My mother and father started getting me ready. He had to get me a trunk. The community also pitched in. Some neighbors knitted stockings; some gave little dresses, aprons and other things.

When the time came for me to go, all of the neighbors stopped working to come and see me off. They came in wagons, ox-carts, some rode and others walked. I had never been on a train before and it all seemed so strange. My teacher had already wired ahead and arranged for someone to meet me and pick me up.

There were many tears and handshakes bidding little Mary goodbye. But before I boarded the train, my mother wrapped me in her arms and said, "God bless my child."