She was fond of the theatre and frequently acted as an amateur in private houses.  She was excellent in high comedy and recited poetry effectively.  Mrs. Damer was one of the most interesting of Englishwomen at a period of unusual excitement and importance.

When seventy years old she was persuaded to leave Strawberry Hill, and Lord Waldegrave, on whom it was entailed, took possession.  Mrs. Damer then purchased York House, the birthplace of Queen Anne, where she spent ten summers, her winter home being in Park Lane, London.

She bequeathed her artistic works to a relative, directed that her apron and tools should be placed in her coffin, and all her letters destroyed, by which she deprived the world of much that would now be historically valuable, since she had corresponded with Nelson and Fox, as well as with other men and women who were active in the important movements of her time.  She was buried at Tunbridge, Kent.

DASSEL, MRS. HERMINIE, whose family name was Borchard.  Daughter of a Prussian gentleman, who, having lost his fortune, came to the United States in 1839.  His children had enjoyed the advantages of education and of an excellent position in the world, but here, in a strange land, were forced to consider the means of their support.  Herminie determined to be a painter, and in some way earned the money to go to Duesseldorf, where she studied four years under Sohn, all the time supporting herself.  Her pictures were genre subjects introducing children, which found a ready sale.

She returned to America, determined to earn money to go to Italy.  In a year she earned a thousand dollars, and out of it paid some expenses for a brother whom she wished to take with her.  Herminie was still young, and so petite in person that her friends were alarmed by her ambitions and strenuously opposed her plans.  However, she persevered and reached Italy, but unfortunately the Revolution of 1848 made it impossible for her to remain, and she had many unhappy experiences in returning to New York.

Her pictures were appreciated, and several of them were purchased by the Art Union, then existing in New York.  Soon after her return to America she married Mr. Dassel, and although she had a large family she continued to paint.  Her picture of “Othello” is in the Duesseldorf Gallery.  Her painting of “Effie Deans” attracted much attention.

Mrs. Dassel interested herself in charities and was admired as an artist and greatly respected as a woman.  She died in 1857.

DEALY, JANE MARY—­MRS. W. LLEWELLYN LEWIS. Silver medal at Royal Academy School and prize for best drawing of the year.  Member of Royal Institute of Painters in Water-Colors.  Born in Liverpool.  Studied at Slade School and Royal Academy School.  Has exhibited several years at the Royal Academy Exhibition and Institute of Painters in Water-Colors.

In 1901 her picture, “A Dutch Bargain,” was etched and engraved.  “Hush-a-Bye Baby” and “Good-by, Summer,” have been published by Messrs. De la Rue et Cie.  She has successfully illustrated the following children’s books:  “Sixes and Sevens,” “The Land of Little People,” “Children’s Prayers,” and “Children’s Hymns.”