“ Mary Sparkes, author, poet and preacher, born near Tintern Abbey, England, 21st June, 1835. At the age of six years she came with her parents to the United States and settled in Binghamton, N. Y., where her childhood and youth were spent. Her father was a man of rare intelligence and literary ability. Her mother was a woman of clear intellect and refined sensibilities, devoted to her family and her church. ”

“ They are united in heart, life and purpose. For many years after her marriage her life was mostly given to her children, who were in delicate health. Of the seven born to them, but three are now living. She has an innate love for the beautiful and is a lover of art, spending much time with her pencil and brush. ”

“ Before her marriage, 13th April, 1858, she was principal of the largest school in Binghamton, N. Y. She is the wife of Rev. Henry Wheeler, D. D., now of the Philadelphia Conference of the Methodist The lamented P. P. Bliss, Professors Sweeney, Kirkpatrick and others have set many of her poems to music. By request of Prof. Sweeney, who composed the music, she wrote the two well-known soldiers' decoration hymns, "Peacefully Rest" and Episcopal Church. ”