From collection Frances Willard Journal Transcripts
[Pasted in on blank page in very back of diary, little photoof Isabel Somerset cut in a circle shape]
Isabel.
Taken in New York on her first visit to America, Oct. 1891
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[Written on 2 back cover pages.]
October 27, 1893
My beloved brother Oliver would, had he lived, havebeen 59 today. It passes the wit of man to believe that Mother's boy would have entered his 60th year this day! I can but feel that he and Mother must be talking over all the dear ones and good & sorrowful times past. He was the most gifted child she had; his native wit and love of letters were always uppermost; but for tobacco and alcohol he would have become the chief pulpit orator of our church; when he was 27 Mrs Gov. Evans of Denver Col. said she had heard the best speakers in England and America & her pastor Oliver Willard was equal to any one of them. My heart recalls how he always stood by Mother in the hard work & difficult days of our pioneer life when father was so far from well; how nice he was to Mary & me; how in later years he was one of the most brilliant collegians, minister, editor he grew to be "[.]egged with fortune & weary with disaster and went away at 42.
October 28, 1893
Two years ago today our beautiful Isabel came to Rest Cottage. Nan & I met her at the train; Mother was at the door as we came up the vine-wreathed steps; the American & English flags were festooned over the pretty portico; the dinner was daintiness itself; the den was brilliant and cozy with electric lights and wood fire in the grate; Yolande was with us and Mother in her favorite rocking chair was center of the group. Dear Hannah Smith led in the evening prayer when I had read a chapter & we had all sung "Blest be the tie." What a happy, hallowed, sorrowful two years they have been; what failure & what triumph in God they have recorded for us each & all!
October 30, 1893
Home.
Back to Reigate. Golden weather outside & thanks to 8 hours solid sleep golden within. My first waking thought "Day after tomorrow she comes"!
It ought to be earlier but to come as fast as they can costs twice as much coal (almost) and the Teutonic has "made her record" & can afford to "lie back" like other folks! Before breakfast read a lot in Prof. T. H. Greene's Memoir (Oxford). He was the Great Hegelian & "Robert Elsmere" is said to be his double. His wife is Pres't of Our WCTU in Oxford & was with the
