Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1877-03-21
Daniel Webster's Widow.


memories of an eventfnl but happy past
On the oath of June, 1903, Mr.. Webster
married Grace Fletcher, daughter of thC
Rev. Elijah Fletcher of Hopkington. This
lady was then 27 years of age, and aftel
nearly twenty years of married life, dice
on the 2lst of January, 1928. In Decem
ber, 1929, Mr.. Webster was married tC
Miss Carolina Leroy, second daughter o.
Jacob Leroy rich merchant descended
from one of the oldest families of Man
haitian. This lady, then little more than
30 years of age, is now living in pleas.
ant home not far from Madison square
New York, at the patriarchal age of 79'
Although led to make her home in New
York, in order to be among her own kin
dred and relatives, her face still lights up
when speaking of Marshfeld--" her home,
her own home" Her brothers and friends
call upon her very frequently and tend
her with more than fraternal care and So
licitude, and her home is also occasionally
enlivened by visit from her step-grand-
son, Ashburton from Marshfield. Her
tastes are well reflected in her surround
ings. A quiet residence, without ostentation
of any kind, betokens refinement of taste,
and simplicity of manners, combined with
the attractions supplied by atlluence. A
large and important item in her outlay is
formed of what is given in charity. In
this respect Mr.. Websters example is fol-
lowed as we'll us her own kindly nature
gralifed. Not only are gifts bestowed
with open hand upon the poor, no one of
whom ever leaves her door uncared for,
but the sight of Il poor man passing along
the street often so arouses her sympathy
that he is sent for, and. if needy, relieved.
The same consideration for Others is con-
tinually manifested in the household. A
sweet and even temper has taught all
around her to serve with love one who
would rather suffer herself than impose
an exacting or trying duty upon another.
With such qualities of heart is associated
an extreme simplicity in habits and man
ner. Mrs. Webster is very tall and we'll
proportioned, with face large and admir-
ably balanced, forehead of noble height
and breadth, eyes dark and full of intelli-
gence, finely cut and strong mouth, COM
plexion fair, and shining through all an
expression of contentment and such sweet
ness as one very rarely sees, even on the
face of woman. Her dark brown hair
is worn in braids beneath n tasteful and
airy cap. with long ties of lace falling
over the shoulders. There is subtitle
charm in the stately "old school" " man
ner of deepest courtesy, which it is hard
to render.
OF her husband she speaks with deep
ly touching pride, and of his coming from
Boston to New York to seek her. AS his
memory is cherished with undiminished
fondness, so it is natural that admiration
and love combined should have raised him
to pedestal almost above the greatest of
men. 81 can only hope" she says, that
there may be some young men now rising
to follow his example and take him as u
guide" Mrs. Webster's "reminiscences Of
the home life Of her husband are simply
but freely given, and two anecdotes, not
before published, illustrate his we'll known
and singular absence Of mind. The first
refers to lunch party. The custom was
that the pie-dear to the eastern heart
should be divided according to the number
of those present. Mr.. Webster, on the
occasion in question, having looked around
the room, deliberately carried through the
operation of carving" and, the pieces
having been distributed, he found himself
with an empty platter for his own share.
He had, while counting the guests, sue
ceeded in escaping his own notice. When
law cases his habit was to leave
his books open at the places where he had
been consulting precedent or authority,
and young man who was studying with
him had adopted the habit of following
Mr.. Webster through the passages con-
suited, in order to arrive at an idea of the
probable course of his argument. On one
occasion he found in one of the books the
place marked by $50 bill. Mr.. Webster
was VIGOROUSLY careless in money mat
ters, and this was taken as an example Of
his forgetfulness. When he returned to
the room his attention was directed to the
bill. IL haven't missed any money" he
said, $50 it certainly cannot be mine
The young man declared in parallel terms
that it could not be his Mr.. Webster per-
sisted in refusing it, on the plea that he
could not appropriate anything that he did
not know to be his own. The student re.
piled that he was identically in the same
position. To solve the problem, Mr..
Webster turned to the manuscript of
Fourth of July Grafton which he had re-
Gently delivered. directed the student 10
use the $50 in having it printed, and to
keep the proceeds of the publication, which
proved to be Il considerable sum.
One of the most interesting episodes of
their married life was the visit to England
in 1938-39. The manner in which it came
about was singular Mr.. Webster was
worn by his continuous attention to public
duties, but declined to listen to the most
strenuous urging to recruit his health and
strength by rest. Mrs. Webster thereupon
resorted to very innocent stratagem to
carry her point After consultation with
her physician she managed to persuade
that gentleman that her system and condi-
ton demanded change Of air and scene.
The representative of the Faculty pre-
scribed trip to Europe. The ruse was
perfectly successful, and ostensibly for the
sake of his wife, Mr.. Webster was carried
off to the Old World to recruit, and enjoy
the relaxation he had on his own account
declined. The entire proceeding was en-
inently characteristic of both husband and
wife. They accordingly sailed, carrying
letters to many influential persons in Eng
land, and among others to cousin of the
Duke of Wellington. They remained
under that lady's care during the whole
time they were in England, and were the
recipients of boundless honors and atten-
tions. Mrs Webster speaks of Queen
Victoria in terms Of great admiration and
affection. One occasion is particularly
memorable. Having been invited by Her
Majesty 10 dine, the republican statesman
and his wife were separated by the Queen,
who, taking the arm of each, seated them
on either side of her al the table. Leav-
ing England they went TO France, met
Louis Philippe and Queen Amelie at Par
is, travelled over the country, and pene-
trated into Switzerland. The prevalence
of an epidemic in Italy decided them to
leave that country unvisited. Before re-
turning home they went north 10 Scot
land, and travelled over "A great part of that
romantic country, towards which Mrs.
Webster still cherishes q very warm feel
ing. Of the city of Edinburgh particular
ly her recolections are most pleasant. The
result of the prolonged tour was the COM
plete re-establshment of Mr.. Wehster's
health, and great benefit to both. Mrs.
Webster is oven now occasionally remind
eG of their European excursion by the ar
rival of strangers with letters of introduce
tion to her from the friends made nearly
forty wears ago