Page:Sketches of representative women of New England.djvu/301

226 midst of her busy household cares to aid materially, spiritually, and intellectually those dependent upon her. She was blessed with a sweet Christian character, and commanded the respect and love of all who knew her. About the year 1837 she married Josiah S. Prescott, of Meredith, N.H., whose occupation was that of farmer and carpenter. Mr. Prescott was always active in the public welfare, serving the town on the Board of Selectmen and satisfactorily representing his district in the State Legislature. They had four boys and two girls.

The fourth child and oldest daughter of Josiah S. and Mary (Leavitt) Prescott is the one whose name heads the present article. Mary J. Prescott was born in Meredith, N.H. As a mere child she displayed great talent for music, shown in her ability to read unfamiliar compositions with correctness of tune and tune. The advantages of a musical education were not sufficiently appreciated as compared with the more practical and utilitarian attainments. Consequently her training was confined to patient and persistent individual effort and the annual winter singing-school. While living at home she was a valued member of the church choir, and later she acceptably filled the position of leading soprano in several Massachusetts churches, being also for a number of years an active member of the Handel and Haydn Society of Boston, Mass. Although her instruction on the pianoforte was very limited, she mastered some of the most difficult music. Naturally an earnest and apt student, she completed her education at Tilton (N.H.) Seminary, and taught successfully in the district schools of her native State. It may here be said that one of the most pleasant experiences in her educational life was the two years spent as a pupil in the Emerson College of Oratory, Boston, Mass.

In seeking these higher attainments she did not lose her interest in the affairs of every-day life, but has continued to manifest that adaptability which enables one to accomplish what the hand finds to do. Her life from childhood has seemed one continuous effort and sacrifice for others. In the year 1871 she was called to a position in Boston, and a few years later she married John G. Fales, of Thomaston, Me. From the time of her marriage she has lived in Boston and vicinity, her home since 1892 being in Cambridge, Mass. She was reared in the Baptist denomination, and affiliated with that church until she became a Christian Scientist. A devoted disciple, she gratefully bears testimony as follows: "From earliest remembrance I longed to express that soul music in song which would convert the listener. Since embracing the science of Christianity as given in the Christian Science text-book, 'Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures,' by Mrs. Eddy, I have in a measure realized that long-desired soul harmony 'with signs following,' not only in having been raised from invalidism, but through experiencing its invaluable spiritual uplifting. In common with others who imbibe the spirit of this teaching, it has been my high privilege to show many the way to health ancl harmony, leading them to an understanding of their true being as children of God. Such work has sought me to such an extent and the benefit afforded others has been so gratifying that all other ambitions have become secondary.

LARA H. BAGG EVANS, who in February, 1903, was elected President of the Department of Massachusetts, Woman's Relief Corps, was born June 2, 1860, in Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Mass., being a daughter of Edwin and Catharine (Hull) Bagg. Her father's great - great - grandfather, David Bagg, was one of the pioneer settlers of Pittsfield, removing thither with others from Westfield, Mass., about the year 1763, only a few years after the building of the first log cabin in that locality.

The Bagg family have held a continued residence in Pittsfield from that time to the present. In the Revolutionary War David Bagg was a soldier in Captain William Francis's company, which marched to Albany, N.Y., January 14, 1776, by order of General Schuyler; an(l later he was a member of Lieutenant James Hubbard's company, which was ordered to Manchester on July 18, 1777.