Our presidents' mothers, wives and daughters, and Some Washington sermons

Preface

Some Previous Opinions of the Press

''Professor Thomas N. Haskell has had published in a neat volume his poems entitled "The Wives of Our Presidents" and some "Washington Sermons," delivered at the National Capitol immediately preceding and during the period of the Civil war. "The Presidential Sketches" celebrate in stately verse the characteristics of the women who have presided in the "White House," from Martha Washington to Mrs. McKinley, and due homage is paid to the splendid womanhood that has found a home in the official residence of the nation. The sermons include his first address in the Federal City on "Duty and. Interest (May II, 1854) ; a "Discourse on Immortality and Its Issues," before President Pierce : "The History of the Bible and Its Influence on Civilization," delivered the night before Buchanan's inaugural, and "God, Providence and the President's Oath." on the eve of Lincoln's first inauguration. Two of the most noted sermons are "The American Soldier's Mission," preached to the "Massachusetts First," just prior to its departure for Washington; and on "Lincoln's Assassination," delivered to the bereft congregation, while the martyr's body was borne west for burial. These addresses reflect the vigorous patriotism and intense national spirit of the time, and suggest the very direct influence the pulpit exercised on the thought of that day. The volume is fully illustrated, well printed and bound, and its contents will add to Professor Haskell's reputation as an author and a master of a chaste English style." — Rocky Mountain Nezvs (March, igoi.)

"The absorbing interest of the American people in the daily life, habits and personality of our Presdents, yields occasionally to the popular love and admiration for the Presidents' Wives, 'the first ladies of the land.' This is as it should be ; for most of the presidents have ascribed their success and honors to the influence of wives that inspire and mothers that ennoble. Rev. Dr. Haskell, of Denver, has contributed to literature a valuable book containing poems on our Presidents' Mothers, Wives and Daughters, illustrated with likenesses, and Sermons on questions of great personal and public import, delivered at various times by the author while a pastor in Washington and Boston. The Poems treat the happy and distinctive phases of the historic female characters described, and there is, sometimes swinging, sometimes stately, rythm to the verse which attracts and holds attention. The entire work is interesting reading." — Denver Times (May, 1901).

"Our Presidents' Mothers, Wives and Daughters," by the Rev. Thomas Nelson Haskell, A. M., L. H. D. (sometime of Washington and Boston, now of Denver), has been exhausted in the first edition and will soon be reissued. Dr. Haskell is very happy in his chosen vehicle of verse for these sketches ; and his book — which also contains "Some Washington Sermons" — is a unique and choice contribution to American literature. Many of his poems are notable for their beauty, and the sermons are mines of thought." — Denver Post (May, iQOi).

Rev. Dr. Haskell has brought out another issue of his "Washington Sermons and Presidential Women." The book is neatly bound and printed, and has gone quickly into the third edition, indicating its deserved popularity. Professor Haskell is master of a pure and vigorous style, and his poetry has won favorable comment from critics on both sides of the Atlantic. His sketches of the Presidents' Wives and Mothers are in metrical form and are admirable condensations of the personal characteristics of these devoted women, from Mary Washington to Mrs. McKinley. His Washington Sermons represent the cream of his thought during his pastorates at the Nation's Capital and in Boston, and are studious and scholarly efforts that make exceedingly interesting reading. His famous reply to Redpath's Eulogy of Jefferson Davis is also included, and the volume contains the author's affecting correspondence with Secreary Long about Ensign Bagley of North Carolina, the first victim of our Spanish war. — Denver Republican (June, 1901).

Special Correspondence

Rev. Dr. Haskell:

Dear Professor — At a recent meeting of "The Colorado Poets and Authors' Club," a committee was appointed to wait upon you with the request that you publish your" new books, especially the epic on the Race Problem, entitled "The Dark Secret/' under our auspices. The manuscript read before us was ornate, eloquent and instructive, and we greatly desire its early gift to the reading public. Hoping you will accede to our earnest wishes in this regard, I am, very respectfully,

Ida L. Gregory, President Poets and .lutliors' Club.

To the Honored President and Committee of the Poets and Authors' Club, Denver:

Dear Friends — Your united oral and written request has my grateful regard. My book on the Race Question, should not be published till the South African war is over ; I therefore submit now for your patronage my small rythmic manual on "The Mothers, Wives and Daughters of our Presidents," devoting a compact page to each. Their half-toned likenesses have been copied chiefly from Mrs. Halloway's excellent work on the "Women of the White House," and will be useful to all concerned. Respectfully yours, T. N. Haskell, L. H. D.

Denver, July 4, igoo.

Our Presideutj' A\otbers

By th^ir A*\2ii^er> /Szirp^s

Mother of George Washington Mary Ball

Mother of John Adams Susanna Boylston

Mother of Thomas Jefferson Jane Randolph

Mother of James Madison Nellie Conway

Mother of James Monroe Kliza Jones

Mother of John Quincy Adams .... Abigail Smith Mother of Andrew Jackson . . Elizabeth Hutchinson

Mother of Martin Van Buren Maria Hoes

Mother of Wm. H. Harrison .... Elizabeth Bassett

Mother of John Tyler Mary Armistead

Mother of James K. Polk Jane Knox

Mother of Zachary Taylor Sarah Strother

Mother of Millard Filmore Phoebe Millard

Mother of Franklin Pierce Anna Kendrick

Mother of James Buchanan Elizabeth Speer

Mother of Abraham Lincoln Nancy Hanks

Mother of Andrew Johnson .... Mary McDonough

Mother of Ulyses S. Grant Hannah Simpson

Mother of Rutherford B. Hayes . . Sophia Burchard

Mother of James A. Garfield Eliza Ballou

Mother of Chester A. Arthur Malvina Stone

Mother of Grover Cleveland Anna Neil

Mother of Benjamin Harrison .... Elizabeth Irwin Mother of Wm McKinley . Nancy Campbell Allison

MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS.

PREFATORY NOTICE.

Our Presidents' Wives, Mothers and Daughters have (save one) been Bible-reading women, from their youth up; and so their excellence and strength of character have been superior and uniform. In portraying them in verse (to avoid imitating others) I have conformed the pages to my book on " Bible Women," and written for both common and cultivated people, trying to teach alike ethic truth and esthetic taste, so as to entertain, instruct and elevate the diversity of readers.

In politics the book is absolutely impartial; in religion it is uasectarian, in all things fair. It goes forth now in the hope to help make American home-life happier, purer, nobler, because of the notable examples it gives at the head of the Nation, and the humble habitations whence thej' emerged into usefulness and honor. While the "poetical exaggerations" may be considered too eulogistic generally, the tendency of these sketches will be to awaken a wider sympathy of society for the women providentially exalted to high stations from among us and to increase our respect for all our own Christian people, especially if they be poor yet pious and patriotic. Mary Washington was hoeing in her garden in homespun, with a straw hat on, when LaFayette called to bid her farewell, and she received him without changing her raiment. Nancy lyincoln and Eliza Garfield were peers in poverty, piety and virtue, and the number of widows' children elevated to Presidential office is indeed wonderful. As the Signers of "The Declaration of Independence," the " Framers of the American Constitution," and the men so far chosen as our Chief Magistrates, have been remarkably providential, so have their wives been divinely ordained and worthy; and if my readers will study their long line of succession as reverently as I have, I am sure they will arise from their reading the richer in personal ambition to be useful and resigned to the wise purposes of the world's Overruler.

All women can't be Wives of Presidents; but they can fill some .sphere — as humble yet as great as that of the Widow Garfield in her cabin at the edge of her little cornfield. Then let no poor widow, or sorely-oppressed woman give up to despair in this day of great from small things. Remember how poor was the earth's infant Redeemer, and let the Mothers, Wives and Daughters of the great American Presidents inspire you henceforth to thank God and take courage. Our Christian people are kings and priests unto God. There are none wiser or greater the world over. God bless the Christian Mothers, Wives and Daughters of America, T. N. H.

Denver, April, 1892.

X o z ^

ll

"MARY, MOTHER OF WASHINGTON."

[Washington's Mother may well lead the long- list of Bible-reading women who have, so far, borne and married our American Presidents. She, as Mary Ball, was born in 1706, married widower Augustine Washington in 1730, and in 1743 was left a widow with six children. The oldest of these was George, a lad of twelve years, who read to her the Bible and "Sir Matthew Hale's Moral and Divine Contemplations." She followed her son with her daily prayers until he became President, when she died of cancer, in 1789.] (Read Ps. cxlvi, 9; Prov. xv, 25.)

As "Mary, Mother of Washington" —

The epitaph upon her tomb — Derives its signal from her son,

Who was held "sacred from her womb," And rose defender of the right.

Till all mankind's his monument, We look with reverent delight

Upon her teaching his intent.

The Mother of the Father of America

Was left a widow; George, her oldest child, Was so well bred to her safe will obey

Great Britain's grandeur ne'er the boy beguiled. He sat beside her, bearing in his hand

A proud commission — the "midshipman's" pride — Which would have borne him where his native land

Could never get his good, calm hand to guide.

America, or England to prefer? —

His Mother views this vast emergency, As if the widow's God was guiding her.

To see and feel some future destiny. Maternal wisdom weighs his motives well,

With head-and-heart-work of Sir Matthew Hale, Till sweet ambitions his obedience swell.

And the "command with promise" doth prevail.

(Eph. vi, 2)

Their fervent piety — hers fed by prayer,

His by her love — forever saved this land ! Whence let these always live thus everywhere;

For the United States still on them stand. This nation lives by virtue of that law

Of Faith, and Prayer, and Filial Piety. Th' endurance of old China had to draw

Life from this law's longevity; So Mary Washington the world hath taught To "teach youth sacred Truth, and sell it not ! "

MARTHA, WIFE OF WASHIXGTON.

[The young widow, Martha Ciistis, married George Washington in"i759, in her 29th year, and died in 1801. She, like his mother, was a Bible reading woman. A late notice says: "The Family Bible of Martha Washington! Price, $5,000. The volume is a thick quarto, bound in plain calf and covered with strong un-bleached linen of home manufacture. Her autograph appears in three places: Martha Washington, her book, 1789," — received apparently from his dying mother, according to date.] (Read of Mary and Martha, Luke x, John xi )

"Jesus loved Mary ! Martha, too;"

And so these names now handed down, Are found m nations not a few,

And often grown to great renown.

The Bible names, that thus have been,

Selected for earth's famous seats, Suggest how often it is seen.

That history itself repeats.

But more — Behold these Bible Madames both.

With their home-Bible handsome and well bound, And holdit]g even their household, age and troth,

And daily read, indeed, all years around! Mark well those women, in the wilderness,

And watching, day and night o'er distant war; In their deep hearts of helpful tenderness.

Both fancy battles booming fierce and far !

What can support in w^ar a constant wife

But Christ, who cured the sword's keen cruel wound, Before he, loving, went to lay down life,

Amid such dreadful darkness so profound, The sun in Heaven in sorrow hid his face,

And all the earth groaned in its agony. At his great grief, that gave to us his grace,

And our Republic all prosperity ?

Well, Martha Washington Christ's hostess was;

She welcomed him unto her wounded heart; When there came peril to her country's cause.

She read and plead till he did help impart — Now, lo ! "America's Immanuel's land!"

Here, every daj', where praying households are, Maternal council moves at his command,

And prospered life proceeds, led on by prayer — But here is something hard to understand: How Congress moved to ask at Martha's hand Her husband's grave ! and she grants their demand !

MKS. PREST. WASHINGTON.

MRS. PREST. .70HN ADAMS.

ABIGAIL ADAMS, WIFE OF THE SECOND PRESIDENT.

[Abigail (Smith) Adams, a descendant of John Quincy, and daughter and granddaughter of Congregational ministers, was born in Weymouth, Mass , in 1744; married John Adams in 1764; was the first Lady of the White House i8oo-i; was honored as a model Bible woman of the first order, and so adored by her heirs, that her son John Quincy said near his death: "I've prayed my infant prayer every night till now." She died in 1818, having been, as her name implies, '"her father' s joy ;'' her husband's aid and her country's pride.] (Read Ps. xxiii and I. Samuel, xxv.)

See that young dame, near Dorchester!

She's luatchin^ Washington bombard The town of Boston! Look at her!

She's zuorthy of a zvorld'' s regard. Could you but stand where "Abby" stood,

Recounting there the canon's roar, You would thank God for sounds so good,

And mind that music evermore.

For when the Britons fled that Boston town,

Howe rung above the happy bells of heaven; His hand our Christian Liberty did crown,

And left, to work in all the world, her leaven. Thence "Abby Adams" — in her healthy veins

Flowing both Quincy and quite sacred blood — Surveyed her Country's sacramental plains,

And in God's name pronounced the prospect good.

At home, abroad, happy was she, and brave;

'Twas Christian courage breathed within her breast; She sought, in all her life, our liberty to save,

And, blending faith with hope, w^as highly blest. The pride of the proud "Second President,"

Who consecrates the White House with his care, She is renowned as its first resident,

And daily practiced there their household prayer.

Her sons she taught: " I lay me down to sleep! "

'Twas said so warmly while they were so young, That one, when President, prayed still: "Lord keep

My soul ! " — with reverential word and tongue. "The old man eloquent" ne'er entered bed

Till, with a tender grace, he talked with God, And the son's infant words in faith were said.

We bring with this that Mother's words abroad, And say: "Thiswoman had aWebster's heart and head" Whose faithful words and deeds will be forever read!

PRESIDENT JEFFERSON'S WIFE AND DAUGHTERS.

[Mrs. Martha (Wayles) Skelton was born in Virginia, 1749, second marriage to Thomas Jefferson, 1772, died 1782. Of her five children, two, INIartha and Mary, aided their father in the White House. The younger Mary (Eppes) died in 1804 and Martha (Randolph) died in 1836. These daughters were educated in a French Convent, and though Martha wished at one time to be a nun, she afterwards wrote against celibacy and transubstantiation, and the three lived and died devout Episcopalians and derived comfort from the fact that President Jefferson when afflicted was found with the Bible in his hands.] (Read Psalm XLVi, and John v. 39 )

Of our Third President, the wife,

Who loved him like idolatry, And to his labors toned her life,

Bore him five children tenderly.

Of these, two daughters seemed divine;

So we've two sisters and the saint That bore them, all benign,

And called from earth without complaint. Two Marthas and one Mary mark the page;

Three women buoyant, beautiful and wise, Imbued with the best ideas of their age,

Raised high in rank as women e'er could rise. To these three Bible women's beauteous lives

We're pleased to pay warm tribute in its place, Because they three became those thrifty wives

That grow to ripeness in redeeming grace. Two passed from earth to endless Paradise

Before the Sire and President had left the scene; Hence, when to God he did himself demise. He left his ^'IMartha'" to his countrymen. So ' 'Martha Randolph' ' soon was made the theme Of his dear country's thankful, kindest thought; Yet not so good 'twould seem as God Supreme,

Nor have her hei rs been ho nored as they ought. Lo ! this coincidence let us afiix:

When Jefferson and Adams joined decree, On July fourth of seventeen sevent)'-six,

That the United States be thenceforth free, They hardly thought just half a century,

On eighteen twenty six's natal day. They'd pass together to eternit}- —

But so it was; both wise men passed away ! One said: "I give myself to God !" and died; "Let Independence live !" the other cried; Then Adams passed t' his patriot brother's side !

PREST JKFFERSON S DAUGHTER, MARTHA. (MRS. RANDOLPH.)

MRS. PRKST. JAMES MADISON.

MRS. PRESIDENT JAMES MADISON. [I^Irs. Dorothy (Payne) Madison, was born of anti-slavery Quaker parents in North Carolina in 1767. She was educated in Philadelphia, married John Todd, in 1786, and as his widow became Mrs. Madison in 1794. She accompanied her husband into the White House, in her 34th year, and showed great fortitude when the President was a fugitive and the White House and Capitol were in flames. She was then the most popular person in America. Her onlj' sorrow was her dissolute son ! She died in 1849.] (Read Absalom and Prodigal Son, L,uke xv., and II Samuel, xviii, 33.)

This model, Madamk Madison,

Americans have much admired, As if by Mesdames Washington

And Adams, both, she'd been inspired. In her tried character and true,

There's something that is so unique, So hearty and so handsome, too.

Spontaneously itself doth speak.

How rolicsome and rubicund she was

With all the children whom she chanced to meet ! Respectful to those making speeches, laws,

And letters sent to foreign monarchs' seat. How more than happy she made potentates.

And gave to each grand welcome as her guests, And won renown in our United States,

And every land where our diploma rests ! 'Twas wonderful, her wise ability —

— Adaptability' s the better word — Her duties were of such diversity,

And some of which herself had never heard ! How quenchless piety and quickening power

Sustained her supreme equanimity, That hated, hot, humiliating hour

Her " Mansion " burned with British enmity ! Still what a blending of all excellence

In rites religious which her life regards; A woman pious, yet without pretense,

Allowing that this Earth is all the I^ord's. She worshiped with a warm and sharing heart,

With all true lovers of her wondrous Lord, In whose atonement she profe?sed a part,

And reverent waited on his righteous Word ! Yet all life long she wept her wayward sou, As David over Absalom had done !

8 OUR ^RESIDENTS' WIVES,

MRS. PRESIDENT JAMES MONROE.

[It was in 1789 Miss Eliza Cortright married in New York> Senator James Monroe, of Virginia, and afterward attended him to the greatest number of important public offices at home and abroad, ever awarded an American citizen. She was a worthywife of such a man, and mother of his children , Eliza and Maria, who married well and were also modest and faithful mothers. She died in 1830 and her husband July 4, 1831. Her most distingui=;hing deed was the deliverance from death of Marchioness de La Fayette, and, as a consequence, liberating La Fa^^ette himself, who thence lived and came to this country last in 1825.] (Read: "I was sick and in prison and ye came unto me." Matt.

XXV.)

America's Ambassadress

Seems sent across the. sea in time To blend our thoughts and thanks to bless

Those crushed with chains but without crime. In Europe had a crisis risen;

There La Fayette in dungeon lay; In Paris was his wife in prison, Expecting death on any day!

The livery of our Minister there led one morn

The woman from the Western world and free Whom Marchioness de La Fayette forlorn Would sooner than all other women see; For, through her kindness, life for death there came; Then our Ambassadors The Marquis, too, unbound And La Fayette's noble, defeated name

Was raised from fetters to respect profound ! Here's joy enough, to have been judged of Heaven,

The harbinger of such a help and hope, When France to frenzy and despair was driven

By \yi^ great "Corporal" and "gracious Pope." And such this holocaustic Heroine,

Whose husband ministered at highest courts, Declared her mission seemed almost divine;

And so the people thought from such reports. Madame Monroe the Master thus obeyed; She, as He prompted, to the pris'ners came; And doubtless other deeds if all arrayed,

Would lend still fuller lustre to her fame. Her daughters twain, Eliza and Maria,

Were wives and mothers modelled after her. And, like the Mission of their Lord Messiah,

They professed faiths that would wise deeds prefer; And in the White Housa what all did was wise; Their parts well acted; there the honor lies!

MRS. PREST. JAMES MONROE.

MRS. PREST, JOHN Q. ADAMS.

MRS. PREST. .lA.MKS MONROE.

MRS. PREST. JOHN (.} ADAMS

MRS. PRESIDENT JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

[This Bible Woman born of American parents, in London, 1775, as Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, married the American Minister, John Quincy Adams in 1797. She wrote his father: " The systems of the ancients have been qnite out of my reach excepting- Plato's Dialogues, which I have read attentively. With modern philosophers 1 have become more familiar; but / have never seen anything that would compare with the chaste and exquisitely simple doctrines of Christianity." She gave her hushand three sons and a daughter aud was Mistress in the Executive Mansion when La Fayette was for two weeks their g-uest. She died in 1852.] (Read cxv. P.^alm )

When LaFayette became the gtiest

At the proud home of Presidents, The Mistress who had been most blest

With means to watch wise men's intents, There welcomed him, with heart so warm,

And ways so gen'rous and so just, As both ovir Champion to charm

And toward his wrongs turn deep disgust. 'Twas our fifth President's high privilege To welcome LaFayette thus to the land Which he had helped to save from hostile siege;

And these two statesmen there before us stand: "With love surpassing that of women," they

Embrace and weep, in wise yet broken words; When time hath come for them to part, they say:

" Let all acknowledge: 'Nations are the Lords!' " I wonder that no limner ever laid

Before the world this scene of that Farewell, When LaFayette profoundest tribute paid

For days there spent where our Chief rulers dwell! Lo! as they stand, the Lord's own angel stood

In person of the Mistress President, With face so godly, in effect so good,

Her very soul seemed as a vision sent. In all her varied life her virtties shone,

Whether in White House, or at Foreign Court, Her noble culture was confessed and known,

But as with Sheba's Queen, it past report. 'Twas Mistress Adams' main ambition then To use her knowledge of nations and things To make more potent all true public men,

And crown the Christ alone as King of Kings! But there have often in that Mansion been Such scenes more sacred than are elsewhere seen?

MRS. RACHEL JACKSON, WIFE OF OUR VI. PRESIDENT.

[Mrs. President Jackson, w^^Miss Rachel Donelson, was born in Virginia, 1767; removed at 12 to Tennessee, where she married her second husband. Col. Jackson, in 1794: accompanied him as first Governor of Florida, where she secured the observance of the Sabbath and regular public worship, and to Washington as Senator, but between Jackson's election and inauguration as President, she overheard some remarks about a long-ago duel which so shocked her sensibility that she died soon after ; and. her niece, Mrs. Emily Donelson, was mistress of the White House in her stead. She died Dec. 22, 182S.] (Her funeral text: "The Righteous shall be in Everlasting Remembrance." Ps.cxii,6) Those who've wandered down a river, Gathering wild flowers on its bank, Where the water-cresses quiver, And wild deer so lately drank.

Can appreciate perfect nature That inspired the pioneers, And will fancy every feature Fitted to cast out their fears.

So it was not all in native courage;

But the God of Nature gave to know They might freely in his forests forage.

And himself had sometimes taught them how. With this spirit sped the winsome maiden,

Down the rivers to the forest region, On a flat-boat, full of bounties laden — Yet the priceless thing was their religion ! — (Her father's Journal read: "A voyage by God's permission.") Through afflictions, like a furnace heated.

She became the helpmeet of ''Old Hick'ry,'' And beside him wdth aff"ection seated.

Viewed well-pleased applaudits of his vict'ry; Then, in sight the Presidential Mansion,

She heard words so wanton and so cruel. They surpassed ambition's safe expansion. And she fell, like "Dickinson" in duel ! Then the mighty, joyless man and "Gen'ral," Chastened as one stript of wife and children, Hastened from her sad and famous fun'ral

To preside o'er a protesting cauldron, Cheered no little by her niece and nephew,

Who, as Clerk and Mistress in that Mansion, Help't the Ruler in his "Public Review,"

Soothed and softened oft his sore intention, And with him, through faith in "Rachel's Savior'* Passed at last to God, The Father's favor !

MKS. PKKST. ANDREW .JACKSON.

MRS. PREST. MAKTIN VAN BUREN.

MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS. H

MRS. HANNAH (HOES) VAN BUREN.

[Mrs. Van Buren, nee Miss Hannah Goes (Hoes,) was born in Kinderhook, N. Y , 1782, was school male of Martin Van Bnren whom she married in 1807 She died in 1819, leaving her devoted husband to enter the White House — like General Jackson — as a widower. She was a deeply pious, Bible reading mother of five children. , Her accomplished daughter-in-law, Angelica (Singleton) VanBuren, was cousin of the renowned Mrs. Madison, and through her becante mistress of the White House, honored and loved, at home and abroad.] (Read the xc. Psalm.)

The name of "Hoes" is Kinderhook's

(Or "Goes" around that ''gud all'' town) It hath been found in household books,

As upright and of pure renown.

There Hannah Hoes, a handsome lass,

Was the loved belle of all the ville; In school she headed every class, —

Save one indomitable will !

That overmatching will was "Martin Van,"

Whose galantry she loved as kind and good, And when he passed to be a public man,

In chairs of state, his chosen bride she stood. So happy were they in their hearts and home,

Their bliss was unto all that knew them blest; For those who could unto their presence come

Have never tired their home-life to attest.

There "Mistress Van" had most majestic views

Of God and duty on each given day; And so befitting did her Bible use.

She bade her children read it and obey ! She early seemed not long to live on earth,

Her conversation had caught up to heaven; So when she went away, so real her worth,

Van Buren wept and said: ''She, we are seven .^"'

( Wordsworth.

He never looked for her dear like again !

However wiley may have been his ways, Whatever burdens bore upon his brain,

He loved "Dear Hannah" all his living days ! And now that picture needs this added part:

His Son's pure wife, worthy a second place. Came to the White House, and so near his heart

She granted her exquisite courtly grace To his high ofiice with her ornate, helpful art — HerCousin, Mistress Madison, "Calling the start I""

12 OUR PtiESIDENTS' WIVES,

MRS. PRESIDENT WM. HENRY HARRISON.

[Mrs. Anna (Symms) Harrison was born in New Jersey, 1775; moved to Ohio, 1794; married Capt. Harrison, 1795 ; accompanied him to Congress, and to the Governor's seat, but not to ''the Executive Mansion." She had borne so many children and burdens for them ; had shared so many pioneer and polemic hardships, that in Feb., 184 1, she was not able to go to Washington. She was in every way a model woman, and her numerous progeny will ever praise her memory. She died in 1864, selecting for her funeral text: Ps. xlvi.,10: "Be still and know that I am ■God."]

Here Mistress Harrison appears

Both model, and a beau ideal; From early youth for eighty years,

Religious life with her was real. In form and fact she's beautiful;

And her aflaauces are fit; A hero true — no traitor Hull —

i'oth won her hand, and worshiped it.

Of all the Bible Women in the West—

And there are noble millions of them now, — That brave old Chieftain's wife was of the best.

And her religion wreathed his upright brow. Taught by her Eible and by nature both.

So never once her wisdom seemed to cease; With Christian truth and faith she'd kept her troth;

In all his periods of war and peace.

The wondrous wilds in the deep western woods,

Blending the scenes of bloody savage strife, "With wastes by famine, forest-fires and floods,

Intensified the factors of their life, 'Till character, when " Christ is formed within "