Woman of the Century/S. Fannie Gerry Wilder

WILDER. Mrs. S. Fannie Gerry, author, born in Standish, Me., 4th September, 1850. She is the daughter of Rev. Edwin J. and Sophia J. Gerry. Her father was settled over the Unitarian parish in that town seven years, then going to New York, where he was connected with the Children's Aid Society for five years, and finally accepted a rail from the Benevolent Fraternity of Churches to settle in Boston, Mass., as pastor of the Hanover Street Chapel, where he remained as minister for for twenty-rive years. S. FANNIE GERRY WILDER. Mrs. Wilder, although born in Maine, was essentially a Boston girl, as she was educated in the schools of that city and has lived in the vicinity nearly all her life. As she grew to womanhood, her interest became naturally identified with her father's work, in assisting the poorer class among whom he labored. She was looked upon by the people of his parish as a sister, friend and helper. Occupied by these various duties, the years went quietly by until 1881, when she became the wife of Millard F. Wilder, a young business man of Boston. Then every-day cares and interests. the death of her infant son and of her father filled her mind and heart for some years. She had always been very fond of history and literature in her school-days, taking a high rank in composition during that time. After the death of her father, her desire became so great to place his work and life before the public, that it might serve to inspire others, that she wrote, in 1887, his memoir, entitled "The Story of a Useful Life." The publication of that book was received with great favor, and the author was gratified to know that her work was fully appreciated. Afterward she wrote for different papers and magazines, making a specialty of stories for children. Her love for the work increased every year, and in 1890 she published a book for young people, entitled "Boston Girls at Home and Abroad." She will soon publish another book for young people, historical in character, entitled " Looking Westward: A Romance of 1620." She is an active member of the New England Woman's Press Association, and is connected with various other societies. She was elected secretary of the Arlington, Mass., branch of the Chautauqua Literary Social Circle for 1892.