Chapter I: Preface

This Memoir was commenced as a biographical article for the Missionary Herald. In its progress, however, the materials were found to be so abundant, as to suggest the inquiry whether a distinct publication were not expedient.

Such a publication being advised, by the Prudential Committee of the Board of Missions, it is now respectfully offered to those who feel interested in the success of missionary efforts.

The author is not conscious of having exaggerated a single fact, nor of having made a single statement not drawn from authentic documents. His object has been to give a plain and true exhibition of the life and character of a very interesting convert from heathenism.

The hope is cherished, that this little volume will augment the courage, animate the zeal, and invigorate the efforts, of the friends of missions, in their benevolent attempts to send the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations.

_Missionary Rooms,
Boston, Mass. Dec. 1824._

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

HER HISTORY UNTIL SHE ENTERED THE
MISSION SCHOOL AT BRAINERD.

Her nativity.--Notice of her parents.--Ignorance
of her people.--Her triumph over
temptation.--A missionary station commenced
at Chickamaugah, and named Brainerd.--She
becomes a member of the school, 9

CHAPTER II.

FROM HER ENTERING THE SCHOOL AT
BRAINERD, UNTIL HER REMOVAL BY HER
PARENTS.

Her appearance when she entered the school.--Her
diligence and progress.--Her religious
knowledge.--Character of her teachers,--Her
conversion, and solicitude for her people.--Instance
of earnest prayer.--Prospect
of her removal.--Her baptism.--Temporary
absence.--Admission to the church.--The
early success at Brainerd uncommon.--The
chief obstacles to success among the Indians.--Visit
of the Treasurer of the American
Board.--His account of the school, and
description of Catharine.--She is removed
from Brainerd.--Is visited by one of the
missionaries. Letters from her to her
friends, 19

CHAPTER III.

FROM HER RETURN TO BRAINERD, UNTIL
SHE TAKES CHARGE OF A SCHOOL AT
CREEK-PATH.

Benefits resulting from her being taken from
the school.--Her return.--Letters.--Her
brother David a member of the school.--His
conversion.--Catharine and David visit their
sick father.--A school established near Mr.
Brown’s.--Account of John Arch.--Efforts
of Catharine and David at Brainerd,--The
latter goes to New-England,--His subsequent
history.--A female teacher wanted at Creek-Path.--Catharine
undertakes this service.--Letters, 50

CHAPTER IV.

FROM HER TAKING CHARGE OF A SCHOOL AT
CREEK-PATH, UNTIL HER SICKNESS.

Extracts from her diary.--Her school.--Conversion
of her parents, and others of the
family.--She and her family visit Brainerd.--Letter
from the chiefs at Creek-Path.--Traits
in Catharine’s character.--Further
extracts from her diary.--Eulogium of her
brother John.--She visits Huntsville.--Estimation
in which she was there held.--Goes
to reside with her parents.--Apprehensions
respecting her health.--Goes to Brainerd for
medical aid.--Returns.--Letters to different
friends, 77

CHAPTER V.

HER SICKNESS AND DEATH

Brief agitations of her mind.--Her love for her
people.--Is visited by Dr. Campbell.--Letter
to Mrs. Campbell.--Alarming symptom
in her disease.--Her resignation and consolations.--Dr.
Campbell advises her removal
to Limestone.--State of her mind at this
time.--Strong manifestations of affection for
her at Creek-Path.--Account of her removal.--Temporary
improvement in her health.--Dictates
a letter to her brother David.--Hopes
of her recovery relinquished.--This
fact stated to her father and herself.--Her
last hours, death, and burial.--Monument
over her grave, 126

CHAPTER VI.

HER CHARACTER.

Her mental characteristics.--Her attainments
in intellectual and moral science.--Changes
in her affections.--Her Christian conduct.--CONCLUSION.--The
excellencies in her
character a result of missionary labour.--How
much can be made of the Indian
character.--Grounds of encouragement.--Importance
of present efforts.--Civilization
never precedes Christianity.--The life of
Catharine an appeal to the community. 150

MEMOIR

OF

CATHARINE BROWN