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1880: April 3. XLVII/2: 1. In its final front-page report of the three-day return visit by the spiritual lyceums of New York and Brooklyn to the Children’s Progressive Lyceum No. 2 in Boston, under the headline “A Gala Week for Spiritualism,” the Banner details how “Mrs. Hattie E. Wilson made an informal speech, in which she declared she was heart and soul with all who were interested in advancing the interests of the Children’s Lyceum cause.”
1880: April 10. XLVII/3: 8. A report is given of the decision of the Children’s Progressive Lyceum No. 2 to rename itself the Shawmut Spiritual Lyceum as from the following week, the anniversary of its foundation as Children’s Progressive Lyceum No. 2. The Lyceum No. 2 also reports that Hattie E. Wilson “gave a select reading.”
1880: May 1. XLVII/4: 8. The Shawmut Spiritual Lyceum reports that “Mrs. Hattie E. Wilson” gave a “recitation” at their previous Sunday’s meeting.
1880: October 30. XLVIII/7: 8. “NEW ERA HALL … Shawmut Spiritual Lyceum”: “Mrs. Carlisle Ireland … advocated mediums hold seances whereat the children can be present and can hold converse with the spirit world.… Assistant Conductor Rand and Mrs. Hattie Wilson together with Conductor J. B. Hatch, offered remarks in commendation of the project.”
1881 January 8. XLVIII/16: 5. “NEW ERA HALL … Shawmut Spiritual Lyceum,” “Election of Officers”: Hattie E. Wilson elected “Leader” of “Banner” group.
1881: March 26. XLIX/1: 5. A celebration of “The Thirty Third Anniversary in Boston,” organized by the Shawmut Spiritual Lyceum, is announced. Hattie E. Wilson is named as one of the organizing committee, along with J. B. Hatch, C. Frank Rand, and J. B. Hatch, Jr.
1881: April 2. XLIX/2: 5. Announcement of Shawmut “Thirty Third Anniversary” celebration repeated.
1881: April 9. XLIX/3: 4, 5. “The proprietors of the Banner of Light return thanks to Mrs. Hattie E. Wilson and others of the Shawmut Spiritual Lyceum for floral offerings recently tendered to themselves and the Free [Spiritualist Medium] Circle Department” (4). In another notice, Harriet E. Wilson is named as one of the speakers who, “unwilling to extend the limits of the evening session” of “The Thirty Third Anniversary” after it had overrun, surrendered the opportunity to speak. She is then named as one of the “Committee of Arrangements on the part of the Shawmut,” praised for its role in “mak[ing] the enterprise a success” (5).
1881: April 23. XLIX/5: 2. “The Spiritual Easter”: The continuation of the report of the Shawmut thirty-third anniversary celebration again thanks the Committee of Arrangements, including “Hattie E. Wilson.”
1881: June 4. XLIX/11: 8. “NEW ERA HALL”: “Hattie Wilson” named as one of those offering “kind words” to the Shawmut Spiritual Lyceum.
1881: June 11. XLIX/12: 12. “The Shawmut Lyceum at Music Hall”: “Harriet E. Wilson” named as one of the “Floral Sunday … Committee of Arrangements.”
1881: July 23. XLIX/22: 8. A report of the “Shawmut Lyceum Picnic, Highland Lake” on Friday, July 15, noted that “the acting chairman seemed to be well provided with tongues, and he began by introducing Mrs. Hattie Wilson, who made an interesting speech, with a supplement.”
1881: August 20. XLIX/25: 5. “NEW ERA HALL … Shawmut Spiritual Lyceum”: “As customary upon the opening Sunday [after the summer break], remarks were made by Conductor Hatch, Assistant Rand, Mrs. H. E. Wilson, Mrs. Maggie Folsom [and others].”
1881: October 1. L/2: 7. “NEW ERA HALL … Shawmut Spiritual Lyceum”: During a ceremony to note the death (“transit to the spirit-life”) of President Garfield, “Mrs. H. E. Wilson and Mrs. Maggie Folsom … spoke in eulogistic terms of the departed ruler,” who was believed to be a spiritualist sympathizer (see L/7 [November 5,1881]: 6, “President Garfield with the Invisibles”).
1881: December 24. L/14: 12. “NEW ERA HALL … THE SHAWMUT SEWING CIRCLE”: “Spirit Dr. Hammond, through the mediumship of Mrs. H. E. Wilson, will give one of his old-fashioned healing and developing circles (admission 10 cents) on the evening of Jan. 11th.”
1881: December 31. L/15: 12. The date of “Dr. Hammond[’s] … old-fashioned healing and developing circle,” “through the mediumship of Mrs. H. E. Wilson,” is changed to “Jan. 4th.”
1882: January 7. L/16: 10. “On the evening of Monday Jan. 2d. a large delegation of the friends of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Hatch— including among others representatives of the board of officers and the members of the Shawmut [Spiritualist Lyceum] — assembled at their residence … to observe the birthday of Mrs. Hatch … brief remarks [were made] by [among others] Hattie Wilson.”
1882: April 15. LI/4: 7. “NEW ERA HALL … Shawmut Spiritual Lyceum”: At a lyceum meeting “remarks” were made by, among others, “Hattie Wilson.”
1882: May 6. LI/7: 12. “NEW ERA HALL … Shawmut Spiritual Lyceum”: “Mr. Hatch remarked on the passing away from earth-life of Aunt Mary Sterns and Mrs. Addie C. Perkins. He was followed by Mrs. Maggie Folsom and Hattie Wilson, who made some impressive remarks upon the loss sustained by us in the departures of these two sisters, and alluded to the noble work they had done on earth as small as in comparison with what they will do now that they have passed to the higher life; that though we miss them here in the mortal form they will soon make known their presence in our midst.”
1882: June 10. LI/12: 7. “NEW ERA HALL … Shawmut Spiritual Lyceum”: On “Floral Sunday,” “Mrs. Hattie Wilson” made a “presentation of a beautiful basket of flowers to Miss. M. T. Shelhamer … [and to] Mrs. [Maggie] Folsom, Mrs. Biggs and Mrs. Stevens. In closing [Mrs. Wilson] stated it was to be understood that the presentations were sent to the parties receiving them from their friends, who had commissioned her to present them. Miss Shelhamer expressed her sincere thanks to Mrs. Wilson and friends.”
1882: November 18. LII/9: 7. “Visit to the Soldier’s Home, in Chelsea by the Shawmut Lyceum on Wednesday evening, Nov. 8th … remarks were offered by [among others] Hattie Wilson, Maud E. Lord … and President Hatch.”
1883: January 20. LII/18: 5. “Mrs. Hattie Wilson’s Reception”: “On the evening of Jan. 10th a complimentary reception was given by Mrs. Hattie E. Wilson to her friends. The Indian guides of this gifted medium assembled in force with others to celebrate the coming of the New Year. Though the day was stormy some two hundred assembled. The exercises opened with an address of congratulation by Eben Cobb, which was responded to by Hattie Wilson, after which her Indian guides, one after another, controlled [her] and made brief remarks. They were followed by John Wetherbee and Haskell Baxter, and Mrs. Wilson was presented with numerous gifts. At 10 o’clock the hall was cleared for dancing, in which those who wished participated. Refreshments were served during the entire evening. At 12 o’clock the friends adjourned to their homes, well pleased with the evening’s entertainment.”
1883: February 10. LII/21: 5. “Notice. The first meeting of a Progressive School for children which is being formed in the Ladies’ Aid Parlors, met Sunday morning, February 4th, and will continue to meet there every Sunday morning. The children’s friend, Mrs. Hattie E. Wilson, with a few others, have undertaken to form a school that will aim to be both pleasing and instructive to the children, and hope to have the assistance of all liberal minded people to help them carry on the work. Children and friends of the children are cordially invited to meet with us next Sunday morning, and those who would like to take an active part or feel an interest in the undertaking, are invited to meet at the residence of Mrs. H. E. Wilson No. 15 Village street, next Friday evening, to offer any suggestions they may have to offer or express their views as regards the best mode of instructing the children that may favour us with their attendance. MRS. HATTIE E. WILSON.”
1883: February 17. LII/22: 5. “LADIES’ AID PARLORS”: The “First Spiritual Progressive School met in this hall this morning and notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, we had quite an interesting meeting. We are not fully organized, but hope to be able next Sunday to begin our work in good earnest. The exercises this morning consiste
d of local and instrumental music, remarks by Mrs. H. E. Wilson and Mr. Street, and readings by the children. We shall endeavor to have a teacher of elocution, also one of music. After the readings of the children, remarks were made by Mrs. M. J. Folsom, which were heartedly responded to by the audience. Mrs. Maud E. Lord favored us with some very pleasing remarks, which were enthusiastically received. In conclusion Mr. Cherrington gave us some very flattering predictions for our school, which we all hope will prove true.
“This week we shall issue the first number of a little paper, or lesson sheet called ‘The Temple Within,’ to appear once a month. It is to be the property of the school, and no doubt will prove a benefit to it.
“In closing, the thanks of the school are tendered to those who favored us with their services on this occasion. Our sessions will be held every Sunday morning. Let our work show that we merit the confidence and good will of our many friends. MRS. HATTIE E. WILSON.”
1883: February 5. LII/23: 5. “LADIES’ AID PARLORS”: “The First Spiritualist Progressive School met Sunday morning, Feb. 18th as usual. The first number of our newspaper, ‘The Temple Within,’ made its appearance and met with a hearty welcome. It needs no recommendation from me; its golden lessons and bright thoughts will make friends for it wherever it goes. Besides our exercises for the children this morning we were favored with short speeches from Mr. J. C. Street, Mrs. A. M. H. Tyler, Mr. David Brown and Mrs. J. Folsom, after which a generous contribution was made to our funds by the audience, for which the donors will please accept our thanks. We shall always be pleased to meet the children’s friends and hear a kind word for them. MRS. HATTIE E. WILSON.”
1883: March 3. LII/24: 5. “LADIES’ AID PARLORS”: “At the Spiritual Progressive School we are pleased to see many additions to our ranks. The time was occupied with lessons from ‘The Temple Within,’ music lessons and a march. Our school aims to teach the children those spiritual truths that will be of lasting benefit to them, and we cordially invite all to pay us a visit, and lend us a helping hand in the work we have undertaken. We expect uphill work at first, as others have had before us; but if we are not successful it shall not be our fault. On this occasion we listened with pleasure to kind words from Mr. J. C. Street and Dr. Wyman, and hope to hear from them and many more of our friends often. MRS HATTIE WILSON Boston, Feb. 25th, 1883.”
1883: March 10. LII/25: 8. “LADIES’ AID PARLORS”: “The Spiritualist Progressive School was attended on Sunday last by a goodly number of children, all of whom took an active interest in the lessons, as well as what was said to them. Mr. Street’s talk about their Lesson Sheet or Paper formed a pleasing feature and held the attention of the pupils to the subject. Dr. Richardson favored us with an interesting speech, and was followed by Mrs. M.J. Folsom and Mrs. H. E. Wilson. All who have the interest of the school at heart, and wish to become charter members, will please meet at the residence of Mrs. Wilson, 15 Village street, next Friday evening at 8 o’clock. We hope to hear from many old workers who have expressed a wish to help us. MRS. HATTIE E. WILSON.”
1883: March 17. LII/26: 8. “LADIES’ AID PARLORS”: “The Progressive School held a very interesting session last Sunday. All expressed themselves much pleased with the exercises, which consisted of singing, a short march, and a lesson from our paper. The question, ‘What does Spiritualism Teach?’ was responded to by nearly every scholar. A lesson in vocal music and one on elocution were given, with which all were very much pleased. After a few recitations from the children, we listened to a few able remarks from Father Locke. The school will hold an Easter Festival this afternoon and evening of the 24th, and we hope our friends will help us to make it a success. Next Sunday the particulars will be given and tickets for sale. HATTIE E. WILSON.”
1883: March 24. LIII/1: 8. “LADIES’ AID PARLORS”: “The Progressive School is fast increasing in numbers. Last Sunday the lessons, in which all were deeply interested, occupied all the time, giving no opportunity for recitations or speeches. This week the second issue of The Temple Within will appear. Next Saturday the children will hold an Easter Festival in this place. The children meet in the afternoon for social recreation and supper. In the evening a public entertainment will be given. Admission: adults, ten cents; children not belonging to the school, five cents. All interested in the school, and wishing to become members of the association, are invited to meet in the residence of Miss Hartwell, no. 24 Dover street, Friday evening, March 23d, at eight o’clock. / MRS. HATTIE E. WILSON / Boston, March 18th, 1883.” This was the last entry in the Banner to be penned by Wilson.
1883: March 31. LIII/2: 8. A note about the “Progressive School” announces the success of the Easter festival and calls another meeting at the “room” of Mrs. M. J. Folsom, “No. 2 Hamilton Place, Room 6.” It is signed by “Albert A. Lord, Secretary”; Lord was to write such notices from then on, until November 1883.
1883: April 7. LIII/13. “Spiritualist Lecturers”: For the first time Wilson’s address is given as 15 Village Street, though, according to the Boston directories, she had moved there considerably earlier, starting in 1880. The Banner frequently complained about the way those on its listings failed to update their details.
1883: April 28. LIII/6: 8. “LADIES’ AID PARLORS”: Albert A. Lord, secretary, reports that in a meeting of the Progressive School “remarks were made by Mrs. M. J. Folsom … and Mrs. H. E. Wilson.”
1883: May 19. LIII/9: 5. “LADIES’ AID PARLORS”: Albert A. Lord reports that Mrs. Wilson was one of those offering “fine remarks” to the Progressive School.
1883: May 26. LIII/10: 8. “Before closing the [Progressive] school [for the summer recess] Mrs. Hattie E. Wilson (our best friend and worker) had a few words to say and distributed flowers amongst the children.”
1883: November 17. LIV/9: 1, 8. At a “Public Reception to Ed. S. Wheeler,” “MRS. HATTIE E. WILSON” was a speaker: “MRS. HATTIE E. WILSON was then introduced. She had been called to do the work of spirits inspiring her organism for long years, and knew by sad experience the effects sometimes wrought on a medical instrument because of that medium’s daring to speak the words which the spirit-world demanded of him or her. Therefore she was happy to meet on the present occasion Bro. Wheeler, a man who was pre-eminently noted or his fidelity to his unseen mentors. She expressed her high appreciation of Mr. Wheeler and his labours, and hoped the angels would speed him on in the future as in the past.”
1884: January 19. LIV/18: 5. “THE PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL”: “Miss [sic] Hattie Wilson, under control of one of her Indian guides, made some very interesting remarks, and gave several proofs of the presence of loved ones gone before.”
1884: January 26. LIV/19: 5. “Paine Hall,” Children’s Progressive Lyceum No. 1: “Mrs. Maggie Folsom, who is deeply interested in the work progressing so finely under the motherly care of our good friend, Mrs. Hattie Wilson, at the Ladies’ Aid Parlors, always will cherish a love for the ‘Old Mother Lyceum’: and so we occasionally hear her voice in defence of the right, in appeals to us to be true to our spirit guides, the old workers who march with us from Sunday to Sunday, whose spirit forms she could so distinctly see.”
1884: March 29. LV/2: 5. At a “LYCEUM UNION,” “our spirit friends” are described as represented by, among “a host of others,” “Mrs. Hattie Wilson.”
1884: April 12. LV/4: 8. At a “Lyceum Union Anniversary, Paine Hall, Boston,” “Mrs. Hattie Wilson” was among the guests, and “aided by her good controls, delivered an address full of practical truths, and in conclusion said may harmony ever exist between the two schools represented here today. Allow me to thank you, on behalf of the officers and members of the Progressive School, for your cordial invitation and warm reception.”
1886: November 27. LX/12: 8. “Paine Memorial Hall,” “Boston Spiritual Lyceum”: “Among our guests,” Mrs. Hattie E. Wilson is named.
1887: February 26. LX/24: 8. “Paine Memorial Hall,” “Boston Spiritual Lyceum”: Mrs. Hattie Wilson, attending the lyceu
m, is described as “a past member … once more gathered with us.”
1889: September 21. LXVI/3: 8. “Paine Hall”: At a meeting welcoming the veteran spiritualist lecturer Moses Hull back to Boston from “his absence in the West for nearly ten years,” “Dr. Hattie Wilson” [sic] was “present in the audience.”
1889: December 7. LXVI/13: 3. At a meeting in “America Hall,” mention is made of the use of the services of Mrs. J. E. Wilson, who after this date is, for a while, frequently mentioned in the Banner. This is not Mrs. H. E. Wilson but Jennie E. Wilson. Jennie E. Wilson sings frequently; Wilson is rarely noted as singing.
1898: May 21. LXXXIII/12: 8. The “Movements of Platform Lecturers” column carries a notice that “Mrs. Hattie E. Wilson, 9 Pelham street, Boston, holds circles at 7.45 P.M.,” though the time had long since passed when the Banner regularly carried information about her (including her address).
1899: December 20. LXXXVI/15: 6. “Dwight Hall”: “Mrs. Dr. Wilson said the spirit world is to her as real as this, and that many clairvoyants see and converse with their dear friends there the same as in earth-life.” This would seem to be Wilson, especially as her sentiments chime closely with previous ones expressed by her.
APPENDIX 3:
Documents from Harriet Wilson’s Life in Boston
Document title: Deaths Registered in the City of Quincy for the Year Nineteen Hundred
No.: 192
Date of Death: [ditto mark] 28 [meaning June 28, 1900]