Mary C. Seward

Mary Holden Coggeshall Seward (July 9, 1839 – circa September 1, 1919), American poet and composer, authentic, autographed vintage handwritten quotation (AQS), 7.75 x 5. Publishing under the pseudonym "Agnes Burney" for many of her works, Seward composed the carol, "The Christmas Bells" circa 1869, which has been popularly reproduced. She also collaborated extensively with her husband, Theodore F. Seward, an internationally renowned composer and music educator. She was active in women's club movements and served as president of the department for the blind of the International Sunshine Society.

Extracted from the pages of a 1902 Autograph Calendar book recovered from Orange Memorial Hospital, New Jersey, Seward added the following quote to a page with the printed date of April 9: "Serenity / I know / That from within the soul must grow; For there abides all strength, all peace in God, whose presence brings increase of love, of wisdom and each grace that in my heart should find a place. There He inspires the upward flight / That lifts my soul upon the height / Where dwells serenity. Mary C. Seward." 

In fine condition, with light overall toning and a rough left edge from extraction.