Eyster was made president of the San José Ladies' Benevolent Society. president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and secretary of the Woman's Missionary Society of the Presbyterian
NELLIE BLESSING EYSTER.
Church. Pecuniary reverses made her more than ever her husband's helper, and she taught literature and music in schools and homes with success. During those years her pen was never idle, and anodier book for children was written, "A Colonial Boy" (Boston, 1890). Ten years went by, and the sudden death of Mr. Eyster broke up' the new home. Mrs. Eyster then went to San Francisco to live with her daughter, now Mrs. Scott Elder Mrs Eyster is state superintendent of juvenile work in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, president of the California Women's Indian Association, and president of the Woman's Press Association of the Pacific Coast. None of these positions are sinecures, and all receive her supervision.
CONSTANCE FAIRBANKS.
FAIRBANKS, Miss Constance, journalist, born in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, 10th May, 1866. She belongs to an old provincial family nearly all of whose representatives have possessed more or less literary ability, and several of whom were long associated with the history of Nova Scotia. She is the second child and oldest daughter of L. P. Fairbanks, and is one of a family of nine children.
Owing to delicate health when a child, Miss Fairbanks was able to attend school only in an irregular manner, but, being precocious and fond of the society of those older than herself, she gained much knowledge outside of the school-room. At the age of thirteen years she ceased to have systematic instruction, and with patient determination she proceeded to carry on her education by means of careful reading. Finding it necessary to obtain employment, she became, in 1887, secretary to C. F. Eraser, the clever blind editor of the Halifax "Critic," and in that position gained a practical knowledge of the work which now occupies her attention. Gradually, as her ability to write became known, and as she developed a keen recognition of what was required by the public, Miss Fairbanks was placed in charge of various departments of the paper, until in June, 1890, the management of the editorial and certain other departments was virtually transferred to her and has since remained in her charge.
FAIRBANKS, Mrs. Elizabeth B., philanthropist, born in Elbridge. Onondaga county, N.Y., 17th October, 1831. Her father was Dr. Jared W. Wheeler, a physician of considerable prominence. Her mother's maiden name was Electa Brown, a Quakeress by birth and education, having received school instruction at the "Hive," under the supervision of the Motts. From such parentage she naturally inherited clear perceptions, generous impulses and a sympathetic heart, combined with pure aims and unusual practical ability. Her maiden name was Wheeler. She was educated in the Monroe Collegiate Institute. founded by her uncle, Nathan Monroe, and in the Auburn Female Seminary. In 1857 she became the wife of John I. Fairbanks, of the firm of Ford & Fairbanks, booksellers in Milwaukee, Wis. , in which city they have ever since resided. Her benevolent work in that city commenced the first Sabbath after her arrival, and as her husband was a young deacon in the First Presbyterian Church, mission-school work claimed her early attention. She was one of the prime movers in various local charities, which have enlarged and broadened as time has advanced. She took to the State of Wisconsin the first plans for the organization of the present associated charities, and to her efforts is due in large measure the securing of the Wisconsin Slate Public School for Dependent Children. In 1880 she was appointed by the governor a member of the State Board of Charities and Reform, on which she served for a period of
