The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-01-09

MISS LAURA BURT.
like brave woman, and, with her three
fatherless children, bade adieu to her
native Gwalia, and sailed for Ameri-
ca. The older children, although yet in
their teens, We're already demonstrate
ing most abundantly the results of the
beautiful religious teachings of the
hearts of the peasant homes of the land
of Cadair Idris, Wyddfa, and Plim-
limmon. They could render 80 Frynian
Caersalem" and similar devotional
hymns with a soul-inspring charm;
their religious and temperance decla-
nations We're remarkable for their
pathos, and the sweet manner with
which they We're rendered was en-
chanting.
Mrs. Burt, in these years, possessed a
very sympathetic contralto voice, well
disciplined and under excellent control
such voice that touches the heart
and charms the soul. She was a good
musician, and through her many ac-
complishments we find her later play
ing an important role on the rostrum
in behalf of fallen humanity. She was
an extremely pious lady, a striving ad-
VOcate of the temperance cause, and
a forcble and convincing speaker in
her native tongue.
The dawn was nigh, and the loving
but mysterious hand was already shap-
ing the magnificent future of the hus-
bandless mother and her three darling
orphans.
They arrived at their American des-
tinaton in due time, and We're received
by the Welsh friends with that open
and broad cordality, so characteristic
of the Brython heart in America. The
presence of the talented mother and
her three wonderful orphans was soon
felt, and their remarkable genius in
literature and song Immediately enter
ed the hearts of the people. The better
people of the ghborhood-ministers
lawyers, business men, artisans-in
fact, everybody took a deep interest
in the welfare of the wonderful quartet
from the mountains of old Gwalia. The
mother was induced by friends to adopt
the rostrum as a profession, by which
means her children could be offered an
opportunity to develop their genius and
also manifest what they could already
accomplish with their sweet voices.
AS we stated before, being wapn
advocate of the temperance cause Mrs
Burt adopted the stage and espoused
talks, the remaining portion of the pro-
gramme being taken up by the chill
dren, which consisted of recitations,
songs and temperance dialogues. Their
unique performances convinced, con-
Verted and charmed. At this early age
Laura was the star of the entertain
ment and the pride of the large audi-
ehces wherever they appeared. Their
success was immediate and immense
and their services We're eagerly sought
by those of the temperance and relie-
ious faiths.
AT this time, the lamented Bliss, the
immortal writer of the beautiful music
that afterwards made the names of
Moody and Sankey known the relig-
1ous world over, was just introducing
his music to the world, and Mrs. Burt
and her three little children We're the
first to sing the beautiful hymn, en-
titled pulling for the Shore" on any
public platform. Mr.. Bliss heard of
them and they We're induced to travel
with him, and the work of Mr. Bliss
and Mrs. Burt and her three little Or
phans in the state of Ohio has not peen
forgotten to this day. The powerlui
words of the speakers convinced ana
converted. and the splendid work of the
little ones charmed the callous heart OF
the wayward wanderer They We're en-
gagged in this work for five or six years
making converts wherever they APP
peared, and the children improved in
their profession as they grew older. In
Laura's twelfth year the quartet re-
turned to New York after having Wis
t.1 ton
The accomplishments of the little
Welsh maiden soon became known in
the great metropolis. She became
known to leading professional who
was surprised with her remarkable ac.
cOmpliShments. The stage was adopt
ed as an ultimatum and the result Is
known long ago. Miss Burt has taker
leading parts in many dramas for the
last five years, and her efforts are those
of an accomplished and painstakinf
actress. She is a Shakespearan de
votee and a student of surprising abil
ity. Great results are expected in th'
near future from this talented young
lady in this more exalted field.
YOU'D scarce expect one of my age,
To speak in public on the stage;
And If l chance to fall below
Demosthenes or Cicero.
Don't view me with a critics eye,
But pass my imperfections by,
Large streams from little fountains flow
Tall oaks from little acorns grow"
Her brother William, now a residen
of this city, and who was one of th
quartet that accomplished such mag
nificent results for temperance and re
ligion, is decorator by profession. II
is great worker in the rescue mis-
sionary cause and has done some ex
cellent work in Hartford. Con, an,
New York city. He is a polished speak