of tt)t 
 
 ZianibersiitpofigortfjCaroUna 
 
 Collection of i^ortJ) Caroliniana 
 
 CB 
 
 Cop2. 
 
:^'', 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL 
 
 00032690972 
 
 This book must not 
 be token from the 
 Librory building. 
 
 Form No. 471 
 
In Memoriam 
 
 Mary Love Stringfield Wulbern 
 
 1873 - 1907 
 
 BY 
 
 The Dorcas Bell Love Chapter 
 
 National Society 
 Daughters of the American Revolution 
 
 OF WAYNESVILLE, north CAROLINA 
 
" ^c gtBctl] J^s bclo&eh sleep." 
 
 r 
 
 ' / cannot say, I will not say, 
 That she Is dead— She is just away ! 
 With a cheery smile and a wave of her hand. 
 She has wandered into an unknown land. 
 And left us dreaming how very fair, 
 It needs must be since she lingers there. 
 
 And you, O, you who wildly yearn 
 
 For the old time step and the glad return ; 
 
 Think of her faring on, as dear 
 
 In the love of There as the love of here. 
 
 Think of her still as the same, I say 
 
 She is not dead, she is just away. 
 
In Memoriam 
 
 RS. Mary Love Stringfield Wul- 
 BERN was born at Waynesville, N. C, 
 August 3d, 1873. She was the daugh- 
 ter of Colonel and Mrs. William 
 Williams Stringfield and a direct de- 
 scendant on her father's side of the 
 Wickhams and Kings of Virginia, the Goodsons, 
 Laniers and the Williamses, all of whom were 
 prominent in the Colonial and Revolutionary periods 
 of our country's history. One of these ancestors was 
 half sister of Mary Ball, the mother of George Wash- 
 ington. She was the granddaughter of Rev. Thomas 
 Stringfield. the first editor of the Christian Advocate, 
 published at Nashville, the official organ of the M. E. 
 Church South. On her mother's side she was a direct 
 descendant of the late Col. Robert Love, the founder of 
 Waynesville, one of the pioneers of Western North 
 Carolina, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, and was 
 one of the founders of the Watauga Settlement in 
 Tennessee, and for thirty years a presidential elector. 
 Mrs. Wulbern was graduated from the Asheville 
 Female College and was recognized as one of its most 
 exemplary and intellectual pupils. For three years she 
 was a teacher in the graded schools of Waynesville, in 
 which position she sought to impress upon the mem- 
 bers of her classes her conception of the duties of life 
 and to inspire them with lofty sentiments. 
 
3n iKptnoriam. 
 
 She was a great student of the Colonial, Revolution- 
 ary and post-Revolutionary history generally, and of 
 North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina in par- 
 ticular. She founded the Dorcas Bell Love Chapter of 
 the Daughters of the American Revolution, of which 
 she was for many years the Regent, and was largely 
 instrumental in having had erected in the County 
 Court House of Waynesville on August 23d, 1902, a 
 bronze tablet in memory of Robert Love. On her re- 
 moval to Charleston, S. C, she was elected an honor- 
 ary member of Rebecca Motte Chapter D. A. R., and 
 took an active interest in all its deliberations and 
 affairs. 
 
 Such was her knowledge of the almost forgotten 
 annals of colonial and revolutionary history that 
 the State organization of the D. A. R. elected 
 her as Regent, a position she held four years, 
 and on her retirement as State Regent at 
 Greensboro, in November, 1904, was presented 
 with a beautiful loving cup as a testimonial 
 of love and esteem. She was the first Regent to or- 
 ganize the Society into a State organization. She pre- 
 sided with dignity and grace over the annual meetings 
 of this patriotic association of women, and was a wel- 
 come and honored delegate at their national conven- 
 tions, and for four years was a member of Continental 
 Hall Committee of the National Society. Her ad- 
 dresses on these occasions were replete with historic 
 facts and traditions, and to her untiring devotion is due 
 the rescue from oblivion of many a deserving name and 
 several of the important minor facts of history. 
 
 In May before her death she was re-elected to the 
 position of Secretary of the Woman's Exchange of 
 
 6 
 
9tt Mematinm. 
 
 Charleston, S. C, to which position she was elected 
 the year before, and was one of the Board of Man- 
 agers of this body of noble women organized for the 
 purpose of helping deserving women in reduced cir- 
 cumstances. 
 
 She was one of the originators of the Waynesville 
 Library Association, a devout member of the Metho- 
 dist Church South, a leader in many of the benevolent 
 and social movements of the community in which she 
 lived, and a universal favorite with all classes, white 
 and black, rich and poor, high and low. To do good 
 was literally her religion, and she lived up to the ex- 
 actions of her high ideals. 
 
 On the fifteenth day of June, 1904, she was married 
 to Mr. J, H. C. WulbeiTi, of Charleston, S. C, to 
 which place she removed with her husband. She con- 
 tinued to reside in Charleston until the summer o,f 
 1907, when she returned to Waynesville for the sum- 
 mer months, where at her childhood's home, she died 
 August 23d, 1907, after a long illness, leaving a little 
 son, William Carsten, twenty-two months old, to com- 
 fort her bereaved husband. Her remains were taken 
 to Charleston and interred in Bethany Cemetery. 
 
 Such in brief outline are the salient facts of one of 
 the most womanly characters ever known. That she 
 made her home as beautiful as her character, goes with- 
 out saying, and her memory will be cherished as a 
 precious heritage by all who knew and loved her. 
 
i(n Mtmonwn. 
 
 The National Society of the Daughters of the 
 American Revolution, through its committee, presents 
 sincere condolences to the family of Mary Love String- 
 field Wulbern. 
 
 Knowing only in part, the sweetness of her nature 
 and the intrinsic beauty of her life, it can yet realize 
 something of the loss to those to whom that life stood 
 in closest relations; and wishes, individually and col- 
 lectively, to express the deepest sympathy. 
 
 Emily Nelson Ritchie McLean, 
 
 President General, D. A. R. 
 Elizabeth F. Pierce, 
 
 Recording Secretary General. 
 Charlotte Emerson Main, 
 
 Chairman. 
 Bell Murill Draper, 
 Eliza H. L. Barker, 
 
 Committee. 
 
9tt Mtmorltitn. 
 
 A Tribute From the Colonial Dames. 
 
 The North Carolina Society of the Colonial Dames 
 of America has learned with profound sorrow of the 
 death of Mrs. Mary Love Stringfield Wulbern. 
 
 The society recalls with especial pleasure her pres- 
 ence at the annual meeting less than a year ago. High 
 bred and courteous, refined and cultivated, she typified 
 the Southern Woman of gentle habits and breeding. 
 
 The society desires to express its deep sorrow and re- 
 gret that so valued a member be taken in the prime of 
 a useful and happy life, and we her co-workers desire 
 to add this simple but heartfelt tribute to the many 
 others which will record her virtues and the influence 
 of her gentle womanhood. 
 
 We extend to her grief stricken family so soon de- 
 prived of her wise counsel and sweet companionship 
 our heartfelt sympathy. 
 
 Respectfully tendered by the North Carolina Society 
 of Colonial Dames. 
 
 Florence H. Kidder. 
 
 Wilmington, N. C, March 15, 1908. 
 
3(tt Mtmavxnm. 
 
 A Tribute From the Daughters of the 
 Revolution. 
 
 Of the many brilliant noble daughters, North Caro- 
 lina has given to the Union none possessed a 
 greater diversity of gifts, or more lovable qualities than 
 Mary Love Stringfield Wulbern. Of distinguished 
 lineage, reared amid the most uplifting environment, 
 'tis no marv'^el these characteristics were developed and 
 the high standard set by many of her antecedents main- 
 tained. 
 
 It was my privilege to have known her intimately. 
 In the shadows of her own forest-clad Balsams, near 
 the ceaseless music of the Richland, in the emerald- 
 tinted valley she loved so dearly I met her and — sum- 
 mer after summer — rejoiced in the radiating influence 
 of her presence. 
 
 She was the idol of a large circle of relatives whose 
 interest was ever her first duty. In every relation of 
 life — as wife, mother, daughter, sister, relative, 
 friend — the lofty ideal was always realized. While of 
 literary tastes she never neglected the requirements of 
 the home. 
 
 Her patriotism and zeal could not be excelled. Her 
 loss is keenly felt and must be through the coming 
 years, not only by the patriotic organizations who were 
 honored by her membership but by those sister societies 
 of which she was not a member, and her State in gen- 
 eral. 
 
 During her successful Regency the most cordial 
 friendship was established between the State Society 
 Daughters of the American Revolution, and the North 
 Carolina Society, Daughters of the Revolution. Her 
 interest, cordiality and co-operation in patriotic work, 
 
 10 
 
9n ilpmnriam. 
 
 will ever be cherished by our Order who admired her 
 rare personal charm and splendid intellect — and grieve 
 over her untimely death. 
 
 Mary Hilliard Hinton, 
 Registrar; North Carolina Society Daughters of the 
 Revolution. 
 
 11 
 
3lit Mr mnrtam- 
 
 A Tribute From the North Carolina Society 
 D. A. R. 
 
 The Revolutionary period produced in North Caro- 
 lina women of the stamp and type of Dorcas Bell Love, 
 Elizabeth Maxwell Steele, and Mary Slocumb — of the 
 same noble spirit and heroic mould of mind a later age 
 has given to the State Mary Love Stringfield. 
 
 Queenly in mien, lovely in person, and with unusual 
 personal magnetism, she possessed brilliant mental 
 gifts that marked her as a woman among women. 
 
 Revering with all the intenseness of her nature, the 
 greatness of North Carolina's past, she stood for the 
 best and loftiest things of the present, and looked to- 
 wards the highest achievements of the future. 
 
 When as a b'ride, Mrs. J. H. C. Wulbern, she 
 changed her home to South Carolina, her native State 
 became the poorer for her going ; when the last sum- 
 mons came and sister States mourned together the loss 
 of a most devoted daughter. Heaven was made brighter 
 by the presence of one who had so beautifully rounded 
 out the years of young womanhood — who had lived so 
 loyally for "Home and Country," 
 
 Julia M. Alexander, 
 
 North Carolina State Secretary D. A. R., 1902-7. 
 
 Charlotte, N. C. 
 
 12 
 
2ln mpmndam. 
 
 Historian's Report For 1907. 
 
 You probably remember the little plant that was 
 given us by Mary Love Stringfield, our Regent then, 
 it being one of the thirteen raised by Mrs. Mary Lock- 
 wood from seed sown in the soil from the foundation 
 site of our Memorial Building in Washington. They 
 were presented to each Regent of the thirteen original 
 States, and the one for North Carolina was planted at 
 the Guilford Battle Ground on the northwest corner of 
 the Judge Schenck Monument Square. I visited it a 
 short while ago, and found it had three limbs long 
 enough to use as clippings — which I immediately 
 planted, hoping soon to have a plant for each of the 
 four corners of the square; believing they would make 
 acceptable ornaments if kept trimmed into ball-like 
 t/ushes — suggesting the cannon balls. I also hoped to 
 be able to send one slip to Mrs. Mary Stringfield Wul- 
 bern, who expressed a wish for one when entrusting it 
 into our keeping, but before it had rooted I had the 
 message saying Mrs. Wulbern had passed from earth 
 — "had passed in through the gates into the City." 
 This being true, allow me here to speak a word con- 
 cerning the work of her whose noble efforts made this 
 organization — of which we as members feel justly 
 proud. If you will turn to the IMinutes of the ist, 2nd, 
 3d, and_4th Conferences of the North Carolina D. A. 
 R., you will find the Organizer, source and inspiration 
 of this branch of the National Society was Miss Mary 
 Love Stringfield, of Waynesville, N. C, who was ap- 
 pointed State Regent of North Carolina in February, 
 1 90 1, to succeed Mrs. E. D. Latta, of Charlotte. The 
 following 4th of July, pursuant to her call, the first 
 
 13 
 
3ln ilfmoriam. 
 
 State Convention of the North Carolina D. A. R. as- 
 sembled at Waynesville. On that date united effort in 
 this State had its birth. She had carefully selected all 
 names of Chapters, and of members at large, in the 
 State and to each she wrote asking them to attend and 
 come prepared to make suggestions as to possible work 
 in their locality, etc. 
 
 Never shall any of us who responded to that call 
 forget the assembling in the Haywood White Sulphur 
 Pavilion — the lattice of vines and flowers that enclosed 
 the open side was a temporary arrangement to give 
 privacy to those assembled there. About the room 
 could be seen the hornet's nest, flags, etc., showing that 
 no source of State pride had been forgotten. The 
 speeches, the prayers, the songs, the valuable papers 
 and suggestions contributed were all of the best. Noth- 
 ing seemed forgotten that would enkindle pride, pa- 
 triotism and magnetism of her who had planned and 
 carried to perfection this the first Convention. 
 
 If you wish to know the results of this introduction, 
 read carefully the Minutes of those four years that fol- 
 lowed and question whether there was another who 
 could have accomplished so much. The floral beauty of 
 that first meeting place was not the millionaire's order 
 of a florist, but the patient labor of love of those hands 
 which felt the burden they had taken up and were will- 
 ing to toil to enkindle and support the cause that had 
 been entrusted to them, so throughout her years of ser- 
 vice for this — your organization — yours because she 
 made it for you ; her work was one of patient self de- 
 nial that she might do to the uttermost that which 
 waited to b'e done. She touched upon so many lines of 
 activity that they may well be used for future work 
 
 U 
 
3fn mpmnrtam. 
 
 in years to come. Never did she drop from her high 
 level of eloquence. Never did she seem to think of self, 
 but with that patriotism which filled her soul did she 
 pour out words of counsel and wisdom. Her reports 
 from the National Congress were all comprehensive — 
 never tiresome — bringing only the vital sparks gleaned 
 from a week of close attention to duty. She was a 
 favorite with both Mrs. Fairbanks and Mrs. McLean 
 who were glad to appoint her as one of their most im- 
 portant committees and her opinion was listened to 
 with respect. As a parliamentarian she ranked second 
 to none — she knew how to avoid hard feeling among 
 the members by a witty remark, or question, and 
 smooth affairs by her keen-sighted wisdom. At that 
 first State Convention one Chapter Regent declared 
 that when she awoke and found herself so far above 
 the clouds she felt "she was as near Heaven as she 
 would ever be." Perhaps this Congress as a State 
 Convention was also, with all its pristine enthusiasm, 
 harmony and true patriotic purposes, yet it rests with 
 us to preserve those first principles intact, to show to 
 the world that our enthusiasm is true to the origin of 
 the word — en tlieos — God with us. 
 
 We wish no nobler example than the life of her who 
 gave us this organization, that beautiful mountain girl 
 whose grave is in the city by the sea, but whose words 
 will continue to inspire us in days to come. 
 Respectfully subYnitted, 
 Mrs. Charles L. Van Noppen^ 
 State Historian, North Carolina D. A.R. 
 
 15 
 
3ln Mptttortam. 
 
 Tribute From Dorcas Bell Love Chapter. 
 
 At a meeting of the Dorcas Bell Love Chapter, D. 
 A. R., September lo, 1907, it was resolved that inas- 
 much as it has pleased God in His all wise providence 
 to remove from us the founder and co-worker of this 
 Chapter, Mary Love Stringfield Wulbern, that we sub- 
 mit to His will in the taking away of her whose life 
 was unfailingly spent in the upbuilding of this work. 
 When she called the first State Convention together of 
 the Daughters they responded to her call and Waynes- 
 ville held the first in the State. She was a recognized 
 leader in the National D. A. R. Congress held in Wash- 
 ington annually for a number of terms, while State 
 Regent of North Carolina. 
 
 On retiring from office November 5th, 1904, as she 
 was leaving the State to reside in her new home, 
 Charleston, S. C, a loving cup was presented from the 
 Convention as a tribute to her long and faithful work 
 in the State. 
 
 On August 23d, 1907, when the life of this beloved 
 Stateswoman ebbed out there was a hushed silence, 
 and those who knew and loved her best, had fellow- 
 ship in their grief with those who had known her 
 works. 
 
 That this Chapter extend to the bereaved husband 
 and family their sincere sympathy. 
 
 That a copy of these resolutions be recorded in the 
 Minutes of the Chapter, a copy be sent the American 
 Monthly Magazine, and one b'e sent to the Waynes- 
 ville Courier for publication. 
 
 Dorcas Bell Love Chapter D. A. R., 
 
 Waynesville, N. C. 
 
 Ruth Bennett Baker^ Regent. 
 
 Elizabeth Cole, Secretary. 
 
 16 
 
in IE? mnrtam. 
 
 Tribute From Rebecca Motte Chapter, National 
 Society Daughters of the American Revo- 
 lution. 
 
 "Hers was the power to grasp Heaven's bright for- 
 ever amid the shadows of Earth's Httle while." 
 
 In the midst of the glory of young womanhood a 
 •cherished life has, by the Divine will been transferred 
 to the realms above. 
 
 Whereas, In the passing away of Mary Love 
 Stringfield Wulbern, Rebecca Motte Chapter, Daugh- 
 ters of the American Revolution, has sustained irre- 
 parable loss ; therefore be it, 
 
 Resolved, That this Chapter express hereby pro- 
 found sorrow, and in paying loving tribute, voice un- 
 bounded appreciation of her many and unusually high 
 qualities of mind and heart. 
 
 Resolved, That a page in the Chapter's Minute Book 
 be fittingly inscribed to the memory of Mary Love 
 Stringfield Wulbern, and that a copy of these resolu- 
 tions be sent to her bereaved family. 
 
 Charleston, S. C. 
 
 17 
 
3ln mpmoriant. 
 
 Tribute From Edward Buncombe Chapter 
 D. A. R. 
 
 Colonel and Mrs. W. W. Stringfield : 
 
 Dear Sir and Madam. — At a meeting of the Edward 
 Buncombe Chapter D. A. R,, held August 30th, 1907, 
 I was instructed by the Chapter to write and express 
 to you its profound sympathy for the loss you have sus- 
 tained in the death of your daughter, Mrs. Mary Love 
 Stringfield Wulbern. 
 
 We feel that in the death of Mrs. Wulbern, because 
 of her peculiar fitness and signal ability, the D. A. R. 
 has lost one of its most useful and valuable members. 
 
 Trusting that God will mercifully sustain you in this 
 hour of bereavement, I am. 
 
 Sincerely yours, 
 
 Rachel C. Mitchell, 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 Asheville, N. C. 
 
 18 
 
From Home Mission Society, Waynesville, N. C. 
 M. E. Church, South. 
 
 "Leaves have their time to fall, 
 And flowers to wither at the north wind's breath, 
 But thou hast all seasons for thine own, Oh, death." 
 
 These truths were solemnly impressed upon the 
 members of the Woman's Home Mission Society, 
 M. E. Church South, Waynesville, N. C, by passing 
 from earth to Heaven of our beloved friend and co- 
 w^orker, Mrs. Mary Love Stringfield Wulbern. 
 
 While our hearts are grieved to lose such a valued 
 and zealous worker, yet we realize that the "Lord's ap- 
 pointment is His servant's hour," therefore be it 
 
 Resolved, That a most beautiful and worthy life has 
 been closed, but the memory of the sweet companion- 
 ship, wise counsel and helpful life of our dear friend, 
 will ever abide with us as inspiration in the work of 
 Home Missions. 
 
 That we tender our love and sympathy to the be- 
 reaved husband and family, praying that the comfort 
 and consolations of the Holy Spirit may abide with 
 them forever. 
 
 That these resolutions be recorded in the minutes of 
 our Society and a copy sent to the bereaved family. 
 
 Mrs. J. H. Way, 
 
 President. 
 Mrs. C. F. Sherrill, 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 Mrs. Ira Erwin, 
 
 Mrs. E. T. Wyche, 
 
 Committee. 
 
 19 
 
iin iEpntortam. 
 
 From Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. 
 M. E. Church South. 
 
 My Dear Mrs. Stringfield: 
 
 We, the members of the Woman's Foreign Mission- 
 ary Society of the M. E. Church South, wish to extend 
 to you our love and sympathy in your bereavement. 
 While we realize that no words of ours can comfort 
 your wounded heart, yet we do but ob'ey the commands 
 of our dear Savior when we "Weep with those who 
 weep and mourn with those who mourn." We know 
 that you are comforted when you remember that "She 
 is not dead, but sleepeth," and that your beloved child 
 has only gone on a little while before you, and that 
 Jesus by his death has made possible for us all to meet 
 our dear ones and to be forever with them. "To see 
 Him face to face, and be with those we love once 
 more." 
 
 We are truly your friends in loving sympathy, 
 
 Mrs. G. S. Ferguson^ 
 Mrs. Etta Wyche^ 
 Mrs. W. p. Fincher, 
 
 Committee. 
 Waynesville, N. C, September 29, 1907. 
 
 20 
 
3lit Mf moriam. 
 
 From Waynesville Library Association. 
 Resolutions of Respect. 
 
 We, the officers and Board of Directors, for and in 
 behalf of the Waynesville Library Association, being 
 glad of this opportunity of paying trib'ute to the mem- 
 ory of Mrs. Mary Love Stringfield Wulbem, do hereby 
 adopt the following resolutions: 
 
 Resolved, That in the death of our beloved friend 
 and co-worker the Waynesville Library Association 
 and the cause of education and the uplifting of human- 
 ity has lost a true and devoted advocate; 
 
 That her fidelity and faithful service to the cause for 
 many years should be remembered, honored, and imi- 
 tated as long as there are ignorant and needy to teach 
 and care for; 
 
 That her life should ever be an inspiration to those 
 who would rise above the temptations of life and the 
 sordidness of mundane existence; 
 
 That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family 
 of our departed Sister and forwarded to such publica- 
 tions as the President of the Association may direct. 
 Mrs. J. H. Way, Mrs. Hugh A. Love, 
 
 Mrs. G. W. Maslin, Mrs. J. W. Reed, 
 Mary S. Ector, Mrs. Jno. W. Norwood, 
 
 Grace S. Bowles, Directors. 
 
 Jno. W. Norwood, President. 
 
 J. Rufus McCracken, Vice-President. 
 
 Grace S. Bowles, Secretary. 
 
 James W. Reed, Treasurer. 
 
 21 
 
3ltt IHrmomm. 
 
 From The Charleston Exchange For Woman's 
 
 Work. 
 
 "The Charleston Exchange for Woman's Work" 
 would express its sense of great loss in the death of 
 Mrs. J. H. C. Wulbern, one of its officers. Coming 
 into the work as a stranger to many of its members, 
 she won a high place in the esteem of all. She com- 
 bined in a rare degree decided ability most faithfully 
 shown with a thorough knowledge of the laws controll- 
 ing the proper administration of business meetings. 
 She was ever modest, unobtrusive, only coming for- 
 ward when appealed to for necessary information, then 
 ready, clear, exact and most retiring in the expression 
 of her carefully studied opinions ; therefore, be it 
 
 Resolved, That in the death of Mrs. Wulbern this 
 Exchange has lost a most valuable, efficient officer and 
 friend, one whose place will be most difficult to fill ; and 
 a member whom it was always a pleasure to meet. And 
 that we would record our remembrances of her short 
 association in the work with only feelings of deepest 
 regret that it was so soon broken. 
 
 That the Exchange offer to Mr. J. H. C. Wulbern 
 its sincerest sympathy, and that a blank page in the 
 Minutes be inscribed to the memory of Mrs. Wulbern. 
 Mrs. James Connor, Chairman. 
 Mrs. R. W. Dowie, 
 Mrs. C. R. Ravenel. 
 
 22 
 
3ti iHrmortam. 
 
 The following letters were taken from the many that 
 have been received. All are sincere tributes to 
 real zvorth, and shozv how zvidely Mrs. Wulbern 
 zvas knozvn, loved, and admired. It zvould be a 
 pleasure to place them all on permanent record, 
 hut the limit, assigned to this memorial admit of 
 only a fezv out of the large number received. 
 Those selected for insertion are representative of 
 all in sentiment and spirit. 
 
 23 
 
3ln Msmarmm, 
 
 From Bishop James Atkins. 
 
 Waynesville, N. C, April 14, 1908. 
 
 Mr. J. H. C. WULBERN, 
 
 Charleston, S. C. 
 
 My Dear Mr. Wulbern : — I have often desired to 
 write you a line upon the incomparable loss which be- 
 fell you and your beautiful boy in the death of your 
 wife, b'ut hitherto I have been hindered by much travel 
 and a great variety of duties. On the very day of 
 Mary Love's death I was starting to the Far West on 
 a four months' tour. 
 
 It is, indeed, a terrible thing for two noble souls 
 bound together by the ties of love and parenthood to be 
 at any time severed beyond the hope of earthly reunion , 
 but it is especially so when just across the threshold of 
 real life, as in the case of Mary Love and yourself. 
 And yet there are in your case many elements of com- 
 fort which you now appreciate, I am sure, but which 
 will constantly unfold to you with the passing years. 
 Chief among them is the real greatness of your wife's 
 character. To have had and to have rightly maintained, 
 close relations with a truly noble spirit is an immortal 
 enrichment of any one thus blessed. 
 
 I knew Mary Love from her childhood, and had the 
 best of opportunities for estimating her qualities and 
 attainments, and I have not for years hesitated to place 
 her among the foremost young women I have known. 
 
 Many years of my life were spent in the education 
 of young women — not their mere intellectual develop- 
 ment, but what is more important, the development of 
 their characters. You may well imagine that after 
 their school days I have observed with the deepest in- 
 
 24 
 
3ltt mpmoriam. 
 
 terest their conduct in the broader relations of life. 
 Among the hundreds of girls who thus came under my 
 hand, and who have been thus sympathetically watched 
 in their after relations, I do not recall one who, in all 
 the varied positions in which I have seen them, sur- 
 passed her whom you won to be the partner of your 
 life. 
 
 Mary Love had a good ancestry, and she knew how 
 to make good use of it. She felt the thrill of a noble 
 heredity and knew that it was a call to high endeavor. 
 She knew also that character is the only exact measure 
 of any one's weight in the world of action. Her en- 
 deavor in all the relations of life from childhood up- 
 ward was the result of character. As a pupil she was 
 conscientious and painstaking ; as a daughter, obedient, 
 docile, dutiful, helpful, considerate and, if occasion de- 
 manded, self-sacrificing; as a teacher she was diligent 
 and aggressive, and as a member of the larger com- 
 munity — society — she had varied charms which caused 
 her to gather about her a host of admiring and devoted 
 friends. One of her chief charms as a member of 
 society was that she loved to be useful, and that she had 
 gifts and attainments for being useful in many ways. 
 
 The work which Mary Love did in the organization 
 and development of the work of the Daughters of the 
 American Revolution in North Carolina was notable. 
 She had the historic instinct, and her close alliance in 
 ancestry with so many of those who were prominent in 
 that supreme struggle, led her into paths of research 
 which were fraught with the most interesting and valu- 
 able matter. In this way she not only contributed no 
 small amount to the historic annals of her native State, 
 but she gained therefrom a certain nobility of charac- 
 
 26 
 
in fHemoriara. 
 
 ter and a certain intellectual attitude which but few at- 
 tain, and which can b'e attained only by an appreciative 
 study of the best of history and biography. 
 
 I trust that the dear boy is growing steadily, which 
 is about the only business of boys of his age; and I 
 doubt not that when he is a little older he will study 
 under your generous and gracious teaching the many 
 and great qualities of his mother, and be conformed by 
 them and your own example into a man worthy of such 
 a mother. 
 
 With sincere respect and regard, I am, 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 James Atkins. 
 
 26 
 
iln ^f ttmrtattu 
 
 Extract From a Letter of Rev. Jas. A. B. Scher- 
 ER, Ph.D., LL.D., to Mr. Wulbern. 
 
 Troop Polytechnic Institute^ 
 Office of the President, 
 Pasadena, Cal., October 19. 
 
 Sweetness and strength were so harmoniously 
 blended in her character that those who met her only 
 casually were moved as by an unheard melody. I 
 knew her as your bride and afterwards as a mother. 
 She seemed to me of those rare women who point to- 
 wards the ideal of womanhood. There is a fragrance 
 in my memory for having known her, and I feel a 
 closer friendliness with heaven. It will be more like 
 itself for her presence there, and the warm humanity 
 which she can never lose takes away the foreboding of 
 strangeness. Your sincere friend, 
 
 (Signed) James A. B. Scherer. 
 
 27 
 
iitt Mtmonum, 
 
 112 E. Mt, Airy Ave., 
 Philadelphia,, Pa., August 29, 1907. 
 Dear Mr. Wulbern: 
 
 The sadness of Mrs. Wulbern's death did not reach 
 us until today. We truly grieve with you in your sore 
 bereavement. We had hoped and prayed that Mrs. 
 Wulbern would recover, but He knows what is best, 
 and not we. Little Carsten, I am sure, will be a source 
 of comfort to you. The care of him will help to 
 sweeten your bitter cup. May your Christian faith 
 sustain you and may God grant to you His heavenly 
 peace! I would I were with you in this day of trial. 
 Nothing else has made me feel my absence more keenly. 
 I just dare not give in to the feeling which comes over 
 me. Yours very sincerely, 
 
 (Signed) Rev. John W. Horine. 
 
 8S 
 
Hn mpmartatn. 
 
 Letters of Sympathy. 
 
 My Dear Mr. Wulbern : 
 
 Although the National Board of Management D. 
 A, R. (of which body your dear wife had been an hon- 
 ored member) and I as presiding officer — the President 
 General of the Society — have taken formal action and 
 passed resolutions of profound sympathy to her family 
 and of high tribute to the character and attainments of 
 Mrs. Wulbern ; yet I cannot permit her death to bring 
 such grief to me, as it does, without this inadequate 
 word of poignant sympathy to yourself, personally, 
 from myself. 
 
 For clarity of brain, for courage of conviction, for 
 independence of action, for loyalty of friendship, I have 
 never known Mrs. Wulbern to be excelled. Her loss is 
 a grave and irreparable one to me and to our organiza- 
 tion, Daughters American Revolution. 
 
 My sweet personal memory of her is, as accompanied 
 by her splendid baby — your son — she came to bid me 
 welcome to Charleston, the baby bearing great Beauty 
 Roses and a little poem of welcome, and the mother so 
 sweetly, tenderly proud in her maternity. As that dear 
 mother and my beloved daughter I do and shall ever 
 cherish her memory. 
 
 For yourself, your son and hers, her mother and all 
 her family, I beg to accept my heart-felt regard and 
 reiterated sympathy. 
 
 Faithfully believe me yours, 
 
 Emily Nelson Ritchie McLean. 
 
 Washington, D. C, November 28, 1907. 
 
 20 
 
3ln mpmoriam. 
 
 Letter From Ex-President General Mrs. 
 Fairbanks. 
 
 My Dear Miss Stringfield: 
 
 Today's mail brought me the sad account of the 
 death of your sister, to whom I was so deeply attached. 
 I grew to know her well during the time we were asso- 
 ciated in the work of the D, A. R. and I found her 
 lovely and congenial in every way. Hers was indeed a 
 lovely character. 
 
 Your grief I share for I was warmly attached to her 
 and feel her death as a personal loss. How sad to be 
 taken from her little child when he so needs her care ; 
 dear little fellow, I offer my sympathy to your parents, 
 brothers and sisters and to Mr. Wulbern; I would that 
 it might avail something, but one realizes in the knowl- 
 edge of the tragedy of death how poor and futile are 
 human strength and sympathy, I am, 
 Sincerely yours, 
 
 Cornelia C. Fairbanks. 
 
 Manchester-by-the-Sea, September g, 1907. 
 
 30 
 
3ln iHrmoiiam. 
 
 Dear Mr. Wulbern: 
 
 That in the midst of life we are in death seemed 
 never more forcefully illustrated than when the sad tid- 
 ings reached her many friends of the calling of our 
 Heavenly Father to her better home of our dear friend 
 and associate, Mrs. Mary Love Stringfield Wulbern. 
 
 As wife, mother, daughter, sister or friend, she 
 seemed to be so much to each and all. Yet He who 
 doeth all things well, has taken her to Himself — sub- 
 missively we must pray "Thy will be done," thankful 
 that we were so blessed by her presence and example. 
 May her sweet, gentle, noble life, be an inspiration to 
 many of us to try, as she did, to so live that when we 
 go hence that the world may be better for our having 
 lived to help others and aid in accomplishing good and 
 noble deeds in life. 
 
 I have the sweetest memories of our most pleasant 
 associations in being together at the annual council of 
 the North Carolina Society of Colonial Dames of 
 America, at Wilmington, May, 1907, where her pres- 
 ence was appreciated by the officers and members of the 
 Society. I feel that we have lost a most valued mem- 
 ber. 
 
 With warmest sympathies for family and friends, 
 Most cordially, 
 
 Mrs. Julia M. Andrews. 
 
 Raleigh, N. C, February 6, 1908. 
 
 81 
 
HIn i^emonattu 
 
 Letter From Governor Robert B. Glenn. 
 
 Colonel W. W. Stringfield and Wife. 
 
 My Dear Cousins: — Today my wife and I were 
 deeply pained and shocked to hear of Mary's unex- 
 pected death, and now write to extend to you our sin- 
 cerest sympathy — we have lost loved ones ourselves and 
 therefore can truly sympathize with you. 
 
 No word we can say can assuage your grief over 
 Mary's loss, but to know we love you, and feel for you, 
 will we hope carry some little comfort. Please for my 
 wife and me give our love and sympathy to the be- 
 reaved husband and the dear little one, and accept the 
 same loving sympathy for yourselves. 
 
 God bless and sustain you. 
 
 Sincerely your cousin, 
 
 R. B. Glenn. 
 Executive Department, 
 
 Raleigh, N. C, Aug. 30, 1907. 
 
 32 
 
JItt IHfmoriam. 
 
 Dear Mrs. Stringfield: 
 
 My heart goes out in sympathy for you all and I 
 would fain write something to assuage your grief, but 
 words are unmeaning at such a time. You sustained 
 a great loss I know and I know your grief is equally 
 great, hard to bear — so hard that my own heart grieves 
 for you. 
 
 May the Lord bind up your broken hearts and fill 
 the vacuum he has created with His own Divine image 
 and enable you, though slain, to trust Him still. 
 
 I have nothing but sweet memories of Mary Love. 
 There is comfort in the thought, that while earth is 
 darker, Heaven is brighter, because another redeemed 
 spirit is safely housed. 
 
 Do not dwell on her sufferings, but of her glorified 
 spirit safe in the bosom of a loving Father. 
 
 With love. Your sympathizing friend, 
 
 C. E. McLouD. 
 Vanderbilt University,, 
 
 Nashville, Tenn., August 26, 1907. 
 
 33 
 
3ln IHrntflriam. 
 
 My Dear Brother and Sister: 
 
 I have so often thought of you and sympathized 
 with you in the grief that still lingers and will continue 
 to linger in your heart. I knew I could not appease 
 that grief in any way for I knew all about it in my 
 own experience. 
 
 And yet, what an intense satisfaction it is to know 
 that Our Father never makes a mistake. My own 
 heart yearns for the loved ones that have vanished 
 from my sight, but I would not recall them if I could. 
 
 Dear Mary was such an engaging woman; so 
 bright and attractive to every one, it seems that she 
 was so greatly needed here, but we cannot know how 
 greatly she was needed "Over There." Let God's 
 "Will be done on earth, as it is done in Heaven." If 
 we can say this in the heart we shall be happy even 
 while grieving. We know His will is best for us. 
 Your loving sister, 
 
 Sarah Stringfield Butler. 
 Editorial Rooms, Woman's Missionary Advocate^ 
 Nashville, Tenn., September 25, 1907. 
 
 U 
 
3ftt i99pnt0natn. 
 
 Raleigh, N. C, Sept. 8, 1907. 
 My Dear Mr. Wulbern: 
 
 Do not think because I have not written I am not 
 thinking constantly of your great sorrow. My mind 
 dwells on the grief stricken homes at Waynesville and 
 Charleston and my heart bleeds for each of you — espe- 
 cially does my heart, full of tenderest sympathy, go 
 out to you and the dear mother and previous baby who 
 knows nothing of his loss. I knew Mary Love — I 
 never thought there was another soul like her. She 
 was such an ideal type of womanhood. Nobly did she 
 fill each position in life. I wish that I could have been 
 in Waynesville and done something for her or the fam- 
 ily during the weeks of suffering. 
 
 With warmest sympathy in which mother joins, I 
 remain, Faithfully your friend, 
 
 Mary Hillard Hinton. 
 
 35 
 
Hn HSrmartam* 
 
 Charlotte, N. C, October 28, 1907. 
 My Dear Mrs. Stringfield: 
 
 After a stay of several months abroad I have re- 
 cently returned home, and was deeply grieved to learn 
 of the death of my dear, dear friend, Mrs. Wulbern. 
 I sent her a post card from some point in Europe, little 
 thinking that she had been called away in her youth 
 and beauty to enter the Heavenly realm. To my mind 
 she was in point of intellect superior to any woman of 
 my acquaintance, and her queenly bearing and appear- 
 ance would have graced a throne. 
 
 The lovely picture of herself and the dear little son 
 will always be among my most valued treasures. 
 
 But while our tears are falling we should not forget 
 to lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the beautiful life 
 with its widespread influence for good. 
 
 My heart mourns with you in this hour of sorrow. 
 Very sincerely, 
 
 Julia M. Alexander. 
 
 36 
 
9n Mtmatlum, 
 
 House of Representatives, 
 Washington, D. C, December 17, 1907. 
 Dear Cousin William : 
 
 I know full well how you all miss dear Mary Love, 
 and my heart goes out to you in sympathy. 
 
 The important work done by Mrs. Mary Love 
 Stringfield Wulbern, will remain behind as her monu- 
 ment, though she was cut off at an early age. This 
 work in organization and administration done by her, 
 entitles her to be numbered with the great women of 
 North Carolina. Along with great capacity, energy 
 and perseverance, she carried a beautiful gentleness 
 and tender consideration for others, that made every 
 one love her through the wide field covered by her 
 saintly life. 
 
 Yours in deepest sympathy, 
 Richmond Pearson Hobson. 
 
 37 
 
Hn ^fmnrimit. 
 
 1 06 West First Street, 
 Oil City, Pa., August 26, 1907. 
 
 Mr. J. H. C. WuLBERN : 
 
 Dear Friend. — I am so depressed and shocked at 
 the news of Mrs. Wulbem's death read in the News 
 and Courier today that I can scarcely hold my pen, 
 but must send a line to you to tell you of my deep 
 grief and sympathy for you and her parents and the 
 dear child left motherless. I regarded Mrs. Wulbern 
 as one of the loveliest and most attractive women I ever 
 met. Seeing her first in Charlotte presiding with so 
 much dignity and ease, beautifully gowned, and beau- 
 tiful in face. I was her great admirer, and when she 
 became yours and a member of my Chapter I realized 
 her true loveliness and ability. She was a right hand 
 to me. She and Mrs. Lock wood were to meet at my 
 home early in October and prepare a program for our 
 conference in November, and she said so lovingly, "I 
 will give some function in honor of our guest and to 
 show my appreciation of your kindness to me." Can 
 it be that she is already translated and that I will see 
 her no more. Her's was a pure soul and ready to meet 
 the Master, but our hearts are aching and what a 
 vacuum in your heart and her parents. I am weeping 
 with you, dear Mr. Wulbern, and can only pray that 
 God comfort the hearts of her loved ones in his own 
 good time. Mrs. Way sent me a card yesterday, and 
 mentioned that Mrs. Wulbern was ill, but I will write 
 her today and hope to hear what all this sad news 
 means. Blessed Woman, Precious Memory, may she 
 inspire us to a higher life. We leave for Saratoga on 
 
 38 
 
3fn :^pm0rtam. 
 
 the 29th. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and if 
 in looking over Mrs. Wulbern's papers you find any- 
 thing about Rebecca Motte please let me have it, for at 
 our last meeting she took home some plans. 
 With sincere regards, I am. 
 
 Cordially yours, 
 
 Mrs. Francis M. Jones. 
 
 !39 
 
ifii Mtmotintn. 
 
 Waynesville, N. C November 5. 
 
 Mr. J. H. C. WULBERN, 
 
 Charleston, S. C. 
 My Dear Sir : 
 
 It was my good fortune to know your lamented wife, 
 Mrs. Mary Love Stringfield Wulbern. For two years 
 she was a teacher in the Graded School here during 
 my superintendency. I can say without reservation 
 that I never knew a more conscientious teacher nor a 
 more successful one, if we measure success by the 
 ideals instilled in youthful hearts. Her love for the 
 children under her care was manifest and their admira- 
 tion for her was unbounded. 
 
 In her death I felt the loss of a friend. More than 
 that I considered it as a calamity to not only her fam- 
 ily and friends but to society as well. She was ever a 
 leader in that which tended to the good of the com- 
 munity both in religious and secular matters. In his- 
 toric research, especially pertaining to North Carolina 
 and Haywood County, she aided me considerably in 
 some of my investigation in the State's history, and did 
 much independent work along that line. 
 
 It was with sorrow that I heard of her death, and 
 you will please accept my deepest sympathy. 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 (Signed) W. C. Allen. 
 
 40 
 
lilt ilf mortatn. 
 
 Extract of a Letter From Mrs, Avery to Mrs. 
 Stringfield. 
 
 MoRGANTON, N. C, Sept. 12, 1907. 
 Of all my relatives none was so dear to me as Mary. 
 I feel bereft beyond the power of words to express. I 
 can only say I have loved her as a sister. 
 With deepest sympathy, 
 
 Yours sincerely, 
 
 Sallie Love Thomas Avery. 
 
 From a Letter to Mrs. Stringfield. 
 
 Philadelphia^ Pa., Aug. 30, 1907. 
 In dear Mary's death I feel a personal loss, much of 
 our school days and young- ladyhood was spent to- 
 gether. There was never a girl in Waynesville more 
 generally loved and who exerted such an influence as 
 Mary Love. It is impossible for mortals to under- 
 stand why such a sweet life should be taken, when 
 there is so much need for it here, but the dear Lord 
 must have more need for it, "Beyond the Mists that 
 blind us here in the new and larger life of that serener 
 sphere!" I pray that God may comfort and support 
 you in this terrible trial. 
 
 Yours very sincerely, 
 
 Margaret Love Marshall, 
 
 41 
 
iln Mtmtit\sim. 
 
 Bremen, Germany, Sept. i6, 1907. 
 My Dear Carsten: 
 
 My whole heart is full of sympathy with you in the 
 terrible blow which God has seen fit to send yoii. 
 When I heard of Mary Love's illness I had hoped and 
 prayed that she would soon recover and that you should 
 not be called upon to bear this sorrow. I hardly dare 
 to think how you will be able to bear your heavy loss, 
 but I hope the care of little Carsten will prove the very 
 best help in occupying your mind and thoughts and 
 preventing you from dwelling more than you ought on 
 your heart's sorrow. For Mary's dear child's sake 
 you must face your trouble and bear up bravely. Your 
 sisters were completely crushed when I broke the sad 
 news to them. I am glad that they were with us at 
 the time and not among strangers. 
 
 With deepest sympathy, 
 
 Sincerely yours, 
 
 Mamie Bornemann. 
 
 42 
 
Jn Mematium, 
 
 A Favorite Poem That Was Found in Her Bible. 
 
 Unity. 
 
 Forgive O Lord our severing ways, 
 
 The separate altars that we raise, 
 
 The varying tongues that speak thy praise ! 
 
 Suffice it now, in time to be 
 Shall one great temple rise to Thee: 
 Thy Church one broad humanity. 
 
 White flowers of love its walls shall climb, 
 Sweet bells of peace shall ring its chime. 
 Its days shall all be holy time. 
 
 The hymn long sought shall then be heard, 
 The music of the worlds accord, 
 Confessing Christ the inward word! 
 
 That song shall swell from shore to shore, 
 One faith, one love, one hope restore! 
 The seamless garb that Jesus wore! 
 
 John Greenleaf Whittier^ July 28, 1883. 
 
 43