The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1874-06-23

OAo4AIN1O4SAAA-N
Mrs. Lucy Audubon, the widow Of John
James Audubon, the most distinguished of
American ornithologsts, died OF old age. at
the residence of her sister-in-law, Mrs Will
liam G. Bak-well, in Shelbyville, KY, on the
18th inst.
Mrs Audubon was born in England and
came to America with her father, Mr.. Bake
well, WHEN small girl not more than twelve
years OF age. The family settled on . farm on
Performing creek, near the banks OF the
Schuylkill River, Pennsylvania. at.
Audubon was born on plantation IN Lou
isiana. Maya, 1880, and died in New York,
January ri, 1851. When child he manifest
ed the strongest disposition for the study OF
BIRDS He began of his own will to draw the
birds. and disclosing considerable talent as
draughtsman, he was taken by his father to
France, there to be educated.
When seventeen years of age he returned to
America and, having become possessed OF
fine farm on the banks Of the Schuylkill, in
Pennsylvania, where the leisure Of rural life
allowed him abundant opportunity for prose-
cutting its predominant taste, it was his habit
to hunt from the break Ut day till dark.
Whilst on one of these rambles in search OF
his celebrated book, Audubon first met Miss
Lucy Blackwell He loved, wooed and won,
and the union proved congenial aud happy
furthermore the young wife soon manifested o
disposition to encourage her husband in his
researches as q naturalist and rendered him
invaluable assistance. But the greatest aid
came not through immediate service in the
pursuit Of his studies. Audubon's enthusiasm,
which ultimately led him unconsciously to
fortune, first lead him to poverty and then
caused him to drag his amiable wife IN the
same unhappy condition. He spent his own
fortune first and then soon afterwards sacri-
feed that Of his wife to the one object OF his
lite. But filed with enthusiasm for
his work he had faith and courage And in
these particulars Ms. Audubon suffered no
disadvantage For number of years they
made their home in Kentucky, the town Of
Henderson being their place OF residence. A
few years before the publication of his book,
and while sojourning in New Orleans IN search
Of specimens, he was reduced almost to abso-
lutte penury A dark hour seemed to be grow
ing upon the hitherto happy couple but in
the time OF need. with the same ease and
familiarity with which he applied himself to
all other projects, Audubon turned dancing
master, raised school and carried on sue
cessful business. In like manner, when
ever necessity demanded, he turned
his hands to different callings. and made
sufficient means to keep out of debt. He be-
came celebrated, and on this account his life
was for years full Of strongly contrasting
scenes and incidents, such, for instance, as
feasting abroad one day with the most opu-
lent Of the land. receiving the most magnif-
cent entertainment, and the next day sur
rounded by the circumstances OF poverty at
home. In all the vicissitudes Of his life his
wife was patient and faithful sharer. With
the publication Of Audubon's great work,
s.The Birds of America" in 1928, for
tuna began to return. After sew
eral voyages to Europe, where the couple
were received with the honors due to royalty,
the couple returned to America and settled.
finally, in 1874, on Minnies Land, on the
Hudson, then near New York. Here Audubon
died, leaving his wife in the possession of the
homestead, which was sold soon after his
death for about $1,000. The city of New
York now embraces this property, which is
known as Audubon Park, and is worth over
one million dollars.
After her husbands death Mrs. Audubon re
turned to Kentucky to live, and took up her
abode with her sister-in-law, at Shelbyville.
She was the sister of VIM. G. Blackwell, of
Louisville Mrs. Alex. Gordon, Of New Or
leans Thos. Blackwell, Of Cincinnati, and
died in old age within the past two years.
Mrs. Blackwell is sister of Mr.. w. Il Dilling-
ham and halfsister Of Mr.. Charles Chapman,
Of this city.
Mrs. Audubon died at the age Of SO years,
in the full possession Of all her faculties.
During her latter years she has written and
published the life Of her husband. The book
is full OF interesting and thrilling interest,
and, it is said, will compare tavorably with
the several works written upon the same sub
ject. p
Her relatives started for New York yester-
day with her remains, for interment there be-
side the grave Of her husband. 42 Ei.HA- =,
s Louisville Courier-Journal
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