express my sense of obligation for her devotion. She was a true Christian. Never was one more earnestly prayed for during childhood and manhood, during peace and war, than myself. It was her loftiest ambition to guide her children, by good example, pure thoughts, upright and praiseworthy life, to honorable and noble purpose. To her unselfish devotion, her gentle and loving admonitions, am I greatly indebted for whatever there may be in me that is commendable. My mother was a direct descendant of William Curtis, who arrived in Boston on the ship 'Lyon,' September 16, 1632."
Mrs. Lydia Gilbert Curtis, the mother of Mary Curtis, married for her second husband Mr. Hastings, of Princeton, Mass., the great-grandfather of the late ex-Governor Russell. When seventy years old, she became the bride of Deacon Timothy Downes, of Fitchburg. She lived to the age of ninety.
Daniel Curtis Miles, the eldest child of Daniel, Sr., and Mary Curtis Miles, was born in Westminster, June, 1828. He married Lucy Ann Puffer. Their children are: Mary Josephine, George Melville, Herbert Judson, Arthur Wellington, and Martha Gertrude. Daniel C. Miles was for many years a popular teacher. He afterward engaged in the lumber trade and in manufacturing. He founded the Westminster National Bank, and was its president twenty years. He is the present bank examiner of Massachusetts, and his son, Herbert Judson, is his assistant.
The second child of Daniel and Mary (Curtis) Miles is Mary Jane, who was born in Westminster in June, 1832. She was a successful teacher, interested in educational matters and in church work. She has been a liberal contributor to the Baptist society, and has accomplished much good in her quiet way. After her marriage to Gardner Merriam, of Princeton, she settled in Leominster, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Merriam have four children—Nelson Curtis, Nellie Gracie, Mary Anna, and Sadie Jane.
Ann Maria Miles, the direct subject of this sketch, was born April 15, 1837, in Westminster, Mass. She received a good education, and as a teacher had a large experience in school work. Interested in the welfare of her pupils, she not only guided them in the paths of learning, but also trained them in those principles of integrity and sound morality without which no man or woman can achieve a perfect success. An instance of the manner in which she impressed upon her pupils the importance of punctuality is found in the fact that her youngest child attended school for fifteen years without receiving an absent or tardy mark.
Mrs. Sprague is a woman of excellent business capacity, successfully managing large affairs requiring tact, sound judgment, executive ability, and thorough knowledge of business methods. For .seven years she held a government post-office position. She is actively interested in philanthropic work, being a liberal contributor to various charities and a helpful and frequent visitor to the homes of the poor and unfortunate. She has been closely identified with the work of the Little Wanderers' Home and in placing children in country homes, where they could be taught useful occupations and learn to be self-supporting.
Married in 1856 to Samuel Hazen Sprague, she has since resided in Westminster, Mass. She is the mother of five children—Lovvie Maria, Samuel Nelson, Hattie Sophia, Theodocia Miles, and Lydia Gertrude.
Mrs. Sprague possesses in a high degree the art of agreeable conversation. She has travelled exclusively in (illegible text)s and foreign countries, has been an intelligent and accurate observer, and is well versed in the leading topics of the day. A patriotic American, she is proud of her country, and closely follows every event that concerns our nation's welfare.
Mrs. Sprague takes an especial pride in the career of her distinguished brother, General Nelson Appleton Miles, who was born in Westminster, and named by his mother in honor of Appleton Monse, a devoted Baptist clergyman. As Lieutenant of a company of volunteers, which he organized at the beginning of the Civil War, as Colonel of a regiment and commander of a brigade in that conflict, and later as a victorious leader against hostile
