LYON, MAity, 1797-1849; b. Mass.; in early life conscientious and noted for the ease with which she comprehended and memorized her lessons. At the age of 20, besides keeping up with her classes in their regular lessons, she daily committed and accurately recited so much' of Adams's Latin grammar as it was usual for scholars to learn within three days. From 20 to 26 years of age we tind her, now teaching to add to her scanty patrimony, now expending, all she possessed in some one line of effort for mental itnprovement. In 1822, she united with the Congregational church in Buck land, Mass. Her schools in Ashfield and 13uekland were noted for their religious infiti dnce and superior rrtental training. In 1824 she joined Miss Grant as assistant principal in her school in Derry, N. II. To her she ascribes the suggestion of some of those prin ciple:3 and methods which were so wisely and successfully tested in their schools in Derry and Ipswich, and also at South IIadley, and which were adopted later in Rugby, Eng., and in other institutions. They aimed to induce the pupils to govern themselves instead of being constrained by penalties, to act as under the eye of the heavenly Father, to aspire for the happiness which springs from doing good to others, even at a temporary sacrifice. For these ends the Bible was made one of the regular text-books of the school. In 1830 Miss Lyon became interested in the idea, then new in this coun try, at least among Protestants, of a permanent sekninary for girls " with buildings, library, and apparatus, owned as colleges are, where successive generations of young ladies might be trained." She made great effort to secure this, but the object was not appreciated. She changed her plan. She uow proposed to found an institutiou which should offer a thorough education on such terms as would be available for young wotnen of moderate means. To preserve habits of home industry, to inspire a spirit of true independence and wise economy, it was her plan that the domestic tasks of the house hold should be so' divided and arranged that each could perform a daily share with out taking more time from study than was necessary to give healthful exercise. No
sooaer was this design announced than general attention to it was aroused: Many opposed; many also approved. Miss Lyon's patient and diligent elucidation of her design overcame objection. The money needed was given with enthusiasm South Hadley-, near .Mt. Holyoke, was chosen as the site of the seminary. In 1837, bnildings and necessary accommodations for 80 pupils being nearly completed, the school opened with more than that number. It was afterwards enlarged to receive 300 pupils. The remaining twelve years of Miss Lyon's life were devoted to this school. More than 6Cf of her pupils have engaged in missionary work among the women of heathen lands, and hundreds more have reflected Miss Lyon's exam ple and influence, which they found in the schools. In all her schools together she taught 3,000 pupils. She wrote Tendencies of the Principles Embraced and the System, Adopted in tlte Mount Holyoke Female Seminary ; also, The Missionary Offering. The Power of Christian Benevolence illustrated in th,e Life and Labors of Mary Lyon was com piled by Edward Hitchcock, D.D., LL.D., and published in 1851. An abridgment of this work was issued by the American tract society in 1858. Mary Lyon was the pioneer of the highest culture of 'American womanhood. Not beautiful in appearance, there was little that told of the energy, persistence, sagacity, and withal great tenderness and constant cheerfulness, combined with rare administrative talent, that sustained and carried through her great work. She planted the seed of which Vassar, 'Wellesley, Smith, and sister colleges are the fruits.