SUMNER (Mary Elizabeth, 1828-1921, Founder of the Mothers' Union, a worldwide Anglican women's organisation)

Fine Autograph Letter Signed to Mrs Suckling (Florence Horatia Nelson, 1848-1923, Writer, wife, 1876, of Thomas Suckling, 1844-1922, of Highwood Lodge near Romsey) saying that she little knows "the great disappointment it is to me that I am not allowed to come to the meeting this Aftn - but I am under Doctor's orders after an attack of laryngitis - & just now I am overwhelmed with Mother's Union work which is mainly done in the house, but I am getting better!... The day is lovely & I feel sure you will have a Good Gathering for many of my friends are going to hear you & I have done my best to make them feel what they will miss if they do not go! ..", 3 sides 8vo., on mourning paper, The Close, Winchester, 22nd February no year

In 1848 she married George Henry Sumner, son of C. R. Sumner, Bishop of Winchester, and a second cousin of William Wilberforce. The birth of her first grand-child inspired her to gather the mothers in the parish to provide mutual support. This Mothers Union rapidly grew and in 1896 when it required a President she was unanimously elected, and held the post into her nineties.

Item Date:  0

Stock No:  41270      £200

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