob- server with the idea that the highways and by- ways of her thinking were not trodden by every casual acquaintance. The greater part of her school life was spent in Cleveland, but the special preparation for the work she has since done was outside of school room walls, and, indeed, outside the city's smoke. When her father's health began to fail, she set out in the family carriage; together they iw weut gypsying" wherever their horses' heads were turned, down among the valleys of the Buck- eye State, any and everywhere out of the mire and dust of travel, wherever anything quaint or picturesque was to be found, subjects for weeks together of the King of Zoar, or tarrying at another place in which the more curious studies of human life were presented. Again, whole seasons would be spent at Mackinaw, or in out-of-the-way places on the upper lakes. From these out-door studies she gleaned for the future, as our artists do in their summer wanderings over hill and dale. In these resorts, her best character studies were un- doubtedly first embodied.
2/2 WOMEN OK CLEVELAND
It was in one of these remote sojournings that news came to her of her father's last illness. She took the first boat for Cleveland, hearing nothing more until arriving here at midnight. Upon being driven to her home, she learned first of her bereavement when she laid her hand in the dark- ness on the crape-muffled handle of the door bell. It is believed that subsequent to her father's death, her writings were given to the public. Soon after this time, she went south with her mother, spend- ing Winters in Florida, rarely coming further north than the Sulphur Springs of Virginia.
After the loved mother's death, she, her sister, and niece went to Europe, and notes of travel came back to friends. The special point of ex- cellence in her work is thought, by those best qualified to determine, to be in quaint character sketches. Each line is a study from one whose eye sees far below the surface. Those who give to her writings the highest meed of praise come from the leading critics of the day.
The list of her principal works is: u Rodman the Keeper," comprising her southern sketches; "Castle Nowhere,'1 includes her Mackinaw stories; "The Old Stone House;" "Anne," a serial in Har-
AND THEIR WORK. 2 73
per^s Magazine. A volume of short articles may have preceded these.
Miss Woolson spent one Winter at Sorrento, the birthplace of Tasso. In addition to the beauty of the scenery and the delights of the climate, she undoubtedly finds in the quaint characters about her, new subjects for study, rare models for the touches of her facile pen. A thorough cosmopoli- tan, she sees always the human pulse beating under whatever guise.
No national prejudice, no unblending habits of criticism dim her keen power of observation when new phases of character are presented for dissec- tion. Her sketches, gleaned from a residence South, show this trait, and from the rare homes she is making for herself in the Old World, we may hope for still richer presentations.
In the Spring of 1883, she joined her sister and went to Switzerland, where she finished her work in hand, "Anne," and one other. "Horace Chase," is the title of her new novel, beginning January 1, 1893, m Harper's Magazine. The opening scenes of the story are in Asheville, N. C, soon after the close of the war.
Mrs. Lydia Hoyt Farmer is a daughter of
2-74 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Hon. James M, Hoyt, sister of Rev. Wayland Hoyt, D. D., of Minneapolis, Minn., and of Colgate Hoyt, of New York, and of Messrs. James H. and Elton Hoyt. Her husband is a son of Mrs. Meribah and the late James Farmer, all of them well known residents of Cleveland. Mrs. Farmer is poet, art- ist and Christian, as well as an accurate historical and biographical writer. The following is a list of her books ; certainly, none of us are more in- dustrious than she : "Boys' Book of Famous Rulers," published in 1886; " Girls' Book of Fa- mous Queens," 1887, giving information regarding the various epochs in which all these rulers lived, noting the important events of their lives. " A Story Book of Science, " 18S6; opening to youth a rich fund of knowledge, concerning the creatures of sea and earth, as well as of plant and insect life; "The Prince of the Flaming Star," a fairy operetta, 1887 ; a striking example of the author's diversified gifts, the words, music and illustrations all being from her facile hand. The operetta is in four acts ; act first, introducing us to the fairy realms of heaven; second, to Titania's kingdom on earth; third, to the "Flower Court," and fourth, to a scene of general rejoicing among the
AND THEIR WORK. 275
fairies of both spheres. "Life of LaFayette ; the Knight of Liberty in Two Worlds and Two Cen- turies," 188S; a most valued and entertaining book and a much needed one, as, in literature, there was no adequate biography of this brave French Gen- eral, so dear to the United States. In 1889, sne published "A Short History of the French Revo- lution," being selections from the principal French historians interwoven with the text. Carlyle is the favorite in quotation, with Thiers, Michelet, Lamartine, Louis Blanc, Henri Martin, Van Laun and others to form a group about him. It is the story of the revolution of 1789. In the same year, 'k A Knight of Faith," written in answer to the widely read u Robert Elsmere." It is a wholesome book, showing the perfect development of a Christian character, which a father may well put into the hands of sons and daughters as a counter- acting influence to the sceptical literature of the day. For this, Hon. W. E. Gladstone gives her hearty recognition. In 1890, " A Moral Inher- itance/ ' For two years, Mrs. Farmer has been preparing a religious, historical novel, entitled, ■" The Doom of the Holy City: Christ and Caesar," founded upon the destruction of Jerusalem, the
276 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
beautiful. Her work par excellence, upon which are bestowed time and painstaking, is the National Exposition souvenir, " What America Owes to Woman," which is progressing rapidly and will be a source of pride to Cleveland and to the gifted author and compiler.
Lucy Seaman Bainbridge. — This lady was born at the old homestead, 65 Seneca street, educated at Cleveland Central High School and at Ipswich, Mass., and came out a "healthy, sensible, compan- ionable woman." During the war, she went to Washington, D. C, with her mother, and from there to the front as a member of the Christian commis- sion ; then to Acquia Creek to meet the boat- loads of wounded ; going back to Washington with them, tried to alleviate the sufferings of those poor fellows packed in rows on the floor. This first effort being acceptable, she was urged to keep on, and for some time worked within sound of the cannonading at the front, living in a tent, and laboring all day long in giving drink, food and medicine, or wetting the dried wounds of poor, maimed, suffering men just brought from the battle-field. After dusk came the duty of writing for the soldiers to anxious wife or mother. Lucy
AND THEIR WORK. 277
Seaman regards these weeks under a Virginia's Summer sun as among the most precious of her life. September,' 1866, she married Rev. William F. Bainbridge, pastor of the Baptist Church, in Erie, Pa. During the year that followed, they vis- ited England, Scotland, France, Switzerland, and Germany ; made a specialty of an Egypt and Palestine tour, being two months tenting and traveling on horseback in the Holy Land, going as far east as Constantinople, and north as St. Petersburg. Called to the Central Baptist Church of Providence, R. I., in 1869, she had ten busy years as pastor's wife, and Sunday school worker. In 1874, on a visit here, she joined two processions of ladies holding saloon prayer-meet- ings, and otherwise assisted us. Home again,, to lead the forces of her own city and to organize a club of reformed men, whose reputation for ex- cellent service reached us. This labor she laid down to travel, and her book, "Round the World Letters," is one delightful result. Here is a bit of description: "WTe were in Agra, the city of the Taj; entered the gateway, and passed Taj through the avenue of cypresses toward this mausoleum, built by Shah Jehan to the' memory
278 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
of his beloved wife, Xoor-Jehan, 'the light of the world/ kA poem in marble,' 'The sigh of a broken heart/ 'A floating palace in the air,' 'The spirit of some happy dream/ It is the mausoleum of a woman, the most exquisitely beautiful tomb in all the world, and built by the emperor of a people who despise women, and whose holy book does not recognize that they possess souls. Napoleon's crypt. Prince Albert's memorial, Charlottenberg's tomb, are far outrivaled -in pathos of beauty by the Taj where sleeps the inmate of a harem, a simple woman, whose life was spent behind the screens of an Indian palace. The whole building, as one looks upon it, seems to float in the air like an autumn cloud."
Then follows a detail of luxurious word-painting of the exquisite marble screens and carving, the mosaics of precious stones, the traceries, the Orient- al glory of this "work of art possessed of life and perfect/' whose domes, crescents, minarets, and terraces seemed to her like " a castle of pearl and burnished silver."
Mrs. Bainbridge's description of jungle life is the best I have ever read. Of course, as may be ex- pected, Mrs. Bainbridge visited some of the Zenanas
AND THEIR WORK. 2 79
of India and looked upon the "golden lily foot1' of the aesthetic Chinese wife, was refreshed by the height of style on Japanese young ladies as to their back hair, done up in form of a half-open fan, or butterfly secured with hair-pins of flowers or golden balls.
But these things did not move her. She was not so absorbed with the bangle bracelets of the fair ones of Delhi, nor with the shopping of the sheeted Moslem girls in the bazaars, nor yet with the blue feather, pink flowers, and yellow kid gloves of the fascinating Syrian, on a ground of plum color, scarlet and drab at the Pasha's garden reception, but that she could, with her husband, visit nearly a thousand missionaries in their various fields of labor, and ride through the jungles to caress the resting place of the heroic pioneer woman mission- ary of America to India — Ann Haseltine Judson. Xor did our gentle crusader fail to note the mar- velous work of one temperance woman at Bareilly.
It must be that Cleveland Baptists have a just pride in their Sabbath school child, Lucy, who resides now in Brooklvn, X. Y. Permit me to assure our readers that the Cleveland woman abroad is always a wide-awake and far-seeing creature of intelligence.
280 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Mrs. Sarah K. Bolton. — Her first published poem was in the Waver ly Magazine, when she was fifteen. At this time she became a member of the family of her uncle, Colonel H. L. Miller, a lawyer of Hartford, whose extensive library was a delight, and his house a center for those who loved scholarship and refinement. The aunt, a descendant of Noah Webster, was a woman of wide reading, exquisite taste, and social prom- inence. Here the young girl saw Harriet Beecher Stowe, Mrs. Sigourney, and others like them, whose lives to her were a constant inspiration. She graduated from the seminary founded by Catharine Beecher. Sarah became a practical and brilliant scholar. Motley, Prescott, Guizot, Hallam, and the best essayists were her special favorites. So closely did she read that for some months her sight was endangered.
A small book of her poems was now published of the Appletons, and a serial novel in a New Eng- land paper.
Soon after, she married Mr. Charles E. Bolton, a graduate of Amherst College, and they removed to Cleveland, O. In this city, remarkable for its benevolences, she soon became the first secretary
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of the Woman's Christian iVssociation, using much of her time in visits among the poor. This is not strange, as during all her school life she was deeply interested in such work — persuading some of her wealthy friends to educate the brightest of the boys in her mission Sunday school class, and reading each Saturday to a poor blind woman.
The writer well remembers, in the early days of her Cleveland work, Mrs. Bolton's charitable in- tent ; how she took clothing from her own person wherewith to invest the chilly, delicate women who came to her for relief. In one family, where death had come for the first time and taken a pretty child, and the young wife was wretched because she had no picture of her infant, Mrs. Bolton dressed the little one in the white clothes of her own baby, had the father take her in his arms to a photographer, and a good likeness was obtained, as if in life. The poor mother was com- forted. Mrs. Bolton placed the dead in the coffin she had purchased ; with her own hands screwed down the lid, and then she helped at the simple burial. A picture of the sweet-faced child has always been in her own home.
When, in 1874, the temperance crusade began
282 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
in Hillsboro1, ()., she was one of the first to take up the work, having found, naturally, in her labors among the poor, that poverty is too often the result of drink. For several months, through Northern Ohio, she spoke at evening meetings, going with the praying bands to the saloons during the day. Indeed, she led the first crusade in Northern Ohio, which began in Berea. With scarcely an excep- tion, her gentleness and Christian spirit paved the way for earnest conversation and blessed results. The latter was true, also, in this city; and she was soon appointed assistant corresponding secretary of the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union.
Invited to Boston, to become one of the editors of the Coiigrcgationalist, a most useful and re- sponsible position, she proved herself an able journalist. Always suggestive in plans, careful lest feelings be unnecessarily wounded, and untiring in her -work, she made many friends among those best known in literature. She has passed some years abroad, enjoying the wrild scenery of Norway and Russia, and the art of classic Rome. Her only child spent his vacation with her in seeing the old world, and together they often wralked
AND THEIR WORK. 283
eighteen miles a day. Here she was fortunate in meeting Jean Ingelow, Christina Rosetti, Robert Browning, Dinah Maria Mulock, Frances Power Cobbe, and many others whom the world delights to honor. She made an especial study of woman's higher education in the universities of Cambridge, Oxford, and elsewhere, preparing for magazines several articles on this subject, as well as on woman's philanthropic and intellectual work ; also, what is being done for the mental and moral help of the laboring people by their employers, reading a paper 011 this subject at a meeting of the American Social Science Association, held at Sara- toga. Much material was also gathered on Technical Education, a matter of growing impor- tance in this country, and for biographical and descriptive work.
Mrs. Bolton has written: "How Success is Won," " Poor Boys and Girls who became Fa- mous," "Stories from Life" (fiction), "Social Studies in England," " Famous American Au- thors," " From Heart and Nature " (poems), half the book written by her son, Charles Knowles Bolton, Harvard College, class '90; "Famous American Statesmen," "Some Successful Women,"
284 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
" Famous Men of Science," " Famous English Authors of the Nineteenth Century," " Famous European Artists," " Famous English Statesmen of Queen Victoria's Reign," " Famous Types of Womanhood," and for at least forty journals pub- lished in New York, Boston and Ohio.
It will not be amiss for me, a friend of long standing, who has loved her from the very first, to sav that in manner Mrs. Bolton is refined and win- some, full of good cheer, treating the lowest with as much courtesy as the higher born. Her home has the pleasant accompaniments of a student's life — books and pictures. About her writing table are portraits of Emerson, Longfellow, and Victor Hugo, all personally known to her, and pictures of the homes of Tennyson and Ruskin. She is in her prime, giving promise of much valuable liter- ary work, and is one of the most vigorous of our Pallas Athenes.
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CHAPTER XXV.
SIXTY WELL KNOWN WOMEN OF CULTURE — TWELVE CLUBS FOR INTELLECTUAL AD- VANCEMENT— THE COLUMBIAN ASSOCIATION.
{~~^ LEVEL AND is noted among cities for its large ^-^ number of bright women. Airs. Sarah E. Bierce, of the Plain Dealer editorial staff, and secretary of the Northern Ohio Woman's Press Association, states that thirty-five of these write books. We have a reserve force, aside from the eight already delineated ; first of whom in mention is May Alden Ward, an elegant pen woman and still a student ; for the most part of the literature of Continental and Southern Europe ; known and appreciated here by scholars and writers, she has a fine reputation among the Boston literati. Her books are " Life and Works of Dante," " Life and WTorks of Petrarch," " Studies in French and Ger- man Literature." Her parlor lectures are greatly enjoyed. Kate H. S. Avery, well-informed and
2.X6 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
brilliant, wields a sprightly pen; is looking up
11 those Revolutionary dames, our foremothers," indeed, she is constantly engaged in historical and genealogical research ; in the latter, Elizabeth Clifford Neff is interested ; our other Xeff, called in her girlhood, Lizzie Hyer, writes short stories, and is a witty, impromptu talker. Mrs. Xeff has forever rescued mothers-in-law from obloquy, by her eloquent defense of Dona de Perestrello, who sustained that relation to Christopher Colum- bus; truthfully stating that only the irony of fate compelled Spain to be step-mother of these new lands, for, had there been no Isabella, America would have been discovered through the persistent aid to the great navigator of this Italian cavalier's widow, who placed in his hands all the papers, charts, journals and memoranda of the lamented Perestrello.
Two of the most valued members of our widely known Press Club are May Alden Ward and Lizzie Hyer Neff, graduates of the Ohio Wesleyan Univer- sity. Jessie Glasier, her mother Mrs. Eliza Gla- sier, and Estelle Bone, sparkle in the newspapers ; Clara A. Urann is author of a " Course in English Literature," gathering flowers under Christmas
AND THEIR WORK. 287
snows, giving most instructive and entertaining lectures. Miss S. A. Wilson is a diligent writer for Epworth Leagues, Sunday schools and Bible study. She and Miss Clara G. Tagg are acknowledged leaders in religious and intellectual circles.
Mrs. M. M. Caton has just issued a " Commercial Speller," the product of a year's work — having original features, systematically graded, and so far as known to the writer, the only business college text-book compiled by an Ohio woman. She re- cites well, and so does Miss Kate Parmalee. We may as well attempt to count the stars in mid- winter skies as to enumerate all the bright women of Cleveland. Of these is Miss Emma Perkins, teacher of Latin in Woman's College of Western Reserve University, a fine essayist and superior scholar, graduating at Vassar with the first honor of her class. Mrs. S. T. Paine is a lady of excellent ability; a fine Secretary. Mrs. H. M. Ingham is a gifted writer ; adapted to editorship. Mrs, Gertrude Van R. Wickham writes for St. Nicholas, the local papers, and other journals; Anna M. Pratt furnishes charming poems for this same Saint. Adele Thompson is delightful. Mrs. B. F. Taylor, a brilliant writer, is a fit companion for
288 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
the poet-editor of Chicago, who wrote "There is a Magical Isle up the River of Time." Mrs. A. M. Burns furnishes stories for a New England journal. Her review of current literature for our Press Club, at its January meeting, was remarkable for taste and beauty. Ella S. Webb is a practical writer for Leisure Hours, in Philadelphia. Sarah E. Chand- ler, Mrs. Chas. Ruprecht, Anna E. Treat, Laura Rosamond White and Emma Scarr Booth are familiar names in city journalism.
Hanna A. Foster, a poet, and Jane Eliot Snow, write and lecture equally well ; they are pro- nounced temperance women. Four ministers' wives distinguish themselves in a literary way — Mrs. P. E. Kipp, Mrs. M. C. Hickman, Mrs. Mar- garet B. Peeke, Mrs. J. G. Fraser. Our educational writers are Miss Harriet L. Keeler, Miss Ellen G. Reveley, Miss L. T. Guilford, Mrs. Mary E. M. Richardson. The latter delights a large circle of friends with holiday booklets. Mrs. W. C. Weedon collects legends ; Helen M. Houk sets us out hand- somely in the Plain Dealer. Mrs. B. D. Babcock writes gracefully ; her papers on ceramic art, illus- trated by porcelain and pottery, charm her friends. Mrs. G. A. Robertson, Martha Canfield, M. D., and
AND THEIR WORK. 289
Etta L. Gilchrist, M. D., have original ideas and know how to express them. Alice Webster, Els- beth B. Black, Belle K. Adams and several more are a credit to onr city by their industry with pen and brush. Helen Watterson Moody belongs to us. Mrs. C. C. Burnett is a pioneer in literary societies, and skilled in planning for their success. Mrs. W. G. Rose is thinker, writer, reformer and president of our largest club — Sorosis, organized in 1891, numbering over two hundred members ; out of which has come the " Poet's Corner," in charge of Mrs. Lvda C. Sevmour, and the Natural Science Club, organized in 1892 ; Mrs. A. D. Davidson, of Oberlin, and Mrs. N. Coe Stewart, president and secretary. Mrs. Rose has afforded rare intellectual feasts, at two or three Sorosis banquets ; notably, that of October, 1892 ; " Woman " was the subject considered. Mrs. Emily G. Cory, resident abroad for three years, spoke upon the " Women of Germany; " Luella Varney, our sculptor, living for the most part in Rome, the "Women of Italy." Harriet Taylor Upton fur- nished a remarkable paper upon the " Women of Washington, D. C." Mrs. L. Dautel, toast mistress, and our own Mrs. M. G. Browne, both having done
29O WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
much to develop Sorosis, gave polished utterance upon "American Women;" Mrs. Lydia Hoyt Farmer, " Mrs. Mal-a-prop."
Three ladies, wives of physicians, Mrs. H. F. Biggar, Mrs. D. H. Beckwith, and Mrs. T. P. Wil- son read the best literature, and delight select cir- cles with admirable papers upon historical and social topics. The wives of some of the professors and editors in town, and Mrs. Cadv Stalev write with beauty and thoroughness upon exposition and general subjects.
Our clubs are numerous and excellent, doing fine literary work, with conversations and discus- sions that indicate deep study and patient thought ; Monday Club, organized in 1877 ; East End Con- versational, 1878; Nineteenth Century, 1880; Western Reserve, 1882 ; merged into Sorosis in 1891 ; Press Club, 1886; Cleveland Literary Guild, 1889 ; the President, Mrs. O. C. Lawrence and several of the members recite well ; Daughters of the American Revolution, 1891 ; Journalists' Club, 1892 ; a talented coterie from this organization edit, publish and write for the Household Realm. Alice Webster, founder; Mrs. Belle K. Adams, editor. Clara Freeman, Mrs. Perkins, Miss Black,
AND THEIR WORK. 291
Marion L. Campbell, Nellie X. Amsden and Vir- ginia Reid are contributors. These ladies are also included on the staff of other newspapers.
There are at least one French and two German clubs. Apparently, the only one now to be desired is the "Twentieth Century," which may Miss Katharine Wilcox, of Genesee avenue, find as she did the other twelve in her walks about town !
The Columbian Association was formed Novem- ber 7th, 1892, to continue until May 1st, 1893, for the purpose of collecting statistics of woman's work in this city ; the departments being Philan- thropy, Education, Literature, Art, Industrial Pursuits. Women of Cleveland — Protestant, Rom- an Catholic and Jewish, came forward nobly ; so responsive were they that results in detail must add considerably to the World's Fair Encyclo- paedia. In connection with this ingathering, valuable papers are presented upon topics per- taining to the early history of America and to the Columbian Exposition.
292 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
CHAPTER XXVI.
MRS. MARY MASON FAIRBANKS — CLEVELAND NEWS- PAPERS— OLD ROUND TABLE — JULIA VAUGHN WILLEY — HARRIET GAYLORD SMITH — OHIO FARMER — GOOD THOMAS BROWN — TWELVE SPRIGHTLY WRITERS — HELEN BARRON BOST- WICK — CORRESPONDENCE.
'T is impossible to reYiewthe history of woman's ^ literarY work in this city without also review- ing in brief the history of those newspapers which have fostered most a love of literature and the ex- ercise of gifts in expression. The Cleveland Her- ald is the oldest newspaper here, beginning as a weekly in 18 19. In 1836, the Daily Gazette made an appearance. March 22, 1837, it was consoli- dated with the Herald, published by Whittlesey & Hull. Mr. Hull soon gave place to J. A. Harris. Upon the retirement of Mr. Whittlesey, the name of Gazette was dropped. Subsequently, Mr. Harris admitted to partnership with him A. W. Fair-
I AND THEIR WORK. 293
banks, and afterwards George A. Benedict. Janu- ary 7th, 1842, Messrs. J. W. and N. A. Gray bought the Cleveland Advertiser and converted it into the Cleveland Plain Dealer. From personal knowl- edge, it may be truly said that Mr. J. W. had a keen appreciation of wit and genius, whether in man or woman, and was one of the most genial of hosts ; he and Mrs. Gray being the soul of kind- ness to the lady teachers who had charge of their children — Josie and Eugene. Bishop W. E. Mc- Laren was on the staff of that paper in 1853 and '54. Chas. F. Browne, a well-known humorist, began his career with the Plain Dealer.
The Cleveland Leader was the result of combin- ing the True Democrat, an anti-slavery paper, started in 1846 by Bradburn and Vaughn, and the Forest City, organ of the "Silver Gray Whigs," issued in 1852 by Joseph Medill. The marriage took place in October, 1853. Mr. Medill associated with him Mr. Edwin Cowles. In 1855, Messrs. Medill and Vaughn removed to Chicago and be- came connected with the Tribune of that city. The Leader has always been noted among Cleve- landers for its fearless, outspoken utterance, and espousal of woman's cause.
294 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
One of the charming ladies of that golden age writes me thus of the editor of the oldest news- paper and of some of the contributors: "Among those who had much to do with developing the literary taste and ability of Cleveland women dnr- ing the period of which I write, should certainly be mentioned the well remembered and beloved editors of the Cleveland Herald, Messrs. J. A. Harris, George A. Benedict and J. H. A. Bone ; with them should be included the warm hearted and genial proprietors of the True Democrat, Messrs. John C. Vaughn and Thomas Brown. I am sure that many a literary aspiration was awakened and encouraged through the graceful writing and commendatory words of these very men. In those days were fewer outlets for womanly sentiment than now. The voting girl who reached forth to something beyond the mo- notonous routine of society life could not then, as now, occupy herself with the fascinating varieties of art culture. Somehow, while she might shrink from public criticism and had little courage to as- sert herself, there was an irresistible desire to prove herself, and so had recourse to her pen. Many Clevelanders of those earlier days will recall
AND THEIR WORK. 295
the friendly comments of the city papers, upon giving place to a poem or a story over some girlish signature, paying a partial and enconraging tribute to home talent. The Old Round Table, at which Mr. J. A. Harris was once the good King Arthur, succeeded by the no less benignant Mr. Benedict, held many a page of manuscript that but for their lenient judgment would never have made a record for its author, and through the sanctum of the True Democrat came often to the public eye some dainty sentiment in prose or verse, of so much ex- cellence as to compel the fathoming of the nam de plume. It does not follow that these various writers became Sapphos, but it is a pleasant fact to record that Cleveland owes much of her repu- tation now for cultivated women and lovely homes, the latter graced by refinement and minis- tered unto with elegance, to that same literary coterie which long: since laid down the lvre of poesy for the distaff of domestic life.
" Frequenters at the hospitable fireside of Mrs. George Willey have no need to be reminded that she was one who once sang in ' tune- ful numbers,' and, though afterward she left her harp unstrung, they will believe that the spirit of
296 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
poetry diffused itself throughout her nature. She was the daughter of one of those early patrons of Cleveland literature, Mr. John C. Vaughn, and in- herits from both parents her intellectual birthright. Mr. Vaughn was himself a brilliant writer during his conspicuous career as editor and politician, and the mother of Mrs. Willey will be recalled as a woman of unusual talent/'
Mrs. Charles Gilman Smith, now of Chicago, justly ranks among the shining lights of Cleveland societv. The more familiar name of Harriet Gay- lord will bring back to manv here the vision of the brilliant girl whose sparkling repartee is to this day quoted among her friends as the best bon mots. The mother, Mrs. Erastus F. Gaylord, has already been referred to in a previous chapter as a woman of rare native endowment. It is full praise to say that the mantle of the mother has fallen upon her daughters ; the oldest sister of Mrs. Smith, the wife of Professor John Newberry, holds acknowl- edged place among Cleveland's most intellectual women. Few ladies not devoted to a literary career have so industriously pursued literature as a pastime. Although Mrs. Smith has been for many years connected with the most cultivated
AND THEIR WORK. 297
circles of Chicago, an active and creditable mem- ber of the widely known Fortnightly of that city, her friends here still name her as one whose quick improvisations and piquant wit made her the Ma- dame de Stael of former days.
Among the most graceful writers of this epoch and one whom we all love and honor, is Mrs. Mary Mason Fairbanks. With the outflow of her gifted pen we are more or less familiar ; she composes with equal facility in verse or prose. Her first attempt was a little essay on "Woman," and came to the Round Table in this wise : Harmon Kings- bury, Esq., being a guest at her father's house, found it in a composition book lying on a table in his room, and forthwith hastened with it from Mr. Mason's to dear Thomas Brown, of the True Dem- ocrat. It was a modest setting forth of a school- girl's views of what woman's sphere should entail, its signature being her given name transposed into "Myra."
A writer for the same columns, the redoubtable Frances D. Gage, veiled by a homely nom de plume, attacked the little essay. In defense, " Myra," by her charming reply, was brought to the front, and there she has staved ever since. The Herald did
29s WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
its utmost to indicate appreciation of her gifts; it married her. Mrs. A. \V. Fairbanks was one of the "Innocents Abroad " upon the memorable ex- cursion of the Quaker City to the Orient, and her letters to the Cleveland press during the six months1 jaunt were the delight of her friends. Mr. S. L. Clemens, known to the world as "Mark Twain," claims her as a special personal friend, and is a welcome household guest; she was president of the "Cleveland Fortnightly Club." during its exist- ence, and her philanthropic traits had sway as president of our Diet Dispensary. Mrs, Fairbanks wrote an inside history of our oldest Presbyterian church, of which she is an active member, highly
esteemed for its authenticity as a quarter century's
J
record, as well as for its literary merit. She is a many-sided person, not a particle narrow — her own home is graced as but few are capable ; as wife and mother we can attest her excellence. In her delightful boudoir at the Weddell House, among gems of art from the old world, stood the identical Round Table of the palmy days of yore. She says of it: "Mr. Harris gave it personality, and to it when absent, always addressed his letters. One of the institutions of the Herald, it was re-
AND THEIR WORK. 299
garded with a tender reverence by all the attaches of that paper after their beloved chiefs had ' gone hence.' The dear old table is to me full of senti- ment. It is like Thackeray's cane-bottomed chair in its marks of age, but the marks and marrings of the years that are fled and the fingers that lie idle, now, are all precious to me as mosaics."
The Ohio Farmer. — The first agricultural pa- per printed in the United States was the American Farmer, published at Baltimore, Maryland, in 1818. Probably the next was the Ohio Cultivator, at Columbus, in 1848, by Hon. J. C. Bateham, whose esteemed widow is active in the work of to- day, residing in Kentucky. This was merged into the Ohio Farmer and Mechanic ls Assistant, which made its weekly appearance in this city in 1852, under the genial proprietorship of Thomas Brown, who brought to it as former editor of the True Democrat the prestige of success, and a large acquaintance with the Cleveland public. It be- came very popular in this city and throughout our own and other States as a family newspaper, de- voted to agriculture, horticulture, mechanic arts, literature, domestic economy, social improvement, and general intelligence.
300 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Thomas Brown can never be forgotten, he had so truly a friendly side for the world and did so much to encourage and develop youthful talent. With such an editor in a field of so wide a scope, the Ohio Farmer became a cradle of feminine 2;en- ius. Among the contributors to its first year's columns are the names of Mrs. H. M. Tracy, Rosella Rice, Hester A. Benedict, Mrs. F. S. Wads- worth, Mary Moreland, Mrs. Frances D. Gage, Mrs. C. E. Snow, Fannie B. Ward, and others. Will some one please inform me who "Dora'' is, and also, "Little Home Body?'" Even Mrs. Bateham cannot tell.
A frequent name in the Ohio Fanner attaining celebrity is that of Mrs. Helen L. Bostwick. A Ravenna editor has the honor of first encouraging this lady — by publishing in the Western Reserve Cabinet and Visitor a poem of unusual merit, uThe Death of the Flowers,1 ' written by her at sweet sixteen, with the signature "Nina" affixed; her name then being Helen Louise Barron. She mar- ried Mr. Edmund Bostwick and resided partly in Cleveland, especially after his death. During the first year's existence (1852 J of Mr. Brown's paper, she wrote " Mary Jones' Response," relating to a
AND THEIR WORK. 301
housewife's preparation for the city's annual rural festival. Here is a specimen stanza, addressed evidently to Mr. Jones :
" Aud now about this Cleveland Fair,
When you may wish to go
On pleasure jaunts, you'll seldom find
That I will answer 'No.'
I'm sure the girls can keep the house,
And Will can keep the farm,
And if you'll send away the cheese
There'll nothing come to harm."
As time advanced, Mrs. Bostwick took a deserved place among our writers, becoming a contributor to leading papers and magazines ; several volumes of her writings have been published. She was greatly sought after, and her pen generous in re- sponse. Afterward she married J. F. Bird, M. D., an eminent physician of Philadelphia, a gentleman of tine attainments and literary culture, attracted to her writings first. She presides in his elegant home, with all the more charm, perhaps, from hav- ing in former days tasted of sorrow, and, possibly, poverty.
Miss L. E. Noble, of Brecksville, O., kindly responds to my inquiry as to the identity of one of the most charming writers of former times.
302 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
u
A lady known to many as Mary E. H. Miller, but to the readers of the early weekly newspapers and monthly magazines as ' Little Home Body/ and 'Mrs. Colonel Calico,' was a favorite newspaper writer; some of her pieces were signed 'M.'
Mrs. Mary Hayes Honghton, of Wellington, O., a member of our own Press Club, adds her tribute to good Thomas Brown and his paper :
" Mv father subscribed for the Genesee Farmer before the Ohio Cultivator, and we had the Ohio Farmer as long as Thomas Brown edited the con- solidation. He gave us the choicest ' Random Gems ' and selections from new books, and was more careful of the contents of his paper than are most agricultural journalists. I shall never cease to cherish his memory for the enjoyment the Ohio Farmer of those days gave me and the pains the editor took to cultivate the taste of his readers.
" It is a pity more care is not used at present to give the rural population a choice variety of news- paper matter.
" Mrs. Harriet M. Tracy, afterward Mrs. Cutler, was the pioneer editor of the Woman's Depart- ment ; she called herself 'Aunt Patience.'
" Mrs. Bateham was, in earlier life, widow of
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Rev. Mr. Cushman, who died at Hayti, I think ; she is daughter of Mrs. Professor Cowles, of Ober- lin. She always interested me, then the merest child, in the Cultivator ; nothing escaped me.
" Helen Barron Bostwick was delightfully enter- taining. Do you remember her verses about the boy ' Jimmy ? '
" ' Our Jimmy has gone for to live in a tent, Since they grafted him into the army.
He finally puckered up courage and went, When the}- grafted him into the army.' "
304 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
CHAPTER XXVII.
MRS. HARRIET J. KESTER — CLEVELAND SCHOOL OF ART — LOUISE F. RANDOLPH — GEORGIA L. NOR- TON— PATRONESSES — MR. AND MRS. C. F. OLNEY — SUBURBAN LADIES — HELEN ELIZA- BETH KING — LUELLA VARNEY — EMMA D. CLEVELAND — KATHARINE H. CLARK — FIF- TEEN ARTISTS — CAROLINE L. RANSOM.
r I "HE towns of Northern Ohio have friendship *■ for Cleveland, and we reciprocate through some bright woman resident in each of them who flits in and out of our circles. Mrs. A. A. F. John- ston and Mrs. A. D. Davidson attach us to Oberlin ; Mrs. Emma White Perkins, to Akron ; Mrs. El- well, to Willoughby ; Mrs. Garfield, to Mentor ; Misses Mary Evans, Louise F. Randolph, and Mrs. Casement, to Painesville. Miss Fanny Hayes and her mother's precious memory to Fremont ; Harriet Taylor Upton, to Warren ; several of culture to Wellington and Berea. Miss
AND THEIR WORK. 305
Randolph has taken many of our girls abroad and so long lectured before the School of Art that she has place among the women of Cleve- land. In 1882, Mrs. S. M. Kimball determined to have a School of Design, and induced several ladies to join her. For a time, one pupil was instructed in a small studio at her residence, by Mrs. Harriet J. Kester, a charming woman and fine instructor, who was one evening crowned with a golden laurel wreath, by Mrs. H. B. Payne, at her own home, in presence of patrons and friends. Before this, classes were formed in the City Hall and it arose in November, 1822, to the dignity of the Western Reserve School of Design for Women, with two-score or more of founders and trustees. The progress made by the students, the essays written by them, their improvement because of conversations upon topics pertaining to higher education and their advancement through personal character-building, insisted upon by their sincere and elegant principal, were gratifying to the citi- zens in charge. Besides several gentlemen, Mrs. Mary S. Bradford, Mrs. Payne, Mrs. L. E. Holden, Mrs. R. C. Parsons, Mrs. Wm. Bingham, Mrs. E. B. Hale, Mrs. P. M. Hitchcock, Mrs. Stevenson
306 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Burke, Mrs. Mary S. Cary, our Oriental and European traveler, Mrs. T. D. Crocker, Miss Anne Walworth, Mrs. R. P. Ranney, Mrs. G. W. Little, Mrs. J. M. Adams, Mrs. Harriet D. Comnbury, Mrs. C. C. Burnett, Mrs. Alice M. Clanen, Mrs. Kimball and her daughter, Mrs. Sheridan, Mrs. W. W. Armstrong, Mrs. C. B. Lockwood, Mrs. South- worth, Mrs. J. S. Casement and Mrs. Castle all love the school and work for it.
We would gratefully acknowledge the aid of Professor and Mrs. C. F. Olney — themselves a means of culture to the whole city. In their home and newly placed collection of the best in art is cen- tered an inspiration to achieve "the good, the true, the beautiful ;" this, combined with a delightful hospitality, renders them a power not only in the section of the city where they reside, but to all our educational agencies. The Cleveland School of Art, with over one hundred pupils, is now in the Kelley Homestead, on Willson avenue, living from year to year in hope of endowment. In the city are several fine galleries of paintings, a legacy from Mr. Kelley for an art museum, and a late (1892) Christinas present from Mr. J. H. Wade of three and three-fourths acres in College Reserve
AND THEIR WORK. 7>°7
of his park. These gifts animate the ladies of the Board of Management as to the future of the school. A delightful experience was when Miss Louise F. Randolph spoke in City Hall, during twenty weeks, to students and citizens upon art- history, illustrated by photographs, with other pictures and fragments of the antique. In that golden time, the writer was her guest at Lake Erie Seminary, where many Cleveland girls have studied, and saw there Venus put the little lulus to sleep upon the sweet Marjoram ; Raphael's master- pieces; a collection of Thorwaldsen's and some of Lucca Delia Roblitfs round canvas ; Sevres ware from Paris and the Temple of Minerva, remarkable for its entablature ; representing that astute equal- rights champion as goddess of the household arts. A rare May concert took place, in which the garnet in the girls' drapery and in the bloom of their bouquets made the chorus look like a troupe of angels floating in on a rose-tinted cloud. Out of the whole of the delicious evening's music, nothing was half so beautiful as:
" On either side the river, lie
Long fields of barley and of rye
That clothe the wold and meet the sky ;
308 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
And thro' the field the road runs by
To many-towered Camelot. And up and down the people go, Gazing where the lilies blow, Round our island there below
The island of Shallot."
Miss Georgia L. Norton, a capital principal, conies to us from the Massachusetts State Normal School, with courage, persistence, ability ; not only as artist, but as business woman. So thorough- ly is she mistress of the situation that we mav consider her in every way a woman of Cleve- land. Miss Cook is abroad ; Miss Waldeck, most accomplished and thorough ; Miss Temple gives promise of success. Gentlemen are also in the Faculty. The work of the school is highly es- teemed by critics and connoisseurs. In the city are thirty professional lady artists, all indus- trious and praiseworthy. Miss A. Copeland has a rich collection, from a classic Iyaocoon to crim- son gladioli and purple lilacs. Miss Emma Lane's pictures are beautiful ; a friend's portrait ; white satin for white lilies on a baby's white casket. She designed the frontispiece for the second edition of Lorna Doon. Miss E. B. Black has "faculty" and good sense, can teach classes,
AND THEIR WORK. 309
"fire" china, or write art-notes for a local news- paper. She executes commissions in New York. Anna Cahoon will be proficient in mural decora- tion. Miss Noble has fine landscapes ; Mrs. Ehret, lovely china; Miss Worrallo,a water-colorist; Addie Strong is an accomplished wood-carver; Miss Whittlesey, Helen and Mattie Olmsted have exquisite variety in heads and water-colors, and are popular instructors in their art. The last mentioned two ladies have studied abroad. The Misses Morse, Miss Cook, and Jessie Eyears are now in continental galleries. Anna B. Little pro- duces fine heads. Luella Varney, our sculptor, spends much of her time at the Piazza Cappuccini, Rome. Her work, a part of which is a bust of " Mark Twain," was easily accepted in the Colum- bian Exposition. Mrs. Helen Olmsted has, also, there a portrait-bust.
Miss Emma D. Cleveland. — One of the most earnest and enthusiastic of the ladv artists here is Miss Emma Douglass Cleveland. She studied landscape exclusively, with Mr. R. Way Smith, bringing to her work intelligent appreciation and intense love for art. She achieves results through honesty of purpose ; is quick to perceive the ex-
3IO WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
pressive and dramatic in nature. She has studied in New York with Mr. F. C. Jones, hut more re- cently has worked alone in her studio at the charming home of her father, 667 Prospect street. Miss Cleveland is a frequent exhibitor at the Rochester Art Club, and has had work shown at the National Academy of Design. Her picture called "A Door-yard at Hague," Lake George, N. Y., receives favorable comment.
Helen Elizabeth King. — This lady painted, ten years ago, with Mr. R. Way Smith ; art is her vocation. Fond of studies in animals, she makes a specialty of dogs. Under her hand, the celebrated pointer, " Maxim," was a notable success. Her sheep are so natural and woolly that they all but step out of the picture. She was a student at the Adelphi Art School, Brooklyn, N. Y., and of Mr. J. D. Smellie, one of the best landscape painters in the country ; a pupil, also, at the Sherwood, in New York, and later of the League, Washington, D. C. For several years, she has had large classes from among our best people, giving ample satisfaction. Her work has ready sale. Mrs. King's recent copy of Daniel Huntington's portrait of General Sher- man, to be placed in the Ohio Building at the
AND THEIR WORK. 311
Columbian Exposition, is one of the best extant — not altogether a copy, either, as Senator Sherman suggested changes.
Katharine H. Clark. — Associated with Mrs. King, in City Hall, this lady devotes her- self to porcelain decoration, having studied in Cincinnati, New York and Washington. Her specialties are Royal Worcester and Dresden styles, one of her instructors having lived a score of years in the Royal Worcester pottery, England. Her aim is to have work compare favorably with imports. These ladies, both, are earnest, sincere artists, having come to their present skill and reputation over no flowery highway of ease ; yet they work on with steady courage.
The pioneer artist of this city was a Miss Cleve- land, who painted in water-colors. The date of her beginning cannot be ascertained, but she was here when Miss Caroline L. Ormes Ransom opened a studio in November, i860, corner of Superior and Seneca streets. After Miss Cleveland retired, Miss Ransom was the only artist in the city for years, and the studio was frequented by residents and strangers ; in fact, there seemed to be no other place for visitors to see a painting. Art is of slow
312 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
growth in the Forest City, toward which nature has been lavish. This artist, by education, ability, high character and sweetness of temper brought in contact the culture of the Western Reserve. Her first portrait to which publicity was given was of Hon. Joshua R. Giddings, from life, and finished under Daniel Huntington, which was in the Academy of Design, Exhibition of 1859, beside one of her preceptor's, and elicited praise from critics. Miss Ransom had many orders for oil paint- ings upon her first arrival here ; Governor Brough, Judge Payne and wife, Mrs. D. R. Tilden, Mr. and Mrs. Philo Chamberlin, and others, the most notable among them being that of the eminent naturalist, Dr. J. P. Kirtland, now owned by his daughter, Mrs. Pease. In the Autumn of 1863, General James A. Garfield sat for his in military dress. This portrait, purchased by Mrs. Garfield, now hangs in the family home at Mentor, O., with those of two deceased children and of Grandma Garfield ; the three pieces executed by the same hand. This sketch would be too lengthy if men- tion were made of all who sat to Miss Ransom. State officials and citizens in high position ; one of these is an admirable portrait of Colonel Chas.
AND THEIR WORK. 313
Whittlesey, president, then, of the Western Re- serve Historical Society; another of Hon. T. P. Handy in the Bank of Commerce ; of William Case in Case Library ; two of Salmon P. Chase. In 1867, she went to Europe, where two most valued years were passed. Her work soon attracted the attention of Professor Schnoor, painter to King John of Saxony. Her " Hagar and Ishmaeln caused him to grant her any desired privileges in the Royal Gallery of Dresden, even to paint the heads of " Mother and Child," in the Sistine Ma- donna. Her copy of the Delia Nolle of Correggio, made in that gallery, fascinated all who looked upon it, even the writer of this history, who after sitting in u Miss Ransom's Studio,'1 upon her return to Cleveland, by the light that filled the manger from the Child's head could go home and weave a story. The picture passed the most cultured criticism. From that time the copyist was creator.
Miss Ransom is of revolutionarv ancestry ; in 1840, her father was a wealthy business man in Grand River, Ashtabula county, O. Fond of books and learning, Caroline received from him as liberal an education as the times and situation
314 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
would permit for women. Her mother was beau- tiful and cultured, and from her the child was predis- posed to art, taking lessons in linear drawing and flowTer painting from strolling teachers. In Latin, Greek and the Natural Sciences she afterward distanced her male class-mates at Grand River Institute. Graduating, she accepted the chair of instruction in these twro languages and became principal of the ladies' department ; remaining two years, broadening her knowledge of the classics. It was in her to paint; she essayed heads, succeeded. Horace Greeley and her mother wrere old friends. He and his sister, Mrs. John F. Cleve- land, prepared the way for this ambitious young woman in New York galleries and in those literary circles of which Mrs. C. wras leader and soul. Durand, President of the National Academy of Design, was chosen her teacher. Miss Ransom became famous ; wre are justly proud of her genius and achievements. In 1885, she opened a studio at Washington, D. C, which naturally, in time, was a center for culture. Her art and liter- ary receptions there are a feature in capitol circles. She is loved because of her nobility of soul. Not only is she artist, but poet and philanthropist.
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CHAPTER XXVIII.
WOMAN'S MEDICAL WORK — MYRA K. MERRICK, M. I). — ELIZA J. MERRICK — MISS E. GRISELL — MRS. C. A. SEAMAN, FOUNDER OF THE WOMAN'S MEDICAL COLLEGE — FINETTE SCOTT SEELYE — MEDICAL MISSIONARIES — DR. MARTHA A. CANFIELD — LILLIAN G. TOWSLEE, M. D. — INSTITUTIONS.
A /TYRA K. MERRICK, M. D., (R.) our pioneer ^* -*- lady physician, studied in Hyatt's Academy Rooms, New York, prior to the opening of medical colleges to women ; afterward pursuing a course in Nichols' Hydropathic Institute ; next followed training with Professor Ives, of Yale College. The Central Medical College of New York by this time opened its doors to women and she matricu- lated in 1 85 1, graduated and received the medal of highest honor, locating, in August, 1852, on Miami (now Sheriff) street, Cleveland; being the first woman physician in the State of Ohio. She
316 WOMEN OF CLF.VKLAXD
found it no easy task to open a path for herself in which other women could walk. Unselfishly she has sought for her own sex more liberal advan- tages in education, more practical and personal observation of disease, more gracious professional recognition, and that a heartier welcome from the city be accorded other women students and practi- tioners. This is the key to her useful, enthusiastic career. In 1876, she became President of the Woman's Medical College, was one of the first in raising funds for Huron Street Hospital, and for years a member of its staff. In 1879, she founded the Free Medical and Surgical Dispensary for Women and Children, of which she is still Presi- dent. This Institution, 171 Prospect street, affords aid to the needy sufferer, and trains mind, heart and hand of the many students who have served as resident physicians. During the fourteen years of its existence, the total number of patients treated has been 57,270; of these, 1,322 are surgical cases. Mrs. Merrick retired from public life in 1890. Eliza J. Merrick, M. D., her daughter-in-law, has taken her practice ; lecturing on diseases of chil- dren at the Cleveland Medical College.
An elegant woman, tall, stately, belonging to the
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Society of Friends, attracted my admiration when a young girl here in 1855, because she drove so splendid a horse and had a unique profession ; she was a doctor — Miss Elizabeth Grisell — not a Quaker as to the cut of her garb ; she wore lovely grays and lavenders and had breezy ways — one of the most delightful ladies ever at home in Cleveland ; but she did not long remain under the chilling in- fluence of our lake winds. She returned to her own home in Salem, O., became a member of County and State Medical Associations, and when for her own health's sake she practiced some years on the Pacific Coast, she joined a similar Society for Cali- fornia. There is a bit of romance in Miss Grisell's early life, which determined the direction of her future effort. Tenderlv attached to a voun? physician, her fiance, he suddenly died, and the strongest tribute of affection she could pay was to take up his life work ; to pursue it until the close of her own career. She graduated at Cleveland and Philadelphia, guided here by H. A. Ackley and Elisha Sterling, M. D. Across the continent, she was very successful, and in Salem is greatly beloved and sought for. Her specialty is the ills to which her own sex are subjected — womanly, true, unselfish, she wears a crown invisible.
31 8 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
The story of Mrs. C. A. Seaman's (H.) life is a faithful delineation of a pioneer woman physician's trials and final triumph over prejudice. She was born in Vermont, in 1816, removing with her par- ents to Rochester, N. Y. At seventeen, she was married to John Seaman ; together they started to make their own home in the village of Cleve- land, near Newburgh. Those were the days of stage-coaches and calashes. Mrs. Seaman often described her wedding bonnet as an immense green affair like a buggy top. Cleveland then numbered sixteen hundred people. Buying a lot on Seneca street, bordered by pasture land and a large field of corn, they put up a small house. Her voice was heard in the little church choir and in the Sunday school; children came ; five were taken out of eight. For years she had been reading medical works ; seeking health at a water cure, she had access to the physician's library, studying to her heart's content. Visiting Philadelphia in 1857, she used her small strength in going for exercise to a medical college, to which women were admitted. Returning home, Mrs. Seaman attended the Cleveland Homoeopathic College. Here she received instruction, studying
AND THEIR WORK. 31 9
by herself, too, without neglect of the household, finding time to invite to her home, young men from the College, who needed a mother's counsel. Examinations successfully passed, her thesis excel- lent, she received her degree. Now, what was she to do with it ? Her heart yearned over the hosts of women, suffering as she had for so many years ; meanwhile her friends laughed at Mrs. Seaman's doctoring whim, just as they did when she bought the first sewing machine used in Cleveland. Women had not then reached their present posi- tion ; she was many years in advance of her age. Once, when in an Eastern city, after the M. D. had been granted her, although she never used it, an old friend, a distinguished clergyman, sent word as she waited in his parlor, " I cannot come down to see even so dear a friend as Mrs. Seaman, having so unsexed herself as to accept a de- gree." That discourtesy caused her much anguish. Public men and social leaders, now, take broader views of woman's work. Friends, though they looked with distrust upon women physicians, were glad to ask advice ; always lovingly, freely given ; even strangers asked her to come to them in emergency ; this grew until medicines and time
320 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
were consumed, yet, no one thought of paying a woman. After a time, she entered a practice which was not all gratuitous. Women in ill health came to her from city and country until she had a sanitarium. Her Christian character was shown in the taking into a sunny back room, a poor woman from the lane, drawn and contorted ; her children placed in country homes, her husband, a laborer, who must leave her to be cared for day- times by people in the same tenement house. With difficulty she was brought over and patiently cared for, a chair on wheels, then crutches, finally a cane were provided : for two years, this grateful creature was a part of the home. Hundreds of women were helped to do duty more bravely, as mother, wife and daughter, through Mrs. Seaman's influence and ministry. The overwhelming pur- pose of her heart, in later years, was to encourage young ladies to study medicine. When the Cleveland College denied to women this opportun- ity, she felt that upon her rested the task of helping to organize and establish a school especially for women. Mrs. Seaman was the first president and burden-bearer ; about that time she led in the mat- ter of beginning a hospital where women patients
AXD THEIR WORK. 32 1
could be privileged to call in other than male physicians. Such a place was located in a rented building in a park, between St. Clair and Lake streets. Her home was always open to the unfor- tunate, the tempted and tried. Mrs. Seaman's counsel to her children was, " Make the world bet- ter for your having lived." She died July 10th, 1869, at the home of her daughter, in Providence, R. I.
Finette Scott Seelye, M. D.,has always been high- ly regarded in Cleveland. A farmer's daughter, in straightened circumstances, she earned money by teaching, helped a brother to an education and aided a sister in study. In her girlhood she was highly esteemed in Illinois ; through skill of her own she managed to acquire a medical education in Xew York; begun practice in Litchfield, Conn.; came to this city as assistant physician at the Water Cure, and fortunately married Dr. T. T.. Seelye. She was the leading spirit among women in her quarter of Cleveland, helped, encouraged all young ladies who struggled with povertv in acquiring an education, especially, medical ; she aided financially any who needed ; established a sewing school, worked in Friendly Inns, was a fine
322 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
housekeeper and good mother, and read a great deal of solid literature ; was fond of the Greek poets. She was the center of reading and social circles.
We have been honored in Cleveland with the sojourn of several medical missionaries, and of dear Mary Andrews, not a physician, who gives her life to the Celestial Empire. Sigourney Trask came here through the influence of Mrs. Moses Hill, who cared for her while attending lectures and afterward secured her the assistant matron- ship of the Retreat, where she did good work. She spent ten years in Foo Chow, China. Mary A. Gault, M. D., went to Japan ; Dr. Madge Dixon Mater to Chefoo, China, in charge of the Presbv- terian Hospital ; Alice M. Harris, M. D., to a similar position in Sierra Leone, Africa ; Anna K. Scott, M. D., went to heathen lands under Baptist auspices. Two, at least, have gone from Cleveland Dispensary to Tacoma, Wash. ; one to Portland, Ore. We may delineate a single beloved life, be- cause in its devotion to India, she found a grave at the foot of the Himalayas — Mary Frances, daughter of Dr. T. T. Seelye. She became a mem- ber of the Presbvterian Church at the a^e of four-
AND THEIR WORK. 323
teen, went to school in Albany, N. Y., and Cleve- land, O. ; graduating at " Maplewood," Pittsfield, Mass., entered society here with zest ; during the Summer of 1867, she read a book entitled " The College, the Market, the Court," by Mrs. Dall; from this she had serious thought of an earnest life-work. With the approval of her parents, she attended a partial course of lectures at the Woman's Medical College, founded by Mrs. C. A. Seaman, and determined to finish her course and devote her life to practice. Mary left in 1868 for Philadelphia. During that year a friend gave her to read "Links," a publication of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. In these was urged the great need of woman physicians in heathen lands, and Miss- Seelye decided that to be her field. From this time her studies had that tendency ; her father providing for all expense in preparation. She re- ceived a degree in 1870, then went to Boston Woman's Hospital for practice. [Meantime the Presbyterian Church gave her urgent call to go to Calcutta as missionary physician, which she joy- fully accepted. She never faltered, was always cheerful ; sailed September 6th, 1871, arriving in the East Indies December 2nd ; commenced at
324 WOMEN OF' CLEVELAND
once to study the language. Overborne by study, work and the climate, she was ordered to a health resort May 17th, 1875; died at Mussoorie, June 9th, singing ''Jesus is near and very dear." It is sufficient to say that Miss Seelye's life and conduct very convincingly showed to all who knew her how a Christian lady of refined and elegant manners can practice as a physician among her own sex, and at the same time maintain all true womanlv disrnitv and modestv of character. In her case, the question of sex in relation to the practice of the medical profession was simply lifted above all discussion. Xo one was ever reminded by her conversation or behavior that she was a physician ; and among even her most intimate friends she scarcely ever referred to matters con- nected with her profession. She had chosen the work of her life from the purest and worthiest motives, and simply used all her medical knowl- edge and skill in seeking, with womanly tender- ness and sympathy, to lessen the sufferings of her fellow creatures. Miss Seelye never forgot that she was a Christian missionary as well as physi- cian, and she used all opportunities that the exercise of her profession gave for ministering
I
AND THEIR WORK. 325
comfort to the souls as well as the bodies of those whom she visited.
Lillian G. Towslee, M. D., (R.) one of our younger physicians, whose specialty is diseases of women and general practitioner, a student of the New York Polyclinic, and at the New York In- firmary for Women, is assistant to the Chair of Gynaecology, Medical Department of the Univer- sity of Wooster, and Visiting Physician to Hospital for Women and Children. She is, also, a member of the State Committee of Medical Department of Q. I. A., which holds its Congress in the third week of June, 1893, at Chicago, for which she writes a paper on Endometritis. Dr. Towslee is an exception to most physicians among women, as she is fond of surgery and believes sex is no bar to rapid and skillful operation in major as well as minor operations. She performed the first la- peratomy ever done at the Hospital for Women and Children by a woman. She entered Oberlin College in 1876 ; graduating from the Conservatory of Music in 1882. Dr. Towslee had the honor of being invited to write an article for the Western Reserve Medical Journal, on "Why Women should Practice Medicine," from which the following are
^26 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
J
taken : " Gynaecological work is woman's especial sphere and in it she is pre-eminently successful. As a rule, woman can be freer with one of her own sex ; not the same restraint. A woman under- stands the sensitiveness of a woman and appreci- ates the suffering she endures better than is possi- ble for a man. The latter cannot in all cases equal a thoroughly trained and equipped woman, for she is especially fitted to treat diseases peculiar to the sex. Of her adaptability — " Women are especially adapted to care for the sick. The same qualities that make women good nurses, help to make them good physicians ; even men do not want men nurses ; that field is abandoned to us ; one of the best things that can be said of any physician is, that he is as tender hearted, careful and sympathetic as a woman." Again — "To gain any standing a woman was obliged to com- pete with the better class of physicians, and thus show her ability to practice medicine. She at first met with great opposition. Men did not want her in the profession and placed every obstacle in her path. She has fought her way step by step and won the day. It was hard to enter a field so thor- oughly occupied by men and win a place for her-
AND THEIR WORK. 327
self. That she has been able to do this is proof of her ability. We are glad the long waged battle is won and that henceforth professional qualification, and not sex, is to be the test of standing in the medical world. The successful, educated, prac- tical female physician is no longer sni generis" Martha A. Canfield, (H.) Professor in the Home- opathic College, states that in this city are twenty- one practicing physicians here among women, besides all who have retired, or removed from the city, one skillful pharmacist, one dentist. Dr. Towslee gives four Medical Colleges in Cleveland ; three admit women students, a total of forty-five. Three hundred women are acting as nurses ; one- third of these are private attendants ; one hundred in hospitals, fifty in homes ; while the same num- ber are not trained but do good work. In the various hospitals of the city, during one year have been 4,255 patients ; of whom 2,202 are charity, and of this last number two-thirds are women sufferers. The writer asked this physician to ex- press herself upon physical culture, and her reply is : " This justly commands present attention ; we are especially glad that the Public Schools adopt so healthful a branch. The trouble with women
328 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
often is that they do not take enough ont-door exercise ; exercise being required to secure proper circulation, nutrition and building up of the tis- sues, which are the component parts of a healthy body. A teacher of physical culture should be trained in the anatomv of the human bodv, and to be thorough, ought to be a physician. Capability of giving proper instruction on this line should imply a knowledge of physiology ; the gymnasia of our country recognize this fact and demand that instructors take a medical course." Cleveland has several teachers of this important department of education, among whom are Mrs. Lee Caldwell, now in Europe ; Anna P. Tucker, Rose Evelyn Knestrick, Mrs. F. W. Roberts, and still others.
Maternity Home, (H.) Mrs. T. P. Wilson, Presi- dent, and Mrs. D. H. Beckwith, an active Manager, wTith ten other ladies, constituting a Board of Con- trol, does excellent work. The only hospital in the city exclusively for women and children was in- corporated in 1887, with the signatures of Mrs. Antoinette Muhlhauser, now Treasurer, and four- teen other ladies, with two male physicians. All the managers are women, one-fourth of whom are American born German Hebrews ; the remainder
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of different nationalities and sects. Mrs. Darius Cadwell has been President from the beginning. The Association, from its original eighteen mem- bers, has now over five hundred. Connected with the institution is a training school for nurses. Mrs. J. S. Wood, the Secretary, has increasing interest in this hospital.
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CHAPTER XXIX.
OUR PALLAS ATHEXES — MRS. FRANCES D. GAGE — MRS. CAROLINE M. SEVERANCE — THE FIRST MRS. D. R. TILDEN — MRS. H. H. LITTLE — MINERVAS IN COUNCIL — MISS BETSEY M. COWLES — MRS. LOUISA SOUTHWORTH — MRS. S. M. PERKINS — MRS. D. CADWELL.
" Valiant, conquering, frightening with the sight of her aegis, whole crowds of heroes who vexed her."
~^HERE have been and still are among us, -^ grand souls that strive for the laboring wom- an ; to whom the daughter of toil is even more dear than the child of luxury ; who have given years of thought to the amelioration of her condi- tion, achieving at the same time immortality by unflinching bravery in the forefront of battle for a principle. Airs. Frances Dana Gage is, probably, eldest of these, one not a resident of Cleveland, who at intervals spent considerable time here and some way loved to think this city her headquarters,
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and who constantly wrote for onr papers. Indeed, no " pent up Utica " contracted her powers ; the whole world seemed hers to live in. She was born in Ohio in 1808, is known as a writer of articles for the young— and very attractive they were, too, — over the signature of " Aunt Fanny.' ' This name was appended to a taking serial in the Ohio Farmer in 1852, entitled u A Housekeeper Abroad." At forty years of age, and ever afterward, she was a distinguished advocate of total abstinence and equal rights, and an opponent of slavery, enduring persecution for her vigorous speech. She gave six stalwart sons to her country during the war of re- bellion, and bestowed her own services in care of the sick and wounded of the Union army. She was at one time an editor of note. A Titaness in mind and body, she can never be forgotten in this or any other city in which her influence is or has been exercised. She resided later in Missouri.
Forty-five years ago, Airs. Caroline M. Severance was a prominent literary and philanthropic woman resident in Euclid avenue. In 1848 or 1849, sne addressed our Legislature in behalf of the rights of women to hold their own inherited property and earnings, and was listened to with great re-
332 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
spect, living to see the amendments made which she advocated. She also lectured before a popular society here, and although her matter and manner were genuinely refined, she was obliged to bear the opprobrium experienced by most reformers. After a residence in Boston, she removed to Cali- fornia. She thus addresses the New England AVomanls Club at a reunion : " The dear old club; I have thanked my God at every remembrance of it in the days of my exile, even in the wonder- land of California. For here we have known that contact of heart with hearts made wise by the ex- perience of womanhood, that tender charity for all honest endeavor, that sympathy of aim which forms true fellowship, and supplementing the sweet home affections make life worth living.
kk Here, too, we have had the comedy of our committee work — the memorable dress committee, for instance, on which some of us have served. And the wit which never wounds of our club teas, and poetical picnics — shall we ever grow too old to remember and be merry over them ? The dear old club!"
The following, written by Kate S. Woods, was read at the same reception:
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" Commerce may bring us wonders,
And the islands of the sea
Send us their spicy treasures,
Or mines, their ores set free ;
But better far than spices,
Or gold, or gems you send,
Oh, Southern California,
That gem of gems — a friend."
Mrs. Daniel R. Tilden was eminent among Cleveland woman and one of the social and intel- lectual forces of her time. Possessing deep sym- pathy, elegant manner, fine taste and peculiarly sensitive touch, she was of the temperament and presence to draw closely to herself those about her ; in truth a magnetic current seemed to flow through the atmosphere which she created. Mrs. Tilden entered fully into the lives and souls of women and held advanced views in reference to their enfranchisement in a day when it was not popular to do so. Her home was her realm, and the avant couriers of the " woman's kingdom " came to burnish their armour in the charmed cir- cle of which she was the center. Lucretia Mott was her guest. Mary A. Livermore held her first drawing room reception at- Mrs. Tilden's. This was because the hostess was impelled to do all
334 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
possible for the opening of untried avenues for women's effort to earn an honest livelihood. She saw their struggle with needle and yard-stick, then almost the only implement in feminine hands ; she longed for our elevation by development of heart, brain and muscle. To dignify labor in its higher and lower grades was her aim. She was an inspiration to young girls to be more than non- entities or playthings. By helpfulness in all direc- tions, she caused many to become teachers, artists, musicians. Mrs. Tilden loved her work for its own sake. No shadowT of desire for show or no- toriety marred her motives. Her personality was lost in the grandeur of her cause — hence hers was a silent, permeating force. Ample in mental en- dowment, she loved literature and art ; was a con- noisseur in the latter, and gave to it much time and attention. The cultivation of the beautiful in all forms was to her a pastime. She read ap- preciatively Jean Paul Richter and other German authors, and her letters to her daughters and friends were rich in thought and feeling.
Mrs. Tilden was born September 17th, 181 2, at Concord, New Hampshire ; coming of that rare Scotch ancestrv who w^ent to the North of Ireland.
AND THEIR WORK. 335
She married Judge Tilden in 1840, and died March 7th, 1872. Free in spirit as the hills whence her fathers came, and as those hills which they sought in New England, she was anti-slavery to the heart's core, and her great soul anticipated the day when chains should fall from American serfs. William Lloyd Garrison and other advocates were welcome guests at this center of hospitality, and during the war of the rebellion she was present at the last gathering of her peers in Boston. The friend of the common people, they loved her, and after death, poor women, among whom she had been a ministering spirit, came, bringing their little ones to look upon the dear face. If so beloved by the populace, what was she to her children ? To them she was a constant stimulus ; more than that, she was part of their being. Her daughters, known to the writer from childhood, will pardon me, surely, for this reference. Two of them have traveled or resided for years in Europe or South America. Rose Tilden, sweet as the name she bears, unexcelled in breadth of culture, is perfectly at home in French language and literature. Gam- betta's speeches before the Senate, in the Palais de Luxembourg, and the lectures of Henri Martin
336 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Guizot, Jr., and Renan, in the Cours de Sor bonne, are to her equally familiar with those of American statesmen, at Washington, or our own scientists and philosophers on Cleveland platforms.
Mrs. H. H. Little was another leader among women, exerting a wide social influence in favor of the advancement in every particular of woman's cause. Her death is said to have occurred in 1875. She had started for a pleasure tour of the upper lakes ; on reaching Detroit was stricken with deadly illness. After being conveyed home, she was insensible for a short time and passed away, leaving a vacancy not easily filled in a circle of earnest, workful people.
The first of the gatherings of women for the dis- cussion of equal rights was held at Seneca Falls, N. Y., in 1848, in pursuance of a call issued by Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton ; the former presided over the convention. The next of which we can find trace was held, probably in 1850, at Salem, Ohio ; its presiding officer being Miss Betsey M. Cowles, a lady of much ability, and on whose account a momentary digression may be pardoned. She possessed the rare faculty of molding character, impressing her views and teachings
AND THEIR WORK. 337
very strongly upon young girls. Judging from the amount of good work accomplished -by one of my friends in this citv, who came at a verv earlv asre under Miss Cowles' tuition, we should say 'twere pity, indeed, that more ladies had not been subjected during their teens to the educating in- fluence of this grand woman.
Xo printed record of any other convention of women is observed until 1852. Mrs. C. M. Sever- ance, in a letter to good Thomas Brown's paper, the Ohio Farmer, describes a gathering of much interest in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, in October of that year, after the handing to the Boston City Treas- urer of a protest against paying her taxes, by Dr. Harriet Hunt, a distinguished lady of international reputation as an advocate of equal rights. This protest containing a very forcible argument, was printed in the leading newspapers of the United States. Mrs. Severance writes that at this conven- tion were present, among others, Mrs. E. Oakes Smith, Mrs. Nichols, of Vermont, Pauline M. Davis, Ernestine L. Rose, Lucretia Mott, Antoinette L. Brown, Lucy Stone, all earnest, cultivated women, the two latter, graduates of Oberlin College. Greetings and a highly appreciative letter were
338 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
read from Mrs. D. R. Tilden, of Cleveland. Mrs. Frances D. Gage, the presiding officer, delivered a powerful address upon the " Legal and Political Disabilities of Women." Mrs. Severance further states that at this time bnt three professors' chairs in this country were occupied by women, and also, that the resolutions in regard to the opening of colleges, avocations, and professions to our sex provoked spirited discussions from a lawyer or two, and a physician present ; furthermore, that these gentlemen were completely worsted by the effective rejoinders of Mrs. Gage. Later on in the meeting the subject of compensation of woman's labor being presented, as if to shame his legal brethren, L. A. Hine, Esq., recited with dramatic force, Hood's " Song of the Shirt." The large audience wept as he pictured the slender creature " sewing at once with a double thread a shroud as well as a shirt." It was an eloquent finale to the meeting.
Other hearts-of-oak there are among us who, through the chillness of unpopular favor, have stood for this principle. Foremost among these is Mrs. Louisa South worth (nee Stark), who was born in Canajoharie, Montgomery County, N.
AND THEIR WORK. 339
Y., March 2nd, 1831 ; educated at Whitesboro, Miss Stark came to Cleveland in 1853, to look up business interests connected with inheritance from the Champion estate, and a romantic incident attaching to the visit, led to her marriage with Mr. W. P. South worth, December 20th, 1855, who at that time being her senior by twelve years, was a respected and successful builder, owning a stone-vard. During her early years as wife and matron she was thoroughly domestic, but always public spirited ; a faithful worker during the Northern Ohio Sanitary Commission, being the chairman of the committee on bandages. Upon the impairment of eyesight, obliged to abandon the more feminine occupations, she took in remarkable degree to reading through the eyes of others. She became interested in the suffrage question from seeing how a friend of hers, 'Sirs. Monroe, was likely to stand in the law after becoming a widow and losing her only child, Keokuk, seventeen and one-half years of age, too young to make the mother her legal heir. To Ohio's praise, be it said, that she was one of the first States in the Union to change the Statute, making a childless widow, her husband's heir ; so thoroughly aroused
34-0 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
was she upon this advanced question that she has come to believe that woman should be man's equal.
Mrs. Southworth is philanthropic, doing much for the uplifting of humanity ; is a patron of art and literature, writes for the press upon burn- ing questions concerning women. It is thought that her articles in local journals, after Adelbert College closed its doors to girls, had much to do with opening Western Reserve University to the higher education of young ladies.
Three years ago, Miss Mary Garrett, of Balti- more, Md., formed committees throughout the country to raise a fund to secure the opening of the Johns Hopkins Medical School to women. For this city, Mrs. Louisa Southworth was chosen chairman by Miss Garrett. On examination of the documents sent her, Mrs. S. found that the use of the proposed fund was to be entirely at the discretion of the trustees, and declined to serve, unless there were some guarantee that women should never be excluded from equal privileges. Miss Garrett had already given largely, but seeing the force of this suggestion she added another $100,000, with the express condition that it should revert to her or her heirs if women were ever ex-
AND THEIR WORK. 341
eluded from equal privileges. Mrs. Southworth's great work now is the Ohio Enrollment, the object of the canvass being to secure autographs of all adult persons favoring equal suffrage. Twenty-five thousand such names have been se- cured up to January 1st, 1893 — these have been registered in type-writing, classified according to Congressional districts, counties and towns, upon separate sheets held together by a brass binder which permits of their re-arrangement at any time ; this plan of Mrs. Southworth's for Ohio is recom- mended bv the twentv-fifth annual convention of the X. S. A. for adoption throughout the country. Permit the writer to add that these type- written books are presented annually to the State Legisla- ture and to Congress, as indicating the trend of public sentiment, with the new signatures con- stantly received.
Airs. Southworth's daughters are among the city's young ladies who live not to themselves. Mr. W. P. Southworth in his lifetime instituted re- forms in commercial transactions ; the one price and cash systems being introduced by him ; i. e., the same profit on all goods. The accident of taking a stock of groceries as payment of a debt
342 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
turned the tide of his pursuits. The first paving of Euclid avenue and the construction of the oldest Columbus street bridge were accomplished under his direction. Both Mr. and Mrs. Southworth are enrolled among the city's benefactors ; that is sufficient praise ; no fulsome words are necessary in the record of their lives.
Mrs. Mary S. Fraser, a lawyer, works constantly to forward the day when women shall have the franchise.
Mrs. Sarah M. Perkins, a woman of ability and perseverance, is another valiant. She is State Superintendent of infirmary work for the W. C. T. U., and as a visitor to the shut-in-ones in these institutions, sees many evils that ought to be remedied, and has the moral courage to bring these things to the notice of State officials. She be- lieves that women should have more power to protect their homes from intemperance and other vices, and hence ought to have the ballot.
She was born near Cooperstown, N. Y., edu- cated in the public schools, and commenced teaching at eighteen ; taught in Western Massa- chusetts two years, and attended the Winter school at the old Academy in Adams. In 1847, she was
AND THEIR WORK. 343
married to Rev. Orren Perkins and resided many years in New England. Then, for some time Mr. and Mrs. Perkins had charge of the large seminary in Cooperstown, N. Y. She has lived in Cleveland twelve years, and has been successful as a lecturer and also as an editor. She publishes the Trite Republic, a paper that is growing in favor with the people, and has become a financial success. Mrs. Perkins has written seven books for young people. Mrs. D. Cadwell, of intellectual force, is a veteran in these ranks. Staunch, fearless, inde- pendent ; kind to the unfortunate, abounding in practical philanthropy, being of New England descent, her father having left Saybrook, Conn., at sixteen years of age, purchasing a heavily timbered farm in an Ohio wilderness, known now as the West- ern Reserve. Her mother's ancestor was a soldier of the revolution, a kin to the famous Montgomery, who fell at Quebec. She is one of a large family of healthy, happy children, brought up in the simple ways of country living, where little girls wore pink sun-bonnets to church. Alas ! now-a-days, she can- not tell her own hat from others, a la mode. Having the independence of her forefathers, she contends for this maxim, "No taxation without representa-
344 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
tion; " for years she has been a tax payer. She is one of the active workers of the Cleveland Hospit- al for Women and Children, and President of its Board of Managers. She is one of those great- hearted women who carry huge baskets of supplies to the unfortunate. Mrs. Cadwell has many warm friends among onr citizens ; among German Jew- esses she is greatly beloved. These brave women are not a lonely minority ; the present great upris- ing indicates the march of progress on every line for the elevation of the Anglo-Saxon, and through them the people of all lands.
AND THEIR WORK. 345
CHAPTER XXX.
A SUCCESSFUL WOMAN OF CLEVELAND — MRS. MARY S. CARY — MRS. CORNELIA LOSSING TILDEN — MRS. C. T. DOAN — INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS — MISS NELLIE M. HORTON — OUT-DOOR INDUS- TRIES— ELLA GRANT WILSON.
A /TANY ladies delineated in this book are ^ business women, at least, might be, if cir- cumstances require. It is our purpose to present here a representatiYe woman of CleYeland who has become by her own tact and ability a financial success, Mrs. Mary S. Cary, daughter of Mr. J. G. Stockly, and his wife, Cleotrine Duchatel. Her father was a pioneer in the shipping and coal in- terests of Xorthern Ohio ; of an old Virginia family, and her mother from near Montreal. Her grandfather was captain of an East Indiaman, sailing from Philadelphia, being among the first to unfurl the American flag in the harbor of Canton. Her grandmother, Mary Stockly, was
346 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
one of the remarkable women of her time. As a school girl, Mary Stockly, the younger, was quick to learn, sprightly, affable and greatly beloved. Her marriage to John E. Cary, a rising yonng lawyer, occurred September 1, 1852, in this, her native city. Mr. Cary died in 1874, leaving her with three daughters and two sons. From this time she developed practical business traits. In 1875, she increased five-fold her husband's original investment in the Telegraph Supply Co., then, soon after, united with a rival company and in 1876, supplied largely the capital required for the Brush electric light system, and with her brother, Geo. W. Stockly, Esq., was the means of its re-organization ; herself becoming director from 1875-89. Her wealth is wisely used ; public- spirited and generous, she has pride in her city ; one of the founders of its School of Art, permeating Cleveland culture with the warm at- mosphere of geniality and power of giving enjoy- ment to others. Inheriting from her grandfather a love for the sea and foreign countries, she resides with her children much of the time in European capitals, having twice made the circuit of the globe. Being an especial admirer of Japan and
AND THEIR WORK. 347
its people, her address not long since upon the " Houses and Homes of the Japanese," before the Cleveland Sorosis, was a revelation to its auditors. Her own home in boudoir, library and drawing room is a picture of Oriental magnificence. There is a Tabero with the crest of the Tokugawa dynasty, a muirimofw of the same period, vases of bronze and in sang dn boe itf and blue Xankin, plaques of Hi- bachi, Satsuma, Kutini, Kyoto, Banquo, Nibes- himi and Hiroto ware in many forms. One sees there a suit of knight's armor with numerous spears and swords of those famous two-s worded warriors, Chinese ear-rings from Ning-po, Daimios toilet sets, teakwood cabinets, a cloisonnier from Peking, and from India carved sandal-wood ; ivorv and Cashmere enamel. On everv hand are beautiful embroideries illustrating: legendarv and mythological lore, as well as Kimonos, Obis, Fukea and Kakimono. The unselfish nature of the hostess makes her residence the delight of friends.
Mrs. Cornelia Lossing Tilden is a lady of splen- did accomplishments and at the same time en- dowed with business qualities. Her attire quaint, harmonious and elegant, bespeaks her Quaker
34S WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
origin. In Judge Tilden's life-time, their home was exquisite in furnishing and arrangement. She is well-known in art and literary circles ; ever ready to encourage woman's advance. Familiar with European countries, she resides at present in Spain.
Mrs. C. T. Doax. — The lady whom we cheer- fully include among our successful women is said to be the first piano merchant in America. Her methods are conscientious and her career among us honorable in marked degree, a brief narra- tive of which may afford a not unpleasing variety to this book full of Cleveland women. Mrs. C. T. Pease, while on a visit to her brother in Cleveland, in 1871, decided to remove here and go into the piano business. She returned to New York to find the company where her funds were invested had failed, receiving only a small per cent. She then took charge of a store at 613 Broadway, New York, at $125 per month, until she had saved enough to pay her own and two children's ex- penses for six months, and buy one piano ; meeting with opposition, as her friends said, " no woman had ever gone independently into the business, and in the quiet manner in which she proposed to
AND THEIR WORK. 349
carry it on, she could never succeed." Physical weakness also supervened and for five years she was able to give very little attention to the pur- suit. She commenced, however, in 1872, purchas- ing outright from the manufacturers in New York and Boston, instead of on consignment, or com- mission, and with no assistance; depending entirely upon her own quiet method and exertions. The business grew to many thousands per year. She was enabled to finish her daughter's education and assist her son through Yale College. In 1879, she married Mr. E. W. Doan, and though never strong has attended to household and social duties in a remarkable manner, managing a general agency for two New York piano firms, besides her own business here. All this does not seem to in- terfere with her benevolent and church duties, her great love for children and the temperance cause. She sells and ships pianos as far west as Olympia, Wash., San Francisco, to the Eastern States and to prominent people in Washington, D. C. Her home on Euclid avenue is delightful. Fond of flowers and skilled in housewifery, few excel her in everv-dav living.
Miss Nellie M. Horton, Business Manager and
35° WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
Assistant Secretary in a profitable branch of the Beeman Chemical Co., is in the front rank of bus- iness women, enjoying a large income from oppor- tune suggestion. By the way, she states that she prefers employing lady stenographers, they " are more reliable, willing and obliging;' also, " We have a young lady traveling for us selling goods ; she visits the wholesale trade ; her salary is $75 per month and expenses, which include bills at the best hotels, laundry, bath. Unlike men, there are no charges for incidentals in her expense reports/' The city is full of able, self-sustaining women ; among stenographers we may mention, Ella Tilden, Mrs. S. Louise Patteson ; the latter is one of the Woman's Advisory Council of the World's Con- gress of her profession.
The latest statistics give twelve thousand three hundred women wage-workers employed in Cleve- land in twenty-five different industries. This pen would reach each one of these, if possible, with congratulation for abilitv to earn her own living, wishing her God-speed in glorious endeavor. There are now two hundred and twenty-seven oc- cupations open to woman, as against seven at the beginning of the century. The distaff and the
AND THEIR WORK. 35 1
spindle were once distinguishing implements of the lady of the house ; later, needle and wash-board necessarily became the means of live- lihood to thousands. Xow the gateway to compe- tence opens widely. Shall we enter ? Women as printers are exceedingly careful, delicate and accurate ; type-writing, telegraphy, telephony come naturally to her. Our Schools of Design are at the front in all great cities ; fitting us to produce patterns in fabrics, or metals, in wood- carving and repousse, and decoration in a score of fashions. The Philadelphia School furnishes looms, warp and filling for weaving carpets after the girl's own choice of model.
We cannot linger, though greatly would we en- jov it. Out-door industries beckon us to life on a grand scale, to health of body and soul ; bee-cul- ture, care of domestic animals and poultry. Mid- die Morgan, the celebrated stock reporter, is an instance, how thoroughly a woman may become conversant with horses. Tree-planting, floricul- ture, fruit raising, or even gleaning in the harvest field, with Ruth, all invite us to " lend a hand."
Having heard much of the chrysanthemum and rose shows of the Jennings avenue conservatories,
352 WOMEN OF CLEVELAND
I went over and found not only the elegant varie- ties that Japanese and Chinese are able to evolve from the chrysanthemum, but in a separate visit went to Ella Grant Wilson's propagating beds where were growing two hundred species of this marvelous genus. Two young ladies were clean- ing up tubers, placing offsets by themselves and otherwise preparing for luxurious Spring growth. Mrs. Wilson has become celebrated ; her carpet beds in our cemeteries and on some of our lawns are a triumph of floral art. Her decoration of the Garfield arch would of itself have rendered her famous. She was a little West Side girl once, growing geraniums in her mother's kitchen windows.
We leave this fascinating subject of woman's work. The early days of the nineteenth century were full of splendid achievement. Dinah Maria Muloch wrote of the Woman's Kingdom ; what she and other workers labored to usher in, we who are privileged to write and to work now, see this kingdom established, au fin du sieclf.
INDEX OF NAMES.
PAGE.
Abbott, Mrs. Carrie Y 161
Abbev, Mrs. Perlee 66
Aeklev, Mr. E 43
Ackley, H. A., M. D 317
Adams, Mrs. Belle K 289, 290
Adams, Mrs. E. H 163, 172
Adams, Mrs. Jarvis M 306
Adams, Mrs. .Sarah 54
Adams, Rev. S. W 66
Adams, Mrs. S. W....112, 160, 168, 179
Ager, Mary 78
Aikin, Rev. S. C .' 149, 262
Aikiti, Mrs. S. C 78, 112
Aikins, Mr 43
Alien, John W 35
Amsden, Nellie X 291
Andrews, Hon. S. J 35, 265
Andrews, Mrs. S. J 55, 78
Andrews, Miss Sarah E.
175, 179, 186, 216, 251
Andrews, Miss Mary 196,322
Anthony, Ambrose 73
Are}', Mrs. H. E. G 252, 260-264
Armstrong, Elizabeth 227
Armstrong, Mrs. W. W 306
Arter, Mrs. Eliza K 158, 216
Astor, John Jacob 41, 42
Austin, Mrs. E 161
Avery, Mrs. Kate H. S 285
Averv, Mrs. George 122
Avery, Mrs. J. T 55
Babbitt, Mrs. A. Fitch 114
Babcock, Mrs. B. D 141, 288
Badger, Rev. Joseph 27, 28,51, 58
Bailey, Mrs 122
Bainbridge, Mrs. L. S 1S3, 276-279
Baldwin, Miss Anna 136
Baldwin, Caroline 55
Baldwin, Judge C. C 50
Baldwin, Dudley 29
Baldwin, Mrs. Dudley 29, 231
Baldwin, Mr. E.I 156
Baldwin, Mrs. E. D. 211
Baldwin, Norman C 86
Barber, Mrs. G. M 217
Barber, Miss Harriet 70
Barber, Judge Josiah
42, 48, 72, 85, 229 Barber, Mrs. Judge Josiah 42
PAGE.
Barber, Mrs. Jerusha T 46, 47, 48
Barber, Josiah 35, 48
Barber, Mrs. J 49
Barnett, Mrs. Jas 156
Barnett. Martha and Carrie 238
Barney, Mrs. A. H 103, 107
Barrett, Mrs. Eouise 259
Bateham, Hon. J. C 299
Bateham, Mrs. J. C 300,302
Bates, Mrs. C. S 210
Bavne, Mrs. \V. M 211
Beach. Mrs. E. C 162, 178
Beard, Miss Eliza 36, 226
Beckwith, Mrs. D. H 290, 328
Bedell, Bishop G. T 120
Bedell, Mrs. Julia 120
Beebe, Amelia 78
Beebe, Julia 237, 240
Behrends, A.J. F., D.D 1S5
Belden, Caroline 227
Belden, Silas 78
Belden, Mrs. Silas 66, 78, 128
Bemis. Mrs. Caroline 36
Benedict, Geo. A 293, 295
Benedict, Mrs. Geo. A 128
Benedict, Hester A 300
Benedict, Mrs. L 112
Benton, Mrs. Horace. ..114, 172, 192,211
Benton, Mrs. L. A 140
Bierce, Mrs. S. E 285
Biggar, Mrs. H. F 290
Bingham, Mrs. Win 305
Bissell, Miss Emily S 241-243
Bixby, Benj 31
Black, Elizabeth B 289, 290, 30S
Bolles, Rev. Dr 120
Bolton, Mrs. Judge 91, 162
Bolton, Mrs. C. C 91
Bolton, Mr. C. E 280
Bolton, Mrs. Sarah K.
165, 172, 179, 180, 280-284
Bolton, Chas. Kuowles 2S3
Bone, J. H. A 294
Bone, Miss Estelle 286
Booth, Emma Scarr 288
Bostwick, Mrs. Helen 300, 303
Bothwell, Mrs. J. D 193
Bowler, Mrs. Win 144
Boynton, Mrs. Anna 162
Bradburn, Mr, Chas 293
354
INDEX OF NAMES.
PAGE.
Bradford, Mrs. Mary S.
122, 234, 235, 259, 305
Bradley, Miss Luella 203
Brainard, Mr 43, 78
Brainard, Mrs. E 122
Brainard, Mrs. E. C 216
Brainard, Mrs. H. M 122
Brakenridge, Mrs. A. A 179, 187
Branch, Mr 42
Brayton, Belle 175, 187
Brayton, Mrs. C. D 112, 128, 132
Brayton, H. F 124
Brayton, Mrs. H. F 112
Brayton, Miss M. A 112
Brayton, Mary Clark
118, 128, 132, 136, 138
Brayton, Nettie 135
Brewer, Mrs. A. T 211
Brigham, Mrs. 179
Brinsmade, Mrs. A. T 173
Britton, Birdie Hale 254
Brockway, A. W 115
Brockett" Mrs. Dr 200
Brooks, Rev. Frederick 186
Brooks, Mrs. O. A 122
Brough, Gov 312
Browne, Chas. F 293
Browne, Mrs. M. G 289
Brown, Catharine 78
Brown, Rev. J. W., D.D 34, 38
Brvinson, Col 86
Bucher, Mrs. Win 179
Buel, Mrs. A. P 160
Buffett, Mrs. Family H 237
Bump, Young Mr 18
Burke, Mrs. Stevenson 306
Burnett, Mrs. C. C 289, 306
Burnham, Mrs. M. W 78
Burns, Mrs. A. M 288
Burns, Mary and Amanda 78
Burridge, Mrs. J. H 175
Burton, Rev. Lewis, D.D 120
Burton, Mrs. Lewis
119, 120, 128, 156, 172, 179, 192
Burton, "Mother," 73
Burwell, Mrs. Geo. P 62
Bury, Mrs. Theo 210
Butler, Julia 227
Buxton, Miss Cordelia 74
Buxton, Mrs. E. 0 203, 204
Buxton, Mary Ann 55
Byrnes, Mrs 200
Cadwell, Mrs. Darius 329, 343, 344
Cahoon, Miss Anna 309
Caine, Mrs. A. B 201
Caldwell, Mrs. H.J 211
Caldwell, Mrs. Lee 328
PACK.
Campbell, Mrs 193
Campbell, Miss Marion L 291
Campbell, Mrs. R. A 202
Canfield, Mrs. Jason...... 118, 173, 179
Canfield, Martha, M. D 28S, 327
Canfield, Mrs. S. B 112
Cannon, Mrs. John 114
Cannon, Mrs. R. A 68, 203
Card, J. F 86
Card, Miss Anna 91
Carter, Miss Annis 135
Carter, Maj. Lorenzo
21, 28, 42, 91, 223, 224
Cary, Mrs. MaryS 306, 345-347
Case, Leonard 107, 116
Castle, W. B 86,88,90, 91
Castle, Mrs. W. B 91, 306
Caton, Mrs. M. M 287
Champion, Ksther 40
Champion, Mary 122
Champion, Reuben 47
Champion, Mrs. Reuben 47
Chamberlin, Mrs. P 237, 312
Chandler
Chandler, Mrs. S. E 288
Chapman, Geo. L 34, 88, 226
Chapman, Mrs. Geo. L. . ..70, 75. 142
Chase, Mrs. J. H 128
Chase, Bishop Philander 34, 48
Chase, Salmon P 312
Chisholm, Mrs. H 118, 142
Chittenden, Mrs. D 128
Chittenden, Mrs. E i78> 20°
Chittenden. Mrs. S. L 140
Churchill. Mrs. S. P 185
Claflen, Mrs. Alice M 187, 306
Clapp, Mrs. O. E 211
Clark, Mrs. Carrie N 237
Clark. Diodate 73
Clark. Mrs. Edmund 19, 76
Clark, Mrs. Eliza 252
Clark, James F 35
Clark, Katharine H 311
Clarke, 0 78
Cleveland, Col. Aaron 40
Cleveland, Mrs. Aaron 40
Cleveland, Emma D 309
Cleveland, Gen. Erastus 55
Cleaveland. Moses 40.
Cleveland, Miss 311
Clisbee. Miss 55
Coe, Alvan 102
Coe, Mrs. E. E 209
Coffinbury, H. D 92
Coffinburv, Mrs. H. D 92, 203, 306
Coffinburv, Mrs. A. M 93
Coggswefl, Mrs. B. S..161, 173, 178, 202 Colby, Mrs. J. E 172
INDEX OF NAMES.
355
PAGE.
Colby, Miss Sophia 237
Cook, Miss Frances E 308
Cooke, Mrs. W. P 168, 172, 178, 181
Coolidge, Susan 265-270
Comstock, Mrs. E. 0 158
Comstock, Mrs. L. M 178
Conant, Rev. D. M. 73
Conklin 73
Coon, Mrs. John
16S, 172, 181, 1S4, 187
Cooper, Rev. Darius 34
Converse, .Sophia 227
Copeland, Miss A 308
Cory, Mrs. Emily G 216, 289
Covert, Mrs. J. C 154
Cowles, Miss Betsey 336
Cowles, Mrs. Cornelia 63
Cowles, Mrs. J. G. W 208
Cowles, Mrs. Professor 303
Crane, .Mrs. Col 144
Cridland, Mrs. E.J. H 59
Crittenden, N. E 31
Crocker, Mrs. T. D 175, 306
Curry, Mrs. M. S 77
Curtis, Mrs. Elroy 161, 173
Curtiss. Mrs. J. M 209
dishing, Mrs. Carolyn K 158
dishing, Mrs. E 56
Cutter, Lucy A 78
Cutter, M. M 78
Darsie, Mrs. Lloyd 209
Dautel, Mrs. L 289
Davis, Capt. Alfred 73
Davis, Mrs. Alfred 73,114, 173
Davis, Rev. L 72
Davis, L. L... 89
Davidson, Mrs. A. D 289, 304
Dav, Mrs. John 78
Day, Rev. Wm 198
Day, Mrs. Wm 55, 112, 262
Dean, Mrs. C. A 100, 103, 240
De Forest, Julia 78
Degmeier, Mrs. C 114
Degnon, Mr. John 87
Degnon, Mrs. Mary A 48, 88, 93
Degnon, Mary and Eliza 88
Delamater, Mrs. A. H 93, 172
Delamater, Mrs. E. D 186, 193
Delamater, Mrs. J. C.
143, 164, 172, 186
Deming, Mrs. George 122, 237
Detcheon, Mrs 179
Dickey, Mrs. M. R 211
Dimmick, Rev. B. F 61
Dissette, Mrs. T. K 173
Doan, Mrs. C. T 348
Doane, Nath 32
PAGE.
Doane, Sara 223
Doan, W. H 186, 187
Doan, Mrs. W. H 186
Dockstader, Mr 32
Doggett, Wm. E 94
Doggett, Kate Newell.. ..89, 91, 93-96
Doty, Mrs. O. L 211
Doty, Mrs. T. K 203
Dubs, Bishop R 185
Dudlev, Stephen A 225
Duncan, Rev. S. W 175, 185
Duncan, Mrs. S. W.
171, 174, 179, 183. 185'
Dutcher. Mrs. A. P 153
Dutton, Mrs. Dr 74
Duty, Mrs. Eliza 78
Duty, Miss F. Jennie
169, 172, 173, 177, 179, 199, 201
Edwards, Miss Anna 178, 202
Edwards, Rodolphus 32
Kdwards, Mrs. William 122
Eells,Mrs. D. P 162
Eells, Miss Paige 56
Ehret, Mrs. Dr 309
Ellinwood, Mrs. C. B 254
Ellston, Mrs. 1 203
Elwell, Mrs. A 304
Elwell, Mrs. J.J 237
Ely, Mrs. Geo. H 172
Ely, Mrs. Geo. B 122
Emerson, Mrs. A. M 209
Evans, Miss Mary 304
Excell, Mrs. B 179
Eyears, Miss Jessie 309
Fairchild, Edw 78
Fairchild, F. C 78
Fairbanks, A. W 292
Fairbanks, Mrs. A. W 148, 297
Farmer, Lydia Hoyt
217, 273-276, 290
Farmer, Mrs. Meribah 154, 274
Ferguson, Mrs. L. A 163
Ferris, Mrs. W. H 209
Fisk, .Sarah T 78
Fitch, Mrs 78, 83
Fitch, Sarah E.
147-156, 166, 172, 179, 231
Fletcher, Mrs. Mary A 63, 64
Flint, Mrs. E. S 122
Folsom, Gilman 71
Folsom, Ladies 74
Foljambe, Samuel 115
Foote, Herbert 36
Foote, Mrs. Herbert 36
Foote, Mrs. J. T 203
Foot, Mrs. John A 55, 78
35^
INDKX OF NAMES.
PAGE.
Foot, Judge 71
Foot. Mrs. Judge 86
Ford. Mrs. Hobart 76
Ford, Mrs. H. C 172, 178, 179
Ford, Mrs. S 76
Ford, Mrs. S. C 254
Foster, Mrs. A. B 140
Foster, Mrs. G. H 216
Foster, Miss Hanna A 288
Fox, Mrs. L. L 250
Fraser, Mrs. J. G 288
Fraser, Mrs. Mary S 342
Freeman, Clara 290
Freeman, Mrs. Kmma D 237
Freeman, Rev. Silas C 34, 36
Freese, Andrew 239
Freese, Mrs. Andrew 239
Fry, Good Mr 237
Fuller, Miss F. A 330, 338
Fuller, Mrs. Horace 140
Gage, Mrs. Frances D 330, 338
Gage, Mrs. D. W 203
Galbrath, Mrs. Jas 160, 179, 200
Gardner, Mrs. E. F 76
Gardner, Mrs. G. W 159
Gardner, Mrs. S. S 159
Garfield, James A 56, 243, 312
Garfield, Mrs. James A.
217, 243-246, 304
Gault, Mary A., M. D 322
Gavlord, E. F 56, 112
Gaylord, Mrs. E. F.
55, 56, 57, 77, 78, 128, 296
Gaylord, Mrs 122
Gerould, Mrs. Dr 140
Giddiugs, C. M 86
Giddings, Mrs. C. M 19, 53
Giddings, Hon. J. R 312
Gilbert, Mrs 179
Gilbert, Miss Abigail 85
Gilbert, Mrs. Levi 216
Gilbert, Mrs. X. A 140
Gilchrist, Etta L., M. D 289
Gillette, Mrs. E. S 203
Gillette, Miss Marv 178
Gillett, Miss Ruth" 135
Glasier, Mrs. Eliza 286
Glasier, Miss Jessie 286
Godman, Mrs. W. D 166
Goodman, Mrs 78
Goodrich, Rev. Dr 149
Gordon, Miss Georgia 135
Grant, Carrie 135
Grant, Mrs. John 193
Gray, J. W 293
Gray, Mrs. J. W 293
Gray, N. A 293
PAGE.
Griffin, Mrs. H. A 158
Griffith, David 86
Griffith, Mrs. David 65. 86
Grisell, Miss E., M. D 317
Griswold, Mrs. Hiram 128
Guilford, Miss L. T...200, 248-252, 288
Gunn, Elijah 40
Gunn, Mrs. Elijah 40
Gunning, Ellen 78
Guvles, Capt. W. B 92
Guyles, Mrs. Capt. \V. B 114, 142
Haight. Mrs. C. W 201
Hajek, Marie 222
Hale, Mrs. E. B 305
Hale, Mrs. John 115
Hale, Mrs. John C 237
Hale, Mary and Emma 254
Hall, Miss Ann Eliza 237
Hall, Rev. F. M 120
Hall, Mrs. Geo. E 168, 172, 175
Halle, Mrs. Manuel 221
Hammond, Mrs. H. E 203
Hancock, Mrs. W. B 140
Handerson, Miss H. F 122, 144
Handv, T. P 116, 312
Handy, Mrs. T. P 88
Hanford, Rev. Win 52
Hanks, Romelia 78
Hanna, Mrs. C. B 175
Hanna, Mrs. Robt 173, 186
Hanna, Mrs. S. M 118
Harkuess, Miss Florence 159
Harrington, Mrs. B 76
Harris, Alice, M. D 322
Harris, J. A 98, 292, 294
Harris, Mrs. J. A.
97, 100, in, 128, 139
Hartnells, The 89
Haskell, Mrs. G. H 186
Haskell, Miss Julia 214
Hatch, Mrs. C. A 89
Hatch, Miss Delia 200, 201
Hatch, Mr. H. R 145
Hatch, Lida Baldwin 145
Haver, Mary 237
Hawks, Rev. Dr * 20
Hay, Mrs. John 157
Hayes, Ex-President 161
Hayes, Mrs. Lucy Webb
161, 215, 304
Hayes, Miss Fanny 304
Hayes, Mrs. J. F. C 187, 193
Haydn, Rev. H. C, D. D 185, 220
Haydn, Mrs. H. C 161, 179
Haydn, Mrs. Sarah 122
Hemenway, Mrs. C 237
Henderson, Mr 225
INDEX OF NAMES.
357
PAGE.
Henderson, Miss Jane 211
Herrick, Miss Eleanor 87, 89
Herriek, Mrs. M. M 79, 256-258
Herrick, Miss Nancy J 87, 89
Herrick, S. N 49,74, 87
Herrick, Mrs. S. N 49, 74, 87
Hewitt, Miss Sophia L 109
Hickox, Mr 229
Hickox, Mrs. Chas 128
Hickox. Mrs. L. L 172
Hickox, Mrs. Milo 65, 78
Hickman, Mrs. M. C 288
Hill, Dr. and Mrs 88
Hill. Mrs. Herbert 200
Hill, Mrs. Moses
166, 179, 187, 213, 322
Himes, Mrs. I. M 122
Hinsdale, Miss J 179
Hitchcock, Mrs. P. M 217, 305
Hoadley, Mrs. Geo 19
Hoisington, Mrs. H. R 186
Hoisington', Miss S. E 250
Holden, Mrs. I,. E 305
Holloway, J. F 88
Hopkinson, Mrs. A. G 237
Hord, Mrs. A. C 122
Horton, Miss Nellie M 350
Hosford, Miss Frances J 237
Houghton, Mary Hayes 302
Houk, Miss Helen M 288
Howe, Mrs. D 128
Hoyt, Hon. J. M 274
Hoyt, Mr. Colgate 274
Hoyt, Messrs. E. and J. H 274
Hoyt, Wavland, D. D 274
Hovt, Mrs". F. S 211
Hubbell, Mrs. A. S 42
Hubbell, Mrs. Mary 178, 187
Hubby, Mrs. L. M 142
Hull, Mrs. Annie E 159
Hull, Mr 292
Hunt, Mrs. A. S 256
Hunt, Harriet, Dr
Hunt, Helen (H. H.) 267
Huntington, Miss F. E 201
Huntington, Mrs. E. H 156
Hurd, Mr 87
Hurlbut, Mrs. H. A 89, 90
Hurlbut, Mrs. H. B 89
Hurst, Harriet 78
Hutchings, Miss C 53
Hutchings, Miss Nellie 192
Hutchings, Mrs 55
Hutchinson, Mrs. S. E 78
Hyde, Miss Sarah 37
Hyde, Miss Zerviah 47
Ingersoll, Mrs. Joseph 64
PAGE.
Ingersoll, Miss Mary E...187, 201, 251 Ingham, Mrs. Howard M.
162, 179, 180, 192, 201, 202, 287
Ingham, Miss M 202
Ingham, W. A 186
Irvine, Mrs. T. M 216
Jackson, Mr 87
Jackson, Miss Julia 87, 89
Jackson, Miss Mary 87, 89
Janes, Eliza R " 238
Janes, Emma 179
Janes, Mary B 115
Jennings, Mrs. Eliza 116, 1*19
Jennings, Catharine 262
Johnson, Eliza 228
Johnson, Mrs. Margaret 63
Johnson, Mrs. Seth 86
Johnston, Mrs. A. A. F 254, 304
Johnston, Mrs. Grace 58, 59
Johnston, Capt. Wm. C 58
Jones, Miss Ada 192
Jones, Capt. Geo. W 92, 118
Jones, Mrs. Geo. W 92
Jones, Mary 78
Jordan, Miss Lucy 203
Keeler, Mrs. Dr 178, 187
Keeler, Miss H. L 288
Keep, "Father" 74
Keffer, Mrs. Sarah W 237
Kelley, Alfred 20
Kelley, Irad 198, 225
Kelley, Mr. H 306
Kellogg, Mr 43
Kellogg, Miss Kate 250
Kelsey, Mrs 112
Kemmer, Mrs 144
Kendall, Mrs. Lyman 76
Keppler, Miss Elise 210
Kester, Mrs. Harriet J 305
Kimball, Mrs. S. M 305, 308
King, Mrs. Helen E 309
Kingsbury, Judge 27, 297
Kingsburv, Louisa 227
Kipp, Mrs". P. E 288
Kirtland, Dr 87,-312
Klein, Mrs. Jacob 173
Knestrick, Rose Evelyn 328
Knight, Rev. William 220
Knowlton, Lucy 59
Landon, Joseph 32
Lane, Miss Emma 308
Lane, Mrs. Mary C. C 237
Lathrop, Mrs. C. L 55,76, 77
Lawrence, Mrs. O. C 290
Lazier, Mrs. L 211
35§
INDEX OF NAMES.
PAGE.
Lee, Mrs. H. J 122
Lee, Mrs. S. H 179, 193
Leggett, Mrs. Dr 140
Leonard, Miss C. M 161
Leonard, Mrs. Wm. (Bishop) 122
Lepper, Mrs. C. W 118, 162
Lester, Miss Helen 135
Little, Miss Anna B 309
Little, Mrs. G. W 306
Little, Mrs. H. H 139, 336
Lockwood. Mrs. C. B 306
Long, Dr. David 23, 24, 51, 224
Long, Mrs. David..i9-27, 51, 55, 78, 128
Lord, Richard 42, 49, 88
Lord, Mrs. Richard 45, 49, 50, 70
Lord, .Samuel P., Sr 42
Lord. Samuel P., Jr... 42
Lowe, Mrs. R. D 122
Lowman, Mrs. Jacob ... 115
Lowmau, Mrs. C. E 158
Ludlum, Mrs. W. A 122
Lufkin, Mrs. Cath. T 87
Lyman, Mrs. Joseph in, 128
Lyon, Mrs. J. E 103
Lyster, Rev. W. N 36, 37
Mahan, President 137
Mahan, Miss Sara... 135, 136, 137, 138
Malvin, Harriet 78
Manchester, Mrs 78
Mansfield, Mrs. S. W 140
Marble, Mrs 115
Marvin, Mrs. A.J... 68
Mason, Mrs. James 172, 195
Massey, Mrs. A. P 172
Mater' Madge D., M. D 322
Mather, Mr. and Mrs. S. L 122
Mather, Flora Stone 159, 160, 253
Mather, Mrs. Katharine 122
Maynard, Dr. and Mrs. Alleyn
118, 132
McCabe, Mrs. H. C 215
McCroskey, Mrs. Jas 48
McDole, Mrs. N. K 33
Mcintosh, Mrs. A 140
Mcintosh, E 78
Mclnnes, Miss Kate 209
Mclntyre, Mrs. Jas 193
McLaren, Bishop W. E 293
McNeil, Mr. and Mrs. C 92
McReynolds, Mrs. M 186
Meckes. Mrs. John 145
Medill, Joseph 293
Melhinch, Mrs. R. D 128, 133, 134
Melvin, Mrs 65
Merchant, Mrs. Ahaz 76
Merrick, MyraK., M. D 315
Merrick, Eliza J., M. D 315
PAGE.
Merriam, Mrs. J. B 249
Merriam, Mrs. Wm 161
Merritt, Mrs. Thos 229
Merwin, Noble H 17, 224
Merwin, Mrs. Noble H 33, 53
Miles, R 55
Mills, Mrs. Dr 76
Miller, Mrs. Lucy 135, 136, 186
Miller, Mary E- H 302
Mitchell, Mrs. H. S 114
Mitchell, Mrs. John 211
Mittleberger, Mrs. Wm.
100, 107, 109, 112, 128, 183, 186
Moody, Helen Watte.rson 289
Mooney, Mrs. T. J '. 221
Moore'Mrs. S. C 145
Moore, Mrs. Smith 193
Moore, Miss Lina 192
Morehouse, Mrs. C. L 173
Moreland, Mary 300
Morgan, Mrs. E. P 172, 186
Morgan, Mrs. Wm 179
Morse, Miss 309
Morton, Mrs. A. D 178, 200
Mother, My 65
Muhlhauser, Mrs. F 328
Mygatt, Mrs. Geo. S 135
Neff, Miss Elizabeth C 286
Neff, Mrs. Lizzie Hyer 286
Newberry, Mrs. H 142, 296
Newberry, Mrs. A. S 56
Newell, George 89
Newell, Nath 89
Newell. Miss Mary 88,89,90
Newton, Mr. and Mrs 74
Noble, Mrs. Conway W 219, 220
Noble, Miss L. E 301
Noble, Mrs. Roland D.
168, 172, 175, 178
Noble, Miss 309
North, Mrs. W. C 130
Norton, Mrs. D. Z 91, 122
Norton, Miss Georgia L 308
Nyce, Mrs. M. H , 140
Ockembaugh, Mr 224
Olmsted, Mrs. Helen 309
Olmsted, Miss Mattie 309
Olney, Mr. and Mrs. C. F 306
O'Mara, Miss Joanna 221
Otis, Miss Eliza P 112
Otis, Mrs. W. H 78
Oviatt, Mrs. G. P 203
Paddock, Mrs. J. deW 118, 213
Page, Mrs. S. B 128
Paine, Mrs. S. T 287
INDEX OF NAMES.
359
PAGE.
Pankhurst, J. F 92
Pankhurst, Mrs. J. F 92
Parker, Mrs. L. C 229, 259
Parmalee, Miss Kate 287
Parsons, Mrs. Burt 122
Parsons, Mrs. F. W 135
Parsons, Mrs. R. C 305
Parsons, Miss Marion 219
Partridge, Mrs. W. W 173
Patteson, Mrs. S. Louise 350
Payne, Gen. Edw 22, 29
Payne, H. B 29
Payne, Mrs. H. B 29, 304
Peabody, Miss L 250
Pearson, Mrs 78
Pease, Mrs 312
Pechin, Mrs. E. C 121, 122, 137
Pechin, Miss Marguerite 219
Peck, Miss S. 0 152
Peeke, Mrs. M. B 288
Peet, Mrs. Martha 63
Pelton, Mrs. F. W 140
Penfield, Miss Anna 178
Penfield, Miss L. A 78
Perkins, Miss Emma 287
Perkins, Mrs. E. R 237
Perkins, Mrs. Henry 183, 254, 304
Perkins, Joseph
158, 174, 185, 187, 199, 249 Perkins, Mrs. Joseph
128, 172, 187-191
Perkins, Mrs.J.B 150
Perkins, Mrs. S. M 203, 342, 343
Perrv, Commodore 29
Perry, Mrs. G. B 112
Phinney. Mrs. E.J 177, 202
Pickands, Mrs. Louisa 74, 83
Pollock, Mrs. Marv S 42
Pollock. Miss 178
Poole, Mrs. John 118, 142
Pomeroy, Rev. C. S., D. D 185
Pope, Mrs. E. C 142, 178
Porter, Mrs. \V. B 173, 179, 187
Potter, Mrs. A. D 162, 178
Prather, Mrs. Anna S 175, 200, 201
Pratt, Anna M 287
Prentiss, Mrs. L 16, 109
Prentiss, Mrs. S. B 89
Prentiss, Mrs. Sarah F 237
Prentice, Mrs. N. B 140
Presley, Mrs. Geo 173, 203
Price, Mrs. Warrick 168
Pritchard, "Mother" 63, 78
Prosser, Rev. D 114
Purdy, Mr. and Mrs. N 92
Randall, Mrs. Abigail. ..42, 45, 47, 72 Randolph, Miss Eouise F....304, 307
PAGE.
Ranney, Mrs. H 66
Ranney, Mrs. R. P 306
Ransom, Miss C. E 311-314
Rawson, Mrs. M. E 158, 164, 250
Rearden, Miss Anna 237
Rector, Julia 78
Rediugton, Mr. J. A 92'
Reeder, Mrs. F. W 178
Reese, Mrs. W. M 211
Reid, Miss Virginia 291
Reitinger, Mrs 67
Revelev, Miss Ellen G 243, 288
Rhodes, Mrs. Chas 86
Rhodes, Mrs. C. L 140, 199
Rhodes, Daniel P 86
Rhodes, Mrs. D. P 89
Rhodes, Miss Fanny 91
Rhodes, Mr. Jas. F 91
Rhodes, Mrs. J. H 140
Rice, Hon. Harvey 116
Rice, Mrs. Harvey 118
Rice, Rosella 300
Richards, Mrs. J 140
Richardson, Mrs. M. E. M 288
Rickoff, Mrs. Rebecca D 246
Roberts, Mrs. Ansel 122
Roberts, Mrs. F. W 328
Roberts, Mrs. G. A 288
Rockefeller, J. D 1S5, 199
Rockefeller, Mrs. J. D 236
Roland, Mrs. Louise 144
Roscoe, Miss : 226
Rose, Mrs. W. G 140, 289
Ross, Mrs. Joshua 140, 141
Rothweiler, Mrs J 68
Rothvveiler, Louise 68
Rouse, Benj 17, 18
Rouse, Mrs. B 16, 17, 65, 66,
70, 79, 100, in, 128, 140, 142, 234
Ruprecht. Mrs. Chas 288
Russell, Charlotte A 85
Russell, Ella 253
Russell, Mrs. N.J so, 86
Russell, Robt 85
Russell, Mrs. Sophia L 8j, 88
Rust, Mrs. E. L "215
Sabin, Mrs 161
Sackett, Mrs. Alex 231
Sackrider, Cornelia M 78
vSampson, Rev. and Mrs. Win,., 117
Sanborn, Mrs 159
.Sanderson, Robt 41
Sanderson, Mrs. R 74, 187, 193
.Sargent, Levi 43
Sargent, Mrs. Rosamond
45, 46, 70, 87 Sargent, John H 43, 45, 89, 93, 227
3<5°
INDEX OF NAMES.
PAGE.
Sargent, Mrs. J. H 93
Schauffler. Mrs. Clara H 67
vSchofield, Mrs. Levi T 159, 187
Scott, Mr. and Mrs. M. B 89
Scott, Anna K., M. D 322
Scovill, Philo 31, 38, 225
Scovill, Mrs. Philo 30-38, 120, 12S
Scranton, Joel 41, 233
Scranton, Mrs. Irene H.
19, ii2, 230-234
Seaman, John 66
Seaman, Mrs. John 173
Seaman, Mrs. C. A 66, 318-321
Seaman, Messrs. C. J. and E 321
Searle, Rev. Roger 34
vSearl^. Mrs. Jane 78
Seelye, Mrs. Finette S 321
Seelve, Marv. M. D 322-325
Selden, Robt. C 49
Selden, Mrs. Robt. C 49
Senter, Mrs 161
Severance, Mrs. Marv H.
20, 27, 53, 78, 148, 231, 259
Severance, Mrs. S. L 128
Severance. Mrs. C. M 331
Sexton. Mrs 78
Seymour, Belden 89
Seymour, Mrs. Belden 50, 86
Seymour, Mrs. Ljda C 289
Seymour, Mrs 77, 78
Sheldon, Maria 227
Sheldon, S. H 186
Sheldon, Mrs. S. H 172
Shelley, Mrs. John 76, 120
Shelley, Miss Mary 135
Shepard. Mrs. D. A 142
Shepard, Phineas 33, 35, 44, 224
Shepard, Mrs. Phineas 45
Sheppard, Mrs. W.J 178
Sheridan, Mrs 306
Sherman, Mrs. Adeline 211
Sherman, Mrs. L. K 144
Sherwin, Mrs. H. A 66
Shipherd, Rev. J. J 254
Shipherd, '•Mother" 254
Sholes, Mrs. J. D 173
Shunk, Mrs. Julia 118
Silver, Mrs. E. T 203
Siugletary, Mrs. A. R 203
Sizer. Mrs. H. D 214
Sizer, Joel 18, 59
Sizer, Mrs. Joel 59
Slaght, Mrs 74
Sloane, Mrs. M. C 78, 79, 112
Sloane, Mrs. R. R 161
Smith, Mrs. H. Gaj'lord 296
Smith, Frank 66
Smith, R. Way 309, 310
PAGE.
Smith, Mrs. R. F 168
Smith, Shoemaker 46
Smith, Wm. T 66, 107
Smith, Mrs. Wm. T...78, 168, 172, 175
Snow, Mrs. C. E 300
Snow, Jane Eliot 288
Snow, Miss Louisa 227
Somerville, Julia 253
Southard, Mrs. E 597
Southworth, Mrs. E 78
Southworth, W. P 197, 339
Southworth, Mrs. Louisa
1 28, 172, 306, 338-342
Southworth, Misses 341
Spafford, Anna 223
Spooner, Mrs. H. C 192
Sprague, Mrs. Harriet 186
Staats, Mrs. Elizabeth 115
Stalej-, Mrs. Cady 290
Standart, Xeedham 87
Standart, Mrs. N. M 87
Standart, Mrs 161
Starkweather, Sam'l 52
Starkweather, Mrs. S
52, 168, 172, 175
Sterling, Elisha T 87
Sterling, Mrs. Elisha T 112
Sterling, Mrs. John M 19, 77, 135
Sterling, Dr. Theodore 70,317
vStephens. Mrs. J. E 179
Stevens, Mrs. Virginia 203
Stewart, Miss 135
Stewart, Mrs. X. Coe
164, 168, 172, 179, 289
Stiles, Job V 27, 28, 32
Stiles', Mrs. Job V 32,40
Stockley, J. G 345
Stockley, Geo. W 345
Stone, Amasa 116
Stone, Mrs. Amasa 265
Stone, Rev. Rudolph 52
Storke, Miss Helen 179
Stow, Miss Emily 237
.Strong, Miss Addie 309
Strong, Mrs. C. H 172, 173
Strong, J. H 42
Stubbs, Mr. Wm 121
Sutherland, Maria 78
.Sweet, Mrs. Capt 86
Tagg, Mrs. J. H 173
Tagg, Miss Clara G 289
Taggart, Rev. R 65
Tatum, Mrs. H. B 154, 168
Taylor, Mrs. B. F 287
Taylor, Chas 35, 43
Taylor, Mrs. Chas 45,47
Taylor, Elisha 51
INDEX OF NAMES.
361
PAGE.
Tavlor, Mrs. Elisha....5i, 78, 103, 112
Tavlor, Mrs. N. W 122
Tavlor, Mrs. Wm 178, 187, 208
Tavlor, Mr. J. L 187
Taylor, "Father" 198
Temple, Miss 308
Terrell, Mrs. Alice 203
Terry, Dr. C. A 132
Terry, Mrs. C. A 128
Terrv, Miss Ellen... .128, 132, 134, 136
Thatcher, Mrs. Peter 128
Thayer, Sarah M 227
Thome, Rev. J. A 162
Thome, Mrs. J. A 162
Thomas, Mrs. A. R 186
Thompson, Mrs. Eliza J 165
Thompson, Mrs 217
Thompson, Adele 287
Thomson, Mrs. Annie H 213
Thwing, President C. F 252
Tilden, Mrs. D. R 333-336, 338
Tilden, Rose 335
Tilden, Judge 347
Tilden, Mrs. C. Lossing 347, 348
Tilden, Mrs. Dr 74
Tilden, Ella 350
Tillinghast, Mrs. C. E 203
Timmius, Mrs. A. R 211
Tolbut, Mrs. M. B 77
Tomlinson, Andrew 32, 59
Townsend, Mrs 79
Towslee, Lillian G., M. D 325-328
Tozier, Miss Louise 238
Tracy, Mrs. H. M 300, 302
Tracv, J. J 103
Tracy, Mrs. J. J 158
Trask, Sigournev 322
Treat, Anna E ..." 288
Turner, Miss Ellen 193
Tvlee, Mrs 45
Tvier, Daniel 88
Tyler, Elizabeth 88
Tucker, Mrs. Anna P 328
Tucker, Rev. Elisha 66
Tucker, Mrs. Levi 76
Tuttle, Mrs 45
Tuttle, Mrs. F. L 143
Twain, Mark 298, 309
Urann, Miss Clara A 159, 286
Upton, Mrs. Harriet T 289, 304
Vail, Harriet 237
Valentine, Miss S. C 160, 216
Van Tyne, Miss Sarah C 53
Varney, Miss Luella 2S9, 309
Vaughn, J. C 293, 296
Vaughn, Miss 136
PAGE.
Wade, Mrs. E. H 77, 78
Wade, Mr. J. H 158, 306
Wade, Mrs. J. H 162
Wade, Mrs. R. P m8
Wadsworth, Mrs. F. S 300
Waldeck, Miss Nina 308
Walters, Mrs. Caroline D 1S6
Wallace, Mrs. Geo 26
Wallace, Judge.. 119
Waller, General and Mrs 89
Walworth, John 22, 23, 29
Walworth, Mrs. John 23, 26
Walworth, Mrs. Ashbel 225
Walworth, Miss Annie 108, 306
Ward, H. and W. T 71, 86
Ward, Miss Julia 88
Ward, F'annie B 300
Ward, Mrs. May Alden 285, 286
Warner, Miss Emma 193
Warner, Mrs. W. R 253
Warmington, Mr. Wm 73
Waterton, Robt 115, 116
Waterton, Misses 115
Watkins, George 42, 223
Watterson, Mrs. M. G 237
Weaver, Miss M. J 11S
Webb, Mrs. Ella S 288
Webb, C 55
Webb, Mrs. Lucy 74
Webster, Miss Alice 289
Webster, Mary S 237
Weddell, Horace 198
Weddell, Mrs. H. P 19
Weddell, Mrs. P. M ^s
Weedon, Mrs. W. C 28S
Werwage, Mrs. C. J 211
Wetmore, Mrs. Minerva 119, 120
Wheeler, Mrs. C. E.. 178, 179, 195
White, Mrs. J. S 140
White, Miss Kate 237
White, Laura R 2S7
White, Mrs. Moses 19
Whiting, Mrs. J 76
Whittlesey, Col. Chas 313
Whittlesey, Miss 309
Whittlesey, Mr 292
Whitney, Mr. G. W 115
Whitney, Mrs. G. W 173
Whitney, Mrs. O. C 140
Whitney, Miss Emma 227
Wick, Miss Nellie 115
Wick, Rev. Wm 28
Wickham, Mrs. G. V. R.
142, 143, 264, 287
Wightman, Mrs 78
Wilber, Mrs. N. M 237
Wilcox, Miss Katharine 291
Williams, Colonel 89
362
INDEX OF NAMES.
PAGE.
Williams, Mrs. B. M 112
Williams, Mrs. J. C 120
Williamson, S 79, 224
Williamson, Mrs. M. E.
79, 82, 112, 113, 142, 161, 171, 172
Williamson, Isabella 55
Williamson, Mary 55
Willards, The 89
Willey, Mrs. Geo 136, 295
Willson, Mrs. E. A 142
Wilson, Mrs. Ella Grant 352
Wilson, Mrs. Thos 118
Wilson, Mrs. T. P 290, 328
Wilson, Miss S. A 287
Winslow, Chas
Winslow, Mrs. Chas 74
Winslow, Mrs. Mary G 63
Witt, Stillman 249
Witt, Mrs. Stillman
109, 155, 172. 249 Wolcott, Rev. S., D. D 185
3
PAGK.
Wolcott, Misses 169
Wood, Mrs. J. S 329
Woodbridge, Mrs. Mary A 177
Woolsey, Jane Andrews 265
Woolson, Clara 135
Woolson, Constance F....262, 270-273
Worley, Daniel 61
Worley, Mrs. Daniel.. 18, 19, 59, 61-63
Worrallo, Miss 309
Worthington, Mrs. E. C 201
Worthington, Mrs. E. W 144
Worthington, George 198
Worthington, Mrs. M. C
140, 172, 173, 195, 197-199 Wyman, Mrs. C. E 139, 141
Yates, Mrs. W. G 210
Young, Thos. 0 42, 225
Younglove, Mrs. M. C 128
Younglove, Miss 135
Y. M. C. A 177, 182, 186, 197
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