preach, although a woman, and, encouraged by the Reverend Miss Chapin, Mrs. Livermore and others, she became a Universalist minister, and was ordained 2nd May, 1871. Her first pastorate was in Neenah, Wis., before her ordination, and in
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ELIZA TUPPER WILKES.
1869 she accepted a call from the church in Rochester, Minn. After the lime of her entrance upon that pastorate she became the wife of William A. Wilkes, a young lawyer of great strength of character and of much professional promise, which has since been more than realized. Much of Mrs. Wilkes* success has been due to the inspiring sympathy and encouragement of her husband! He has always been active as a leader in reformatory measures and as a layman in church work. In 1872 she resigned her pastorate and went with her husband to Colorado Springs, where he found a fine professional field. In that year their first child was born, and from that time on for fifteen years she gave most of her time and strength to her home life, although her ministry really never ceased. She always kept a live and active interest in all the good work of the communities in which she lived, and preached occasionally, whenever her help was needed. Through her efforts a Unitarian church was started during that period in Colorado Springs, and later another in Sioux Falls, Dakota, to which place the family moved in 1878. In Dakota she gathered about her through post-office missions and occasional preaching tours a large parish of hungry truth-seekers, scattered all over the prairies of southeastern Dakota. Her influence was especially felt among the young women in the new communities in which she lived. Although young herself, her experience made her seem a natural adviser, and, whether by starting study classes, or kindergarten, or giving suggestions as to infant hyuiene.her usefulness was unceasing. In 1887 she again entered actively into the ministry, accepting the pastorate of a church in Luverne, Minn., a town a few miles from Sioux Falls, where her home remained. That work she still continues. She herself is mother, sister, friend or teacher to every man, woman or child in the congregation, and most of the life of the community centers in the activities she inspires. Together with that, she is virtual pastor of three mission churches, to which she preaches as there is opportunity. Five sons and one daughter were born to her.
WILKINS, Miss Mary E., author, born in Randolph, Mass., in 1862. She is the daughter of Warren E. Wilkins, and is descended from an old New England family. In her infancy her family removed to Brattleboro. Vt. She received her education in Mt. Hotyoke Seminary.
She early began to write, and her stories were published in various periodicals. In 1884 her father died, and she returned to Randolph, where she now lives. She is the last of her family. One of her earliest successes was the writing of a prize story for a Boston journal. She soon became well known as a regular contributor to the leading periodicals.
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MARY E. WILKINS.
Her first contribution to bring her a reward was a ballad, published in "Wide Awake." She wrote for the "Budget," Harper's "Bazar." "Weekly," "Magazine" and "Young People," and other periodicals for years. She has published several volumes of her stories. Among her best works are "The Humble Romance," "Two Old Lovers," "A Symphony in Lavender," and "A New England Nun." She is a prolific author, and all her work is carefully finished. Her work has been very popular, and her poems and stories are in large demand. A part of her time is spent in Boston and New York City.
WILLARD, Mrs. Allie C., journalist and business woman, born near Nauvoo, Ill., 13th April, 1860, the oldest of ten children. Her parents were Cyrus E. Rosseter and Lydia A. Williams. In 1872 the family removed to Grand Island, Neb.,
