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

56
MRS. JULIAN MONSON STURTEVANT
(Elizabeth Maria Fayerwea<strong>the</strong>r)
Mrs. Elizabeth F. Sturtevant was born in New
Canaan, Connecticut, in 1806. Her mo<strong>the</strong>r was a sister
<strong>of</strong> Rev. James Richards, D. D., <strong>of</strong> Auburn Theological
Seminary.
When twenty years <strong>of</strong> age, Miss Fayerwea<strong>the</strong>r met
Mr. Julian M. Sturtevant in New Canaan, where he had
come to teach. The acquaintance continued a year before
he made known his feelings toward her.
Mr. Sturtevant, with o<strong>the</strong>rs, became pledged to go
as a home missionary to some frontier state or territory.
He was invited to go to Jacksonville, Illinois, where a
college was to be established. He laid his plan before
Miss Fayerwea<strong>the</strong>r as it involved her life as well as his
own. She was a woman <strong>of</strong> rare thoughtfulness, and cheerfully
approved <strong>the</strong> plan.
Of her Mr. Sturtevant said:
"She was eminently
qualified by sound and cool judgment, and by her firstrate
common sense, to be my wise adviser as well as to be
<strong>the</strong> head and ornament <strong>of</strong> my home."
In <strong>the</strong> early morning <strong>of</strong> August 31, 1829, <strong>the</strong> young
couple were united in marriage. After many trying experiences
<strong>the</strong>y reached Jacksonville on November 15,
1829. Five children were born to <strong>the</strong>m, two <strong>of</strong> whom
died when small.
Mrs. Sturtevant, with o<strong>the</strong>r wives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> early teachers
in <strong>the</strong> college, was <strong>of</strong> great assistance in <strong>the</strong> struggle
Her life <strong>of</strong> service was cut
to establish Illinois College.
short when she passed away on February 12, 1840, when
about thirty-three years <strong>of</strong> age.