The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-10-06
FOUNDER OF ABRAMS HOME.
TORY OF A SAVANNAH BENE-
FACTOR.

She Was Friend of Mrs. Madison.
Her Meeting with Mr.. Abrams.
Love at First Sight-Her Home Near
BOnaventure-What Led Her TO
Found the Home.
The following facts in the life-history
Of Mrs. Dorithia Abrams. the founder of
Abrams Home. were related by that lady
herself, to a friend of my grandmother's:
Her first recollections were of a home in
one of the West India Islands. Afluence,
elegance and refinement were the environ
ments of that infantile life. A lady from
Philadelphia visited the island, and on
her return brought the little Dorithia to
reside in Philadelphia. Her surroundings
in the states continued to be those of a
person of lavish means in the higher
walks of life. At this time began the
friendship between Dorithia and Dolly
Payne Todd afterwards Mrs. Madison.
Their characters were so similar that in
their sympathies and pleasures each
seemed to be copying the other; while in
personal appearance they were so much
alike that they were frequently spoken to
each for the other. Both ladies were pc
euliarly fond of bright ribbons and black
dresses. A contemporary of Mrs. Abrams
wrote: 81 have been acquainted with
Mrs Abrams for years, and never remem-
Der her in other than the invariable ele-
CANT black costume, frightened with eth
er plumes, ribbons, or flowers of some
shade of yellow" After residing several
years in this country, and associating with
children who had parents, brothers and
sisters, she inquired of the lady with
whom she lived: Have no father, moth
was emphatically commanded never to
speak on that subject to any living
creature.
few months later her guardian died
The banker through whom her business
was transacted came forward, taking
charge of her, and placed her in one OF
the most fashionable and expensive board
ing schools in Philadelphia; and here COM
menced her friendship with q young girl
pupil from Savannah, a Miss Pooler which
friendship also continued during the life
llme of the parties.
When she had completed her education
she was informed that she might choose
nome in any locality in the states, and
sne would be literally supplied with
means to live in ease and comfort
II she conducted herself with propriety.
Later, her friend in Savannah induced Do
Lithla TO make her a visit. When she ar
I!Ved IN sailing vessel (there were no
steamers in those days. MIR. Abrams as
sisted her across the gangway, and there
commenced the mutual fascination, a
with ardency to the verge of the shades
ana may we not hope that so blissful
tIe mas been resumed on the other side
aye? AOi
A few weeks after her arrival in sa-
.Snnah, Dorithia wrote to her banker,
Ielllng of her engagement, and giving
proper references. AS all was found to
- Ds Satisfactory, she received an elegant
rousseau. everything complete and
meek Tor several thousand dollars Then
al became Z blank as to her friends AL
e14oqgh Mr. and Mrs. Abrams visited Phil
tt eilph.s, and pleaded and entreated, all
1nelT eloquence was lost; not one word
YOU'D iiId ne tell. They also visited the West
t5ii,1ld Isiands, and cautiously sought to
Hent iell upon their efforts.
M, ieW years after marriage, Mr. and
sids -aorALns went TO Washington TO re-
7, as Ar Madison was elected Prass-
SfInIt' and Mrs. Madison's friendship for
~ AZ. AGRA ms, no doubt, procured for Mr..
1Ao.tIns the nne appointment under the
sTl. eiInLlnent, which his own ability en-
0Died MIN 10 retain during the admin.stra-