first paid trained worker was installed for that particular work. The Juvenile Court of Springfield also owes her a debt of gratitude, for she interested a group of women who furnished the funds to employ the first probation officer. This probation officer was able to show the need for such an office, and the county continued the work. In the Springfield Survey, made by the Russell Sage Foundation, she was a tireless worker, and afterwards she was active in carrying on the various recommendations made by the Survey to the different organizations with which she was connected.

To the Associated Charities of Springfield, whose vicepresident she was for many years, she was a tower of strength. She was a firm believer in the doctrine, that the only effective help is that which gives the individual the power to help himself. From this conviction sprang the "Opportunity Fund," for loans to poor girls to help them to continue their education; also, the "Case Committee," which included representatives from the various social agencies of the city for the working out of the problems of poor families along constructive lines.

When she visited other places at home and abroad, she was quick to bring back to her own community the newer methods and improvements which she found. Education, as the best possible preparation for life, was to her most important, and she always kept some boy or girl in college at her own expense.

During the World War she was local chairman of the Council of National Defense, and her judgment and ability were valued throughout the State.

The last public function which she attended was the Congress of the National Playground Association, held in Springfield, and she promised her name and help to that organization in furthering the work in Illinois. She was a life member of the Illinois State Historical Society, of which her husband is a director.

On October 28, 1923, she died, leaving her impress, not only on those who knew her intimately and loved her, but

on the life of her community and her State. In a world of uncertain standards she stood firmly for the things of the spirit, and tried by the alchemy of an understanding and tender nature to transmute the practical detail of service into the gold of her ideal.

T

COL. WILLIAM LIGHTFOOT VISSCHER, 1842-1924.

Col. William Lightfood Visscher, 1842-1924, picturesque soldier, writer, actor and newspaperman, came to the end of an adventurous career, February 10, 1924, in a little room at 817 Belden avenue. He died from heart trouble.

He was a notable member of the Press Club, where with Opie Reed he would come in to chat. He was also a friend of Eugene Field and Bill Nye.

Colonel Visscher was born in Owingsville, Kentucky, in 1842. He served in the Union Army with the 24th Kentucky Volunteers for four years during the Civil War. He wrote many novels and over 1,000 poems. He has lived in Chicago for many years.

Burial was made in the Press Club lot at Mount Hope Cemetery.