Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1873-11-29
The Heroine OF Memphis.

The Memphis papers are filled with
tributes to this devoted young Illinois
girl, who recently died in that city,
whittier she had come from her North
ern home voluntarily to visit and care
for the sick. The following, which we
clip from the Memphis correspondent OF
the Norfolk Landmark, indicates the
deep sorrow of the people OF the atfiict-
ed city at the fate of this noble girl.
During these scenes of horror, when
strong men tremble and turn pale, when
philosophy itself is fault in finding no
comfort, when man feels his weakness
in contemplating the power of the Al
mighty Ruler of the universe, who can
destroy even as He has created, our
hearts and minds can more fully appre-
ciate such a noble act of heroism, rs |
am now to record. Never during the
existence of the scourge, even though
the casual observer may have witnessed
scenes of Undesirable distress, never
have we felt such sadness-known such
deep and sacred sorrow, rs when it was
impaired TO this stricken community
that impartial Death. had touched with
remorseleSs scythe, the life of our hero
inc Matte Stevenson. This name, no
doubt, is unknown to your readers; but
ah It's deeply craven upon our memo
ries and elshrined i'll our hearts most
inmost reeesSeS. Size came to us few
weeks since from Illinois, without even
imparting her mission to the dear home
circle w;ch enthroned her as its life
angel and i'll which there was 4
"wreath for each toll, charm for every
Woe" From her home of affluence and
wealth she came unaided, unattended,
and offering her services to the Howard
Association she was assigned 10 duty.
Refusing TO receive anything, even the
delicately rendered offering Of grateful
hearts, her labors were unremitting.
Many a soul will greet her in immor-
tallity, 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 and
constant attendance in the infected dis
trict proved too much for her unaccli-
maced and trail system. The dread
demon OF pestilence touched her with
his wand and she sank. While i'll, ev-
cry attention that skill and affection
could supply was paid her, but it was
all in vain. She was buried in IN eli
gible spot in our own 'Ehawoad, the
members of the Howard Association
acting as pallbearers. Although a large
concourse of people were present, there
were no pompous obSequieS. Every
heart wept as the few touching words
of the minister were spoken; for we felt
that in dying she had made herself ours;
and the white stone that is to be erected
above her will bear the name andrecord
the sclfimmolation of the Florence
Nightingale Of Memphis.
Such acts of heroism, and the noble
generosity of the North aud West dur
ing our affection should abrogate the
last vestige of sectional feeling in our
breasts, and should teach us that kind
hearts and noble minds are not indigo
nous to any cline, nor peculiarly foster
ed by any sun. This universal Sympa-
thy which has been so practically exer-
cised in behalf of our afflicted city mas
won from Memphis i debt OF gratitude,
which will live as longas the memory
of those dark and unhappy days. In
the name Of our sorrow laden people, |
return with pride their heartfelt 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 responsible chords
and make us a better and nobler people.
May God bless and prosper you, is the
nraynr If q 0rotpful nnonlp