MEMORIAL.
A Memorial, issued by Oak Grove Monthly Meeting of Friends, concerning ABBiE A. HoLLowELL, a Minister, deceased.
"She being dead yet speaketh."
Under a sense of our irreparable loss, and with her pleading voice still ringing in our inner ear, we desire to express our appreciation, and to embody, in a literal sense, a brief account of the life and labors of this faithful servant of the Lord. We voice this sentiment, not only as her immediate family and her particular meeting, but the whole community, and the Church at large, are dipped into deep mourning because of the departure of this dear, good woman.
"Mother of Faith to all,
But best I think is Mother
Who would fain this wealth impart—
Truth and virtue and honor
For guidance of each child heart."
Abbie A. Hollowell was the second of the four children of Needham Everett and Holland Eliza Jennette, and was born First Month 13, 1847, in Wayne County, North Carolina, where, with the exception of two years spent in Johnson County, North Carolina, she ever made her home. Her parents were both members of the Religious Society of Friends, the mother frequently appearing in public testimony, but died before her gift had been acknowledged by her Meeting. The fallen mantle was therefore caught up by Abbie, as we shall learn later, and used to the glory and honor of the Great Head of the Church.
Abbie's childhood opportunities were very much unlike those with which the youth of to-day is surrounded, being almost entirely deprived of educational advan-tages,—having learned to read in a First-day school.
She therefore felt it a duty laid upon her to gather together the children for the purpose of handing forth such instructions regarding the Holy Scripture as she believed to be imparted to her by Divine revelation, believing only through and by this revelation can they be rightly taught and understood. With the poet she could truthfully say :
"The bread that giveth strength I want to give, The water that bids the thirsty live;
I want to help the fainting day by day;
I am sure I shall not pass again this way.
"I want to give the oil of joy for tears,
• The Faith to conquer cruel doubts and fears :
Beauty for ashes, may I give away;
I am sure I shall not pass again this way."
At the early age of ten years her mother was removed by death, and upon her young shoulders, she being the oldest daughter, fell the responsibilities of the house-hold. Her brave, courageous spirit, mingled with much faith, enabled her to perform this new line of duty in a most beautiful manner. It was during this period of hardship that the Civil War broke out, adding fresh sorrow and disappointment to this already over-burden-ed, precious young life.
Abbie was united in marriage to J. William Hollowell on Eleventh Month 9, 1865. To this union were born thirteen children, two of whom died in infancy.
From early childhood she was faithful in the attendance of Meetings for Divine worship, often walking several miles in order to be present when, through limited circumstances, no other way could be provided.
From this practice she never departed, always being in her accustomed seat so long as physical strength was given her, thus proving her deep concern for the spiritual growth and welfare of our beloved Society, of which she was a life-long member.
At about the age of twenty-one years she experienced the change of heart, was happily converted, and ever afterwards her faith in Christ as her Redeemer was to her a thing of reality, deepening and widening as she passed along, endeavoring to follow the pointings of the Finger of Truth. Her exercise in Meetings for Divine worship were frequently of a ministerial nature, but, owing to her meek and unassuming spirit, for a long while she refused to yield to the consideration of being acknowledged as a minister, however, frequently travel-ing, in this connection, with a minute of unity from her meeting.
She was finally recorded in Seventh Month, 1882, as a minister. She was much beloved and highly gifted, and was especially qualified for family-visiting, often being engaged in such service.
Abbie was indeed a beautiful character, as she went forth in humble obedience to the Master's bidding;
clothed upon by the spirit of quietness and meekness.
She delighted herself in the good tidings of the meek and the joy of their inheritance, and her soul did eat and was satisfied. She often felt drawn to labor among those of other religious persuasions, and due to the high esteem in which she was held by these, here she always found an open door. Many are the beautiful testimonies to her precious memory expressed thereby.
One, a Jewess, says of her: "Her very countenance was a benediction to me."
Worthy to be recorded are many deep experiences of this faithful mother; only a few will we attempt to insert herein. At one time when on a bed of languishing and all hope of recovery was despaired of, a voice sounded in her inner ear saying: "Stop, thy work upon earth is not finished." Abbie's faith was so strong that she firmly believed that health would be restored and, on the arrival of her attending physician, she made such a statement to him, which proved to be true; she living many years thereafter.
At another time a call to duty came to her during the night watches, when she felt to visit a certain home several miles distant. With household duties resting heavily upon her, she tried to put this by, but, the impression being repeated again and again, she arose early in the morning, telling her husband of her feel-ings, saying, for peace of mind, she must go. Provisions were readily made and she, accompanied by her son, reached this home during the early morning hours. A religious opportunity soon followed, when the father
of this family, an aged man, was happily converted.
Shortly after this he was removed by death. "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams." (1 Sam. xv: 22.) Again, once at a funeral a lady came up to her saying: "I want you to join our Secret Prayer Meeting." While talking with the lady a certain young physician came vividly before Abbie's vision, and immediately she began to breathe prayers in his behalf. Frequently after this she was engaged in prayer for this young man. Soon he was called to attend her during a period of illness, when she ventured to speak to him concerning the welfare of his soul. He, seemingly gratified, manifested sincere appreciation of her interest in him, and since her death has declared that, in a spiritual sense, she has meant very much to him.
One other striking instance which we believe might be profitable to record occurred during her early motherhood, when she had several small children under her care. After having retired for the night she felt called to the home of a sick neighbor about one mile distant. In the early morning she mentioned the subject to her husband. Although being a kind and faithful companion, he made the reply to her that existing circumstances were such he failed to see how she could go; too, the baby was quite young and they had no one with whom to leave it, she replied: "For peace of mind I must go, for I have spent a sleepless night on account of this apparent urgent call."
Therefore as it seemed impossible for both parents to leave home at that time, the mother took her baby in her arms and went on foot, leaving the father the oversight of the children left behind. On her arrival she soon called for a Bible but, to her sorrow, no such book could be found in that home. They soon settled down in silence when she endeavored to relieve her burdened mind. It proved to be a very tendering time, the whole family being strikingly affected. Soon after this the man died in apparently a peaceful frame of mind.
As a companion and mother Abbie was kind and affectionate, being ever thoughtful to provide for the necessities of her household. Nor was her interest confined to her own family alone, for, as a neighbor, she was careful to render any assistance possible toward the relief of suffering humanity.
During the latter part of her life Abbie was in declining health, having for a number of years been forced to go on crutches. While using these it was made known to her in a vision that she would be relieved of the necessity of them, which, in due time, became a reality.
So great was her desire to attend Meeting that, by her request, the Monthly Meeting was held at her fireside some three or four times, and frequently her children would take her to Meeting on a chair, the Meeting-house being near by.
For several months prior to her death she was entirely confined to her home, during which time she ever appeared clothed in a spirit of entire resignation to the Divine will.
She passed peacefully away on the morning of Third Month the 5th, 1921, aged 74 years 1 month and 22 days. Among her last words were: "I'm going home to die no more," and to this we would add our testimony in the full assurance that the following language is truly applicable, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." (11 Tim. iv: 7, 8.)
At her funeral a very large and interesting company, far too vast to be accommodated in the Meeting-house, where held, were many lively and touching testimonies handed forth as to her spiritual worth. Among these we record that of a Minister of another denomination, who feelingly testified to her good influence over him when a mere boy visiting in her home one night, as regards the collecting of her family for the purpose of reading a portion of the Holy Scriptures,—a daily practice ever in this home.
Her remains were interred in Friends' burying-ground near Oak Grove Meeting-house; and, as a parting sentiment, our thoughts drift into the following lines:
"Oh, how vivid is the picture Memory brings to us to-day, Of her face so calm and patient,
As she in her coffin lay.
Of her hands so gently folded
On her calm and gentle breast;
Gone where wicked cease from troubling, And the weary are at rest."
A Memorial, issued by Oak Grove Monthly Meeting of Friends, concerning ABBiE A. HoLLowELL, a Minister, deceased.
"She being dead yet speaketh."
Under a sense of our irreparable loss, and with her pleading voice still ringing in our inner ear, we desire to express our appreciation, and to embody, in a literal sense, a brief account of the life and labors of this faithful servant of the Lord. We voice this sentiment, not only as her immediate family and her particular meeting, but the whole community, and the Church at large, are dipped into deep mourning because of the departure of this dear, good woman.
"Mother of Faith to all,
But best I think is Mother
Who would fain this wealth impart—
Truth and virtue and honor
For guidance of each child heart."
Abbie A. Hollowell was the second of the four children of Needham Everett and Holland Eliza Jennette, and was born First Month 13, 1847, in Wayne County, North Carolina, where, with the exception of two years spent in Johnson County, North Carolina, she ever made her home. Her parents were both members of the Religious Society of Friends, the mother frequently appearing in public testimony, but died before her gift had been acknowledged by her Meeting. The fallen mantle was therefore caught up by Abbie, as we shall learn later, and used to the glory and honor of the Great Head of the Church.
Abbie's childhood opportunities were very much unlike those with which the youth of to-day is surrounded, being almost entirely deprived of educational advan-tages,—having learned to read in a First-day school.
She therefore felt it a duty laid upon her to gather together the children for the purpose of handing forth such instructions regarding the Holy Scripture as she believed to be imparted to her by Divine revelation, believing only through and by this revelation can they be rightly taught and understood. With the poet she could truthfully say :
"The bread that giveth strength I want to give, The water that bids the thirsty live;
I want to help the fainting day by day;
I am sure I shall not pass again this way.
"I want to give the oil of joy for tears,
• The Faith to conquer cruel doubts and fears :
Beauty for ashes, may I give away;
I am sure I shall not pass again this way."
At the early age of ten years her mother was removed by death, and upon her young shoulders, she being the oldest daughter, fell the responsibilities of the house-hold. Her brave, courageous spirit, mingled with much faith, enabled her to perform this new line of duty in a most beautiful manner. It was during this period of hardship that the Civil War broke out, adding fresh sorrow and disappointment to this already over-burden-ed, precious young life.
Abbie was united in marriage to J. William Hollowell on Eleventh Month 9, 1865. To this union were born thirteen children, two of whom died in infancy.
From early childhood she was faithful in the attendance of Meetings for Divine worship, often walking several miles in order to be present when, through limited circumstances, no other way could be provided.
From this practice she never departed, always being in her accustomed seat so long as physical strength was given her, thus proving her deep concern for the spiritual growth and welfare of our beloved Society, of which she was a life-long member.
At about the age of twenty-one years she experienced the change of heart, was happily converted, and ever afterwards her faith in Christ as her Redeemer was to her a thing of reality, deepening and widening as she passed along, endeavoring to follow the pointings of the Finger of Truth. Her exercise in Meetings for Divine worship were frequently of a ministerial nature, but, owing to her meek and unassuming spirit, for a long while she refused to yield to the consideration of being acknowledged as a minister, however, frequently travel-ing, in this connection, with a minute of unity from her meeting.
She was finally recorded in Seventh Month, 1882, as a minister. She was much beloved and highly gifted, and was especially qualified for family-visiting, often being engaged in such service.
Abbie was indeed a beautiful character, as she went forth in humble obedience to the Master's bidding;
clothed upon by the spirit of quietness and meekness.
She delighted herself in the good tidings of the meek and the joy of their inheritance, and her soul did eat and was satisfied. She often felt drawn to labor among those of other religious persuasions, and due to the high esteem in which she was held by these, here she always found an open door. Many are the beautiful testimonies to her precious memory expressed thereby.
One, a Jewess, says of her: "Her very countenance was a benediction to me."
Worthy to be recorded are many deep experiences of this faithful mother; only a few will we attempt to insert herein. At one time when on a bed of languishing and all hope of recovery was despaired of, a voice sounded in her inner ear saying: "Stop, thy work upon earth is not finished." Abbie's faith was so strong that she firmly believed that health would be restored and, on the arrival of her attending physician, she made such a statement to him, which proved to be true; she living many years thereafter.
At another time a call to duty came to her during the night watches, when she felt to visit a certain home several miles distant. With household duties resting heavily upon her, she tried to put this by, but, the impression being repeated again and again, she arose early in the morning, telling her husband of her feel-ings, saying, for peace of mind, she must go. Provisions were readily made and she, accompanied by her son, reached this home during the early morning hours. A religious opportunity soon followed, when the father
of this family, an aged man, was happily converted.
Shortly after this he was removed by death. "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams." (1 Sam. xv: 22.) Again, once at a funeral a lady came up to her saying: "I want you to join our Secret Prayer Meeting." While talking with the lady a certain young physician came vividly before Abbie's vision, and immediately she began to breathe prayers in his behalf. Frequently after this she was engaged in prayer for this young man. Soon he was called to attend her during a period of illness, when she ventured to speak to him concerning the welfare of his soul. He, seemingly gratified, manifested sincere appreciation of her interest in him, and since her death has declared that, in a spiritual sense, she has meant very much to him.
One other striking instance which we believe might be profitable to record occurred during her early motherhood, when she had several small children under her care. After having retired for the night she felt called to the home of a sick neighbor about one mile distant. In the early morning she mentioned the subject to her husband. Although being a kind and faithful companion, he made the reply to her that existing circumstances were such he failed to see how she could go; too, the baby was quite young and they had no one with whom to leave it, she replied: "For peace of mind I must go, for I have spent a sleepless night on account of this apparent urgent call."
Therefore as it seemed impossible for both parents to leave home at that time, the mother took her baby in her arms and went on foot, leaving the father the oversight of the children left behind. On her arrival she soon called for a Bible but, to her sorrow, no such book could be found in that home. They soon settled down in silence when she endeavored to relieve her burdened mind. It proved to be a very tendering time, the whole family being strikingly affected. Soon after this the man died in apparently a peaceful frame of mind.
As a companion and mother Abbie was kind and affectionate, being ever thoughtful to provide for the necessities of her household. Nor was her interest confined to her own family alone, for, as a neighbor, she was careful to render any assistance possible toward the relief of suffering humanity.
During the latter part of her life Abbie was in declining health, having for a number of years been forced to go on crutches. While using these it was made known to her in a vision that she would be relieved of the necessity of them, which, in due time, became a reality.
So great was her desire to attend Meeting that, by her request, the Monthly Meeting was held at her fireside some three or four times, and frequently her children would take her to Meeting on a chair, the Meeting-house being near by.
For several months prior to her death she was entirely confined to her home, during which time she ever appeared clothed in a spirit of entire resignation to the Divine will.
She passed peacefully away on the morning of Third Month the 5th, 1921, aged 74 years 1 month and 22 days. Among her last words were: "I'm going home to die no more," and to this we would add our testimony in the full assurance that the following language is truly applicable, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." (11 Tim. iv: 7, 8.)
At her funeral a very large and interesting company, far too vast to be accommodated in the Meeting-house, where held, were many lively and touching testimonies handed forth as to her spiritual worth. Among these we record that of a Minister of another denomination, who feelingly testified to her good influence over him when a mere boy visiting in her home one night, as regards the collecting of her family for the purpose of reading a portion of the Holy Scriptures,—a daily practice ever in this home.
Her remains were interred in Friends' burying-ground near Oak Grove Meeting-house; and, as a parting sentiment, our thoughts drift into the following lines:
"Oh, how vivid is the picture Memory brings to us to-day, Of her face so calm and patient,
As she in her coffin lay.
Of her hands so gently folded
On her calm and gentle breast;
Gone where wicked cease from troubling, And the weary are at rest."
MEMORIAL.
A Memorial, issued by Oak Grove Monthly Meeting of Friends, concerning ABBiE A. HoLLowELL, a Minister, deceased.
"She being dead yet speaketh."
Under a sense of our irreparable loss, and with her pleading voice still ringing in our inner ear, we desire to express our appreciation, and to embody, in a literal sense, a brief account of the life and labors of this faithful servant of the Lord. We voice this sentiment, not only as her immediate family and her particular meeting, but the whole community, and the Church at large, are dipped into deep mourning because of the departure of this dear, good woman.
"Mother of Faith to all,
But best I think is Mother
Who would fain this wealth impart—
Truth and virtue and honor
For guidance of each child heart."
Abbie A. Hollowell was the second of the four children of Needham Everett and Holland Eliza Jennette, and was born First Month 13, 1847, in Wayne County, North Carolina, where, with the exception of two years spent in Johnson County, North Carolina, she ever made her home. Her parents were both members of the Religious Society of Friends, the mother frequently appearing in public testimony, but died before her gift had been acknowledged by her Meeting. The fallen mantle was therefore caught up by Abbie, as we shall learn later, and used to the glory and honor of the Great Head of the Church.
Abbie's childhood opportunities were very much unlike those with which the youth of to-day is surrounded, being almost entirely deprived of educational advan-tages,—having learned to read in a First-day school.
She therefore felt it a duty laid upon her to gather together the children for the purpose of handing forth such instructions regarding the Holy Scripture as she believed to be imparted to her by Divine revelation, believing only through and by this revelation can they be rightly taught and understood. With the poet she could truthfully say :
"The bread that giveth strength I want to give, The water that bids the thirsty live;
I want to help the fainting day by day;
I am sure I shall not pass again this way.
"I want to give the oil of joy for tears,
• The Faith to conquer cruel doubts and fears :
Beauty for ashes, may I give away;
I am sure I shall not pass again this way."
At the early age of ten years her mother was removed by death, and upon her young shoulders, she being the oldest daughter, fell the responsibilities of the house-hold. Her brave, courageous spirit, mingled with much faith, enabled her to perform this new line of duty in a most beautiful manner. It was during this period of hardship that the Civil War broke out, adding fresh sorrow and disappointment to this already over-burden-ed, precious young life.
Abbie was united in marriage to J. William Hollowell on Eleventh Month 9, 1865. To this union were born thirteen children, two of whom died in infancy.
From early childhood she was faithful in the attendance of Meetings for Divine worship, often walking several miles in order to be present when, through limited circumstances, no other way could be provided.
From this practice she never departed, always being in her accustomed seat so long as physical strength was given her, thus proving her deep concern for the spiritual growth and welfare of our beloved Society, of which she was a life-long member.
At about the age of twenty-one years she experienced the change of heart, was happily converted, and ever afterwards her faith in Christ as her Redeemer was to her a thing of reality, deepening and widening as she passed along, endeavoring to follow the pointings of the Finger of Truth. Her exercise in Meetings for Divine worship were frequently of a ministerial nature, but, owing to her meek and unassuming spirit, for a long while she refused to yield to the consideration of being acknowledged as a minister, however, frequently travel-ing, in this connection, with a minute of unity from her meeting.
She was finally recorded in Seventh Month, 1882, as a minister. She was much beloved and highly gifted, and was especially qualified for family-visiting, often being engaged in such service.
Abbie was indeed a beautiful character, as she went forth in humble obedience to the Master's bidding;
clothed upon by the spirit of quietness and meekness.
She delighted herself in the good tidings of the meek and the joy of their inheritance, and her soul did eat and was satisfied. She often felt drawn to labor among those of other religious persuasions, and due to the high esteem in which she was held by these, here she always found an open door. Many are the beautiful testimonies to her precious memory expressed thereby.
One, a Jewess, says of her: "Her very countenance was a benediction to me."
Worthy to be recorded are many deep experiences of this faithful mother; only a few will we attempt to insert herein. At one time when on a bed of languishing and all hope of recovery was despaired of, a voice sounded in her inner ear saying: "Stop, thy work upon earth is not finished." Abbie's faith was so strong that she firmly believed that health would be restored and, on the arrival of her attending physician, she made such a statement to him, which proved to be true; she living many years thereafter.
At another time a call to duty came to her during the night watches, when she felt to visit a certain home several miles distant. With household duties resting heavily upon her, she tried to put this by, but, the impression being repeated again and again, she arose early in the morning, telling her husband of her feel-ings, saying, for peace of mind, she must go. Provisions were readily made and she, accompanied by her son, reached this home during the early morning hours. A religious opportunity soon followed, when the father
of this family, an aged man, was happily converted.
Shortly after this he was removed by death. "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams." (1 Sam. xv: 22.) Again, once at a funeral a lady came up to her saying: "I want you to join our Secret Prayer Meeting." While talking with the lady a certain young physician came vividly before Abbie's vision, and immediately she began to breathe prayers in his behalf. Frequently after this she was engaged in prayer for this young man. Soon he was called to attend her during a period of illness, when she ventured to speak to him concerning the welfare of his soul. He, seemingly gratified, manifested sincere appreciation of her interest in him, and since her death has declared that, in a spiritual sense, she has meant very much to him.
One other striking instance which we believe might be profitable to record occurred during her early motherhood, when she had several small children under her care. After having retired for the night she felt called to the home of a sick neighbor about one mile distant. In the early morning she mentioned the subject to her husband. Although being a kind and faithful companion, he made the reply to her that existing circumstances were such he failed to see how she could go; too, the baby was quite young and they had no one with whom to leave it, she replied: "For peace of mind I must go, for I have spent a sleepless night on account of this apparent urgent call."
Therefore as it seemed impossible for both parents to leave home at that time, the mother took her baby in her arms and went on foot, leaving the father the oversight of the children left behind. On her arrival she soon called for a Bible but, to her sorrow, no such book could be found in that home. They soon settled down in silence when she endeavored to relieve her burdened mind. It proved to be a very tendering time, the whole family being strikingly affected. Soon after this the man died in apparently a peaceful frame of mind.
As a companion and mother Abbie was kind and affectionate, being ever thoughtful to provide for the necessities of her household. Nor was her interest confined to her own family alone, for, as a neighbor, she was careful to render any assistance possible toward the relief of suffering humanity.
During the latter part of her life Abbie was in declining health, having for a number of years been forced to go on crutches. While using these it was made known to her in a vision that she would be relieved of the necessity of them, which, in due time, became a reality.
So great was her desire to attend Meeting that, by her request, the Monthly Meeting was held at her fireside some three or four times, and frequently her children would take her to Meeting on a chair, the Meeting-house being near by.
For several months prior to her death she was entirely confined to her home, during which time she ever appeared clothed in a spirit of entire resignation to the Divine will.
She passed peacefully away on the morning of Third Month the 5th, 1921, aged 74 years 1 month and 22 days. Among her last words were: "I'm going home to die no more," and to this we would add our testimony in the full assurance that the following language is truly applicable, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." (11 Tim. iv: 7, 8.)
At her funeral a very large and interesting company, far too vast to be accommodated in the Meeting-house, where held, were many lively and touching testimonies handed forth as to her spiritual worth. Among these we record that of a Minister of another denomination, who feelingly testified to her good influence over him when a mere boy visiting in her home one night, as regards the collecting of her family for the purpose of reading a portion of the Holy Scriptures,—a daily practice ever in this home.
Her remains were interred in Friends' burying-ground near Oak Grove Meeting-house; and, as a parting sentiment, our thoughts drift into the following lines:
"Oh, how vivid is the picture Memory brings to us to-day, Of her face so calm and patient,
As she in her coffin lay.
Of her hands so gently folded
On her calm and gentle breast;
Gone where wicked cease from troubling, And the weary are at rest."
A Memorial, issued by Oak Grove Monthly Meeting of Friends, concerning ABBiE A. HoLLowELL, a Minister, deceased.
"She being dead yet speaketh."
Under a sense of our irreparable loss, and with her pleading voice still ringing in our inner ear, we desire to express our appreciation, and to embody, in a literal sense, a brief account of the life and labors of this faithful servant of the Lord. We voice this sentiment, not only as her immediate family and her particular meeting, but the whole community, and the Church at large, are dipped into deep mourning because of the departure of this dear, good woman.
"Mother of Faith to all,
But best I think is Mother
Who would fain this wealth impart—
Truth and virtue and honor
For guidance of each child heart."
Abbie A. Hollowell was the second of the four children of Needham Everett and Holland Eliza Jennette, and was born First Month 13, 1847, in Wayne County, North Carolina, where, with the exception of two years spent in Johnson County, North Carolina, she ever made her home. Her parents were both members of the Religious Society of Friends, the mother frequently appearing in public testimony, but died before her gift had been acknowledged by her Meeting. The fallen mantle was therefore caught up by Abbie, as we shall learn later, and used to the glory and honor of the Great Head of the Church.
Abbie's childhood opportunities were very much unlike those with which the youth of to-day is surrounded, being almost entirely deprived of educational advan-tages,—having learned to read in a First-day school.
She therefore felt it a duty laid upon her to gather together the children for the purpose of handing forth such instructions regarding the Holy Scripture as she believed to be imparted to her by Divine revelation, believing only through and by this revelation can they be rightly taught and understood. With the poet she could truthfully say :
"The bread that giveth strength I want to give, The water that bids the thirsty live;
I want to help the fainting day by day;
I am sure I shall not pass again this way.
"I want to give the oil of joy for tears,
• The Faith to conquer cruel doubts and fears :
Beauty for ashes, may I give away;
I am sure I shall not pass again this way."
At the early age of ten years her mother was removed by death, and upon her young shoulders, she being the oldest daughter, fell the responsibilities of the house-hold. Her brave, courageous spirit, mingled with much faith, enabled her to perform this new line of duty in a most beautiful manner. It was during this period of hardship that the Civil War broke out, adding fresh sorrow and disappointment to this already over-burden-ed, precious young life.
Abbie was united in marriage to J. William Hollowell on Eleventh Month 9, 1865. To this union were born thirteen children, two of whom died in infancy.
From early childhood she was faithful in the attendance of Meetings for Divine worship, often walking several miles in order to be present when, through limited circumstances, no other way could be provided.
From this practice she never departed, always being in her accustomed seat so long as physical strength was given her, thus proving her deep concern for the spiritual growth and welfare of our beloved Society, of which she was a life-long member.
At about the age of twenty-one years she experienced the change of heart, was happily converted, and ever afterwards her faith in Christ as her Redeemer was to her a thing of reality, deepening and widening as she passed along, endeavoring to follow the pointings of the Finger of Truth. Her exercise in Meetings for Divine worship were frequently of a ministerial nature, but, owing to her meek and unassuming spirit, for a long while she refused to yield to the consideration of being acknowledged as a minister, however, frequently travel-ing, in this connection, with a minute of unity from her meeting.
She was finally recorded in Seventh Month, 1882, as a minister. She was much beloved and highly gifted, and was especially qualified for family-visiting, often being engaged in such service.
Abbie was indeed a beautiful character, as she went forth in humble obedience to the Master's bidding;
clothed upon by the spirit of quietness and meekness.
She delighted herself in the good tidings of the meek and the joy of their inheritance, and her soul did eat and was satisfied. She often felt drawn to labor among those of other religious persuasions, and due to the high esteem in which she was held by these, here she always found an open door. Many are the beautiful testimonies to her precious memory expressed thereby.
One, a Jewess, says of her: "Her very countenance was a benediction to me."
Worthy to be recorded are many deep experiences of this faithful mother; only a few will we attempt to insert herein. At one time when on a bed of languishing and all hope of recovery was despaired of, a voice sounded in her inner ear saying: "Stop, thy work upon earth is not finished." Abbie's faith was so strong that she firmly believed that health would be restored and, on the arrival of her attending physician, she made such a statement to him, which proved to be true; she living many years thereafter.
At another time a call to duty came to her during the night watches, when she felt to visit a certain home several miles distant. With household duties resting heavily upon her, she tried to put this by, but, the impression being repeated again and again, she arose early in the morning, telling her husband of her feel-ings, saying, for peace of mind, she must go. Provisions were readily made and she, accompanied by her son, reached this home during the early morning hours. A religious opportunity soon followed, when the father
of this family, an aged man, was happily converted.
Shortly after this he was removed by death. "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams." (1 Sam. xv: 22.) Again, once at a funeral a lady came up to her saying: "I want you to join our Secret Prayer Meeting." While talking with the lady a certain young physician came vividly before Abbie's vision, and immediately she began to breathe prayers in his behalf. Frequently after this she was engaged in prayer for this young man. Soon he was called to attend her during a period of illness, when she ventured to speak to him concerning the welfare of his soul. He, seemingly gratified, manifested sincere appreciation of her interest in him, and since her death has declared that, in a spiritual sense, she has meant very much to him.
One other striking instance which we believe might be profitable to record occurred during her early motherhood, when she had several small children under her care. After having retired for the night she felt called to the home of a sick neighbor about one mile distant. In the early morning she mentioned the subject to her husband. Although being a kind and faithful companion, he made the reply to her that existing circumstances were such he failed to see how she could go; too, the baby was quite young and they had no one with whom to leave it, she replied: "For peace of mind I must go, for I have spent a sleepless night on account of this apparent urgent call."
Therefore as it seemed impossible for both parents to leave home at that time, the mother took her baby in her arms and went on foot, leaving the father the oversight of the children left behind. On her arrival she soon called for a Bible but, to her sorrow, no such book could be found in that home. They soon settled down in silence when she endeavored to relieve her burdened mind. It proved to be a very tendering time, the whole family being strikingly affected. Soon after this the man died in apparently a peaceful frame of mind.
As a companion and mother Abbie was kind and affectionate, being ever thoughtful to provide for the necessities of her household. Nor was her interest confined to her own family alone, for, as a neighbor, she was careful to render any assistance possible toward the relief of suffering humanity.
During the latter part of her life Abbie was in declining health, having for a number of years been forced to go on crutches. While using these it was made known to her in a vision that she would be relieved of the necessity of them, which, in due time, became a reality.
So great was her desire to attend Meeting that, by her request, the Monthly Meeting was held at her fireside some three or four times, and frequently her children would take her to Meeting on a chair, the Meeting-house being near by.
For several months prior to her death she was entirely confined to her home, during which time she ever appeared clothed in a spirit of entire resignation to the Divine will.
She passed peacefully away on the morning of Third Month the 5th, 1921, aged 74 years 1 month and 22 days. Among her last words were: "I'm going home to die no more," and to this we would add our testimony in the full assurance that the following language is truly applicable, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." (11 Tim. iv: 7, 8.)
At her funeral a very large and interesting company, far too vast to be accommodated in the Meeting-house, where held, were many lively and touching testimonies handed forth as to her spiritual worth. Among these we record that of a Minister of another denomination, who feelingly testified to her good influence over him when a mere boy visiting in her home one night, as regards the collecting of her family for the purpose of reading a portion of the Holy Scriptures,—a daily practice ever in this home.
Her remains were interred in Friends' burying-ground near Oak Grove Meeting-house; and, as a parting sentiment, our thoughts drift into the following lines:
"Oh, how vivid is the picture Memory brings to us to-day, Of her face so calm and patient,
As she in her coffin lay.
Of her hands so gently folded
On her calm and gentle breast;
Gone where wicked cease from troubling, And the weary are at rest."
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