PREFACE.
In the preparation of this volume, the editor has gained infinite pleasure by reason of the fact that in making the research necessary, she has familiarized herself with the stupendous work performed by the women of America. Before taking up the work she labored under the impression that she knew something about the achievements of the women of her own country. Now she confesses that she had no conception of the voluminous results they have achieved or the extent of their prodigious labors. She was not aware that women were the authors of so many movements for the welfare of mankind and the advancement of civilization.
To scan the meagre published recors that have previously been made should awaken limitless pride in our countrywomen who have been so quick to discover the possibilities in the scope of woman's sphere and so indomitable in the prosecution of the development of those possibilities.
The writer has found that those women, who have done the most for the church, the state, in philanthropy, in charity, in education and in patriotism, have been the best wives and mothers. Their hearts have been full of love of God, of Country, and of mankind; they have not been idlers while the world moved on.
The only regret experienced is that the editor has not been able to secure the data for sketches of every woman who has done something for the betterment of mankind. She appreciates that very many have been omitted who are entitled to a place in this volume because of the impossibility of procuring names and information which it would have been a pleasure to present.
It is with profound gratitude that the editor acknowledges the extreme kindness of friends all over this broad land who have so generously furnished data for sketches herein; to Hon. Herbert Putnam, Librarian for the Library of Congress, and his able assistants who have so courteously allowed the use of the books of the Library, from which has been gathered much of the information
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