Elizabeth Wadsworth

Lily of the Valley (conclusion)

Charles also granted Elizabeth's second wish: that their son someday return to her beloved Geneseo. Thanks to her brother James' intervention with the American government, Charles James also shared in Elizabeth's inheritance.

Charles James known as "Young Charlie" finally did visit the Genesee Country in 1880 to re-discover his maternal heritage. Young Charlie was educated at Eton and went on to become a Member of Parliament. He inherited the family estate at Loch Carron on the west coast of Scotland.

His son, Lt. Alasdair Murray, was killed fighting in the Boer War in South Africa in 1900. Charles James also had a daughter, whose descendants continued the English branch of the Wadsworth family tree. Sir Charles died in 1895.

A verse from Gray's Elegy, often enjoyed by the young lovers,
was read at Elizabeth's funeral.

Perhaps in this neglected spot is laid,
Some heart once pregnant with celestial fire,
Hands that the rod of empire might have swayed,
Or walked to ecstasy the living lyre.

Elizabeth's obituary was printed in the Jan. 15, 1852 Livingston Republican:

"She was a lady of many virtues, not the least of which was charity. She had the heart and ability to minister to human need. Her death is deeply deplored by all our citizens."

After a lifetime of waiting, the Lily of the Valley had flowered in ecstasy. She had endured, learned obedience, and departed this life a woman of beauty and soul.

The End

David W. Parish is historian of the town of Geneseo, N.Y. 14454

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