The Dairyman's Daughter

by Legh Richmond

The Dairyman's Daughter is an early 19th century Christian booklet of 52 pages, which had a remarkably wide distribution and influence. It was a narrative of the true experience of Elizabeth Wallbridge, who was the person after whom the book was named. Elizabeth Wallbridge was born, lived and died in the Parish of Arreton, Isle of Wight, England. Her parents although worthy were of the lowly ranks of the poor, and their children were put to service at an early age. The author of the narrative was Rev. Legh Richmond, a religious writer of the period, who was the curate of the neighbouring parish of Brading. According to the account in the book, Miss Wallbridge's life until the age of 26 was of the most worldly character. Never immoral, she was willful, proud, selfish and irreligious. Her life was, however, transformed by a sermon and she became very devout. With exceptional strength of mind, a retentive memory, the mastery of a few religious classics and enforced leisure because of illness, she devoted time and strength to the study of the Bible in which she became remarkably proficient. Miss Wallbridge, after a lingering sickness of a year and a half, died May 30, 1801, at the age of 31 years. During her illness Rev. Richmond often visited her and talked with her, and these discussions inspired him to write the book.

Genres: Christianity, Nonfiction, Biography

118 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 1996

About the author

LEGH RICHMOND (1772–1827) was born in Liverpool, England. He attended Trinity College in Cambridge and received his B. A. and M. A. degrees. The young clergyman entered the ministry at the Isle of Wight. When he read Wilberforce’s "Practical View of Christianity," he had a spiritual awakening, and respectfully named his son Wilberforce. On the Isle of Wight he met ‘The Dairyman’s Daughter,’ ‘The African Servant’ and ‘Little Jane.’ After seven years he moved to London and then to Turvey, where he wrote, "The Fathers of the English Church."

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, this is not the kind of thing I normally enjoy reading. I usually like better-told stories, even in my non-fiction. However, I read this at a time I needed to hear it. It was a blessing and encouragement to my heart.

[Perry Whitford · Rating 2 out of 5]

Religious tract from 1814 in which the author, a reverend with a parish in the Isle of Wight, tells of his friendship with Elizabeth Wallbridge, a pious and humble Dairyman's daughter who converted her family to the Lord before dying at the age of 31. It was thought to have run to ten million copies during the 19th century.

I can see the appeal, particularly to the poor, for whom Reverend Richmond is clearly writing when he asserts that 'if we want to see religion in its most simple and pure character, we must look for it among the poor of this world, who are rich in faith.'

Richmond met the Dairyman's daughter a few times, lastly when she was on her deathbed as she succumbed to consumption, but their relationship was largely epistolary. He published her letters in full, and they are full of faith, though too drenched in piety for my tastes.

[Pauline · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps it's because of when this was written, but it didn't give me the sense of getting to know Elizabeth as I had hoped, with the exception of the section where she told about her conversion. Much of the book wasn't even from her perspective but that of the clergyman who is the narrator, and even in her letters, much of the time she said lots of good things from a spiritual point of view but gave little sense of how she came to that understanding of things.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written account of Elizabeth Wallbridge's coming to saving faith in Jesus Christ as her Saviour as she relates to the author and maintained her faith until her death at the relatively young age of 31. Although this occurred in the early part of the 19th century I believe there are one or two or more lessons to be learned by the Christians of today. Highly recommended.

[Aranza Erazo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story about the gospel and our tremendous need for a Savior.

[J M Reihing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable old fashioned book of real faith of a young woman as told by a pastor.

[Karla Renee Goforth Abreu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elizabeth Wallbridge lived in the late 1700s and died in 1801, at age 31. This book is a memoir, of sorts. In the course of her shortened life, Elizabeth came to be known and referred to as the Dairymans Daughter. Her father had a small dairy on the isle of Wight, thus the name.
Elizabeth lived in an upscale society from that of her parents, in the service of a wealthy family. She earned decent wages and acquired a more refined taste in her demeanor. She lost her humble roots for a time.
Elizabeth had a crisis moment of faith after attending a Methodist meeting to somewhat mock and show off her fine clothing. Very quickly she is transformed and captivated by the Word of God. After a sequence of events, she moves back to the dairy farm to assist her parents.
The family makes the acquaintance of the Rev. Legh Richmond. Elizabeth delves into deep conversation concerning Scripture with Richmond. The book contains correspondence of letters concerning matters of faith. The knowledge of Scripture is profound, yet simply written. After Elizabeth's death,. Richmond publishes the letters around 1810. There are subsequent publications with drawings. This particular book contains several appendices, some with lengthy verification of authenticity, explanations and historical notes. Because of the appendices this is the edition to read to have a clearer understanding of The Dairymans Daughter.
As of around 1818, 4 million copies had been printed into 18 languages! The effect of such a simple book has been profound.
For the modern reader, the style and language is different. The attitudes in the culture were conservative, to say the least, and there was a general modicum of respect and discreetness not valued today.
The writings speak for us now, despite the rapid changes in the world.
Read it for insight, both historical and spiritual.

[Brenda Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a true story of a young woman (Elizabeth W...) who lived in the early 1800's and her amazingly strong faith in a personal, very loving, compassionate God. She became a beacon of light to all those around her, sharing her faith with everyone before she was taken Home at an early age.