GENEALOGY EXPRESS

 

Welcome to
Black
History & Genealogy

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MRS. S. J. W. EARLY
Teacher, Lecturer, W. C. T. U. Advocate.
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     SARAH JANE, the youngest daughter of Thomas and Jemima Woodson was born Nov. 15, 1825, hear the city of Chillicothe, Ohio, where she passed the happy days of early childhood.  In the year of 1829 the family removed to Jackson county, Ohio.  Being deprived of the privilege of attending school with the white children, a select school, furnished with the best teachers, was provided for colored children by their parents.  The subject of this sketch attended this school with other members of the family from the fourth year of her age until her fifteenth year, and in that period derived all her early advantages.  Her parents were zealous and consistent Chrustians and she was continually brought under the best religious influences.

MRS. S. J. W. EARLY.

At the age of fourteen she professed religion and joined the A. M. E. Church in the year 1840, at Berlin, Ohio.
     Very early in life she showed a disposition to learn whatever came within her reach.  At teh age of three she could sing all the hymns used at family worship.  At five she could commit large portions of the Bible to memory.  As the years rolled by she longed for better educational privileges and after attending an academy in Athens county, Ohio, she attended Oberlin College, and graduated tehrefrom in the year 1856, and immediately entered upon the duties of a

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teacher.  She was first principal teacher of the public school of Ganesville, Ohio.  In the year 1859 she was called to Wilberforce University, being the first colored graduate ever employed by its trustees to teach in company with white teachers.
     She was afterward principal of the colored public school of Xenia, Ohio, until the war subsided.  Then she went south and held a very important position as principal of one of the largest colored schools in North Carolina.  Thus for more than thirty-six years she has been an efficient instructor of the young, a leader in the church and Sabbath-school and the reforms of the day In 1887 she entered the field as a public lecturer and is now in the service of the two national societies in the temperance work.
     She was married to Rev. J. W. Early in the year 1868, Sept. 24.

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MISS HENRIETTA VINTON DAVIS.
Elocutionist, Dramatic Reader and Tragedienne.

     THE subject of this sketch, Miss Henrietta Vinton Davis, was born in the city of Baltimore, Md.  Her father, Mansfield Vinton Davis, was a distinguished musician, and from her she inherited a natural taste for music.  He died within a few days after her birth, leaving a young and beautiful widow and the subject of this sketch.  In the course of a few years her mother contracted a second marriage with Captain George A. Hackett, who, through the period of a long and eventful life, was the recognized leader of the colored people of Baltimore.  He was a man of ample means and generous heart, and gave to his stepdaughter all the advantages which such conditions allow.  He, like her own father, died
while she was young.  Her mother, a year after the death of Mr. Hackett, removed to and became a permanent resident of the city of Washington, D. C.  Miss Davis here had the advantages of admirable schools, and, having a natural fondness for books, soon made rapid progress in her studies, and,

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by her studious habits and genial manners, became at once a favorite with the teacher, Miss Mary Bozeman, who was the first person to suggest that her little pupil give her attention to the study of elocution.  At the early age of fifteen she passed the necessary examination and was awarded the position as teacher in one of the public schools of her native State.  While holding this position she attracted the attention of the Board of Education of the State of Louisiana, who tendered her a higher position to teach, which she accepted.

HENRIETTA VINTON DAVIS.

She remained there some time, until called home by the illness of her mother.  Miss Davis left Louisiana amidst the regrets of many friends.  She also bore the certificate of the Board of Education testifying to the efficiency and ability with which she had discharged her arduous duties.
     Miss Davis, in 1878, entered the office of recorder of deeds at Washington as copyist, where she remained until 1884, when she resigned to follow her chosen profession.  It was while holding this position that she decided to carry

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critical audience.  She was introduced by the Hon. Frederick Douglass, who takes a deep interest in her success.  On this, her first appearance, her success was instantaneous, and she received a veritable ovation.  A few weeks after her first appearance she made a tour of the principal cities of New England, under the management of Messrs. James M. Trotter and Wm. H. Dupree, of Boston, Mass.
     At Boston, Hartford, New Haven, Providence and the many other places they visited, she was received with every mark of approval by both press and public.
     In April, 1884, Mr. Thomas T. Symmons became her manager.  Mr. Symmons is one of the few gentlemen of our race
who possesses the ability and spirit of enterprise calculated to secure success.  He formed a dramatic and concert company
to support his star, and by novel and liberal advertising brought her to the notice of new audiences.  At Buffalo, N, Y., she received most flattering newspaper notices, and was the recipient of much social attention.  Again, at Pittsburg, Pa., and in fact wherever she has been, her genial manners and modest demeanor have attracted to her many friends and admirers, who have vied with each other in doing honor to a lady of whom the race may well feel proud.  Miss Davis recently made a tour of the State of Florida, under the able management of that public-spirited and dignified lover of his race, Hon. M. M. Lewey, editor of the Florida Sentinel.  Miss Davis was greeted everywhere by large and enthusiastic audiences.
     Miss Davis is the pioneer of her race in the legitimate drama, and by her success has been the means of stimulating and encouraging others to emulate her example.  Miss Davis has received many testimonials of appreciation.  Presents of all descriptions have been showered upon her.  While she has many imitators, she has no superiors.

THOUGHTS OF PROMINENT MEN REGARDING MISS DAVIS.
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Washington, D. C. Nov. 18, 1883.

     Gentlemen:  I have many times been called upon to hear testimony to the remarkable talents of Miss Henrietta Vinton Davis, and I always do so with pleasure.  In my judgment she is one of the best dramatic readers in this

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country—and the best colored reader that ever came before the American people.  Her personal appearance is strongly in her favor.  She instantly commands attention and sympathy; and when her deep, fine voice is heard, her audience at once give themselves up to the pleasure of hearing her.  I am quite sure you will make no mistake in having her read for you.

FIRST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT, A. M. E. CHURCH,
Bishop H. M. Turner, D. D., Presiding.

     This is to certify that Miss Henrietta Vinton Davis has been known to me since childhood.  She is in all respects a lady of the first grade, spotless in character, polished in manners, educated and finished in her profession.  As a dramatic reader she has no superiors and should be encouraged by all who favor the elevation of our race.  I commend her services to all ministers of the Gospel, to the public in general.

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     Miss Henrietta Vinton Davis, the celebrated tragedienne and dramatic reader, entertained the people of the A. M. E. Church January 19 and 20, 1891.  The audience was large the first night, and the house was crowded the second night.  He magnetic style, forcible, dramatic and eloquent voice charmed every one present.  She magnetized and electrified the audience with delight, who loudly applauded each recital.  Miss Davis is a first-class entertainer, a lady of character, ability and great talent; an artist who presents living pictures.  She is a great help to the ministers in raising money for churches.  Her terms are easy, her work laborious.  May God bless her.

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     Miss Henrietta Vinton Davis, the tragedienne, is personally known to me, and in my opinion is the finest representative of that class of colored professionals in America.  Her presence is graceful, her voice rich and flexible, and she impresses her audience at once with the fact that she is a born actress.  She delights the most critical and convinces the most obdurate sceptic.  The brethren and churches will do well to give her the warmest reception, as she is a lover of God's Zion, and is always willing to help it first, and herself last.

Prof. mathematics, Wayland Seminary, and Pastor Second Baptist Church.
     Washington, D. C., February 22, 1891.

     A PLEASING ENTERTAINMENT. - A delightful entertainment was given in Touro Chapel last evening by Miss Henrietta V. Davis, in dramatic recitals.  Miss Davis is the first of her race to attempt Shakespearean delineations.  But her efforts last evening prove her power and skill in elocutionary art.  Miss Davis excels in dramatic recitals, and especially in tragic parts.  If it is possible to discriminate in the selections of last evening, perhaps the potion

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scene from Romeo and Juliet " was most ably rendered.  She is certainly worthy of the many encomiums of praise she has received. — Newport Daily News.

     Miss Davis has received thorough instruciton, as her recitations showed marked talent.  As a public reader she is a success. - Albany (N. Y.) Daily Press and Knickerbocker.

     The entertainment given at Waite's Hall last evening was one of high merit.  The audience was appreciative and liberal in its applause.  Miss Davis, who is a quadroon, has a graceful presence and a powerful and well trained voice, and her renditions showed not only careful study, but an excellent appreciation of the various authors.  Several selections were given from Shakespeare, including Portia's speech and the poison scene from "Romeo and Juliet" in the latter selection especially marked dramatic power being displayed.  The vivacious rendering of "Awfully Lovely Philosophy," "The Jiners," and "Dancing at Flat Creek Quarters" proyed that Miss Davis could also read comic selections with success, and two encores testified to the enjoyment of her auditors. — New Bedford Evening Standard.

     Her recital last evening of selections from Shakespeare's plays, especially "Cleopatra's Dying Speech," parts of " Romeo and Juliet," and the epilogue in ''As You Like It" were received with warm expressions of pleasure.  Her clear enunciation and full, low-pitched voice helped to her success. — New York Sun.

     As a dramatic reader Miss Davis has considerable talent, and the selections were finely interpreted.  The death scene of "Romeo and Juliet" in costume brought out powers as an actress of no mean order; that and Schiller's "Battle" were well rendered. — New London Telegram.

     A really remarkable entertainment was that given in Association Hall on Friday night by Frederick Douglass' protegé, Miss Henrietta Vinton Davis.  Miss Davis is a singularly beautiful woman, little more than a brunette, certainly no darker than a Spanish or Italian lady in hue, with big, lustrously expressive eyes and a mouth molded upon Adelaide Neilson's.  She has a rich, flexible and effective voice which she well knows how to manage, and her use of the English language is not only excellent, but exemplary.  She is not only an elocutionist, but an actress of very decided force, as she demonstrated in selections from "Romeo and Juliet," particularly the potion scene, a piece of work we have rarely seen excelled.  We could not help thinking what a magnificent Cleopatra she would make to a competent Anthony.  Her reading of " Mary, Queen of Scots" was also very fine and elicited much applause. — Sunday Truth, Buffalo, N. Y

     The late entertainment under the auspices of Zion Church, and managed by Lieutenant Trotter, with the eminent tragedienne, Miss Henrietta Vinton Davis, was a grand dramatic success.  It is said that Adelaide Neilson was the only true Juliet, but the rendition of the balcony and potion scene by Miss Davis caused the audience to think that Neilson had risen, "phoenix-like, from

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her ashes."  She held the audience in amazement with her animated acting, graceful movements and correct pronunciation, forcing the acknowledgment of her great ability.  She is very graceful in movement and will beyond a doubt find her proper rank of fame in the histrionic world.  She made a lasting impression in "Brier Rose," by Boyensen, and surpassed even herself in the comical rendition of the "Jiners."  Truly may it be said that the colored Americans have at last a true representative on the stage, whose fame in time will become universal. — The Commercial Gazette, Cincinnati.

     The select readings by Miss Henrietta Vinton Davis, at Unity Hall, were finely rendered, showing her to be an elocutionist of genuine merit.  Her modesty and gracefulness were especially noticeable, and her ways on the platform exceptionally pleasing.  Her selections included "How He Saved St. Michael," by Mary A. P Stansbury; "The Battle," by Schiller, and Mark Twain's "How Tom Sawyer Got his Fence Whitewashed."  Selections from "Lady Macbeth" and  "Romeo and Juliet" were also given, the renditions being in several respects equal to Mrs. Scott-Siddons' interpretations of the characters involved.  In fact Miss Davis' reading reminds me very often of Mrs. Scott-Siddons. — Hartford Evening Post.
     The testimonials show that the pulpit and press unite in endorsing Miss Davis as the most talented lady before the public.

     In recounting the triumphs of Miss Davis as are presentative of the school of tragedy we find it a pleasing task to give utterance to words commensurate to our feelings.  Having heard the so-called best of the dominant race (Mrs. Prescott), and having also listened to Miss Davis, we fail to see which is superior, or wherein.  Her voice is the ideal, her statue is matchless, her eyes are charming and can almost read the thoughts of other people. 
     Her representations, dialects, gestures, poses are indeed perfection.  She instructs not only her audience, but the authors of all her selections.  Her own peculiar ideas have made her a teacher in gesticulation, and the wonderful management of her voice, eyes, yea, mute gestures, make her the compeer of Miss Couthoui, of Boston. Any one who has met her, conversed with her or listened to her in the role of drama could not but agree with us in our assertions.  Hard study and close application to the art has made many grand artists, some great, really good.  Nature makes Miss Davis what other things have made others.  She is natural, easy and graceful. You laugh or feel sad at

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her will, as she takes her audience up with her.  She is destined to be the brightest star in the zenith of our tragical firmament.

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ANNA, MADA AND EMMA LOUISE HYERS.
Vocalists, Pianists and Actresses.

      IN every human being God, the creator of all, hides a precious gem, as the costliest diamond is extracted from under the rough-edge stone, the most delicate mosses are taught to grow at the bottom of the deepest cannon.  While in the former the diamond for long remains worthless in the hands of the cobbler, yet when the master of fine arts manipulates this apparently rude stone its value increases a hundred-fold ratio toward completion.  In the latter the most delicate mosses, admired only by the disciplined eye or the tireless searcher after the hidden treasures, blooms out into a philosopher and argues with us to the extent of agreeing.
     But the radiance and intellectual charm which in these two human beings God had hidden was not to remain so very long.  For at very early ages the necessity arose of placing them in the full and promising attitude where they might be polished to shine in the realm of music and song.  When once in training the advancement was so rapid and so inspiring that the celebrated Professor Hugo Sank, whose name betrays his nationality, took them on and on from the degree of good to superlative best.  Unfortunately a change had to be made for their instruction, but with the ability Madame Josephine D'Ormy possessed, and most especially as a celebrity in operas, they were instructed in Italian and German, which, in fact, was necessary to be conversant and to know in order to meet the public expectations everywhere; they pursued nobly and became quite proficient in each, and in fact they give Madam D'Ormy the praise for faith in them to learn, for the patience which was nursed by the faith.  It was not long to wait for the reality.

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     Mr. Trotter in his literary feast entitled music and some highly musical people says: "To Madam D'Ormy the Misses Hyers owe most of their success to-day.  For she it was who taught them that beautiful enunciation, and sweetness of intonation, that now are so noticeable in their singing of Italian and other music."
     After finishing their training under Mrs. D'Ormy they retired seemingly from the public gaze; being quite young, and there being no reason for a rush.
     Finally at the Metropolitan Theatre in Sacramento, Cal., Apr. 22, 1867, they made their debut before an audience of eight hundred people.  Success, which met them and crowned them there, has followed them and has ever been a characteristic symbol of their genius, their repeated triumphs the lesson of nature to the world.
     Since 1880, when the papers teemed with notices, agents of books were excited in their enthusiasm concerning "Music and Some Highly Musical People," an illustrated book by one of our first autobiographers, Mr. James M. Trotter, which leaped up into the thousands, and people were anxious about its sale, from the mere fact of it demonstrating to the world what education was doing for the colored people in that distinct sphere.  Hyers Sisters, who form a part and add to its reading matter rich deeds of musical accomplishments, have traveled around the world, sang before the crowned heads of Europe and become a house word in the musical circles of the United States, are again presented to our readers, notably fulfilling their mission, having demolished the doctrine of incapacity and delighted the world with their musical chants.  For them let it be said:  "All places a temple, and all seasons summer."  No time in their musical history have they failed to sing to crowded, eager and anxious lovers of their art, reaching their numbers in the high and low register with the facility and ease of skilled musicians.  Their harmony and cadence are true to nature, but having become lost in the depth and sweetness of their rival voices trained to the finish, one would conclude that Nature had overstepped her bounds and borrowed the symphony

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of heaven.  Let what has been said by masters do our bidding.  That great and grand play entitled "Uncle Tom s Cabin has more nearly mimicked nature and actual long ago picture of slavery days, when Topsy and her twin are treated with their true, comical, yet sublime powers.  For more than one season they held the boards of all the Northern, Eastern and Western cities, playing to crowded houses.  They have demonstrated beyond the shadow of a doubt what culture, refinement, backed by instruction of the best type, can be do for the Negro race under similar influences.  Born in California, reared, educated in her schools, and clothed and protected by her inalienable rights and stringent yet equal laws, they show no trait of a low, despised race, save the color of their skin and the texture of their hair.  "God save the mark."

     To a top-heavy house the McCabe & Young's genuine darkey minstrels gave a first-class performance last night.  There is no counterfeit about these ebony-hued artists.  They are simon-pure.  There is not a man in the company who is not a good singer, and as for dancing, "go way,  dar chilun' "  The specialty work was excellent, and provoked continuous
peals of laughter.  The Hyers sisters, whose names are almost world-wide, made their first appearance before a Dallas audience and sustained the reputations which they have won as possessors of peerless voices.
     The matinee to-day is largely attended and to-night the minstrels will hold down the boards of the Dallas Opera House for the last time this season. — Dallas News.

     I cannot be said that good minstrelsy is not appreciated in Dallas.  The opinion seemed fully warranted by the large and enthusiastic audience that gathered at the opera-house last night to see McCabe and Young and their support of ebony artists.  Special mention is due Harry Singleton for his rendition of a Soldier and a Man, and Will Roberts for his pleasing rendition of Pauline.  The witticisms of Billy Young, Johnny Young and

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Ed Cay were received with deserving plaudits.  The event of the evening was the appearance for the first time in Dallas of the celebrated Hyers sisters.  They are vocalists of exceptional ability.  They have highly cultured voices of bell-like tone and faultless intonations.  The show was first-class and will be repeated at matinee and to-night. — Dallas News.

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CELIA E. DIAL SAXON.
Teacher and Sunday-Scholl Worker.

     AMONG the educators the race has produced, the subject of this sketch deserves a high place.  Few teachers have met with greater success.  The faculty of imparting knowledge seems innate with her. Graduating from the South "Carolina State Normal School, in May, 1877, she began, in November of the same year, to teach in Howard school, long a leading institution of Columbia, S. C.  Her abilities soon placed her among the foremost instructors of that seminary of learning.  She proved herself a born teacher—excellent in instructing and excellent in governing.  Some Northern visitors, greatly interested in the advancement of the colored people, once remarked after a visit to her class-room: "What a fine disciplinarian Miss Dial is!"  On the eve of her marriage to Professor T. A. Saxon, of Allen University, in December, 1890, she tendered her resignation, but at the urgent request of the board she was induced to reconsider this action and continue to fill the position she had filled for so long and with such uninterrupted success until the close of the term, in June, 1891.
     Mrs. Saxon is also a scholar of no mean rank.  She completed the Chautauqua course in 1883, and has since won several of the seals offered to the graduates of this course who pursue and master some special branch of study after graduation.  She is a great Sunday-school worker, and has been from girlhood a most acceptable teacher in the well-known Bethel A. M. E. Sunday-school.  She is a great lover of her race

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with a high conception of its capabilities and resplendent hopes for its future.  Like the lamented Bishop William F. Dickerson, she believes that "twenty-live years ago the colored people were babes; to-day they are children; twenty-five years from now, despite the pitfalls about them and the prejudices they have to contend with, they will be approaching the full stature of manhood."  Long may she live to do good to humanity, and to help lift her race to that high plane which she believes God intends them to occupy

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MISS MARY A. SHADD
Lecturer and Editor.

     BISHOP PAYNE, in his recollections of seventy years, in referring to his travels in the West, says, among other things:  "I also had the pleasure of hearing that extraordinary young woman, Miss Mary A. Shadd, editor of the Provincial Freeman, of Western Canada, in two lectures on the condition and prospects of the colored people in Canada.  Her power did not consist in eloquence, but in her familiarity with facts, her knowledge of men, and her fine power of discrimination.  Her energy and perseverance, as well as her ability to suffer in the cause she espoused, entitled her to rank among the reformers of the time.  She went alone into Canada West in the fall of 1851, and traveled it from Toronto to Sandwich, sometimes on foot, maintaining herself by teaching school.  The following spring she published a pamphlet entitled "Notes on CanadaWest," and in about one year from the day she landed in Canada she had nearly established the weekly sheet before mentioned of which for more than one year she was the sole editor, at the same time acting as traveling agent and financier.  Her editorials compared well with those of the sterner sex, some of whom she often excelled.  Indeed I could mention at least two colored editors whose editorials were far beneath hers.  This leads me to note that at the close of 1859 it fell under my observation that there were but three newspapers among the

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colored people of the United States: The Bom's Horn, published in Philadelphia, and edited and owned by Thomas Van Rensselaer; the Christian Herald, of the A. M. E. Church, published in Pittsburg, Pa., and edited by Rev. A. R. Green; the North Star, published in Rochester, New York, and edited by Frederick Douglass, a fugitive slave, but born to distinguish himself as one of the master minds of the nineteenth century.  Thirty-six years have produced immense changes and progress in colored journals and journalism."

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LOUISE DE MORTIE
Christian Martyr, Elocutionist, Missionary and Financier.

     VIRGINIA has the boast of being the birthplace of presidents, heroes and heroines innumerable.  Let this suffice; our subject was born in Norfolk, 1883, and suffering educational inconveniences, nevertheless born of free parents, found no race restrictions in Massachusetts, hence made Boston her home in 1853.  Possessing sufficient courage to master the higher sciences, she at once attracted the attention of all who came in her way.  "None knew her but to love her," and in the possession of that intellectual radiance which brightened with effulgency all her companions, she, governed by such an angelic soul, portrayed a marvelously kind and genial spirit, which endeared and held all friends.
     Nature, kind alike to all who will do, dare, or die, contributed to her makeup a sound, well-formed body, voluminous voice, and elocutionary powers wonderful and puzzling to describe.  She has contributed dignity to her art and planted both body and name among the loving friends of New Orleans, Louisiana. 1862, Williams History of the Negro Race in America, says "She began a most remarkable career as a public speaker and reader; an elocutionist by nature, she added the refinement to the art, and with her handsome presence, engaging manners and richly toned voice she took high rank in her profession.  Just as she was attracting public attention

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to her genius, she learned of the destitution that was wasting the colored orphans of New Orleans.  Thither she hastened in the spirit of Christian love, and there she labored with an intelligence and zeal which made her a heroine among her people.  In 1867, she raised sufficient funds to build an asylum for the colored orphans of New Orleans.  But just then the yellow fever overtook her in her work of mercy, and she fell a victim to the deadly foe, 1867, October 10, saying so touchingly, 'I belong to God, our Father,' as she expired.  Although cut off in the morning of her useful life she is of blessed memory among those for whose improvement and elevation she gave the strength of a brilliant mind and the warmth of a genuine Christian heart."

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MRS. LAURA A. (MOORE) WESTBROOK.
W. C. T. U. Advocate, Teacher and Lecturer.

     AS Tennessee has long been noted for its beautiful hills and mountain sceneries, I imagine that somewhere aong the forests of Tipton county, in the year of 1859, was born the person of whom I shall attempt to write a few things.  Mrs. Westbrook's parents, Richard and Amelia Moore, were both slaves, but her mother was free born and when a child was kidnapped by the slave traders, carried away from her parents, and ever afterward remained a slave until the emancipation of slaves.  Her father is a mulatto, and is also closely related to the old Georgia Cherokee Indians.  Mrs. Westbrook's father, being a great lover of knowledge, could not be satisfied after the emancipation until he had succeeded, through the aid of his brother Edward Harris, in obtaining one of Oberlin's best scholars as a tutor for his two children, Laura and Vara Lee, the baby.  Under the tutorship of Miss Rachel Alexander—for this was the name of the lady who consented to leave home and friends and even dared to come South when brave men would tremble to think of such a thing at that time—Mrs. Westbrook, after five years of hard study, made herself a good

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scholar in the primary branches.  There being a great demand for teachers in the South at this time, Mrs. Westbrook, who was greatly in advance of many of her race, though only eleven years old, was called upon to go and impart to her suffering sisters and brethren the light which she had already received.  She had already received that great wisdom which cometh down from above, which makes us wise unto salvation, and being filled with a great missionary spirit, she readily accepted the call.  She, after laboring with her people two years, felt her inability to execute the work as it should be, and to meet the demand of the future she made application and entered the Central Tennessee College in 1872.

MRS. L. A. WESTBROOK

Under the fatherly care of Dr. J. Braden and his noble corps of teachers, after four years of hard toil and undaunted courage, she completed the normal course 'of that institution in the year of 1876, during which time she had proven herself an enthusiastic and studious young lady, full of moral courage and Christian piety, which won for her the esteem of her teachers and schoolmates.  Her teachers, seeing she was capable of doing much good for her people, urged her not to stop with the normal course, but to continue her studies until she would have finished the regular classical course, which victory she did achieve in the year of 1880, graduating with a class of four, she being the only female.  Mrs. Westbrook was honored by her Alma Mater in the year of 1885 with the degree of A. M., which degree she heartily deserved.  Mrs. Westbrook continued

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to teach during vacation until she had completed her course of study, and by this means, with the assistance of her parents, she was enabled to continue in school.  Her education being finished, she entered fully into the work of teaching.  On the Fourth of July in the year of 1880, she was married to a classmate of hers, Rev O. P Westbrook, of Aberdeen, Miss.  After teaching in Tennessee a short time, they were urged by the president of the college, Dr. J. Braden, to take charge of two schools in Texas.  Mrs. Westbrook, being full of the missionary zeal, quickly answered to the call, and in December of 1880 they arrived at Victoria, Texas, where Mrs. Westbrook took charge of the Victoria city school, as principal, while her husband assumed the principalship of the Goliad city school, which was afterward known as the Jones' Male and Female Institute.
     Mr. Westbrook's school having increased so rapidly at Goliad, Mrs. Westbrook was compelled to give up being principal at Victoria to assist her husband.  After teaching in the Jones' Institute for four years, Mrs. Westbrook came with her husband to Waco, where she entered actively in the W. H. Mission work for two years teaching a mission school in which much good was done, during which time she was appointed corresponding secretary of W H. Mission Society of the West Texas conference, which position she still holds, and has traveled quite extensively throughout the bounds of the West Texas conference of the M. E. church and lectured in the interest of the W. H. Mission cause.  In 1888, Mrs. Westbrook went as a delegate to the W H. Mission convention which convened in Boston, Mass.  Mrs. Westbrook has labored in the public school work as teacher for twenty years.  She has taught twelve years in the Texas public schools and is now engaged in the public school of the city of Waco, where she has taught for four years.  She has been instrumental in doing a great amount of good among her people and she hopes in the future to be able to do a much greater work for them.
     She is known as a tireless and aggressive woman in maintaining the rights of her race.  She has many times been

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honored in conspicuous instances and under very flattering circumstances owing to her undaunted courage.
     She has served at various times upon the examining board of the twenty-second senatorial district for Texas, examining colored young men and lady applicants for State scholarships at Prairie View State Normal Institute.  She has distinguished herself as a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, traveling through various Southern States lecturing, electrifying and inspiring our youths, and teaching temperance and Christianity.  Her motive to do good far surpasses her vanity, except when her race is attacked, then, manlike, she with the pen strikes back, and even goes beyond her loyalty to serve, but makes lasting impressions upon those who are so unfortunate to get within her range.  She is a firm believer in the true, the pure, and the beautiful. 
     Her daily life is characteristic of her essays and lectures.  The hardships and obstacles which we daily encounter are no strangers to Mrs. Westbrook.  She is yet in the blooming morn of life, with many of us, who will exert our energies to keep along by her side.

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GORGIA E. LEE PATTON, M. D.
Physician and Surgeon, A Meharry Graduate, African Missionary

     JUST as the cruel canon had ceased its roaring and the smoke of the powder had begun to subside, there was born in Grundy county, Tennessee, two little girls, Apr. 15, 1864.  One, too pure for this world, was immediately transplanted in the Eden above; the other, less ethereal, was left to battle with the storms of life, and was given the name of Georgia E. Lee Patton.
     Shortly after this the mother heard of the glad tidings of freedom and moved to Coffee, the adjoining county, which Georgia still calls home.
     Like most Negroes the mother was sent away form her taskmaster who had grown rich from others' toil, with nothing and being a widow with a very large family depending

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upon her. she had to struggle hard against the merciless hand of poverty But by diligence, working early in the morning and late at night, she managed to provide for them and send
them to the few months school that was occasionally taught.  You may know that educational advantages were meager when you are told that Georgia attended every school, yet at the age of seventeen had gone only twenty-six months.

GEORGIE E. LEE PATTON, M. D.

     The child's clothing consisted of scanty underwear and a cotton dress, the thread of which was spun at night by a good mother after a hard day's work, walking two or three miles to and from the place of labor. 
     These garments were made clean by the same dear hands on Saturday night, while the child, with perfect peace of mind, too young to think of hardships, slept the sleep of the innocent.
     Too poor to afford a tin bucket, a tin can which had been used for fruit was made to serve this purpose by holes being made and a string put through them for a handle.  If Georgia had even bread and meat to put in this she tugged off to school as happy as a brown thrush with her undisturbed nestlings; not a care, not a sorrow, only one ambition—to be at the head of the class at close of school; that meant a perfect lesson, for the children valued the few days for improvement. 
     Being the youngest of the family she was the favorite with them all, and the mother would not allow her to engage in washing and spinning, as the older sisters did.  Being a

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child of nature, loving the sweet songs of the birds, the fresh air, the fragrant clover blooms and the blue vault above, she turned to the field where she learned to plow before the shoulders were above the plow's handles.
     The child was so delighted with the new work she easily persuaded her mother to allow her to continue.  Even to-day she will not hesitate to go from the school-room or the bedside of the sick to the plow's handle.
     At the age of sixteen, death claimed her strongest earthly tie (her mother), leaving her alone in this cold, dark world.  Life was indeed gloomy, only one hope found in this world: "I will never leave nor forsake thee."  At last she took up life alone, and you who have had kind mothers to love know her feelings.
     Georgia now moved to the home of her oldest sister.  She had longed for an education, now that she must fight the war of life alone she felt the need of it the more.  In the mind plans were being devised by which this might be attained.
     The following year she thought she had at last come to the right plan, that of going out to live with a family.  The work was easy because through it she thought she could see the way to college.  Another sister objecting to this plan it was soon abandoned.  She again entered public school, but with that craving still, to go off to college.  The knowledge gained at the public school only sharpened this already indwelling aspiration for something higher than public school.
     The way seemed entirely hedged up.  It was a sore temptation to the ambitious girl to see her only hopes thus swallowed, and she began sighing.
     How often we close our eyes to blessings that are for us and stand weeping for what we have, if we will but look up and claim it for our own.
     Her sister secured some money and gave her five dollars; the same day her earthly possessions were collected, placed in a small wooden trunk and in a few days she was off for Nashville.  After purchasing the ticket and a hack secured only

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two dollars and fifty cents was left.  A strange city, strange people, books to buy and board to pay, yet she was happy.  How could she be otherwise?  Since God had done so much for her could she believe He had brought her here to suffer?
     "We should always feel thankful for to-day's blessing, not sighing for the one we fear we may not get to-morrow, thus losing the bliss of the present.
     She believed the good president would give her work after he knew her, as she had written him about it.  That was not God's way.  See how providential!  At the depot she met a long-lost brother who was married and living in Nashville, and went to his house.  The board was thus settled for the year.  The other two sisters sent her seven dollars and since there was only four months she made this buy the necessary books and pay the tuition, except the last month, which she paid during vacation.
     Though the brother lived more than two miles from the college, in spite of the condition of the weather she was in her place in the chapel at the tap of the first bell.
     Feb. 6, 1882, will ever be a memorable day to her.  When in the classes, the students laughed at her mistakes and perhaps awkward manners.
     The city had no claims now for the country girl, because her heart had been wounded the first thing after entering a class, by the students laughing at her mistakes.
     At the close of school the first day she left with a heavy heart, wishing she had never come, but feeling that since she had, it must be endured and make the best of it, and she resolved that they should never have occasion to laugh again.  Possibly they realized her resolution, when in a few weeks she was promoted to a more advanced class.
     She had that in her make-up which every one must have if he succeeds—a determination not to give up because the ignorant acts provoke a smile on others' faces and some more cruel may even poke fun.  This only made her more diligent.
     In May , when the term closed, she went to Kentucky and secured a small school.  This enabled her to attend school a

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few months the next session. Since then she has paid her way mostly by teaching.
     She has completed the senior normal course.  As a teacher she has filled her place well; being a natural lover of the work she has always gone into it with the whole hand and heart, making hard places easy.  She was a good, obedient student, and such generally are successful as teachers.  They who control themselves can control others.
     Several times has she been called to places where women were not wanted because the patrons had gotten the idea that the children could not be controlled by her or she was unfit for teaching.
     Her work made false these statements and redeemed the credit of woman as teacher, governess.  In each case she was asked to return, and offered increased salary.
     Not satisfied with her ability for usefulness, after finishing the literary course, she has turned her attention to a profession and has now graduated from the medical course of Meharry medical department of the same school.
     "Freely you have received, freely give."  Since God has so freely given her this opportunity for mental and spiritual development she should freely give it to others and to those who need it most.  It is not hard to decide who these are who most need this gift.  A little knowledge of the condition of the world will at once show it to be the inhabitants of Africa.
     So she intends to take this as. an offering to the poor heathens in Africa that she may help hasten the day when "Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hand unto God."
     Preparations are now being made for life's work on that dark continent.

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MATTIE ALLISON HENDERSON.
Teacher, Stenographer and Editor.

     MATTIE ALLISON HENDERSON, a typical little southern woman, was born in the little mountain town of Frankfort, Ala., Dec. 24, 1868.  She was an orphan at

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five years of age, and of a family of four brothers and a sister is the only living member.  Falling into the hands of a foster mother who "ruled with a rod of iron," the subject of this sketch experienced many of the bitters that really seem to belong to the lives of most orphans.  Her struggle for an education is somewhat wonderful.  At the tender age of thirteen she was compelled to do, as an old Southerner would put it, "a woman's work."

MATTIE A. HENDERSON

     "Many a time," says she, "have I been on my feet from five o'clock in the morning till midnight.  It was, 'Mattie, do this,' 'go there,' 'get that,' until I often prayed that rest, in the shape of death, would relieve my tired little body."
     Time for study at home was limited, and thus it happened that she was known to give strict attention during class time.  In June,1885, she graduated from Le Moyne Normal Institute, Memphis, Tenn., with the first class honor, and composed, also, the class poem.  After teaching the following year in her Alma Mater, she resolved to begin a classical course at Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn, having spent one year there.  For lack of means she was caused to abandon the idea, and again she began life in the school rooms of Arkansas and Tennessee district schools, finally drifting back to the institution where her first work as pupil and teacher begun.  Tiring of teaching, and heartbroken over the loss, by death, of two friends, Miss Henderson resigned her position in the Le Moyne Institute and went to Cincinnati, Ohio, for a change and to learn sten-

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ography, in which she completed her course in the spring of 1892.
     At an early age she gave signs of literary talent, and her contributions to the little weekly school-paper were much commented upon by her fellow-students.  The first newspaper article from her pen was published in the Marion, (Ark.) Headlight.  This article was published in full and most favorably commented upon in the editorial columns of the Avalanche, then a leading democratic paper of Memphis and the South.  This would have been a world of encouragement to most young scribblers; but Miss Henderson, at that time, saw little in Negro journalism to encourage her, and although from time to time acting as correspondent and occasionally contributing an article to different papers, under assumed names, dropped out of the literary world until she suddenly appears in Kansas City as one of the two editors of The Future State, a weekly paper, devoted to the interests of the Negroes of the State of Missouri, where she manages every department of that paper with the ability of a man.  Her contributions under the nons de plume of "Aunt Alice," " Jack Hastings," "Mary Allison" and 'Aunt Sarah" have made lasting impressions in the hearts of her readers.  Her writings are fast winning for her a place among the writers of her race, and her exceptional powers of conversation make her many friends.

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MRS. DR. G. F. GRANT (nee GEORGINA SMITH).
Pianist, Vocalist.

     AMONG the gifted singers and pianists of the race, Mr. Trotter delights to honor Mrs. Grant in his book entitled, Music and some Highly Musical People.  He says:  "she was formerly the efficient organist of the North Russell Street Church, and has been regarded as a most pleasing vocalist, possessing a very pure, sweet soprano voice.  She was for some time a pupil of the New England Conservatory of Music, and on more than one occasion was

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chosen to represent at its quarterly concerts before large and cultivated audiences in Music Hall the system taught and fine progress made by the attendants of that institution."  On such occasions her naivete, her graceful, handsome stage appearance, and expressive rendering, with voice of bird-like purity, of some of the best eavatina music, always elicited the most enthusiastic plaudits and recalls.  The writer was present on one of these occasions, fortunately, and remembers with much satisfaction the delight he felt, not only in hearing this lady's melodious voice himself, but in witnessing its charming effect on the audience of nearly four thousand people, representing generally; "Boston's best culture."
     Her reception really amounted to an ovation.  The event was a most remarkable one, and exhibiting as it so fully did the power of art to scatter all the prejudices of race or caste, was most instructive and reassuring.
     Of her appearance at one of the concerts just mentioned, the Boston Globe thus spoke:

     * * * Miss Smith, a fine-looking young lady, achieved a like success in all her numbers and in fine presence on the stage, and in her simple, unobtrusive manner, winning the sympathies of the audience.
     And the Boston Journal said:
     An immense audience, in spite of the storm and the wretched condition of the streets, assembled in Music Hall yesterday evening to listen to the quarterly concert of the New England Conservatory of Music.  The spacious hall was packed in every part.  The most marked success during the evening was that won by Miss Georgina Smith, who has a fine soprano voice, and who sang in a manner which could but receive the warmest plaudits.
     Miss Smith was a member of the chorus composed of selected singers that sang at the memorable "International Peace Jubilee Concert," and although still quite young, has had an experience as a vocalist of which she may well be proud.

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MAMIE ELOISE FOX.
Poetess.

     THE accompanying cut is a most perfect likeness of Mamie Eloise Fox, who was born in Chillicothe, Ross county, Ohio, Apr. 10, 1871.  Both of her parents are Virginians and ex-slaves.

MAMIE E. FOX

     Miss Fox is of short stature, somewhat stout, and very muscular; she has large, brown eyes that look straight and squarely into those of the person with whom she is conversing; her high forehead betokens the intelligence that she certainly possesses.  Her features in general are well-defined and intelligent.
     In disposition, the young lady is loveable, kind and affectionate, having a great fondness for children and animals; she is noble, upright and true, in the highest sense of the word; having never been known to betray any confidence placed in her, she has a multitude of confiding friends.  Being highly conscientious, Miss Fox will support the right, never for once condescending to anything that tends to degrade; it is this conscientiousness that makes her so dutiful in home circles, so faithful a church member, so radical a total abstainer, and so true a friend; she truly says of herself that "she is as uncompromising as General Grant was when he demanded General Lee's unconditional surrender."  Although firm and immutable in her convictions of the right, Miss Fox is by no means bigoted, always endeavoring to make a practical application of the fact that "discretion is the better part of valor,"

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     In June, 1801, Miss Fox graduated from the Chillicothe high school, having taken the Latin course.  While in the high school she gave especial attention to literature, in consequence of which her natural literary inclinations were rapidly and profitably developed.  She is an excellent writer both of prose and verse, being aided in the latter by her vivid imagination.  At the age of nine she began to write verses, and has been doing so ever since; indeed, for one so young, she has written some commendable poems.  The lines which Alexander Pope applied to himself are equally applicable to Miss Fox:

As yet a child, and all unknown to fame,
I lisped in numbers, for the numbers came.

     Once a gentleman asked Miss Fox, "What is love?"  To which she replied, "Wait a few days and I shall answer your question"  One day, about a week thereafter, while in school the young poet wrote on the fly-leaf of her astronomy:

     After submitting the answer to the gentleman he told her she could not have written so concise and definite an answer had she not been inspired with love, whereupon she amended it by adding these lines:

     Miss Fox contributes poems to Ringwood's Journal, for which she has written some very beautiful ones, among them being "Sunset in Ohio," "Ignis Amoris," "Time's Pages," "Autumn" and some others.

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     In June, 1801, Miss Fox graduated from the Chillicothe high school, having taken the Latin course.  While in the high school she gave especial attention to literature, in consequence of which her natural literary inclinations were rapidly and profitably developed.  She is an excellent writer both of prose and verse, being aided in the latter by her vivid imagination.  At the age of nine she began to write verses, and has been doing so ever since; indeed, for one so young, she has written some commendable poems.  The lines which Alexander Pope applied to himself are equally applicable to Miss Fox:

     Once a gentleman asked Miss Fox, "What is love?"  To which she replied, "Wait a few days and I shall answer your question" One day, about a week thereafter, while in school the young poet wrote on the fly-leaf of her astronomy

     After submitting the answer to the gentleman he told her she could not have written so concise and definite an answer had she not been inspired with love, whereupon she amended it by adding these lines:

     Miss Fox contributes poems to Ringwood's Journal, for which she has written some very beautiful ones, among them being "Sunset in Ohio," "Ignis Amoris," "Time's Pages," "Autumn " and some others.

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     Aside from her literary qualifications Miss Fox is an ardent lover of music, reading it at sight.  Her chief ambition, however, is to study medicine in order to become a physician and surgeon.  Although she is not yet able to enter upon her medical studies, yet she possesses the energy and perseverance that will win for her success.
     As an ardent advocate of the temperance cause Miss Fox is unexcelled; she drinks neither malt, vinous nor spirituous liquors.  At a recent reception she attended Miss Fox was the only one present who did not partake of wine.  Her friends often try to persuade her to drink cider, but she absolutely refuses.  When asked her reasons for being so extreme in her temperance views, she says: "Read Romans xiv. 13-23; 1st Corinthians viii., 1-13." "When a girl of seventeen she wrote the following poem on

INTEMPERANCE.

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WHAT IS A RAINBOW?
_____

ECLIPSE OF THE SUN.

JANUARY 1, 1889.

     Miss Fox has written a number of fine essays, some of which will ere long be given to the public; she also thinks of having her verses published in book form.  Being a great church and Sunday-school worker, and secretary of the latter, she is kept very busy.  She has a brother to whom she is very devoted.

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MRS. N. F. MOSSELL.
Eminent Wriger

     A NUMBER of years ago at the closing exercises of a grammar school in the city of Philadelphia, a young girl read an essay on Influence.  This paper was so unusually interesting and gave such promise for future power that Bishop Tanner, who was in the audience, procured it for the Christian Recorder, and invited the young writer to furnish more material for the columns of that journal.  Thus modestly stepped into the literary world one who was destined to take high place among Afro-American writers, and who to-day, as Mrs. N. F. Mossell, is one of the leading women of a struggling race, whose brightest hope is that it can bring forth just such women.
     Mrs. Mossell, nee Bustill, was born in Philadelphia of parents who were Philadelphians on both sides for several generations.  Her parents were raised in the faith of the Society of Friends, and at a later date joined the Old School Presbyterian Church.  It will thus be seen that Mrs. Mossell could hardly have escaped having those strong traits of character and that inclination to studious habits which distinguish her, if the law of heredity counts for anything.  While still of tender age, death deprived her of a mother's care, and she and an older sister were boarded with friends until her twelfth year, when the sisters returned to their father's house, there to remain until they left it for homes of their own.  The elder sister married Rev. Wm. D. Robertson, now pastor of the Witherspoon Presbyterian Church, at Princeton, N. J.  The distinguished subject of this sketch became the wife of Dr. N. F. Mossell, of Lockport, now one of the leading physicians of Philadelphia, and one of the strongest and most progressive thinkers of the Anglo-African race.
     The first ten receptive, impressionable years make the form and character of a lifetime, and those early years of Mrs. Mossell gave the keynote to all her future years.  Deprived of the many influences that cling around a home life and a mother's

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care, the two little girls threw themselves into the company of books for their happiness.  They both became omnivorous readers, and Mrs. Mossell has told me that often when her fund of books ran low, she would devour the encyclopaedia or study the pages of a dictionary.  Thus was laid the foundation of that store of general information and that fluency of language which have enabled Mrs. Mossell to achieve her present excellence.
     After completing a course in the Roberts Vaux Grammar School, Mrs. Mossell taught school for seven years, a part of the time in Camden and later on in Frankfort.  During all this time she kept up literary work, contributing a number of poems, sketches, etc., to the Recorder.  Her marriage put an end to the school teaching, and for a time after it she ceased active literary work; but later on, she returned with redoubled vigor to her first love, and for a number of years contributed articles of special character to the leading journals of Philadelphia.  She has edited at different times the woman's departments of the New York Age, Echo and Indianapolis World, and has assisted in the editorship of the Lincoln Alumni Magazine.  Her contributions to the A. M. E. Review and other standard Negro journals would make, if collected, a volume of considerable size.
     With so much that is calculated to attract the admiration of the public, the real woman can only be appreciated by one who sees her in her home life.  Perfectly devoted to her husband's interests, and adopting herself to the increasing cares of his rapidly widening practice, Mrs. Mossell yet finds time to do her special work, and to surround her two interesting little daughters with the watchful care of a mother's love.  The Mossell home is always open to those in need of encouragement and aid, and many a struggling student can testify to the beauty of its hospitality.  Mrs. Mossell is intensely interested in anything that contributes to race progress.  She has acted as agent and canvasser to several race publications, and has a well-stocked library of Negro literature of her own.  She has in view a collection of her own writings and in actual preparation of work of value to the race.

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     When some future historian writes the history of the American Negro, it must be allowed that the Negro woman did a noble share in the race development, and when he calls over the roll of noble dames the name of Gertrude Mossell must be high on the list.                             OLIVE.
     We append the following as a sample of her merit as a writer and thinker

OUR WOMEN IN MISSIONS.

     It has been my intention for some time to prepare a paper on the above subject,—the editorial: Have we no Clara Bartons in our Race, that appeared in the last issue of Our Women and Children, led me to feel that my choice was felicitous.  All other races have each in its history had noble women to rise from their ranks and stretch forth the hand opening the way for multitudes to follow, in good works of heroism, charity and benevolence.  From the times of Joan of Arc down to Clara Barton of the present day, each race and era has been blessed in this respect—according to its needs.  Shall we alone fail to find loving hearts, willing hands, and high inspiration in our midst?  Do not fear that such will be the case.  Dr. Crummel, in his beautiful tribute to "the Black Woman of the South," has shown what our women were capable of even during the debasing influences of slavery.  Shall we not, in the light of great privileges and hence greater duties, prove worthy of still greater eulogy?  We shall stand in the limits of this paper to glean here and there from what has already been accomplished, and encourage with counsel still greater effort in this most blessed and desirable work.  Unfortunately I am not a traveler, so have but a limited field of observation to glean from, and do not know of any collected facts on this subject. Philadelphia, my birthplace and present home, has been blessed to some extent.  The opening of public schools to the children of color was accomplished largely through the labors of Mrs. Mary M. Jennings and her daughter Cordelia, now Mrs. Atwell, of New York.  Mrs. Ralls, of the A. M. E. Church, a woman of strong physique, noble in her appearance, with great love for humanity, established the

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Sarah Allen Mission House.  Boxes of clothing and books, food for the sick and such articles of use and instruction were collected and distributed.  One summer a number of aged persons were taken care of in a pleasant country dwelling. A mission school of fifty pupils was carried on for several years, and a Christmas dinner to 500 aged poor is now among the permanent work of the Mission.  A faith home for the aged was started at a later date by Mrs. Ralls for the care of the aged and infirm: it has some score of inmates, and has been very successful.  Begun without a dollar and carried on with no income, its daily needs are met by the prayerful efforts of this God-fearing woman who collects from any source whatsoever what may be freely given for the support of the institution according to her faith and works it has been done unto her, no day has found a lack of the necessaries or many of the luxuries and nourishments needful for the life and comfort of the inmates.  Mrs. Fanny Jackson Coppin, the great educator of the young of our race, has established, by persistent, persevering effort an industrial school that is daily proving itself of great value in the uplifting of the race.  She has also partially secured the means to found a boarding house for pupils from a distance.
     The first Sabbath-school in New York City on good authority was established by a colored woman named Happy Ferguson (how appropriate the name and the work).  The fact is established in two publications, History of Sabbath-schools of New York by W A. Chandler, and the Tribute to the Negro after the statement of the fact in his history.  Says Mr. Chandler: "God bless the dusky hands that broke here an alabaster box, the perfume of which still lingers about the great metropolis."  Hope some day our white friends of this hour in their great memorial meetings will take cognizance of this fact, and that the women of our race shall erect some monument or cenotaph to the memory of this noble woman.  Amanda Smith the African missionary; Sojourner Truth, the abolitionist, did good work in their day and generation.  Mrs. Mary Barbosa daughter of our late consul to Liberia ; the Rev. Henry High-

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land Garnet, D. D., established a mission for native girls in the West-Coast of Africa,  A hospital fund is being secured by Mrs. Roberts, the widow of ex-President Roberts, of Liberia, to found a mission hospital at Liberia.
     An orphanage for children has lately been secured by the earnest efforts of noble Afro-American women in the Southwest.  The noble work being done by Miss Hallie Quinn Brown all show that working and waiting will bring about the desired result.  All over this land different classes of the "submerged tenth" call for our aid and assistance.  It does not need education, influence, wealth or power, although all of these may be of value.  Mother Margaret, the orphans' friend of New Orleans, was a poor woman, yet she saved; thousands from sin and misery.  General Booth, of the Salvation Army, was not a millionaire, Jerry Mc Auliffes Mission started in poverty, so it is not wealth that is the prime necessity,  but a brave, loving heart, good health and persevering energy.  Dr. T. G Steward wrote several years ago in the Christian Recorder a thoughtful paper on Our Women's Work and Place in the Church in the Present and Future.  Women gave largely in their means, their time and their energy, but in an unsystematic way.  He pleaded for their organization a larger recognition, and why not?  Why not when two-thirds of the members of a church are women, and the means contributed by them swell the exchequer?  Why not give them official credit for their effort?  Why not learn a lesson from our sister church of the Catholic faith and establish an order having special work and costume, so they may not meet with obstacles while traveling about in the performance of the duties of the order?  There are many ways in which two or three women may "lend a hand" in the work of reform.  The ice water, flower, Chrismas card, Shut in Society, Working Girls' Union and dozens of other works come to our remembrance.  Let us think on these things, and, like the people of the ancient town of Berea, have a mind to work and our duty will find us out.
                                    Mrs. N. F Mossell, in Ringwood's Journal.

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"LOOKING BACKWARD"
Through the Spectacles of Jennie Jackson DeHart, the Famous Soprano of
the Original Fisk Jubilee Singers.

BY A. E W., CINCINNATI, O.

     THE name of Jenny Jackson is one that for many years has been familiar in the homes of this country and Europe.  For nineteen years she traveled from country to country with that famous band of Jubilee Singers, for the purpose of raising means to establish a permanent seat of learning for their face, in the land where they had so recently felt the lash of the master's whip, and where morallythey are still enslaved by ignorance and crime.  Gen. Clinton B. Fisk, in charge of the Freedman's Bureau in the Kentucky and Tennessee district, joined hands with the American Mission Association to establish a school at Nashville.  Through his personal efforts the hospital barracks, formerly used by the Union Army, were secured, the purchase being made without it being known for what purpose they were going to be used.  In 1866 the school was established and named Fisk University in honor of the man who did so much to make its establishment a certainty.  To this Jennie Jackson came in 1868 to take advantage of the opportunity offered for an education, an opportunity heretofore denied her.  In 1871 a crisis in the management of the school was reached, when it was found that the resources were inadequate to the demand, and the funds must be increased or the school must be moved to Atlanta.  How to increase the funds was a perplexing problem, but one that was happily solved by Prof. Geo. L. White, instructor of music in the University.  With him originated the idea of taking a band of singers from the school to the North and by singing in churches and halls raise the required sum of money.  How well this plan succeeded is well known.  In eight months they sent home $20,000, and when the company disbanded they had helped the University to the extent of over $150,000.
     Their aim being accomplished, the members of this great band of singers (there were ten of the originals) scattered here

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and there, each (with one exception) a living monument of love and devotion to race elevation.  One, his work being finished, has fallen asleep.  Jenny Jackson is now the wife of Andrew J. DeHart, and resides on Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, O.  Her devotion to her race is well worthy of imitation.  While with the company she sent to the University for the education of poor students over two thousand dollars, collected from friends made in her travels, besides educating two girls out of her own private funds.  Many valuable coins, stones and other curios have been contributed by her to the University's cabinets, while to her, also, its famous autograph album is largely due.
     Thinking that something from this woman of such a wonderful experience might be of interest to the readers of "Ringwood," I, one cold, rainy day, not long since, donned my wraps and ventured over to her home.  I found her in her cosy little dining-room, where burned a cheerful grate-fire,
which, together with a very warm welcome, caused me to soon forget the cold stormy weather through which I had come.  After making me comfortable in a large armchair and poking the fire a little she seated herself and— "So you want me to talk to you?  All right, what shall I talk about?" "About yourself."  "About myself?  Why, my dear, there is nothing to say about myself that's worth saying."  "Well, tell me something about the Fisk Jubilee Singers."  "Very well, I'll just get my scrap-books and photographs, they may interest you more than I can."  She brought out two large scrapbooks and a large box of photographs and placed them on the table by my side.
     The two scrap-books I found filled with newspaper clippings, programmes, letters, invitation cards, etc., and the box contained photographs of the singers, of friends connected with the school, of distinguished persons of this and foreign countries, of the school, of halls, churches and hotels.  These, together with the many little reminiscences which they called forth from the madam, made a story that reads almost like a romance.  That these emancipated slaves should have gone forth

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over the civilized world, the guests of the crowned heads of Europe, and returned with $150,000, with which to build an educational institution for the elevation of their race, seems little short of a marvel.
     The story of their travels has been so often told, that it is no doubt familiar to the readers of this journal.  A few clippings will, perhaps, still be of interest.
     Mr. Beecher, one of their earliest and stanchest friends, in an address delivered in 1886, says:  "I think there never was such a phenomenon as the building of Fisk University.  We talk about castles in the air.  That is the only castle that ever I knew to be built by singing, from foundation to top.  That is a castle in the air worth having.  They sang through our country, and it is one of the things that I cherish with pride that they took their start from Plymouth Church lecture room.  Oh!  those days after the war!  My brother Tom wrote to me that this Jubilee band were trying to sing their way to the East and see if they could not raise a little money, and urged me to look after them.  They called on me.  I said, 'I do not know whether the folks will bear it or not, but come around Friday night, at the prayer meeting, and I will give you a chance.'  Friday night they sat there, and after the service concluded I said to the people:  'There is a band of singers here, every one of whom has been baptized in slavery, and they are coming to the East to see if they can raise some little funds for their education and their elevation, and now I wish you would hear them sing a few pieces.'  I called them upon the platform.  There were about eleven hundred people there.  The Jubilee band began to sing.  It was still as death.  They sang two pieces, tears were trickling from a great many eyes.  They sang again and the audience burst forth into a perfect enthusiasm of applause, and when they had sung four or five pieces my people rose up in a mass and said: 'These folks must sing in the church.'  I had them sing on Sunday morning, and on Wednesday night the church was crowded and crammed, and from that they went on, conquering and to conquer.  They sang up and down our own country; they sang

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here; they sang in the presence of the royal family; they sang in Paris; they sang in Berlin; they sang before the Emperor William, and when they came back they had earned one hundred and fifty thousand dollars for the Fisk University."

BEECHER'S NEGRO MINSTRE

     The great Plymouth preacher as an "End Man" is the heading of an article in the New York Herald, which says. - The Plymouth Varieties. -
     Mr. Henry Ward Beecher, the eminent divine of Brooklyn, our sister city, is a man remarkable for many things.  His great aim and chief object in life is never to be like anybody else.  This achieved, and he is perfectly satisfied unto himself and his very peculiar congregation, or, as the irreverent term them, his "audience."  But never before in his life has Mr. Beecher essayed to appear as a manager of Negro minstrels or as an "end man," as was apparent from the nature of the performances last evening at Plymouth church.  A "Jubilee Singers' Concert," to be given by a band of nine Negroes, male and female, had been largely advertised among the faithful. Consequently, last evening, to answer this call upon the pious and meek and lowly congregation of Zion, about twenty-five hundred persons had assembled in Plymouth church, composed about equally of ladies and gentlemen.  The Negroes went through a very monotonous minstrel performance.  "Go Down, Moses," "Roll, Jordan, Roll," "The Old Folks at Home," "Home, Sweet Home" and other Negro melodies were sung just as they would be sung in a concert hall, and the behavior of the audience was just as it would be in a Negro minstrel hall, etc. etc.  This same paper, two years later (1873), in speaking of a concert given by them, says: "The programme was mainly made up of those fervent and musical hymns that exactly reflect the enthusiastic, even ecstatic nature of the colored people, and which, having become wrought into their being during servitude, still holds sway over their feelings. The worthiness of their enterprise, though great, will have much less to do with filling the hall than the pleasing nature of the previous concerts."

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     The Rev Newman Hall, after writing a very minute description of a breakfast party given to the singers by Mr. Gladstone, makes this apology:

     "To English readers I should apologize for writing in this way.  My description would be severely criticised as giving prominence to trifling courtesies, which, with us, are matters of course.  No one here pretending to social refinement would make the least distinction between the guests he might meet merely on the ground of color, and no one would hesitate on that account to invite to his house anyone otherwise suitable.  I am told there still exists in the United States some remnant of the old prejudice.  This may be found, no doubt, among some of the ignorant and vulgar of our own land, and so also it would not be fair to infer that such prejudice is general in America, because exhibited by some low-bred, unrefined and narrow souls.  I fancy some of these were at Surrey Chapel the other Sunday morning when the Jubilee singers did me the honor of taking a little luncheon with some of my friends of Rowland Hill's parsonage.  Some Americans had come to take my hand and I asked them to join us.  But when they entered the house, and saw our Negro friends sitting down to table, side by side with some English ladies, they looked surprised, stood awhile at the door, and then walked away down the street.  I wish they had been present yesterday to see Mrs. Gladstone and her daughters, and noble lords and ladies present, taking their Negro friends by the hand, placing them chairs, sitting at their sides, pouring out their tea, etc., and conversing with them in a manner utterly free from any approach either of pride or condescension, but exactly as if they had been white people in their own rank of life." — Ringwood Journal.

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MRS. SARAH GIBSON JONES.

     SARAH EMILY GIBSON, daughter of Daniel and Mary Gibson, was born in Alexandria, VA., Apr. 13, 1845.  Her father, a man of unusual strength of intellect and will, was

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self-reliant and well-read in, at least, the English literature of the day; and her mother, a quiet and practical woman, gentle, firm and efficient.  She was the third of eleven children.  Of these only four survive, Mrs. Josephine Ward, of Walnut Hills; Mrs. Louisa Davis, of New York, and Samuel Gibson, a young lawyer of Troy, New York.  Soon after the birth of Sarah her parents, wishing to give their children better educational advantages, came to Cincinnati in 1849.  Her first schooling was obtained in a pay school, taught by a Mrs. Hallam, afterward Mrs. Corbin, a white lady well remembered by old Cincinnatians.  The free schools furnished the rest of her education, her principal instructors being Mrs. Corbin and Peter H. Clark.  She began her career as a teacher, at Newtown, Ohio, in 1860.  After leaving there became governess in a family near Oxford, O., then taught a private school at her own home until appointed to a position by the Cincinnati school board in September, 1863.  Two years later she was united in matrimony to M. P. H. Jones, younger son of Rev. Samuel Jones, one of the pioneer Baptist ministers of the State of Ohio.  At that time Mr. Jones was clerk of the colored school board, and was a gentleman of fine literary attainments, a pleasant and intellectual conversationalist and possessor of a wonderful memory.  Although he was her senior by twenty years the marriage was a congenial one.  Three children were the result of the union, two dying in infancy and one—Joseph Lawrence, surviving.  This young man is as talented as one would naturally suppose the son of such parents would be.  He graduated from Gaines school in, and is to-day one of the rising young men of Cincinnati.
     Mrs. Jones taught in Mt. Healthy two years, Columbus, O., three years, and is now employed on Walnut Hills, where she has been for sixteen years.  She is well known as a careful and conscientious instructor.  Her first literary venture was in 1862, when she assisted J. P Sampson, editor of The Colored Citizen, writing articles on various subjects.  She has contributed to the Christian Recorder, and later she wrote regularly for the Indianapolis World, edited by the Bagby

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brothers.  She is in constant demand by the different churches, literary societies, etc., to give readings and is seldom known to refuse.  In 1883 she wrote a lecture which she delivered before large audiences in Dayton, Zanesville, Cincinnati, Walnut Hills and other places in the State, but was forced to retire from the lecture field because it interfered with her school duties.  She was appointed a lady manager of the Col. Orphan Asylum in 1881 and holds the position at present.  In early life she became a member of the Union Baptist Church, which position she holds to-day.  She is not only a "church member," but one of the truest and best christians I have ever known.  Her faith is in right living rather than in church creeds, and she looks forward to the time when all men shall believe in "one Lord, one faith and one baptism."  She is the only one I ever knew who always urges something in favor of the erring, whether friend or foe, and who tries to see only the good in every one.  Her religion is broad enough to cover with the mantle of charity every sinner in the land.  She enjoys a good sermon whether delivered by one denomination or another, and is one of the most faithful of friends.  Mr. Jones, whose health had been gradually failing for a number of years, gave up entirely in 1886.  From that time until his death, which occurred Oct. 3, 1891, he was an invalid.  For seven months he was bedfast, but was nursed with a tender patience that never even flagged for an instant.  He bore his affliction through those long weary months with christian fortitude, and died in the triumphs of faith.
     Mrs. Jones is one of the noblest of noble women.  With discouragements of all kinds, she has kept on her way, a tender mother, a loving wife, a consistent christian and a faithful friend.  Pure in heart, mind and conversation she has yet been misunderstood by many and has at times been the target for some evil minds, who would dare sully the brightness of the stars.  But by those who know and appreciate her womanly qualities, she is dearly loved, and they all join in saying —

"May she live long and prosper."

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"SISTER MARY"

     TO the readers of "Ringwood" will be given a series of biographical sketches of Afro-American women who have done or are doing something to lift themselves and their race to a higher moral and intellectual plane.  This will be done that the readers of thsi journal may not only become acquainted with what the women of the race are doing, but by their successes and achievements in the battle of life may be inspired to do even greater things, for Longfellow tells us:

     It requires a number of flowers woven together to make a garland.  It is the more brilliant and fragrant flowers of the garland, however, that attract attention.  But sometimes we find under a leaf or peeping between petals, an humble little flower, and with careful touch we coax it from its hiding place and find that its tiny petals, delicate tints and sweet perfume add new beauty to our garland.  To the list of women who will constitute the Ringwood garland,  I send the name of Sister Mary.  I send it not on account of any very brilliant achievements of hers, but as a souvenir to her many friends, who knew and loved her for her affectionate and sympathetic disposition and helpful and self-sacrificing spirit.  To those who knew her not, I send it as an example of one who "learned the luxury of doing good."  One of those to whom the Savior will say— "I was a hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visted me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me."
     Mary Frances was the second of ten children of the Rev. Wallace and Mrs. Susan Sheldon.  She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 31, 1836.  She was a delicate child and early became subject to severe sick headaches.  This affliction followed her through life, but she was a most patient sufferer.  She early developed such traits of character as not only

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endeared her to her mother, father, sisters and brothers, but to a very large circle of friends.  While yet young, she shared with her mother the responsibilities of the care of the very large family.  To her the father learned to look for assistance in entertaining the many who came to partake of his hospitality, and it was to "Sister Mary" the children would come for sympathy and help.  She learned dressmaking and was soon self-supporting.  At about the age of twenty-four she was married to James Buckner.  Two children, a boy and a girl, were the fruit of this union.  The boy died in infancy; her daughter still lives.  After her marriage she continued to follow the dressmaking business, and being a very skillful one she was always kept busy.  Many times when help was hard to find and work was pressing, she would sew all night, and yet she was never so busy but what she could find time to go and minister to the sick.  Often she has taken me with her on some errand of mercy, to see some poor one sick or in distress, and she never left them without doing something for their comfort and cheer.  Strangers came to her, and on hearing the story of their misfortunes she would take them in and give them shelter and food.  No one was ever turned from her door hungry or empty handed.  I have known her to give and cheerfully too, the last cent of money she had to one in distress.  There are many persons in this and other cities who remember with grateful hearts this woman who took them in, strangers though they were, and encouraged and helped them.  Then there are many who when sick miss her gentle soothing touch, miss the nightly visits she would make them; when all the world seemed wrapped in forgetful slumber, she would come and minister to their wants, comfort and cheer them.  Many miss the sympathy that she so freely gave to the sorrowing or distressed.  Her life was one of unceasing toil, toiling for others, thinking always of the happiness and comfort of others, always forgetting self.  She wore her life away, and one night, the 22nd of May, 1888, the Master sent a hasty summons and her soul took its flight.
                         A. E. W., Cincinnati, O, in Ringwood's Journal.

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SUSIE I. SHORTER, nee LANKFORD.

     SUSIE ISABELLA was the eldest-born child to Whitten S. and Clarissa Lankford.  She was born at Terra Haute, Indiana, Jan. 4, 1859.
     Her mother died when she was but fourteen, leaving her as soon as who must care for and comfort, a bereaved Wilberforce University when her mother died.
     Her father married soon afterward, and she went to Rockville, Indiana, where she was a successful teacher two years.  Her third term as a teacher was spent at Richmond, Indiana—her home at that time—from which place she was married.
     Soon after the death of her mother, the family moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where her father was pastor of Bethel A. M. E. Church.  A little incident occurred which no doubt helped shape her future course.  One evening near sunset a minister called to see her father.  He had every look of a traveler ; dusty, weary, hungry, almost forlorn.  However, he was soon made presentable, and in the meantime Susie had spread a refreshing meal.  He enjoyed it very much, he said when he had finished; and pronounced the biscuit excellent (he had managed to consume eleven, though they were not very large).  The young housekeeper was delighted that her father's guest—a stranger to her—had been made so welcome.
     The minister was a professor of theology, and resided with his family near Xenia, Ohio.  Chief among his friends there was a bachelor professor, to whom—as soon as they had welcomed each other—he related the little incident in Bethel parsonage, and recommended at once the little girl who could make such good biscuit as a suitable companion for a wife.  Soon after this the second marriage of her father took place, and what with a new wife and fashionable hired girl, it was plainly seen that Susie was not needed; so she was allowed to return to Wilberforce, where, in spite of herself,

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she must come in contact daily with this bachelor professor, and he taught her all about the verb "love" and "to be" loved.  They were married in 1878, by this same professor and minister who had enjoyed her hospitality so long ago—Dr. T. H. Jackson—assisted by Dr. B. F Lee.  It was many years afterward e'er Susie knew anything of this revelation, when the doctor mentioned it in her presence, in general conversation with Prof. Prioleau and wife, at their residence.  Early in life she was inclined to write.  She wrote a poem on the death of her mother, at the age of fourteen years, which was highly complimented. For many years she wrote occasional papers for the Christian Recorder, and is at present contributor to the news column of the same.  She is possessed of a missionary spirit, and aids willingly any enterprise that has for its object the bettering of humanity.

HEROINES, BY MRS. SUSIE I. SHORTER

     Believing that much good can and will be derived from this amiable little book, we have asked the author's permission to republish a part of it in her column, "Plain talk to girls." (Editor.)
     The crown and glory of man is woman; filling his very being with joy inexpressible.
"Woman, beautiful being, grandest creation of earth, brightest star in Heaven!
     Nothing is more lovely than a good woman; nothing more loathsome, more detestable than a vile woman.
     The woman who lives a pure life, a Christian here and dies the Christian's death, is queen of earth and Heaven; but what shall be the portion of the thousand and more women who live and die in degradation and sin?  Surely they will dwell in the lowest depths of utter darkness, where the sun of righteousness does not shine and where the wicked forever reap that they have sown.
     Women occupy positions no other creatures can occupy — no others wield so great an influence for good or evil; how necessary then that we have good women, pure, undefiled,

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pious, yea everything combined to make them fit for the end of their creation.
     Who does not admire a beautiful woman! I do not mean beautiful because her face, form or general appearance may be
fascinating or comely—but beautiful in thought, kind words, loving deeds, amiable in disposition, patient in everything, an
example worthy of imitation.
     Hands that are ever ready to assist the needy are beautiful hands, though they be rough from work or wrinkled with age.
     The diamonds that sparkle in eyes of noble Christian women are far more precious than those which deck the crowns of royalties, or glisten on the throats of gaily dressed ladies of fashion.
     The pearly tears, shed on account of a fallen woman, an orphan child, an outraged or discouraged comrade, are more precious than rubies, they are but the outward sign of an inward sympathy, tender and true.
     Those are lovely feet that go on errands of mercy to the hut of a poor widow, the haunts of poverty, even though they have only a cup of cold water to convey to the parched lips of some one slowly but surely dying.
     Very much good is daily accomplished by other true women, who on account of some bodily affliction are not able to visit the sick, poor or distressed, but who prepare at home some little relish to tempt the appetite, some garment that will shut out the biting blasts of winter, perhaps a letter whose encouraging words may save some one from despair— for often timely words are the means of causing those who are cast down and those who resolve to go to the bad, to look up and see that life is not all shadows.
     If ever the human heart needs sympathy and encouragement it is when crushed with sorrow, or heavy on account of a downfall, for when a woman (or man either) starts on the down grade very many are ready to give her a push, she is already conscious of her guilt, the sin gnaws continually, she feels to be an outcast, and if no kind spirit administers words

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of advice, she plunges hopelessly into the dark chasm beneath her, a ruined woman.  But we thank God there are many noble women who are in His hands the instrument of doing much good for this class of individuals by their timely words, and for other needy ones whom they may not be able to visit in person, but to whom they send blessings by their children, not only benefiting the needy, but instilling within the bosoms of their children a spirit of true benevolence.
     In all ages women have been leaders in good enterprises.  Every truly great man owes his success in life to the careful training of his devout mother, who led him in the way of true greatness.
     We speak of the nobleness of women of every age, of every clime—for every age and clime has produced noble women, grand, good women—but, the women of this busy, ever advancing age who shall claim our special attention are our women, the Negro women of America, the Heroines of African Methodism.
     As far back as 1759 (more than a century ago) we find women leading in the cause of Christ, for the first black person baptized by John Wesley at Wordsworth, England, Nov. 30, 1759, was a Christian woman, and that same woman became the first black class leader in West India Isle.
     In this, our beloved America, where the chains of slavery have long since been broken, where we can serve God north, east, south and west and fear no evil, two classes composed of Negroes were organized in 1766.  Methodist class north by Phillip Embry, consisting of five members—a woman in the midst; Methodist class south by Robert Strawbridge, consisting of twelve members.  One was a woman, Anna Switzer, who lived in a family of white Christians whose name she bore.  They afterward moved to Brownsville, Penn., where Miss Bell Switzer, a descendant, taught in the Negro Sabbath school.
One of her bright-eyed boys—whose first teacher she was—was Poor Ben, who labored and ascended the ladder of true Christian progress, round by round, and is to-day before you one of the greatest of all men, black or white, of the cen-

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tury in which he lives.  Bishop, leader, brother, friend, beloved by all on account of his pleasing manner, and yet, Bishop Benjamin W. Arnett owes all his true greatness, all his success in life to his dear mother, who led him in the right way.  She lived to see her boy a noble, Christian man, then quietly fell asleep in Jesus.
     When Bishop Wm. Paul Quinn went to the then far West to organize a church in St. Louis, Mo., he stopped at the home of one of our pioneer, mothers, Mrs. Anna Baltimore.  She was ever the friend of ministers, and showed the true courage of a brave woman by standing between the bishop and a cruel mob.  Ever was she a faithful worker in the African Methodist Episcopal church, and God spared her to see a general conference in that place.
     Phillis Wheatley was born in Africa and brought to Boston, Mass., in 1761.  Though a slave she was allowed to improve her talent, and became a noted poetess.  "She addressed a poem to the Earl of Dartmouth, who received it very kindly," also some complimentary verses to General Washington in 1776, during the War of the American Revolution.  Like many other good women, she married a worthless man, and at last died in poverty.  She has gone to the home of the soul where all is bliss, and in her beautiful compositions yet lives on earth.
     Mary E. Ashe Lee, Lucretia Newman Coleman, Bertha B. Cook, Fannie Jackson Coppin, Josephine Silone Yates, Ida B. Wells, Josie D. Heard, Anna H. Jones, A. J. Cooper and Mary E. Church are but a few of the composers and poetesses of our times of whom we are proud, and very proud also are we that we have a Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, poetess and teacher, who was the first woman connected with the Union Seminary School, Columbus, Ohio, out of which grew our beloved Wilberforce.
     We are proud of our women.  Little as has been written concerning them, they are walking in all life's avenues successfully, daring and doing what the women of other varieties of the human race dare and do.

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     Listen to the strains of sweet music as they flow from the lips of Nellie E. Brown, Madame Selika, Harriet E. Freeman, Jennie Jackson, Lena Miller, Madam Dougan, Mattie E. Cheeks, Jennie Robinson Stewart, Cora Lee Watson, Anna S. Baltimore, Essie Fry Cook, Anna Jones Coleman, Hyers Sisters, and many others, and tell me, is any sound sweeter?
     Hear the melody produced by Ernestine Clarke Nesbit, Gay Lewis. Bertha B. Cook, Hellen D. Handy (who so lately filled your courts with sweet music, but whose musical fingers are now still and cold in death), Mattie F. Roberts, Katie Stewart Bazel, Bertha Battles, Alice Richards, Gussie E. Clarke Jones, Mary E. Church, Dovie King, Anna L. Arnett, Ella Shepherd, and a number of others; listen, I say, as they ring sweet music from the piano, organ or violin, and tell me, is it not charming?
     There was a time when we could not boast of women physicians and surgeons, but now we have S. B. Jones, Carrie V. Anderson Still, Consuello Clark, and others skilled in this profession.
     Gaze upon the beautiful marble statue chiseled by the skilled hand of Edmonia Lewis, or behold a life-like portrait of your departed friend penciled by the artistic fingers of Mattie F. Roberts, and you behold work done by our women that will compare favorably with that done by women of other race varieties.
     Sit in rapture and amazement at the feet of Hallie Quinn Brown, as in queen-like manner she personates every phase of life, and there acknowledge in woman an elocutionist who has few equals and fewer still superiors.
     Visit stores managed and controlled by women like Kate Turner, Bell Johnson Highwarden, and Mary E. Williams, and be convinced that women can carry on business as successfully as men; indeed, we need not go North for examples of business women, for I believe the South is ahead.  I remember reading in the Southern Review of April, 1890. published in this city, of a little mulatto woman, Jane Simmons, of Milledgeville, Ga., who is said to be the first woman in the South to become

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a butcher by profession. She can kill, clean and cut up more hogs in a day than any man in the country.
     We have women also said to be successful lawyers, who can plead at the bar as earnestly and successfully as men.
     The name of Amanda Smith has long been sung as a great benefactor, teacher and preacher, who, like Mrs. Mossell, Mrs. Bishop Campbell, and others, has a missionary spirit, laboring that those who sit in darkness may receive the light of this blessed gospel day.
     Who shall estimate the worth of the band of faithful women who are teachers in our Sabbath-schools, day-schools, high schools, seminaries, colleges, and universities?  All over this broad, free land of ours, wherever there is a hamlet, town: or city, we find these earnest, faithful workers.  Toil on, noble band, yours is the greatest of missions given to women (save the sacred mission given to mothers) however humble or obscure.
                                       SUSIE I. SHORTER, in Ringwood's Journal.

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MRS. ROSA D. BOWSER

     WHEN revolutionary ideas shake society, and the condition of affairs in church or state calls for leaders, the demand is usually met. This is no whim of the mind, but a fact which history will establish beyond the shadow of a doubt.   He who reads history with the eye of the philosopher will readily see the hand of Providence in the historic development of the race.  This fact is very patent in the life of the one of whom we now proceed to give a brief pen picture.  Rosa D. Bowser {nee Dixon) was born in Amelia county, Virginia.  When she was but a child her parents moved to the city of Richmond, Va.  Early in life her thirst for knowledge was great, hence as soon as an opportunity for attending school offered itself, she availed herself of it, entered school and began at once.  She enjoyed her school life very much, and made rapid progress in her studies, and soon won the affection and esteem of her instructors and fellow pupils.  Her design in acquiring a good education was to

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qualify herself for usefulness in a higher degree.  She recognized the fact that much would depend upon the foundation laid in this the formative period of life, therefore she regarded it her duty to have a definite aim, to select for herself a vocation.  The importance of this was seen from the simple and evident fact that the usefulness of every person depends wholly upon his own labors.  This idea led the subject of our sketch onward, and as each new obstacle was surmounted she saw her fond object nearer her grasp, until finally, as a reward for her diligent labor, she had the gratification of gaining her coveted object, and the satisfaction of knowing that it was a recompense for her masterly exertion in the pursuit of knowledge.  She pursued the course of study laid clown in the various grades and finally graduated with distinction from the Normal School.  Mrs. Bowser's makeup fitted her for work of teaching, therefore she began to teach soon after she got through with her course of study.  If we are to decide from her work and the success attending her efforts, we are forced to conclude that she is a born teacher.  She has in herself the element of a true teacher.  That element is sympathy, a sympathy not merely intellectual in its nature, but a sympathy which flows from a community of life.  This shows itself that she endeavors to help her pupils to become something in the world.  This very effort upon her part has done much to enshrine her name in the hearts of hundreds of pupils whom she has taught.  If the life she so nobly lives be lived again in souls she has moulded, it will be to her a monument more enduring than any art can devise.  She taught school for seven successive years, and then was married to James H. Bowser, Esq., a scholarly gentleman, and a man of most upright Christian character.  Mrs. Bowser's married life was brief, but it was full of pleasure and happiness; and this was true because of the fact that she carried into this new relationship the same devotion and noble characteristics that she had exhibited all through her career.
     Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Bowser has taught nine years in our public schools and has done her work in the

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same acceptable manner as in former years. Mrs. Bowser also taught very acceptably in a Summer Normal Institute, several summers ago, at Lynchburg, Va.  Her course has been different from that of many of our young people who graduate from the schools.  She gives herself to study and thus endeavors to advance in knowledge and to acquaint herself with the most improved methods of imparting information to others.  Mrs. Bowser not only writes well, but she speaks with an ease and freedom of which many a man who regards himself something of a speaker would be proud.  We would not close this sketch without calling attention to the fact that Mrs. Bowser became a Sunday-school scholar very early in life and soon saw the need of a personal Savior.  She accepted Christ in the days of her youth, and began at once to make herself useful.  She is found in all good work, whether it is the Church, Sunday-school, Y. M. C. A., or Missionary Society.  The success which has come to Mrs. Bowser is largely due to this, that she recognizes the fact that the changes of earth are constantly occurring and they depend altogether upon the power that one has to do good or evil!  She is strong in mind, in heart and in life, and day by day she is impressing the people with this fact.  Mrs. Bowser is serving the second year as president of the Richmond Normal School Alumni and also of the Virginia Teachers' Association which meets at the V. N. & C. I. Petersburg, Va., in July.  She is president of the Woman's Educational Convention of Richmond, Va.
                                                       DR. JOS. E. JONES, in Ringwood's Journal.
Richmond, Va.

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