. Helmer, of Chicago, and others. This
council gave the desired letters, but advised
reconciliation. Among the seceders, Mrs. Huldah Joy, an
educated and intensely religious woman, was one of the most
active and earnest, her husband, F. R. Joy, and her
daughters, also doing good service. Mrs. H. E.
Sunderland,[352] another woman of culture, and Mrs. Mary Ann
Cone and Mrs. S. R. Murray were faithful, brave and earnest.
The church, which previous to the secession, was strong and
flourishing, became an inharmonious organization, and has
never rallied from the effects of that unjust action.

At a meeting held in Chicago, in the autumn of 1868, a resolution
was offered to the effect that "a State association be formed,
having for its object the advocacy of universal suffrage." Among
the many interesting facts connected with the "rise and progress"
of the equal-rights movement is the large number of
representative men and women who have from the first been
identified with it.[353] January 25, 1860 we find among the most
progressive utterances from the pulpit, a sermon by the Rev.
Sumner Ellis of Chicago, while Rev. Charles Fowler and Dr. H. W.
Thomas were ever fearless and earnest in their advocacy of this
measure. In February, 1869, the _Legal News_ said:

A call has been issued, inviting all persons in favor of
woman suffrage to meet in convention in Library Hall,
Chicago. There are many hundred names appended, including
the judges of all the courts of Cook county, leading members
of the bar throughout the State, representatives of the
press, ministers of the gospel, from all denominations, and
representatives from every profession and business.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and the Rev.
Olympia Brown have been invited and are expected to attend.

Pursuant to the foregoing "call," a notable convention was
held.[354] The _Tribune_ devoted nine columns to an account of
the proceedings, respectful in tone and fair in statement. During
its two days' session, Library Hall was packed to its utmost
capacity with the beauty and fashion of the city. Able lawyers,
eloquent and distinguished divines and gallant generals occupied
seats upon the p