Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1893-07-13
Correspondence.
Death of Miss Fanny Otis.
ELLSWORTH, July IL, 1898.


To the Editor Of the American
Feeling that more than passing tribute Is |
due TO one whose influence has been such a
power for good in the community, / cannot
forbear giving utteranee to the many thoughts
which come crowding upon me, as look back
upon the years Of my acquaintance with Miss
Fanny Otis.
Her life was passed in Boston until In her
early girlhood the family removed TO Ellsworth,
remaining here for a period They suisse
quently made their home in Otis. Though love
for her native place was always predominant
feeling with her, vet. in this place OF retire.
ment, the remainder OF her life was passed.
Her literary tendencies, together with her
early educational advantages. were conducive
to the development Of that strength OF mind
and character which led her to become one OF
the pioneers Of Untarianlsm in Ellsworth.
She II Is 10 whom with two others equally In
earnest, Miss Kate Dyer and Mrs. Ann f.
Greedy, we are indebted for the founding OF a
Unitarian church here.
Though many years have passed since then,
yet Miss OTIS interest in the welfare of the
church has never tagged. and though de-
barred from the privilege of regular attendance
at church. yet she was always with us. In
the kindly message, in the tokens suggested by
thoughtfulness. received by many OF the
society, In the written words OF sympathy to
the Borrowing, and more than sill, In her oc-
cssional visits TO her many friends, the in
fuence OF her presence felt. a with that innate
dignity OF character which won the respect of
all.
She took her place among Us. and at once
became a co-worker In the interest OF church.
Sanday-school or club. Though she had many
friends outside the society, 30 strongly was
she imbued with Unitsriansm. that to be
Unitarian was to win passport TO her favor
In her isolation, living 80 far from W hat might
be termed -ocisl pleasures, her life, far from
being lonely or unhappy, flowed calmly aud
peacefully on, with dearly-ioyed brother,
whose devotion TO her left no wish unfulflled
within his power to grant.
Her companions were the books she loved so
well. For many years her simple house hold
duties and her books occupied her time and
mind almost without exception.
How great the influence emanatiug from
such i life. only those can know who take a
similar delight in lae compAniou.hip OF our
greatest and best writers In her later years
II wss her delight to gather the Young people
about her, entering into their pursuits with
relish. proving that though her Years were
many. her heart sin remained Young.
/ Il hs, seldom been my lot to NEE, with one
living 10 20 great an age whose faculties re-
manned 20 fresh and bright. Her rare wisdom
and wise counsel. filled with al! the rich ex-
! pericnce Of age, Will be missed by mauy " no.
when they sought aid. were sure to find one in
I sympathy with their needs. A, her life was
/ PLACID and beautiful so also Wa her death.
1 With calmnes- she talked with her friends of
! the separation soon TO come. making tinal
/ arrangements a. Tor pleasant journey, know
: IN and conyersing with those around her un-
III the very last, " hen, pAiule,sly and natural
/ ~. she passed on. doubt not. 10 = higher lie
Of continued usefulness
Al her request the obscquies were in the
I church she bad 50 loved and worked for.
/ =" I've that when tbs summons comes to Ioln
The innumcrabic caravan which moves
t" that ny -tcr.ous realm. where each shall take
4 ~ chamber in the -iicni halle 81 death.
I Thou 20 not Ike the 44arr1 slave at night
Z >rygrgcd e. biz dungeon. but sustained aud
-oothcd
bs an uulaltcrlns tru-t approach thy srs,.
Like one who wraps the arArcry Of Biz couch
About him ani lle- down to pleasant dreams"
g.