The daily morning journal and courier., 1897-10-09
A Glimpse Into the Life of Moliie Fancher,
 "The Enigma of the Nineteenth Gen.

hc ASAAS uA iho ISthStSshth SeN- tury
 To the Editor of the Journal and Courier
 After nearly thirty years of suffering, during which time all Miss Fancher's near relatives had passed away and a fortune had been consumed in vain ef forts to restore health by eminent phy- sicians and a relay of skilled nurses, Judge Abram H. Daley of Brooklyn, a personal friend of Miss Fancher's fami- ly, volunteered to write a brief history Of her life, the sale of which might aid in meeting the simple wants of Miss Fancher, secure needed care and save her mortgaged home Her lonely hours are relieved in part by her busy hands when physical suffering does not pre- vent. Her embroidery and other works of art are the wonder and admiration of those who see them. With all her suffering Miss Fancher is so bright and cheery that a visit to her is enjoyable rather than otherwise. Not many, only those with kind intent, are admitted. A glimpse into the life of Miss Fan cher can but awaken a desire to know more and every one asks, How can she, without eyes," design such beau- tiful works of art? Miss Fancher is spoken of as the enigma of the nine teenth century, and is such to herself as much as to others.
 Prof. Agassiz of Harvard university, with another eminent scientist, was awaiting an opportune time when to-
 gether they could make study of the case. The investigation was prevented
 by the death of Prof. Agassiz. Miss
 Fancher when child, by the death of
 her mother. was left to the care of Miss Susan Crosby, the mothers young CT sister. A later chapter tells of Miss
 Crosby with party of friends at the
 steamer landing, awaiting the arrival of her fiance from southern home.
 His death from yellow fever and an
 ocean grave was the intelligence which
 the steamer brought. AS the years
 passed another engagement contracted
 was broken to fulfil the sacred promise
 given the dying mother Under the
 motherly care of Miss Crosby, the lov-
 ed aunt, Miss Mollie was ripening into early womanfood, and was very soon to graduate from Dr. Vests Brooklyn Heights seminary, an accomplished and
 much admired young lady. Ambition had over stimulated till quiet rest was 8 necessity, all with a final result of life's bright hopes shadowed and dark
 ened After eight years of faithful waiting the young man with whom her VOWS were plighted broke the engage
 ment. With the thirty years and more which have intervened of clouded life,
 the woman, Mollie Fancher, looks upon the "silver lining which reflect many
 blessings Not fifty volumes could
 tell the tale" A glimpse" can only
 give an intimation. The life of Mollie Fancher, which is on sale at the Y. M.
 c. A., includes the following poem, her
 own composition: | My God, o spare me this---
 | To lie with empty folded hands; | am content to bear my cross, 1 And will not murmur at the bands That blnd nor count afflictton'S loss 1 But spare, o spare me this--
 l To lie throughout the livelong day And through the watches of the night | Counting the hours. Dark though the way: With busy heart and hands, 'tis light. To feel I'm needed not,
 | To live and lie with folded hands. While others are youchsafed that bliss The need of meeting life's demands: Spare me, my God, spare me this.