The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-07-06
Minnie '. Case, White Oak,
HELEN HUNT JACKSON.

FRIENDS OF THE G. c.: Have any of you ever
read the works of Helen Hunt Jackson? think
she had gift in writing, very sweet and sim
pie. j enjoy reading her poetry very much
She was born in Amherst, Mass, in October,
1881; was married in Boston to Capt e. Ii. Hunt.
an officer in The u. ) Army when she was Il years
of age; was left widow in 1868. and the death of
her two beautiful boys in 1855, left her utterly
crushed with grief
The outgrowth of this discipline of sorrow was
her appearance in "A new role. Her earlier poems
appeared under the well-beloved and weI-known
signature Of " H. H." In the Autumn of 1873 she
visited Colorado in search of health and fter
made it her home. She met Mr.. VIM. S. jackson,
of Colorado Springs, and in 1875 they were mar
ried.
Her first poem was written in tears over the
death of her boy. entitled Lifted Over" and
signed 'Marali" The most lovely poem written
four days before her death. is fitting of the sweet
est singer of our own or any age-"A Last Prayer"
Her charming prose sketches are bound together
Z" Bits of Travel at Home" - Bits of Talk for
Young Folks Her children's stories charm
ing
strong, and she wrote very beautiful sketches of
mountain scenery. Cheyenne Canyon her
favorite haunt; she called it the Cathedral OF
Cheyenne Canyon" Her eyes closed upon earth
and its beauties that she loved well, Aug. IL
1885. and at the close of the burial service her
poem " Last Prayer" was read.
Her grave lies on gentle slope. just above the
larger fall in the beautiful Cheyenne Canyon, and
the music of its waters IL her requiem.
Mrs. Mary Godward, Atlantic Wyo.
HOME, SWEET HOME.
FRIEEDs THE c. c.: Home, Sweet Home"
may be almost regarded National song. so
widely is 1t known. There are, undoubtedly
many who sing Home, Sweet Home" who
do not know a sianza of "Star Spnngieh Banner"
" Home. Sweet Home" was written by John How
ard Payne. a native of New York City born June
=. H9l He became an actor, making his debut in
New York City in 1909. In 1sI3he went TO London
and became very popular. After awhile he for
sock the stage for the pleasures OF authorship and
wrote and adapted many plays.
He appointed American Consul to Tuns in
1871. probably the only actor who held such
position. He remained there until his DEATH The
return OF George w. Melville to America from
his terrible voyage from tie Jeanette Polar ex-
pediiion, was of the inspiring causes that led
the rich banker. w. w. Corcoran, to have brought
back to America the remains of the sweet song
writer.
When Lieut. Melville and his companions
reached Washington after their rescue, they were
given reception by the citizens OF the Capital. An
escort met them al the depot headed by the famous
Marine Band, that furnishes music at The White
House. ii was a bright sunny day, and the wide
street was crowded. When the band marched
along the Avenue il played the hear-touching tune
of Home Sweet Home" and it filed the air with
the old time music that has found an echo In every
heart for many years.
In the first carriage rode Lieut. Melville and with
him Mr. Corcoran, who had befrended John How
ard Payne in ms struggling days, and the tune
awoke old memories in his heart.
He thought of the whose tender lines and
sweet music had brought joy to many, and re-
membered that his bones lay moldering in foreign
resolved that all that was mortal of John Howard
Payne should find resting place in his native
land.
One bright June dav in 1888 The remains arrived
In this country and were inferred at Washington
Mr. Corcoran bearing all the expense of the trans
fer. There is popular story that Payne wrote the
poem while IN deep poverty; but best authorities
say this is wholly untrue. he had exec ptoDally
prosperous though in the latter years of his life
quiet career. and was homeless simply because he
never married, owing to a disappointment in early
manhood.