Maria Elise Turner Lauder

Maria Elise Turner Lauder (known by the pen name Toofie Lauder, also known as Maria Elise Turner de Touffe Lauder and Maria Elise T. T. Lauder; 20 February 1833 – 1 June 1922) was a Canadian teacher, linguist, and author who travelled extensively in Europe. She published novels and poetry, but mostly was known for writing about her travels. Lauder was also a philanthropist, involved in the temperance movement.

She was the author of My First Visit to England, 1865; In Europe, 1877; Evergreen Leaves: Being Notes from My Travel Book. Belford, 1877; Evergreen Leaves: Or, "Toofie" in Europe, 1884; Legends and Tales of the Harz Mountains, North Germany, 1885; and At Last, 1894. She also wrote song lyrics including, "Britain, We Stand by You", 1899; "The Last Night and its Vision", 1901; "Birdie's Reply : To a Wee Bird Trying to Fly", 1907; and "Alone - The Queen's Lament", 1908.

Early life and education Maria (or, "Marie") Elise Turner Toof (or, "de Touffe") (nickname "Toofie"), |name="birth"|group="nb" on 20 February 1833. Phoebe Agnes Robina (Grote) Copeland (1849–1932), poet; Gorham Whitcombe Grote, and Lorenzo Perry Grote (1852–1869).

Lauder studied in Oberlin College, Ohio, as women were not then admitted to the University of Toronto. She studied theology there for two years under Charles Grandison Finney, graduating with honours.

Career

Lauder was a fair linguist, as she added a knowledge of Latin and Greek in addition to several modern languages, the latter of which she spoke fluently. After completing her education, she worked as a linguist, and taught at Whitby Ladies' College, in Whitby, Ontario. He became a prominent barrister in that city, affiliating with the Conservative Party, and serving for several years as a member of the Ontario Legislature. During this time, she became a philanthropist and member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) movement.

Selected works

Books

Song lyrics "Britain, We Stand by You", 1899.

"Birdie's Reply : To a Wee Bird Trying to Fly", music by Arthur Uvedale, 1907. "Alone - The Queen's Lament", 1908.