Page:Sketches of representative women of New England.djvu/620

Rh This property they afterward sold. In September, 1879, Mr. Hazen, being physically unable to continue farm work, engaged in the provision business in Cambridgeport. His invalidism continuing and serious financial losses following the removal to Cambridge, Mrs. Hazen opened a dressmaking establishment, and, as usual in her undertakings, met with success. Dr. Turner, city physician of Cambridge at this time, had been a ward surgeon in the Columbian Hospital at Washington, and knew Mrs. Hazen's capabilities as a business woman. Through the influence of William H. Eveleth, superintendent of grounds at Harvard College, she was given entire charge of Divinity Hall, library and grounds. This position she held for nine years. She then purchased a spacious and pleasant estate on Oxford Street, near the college buildings, in Cambridge, which has been their home for the past fourteen years. She says, "I laid the foundation of my home by work before daylight and by toiling hours after sundown."

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hazen, and two are now living, namely: Alma M., born May 12, 1868, in North Andover; and E. Roscoe, born June 5, 1878, in Chelmsford. Alma M. married October 1, 1884, Mr. J. Ernest Conant, of West Somerville, and lives in that city. Ernest Willard, born in August, 1872, in Lawrence, died before he was two years old, the result of an accident; and Elbert Titus, born July 6, 1874, in Chelmsford, died May 9, 1881.

Charles Beck Relief Corps, auxiliary to Post No. 56, G. A. R., of Cambridge, was instituted in July, 1879, and by invitation of Commander Stone of the post Mrs. Hazen joined the corps at the next meeting. She has held office therein continuously with the exception of one year. She was elected president, but declined to accept the position. For the past fourteen years she has been Chaplain, being the unanimous choice of the members. Her efficient work is appreciated by Post 56, as well as the corps. She attended the annual convention of the Woman's Relief Corps of Massachusetts at East Boston in 1880, the first State convention held after the formation of the department. She has often participated in subsequent conventions, and has served as Department Aide. In 1886 she journeyed to California with the official party, representing the Departments of Massachusetts, W. R. C, and in 1893 was a delegate to Indianapolis. She has also attended other National Conventions.

In 1896 the Massachusetts Army Nurse Association was formed at department headquarters, W. R. C, Boylston Building, Boston, Mrs. Mary A. Livermore and other army nurses participating. Mrs. Hazen was elected President, and has been annually re-elected. Its business meetings are held every month at Grand Army headquarters, State House; and public meetings of great interest are occasionally held. The Army Nurse Fair, under the management of Mrs. Hazen and her associates, which was held in Boston, November, 1900, netted a liberal sum to their treasury. A grand relief work is being conducted by this association, and its reunions are second only in interest to those held by the "boys," to whom they once ministered on battle-fields and in hospitals. A record of army nurses and material of value regarding their services has been collected by the association.

Mrs. Hazen is a member of the Cambridge Equal Suffrage League and (with the exception of one year) has voted for school committee ever since that privilege was granted to women. She is also a member of the Daughters of Vermont. She is serving her third year as Chaplain of Bunker Hill Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.

Her life has been a busy and useful one. Difficulties she has surmounted with a loyal, courageous spirit, knowing no such word as fail, especially when a good cause has appealed to her for help. Needless to say of one so friendly and faithful, she has many friends, tender and true.

LIZABETH BLODGETT FOSTER was born at Belfast, Me., October 25, 1862. Her father, Samuel Augustus Blodgett, was interested in ship-building, the principal industry of his time in that old seaport town. Mrs. Elizabeth Bean Blodg-