The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-03-14
LUCKY BEN.
tcOnclhded from Fourth Page.l

ton, where Mrs. Lord, Mrs. Dimmick and
Mrs. Dimmick's grandfather, DIR. Scott,
lived was modest and quiet, but was made
happy by the indefatigable cheerfulness of
mother and daughter, who bore with pa
thence and even smiles the SORROWS which
burdened them. Occasionally Mrs. Lords
ether daughter, Mrs. Parker, and her hus-
band, Lieutenant Parker, would visit
them, and while their home was never the
place for formal social functions their nat
ural aptitudes for society kept this charm
ing family constantly in touch with the
best people of the city.
And now we come to the most interest
ing part of this history-that which per-
tains to the beginning of the friendly
association of the two distinguished princi-
pals in the forthcoming ceremonial, an as
ISOLATION which, in the course of time, as
sumed the Importance of a function indis-
pensable to their happiness.
Up to the year 1888 Mrs. Dimmick had
only such acquaintance with her uncle-in-
law as was derivable from occasional visits
to his family in indianapolis, and Mr..
Harrison. proverbia1ly busy man, had
but little time to devote to relatives of his
family, except in a general way. He had
always very high opinion of his wife's
niece, but his knowledge of her was slight.
At this time, however, learning that Mrs.
Dimmick's health was not SO robust as it
should have been, Mrs. Harrison invited
her to come and spend some time with
her, arguing that the excitement of the
presidential campaign, which, very natu-
rally, absorbed the entire interest of the
Harrison family, would divert her mind
and improve her health.
Mrs. Dimmick accepted the invitation,
and Mrs. Harrison's prophecy proved true.
Her health improved rapidly, her interest
in the election of Mr.. Harrison grew in
taOsa and this hrOr10ht tho
color of permanent health to her cheeks.
Both Mr.. and Mrs. Harrison were de-
lighted with her, and she soon became a
prime fayorite with the whole family.
When Mr.. Harrison was elected and it
became necessary TO go to Washington,
Mrs. Dimmick accompanied the family,
and, by special invitation of Mrs. Harri-
son, took up her abode at the White House.
Here her services to her aunt were inyalu-
able. She had such grace and tact that
much of the weight of social responsibility
was lifted from Mrs. Harrison's shoulders,
and Washington society rang with praise
of her and the benignant ease and effect
iveness with which she assisted her aunt
at all Iaborious social functions.
After the death of Mrs. Lord, which &C.
Cured soon after the inauguration of
President Harrison, Mrs. Harrison took
her father home to the White House, and,
at her request, Mrs. Dimmick continued
to make it her home well.
1t was while harried with the cares Of
Office and the perpetual opportunities of
aspiring politicians that President Harri-
son began to find comfort in the restful
society of Mary Dimmick and the good
comradeship that had grown up between
himself and his wife's niece. Mrs. Harri-
son, always the faithful housewife, from
the time she used to cook dinner for the
young lawyer at North Bend, Ind, was
kept perpetually busy with the manage
ment of the establishment. Mrs. Mckee
was, in her way, comfort to her father.
but she was averse to exercise, and the
president enjoyed long walks. So did
Mrs. Dimmiok. She was a good walker
and used to playfully challenge the chief
magistrate to all sorts of trials of speed
and endurance. These challenges were
always accepted at once, and away these
two went, like school children.
They Were Good Comrades.
Of course their regard for each other
was now nothing more than good fellow
ship, yet it was enjoyed by them to the
full, and, without in the least suspecting
it, they were laying the foundation for the
serious compact which is to bind them to-
gether for life, and it is matter of fact
that never since that time has there been
the slightest break in their close friend
ship.
Mrs. Dimmick accompanied the presi-
DENTS party when Mr.. Harrison made his
memorable tour of the country, and it was
she who Invariably stood beside him on
the rear platform of the car from which he
addressed the multitude of his countrymen
who came out to greet him. In this con-
nection, and as a notable instance Of the
truth of the assertion that Mrs. Dimmick
retains today all the jaunty, fun loving
spirit of her childhood, an incident of this
presidential trip may be mentioned.
The party had arrived at Mrs. Dim
mick's old homo, in Springfield, Ills, and
the ovation that was rendered was more
in her honor than that of the president.
Mrs. Dimmick stood upon the platform,
watching the members of the party alight
and get into the carriages.
One, two, three carriages filled up with
the men of the party and drove of. Then
Mrs. Dirnmick commenced to laugh.
Turning to one of the members of the
committee, her eyes twinkling with fun,
she said:
$50 you separate the sheep from the
goats?''
For the Springfield people in truly pro-
vincial style had arranged to have all the
men in one set of carriages properly es-
corted and the women in another set, ac-
companied by the women of the committee.
During the illness of Mrs. Harrison,
which resulted in her death Oct. %, 1899,
Mrs. Dimmick gave strong evidence of heI
gentle, self forgetful nature She was I'M
a