[2] From 1876 until at least 1893, she resided in her native city, actively engaged in church work, and prominently identified with the temperance movement of the age.

Believing that they could be profitably produced for US$1 per 1,000, they started a small publishing business, had their printing done by contracts with Newark printers, and supplied their literature to all interested in the cause in all parts of the state.

This they continued to do until the establishment of the Woman's Temperance Publishing Association by the National WCTU[5] Bourne served as editor of White Ribbon News (est.

[5][1] After the death of Sarah Jane Corson Downs (1822-1891), State president, Bourne was elected to fill the vacancy,[2] a position she held for 19 years.

While in the office, Bourne secured the free lecture service of Frances Willard, promised to the state having the largest membership gain.

Dr. Everett Kempshall, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth, and also in the movement for the framing of what was known as the "Bishops' Law" for the regulation of the sale of liquor in the state.

Their children were: Mary Gordon Dexter, Elizabeth B. Dickinson, Amelia Barnett Kinsey, and John Hill Bourne.