Julia Ward Howe

Another famous ancestor, Julia Ward Howe, was one of the most note-worthy women of the nineteenth century. She was a preacher, writer, poet, wife, and abolitionist. She is most remembered for writing the words to "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," and founding Mother's Day, originally called "A Mother's Day Proclamation." In 1843, Julia married Dr. Stanley Gridley Howe. Dr. Howe was a famour philanthropist, eye doctor, and freedom fighter. Dr. Howe developed the Perkins Institute for the Blind and assisted in developing the technique of braille. Julia and Dr. Howe toured the union camps upon President Lincoln's request and witnessed the despair on the faces of the union soldiers. With the Civil War raging, the spirits of the troops were low. Julia's friends encouraged her to write new words to the song the soldiers sang, "John Brown's Body." That night, a dream came upon her. By candlelight, she quickly began writing the words so she would not forget. She named the song, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." The song immedialely became popular and the following year was published in the Atlantic Weekly under the name, Mrs. S. G. Howe. She sold the lyrics to the editor for five dollars.