# Woman of the Century/Addie C. Strong Engle

​ENGLE, Mrs. Addle C. Strong, author, born in the town of Manchester, Conn.. 11th August. 1845. She traces her ancestry back to 1630, when John Strong, of some historic fame, came to ADDIE C. STRONG ENGLE. this country from Taunton, England. Her girlhood years were spent in the picturesque town of South Manchester, and her later life, until 1882 in Meriden, Conn. As a child she found her pen a recreation. Her talent for literary composition was inherited from her mother, who was Mary B. Keeney, who>e ancestors were among the earlier settlers of South Manchester. When a girl of sixteen, she sent an article upon one of the terrible war years then just ended to "Zion's Herald," of Boston, in which it was printed as a leader, and she was engaged by its publisher to write a series of sketches for children. She spent several years in teaching in South Manchester. In 1866 she became the wife of J. H Bario, of Meriden. Two daughters of that marriage survive and share her home. For years she gave her best labors to the Order of the Eastern Star, in which she was honored by being called three years to fill the highest office in her native State. In the discharge of the duties pertaining to that position her executive ability and knowledge of jurisprudence won commendation as being "wonderful for a woman." a compliment she rather resented, as her pride and faith in the abilities of her sex are large. Her stories and poems have appeared for years in children's papers, the "Voice of Masonry." the "Churchman" and other periodicals. She has published many stories and poems. The odes used in the secret work of the Order of the Eastern Star and its beautiful memorial service were her contributions. In 1882 she became the wife of Rev. Willis D. Engle, of Indianapolis, an Episcopal clergyman, and removed to the Hoosier State. There she at once became identified, outside of church work, with local organizations of the Eastern Star, the Woman's Relief Corps, the McAII Mission and the King's Daughters, all of which received the hearty labors of her brain and pen. With her husband she commenced in 1889 the publication of a monthly illustrated magazine, the "Compass, Star and Vidette," in the interest of the Masonic, Eastern Star and Relief Corps Orders. The entire charge of the literary and children's departments fell upon her. In December, 1890, she ceased active participation in the work of the various societies to which she belonged, and joined the sadly increasing order of "Shut Ins." A fall the winter before had reduced serious results Nobly battling against eavy odds for nearly a year, nature finally succumbed, and congestion of the spine resulted. Still she keeps up her brain efforts, though in a lesser degree, and the incidents which came to her as she made in a hammock a short lake trip in the summer of 1891 were woven into a romance in the form of a serial, which was published. The injury to her eyes has impaired their appearance as well as their vision, and she wears glasses. Her Puritan ancestry shows plainly in some of her opinions, yet she is very liberal in her views and absorbed heart and soul in every great step toward progress and reform. She is a rapid talker, and when able to speak from the rostrum was an eloquent one.