Mrs. Chamberlain was the most original, the most prolific, and the most noted of all the early story-writers. Her writings were characterized, as Mr. Thomas says, “by humorous incidents and sound common sense,” as is shown by her setting forth of certain utopian schemes of right living. Mrs. Chamberlain was a widow, and came to Lowell with three children from some “community” (probably the Shakers), where she had not been contented. She had inherited Indian blood, and was proud of it. She had long, straight black hair, and walked very erect, with great freedom of movement. One of her sons was afterwards connected with the _New York Tribune_. HARRIET FARLEY, _Editor of The Lowell Offering and afterwards of the New England Offering._ From her autobiography, published in Mrs. S. J. Hale’s book, “The Woman’s Record,” about 1848, I am so fortunate as to be able to quote Miss Farley’s own words with regard to some of the events of her early life before and during the time of her connection with both the _Lowell_ and the _New England Offering_. Miss Farley says:-- “My father is a Congregational minister, and at the time of my birth was settled in the beautiful town of Claremont, N.H.... My mother was descended from the Moodys, somewhat famous in New England history. One of them was the eccentric Father Moody. Another [his son] was Handkerchief Moody, who wore so many years ‘the Minister’s Veil.’... My father was of the genuine New Hampshire stock, from a pious, industrious, agricultural people; his brothers being deacons, and some of his sisters married to deacons.... His grandmother was eminent for her medical knowledge and skill, and had as much practice as is usually given to a country doctor. His mother was a woman of fine character, who exerted herself and sacrificed much to secure his liberal education.... I was the sixth of ten children, and until fourteen had not that health which promises continued life.... At fourteen years of age I commenced exertions to assist in my own maintenance, and have at times followed the various avocations of New England girls. I have plaited palm-leaf straw, bound shoes, taught school, and worked at tailoring, besides my labors as a weaver in the factory, which suited me better than any other. After my father’s removal to the little town of Atkinson, N.H., he combined the labors of preceptor of one of the two oldest academies of the State with his parochial duties; and here, among a simple but intelligent people, I spent those years which give tone to the female character.... I learned something of French, drawing, ornamental needlework, and the usual accomplishments; for it was the design of my friends to make me a teacher,--a profession for which I had an instinctive dislike. But my own feelings were not consulted.... This was undoubtedly wholesome discipline; but it was carried to a degree that was painful, and drove me from my home.