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Part Taken by Women in American History


prosecuting as district attorney, in the Treasury department, where she was employed for many years before her marriage. She fulfilled her part as the wife of a Cabinet official with dignity and grace, adding much to the popularity and esteem of her distinguished husband and the social life of Washington at the time of his service as a Cabinet minister. Mrs. Brewster was the daughter of Robert J. Walker, who was secretary of the Treasury under Buchanan.

Miss Stoner, niece of General Spinner, was among the first women appointed in the Treasury department by Secretary Chase, when women were given these positions, to take the place of the men called into service at the outbreak of the War.

The Misses Taney, daughters of Chief Justice Taney, were among the capable women who served for many years in the departments of the government.

There are many others who deserve mention, but these are the most prominent in their length of service.

LIZZIE E. D. THAYER.

Miss Lizzie E. D. Thayer was born October 5, 1857, in Ware, Massachusetts. She occupied an unusual position for a woman — that of train dispatcher. Since 1878 she has been employed in the various offices of New England as a telegraph operator. In 1889 she entered the service of the New London Northern Railroad, and on the resignation of the train dispatcher, whose assistant she had been for a year, she was appointed to the office, and filled the position satisfactorily.