Mary Bethel MIFFLIN

When it comes to the sister of Lloyd, Houston, Charles, and James, Mary Bethel Mifflin leaves us with a tragic story. Indeed, it's profoundly sad that most of the information we have about Mary surrounds the circumstances of her death.

​

The Mifflin’s were a family of means. Nevertheless, life was hard in the 19th century and no one escaped the emotional hardships of the times. Possibly the most dire situation for the Mifflin’s of Columbia was the death of Mary Bethel Mifflin, daughter of John Houston Mifflin and beloved sister of Lloyd.

​

Like Lloyd, and other siblings, Mary loved art, writing, and poetry, especially. In our archives is a book of poetry given her as a Christmas present by her father. In it, she signs her name to show ownership—one of the few examples of even her handwriting. Mary was often noted in the society newspapers as attending regional social events. She served  as a bridesmaid at the marriage of her brother Charles to Jennie Cameron, daughter of Simon Cameron, Jr. Mary was also a member of the Donegal Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She attended a special celebration at The Witness Tree with Lilian Evans, president of that chapter, in attendance. Mary also appears in Lloyd Mifflin's paintings and even in a number of his photographs. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

​​

​

​

On Thursday, February 24, 1881, Mary was found on the floor of a Norwood room (some say bedroom) with a gunshot to the head. The gun was found beside her body (some sources say, on her chest). The newspapers all reported that it was ‘an accident.’ There were two variations on what happened: She was making a bed and came across the family handgun under a pillow and it went off by accident. Another account said she was looking through a drawer of her father's desk, and triggered the gun by accident. In either case, most people would question accidental handling would cause the gun to go off directly into her head. Not surprisingly, the public at the time was skeptical. The rumors began. Why did she kill herself?

 

One of the more popular beliefs was that she was pregnant with Lloyd’s child. Indeed, this rumor was repeated in an Antiques Magazine article, August 1984. I find this completely irresponsible of the authors of the article because they were simply repeating scandalous rumors of the day and not reporting facts.

​

In summer 2023, this writer came across a handwritten deposition penned by Edna Clark before she passed. Edna was one of Columbia’s more respected amateur historians. What she recounts seems far more viable and plausible. In her statement, she includes other sordid facts of the family, but not precisely about Mary's death.

​

James Deveaux Mifflin was one of Lloyd’s brothers. Seems that James became attracted to the Mifflin cook at Norwood, Sarah (or, Sadie) Campbell, daughter of Daniel Campbell and Louisa Boyd Campbell. Sarah became pregnant. A few months later, her parents stole her off to Philadelphia to have the baby. That baby was born March 31, 1881. Sarah named the baby James DeVeaux Mifflin, Jr. One can imagine how such an event would've been held in secret even to certain Mifflin family members—in particular, Mary. As the birth of the child edged nearer, it’s logical to assume that Mary would eventually have to have been informed. The baby was to be born in March. Mary took her own life in February, one month before. Had the family waited until they HAD to let her know? This is all conjecture. Those interested in another perspective of this terrible mishap can read it here.

 

Mary was a very social person and her reputation in local society was extremely important to her. Mary was also known to be emotionally sensitive. Likely, it was simply too much for her to bear. She felt, I’m thinking, that she’d never be able to show her face again in the community. Mind you, I do not know this as fact, but Edna Clark insists this was the case.

​

James, Jr. was raised by the Campbells in Columbia and the Philadelphia area. Indeed, James, Jr. spent time running around the grounds of Norwood. Perhaps, after the death of John Houston Mifflin in 1888, it became less tenable for the family so, James, Jr. was raised elsewhere after a time. I’ve read nothing which refers to the relationship between Junior and Senior, but there is a good deal of documentation of Senior’s adventures out west during this period which would have kept him a safe distance from any scandalous rumors and away from his responsibilities.

​

Both James DeVeaux Mifflin, Sr. and Mary Bethel Mifflin are buried in the family plot at Mt. Bethel Cemetery. Records seem to indicate that James, Jr. enjoyed a successful career with the Pennsylvania Railroad, working in both Harrisburg and Norristown. He died in St. Petersburg, Florida in 1956 and was returned to the King of Prussia area of Montgomery County for burial. Interestingly, James Jr. also had a son, James Deveaux Mifflin III, who died in Norristown, Pennsylvania, November 3, 2000.

​

Upon her death, one newspaper offered this (writer unknown):

​

"By the death of this dear young lady, a void has been created in the circles in which she moved which must be felt by the bereaved until they too shall be gathered to the sleep of peace. Modest, and sweet in her deportment, she endeared herself to all who were so happy as to know her. She was the light of the household, whose voice—ever sweet and low—cheered the hearts of all who came within the sphere of its influence. We can only, in our loss, realize the worth of her who has vanished from our sight, but her memory must be our treasure, to be cherished whilst we live. No word that we may utter can calm the storm of grief which reaches the hearts of those bereft of her sweet offices, but we cannot refrain from tribute to her worth."

​​​​​​​​​​​​

​​