Representative women of New England/Charlotte J. Thomas

by Mary H. Graves

CHARLOTTE J. THOMAS

CHARLOTTE J. THOMAS may here be introduced as one who showed at an early age that she dared stand alone. From the time she became mistress of speech she has talked with decision and originality, neither quoting nor leaning upon the opinions of others. She has framed thought and utterance for herself with extraordinary spirit and vigor.

Miss Thomas's mother was a woman possessing much force of character and a disposition of great sweetness. She impressed upon her children's minds, while they were very young, that this "earth's unfortunates had a human claim upon them." She was connected with "the underground railway of the old slavery days," and many a fugitive from the South has had reason to bless her name. The daughter early became her mother's assistant and confidante, and all her life has aided the sick and suffering, the ambitious and the poor. Though her name has been associated with various organizations, the greater amount of her charitable work has been individual and unmentioned. The home of Miss Thomas is a noted one in Portland. "The Social Corner," as one of the family friends named it with so much truth, has become a familiar word, and stands for hospitality, music, originality, and good cheer. Guests of all classes are made welcome in this home with the fine courtesy which brings instant comfort. Entertainment is never offered in stereotyped form, but freedom of speech, quaint stories, and suddenly suggested plans give all the happy hours a tinge of surprise and novelty. It has been said of the historic Thomas mansion: "Notable people go there, but many others are invited. Not rank, but true manhood, true womanhood, the trying to do good in the spirit of brotherhood, is the passport to that house." In Old Home Week during the summer of 1900 Miss Thomas had her house decorated with flags and pictures, and inscribed with the word "Welcome" and the year in which it was built, 1800. Late in the afternoon an elderly man presented himself at the door, saying he had seen the legend "Welcome," and, as he was a builder himself, he would like to examine a house constructed at the date indicated, whereupon Miss Thomas assured him that the word was no hollow mockery, and cordially invited him to join her family at the supper table.

The Beecher Club, the first evolution club in Maine, was founded at the "Social Comer/' Miss A. M. Beecher, cousin of the noted preacher, Henry Ward Beecher, on one of her visits to Miss Thomas gave a course of familiar talks on science and philanthropy. At the close of the visit, through Miss Thomas's influence the club was formed, and named in honor of Miss Beecher. The spirit of the home—strength and individuality—has remained with the club, and proved a power for good. The originator tells an amusing story concerning her efforts in making up the membership. Approaching a lady on the subject and explaining the character of the study to be undertaken, the listener lifted her hands in dismay and said reproachfully, "Why, Miss Thomas, I thought you believed in God!"

Genial and whole-hearted. Miss Thomas has a fine disregard for conventionalities, and despises affectation and sham. With a strong sense of justice, she unflinchingly urges the rights of her sex, and by her influence has helped bring about a number of good reforms both in customs and State laws.

Among her personal friends may be named Mary A. Livermore, Susan B. Anthony (often her guest). Miss A. M. Beecher, Sarah J. Farmer, of Greenacre, and such departed worthies as Charlotte Cushman, Lucy Stone, Parker Pillsbury, John Hutchinson, and Dr. Elliott Coues. Mrs. Elliott Coues has spoken thus of Miss Thomas: "If I had nothing else to be thankful for in this life, having had her for my friend would be reason enough for my giving thanks. All who know her will say ’Yes' with a rising vote and a Chautauqua cheer for one of the grandest women ever born on this planet. Did any one ever go there with a tale of woe that she did not try to assist and strengthen with good, kind words and deeds of corresponding worth?"

Another close friend adds: "If I were asked where under 'Representative Women' Charlotte J. Thomas stood, I should class her with those whose watchword is emancipation—freedom of thought, speech, and action, wherever such freedom would lead to the betterment of mankind. To have original and persistent ideas and to develop them honestly and independently has been her unswerving aim. These characteristics have shown themselves first and always in the home, where music, society, and hospitality have been of an unusual scope and of choice quality. To high and low her attitude has been and is, 'You have innate nobleness: give the best in you a chance to show itself and to increase and benefit your fellow-beings.' Such a trend on the individual side has naturally on public questions meant 'anti-slavery, woman suffrage, education without stint, and universal brotherhood.' Here is a democratic instinct that does not content itself with word of mouth, but daily puts into practice the precepts it holds dear. The group of personal friends mentioned above are but a few of her companions in the good fight. There's liberty for every happy and uplifting influence to work its wholesome and beneficent way in the minds of men, women, and children in this home which we hold in fee simple as a preparation for further development and progress."