The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-10-15
SHE FOUND E VOICE
MRS. MARY MILLER RECEIVERS THE
POWER OF SPEECH AT CHURCH.
For Four Years She Had Been Unable
to Speak-Sang Her Favor
lite Hymn.

lis MAJ AAAAN van AZ w. -0
New Jersey street. sang the words of her
favorite hymn yesterday morning under
circumstances most remarkable. For the
first time in over four years she heard
the sound of her own voice and realized
that a great happiness had come upon her.
The experience of Mrs. Miller is believed
to De almost miraculous by her friends.
Four years ago, as a result of an I'M
usually severe attack Of grip, Mrs. Miller
suffered a, loss of speech. For several
weeks she was deprived of the use of her
vocal organs. but after a course of rigid
medical treatment found herself able to
whisper. Yesterday her voice returned in
a manner most singular. Mrs. Miller had
desDaired of a cure, and until two months
ago her physician gave her no hope. From
the time that the misfortune came upon
her until she regained the use of the
vocal organs she received constant treat
ment for the ailment. AT one time two
years ago. but for a brief PERIOD only,
Mrs. Miller was able to speak in an audi
BILE tone. The relief was temporary, how
ever. In her younger days and until she
suffered the distressing .affiction Mrs.
Miller sang a great deal and possessed a
clear soprano voice. She was a membe
of one of the city church choirs and sang
regularly each sunday until attacked by
the malady which deprived her of the
power of song.
Yesterday morning she attended the SER
vice at the First Baptist Church. She was
accompanied by Mrs; j. NJ; and Mrs.
Charles Sutton, of No. 50 West Vermont
street, both ladies being intimate acquain-
tances and familiar with her voice defect.
The three ladies occupied a pew we'll to-
ward the front and listened TO the sermon
of Rev. o. w NanOGdol. of GaleSburg. III.
The pastor spoke eloquently and Mrs. Mil
Ter was greatly impressed with his re-
Mr.. Vanosdel announced the closing hymn,
He Leadeth Me-" Although unable TO
join In the congregational singing, Mrs.
as the pastor announced the closing song,
she turned to the page in her book. She
recognized in the title one of her favorite
selections, and a feeling of regret that she
could not voice the familiar words filled her
mind. The congregation arose and the or
g gan began playing tine n1ef P 9oaded t AS
house, Mrs. Miller felt a strange feeling
steal over her. A certain bouyancy of
spirit that she could not resist, impelled her
to follow the words. Her lips moved, but
no sound came from them until the con-
Guiding words of the first chorus were
by His WI He leadeth me-" sang the
congregation, the clear notes of the So
pranos swelling far above the rest. Then
Mrs. Miller sank down to the seat pale
and in an apparent swoon. In a voice,
clearly audible to herself, she had articu-
lated the words. 'by His own hand He
further. The shock at hearing her, own
voice rendered her weak and trembling.
Mrs. Charles Sutton, who stood at Mrs.
Miller's side. saw her sink down and grew
alarmed. Her friend was very pale and
was pitifully nervous. Mrs. Sutton spoke
NO" said Mrs. Miller. with a gasp. 81
am not Ill. but l have found my voice. j
have been praying for it so long"
was startling in the extreme. A few min
utes before her friend had been unable to
speak above a whisper and now she was
the scene was somewhat dramatic, the con-
gregation was not disturbed and the song
was continued to the close. With scarcely
strength enough to stand Mrs. Miller heard
the benediction. and then with the assist
ance OF her friends left the church The
happy woman was fairly ecStatic over her
discovery. For a time she was almost
afraid to trust herself to speak, so fearful
was she that ii might prove a dream or
some ~fanciful imagination. BY degrees she
assured herself that she could really speak
and then INDUCED IN her new-found happi-
ness to her hearts content. When seen
vet in the possession of her voice.
II am so glad, she said. that / can
talk again. It's the most fortunate thing
that could happen to me. My throat is very
sore tonight, but L suppose it is because ]
have been talking so much to-day. Shortly
after 1 left the church considerable blood
came from my throat, but / have suffered
no other inconvenience. The strangest
thing about this is that my voice is not
| natural. / scarcely recognize it as my owl
voice. and my friends say that it is no
mine. 1 don't care for that as long as
| can talk"
Mrs. Miller is a comely widow of forty.
| one years. Her family includes a grown
son and laughter, a young lady of twenty
The latter is al accomplished musician
| Mrs. Miller Is an expert whistler, and
| though she could not speak or sing, she haS
found a great deal of comfort in whistlins
to her daughters accomplishments on the
piano. The daughter was called to No
blesville on Saturday night by the dealt
of a friend. and does not know Of her moth
| er's good fortune