The evening times., 1898-09-07
DOROTHY DURGIN.
The First Sister Over the Shakers
Dies in New Hampshire.

Concord Letter to the Boston Globe.)
Eldress Dorothy Durgin, probably the
| most conspicuous and widely-known
Shaker among the eighteen societies of
America, passed away last night in the
| beautiful Shaker village situated upon the
hills OF Canterbury. With her death the
| Canterbury family, which is the largest
| in New England, has received blow
SUCH as has never before come during the
| century
"Eldress Dorothy" as she was known,
| came to the Shakers at Canterbury when
| but a mere child of eight years. She was
the daughter of Dorothy Sanborn and
William Durgin, of Sanbornton. n. H.,
and was born November g, 1925. The
child was left motherless at seven years
Of age, and her father being on friendly
terms with the Shaker family. placed lit
tie Dorothy in their keeping. and for six
ty-five years Eldress Dorothy remained a
member of the household, only severing
those relations when death came. After
improving the broad educational advan-
tageS afforded in the village, EldresS
Dorothy became a teacher and subse-
quently was given the entire care Of new
children who We're brought into the fam
lily, AT one time when but a girl of seven
teen, she had charge of twenty-five chill
dren.
The broad mind and uncommon evi-
dences of leadership which were mani
tested in her caused her to be chosen
to the position of eldress. which is the
first sister in authority and this she
held for forty-six years. During this pc
riod she has become famous among Shak-
ers. known and respected by tens OF
| thousands Of visitors from different parts
of the country. and above all the beacon
light of large family Of varying ages.
but Of one spirit Of love and affection
for her who for so many years was as a
mother TO them all. Here was a charac-
ter whose spirit and presence were as
near TO the heavenly as can be possible
to the human.
No one came into her presence but TO
! feel an inspir-tion that was of lasting
value. Indeed, those who are nearest and
dearest believe that she was inspired. AS
an evidence OF this. they speah Of the
volume of 500 pages. filed wit erse
| touching every phase of life, mu OF
which came to her while engaged in Ali
| g-ous worship. Times without number
| she has knelt and not only given forth
original verse of a most deeply ferNeat
| nature, but has at the same time given
music TO accompany the lines.
This marvellous woman was an able
| writer and had contributed many strong
! articles to Shaker and other magazines.
! recognized as master mind. not only
| at home. but wherever among her chosen
| Des1nIe she wandered. She had visited
| every Shaker community in the Cnhed
! States. EXCEPT one in Ohio. and spoken
! before all.
In the home though officially not at
! the head OF the family, her executive
| ability was recognized 10 be far superior
! TO either sisters or brothers in the fam
ily. Though her mind was lofty and her
| spirit great. yet she was the very en-
! bodiment of simplicity, always refusing
/ alteration and transferring the praises
! due her TO others.
In the temporal affairs OF the family.
! ranging from l25 to $50 members, she kept
most careful supervision, and was ever
busy W. n her own hands assisting in 9he
work of various departments. She pos
! sessed a commanding presence, ana
whenever her greetings We're extend
! ed one was made TO feel that surely
here was no common being. Her al
! tr fbrtes Of mind and heart were perceived
| TO ;ha, extent by the outside world that
| several times she was offered the position
| off mother superior in The Catholic
| church.
The Globe correspondent paid visit 70
! the family this afternoon and found sor-
/ row pictured in every countenance from
the little children TO the few living who
have been companions Of Eldress Dor
orhy from childhood.
| Al o'clock tomorrow afternoon the
silence of the old church will be broken
! by the s0bs of true mournerS, the music
! Of children who loved Dorothy, and by
able tributes TO her worth. She Will be
laid away In the quaint old Shaker
church. Many private letters of condo
lence have been received from various
notables and will be read The tributes of
! home affection. however. will be the most
| touching of all.