FOREWORD.
American women and students of American history have long deplored the meagre credit which has been given to women for the part they have taken in the progress and achievements of America as a Nation.
The women citizens of or country—native and adopted—have worked with indefatigable energy, unswerving loyalty and marvelous intelligence for the betterment and progress of the people. Sections have not always agreed upon policies but the women of all sections have labored with untiring devotion for what seemed to them must bring the greatest good to the greatest number.
Appreciating the fact that scant tribute has been paid to the women of America and that no concrete record of their achievements existed, I have for several years, by conscientious and laborious research through all available sources, including the Congressional Library at Washington—one of the three greatest libraries in the world—endeavored, and, I believe, with success, to bring together the names of the women well known, and to rescue from oblivion those unheralded and unknown, and thus form a compendium of all names and achievements of the women who have taken a part in the vital affairs of our country.
The result of my efforts has been the writing of the book entitled "The part taken by women in American history."
I have, I believe, in this book, given an impartial portraiture of the part taken by women in American history, of those who have contributed to the development of our country in Art, Science, Literature, Music, Religion, Education, Philanthropy, Patriotism, Domestic Science, Club and Home Life, and to the various efforts women have made for the uplift of all mankind.
The names of paternal ancestors adorn the pages of history because of their wisdom in adjustment of the affairs of peace,
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