“ In her childhood school privileges were limited, and with her naturally delicate organization and the burden of household duties which devolved upon her as the oldest of five children, her attendance at school was often irregular. ”

“ Her peculiarly sensitive temperament long kept her talents from being appreciated. Having no confidence in her own abilities, she shrank from criticism. She is fond of writing for children, and has published many poems adapted to their comprehension. In 1848 Hon. Joseph A. Wright, then governor of the State, sent from Indiana, for the Washington monument, a block of marble, on which was inscribed the motto: "No North, No South, Nothing but the Union." This incident suggested to Mrs. Dufour her poem entitled "The Ark of the Union." ”