The independent-reporter., 1909-12-16

during that period she attended the
institution in Waterville now known
as the Coburn Classical Institute, al
so Bloomfield Academy in this town.
For a few years prior to 1853 she
was also engaged In teaching in
Skowhegan, Arson and Solon. At the
time of her marriage above referred
to she went to Columbia, Calf, where
the death of her husband occurred In
1856. Two children were born to Mr..
and Mrs. Brainard, Chas. M, who
died in 1893 and Mrs. Fannie B. Fields
now of Alameda, Cal. Mrs. Brainard
returned to the east in 1858, she and
her mother making their home in this
place, and her marriage to Levi W..
Weston was solemnized Nov. 19, 1861.
OF the five children born of this mar
riage but one, Gertrude s., is now
living. Three grandchildren survive,
Herbert and Clement, SONS of Mrs
Fields of Alameda Cal, and Miss
Carolyn Brainard of this place.
Few now living recall the begin
nings of Mrs. Weston's interest in
philanthropy, religion, temperance
and allied work. Those who do know
that she became identified with them
very early In life and that her devo-
tion was uncea asing. She Joined with
others to abolish chattel slavery and
with them was permitted to rejoice In
the complete realization of their aims.
During the war of 1S61-5 she was one
of the band of patriotic women who
prepared and furnished hospital sup
plies and other aid to the soldiers OF
the Northern armies. Believing that
her sex would make use of the bal
lot to hasten the great reforms in
which she was engaged, she did what
she could to forward the cause of
equal suffrage and lived to see it ap
proved by justice, If not by expedien-
cy, throughout the civilized world. In
temperance she aided to secure first
statute and then constitutional prohi-
bition for her own state, and lived to
see this example followed by many
sister commonwealths. She was
president of the Skowhegan Woman's
Christian Temperance Union for 80
years and had also been county pres
ident of that organization She was
a charter member of the Skowhegan
Woman's club and the Town Improve
ment society, serving as president and
III OtHci CdDdSitiCS III oHC was
also a member of the Woman's Aid
society from the date of it's organiza-
tion, and the founder and active spirit
in other educational and philanthropic
societies. The first of the Skowhegan
Kindergartens was organized by Mrs.
Weston, the interest created by her
efforts resulting. some years later, in
their installation as part of the
public school system. 1t would be
hard to name a local philanthropy
with which she was not connected.
That her interest in these things suf-
fered no dimi mutton with advancing
years Is sstrikingly evidenced by the fact
of her attendance at a meeting of
the Congregational Working league
on the afternoon of the day before her
death. Could she speak to her asso-
ciates. IL may be believed she would
express no greater gratitude than for
her ability to labor to the very last
and no regret except perhaps that she
could not witness the full accomplish
ment of every reform and the COM
pletion of every task.
Half 2 century of interest In public
affairs brought Mrs. Weston In touch
with many notable people, who were
from time to time guests at the Wes-
ton home. Among these, perhaps the
most famous was Frances Willard.
for many years the leader and presi
dent of the National w. C. T. U. Miss
Willard was here In 1884, the year in
which the campaign was made to Sc
cure the adoption of constitutional
prohibition for Maine. At that time
q conferenc. of great moment was
held at Mrs. Weston's home the re-
suit of which caused Miss willard to
continue for the time the policy of
non-partisanship for the w. c. T. U.