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my husband soon followed. and I was
alone in the world with my two beautiful
little boys. With a brave and hopeful spirit and
asking God's help I started out into the cold
world alone to seek independence. Was for-
tunate in securing a good position as head
bookkeeper in a prominent Cincinati
firm, which I held for several years. But
overtaxation of my nerves & eyes forced me
to resign. Receiving excellent unsolicited
recommendations from the firm, which I now
hold. Being fortunate in ability to turn my
hand to anything almost, I took up dress-
making & ladies tailoring in which I am
considered an adept and expert fitter. In
this, I again overtaxed my eyes, and my
oculist positively forbade farther engage-
ment in the act, or surely loss of sight would
follow. So said the noted Oculist Dr Geo
McDermott of Cin. Then I taught music
for a time, but the same sad affliction in-
truded and I was forced to give it up. But
thanks to the Heavenly Father, I was en-
abled to raise and educate my sons, so they

were capable of filling good positions in
Washington City, where our Congressman
the late Wm S. {Holman?} was responsible
for placing them. He & his family being
my intimate friends and members of same
church at home, knew my struggles and what we
deserved. But sad to tell, God saw fit to take
my dear sons and I was again without loved
ones, and their assistance. I was induced to
come here 2 years ago, where I have served
others without recompense, or gratitude. I
being a stranger here, altogether makes my
life so sad that I find it is fast making
inroads upon my health. I am very am-
bitious and capable and I must use my talents and
have occupancy of mind to make life worth
living. I am 39 years of age, well appear-
ing and always highly appreciated among
my equals. Many say to me here, "Why do you
remain here you are certainly out of your
sphere". What can one do without means to
help themselves? This being a small, very old
hamlet, entirely without business and away from
{ ?} advantages. While reading "The Buffalo
News" today, I noticed an account of your