Mrs. Tobin was born in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there
until shortly after the death of her husband in 1892. She then moved to Chicago
with her two small sons, John, and Harold, and her half-sister and brother. At first
she had a difficult time supporting herself and family by means of dressmaking.
Although extremely busy, her spirit of determination and faith in prayer became
a silver lining to the clouds of worry and despair. Daily she prayed for
spiritual guidance in meeting her many problems with her little ones.
Mrs. Tobin felt that her prayers had been answered when she
met Paul K. Dealy, one of the early believers in the Baha'i Faith in America.
She recognized his great faith and spiritual power as a teacher. After
attending his classes she was convinced that Baha'u'llah was the “Son
of Man" and the “Lord of the Vineyard" promised by Jesus Christ, and
the “Everlasting Father," the Prince of Peace" promised by Isaiah to
come in the “latter days." She not only accepted the Baha'i Message, but
wanted others to hear the glad tidings of the fulfillment of that great Event.
Regarding the finding and delivery of the dedication stone:
according to her nurse [1] for three and a half years before her
departure, Mrs. Tobin mentioned the following:
