New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1872-07-11
The Late Mrs. joan Turpln How.
MrA. =

To the Etiaor Of the Nep National Era. J.
SIR: Your readers will have read Of III,
deceasc of this estimablc lady long befor,
they pertise this humble tribute of affection
There were few ladies in the Union bette,
known or more beloved than she was. Al
though she was a child of worthy parents
the recipient of a good education, and reared
amid the refinemcnts of life, she was tn,
mistress of all these advantages, and not the
spoiled victim Of them. Her COMMANDING
figure and -beniguant expression Of counte
nance signaiized her in every gathering o
her, sex, where. she always won attentions
without exciting Jealousy.
Her personal virtues, urbanity, kindness
OF heart, consideration for the feelings o.
Others, her agrceable conduct and loving WAYS
will not be forgotten by those even who had
but casual acquaintance with her, but he,
more solid characteristics of fidelity to he,
race, interest in the poorer members of it.
and her sacred compliance with the terms OF
friendship were necessarily kept within the
bounds of those circles which had access to
her heart.
Fifteen years of the warmest friendship
have given the writer of this tribute the fullest
opportunities of realizing the value of her
character, and the influence of her example.
Whether in society, reform circles, or inf
church, Mrs. Howard was noted for her pos
session of the combined elements of leader
ship, where ladies could lead, while at the
same time she was willing to do the services
OF the humblest follower. Her doors were
always open for hospitable duties, and her
reception of the humble no less than of the
distinguished visitor was always cordial and
unpretending.
Mrs. Howard was beloved by her family
even more than she was admired and re-
spected in society, and each of her children
are monuments of&er firmness, affection, and
self-sacrifcc. By her exertions one of her
children has been qualified as a physi-
clan, and the other two have lucrative en-
ployment as school teachers. a
The relationship between these children
and herself has ever partaken more of the
nature of brother and sister than mother and
children, so wise, continuous, and successful
has she been in teaching the art of love and
In gaining their fullest confidence. s
1t was fit that such a character should
bring her fame with her to these distant
parts and win the affection of the people
almost upon the first day of her arrival
During her illness the entire colored popula-
ton of Shreveport, and manyiwhites besides,
testified their interest by constant inquiries
and ministratiOns around her sick bed and
when it was known that she had passed away
in the triumphs Of Christian hope, the people
as by one consent Aocked to the house of
mourning and attended her funeral, as if she
had spent lifetime among them. Her flu
neral was one Of the largest ever witnessed
in Shreveport. Besides this general mark Of
respect, 1 may mention that Miss Addie T.
Howard, her Oldest daughter, Milton Greg
DRY, her nephew, and Mr.. ]. Sella Martin
were present night and day to pour from
their hearts the sympathy, love, and counsel
demanded by so solemn an occasion. Her
body will be removed to Boston as soon as
the weather gets cold enough to admit of
transportation.
am, sir, yours truly,
. - 49, J. SELLA MARTIN.