Page:Woman of the Century.djvu/388

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HODGKINS.
HIEL.
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Mass., where she was graduated in 1870. In 1876 she received the degree of A.M., from Lawrence College, Appleton. Wis., where she began her career as a teacher, rising to the position of lady principal while yet in her twenties. In 1876 she was elected professor of English literature in Wellesley College, with leave of absence abroad for study. In 1877 she entered actively upon her duties. She served the college till June, 1891, making in the meantime two visas to Europe. Although well known as a brilliant and original teacher, Prof. Hodgkins was called the "Poet-Professor in Wellesley. During her term of service she contributed poems, stories and educational articles to magazines and periodicals. Her chief service to literature was associated closely with her work and is well known under the title of "A Guide to the Study of Nineteenth Century Literature." and three books in the "English Classics" series. Miss Hodgkins resigned her professorship in Wellesley in order to give more leisure to the literary work that is pressing upon her. She adds frequently to her programme lectures on literary themes. With leisure for writing and a mind to do it, her contributions to literature are increasing. Her present residence is in Auburndale, Mass.


HOEL, Mrs. Libbie Beach, philanthropist, born in Livingston county, Ill., 11th March, 1858. She Is of a family of educators. Her parents were estimable people, who were generally known as leaders in reform movements. She received a seminary education and entered the teacher's profession, performing her work acceptably for five years before her marriage, in 1882. In one year she was a wife, a mother and a childless widow, but she bravely took up the teacher's life again, LIBBIE BEACH HOEL. until 1890, when she accepted the position of superintendent of the Home for the Friendless, in Lincoln, Neb., to which office she brought the qualities for success. Her strong, firm character is softened by womanly gentleness; she is not easily daunted in her undertakings, and is systematic and wise in judgment She was sent by the Governor of the State as a delegate to the National Convention of Charities held in Indianapolis in May, 1891, and went as a delegate to the same convention held in Denver in June, 1892. The press of the State has only praise for her as a woman and business manager. She is well known and influential in temperance affairs and other reform movements, and has always affiliated with the progressive elements. Mrs. Hoel is a musician, and for years made music a large part of her life-work. As a singer, she excels.


HOFFMAN, Mrs. Clara Cleghorn, temperance worker, born in De Kalb, N. Y., 18th January. CLARA CLEGHORN HOFFMAN. 1831. She is the eleventh child in a family of thirteen children, seven daughters and six sons. She is the daughter of Humphrey Cleghorn, a sturdy Scotchman of strong intellectual convictions and indomitable courage and will power. He was an abolitionist and a conductor on the famous "underground railroad" in the anti-slavery days. Her mother was Olive Ruruham, daughter of Major Elisha Burnham, who bore an honorable part in the Revolutionary War. She had the good fortune to be reared in the country, where she developed the fine physique that has carried her through so many hardships. In 1861 she became the wife of Dr. Goswin Hoffman, a cultured German physician. For twelve years she was principal of Lathrop School in Kansas City, Mo. In 1882 she was appointed, by the general officers of the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union, president of the Missouri Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Miss Willard having visited Kansas City to look over the ground and having learned of the mental powers and vigorous executive talents of Mrs. Hoffman, her success as a teacher, her remarkable voice and elocutionary