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Part Taken by Women in American History


their united efforts and aspirations. Every year added to the name and fame of Millard Fillmore. Upon his election to the Presidency and their removal to the White House, they found it absolutely devoid of books and other evidences of culture. It was Mr. Fillmore's first duty to secure an appropriation from Congress for a library, and to Mrs. Fillmore belongs the credit of selecting the first library in the White House. Mrs. Fillmore had suffered the loss of a sister just before their removal to the executive mansion and consequently left many of the duties devolving upon its mistress to her only daughter. Although eminently fitted to preside over any social function with unusual grace and dignity, Mrs. Fillmore preferred a retired life and the devotion of her time to the welfare of her family. She was very proud of her husband's success and has left behind her a remarkable example of motherly and wifely tenderness. She died at Willard's Hotel, Washington, D. C., March 13, 1852.

MARY ABIGAIL FILLMORE.

Mary Abigail Fillmore, the only daughter of President Fillmore, was, on account of her mother's delicate health, mistress of the White House during President Fillmore's term. She was a remarkably intellectual young woman, highly educated, and a fine linguist. Her taste and talent for sculpture was scarcely second to that of her most intimate friend the distinguished Harriet Hosmer, and but for the cutting off of her life by cholera at the age of twenty-two years, she might have become as distinguished as this beloved schoolmate. She was much admired and attained a national reputation on account of the graceful and acceptable manner in which she presided over the White House.

JANE MEANS APPLETON PIERCE.

Jane Means Appleton, (laughter of Reverend Jesse Appleton, D.D., President of Bowdoin College, was born at Hampton, New Hampshire, March 12, 1806. She was brought up under the most refined, Christian, educational influences. Unfortunately she was delicate from her childhood and as she grew older her nervous organization became more and more sensitive,