The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1895-12-17

Moina. During the existence Of the
Floral Wreath, published in Charles
ton by Mr.. Edwin Heriot:, Mrs. Ladd
was regular contributor. Mr.. Heriott,
in notice Of the literary talent of the
South, speaking of Mrs. Ladd's poeti-
cal WORKS, said, "They a sweet,
smooth and flowing, particularly so,
brit like Scotch music, their gayest
notes are sad"
In 1851 she, with ardor, took up the
subject of education, home nanufac-
tories, and encouragement of wife
labor, believing that the ultimate pros
perily Of South Caroins would de-
pend on it. She rec oned from con-
vic-.ion that South Carolina cou'd not
'ong compete with the more southern
and southwestern states in raising
cotton, and an extensive system OF
slave labor would realize no profit.
Mrs. Ladd's plays, written at the sollcl-
tation of friends ana performed b!
the1u, were very popular. The "Grand
Scheme" and "Honeymoon' were
celebrated far and wide. The Incl
| dents anG II Productions of characters
showed that she had more than ordl'
nary talent for that species Of com2o--
sition. Ms. Ladd has a wonderful
knack Of managing young people.
Afte. the commencement OF the war
Mrs. Ladd gave up every thing to de,
| vote herself to the cause of the South.
She lived for the soldiers, was elected
| president of tie Soldiers Aid Asooc;a
| ton, which Office she retained until
| the close of the war, aad by her ur-
tiring cEcrtions kept the society We'll
supple 4 with clothing. Her pen was
unused during the war, the needle and
her personal supervision being c'n,
stantly in demand. In WinnSboro no
church is built, no charity solicited, no
ball, concert, tableaux Or t.ir, nothing
goes on withou, her cheerful and ever
ready aid. Mrs. Ladd is sad t. be
sshomely" and dresSts TO suit herself,
never caring aboutthe latest ''fashions,'
ignores hoops ana always wears her
hair short. Her manner'is abrupt and
decided, but one instinctively fees it
10 be kind.
The Confederate flag is said 20 have
originated with Mrs. Ladd. The fire
OF February 2lst, 1865, destroyed the
literary works OF thirty years: With
the assistance Of a Federal officer Mrs.
| Ladd saved the jewels Of the Masonic
lodge in the next house to hers, but
| The flames and smoke prevented her
| finding the "charter." By this time
the fire had got so mich ahead on her
own premises aud the confusion was
so great, that she lost everything.
| 1t is said that outside Of the walls OF
her school Mrs. Ladd was the CAV,
social companion OF every lady under
her charge. Following her TO Tie
school-room you instantly felt the
change; though not perhaps word
was spoken, every young lady felt it..
She has powerful will and habit OF
centering every thonoht and feeling
instantly on the occupation Of the
| moment.
Tie confusion Of voices Or pass.ng
objects never seemed to disturb her
when writing. a friend Of f2Irs. Laad's
says her quick motions show the
rapidity Of thought.
Even now, at the age Of tifty-eiEht,
we're you walking behind her, you
might mistake her from the light b2uy-
ancy of step, for young girl.
Mrs Ladd, the subject Of t'e above
biography, is now III the S7th Year of
hsr agc. She commenced teaching in
South Carolina in '25 aud began her
literary career in '29. She is now the
Oldest living writer and teacher in this