Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1891-06-25
Obituary.


Obituary.
LUCY L. PHELPS.
Miss Lucy l.. Phelps, who died in Boston the
7th instant, was born in that city, Jan. IL,
1S4l. Her father. Rev. Amos A. Phelps. was
at that time pastor of the Marlboro chapel,
Boston, and was one of Massachusetts, fore
most Abolitonists. man OF strong logical
powers, stern adherence to bis convictions OF
duty, thinker and writer. especially upon
questions Of liberty and reform. he had few
equals in his day and generation. He WAS a
| warm friend chershing all the domestic affec-
tons, and a love for even the humblest OF
Gods children, and his daughter, the subject
Of this sketch. in her measure. inherited all his
traits OF character.
Her mother. Caroline q. Little of Castine,
died before her child. Lucy. reached her sec
ond year. Mr.. Phelps gave her second moth
er by marrying sister of his deceased wife,
| After his death in lS47. the family came to
Ellsworth, which has ever since been their
| home.
Owing to physical infirmities Lucy did not
| 20 to school until she was about eleven years
Of age. but, instead. studied at home with her
mother. hen after few terms in the public
schools she went to Boston for medical treat
ment, and entered one OF the Grammar schools
there, remaining in the family of an aunt
year and half. 1t was during this time that
she exI erienced religion and consecrated her
life TO the service OF her Master. On her re-
turn home she entered the academy which had
been opened about that time. of which she con-
tinued a member during its life. She coveted
larger opportunities for education, but circum-
stances compelled her TO be satisfied, with self
culture.
She had quite a strong liking for literary
work and manifested no mean ability therein
Three small volumes OF hers were published.
one consisting of short stories written ori.i-
naIly for her Sunday school class. another.
somew bat larger book entitled Grace Tilden."
under the nom de plume OF Alpha the third
"The Veil on the Heart by l.. l.. r. sketch
e. and short poems from her pen from time 10
time found place In the journals Of the day.
and her friends have often been gra,ihed bv
some remembrance OF the kind on festive oc-
casions. but it was all done In the quiet and
unostentatious way in which She performed
all her labors. She frequently contributed
articles and locals to the AMERICAN which
were always very welcome. During the pub
location OF the Rev. 5. D. Towne'. paper, The
Word and the Work which has been run
ming nearly three Years, Miss Phelps was the
efficient editor OF the childrens department.
In the June number of this year. only short
time before she left home for Boston she said
Nov, dear boys and girls, am going away
from home for "A little time While Hiu away
You can send your letters to our Kind friend.
Mr.. Z. NJ Cushman Castine. Me She will put
them Into The naii-hag. and arrange something
nice for to read while | am zone. Please
a-k God To take care OF me on NV Journey, and
bring me safely home.
Ever your loving friend.
Ellsworth. May II, 1881
She left home with strong hopes Of a happy
return. freed from some Of the disabilities
which had hampered her in her unscf,h work
for Others. yet fully aware OF the possibilities
in the case. So TO the utmost OF her ability
she .f',ishef the work that had been given her
to do, in every direction. tina; none might suf-
Ter loss by her. 1t has proved finished work
indeed. aud she has gone 10 her reward. From
the time that the fatal symptoms Of menin-
giti, appeared. such was her ffeuty OF Ut
tersnce. that she could not express ali she
would glsdly have done, hut dying words
Were not needed 10 assure her friend. v here
her heart was. one characteristic outbur-t
OF her loving nature on that la,t fatal night
was. Give my love to everybody. especially
to my boys" the name by " hich she always
called those who had gone out from her in
struction in the jail TO the state prison. and to
whom she ceased not 10 minister Her rest
lc,snes- and the satisfying intercourse between
mother and daughter ende,. in a quiet sleep,
from which -he passed 10 the happy home for
which she had 30 often louSed.
She was accustomed to write her brother
10 whom she strongly attached. every
week. only passing it by under press of other
duties. Jan. II. Just after her hfieth birth
day Jan. 10, she writes: at was very
happy birthday when entered ms Jubilee
Year. (Lev. 25thl wa reused by the singing
Of
The year Of jubilee ha> come"
In a letter TO her brother MAY Is. She saws:
My one thought In il all is for dear mother.
She csnnot live alone at her age. aud feel
must take the chance that has the strongest
probability for her comfort
The burial service was held al the Mt Au-
burn chapel friend, in the vicinity being pres
ent. Rev. C. W. Huntington OF Lowell. Mas,
conducted the services in very pleasant man
ner. She had pre-, iou.ly arranged with him
TO do this, should there be need. and also re-
luested that the doxology. Praise God from
whom all blessings flow" should be sung, as
She desired fhe occasion 10 be- ~ far AZ posi-
bic. joyful one. Her request was granted the
empty tenement laid 10 rest, and her friends
parted feeling that to Der it the wear Of
jubilee" the year of release
Despite her ph, steal nfirmtie. which would
have incspacilated many person from doing
anything. she was active and untring in every
good work. and The citizens OF Ell-w orth have
been greatly benefited by the much she ac-
complished. In the services OF her church in
her Sunday school. in several christian. moral,
and literary societies. in the temperance work
jail work aud everything else which looked TO
the uplifting OF mankind, she was sn assidu-
Gus and most persistent laborer In that num-
Der OF the AMERICAN which immediately pre-
ceded the one which contained a notice OF her
death. was her interesting report TO the Coun-
ty W. {. I. T. on jail work.
Verify, she will he greatly Missed
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