Hillsboro Crusade Sketches AND Family Records S^'< ■^- • (r- €mM\\ Mmtxixii fjihatg THE GIFT OF A^^-YV^^/ ... A. '^y\'W2-r ^^M'tot. 7673-1 uhJE DUE DEC 9 1951 G WAV 3 Cornell University Library HV5235.037 H65 1906 Hillsboro crusade sketches and familv re olin 3 1924 030 312 056 The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030312056 jU^J'y^. ^u2lC^ MRS. THOMPSON. Hillsboro Crusade Sketch es AND Family Records. BY MRS. ELIZA JANE TRIMBLE THOMPSON, HER TWO DAUGHTERS, AND FRANCES E. WILLARD. ' Keep thy purpose with courage, and preserve an upright intention toward God."— THOMAS A KEMPIS CINCINNATI : JENNINGS AND GRAHAM. 1906. A- ^utt 1^ COPYRIGHT By MRS. MARIE T. RIVES AND MRS. MARY McA. TUTTI,E, 1906. (all rights reserved.) TO THE MJfttf-athbon WatketB in all ffiattia Ei/izA Jans Trimblk Thompson. HiLLSBORo, Ohio, December 23, i8gs- HiLLSBORO, Ohio, ^905 — Rededicated by Family. THE FIRST WOMAN TEMPERANCE CRUSADER. Mrs. Thompson was a sincerely modest woman, petite in stature, counted even timid and shrinking in disposition. She was pre-eminently domestic in her tastes, she loved her home, lived for her husband, her children, her neighbors, and her Church. She dwelt apart, in the village not in the metropolis, far from the garish scenes of life. How came this unexpected and distasteful fame to be thrust upon her ? It can only be said that she had an open heart. Into it came the call of humanity which is' the call of God. To her spiritually tuned nature the human and the divine were one and the same note. She answered it in the spirit of prophetic inspiration. Raised in the aristocratic atmosphere of a gov- ernor's mansion, by her natural temperament unassert- ive, she broke the shell of conventionalism and did an unconventional thing. She led a band of women from the church door to the saloon door, and knelt with them upon the sidewalk. She maintained that vigil and siege of prayer until every saloon in the place was 'closed. Under the exemplary power of this unique deed began the Woman's Crusade, the most effective and far-reaching temperance movement the world has ever seen. 3 THE FIRST WOMAN TEMPERANCE CRUSADER. The first White Ribboner deserves unstinted praise. No monument too tall or too snowy could ever be reared for her. Her immortal fame is assured. Wher- ever the Gospel of Temperance is preached throughout the whole world ; this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her. PREFACE. This little volume is rightly introduced by some early family history, which, in its beginnings, " took methods and formed habits of truth " which outlasted many vicissitudes, and still serves as a legacy to chil- dren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. M. Mc. A. T. ^ '^ va This second edition of Hillsboro Crusade Sketches and Family Records, edited by the Rev. Davis Wasgatt Clark, D. T>. (who was selected by Mrs. Thompson to be her literary executor), has, through this fact, an ad- ditional authoritative and literary tone, which adds value to it as a publication. Dr. Clark is not only a representative Churchman, but an author of recognized ability, scholarly and crystalline in style : the -presenta- tion of the additional materials in this second edition is consequently distinctive; and the family desire to express grateful thanks for Dr. Clark's tribute of loyal friendship. It is an interesting literary coincidence that "Bishop Clark, father of Davis W. Clark, should have edited the Memoirs of Jane Allen Trimble, grandmother of Eliza Jane Trimble Thompson, which Memoirs were written and published in 1861 by the late Rev. Joseph M. Trimble, D. D. Hillsboro, ohio, January, 22, 1906. 5 This book will have, one of these days, singular value as recording, on the spot as it were, a movement which will very surely be referred to more and more as the scenes depicted fall into the background. HORACE. E. SCUDDER. Boston, 1896. CONTENTS. I. The Making of an Early Governor i^; MARY MOARTHUR TUTTLE. II. His Only Daughter, . 31 MARY MCARTHUR TUTTLE. III. Introduction, . . .53 REV. W. J. Mt^SURELY, D. D. The Crusade Sketches, . . . - • ■ 57 ELIZA JANE TRIMBLE THOMPSON. IV. My Mother's Years Approaching Life's Sunset, . 173 MARIE T. RIVES, V. My Friend Mrs. Thompson, and the Present Con- dition of the Temperance Work, . 193 FRANCES E. WILLARD. VI. Letter of Lady Henry Somerset 207 7 This book will have, one of these days, singular value as recording, on the spot as it were, a movement which will very surely be referred to more and more as the scenes depicted fall into the background. HORACE. E. SCUDDER. Boston, 1896. CONTENTS. I. The Making of an Early Governor, ix MARY MOARTHUR TOTTLE. II. His Only Daughter ... 31 MARY MCARTHUR TUTTLE, III. Introduction, . 53 REV. W. J. MCSURELY, D. D. The Crusade Sketches, . . 57 ELIZA JANE TRIMBLE THOMPSON. IV. My Mother's Years Approaching Ijfe's Sunset, . 173 MARIE T. RIVES. V. My Friend Mrs. Thompson, and the Present Con- dition of The Temperance Work, . . 193 FRANCES E. WILLARD. VI. Letter op Lady Henry Somerset 207 7 8 CONTENTS. part H. Page Introductory Remarks from Rev. D. W. Ci,ark . 3 I Mrs. Thompson's Poetic Thoughts 211 II Autobiography of a Baby 214 III Episodes 219 IV Fragmentary Writings 222 V Gift of Portrait to Memorial Room 234 VI Visit of the Five Hundred Delegates . . . 246 VII Pastor Felix's Hymn 261 VIII Eighty-Ninth Birthday . . 264 IX Illness and death . • 270 X Final Reflections 289 ILLUSTRATIONS. Portrait of Mrs. Thompson, Frontispiece Fating page "Forest Lawn,' 40 "The Oi Z S 3. MIS ONLY DAUGHTER. 41 umesof the Reports; but his best reputation was achieved as a land lawyer, in the complex titles of the Virginia Military District." "At the time they removed to Hillsboro, Gov- ernor Trimble and Mr. Thompson were both ar- dently supporting General Harrison, the old-line Whig, and in 1844 he took an active and prominent part in favor of Mr. Clay, and at the last Whig Convention at Baltimore urged the nomination of General Scott. At the beginning of the War of the Rebellion he threw his influence with the Republican party. "His family were residing in the beautiful home which he had planned and built, a place whicl^ to-day is called "Forest Lawn." My first recollections of my mother come from these days, which afforded me a joyful childhood. The face, the form, the walk, and the voice left an impression upon me as a child, of a spiritual nature, of a being from whom miich light in the home radiated. But little did I think of all that mother's face and form and walk and voice would be to me in after years. There was a charm about my father which captivated and fascinated me. The cheerful hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson in those days in their beau- tiful home was most generous. A school-friend of Anna Porter Thompson has latetly written the following paragraphs: "Years went by ; the spacious mansion and surrounding 42 FAMILY RECORD. groves echoed with the sound of children's tiny feet, and were full of the music of baby voices. Allen grew toward manhood a wonderfully beau- tiful boy — such as we dream Absalom may have been — his hair of a flaxen tinge, his eyes blue as the skies of old Highland, his voice vibrant with a boyish melody, which never left it, even in his mature years. He left the University of Dela- ware to enter the ministry, and married a hand- some brunette girl, the daughter of Rev. Dr. George Crum. The parent's hearts were filled with pride and content as they realized how bril- liant the young clergyman was, what a power in the Church, what pathos ^nd what eloquence ; but sorrow began to trace deep lines on the faces of the joyful parents." "Anna, their oldest and beautiful daughter, had developed at the age of eighteen into a fine and noble womanhood, " when the angels came," says her classmate, " and laid white roses on her pulseless breast, and shut out forever the light from her soul- inspiring eyes." But the crushed mother said: "Thy will be done." "It was the faith which had fed the Trimble blood for generations," says this writer, "that compelled her to be still, and know that it was God." A fortitude more heroic, a resignation more exalted than the after life of the poor, bereaved mother, is not for record ; but to Mr. Thompson there came no surcease of H m O t~ D X o tn HIS ONLY DAUGHTER. 43 grief, and learned though he was, says this same writer, "he found no balm in Gilead." "Thou wilt come no more, gentle Anna," he exclaimed, as he walked the spacious house over ; but " the eternal womanhood led her husband on," and he united with the Church, and tried also to say, "Thy will be done." He had interested himself in helping to build the Hillsboro Female College, and now, although Anna, one of its first gradu- tes was gone, Marie and Mary were still to be educated. The declining years of Governor and Mrs. Trimble claimed the attention of their only daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson moved to the old residence with the children. Forest I^awn was sold to Mr. Joseph Richards, who still occupies and improves it each year, an^ the family henceforth resided, as they do to-day, un- der the old ancestral roof. The sad days of the War of the Rebellion were closing in about all, and Joseph, the second son, entered the army, while Allen, the oldest son, was raising his eloquent voice before crowded audiences, in pulpits and lyceums over the great plan of salvation, and the war for f;;eedom. He exclaims, on a Fourth of July, when making an oration : , "On this day, shame upon the man who would obtrude his political prejudice, or theolog- 44 FAMILY RECORD. ical dog^ma, or private pique, as an apple of dis- cord upon the festive, joyous, heart-dancing as- semblies of the free ! Nay, this is the day to prove the poet's inspiration and truthfulness, who sang, 'Divide as we may in our own native land, To the rest of the world we are one.' " He had, in those days, charge of the large Wesley Chapel of Cincinnati ; but the enormous duties it brought, the vast audiences, together with domestic cares, were too much for him. Discouragement and insufficiency bega^i to take hold of his strong nature. Must he be defeated for want of endurance? Had he miscalculated his strength, or would he not glory in the con- flict of life. These were the thoughts brought keenly before him every day. By " acting rashly he might buy the power of talking wisely." (Em- erson.) His gentle-hearted wife, with her dark, handsome eyes, looked on with admiration, be- lieving that he would long live to assail the powers of darkness, and plead for the elevation of the masses. But a sad and silent elapse of his work, of his energies, followed for a short time, and then once more he came forth, like one who had been captured by an enemy. HIS ONLY DAUGHTER. 45 but suddenly released, and on the rostrum and in the pulpit, even of Henry Ward Beecher, he held vast crowds entranced. There came an- other Fourth of July, when, after an oration, he took cold, and, pneumonia following, he struggled into the new birth of the life to come with the following words on his lips: Though suffering intensely, he was well aware, he said, " that the icy stillness of promised death had settled upon him." He called for his wife, had his little daughter Sallie on one side, and his son George on the other, and clasping them in silence, he offered his wife and children his last embrace. (See "Memoirs of Allen T. Thompson," pub- lished in 1868.) In the memoirs many resolutions, such as the following are to be found : "He loved the cause we still love to honor and perpetuate, and we deem it but a small return for what he has done and suffered, that we inscribe our tribute of respect and regard upon the tablets which commemorate his vir- tues, and never-to-be-forgotten labors among us. But he has passed to his reward, calmly and sweetly, as the true Christian sinks to rest, leav- ing us to mingle our tears, and offer our deepest sympathy and kindest regards to his bereaved and heart-stricken family." 46 FAMILY RECORD. He had begun writing his autobiography, and among other paragraphs this one, regarding his mother, appears: " I can not refrain from a moment's tribute to her — my mother — whose hand of sympathy was never refused, and whose tremulous words of wise warning and kind entreaty, never ceased till its mournful cadence was changed for the subdued, but no sweeter tone of present praise; who seems to me now more like an angel, too pure for earth, but left awhile in Divine mercy to woo and win souls to Jesus and heaven." This experience and death was a serious blow to the entire family. The old governor mourned for his namesake ; but the martyr heart of Mrs. Thompson spoke in language bold, clear, and courteous to those who came to oflFer sympathy. The widow and children came to the old home, and were tenderly cared for. These old rooms, with their large windows, the panes of glass so small and numerous, still let the light of heaven in. The wood-fires burned brightly, and the high, old mantel-shelves, with their Doric columns painted black and faced with red brick, and the red hearths upon which stood elegant brass fire-irons supporting the big logs, all looked very quaint and attractive to the little ones. The glow of the fire fell upon some por- traits on the opposite wall, and lighted up the HIS ONLY DAUGHTER. 47 rich old family heirlooms; and "Grandma Thompson," as they called my mother, sat in her rocking-chair, with her foot on a footstool, while her fingers flew among the wool and steel needles to make little stockings for her grand- children, as she had made them for her darling boy Allen. There were now, during the war times, five generations, fourteen people at the table of Governor Trimble. Marie and Mary visited in Cincinnati, and in 1870 Marie was married to Dr. Edward Rives, a gifted man of high family birth and unusual education. Mary went to Europe to study art. Herbert Tuttle, whom she met abroad — a man of rare character and attainments, who was then the Berlin correspondent of the London Daily News a native of Bennington, Vermont — came to Hillsboro, where they were married, July 6, 1875, at the old homestead. They lived in Eu- rope for four years. On their return to America, Mr. Tuttle, as teacher and historian, distinguished himself among scholars. Dr. Rives and his wife left Cincinnati for the better climate of Hills- boro, where the doctor's large experience as lec- turer and practitioner in the medical profession was highly estimated. Mrs. Rives, since the death of her husband, has been a beautiful ex- ample of unselfish devotion to parents and joy to friends. 4 48 FAMILY RECORD. Joseph, tlie second son, at the close of the war went to the far West, where, after several years engrossed with the fascinations of that life and climate, he lost his life after heroic endurance. And it was thought that the anguish which my mother experienced over this the death of her third child would terminate her own life. But life is not terminated by grief, else would few survive the terrible stroke. Henry, the third son, graduated in the med- ical college of Cincinnati, but declined to practice medicine, preferring the business life with his youngest brother, John Burton Thompson, in Colorado. They plunged into pioneer life, as their forefatbers had done. The unselfishness ot Henry and John Burton in financiaL aflFairs, and the generosity of the daughters, make the old age of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson serener than it could otherwise be. Sallie, the daughter of Allen Thompson and lyUcy, his wife, the beautiful blonde, married John A. Collins, of Hillsboro, son of Charles A. Collins, the lawyer and poet. After a few years of happy married life in Hillsboro, the young lawyer pre- ferred to go West — to beautiful Pueblo — where Sallie died, so young and so beloved. George, the son, resides at Xenia, with his mother and his wife, Maude (daughter of Colonel HIS ONLY DAUGHTER. 49 Thomas, of London, O.), and two little flaxen- haired babies, the great-grandsons of Judge and Mrs. Thompson, who are coming, as these lines are being written, to brighten the old ancestral home with the ring of their childlike glee. III. HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES.* ■ "And lie said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. "For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it." — Luke ix, 23, 24. *From the Union Signal, Chicago, May 4, 1895. 51 PORTRAIT OF MRS. THOMPSON. Sketch OF THE LIFE OF MRS. ELIZA J. THOMPSON. IT is an old saying, and true as it is old, that God not only raises up people for emergen-' cies, but also fits them for these by special op- portunities, and often by trials. The writer of these sketches, a daughter of lion. Allen Trim- ble, one of Ohio's honored governors, was born in Hillsboro, Ohio, August 24, 1816. She grew up in a home characterized by comfort and cul- ture, and careful training. To the educational advantages _ which an intelligent community afforded her, were added those of the schools of Cincinnati, as veil as of acquaintance with many of the prominent people of the day. Her marriage to the Hon. James H. Thomp- son, September 21, 1837, brought her union with one of intellectual tastes and of unusual mental gifts. The heart of her husband has proudly trusted in her, and most lovingly have her sons and daughters risen up to call her blessed. Early in life she confessed Christ as her Savior; and by Bible study and prayer and gospel obedience, she sought to closely walk with God ; and she dwelt among her own people, greatly 53 54 SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF beloved by many, honored and respected by all, fitted by social standing, by training, by native gifts, and by rare personal influence to be a leader; yet, withal, modest and self-distrusting, she waited unconsciously for the call of the Lord. The writer of this Introduction, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first pertaining to this "Crusade" work, believes that he ought to say for Mrs. Thomp- son, and all the good women associated with her in this undertaking, that they went out in faith, not knowing whither they went ; not boldly, but modestly;,, not recklessly, but con- sciously constrained of the Lord. They never thought of the publicity and honor that future years might bring them, but in a prayerful spirit they tried to meet the present duty. He also adds that some two or three weeks after the "Crusade" began, it came to him as an overpowering conviction that we were in the beginning of a great movement, which woi;ld be spoken of in future years like the "Reforma- tion," or the religious movement in the time of Wesley. He so publicly expressed himself then and has never seen any reason to reverse his opinion. These sketches of the "Crusade," written in the quaint and readable style so characteristic MRS. ELIZA J. THOMPSON. 55 of Mrs. Thompson, are most heartily commended to the friends of temperance, and- to its enemies as well, as an important contribution to the his- tory of the temperance cause. W. J. -VrcSURELY, Pastor Crusade Churcli. Presbyterian Parsonage, \ HiLLSBQRO, Ohio, 1894. i HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. I. VOLUMES have been written, and speeclies without number made, setting forth most graphically the "Crusade of Woman against Rum." Yet strange to say, the call comes with greater and still greater earnestness to the leader of the little "band of seventy:" "Tell us more about the beginning of the Crusade in Hillsboro, and give us all the incidents connected with it, for the story must not die with the veter- ans of 1873 ^^^ 1874-" -^s the shadows lengthen, and the number of that band counts fewer, I am reminded that what I do, I must do quickly. Many years ago a friend wrote to me for a brief but plain account of the facts in connec- tion with the starting of the Crusade in our town, and of my relation to it. Supposing at the time that it was for her own personal interest merely, I wrote freely, withholding no part of the truth as it occurred. That narrative was adopted by Miss Willard in her work, "Woman and Temperance," and has become the "old, old story." After all these years I could not change the "facts and 57 58 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. figures," and might not change the diction to profit; therefore, with slight additions, I furnish it as the first of the promised series of Crusade sketches from the "Old Fort." On the evening of December 23, 1873, Dio Lewis, a Boston physician and lyceum lecturer, delivered in Music Hall, Hillsboro, Ohio, a lecture on " Our Girls." He had been engaged by the Lecture Association, some months before, to fill one place in the winter course of lectures, merely for the entertainment of the people ; but finding that he could remain another evening, and still reach his next appointment (Washing- ton Court-house), he consented to give another lecture on the evening of the 23d. At the sug- gestion of Judge Albert Matthews, an old-line temperance man and Democrat, a free lecture on temperance became the order of the evening. Dr. Lewis was our guest until the morning of the 23d, when my brother, Colonel Wm. H. Trimble, took him to his beautiful "Woodland" home, intending to send him across the country to Washington Court-house in his own carriage on the morning of the 24th. I did not hear Dio Lewis lecture because of home cares that required my presence; but my son, a youth of seventeen, and my daughter were there, and they came to me upon their re- turn home, and in a most earnest manner related HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 59 the thrilling incidents of the evening; how Dr. I^ewis told of his own mother, and several of her good Christian friends, uniting in prayer with and for the liquor-sellers of his native town, until they gave up their soul-destroying busi- ness. Dr. Lewis said, "Ladies, you might do the same thing in Hillsboro, if you had the same faith," and then turning to the ministers and temperance men who were upon the platform, added: "Suppose I ask the women of this audi- ence to signify their opinions upon the subject?" They all bowed their consent, and fifty or more women stood up in token of approval. He then asked the men how many of them would stand as "backers," should the women undertake the work. Sixty or seventy arose. "And," con- tinued my son, " you are on some committees to do work at the Presbyterian church in the morn- ing, and the ladies expect you to go out with them to the saloons!" My husband, who had returned from Adams County Court that evening and was feeling very tired, seemed asleep as he rested upon the sofa, while my children in an undertone had given me all the above facts; but as the last sentence was uttered, he raised himself up upon his elbow and said: "What tomfoolery is all that?" My dear children slipped out of the room quietly, and I betook myself to the task of consoling their 6o HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. father, with the promise that I should not be led into any foolish act by Dio Ivcwis, or any asso- ciation of human beings, but added: "If the Lord should show me that it was his will for the women to visit places where liquors were sold and drunk, I should not shrink from it." After some time my husband relaxed into a milder mood, continuing to call the whole plan, as he understood it, "tomfoolery." I ventured to remind him that the men had been in the "tomfoolery" business a long time, and sug- gested that it might be God's will that the women should now take their part. Nothing farther was said upon the subject until the next morning after breakfast. "Are you going to the church this morning?" asked the children. I hesitated, and doubtless showed in my countenance the burden upon my spirit. My husband walked the length of the room sev- eral times, and finally said: "Children, you know where your mother goes to settle all vexed ques- tions. Instead of family prayers this morning, let her alone to make her decision." I went to my room, kneeling before God and his Holy Word, to see what would be sent me, when I heard a step at the door, and upon opening it, my daughter stood there. With tearful eyes she handed n^e her small, open Bible and said with with trembling voice: "See what my eyes fell A DOOR LEADING FROM MRS. THOMPSON'S ROOM. HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 6l Upon. It must be for you." She immediately left the room, and I sat down to read the wonderful message of the great "I Am" con- tained in the id6th Psalm. And as I read, new meaning seemed to attach to those promises (so often read before), and the Spirit said: "This is the way, walk ye in it." No longer doubting, I quickly repaired to the Presbyterian Church, and took my seat near the door. Several of my friends came, and urged me to go up to the front. While hesitating, I was unanimously chosen as president or leader, Mrs. General McDowell vice-president, and Mrs. D. K, Fenner secretary of the strange work that was to follow. Appeals were drawn up to druggists, saloon- keepers, and hotel proprietors. Then the pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. Dr. McSurely, who had up to this time occupied the chair, called upon the chairman-elect to "come forward to the post of honor." But your humble servant could not; her limbs refused to bear her. The dear ladies offered me assistance, but it was not God's time. My brother, Colonel Trimble, observing my embarrassed situation, said to Dr. McSurely: " I believe the ladies will do nothing until the gentlemen of the audience leave the house!" After some moments, Dr. McSurely said : "I believe Colonel Trimble is right. Brethren, let 63 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. US adjourn, and leave this work with God and the women." As the last man closed the door after him, strength before unknown came to me, and with- out any hesitation or consultation I walked for- ward to the minister's table, and opened the large Bible, explained the incidents of the morning; then read, and briefly (as my tears would allow) commented upon its new meaning to me. I then called upon Mrs. McDowell to lead in prayer; and such a prayer! It seemed as though the angel had brought down "live coals" from off the altar and touched her lips — she who, by her own confession, had never before heard her own voice in prayer! As we arose from our knees (for all were kneeling that morning), I asked Mrs. Cowden, the Methodist Episcopal minister's wife, a grand singer of the "olden style," to start my favor- ite hymn, "Give to the winds thy fears," to the familiar tune of St. Thomas, and turning to the dear women, I said: "As we all join in singing this hymn, let us form in line, two and two, and let us at once proceed to our sacred mission, trusting alone in the 'God of Jacob." ' It was all done in less time than it takes to write it. Every heart was throbbing and every woman's countenance betrayed her solemn re- ra 73 O o ■n c > a m n I c %i n HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 63 alization of the fact that she was going " about her Father's business." As this "band of mysterious beings" first encountered the outside gaze, and as they passed from the door of the old church and reached the street beyond the large churchyard, they ( were singing these prophetic words : "Far, far above thy thought His counsel shall appear, When fully He the work hath wrought That caused thy needless fear." On we marched in solemn silence, looking neither to the right nor left, until we arrived at the drugstore of Dr. Wm. Smith on East Main Street. Mrs. Milton Boyd had been appointed to read "the appeal" on that morning, and pro- ceeded to do so. From the minutes so carefully kept by our secretary, Mrs. D. K. Fenner, we extract the following: "Dr. Wm. Smith, after much persuasion, signed the 'druggists pledge,' with the understanding that he, as a physician, had a right to prescribe liquor and sell on his own prescription. " Seybert and Isaman signed very willingly, and assured the ladies of their good wishes. " Mr. James Brown, Sr., signed also willingly. " Mr. Wm. H. H. Dunn postponed his decision." " Hii,i€ held in the Methodist Episcopal Church on the following Saturday afternoon, March 5th, and a general invitation issued' to the ladies of the county to join them. The committee in power (of men), through the committee of ladies appointed at a former meeting to confer with them, signified their thanks and hearty approval. At once the women set their hospitable designs to work by the ap- HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 159 pointment of five most efScient workers as a " committee of trust," as to them was assigned the important obligation of selecting the serving committee, whose duty it should be to serve the tables at the hours assigned during the day, from 9 o'clock A. M. to 5 P. M. , A meeting of citizens of all faiths, religious and political, was called for Saturday evening the 26th, in City Hall, by the ministers of all the Churches and the signatures of thirty-three prominent citizens. This meeting was held in the parlor of the Young Men's League, in the Methodist Episcopal Church, on the evening of the 23d; and, by the way, this association of non- partisan, non-sectarian young men formed a most hopeful feature of our community. They owed their origin to the zeal and conservative spirit of the Rev. Davis W. Clark, son of Bishop Clark (deceased), and pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this place at that time. He took a most active part in this contest, and was urged to write up the marvelous victory for prohibition in this Crusade town. From his account of things we make some quotations for the benefit of those interested. Speaking of the meeting that was held on Saturday, ev ing, February 26th, in City Hall, he says: "Hon. J. H. Thompson was called to the chair. To him belongs the honor, not only l6o HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. of making an admirable opening address, but of having uttered a prophecy of victory, which had literal fulfillment. Dr. W. J. McSurely, of Cru- sade fame, followed in a forcible speech." An Executive Committee was appointed to have charge of the campaign. Mass-meetings now followed in quick succession, and were sustained by the best talent of this and neighboring com- munities. On Tuesday evening, loth, by invitation of the men's Executive Committee, the Young Men's League held a remarkable meeting in Armory Hall. Over one hundred young men fell into line, and, with J. M. Hughy for captain, and to the inspiring tap of the drum-corps, they paraded the streets. This demonstration produced a pro- found sensation. It seemed a mute but eloquent appeal. They were the class most endangered by the existence ot the saloon. When the brave "League boys" filed into the hall and took the seats reserved for them, they received a perfect ovation from the immense audience. On the Sabbath preceding the election the pulpits rang out with no uncertain sound. Rev. I. W. Joyce, D. D. (since bishop), arrived from Cincinnati on Saturday evening, by special in- vitation, and as the News Herald has it, " He preached on the subject of temperance at the Methodist Episcopal Church, both morning and HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. l6l evening, and talked on the same subject at Armory Hall in the afternoon. He was greeted with immense and enthusiastic audiences at each meeting. Rev. Davis W. Clark says : "Our movement was pre-eminently religious. The affair had its inception in a meeting of ministers and under the roof of a church. All public meetings opened with prayer, and closed with doxology and benediction. It was a minister's voice in the closing hours of our struggle that called into line the last straggler. The cry of the Crusade may not have been audibly uttered, but it certainly kept ringing in the conscience, 'The Lord wills it.' The spontaneous praise service was an appropriate conclusion to the campaign. "Any account of our recent struggle omitting to mention the share of the consecrated women in it, would be sadly defective. They did everything but vote. They made personal appeals, and were instant in prayer. " The local Union of the Woman's Christian Tem- perance Union formed a happy nucleus, around which the elect ladies gathered, thus again proving itself a providential agency. Next to the Church we esteem the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, the most thoroughly-organized and efficient philanthropic society of our times." A continuous prayer-meeting, March 14, 1887, in the Methodist Episcopal Church was held in support of the efforts at the polls, and the lunch at the City Hall was free to all voters! Of this 1 62 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. meeting our secretary, Mrs. Maggie L,. Gregg, says: "There was a Presence whose manifestations and in- fluence could be felt upon entering the room. The ' God of Jacob ' in whom the old Crusaders trusted, and into whose ear the prayers of thousands of women have been received in the past thirteen years, was there, whispering the assuring words : ' Said I not, if thou wouldst believe thou shouldst see the glory of God?' " The polls closed at five o'clock, and as we lingered to hear the last report, it was proposed that when our victory should be assured, the bells must ring out the praise of God, beginning with a few taps from the bell of the "Old Crusade Church!" As the crowd dispersed, an announce- ment was made by the ministers for a praise- meeting at 7.30 in the Methodist Episcopal Church. And thus the hilariousness of the peo- ple found a glorious channel in songs of victory and prayers of thanksgiving. XXI. FROM the time of the Dow Law victory, March 14, 1887, little occurred of special interest in the Crusade work of Hillsboro. Everything tended to a well-defined battle between good HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 163 laws and bad ex:ecution on the part of the com- munity of voters and their oflScers, — a battle in which women were powerless ; but gospel tem- perance meetings were continued, the children were not forgotten, temperance literature was distributed, the prisoners were visited, and the weekly Woman's Christian Temperance Union prayer-meetings were never omitted. At one of these services, about the 12th of September, 1887, it was intimated that a car- riage was at the door awaiting me for a service that required my attention, quite out of town. In my absence the meeting was continued, and a secret plan was formed for celebrating the coming anniversary of our Golden Wedding. The Rev. Davis W. Clark was foremost in aid- ing the ladies in developing this plan. The story of this occasion will be found, as told by our former secretary, Mrs. D. K. Fenner, in the chapter contributed by my daughter, Marie T. Rives; but I may be permitted here to say of this beautiful occasion, that it remains to my husband and myself one of the most cherished memories of our lives. Having just passed the "golden milestone," and having served our local Union for thirteen years as president, I began to feel that a younger woman might be more efficient. My resignation was referred to a committee 164 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. (Mrs. Rev. W. J. McSurely and Mrs. Maggie L. Gregg), who replied as follows : "Your committee, to whom was submitted Mrs. Thompson's request that she be released from the presi- dency of our local Union, would respectfully submit : That we do not consider Mrs. Thompson 'superannu- ated ;' that, although often prevented from meeting with us, yet when she is present we do not perceive that her natural force is abated ; and we know that we but voice the feehng of all in saying that we most earnestly desire that she, who first led us out in this work, may continue to be our president for many years to come. We submit this, not as a mere sentiment, but from a conviction that we are doing what is best for our Union. Feeling that God called Mrs. Thompson to be our leader, we await a clearer indication of Providence that another is to take her place. "In the mean time, during her absence from us, we recognize another leader in our first vice-president, Mrs. Hart, and we will faithfully stand by her." The matter being thus adjusted, Mrs. Hart, with her usual energy and earnestness, prepared an appeal to the mayor and Council of our town, and, accompanied by Mesdames Foraker, McSurely, Murray, Smith, Gregg, Langley, Brid- well, Patterson, Willett, Stevenson, and McCon- naughy, delivered it at the set time, and was sustained by two of the councilmen. Dr. Patter- son and Mr. McNichol, with eloquent and ear- nest speeches favoring their wishes. Mrs. Hart's HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 1 65 appeal is worth reading, notwithstanding the majority was against us : "To the Hon. Mayor and Council of Hillsboro : "It is claimed that the ordinance prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquor in our town is but a dead letter upon our statute-books, and feeling aggrieved that this is so, we, the women of Hillsboro, through the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, come to you with an earnest appeal to see to it that it be enforced. Nearly two years ago this ordinance was asked for by more than two-thirds of our voters, and by our united voice. It was placed upon our statute-books, not as a pastime, not 'as empty words, but to be enforced just as any law, and, as affecting our interests more than any law, 3'ou are asked to enforce, as by its non-enforcement our homes, our happiness, and the souls of our loved ones are placed in jeopardy. The voters, who asked its adoption, expected you, as sworn officers of the law, to enforce it. We hear it said that the ordinance is a failure. We grant that its enforcement has been a failure, but the ordinance is right, and right can not be wrong. It may need revision to make it more effective, and we pray your honorable body to do this. Can you turn a deaf ear to our appeal ? We also ask that you make an appropriation of money sufficient to enable our officers to execute the law. "On behalf of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Hillsboro, Ohio, Mrs. Gov. Hart, "Acting Pres., First Vice-Pres. " Lizzie H. Harsha, Secretary." All this effort on the part of the temperance women and their friends so stirred up matters, I56 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. thattlie "powers that be" determined to enforc( the "tax " part of the "Dow Law," and let them sell on, as they had been doing (without paying for the " privilege "). With the money thus col- lected our streets, "so wide and airy," were vig- orously macadamized, and thus, while the tempted ones were drawn into the "open doors," the " very rocks were crying out " against " those people who love to have it so." "And what will ye do in the end thereof?" has been asked, not only by the prophet, but by many aching hearts, since that day, for "at last it stingeth like an adder," even "our enemies themselves being judges." XXII. FEBRUARY 27, 1889, Mrs. Hart suggested a temperance dinner by the Woman's Chris- tian Temperance Union, as one had not been given for some time, and the treasury was get- ting low. Ample preparations were made, and, March 2d, the dinner was given in the city hall. It was well patronized, and gave great satisfaction ; but, best of all, it left a good impres- sion, socially as well as financially. The family and large connection of Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Foraker had planned so quietly and successfully in their preparations for their fiftieth HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 1 67 anniversary of the wedding-day, that the Wo- man's Christian Temperance Union came very near being excluded; but the secret was found out in time to send the following: An exquisite banneret in white and gold, from the co-workers of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, with the inscription: 1S39. i88g. Golden Wedding. Congrat Illations from The W. C. T. U. ofHillsboro, to Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Foraker. May each coming milestone of life's journey prove a fresh Ebenezer until the golden gate is reached! For our dear sister of Crusade memory the words of the Master seem most fitting : "O woman, great is thy faith!" About this time it was the pleasure of our Union to respond to the call of Miss Pugh, na- tional treasurer, and send our contribution and loving sentiments to Frances E. Willard, the one we all " delighted to honor," and especially as she approached the end of her "fifty successful years." From the minutes we find that "a memorial service in honor of the late Mrs. Hayes was held in the Methodist Episcopal Church, under l68 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. the direction of the Woman's Christian Tem- perance Union. Mrs. Thompson presided, Dr. McSurely read the Scriptures, and Rev. King, of the Baptist Church, led in prayer. The remarks of Mrs. Thompson were very appropriate and touching, and she paid a fine tribute to Ex- President Hayes for his loyalty to his wife in supporting her in her heroic stand for sobriety in the White House. Mrs. Hart and Mrs. Mur- ray read very excellent papers, and Mrs. Rives gave a thoughtful and happily-worded address. Mrs. D. S. Ferguson read an original poem, and Mrs. Wm. Gregg read a poem prepared by Mr. J. L. Boardman. The whole affair was most happily conceived and carried out. The papers, addresses, and poems were in excellent taste, and show a tender appreciation of the noble Christian woman, whose courage and truth have entitled her to the respect and love of the Chris- tian world. The services were closed with the benediction by Rev. Murray." The semi-annual meeting of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Highland County was held in the Methodist Episcopal Church of this place, May, 1889. Delegates were present from five Unions in the county, and were welcomed by Mrs. Dr. McSurely in behalf of the Hillsboro Union. Mrs. Caroline B. Buell, national correspond- HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 169 ing secretary, was with us by invitation, and addressed a large evening meeting in the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and also led a very profitable service on the following morning in the old Crusade Church. She gave much satis- faction, and with many of our citizens is a stand- ing favorite. Mrs. Alphonso Hart at this Convention re- signed her office as county president, much to the regret of all parties interested, her husband, Hon. Alphonso Hart, having been appointed to an office that required the removal of his family to Washington, D. C. We were deprived also of her services in our local work; this we felt a very great loss. Mrs. McSurely was appointed vice-president in Mrs. Hart's place from the Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. Mary B. Murray, first vice-president from the Methodist Episco- pal Church for the local Union. About this time, November 23, 1889, Mr. George Woodford, of national fame, came by in- vitation of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, to give Hillsboro a week of his temper- ance zeal and eloquence. Much good resulted; but as our secretary, Mrs. Charles Harsha, says in her minutes, "We can never know the result Mr. Woodford's meetings until we all meet at the judgment seat where the men and youths of this town must face the God of justice, in the 170 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. presence of the man who tried so hard to save them from a fate worse than death." Mrs. Mary B. Murray, president of the Y's and a kind and efficient aid to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, was about this time, Decem- ber I, 1889, induced, at the earnest request of Mrs. E. J. Thompson, to accept the position of presi- dent ^ro tern, during a season of severe illness in her family. Thus seconded by her good husband, Rev. James Murray, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, when the bugle-note from our chieftain. Miss Willard, sounded the call for a "Crusade camp-fire" in Hillsboro, December 23, 1889, to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary, they were "willing" and earnest, an(^, together with other faithful and tried White Ribboners in the Crusade town and the State, the work moved forward. The "camp-fire" of December, 1889, at the "Old Fort" of the Crusade, was a vigorous demonstration, and at this late day memory seems to bring out in clear-cut outline our dear chieftain, with her inspiring presence and " won- derful words." Miss Elizabeth Scoville, whose "Bible-readings" are still treasured as inspired and helpful through so many years, was here from her Southern home, and Anna Gordon, the beloved "indispensable," whom our children love to remember. Then we had the faithful Sunday HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 171 Observance National Superintendent Mrs. Ba- teum; also Mrs. Peters, the generous donor of the beautiful and useful " Crusade Bible-case." But the executive power behind the throne (and often upon it) was our own unselfish State president, Mrs. Monroe. She came to our rescue with wise plans, and being, with Mrs. Clevenger, State cor- responding secretary, guests of Rev. and Mrs. Murray, they combined, with our own workers, to make the occasion equal to Miss Willard's highest anticipations. These retrospective views are instructive; but what shall we say of the " harvest " which is now "white for the reapers;" of the noble English woman of titled distinction, whose heart hath been touched, to bring in such rich grain and stately sheaves for the Master? The tender asso- ciation that exists between our own Frances E. Willard and Lady Henry Somerset, to my mind, is a sure indication of God's special care and helpfulness in the "battle" that is "not ours," but ''His:' I, who sit and watch, in my eightieth year ^ the work going on in this great "harvest-field," and catch glimpses of inspiration from the " white ribbons" that gleam "around the world," and especially across the ocean blue, at the great London Convention, feel my grasp loosen upon the busy laborers ; yet quietly and peacefully 172 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. the faith that inspired and has sustained this movement, which is " not of ourselves but the gift of God," grows more steadfast in the ulti- mate result — of self-sacrifide and sobriety. IV. MY MOTHER'S YEARS APPROACHING LIFE'S SUNSET. 173 IV. MY MOTHER'S YEARS APPROACHING LIFE'S SUNSET. " Faces looking into the sunset are golden." — F. W. Fabkr. TO write of the years of one who descends the hill of life as gracefully and bravely as my mother, is a theme for a more capable pen than mine; but the daughter's hand that so often placed the " old arm-chair," that in pride arranged the fleecy white becoming cap and graceful shawl; the heart that always throbbed in sympathy with the " White Ribbon," and had cozy, loving chats over the fireside about home interests, and do- mestic occupations, is perhaps the one to follow her gently down life's decline. We often said, to each other, too, " So many links liave softly Dropped from sight, So many names are now in Sadness spoken, — names Once so bright." The beginning of my mother's approaching sunset years brought me to a period in my own 12 175 176 My MOTHER'S YEARS life when bereavement caused me to change homes, and return a widow to reside with and assist my parents during their declining years. Mother had lived through many sorrows and be- reavements of her eventful life, and my heart often found solace in her love and tender sympathy. Years had passed since she led the heroic temperance band forward that bleak winter morning, in Hillsboro, Ohio (December 23, 1873), ^^^ broke the snow and ice, not only of weather, but also public opinion, and inaugu- rated the Ohio Woman's Crusade, — " That pleading voice rose calm and sweet From woman's earnest tongue, And Riot turned her scowling glance, Awed from her tranquil countenance." The "sober after-thought" of this great movement had crystallized into the " Woman's Christian Temperance Union," and mother's temperance work now was the presidency of the Hillsboro Union, attending National and State Conventions, a correspondence in all parts of our own and other countries with the temperance workers, and the highest work her prayers for the cause and the laborers. Neither my mother's face, manner, nor dispo- sition had changed much to me with the flight S3 o z o ■n H a: m O c c/i m APPROACHING LIFE'S SUNSET. 1 77 of years. My earliest recollection of her was that she was very cheerful, and I thought beautiful. She had to me a poetic face, something like Mrs. Sigoumey's — such soft brown eyes and lovely curls. I remember once, when I was a young girl away from home (and I suspect home-sick), I purchased a beautiful jewel, and searched in vain for the "gold-stone" that looked like mother's eyes, which the jeweler failed to find to my satisfaction. My sketch is only a brief re. cital of a few incidents of a remarkable descent of life. Mother would shrink from allowing the world to know her best attributes and most un- selfish acts; but when her "works 'follow her," many appreciative pens will call her "blessed." The old home which had been the residence of my parents. Judge and Mrs. Thompson, since their removal from " Dewy L,awn," my father's beautiful residence in my childhood, was an in- heritance of my mother from her father. Gov- ernor Trimble, having been her parents' home, and built by her father. " More dear, as years on years advance, We prize the old inheritance, And feel, as far and wide we roam, That all we seek we have at home." It had all the old landmarks when I returned again to it, and the combination of my furniture, pictures, rugs, and smaller treasures added com- 1 78 MY SrOTHER'S YEARS fort and beauty to the rooms, already handsomely furnished with old-time and modern furniture. Partly from taste, and also for convenience, my parents selected for their room the back parlor with a northern view and indoor passage-way to the dining-room ; for the old home was built with the general entrance to the dining-room from a southern porch, and although in the summer the view, the vines, and the green grass made it charming, when the winter storms came, delicate persons needed cloaks, and indeed sometimes umbrellas had a mission; and only that we .knew in the Southern States, the kitchens were some- times so far removed from the house that the hot buckwheat cakes were carried on horseback to the dining-room, could we feel our architecture had made wonderful strides. But the lack of convenience in the old home was more than atoned for by the large, hospitable halls and rooms, and by the sacred memories and echo of silent footsteps, which made the old Southern porch especially dear ; for all loved it. The little - birds sang their first sweet spring carols near its low windows, and sought shelter from the win- ter storms in the bushes near the dining-room door. There had been much hospitality in all the years past in the old home, but, as the years of my mother's life increased, came bereave- ments in quick succession, oftentimes also fam- H X ra C/l O C H X tn 70 Z 'v O o APPROACHING LIFE'S SUNSET. 179 ' ily illness, curtailing the usual entertainments ; but the latch-string was always out, and a guest was no innovation. That my father's charming sisters coald so seldom visit Hillsboro of late years has been a family regret, and a cherished memory is the last visit of Mrs. Maria Daviess, with her daughter Anna; my father's sister, and school- mate in youth, of whose talent Kentucky is so proud, w-hose heart is as gentle as the south wind, and whose face is also '-urned to the golden sunset. Among the guests at the old home, none af- forded my mother more pleasure than Mis? Frances E. Willard and charming Miss Anna Gordon. They visited us several times in the in- terests of their work, and Miss WiUard addressed large temperance audiences, and the people were permitted to hear the peer of woman speakers. Mother loved to call Miss Willard her dear daughter and leader ; and after her mother passed to the " Home over there," the affectionate ap- preciation was even more dear to the great and good and lovely woman, the leader of us all. Other prominent temperance workers were my mother's guests,' — the lamented Mrs. Wood- bridge, and Ohio's president, Mrs. Monroe; and secretary, Mrs. Clevenger; and Mrs. Perkins, of Cleveland; and Mrs. Hunt, of Boston ; Mrs. Yeo- i8o My mother's years mans, of Canada, — all so dear to the cause, and heart of their hostess. I was the only child at home when the approaching sunset years brought the Golden Wedding. The description I insert from the report of Mrs. D. K. Fenner, written for the Union Signal. Let our first secretary, Mrs. Mary B. Fenner, tell the story, as appointed by the Hillsboro Woman's Christian Temperance Union lor the Union Signal, September 28, 1887 : "Some friendly little bird having whispered that the Golden Weddingwas at hand, the idea suggested itself to the members of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union that here was a fitting and delightful opportunity of testifying their affectionate appreciation of Mrs. Thompson's unflinching devotion to the cause, typified in all its ramifications by the white ribbon, as also their personal esteem and respect ; the outgrowth of thirteen years' intercourse and companionship in the work of putting down intemperance, during all of which time she has been the honored president of the local Union. " Ideas soon take form, when hands and hearts work together, and in a few daj's little white-winged messen- gers were flying over the length and breadth of the land, bidding guests to the Golden Wedding. "The list of invitations included the Crusaders, sign- ers of the Guarantee Fund, members bf the Hillsboro bar, mayor and city officials, officers of the Churches, the Young Woman's Christian Temperance Union, State presidents, and National officers of the Woman's Chris- tian Temperance Union, in all about four hundred and fifty. Approaching life's SUNSET. i8i " The reception was given in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and on the appointed evening, September 21st, a large and elegant assemblage gathered in the audience- room. Brave men and fair women were there, but the admiration and interest of all the goodly company were centered on the little bride and her tall and still hand- some husband. " Seated on the platform with Judge and Mrs. Thomp- son were Rev. D. W. Clark, pastor of the Church ; Rev. Dr. Ketcham, late pastor of the same ; Rev. W. J. McSurely, of the Presbyterian Church; Mrs. Monroe, president of the State Union ; Mrs. Clevenger, corre- sponding secretary of the same; Mrs. Hart, vice-presi- dent of the local Union, and several of the older mem- bers of the Union. "Rev. W. J. McSurely, who presided at the first Cru- sade meeting, occupied the chair on this occasion. His cordial congratulations were responded to by Judge Thompson in a most characteristic speech, genial, po- etical, and touching. " Mrs. Hart's address on behalf of the local Union was short, but gem-like in its perfect finish, pure color, and chaste setting. " Mrs. Henrietta L. Monroe, of Xenia, president of the State Union, followed in an address of rare elegance, strength, and beauty. She gave a' brief outline of the origin of the Crusade, the organization of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and its present widespread influence and working po-vfer. No one who heard her could fail to be impressed with the importance and in- fluence of the White-ribbon organization, and of the immensity of the work it is doing. " Mrs. Monroe closed with a touching and eloquent tribute to Mrs. Thompson, and then presented to her, on 1 82 MY mother's YEARS behalf of the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union, a testimonial, engrossed in gold on vellum, and framed in gold and antique oak. The reader will at once recognize Miss Willard's facile pen : " ' 1837-1887. Headquarters Woman's Christian Tem- perance Union, Chicago, 111., to Mrs. Eliza Trimble Thompson, of Hillsboro, Ohio, leader of the first Praying Band in the Woman's Temperance Crusade, on the occa- sion of her Golden Wedding, September 21, 1887.' '"To have been the first woman who ever attended a National Temperance Convention ; to have led the pioneer band in that heroic movement of which the National Wo- man's Christian Temperance Union is the organic form ; to have made Hillsboro known to the world as the cradle of the Crusade ; to have impressed your name upon the history of your country, — all this is much ; but to have worn so loyally the crown of daughter, sister, wife, and mother ; to have won friends, wherever the sacred cause of temperance is loved, and to have exhibited in pufllic life and home's sweet ministries a faith "That when in darkness knows no fear, In danger feels no doubt," is more. You stand upon the heights of answered prayer, and we, your comrades, whom your unwavering cheerfulness has many times animated, wave to you from the plain and thickest of the fight'-our " God bless you and yours on this auspicious day." '"In Behai^f of the W. C. T. U., etc.'" "After the reading of this testimonial, Mrs. Monroe unveiled Ohio's offering ; at the sight of which a mur- mur of delighted surprise ran through the house. It was a tall urn, Etruscan in shape, of gold bronze, ex- APPROACHING LIFE'S SUNSET. 183 quisitely chased and hammered. Suspended by a gold chain from the handle is a twenty-dollar gold-piece, bearing on the obverse side the inscription, '1837-1887, INIrs. Eliza J. Thompson, leader of the Crusade, from the Ohio Woman's .Christian Temperance Union.' On the reverse, an engraved representation of the Crusade Church with the date ' December 23, 1873.' " Mrs. Thompson's response to these tributes of loving congratulation was made in her usual quiet, conversa- tional manner, and showed her appreciation of the ova- tion given her, but she confessed herself dazed and be- wildered with surprise, and said : ' The bride should not be expected to do too much at the wedding.' "The pastor of the Church, Rev. D. W. Clark, read the congratulatory telegrams. They had come from nearly every State and Territory in the Union, and all bore most kindly greetings. "At the close of these formal exercises the invited guests repaired to the lecture-room, where they were seated and served with refreshments, in number about one hundred. At the close of the banquet. Rev. D. W. Clark, on behalf of Mrs. Marie Thompson Rives, pre- sented to the Hillsboro bar a full-length, life-size por- trait of her father. It was unveiled by Mrs. Sarah Thompson Collins, the granddaughter of Judge Thomp- son, and accepted on behalf of the bar by Hon. Alphonso Hart, in a pleasant, cordial, and appropriate speech. "Then followed the reading of a beautiful poem by J. ly. Boardman, Esq., an address and reading of letters by Mrs. Antoinette H. Clevenger, the reading of letters from former pastors and presiding elders, and more tel- egrams. Among the gifts were noticeable several little satin purses of blue and white, on which, in letters of gold were the words : ' Our testimonial, Maryland 184 MY MOTHER* S YEARS W. C. T. U.;' ' Our testimonial, New Hampshire W. C. T. U.;' 'Our testimonial, New ■ Jersey W. C. T. U.,' ' Our testimonial, Pastors and Elders, Hillsboro M. E. Church;' 'Our testimonial, W. C. T. U.' These con- tained (in various amounts — gold pieces) the cash value of checks sent by the several State Unions whose names they bear, and for whom the time was too short to allow of sending a testimonial in any other form. "At the close of the evening many old friends, one of whom. Judge William Meek, had been a guest at the first wedding, fifty years before, pressed forward to ex- press personally to Judge and Mrs. Thompson their con- gratulations, and wishes for both a long, happy, and use- ful future." The congratulations and gifts of many rela- tives and prominent social friends were received, none more appreciated than the golden lamp from Mrs. Rufus King, and the " History of Prussia," in which is inscribed: "To James H. and Eliza J. Thompson, from Herbert Tuttle." My mother's fine qualities as a nurse, of pa- tience, attention, and tenderness, can be testified to by physicians, husband, children, parents, and many to whom she ministered as "unto Him." Months of frail health and delicate strength kept her near me, and the days were cheerful because of her devotion, and "never can I forget her sweet glances cast upon me when I appeared asleep; never her kiss of peace at night." Her family physician and nephew. Dr. Henry M. Brown, often called her "the General" because APPROACHING LIFERS SUNSET. 1 85 of her fine executive qualities, and Dr. W. W. Glenn, of Hillsboro, and other physicians appre- ciated her disposition of endurance and helpful- ness in the sick-room. Apparently she bore separation by death with unusual heart-fortitude ; but it was unselfish, for the sake of others. Every family death changed her, and broke her heroic spirit. "Kisses be- came more holy, and partings touched the soul to deeper woe." She often talked to me about the many fam- ily bereavements, and told me of her " blessed dreams " that her angel children welcomed her home, when she would retire "weary of earth," and, perhaps, physically a little ill. She ever misses the companionship of her gifted, first-born son, Allen T. Thompson, one of the heroes of life, made great by suffering and triumph, and his Christian victories stimulated her own Christian walk and zeal. " Gentle Anna's " lovely life and death are a vision of beauty which always dim her spectacles to talk about ; and the California mementos of dear brother Joseph break her down completely, as do dear Sarah's little treas- ures ; and names so dear to her widowed daugh- ters are always sacred to her. Although her parents both passed away at a very advanced age, her memories and conversa- tion about them have all the freshness and sin- 1 86 MY mother's YEARS cerity of the request, " Make me a child again, just for to-night," as she tells us, in the evenings, around the cheerful fireside and bright lamp, of their devotion and munificence towards her. She ever misses her brothers, and feels stricken as she stands the only one left of the large fam- ily circle. My mother was a delegate-at-large to all the Na- tional and Ohio State Conventions of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and her presence was called a benediction, and her characteristic and earnest speeches much appreciated. She was always honored by Miss Willard, the Na- tional and State officers, and all the workers ; and she returned home invigorated in health, and strengthened in spiritual life to labor. She greatly enjoys a personal acquaintance with Lady Henry Somerset, England's great leader and White Ribbon temperance advocate, whose gifts and social graces win all hearts. Rev. Thomas J. Melish and Rev. Peter Tins- ley, D. D., were guests at our home during an Episcopal Convocation. These prominent cler- gymen spoke of her unusual cheerfulness and vivacity, and how well life's lessons had been learned by her and imparted to others. Although one of the most devoted Meth- odists of her age, in early life having imbibed APPROACHING LIFE'S SUNSET. 1 87 from her grandmother, Jane Trimble, all the zeal of pioneer Christianity, in her later years the distance of her home from the church, much sickness in the family, and oftentimes her own delicate health, curtails her public worship. Her home spirit of patience, self-denial, and cheer' fulness about it, makes her own soul expand, and through her example, that of others ; and who can tell but in the closet, with closed doors, when she would fain be at Church, her prayers do more to build up Christ's kingdom than un- interrupted Church attendance ? She attends as faithfully as possible her Sunday afternoon class- meeting, and always finds comfort and help from her class-leader and friend, Mr. Chaney. Rev. Dr. Marlay says of her: "As Mrs. Thompson's pastor for three years, I had every opportunity to study her religious character and understand it. I esteemed her as one of the most efficient helpers, and as one of the noblest and most de- voted Christian women I had ever known. How much, and in how many ways, she has helped her pastors and her Church, eternity alone can reveal. Others, doubtless, will speak more fully of her connection with the ever-memorable Cru- sade. That work, it seems to me, must forever stand as the crowning glory of her life ; for un- doubtedly it was a divine inspiration ; and it 1 88 My MOTHER'S YEARS was moreover, as I believe, the most effective and far-reaching temperance movement the world has ever seen." Morning prayer is a regular service at our home, conducted by mother, and her prayers will be a sacred legacy to her children. It is difficult to class her occupations, even in later years; for she has always been a busy woman, — housekeeping and all home interests always faithfully and successfully attended to ; sewing and knitting, which, with her, are accom- plishments as well as occupations ; general read- ing; diligent Bible study; a large family, gen- eral and temperance correspondence ; social calls at home and upon old acquaintances. She is very fond of her neighbors, and appreciates, as much as any one I ever knew, greetings of dear friends, and sweet children, and faithful domes- tics. Her cheerfulness, humor, and sympathetic qualities endear her to all classes. My mother's religious interest in the colored people, and their devotion to her, is genuine. Her later years have been much helped over the cares of domestic life by the faithfulness and efficiency of those who have lived with her for many years. Several years after my return to the old home, my brother Henry came from Colorado, where he had been living, to visit his parents, who prevailed APPROACHING LIFE'S SUNSET. 1 89 upon him to give up business prospects away from home, and remain to cheer and aid the small family circle. Both my brothers, Henry B. and John B. Thomp- son, of Salt L,ake City, have added much serenity to the declining years of my parents by their de- votion and helpfulness. One noble grandson, George A. Thompson, of Xenia, Ohio, his lovely family and mother, Mrs. Allen Thompson, are a source of affectionate interest and pride. When bereavement broke up Mrs. Herbert Tuttle's charming "Cornell" home, "sister Mary arranged her life to pass a part of the time with her parents, and to solace 'herself by home sym- pathy and companionship, and the old home has again what it has so long missed — her society and artistic taste. Time deals gently with my dear father also, whose declining years are unusually vigorous, mentally and physically. My parents' devotion to each other needs no pen to herald it ; and no home scene comes closer to my heart than to see them in the evening of life still together, and with so much left them to enjoy. Occasionally June roses bring family reunions of unusual pleasure, when the devoted sisters of many years, Mrs. Joseph Trimble and my mother, can weave in conversation a tapestry of lov- ing memories ; and the attractive nieces, who I go MY mother's YEARS love and admire Aunt "Eliza," flit through the old hails and rooms, sweet with the precious perfume, and tender echo of "Auld Lang Syne." As I close these pages, the summer of 1895 is bringing my mother's seventy-ninth birthday- The rich temperance fruitage brought together the great London Convention of June, which Miss Frances E. Willard says is the outcome of the inspired work of the Crusade. That my mother could not attend the London Convention and accept the hospitality of Lady Henry Somerset was a mutual regret, as the res- olution passed at Queen's Hall during the World's Convention attests : "Resolved, That we rejoice in the presence of our be- loved Mother Stewart, and applaud the courage that led her to cross the sea in her eightieth year that she might impart to us the inspiration of her presence and her voice. " That to Mrs. Judge Thompson, of Hillsboro, Ohio, leader of the first Prayer Band, we hereby send the as- surance that we have missed her gentle and womanly presence, and that the Crusade Bible and Crusade Psalm have been to us hallowed reminders of the brave stand she took when she was called to lead the women of Hillsboro, Ohio, in the great Crusade now known and felt the world around." December, 1895, will bring the twenty-second anniversary of the Ohio Crusade. The snow will fall gently where noble workers are at rest. APPROACHING LIFE'S SUNSET. 191 " Flashing o'er the pathway white," the mighty work will go on, and in quiet homes the Mother Leaders will look out upon the scene, where Right is growing stronger, and " Righteousness that exalteth a nation " is spreading more rapidly because of woman's courage and faithful prayers, i V. MY FRIEND MRS. THOMPSON And the Present Condition of the Temperance Work, FRANCES E. WILLARD. 193 MISS WILLARD. V. EVERY whirlwind has its first leaf; for the laws of motion oblige it to begin somewhere in particular. Other leaves are gathered in so rapidly that it is usually impossible to tell which one stirred first ; but whichever that one was, with it the whirlwind began. The "Ohio Crusade" has passed into history; the "Ohio Crusaders" have won an inextinguish- able fame. The "Women of the West " who led the " Whisky War," as it is called throughout the British Empire, gained for themselves, without intending it, the pioneer place in that great Woman's Temperance Movement that now belts the globe. The whirlwind of the Lord began in the little town of Hillsboro, on the 23d of De- cember, 1873. There the Pentecost of God de- scended, and seventy women, without the slight- est preconcerted plan, lifted their hands as silent witnesses, when asked by the good ministers and the famous lecturer if they were willing to go out from their homes and pray in the places where their husbands, sons, and brothers were tempted to 195 196 PRESENT CONDITION their ruin. There the Crusade Psalrh was read ; a rallying cry, "Give to the winds thy fears," was sung ; and the first silent, prayerful procession of wives and mothers moved along Ohio streets. The gentle-hearted woman whom they chose as their leader by spontaneous acclamation was one whose heart had been mellowed by glorious dis- cipline and sorrow. Away back in 1836, she had accompanied her father, then an Ohio delegate to the National Temperance Convention held in Saratoga, New York, and when, at his request, she went with him to the door of the hotel din- ing-room, which afforded ample accommodation for all the delegates in that rudimentary period of the movement, and he asked her to enter with him, Eliza Thompson, who was a girl of but twenty years, naturally hesitated, saying to her stout-hearted sire : " Why, father, I am afraid to go in. I looked through the door, and there were no women present, only men." Upon this the governor exclaimed: "Come right along with me ; my daughter must never be afraid in a good cause !" And taking her by the arm, he intro- duced the first woman who ever entered a Na- tional Temperance Convention in the United States. Who shall say that in this scene — how much more worthy of a painter than most of the subjects that they choose ! — we have not a proph- ecy of what was to transpire nearly forty years OF THE TEMPERANCE WORK. 197 later in the town of that sweet girl's nativity? Ancestry counts for much, and it should never be forgotten in our study of heredity, that the, leader of the Crusade came of a long line of de- vout Christian ancestors, whose earlier history dated back to Virginia, that famous State which was the home of George Washington, and is known in history as the " Mother of Presidents." The first time that I ever saw Mrs. Judge Thompson she was seated on the platform on the right of Mrs. Jane Fowler Willing, the president of the Convention in Cleveland, November, 1874, at which the National Woman's Christian Tem- perance Union was organized. I came to the Convention from Evanston, Illinois, where I had resigned a professorship in the Northwestern University, only a few months before. Never having been a temperance worker, I had no know- ledge of the persons of the Crusade save such as an intelligent reader was able to gather from the current press. Of Mrs. Thompson and Mother Stewart I had heard; but I had no prevision as to who was entitled to the high honor of being called the leader of the first Praying Band of the Crusade. But in Cleveland this question was settled for all time. While Mother Stewart was applauded as "a burning and shining light," whose natural gifts of speech and dauntless bravery would forever make her a central figure 198 PRESENT CONDITION in the Crusade picture, it was taken as a matter of course that the quiet, low-voiced, motherly little woman on the platform was " first in war " even as she has always been "first in peace." It was freely said, that in Washington Court-house, where the Crusade broke out the day following its manifestation in Hillsboro, greater results were reached, and that hence the fire spread with a steady flame; but the women of Hills- boro were " in at the birth," and Hillsboro is the cradle, even as Washington Court-house is the crown, of the Crusade. So far as I can learn, the women of Hillsboro put forward no claim, nor did their leader. Per-' haps this was because there was no need for them to do so ; and to my mind, the strongest confirma- tion of their deserved pre-eminence is the quiet, gentle, peace-making spirit that they have shown from the beginning. For my part, I can testify that it has only been "by the hardest" that her comrades have been able to induce Mrs. Thomp- son to come forward and gently take her place as " leader of the first Praying Band." On some notable occasions this typical woman of the home, the Church, and school has stood forth as a historic figure. Who of us whose lot has been cast as an officer or delegate to the National Con- vention since the beginning, can forget the genial, smiling presence and piquant words of that Cru- OF THE TEMPERANCE WORK. 1 99 sade mother whom we all love so much ? To hear her tell the story of the way in which the movement broke out in Hillsboro is an experi- ence to be cherished for a lifetime. Her quaint, refined presence ; her mild, motherly face, framed in its little cap ; her soft voice ; her peculiar manner , of utterance, combining remarkable originality with the utmost gentleness and good breeding; her inimitable humor; and, most char- acteristic of all, her deep, abiding faith in God and in humanity, — all these have made an indel- ible impression, and helped, beyond what we can at all estimate, to form the character of the White Ribbon Movement. Naturally of a conservative disposition, Mrs. Thompson has, nevertheless, kept time to the company's music ; she has taken every wave of the enrolling tide of impulse that we believe to be from God, as a strong swimmer breasts the incoming waves of the sea. It was no trifle for a woman with the traditions of " Old Virginia" to accept our woman's suffrage resolu- tion away back in 1877; and the beauty of it was, that her manner of announcing the faith that was within her lent so much of quiet strength to the decision of the Convention. It was the same when we avowed our fealty to the Prohibi- tion party in 1884, and when, at Cleveland re- cently, the proposition was put forward to have a vice-president-at-large, who should represent 200 PRESENT CONDITION the president in her absence. Although twenty years had passed since the Crusade,her "eye was not dimmed nor her natural force abated ;" and I never have known a Convention more amused, convinced, unified, than by her inimitable little speech upon that question. At this distance it can do no harm to refer to the incident that accompanied the lamented de- parture of a dozen good women, headed by one who was at that time a well-known leader in our councils. I refer to the non-partisan exodus in Battery D, Chicago, at the Annual Convention of 1889. When these sisters, thirteen in number, out of a Convention of four hundred or there- abouts, retired from the scene, I asked if there were not other women from Iowa, the State that had contributed most of the departing delegates, who would fill up the -vacancies ; and from forty to fifty Hawkeye White Ribboners crowded for- ward amid the plaudits of the Convention. Mary T. Lathrap then rose, and, with her usual dignity and grace, offered a resolution of respect and re- gret, which was unanimously adopted; after which Mrs. Thompson came forward, it being now late at night, later indeed than a woman of her age should have been out at a public meeting — and I dare say the like had never happened her before, and never will again — and, with a gesture of mingled drollery and pathos, threw around my OB THE TEMPERANCE WORK. 20I shoulders the shawl she had worn in the Crusade procession, and standing beside me called on the delegates to rally. It was one of the most in- spired moments that I have ever witnessed. The whole Convention rose, crowding together, and we sang the song that Mother Thompson — for so we love to call her in these later years — had given out when the first Praying Band moved forward: " Give to the winds thy fears." Best of all, this dramatic action was wholly un- premeditated. Mother Thompson had brought the shawl to give it to me as a surprise ; she had no idea that our sisters contemplated leaving us ; but she is that kind of a woman. She has her forces well in hand ; she is imperturbable ; as Garfield said of his true-hearted wife, " She is unstam- pedeable." This great quality is not only in- herited and innate, but comes of the culture of a lifetime in "the peace of God that passeth un- derstanding." It was my good fortune, as far back as 1876, to make a tour among the Crusaders of Ohio, visiting well-nigh forty of their towns and vil- lages. I could write a volume on the history, experience, and inspiration of that memorable pilgrimage. It was one of the few times in my life that I ever went forth alone ; and I was mothered in the homes of those devoted women 202 PRESENT CONDITION with a tenderness that will never be forgotten. My own stipulation in making the trip was that I should go to Hillsboro, the home of Mrs. Thompson, and to Springfield, the home of Mother Stewart, in both of which we took sweet counsel together. Mrs. Thompson's home is the old family mansion where the governor spent all his days, and which he bequeathed to his beloved only daughter. It stands on a slight ascent and in a wooded grove, at the edge of a well-built town of four thousand inhabitants, and is roomy and hospitable as heart could wish. Here I met Judge Thompson, the genial, witty lawyer, and husband of our leader; Mrs. Marie Thompson Rives, the accomplished elder daughter; and Henry Thompson, the youth who brought the tidings to his mother that she was expected at the church on that memorable morning. I longed to see that lovely younger daughter, who from her pocket Bible brought to her mother the Cru- sade Psalm, that is the Magna Charta of the White Ribbon Movement ; but she was gone, having been married to Herbert Tuttle, the dis- tinguished professor in Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Those were delightful days in that happy home. We visited the famous Crusade Church, and made the acquaintance of its pastor, the OF THE TEMPERANCE WORK. 203 Rev. Dr. McSurely, who befriended the women from first to last in all their work. We held meetings in the basement of his church, where the first Crusade Praying Band convened; we read the Crusade Psalm from the old Bible, and sang the Crusade hymn. And I have now in my den at home, given me by dear Mrs. Thomp- son, a relic of the Crusade days from a Hillsboro saloon, one of the first ever visited. There she is living still, our Crusade mother, surrounded by her dear ones. It is fortunate for us that we have the record of the "beginnings of things" in the movement of which we are a part, penned by the faithful hand whose chirography I seem to see, "plainer than print," as I dictate these words to my stenographer here in Eastnor Castle, England, a place which I should never have be- held, in a country which would probably never have been like home to me, except for her ; but which is now mapped out to the White Ribbon Movement, and led by the choicest flower of the nobility of England. And all this is because there were women who dared, women who be- lieved in God, and went bravely forward when the Divine call had touched their hearts ; and of them all, Eliza Trimble Thompson was the leader. May, 20, 1895. VI. LETTER OF LADY HENRY SOMERSET. 205 LADY SOMERSET. iDnbon, 3Su0usf 15, 1893, Dbar and Honored Friend : Your charming letter has just been read to Miss Willard and to me, and as Miss Willard is going to send a line, I add this word of affectionate remem- brance. You are doing a service to the cause that will be more and more appreciated as time goes on in giving to the great White Ribbon Army an au- thentic record of those Origines, concerning which you can so truly say: "All of which I saw, and part of which I was." We all think your Sketches should appear in book-form, and marvel that you have so clear and bright a pen, both figuratively and literally, after your lifetime of care and toil. I have b«en waiting in the hopes of being able to send you one of my large photographs ; but as they are not yet finished, I send you this. The other shall come to you as soon as possible, and will be framed, so that, if you care to hang it up, you will look sometimes on the face of one who has for you the deepest sympathy and admiration. Please remember me to Judge Thompson and your sons and daughters, of whom Miss Willard has often spoken. Hoping to see you in Chicago, I am yours ever affectionately, in White Ribbon bonds, ISABEL SOMERSET. 207 H PART II. 209 CHAPTER I. Mrs. Thompson in Literature — ^Autobiography oE A Baby — Episodes in 1837 — Fragmen- tary Writings. MRS. THOMPSON "felt the poetry of life." Harmony was her prominent characteristic. Pier ideals and conduct were in such tune that it was not necessary for her to exercise herself in literal rhythm and rhyme ; but the following poems from her pen show that she could so express herself when she chose to. WRITTEN JANUARY I4, 1873. Flow softly, sweet Shiloah, and as thy waves roll, We '11 sing of thy power to rescue the soul From sin and from darkness, from death and from woe, And hail thee, as onward thro' earth thou dost go. Flow softly, O Shiloah, among our lost race. Murmuring notes of redemption, bid all come and taste ; Thy waters so pure and so cooling they seem. Sure all who behold thee will drink of thy stream. Then flow, lovely Shiloah, flow on in thy might. Till the world shall be gladdened by waters so bright; Then sin and pollution, war, carnage, and blood, Shall pass from our earth, made pure by thy flood. 212 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. How placid, O Shiloah, shall thy current then be. When the joy of lost Eden once we shall see, The rose in the wilderness, blooming and sweet, Lov'd voices of praise in the desert we '11 greet. All nations and kindred one language will speak. No need shall there be a lost neighbor to seek; For all, from the least to the greatest, must know The joy of salvation, so free it will flow. We praise Thee, dear Savior, for love so divine, Sending "peace and good will" into every clime; Blessed Shiloah, flow on, and hasten, we pray, The glory, the bhss, of "Millennial" day ! "These lines were composed one night while watch- ing with my dear mother, a short time before she passed away:" Mrs. Thompson's Memorandum. Why, O my soul, do fears arise, And gloomy thoughts becloud the skies? "Behold yon bow," — it seems to say, "My grace is ever as thy day." "I go before thee," hear Him say ; "The darkest night shall turn to day, Gates of brass I '11 open wide. And bars of iron turn aside." "Rough paths I '11 henceforth smooth for thee, And crooked ways shall straightened be ; All this I '11 do, and not forsake Those who in covenant love 1 take." HiLLSbORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 2 13 Blest Savior, let me ever be Firm in my faith, and love to Thee; Let naught of earth my heart ensnare. But on my Father cast my care. Then when the waves of Jordan roll Around my blood-bought, weary soul, Bear me in Thy beloved embrace To heaven, Thy holy dwelling place. Mrs. Thompson had, in her girlhood, womanhood, and early married life, read good literature. Her hus- band spent the long winter evenings reading aloud from classic authors; but later on the thoughts that sustained her were not selections from Shakespeare, Milton, or Burns, nor even her dear "Hannah More,'' but the daily study of her Bible, Life of the Wesleys, and memorized thoughts from the famous hymn- writers. She was especially fond of these lines from Dr. Isaac Watts : "Our life contains a thousand springs, And dies if one be gone ; Strange that a harp of thousand strings Should keep in tune so long!" Yet, if occasion demanded, she would cheerfully read aloud to others modern books. The daily paper, The Western Christian Advocate, The Union Signal, The New Voice, were looked over with a real zest to the very last months of her life. The Bible, with its vivid pictures and powerful positions, appealed to her histrionic sense. It awoke 214 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. all the poetry and imaginative gift within her. One who knows this is not surprised that she contemplated writing a devotional volume, to be poeticallly entitled, "Stones from the Bed of Jordan : What mean ye by these Stones?" Among her papers is a stray leaf of loose manuscript, which reads as follows : "The obscure yet thoughtful mother, who pre- pared the five barley-loaves and two small fishes for her boy, that he might not hunger while following the Master into the desert, little dreamed those brown loaves would be honored by Christ Himself in feeding the five thousand ; yet it was so ; and who shall say that her heart was not inspired to make this provision for God's plan of feeding the multitude? It is a great privilege to be chosen as the medium through which our God works His grand designs." • Autobiography of a Baby. Sympathetic appreciation of child-life, ability to in- terpret and communicate with it, has been a character- istic of many noble spirits. That Mrs. Thompson was pre-eminent in this is fully illustrated in the fol- lowing sketch written at the request of the editor of The Young Crusader, 1899: " 'The face of death is toward the Sun of Life; His shadow darkens earth ; his truer name Is "Onward," no discordance in the roll And march of the Eternal Harmony.' (Tennyson.) HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 21$ "The old Family Record says : " 'Eliza Jane Trimble, "» Born August 24, 1816, HiLLSBORO, Ohio.' "There was nothmg remarkable in the arrival of this atom of creation, save that a little baby girl was introduced into a family group of grandma, father and mother, five uncles, and four brothers. This novelty — a little baby girl — promised much delight. But, ahs for human hope! in a few hours tears and sighs were substituted for the brief rejoicings as the announce- ment went forth from that darkened room, 'The child is dead.' The 'christening robe' took the place of the first simple, soft, tiny wrapper so tenderly prepared by the thoughtful mother, and kisses and tears were showered by a father whose beautiful dream of a daughter had so quickly vanished. Just at this crisis, however, an arrival that had been greatly desired was announced. A lovely old lady, attired in faultless drab, one of the good Samaritans of the 'Wilderness,' quietly entered, and, softly approaching the stricken mother, stopped to kiss her, saying as she did so : 'My dear daughter, I was detained to render service in a very sad, poor family ; but I left thy cause in the Father's hands, and it must be well.' She then, with a grandmother's loving tenderness, lifted the dainty covering from the (supposed) miniature corpse, and, after skillful research, signs of remaining life' were discovered, and in her noiseless way preparations were quickly made for the testing. Soon it was with this 2l6 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. child as with the Httle daughter of Jairus, 'Her spirit came again, and her parents were astonished.' "The breakfast 'feast' that followed, at the sug- gestion of the overjoyed father, was from earliest memory one of the stories in that home, so captivating that it could not be too often repeated by the faithful old cook who proudly officiated on the occasion. 'The new extension table of olden style,' seating fourteen, was brought into requisition for the first time, and seven aunts, grandmothers two, three faithful neigh- bors, the happy father, and reliable housekeeper com- pleted the group which surrounded this table. Dear Grandma Trimble 'asked the blessing' on that memo- rable morning, and 'Aunt Sarah' usually finished her description of the 'feast of fat things' by exclaiming, 'And I jist tell you, chile, I ain't never heard no sich a blessin' since. Why, dey wus all a-cryin' and a-lafifin' bof at that breakfus.' "Little Eliza Jane — so she was christened — did not begin to walk until she was three years old. It seems that she could not make up her mind to take a step until one day her father, returning from Colum- bus, took out a beautiful blue silk-embossed satchel with silver stars, and said, 'Come ! if you will walk toward me I will give you this.' She started and ran. He caught her in his arms, and, from that time on, her walk was characterized by unusual alertness. Nat- urally this little girl was a great pet among so many uncles and brothers, to say nothing of the grand- mothers and the devoted parents. The father and one uncle had just served in the War of 1812, and the HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 217 serious wound received by Colonel William A. Trimble at the battle of Lake Erie was a subject of family conversation which caused the thild to ever associate war with miserable consequences ; but nevertheless she admired the swords and regimentals quite as much as she did her little spinning-wheel, or possibly her beau- tiful little piano. But nothing aroused her real ad- miration to such a degree as did the wild, spotted deer, whose variegated horns looked so wonderful to her as he would make a plunge from the roof of the house on a winter morning, or take a leap through the bake- oven, when 'Patsy' left the door open and the chim- ney exposed. But, like all human joy, there came an end to his life one day, in consequence of having run his antlers throug-h the fine yarn which the lovely Quaker mother had hung out to bleach in the sun. Such mischief could not be tolerated, she said, and so the dear creature was sacrificed ; but Eliza would not eat a morsel of his venison. And when Grandmother Trimble, with whom she roomed, wanted her as usual to get up at midnight and say her prayers, she found herself quite rebellious at first. "The uncle who had been wounded was now not only colonel in the regular army, but had been made United States Senator, and before starting for Wash- ington City he stood his little niece on a table, put his arm around her and said to her father: 'If I live to return, brother, I want you to promise me that I may superintendent the education of Eliza.' "By the return post there Came material for a dress for this child, selected by the stately senator. 2l8 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. buff with pink rosebuds. When she went to school wearing this dress, her httle companions said to each other, 'Do n't speak to her ; she thinks she is so grand because she 's got on a dress from Washington City.' Later this same uncle sent her a miniature Indian canoe, which he purchased when on his trip to Fort Dearborn with General Cass to make the treaty with the Indians. In the museum of Ann Arbor, Mich- igan, there is an exquisite tortoise-shell fan presented to the museum by Mrs. Thompson in honor of her cousin's memory, Ann Allen, whose husband founded Ann Arbor. They visited Hillsboro on their way to Ann Arbor, and Mrs. Allen gave Eliza the charming fan which now the 'Daughters of the American Revo- lution' of Ann Arbor vahie among their most beau- tiful treasures." One of the inmates of the family at this time was an old Frenchman, who taught the four boys and their little sister, and the little French Testament from which Eliza was taught to read is now in the museum of Berne, Switzerland, having been presented by Mrs. Thompson to the president of the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Mrs. Lillian M. N. Stevens, to whom she was so truly devoted, took this Testament to the Convention at Berne, Switzerland, in 1902, and the new president of Berne Woman's Christian Temperance Union read from it, and then it was presented to the museum of Berne. Miss Anna Gordon owns the little piano which be- longed to Mrs. Thompson when she was a young girl, but the spinning-wheels are still in the old home. HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 219 Episodes The following characteristic anecdote appeared in "A True Republic,'" as related by Mrs. Thompson of Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, who had charge at one time of the primary department of Miss Katherine Beecher's school, which was located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and which Mrs. Thompson as a young girl at- tended. It was the habit of Mrs. Stowe to take the children once a week for a walk or a stroll through the woods, botanizing. Her methods for the study of the child life and her ways of imparting knowledge to these little ones were wholly original, so that she fasci- nated her pupils. Object lessons, not text-books, but rather extemporaneous teachings, made even the chil- dren aware of the fact that they had a great woman to teach them. On these afternoons of recreation in the outdoor life she always selected from her sister Katherine's advanced pupils two or three young women to accompany her and the children. It often- times was Eliza Trimble's good fortune to be one of the chosen companions. On the occasion referred to she was walking very leisurely with Mrs. Stowe when she found herself startled by the question: "Eliza, what do the farmers' wives in your county call their husbands -when speaking of them? You have a large acquaintance in rural districts; now, then, can't you remember?" "Certainly I can," she replied in her usual quick manner. "Him" or "he," she said, without further hesitancy. Mrs. Stowe clasped her hands with joy 220 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. as she exclaimed : "Good. That is worth a hundred dollars to me !" And so it would seem that the realistic school and its methods began many years ago. Other reminiscences of these days are of unique interest. Among these she related that she and one of her brothers rode on horseback from Hillsboro to Chillicothe to visit at "Fruithill," when she was about seventeen years of age. Governor McArthur was a host of good and cheerful conversational powers. He said, addressing Miss Trimble, "What do the girls up in Highland County do to get such roses in their cheeks? Can you not give my daughters some ideas on the subject?'' "Buy Durham cows, and for each one a churn," quickly replied Eliza Jane Trimble. "Good!" exclaimed the governor; and ever afterward Duncan McArthur was a fast friend of the daughter of his contemporary, Allen Trimble. Of course, the most thrilling event of the girlhood of Mrs. Thompson is related by her daughter, Mrs. Tuttle, in the Family Records, pages 21, 22, 23. As a young woman she accompanied her father and one of her brothers to the East at the time the first railroad train was run over the primitive Mohawk and Hudson Railroad, the first link of what is now the New York Central Railway system. Governor D^ Witt Clinton invited the governors of other States to visit New York or old Schenectady at this time, and as Governor Trimble was always a progressive man he decided to take his young daughter and one of his sons to witness what the dear old grandmother at home called "tempting Providence." And she was HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 221 the woman, Jane Allen Trimble, who had swam Clinch River in company with three hundred emigrants, and had been called General Knox's aid-de-camp. But Mrs. Trimble, the beautiful Quakeress mother, aided the daughter in preparation for this trip. Young Eliza wore a bottle-green silk traveling dress ; for she was not allowed to carry much luggage, and had to be dressed in a manner becoming any occasion. Gov- ernor Clinton had been a guest at her father's house in Hillsboro in 1825, when the ceremonies of inaugu- rating work on the construction of the Ohio Canal brought Governor Clinton to the State. The visiting card of General Van Rensselaer is still hoarded away with other interesting souvenirs of this Schenectady trip in Governor Trimble's old State secretary. They also went to Saratoga at this time, as the governor wished to attend the first Tem- perance Convention. When they reached the hall; young Eliza drew back and said, "There are no women present ; I do not want to go in." He took her gently by the hand, and said "Come right along; never be ashamed to be alone in a good cause." Mr. William H. Dodge, of New York City, was presiding. They also went to Boston on this trip, where they were handsomely entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Fairbanks. Mr. Fairbanks and Governor Trimble corresponded for years, and also Miss Caroline and Miss Eliza (Mrs. Thompson). "Suppose I should have a chance to go to England, will you accompany me?" Miss Fairbanks inquires of her friend Eliza in 222 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 1837. "Believe me, my dear friend," she continues, "I have never met any one away from my own fire- side whom I so truly love. I had so long wished for a traveling companion, and I found it all in you." Writings Found Among Mrs. Thompson's Papers. The following from the pen of Mrs. Thompson, "A New-Year's Day in 1839," and printed afterward, not only gives us a lively picture of early social cus- toms in a Western city, but finely illustrates Mrs. Thompson's enthusiasm for temperance and her abil- ity to make an innovation and courageously stand for it: "How slow, and yet how sure, are the develop- ments of God's eternal purpose ! So I thought, as I read in the Cincinnati Commercial-Gazette an account from 'Washington Special' of the hospitality of the National Capital on January i, 1892, with this closing sentence : " 'Not so many years gone by, the bowl of egg- nog was seldom, if ever, omitted from the Hst of re- freshments in every home upon hospitality bent. Yet to-day one is rarely tempted to indulge. Intoxicants of all kinds have been superseded in both official and private houses by the advent of bouillon and cofifee and chocolate, as fancy may dictate or fashion ordain.' "Vividly comes before me, as I read the above notice, a scene of our iirst domicile in Cincinnati, Ohio — on Fourth Street, near Pike — surrounded by charming homes, whose inmates were 'my own and PORTRAIT OF MRS. THOMPSON ABOUT THIS TIME. HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 223 my father's friends,' and from whom we drew much of the joy of our early housekeepmg experience. However, as the time drew near for the observance of that old and cherished custom, 'New-Year's calls,' and fully realizing that there would be no departures from the eggnog and imne regime, my heart grew anxious, for it had not been so in the dear old home of my girlhood. So I mused on these things quietly in my ov n heart, and having decided to be true to my own convictions and early education, even at the risk of being 'alone in a good cause,' I cheerfully set about planning for the then novel entertainment of coffee and chocolate. "First, I invited Mrs. Alexander, a bright, lovable young widow, to receive with me. Mrs. A. was a Miss Anderson, and afterwards married Judge Hall, of Cincinnati. She was not a pronounced temperance woman — indeed few were at that date — but she was a sensible, good woman, and, as she expressed it, 'de- plored the fashion of requiring of our young gentle- men friends the civility of so many drinks the first day of the new year.' Hence, my dear little brides- maid — for such she had been — entered into my plans most cheerfully, much to my delight, and soon our joy was complete to find that there was to be no oppo- sition from the young Kentucky husband, who gener- ously sealed his approval by presenting me with a silver coffee urn as a New- Year's gift, which, with its temperance history, is a favorite heirloom in our family. "From the dear old paternal home in the High- 15 2 24 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. lands, sixty miles away, also came loving tokens of approval, and it did really seem, as that New-Year's morning dawned brightly upon us, that all things were 'working together for good.' "Many were the calls recorded on that day of new experiences, and our hearts were greatly cheered as friend after friend, departing, left with us their bless- ing for the hot coffee, chocolate, etc. "About dusk we were surprised by a call from Cincinnati's distinguished citizen. Judge Burnet, ac- companied by a group of young men — about eight in all — and none of them seemed more than twenty years of age. These favored youths, it appeared, were the pets of Judge Burnet, and intrusted to his care by their mothers, who were his special society friends. When the gallant old Judge entered the room, leaving • his charge in care of Mrs. Alexander, he approached the table where I was standing near the coffee urn, and, taking my hand in both of his, he said, 'I com- mend you heartily, my dear young friend, for thus bravely standing by the principles of your noble father,' and, casting his eyes .towards the hot coffee and choco- late, said, 'This is just what I need to have my boys in condition to meet their dear mothers.' Then, offer- ing his arm, he said, 'But let me introduce you to them.' He then gracici^isly presented me to each one in the circle, for Mrs. Alexander, who knew them and their mothers well, had seated them, as she play- fully remarked to Judge 3urnet, 'Ready for a High- land County banquet;' for my dear mother had sent me country hams, turkeys, butter, and even cream, HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 225 for the occasion, and delicious cake in beautiful vari- ety, made by 'Aunt Patsey,' the favorite cook of my chidhood, who loved me only less than my mother. "Hot coffee and chocolate had been faithfully served all day, and a fresh supply for the evening visitors was just brought in, as our honored guest and his young friends arrived. They enjoyed it, and so did we ; and now, after more than half a century, can you wonder that I rejoice in the report from our 'Washington correspondent ?' "Then, for the year 1896, we have from the Ohio Messenger the following report from 'Washington Letter :' " 'An interesting feature of the dinner recently given to President and Mrs. Cleveland by Secretary and Mrs. Carlisle was the entire absence of wine and liquors from the, table. MrS. Carlisle says that no wine or liquor of any kind has crossed the threshold of her home since the inauguration of President Cleveland.' " From the Secretary the World's Congress "Aux- iliary of the World's Columbian Exposition:" Indianapolis, May 2, 1893. "Mrs. E. J. Thompson : My Dear Madam, — I beg your pardon for not having earlier notified you of the subject which you will be e>,pected to discuss at the World's Congress of Representative Women. My notification would have been made earlier, had the ladies on the program sent in their responses more promptly to my circular letter. I am answering you at the earliest moment possible to make a decision in 226 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. regard to the subjects, and T have up to date received replies only to about thirty per cent of the letters sent out. I state this, not in the spirit of complaint, but to explain the tardiness of my response to yours. "As the program now stands you are booked to discuss the subject, 'Woman as a Religious Teacher,' on Wednesday morning. May i8, 1893. All partici- pants in this discussion will be limited to five minutes. "Anticipating with great pleasure the opportunity of meeting you at the Congress, I remain, my dear madam, Yours very sincerely, "May Wright Sewau., "Chairman of Committee of Arrangements for a World's Con- gress of Representative Women.'' From Lady Henry Somerset for the book written by "The Mother of us All."' "Dear Mrs. Thompson, — One of the most happy experiences of my visits to America has been meeting you. It seems to me that I may count you among my dear friends, for from the first I felt that our hearts were in the strongest sympathy. I had read much about you in the Union Signal, in Miss Willard's books, and elsewhere, and you were prominently in my thoughts when I came. Sometimes, you know, we are disappointed when we meet those in whose praise we have heard much, and it is a comfort to me that in you I found even more than I had hoped. It is among my cherished expectations to see you some day in your own home and with those dear ones to whom you have so earnestly devoted your life, while MRS. THOMPSON AS SHE APPEARED AT BALTIMORE CONVENTION WHEN FLOWERS WERE GIVEN HER. HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 227 you of all women have been last to forget the homes by which your own is surrounded, not in Hillsboro alone, but in the Crusade State, the great Republic, and the White Ribbon World. "Your book of pen-pictures of the Crusade will be most welcome to my study table, and I will do all that I can to make it known among our women in Great Britain. You may be sure it will find a warm welcome at many a genial fireside in the old Home- land. "Believe me, dear Mrs. Thompson, with a heart full of loyalty and affection, ever yours in the work for God and Home and Every Land, Frances E. Willard wrote from Chicago Febru- ary 17, 1892: "My Ever Dear Sister and Friend, — Lady Henry Somerset tells me that she wrote you at once from Boston. The plate for the picture did not come from England. She sat this morning to an excellent pho- tographer, and you will be remembered. I am sending you from her a copy of the book 'Eastnor Castle,' edited by herself. It is one of the great "showplaces' of England, said to be exceeded only by Warwick and Chatsworth. Lady H. holds you in very tender and affectionate remembrance. I think no one at the Convention was more interesting and delightful to her. We are going East, and she will speak at stra- tegic points all along the way to help me — Indian- apolis, Cleveland, Pittsburg, Elmira, Portland, Maine. She wishes to be in Boston when Miss Whitney, the 228 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. sculptor, begins the portrait bust of me which Lady H. has ordered. She ■ sails with her son and his tutor on 13th April for England. She relinquished the trip to Japan, believing it better to postpone that long voy- age until she should go around the world with the C.reat Petition, which will "be within a couple of years {Deo volente). A kiss for your dear self. "Francjjs." Invitations. "London, Engi,and, ■'47 Victoria Street, Westminster, "December 16, 1892. "My Dear Friend, — A large meeting of welcome is to be given to Miss Willard at Exeter Hall on the 9th January. A cable from you as the author of the 'Crusade' would be a delightful feature. If possible, let me have it the day before. My cable address is Theodora, London. "Yours always in the best bond, "ISABEI. SoMERSE'r. "Mrs. Judgb Thompson, "Hillsboro, Ohio." , "The Priory, Reigate, "April S, 1895. "My Pear Friend, — We desire to send you a very tender and special invitation to be with us, as 'Plat- form Support,' throughout the World's and National B. W. T. U. meetings, of June 14-21, in London. HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 229 Two hundred pulpits have been engaged and the larg- est halls in the city ; there is every reason to believe that the 'Demonstration' will be unsurpassed, if not unequaled, in the annals of the temperance movement. "You would be honored and rejoiced over, as you well know, beyond telling. We should gladly wel- come the Judge, your daughters and sons. May we not urge you, each and all, to 'think on these things?' "With every tender remembrance and wish, be- lieve us, always, your loyal sisters, "Frances E. Willard, "Isabel Somerset." Miss WiIvI^ard's Letter About Oi,d Crusade Church. "Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, "May i6, 189s. "Dear Friend, — Since writing you I have been astonished and afflicted to learn that, there is talk of tearing down the Crusade church. For my part, I would as sooti tear down Bunker Hill monument or St. Paul's Cathedral! How can our people allow it to be torn down — we who have so few memorials or historical remembrances of great things? (Then she makes some suggestions.) "Believe me ever yours, "Frances E. Willard.'' 230 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. Another letter, among the large number addressed to Mrs. Judge Thompson by Miss Willard says she is writing an article for The Honiiletic Monthly^ which will be read by twenty thousand ministers, and "you are represented in this symposium of temperance workers as the first Crusader."* Old Crusade Church. the last service by the women bei'ore it was torn down. Paper read by Mrs. Thompson in the morning meeting before the church was given up for a new edifice. "As Aaron was commanded to bear the names of' the children of Israel 'in the breast-plate of Judgment' upon his heart when he went into the holy place 'for a memorial before the Lord,' so we 'Crusaders' would come this morning with the names of the "redeemed ones' since 1873 upon our hearts for a 'Memorial' to this sacred old church, where the pillar of fire and cloud first appeared as our shield and guide. And as we sorrowfully commemorate the passing away of this blessed 'historic' old church, we woujd join in the spirit of praise and thanksgiving for the prospect- ive temple, so soon to appear. When the prophet Isaiah would comfort the Church with gracious prom- ises, he exclaimed: 'Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habi- *Miss Grand Girard, of Hillsboro, gave the name of "Crusaders." JUDGE THOMPSON. HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 23 1 tations : spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.' Then, this pillar of cloud and fire is not a fixture, but a movable benediction. It is guided by the command of the great 'I Am,' and He looks through the cloud to lead and bless His trusting ones, and to 'overthrow and confound His enemies.' It will 'hover over' the new temple, which, by the united zeal and liberality of pastor and people, must soon occupy the sacred spot rendered very dear to many hearts who have enjoyed, all 'these Crusade years, the unin- terrupted hospitality of its sacred walls and the spirit- ual unity of its faithful pastor and wife." "The earthly calendar of our lives is uncertain and short, We know not when we may be summoned to a Higher Court ; But the Heavenly calendar brings eternal life and light Resplendent in the glory of our King's power and might." These lines were written by Lallie Matthews Ferris soon after the death of Judge Thompson, who lived to a beautiful old age. August 6, 1900, James Henry Thompson — a man of large benevolence, of tender spirit, of intense -love for wife and children, for rela- tives and friends, and who ever had a smile for his enemies — bade farewell to earthly thoughts. "He had always been an able defender of woman, and believed in rights and privileges being granted her ; urged his wife to go to the Temperance Conven- tions, while he identified himself, in 1877, with the Murphy movement, and was an avowed public advo- S;ate of all anti-liquor movements." "He never lay 232 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. down to rest in his beautiful old age without thank- ing his wife and children for the devotion and love bestowed upon him. In 1881 the bar of Hillsboro tendered him a banquet, it being the fiftieth anniver- sary of his professional career." And the bar accom- panied him whom they loved, walking two and two under the hot August sun, to the "Silver Lake" Ceme- tery, and the Memorial and Resolutions of the Court of Highland County, prepared by Judge Huggins and others, were indeed honest and worthy. See references to Judge Thompson's ancestry, page 38. On their crest was the motto, "In God we trust." The picture of Mrs. Thompson walking on the southern porch was taken several months after the death of her husband. She cared more for it than any picture of herself, as she always related to friends, that Mr. Thompson, while resting here one August evening, only a short time before his death, had talked of the immortality of the soul and the heavenly host in a way never to be forgotten by her. Several years ago the National and State organ- izations set apart the birthday of this distinguished woman, as a day to be observed along with that of Frances Willard, Lady Henry Somerset, Anna Gor- don, Neal Dow, the sainted Jennie Cassaday, and others of fame in the National and the World's Work. The modesty and unpretentious spirit of the woman has protested against the many celebrations of this day, and not one has ever been noticed in Hillsboro except under her protest. "Why I have done nothing," or "I have done my duty in fear and humility under o H X m X H X O 3: •V r- z o o z H I m (A C a: m po z ■o O n HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 233 God," or "What have I done that hundreds of others have not done whose birthdays ought to be celebrated as well as mine?" were the arguments she would al- ways advance when consulted about it. She has, how- ever, been powerless to stop the spirit of love and de- votion of the adherents, and everywhere the .White Ribbon has gone they are celebrating this eighty- seventh anniversary. When we take into consider- ation that it is fully organized in forty-nine countries of the world, the United States alone having almost ten thousand Unions, we can realize what a small af- fair the Hillsboro occasion was, notwithstanding its success. Not until last year was there any measure or joy or satisfaction in the occasion to Mother Thomp- son. Not being strong in health, and jealous as well for others who stood with her in the work, she most vigorously protested against any public demonstration. At one time she said: "I am 'coming so near to the heavenly kingdom, and my faith in my great Savior is growing so sweet and trusting, just like the faith of a dear little child in its loving mother, that I feel like a tired child going to rest in that mother's arms ; and if I would want to celebrate my birthday at all it would be that I might spend it among little children." Her friends set themselves to gratify this wish of her heart, and at the Children's Home, surrounded by the little ones, she feasted her eyes and her heart while she listened to their sweet voices in song and recitation. She received her wish, and told her friends she "was well paid, for she received an old-fashioned Methodist class-meeting blessing." 234 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. The Hillsboro Dispatch, August 28, 1903, says : "At the Convention of the Highland County Union in May it was decided to combine their Harvest Home Donation with the birthday celebration, as all the mem- bers expressed a wish to thus show their love and honor for her. On Monday last the County Workers met in the morning for a Conference and short busi- ness meeting. Congratulations and flowers were sent to her from that meeting. After dinner a large crowd gathered at the Home. The meeting was opened by Mrs. H. F. Patterson, of Greenfield, county president. The services were then taken in charge by the matron of the Home and her assistant. For over an hour the audience was entertained by the precious little ones with song, recitation, and responses. Perhaps the greatest compliment that could be paid to them, was the close attention and deep interest taken in every number of the program, although the afternoon was one of intense heat. "Mother Thompson sat among them like a queen surrounded by loving subjects, happy in her association with the children, her beautiful face smiling upon each one and showing appreciation and enjoyment in every effort of the children. The meeting closed with bene- diction by Rev. Lizzie Larkin, of the Friends Church. Some time was spent in greetings and congratulations, and the assembly scattered to their several homes praying God's blessing upon the Home, the little ones, and Mother Thompson." On August 24, 1902, Mrs. Thompson's birthday gift, a booklet of Forget-me-Nots, was collected, HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 235 through the energy and kind enthusiasm of Mrs. Cot- ton Mather, Mrs. Margaret Gregg, and others, and pre- sented to Mrs. Thompson. It is tied in white satin ribbon, the blue Forget-me-Not is painted in water- colors on the outside, and the name of the flower in gold letters, the work of the Misses Detwiler, who so often sent charming gifts to Mother Thompson. This particular booklet is kept in the cabinet in the Crusade Memorial Room. It contains some rare sentiments of Hillsboro people and of friends from a distance, and will be treasured for long years with other price- less things stored away among the archives. Some; Interesting Letters, 1901-2-3. Bishop David H. Moore, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, wrote from Shanghai, China, February 16, 1901 : "How it gladdened my heart and cheered my eyes, the beautiful and unusual picture framed in with trail- ing flowers ! It is to me an inspiration in Asia, illum- inating my study table. "We are pleasantly situated and are well. With three empires in my Diocese I have still hope for four weeks at home during the year. China is wonderful, and is worth all she costs the Church in money and labor and blood. . , ." 236 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. "EvANSToN, Ili,., October 24, igo2. "DiiAREST Mrs. Thompson, — May I write to you and your two daughters collectively, just the one line of love I have time to send you to-day in the hurry of the aftermath of our great Convention ? We want you to know that all pronounced it 'perfect,' and it certainly has been a wonderful meeting. Lady Henry Somerset was gracious and charming, as she always is, and spoke to us most delightfully. The panel of roses painted by Mrs. Tuttle, and which was presented to Lady Henry as a joint gift from Mrs. Tuttle and Mrs. Rives, was an exquisite thing, and Lady Henry seemed very greatly pleased to carry home this souve- nir from Hillsboro and your home. It was presented on Tuesday night, when she bade us farewell, and it stood on an easel on the platform in a light that brought out all its beauty. We offered to pack it for Lady Henry and send it to the steamer on which she will return to Liverpool; but she would not listen to any such plan, fearing she might fail in some way to get it; and we therefore carried it to her place of enter- tainment, and it was packed with her personal baggage. Lady Henry has the note so kindly written by Mrs. Rives. "Again deeply regretting that you could not all be with us, and with a heart full of love from Mrs. Ste- vens and myself, I am, "Yours affectionately, Anna A. Gordon." HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 237 The following letter was received by Mrs. Tuttle from Lady Somerset, acknowledg-ing the panel of roses from her brush : "Boston, Mass., October 27, 1902. "My Dear Friend, — I want to thank you a thou- sand times for your delightful picture. Your roses will bloom in my home, and I shall think of you and of your mother and of your sister. They are in them- selves a charming adornment, and will remind me of those whose friendship I value. "With love to you and your "mother and sister, be- lieve me, Yours affectionately, "IsABEi, Somerse;t. "HoTEi, Somerset." Twenty-Ninth Crusade Anniversary, HiIvLSboro, Ohio. An Oriental legend relates that a prince brought a tent to his father in a walnut-shell. The king took it out and began to unfold it. It covered the king and his counselors ; it covered the royal household ; it cov- ered the general and his army ; it covered the king- dom ; it covered the whole world. It was Christianity ; God was the Father, and the prince was Jesus Christ. The kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord. This fancy is fitly typical of the great Woman's Christian Temperance Union movement, the outgrowth of the little band of praying women, the seventy who. 238 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. in a spirit of love, devotion, and self-sacrifice, went forth that December morning twenty-nine years ago. Less than a generation has passed since this great movement had its bii-th, and lo, what hath God wrought ! The Woman's Christian Temperance Union Wliite-Ribboners encircle the globe. These seventy who builded better than they knew, and "Organized for doing good The world's united womanhood," represent the divine endeavor of Christian women to rescue the tempted and perishing. On Tuesday afternoon, December 23, 1902, the local Woman's Christian Temperance Union, with a few friends, assembled in the Crusade Memorial Rooms in the beautiful new Presbyterian church of Hillsboro, Ohio, to celebrate the twenty-ninth anni- versary of the Crusade and witness the unveiling of the portrait of Mrs. Eliza Jane Trimble Thompson, "the Crusade Mother," so finely executed by a gifted artist, Mrs. Mary McArthur Tuttle. The president of the day, Mrs. E. E. Ferris, the granddaughter of the Crusade vice-president, Mrs. Sally McDowell, and Mrs. Rebecca Arthur, the faith- ful secretary, were in the official chairs. After Scripture reading by Mrs. .Ferris the Rev. R. D. Eicklider, of the Baptist Church, offered a fer- vent prayer, the keynote of which was "Courageous hearts and loyalty to duty." A beautiful trio, violin, flute and piano, was then HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 239 executed by Mrs. Rives, Miss Detwiler, and Mr. Thompson. Then followed the presentation of the portrait of "Mother" Thompson, the gift of the Na- tional Woman's Christian Temperance Union to the Crusade Memorial Room. National and State officers, national superintendents, organizers, lecturers, and evangelists contributed. Rev. S. O. Royal, D. D., of the Methodist Epis- copal Chtirch, who made the presentation, said in part : "Sisters, Friends, and Mothers of the Woman's Chris- tian Temperance Union, — He would be a stoic indeed who would fail to appreciate the honor and take no pride in performing the office now appointed me. At this shrine and at this moment of anniversary, speech stems well-nigh a desecration, and thoughtful silence more becoming. At the Bethlehem of an impulse which called a nation's womanhood away from patient tears to heroic action; at the birthplace of a move- ment destined to be world-wide in its reach, deep as the centuries in its influence, and broad as human suf- fering in its sympathies, our voices are subdued by a holy awe, which stifles rather than assists utterance. Were not this task placed upon me by others, I should yield to an impulse to beg pardon for disturbing your meditations and the recollections which gush forth spontaneously in this memorial room. "Surrounded by mementos of value and meaning, we are now to add another more precious than them all. Veiled at this moment from our view is a portrait of Mrs. Eliza J. Thompson, 'Mother of the Crusade.' Concerning it let me say two or three things. 16 240 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. "Who that has eyes to see and a mind to think can escape the spell of a master-painter's witchery? By the deft placing of vari-colored pigments a plain sur- face receives depth here and prominence there; by a cunning arrangement of lights and shadows a mean- ingless canvas is made to speak, to smile, to follow you with intelligent gaze. No wonder that 'in the elder days of art' painters wrought with reverent care ; " that some of them knelt while they worked ; that their most frequent themes were devout; nor that the mas- terpieces of genius are housed in the temples of a world's worship. Here you shall presently see a can- vas to whose value time shall render a compound in- terest. And this value will be forever enhanced by the fact that each stroke was placed by a daughter's loving hand as well as by an artist's careful skill. "Here, too, will you see a portraiture of character. To one who has mind-sight added to eye-sight here is a pictured biography. Intelligence and courage^ firmness and tact, patience and a large sense of humor, a charity for men and faith in God, are as plainly vis- ible as if a Dickens or a Boswell had taken a thousand pages to describe them. Here is an open book on grandeur of character which later generations can read after she and we have vanished from sight. "Here, too, is an epic of achievement. The finest monuments of the past are not the statues which men carve, not the bronzes which bear their epitaphs, but the deeds which they have done. The elements bite away the granite monolith, and fires melt the brass memorial. Earth's finest temples are now in ruins, > c c H O C 3: t- c o z o z H o o c > o m tn o ?3 o o HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 24 1 and others are crumbling ; but the deeds of heroes are hving stones built into immortal temples. Hoary wrong that with defiant hardihood rises ever and anon to oppose, only adds strength and glory to the achieve- ments of heroes. This portrait will tell not merely who once lived here and how one of the brave band of 'Crusaders' looked, but more eloquently will it recount what was here done. It will record no short-lived vic- tory, greeted with the shoutings of a capricious popu- lace. It will tell rather of a triumph at the first doubt- ful, tardy, partial ; of its progress, slow as the glacier, but as resistless ; and if I may be prophetic, it will tell how it grew to an avalanche, until by the weight of woman's prayers, of woman's intelligence, and of wo- man's will, it swept the world's greatest wrong into oblivion. "In the name of the officers of the National Wo- man's Christian Temperance Union this work of art, this story of beautiful character and brave leadership, this epic in color of a vast moral movement, I present to the custody of this Church for a place among the furnishings and memorials of this historic room." The unveiling by Rev. S. O. Royal followed, and we looked upon the beautiful face, so exquisitely re- produced by loving fingers, the face of the gracious lady who shall be known in White Ribbon annals through the long hereafter as "a noble type of good, heroic womanhood." The legal deed of acceptance by the Church offi- cials was read by Rev. H. N. Faulconer, the pastor. 242 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. who then fehcitoiisly and forcefully accepted the beau- tiful gift, and paid loyal homage to the Crusade Mother and her co-workers, the central thought being that God had intrusted to woman, a child of God, grown by His grace, a movement that will never die. After the singing of the Crusade Hymn, "Give to the winds thy fears," friends near and familiar brought affection's immortelles, and broke the alabaster box of precious ointment in Crusade memori^. Mrs. Thompson was unable to be present, and her elder daughter, Mrs. Marie T. Rives, of sweet and gentle mien, gave utterance to the following tender tribute : "When the National president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and Miss Gordon were our guests last March, the first thing they observed in the parlor was the portrait of my mother, which they pronounced ^ a perfect likeness and a beautiful piece of art. To-day, by order of the National Wo- man's Christian Temperance Union — for every State has contributed — and by the courtesy of the pastor, Rev. H. N. Faulconer, and the official board, the pic- ture is to hang upon the walls of the Crusade Memo- rial Room. We hope and believe that before many months another sweet face will look out from these walls — that of Mrs. General McDowell. These two workers must have looked earnestly into each other's faces in those early Crusade days, when they kneeled on the icy pavements of Hillsboro and gave to 'the winds their fears.' Now that Hillsboro stands upon the HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 243 heights of answered prayer, let them look peacefully into each other's faces from these sacred walls ! "You can not expect me to say much to-day. What can a child say of a loving, devoted mother, except on bended knee to thank God for her ? When we think of what these leaders have done for the world, we thank God for the wonderful growth of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and what it has done for the uplifting of humanity. "But, dear friends, I want to say something to you to-day, sisters of the White Ribbon, and dear Hillsboro friends. From the depths of my heart I thank you for your constant appreciation of my mother's work. Never a birthday or any anniversary passes but our home is fragrant with flowers and kind greetings ; and now that mother is much in her room, every day comes some cheerful, kind message from many friends. So to-day let us thank God for the temperance work and victories, for this Memorial Room, built as firmly in stone as the principle it represents, and for the sacred treasures it contains." Mrs. Lizzie A. Harsha, whose loyalty to the tem- perance cause is unfaltering, with characteristic fervor spoke of the nearness of the anniversary dates of the birth of the movement and that of our Savior, alike for the uplifting of sinful and sorrowing humanity. After prayer by Mrs. Moses Calvert, one stanza of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic'' was sung from printed slips, the souvenir gift of Mrs. Thompson. A telegram from Miss Anna Gordon was read, and the 244 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. doxology and the benediction b)^ Rev. S. O. Royal followed. Thus was marked the twenty-ninth anniversary in Hillsboro, the "Cradle of the Crusade." The Friday Ci 17 256 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. journeyed from their home in Oxford, Ohio, in order to join in the celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of the Crusade. "The audiences from these various meetings joined the main body that marched from the Presbyterian Church to the Thompson Home. This historic cot- tage, modest as to exterior, but exceedingly spacious within, holds an atmosphere that contains all the ele- ments of an ideal home. Lives of sturdy integrity, characterized by devotion to God and to any cause that makes for righteousness, speak to one from the canvases on the vi^alls and from the simple but sub- stantial furnishings that constitute the true 'homeli- ness' of an abiding-place. Over the piano in the cheer- ful parlor hangs an excellent portrait of Governor Trimble, the honored father of Mrs. Thompson. The dining-room, with its old-fashioned mahogany furni- ture and shining silver, was a delight to the eyes, while the kitchens, modern and ancient, down three steps, after the fashion of the quaint old houses of a past generation, contained much that appealed to the femi- nine interest which surveyed the minutest details with a loving comprehensiveness ; there were many expres- sions of delight and wonderment over the rag carpet, but recently completed by the deft fingers of Mrs. Thompson herself. What better refutation could be made to the oft-repeated statement concerning the tendency of women to ignore domestic accomplish- ments in the pursuit of an ideal that promises to re- form the world? This household saint, eighty-seven years of age, who helped to set in motion the forces HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 257 that resulted in the organization of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, has ever found her great- est joy within the sacred precincts of home. We had the privilege of seeing her within her happiest environ- m.ent, and memory will hold no sweeter picture than that of Eliza J. T. Thompson extending to her com- rades from all quarters of the earth the hospitality of her own hearthstone. "The daughters of this beautiful home, Mrs. Marie T. Rives and Mrs. Mary McArthur Tuttle, were on this as on all other occasions, fitting representatives of their gracious mother. Mrs. Rives, assisted by several members of the local committee, received the guests in the parlor ; Mrs. Tuttle conducted them over the house, and it would be hard to say where we loved best to linger.® The apartments occupied by the daugh- ters expressed an individuality — the culture of heart and mind that has contributed so much toward the comfort and happiness of the little 'mother' whom all hold dear. We wandered from room to room, fasci- nated in turn by some particular characteristic of each, coming back always to that Chamber of Peace wherein sat the woman we delighted to honor. We left her there, enshrined within a thousand hearts that had this day come into the joy of her presence. "The satisfaction of the spiritual feast that had * And Mother Thompson's charming grand-niece Mrs. Dr. Henry M. Brown, also, Mrs. Lucy Harman, Mrs. John Matthews, Mrs. William Matthews, Mrs. Albert Matthews, Mrs. B. L. Ferris, Mi'ss Lizzie Kirby, Mrs. J. McD. Stockton, Mrs, John A. Trimble, assisted Mrs. Rives and Mrs. Tuttle, during this reception. The absence of Mrs. Margaret Arm- strong and other relatives was much regretted. 258 HILLSDORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. been spread before us from the moment of our arrival in Hillsboro, but added zest to the appetite for the material good things that awaited our coming at Arm- ory Hall. We wondered how such a great host of hungry mortals could, in the little time allowed for lunching, be waited upon and sent on their way re- joicing, but here again we found the capable and ener- getic ladies of the Church had accepted and distrib- uted a gift of Mr. John Gregg, a grandson of Mrs. Margaret Gregg, one of the vice-presidents of the local union. And Mrs. Gregg and her fellow-workers deserve special mention for the sacrifice they made in serving upon the committees necessary to the success of the luncheon, in that it debarred them from the privilege of attending the functions at the phurch and at the Thompson home. "Women in happy groups in the spacious hall en- joyed a bounteous repast, and at the close were de- lighted by a charming speech from Mrs. Rives, in which she graciously mingled words of welcome and farewell. Again Mrs. Stevens expressed the thanks of the White Ribboners for the welcome and entertain- ment so lavishly bestowed on us all, and without the slightest jar in the many details of the program of the day the large company took the train for Cincinnati, waving their good-byes to Hillsboro, and singing, 'God be with you till we meet again.' " Vi Vi )& The Hillsboro papers gave up column after column. One paper added Judge Thompson's poetic account of the Crusade. (See page 65 of this book.) H ac m X > o ■n tn X O hillsboro crusade sketches. 259 Mother Thompson's Notes. November 16, 1903.— What a day ! Help us to in- terpret it aright, dear Lord ! and may much good come to our town because of the zeal of "Thy handmaidens !" My strength has been as my day !, as it has so often been — How could I doubt Thy promises, O Lord ! December 2, 1903. — Still wonderfully well, and not in the least jarred by the multitude ! What a "wonder- working God" we have ! Help us to love Thee with all our hearts, our souls, our all, until we see Thee as Thou art ! December 5, 1903. — A beautiful morning; but too cold for me to go out. What a trial to be kept from the "house of God" by distance, etc. ! Give me the needed grace and patience for all my cares, trials, and anxieties, and also give me gratitude for my many and varied blessings ! 1903. — Another year' has passed, and we are here ! But we are nearer home — nearer to our heavenly . home ! Strengthen us for the flight, dear Father ! «« «J JS A Word from Mother Thompson. John G. Woolley, — How glad I was to find that the spirit of bear and forbear, so in keeping with the Compassionate Savior of mankind, and, we think, of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, was to be the mainspring of The New Voice. With your expe- rience, ability, and the new element, I am quite sure 26o HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. that The New Voice will be as one "crying in the wil- derness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make His paths straight.'' E. J. Thompson. Hillsboro, Ohio. MJ fe' >g It was Christmas eve, 1903. Two members of the family had gone to play flute and organ in the church for children's festival ; a third was at home with "dear mother." She knitted on pink-and-white mittens for the little baby of Rev. and Mrs. Henry O. Faulconer, referred, in course of conversation, to Mr. Detwiler and Mrs. Charles Harsha, a;Qd their wonderful Sun- day-school, and remarked that her grandmother, Jane Allen Trimble, started the first Sunday-school in Hills- boro; showed the little book given her by that grand- mother, which was loaned to all the pupils of that Sunday-school. "Don't let us worry about domestic changes in the kitchen this bitter weather; make no resolutions when we are in the midst of a frozen stream ; wait until spring to agitate the labor question ; reprove faults in the spirit of love, while we may hate them ; exercise kindness in every rebuke." The next day she was happy over the charming and numerous Christmas gifts which came to her. As one friend was taking leave of her, who had brought in person her gift, she said: "Remember, it takes a life- time of cultivation and care, planting and watching, to make an acceptable old age, just as it takes an acre of roses to make one vial of ottar of roses." After the friend left she said: "I admire her! She has fine HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 26 1 spirit, and certainly can make things look prettier on a little Japanese tray than any one I know of." S& % % Bits o^ Conversations with Family in L,ate Years. After the visit of the five hundred delegates from the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union Convention, No /ember i6, 1903, I said, "It is a matter of great surprise to some that you have such a fol- lowing." "Not at all," she quickly replied; "Frances Willard and I each gave our best. Every society must have a leader.- 'Ye are my witnesses ; ye shall receive power from the Holy Spirit ; I have spread you abroad as the four winds of heaven, saith the Lord.' " "Where is that?" I asked. "Zechariah, second chapter, sixth verse." la &• );« A Ceusadb Hymn, 'Expressive of the Great Idea with which the Women of Hillsboro went forth. Dedicated to Mrs. Thompson BY Pastor Felix. In His dear name who loved us so, Forth to our duty will we go ; The task may seem like loss, like shame,— Forth will we go in His dear name. 262 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. In His dear name ! O who can tell What courage in that thought may dwell ! In His dear name ! Ah ! who can know Where by that impulse he may go ? To admire, to commend, to record virtue — a pleas- ant, easy task is this. But to do a heroic act when we do not know it heroic — that is of God and God-hke. Hampden Corner, Maine, February 17, i8p6. ^ i^ va March ly, 1905. — The Pilgrim Magazine requested Mrs. Thompson to send them a photograph of herself and some data to be used in their article on "The Grand Dames of America." The associate editor wrote as follows : "Knowing the inspiration your success in life has been to thousands of women, and the admiration and esteem in which you are held throughout the country, I am asking the courtesy of the use of your photo- graph in this article I am preparing. "Cordially yours, Steli^a Reid CroTherS." When it appeared, it included sketches and por- traits of Clara Barton, Mary A. Livermore, Julia Ward Howe, Susan B. Anthony, Fanny J. Crosby, Elize Jane Thompson, Hetty R. Green, Augusta Evans Wilson, Mrs. Jefferson Davis, Amelia E. Barr, Harriet Prescott Spofford, Louise Chandler Moulton, Mrs. W. G. Jones, Mary J. Holmes.— June number of The Pil- grim, 1905. t/) o c rn O -n O H I rn XI H X o (/^ o Z a: O S m HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 263 The invitation to the unveihng of the Frances E. Willard statue in the National Capitol, Febraury 17th, was the great event for 1905 for the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union. )S )S IS Mrs. Thompson sent a copy of the Western Christian Advocate to Sir "Wilfrid Lawson, who sent the following reply : " Dear Madam, — Best thanks for the Christian Advocate containing the very interesting account of the Miss "Willard demonstration. It is very interest- ing indeed to find politicians and statesmen hastening to do honor to one who spent a noble life in trying to do good to the world. It is a good sign of the times. "With all good wishes for all good causes, both in America and Britain, I am yours truly, " Wilfrid 1,awson. ' CHAPTER III. Eighty-Ninth Birthday — Joseph L. Boardman's Tribute- — Illness and Death— Extracts FROM THE Press — Letters of Condolence. To Mrs. Ei.iza J. Thompson, Mother of the "Temperance Crusade," on her Birthday, August 24, 1905. "Blessed art thou among women" o'er the earth, Thy sisters of the W. C. T. U. Honor this happy day that gave thee birth, And with glad hearts their prayers for thee renew. Great was the work God called on thee to do, And nobly didst thou answer to the call. Loved and revered thou art to-day by all. Who love their fellow-men and daily pray For their deliverance from the tyrant's sway. Whose power, to all mankind a deadly foe, Has filled so many homes with want anc woe. Spared to the ripe old age of eighty-nine. Each day and hour may joy and peace be thine, Till God shall call thee to the Life Divine ! Joseph Lockhart BoardmaiJ. Columbus, Ohio, August 23, 1905. 264 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 265 Some one asked Mrs. Thompson if she would like to give this verse to the local editor of the paper Mr. Boardman had charge of so many years. She replied, "No; it was too much praise beyond her deserving." S& % % The balmy' sunshine of a first spring day of 1905 cast its beauty across the spacious hall in the old Hills- boro home. From the blossoms and velvety modest grass, be- fore unappreciative feet had trodden upon it, came a breath of spring, and the fowls, which had stood hero- ically a zero winter, took their reward in a proud sunning under a cheerful, sky. Bright yellow jonquils emphasized spring's return, and Easter greetings were in evidence. The summer came, with its bright sunshine and twilight evenings. To the delight of Mrs. Thompson's devoted children, it found her in comfortable health, and, although frail, quite equal to walking from room to hall, and always adding cheer and happiness to the dining-rc >m by her presence. In the twilight she loved to hear the sound of flute and piano from the parlor, and would frequently call attention to the sunset glow upon the Rembrandt picture in the hall, indicating her hearty interest in her children's tastes. V/hen August 24th brought her eighty-ninth birth- day, she received kind relatives, neighbors, and friends who called upon her, in her most gracious, sweet man- ner and without apparent fatigue. 266 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. "Rebecca Muntz has been faithful to me for years with flowers, fruit, and kindness," she said that day, and she felt it of many others. The public celebration of her birthday took place at the Children's Home. For years her birthday had been a red-letter day of the National Woman's Chris- tian Temperance Union. By Mrs. Thompson's request a resolution passed by order of the Highland County Union that the Chil- dren's Home should benefit by gifts made in her name, and the little children, the waifs, for which she had a tender mother love, were cheered by the wealth of affection and generosity bestowed upon her. Mrs. Thompson expressed to her family at the close of her last birthday that it had been the happiest she had passed for years. )S )^ (S EXTRACTS FROM THE PRESS. Funeral ot Mrs. Judge Thompson.* "My Dear Children and Friends, — When the chariot swings low enough for me to step in, let all things be done quietly, modestly, and humbly. No needless expense, no empty words, no useless com- mendations. 'Saved by grace' must be my theme on *This article appeared in The Western Christian Advo- cate. HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 267 earth and in heaven." This memorandum, bearing date of June 9, 1905, was found among Mrs. Thomp- son's papers, and guided in the conduct of her funeral. The body was laid in state in the Crusade Memo- rial Chapel of the Presbyterian Church. The casket was covered with, Quaker gray cloth and surrounded with banks of flowers, white predominating, sent by the National, State, and local Woman's Christian Tem- perance Unions, and dear relatives and friends far and near. The wreath hung against the stained glass windows was magnificent! The surviving mem- bers of the first Woman's Crusade Praying Band acted as a guard of honor. As the hour of serv- ice approached, one hundred women, each wearing conspicuously the significant emblem of the White Ribbon filed out of the church door, two by two. It was an impressive sight, as it thrillingly recalled the historic march of the Crusaders from the same church door, December 23, 1873. It is also a coincidence worthy of mention that this very day and hour, Mon- day 2 P. M., a prayer-meeting for the universal spread of temperance has been maintained without a single omission for thirty-two years since the first meeting on this very spot of original Crusaders. The funeral cortege proceeded to the Methodist Episcopal church, where the pastor, the Rev. W. A. Deaton, presided. The first address was made by Rev. Dr. Davis W. Clark, of Cincinnati, his theme having been assigned to him by Mrs. Thompson herself. It was, "The Influence of Religion Upon a Human Life.'' 268 HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. Dr. Clark affirmed the continuous presence of Jesus upon the earth ; the incarnation of His Divine ideals of love and service in the lives of His followers being the essential repetition of his own life. The Rev. Dr. W. J. McSurely, of Oxford, Ohio, pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Hillsboro during the Crusade, followed with reminiscences and an analy- sis of character. He spoke of Mrs. Thompson's demo- cratic spirit. She was not lacking in pride of family ; she appreciated the social prestige of being a govern- or's daughter ; but she had a heart to feel for any and for all. This fine, sympathetic tuning of her soul was the secret of her phenomenal influence extending over all classes. In a time when the idle rich are doing so much to drag down the high standard of conduct, she made a large contribution toward its maintenance. Familiarity with Scripture was another characteristic. Many ministers, even, do not know their Bibles as she knew hers. Thus she enriched her language, whether writing or speaking. All who knew her felt the touch of her intimacy with God. The Rev. Mr. Deaton closed, affirming that the greatness of Mrs. Thomp- son consisted in her consecrated womanhood. The Rev. S. O. Royal, a former pastor; the Rev. Warren B. Dunham, Presbyterian; the Rev. Louis E. Durr, Episcopal ; the Rev. R. D. Eicklider, Baptist, shared in the service, while the choir sang favorite hymns. One brief hour was occupied, and the spirit of Mrs. Thompson's directions was faithfully kept. The four remaining children were presept — Mr. John B. Thompson, Salt Lake City; Mr. Henrv B. HILLSBORO CRUSADE SKETCHES. 269 Thompson, Mrs. Dr. Edward Rives, and Mrs. Pro- fessor Herbert Tuttle. Mr. Henry Thompson and his two widowed sisters make their home in the historic old mansion, at Hillsboro. ^^'Z^-cZ^Uff-inL^ ^m