Nappanee High School - Napanet Yearbook (Nappanee, IN)

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ftotnp Janui By RUBY M TtfROM the dawn of Creation to these, the opening days of the Twentieth century, there have been scores of famous women. Many of these became famous from being the wives or mothers of illustrious men. Others became so by reason of being born in royal families, or of themselves by reason of their alliance with certain public activities: while still others became so because of their virtues. There have been women warriors and queens in all ages: there have always been famous wives and mothers: but It Is in only comparatively recent times that we have had famous reformers, authors, musicians and philanthropists among women. In fact, we have women who have become famous in nearly all professions and vocations, for in these days nearly all Helds are open to them. However, we shall consider only a few types, and these with the exception of the first belonging to the last century. As an example of a woman warrior, let us take Joan of Arc. Probably no other woman ever showed so much courage and bravery as did she. Having been born on a little farm near Domremy, France, she spent much of her early life in the fields and forests and taking care of her father's sheep. She was taught only the necessities of life at that time, as most girls of her class were, and not even to read or write. One day when about thirteen years of age, while she was performing her daily duties, a heavenly vision appeared and she was told to be diligent and not to neglect her religious duties. At this lime war was waging between France and Kngiand. In several battles the French had been defeated and it seemed hard to get surtlcient help for them. Joan, having heard of this, prayed that her king might be victorious. The second vision appeared and she was told to go and fight for the dauphin. When she was rejected and called insane by her people, she made her way to the dauphin, begging him to let her lead the army. He consented, giving her a sword and white banner and she led the army on. being victorious in each battle. Soon she led the king l ack to Kheims to be crowned. Later while engaging In a battle with the Kngllsh. she was captured and thrown into prison. Here she suffered many hardships, was condemned, and at last burned at the stake, May 30, 1431. Such courage as she showed in all her trials has never been excelled and we may look on her as being the bravest of women. As a queen, we can find no better example than the life of (Jueen Victoria. ly ub fflumrn FIDLER Surely no queen was ever so prosperous and peaceful In her reign as she. She was born at Kensington palace. May 24, 1819, and being the only child of the Duke of Kent, she was brought up with great care. She was accomplished in music and drawing,and acquired a knowledge of science and foreign languages as she grew up she was taught to seek health by exercise and temperance. While yet a young girl she was thoroughly instructed by the Viscount Melbourne, in the principles of the British Constitution; so that on the demise of her uncle, William IV, she was prepared to ascend the throne. June 28, 1838, she was crowned queen of England. For two years she ruled alone, but on Feb. 10, 1840, she was married to Prince Albert, who shared with her the joys and sorrows of the nation for twenty-one years. On account of her husband's death, December 14, 1861, she lived in seclusion from public life for some time, and was given the whole care of her four sons and tive daughters whom she brought up with the greatest of care. Her stainless life and careful education of her children have won for her the admiration of the world. On June 21. 1888, she celebrated the fiftieth year of her reign with many ceremonies which took place in I ondon. Her subjects declared her to be the most constitutional monarch Kngland has ever had, and place her as an example to the world. Not only can France and Kngland produce such famous women, but America can also take her stand in ltie midst, l et us now turn to some of our native women who have done so much for our country. Harriet H. Stowe is one whom we prize highly. As some say. she caused a a great strife and the cost of many lives, yet she wrought so much good in our country that we do not think of the cost. She was born at Litchfield, Conn., in 1812, and remained there until 1823 when she went to the school of her sister at Hartford, becoming an assistant teacher at fifteen years of age. Although she was very fond of reading fiction, her mind was often turned to more serious subjects. At twelve, she wrote a composition on the question “Can the immortality of the soul be proved by the light of nature?” After a few years she went with her father to Cincinnati, and still having a great desire to write, she wrote for a paper and also short stories, one for which she received a prize of fifty dollars. Later she published a book called the Mayflower” in which she gives us a keen Insight Into New England character. It was during her visit at Brunswick that she wrote tlie famous book. I’ncle Tom’s Cabin.” When this reached the South, siie was so doubted by the southern press that she issued a “Key to I’ncle Tom’s Cabin.” When she