“ Since her marriage she has done but little purely literary work, as her time was employed in the care of her daughter and several children of her husband by a former marriage. She has reared her family while working as proprietor, publisher, editor, clerk and proof-reader. ”

“ Mary is the oldest of their family of seven children. During her youth the family lived in various places in Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee. She was an intelligent child and was carefully educated. After leaving school, she became a teacher and taught until her marriage, 31st July, 1872, to Archie Thomas, part proprietor of the Springfield, Tenn., "Record." ”