New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-06-28
Mrs. Lucy Audubon.

Mrs. Lucy AUDUBON, the widow OF J0hI
James Audubon, tie most distinguished O
American ornithologlsts, died of old age Al
the residence OF her sister-in-law, Mrs
William G. Blackwell, in Shelbyville, Ken
lucky, on the seventeenth instant.
Mrs. Audubon was born in England, anG
came to America with her father, Mr.. Bake
we'll, when small girl, not more thar
twelve years of age. The family settled on
q farm on PerkiOming creek. near the
banks of the Schuylkill river, Pennsylvania
Audubon was born on plantation in
Louisiana, May 4, 1880, and died in New
York, January q, 1851. When a child he
manifested the strongest disposition for the
study Of birds. He began Of his own will
to draw the birds, and, disclosing consider
able talent as draughtsman. he was taken
by his father to France, there to be edu-
Gated.
When seventeen years of age he returned
to America, and, having become possessed
of a fine farm on the banks Of the Schuyl-
kill, in Pennsylvania, where the leisure of
rural life allowed him abundant opportu-
nifty for prosecuting his predominant taste,
it was his habit to hunt from the break of
day till dark.
While on one of these rambles in search
OF the numerous feathered tribe which ap-
pear in his celebrated book, Audubon first
met Miss Lucy Blackwell. Heloved, wooed
and won, and the union proved congenial
and happy; furthermore the young wife
soon manifested disposition to encourage
her husband in his researches as natural
list, and rendered him invaluable assist
ance. 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 led him to poverty and then
caused him to drag his amiable wife in the
same condition. He spent his own for
tune first, and then soon afterward sacri-
feed that of his wife to the one object of
lis life. But filled with enthusiasm for
his work he had faith and courage. And in
these particulars Mrs. 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 sciourning in New Orleans
in search of specimens, he was reduced al
most to absolute penury. A dark hour
seemed to be growing 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, Au-
dubon turned dancing master, raised
school, and carried on successful business.
In like manner, whenever necessity de-
manded, he turned his hands to different
callings. and made sufficient means to keep
out OF debt. He became celebrated,
and on this account his lite was for
years full of strongly contrasting scenes
ing abroad one day with the most opulent
Of the land, receiving the most magnificent
entertainment, and the next day surrounded
by the circumstances of poverty at home.
In all the vicissitudes Of his life his wife
was a patient and faithful sharer. With
the publication of Audubon's great work
The Birds of America" in 1927, fortune
began to return. After several voyages to
Europe, where the couple were received
with honors due 10 royalty. the couple re-
turned to America and settled. finally, in
1888, on Minnies Land, on the Hudson, then
near New York. Here Audubon died leav-
ing his wife in possession of the homestead,
which was sold soon after his death for
about 100000. The city of New York now
EN- braces this property, which is known as
Audubon Park, and is worth 100000.
After her husbands death Mrs. Audubon
to Kentucky to live, and took up
her abode with her sister-in-law, at Shelby
vile. She was the sister of William G.
Blackwell, of Louisiana; Mrs. Alexander
Gordon. of New Orleans; Thomas Bakewell,
Of Cincinnati, and Mrs. Nicholas BerthOud,
all of whom have died of old age within
the past two years. Mrs. Blackwell is a sis
ter of Mr.. w. H. Dillingham;, and half
sister of Mr.. Charles Chapman. of this city.
Mrs. Audubon died at the age of eighty
eight years, in the full possession of all her
faculties. During her latter years she has
written and published the life of her bus.
band. Tha book is full of interesting and
thrilling interest, and. it is said. will COM
pare favorably with the several works writ
ten upnn the same subject.
Her relatives started for New York yes
terday with her remains for interment
there beside the grave OF her husband
LO2liSriLe Courier. IOnrnnL