The National tribune., 1891-01-01

Sarah Strong McConihe was born in Deerfeld.
Mass, Feb IS, 1905 and was five years OF age when
her father, Hezekinh w. Strong. removed from
Deereld and settled al Amherst, his native place,
where the old family nIaIfsion still remains in per-
feet preservation the most attractive place Ia the
beautiful town Of Amherst Her father was the
son Of Simeon Strong, Judge or the Supreme Court
Of the Commonwealth Of Massachusetts and Maine,
and an intimate friend aud own cousin OF Gov.
Caleb Strong, OF Massachusetts,. Her mothers
name Dwight, and the StrOngs and tile
Dwights TO be found among the oldest, most
honored and most talented families Of the New
England States.
She received her preliminary education IN the
Academy at Amherst which was founded by her
father, and was the germ Of Amherst College.
when che was - years Of age she wrote declama-
tiOns for her brother, Henry w. Strong, at that
time nine years Of age 10 speak upon the stage at
the Academy, and often took him to a grove near
her fathers residence 10 practice him Ia gesture
and orAtoTy-possibly the foundation Of his future
eloquence. Al the age of u she passed brilliant
an examination, and Ia such advanced studies that
gentleman who was present vited her the follow
ing Spring tshe then being IS years Of age) To take
charge of a school for young ladies ia New Brain
tree, where he resided. At the age Of &c, through
the urgent solicitation Of Noah Webster, at that
time President 81 the Board ~ Trustees, she was in
duced To take charge Of the Ladies' Department OF
Amherst Academy, then the most celebrated
school for young ladies in New England, and quite
In advance OF the times; the higher branches,
such Es Euclid, Stewards Philosophy, Herschel's
Astronomy, with the calculation and projection Of
ecpses, etc, etc, being taught. The school mum
bercd ~ young ladies, from every state Ia the
East, many who were teachers further qualifying
themselves, and very many vino were her seniors
by many years; Of them, Mary Lyon, the
founder Of Mount Hoiyoke Seminary, then %
years Of age, taking the TudimentRTy branches,
received her first inspiration for education. She
conducted the school with marked ability and sue
cess.
She further prosecuted her studies at Rev
Joseph Emersons Seminary, at Saugus, near BOs-
ton, and at Emma Willagl's Seminary, In Troy,
having come TO the latter place with a letter OF
introduction to Prof Eaton, founder of the Poly
technic Institute, WHO remained an intimate friend
H..fl Il .Fa,
one Of her most constant and attached friends.
She married April TO- ls96, to Isaac Neon
The, OF Troy. since she became permanent resi-
dent OF Troy her life has been Of constant care
and activity. Seeming 10 inherit the spirit Of
charity. and n general interest for those around
| her, she has been closely identified with enter
| prises fraught with obstacles and discourage
ments In the beginning which, by her far-sighted-
ness and indOmitab!e perseverance,, have resulted
| ia good TO humanity and much credit to herself.
Although burdened with the cares Of large
| family she ever found time to do something for
every good work that duty pointed out and re-
qured, and her executive ability and resolution 20
carry forward 20 c successful completion whatever
she attempted have, 10 many instances, received
public recognition.
Upon the founding OF the Orphan Asylum Of
/ Troy, she "A member Of the first Board of Man
| ayers, which position she Rfierward resigned on
account 81 family cares. She was Of the found
| ers OF the Day Home Of Troy, organized In 1853
/ an institution very dear TO her and one to
| liberal contributions. Mrs. McCohlne has been
member Of the Committee OF Manage
ment from its earliest history. and has been PTesi
dent ofthe Institution for many years. This Home
for the education and training OF the children Of
/ impoverished parents was mt hrst carried on in
rented building. and il becoming necessary, In
| 1861, To make a change. Mrs. McConihe one Of
"A committee OF three 10 purchase place for the
! better accommodation Of this charity. Although
insurnounable obstacles seemed at hand. she took
/ upon herself the responsibility Of raising the
necessary amount 10 purchase and repair the
| present Day Home costing some 1900. NOtwith-
| standing that ti!e war Of the rebellion had just
| broken out aud the "a regiment was being raised
she succeeded la obtaining the requisite sum in the
short time OF five weeks and 81 coo for repairs after
| the parChase-money was secured. This may be
| noted being the first institution In the United
| States solely under the management Of women
| ceiving "A charter from "A Legislature.
| Once established. It's support and continuance
| must be secured. Mrs. McCOnihe equal to the
| emergency. She appeared personally on several
| occasions, with others whom she moved 20 accom-
| pany her, before the Committee Of Ways and
Means 81 the Legislature, and obtained at differ
| ent times sums apI,regaiing $4,000. and most Of
| the remainder Of the funds have been obtained In
answer TO her personal solicitations Of individuals
| for requests.
Mrs McConlhe's untiring Industry, judicious
management and perseverance In the establish
ment and advancement Of the Day Home, will DO
| recognized by future generations, aud remain as
ono al the monuments Of her moral worth and
Christian excellence She became "A member of the
| Episcopal Church the same year Of her marriage,
| and has remained constant la that connection aud
| N supporter Of church and educational interests
During the rebellion she cheeFiully gave three Of
her sons To the defense OF her country Intensely
| never be crushed until the slaves emanci-
pated. She active in societies aud fairs gotten
| up for the relief of soldiers aud was ia Washing
| ton, attending a wounded son. when she had the
| happiness Of hearing read, before Congress Lin
coins celebrated 4" Emancipation Proclamation"
| On the occasion of the Semi centennial Amt
| yersaTy of Amherst College" In 1871 she was the
only lady officially invited TO be present, and the
! only lady mentioned during the exercises
| The same year, In company with Prof Burgess
| and wife, aud Prof Root Of Amherst College sire
| visited Europe, and Travelled through most OF the
countries on that continent. aud for two years be-
came a close student Of science literature and art
! Her golden years are spent ia good deeds and the
exercise OF that spirit Of philanthropy and patriot
| ism which have made her "A notable woman ia her
| day and generation.
MEMORIAL OF LoTTIE CRANE SMITH.
OTn J. Crane Corps, g. Cleveland, o., mourn
the loss OF "A beloved and active worker, daughter
Of the gallant officer for whom Crane Post and
| Corps are named. The Corps will wear the emblem
of mourning for 60 days, and the following resolu-
| tons have been promulgated;
| Whereas the messenger of death with It's relent-
less hand has again entered clrcle and removed
another link in the chain which binds us lovingly
| together, and taken from our beloved sister
Lotlie Crane Smith, by whose death We lose a true
and faithful worker Ia the cause for which
| We are Loyalty pledged and
Whereas our deceased sister was ever untirlnR In