Page:Sketches of representative women of New England.djvu/515

384 Hill is situated. His wife was one of the Breed family whose farm joined that of the elder Bunker. Their fields, including the memorable Breed's Hill, were the scenes of sanguinary strife in those dark days.

Miss Russell, in referring to her aunt under whose care she was placed when an infant, says: "She eventually proved her worth as mother and friend. Blessed resemblance of that dear soul, whose noble Christian life was one long sacrifice for others, was an incentive to me to imitate her example. The tenacity with which she clung to her friends was a marked trait in her character, she being always a sunbeam in their presence. Her cheerful, warm-hearted greeting, her unselfish deeds of kindness, her tender interest in the welfare of her friends, her hopeful spirit, and unassuming and sustaining religious faith and Christian life will ever be remembered by all who were brought in contact with her."

With the exception of three years of public school life, Miss Russell received her education in private schools, completing it in Philadelphia in 1871. The following year she entered the pension office in Boston, and served under the administrations of Dr. Phelps, the Hon. D. W. Gooch, and General B. F. Peach. Fifteen years of that time she was chief clerk of the Pension Bureau. In 1898 she entered the service of the Prison Commissioners at the State House as Miss Frye's successor. In continuing the work as Agent for Discharged Female Prisoners she has aimed to instil into the minds of unfortunate women the necessity of being self-respecting and self-supporting.

In her first report to the Board of Commissioners she said: —

"On January 20, 1898, Miss Sarah Ellen Frye closed her labors for discharged prisoners. For weeks prior to that time her failing strength had demanded rest, which her energy and devotion to her work forbade. On that day, however, she became seriously ill, and on the fourth day of March the end came. As her successor, I fully appreciate her labor of love, and realize through personal experience the responsibility and immensity of her work. Four hundred and thirty-nine women have been furnished with work since February 9, 1898. Contrary to the usual custom of giving office fees, which is often a source of temptation, I go with them to the employment bureau, or previously arrange for them, so that no money shall pass through their hands. Many letters have been written to hotels and private homes for positions for these women, thus saving many office fees. After a home or work has been provided, the interest does not cease here, as visits are made at their homes as far as practicable, a correspondence is kept up with a large number, and it is found that the attention is not wholly lost, for many appreciative letters are returned to the office. "Seven hundred and two letters have been sent to these women. Seventy-eight girls have been sent to home and friends, five sent to hospitals, and two to the Home of the Good Samaritan.

"When it is considered what a large amount of investigation is required to enable the agent to deal intelligently and fairly with the great number of cases constantly demanding attention, besides the clerical work of the office, I find that the days are not long enough to accomplish all I would wish.

"To lift fallen womanhood out of the slough of despair, and lead her to a realizing sense that she possesses within herself the elements of a nobler life, is to accomplish much in this field of labor. This point once reached, to perfect the rest is only needed the helping hand which will aid her to become self-supporting. It is impossible to sum up the results of the work. However, this comforting thought comes to me: 'Daughter, be not dismayed by the painful labors which thou hast undertaken for me, but let my promise strengthen and comfort thee in all events.'"

Extracts from the last report given by Miss Russell, under date October 1, 1902, also show the spirit, untiring zeal, and success with which she labors: —

"Time has brought us to the close of another year, and we gratefully acknowledge that the hand of the Lord has been with us, and that much good has been accomplished.