The Dairyman's Daughter

by Legh Richmond

Rev. Legh Richmond became acquainted with Elizabeth Wallbridge, the Dairyman's Daughter, when he officiated the funeral of her sister. Elizabeth described how she turned from the vanity of dressing finely and clothed herself with humility of Christ. The visits and letters between them are recorded in this rich testimony of God's work. In 1828, it was reported that 4,000,000 copies of The Dairyman's Daughter were circulated in nineteen different languages, resulting in a multitude of saving graces. This is the unabridged version and includes a brief biography of Legh Richmond by Rev. John Ayre (1801-1869). Also included are reports of several visits to the Isle of Wight years afterward.

Genres: Christianity, Nonfiction, Biography

122 pages, Paperback

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.