Women of Strafford County
From the book "New Hampshire Women" A collection of portraits and biographical sketches of daughters and residents of the granite state, who are worthy representatives of their sex in the various walks and conditions of life. Published by The New Hampshire Publishing Co., Concord, NH, J.G. Patterson, Jr. President, ©1895
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Caroline R. Wendell |
Miss C.R. Wendell has always resided in Dover, the place of her
birth. On the paternal side she is of Dutch ancestry, her father, Daniel H.
Wendell, Esq., being of the same stock as Wendell Phillips and Oliver
Wendell Holmes. The Wendell family is contemporaneous with the old
Knickerbocker families of New York, Evert Jansen Wendell, the original
ancestor in this country, having emigrated from Holland and settled in Albany
about 1640. Her mother, who was a woman of remarkable strength of character,
was descended from the English family of Jennings. In early womanhood, Miss
Wendell's life was heavily shadowed by the death of an only brother and
sister. The former was a prominent surgeon in the War of the Rebellion, and
died a few years after its close from the overwork and exposure of army life.
Inheriting a strong love for benevolent and reform movements, Miss
Wendell's life has been a busy one. She is a woman of strong individuality
and progressive thought, possessing keen perception and fine executive
ability, combined with quick sympathy, broad charity, and a consecrated
spirit. For thirteen years she was corresponding secretary of the New
Hampshire Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and devoted herself with
untiring zeal to the work of the organization, much of its steady and
successful growth being due to her efforts. She was chiefly instrumental in
securing the passage of the Scientific Temperance School law and has labored
earnestly for its enforcement. In 1892 she was elected state president which
position she still holds; and she is also president of the trustees of the
W.C.T.U. Mercy Home for girls at East Manchester. Miss Wendell is an active
member of other philanthropic societies, a thorough believer in equal
suffrage and always ready to aid any cause that has for its object not only
the advancement of her sex but the betterment of humanity.
This wonderful file, a rare find, was submitted by Michelle McKenzie who at some personal cost donates them to share with you. Pictures scanned by Michelle McKenzie;
text transcribed by C. ParzialeBack to Main Page