Page:The part taken by women in American history.djvu/547

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Part Taken by Women in American History


France, and here labored until June 1st, when they left for Madras, where they found ample opportunity for their work among the Burmese. At Ringon, their son was born, the first white child ever seen by the Burmese. Mr. Judson translated a portion of the Bible and other religious books into the Burmese language. In 1819, Mrs. Judson removed to Bengal, without any decided improvement in her condition, finally being forced to return to England, and ultimately to America, arriving in New York, September, 1822. Here she aroused great interest in the missionary work among her friends in the various cities which she visited. Her health improving, she returned to Rangoon, December 3, 1823. Mrs. Judson was taken prisoner, owing to the feeling incited against foreigners, but ultimately her husband was released, after she had passed through the great hardships, a scourge of smallpox and the direst privations, the family were reunited. Mr. Judson was later rearrested, but the English officers found him such a valuable assistant that they did everything they could for his comfort, and when peace was concluded Mr. Judson's property was restored to him, and the mission placed under the British protection. On October 24, 1826, Mrs. Judson died, beloved and lamented by both the English and natives of that country.

HARRIET NEWELL.

Harriet Atwood was born at Haverhill, Massachusetts, the ioth of October, 1793. At the age of thirteen, when a student at the academy in Bradford, Massachusetts, she became strongly imbued with religious thought and took up religious readings and the study of the Bible during her leisure time, and in 1809 made an open confession of Christianity. In 1811 she met Mr. Newell who was preparing for missionary service in India. The following year they were married, and in February, 1812, sailed with Mr. and Mrs. Judson for India. Owing to trouble between the United States and England they were not permitted to remain in Calcutta, so sought residence in the Isle of France. Here their little daughter was born, but lived but a short time, and was soon followed by her mother. She was then but nineteen years of age.