The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-01-10
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 9TH, 1915.

pmcucui uags'
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 9Th, 1915.
Among the many new publications. of the
day, you have doubtless noticed u volume of
Poems from the pen of Lydia Jane Pierson,
entitled "Forest Leaves" The title is beau
tiihl and appropriate. The lady resides on n
beautiful farm situated in the midst ofa dense
forest, in one ofthc northern counties of
Pennsy lvania. From her secluded retreat.
she sends forth her sweet warbling with a
ruthillness ofthe scenes around her, and
10 the emotions ofthe human heart, that can
not fail to delight all who take pleasure in the
"reminiscences of the rural scenery of bv-
gone years. Mrs. Pierson has been distin-
gtshed, for many years, as n contributor to
various magazines throughout the United
States.
THERE'S an interesting story connected
with this lady and as il shows the manner in
which she was provided with home, it may
be useful to some Of your poetical friends to
puttllem in the way offollowing in the foot
steps ofthc fortunate authoress. A number
ofycars ago when the best talents of Penn
SylynniN were called into requisltion to estab-
Isha system ofCommon Schools for the gem
eral education ofthe people, Thaddeus Stew
ems, distinguished lawyer of the state, made
mastery speech III the Legislature in favor
ofeducation. Judge Ellis Lewis, who is,you
know, distinguished for his learning and abil-
NY as aWrlst, was at the time president of
several Literary Institutions, and was also
2ealously engaged in promoting the cause
OF education by delivering literary and sccn-
tiic lectures. About this time a powerful
production in poetry, in favor of education,
from the pen of Mrs. Pierson, made its ap-
Pearnnco, and gave new impetus to the
cause.
Judge Lewis made immediate inquiry con
corning the lady's situation in life, and ascer-
tanned that mt one time she had been in rood
circumstances, but owing TO long illness of
her husband, and sad train of nisfortunes,
the fair authoress with a large family was
without n home, and in state of great en-
barrassment. 1t is said that he met Mr. Stev-
ems, then rich bachelor, in the Chamber of
the House OF Representatives, and suggested
the proprlety OF raising something for the re-
lief OF much talent and worth. With that
true benevoIence with which Mr. :. is dis
ungulshed, he authorized the Judge TO pur-
chase suitable farm such as the lady her
self might select, and without any limit with
respect to the price, TO draw upon him for
the amount. The lady was overwhelmed
with astonisllment when she received let
ter from Judge Lewis, who was only known
to her by reputation, appriZing her of his
commission. She, however, made the selec-
ton, and the Judge made the purchase, drew
on Mr. Stevens for the purchase money, and
to Mrs. Person the deed drawn,
of course in the best legal form, to Thaddc-
us Stevens, in trust for the separate use of
Lydia Jane Pierson,and her heirs and assigns
forever. 1t is but justice to all parties,to add
that Mrs. Person was an entire stranger to
Lewis and Mr. Stevens. Neither had ever
seen her. 1t is from this woodland retreat of
her own selection that she sends forth her
Forest Leaves" to delight the hearts of all,
and particularly those who see nothing u
round them but monotonous lines of brick
and mortar.