LETTER: Autograph letter signed, to Frank Garrison.
A SUFFRAGETTE ARRANGES FOR TRUSTEES TO MANAGE A FUND
CREATED BY HER MOTHER
Foster, Alla W. Autograph letter signed, to “Frank,” (likely Frank Garrison, son of William
Lloyd Garrison), July 13, [1887]; three pages.
Pauline Wright Foster, (1847-1923), daughter of noted abolitionists Abby Kelley Foster and
Stephen Symonds Foster, writes to Garrison to protect the behest of her mother; in part:
I called at your house one evening just before leaving Roxbury to see you on a matter of
business to which I should have attended earlier.
My mother desired some of her property, in case I should not need to use it, to be left by
my will....[to] Suffrage and Temperance were the causes in which she expressed special
interest, though she wished full power to be given to the trustees to use it as they saw fit.
She wished to have three trustees, and mentioned your brother William as one of the
number. I spoke to him about it some time since and he suggested that, as I am somewhat
younger than he and in the course of nature may outlive him, it might be better to appoint
you. My mother would be quite ready to accept the suggestion, I am sure. Are you
willing to allow me to make you a trustee in connection with [Quaker social reformer]
Aaron M. Powell and [educator, feminist, and Unitarian minister from Massachusetts]
Anna Garlin Spencer? I know the position is not an enviable one, but I venture to ask
you, as I feel that my mother’s money must be appropriated in accordance with her
wishes....Can you give me any suggestions as to the phrasing of the will so that the
lawyers may not defeat its objects, as was done in the case of Francis Jackson’s bequest?
I shall leave it drawn by a lawyer, a friend of my parents, who is familiar with the history
of the Jackson case. There will be only about six thousand dollars, I think, to be
appropriated, so your responsibility will not be heavy…”
(#4657098)
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