1.1.13 Nancy Jane 'Jennie' DEAN [dau. of Gabriel DEAN & Lydia BRADNER]
Born at the farm homestead in Livonia twp. the 8th of April 1837, the thirteenth and youngest child. Jennie attended the State Normal College at Ypsilanti where she graduated in 1860. In her early youth she made a profession of religion and decided to consecrate her life to His service. In 1869 she went to Persia as a missionary and continued there for thirty years, with the exception of two periods when she returned home for the purpose of rest and recuperation. Her first work was under the auspices of the American Mission Board of the Presbyterian church, but six years later the Board of the Northwest was founded and took over her support. Connected during the entire period of her missionary activity with Fiske Seminary, a protestant Mission school, supported by the Presbyterian church, at Oroomiah, Persia, first as a teacher and later as first principal. This center was the headquarters for all the missionary interests of the Presbyterian church in Persia. After long years of usefulness, her health not permitting her further stay in Persia, she returned to America, taking up her residence in Detroit. She identified herself with the Westminster Presbyterian church there and remained a member until her death. During these later years, until entirely incapacitated for such endeavor, she continually gave of her time and energy in aiding missionary and settlement work, as opportunity offered. She was held in high esteem and affection. |
