in the course or out of it,—surveying,
navigation, mechanics, mathematical astronomy, and
conic sections, as well as the ordinary course in mathematics;
the calculus she had worked through at sixteen under
a very able and exact teacher, and took her diploma
from W.H. Wells, a master who allowed nothing
to go slipshod. She was absorbed in studies of
this kind, and took no especial interest in composition
or literature beyond what was required, and what was
the natural outcome of a literary atmosphere and inherited
culture; that is, her mind was passively rather than
actively engaged in such directions, until later.
At the normal school she led a class which has had
a proud intellectual record as teachers and workers.
She was the easy victor in every contest; with an
inclusive grasp, an incisive analysis, instant generalization,
a very tenacious and ready memory, and unusual talent
for every effort of study, she took and held the first
place as a matter of course until she graduated, when
she gave the valedictory address. This valedictory
was a prophetic note in the line of her future expression;
for it gave a graphic illustration of the art of teaching
geography, to the consideration of which she had been
led by Miss Crocker’s logical, suggestive, and
masterly presentation of the subject in the school
course. Her ability and steadiness of working
power, as well as singleness of aim, attracted the
attention of Horace Mann, who was about forming the
nucleus of Antioch College; and he succeeded in gaining
her as one of his promised New England recruits.
She had attended very little to Latin, and went to
work at once to prepare for the classical requirements
of a college examination. This she did with such
phenomenal rapidity that in six weeks she had fitted
herself for what was probably equivalent to a Harvard
entrance examination in Latin. She went to Antioch,
and taught, as well as studied for a while, until
her health gave way entirely; and she was prostrate
for years with brain and spine disorders. Of
course this put an end to her college career; and
on her recovery she opened her little school in her
own house, which she held together until her final
illness, and to which she devoted her thoughts and
energies, her endowments and attainments, as well
as her prodigal devotion and love.
The success of “The Seven Little Sisters” was a great pleasure to her, partly because her dear mother and friends were so thoroughly satisfied with it. Her mother always wished that Jane would give her time more exclusively to writing, especially as new outlines of literary work were constantly aroused in her active brain. She wrote several stories which were careful studies in natural science, and which appeared in some of the magazines. I am sure they would be well worth collecting. She had her plan of “Each and All” long in her mind before elaborating, and it crystallized by actual contact with the needs and the intellectual instincts of her little classes. In fact all