Page:Sketches of representative women of New England.djvu/477

354 as teacher of the Bunker Hill Primary School (No. 6). While holding the position, her success as a teacher being established, she received a flattering call to teach in Toledo, Ohio; and her declination was received with regret by the superintendent of schools of that city.

In 1873 she resigned her position, and became the wife of George Henry Pendergast, a well-known and highly respected citizen of Charlestown. They now live in Somerville, having recently removed to their new home, at the corner of Broadway and Sycamore Street. They have two children: Florence Worth, born April 17, 1886; and Harold Worth, born February 14, 1892. These children were the nucleus of the Jonathan Thompson Society of the C. A. R.

Mrs. Pendergast was actively identified with the First Universalist Church of Charlestown for many years, and was before her marriage one of a party of young amateurs who aided the church treasury by giving theatrical entertainments, in which she filled the role of leading lady with considerable merit. The Norumbega Woman's Club, of Charlestown, welcomed her as a member soon after its organization. She accepted an election as its vice-president, but has declined the honor of becoming president, which has twice been tendered. Although continuing her interest and membership in the club, other duties prevented her from accepting its leadership. Mrs. Pendergast is a life member of the Hunt Asylum for Destitute Children, is interested in the Winchester Home for Aged Women, and has been an early and continuous friend of the Boston Floating Hospital, a charity very near her heart.

In February, 1898, Mrs. Pendergast with others organized the Jonathan Thompson Society of the Children of the American Revolution, and she conducted it successfully for over two years, holding most of the meetings in her own home. In April, 1900, she gave up its presidency (but continues as a contributing member), and assumed the duties of Regent of Bunker Hill Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. She is a charter member of this chapter, and served three years as Vice-Regent before accepting the office of Regent. The chapter prospered under her guidance. Her progressive ideas, executive ability, and efficient management met the approval of the members. The term of office as Regent expired in April, 1902.

Recently requested to become the State Regent of the Massachusetts D. A. R., Mrs. Pendergast on account of home cares felt obliged to decline the honor, as she did two years ago, when urged to take the position of State Director for Massachusetts Children of the American Revolution.

Mrs. Pendergast is a woman of literary talent and the author of several poems. The ode sung at the reunion of the Charlestown High School Alunmi Association in 1884 was written by her for that occasion. Her spacious home contains many relics, books, and souvenirs of value, among them being the sword brought home by Samuel Thompson from the French and Indian wars and the drumsticks used l)y Jonathan Thompson in the Revolution. Upon the wall hang the Pendergast coat of aims and the Worth coat of arms, both framed and artistically executed.

An aunt. Miss Nancy Pendergast, who is a member of her family, was an army nurse during the Civil War, and served in the hospitals at Point Lookout and Annapolis.

ARBARA GALPIN.— For twenty-five years Mrs. Galpin has been identified with the SomerriUe Journal, which is said to be one of the best and most widely known weekly local papers in the United States, l)eing in a class by itself in the matter of literary excellence, home attractions, and editorial enterprise.

Mrs. Galpin was born in Weathersfield, Vt., daughter of Henry Clay Johnson. Her mother's maiden name was Helen Frances Jones. From four years of age she lived in Claremont, N.H., where she attended the Stevens High School. At sixteen she married Henry Wallace Galpin, a well-to-do citizen, many years her senior. One son, George, was born to them. While she was still in her teens, her husband