Background
She was born in Mount Sidney, Virginia, the only daughter of Elizabeth Ida Judah Link (1822–1867) and Simon P. Stover (1822–1873).
She was born in Mount Sidney, Virginia, the only daughter of Elizabeth Ida Judah Link (1822–1867) and Simon P. Stover (1822–1873).
In 1880 she is listed as a niece in a Houff household.) They did not believe girls should be educated, and instead pushed her to memorize the Bible. When told she couldn"t enroll in high school, she ran away. He was a college-educated engineer but had trouble making a living and the family was always poor.
She felt that warfare was "rather wicked," but she did not overrule him.
In 1945, was named Kansas Mother of the Year. "Many such persons of her faith, selflessness, and boundless consideration of others have been called saintly.
She was that—but above all she was a worker, an administrator, a teacher and guide, a truly wonderful woman.".