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292 States Government a gold medal, the first ever given to a woman; a silver medal from the Humane Society of Massachusetts, and also one from the Life-saving Benevolent Society of New York, and her home is filled with testimonials in recognition of her heroism. She is one of the most distinguished examples of American heroism among women.

Born in Pennsylvania, September 11, 1853. Her father was Joseph P. Clyens and her mother, Mary Elizabeth Murray Clyens. In 1873 sne married Charles L. Leese, and has since been a resident of Wichita, Kansas. She took up the study of law, and has been actively engaged in politics of recent years. The political revolution in Kansas brought her to the front and she became prominent as a Populist leader and through her bitter opposition to the re-election of Senator John J. Ingalls. During the campaign of General Weaver, the Populist candidate, she accompanied him and spoke in his interest from public platforms. She has occupied the position of president of the board of trustees of some of the charitable institutions of the state of Kansas, and other public offices. Her items are radical and her cause has been most aggressive, which has brought much criticism upon her methods.

Elizabeth Tillinghast Lawton, a direct descendant of Elder Pardon Tillinghast, the noted Baptist Divine, was born July 15, 1832, and died March 1, 1904. Mrs. Lawton was one of the most widely known and highly respected residents in Newport County, Rhode Island, and was always prominently identified with the educational progress of Tiverton, Rhode Island. She was one of the first women in the country on a school committee, serving as chairman and superintendent of schools, and for years was the only woman holding the office of superintendent. She was an unusually strong character with a keen intellect which she retained up to the time she was stricken with apoplexy which almost immediately caused her death. It was always said that in all action she showed the marked characteristics of her distinguished ancestor, who succeeded Roger Williams in his labors in the First Baptist Church, Providence.

Mrs. Sherman was born in Lancaster, Ohio, October 24, 1824. She was descended from a long line of Scotch and Irish ancestors. Her father, Thomas Ewing, was one of the most eminent lawyers of his day and was twice a Senator of the United States and twice a member of a President's Cabinet. Her mother.