The National tribune., 1896-08-20

Mary e. Elliot. Department Secretary OF
Massachusetts, is a lineal descendant OF joseph
Elliot and John Hicks. Revolutionary soldiers
who lost their lives in defense of their country
and sister of Charles ID. Elliot. of summer
vile, an Engineer of the Nineteenth Corps.
Her work on behalf of the Union soldier be-
gan when she was an organizer OF Willard U.
Kinsley Corps, Independent, March. 1879.
Miss Elliot compiled the ritual and was the
first President; but in 1882 the Corps through
her efforts was recognized and became part
of the Department of Massachusetts, W.R.C.
She served as q Delegate to National Conven-
ton. Minneapolis 1884 aud has participated in
every subsequent National Convention, twice
as Assistant National Secretary and repeatedly
as member of the Press Committee.
In 1885, upon the resignation OF Sarah f..
Fuller, Department Secretary of Massachusetts,
to accept the office of National President, Miss
Elliot was chosen her successor by Department
President M. Susie Goodafe. and SO efficiently
aud conscientonsly has she discharged her
duties that she has been chosen by each sue
ceeding President to this responsible and oner.
Gus position. Her annual reports are models OF
systematic and accurate work.
But it is not in routine work, excellent as 1t
is. that Miss Elli0rs patriotic zeal finds its best
expression. As writer for the Boston news
papers Size has done much to pOpuarize and
disseminate Relief Corps work. As speaker at
Campfres and Oh Memorial Days her services
are always at command. She has been an
earnest worker in the Ladies' Aid Association
of the Soldiers Home, and as Chairman OF
Kinsley Corps COMMITTEES on Patriotic Teach
ing she has been instrumental in introducing
the flag salute into the schools of Summervile
She was active in the formation OF Bunker
Hill Chapter Daughters of the American Revo-
luton, and is a member of the Pilgrim Fathers
Association and numerous other societies and
clubs.
Miss Elliot is one of those modest, quiet, I'M
assuming workers who go steadily forward per.
iecting their work and multiplying their ac-
tivties, while others are stopping to talk over
what they should do representative, in fact,
of the rank and file of o splendid body of
women who, seeking nothing for themselves,
but everything for the cause they serve, con-
sttute to-day the bone and sinew of the
Woman's Relief Corps,
The closing stanZas OF q poem read at the
reception given in her honor by John +. Gill
man, Junior Vice Commander. Department of
Massachusetts,. GAR, indicate the hearty es-
TEEN IN which Miss Eliot is held not only by
her associates IN the Relief Corps, but by the
comrades of the Grand Army of Massachusetts,:
Mary. 'mongst these loyal women.
You've been long shining light,
And you merit well the tribute
They have rendered you tonight.
You have won it by the service
That you rendered to your Corps,
When you bore Its many burdens,
In the struggling days OF yore.
By your strict regard to duty
In the high and honored place.
Which you fill with so much talent,
So much mOdesty and grace. /.
By your bright fraternai speeches,
Gems of silvery eloquence
Lifting up our thoughts to heaven
And a gracious Providence
By yonr charity. which never
Failed ~ comrade when in need,
Seeking out the poor and lowly,
king not his race creed.
By your loyalty to country,
To the that made IL free
To the flag that floats above us,
You have won our fealty.
Hence we join in paying homage
Unto you, Our bonored guest,
Hence pray our Heavenly Father
That you be forever blest.