Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1873-11-11
@TRANsIENF BrLIICAsB
The Heroine Of Memphis.

The Memphis papers are filed with tributes
to this devoted young Illinois girl who re-
Gently died in that city, whittier she had
come from her Northern homo voluntarily to
visit and care for the sick Tho following,
which Ne clip from the Memphis correspcu-
dent of the Norfolk LANDMARK, indicates the
deep sorrows oflthe people of the afflicted
city at the fate Of shis noble girl:
During these scenes Of horror, when strong
men tremble and turn pale, when philosophy
itself is ~ fanls 10 finding NO comfort, when
man feels his weakness 10 contemplating tho
power of the Almighty Ruler of the universe,
who can destroy even as He has created, our
hearts and minds can moro fully appreciate
such noble acs of heroisn as / sm now to
record. Never during the existence of tho
scourge, even though the casual observer may
have Witnessed scenes of indescribable diss
tress, never haveywe felt such sadness known
such deep and sacred sorrow, as when it was
impaired to this stricken community that im-
partial Death had touched, with remorseless
scythe, the life of our heroine, Matte Steyen-
son. This name, no doubt, is unknown tn
your readers; but ahl Ills deeply craven
upon our memories aud enshrined in our
hearts most Utmost recesses. She came To-
us q few weeks since from Illinois, without;
even imparting her mission to the dear homo
circle which enthroned her as its .life angel -,
and in which there was "wrsath for each
toll, charm for every woe." From her home
Of afiluence and wealth she came unaided, un.
attended, and offering her services to the,
Howard Association, was assigned TO duty
Refusing to receive anything, even the deli,
cately rendered Offering of grateful hearts,
her labors were unremitting.
Many a soul will greet her in Immortality, +,
for her soft touch was frequently the last upon
the burning brow, and her prayers Oft mingled
with those of Gods ministers who prayed for
the "soul just lingering on the lips" Her
labors aud constant attendance in the infected
district proved too much for her unacclimated,
and frail system. The dread demon Of pesti-
lence touched her with his wand and she sank
While i'll every attention that skill and atfee,
tion could supply was paid her, but it was oil
in vain. She was buried In an eligible spot
in our own "Elmwood," the members Of tho
Howard Association acting as pail bearers.
Although largo concourse of people we're
present, there were no pompous obsequies.-
Every heart wept as the few touching words
of the minister were spoken for we felt that
insdyins she had made herself ours,; and the
white stone that is to be erected above her
will bear the name, aud record the self-immo>
la.ion of the Florence Nightingale of Menu
phis.
Such acts of heroism, aud the noble gerer.
osity of the North and West during our Attic
ton, should abroga.e the last vestige of Sec
tional feeling in our breasts, and should teach
us that kind hearts and noble minds are not
indigenous to any CLINE, nor peculiarly fos>
tered by any sun. This universal sympathy
which has..beeni.so practically exercised in
behalf of our afflicted city has won from Men,
phis debt of gratitude which will live as
long as the..memory of these dark and un-
happy days. In the Iname of our. sorrow
laden people, return with pride their heart
felt thanks for the generous donations from
my native State, Virginia, and especially to
our "Cities by the Sea-" Your words, OF
sympathy and sorrow, too, are not idle, for
they touch responsive chords and make us q
nobler and better people. May God bless
andtprospsr you, lis the ptayeriof grateful
people.