Page:Sketches of representative women of New England.djvu/449

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REPRESENTATIVE WOMEN OF NEW ENGLAND

ocean waves, she added: "I am heartily in sympathy with the recommendation of Past National President Mary L. Carr, adopted by the Nineteenth National Convention, and earnestly hope that this beautiful ceremony will be incorporated, as far as possible, in the memorial services of every corps in this department."

Among other points touched upon in the address was the official visit made in January to the Soldiers' Home on Powder-horn Hill, including the hospital, where battle-scarred veterans, worn and weary, shattered in body and mind, are nursed and cared for. A tribute to the army nurses was followed by the reading of a letter, dated Cambridge, December 31, 1901, addressed to Mrs. Maria W. Going, Department President Massachusetts W. R. C, by Fanny T. Hazen, President Army Nurse Association of Massachusetts, gratefully acknowledging the generous New Year's gift of two hundred dollars to that organization. Mrs. Going also commended the Sons of Veterans, the Daughters of Veterans, and discussed in an eloquent and thorough manner other topics relating to the united work of the G. A. R. and W. R. C.

She was the recipient of many gifts in appreciation of her devoted labors for the cause, her administration being recognized as one of great efficiency. At the public reception held on the evening of February 12, 1902, when the historic Park Street Church was crowded with guests, Mrs. Going presided, and in a happy and dignified manner introduced the several speakers. Among them were the Hon. Rufus A. Soule, President of the State Senate, and the Hon. J. J. Myers, Speaker of the House of Representatives, who extended the greetings of the Commonwealth and of Governor Crane; John E. Gilman, Past Department Commander G. A. R., Commissioner of Soldiers' Relief for the city of Boston, who represented Mayor Collins; Judge Torrance, of Minnesota, Commander-in-chief of the G. A. R. ; Mrs. Calista Robinson Jones, National President W. R. C.; and prominent officials in Massachusetts.

Mrs. Going was appointed Counsellor on the staff of Mrs. Lyman, the incoming Department President, and is contiiuiing her work for the order. She served as treasurer of the W. R. C. table in the Daughters of Veterans' Fair, held in Tremont Temple, November, 1902, and during the year has performed duties in various official capacities. She has attended National Convention for several years as a representative from Massachusetts, and has served on important committees and as a National Aide. Her cordial manners anil able efforts in the State and national work of patriotic organizations have won for her many friends. She is secretary of the Executive Committee of Arrangements for the National Convention in Boston, August (1904), a position of great esponsibility; is a member of the reception, entertainment, and other conmiittees, and is devoting her time and talents for the success of this great gathering of patriotic women. Her portrait hangs upon the walls of the Department headquarters in Boston, having been presented by Abraham Lmcoln Corps of Charlestown, in appreciation of her services.

Mr. and Mrs. Going moved in 1881 from Charlestown to Somerville, Mass., where they have since resided. They had one son, Henry Bertram Going. He was born December 28, 1869, was graduated from the public schools of Somerville, and afterward was in business with his father. A great bereavement came to them in the loss of this beloved son, who passed to a higher life, November 21, 1903, in the thirty-fourth year of his age.


ADELAIDE NICHOLSON BLODGETT was born in Fitchburg, Mass., January 10, 1847. She is the daughter of Charles' Nicholson, a sea captain of the old-fashioned type, a man of integrity and ability. The son of an officer in the French army. Captain Nicholson came to this country from France at the age of twelve. He married Mary Ann Varney, who was born in Boston, and who lived at the North End, in former days the court end of the town, as it has been called. Captain Nicholson died some twenty years ago.

Mrs. Blodgett, on her mother's side, is a descendant of Nicholas Browne, who settled in Lynn, Mass., before 1638, and a few years later removed to Reading. He was a Deputy