Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1897-11-18

been proud OF the physical attractions of
his young wife, perhaps, at first, but the
charm of novelty soon wore away. He
was very extravaganza, and, moreover,
managed his worldly affairs extremely
iii; he got into debt, and money grew
more and more scarce in the family.
The time came at length when Nine.
Pfeffer literally did not know how to
pay for the barest necessities of life
for herself and her children; her hus-
band left her and behaved in way at
once cowardly and heartless.
Ida Pfeffer's conduct at this trying
period was brave and noble in the eX-
IRENE She did not accuse her husband;
she maintained dgnifed silence about
him; no breath of SANDER ever touched
her regulations; she was devoted
mother. and even went without food
herself if only her children might be
fed. She looked up to God, and was
TRANQUILITY cheerful even in her sorest
need.
AS years went on things grew gradu-
ally brighter for Ida Pfcffer. Her hus-
band died, and she was free from Il
heavy chain. Her brother was able to
help her with little money; her chill
dren grew up and were all gaining their
own livelihood. Then there woke within
her the longing for distant travel,
which for years she had repressed, and
she determined to satisfy it.
Then followed that series of wonder
full journeys which have signalized her
name.
Comparatively without money, with
out any of the appliances and aids to
travel, in an age when female travellers
were extremely rare even in Europe,
she took long voyages alone. She pene-
trated alone into then almost unknown
lands; she dwelt alone amid savage
tribes. We see her in Il dense South
American forest, led by an Indian
guide. who suddenly turns upon her,
and nothing but miracle saves her
through the intervention of passing
traveller. We see her wrapping herself
in her cloak and calmly lying down to
sleep on the deck of vessel in terrible
storm; we see her surrounded by a
crowd of carnibals andlaverting death
by well-timed joke. Approaching age
and infrmities did not damp her course
or her thirst for adventure. Her chill
dren implored her TO rest under their
loving care; the government of her
country, which for some years had
recognized her as one of the most re-
markable women of the age, even for
babe her to leave her native land; but
it was all in vain; she stole away and
again engaged in some dangerous dis
tant journey.
At length the last earthly wandering
came for Ida Pfeffer. According to her
usual plan of concealing her projected
travels, she slipped away one day from
her family and took ship for Madagas-
car, which island at that time was in
very disturbed state. A queen reigned
there who was peculiarly hostile to Eu-
ropeans. She siezed Nine. Pfeifer, to-
gether with 4 few more travellers, and
put them in close confinement. For
some time they fingered in an I'M
healthy prison, with the fear of death
hanging over their heads; but they
were at last liberated, and Ida Pfeffer
and her companions enjoyed once more
freedom and safety.
These blessings, however, came too
late for the courageous old traveller.
Her health had been shattered by the
hardships and suspense of that rigorous
confinement in that trying climate.
She journeyed back to her native land
and died peacefully in the arms of her
son. She has left for herself a fair
chapter in the history of woman.-N.Y.
Ledger.