The Newtown bee., 1908-09-18
Washington.
MRS ABIGAIL BRINSMADE GUNN

MRS ABIGAIL BRINSMADE GUNN.
 Shortly before midnight on Monday, September IA, Abigail 1. Brinsmade Gum. "the mother of the old Gunnery school" "passed to the great Beyond. She had safely reached the SSth birth day in July, but her failing strength for weeks past had been cause for great anxiety to her large circle of friends. The late Mrs Gum was lineal descendant of the Rev Daniel Brinsmade, who was graduated from Yale in about 1748 and soon after wards located as pastor of the old Judea church. For 45 years he faith fully served his flock, this remark able record showing in what esteem he was held by his loyal parishioners. From that day when he appeared as preacher in the old Judea meeting hoGse the Brinsmade family has kept its time honored place in the Wash ington church and society. The subject of our sketch was the eldest daughter of Gen Daniel D. Brinsmade. noble and liberal citizen, who held a very warm place in the hearts of this hill community. From her sister, Mary B. Brinsmade, who was graduate of Mt Holyoke seminary and afterwards successful principl of young wolnan's school in her home town, Mrs Gum doubtless received much inspiration from the story of Mary Lyons beauti- full life. One cannot think of "the mother of the Gunnery" without feel. ing that she held as unique place as Miss Lyon in the education of youth. The sweet and quiet girlhood which had fully reared her for life's work ended at sunset on April 16, 1848. when she was united in marriage to Freder- ick W.Gunn, the founder of the famous Gunnery school. The church bells which pealed forth merrily from the hillside were happy omen of the use- full years which followed. After a short stay in Towanda, Penn., where Mir Gum was a very successful teacher. he returned to Washington in 1849 and began teaching in a small academy on the Green, but it was not until Octo- Der, 1850, that Mrs Gum found herself established as the mother of the Gun nery and when we read those precious pages of "the Master of the Gunnery" we cannot but feel that it was she who made it that ideal home for boys. Be- tween each line of that wonderful me morial one can read of her labor and self-denial, her mother love and devo- tion to each youth entrusted to her care. The loss of her only son (born January g, 1849) in his early manhood was borne with such patient trust in the ways of Providence that it touched all hearts. One daughter, the pres ent mother of the Gunnery, born Jan. uary g, 1849, remained to cheer her old age and to take the burdens and cares of the school, when evening came and the master passed to the great Be- yond. At the recent opening of the Gum Memorial library the late Mrs Gum was able to be present in her wheel chair. The touching tribute which her old pupil, Clarence Deming, paid the mother of the Gnnnery on that occasion will never be forgotten. It was truly rare and noble spirit which could inspire such affection among her pupils and it IS with real and unfeigned sorrow that the whole community will gather at the church at o'clock on Thursday to do honor to a woman who ranks foremost among the educators of our youth and one whose name will be a loving memory for all generations to come.
 Mir and Mrs Samuel Hollister spent last week in Hartford, enjoying a pleasant trip.
 Fred Brinsmade of the Gunnery re- turned, last week, from three weeks trip to Jamaica.
 Miss Cassie Gold, who has been spending the summer with her mother at the Gunnery, returned on Saturday to her duties as teacher in one of the Fall River schools. aH
 Miss Harriet Nettleton has resumed her teaching in one of the schools of Newark, this week. .7
 Mrs Sarah J. Hoadley of Plymouth is visiting at her sons, Carleton E. Hoad- ley, for two weeks. ra,ass
 Miss Mildred Huniwell of New Ha- ven was guest, this week, of Miss Sarah Hoadley. as.Ia ..aat
 Frank Kilborn and A. c. Titus went to Hartford on Tuesday as delegates to the Democratic state convention.
 Mrs Thornton Cogswell gave a de- lightful Whist on last Friday aft er- noon. Mrs Wersebe, Mrs Kilborn and Miss Wettereau won very pretty prizes. Delicious refreshments were served and all enjoyed the pleasant occasion.
 Miss Lucy Nettleton has taken a new position in school in Stamford, this year.
 Henry Seeley is still very low and trained nurse is in constant attend ance.
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