The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1898-03-19
Mrs. Martha l.. Poland Thurston. So

Mrs. Martha l.. Poland Thurston, so
cial leader and phiIanthropist, was born in
M0rri>villc. Vt. May II. 1919. Her
father. Col. Luther Poland. was one of
three brothers distinguished for their
public service and ability. and her entire
family We're known as original and I'M
compromising abolitioniSts.
Her mothers maiden name was Clara
NJ. Bennett. who took pride in the sturdy
New England stock from which she
came. her ancestors having been among
the first settlers of Vermont. During the
year 1871 Martha Poland'S parents re-
moved to Madison, Wis. but after a short
residence there decided to change their
place of residence to Niroqua in the same
state and after remaining in the latter
place some time they returned to Madi-
son. where Martha completed her educa-
ton in the University of Wisconsin.
Graduating from there with a host of
friends she learned of her parents inten-
ton to move to Omaha. \eb. where she
has since lived. The school life of the
child did not commence until she was
nearly l. years of age, and her studies
we're completed shortly after her 10Th
birthday During that time She held the
poSition aS teacher in several of the city
and country schools. showing a marked
talent and Il brilliant and thorough
scholarship, her essays being character
lied by literary ability.
ON Christmas day. 1877 she became
the wife of John NJ. Thurston. then a
Young practicing attorney in Omaha. aft
nrWardS the general solicitor of the Union
Pacific railway system, who was known
far and near as Il Staunch Republican
and a tir>t-claSS orator. The Young wife
devoted herself almost exclusively to her
home. and was noted aS a model, eXom-
plary wife and mother. Her two elder
sons both of remarkable precoCity. died
in the fall of 1850. leaving her in charge
If one son.
The union of John Thurston and Mar
that Poland was blessed with five chill
dren i'll all, three sons and two daugh-
tCrS. She personally educated her little
ones ut home. arranging and supervising
all their studies until 1897, when her
surviving son was admitted 10 nigh
school. During her life she was known
a great Traveller. having visited all
the states and territories of the Union
save two. being familiar with all the
American cities and points Of interest.
Much Of her time was devoted To literary
work. and she was Il valued contributor
to the press. her articles on Alaska and
what Sh" saw there having been copied
throughout the United States.
Sh" participated in several newspaper
controversies on important public ques-
/ lions, always under pen name and her
authorship has been known only 10 a few
If her intimate friends. Her large heart
found expression in the many works OF
charity with which she was associated.
and il WAS a sourc" of pride 10 her that
she was in attendance on every convention
If the national board of charities and cor
rrciiou> since the year 1885. The last
meeting Of this kind with which she was
Identified was held at Denver. Col, in
July. 1892.
In the organizations with which she has
been identified she was prominent on
many committees and contributed hy her
efficient assistance to the success of ali
conventions and meetings. Her affection
for her husband would admit of no >cpa-
ration for ever 50 short time. and she
was his constant travelling companion,
rendering him valuable aid in all his pub
/ lie efforts and addresses hut keeping con
Stantly 4 home that was renowned for lis
hospitality and modest elegance.