early youth devoted to the service of her Saviour, and, fortunately for her happiness, met with a congenial mind and heart in the Rev. Samuel Whittlesey, to whom she was married in 1806. He was then the settled clergyman in a country parish, where be continued, eminently successful, for many years, while his amiable wit became intimately acquainted with the habits, circumstances, and wants of women who live in the country. In this respect, he experience contributed to fit her for the post which she subsequently occupied; viz., that of a writer in behalf of mother, and particularly as the editress of a magazine devoted to their interests. In this relation to the literary and religious public she has long been known and deservedly admired. The periodical referred to was for many years conducted by her under the name of the "Mother's Magazine." She is now the editress of a new one, commenced a few years since, entitled "The Magazine for Mothers and Daughters."
But Mrs. Whittlesey had other experience than that pertaining to the country antecedently to her entrance on the profession of authorship in the line above-mentioned, and which fitted her still further for this honourable and useful calling. After Mr. Whittlesey, at his own request, received a dismission from his pastoral relation at New Preston, he took in charge the "American Asylum of the Deaf and Dumb," at Hartford, in which very responsible station Mrs. Whittlesey's efficient labours, as well as those of her husband, contributed largely to the prosperity of the institution. Subsequently, they had charge of large and flourishing female seminaries in Canandaigua and in Utica, N.Y. Coming in contact, thus, with many of her sex in the forming period of life and in the process of intellectual and moral education in which she herself had a direct an agency, her observations and experience were of the utmost consequence to her in her appreciation of the wants of the mothers and daughters of the land. She saw, also, how necessary was the development of female character and influence.
With such a stock of knowledge and experience, and with an ardent desire to serve her Divine Master in doing good to her sex and the world, she projected the "Mother's Magazine." It was in the city of Utica that this important undertaking was matured and carried into effect; the publication commencing in the year 1833. The "Mother's Magazine" was as original in its conception as it has proved to be able in its execution and useful in its influence. It was the offspring of much thought, consultation, and prayer, attended, indeed, with the usual anxiety and misgivings incident to new enterprises. The projector of the work, however, was probably less apprehensive of the result than many others, though even she could hardly have conjectured "whereunto this would grow" through the series of years it has continued. It is commonly found in experience, that they who have the talent and the grace to conceive and bring into existence important measures for human benefit are the most hopeful of success. They see beyond others in that particular in consequence of the thought and mental straggle which their project has cost them. They have considered more closely its bearings and relations, and feel more keenly the want which originated it. What other minds less gifted with foresight or more sceptical as to results rather desire than expect, is with them often reduced to a moral certainty.
