Brief biographies of the figurines on display in ... - University Library

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MISS PHILENA FOBES
Miss Philena Fobes was born September 10, 1811, in
Onondaga county, New York. She was a daughter <strong>of</strong>
Philander Fobes, a native <strong>of</strong> Bridgewater, Massachusetts.
His earliest ancestors in this country were John
Fobes and John Washburn, who came from England, in
1632 and 1635, respectively, and were among <strong>the</strong> original
settlers and proprietors <strong>of</strong> Bridgewater. Miss Fobes'
mo<strong>the</strong>r, Nancy Warner, <strong>of</strong> Cummington, Massachusetts,
was <strong>of</strong> Puritan descent.
Miss Fobes was graduated from Cortland Seminary,
New York, and <strong>the</strong>n taught for three years in <strong>the</strong> Seward
Seminary, Rochester, New York. In 1838 she became
identified with Monticello Seminary, at Godfrey, Illinois.
She was a lady <strong>of</strong> rare gifts as an instructor, and
was equally fine in mind and character.
In 1845 she succeeded Rev. Dr. Theron Baldwin as
Principal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> institution, and filled that position with
notable ability and success. Her devotion to Monticello
Seminary was <strong>the</strong> passion <strong>of</strong> her life. To enrich and ennoble
<strong>the</strong> lives <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs was her strongest desire. To
her associates in teaching, as well as to her pupils, she
was an inspiration.
She resigned in 1865, and made her home with a
niece, Mrs. Mary Lyons-Moore, <strong>of</strong> Roxboro, a suburb <strong>of</strong>
Philadelphia, where she passed her declining years. She
was a member <strong>of</strong> "Colonial Dames" and <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> "Daughters
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> American Revolution."
Miss Fobes died on November 8, 1898, aged eightyseven
years, and at sunset, three days later, was laid to
rest in Grove Street Cemetery, New Haven, Connecticut.