The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-01-16

| Woman Veterans Who Are Mustered Out.
| Account by the Inmates of Christmas at
| the National Relief Corps Home-Happy
| School Children Follow the FIag-Patriot-
ism and Relief Divide Corps Activities.
PASSING AWAY.
Secretary Puma L. Cowlos. of the National
| Relief Corps Home, has received information
of the passing away of three Army Nurses.
July Il. 1885, Mrs. Miriam A. Baugh, Chi
cage, Ill.,, formerly of Ohio died of cancer, after
great suffering.
July 10, 1885, Mrs. Mary J. Buncker, Man
chester, n. H.. died very suddenly at the resi-
dence of bes sister, Mrs. E. B. Hammond,
Nashua, of paralysis.
Nov. 10. 1895. Mrs. Phoebe Weston Farmer
| died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs.
Alice c. Risley, aged 81 years.
| Mrs. Buncker was born at Waltham, Mass,
Nov. 10, 1922. In 1853 she took up her resi-
dence at Manchester. where she was for a time
Librarian in the Public Library.
| In 1864. when the hospitals at the front were
| overcrowded, the Webster Hospital was opened
| at Manchester, and there over 1000 soldiers
were cared for during its existence. Mrs.
Buncker and her sister, Mrs. Eliza p. Stone.
were nurses there.
Mrs. Buncker came of sterling, patriotic
family. Her cousin, Edward Bingham, though
badi " wounded when he entered Libby Prison,
would not let a rebel hand touch him, but took
garment was pair of overalls yet when about
to be exchanged he refused pair of rebel gray
trousers, saying he would rather die than wear
q shred OF that detested color He was supplied
with a suit of another color, and found his way
to Webster Hospital.
Manchester was Mrs. Buncker's homo for 30
years. where she was prominent in church and
charitable circles and in Louis Bell Relief
Corps. She leaves and hosts offriends.
who have shared her sympathy and counsels.
Phoebe Weston was born in Townsend,
Mass, Aug. 20. 1914, and in 1897 removed
with her parents to Ohio. making the long
journey in covered wagon. They located at
College Hill. where, in 1853 Phoebe was mar
ried to Franklin Farmer, and together they
took up their residence at Nauvoo, ILL.,, which
they had to defend from Mormon encroacf-
ments. Mrs. Farmer nodded the bullets wSilc
her husband was engaged in the strange con-
Gict.
Later they removed to New Iberia, La,
and when New Orleans was possessed by the
Union forces Mrs. Farmer and her daughter
opened their doors to the sick and wounded of
the Union army.
Rev. J. j. Martin recounted Mrs Farmers
services at her funeral, and said: "This is why
you see here to-day these old soldiers OF the
Grand Army of the Republic. They come to
pay an humble tribute to the memory of her
who. like Barbara Frietchie, never let the fires
she could to preserve the Union of the States,
one country and one flag"
Mrs. Farmer and her daughter attended the
Louisville Encampment together, and later she
visited her old home in Ohio. She was a cousin
of Alice and Phoebe Cary, and was imbued with
the same sweet poetic spirit. Some of her
poems of high order of merit. She was a
progressive woman, strong advocate of equal
rights, and her whole life example of
heroism and devotion TO duty.
CHRISTMAS AT THE HOME.
Superintendent Clare ii. Burleigh reports
the Home tree grand success, and the gifts
greatly appreciated by the inmates.
Each dear old lady had new dress, three
aprons tone white), two handkerchefs lone en-
broidered), hose shoulder shawl, booklets
candies, and fancy articles. They were all as
happy girls. and as contented possible.
Dear Mrs. Burleigh was on her feet several
days assisting, tying and marking the gifts aud
If the donors deserve gratitude for their gifts |
they should all be grateful to her for selecting
and displaying them in so artistic manner.
The Misses NJ. L. Bartlett and NJ. l. Middle |
ton, of the Home Press Committee, send out |
pleasant account After describing the family |
scene on Christmas Eve in halls and library, |
where the Inmates were all assembled. together
with two comrades from the Ohio Soldiers |
Homo who were visiting their wives, they tell |
how the folding doors were thrown open. re-
vealing the beautiful Christmas tree, with large |
tables underneath just groaning with presents. |
The report continues:
"The exercises commenced by the ladies
singing two carols. The Light of the World "
and 1.-The Great Physician" Mrs. Burleigh |
then read the Christmas Service and Collect and
offered prayer, and then gave a short talk in
her cheerful manner, bringing smiles to every
face with her witty remarks and pleasing
Stories after which the presents were distrib-
and tch NIL fincn I'm tril I'D
could have the old ladies sitting with their
laps full, with q happy look of curiosity on
each face as they eyed their packages. Each
one received from seven TO eight articles.
And here we must mention that our faithful
Home surgeons and physicians, c. II. and j. H.
Quayle, remembered each member with an
appropriate and delicate little gift, which was
by all.
We affirm as some OF the partakers that
many prayer from appreciative hearts went
out to the Infinite, asking that blessings and
happiness be bestowed upon the donors. Here
after the lists of Corps contributing will be pub
lished through the proper channels. Twenty
two Corps and four Department Headquarters
and many private individuals have been heard
from.
To the generous mind the heaviest debt is
that Of gratitude when Ills not in our power to
repay"
ALL ALONG THE LINE.
Department President Flora Jamison Miller
If Illinois announces her determination TO
decline reelection pressed upon her by many
friends. Her administration has been highly
prosperous, not the least of her energetic works
Deing-the establishment of the Illinois Relief
Corps Home. Department membership has
reached S767, which she expects to make 5000
before retiring from official duties
Martha Harry Press Correspondent, reports
Fannie Brownee installed President of the
Corps at Mondoor, Buffalo Co., Wis; Nancy
Hadley. Secretary. This Corps has entered
lpon prosperous new year.
Department President Lavantia Conger of
Texas made an able address before the State .
Teachers Association, Waco, asking them to
introduce patriotic teaching into the schools
No official action taken, but it is expected
hat the subject will be again introduced at the
July meeting in Austin.
National Headquarters, W.R.C., 14th Ma
.ional Convention, will be a the Ryan House.
81. Paul, Sept. ], 2, 3, 4. in convention with
National Headquarters, GAR.
The Tooth anniversary of Catherine King
Milford Center, o., was celebrated
Iy the Presbyterian Church aud Woman's Re-
ief Corps Jan. g, 1896. Reception at the
,hurch and banquet at GAR. Hall. Hand
ome invitation cards bore portrait of Mrs.