GENEALOGY EXPRESS

 

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Black
History & Genealogy

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M. BELL JACKSON.
Singer.

     THE subject of our sketch was born Feb. 24, 1864, in Xenia, Ohio.  She early convinced her parents, as well as all who came in her way that, no matter how well she might become fitted for other things, music burned its mellifluous incense upon her heart.  Indeed, the appellation of

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Jackson's singing girl was applied to her even before she could walk.  The whole trend of her genius was given up to the
fate which seemed to devour her, and hence, as early as eleven years of age she became a member of the Second Baptist

M. BELL JACKSON

Church choir, of Springfield, Ohio, and there for a number of years demonstrated that, in the realm of song, the recipient of such a marvelous voice was worthy of the gift.
     In 1889, she joined the Anthony Musical Concert Company, and traveled with them one year as the soloist.  Soon after she was summoned to contract for the season of 1890 and 1891, to travel in the above capacity with the Nashville Students.  Her press notices have been showered in profusion upon her. She is thoroughly awake to the necessity of competency in her art, and is working with all the energy of her soul to rank among the greatest of our closing century

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MARIA BECRAFT

     MARIA BECRAFT was among the pioneer colored Catholics of America, a brilliant light.  Her religious devotion and wonderful intelligence, as well as piety and refinement, marked for her a footprint "upon the sands of time,"  a paragraph in the history of her race.
     She was born, 1805 - attended school in Washington, 1812, and later attended the school taught by Mrs. Billings until

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1820, when she, restless to do good for the race, opened a school and achieved marvelous success.  In 1827 she was given new duties, more becoming the high place to which she had by dint and push elevated herself.  Her beauty and high character inspired Father Vanlomen, the erudite priest, who transferred her to a larger house opposite the convent where she opened a boarding and day school for colored girls, which she conducted for four or more years.  Later, she became a sister of a convent at Baltimore, where she was noted as a high teacher.  Her name as a sister of Providence was Sister Aloyn.

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ANNA ZINGA.
African Queen

     "A more odious spirit, licentious, blood-thirsty, and cruel, never inhabited the form of woman," says Mrs. Hale, "and yet she is deserving a place along-side of the great women of the world; for she, in understanding and ability, stepped far beyond her countrymen, and the circumstances under which she lived."

     ZINGA was born in Matamba, in Africa, in 1592.  Her father was what the European travelers and writers chose to term a king.  What state or elevation could be assumed by a chief of Negroes and cannibals, it would be difficult to define; but, at all events, he was the principal personage of his tribe.  Nothing can be said about a throne where a bench or chair was a rare and inappreciable luxury.  Zinga manifested a craft and management by which she soon got the better of her brothers; and upon the death of her father, investing herself with the sacred character of priestess, became the leading spring of the people.  At that time the Portugese and Dutch were attempting a rival influence on the coast of Africa, for commercial purposes; religious difficulties became involved in this rivalship; there were no doubt many missionaries of high and pure motives, while others, forgetting their message of peace, served to exacerbate the opposition among Christians. Zinga had the good sense to appreciate the advantages she could derive from the Christians; she visited the

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Portugese settlement, ingratiated herself with the Governor, and was baptized.  With their aid she soon made herself predominant among all the tribes of the neighborhood; and as soon as she had destroyed all whom she might have feared, she abjured her new faith and returned to her idols.  For some time she lived feared and respected among her own people; but perpetrating acts of despotic cruelty too terrible for detail, she soon became wearied of reigning over a race of trembling savages.  Her intercourse with the Portugese had taught her the advantages of civilization, and her own sagacity perceived that the introduction of Christianity could alone improve her nation.  She sent for priests, and again became a nominal member of the Christian church.  She was now sixty-five years old, and determined to remain faithful to the injunctions of the missionaries.  Her example was followed by those who surrounded her; and had she lived, the spirit of the gospel might have tempered this savage race, but a sudden illness put an end to her existence in 1663.
     Her courage and vigor were remarkable; she was naturally formed for government, and her native capacity and energy would, in a different country and with suitable education, have made a great queen; while her extreme hardness of heart must have rendered her hateful and repulsive as a woman , still, she exhibited better dispositions than any king of her race had ever done, and she was the first of her tribe who made any attempt to adopt Christianity.  Had she been born and brought up under its blessed light, how different would have been her character and her destiny!  When such instances of the capacity of the colored race are brought before us, we should be awakened to the importance of sending the gospel and the means of instruction to the wretched millions of women and children in Africa.

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MISS ELIZABETH TAYLOR GREENFIELD.
The Famous Songstress (The "Black Swan").

     IT is very difficult for the historian to say a few words of one that has so nearly reached perfection in the art of music and song, hence, the danger of saying too little, when so much fitting and appropriate should be said, but as Mr. Trotter's Music and Some Highly Musical People, also her complete biography, are at our command, we take the liberty of plucking such as we hope may not prove burdensome to our readers.  As they will see further along in this sketch that the press, critics and music lovers have gone into ecstasies, captivated and completely captured when even prompted by a spirit of curiosity to hear the African nightingale, the peer of Patti, Nilsson, Jenny Lind or Parodi.
     She was not of vanity, nevertheless a child of nature, a vis a tergo controlled her being and taught her the true lessons of sublimity. Notwithstanding she knew the power of her voice, and the perfection of her attitude to command through curiosity, because of her formidable color, she heeded her inmost natural feelings and stood fair with all mankind.
     She was better known as the "Black Swan" in both America and Europe. Her career in song and music having almost annihilated her Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield cognomen.
     'She was born of slave parents, in Natchez, Miss., in the year 1809.  When but a year old she was brought to Philadelphia by an exemplary Quaker lady by whom she was carefully reared.  Between these two persons there ever existed the warm affection that is felt by mother and daughter.  In the year 1844 this good lady died. In her will, the subject of this sketch was remembered by a substantial legacy.  The will was contested however, and she never received the bequest.  Her family name was Taylor; but, in honor of her benefactress and guardian, she took the latter's name—Greenfield.  Previous to the death of this lady, Elizabeth had become distinguished in the limited circle in which she was known for her remarkable powers of voice.  Its tender thrill-

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ing tones often lightened the weight of age in one who was beloved by her as a mother."
     By indomitable will she surmounted difficulties almost invincible.  At first she taught herself crude accompaniments to her
songs, and intuitively perceiving the agreement or disagreement of them, improvised and repealed until there was heard floating upon the air a very 'lovely song of one that had a pleasant voice, and could play well upon a guitar.'
     "There dwelt in the neighborhood of Mrs. Greenfield a physician, humane and courteous; capable too, of distinguishing and appreciating merit and genius under whatever prejudices and disadvantages they were presented.  His daughter, herself an amateur in the science of harmonious sounds, heard of Elizabeth's peculiar structure of mind.  Miss Price invited her to her house.  She listened with delighted surprise to her songs.  She offered to accompany her upon the guitar.  This was a concurrence of circumstances which formed the era of her life.  Her pulses quickened as she stood and watched the fair Anglo-Saxon fingers of her young patroness run over the key-board of a full toned pianaforte, eliciting sweet, sad, sacred, solemn sounds.  Emotion well-nigh overcame her; but the gentle encouragement of her fair young friend dissipated her fears and increased her confidence.  She sang; and before she had finished she was surrounded by the astonished inmates of the house, who, attracted by the remarkable compass and sweetness of her voice, stealthily entered the room, and now, unperceived, stood gathered behind her.  The applause which followed the first trial, before this small, but intelligent audience, gratified as much as embarrassed her, from the unexpected and sudden surprise.  She not only received an invitation to repeat her visit, but Miss Price, for a reasonable compensation, undertook her instruction in the first rudiments of music.  The progress of genius is not like that of common minds.  It is needless to say that her improvement was very rapid."
     "But the lessons above mentioned were taken quite privately and without, at first, the knowledge of her guardian.

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Elizabeth was rapidly acquiring an acquaintance with music, when some one maliciously informed Mrs. Greenfield, with the expectation of seeing an injunction laid upon the pupil's efforts.  The old lady sent for Elizabeth, who came tremblingly into her presence, expecting to be reprimanded for her pursuit of an art forbidden by the Friends' discipline.  'Elizabeth,' said she, 'is it true that thee is learning music and can play upon the guitar?'  'It is true,' was her reply 'Go get thy guitar and let me hear thee sing.'  Elizabeth did so; and when she had concluded her song, she was astonished to hear the kind lady say:  'Elizabeth, whatever thee wants thee shall have.'  From that time her guardian was the patroness of her earnest efforts for skill and knowledge in musical science.  She began to receive invitations to entertain private parties by the exhibition of the gift which the God of nature had bestowed."
    Upon the death of her patroness, in consequence of the contested will she found herself thrown upon her own resources for a maintenance.  Remembering some friends in the western part of New York, she resolved to visit them.
     While crossing Lake Seneca, en route to Buffalo, there came sweetly stealing upon the senses of the passengers of the steamer her rich, full, round, clear voice, unmarred by any flaw.  The lady passengers, especially the noble Mrs. General P., feeling that the power and sweetness of her voice deserved attention, urged her to sing again, and were not satisfied until five or six more songs were given to them.  Before reaching their destined port she had made many friends.  The philanthropic Mrs. General P. became her friend and patroness.  She at once invited Elizabeth to her splendid mansion in Buffalo, and, learning her simple story, promptly advised her to devote herself entirely to the science of music.  During her visit a private party was given by this lady, to which all the elite of the city were invited.  Elizabeth acquitted herself so admirably that two days after a card of invitation to her through the public press, signed by the prominent gentlemen of Buffalo, requested her to give a series of concerts.

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     In October, 1851, she sang before the Buffalo Musical Association, and her performances were received with marks of approbation from the best musical talent in the city.  That established her reputation as a songstress.  "Give the 'Black Swan,' " said they, 'the cultivation and experience of the fair Swede or Mile.  Parodi, and she will rank favorably with those popular singers who have carried the nation into captivity by their rare musical abilities.  Her voice has a full, round sound and is of immense compass and depth.  She strikes every note in a clear and well-defined manner, and reaches the highest capacity of the human voice with wonderful ease and apparently an entire want of exertion.  Beginning with G in the bass clef, she runs up the scale to E in the treble clef, and gives each note its full power and tone.  She commences at the highest note and runs down the scale with the same ease that she strikes any other lower note.  The fact that she accomplishes this with no apparent exertion is surprising, and fixes at once the marvelous strength of her vocal organs.  Her voice is wholly natural, and, as might be expected, lacks the training and exquisite cultivation that belongs to the skillful Italian singer.  But the voice is there, and, as a famous maestro once said, 'It takes a hundred things to make a complete singer, of which a good voice is ninety-nine.'  If this be so, Miss Greenfield is on the verge of excellence, and it remains for the public to decide whether she shall have the means to pursue her studies."
     "To several gentlemen in Buffalo belongs the credit of having: first brought out Miss Greenfield in the concert room.  The Buffalo papers took the matter in hand and assured the public they had much to expect from a concert from this vocalist.  The deep interest her first public efforts elicited from them gave occasion to the following certificate:

MR. H. E. HOWARD.
     Dear Sir: At your suggestion, for the purpose of enabling Miss Elizabeth T. Greenfield to show to her Philadelphia friends the popularity she has acquired iu this city, I cheerfully certify as follows:

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     The concert got up for her was unsolicited on her part and entirely the result of admiration of her vocal powers by a number of our most respectable citizens, who had heard her at the residence of General Potter, with whose family she had become somewhat familiar.  The concert was attended by an audience not second in point of numbers to any given here before, except by Jennie Lind, and not second to any in point of respectability and fashion.  The performance of Miss Greenfield was received with great applause, and the expression since, among our citizens generally, is a strong desire to hear her again.

     Rochester next extended an invitation for her to visit that city, which we copy:
     The undersigned having heard of the musical ability of Miss Greenfield, of the city of Buffalo, and being desirous of having her sing in Rochester, request that she will give a public concert in this city at an early day, and feel confident that it will afford a satisfactory entertainment to our citizens.
     (Signed by a large number of the most respected citizens in Rochester.)

     This evening in Corinthian Hall, the anticipated entertainment is to be presented to our music-loving citizens.  Curiosity will lead many to attend, to whom the performance of a colored prima-donna is a phenomenon at once wonderful and rare.  Miss Greenfield has received from all who have heard her the name of being a vocalist of extraordinary power.
     Speaking of her concert in Rochester, The Express says:

     On Monday, Parodi, in all her splendor, sustained by Patti and Strakosch, sang at Corinthian Hall to half a house.  Last night Miss Greenfield sang at the same place to a crowded house of the respectable, cultivated and fashionable people of the city.  Jenny Lind has never drawn a better house, as to character, than that which listened with evident satisfaction to the unheralded and almost unknown African Nightingale.  Curiosity did something for her, but not all.  She has merit, very great merit; and with cultivation (instruction) she will rank among the very first vocalists of the age.  She has a voice of great sweetness and power, with a wider range from the lowest to the highest notes, than we have ever listened to; flexibility is not wanting, and her control of it is beyond example for a new and untaught vocalist.  Her performance was received with marked approbation and applause from those who knew what to applaud.

     Another city paper says:

     Much has been said and written of this personage since she was introduced to the public as a musical prodigy.  All sorts of surmises and conjec-

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tines have been indulged in respecting the claim put forth of her merit, and generally the impression seemed to prevail that the novelty of 'color' and idle curiosity accounted more for the excitement raised than her musical powers.  Well, she has visited our place, and given our citizens an opportunity of judging for themselves.  We are ignorant of music and unqualified to criticise.  But a large audience was in attendance at Ringueberg Hall last evening.  Among those present were our musical amateurs, and we heard but one expression in regard to the new vocalist, and that was wonder and astonishment at the extraordinary power and compass of her voice; and the ease with which she passed from the highest to the lowest notes seemed without effort.  Her first notes of "Where, are now the hopes?" startled the whole audience, and the interchange of glances succeeded by thunders of applause at the end of the first verse showed that her success was complete.  She was loudly encored, and in response sang the baritone, "When stars are in the quiet sky," which took down the whole house.
     We have neither time nor space to follow her through her different pieces.  Suffice it to say. that there never was a concert given in this town which appeared to give more general satisfaction, and every person we met on leaving the hall expressed their entire approbation of her performance.  No higher compliment could be paid to the "Swan," than the enthusiastic applause which successfully greeted her appearance, and the encore which followed her several pieces.
     There was a very general expression among the audience that the sable vocalist should give another concert, and at the earnest solicitation of several of our citizens, Colonel Wood, her gentlemanly manager, has consented to give another entertainment to-morrow evening, when the "Black Swan" will give a new programme, consisting of some of Jenny Lind's most popular songs.
     The concert on Thursday evening was what in other cases would have been called a triumph.  The house was full, the audience a fashionable one, the applause decided, and the impression made by the singer highly favorable.
     We can safely say that Miss Greenfield possesses a voice of remarkable qualities; singular for its power, softness and depth.  She has applied herself with praiseworthy perseverance and assiduity to the cultivation of her extraordinary powers, and has attained great proficiency in the art which is evidently the bent of her genius.  By her own energy and unassisted, she has made herself mistress of the harp, guitar and piano.  We are informed that the proceeds of the entertainment this evening are to be wholly appropriated to the completion of her musical education in Paris under the world-famed Garcia.  We predict for Miss Greenfield a successful and brilliant future,

     The Rochester American says :

     Corinthian Hall contained a large and fashionable audience on the occasion of the concert by this new candidate for popular favor on Thursday evening.  We have never seen an audience more curiously expectant than this was for the debut of this new vocalist.  Hardly had her first notes fallen upon

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their ears, however, before their wonder and astonishment were manifest in an interchange of glances and words of approval; and the hearty applause that responded to the first verse she sang was good evidence of the satisfaction she afforded.  The aria, "O native scenes!" was loudly encored; and in response she gave the pretty ballad, " When Stars are in the Quiet Sky."

     The Buffalo Commercial Advertiser says:
     Miss Greenfield is about twenty-five years of age, and has received what musical education she has in the city of Philadelphia; she is, however, eminently self-taught, possessing fine taste and a nice appreciation, with a voice of wonderful compass, clearness and flexibility.  She renders the compositions of some of the best masters in a style which would be perfectly satisfactory to the authors themselves.  Her low, or properly bass notes, are wonderful, especially for a female voice; and in these she far excels any singing we have ever heard.
     We learn that this singer (soon to become celebrated, we opine) will give a concert in this city on Thursday next.  There is no doubt that the novelty of hearing a colored woman perform the most difficult music with extraordinary ability will give éclat to the concert.  All representations unite in ascribing to Miss Greenfield the most extraordinary talents, and a power and sweetness of vocalization that are really unsurpassed.

     The Daily State Register, Albany, Jan., 19, 1852, said:

     THE "BLACK SWAN'S" CONCERT. - Miss Greenfield made  her début in this city on Saturday evening, before a large and brilliant audience, in the lecture room of the Young Men's Association.  The concert was a complete triumph for her; won, too, from a discriminating auditory not likely to be caught with chaff, and none too willing to suffer admiration to get the better of prejudice.  Her singing more than met the expectations of her hearers, and elicited the heartiest applause and frequent encores.  She possesses a truly wonderful voice; and considering the poverty of her advantages, she uses it with surprising taste and effect.  In sweetness, power, compass and flexibility, it nearly equals any of the foreign vocalists who have visited our country; and it needs only the training and education theirs have received to outstrip them all.
     The compass of her marvellous voice embraces twenty-seven notes, reaching from the sonorous bass of a baritone to a few notes above even Jenny Lind's highest.  The defects which the critic cannot fail to detect in her singing are not from want of voice, or power of lung, but want of training alone.  If her present tour proves successful, as it now bids fair to, she will put herself under the charge of the best masters of singing in Europe; and with her enthusiasm and perseverance, which belong to genius, she cannot fail to ultimately triumph over all obstacles, and even conquer the prejudice of color - perhaps the most formidable one in her path.
     She plays with ability upon the piano, harp and guitar.  In her deportment she bears herself well, and, we are told, converses with much intelli-

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gence.  We noticed among the audience Governor Hunt and family, both Houses of the Legislature, State officers and a large number of our leading citizens.  All came away astonished and delighted.

     A New York paper says:

     MISS GREENFIELD'S SINGING - We yesterday had the pleasure of hearing the singer who is advertised in our columns as the "Black Swan."  She is a person of lady-like manners, elegant form, and not unpleasing, though decidedly African features.  Of her marvellous powers she owes none to any tincture of European blood.  Her voice is truly wonderful, both in its compass and truth.  A more correct intonation, so far as our ear can decide, there could not be.  She strikes every note on the exact centre, with unhesitating decision.  She is a nondescript, an original.  We cannot think any common destiny awaits her.

     The Evening Transcript, Boston, Feb. 4, 1852, said:

     Miss Greenfield, the "Black Swan," made her debut before a Boston audience last evening at the Melodeon.  In consequence of the price of the tickets being put at a dollar, the house was not over two-thirds full.  She was well received, and most vociferously applauded and encored in every piece.  She sings with great ease, and apparently without any effort.  Her pronunciation is very correct, and her intonation excellent.  Her voice has a wonderful compass and in many notes is remarkably sweet in tone.

     From The Daily Capital City Fact, Columbus, Ohio, March 3, 1852:

     Last evening proved that the "Black Swan" was all that the journals say of her; and Miss Greenfield stands confessedly before the Columbus world a swan of excellence.  She is indeed a remarkable swan.  Although colored as dark as Ethiopa, she utters notes as pure as if uttered in the words of the Adriatic.

     From The Milwaukee Sentinel, April, 1852:

     What shall we say?  That we were delighted and surprised?  All who were present know that from their own feelings.  We can only say we have never heard a voice like hers - one that with such ease and with such absence of all effort, could range from the highest to the lowest notes.

     Said a Rochester (N. Y.) paper of May 6, 1852:

     The magnificent quality of her voice, its great power, flexibility, and compass, her self-taught genius, energy and perseverence, combine to render Miss Greenfield an object of uncommon interest to musicians.  We have been spellbound by hte ravishing tones of Patti Sontag, Malibran and Grisi; we have heard the wondrous warblings of the nightingale, and we have listened with delight to the sweet melodies of the fair daughter of Erin but we hesitate not to assert that, with one year's tuition from the world-famed Emanuel Garcia, Miss

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Greenfield would not only compare favorably with any of the distinguished artists above named ,but incomparably excel them all.

     The Globe, Toronto, May 12-15, 1852, said:

     Anyone who went to the concert of Miss Greenfield on Thursday last expecting to find that he had been deceived by the puffs of the American press must have found himself most agreeably disappointed.
     After he [the pianist] had retired, there was a general hush of expectation to see the entrance of the vocalist of the evening; and presently there appeared a lady of a decidedly dark color, rather inclined to an ebonpoint and with African formation of face.  She advanced calmly to the front of the platform, and courtesied very gracefully to the audience.  There was a moment of pause and the assembly anxiously listened to the first notes.  They were quite sufficient.  The amazing power of the voice, the flexibility and the east of execution took the hearers by surprise; and the singer was hardly allowed to finish the verse, ere she was greeted with a most enthusiastic applause, which continued for some time.  The higher passages of the air were given with clearness and fullness, indicating a soprano voice of great power.  The song was encoured and Miss Greenfield came back, took her seat at the piano, and began to the astonishment of the audience a different air in a deep and very clear bass or baritone voice, which she maintained throughout, without any very great appearance of effort or without her breaking.  She can in fact go as low as Lablache or as high as Jenny Lind- a power of voice perfectly astonishing.  It is said she can strike thirty-one full clear notes; and we could readily believe it.

     From a Brattleborrough (Vt.) paper, June 23, 1852:

     The "Black Swan," or Miss Elizabeth Greenfield, sang in Mr. Fisk's beautiful new hall on Wednesday evening last to a large and intelligent audience.

     We had seen frequent notices in our exchanges, and were already prepossessed in favor of the abilities and life purposes of our sable sister; but, after all, we must say that our expectations of her success are greater than
before we had heard her sing and conversed with her in her own private room.  She is not pretty, but plain.  Still she is gifted with a beauty of soul which makes her countenance agreeable in conversation, and in singing,
especially when her social nature is called into activity, there is a grace and beauty in her manner which soon make those unaccustomed to her race forget all but the melody.
     Nature has done more for Miss Greenfield than any musical prodigy we have met, and art has marred her execution less.
     But the limits of this book are such as to preclude my giving all or even a hundredth part of the testimonials and criticisms pertaining to the singing of this wonderful Negro woman, that filled choice spaces in the American newspapers during her captivating career in the United States.

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     Doubtless our readers are buoyant as well as enthused over what they have already read.  The few excerpts in commendation of her abilities are simply fair words of praise as compared to others too lengthy to publish here.
     After singing in nearly all the free States, she resolved to carry out her long entertained purpose of visiting Europe, in order to perfect herself in the technique of her art.  Learning of her intentions, the citizens of Buffalo, N. Y., united in tendering her a grand testimonial and benefit concert.  The invitation was couched in terms most flattering, and signed by many of the most distinguished residents.
     The concert took place on Mar. 7, 1853, and was in all respects a grand success.
     Leaving Buffalo, she went to New York, where, after singing before an audience of four thousand persons, she received the following complimentary note:

MISS ELIZABETH T. GREENFIELD.
     Madam:  By the suggestion of many enthusiastic admirers of your talent, I  have been induced to address you on the subject of another and talent, I have been induced to address you on the subject of another and
second concert, prior to your departure for Europe. Your advent musical in Gotham has not been idly heralded among the true lovers of song, and admirers of exalted genius, of which your unprecedented success on Wednesday evening must have sufficiently convinced you ; while all are eloquent in the commendation of your superior powers and engaging method.
     Confiding, madam, in your reported magnanimity and generosity to oblige, I will divest myself of tedious circumlocution, and fervently exhort you to make a second exhibition of your skill, which, there can be no doubt, will be highly successful to you, and as interesting to your admirers.

     Miss Greenfield embarked from New York in a British steamer for England, Apr. 6, 1853, and arrived in Liverpool the 16th April, 1853; rested over the Sabbath, and proceeded Monday morning to London, in which metropolis she became safely domiciled on the evening of the same day.  But painful trials awaited her from a quarter the most unexpected.  The individual with whom she had drawn up the contract for this musical tour was unfaithful to his promises, and she found herself abandoned without money and without friends in a strange country.

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     She had been told Lord Shaftesbury was one of the great, good men of England, and she resolved to call upon him in person, and intreat an interview.  His Lordship immediately granted her request, listened patiently to her history, and directly gave her a letter of introduction to his lawyer.
     It may perhaps be considered a providential concurrence that Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe was in London this same time with Miss Greenfield.  We notice in her "Sunny Memories," under the date of May 6th, the following remarks:   'A good many calls this morning.  Among others came Miss Greenfield, the so-called "Black Swan."  She appears to be a gentle, amiable, and interesting young person.  She has a most astonishing voice.  C. sat down to the piano, and played while she sang.  Her voice runs through a compass of three octaves and a fourth.  This is four notes more than Malibran's.  She sings a most magnificent tenor, with such a breadth and volume of sound that, with your back turned, you could not imagine it to be a woman.  While she was there, Mrs. S. C. Hall, of the "Irish Sketches," was announced.  I told her of Miss Greenfield, and she took great interest in her, and requested her to sing something for her C. played the accompaniment, and she sang " Old Folks at Home," first in a soprano voice, and then in a tenor or baritone.  Mrs. Hall was amazed and delighted, and entered at once into her cause.  She said she would call with me, and present her to Sir George Smart, who is at the head of the Queen's musical establishment, and, of course, the acknowledged leader of London musical judgment.
     "In the course of the day I had a note from Mrs. Hall, saying that, as Sir George Smart was about leaving town, she had not waited for me, but had taken Miss Greenfield to him herself.  She writes that she was really astonished and charmed at the wonderful weight, compass and power of her voice.  He was also as well pleased with the mind in her singing, and her quickness in doing and catching all that he told her.  Should she have a public opportunity to perform, he

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offered to hear her rehearse beforehand. Mrs. Hall says:  "This is a great deal for him, whose hours are all marked with gold."
     Again Mrs. Stowe says: "To-day the Duchess of Sutherland called with the Duchess of Argyle.  Miss Greenfield happened to be present and I begged leave to present her, giving a slight sketch of her history I was pleased with the kind and easy affability with which the Duchess of Sutherland conversed with her, and betraying by no inflection of voice, and nothing in her air or manner, the great lady talking with the poor girl.  She asked all her questions with as much delicacy, and made her request to hear her sing with as much consideration and politeness as if she had been addressing any one in her own circle.  She seemed much pleased with her singing and remarked that she should be happy to give her an opportunity of performing in Stafford House as soon as she should be a little relieved of a heavy cold which seemed to oppress her at present.  This, of course, will be decisive of her favor in London.  The Duchess is to let us know when the arrangement is completed.
     " I never so fully realized," continues Mrs. Stowe, "that there really is no natural prejudice against color in the human mind.  Miss Greenfield is a dark mulattress, of a pleasing and gentle face, though by no means handsome.  She is short and thickset, with a chest of great amplitude, as one would think on hearing her tenor.  I have never seen in any of the persons to whom I have presented her the least indications of suppressed surprise or disgust, any more than we should exhibit on the reception of a dark-complexioned Spaniard or Portuguese.
     " Miss Greenfield bears her success with much quietness and good sense.
     " Her Grace, the Duchess of Sutherland, afterward became her ever unfailing supporter and adviser.
     "The piano-forte which previously had been furnished Miss Greenfield to practice upon was taken from her.  The Duchess of Sutherland, upon learning the fact, immediately directed her to select one from Broadwood's.

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     We cannot refrain from quoting Mrs. Stowe's description of the concert, after dinner, at the Stafford House:

     The concert room was the brilliant and picturesque hall I have before described to you.  It looked more picture-like and dreamy than ever.  The piano was on the flat stairway just below the broad central landing.   It was a grand piano, standing end outward and perfectly banked up among hot-house flowers, so that only its gilded top was visible.  Sir George Smart presided.  The choicest of the elite were there, ladies in demi-toilet and bonneted.  Miss Greenfield stood among the singers on the staircase and excited a pathetic murmur among the audience.  She is not handsome, but looked very well.  She has a pleasing dark face, wore a black velvet headdress and white Cornelian ear rings, a black moire-antique silk made high in the neck with white lace falling sleeves and white gloves.  A certain gentleness of manner and self-possession, the result of the universal kindness shown her, sat well upon her.  Chevalier Bunsen, the Prussian ambassador, sat by me.  He looked at
her with much interest.  "Are the race often as good looking? " he said.  I said: "She is not handsome compared with many, though I confess she looks uncommonly well to-day."  The singing was beautiful.  Six of the most cultivated glee singers of London sang among other things, ''Spring's Delights are now Returning," and "Where the Bee sucks, there lurk I."  The Duchess said, "These glees are peculiarly English."

     Miss Greenfield's turn for singing now came, and there was profound attention.  Her voice, with its keen, searching fire, its penetrating vibrant quality, its timbre as the French have it, cut its way like a Damascus blade to the heart.  She sang the ballad, " Old Folks at Home," giving one verse in the soprano, and another in the tenor voice.  As she stood partially concealed by the piano, Chevalier Bunsen thought that the tenor part was performed by one of the gentlemen.   He was perfectly astonished when he discovered that it was by her.  This was rapturously encored.  Between the parts, Sir George took her to the piano and tried her voice by skips, striking notes here and there at random, without connection, from D in alto to A first space in bass clef. She followed with unerring precision, striking the "sound nearly at the same instant his finger touched the key.  This brought out a burst of applause.  Lord Shaftesbury was there.  He came and spoke to us after the concert. Speaking of Miss Greenfield, he said:
     I consider the use of these halls for the encouragement of an outcast race a consecration.  This is the true use of wealth and splendor, when they are employed to raise up and encourage the despised and forgotten.

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     Miss Greenfield's first public morning concert took place at the Queen's Concert rooms, Hanover square.  She came out under the immediate patronage of her Grace, the Duchess of Sutherland; her Grace, the Duchess of Norfolk, and the Earl and Countess of Shaftesbury.  It commenced at three o'clock and terminated at five.

     The London Morning Post says:
     A large assemblage of fashionable and distinguished personages assembled by invitation at Stafford House to hear and decide upon the merits of a phenomenon in the musical world, Miss Elizabeth Greenfield, better known in America as the "Black Swan," under which sobriquet she is also about to be presented to the British public.  This lady is said to possess a voice embracing the extraordinary compass of nearly three octaves, and her performances on this occasion elicited the unmistakable evidence of gratification

     The London Times said:
     Miss Greenfield sings, "I know that my Redeemer liveth," with as much pathos, power and effect, as does the "Swidish Nightingale," Jenny Lind.

     Again, the London Observer remarks:
     Her voice was at once declared to be one of extraordinary compass.  Both her high and low notes were heard with wonder by the asembled amateurs, and her ear was pronounced to be excellent.

     The London Advertiser, of June 16th, contained the following comments:
     A concert was given at Exeter Hall last evening by Miss Greenfield, the American vocalist, better known in this country under the sobriquet of the "Black Swan."  Apart from the natural gifts with which this lady is endowed, the great musical skill which she has acquired, both as a singer and an instrumentalist, is a convincing argument against the assertion so often made, that the Negro race is incapable of intellectual culture of a high standard.  Her voice is a contralto, of great clearness and mellow tone in the upper register and full, resonant and powerful in the lower, though slightly masculine in its timbre.  It is peculiarly effective in ballad songs of the pathetic cast, several of which Miss Greenfield sang last night in a very expressive manner.  She was encored in two, "The Cradle Song," a simple melody by Wallace, and
"Home, Sweet Home," which she gave in an exceedingly pleasing manner.  The programme of the concert was bountifully drawn up, for in addition to the attractions of the "Black Swan," there was a host of first-rate artists.  Herr Brandt, a German artist with a remarkably sweet voice, sang Professor Longfellow's " Slave's Dream," set to very beautiful music by Hatton in a

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way that elicited warm applause.  Miss Rosina Bentley, a fantasia by Lutz, very brilliantly, and afterward assisted by Miss Kate Lorder (who, however, must now be known as Mrs. Henry Thompson), in a grand duet for two pianofortes, by Osborne. M. Valadares executed a curious Indian air, "Hilli Milli Puniah," on the violin, and Mr. Henry Distin, a solo on the sax-tuba.  Theband was admirable, and performed a couple of overtures in the best manner.  Altogether, the concert, which we understand was made under the distinguished patronage of the Duchess of Sutherland, was highly successful, and went off to the perfect gratification of a numerous and fashionaable audience.

     In July, she gave two grand concerts in the Town Hall in Brighton, under the patronage of her Grace, the Duchess of Sutherland; her Grace, the Duchess of Norfolk; her Grace, the Duchess of Beaufort; her Grace, the Duchess of Argyle;
the Most Noble, the Marchioness of Ailesbury; the Most Noble, the Marchioness of Kildare, the Most Noble, the Marquis of Lansdowne; the Earl and Countess of Shaftesbury; the Earl of Carlisle; the Countess of Jersey; the Countess of Granville, the Countess of Wilton; the Viscountess Palmerston; the Lady Constance Grosvenor, and Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe.

     Vocalists.—Miss E. T. Greenfield (the "Black Swan"), Madame Taccani, Countess Tasca, Mr. Emanuel Roberts (Queen's Concerts).

     Instrumentalists,—Piano-forte soloists, Miss Rosina Bentley (pupil of Miss Kate Lorder); violin, M. de Valadares (pupil of the Conservatoire, Paris); accompanist, Mon. Edouard Henri conductor, Mr. F Theseus Stevens.
     She gave a series of concerts at the Rotunda, in Dublin, Ireland.
     In October, 1853, we find her again at the Beaumont Institution, Beaumont Square, Mile End, London, at Mr. Cotton's concert, supported by Miss Poole, the Misses Alpine, Miss Alleyne, Mr. Augustus Braham, Mr. Suchet Champion, Mr. Charles Cotton, the German Glee Union, and the East Indian violinist, M. de Valadares; conductor, Herr Ganz.
     These testimonials are a few of the one thousand at our command, but since it is the desire of the author to please as well as to portray, we must close this sketch here. The music

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people of both continents have been startled with wonder and amazement time and time again, when confronted by the proofs of indwelling genius which seems to be inherent in the Negro race.
     White, the violinist, had pleased two continents with his violin, Blind Tom had done as much with his piano, Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, the wonderful musical nightingale, with her voice, drew unto her the kings, queens and nobility of the Old as well as the New Continent.
     Her return from London to America was attended with flattering ceremonies and grand circumstances.  Her trip resulted in much benefit, intrinsical as well as artistical, adding decided éclat to her professional reputation.

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MRS. FANNIE JACKSON COPPIN.

     PROF. GEO. W. WILLIAMS, in his "History of the Negro Race in America," says:  Fanny M. Jackson, at present Mrs. Fanny Jackson Coppin, was born in the District of Columbia, in 1837.  Though left an orphan when quite a child, Mrs. Sarrah Clark, her aunt, took charge of her and gave her a first-class education.  She prosecuted the gentlemen's course in Oberlin College, and graduated with honors.
     Deeply impressed with the need of educated teachers for the schools of her race, she accepted a position at once in the Institute for colored youth at Philadelphia, Pa.  And here for many years she has taught with eminent success, and exerted a pure and womanly influence upon all the students that have come into her classes.  Without doubt she is the most thoroughly competent and successful of the colored women teachers of her time.
     Her example of race pride, industry, enthusiasm and nobility of character will remain the inheritance and inspiration of the pupils of the school she helped make the pride of the colored people of Pennsylvania.

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     Says Ringwood's Journal:
     Mrs. Fannie Jackson Coppin has probably attained more fame as a teacher than any of the noble Afro-American women of the age.  There are many whose work has been as noble in conscientious efforts as hers, but few and probably none have been as conspicuous as hers, nor as long.  The opportunities that presented themselves to her in her early life were presented to but few Afro-American women forty years ago.  That she grasped them has been made evident by her pre-eminent life of highest usefulness.  If the capability of Afro-American women to govern were questioned, her wonderful achievements as the principal of the Youth's Academy of Philadelphia would establish it beyond question.  Mrs. Coppin's fame has been won by her success in a colored school.  There are others, probably not so extensively known, but whose success as teachers in white schools has been quite as effective in establishing the ability of Afro-American women.  Miss Richards, of Detroit, Mich.; Mrs. Rev. George Booth, nee McGlin, formerly of New Haven, Ct.; Miss Sarah Mitchell and Miss Dever, of Cleveland, Ohio, have done effectual work in the establishment of our ability.
     Their accumulative work has given Afro-American women an enviable reputation with the educators of the country.  The primary work of these ladies was attended with the greatest difficulties.  They met race prejudice, and successfully vanquished it, at least to so large a degree that in the cities in which they teach no Afro-American woman is denied a position as teacher on account of her race connection.
     The exquisite qualities of these five women have justly won them the affectionate regards of the race.

     Says The Colored American:
THE WOMAN'S LEAGUE - ITS QUARTERLY MEETING A GRAND SUCCESS IN EVERY WAY. - AN OVATION TO MRS. FANNIE JACKSON COPPIN BY HER MANY ADMIRERS. - A PEN PICTURE.

     The quarterly meeting of the Colored Woman's League, held last Monday evening in the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian

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Church, was largely attended by members and friends of the organization, which promises to be a great power for good. After the transaction of business the speaker of the evening was introduced by the president. Mrs. John F. Cook, who reminded us that Mrs. Coppin is a Washingtonian by birth, spoke in glowing terms of her worth and achievements, and recalled the fact that at Oberlin, where she graduated with high honors, she was a classmate of the present president of Wellesley College.
     Mrs. Coppin, whose integrity of heart, purity of life, vigor of faculties and extent of attainments are acknowledged by all, was warmly greeted by the audience, whom she promised to address in an informal manner.
     Mrs. Coppin's stature is commanding, her face strong, but kindly in expression, her manner pleasing but dignified.  Without manuscript the speaker proceeded to pay a beautiful tribute to the women of past generations whose many deeds of heroism, though not recorded, are nevertheless facts of unwritten history.  By the thoughtlessness and unreasonableness of those who ignore the services of these women pioneers, many of whom worked early and late to buy the babes they bore in their arms, a great Injustice has been done, for these noble souls fought their part of the battle successfully and heroically.
     The necessity of building up a strong character was earnestly and eloquently urged upon us.  The invincible quality of character, said the speaker, is the prerequisite of a race striving to progress and prosper.  Teachers play an important part in solving the problem.  First-class pupils are possible only when we have first-class teachers, who are the great soul artists in the school-room, the makers of men and women.  The graduates of Howard University have done great service, and have been powers for good all over the country.  The father of the Black Prince, when urged to send assistance to his son who was hard pressed in battle, refused to do so and insisted that he should win his spurs.  Like the Black Prince we are sore-pressed in the battle of life, but our Heavenly Father insists

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that we win our own spurs.  What we do for ourselves is that which. ennobles and enlarges.
     Men have their part to perform, for they must see to it that the fifteenth amendment has its face-value.  The right of petition is a powerful weapon of defense.  Lawlessness, insubordination and hatred are the bloody angle of our race battle.
     According to Mrs. Coppin, the Colored Woman's League is not a sudden outcropping of a wild idea.  Fifteen years ago she, herself, and others, were earnestly inquiring how our battle should be fought, and were advocating organization.  Mrs. Coppin then proceeded to a rhetorical annihilation of young writers who give gratuitous advice to their elders, making sweeping statements concerning what was not, but should have been done in the past, and fancy they are originating plans which are older than the youthful enthusiasts themselves.
     Many of our young women, tenderly reared and carefully educated, who go down South as teachers, succumb to the hardships and privations to which they are not accustomed.  We cannot make martyrs of all the young women who may acquire an education.  Mrs. Coppin then related how a beautiful young woman of her acquaintance taught in the South, where her health was destroyed by the long walks she was obliged to take in all sorts of weather, and the bad fare to which she was not accustomed.  At the expiration of two years she returned home and died.  "I once visited an organization of white women who were seated in a magnificent building of their own when a petition to commute the sentence of a murderess was brought to them, and they were requested to sign it.  They were terror-stricken that they should be asked to sign such a petition."  "But," said Mrs. Coppin, "I thought of the beautiful young woman who was obliged to go South, because she could find no employment at home and I asked myself if these women were wholly guiltless of her murder.  I then asked myself why we have not an organization of our own.  A hundred men can lift a log together very easily, but when

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only a few take hold at a time very little is accomplished.  So no one of us can promise to find employment for our young women, but when we combine our forces it becomes an easy matter.
     "First, a building must be secured, and it must be as large as possible.  Then classes must be formed in art, needle-work, book-keeping, dress-making, Latin, German, French, millinery, cooking, in short instructions must be given in every trade and avocation in which women may engage."
     Mrs. Coppin laid great stress upon the necessity and importance of paying special attention to the household department.  Our girls must be taught how to cook on rational and scientific principles; they must be instructed in housekeeping, so that their houses may be economically managed and tastefully arranged.
     Cooking has been lifted far above the station it formerly occupied and is now considered a dignified avocation.  Learned professors are engaged to instruct cooking classes.  They show the human stomach, explain its organization and lecture on chemistry and hygiene as it relates to food.  Women must learn how to cook to suit men, who are such artists in all that pertains to eating.  Mrs. Coppin assured us that a good cook could eventually convert a democrat into a republican and an atheist into a Christian by tickling their palates with toothsome dishes.
     We need statistics and statisticians, who shall record what we do.  We need facts to answer arguments of those who underrate us.  We possess much talent and genius of which we are not aware.  A young woman who is a successful composer of music, but who is buried in obscurity, recently came to Mrs. Coppin's notice, and there are doubtless others equally talented of whom we have not heard.  We must know what strength we possess.  The proposal to uniform Roman slaves was once rejected because, said a philosopher, they would thus learn their numbers and know their strength.  When people are conscious of possessing strength, they rapidly grow  stronger.  The Colored Woman's League will thus supply a

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long-felt want in gathering and disseminating statistics.  Mrs. Coppin reminded us that there had been many abortive attempts at organization which has ended in windy declamations and inflammatory speeches.
     After imploring women who have the leisure to devote themselves earnestly to the work in hand, and encouraging the League on what had already been accomplished, Mrs. Coppin concluded her address.

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ESSIE FRY COOKE
Musican, Talented Contralto Singer.

     THIS favored young lady was born in Indianapolis, Ind., in 1868.  At quite an early age she manifested an unusual talent for music and most especially that instrument that so beautifully adorns the parlor and whose tones remove the greedy gloom from so many hospital homes, viz. the piano-forte.
     Her parents, thoughtful of her future, very highly respected that wish uppermost in her heart and without hesitancy procured both piano as well as teacher worthy of the name, and started her on toward the high mark she has reached.  In 1881 Essie was placed under the instruction of that distinguished teacher, Prof. Frank N. Scott, and he, becoming so charmed by her matchless range of voice, advised her to sing contralto; this she did for four years, convincing as well as establishing an enviable reputation as a contraltist.
     Later Mr. Scott organized a troupe of singers, and offered Miss Cooke the greatest inducements to travel, which she accepted, and soon the F. N. Scott Indianian's became quite famous.  Weary of travel and the footlights, as well as the seas of faces, she retired from the stage until 1888, when she joined Milton A. Boyer's Troupe, traveling all over the West.  But so unprepared did she feel herself for life's duties, that she could no longer restrain the principles within and her eagerness

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of advancing to a finish, that she again retired in 1890 and was placed under the tutelage of Prof. Gill, of Chicago.  There she made such progress in music and song that she elicited the greatest plaudits from both press and people.

ESSIE FRY COOKE

     On returning to Indianapolis the aristocratic churches of the white race offered her special inducements for her services as soloist in their choirs, but, owing to the dismay engendered by feelings of having to decide which congregation she would serve, she did the next best thins: and went again on the stage, singing with the Fisk Jubilees.
     At this writing Miss Cooke is pursuing the higher rudiments of music in Philadelphia, under the instruction of Prof. Gouldezer, of Germany.
     Though young, with only a portion of her latent genius at work portraying the sagacity and erudition of many twice her age, we shall watch her career with much interest, fully believing that when all the dormant energies of this heart, mind and soul are set in motion, great will the outcome be.

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NELLIE E. BROWN MITCHELL

     NELLIE E. BROWN MITCHELL, of Dover, New Hampshire, who in a very few years has, by the great beauty of her voice, and the exhibition of many noble qualities of

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heart and mind, won a name of which she and all of her admiring friends may justly be proud.
     To Miss Caroline Brockett our subject is indebted the admonition which has in later years made her famous.  Then at quite an early age the rhythm of nature, as much as the musical notes which reached her ear, convinced her youthful mind of dearest love, fondest but not impatient desire to startle the music-loving world with a correctness of the human voice, and demonstrate that untrammeled opportunities could for her, as for Patti, Parodi and Jennie Lind, make her at last appreciative and much admired, if not famous.
     She sailed out upon the broad billows of life with hoisted sails and banners unfurled, having inscribed thereupon Excelsior.
     She says: "My motto is 'Excelsior.'  I am resolved to give myself up wholly to the study of music, and endeavor, in spite of obstacles, to become an accomplished artist."  It may be observed that none but those actuated by the most noble motives, and who give utterance to such inspiring words as these, do become ''accomplished artists."
     The following have reference to Miss Brown's appearance in Boston during the musical season 1874:

     Said The Boston Travler, April, 16th:
     Miss Nellie E. Brown has for some months been the leading soprano at Grace Church, at Haverhill, Mass., which position she has filled with eminent acceptance, and with marked exhibition of artistic powers."

     At another time above named paper said:
     Miss Brown possesses a very fine voice of excellent culture, and gave with much taste several solos.  Noticeably good was her rendering of Torry's "La Prima Vera."  In all her selections she exhibited excellent style and finish.

     The Globe, March, 31st, said:
     Miss Nellie E. Brown showed a particularly well-modulated voice, trained study and appreciative method, which served her well in the pleasant rendering give by her so gracefully and unaffectedly.

     The same paper, after alluding to her rendition of "Del Criel Regina," said:
     This lady is fortunate in her exceedingly sweet and well-trained voice, which, in conjunction with her fine personal appearance ans stage manners, rendered her reception unusually enthusiastic.

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     Speaking of an entertainment given at Parker Memorial Hall, a musical writer said:

     Miss Brown has a charming voice and sings with intelligent expression and good taste.  Two of her sons, "Beautiful Erin" and "Bonnie Dundee," were rendered with great sweetness."

     The Boston Advertiser, March 31st, said:
     She has an exceptionally pure voice which has been carefully trained.

     The Transcript April 16th, said:
     A soprano of good voice and cultivation.

     The Journal, June 13, 1874, said:
     A talented vocalist, with a well-cultivated voice of a remarkably fine quality.  She pleased very greatly in several selections.

     Said The Post, Nov. 13th:

     An artist of exceptional merit, possessing a voice of rare compass, flexibility and sweetness.  In the solo, "Land of My Birth," by Operti, she received enthusiastic applause.
     Mr. Trotter says: "Miss Brown has sung in quite a number of the large towns and cities of Massachusetts, in which State she is scarcely less a favorite than in New Hampshire.  She has appeared in company at concerts with some of the most eminent artists of the country (such as, for instance, Prof. Eugene Thayer, J. F Rudolphsen, Myron W Whitney, Mrs. Julia Houston West, Mrs. H. M Smith, and others), and always with fine success.  In her own city and State she enjoys a popularity unequaled by any other cantatrice, her beautiful voice and many excellent traits of character winning her the warmest esteem of all.  The people of Dover are very proud of her, and greatly delighted that one of their number is received with such marks of enthusiastic favor in other States.  The Dover people always readily recall these triumphs, and proudly speak of her as 'our prima donna.' "

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MISS MARY PROUT
Eminent Pioneer Teacher

     MISS MARY PROUT is celebrated as one of our early teachers of Baltimore.  She was beloved for her piety and religious devotion.  Bishop Paine says she was born in 1800, and was still living in 1882.  She was a prominent member of Bethel, and was considered one of its shining lights.

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MRS. C. W. MOSSELL.
Missionary Christian Martyr.

     MRS. REV. C. W. MOSSELL takes a prominent place in the history of our race as a daring missionary giantess.  She is gone from her labors to reward.  Her work still lives.  Her monument lives in the hearts of all Haytians.  Like the great Rock of Ages, her memory towers
in the mind of those to whom she carried the missionary light.

MRS. C. W. MOSSELL

     The bread which she cast upon those "West India waters are being gathered by the grand A. M. E. Church, after many days.  Her eulogy expressed by Hon. Jno. M. Langston, is so splendid in rhetoric, so touching with love and a sacrifice of life, that we can find no words fitting with which to approach its sublimity and truth.
     She laid her life upon the missionary altar that the truth might be known concerning Jesus.  She held a light to guide the wanderer, and left a footprint as an emblem, announcing the birth of a Christian era upon the West India Isles.  In her death our sainted brother lost a noble, true and sublime helpmate.  Rev. C. W Mossell, as others, mourns the death of a saint, for she was a Christian.

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MISS FLORENCE RAY.
Eminent Teacher.

     BISHOP DANIEL A. PAYNE, in the footnotes of his "Recollections of Seventy Years," says:  "Rev. C. B. Ray is the father of three daughters now living, of whom he

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has great reason to rejoice, because they have been well educated in the homestead as well as in the public schools of New York.
     Their sound and wholesome education has been manifest to all acquainted with them, both in the school-room and in the social circle.  All their lives, since the attainment of mature womanhood, have been spent in the training of children— than which neither man nor woman can be more honorably employed.  Miss Florence, second in age, has always distinguished herself by her studious habits, and made commendable progress in German literature.  I can truly say it was a real and a solid enjoyment to spend an evening in the hospitable and refined home of this sainted man.  He has left behind him a sweet, noble-hearted widow, and three interesting daughters, whom we have reason to believe and to hope will honor his memory as they have adorned his life."

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ANNIE MARIA HALL.
Pioneer Teacher of Washington, D. C.

     MRS. ANNIE MARIA HALL ranks among the pioneer teachers of the Negro race.  Having conducted successfully a school first started on Capitol Hill, she moved after ten years to a more commodious structure,and continued her labors until finally she moved to a hosue still standing on E. Street, North, between Eleventh and Twelfth, West, and there taught many years.  Prof. G. Williams in his history says of her:
     "She was a colored woman from Prince George's county, Maryland, and had a respectable education which she obtained at school with white children in Alexandria.  Her husband at school with white children in Alexandria.  Her husband died early, leaving her with children to support, and she betook herself to the work of a teacher, which she loved and in which for not less than twenty-five years she met with uniform success.  Her schools were all quite large, and the many who remember her as their teacher speak of her with very great respect."

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EARNESTINE C. NESBITT.
Writer, Musician.

     MISS EARNESTINE C. NESBITT (nee Clark), daughter of Prof. Peter H. Clark, is a sweet and scientific singer, as well as a talented pianist and instructess.  Mrs. Nesbitt has the distinguishing honor of being editress of the MOTHERS CORNER in Ringwood's Journal of Fashion, an illustrated magazine, really edited and published by the women of the Negro race; the most brilliant attempt and most successful literary journal of the present day displaying the genius of our women.

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DR. CONSUELLO CLARK
Physician, Musician.

     DR. CONSUELLO CLARK is a sweet singer and pianist.  Quite early in life she inculcated the ideas of Similia similibus curantur, and nothing, not even the musical gift possessed by her which would have in many overthrown any apparently foreign desire to be anything else, yet man had not only set the example in the classics, he had said, "Come, follow," and thus in the professions, as few have made their advent, Miss Clark, feeling that fruits ripened to an abundant harvest, but for her sex there were no footprints of discovery, felt it her duty to explore those untrodden solitudes and gather those rich fruits and bring them as votive offerings
to the profession.  She is a gifted scholar, a practical as well as theoretical physician, a close student and stands out in bold relief reflecting credit on the profession of medicine and showing
the capacity of women to follow in the occult avenues of thought, science and fine arts wherein men lead.

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RANAVALONA III.
Queen of Madagascar.

     THE Queen of Madagascar, Ranavalona III., who is a dignified, sensible woman, mounted the throne and was crowned in 1883, succeeding her aunt, Queen Ranavalona II.,

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being chosen by her predecessor to succeed her, but was also formerly elected to the office.
     According to the custom of the country, the queen on her accession married Ramalalarivond, the prime minister of the

Queen of Madagascar

kingdom, who had also been the husband of the last queen.  The present queen has always been eager to forward the development of the people.  She has embraced Christianity for herself and made it the State religion.  The Hovas are a good

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fighting race, and their experience in repelling the recent French invasion has developed them greatly in a military way.  Their civilization, also, has been advanced in spite of the war, during the past few years under the wise administration of the present queen.  The queen has a council of advisers, but the royal will is supreme in every case.
     The French minister, resident in Madagascar, has advised his government to confer the decoration of the Legion of Honor on the queen, regarding her friendship worthy of the gift.  — The Biographical Review.

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MARY S. PEAKE.
First Teacher at Fortress Monroe, Abolitionist, Christian Worker.

     OF the many teachers employed to train the colored youths of the Southland, Mary S. Peake has merited the highest encomiums from the lips of an orator, the praise from the pen.  The immortal Mrs. Hannaford says, in her Daughters of America.

     The American Tract Society has issued a little volume as a deserved tribute to one Christian woman—a free colored woman, whose father was a white man, Mary S. Peake, who was the first teacher at Fortress Monroe.  After long years of silent and, as many felt, unrighteous ignoring of the question of slavery, the American Tract Society at last gave the medal of praise to Christian effort without regard to race or color.

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Columbia.  Miss Charlotte E. Ray, who has the honor of being the first lady lawyer in Washington, is a graduate of the Law College of Howard University, and is said to be a dusky mulatto, possessing quite an intelligent countenance.  She doubtless has also a fine mind and deserves success.
     Her special endowments make her one of the best lawyers on corporations in the country; her eloquence is commendable for her sex in the court-room, and her legal advice is authoritative.

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SOJOURNER TRUTH.
Abolitionist, Anti-Slavery Agitator, Writer, Lecturer and Race Champion.

     DURING the close of the 18th century a Negro girl became as much by blood as by circumstances an adapted daughter of genius and fame, but it remained for the 19th century, with its civilizing influences, to apply the finishing touch to make her what indeed and in truth she was, a woman and very forcibly so a rare specimen of the female kind.  Though black and disfigured by force of circumstances and surroundings, yet within a capacious breast beat a heart which had a place for every unfortunate being, a head which contained a brain full of thought and grand knowledge characteristic of the oddity of her name.
     Her life was all her name implies, and if nothing more could be said, her distinction is already gained, but does Sojourner Truth claim greatness? We think so, but for the thrilling appeals of this grand woman in many a public hall throughout the North and East we doubt not that a sad condition of affairs would to-day be the lot of every Southern Negro.  Her work as an antislavery giantess commends itself, and fastens us in praise of her with bands of steel.
     On one occasion Hon. Frederick Douglass was making a public address to 5,000 people, in which he made some disparaging remarks concerning the Negro's condition in America, in this fashion:
     "We are doomed to go down, doomed to extinction, etc."  Sojourner Truth, then a very old lady, hobbled up the aisle

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toward the speaker, shouting: "Stop, Frederick; stop, Frederick, don't say that, does God live? He is not dead, neither has He gone off on a journey."

ANTI-SLAVERY LEADERS.

     Mrs. Harriet H. Robinson, in her book entitled, "The Woman Suffrage Movement," does not hesitate to give our subject justice, for she says, In speaking of the Anti-slavery society which met in Worcester, Mass., Oct. 23 and 24, 1850: "Representative men and women were present from the different States, among whom were the following conspicuous speakers:  Wendell Phillips, William Lloyd Garrison, C. C. Burleigh, W H. Channing, Stephen S. Foster, Abby Kelly Foster, Lucretia Mott, Sojourner Truth "and many others whose names are too numerous for mention in this brief sketch.
     Mr. Fairbanks, in his book entitled "How the War was Prepared," says of Sojourner Truth: "We were standing in. the great East room, when she came walking in, and approaching the marshal said: "I want to see President Lincoln."  "Well, the President is busy, I think, and you can't see him now."  "Yes, I must see him. If he knew I was here, he'd come down and see me"  Finally the marshal went to the President's room with a statement of the case, when the President said: "I guarantee she is Sojourner Truth.  Bring her up here."
     And here she came, and we just approached near enough to catch the glimpses, and hear the words of greeting: "Sojouner Truth, how glad 1 am to see you."  The President bought her book; then handing him her photograph she said:  "It's got a black face, but a white back, and I'd like one of yours with a green back.''
     That was too good.  The President laughed heartily; then putting his fingers into his vest pocket, and handing her a ten-dollar bill, said: "There is my face with a green back."
     NOTE: For further information concerning Sojourner Truth read in another place in this book Sojourner Truth, Amander Smith and Frances E. W Harper compared.

[Page 186]

MRS. JENNIE E. SHARPE.
A Returned Librian Missionary.

     MRS. JENNIE E. SHARPE, who has been in Western Africa since 1883 as a teacher sent out by the Boston Board of Control of Liberia College, and is now in St. Louis, gives some interesting facts with regard to the civilization of African tribes.
     '' There is no country in the world," said she, "more misrepresented than Western Africa.  The situation there is thoroughly misunderstood.  From the accounts in books one would be led to suppose that the natives were very ignorant and degraded.  This is far from the fact.  While the tribes are largely illiterate, they are usually bright and capable of a high degree of cultivation. 
There is one tribe in the interior of which I wish particularly to speak—the tribe of Mandingos, nearly all of whom, by the way, are Mohammedans.  They are very skillful in the working of brass, gold and iron.  Three young girls of this tribe were sent to me to attend my school in Liberia.  They came in their savage state, clothed only in a string of beads, but had the culture and acuteness of children of good families in this country.  By this I mean that they were disposed to gentleness and refinement and were capable of learning rapidly.  The Veys are another tribe of considerable culture.  They have a written monosyllabic language, the only written language of Interior Africa.
     "It is just here the missionary societies make a mistake.  They think that all Africans are ignoramuses, and that therefore ignoramuses are good enough to send to teach them; while the fact is the natives are astute and it requires a good deal of tact to reach them.  The missionary societies have so far done comparatively little good.  Their emissaries seem to go at their work in a half-hearted sort of way and present the most unlovely side of the cause to which they expect to make converts.
     "But there is an important field to work and I think it must be reached through Liberia.  Liberia has already done more than all the foreign missionaries together to civilize the tribes

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of Interior and Western Africa, and if good schools were established and good teachers trained in the African Republic, there is no limit to the possibilities in the direction of civilization.  I think that Africa must be civilized through the descendants of Africa.  Let the best educated of the race in this country there seek a field for their labors.  The resources of the African republic are vast and awaiting development.  Schools, churches and colleges are awaiting founding and support.  The work is a grand one.  I believe that Liberia can be made a beacon light to illuminate Africa.
     "To be sure, those who emigrate from here to Liberia must be prepared to endure hardship, as the first settlers did here, but there are no obstacles which cannot easily be surmounted.  They must not take words of disgusted, lazy colonists, nor yet squeamish missionaries, but go with a purpose and judge for themselves.  I have no patience with those who fight over the race problem here.  Let the descendants of Africa raise themselves by culture and they cannot fail to command respect.
There is a field for their best energies in Liberia."
     Mrs. Sharpe is in the country to recuperate lost health and intends returning to her labors among her race in Liberia in about six months.  In the meantime she will enlighten Americans on the condition of the civilization problem there, and try to arouse a sentiment in favor of her views.

-------------------------

MISS IDA B. WELLS (IOLA).

     IT would in our judgment, should we attempt to say over every good thing that has been said of Miss Wells, indeed fill a volume, consisting of the grand and noble experiences as well as the hardships through which she has passed in the South.  Since "there is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune."  Miss Wells' position and responsibility actuated and prompted by the highest motives to be a benefactress to her race were very similar to that of Frederick Douglass, when it is taken into consideration that distinc-

[Page 188]
tion and fame are the result of the efforts put forth, and the manner in which she braved the tide.  Her forcible pen, her caustic oddness, have disarmed the disputing South as to women's ability and set up a sign-post portraying their power with the pen, where the tombstone of doubt had so long remained.  A symbol of Negro genius becomes the proud boast of Southern contemporaries.

MISS IDA B. WELLS

     She was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi, where was offered her the best educational advantages.  At quite an early age the dreams and aspirations of her youth were placed at a disadvantage, owing to the early death of her parents and the assumption of unexpected responsibilities— that of not only caring for number one, but for her five brothers and sisters.  To say that she discharged her new duties as two-fold-guardian, as not only sister but parent, was quite enough to inspire her young life, as indeed for this alone she is a heroine, but what a world of goodness the harmony of that useful and sacrificing life fortells.  We believe that Miss Wells possesses the greatest love for woman in her realm, and chooses her profession for no other reason than helping to improve our status in journalism.  Felicia Hemans to her is the portrayal of male mockery, the Amazons are pictures of horror.  She is teaching the nation that sublime lesson of modesty unchanged even at the severest test.
     For several years she was editress of the Memphis Free

[Page 189]
Speech, a paper which for news and circulation was the pride of the cultured Negroes of Tennessee.
     Many Negro newspapers have been honored by her and more liberally patronized consequent of her ready articles touching the many phases of Negro progress.  Among them the New York Age, the Indianapolis World, Gate City Press, the Detroit Plaindealer, Little Rock Sun, the A. M. E. Church Review, the Memphis Watchman, have all spoken editorially touching her ability.  Our subject possesses that dignified pluck, which Webster fails to define, and being protested by the respect which man endeavors to possess for woman she has been able to touch as well as treat at length articles upon which our man editors have shown the greatest reluctance.  In this respect Miss Wells left locality out of the question, and wrote what was wanting, naming persons, places, things.
     Having by her tireless efforts for the good of the Negro race been "lead on to fortune" after braving the tide (not of adversity) for so many well-spent years in Memphis where she was a noted teacher, she contrived to do what she knew would be perilous.  Looking danger full in the face she wrote a series of articles which for force are seldom equaled upon the outrages perpetrated upon the Negro, read the proof and started for New York City, her then future home.  These treats to loyal lovers of liberty came out and started a wave of indignation, and for the wrongs done the Negro the gap which of late had become narrowed by Southern cupidity and deceit grew spontaneously into a broad abyss, and so terrible was the spark set to inflame and engender activity on the part of the Negro that the State of Tennessee suffered severely from the shock.
     Previous to going to New York she in person visited Oklahoma, as she had so long read of it as a haven of rest free from depredations upon the Negro, and after spending a few days there learning all that she could of the Territory she painted the dwarf State in its proper colorings.  Thousands of persons who had resolved upon what they should do, the following year, at once relaxed the feelings of departure, and

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reasoned as Hamlet, "Better to bear the ills we have than fly to those we know not of."  Later, as we have already stated, owing to outrages and depredations Miss Wells "took up arms aginst a seat of trouble,"  that by opposing might endthem.
     She is now a citoyenne of New York by adoption.  As formerly with her Southern friends she remains to-day, only a sufficient distance which, being the metropolis city and State, lends enchantment around the world.  Her readers remain the same, only the magnetic force of her pen enjoys a broader scope.  Before her audience was a multitude.  Now it is the nation.  Ten thousand minds fly out to her in their adoration and praise.  Ten thousand hearts throb with exaltation in witnessing her triumphs.  The New York Age is possibly made better by reason of Miss Wells' association on the staff, for those who know Mr. Fortune credit him with being one of our greatest men, and great men adopt only such means as will improve and make sure their success.
     Miss Ida B. Wells continues as heretofore to dignify herself, her calling and prove the wonderful depth of her powers of conception of right.  She concedes to the fact that a certain class of American citizens are Negroes, but because of that fact it does not necessitate that such a class should be made a "side show" at the World's Fair.  Her paper before the literati of Boston was forcible, logical and full of meaning; yet calm as a summer's stream, and wonderfully sublime.  She demonstrated the fact that it is adverse to the thought and feeling of the Negroes of the South to be set apart on the occasion of the World's Fair, and womanly denied the attachment of her name to the World's Columbian Jubilee Day Circular.  The Negro of the South, as well as the Negro of the North, has in her a champion for their cause.
     This world indeed would be very queer if all could judge alike.  Some capable writers differ in opinions, just as men differ in politics.  The Freeman, mildly expresses it when it says that the editorial below is "How some women reason:"
     Miss Willetta Johnson, of Boston, secretary of the "Colored Jubilee Day" committee, is "all put out" at Miss Ida B. Wells,

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because she had head enough not to indorse the "Jubilee Day," and without writing her down a "horrid old thing!"  for the simple reason that Miss Wells is young and comely she says several little spiteful things, which reminds us, laughingly, how some women reason.  Addressing our good brother of the Boston Courant, she drops such pearls as these, referring directly to Miss Wells.
     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *
     I desire to express my surprise that one of our own people should not appreciate the great benefit to the colored race if the World's Fair management will but accord them the honor of a day's recognition.
     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *
     In a dignified and comprehensive way seek to mark an epoch in the history of the colored race that shall go down with the other great and worthy results of the Fair.
     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *
     Why Miss Wells in particular should attack this committee, which is just as legally constituted as any committee, and the people of Massachusetts who have rallied round and supported her in her hour of sorrow and need is strange to say the least.
     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *
     The first two "pearls " may speak for themselves, and of the last we have no apprehension that Miss Wells took umbrage at the inoffensive "committee" or cared a straw whether it was legally constituted or not, but at the foolish block-headed thing it seemed anxious to persuade the race to do.  But the most womanly retort of the whole pronunciamento, and quite inexcusable, if not coarse, is the reference to what "Massachusetts " had done for Miss Wells "in her hour of sorrow and need."  We don't suppose that this good lady speaks for the colored people of Massachusetts, when she thus holds forth, but if she does so much the worse for Massachusetts.  Only very womanly women, and " queer " men reason like that.  Because Massachusetts, in a burst of race fealty and enthusiasm, chose to honor herself by honoring this plucky little race lady from the South, what then did it follow, that in the act of becoming the guest of the "Old Bay State," and its soulful hospitality, she gave up her right to opinion on matters affecting her people? — The Freeman.

[Page 192]

MISS WELLS CONGRATULATIONS.
-----

EDITOR FREEMAN:
     Accept my congratulations- on the editorial in current Freeman against the Afro-American Jubilee Day at the World's Fair.  It is in the nature of things that we cannot always agree on matters affecting race interest, but this is one in which every self-respecting person, it seems to me, can agree.  I am more than gratified to find the Freeman in line.  The Afro-American press is a gradually growing power and rightly used it will at last win the race's victory.
                                                                                           Respectfully, IDA B. WELLS,
          NEW YORK, Feb. 25.

     Among those who are doing lasting and beneficial work for the race, the name of Miss Ida B. Wells is entitled to high consideration.  Born to the end of the high calling to elevate and defend her race from internal and outside adversaries, her life has been marked by a steadiness of aim and consistency of endeavors which seldom fail to attract the attention of posterity, to say the least.  Whether in the schoolroom, behind her pen or before the public, her blows have been as nails driven in sure places.  For years the press and teacher's desk have been her native field, until routed by the enemy, who little thought that though successful in driving this heroine from her sectional strongholds, they were conducting her footsteps to higher vantage grounds. — The Christian Recorder.
     The action of the Memphis (Tenn.) Commercial, in using grossly insulting language toward the brilliant and self-sacrificing Miss Ida B. Wells, is indeed reprehensive and deserving of the severest censure.
     The article does more to show up the coarseness and vulgarity in the editor that it does in reality injure Miss Wells.  No gentleman would be guilty of such language, and it is to be regretted that a newspaper of the standing of the Commercial should be disgraced by such a person as the one who occupies the editorial chair.  Southern spite and hatred are exercised upon the innocent and the defenseless.
     Miss Wells need feel in no wise embarrassed or cast down.  That Good who has shielded and protected her thus far will stand by her to the end.

[Page 193]
     In the meantime our people owe it to themselves to aid this young lady by doing all in their power to strengthen her in her mission, that the American people may be aroused to the enormity of lynch-law and its kindred ends. - Richmond Planet.
     Miss Ida B. Wells has been invited by the Moral Educational Association to read a paper before the Ladies' Physiological Institute, at Boston, Mass., Jan. 26, 1893.
     From an editorial from the pen of Dr. H. T. Johnson concerning the Philadelphia Conference, we clip the following tribute to Miss Ida B. Wells:

     Among the most prominent visitors to the Conference were Bishops B. F. Lee, Turner, Grant and Ward; General Officers Embry, Coppin, Green, Armstrong, Johnson, (editor); Drs. Seaton, Sampson, Morgan, Hannah, and Editor Ida B. Wells.  But few made speeches.  Those worthy of note were Bishop Lee, who said some wise witty things; Bishop Grant, who lifted the conference out of its boots, to speak elegantly; Bishop Turner, who was himself, and at his best; Dr. Emory, embrionically dull and droll, but who woke things up as he warmed in process; Dr. Green, the leonine disputant and tripod spokesman of the Southern Recorder.  Dr. Coppin made some happy hits on the race question, the climax of which was capped by the dauntless but exiled "Iola," whose unique and inimitable speech won the conference, and so excited sympathy in her behalf that it were well for her Memphian adversaries that they were in their distant safety in the lower regions of the Mississippi Valley.

     While our book is in the press, Miss Wells sojourns among the good and patriotic people of Scotland.  At the solicitation of friends to outraged humanity, she has crossed the Atlantic to affiliate with them, to confer as to the best plans to be laid, to reach some conclusion in the attempt of setting forth a remedy for the evils practiced by one class, and adopt methods to lift our people out of many of the shameful conditions consequent of two hundred and fifty years of serfdom.  The Constitution provides certain amendments, fostered by the chivalry of the republican party, but the rights that these amendments set forth have not been protected nor subserved for the good of those of our race who live in the South.  We truly hope that the desired end and aims of this conference may be duly met.  It will be the noble response to a people

[Page 194]
yet grateful, whose hearts and minds are ever prayerful for deliverance, and an ensign forever reminding all future generations that there still lives a just God, a generous people, who will lift up an appealing and grateful race. God is guiding Miss Wells.

-------------------------

MISS SARAH FORTEN.

     MISS SARAH FORTEN, another one of our brainy women, is deserving especial mention here, from the fact that her conspicuous efforts to reform the depraved sentiment of the country concerning the human tie was not in vain.  She addressed the following lines to the White Anti-slavery Women's Convention, soliciting their co-operation:

     After this, the whites and the free Negroes met in the same conventions, and mutually exchanged their opinions, and together ever afterward dealt their terrific blows at the foundation of America's disgrace, and, as we all gladly realize, drove the dreaded monster from this virgin land.

-------------------------

MRS. NATHANIEL SPRAGUE,
Agitator and Author.

     MRS. NATHANIEL SPRAGUE, daughter of Hon. Frederick Douglass who resides in Washington, D. C., is one who has done very much to ameliorate the Negro's condition in this country, a woman of purpose, an exponent for the equal rights, a restless agitator for the cause of humanity.

[Page 195]
     Mrs. Sprague is at present engaged in writing a book setting forth the deeds of the Negro women of the present century.  She is an able writer, and the world may expect from her caustic pen a priceless addition to Negro literature.

-------------------------

PROF. MARY V. COOK, A. B.

     KNOWN extensively, and especially for literary and journalistic fame, as Grace Ermine, was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in those dark days when the gloom of terror pervaded our virgin country, and laid desolate and bare the hopeful hearts of a much depraved people.  Her education has fitted her especially for the art of teaching, but indeed, aside from the genius so necessary for school work which she possesses to no moderate degree, she has taken quite a step since 1886, when first she made her initiatory bow to the reading world, to the front ranks of journalism.
     She is bordering on sublimity as a Christian, and is devoted to Christian charity and temperance.  Any one that is fortunate enough to see the inner life of Miss Cook at once becomes "a loyal lover" with humanity.
     Of her writings to the Negro press, many and varied have been her articles, shedding therefrom a gleam of light whereever found.  Biographers delight to honor, as well indeed they might, some of her sayings; and feel elated when once inspired by her elegance and ease, her sparkling thoughts, her erudition.  Whatever post she has been called to fill in her eventful life, the position has fully participated in the honor with her; for with her, as with Josephine, a Napoleon could not fail.  Marvelous indeed is it when we take into consideration the fact that such women are indeed living realities, after only a few years isolation from slavery and only a few years of freedom to will and to act, now to think.  But, as we believe in a God, we are mindful of the prayers commingled with tears, which then was the only comfort to the mothers and fathers of the now men and women, and we doubt not to-day the sorrows of thraldom will be fully compensated, for, when we hear such,

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papers before conventions, read such articles as Miss Cook contributes to the press, our confidence in Jehovah reaches its human limit.
     These papers have had a, wide sweep. In August, 1887, Mobile citizens turned out on the occasion of the National Baptist Convention to hear this able scholar and writer upon the theme of "Woman's Work in the Denomination."
     At other times and on similar occasions she has discussed subjects and read papers with the grace characterizing her talent and power:
     "Female education,"  "Is juvenile literature demanded on the part of colored children? "  "Woman a potent factor in public reform."
     Among the articles she has written for the press, none seem to have won for her more hearts and minds than "Nothing but Leaves."
     Indeed her life would comprise a history, if on journalism alone the historian might dwell. For the American Baptist and the South Carolina Tribune have for years been the battleground upon which she has crossed swords with our man editors, in fact she may be styled the equal of many of our boasted editors.
     As an educator she seems to have adopted her own ideas, instructing with the pen those who unfortunately do not come under her direct tutelage.  This mode of life lifts one up gradually into the channel of reflecting the goodness of others, to the extent that they become so charged with the absorbed reflection that the rays of light shines out impartially to all. A journal styled Our Women and Children, published in Louisville, has participated largely in her writings, and what the future holds in store for this talented unit of Woman Fame depends largely upon her own progressive efforts in the behalf of her race.  To become great depends upon the ease of losing sight of self to accomplish good for others.

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LUCRETIA NEWMAN COLEMAN
Writer

     WHATEVER is high and ennobling in human beings largely depends upon their opportunities in early life, transmitted through years of restless anxiety to become what was most forcibly reflected upon their young minds.  Some people are born great, some become great through years of active but patient toil, others have it thrust upon them.

LUCRETIA NEWMAN COLEMAN

     From early life, dealing with responsibilities, the spirit of usefulness seized upon Mr. Coleman, and guided by the unshadowed Christian lives of her parents, who died while she was quite young, ever kept the precepts uppermost in her mind which were to characterize ehr daily life.  Dresden, Ontario, is the city of her birth, and being early associated with the intelligence of  the place, she as others felt the spirit on her to go through college.  She attended Lawrence University, finishing the scientific course.  Her experience as a teacher is the relization of some of her youthful hopes.  Her experience as clerk adds to her grace and dignity, and most especially her relation as secretary and accountant for the financial department of the A. M. E. Church, where she showed the pureness and beauty of an inner life, blessing and brightening the once unhallowed girls of Nashville.
     During her connection with the financial department of the A. M. E. church, Mrs. Coleman contributed spicy philosophical literature to many Negro journals of the country,

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always portraying the usual fascination for saying tings in her own way.
     She has written many valuable poetic lines.  Indeed the sublime is the counterpart of her adorable easy life.  Many indeed are the comments from the press and its editors.  Her poetic effusions reach such a depth of thought and meaning which at once establishes her claim to the title which critics have been liberal in bestowing.

-------------------------

MISS LILLIAN LEWIS.
Writer.

     MISS LILLIAN A. LEWIS ranks among the literary leaders of Boston.  Those who have read her articles in the Boston Advocate have long ago attributed to her the title she so justly claims Bert Islew).  The above named paper reflects very great credit on Negro journalism, and much of its power and potency is due to the unceasing efforts and well applied tone she has given it.  Her association with the foremost men and women of the race has, coupled with her indomitable will, brought her in touch with the reading world.  Her articles, teeming with brightness, characterizing the productions of the grand and great thinkers, have caused thousands to misjudge her race, identity and age.  Her pen, as the sword, is ever drawn in defense of her race, and those who have had the honor of crossing weapons with her generally retire from the combat feeling that they have been vigorously fought.  A journalistic career, though brief, is full of honor and deserved merit.  What awaits her in the future none can say.  The historian records the past and present; a speculation is therefore beyond the limit of our imagination; but if Miss Lewis continues in the path she has learned to tread so well, grand indeed must be the landscape from the lofty summit of her goal.
     Among the host of women writers of the Negro race we could not conscientiously conclude this chapter without mentioning Miss Georgia Mabel De Baptiste, who inherits her

[Page 199]
journalistic taste, and who, like the worthy ones mentioned, is destined to shine as a full-grown meteor upon our cultured realm.  Miss Katie D. Chapman, Miss Alice E. McEwen, Miss Lucy Wilmot Smith, Miss lone E. Wood, Miss Lavinia B. Sneed, Miss Mary E. Britton, Miss Meta E. Pelham, Mrs. A. E. Johnson, Mrs. M. E. Lambert, Mrs. Frank Grimke, Miss Adina White, Mrs. Susie I. Shorter, Mrs. B. F Lee are all deserving journalistic lights, brightening their several homes with that becoming intellectuality, proving the fathomless capacity that startles the reading world which woman possesses to a remarkable degree.

MISS LILLIAN LEWIS

     It is no wonder that a race progresses in spite of its obstacles when it is remembered that such women bedeck the bright escutcheon of our editorial prow.  The efforts of these brought to bear for the furtherance of the Negro cause in a very few years of activity has told wonderfully for the great accomplishments within the possibility of the Negro race.  Each as well as all seems forced upon the arena, there to play well her part, not honor-seeking, but inspired by the mandates of DUTY.

-------------------------

JOSEPHINE TURPIN WASHINGTON.
Educator and Writer,

     TO Augustus A. and Maria V. Turpin was born July 31, 1861, a daughter whose marriage name is Mrs. Josephine Turpin Washington, who was destined to shine even in the great State of her birth.  The State of Virginia has long been

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the land of the free and the home of the brave, and where educational facilities were fostered, and especially by the erudition of the Negro race.
     Goochland county was honored by her nativity and made prominent by her praise.  Soon after moving to Richmond she matriculated to the Richmond Institute, having already passed through the all important high school.  Having a strengthened belief in her power to master the classics, not satisfied with a diploma from the limited course taken in the Richmond

JOSEPHINE TURPIN WASHINGTON

Institute, she matriculated at Howard University, finishing the college course in 1886.
     The tendency women have at the present day is to show the men of the race that it is neither necessitates a brokendown, worn-out body, nor a fond and fictitious supply of ego to pose as a sample of learning.  Our women generally pass through the college curriculum in the same length of time as their male classmates, and we have very few instances to demonstrate that woman presumes too much in her attempts to master the sciences.  Mrs. Dr. Washington has not only been honored by a position in Howard University; Howard University has been honored by her, not only as a teacher, but as a pupil, for even as the latter her association and demeanor served as a blessing to all who were fortunate to be her friend in the institution.
     As a teacher she has so favorably arrayed herself for the work, and so ably availed herself with what is expected of a teacher, that her usefulness has a wide range, and her services have for a goodly number of years been sought by the presidents of our southern colleges.  Her efforts to advance Selma

[Page 201]
University are recognized, and the good she accomplished while connected therewith is being felt.
     She possesses a special penchant for writing, as indeed her literary career, both as a scholar and newspaper correspondent, has demonstrated to the world the power of thought when produced from the pen of such a talented woman.  Many, and indeed varied, are the periodicals she has promoted by her lofty thought and able articles.  Newspapers that have the support of the best writers are the ones most eagerly sought, and most readily patronized, hence the magnetic force of her pen found a host of avenues (newspaper columns) open wherein the race agitations and momentous questions were duly met by  the readiness of her genius. Her will has been to answer back whenever the lover of Southern pride attacked the unfortunate race with which she claims identity—thus when Annie Porter, with concentrated infamy, threw down the sacred altars of Negro greatness, and played her hostile hand of treachery, in Miss Turpin (which then was her name) she more than met her match.  The calumny occurred in the Independent—the dignified reproof of Miss Turpin in the New York Freeman.  All of the prominent Negro newspapers have stood by her in her bold assertions, and applauded her achievements, have shared her joys and are made happy by her accomplishments.
     She is the author of many high and ennobling subjects which have engaged the attention of the many eager and anxious searchers after truth, but our space dictates brevity Dr. S. H. H. Washington, of Birmingham, Ala., took Miss Turpin's hand in marriage, thereby stamping the seal of success for all his future life.
     The woman, great as she is, her intellect is greater.  God is demonstrating through such women as Mrs. Dr. Washington some useful lessons, is writing upon the wall of Time that which requires no interpretation, words which stand out as in blocks of fire, famous for simplicity, and ail who see may read.

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