According to a Hovey Family genealogy book, Mary Freeman Hovey was born at
Crawfordsville, Indiana on January 28, 1838 and died there on June 4, 1897. She
was the daughter of Edmund Otis Hovey and Mary Carter. She was educated by
private tutors, then attended the Ohio Female College at Cincinnati. According
to a history of Kansas State University by James C. Carey, Miss Hovey taught
German and literature classes in the newly established Agricultural College at
Manhattan Kansas for three years, from 1869 to 1872. While employed at the
Agricultural College, she must have boarded at least part of the time with the
Griffing family. She resigned her position on the faculty in the spring of 1872
when the Board of Regents announced their intentions to shift the emphasis in
the college curriculum from classical studies to agricultural and mechanical
arts.
Upon her return to Crawfordsville, she opened a school for young ladies.
After her father died in 1877, she and her mother resided for a time with her
brother in New Haven where she taught in the public schools. By 1880, however,
she and her mother had returned to Crawfordsville where she resumed her school
for young ladies. Her father is credited for having played a pivotal role in the
establishment of Wabash College in Indiana.
Crawfordsville, Indiana
March 29, 1882
Mrs.
Griffing, my dear friend,
A day or two ago, at our table, I told some friends of your
kindness to me while I was in Kansas and how you would run a race to see if you
could not get supper ready before I should finish the German recitation. When
the mail was brought in that day, a letter came from Prof. Hougham telling [of
the] affliction which has fallen on [your husband] Mr. Griffing and, through
him, upon you all. “There is no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.”
I know that you have long since learned the way to the
mercy seat and that the Holy Spirit is your comforter.
Your boys must be men by this time and I know they and your
daughter will do all they can to lighten your burden. I shall be anxious to
learn of Mr. Griffing’s health and how all your children are.
My mother and I live quietly together here at our old home.
I have a pleasant school of over twenty girls. This keeps me busy and as my
schoolroom is in our own house, I can relieve my mother of much of the
housekeeping.
Remember us to our friends that are near you. I learn that
Mrs. Hougham is a very great sufferer. Let me hear from you soon.
Affectionately yours,
Mary Freeman Hovey
