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Doolittle, James Rood | Marriage Date: 7-27-1837

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Biography

From her Obituary in The Racine Argus, October 9, 1879: "Mrs. Mary Lavina Doolittle,
(Cutting by birth,) wife of ex-senator Doolittle, died at "Ingleside," -their residence in Mt. Pleasant, near the city of Racine, Wisconsin, Sept. 12, 1879.
She was of the highest type of woman. Descended on both sides from a strong race of men and women; on her mother's side, her grandfather was a Fargo; her grandmother a Chapman. Her father was a Cutting of the Vermont Cuttings. His sister was the mother of Azariah C Flugg, of New York; the compeer and the equal of Van Buren, Marcy, Dix and of Silas Wright.
To that aunt she bore a remarkable resemblance in form and feature; -in beauty, talent, and character.
She was educated in the common and select schools, at her native place, Warsaw, N.Y., and at the old Middleberry Academy.
She was married to Mr. Doolittle, July 27, 1837. They had four sons and two daughters, -the youngest born in Wisconsin after their removal from New York.
In all her married life she was a most devoted and happy wife and mother; and in social circles, and in the church to which she belonged, she was always highly esteemed, respected and beloved.
Wherever she went her influence was felt. With a large and powerful brain, and active temperament, she had great judgment, force, energy and decision; and, yet, always mingled with that tenderness and delicacy of feeling and modesty in sentiment and character, which shrinks from obtrusion? and display; and which gives such sweetness and charm to women at home, in society, and in the church.
There was, withal, a moral, courage, honesty of purpose, and sincerity in action, which never allowed her to shrink or falter in the performance of any duty in all those relations in which woman's influence is most felt, and is most powerful.
During the most important period of our National History, from 1857 to 1869, - twelve years,-- which embraced the great events of Secession, Civil War, and Reconstruction, that influence was felt in public affairs. She was, during the sessions of Congress at Washington--the intimate personal friend of Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, and Mrs. Patterson, and of the members of the Cabinet and their families and during all those trying times, her great patrietism, moral courage, and constant faith had a quiet and powerful influence for good,- at a time when all these virtues were needed to carry us safely through. While those who knew them both intimately, well knew with what confidence her husband relied upon her strong good sense and wise counsels in his public career, and upon her just criticisism all his public efforts."

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Biography and Citation Information:
Biography: 
From her Obituary in The Racine Argus, October 9, 1879: "Mrs. Mary Lavina Doolittle, (Cutting by birth,) wife of ex-senator Doolittle, died at "Ingleside," -their residence in Mt. Pleasant, near the city of Racine, Wisconsin, Sept. 12, 1879. She was of the highest type of woman. Descended on both sides from a strong race of men and women; on her mother's side, her grandfather was a Fargo; her grandmother a Chapman. Her father was a Cutting of the Vermont Cuttings. His sister was the mother of Azariah C Flugg, of New York; the compeer and the equal of Van Buren, Marcy, Dix and of Silas Wright. To that aunt she bore a remarkable resemblance in form and feature; -in beauty, talent, and character. She was educated in the common and select schools, at her native place, Warsaw, N.Y., and at the old Middleberry Academy. She was married to Mr. Doolittle, July 27, 1837. They had four sons and two daughters, -the youngest born in Wisconsin after their removal from New York. In all her married life she was a most devoted and happy wife and mother; and in social circles, and in the church to which she belonged, she was always highly esteemed, respected and beloved. Wherever she went her influence was felt. With a large and powerful brain, and active temperament, she had great judgment, force, energy and decision; and, yet, always mingled with that tenderness and delicacy of feeling and modesty in sentiment and character, which shrinks from obtrusion? and display; and which gives such sweetness and charm to women at home, in society, and in the church. There was, withal, a moral, courage, honesty of purpose, and sincerity in action, which never allowed her to shrink or falter in the performance of any duty in all those relations in which woman's influence is most felt, and is most powerful. During the most important period of our National History, from 1857 to 1869, - twelve years,-- which embraced the great events of Secession, Civil War, and Reconstruction, that influence was felt in public affairs. She was, during the sessions of Congress at Washington--the intimate personal friend of Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, and Mrs. Patterson, and of the members of the Cabinet and their families and during all those trying times, her great patrietism, moral courage, and constant faith had a quiet and powerful influence for good,- at a time when all these virtues were needed to carry us safely through. While those who knew them both intimately, well knew with what confidence her husband relied upon her strong good sense and wise counsels in his public career, and upon her just criticisism all his public efforts."
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Thursday, April 24, 2014 - 09:15
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Citation Type: 
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Website Viewing Date: 
Thursday, April 24, 2014 - 09:15
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Citation Type: 
Website
Citation URL: 
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=79673219
Title of Webpage: 
Find A Grave
Website Viewing Date: 
Thursday, April 24, 2014 - 09:15
Website Last Modified Date: 
Thursday, April 24, 2014 - 09:15