in the work of patriotic instruction, and that in responding to inquiries and in furnishing desired information she had written nearly two hundred letters and postals.
She recommended that all corps make a special effort to interest the superintendent, school hoard, and teachers, assuring them, when indifferent, that this is a national movement and that united action is earnestly desired. In a circular issued to the corps for their guidance, she requested every president to cooperate with the assistant patriotic instructor of her corps in preparing for a patriotic exercise or entertainment, that their respective communities may realize their ambition to spread the lessons of patriotism among the children. She urged them to encourage the children to quietly salute the flag wherever they might see it.
"One of the best plans of creating an interest," she said, "is a public gathering, with the presence of the clergy and some of the prominent citizens as speakers. This should be arranged with a view of presenting the cause in a manner that will appeal to the hearts and minds of the people, and especially to those having the management of the public schools.
"Citizens' Sunday is another method of securing widespread interest in this movement. Invite a clergyman to preach a sermon devoted to this matter, or, if deemed more effective, arrange for a union service in one of the churches, with addresses by several clergymen.
"As the press is an important factor in moulding public opinion, secure, whenever possible, the .support of the editors of your local papers, for their influence will be invaluable.
"Socials, festivals, entertainments, union meetings, the observance of historical anniversaries, and so forth, are among the many ways of promoting the success of this movement. The Patriotic Primer for the teacher, the Declaration of Independence Chart, and the Oleograph of the History and Origin of the Stars and Stripes have been endorsed by the National Woman's Relief Corps. The presentation to schools of flags, historic pictures, and books. and any gift in keeping with the spirit upon which the Grand Army of the Republic and its auxiliary were founded, will exert an influence in the right direction."
Mrs. Usher visited many corps and public meetings in behalf of this branch of the cause, speaking entertainingly and with earnestness. Several hundred letters containing advice and helpful instructions were written by her each year. As a delegate from the Department of Massachusetts, she attended several National Conventions of the W. R. C, and was a member of national committees, also an aide on the staff of the National President. In all these varied duties she retained her active interest in the local corps, and rendered invaluable aid as chairman of its Executive Committee.
Mrs. Usher was the second Worthy Matron of Beulah Chapter, 0. E. S., of Stoneham, and was a member of the Order of Odd Ladies in Boston. She was prominent in social circles in Newburyport and a leader among women in many of the progressive enterprises of the city. She was largely instrumental in securing a soldiers' monument in Newburyport, being the only woman member on the committee therefor, and she had charge of the exercises at the unveiling of the monument, July 4, 1902. She was a zealous worker in the interests of the Soldiers' Hf)me in Chelsea.
While on a visit to Texas with her husband, Mrs. Usher' was very helpful in giving instruction to the local corps. For several years her health had been impaired. She received an injury while in Texas, from the effects of which she died in Newburyport, May 31, 1903. Thus passed one who was beloved by all who knew her.
Mrs. Usher had one son, William Ambrose Usher. Born in Stoneham, Mass., December 14, 1866, he received his education in the public schools of Stoneham, and is now in the shoe manufacturing business with his father. On April 18, 1886, he married Gertrude Lougee Brown, of Boston. They have two children: Helen Gertrude, born December 22, 1888; and Abbie Marion, born July 14, 1895. At the summer home of the Usher family at Salisbury Beach numerous friends have been hospitably entertained.
