Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-04-08

s Mrs Lillian NJ n. Stevens was born
: in Dover. March l, 1874, the daughter
of Nathaniel and Nancy (Parsons)
Ames. Her early life was spent in her
, native place. where she attended the
schools of the town. and prepared for
Foxcroft Academy, where she later
studied AS a student she was con-
sidered one of the abiest, possessing
particular proficiency in mathematics.
She early decided upon teaching as
her early life work, and this decision
afterwards brought her to this part
of the State She taught for some time
in the public schools of South Port
land, and is remembered by many of
her pupils of earlier days.
It is stated that in her work as
teacher her proficiency as a leader
manifested itself, a proficiency which
later in life expressed itself so conspic-
uously in the direction of the great
organization of White Ribbon women.
whose leader she had been for many
years She carried into the profession
of teaching a clear-cut thought and
determined application which had
marked her life as a school girl.
When 20 years of age she married
Michael Stevens of this city. whose
namc as a. merchant in Portland for
several years IS well known to the
older citizens. For several years they
made their home in what was at
first suburb of Portland, but some
= years later a section which was an
: nexed and became part OF ward
Eight upon Deering being made a
part of Portland. The home has for
many years been the center of much
interest, its hospitality being enjoyed
from time to time by temperance and
other reformers, who found IN both
Mr.. and Mrs. Stevens ardent friends
and delightful hosts.
.iz.lJas Interest in Reform Work.
Mrs. stevens interest in reform
work, particularly along the line of
temperance. dates back TO her child
hood, while her active direction of the
work may be said to have begun in
her early womanhood Upon the visit
of temperance leaders and speakers
. Mrs. Stevens ever maintained am in
terest in their presentations of the
cause, and her early acquaintance with
the men and women who were making
: their lives count in the advancement
: sive, and formed one of the developing
influences of her life.
In this connection mention may well
be made of her acquaintance with
the late General Neal Dow. This was
personal association and intimate
knowledge of the man which she al
ways priced, and was ever loud in her
praise of the work of Names Grand
Old Man, whose death was a personal
bereavement TO her. Other persons
whose lives had been dedicated to
temperance reform also played upon
tile life of the woman, with the result
that she early became not only a
devotee to the cause, but also deter
mined leader in the promotion of its
various phases. total abstinence, social
purity, work among Juveniles and sci
entific temperance instruction in
schools.
Meets Miss Willard.
Mrs. Stevens had always been an
admirer of Miss Frances L. Willard.
Her first knowledge OF her and her
work through reading gave her an ap-
probation of the woman which after
wards intensified through an intimate
personal acquaintance. In 1874 Miss
Willard came to this State and ad-
dressed a notable gathering al Old
Orchard. there organizing the Maine
State w. C. T. L. Mrs. Stevens, then
q young mother, took a keen interest
in the plans of the organization, and
so direct was her participation in the
work Of forming the State union that
she has since been considered as one
of tho prime movers in bringing this
about
In the election Of officers, Mrs. Stew
ems was honored by being chosen its
first treasurer. This office she held
from the date Of organization until
1877, a period of three years, during
which her systematic handling of that
part CT the affairs Of the State organi-
szaticn contributed not a little TO the
stability of the Union, while her par
stictDation in the less routine work
gave expression to ability which caus-
ed her to be favorably considered for
other offices in the union and outside
1t was but natural that the choice
should turn TO her when the matter
Dc 6lling the vacancy in the presiden
~ of the State W. c. T. l.. occurred
In 1871 Her subsequently being
cnosen president at the annual con-
geltlon mat year ana the fact that
This honor has been repeated unani-
nously ever since attests not only the
ability with which she had directed
the work, but also the personal love
and regard OF the membership scat
tered all over the Pine Tree State.
She early displayed more than com
mon executive ability, while her man
ner OF conducting the business ses-
s.ons has appealed to the members and
also facilitated covering vast amount
u business. 4