Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1902-02-05
COUNTY NEWS.
IN TURKISH MISSION F1ELps.


IN TURKISH MISSION FIELDS.
The Southwest Harbor woman's auxil-
larry of the Maine missionary society
gathered at the parsonage Friday after
noon, Jan. "a, having been promised a
brief history of Madame Walkers ex-
periences for fifteen years in the mission
fields OF Turkey in Asia. A rare treat to
the large number OF interested ladies
gathered did the eventful recital prove.
Madame Walker, mother of the pastor,
is a sweet dignified little lady, with bright
eyes aud silvery curls, graced with gentle,
cultured ease OF manner, one whose heart
will remain young in spite of the snowy
crown upon her head and the fact that
she has PASSED the allotted three score
years and ten.
Beginning with her departure from
home in 1853, the bride of a jealous young
minister, Rev. Augustus Walker, who had
been assigned to the station OF Diabekar,
In Turkey, Madame Walker drew vivid
picture OF the lights and shadows falling
across the pathway of herself and hus-
band until the devoted missionary entered
the life eternal.
The voyage to Constantinople, the cor
dial welcome OF resident missionaries, the
wearisome journey on horse or muleback
across the unknown area OF Turkey, the
halt at Aintab to be instructed in the ma
tive language before going to the assigned
station, the peculiar difficulties constantly
bringing out the elements OF courage and
patience, were described with modest
simplicity, which made her hearers mar
vel that such hardships and trials could
be borne with SO much grace and forth
tude.
| At times the description OF events and
| incidents was so pathetic that tears filled
the many eyes, especially where the be-
loved younger and only sister had elected
in spite of loving remonstrances, to follow
| the fortunes Of missionary-a widower
who had left his two children in the care
of MIR. and Mrs. Walker while he came to
| America to seek another mate. sympathy
was stirred for the brave woman in her
anxiety over the illness and grief over the
death of the pet sister, who in few
months after her arrival in Turkey, con-
| tracted a malarial disease which soon
ended her bright young life.
One very thrilling incident brought
chills of fear to the listeners-an attack
OF native bandits made when Mr.. and
| Mrs. Walker were on their way to an
other station, and for lack OF transporta-
ton guards had halted at lone house in
an out of-the way place. Only their
helpers and native Christian, shamaz
tdeacon), had accompanied them. In the
night stealthy footsteps were heard on
| the roof. The faithful native advised
making no resistance. On the spur of the
moment Mrs. Walker sought hiding
place under the bed.
With much noise, the marauding band
broke in and soon discovering her con-
cealment, one pointed gun at her,
threatening to shoot. Her husband called
| to her to stand by him, where he could
protect her If need be with his own life,
or II they were to be murdered, they could
meet their fate together. After going
through the-baggage, taking what pleased
them, including the watches of both men,
and destroying much, the ruffians de-
camped. The next day the party went on
! their way safely reaching their destina-
ton
| Some picturesque and humorous scenes
in the portrayal of the manners and Gus
toms of the natives relieved the dark situ-