Putnam patriot., 1912-02-02
Death of Miss Ellen Douglas Larued

Miss Ellen Douglas Idrned, Nlnu- ham Couuty's historian, for number of years one of the vice presidents of the Connecticut Historical society died at her home in Thompson at four o'clock Wednesday morning. She has been failing for some time. Death was due to old age and heart trouble.
 Miss Larned was the ninth child of George Larned. She was born in Thompson July 18th, 1925, and since 1891 has been the sole surviving mem- Der of the family. Her life has main- ly been passed in Thompson village in the usual round of household, church and social duties. To these, however, have been added historical researches in her own county, resulting in work of permanent interest and value, the "Histoty of Windham County, Conn., two vols, lss0) and embody- ing the fruit of fourteen years labor.
 It has won for her reputation for accuracy, thoroughness and literary skill beyond county limits. A supple mentary volume of "Historic Clean ings," in the same field, published in 1899, includes a number of interesting papers, illustrative of various phases of Colonial and early national life. Miss Larned has also contributed number of historical sketches for the Connecti- cut Magazine and has assisted in many church and town centennial and bi- centennial commemorations.
 Familiarity with county and town affairs has naturally led to more speci- fic interest in families. The greatly increased demand for genealogical re- searches since the confederation of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, made this familiarity very helpful to others, and Miss Larned has had the privilege of assisting many candidates in tracing their lineage and establishing their claims to member ship. A series of papers published in the "Monthly Record of the Congrega. tional Church of Thompson" compris- ed genealogical sketches of most of the early families of the town. The gen. eral and hearty recognition called out by these various services has been pc culiarly grateful to the county histori- an, whose highest aspiration has been like one of oid--to "dwell among her own people, and to help to maintain
 local traditions and inherited stand. ards.
 Miss Larned was interested in every movement for the betterment and ad- vancement of the town in which she lived and the Thompson Public Libra " stands as memorial of her energy. She was especially instrumental in
 procuring this institution for the town. She had the matter in mind for long time and took every opportunity to ag- itate 1t. Finally number of promi- nent citizens were called to meet at her house and articles of incorporation were drawn up. States Attorney Charles E. Searls was the first presi dent and Miss Larned was made di. rector. She has always taken a great interest in the welfare of the library and did all she could to advance it's in- terests. The citizens of Thompson, in recognition of her valuable work for the library, contributed large sum of money and engaged Miss Chase, no- ted portrait painter of Boston, to paint Miss Larned's picture. When it was finished there was large gathering of citizens and others from distant points when il was presented to the library association and hung in the library building.
 Miss Larned has appeared as speak CT at many notable gatherings and her remarks, usually of historical nature, were always listened to with great in terest. She also contributed articles which were eagerly sought by the press. She was an honorary member of Elizabeth Porter Putnam chapter, D. A. R., of this city and on special oc- casions readily responded to requests for an address.
 Funeral services will be held at the Congregationai church Friday at ? o'clock p. m.