Harriet Magee History

Harriet Magee was born on October 3rd 1883. Her birth records list Jonathan Magee and Annie Genge as her parents. She would have just turned 15 in 1898 when her 19 year old sister returned from Chicago with news of the Bahá'í Faith.

December 31, 1902, When Harriet was 19, her father died of tuberculosis of the spine. She was 32 in January of 1915 when she succumbed to tuberculosis. Although her life was short, it was filled with service to the Cause of God.

While Edith was born in Chicago, Harriet was born in Middlesex County in Ontario. When she was born, her family was living on a farm just outside of London, Ontario but had moved into a spacious new house at 625 Wellington Street in London, Ontario about 1897.

In 1906 all three of the Magee ladies would move to New York. It was here that Harriet took on new responsibilities as she became the secretary of the woman's unity meetings and held that position for some time. She became especially interested in the education of a little Persian girl while holding that position and 'Abdu'l-Bahá encouraged her to continue in that good work.

When 'Abdu'l-Bahá came to New York, Harriet was able to meet him and get to know him. She also saw him at Green Acre where her family hosted a meal for him. 'Abdu'l-Bahá would later refer to Harriet and her sister as two angels.

'Abdu'l-Bahá's translator, Ahmad Sohrab, also became acquainted with Harriet and would write to her daily while he travelled with the Master. His letter's to Harriet were collected and published as 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Edinburgh: The Diary of Ahmad Sohrab. (http://bahai-library.com/sohrab_diary_edinburgh_1913)

It is a tragedy when an enthusiastic young life ends early. Harriet was 32 when she died of tuberculosis. Her mother would receive the comfort of a letter from 'Abdu'l-Bahá and a touching obituary would appear in the Star of the West.

HARRIET MAGEE -- Died January 16, 1915, at Green Acre, Eliot, Maine. She was an active worker in the Cause and for some time was Secretary of the Woman's Unity meeting in New York City. She was especially interested in the education of a little Persian girl through the Woman's Unity, which Abdul-Baha had said to her should continue in that good work. The "Diary of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab," which has now become so well known to all the Bahá'ís of the West, was started by his writing wonderfully descriptive letters to her of the daily life and events surrounding 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
Star of the West; Vol. V, Ola 1, 70 (March 2, 1915), No. 19

'Abdu'l-Bahá would refer to the passing of Harriet Magee as a great catastrophe and vowed to never forget her. He explained that she was like a bird who escaped the cage of the body and soared heavenward. The letter follows;

To Mrs. A. E. Magee -- May her soul be happy!

O thou afflicted one!

In this great catastrophy* the eyes are weeping and the hearts are burning, because that incomparable plant was growing and developing with infinite joy and fragrance in the garden of the love of God. She was stirred into cheerfulness by the wafting of the breeze of providence; day by day she was progressing, and she was at all times the cause of the consolation of the hearts of the friends. I will never forget her, for she was one of the most important personages. But it was destined that she might become free from this material world, the world of physical sufferings and tribulations, and hasten toward the heavenly universe, so that through the showers of the cloud of grace she may obtain the utmost freshness and infinite delicacy and yield luscious fruits. Consequently be thou not unhappy, nor be thou grieved, for she is not counted amongst the dead. Nay rather she was dead, she became alive; she was evanescent, she became eternal; she was earthly, she became heavenly; she lived in the material world, she became wholly spiritual. Like unto a bird she was a prisoner and captive in the cage of this body. This cage was broken; that bird winged its way heavenward, and in the celestial rose-garden she became the associate and companion of other divine birds. Thou shalt find her in that rose-garden with the utmost joy and fragrance.

Convey on my behalf the utmost kindness and love to Mr. and Mrs. Inglis. I beg of God that in this affliction he may bestow upon them patience and consolation, and that they may educate their dear son in accord with their highest and purest standard.

Upon thee be greeting and praise!

(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.

From Star of the West Vol. VII, No. 19 ; Ola 1, 72 (March 2, 1917)

When Harriet left this material world, her body was shipped back to London Ontario. The Magee monument in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery (section B) marks the place she was interred. This may be the oldest Bahá'í Grave site in Canada as there is no records of any Bahá'í burials in Canada before 1915.

Just as Harriet has had a long lasting effect on society, we too can similar results if we adhere to the advice given by 'Abdu'l-Bahá. We have since had the added bounty of further guidance from the Guardian and continuing guidance from the Universal House of Justice. If we follow the plan and engage in the core activities, as set out in that plan, we will cultivate the seeds planted by the Magee family and we will see them blossom in our lifetime. Perhaps Harriet Magee is among the Concourse on High as they cheer and urge us on.