Was the third daughter of Mr. John Gurney of Norwich. She is well known for her life devoted to works of philanthropy, and chiefly for her memorable labours for the reformation of female prisoners. Her earliest endeavours were made in Newgate prison, and the reforms introduced there under her influence were extended to all the other prisons in the kingdom. In the pursuit of her object she visited the chief cities of Europe, where she met with warm sympathy and encouragement. Her energies were always at the service of the sufferers and the wretched of every class.
DANIEL O’CONNELL.
Born 1775.—Died 1845.—George III.—George IV. William IV.—Victoria.
This famous Irish political agitator was born in Kerry, and educated at St. Omer’s, in France. He was called to the bar in 1798, and elected member for Clare in 1828. In spite of the continued opposition of George IV., Irish agitation through O’Connell urged the Government to pass the Catholic Relief Bill, which was done in 1829, and one of the king’s last reluctant acts was to sign it. O’Connell supported the Government in the passing of the Reform Bill, but came into collision with Earl Grey upon the Irish Coercion Bill (1837). He foolishly began an “agitation” for the Repeal of the Union (1843), and was arrested on a charge of sedition, found guilty, and condemned to pay a fine of £2,000 and suffer two years’ imprisonment. The House of Lords, however, guided by the discernment and firmness of Lord Lyndhurst, reversed the decision and set O’Connell free. He went abroad in broken health, and died at Genoa in 1847.
SIR JOHN FRANKLIN.
Born 1786.—Died 1847.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
When Captain Franklin this brave and persevering explorer went out to discover the north-west passage, and after several expeditions to the North and Polar seas, he started on a last Polar voyage, from which he never returned. In 1859 Captain Maclure went out on the same track, and found that Sir John Franklin had preceded him by five years in his discoveries, and been lost in the attempt.
MARIA EDGEWORTH.
Born 1767.—Died 1849.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
This accomplished woman wrote a number of useful and educational tales, for which the children of many generations owe her a debt of gratitude. Her Frank, Rosamond, Harry and Lucy, Moral, Popular, and Fashionable Tales, Patronage, Belinda, Harrington and Ormond, etc., are all written with a purpose of instruction that is admirably carried out. Her last and most beautiful story, Helen, shows the wretched consequences of departing from truth.