Mabel Haseltine

“ Throughout our country the fruitless mission of these savage people was related. The religious world, stirred to its depths, called for volunteers to carry the message of the Lord to these longing souls. To the quiet homes of old New England the summons came, and, moved by a holy purpose, young wives turned from the shelter of their firesides to brave with their husbands the unknown perils of the wilderness. Into the schools and colleges the cry penetrated, and cultured young women, as well as stalwart young men, eagerly offered to share in the dangers and privileges of this great mission. ”

“ In all the records there is no murmuring about their difficulties, no regret that they had undertaken so hazardous a. mission; but steadfast in hope and unswerving in purpose, they made their journey to a strange land. Above all they had the spirit of self-sacrifice. They had not sought to explore new scenes nor, like the early settlers of California, were they lured of gold; but for the glory of their religion and the love of humanity they sought in the isolation of the Oregon forests two thousand miles from the nearest church bell to become a civilizing power. ”

“ To them belonged an unfaltering courage which brought them through many a peril on their toilsome way, which led them undismayed by hostile tribes and left them unafraid to meet death in the wilderness. ”