News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1891-12-24
MARY j. Stafford.

About half a century ago there was born
among the green hills of Vermont little
child who was destined to influence thousands
for good. Her parents were among those
brave-spirited pioneers who moved Westward
and helped to build up the civilization ofnewly
opened lands. As the child grew she received
an excellent education, partly in Canada,
where she acquired the ready use of French
and the ability to do exquisite needlework
Travel in the United States and the West In
dies was followed by quiet life with her
brother in Cairo. Ill, fol- time. But with
in the slight frame was a heart that respon-
ded TO every cry OF need, and restless, ac-
tive mind that demanded some more serious
work than following the dull round OF life OF q
rich woman in society. With the generous
cooperation of her brother, she opened a
free school in Cairo, and taught till the out
break OF the war. A personal friend OF Pres
dent Lincoln and of General Grant, 1t was
easy for her to secure permission to carry
succor to the wounded and it is said that she
was the first woman in the United States to
administer relief on the fie of battle. Be
fore the echoes of the guns had died away she
would tie her handkerchief to a stick, and,
accompanied by colored man bearing sup
plies would seek out the wounded, and give
such aid and comfort as were possible till the
surgeon arrived. She went up and down the
river in transports, assisted in the hospitals,
and in every way threw life and time and
means into the service. All through that
part of the country she was idolzed by the
soldiers many of whom still recall her name
with tender gratitude.
Before the war was over the terrible mental
and physical strain proved too much for her;
and almost a wreck, she went abroad to try
once more for life and vigor. For five years
she sought them in almost every European
land, as well as in Egypt and the Orient, Ill
ling her mind with rich stores of knowledge
and experience and winning back by degrees
the blessed boon OF health
On her return from Europe, Miss Stafford
spent three years in New York studying medi-
cine; and after her gradution she applied to
the medical faculty OF the University OF Vienna
for permission to study there" 1t was readily
granted, and she at on :e returned to Europe,
and for nearly three years studied in Vienna
and other places, having exceptional oppor-
tunities, though in every place where she was
received she was the first woman to study
these branches.
AS a physician, DR.. Stafford practised in Chi
eago and Boston. In the latter city she also
taught for years in the medical department
of the Boston University With the skill oil
the accomplished physician, she united the
fidelity of the friend, and in the sick-room her
presence was the stimulus of sunshine, and
the gentle touch of her hand was benedic-
ton. DR. Stafford one of the first women
in Boston to be elected to serve or the public
school committee, and here as everywhere she
was faithful in the highest degree She was
warmly interested in all causes of reform and
in efforts to better the condition of working
girls No human being could come to her foI
sympathy or help without meeting quick re-
sponse Only those who were constant in
mates of her family knew how incessant were
the calls made upon her in this direction, and
how unccasing were her generosity and dcvo
ton.
Again the brave little woman succumb, d to
overwork and cares far too great for hel
strength; and several years ago the pleasant
Boston home whoes hospital doors had been
always so widely open and round whose
board gathered many a group OF congenIa
friends, was broken up, and she gathered un
der her wing the two little girls whom she had
adopted and sought balmier climate and
more restful life in Florida. Since then she
has made only fitting visits to the North
but those who had once loved hercuuld never
grow cold or forgctful. Whenever she came
to Boston. she was welcomed to n hundred
homes where she was claimed as an honorec
guest Years came and went, leaving their
traces on her gentle face; but through it al
shone ever the light of love, the cherry spirit
that never knew defeat.
So many years she had been frai that nc
one should have been surprised to know that
the silver cord had at length been loosed
vet it was with shock of keen sorrow that
her friends received the message that death
had claimed her on the Sth ofDecember. There
will be mourning in Florida, where her sweet
influence was widely felt there will be mourn
ing among the mountains of North Carolina
where she often summered; while over thu
| Vermont hills the sad news will break in tear
| that the little child born there many year
ago has passed beyond the sight OfthOse whC
knew and always loved her.-Boston Evening
| Transcript