Mary Hall Adams

Mary Hall Adams (née, Barrett; September 16, 1816 – December 8, 1860) was an American book editor and letter writer.

Her writing includes: Sabbath School annual for 1846-, Never give up, or, How children may be happy, and The Rainbow and Other Stories: A Juvenile Gift.

She joined the church at 16, and was ever one of the most earnest and faithful workers, and her enlightened and ever-glowing spirit of devotion added to the spiritual interest of the communion.

"[3] When quite young, Barrett's sister, father, brother and mother all died of consumption, and needed great care before their deaths, which Adams took upon herself to provide.

To another she wrote: "I am very sad at the thought of leaving so many dear friends, and this old home my parents lived and died in; and then, too, my dear mother, upon her dying pillow, gave into my charge my younger sisters to advise and counsel as far as was in my power, and that makes it hard indeed; but there is one whose home I am bound to bless and cheer, so think of me, dear friend, on the evening, about the time I shall stand at the altar, to promise, before God and the world, what my heart readily yields— allegiance to the laws of Christian love and a husband.

James M. Usher, Boston, for three years, and through her influence the best authors of the Universalist Church filled the book with the most instructive and attractive reading for young children.

We must talk of these things in the sunlight, over the needle, around the hearth on Monday or Tuesday, and not consider them Sunday or sick-bed topics nor leave them for the minister.

Adams, being unable to attend to household duties, remained with her Malden friends until her new home was made comfortable for her.

Her first communion in Worcester she describes: "Here for the first time I sat with stranger sisters and brothers, away from that old sanctuary where I was christened, received into the visible church, married, and where my babes have been dedicated to the service and will of the Father.

Here, on new ground, amid new faces, with stranger hearts all around me, away from kindred and home, I drew near to my God and Savior for their blessings, and the communication of the influence of the Holy Spirit.

"[3] Adams died December 8, 1860, in Providence, Rhode Island,[5] and was buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.