Narcissa Prentiss Whitman
By MRS. CATHERINE SAGER PRINGLE.
THE subject of this sketch was born in Plattsburg, N. Y., March 14, 1808. Her parents were Presbyterians. They trained their ten children with a strictness of discipline which accorded with the extreme orthodoxy of that time, but which is unknown in this day. Her father, Judge Prentiss, was a fine singer, and instructed his children in this accomplishment. Narcissa being the eldest, was the object of special training, and developed a voice of great compass and sweetness. She was also skilled in housewifely arts. At the age of 10 she was converted; at 11 years she was received into membership in the church, and ever after remained faithful to her church vows.
Early in life Narcissa read the history of Harriette Boardman, a missionary to India. Through this book she was inspired to become a missionary. Dr. Whitman also possessed the missionary spirit, and when the Indians of the West made a call for the "White Man's Book of Heaven" and for teachers, he was among the first to respond. Miss Prentiss had been mentioned to him as a suitable life companion, and he sought to cultivate her acquaintance. Upon his first visit to the home of Judge Prentiss she was absent, and he was much attracted toward her sister Jane. Later, however, he met Narcissa in a neighboring town, where she was taking part in a revival meeting. A. mutual attachment was formed, which led to an engagement between them; but before their marriage day arrived, the wife of a man who was to accompany them to their distant field of labor died, and as it was not thought best for one woman alone to go to that unknown country, the wedding was postponed, and it was decided that Dr. Whitman should go in company with Dr. Samuel Parker on an exploring trip. Accordingly they started in the spring of 1835, and proceeded in company as far as Green river, the rendezvous of the American Fur Company. At this point they met the principal tribes of natives. Here it was decided that Dr. Whitman should return East to secure other helpers, and come out the following season. Dr. Parker was to go on to Oregon, and return to the East by way of the Sandwich Islands. Two Nez Perce chiefs each entrusted a son to Dr. Whitman as surety of his return.
Arriving at home late Saturday night. Dr. Whitman surprised the congregation the next morning when he walked into the church accompanied by his Indian boys. His old mother was so much startled at his appearance that she called right out in meeting, "Why, there's Marcus." Every one supposed him to be thousands of miles away.
In February, 1836, Dr. Whitman and Miss Prentiss were married. She was a refined, educated woman, and one of deep piety, who could enter fully
