Woman of the Century/Rebecca Jane G. Fisher

FISHER, Mrs. Rebecca Jane Gilleland, philanthropist, born in Philadelphia, Pa., in 183- REBECCA JANE GILLELAND FISHER. Her maiden name was Gilleland. On both her father's and mother's side she is of distinguished ancestry, and belongs to the Johnstone, Barber and Chase families. Her parents were highly cultured and devout members of the Old School Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Fisher's father moved to Texas with his family in an early day, believing it to be a good place for investment, but utterly ignorant of frontier life. Never having been inured to hardships, they were ill-prepared for the trials which awaited them. Her father joined the Texas army in 1838, and soon after both parents were killed by the Indians. In a few hours after their death, loving ones took charge of the daughter and did all that was possible for her comfort and happiness. Mrs. Fisher's fondness for literature was shown at an early age. For many years she has contributed articles for the press, which have received high encomiums. She was educated in Rutersville College, and in May, 1848, she became the wife ol Rev. Orceneth Fisher, D.D. California, Oregon and Texas have been their especial fields of labor. For forty-five years she has been actively engaged in church and charitable work. She has been president of various societies and associations, and always presided with dignity, grace and tact. She has resided in Austin, Texas for nearly a score of years, and there she is held in the highest esteem and admired for her intellectual and Christian worth. She is a strong advocate and worker in the temperance and missionary causes. She has been a widow eleven years and will soon celebrate her sixtieth birthday.