National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-11-12
ALIFE WELL SPENT.
The work OF MRS. Laura M. wright AnsOnu
the acnecn Lndlana-Lelter fron, Mer.


A letter in THE NATIONAL REPUBLICAN
from the Cattaraugus Reserve, New York, Septem-
Der iG, by John Y. Enam, mentioned the lifelong,
faithful service to the Seneca Indians Of the Rev.
Ashur Wright and his wife, Mrs. Laura NJ. Wright
lie died in 1875. She survives; and, although ap.
preaching the allotted span Of three score and ten
years, her intellect is undimmed and she possesses
remarkable energy and force. She is an excellent
physician, and attends 70 the sick Indian women
and children, and instructs them in industrial
work. Mr.. and Mrs. Wright came from Massachu-
sets TO the Buffalo Creek Reserve nearly half n
century ago and made their home with the
senecas, aud devoted themselves faithfully 10 the
improvement Of the condition Of the indians. He
translated the -Four Gospels into the Seneca Ian
guage, and II was printed by the American Bible
Society. He was an educated gentleman He
gave a whole life to tho religious and secular Inn
provement of the Indians looked to their business
interests, advised them in firm industry, preached
10 them in the mission church. received them with
unvarying kindness at the mssion.house, and In
sickness he attended them as one skilled in the
healing art His was life Of industry; he was
the unwavering just, and patient friend of the In
diaus. As neghbor, friend, adviser, teacher, ply
sician, minister as an upright man he merited the
REVERENCE OF ALL WHO KNEW HIN.
Acknowledging the receipt of THE REPUBLICAN,
containing the letter above referred to, under date
of Versailles pOst-oilice, New York, October 20
ultimo, the venerable lady writes: A few days
since received copy OF The NATIONAL RRPUB-
LICAE, with a few slips containing notices Of the
present condition Of the Seneca Indians, and my
husbands work among them. Iwish to thank you
for all the kind words you have written Of my
sainted husband Very few knew how literally
true II is that he gave his life In the service of this
people. His last work was in March, 1876, in at
tendance at Albany upon the Legislature In the
interest oithc Thomas Orphan Asylum, for which
he had so long felt paternal solictude CBy Mr..
Wrighrs efforts this asylum for orphan Indian
children was adopted as one OF the State charlta-
bic institutions, and receives from the State an
nually $500. Mr.. Wright died on the 10Th of
April 1875, from the effects Of cold contracted on
that Journey.
1T Is NOW MORE THAN FORTY. EIGHT YEARS
since We came to reside with the Scnecas who
were then located on the Buffalo Creek rcserva-
ton. In these years great change has came over
them, physically, intellectually, and morally-so
great that can hardly recognize them as the same
| people Almost all who We're of my age when
came among them have passed away and new
| generation has risen up around me. Although
| somewhat enfceblcd by age, still find something
to do FOR Them and hope am not wholly without
ability to make myself useful to them. At present
l am trying 10 establish an industrial work. room
| for the benefit OF the Indian women. have al
| ready commenced on small scale. They are very
quick and handy with their needles, and are very
glad to be employed. They are making working.
mems shirts, blouses. &C., thoroughly well, very
much better than such garments that are sold in
the shops 1t they could be supplied with work
| they could earn great deal for the comfort Of
| their families. II would
| KEEP THEM At HOME
and cultivate in them u taste for more womanly
employments than they have hitherto engaged in
II would have refining and clcvntng influence
upon them. 1t would give sense of honest indie
pondencc and tend to withdraw them from the
v0grant gypsy sort of life into which Indians ar'
so apt to DRIFT, And better than ALL 1t would hell
them TO help themselves, which is the best kind o
aid that can be given to anybody in need, Ate
reading your letters in THE REPUBLICAN 1t oc
Cured to me that you might be able to suggestas
sistance in continuing this industry. My only oh
ject il to help the Indian women by givinl
them work. l have heard that the III
dian Bureau is In the practice of sending
supplies of rcady-madc clothing to the West
ern tribes. I understand that the COMMISSIONS
| of Indian Affairs Is n noble, Christian man, who
might think favorably Of my work, and would
perhaps give me an appropriation to carry 1t on
| or, possibly give me an order for a few thousant
garments for my Indian women to make, II The
subject could be brought to his attention. If so,
should feel under great obligations; and l an
sure II would confer n great favor on this poo
remnant Of fading and much-njurcd race"