MEMORIES OF THE 



their liberal and intelligent use may have been our salvation. 

 Being remote from doctors resulted in the exercise of individual 

 intelligence and good judgment as to the care and treatment of 

 disease. Mother and all my sisters were well posted in the use 

 and effects of ordinary remedies and in the nursing and care of 

 the sick. I have the conceit to-day to think my sister Mary, 

 without a diploma or any technical schooling, a better doctor 

 than three-quarters of the regular graduates. 



Grandmother Pitkin, who was a famous midwife and skillful 

 nurse, was a near neighbor and frequent visitor. She was ec- 

 centric, but kind and good. She hated liars, hypocrites and lazy 

 folks, and let them know it. Possessed of a genuine kind heart 

 and a fine, sympathetic nature, although sometimes rough in ex- 

 pression, she was always ready to go where there was sickness 

 and distress, without other reward than the satisfaction of doing 

 good. Her life histor}' was one of continuous charity, and the 

 earnest, honest work of the good Samaritan. 



Aunt Betsey Harmon and Aunt Clarissa Wise were both skill- 

 ful nurses. They were untiring, courageous, discreet and sym- 

 pathetic women, with hearts made tender and kind by the trials 

 of their early orphan life, and their advent in a sick-room was a 

 comfort and cheer to the most despondent. They never failed to 

 come to our relief in case of any really serious trouble. Each 

 had a large family of her own, but never lacked time or disposition 

 to help others in distress. 



Mother's terrible illness and affliction at the time of my birth, 

 and the sisterly affection and devotion of Aunt Betsey and Aunt 

 Clarissa, and the kindness of neighbors in helping care for and 

 nurse her at that time, were often recited to me by my older sis- 

 ters. Her subsequent serious and very long illness, from which 

 she never fully recovered, I clearly remember. The death of 



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