Hannah Whitall Smith Correspondence: Lady Isabella Somerset

Isabella Caroline, Lady Henry Somerset (Aug. 3, 1851-Mar. 12, 1921) was one of the two surviving daughter of the 3rd Earl Somers, and as such she inherited a great deal of wealth. It was considered a good social marriage when she married the second son of the 8th Duke of Beaufort. Lord Henry Somerset in 1872. The couple had one son, but by then Isabella had found out that her husband was homosexual. Given their social standing and the attitude of the day, it was expected that she would turn a blind eye to this behavior. However, Lady Somerset refused to do so and sued for custody of their child. Her suit revealed his sexual orientation and she won custody of her son, but became ostracized by her social circle. Isabella was raised a very religious Anglican and converted to Methodism in the 1880’s, so she never divorced Lord Henry, who left England for Italy in 1878.

On the death of her father in 1883 she inherited Eastnor Castle and a large number of other properties. While being socially ostracized by the elite, she turned her attention to social reform in Britain. She became involved in the temperance movement and was known as a very eloquent speaker. In 1890 she was elected president of the British Women’s Temperance Union, and after speaking at the World’s Women’s Christian Temperance Association in 1891 she was elected vice-president of that organization. Besides temperance work, Lady Isabella Somerset also promoted birth control efforts and the emancipation of women. In 1898, at the death of Frances Willard, Lady Somerset was elected president of the World’s Woman’s Christian Temperance Association, a position she held until 1906.

Eastnor Castle, Ledbury

March 2nd, 1898

Dearest Hannah:

              I cannot write. Thy conclusions were all just and true. I have written a letter to the women that I think thee will approve. To those who have been true to the principles of love and charity I can never feel grateful enough; and to those who have not, they have had their excuse, only I shall be glad when we reach the land where motives are as clear as actions.

              Now dear, you ask me what the branches are to do. Yes, I think they had better propose my re-election even if I cannot do much active work for the present- that is to say, if my re-election is of value. Dearest Hannah, our loss is irreparably great. I know not how many years my elapse- perhaps not many, perhaps not even one- before we meet again; but this I know that eternity is not very far from time, and that I believe her spirit will go with us and abide with us all through the journey that remains, and God does comfort, Hannah, and only God can; only the world is big and grey and lonely, and one feels more truly that Heaven is our home.

              Devotedly thine,

              Isabel Somerset

Note: This letter is in reference to the death of Frances Willard, who passed away February 18, 1898. Willard was the president of the World’s Women’s Christian Temperance Association, while Isabella Somerset was the president of the British Women’s Temperance Association and became the vice-president of the World’s Women’s Christian Temperance Association after meeting Willard.