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GENEALOGY EXPRESS

 

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Black
History & Genealogy

NOTED NEGRO WOMEN
THEIR TRIUMPHS AND ACTIVITIES
By Monroe Alphus Majors
"A race, no less than an nation, is prosperous in proportion to the intelligence of its women."
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The criterion for Negro civilization is the intelligence, purity and high motives of its women.
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THE HIGHEST MARK OF OUR PROSPERITY, AND THE STRONGEST PROOFS OF NEGRO CAPACITY TO MASTER THE SCIENCES AND FINE ARTS, ARE EVINCED BY THE ADVANCED POSITIONS TO WHICH NEGRO WOMEN HAVE ATTAINED.
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"I will go forth 'mong men, mailed in the armor of a pure intent.
"Grant duties are before me, and great deeds, and whether crowned or crownless when I fall, it matters not, so as Gods work is done."
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DONOHUE & HENNEBERRY,
PRINTERS, BINDERS AND ENGRAERS,
CHICAGO.
1893

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LUCY WILMOT SMITH
Writer

     MISS LUCY WILMOT SMITH is a native of Lexington, Ky., and from Prof. I. Garland Penn's sketch we learn some facts (which time and space are not to be considered), as to her worthiness among the leading Negro women of America.  She was born Nov. 16, 1861.  Her mother, Mrs. Margaret Smith, the very embodiment of ambition, exerted herself arduously and unselfishly to place every advantage for education in her way, she being her sole support.


LUCY WILMOT SMITH

     We learn that she began teaching in 1877, serving under the Lexington, Ky., school board, and in 1887 graduated from the normal department of the State University.  She was for a long time private secretary to Dr. William J. Simmons, by whose aid she was introduced to the world of thinkers and writers in newspaper life.
     In every department of life she has officiated; whether as scholar, teacher, society worker, she has proven beyond the shadow of a doubt the competency of the female to be trusted with responsibilities.
     She is now a member of the State University faculty.
     She is a newspaper contemporary and has shown her peculiar fitness for her art in the demonstration of controlling special columns in Our Women and Children, one of the best magazines published by the Negro race.  She has served on the staff of the Baptist Journal; in fact her newspaper career since 1884, though short, has been one full of rare experiences, and eliciting praise from the pens of the best writers of

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the country.  Mrs. N. F. Mossell says: "Miss Smith writes compactly, is acute, clean and crisp in her acquirements and has
good descriptive powers."  "Her style is transparent, lucid, and in many respects few of her race can surpass her."
     Her success proves the scope of her versatility and talent.

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MISS. A. L. TILGHMAN.
Editor of Musical Messenger, Musical Writer, Talented Vocalist.

     THE subject of this brief sketch first saw the light of day in Washington City, District of Columbia.  Her parents for uprightness and honesty have no piers in the race.  Henry H. and Margaret A. Tilghman have always been the centre around which reveled the good and gay citizens of the national capital.  In 1871 she finished the normal department at Howard University and thereafter taught fourteen years in the public schools of her native city.  Her knowledge of instruction at once asserted itself, and made for her the reputation she justly won and merits.
     Her musical as well as vocal talent has at all times won for her the greatest praise both from public and press.
     She sang through New York State, at all times meeting the public expectations, delighting and captivating all who heard her with her melody in fact in 1881, the New York press styled her "The Queen of Song."  In this same year she filled an engagement as leader of the Saengerfest, at Louisville, Kentucky, and two years later she was advised to travel, acting as the leading sopranist in the Washington Harmonic Musical Concert Troupe.
     Her musical qualifications make her a marvel.  Being a graduate from the renowned Boston Conservatory of Music, makes her less the foe and more the friend of critics, as for them their work becomes an easy as well as a pleasing task.  She is a race lover and is restless in new adventures for the development of her people.

     Her Queen Esther Cantata, a musical concert played under her management, is regarded by all by far the greatest musi-

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cal effort ever carried to perfection in Montgomery, Alabama.  Her instructions to the many young ladies of the race guarantees to us the realization of many accomplished pianists and singers in the South.
     At Montgomery she published the Musical Messenger.  On leaving the above named city by reason of her ability she was invited and accepted the, duties of the musical department of Howe Institute, New Iberia, Louisiana.  After one year of hard work she resigned her position and took up residence in Washington City, her home, where she, through God, is working in the field of music, teaching and editing the
Musical Messenger.

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LILLIAN PARKER THOMAS
Local and Correspondent Editor of The Freeman.

     LILLIAN PARKER THOMAS, correspondent editor of the Freeman, is a striking illustration of the triumph of perseverance over obstacles incidental to the experience of all who, unaided and alone, have hewn for themselves a place on life's rocky and untoward highway.  Associated with her earliest remembrance ahs been an inspiration, now inviting, anon abating, to some time write her name among the galaxy of those whose sublime mission it had been to preserve for the edification and pleasure of coming generations the elevated and instructive in literature and thought.  As if to test the validity and strength of this dominant aspiration, her lot was cast in a portion of the then new Northwest, where the chimes resonant from the halls of culture and art vied with the weird haloo of the untutored aboriginee.  The members of her own race being few, the impetus afforded by association for rivalry played no part in developing her precocious talent.  As best she knew and could, she builded.  She "shunned delights, and lived laborious days" of application and study.  The schools of Wisconsin, excellent and notably celebrated, offered superior facilities for her eager and inquiring mind.  The School Lyceum had in her one of its most ardent devotees, as did the higher branches of the curriculum of the schools.  Her bow to the

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public as a writer began with a strong, logical protest against the action of the United States Supreme Court, declaring the Civil Eights bill unconstitutional.  Her protest appeared in the leading dailies of the State, and was the recipient of widespread and favorable comment.  The succession of events, since that time, touching the interest of her race have been


LILLIAN PARKER THOMAS

the animus to many and varied dissertations on this important theme.  Coming to Indianapolis in 1885, she soon attracted the attention of the literati of the Hoosier capital, and was accorded that honest recognition due her sterling intellectual gifts and tastes.  Her fame as a chaste and polished reader is far from being of the common "school-house elocutionary" order, and has long since ceased to be merely local.  She has filled her

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present responsible position upon the Freeman, the race's greatest journalistic effort, for something over a year, and has filled it fully and exceptionally, not through favoritism or the chance of circumstances, but because her superior and exceptional qualifications and merit, pure merit, have enabled her to do so, she being the only lady of her race in this section holding a position of such journalistic importance.  The special features of the Freeman, such as "Race Gleanings," "Church," "Stage" and "Friendly Reminders," are to be credited solely to her discriminating compilation and original creation.  Her "Friendly Reminders," as given each week to the Freeman's thousands of readers, are solely and originally the children of her own thought and creation, and are worthy in many instances to be ranked with Tupper's Proverbial Philosophy.  It may be said in a general way of this talented and growing race woman that what she has become to be, what she may yet become to be, if all signs do not fail and opportunity is not suddenly cut off, is and will be clue solely or mainly to her own indomitable intellectuality and determination.  She is a credit to her race, an ornament to her sex. The mantle of mental achievement, that belongs so properly to her was neither an accident nor a bequest, but one of her own weaving, with filling thread of energy in warp and woof.  She says:
     "We believe that what should most interst women is woman; despite the glaring indication that her chief consideration, as well as chief glorification, is man.  Woman's condition to-day, as compared with her condition in no far remote time, stands out in contra distinction in favor of the present.  But even now she is environed with untoward odds which operate in many instances to stultify her aspiration or palsy her effort, and yet a number sufficient to wield telling influence have in the last few decades invaded, as one lord of creation has termed it, the ranks of the arts, sciences and industries, and have flung into the burning pile which is fast consuming the yokes of individuals and nations that theoretic weakling, i. e., that woman is incapable of mastering economics outside the domestic realm.  The loom, spinning wheel and quilting frames

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have been exchanged for the desk, the ledger, the brush and palette, the caligraph and the camera; churn, milkstool, soap kettle and lye hopper have each and all been relegated to dust covered obscurity, whence they are only brought to do service as a corner-stone upon which some muse shall build his lore of "ye olden time," and yet woman has not abandoned the duties incumbent upon her as wife and mother, nor waived her claim to the coronet which bears the inscription 'Queen of home,' but has resolved the routine of household duties, which to our grandmothers were veriest meniality and which were often the bane of a cheerless existence, into a systematized series of domestic functions of which she is the proud promoter.  If the broadening out of woman's mind by the leaven of science, philosophy and art bore no other beneficence than the permeating of this earthly shrine, the home, with the aroma of culture and refinement and inculcating in the breast of the inmates of that home love for the good and the beautiful, the seeker after such knowledge had builded well.  Nature mellows the heart, while the development of the mind creates a window through which the erstwhile mental captive may behold and appreciate the beauties of nature.  But in this, a day of great possibilities, the feminine heart yearns for broader paths wherein to walk, an intellectual highway whereon all nations or sex may walk abreast.  This granted, the son and daughter go hand in hand to the halls of learning and on common ground prepare for the arena of life and for the time when, should fickle fortune, whose mandate barrs no creed or sex, decree the undoing of their success, they have won alike a safeguard against wreck or ruin as a result of helplessness."

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MRS. C. C. STUMM.

     AMONG the women who have made for themselves names as writers and pioneer teachers.  Mrs. C. C. Stumm ranks very high.  She was born in Kentucky, in the daughter of Thomas and Eliza Penman and the accomplished wife of Dr. Stumm an able minister of Philadelphia.  At quite an

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early age she matriculated at Berea College, where she procured a fair amount of learning, but by courage and thirst for knowledge she has studied her way to the top.  Her experience as a teacher, as well as her reputation, has been won, not only in the public school-room, but in academies both in Texas and Kentucky.  As a journalist her efforts have been frought with success. Her writings and editorial work cover many different States.  In Boston the Hub and Advocate, in Kentucky the Bowling Green Watchman, each have found in her a ready exponent and versatile writer.
     She is at present a resident of Philadelphia, where she is engaged in journalistic agency for the National Monitor, published at Brooklyn, N. Y., and Our Women and Children journal, published at Louisville, Ky.

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MRS. SERENA LETITIA MOORE.
Artist
BY JOHN C. DANCY

     THE subject of this sketch was born at Snow Hill, N. C. Nov. 11, 1863, and is the daughter of George Washington and Esther Suggs.  At the age of three years she removed with her parents to Wilson, N. C., where she early began to attend school and continued therein regularly until she was 13 years old.  Her principal during these years was the now distinguished Dr. J. C. Price, president of Livingstone College.  At this age she entered the St. Augustine Normal and Industrial Institute, at Raleigh, N. C, under the presidency of Dr. Smedes and under the tutelage of such teachers as the now eminent teacher, essayist and speaker, Mrs. Anna J. Cooper, A. M.. Washington, D. C.  After spending three years here, she spent one year at Scotia Seminary, Concord, N. C.  After this she spent one year at St. Mary's Academy, Baltimore, Md.
     Mrs. Moore professed religion when only eleven years old and joined the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church at Wilson, N C.

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     In the fall of 1879 the then young principal of Wilson Academy, Prof Edward Moore, Ph. D., now of Livingstone College, met her.  He had just graduated from Lincoln University, and was recognized as a thorough scholar and brilliant young man.  During that year relations began to grow between them, which finally terminated in their marriage Nov. 14, 1881, which has proven a very happy and fortunate union.


MRS. SERENA L. MOORE

     At school she was apt in all her studies, but from very early life she had a peculiar taste, aptness and fondness for drawing, which she has in later life cultivated, until she is now able to execute most excellent oil paintings, especially portraits.  In her parlor can be seen life-size pictures of Dr. J. C. Price, Collector of Customs, John C. Dancy, Bishop C. R. Harris, and Mrs. Anna J. Cooper, which would do credit to many of our best artists.  Her work in water colors and other forms of the painter's art does her great credit.
     In 1883 she was elected one of the teachers of the preparatory department of Livingston College.  She held this place till the increasing duties of the family made it necessary for her to resign in 1885.  She is the mother of four interesting children and is always happy in instructing them, and marking out their pathway in life.
     Mrs. Moore is of medium height, of a lively disposition, genial nature and beautiful face.  Hers is a social nature, high minded and ambitious.  She always makes it pleasant for her friends.  She delights to entertain, and is known for her characteristic hospitality.

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MRS. A. E. JOHNSON.
Writer

    MRS. A. E. JOHNSON, we learn, was born in Maryland in 1859.  Her education was obtained in Montreal, Canada, but for the reason that she might be of use to her race as an educator, she moved to Baltimore in 1874, where she has since resided.  Her marriage with Dr. Harvey Johnson, an eminent devine, took place in 1877.


MRS. A. E. JOHNSON

     A fine sketch of her appears in the Afro-American Press.
     She began writing poetry at quite an early age, but published little till after her marriage.  Since then she has written much for various reviews, and other miscellanies.  In 1887 she launched upon the uncertain waves of journalism the Joy, an eight-page monthly, containing original poems and matters literary, in fact a symposium of stories, etc., by the best cultivated brain of the race.
     Her writings are varied; she having a clear conception of what a poet means, she is reserved in her compositions, and so deep is her thought that her productions ward off the minnows in search for those who inhabit deep water. Her powers of imagination are so forcible that for every true disciple of her muses there is painted by the fairy a rare picture.

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MRS. W. E. MATHEWS.
Eminent Writer.

     MRS. W. E. MATHEWS (Victoria Earle) was born at Fort Valley, Georgia, May 27, 1861.
     Those cruel days of servitude for our subject severed the parental tie, and by reason of cruelty and outrage perpetrated in those dark days caused many an unfortunate to seek refuge in the far North. 
Mrs. Caroline Smith, for that was her mother's name, after repeated attempts to flee, finally succeeded, making New York her home.


MRS. W. E. MATHEWS.

     After a series of years, she returned and found living four of her children, our subject being one of the number, whom she freed legally from the clutches of the law, and took them finally to New York, where she might educate the little ones committed to her care.
     Her opportunities at first proving to be not so smooth as anticipated, hence she was forced to work for maintenance.  Possessing all of the characteristics of a true disciple, she labored and studied arduously to make her way in the world.  Such is the life of the mother; what of the daughter whose life engages the attention of the literary world?
     By perseverance Mrs. Mathews has written her way into the hearts of America's best enlightened citizens.  The wonderful
fascination she has for the subjects her extensive writings embrace place her among the highest American female writers of the age.

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     More than a score of leading periodicals, daily and weekly under the management of both white and Negro editors' demand the magnetic pulsation that her articles seem to give.  For instance, she has been in demand on the following: The New York Times, Herald, Mail and Express, Sunday Mercury, the Earth and the Phonographic World; meanwhile acting as correspondent to the National Leader, Detroit Plaindealer and the Southern Christian Recorder.  Her articles contributed to the A. M. E. Church Review have proven the force of her literary genius.  The following leading Negro weeklies have always found her a ready exponent: The Boston Adcocate, Washington Bee, Richmond Planet, Catholic Tribune.  Cleveland Gazette, New York Globe, New York Age, and the New York Enterprise.  She is as busy as a bee, for it has become an established fact that Mrs. Mathews' greatest pleasure is in the constant pursuit of her literary and journalistic duties.
     Her high literary attainments abundantly fit her for achieving marvelous success in literature; her peculiar fascination for stories have added much to her grand attainments, as her footprints can be seen in the Waverly Magazine the New York Weekly, the Family Story Paper and Ringwood Journal of Fashion.
     Her many literary achievements go to prove that merit is the watchword for the world.  Of course the city wherein the most of her life has been spent, where she has proven herself a worthy scholar, meritorious in every way, and worthy of the reliance placed in her, naturally offered her the greatest inducements for her turn of mind.  She is a success.  The Negro race should be proud and more courageous in their boast of their greatest minds.
     The Woman's National Press Association finds in her a worthy member, a giantess, the equal of any of her sex or society, and places the Negro race, from a literary standpoint, where it justly belongs in story writing and literature in general.
     She is not only a novelist and press correspondent, she is an author of a series of text books and school literature.

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    Her wide scope with the pen proves the assurance of her versatility and talent, and demonstrates, as well as proves, the philosophy of industry, that he who would accumulate must work.

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MRS. CHARLOTTE FORTEN GRIMKE
Educator, Linguist, Writer.

     IT is indeed a pleasure to record the deeds and usefulness of one who, by her dint and push, has made her name known to the literary world.  She was born in Philadelphia, of honored parents, whose genealogy may be traced many generations; in fact, a grand-daughter of that venerable Mr. Forten, of Revolutionary fame, who was for many years the friend and adviser of America's great poet, John Greenleaf Whittier though Mr. Forten was many years his senior.  As soon as Miss Forten could conceive of the idea of what an education consisted, and the use of it, she determined to go where the very best training was to be gotten, hence she went to Salem, Mass., entered a school in which she, after graduation, taught for a number of years.  Remarkable to say that in her department there was not a colored child, and she experienced no insinuations of disrespect on the part of the white children who were committed to her care.  Her genius forced open higher avenues of learning year after year, and served as a convincing argument that the women of color with equal chances could do what white women could do.  After teaching a number of years in Massachusetts, the call was made for volunteers to go South and carry the intellectual light to the boys and girls; the women and men of to-day Miss Forten then, as now, being one of the best educated persons of the race, made her way to Port Royal, South Carolina, where she gave to the newly freedmen two of the busiest years of her young life teaching, working in church and Sabbath-school, and as forcibly as possible did she delineate upon their duties to their God, their fellow-men and themselves.  The XIII., XIV and XV amendments to the Constitution found the Negro as void of under-

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standing then, as the sudden issuance of the emancipation proclamation found them almost incapable of the faith, to comprehend their deliverance.  Much had to be accomplished, schools and school-houses had to be erected, and, true to every instinct of the genius she possessed, she returned to New England and became correspondent for the New England Freedman's Aid Society.  This position was the responsive cord to the "even tenor of her way.'' She had been South, studied the Negro's rude conditions, taught their children, labored with them and knew their wants.  God really placed her there.  Miss Forten is an erudite scholar, a forcible writer, and, withal, a woman of extraordinary powers who would do honor to any race.  At the solicitation of the poet Whittier, she corresponded with him during her stay South, also while sojourning there she wrote an article entitled "Life on the South Sea Isles,'' which occurred in the Atlantic Monthly, a journal that needs no praise.
     At the suggestion of Colonel Higginson, her knowledge of the French language was brought to the severest test in the translation of a book (written in the French language) into English, copyrighted by Erckmon and Chatrian, and published in Scribner's Magazine, for which she was long a correspondent.  Unlike very many women writers, Miss Forten enjoyed the reputation of being a costly correspondent in that a workman was worthy of his hire.  She has contributed largely of her talents and time to invigorate and make interesting many of our newspapers, and all who have come in for a share of such of her favors have shown it in their journalistic success.  Her association with such minds as Whittier and Longfellow has been inspiring in effect, and given her an insight very keen to appreciate the true, the beautiful; for this rare enjoyment, she has been caused to feel and know the difference between the exalted and the humble, and as compared with the literary work of the exalted, she claims to have done very little; but those who know her best freely assent in crowning her with the laurels she has so beautifully won.
     After leaving Boston, she came South to Washington, D. C, where she spent a number of years in the cause of educa-

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tion.  The high school was her workshop, and the material turned out year after year daring her activities there proved most wonderfully her fitness as a teacher—a leader—and it is the boast of the whites in Massachusetts, as well as the Negroes in Washington, D. C, that Charlotte Forten was their teacher.  Here this lady met Rev. Dr. Grimke, and surrendered her lifework, leaning upon him, who became the mainstay of her eventful life.  He is a husband, a model for men; she a wife, an example of purity and chastity; a teacher of Christian piety; yea, a copy for our girls, who can make for themselves a record.

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LUCINDA BRAGG ADAMS.
Musician and Writer

     THE subject of our sketch is the accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. F. Bragg.  She was born in the Old Dominion, in the city of Petersburg, and so circumstanced that she could enjoy the advantages of becoming a musician, at quite an early age.  Proficiency indeed seems to be her second nature.  Her force of character and magical art seem to go
hand in hand, and altogether fit her for the highest realms of music and song.  She possesses every feature of the high art. Her compositions are full of her soul, portraying in every line the uppermost tenor of her soul.
     She has won the meed of praise from the papers of Virginia and in an article on music, which appeared in the A. M. E. Review, she seems to have concentrated all her genius, as, indeed, her friends far and wide paid such glowing compliments that she has more than ever confined her talents and time to music.  She is assistant editor of the Musical Messenger, of which Miss A. L. Tilghman is its accomplished editor.  Mrs. Adams is the author of 'Old Blanford Church,' which she, for the friendship existing between her family and Hon. John Mercer Langston's, together with her high regard and conception of his rare ability, dedicated to him.

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     Prof I. Garland Penn, in his Afro-American Press. says:  "She is a woman of indomitable will, and a writer of superior ability.  The Messenger, with Mrs. Adams' aid, will be a paper of commanding influence in Afro-American journalism."

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MRS. MARY E. BRITTON (MEB)

     THE subject of our sketch is an ardent student of metaphysics and a firm believer in phrenology, and had her phrenological character written out by Prof. O. S. Fowler.  He describes her predominant characteristic as "ambitious to do her level best."  He speaks of her as "thoroughly conscientious, and actuated by the highest possible sense of right and duty; as frugal and industrious, adapted to business."
     Her career as a writer began with an address prepared for her school exhibition.
     Her next article was a race appeal, which appeared in the Cincinnati Commercial.
 


MRS. MARY E. BRITTON

     Mrs. Amelia E. Johnson says of her:  "She has an excellent talent for comparing, explaining, expounding and criticising, and has made no small stir among the city officials and others for their unjust discriminations against worthy citizens."  We say of her as others; many and varied have been her treatises on the race question.  She is one of the leading women writers of the South.  More than a dozen Negro journals have been forced onward toward the high mark, owing to the quality of her contributions.  All Louisville, (Ky.) is alive to the fact that within its borders there is one plucky woman and she is our Meb.  Her educational work in Louisville speaks for itself

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The citizens join in one unanimus voice in accrediting her with all the estimable qualifications of a noted lady, a useful and tireless worker and a model of our latter day civilization.

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MISS PAULINE POWELL.
Eminent Pianist and Artist

     THE subject of this sketch was born in the city of Oakland, county of Alameda, June 27, 1872, and is the only daughter of the late William W. Powell and Josephine Powell, old and respected residents of the city of Oakland.  She  was educated in the public schools of Oakland and always stood very high in her studies.  She graduated from the grammar school, where she remained one year, when she was taken out by her parents to pursue her studies in music and painting.


MISS PAULINE POWELL

     Miss Powell has been studying music and the piano for seven years under the best masters of the profession, and among her most prominent teachers was the late Prof. McDougall, who took an extra interest in her progress in that particular study, and to his teaching she owes the most of her success as a brilliant performer upon the piano and her knowledge of music, both vocal and instrumental.  Although Miss Powell is well advanced in the musical profession, being one of the most brilliant performers upon the piano that we have in the city of Oakland, either white or colored, she still pursues her studies in music, and has for her

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instructor Miss De Gomez, lately of the Conservatory of Music at Berlin, Germany.  She has also pursued her studies in painting for five years, having a natural gift and taste for the profession.  Though she has never had a great deal of teaching in that profession from the great masters of the art, yet she has produced some as fine paintings as those who have ranked as prominent artists in the great studios of Europe and America.  Miss Powell had several paintings on exhibition at the Mechanics' Institute fair in 1890 in this city, which received great praise from the committee of award and those who admired works of art amongst the thousands that visited the pavilion during the season.  They were the first paintings ever before exhibited by a colored artist in this State at any of the art exhibitions, and speak well for the push and energy exhibited by the young lady in showing the capabilities of the race in the arts and sciences.
     Miss Powell resides with her mother, Mrs. Josephine Powell, at 579 Sixteenth street, corner of Jefferson, in the city of Oakland, who owns a handsome cottage of six rooms, of modern build and improvements.  The family consists of three—the mother and her son and daughter, Mr. William Powell and Miss Pauline Powell, who are bright examples for emulation, as far as refinement, love of mother and home are concerned.  They are a blessing to their widowed mother.
     Read what the San Francisco Examiner says of her performances:

     Miss Powell gave a beautiful piano solo, after which Miss Winslow gave a recitation and another exhibition of Delsarte movements.  The very excellent work done by the Misses Powell and Winslow has been one of the most attractive features of the assembly.  Miss Pauline Powell was born and educated in Oakland. She has been making music a special study; and has given several recitals in San Francisco with great satisfaction to her friends.  She interprets classical music with fine taste and exquisite finish.  She has made a most happy success here by her refined and cultured performances, and all Chautauquans and their friends have generally bestowed their congratulations upon her, and prophesy for her a brilliant future as a pianist.

     Another brilliant testimonial of her talents:

     Miss Pauline Powell's piano performances were from memory, brilliant in execution and perfect in harmony.  Her "Fantasie Impromptu, C sharp

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minor," by Chopin, and "Rondo Erilliante," by Weber, were played in a masterly style, and evoked continued applause.
P. G. Review.
     Miss Powell was born in Oakland, Cal., and as a native daughter reflects credit on the golden State.  She has a natural genius for music, and interprets the classic music of the great masters with evidences of thorough instruction and rare natural genius.  She invariably plays without her notes and entirely from memory, which is high proof of her talent. — San Francisco Call.

ASSISTED BY C. KELLOG, THE BIRD WARBLER, AND THE MISSES POWELL AND
WINSLOW, PIANIST AND DELSARTIST.

(From Tuesday's Daily.)

     The grand entertainment Saturday evening as per program was held at the M. E. Church, and really overreached the excellency of the merits claimed for it, Dr. Hirst presiding.  At the conclusion of a few preliminary remarks by the Doctor, Miss Powell, who has won our hearts, was announced, and gave a "Rondo from Mendelssohn," the brilliant execution of which could not be well excelled. — P. Q. Review.

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MRS. OCTAVIA V. R. ALBERT
Author of The House of Bondage

     OCTAVIA VICTORIA ROGERS, wife of the Rev. A. E. P. Albert, D. D., was born in Oglethorpe, Macon county, Ga., of slave parentage, Dec. 24, 1853, and was educated at Atlanta University, in that State.  She and Dr. Albert first met at Montezuma, Ga., where they taught school together, in 1873, and on Oct. 21, 1874, they were united in holy wedlock.  They had an only daughter, who survives her mother.  She united with the African Methodist Episcopal Church under the preaching of Bishop H. M. Turner, at Oglethorpe, Ga., and was converted and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, under the pastorage of the Rev. Marcus Dole, at Union Chapel, New Orleans, in 1875.  Her own husband baptized her at Houma, La., in 1878, during the first year of his ministry.  She was an angel of mercy whose loving spirit will long be cherished by all who knew her but to love her.  Now she rests from her labors, and her good works do follow her.  Peace to her precious memory!
                                                                 T
HE COMPILER.

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     The following pages, giving the result of conversations and other information gathered, digested, and written by Mrs. Octavia V. Rogers, deceased wife of the Rev. A. E. P Albert,A. M., D. D., first appeared in the columns of the Southwestern Christian Advocate, some months after her death, as a serial story under the name of The House of Bondage.  It was received with such enthusiasm and appreciation that no sooner was the story concluded than letters poured in upon the editor from all directions urging him to put it in book form, so as to preserve it as a memorial of the author, as well as for its intrinsic value as a history of Negro slavery in the Southern States, of its overthrow, and of the mighty and far-reaching results derived therefrom.
     No special literary merit is claimed for the work.  No special effort was made in that direction; but as a panoramic exhibition of slave-life, emancipation, and the subsequent results, the story herein given, with all the facts brought out, as each one speaks for himself and in his own way, is most interesting and life-like.
     The conversations herein given are not imaginary, but actual, and given as they actually occurred.  No one can read these pages without realizing the fact that "truth is often stranger than fiction."  As such we present it to the public as an unpretentious contribution to an epoch in American history that will more and more rivet the attention of the civilized world as the years roll around.
     An only daughter unites with the writer in sending out these pages penned by a precious and devoted mother and wife, whose angelic spirit is constantly seen herein, and whose subtile and holy influence seem to continue to guide and protect both in the path over which they since have had to travel without the presence and cheer of her inspiring countenance.
     To her sacred memory these pages, the result of her efforts, are affectionately inscribed.

EDITORIAL ROOMS
Southwestern Christian Advocate
NEW ORLEANS, LA., November 15, 1890.
A. E. P. ALBERT,
LAURA T. F. ALBERT

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THE INTRODUCTION TO HER BOOK, COMING AS IT DOES FROM ONE OF
AMERICA'S GREATEST CHURCHMEN, WE COULD NOT
REFRAIN INSERTING IT.

     The story of slavery never has been and never will be. fully told.  In the last letter that John Wesley ever wrote, addressed to Wilberforce, the great abolitionist, and dated Feb. 24, 1791, and this only six days before his tireless hand was quieted in death, he wrote these words: "I see not how you can go through your glorious enterprise in opposing that execrable villainy (slavery and the slave trade), which is the scandal of religion, of England, and of human nature.  Unless God has raised you up for this very thing you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils; but if God be for you, who can be against you? Are ail of them together stronger than God?  O, 'be not weary in well-doing.'  Go on in the name of God, and the power of his might, till even American slavery, the vilest that ever saw the sun, shall vanish away before it."
     It is because American slavery was "the vilest that ever saw the sun" that it is, and will remain forever, impossible to adequately portray its unspeakable horrors, its heart-breaking sorrows, its fathomless miseries of hopeless grief, its intolerable shames, and its heaven-defying and outrageous brutalities.
     But while it remains true that the story can never be completely told, it is wise and well that the task should be attempted and in part performed; and this for the reason that there are some who presume that this slavery, "the vilest that ever saw the sun," has been, and is still, of divine appointment; in short, that from first to last it was a divine institution.  It is well to remind all such people that the Almighty Ruler of the universe is not an accessory, either before or after the fact, to such crimes as were involved in slavery.  Let no guilty man, let no descendant of such man, attempt to excuse the sin and shame of slave-holding on the ground of its providential character.  The truth is that slavery is the product of human greed and lust and oppression, and not of God's ordering.
     Then it is well to write about slavery that the American people may know from what depths of disgrace and infamy

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they rose when, guided by the hand of God, they broke every yoke and let the oppressed go free.  Finally, it is well to tell, though only in part, the story of slavery, so that every man, woman and child of the once enslaved race may know the exceeding mercy of God that has delivered them from the hopeless and helpless despair that might have been their portion if the Lord God Omnipotent had not come forth to smite in divine and righteous wrath the proud oppressor, and bring his long suffering people out of their worse than Egyptian bondage.
     This volume, penned by a hand that now rests in the quiet of the tomb, is a contribution to the sum total of the story that can never be entirely told.
     In her young girlhood the author had known the accursed system, and she knew the joy of deliverance.  With a deep, pathetic tenderness she loved her race; she would gladly have died for their enlightenment and salvation.  But she has gone to her reward, leaving behind her the precious legacy of a sweet Christian influence that can only flow forth from a pure and consecrated life.
     May this volume go forth to cheer and comfort and inspire to high and holy deeds all who shall read its pages!

    WILLARD F. MALLALIEU

     BOSTON, MASS., Nov. 15, 1890.

     To more fully demonstrate her powers as a writer, and to prove the worth of her contribution to Negro literature we insert the following:

CHAPTER XVIII.
NEGRO GOVERNMENT.

Kuklux—Reign of terror—Black laws—Reconstruction—Colored men in
constitutional conventions and State legislatures—Lieutenant-Governor
Dunn—Honest Antoine Dubuclet—Negro problem—What the race
has accomplished since the war—Emigration and colonization.

     If the Kuklux treated the missionaries in that manner you must not imagine that they left the colored people and their children unharmed.  Thousands of colored men and women throughout the South were in like manner whipped and shot

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down like dogs, in the fields and in their cabins.  The recital of some of the experiences of those days is enough to chill your blood and raise your hair on ends.  The horrors of those days can scarcely be imagined by those who know nothing about it.  Why, madam, you ought to have been down here in 1868.  That was the year in which Grant and Colfax ran for president and vice-president, against Seymour and Blair.  A perfect reign of terror existed all over the South; and the colored people who attempted to vote were shot down like dogs everywhere.  There was such a reign of terrorism in many States of the South that the Congress of the United States refused to count the bloody electoral votes of several of the Southern States.  Two years before that, in July, 1866, there was a constitutional convention in New Orleans, to frame a constitution whereby the State of Louisiana might be reconstructed and re-admitted into the Union.  On the 30th day of that month, I believe it was, a fearful riot was instituted by those fire-eaters, and the result was that the streets of New Orleans were flooded with Negro blood.  Hundreds of them were killed without any knowledge of the murderous intentions of their enemies.  They lay dead on every street and in the gutter, and were taken out and buried in trenches by the cart-load in all the cemeteries.  The children at school were also the object of the same murderous spirit.  When we sent our children to school in the morning we had no idea that we should see them return home alive in the evening.
     "Big white boys and half-grown men used to pelt them with stones and run them down with open knives, both to and from school.  Sometimes they came home bruised, stabbed, beaten half to death and sometimes quite dead.  My own son himself was often thus beaten.  He has on his forehead to-day a scar over his right eye which sadly tells the story of his trying experience in those days in his efforts to get an education.  I was wounded in the war, trying to get my freedom, and he over the eye, trying to get an education.  So we both call our scars marks of honor.  In addition to these means to keep the Negro in the same servile condition, I was about to

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forget to tell you of the 'black laws,' which were adopted in nearly all of the Southern States under President Andrew Johnson's plan of reconstruction.  They adopted laws with reference to contracts, to the movement of Negro laborers, etc., such as would have made the condition of the freed Nearro worse than when he had a master before the war.  But, in the words of General Garfield upon the death of President Lincoln, 'God reigns, and the government at Washington still lives."  It did live, and, notwithstanding Andrew Johnson, it lived under the divine supervision which would not and did not allow the Southern States to reconstruct upon any such dishonorable, unjust plan to the two hundred thousand Negro soldiers who offered their lives upon the altar for the perpetuation of the Union and the freedom of their country.  And the whole matter was repudiated by Congress, and the States were reconstructed upon the plan of equal rights to every citizen, of whatever race or previous condition.  It was then declared that, whereas the stars on our national flag had been the property of only the white race and the stripes for only the colored, now the stars should forever be the common property of both, and that the stripes should only be given to those that deserved them.
     "Under this new plan of reconstruction many colored men entered the constitutional conventions of every Southern State; and in the subsequent organization of the new State governments colored men took their seats in both branches of the State governments, in both Houses of Congress, and in all the several branches of the municipal, parochial, State and national governments.  It is true that many of them were not prepared for such a radical and instantaneous transition.  But I tell you, madam, it was simply wonderful to see how well they did.  And, although in the midst of prejudice and partisan clamor a great deal of the most withering criticisms have been spent upon the ignorance, venality and corruption of the Negro carpet-bag reconstruction governments inaugurated by our people, I believe time will yet vindicate them, and their achievements will stand out in the coming years as

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one of the marvels of the ages . "Who of all the officers of any State government can compare with the unassuming, dignified and manly Oscar J. Dunn, Louisiana's first Negro lieutenant governor, or with Antoine Dubuclet, her honest and clean handed treasurer for twelve years?  His successor, E. A. Burke, a white man, representing the virtue and intelligence of our 'higher civilization,' is to-day a fugitive from the State for having robbed that same treasury of nearly a million dollars.  Alabama has had her Vincent, Tennessee her Polk, Mississippi her Hemingway; Kentucky, Maryland, and nearly every one of the Southern States have had their absconding State treasurers, with hundreds of thousands of dollars of the people's money unaccounted for, since the overthrow of the Negro governments of the South.  Such is the contrast that I like to offer to those people who are constantly denouncing the Negro governments of reconstruction times in the South.
     "If our people did so well when only a few years removed from the house of bondage, wherein they were not permitted to learn to read and write under penalty of death, or something next to it, what may we not expect of them with the advances they have since made and are making?"
     "I declare, colonel, I would not miss this interview I have had with you for a great deal.  I was so young when the war broke out that I had no personal knowledge of many of the things that you have told me, and I assure you that you have interested me with their recital.  I understand that you occupied several very important positions in State affairs during the period of 'Negro supremacy,' as the white people call it, and I know you must have made some valuable observations growing out of the downfall of those governments and the condition and tendencies of things since.  Tell me just what you think of our future in this country, anyway.  Tell me whether we are progressing or retrograding, and whether you think it is necessary for us to emigrate to Africa, or to be colonized somewhere, or what?"
     "Well, madam, I must confess that some of your questions are extremely hard to answer.  Indeed, some of them are to-

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day puzzling some of the profoundest philosophers and thinkers in this country; and I doubt very much whether I could assume to answer them dogmatically.  One thing, however, I can tell you, without fear of successful contradiction, and that is that no people similarly situated have ever made the progress in every department of life that our people have made since the world began.  Why, just think of it!  Twenty-seven years ago we did not own a foot of land, not a cottage in this wilderness; not a house, not a church, not a school-house, not even a name.  We had no marriage tie, not a legal family—nothing but the public highways, closely guarded by black laws and vagrancy laws, upon which to stand.  But to-day we have two millions of our children in school, we have about eighteen thousand colored professors and teachers, twenty thousand young men and women in schools of higher grade, two hundred newspapers, over two million members in the Methodist and Baptist churches alone, and we own over three hundred million dollars' worth of property in this Southern country.  Over a million and a half of our people can now read and write.  We are crowding the bar, the pulpit and all the trades, and every avenue of civilized life, and doing credit to the age in which we live.
     "I tell you, madam, I am not much disturbed about our future.  True, I cannot and do not pretend to be able to solve the Negro problem, as it is called, because I do not know that there is really such a problem.  To my mind, it is all a matter of condition and national and constitutional authority.  Get the conditions right and my faith is that the natural functions, security to 'life, liberty and happiness,' will follow.  My advice to my people is: 'Save your earnings, get homes, educate your children, build up character, obey the laws of your country, serve God, protest against injustice like manly and reasonable men, exercise every constitutional right every time you may lawfully and peacefully do so, and leave results with God, and every thing will come out right sooner or later.'  I have no faith in any general emigration or colonization scheme for our
people.  The thing is impracticable and undesirable.  This is

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the most beautiful and desirable country that the sun shines upon, and I am not in favor of leaving it for any place but heaven, and that when my heavenly father calls, and not before.  Of course, in localities where inhumanities are visited upon our people to such an extent that they cannot live there in peace and security I would advise them to remove to more agreeable sections of the country; but never would I advise them to leave the United States.  Another thing: I do not think we ought to ever want to get into any territory to ourselves, with the white people all to one side of us or around us.  That's the way they got the Indians, you remember, and we know too well what became of them.
     "My plan is for us to stay right in this country with the white people, and to be so scattered in and among them that they can't hurt one of us without hurting some of their own number.  That's my plan, and that is one of my reasons why I am in the Methodist Episcopal Church. God's plan seems to be to pattern this country after heaven. He is bringing here all nations, kindreds and tongues of people, and mixing them into one homogeneous whole; and I do not believe we should seek to frustrate His plan by any vain attempts to colonize ourselves in any corner to ourselves."
     With this the colonel left, expressing himself delighted with his visit, as I am sure I was.
     Between Mrs. Stowe's " Uncle Tom's Cabin " and Mrs.Albert's "House of Bondage" there is a most beautiful contrast; the former dignifies the Negro as a fugitive and asserts his rights to be a fugitive; the latter shows up the unrelenting patience of the Negro and his unrivaled faith in the Giver of all good.  Again, the former is scenic, presenting a most beautiful as well as lasting, yet touching landscape; while the latter is just what its title identifies—"The House of Bondage."

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MADAM SISSIRETTA JONES.
The Black Patti of Her Race.

     THE subject of this sketch was born in Providence, R. I.  When quite a wee child she proved beyond the shadow of a doubt her fitness for the stage as a race representative, and has among other things maintained her ground, never weakening and giving down, but nourishing a faith fit only for the righteous, which has led her gently into the pleasant and peaceful paths of success. 


MADAM SISSIRETTA JONES

Some say that greatness is sometimes thrust upon us; others, more liberal, say that it is inborn; others argue that it is acquired.  We say that this is an instance where classical musical ability reigned uppermost, controlling and directing the possessor as the mainspring of all her infantile life; but on becoming cognizant of this state of affairs, she was advised by good Northern friends to turn her whole attention to the pursuit for which her heart and mind thirsted.  Hence, after a few weeks with the classic masters, the whole Negro race was applauded for the advent of one among us, and sufficiently black to claim our identity, that was destined to move the world in tears.  Year after year our subject has won new conquests, and in only a short season she is termed the Black Patti.  Is this an instance of acquired greatness, thrusted greatness or inborn greatness?  We loth to say inborn or thrust.  For every achievement made by our race that seems to attract the attention of the world we are caused to feel that were it not for God's intervention, etc., etc.  When

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Negroes are smart, as a rule, a characteristic spirit seems to predominate in them when very small.  Her career, while brief, is nevertheless full of bright successes.  We append below a few press comments:
     At the concert given by the World's Fair Colored Concert Company at New York, February 13th, Mme. Sissiretta Jones is said to have surpassed all former appearances.  Among the boxholders were Judge and Mrs. Andrews, Colonel and Mrs. Ingersoll, Mrs. Jeannette M. Thurber, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Villard, Wallace C. Andrews, Mr. Morris Reno and Miss Reno, Daniel Bacon and R. W G. Welling.  Three rows of seats in the center aisle were occupied by a concert party from a fashionable girls' school, and there were musicians of fame in attendance who join with us in sentiment. — The Freeman.

A VALENTINE WORTH HAVING.

     Tuesday afternoon, February 14th, Mme. Sissiretta Jones sang at the residence of Judge Andrews, on Fifth avenue, New York, before a party of thirty ladies, among whom were Mrs. Hicks Lord, Mrs. C. Fields, Mrs. Vanderbilt, Mrs. Stevens and MRs. Astor, at whose hosue Mme. Jones will sing next week. The Chief Justice of India, who was present, presented the singer with a valentine, which, when opened, contained a check for $1,000.  She also received a solid silver basket filled with choice flowers.  The ladies pronounced the singing superior to Patti's, and then sat down to lunch with Mme. JonesMr. Charles Anderson was a guest on this occasion.  The program was a valentine souvenir printed on satin, and will be treasured by all as a memento.


BROWN" AND "BLACK" PATTIS.
Their Singing - Selika the Best - Madame Jones a "Great Singer."

    WASHINGTON, D. C.

     Of Mme. Selika the world has spoken, and in her favor.  Time nor rivals can wrest from her laurels so richly won; but she is not the Selika of yesterday, and the fact is most apparent when she sings with another whose share to public favors is deserving because it is compensating.  Selika is a finished artist who appeals to the technical society lights particularly, but they cannot support any first-class concert for the reason they are too few.  In the rendition of the staccato notes Mme. Selika has not been excelled, even by Patti, and her shading is so smooth and even that you cannot but commend it.  Mrs. Jones is a great singer.  She is not the "greatest singer in the world," nor is she a black, blue or green Patti.  She is in no sense a Patti.  If Mrs Jones would remember that Mrs. Greenfield, the Black Swan, made for herself a name without the need of styling herself the Black Jenny Lind, then she will know that she can succeed to as great an eminence without having to share the success with a white woman who would feel dishonored in wearing the title the White Black Swan.  Afro-Americans need to impress their chil-

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dren that their race develops geniuses and heroes whose deeds can be emulated and perpetuated with everlasting profit, thus declaring our patriotism.  We need more race pride!  Our public men and women must exhibit it.  Mme. Jones is a great singer; Mme. Selika is the greatest colored singer.  You hear Mme. Jones with pleasure; you hear Mme. Selika with profit. — J. E. Bruce {Bruce Grit).
     Mme. Sissiretta Jones' singing at the exposition at Pittsburg, Pa., saved the exposition management from bankruptcy.

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

MISS HALLIE QUINN BROWN.
Elocutionist.

     A TRAVELER passing by a country farm house a few miles from Chatham, Canada, a few years ago, might, have seen a little girl of eight or nine summers, mounted upon a colt without bridle or girth, hair given to the winds to be tossed, dashing up a lane to the pasture.  There he would have seen her dismount and hastily perform the duties of dairymaid, first calling each cow by name, and inquiring the health of each or making some playful remark.  The milking finished, she now goes through the program that absorbs her whole attention, having risen before any other one of the household, so that she could not be seen.  She jumps upon a stump or log and delivers an address to the audience of cows, sheep, birds, etc.  Neither knowing nor caring what she says, she goes through her harangue, earnestly emphasizing by arm gesture, and occasionally by a stamp of the foot. She has a separate speech for the larger animals, and special addresses to the lambs, ducklings and any other juvenile auditors that happen to be near.  Having exhausted her vocabulary, she begins a conversation in the language of the horse, cow, sheep, goose, rooster, or bird, until each is imitated; then, bidding adieu to her pet auditors, she remounts her prancing steed and canters back to the house. This is her daily morning program.  She supposed all along that her secret was locked in her own breast.  But a farm hand saw her one morn by chance, himself unobserved, and 'twas a secret no longer.  Nor did she realize her "ridiculous capers," as she has called it since, until she had grown

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to young womanhood.  Who can say but that propitious Fate had her then in drill in order to develop the powers of her soul, so that she might make a portion of mankind happier by the instruction and amusement she should furnish.  "Who was this little girl?" ask you.  The subject of this sketch—Miss Hallie Q. Brown.
     Hallie Quinn Brown is a native of Pittsburg, Pa.  When she was quite small her parents moved to a farm near Chatham, Canada, Ontario West.  At an early age, in the year 1868, she was sent to Wilberforce College, Ohio, to obtain an education the country schools of Canada could not give, and where her parents subsequently removed and now reside, at Homewood Cottage.  She completed the classical scientific course in 1873, with the degree of B. S. in a class of six.  One of her classmates is the wife of Rev. Dr. B. F. Lee, ex-president of Wilberforce, and now [1884] editor of the Christian Recorder; while another, Prof. S. T. Mitchell, A.M., has been elected president of Wilberforce.

MISS HALLIE QUINN BROWN

     Realizing that a great field of labor lay in the South, Miss Brown, with true missionary spirit, left her pleasant home and friends to devote herself to the noble work which she had chosen.  Her first school was on a plantation in South Carolina, where she endured the rough life as best she could, and taught a large number of children gathered from neighboring plantations.  She also taught a class of aged people, and by this means gave to many the blessed privilege of reading the Bible.  She next took charge of a school on Sonora plantation in Mississippi, where she found the effort to elevate the minds

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of the people much hindered by their use of tobacco and whisky—twin vices.
     But as she is an indefatigable worker she accomplished much, and at this place, as at all others where she is known, her influence for the better was felt. Her plantation school had no windows, but was well ventilated—too much so, in fact, for daylight could be seen from all sides, with no particular regularity, and the rain beat in fiercely.  Not being successful in getting the authorities to fix the building— shed, we should have said—she secured the willing service of two of her larger boys.  She mounted one mule and the two boys another, and thus they rode to the gin-mill.  They got cotton seed, returned mixed it with earth, which formed a plastic mortar, and with her own hands she pasted up the chinks, and ever after smiled at the unavailing attacks of wind and weather.
     Her fame as an instructor spread, and her services were secured as teacher at Yazoo city.  On account of the unsettled state of affairs in 1874-5, she was compelled to return North.  Thus the South lost one of its most valuable missionaries.  Miss Brown next taught in Dayton, Ohio for four years.  Owing to ill health she gave up teaching.  She was persuaded to travel for her Alma Mater, Wilberforce, and started on a lecturing tour, concluding at Hampton School, Virginia, where she was received with very great welcome.  At the "Soldiers' Home" she was cordially greeted and kindly cared for by the sister of Dr. Shipman.  After taking a course in elocution she traveled again, having much greater success, and receiving favorable criticisms from the press.  For several years she has traveled with "The Wilberforce Grand Concert Company," an organization for the benefit of Wilberforce College.  She has read before hundreds of audiences and tens of thousands of people, and has received nothing but the highest praise from all.

CRITICISM.

     Miss Brown may be thought to gesticulate too frequently in some of her didactic selections; but right here is shown that she discards the rigid rules of the books and follows nature, for

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she possesses an ardent temperament, and nearly every sentence she utters in private conversation is made emphatic or impressive by a gesture or variation of the facial expression.
     Miss Brown possesses a voice of " wonderful magnetism and great compass."  At times she thrills by its intensity; at times it is mellow and soothing.  She seems to have perfect control of the muscles of her throat and can vary her voice as successfully as a mocking bird.
     But we measure things largely by results.  As a public reader Miss Brown delights, enthuses her audiences.  In her humorous selections she often causes "wave after wave of laughter" to roll over her audience.
     In her pathetic pieces she often moves her audience to tears.
     In her didactic recitations she holds the listener spell-bound as she points out to him the shoals and quicksands or directs him to paths of right and truth.
     But the public press speaks and it has a right to be heard.
     The greatest compliment ever paid to Miss Brown, at least the one she doubtless appreciates the most, was received under the following circumstances.  While at Appleton, Wis., she recited, among other selections, "How He Saved St. Michael's."  After the concert a lady came forward, requesting to be introduced to the elocutionist.  The Rev. F. S. Stein then introduced to Miss Brown Mrs. Dr. Stansbury, the author of "How He Saved St. Michael's." Madam Stansbury grasped the hand of the elocutionist and exclaimed: "Miss Brown, I have never heard that piece so rendered before." This, notwithstanding a famous reader a few weeks before, had given the same selection there, and advertised bv announcing that she would render Mrs. Stansbury's famous poem.  Miss Brown was confused.  She did not even know the lady lived in the State, and did not dream of her presence in the house, hence she was taken completely by surprise, nor would she have attempted to give it had she heard of the presence of the authoress.  The compliment was all the more appreciated because every elocutionist who visits that section renders "St. Michael's."

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A CASKET OF LAURELS.
WON BY MISS HALLIE QUINN BROWN, OP WILBERFORCE.

     Miss H. Q. Brown, the elocutionist, ranks as one cf the finest in the country. — Daily News, Urbana, O.
     The select reading of Miss H. Q. Brown is done to perfection.  She has an excellent voice and has good control of it.  She makes every piece sound as if it were the author speaking, and in many of them doubtless she excels the one she imitates. — Neogo, Ill.
     Miss Hallie Q. Brown, a general favorite at Island Park, rendered in her inimitable style, "The Creed of the Bells."  A prolonged encore followed. — Island Park "Assembly."
     Her style is pure and correct ; her selections excellent. The " Fifty Miles
an Hour" made one thrill, it was so veiy impressive.—Long Branch (N. J.)
News.
     Miss Brown displayed remarkable powers of pathos and dramatic elocution.  *     *      *      *      Her excellent dramatic talent was displayed to the best advantage in the selection entitled, "The Sioux Chief's Daughter."  The audience was the largest ever gathered at a public entertainment in that place.— Newport (R. I.) News.
     The readings of Miss H. Q. Brown confer a histrionic glow upon the colored race.  She is the superior of nine out of ten elocutionists before the public.  Her description of "The Bells" is a masterpiece of elocutionary art which will withstand the severest and most cultivated criticism.  Her prolongation of the tones of the bells is a wonderful representation of the poet's lines.  Miss Brown's selections were all of a difficult order and exhibited great versatility and ability to reach in most of them a still better execution. — Daily Republican, Emporia, Kan.
     Of the recitations of Miss Hallie Q. Brown too much cannot be said.  As a reader she is the peer of any professional in the land. —Richmond (Ind.) Paladium.
     Miss Brown in her elocution is unquestionably brilliant.  Her "Fifty Miles an Hour," descriptive of Mrs. Garfield's ride to Washington when her husband was shot, was given with that generous touch of womanly feeling that made it the gem of the entertainment.—Miami Helmet, Piqua, O.
     Most excellent was the dramatic reading of Miss Hallie Q. Brown, a graduate of Wilberforce College, and evidently a lady of much intelligence.     *      *      *      *      Miss Brown is also at home in humorous pieces.  The description of how a woman joined the Masons was received with almost continuous shouts of laughter, the members of that ancient and honorable order apparently appreciating it keenly. —Marion Times (la.).
     Miss Hallie Q. Brown has but few equals as an elocutionist.  She has a sweet, flexible voice.  Her enunciation is distinct, her manner graceful and her gesticulations eminently appropriate to the character of her selections.  Some of her humorous selections caused wave after wave of laughter to roll over the audience and were most heartily encored.—Red Oak (la.) Express.

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     The recitations and readings of Miss Hallie Q. Brown were simply superb.  The magnetism, eloquence and wonderful compass of voice, as developed in "Uncle Dan'l's Pra'ar," "Farewell, Brother Watkins," and "Aunt Jemima's Courtship," might be equaled but could never be surpassed .—Richmond (Ind.) Independent.

     The readings of Miss Hallie Brown were grand. - Urbana (O.) Democrat.
    
The elocutionary entertainment given by Miss Hallie Q. Brown, a graduate of Wilberforce, was worth double the price of admission.  She has a wonderful voice, and a culture to match it.  An educated and much-traveled gentleman who has listened to all the most noted elocutionists in this country and Europe was so enthusiastic over Miss Brown's rendition of the "Church Bells," that he declared he never saw or heard it equaled; that her manner, voice and gesture were all superior to anything he had ever listened to ro hoped to hear. - Richmond (Ind.) Paladium.
     Miss Brown
is quite tall, ahs auburn hair, a keen eye, a voice of remarkable compass and features of gret mobility.  Her selections were as follows:  "The Last Hymn," "The Love Letter," "How He Saved St. Michael's" - a thrilling story in verse relating how this famous Charleston (S. C.) church was saved from fire by the daring act of a slave.  "Jemima's Courtship," " Curfew Must Not Ring To-night,"—in which she exhibited intense dramatic
power, "Ameriky's Conversion," " Uncle Daniel's Vision," "The Little Hatchet," and "The Creeds of the Bells." Miss Brown stands by far above the readers we are accustomed to hear.—Washington (D. C.) Advocate.
     Several of our prominent citizens were present who were greatly delighted with the skillful and accomplished manner with which Miss Brown rendered the varied styles of elocution.—New Haven (Conn.) Paladium.
     Miss Hallie Q. Brown, elocutionist of the Wilberforce Concert Company, has the distinguished honor of being the teacher in the department of elocution at the Monona Lake Assembly, and is meeting with great success.—Correspondence— Cleveland Gazette.
     *     *     *     *     Miss Hallie Q. Brown was decidedly entertaining in her efforts in elocution. She ''brought down the house" on various occasions and had to respond repeatedly to the spontaneous calls of the vast audience.  — "Monona Lake Assembly," Madison (Wis.) Daily Democrat.
     Miss Brown is so well known in Xenia that one need not go into detail in
praise of the good and even performance of this talented lady; she will make
friends for herself wherever she goes. — Torchlight, Xenia (O.)
     Miss Hallie Q. Brown
, the elocutionist, who has always been a great favorite with Xenia audiences, was cheered to the echo, and in some of her pieces was really interrupted by the continuous applause.  She certainly excels in her character delineations and varied modulations of tone, three-fourths of the elocutionists on the stage.— Daily Gazette, Xenia (O.).
     But the crowning feature of the company is the elocutionist, Miss Hallie Q. Brown.  Nothing finer in elocution has been heard in this city, with no exception or reservation in favor of other eminent elocutionists, who have appeared in this city.  She is capable of touching every chord of emotion,

[Page 236]
equally effective in pathos and humor.  The intonations of her voice are as exquisite as those of an eolian harp, and as melodious as music itself, and in dramatic fervor and power of dramatic expression Miss Brown is inimitable.  What for instance can be more melodious and touching than her recitation of the "Church Bells," or what more genuinely humorous than the recitation of the original piece called "The Apple?"  Miss Brown cannot fail of establishing for herself a national reputation at no distant day. — Republican, Xenia (O.).
     Miss Hallie Q. Brown, the elocutionist with the company, was loudly applauded.  Many credit Miss Brown with being one of the best elocutionists before the public. —Indianapolis Times.
     Miss Brown, the elocutionist, is a phenomenon, and deserves the highest praise.  She is a talented lady and deserves all the encomiums that she receives.—The Daily Sun, Vincennes (Ind.).
     The select reading of Miss Hallie Q. Brown was very fine.  From grave to gay, from tragic to comic, with a great variation of themes and humors, she seemed to succeed in all, and her renderings were the spice of the night's performance. —  Monitor, Marion (Ill.).
     We must say the capacity of Miss Hallie Q. Drown to entertain an audience is wonderful. — Tri-Gounty Reporter, Gosport (Ind.).
     Miss Brown's recitals will compare favorable with many of the female elocutionists who are classed with Mrs. Scott-Siddons and others of lesser note. —Vincennes Daily Commercial.

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

MRS. LAVINIA B. SNEED.
Educator and Writer

     MRS. SNEED claims a very high place among the literary women of the race.  For many years she has shown the trend of her genius as a writer, and though she is quite young, many a topic engaging the public mind has been treated at length with an erudite pen from her storehouse of thought. Happy indeed are they who live in the sunshine of Fate.  Many Negro journalists have boasted of her favors, realizing the good of her articles gracing their columns.  Her writing possesses that smoothness, clearness and fearlessness so often said of the great writers.
     It is easily predicted that, should she live long, the race will be blessed with one other such woman writer as Mrs. Harper, one other such Christian as Mrs. Early, one other such chivalrous woman as Sojourner Truth.

[Page 237]

IONE E. WOOD.
Educator and Writer.

     MISS IONE E. WOOD ranks to-day among the foremost of our women; first, from the standpoint of acknowledged intellectual ability to write; second, as an earnest educator and race advocate.


IONE E. WOOD.

Not yet in the zenith of womanhood but in the ascendency, she is unceremoniously climbing its rugged heights with the will of a Trojan.  For her, as for others, God has destined to shine in the bright arena of American heroines, and she feels the spirit on her to quietly and noiselessly move unobserved into her place.  Miss Wood does ot make much noise, but how beit she is heard in the press.  The force of her genius, like the great power wheel of moving machinery, is ever asserting itself and keeping alive and uppermost in the minds of those who think the great topics agitating the Negro mind.

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

MISS VALETTA LINDEN WINSLOW.
Elocutionist.

     OUR race possesses many young ladies of ability who would prove powerful factors in demonstrating the posibilities of the race, if they would only exert themselves and apply their energies.  Not seeming to realize our need of the highest intellectual advancement, they pass through the soft

[Page 238]
green meadows and flowing pathways of life, with no apparent aim.  But, when we see a young girl, just budding into womanhood, in the face of many obstacles, making for herself a name that honors her and exalts the race, it is a pleasure to record her achievements.  Such a one is the subject of this


MISS VALETTA LINDEN WINSLOW.

sketch, Miss Valetta Winslow.  She was born in Chicago, Ill., Jan. 25, 1871, and is the eldest of three sisters, daughters of Elisha and Emma Winslow.  She resided in her native city almost fourteen years, about half of which time she attended the public schools.  Her father having taken up his residence in California, early in November, 1884, she, in com-

[Page 239]
pany with her mother and sisters, departed for the far West, arriving in Oakland, Cal., on the ninth day of November.   In this beautiful city, the Athens of the Pacific Coast, where the very best educational facilities are free to all, the family took up its residence.  She began her school career there in January, 1885.  She made excellent progress and attended regularly until Feb. 14, 1890, when, owing to failing health, she was compelled to discontinue her studies.  The possessor of commendable ambition, but, unfortunately, not of a robust constitution, she undertook too many studies, and the result was impaired health.  However, she was able to complete her junior year in the High School, and did so very creditably.  Miss Winslow had a special taste for elocution, and to this study she devoted much of her spare time while attending school.
     Her teacher was Mrs. Carro True Boardman, one of the leading elocutionists of the Pacific Coast.  After a short, butmuch needed and beneficial rest, she began studying again by taking up Delsarte and elocution as a specialty, and the progress she made was truly phenomenal.  Possessed of a kind and generous nature, she gave unstintedly of her time and talents to every worthy cause, and, as a consequence, was a
general favorite.
     On the 16th of May, 1891, she was publicly presented with a handsome lace pin by the Masonic fraternity.  The pin consisted of two pendants, a cross and the square and compass, significant of the best motives and resolves in the Masonic world,—a suggestive token of appreciation of her kind and generous qualities.  In July, 1892, Miss Winslow filled a special engagement with the Chautauqua Assembly at Pacific Grove.  And when we inform the reader that this Assembly is composed of some of the ablest men and brightest women on the Coast, that its entire membership is refined and of exalted tone, the importance of such an engagement is plainly evident.  The following extracts from leading daily papers give an excellent impression of the talent and artistic ability possessed by Miss Winslow:

[Page 240]
    
Miss Valetta L. Winslow, in all her public performances here, has shown most remarkable power, especially as a Delsartist, carrying her audiences by storm.  Her facial expressions were a constant surprise, expressive of the various passions and emotions of the soul, while every movement was grace and beauty.  She has made, without a doubt, a fine record at this assembly, and her future will be watched with increasing interest by the host of Chautauquans and the friends in attendance on these unusually attractive exercises.  It is to be hoped that she will be engaged for assembly next year. — Cor. San Jose Mercury, July 7, 1892.
    
Miss Winslow's recitation, "Aux Italiens," was gracefully rendered and well received.  Her portrayal of the different passions and emotions that oft-times rack we poor mortals sore were true to the letter, particularly revenge, pain, abject fear, and entreaty.  The lady is the personification of grace and ease, lithe as a panther and willowy as a reed. — Pacific Grove Review, July 9, 1892.
    
Then came the most pleasing event of the afternoon—Miss Valetta Winslow in Tableaux d'Art.  She gave forty-nine different expressions, such as anger, horror, bashfulness, ridicule, etc., with appropriate gestures.  The gifted young lady created great enthusiasm.  The various expressions were to the life, and her gestures were full of charming grace and appropriateness.  She was recalled, and recited "Sister and I," with powerful expression and gesture. — Sun Francisco Call, Aug. 4, 1892.
     Among Miss Winslow's personal letters none are more highly prized than the two following:
     "Miss Valetta L. Winslow, as Delsartist and elocutionist, was engaged for the Pacific Grove Chautauqua Assembly in
July, 1892.  Her work was artistic, and gave great satisfaction.  As a Delsartist her movements were most graceful, and
her delineations of the various emotions of the soul full of force and artistic power.  I cheerfully commend her and her
work."

 

A. C. HIRST, D. D.,
President Pacific Grove Assembly.

 

     SAN FRANCISCO, CAL., Oct. 4, 1892.

     "I have had the extreme pleasure of hearing Miss Valetta Winslow as an elocutionist, and witnessed her rendition of the Delsarte system.  I can conscientiously say that she surpasses any person in her line that I have met.  I can cheerfully recommend her as an A No. 1 artist, both as a Delsartist and elocutionist."

 

A. WALTERS, D. D.,
Bishop A. M. E. Zion Church.

 

     SAN FRANCISCO, CAL., February 16, 1893

[Page 241]
In concluding this sketch, we appreciate the ability of the newspaper critics and the fine parts of the men whose testimony is herein recorded.  "When talented journalists and able divines of the dominant race use such glowing language to express their appreciation of a young colored lady's ability
comment is unnecessary.

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

DR. IDA GRAY.

     THE accompanying portrait is of Dr. Ida Gray, the only Afro-American lady dentist.  Mrs. Gray resides in Cincinnati, and was one of the very many who received their educational start in Gaines High School.  On leaving this school she entered the
dental department of the University of Michigan, from which she graduated in 1890.  On returning to her home she opened a very cozy office on 9th street, and has in these two years built up a large practice, having as many white as colored patients.


DR. IDA GRAY.

     Miss Gray is a very refined lady, of whom the editor of the Planet says: "Her blushing, winning way makes you feel like finding an extra tooth any way to allow her to pull."
     As a result of strict attention to business and the thoroughness of her work she is kept constantly busy Cincinnatians are proud of their Afro-American lady dentist, and she in every respect proves herself worthy of their confidence and admiration. — In RingwooWs Journal.

[Page 242]

SARAH G. JONES, M. D.
Virginia's First Woman Physician.

     SARAH G. JONES, M. D., the first woman to be licensed to practice medicine in Virginia, is a daughter of George W. Boyd, the leading colored contractor and builder of this city.  She was born in Albemarle county, Va., and educated in the public schools of Richmond, being graduated in 1883.  She then taught in the schools of this city for five years.  In 1888 Miss Boyd was married to M. B. Jones, who, at that time, was also a teacher, but now is G. W A. Secretary of the True Reformers.  Mrs. Jones entered Howard Medical College, Washington, D. O, in 1890, and was graduated this year with the degree of M. D. She appeared before the State Medical Examining Board with eighty-four others and received a certificate, which entitles her to secure a license to practice her profession.  Mrs. Jones received over 90 per cent, on the examination in surgery.  Out of the class of eighty-five twenty-one white graduates, representing several colleges, failed to pass.  Dr. Jones and her husband are representatives of the best society of colored people in the State, and are well-to-do people.  When a school teacher she was known as one of the brightest young colored women in the city.  She will practice among her race.

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

MRS. N. A. R. LESLIE.
Pianist, Music Teacher.

     THE biography of of Mrs. Leslie would necessitate a lengthy, but pleasing account of her busy life even in the realm of music.  It is not our purpose to make the least attempt to say half that might be said in her favor.
     For many years she has figured very conspicuously among the very best musicians of the race, in fact her field of usefulness
takes in a wide scope of country not only many of the Southern States, but Indian Territory.  She is now located at Corpus Christi, Texas, where she has started a musical conservatory wherein our ladies may pursue to completion the lyric

[Page 243]
art.  For many years those of our race that were musically inclined were almost compelled to leave the State, travel over a wide stretch of country and under great expenses, in order to so fit themselves suffer the disadvantage of absence from the home circle.  Mrs. Leslie finally concluded that Corpus Christi would be a good field for her activities, it being the home of her brother, Prof. Cole that erudite scholar from the classic Halls of Yale College, and hence moved there from Muscogee Indian Territory 1892.  Since there her practical life has added much to the social status of our race, and in molding public sentiment from the standpoint of music.  Words seem indeed very dull when we attempt to give the slightest hint of the good she has accomplished.  What Prof. Cole is, as a scholar, she is, as a musician.

MRS. N. A. R. LESLIE
MRS. N. A. R. LESLIE

It has always been the disposition of this talented lady to excel in music, and those who have been under her painstaking instruction, or those who have had the pleasure of giving themselves up to listen to the plaintive notes under her mellifluous execution, join in the universal verdict that the spell o'er cast is not only delightful, but entrancing.
     Music indeed though termed easy of accomplishment, and considered not a task, is really one of the finest arts which if acquired becomes for the scholar one of the divinest arts, and made more noticeable in proportion to the complication of it.  It has long been sorely abused especially when we consider the rude appelation applied to us as a musical race—Musical in the rough.  Why not musical in the fine?

[Page 244]
     Mrs. Leslie is demonstrating wonderfully and well in a peculiar section of country, what our women can do in the art and science of music. She is not only talented as a reader and performer of her art, but is a composer of some prominence.  Her fort however lies in the imparting to her pupil with ease, what she does and knows.
     Aside from music, she is scholarly, gifted with force of character and the impress of her genius leaves the germ of ambition wherever it is stamped.
     Hence the race, which has produced other great minds to shine forth proclaiming progress in various walks of life may feel proud of Mrs. Leslie who along with many more of her sex, is doing what she can to explode the doctrine of inferior music and the appellation, musical race in the rough.  Much is accomplished with hard labor, and nothing without.  With our subject as with all who succeed it is labor omnia vincet.

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

EDNORA NAHAR
Elocutionist.

     THIS talented lady was born in Boston, of high and well-known parents, in fact, the Howards possess a much envied family lineage, as indeed it reaches far down many generations.  She is a cousin to Miss J. Imogene Howard, who is honored with the distinction of being a lady member of the New York World's Fair committee.  Miss Nahar was educated in the public schools of Boston, and finished in the Fort Edwards Collegiate Institute, and soon thereafter spent a season at Boucicault's Madison Dramatic School, where she, on account of her genius, as well as being a favorite aspirant for stage honors, was not allowed to pay the customary $10 as an entrance fee.
     Prior to finishing her education at Fort Edwards Institute, on account of her adaptability for reading, a class aspiring for elocutionary honors was placed under her charge.  So well did she discharge her duties under that weight of responsibility

[Page 245]
that two of her pupils carried off two of the prizes offered at the end of the school year.
     Since her debut she has not been idle by any means, but to the contrary, as her record will show.  Thus it will prove to
the youth of our race that nothing is accomplished without great labor.  And those young ladies who desire to be known,
which is to be admired, will look upon this record with Longfellow's Psalm of Life upon their pure lips; they can "make their lives sublime" only to the extent of the sacrifice they make in the world of pleasure, and strive with all their might to shine in the world of grand human accomplishment.


EDNORA NAHAR.

     She has given sixty-eight readings in Boston.  Her initial bow was made Nov. 16, 1886, and Nov. 2, 1887, she gave her first press concert in the famous Chickerino Hall, being the second prominent woman of her race to appear behind its footlights.  At two different times she has appeared before 5,000 people in her native city.
     In 1890, Nov. 17, she read before 5,000 people in the Academy of Music, Philadelphia, with the famous Marine band, from Washington.  She has read in ten concerts in the British Provinces, read in thirty-one States, 300 cities and at over 800 concerts.  Out of this vast number she has been her own manager.  Indeed, she has so far exceeded the expectation of many of her compeers as a manager that she is awakening to the fact that she can not only manage for herself but for others.  This new career dawned in her busy life with all its sweet

[Page 246]
and bitter vicissitudes on the 6th and 7th of February, 1893.
     On the 27th and 28th of February she gave a cantata for children, at Bethel A. M. E. Church, in Chicago, and had packed houses each night.  On the 7th and 8th of March she managed for Mme. Sisseretta Jones (otherwise known by the music lovers of this country as The Black Patti), and packed Zion Church (New York city) those two nights.

MISS NAHAR'S RECITAL.

     The Chicago Appeal says:  "A fair house greeted Miss Ednorah Nahar, of Boston, at Bethel Wednesday evening, to listen to a very pleasing program.  Miss Nahar, from point of grace on the stage, has very few equals, and to gaze upon some of her beautiful poses was alone worth the price of admission.  Miss Nahar showed to best advantage in the 'Sioux Chief's Daughter,' and in her numerous selections she made a decided hit.  The support of Miss Theodora Lee was very commendable.  Miss Lee has a very sweet voice, and in her rendition of "Snowflakes' would have done credit to a professional.  Miss Gertrude Washington, as accompanist, displaying her usual skill." 
     The Indianapolis Freeman says: "Miss Ednorah Nahar, the reader, is an assistant teacher of elocution at Fort Edward
Collegiate Institute."

GREAT CONCERT AT BETHEL CHURCH.

     Miss Nahar's all star aggregation renders excellent programmes to packed houses at Bethel Church Monday and Tuesday evenings.  The "Black Patti " concerts at Bethel Church were great successes, both artistically and financially.  They reflect credit on the performers, and especially on Miss Ednorah, who conceived the idea and brought it to successful issue.  No entertainments ever given in Bethel Church have ever drawn such large audiences of Chicago's most intelligent and refined people.

WHAT THE PRESS SAY OF MISS NAHAR.

     Miss Ednora Nahar is a reader of talent. Her gestures are easy, graceful, and to the point. While her stage presence would do credit to many a professional actress.  — Boston Daily Advertiser

[Page 247]

     Her general style is good, her manner pleasing, added to this she is most fortunate in the possession of a voice which is a marvel of sweetness and purity of tone. - Boston Evening Traveller.

     MISS NAHAR's rendition of the "Chariot Race," from "Ben Hur" was a revelation, and too much can not be said in praise of it.  With a clear resonant voice, full of fire and dramatic action she electrified her hears and held them spell-bound to the end.  She has a fine voice, and an earnest and expressive face. - The Boston Pilot.

     MISS NAHAR in her description of the "Chariot Race," from "Ben Hur" showed a notable dramatic skill - Boston Evening Transcript.

     MISS NAHAR has won for herself the title of "Boston's favorite elocutionist." - Boston Advocate.

     Her art is no art, but nature itself.  She is both elocutionist and actress. - Newport (R. I.) Daily News.

     MISS EDNORA NAHAR, in her dramatic reading the "Sioux Chief's Daughter," made a strong hit, andher two ENCORE pieces showed a versatility rarely seen, - Halifax (N. B.) Morning Herald.

     As a dramatic reader MISS NAHAR has few equals.  Of her readings we can say nothing but words of praise. - St. John (N. B.) Globe.

     MISS NAHAR as an elocutionist, is superb.  Her voice is well modulated, her enunciation is very clear and distinct, and she possesses perfect control over her vocal organs.  Her recitation of the "Organ Builder" and "The Pilot's Story," were pathetic, while the curse scene of "Leah, the Forsaken," was a piece of stage work hard to be beaten.  Miss Nahar's humorous pieces took the house by storm.  "Aunt Jemima's Courtship" and "The Lord's of Creation" were charming, while the rich Irish brogue she brought out in her rendition, "Low Back Car" was perfection itself. - Danville Daily Register (Dem.)

     MISS NAHAR is an elocutionist of rare ability and power.  Her diction is clear and her gestures full of grace.  Her selections are the best.  It is not saying too much of her to say, she reminds one very much in her stage movement and easy manner of Mojeska. - Greensboro North Shore.

     MISS NAHAR's appearance here was a success in every particular.  She made herself a favorite in her first piece.  "The Pilot's Story," and the enthusiasm kept up during the entire readings.  Her manner is decidedly easy and graceful on the stage.  In the curse scene from "Leah" she not only sustained her reputation as a clear reader, but gave evidence of considerable histrionic power. - Wash. Cor. of New York Age.

     MISS EDNORA NAHAR received a great amount of applause, and her rendition of the curse scene from "Leah, the Forsaken" was as fine a bit of acting as we have seen. - Charlotte Chronicle.

     MISS NAHAR, of Boston, was particularly greeted to the echo, in her almost perfect rendition of dramatic selections. - Norfolk Evening Telegram.

[Page 248]

     ''Aux Italiens" by MISS NAHAR, was interpreted with a newer and subtile meaning than ever before, it was pathetic, tender, loving, firefull, fervid and dramatic, each following in place with a sequence that only comes with genius. — The Philadelphia Weekly Sentinel.

     MISS NAHAR is prepossessing in appearance, graceful in movement, and confident in bearing.  She possesses decided dramatic powers has a fine voice, strong, pure, flexible and quite voluminous.
Cleveland (O.) Gazette.

     In "Aux Itiliens," MISS NAHAR displayed original conception as well as extraordinary powers of execution, she has command of her voice, and her renditions are more like interpretations than recitations. — St. Louis Advance.

     MISS EDNORAH NAHAR, as an elocutionist is superb. — The Daily Record, Columbia, C. S.

     The honors of the evening were properly awarded MISS NAHAR, who is a great favorite in St. John.  Her "Chariot Race" from "Ben Hur" was a masterpiece of stirring power, while in Cleopatra in Egyptian costume she brought out fully the tremendous passion of that poem — Daily Telegraph, St. John, N. B.

     In the "Chariot Race" and "Cleopatra" an elegant Egyptian costume afforded every opportunity for displaying to the best her wonderful abilities.— The Daily Sun, St. John, N. B.

     Her voice one always remembers with pleasure.  It is said the charm of Booth's voice remains with one who has heard him, this is not much to say of MISS NAHAR.—Cincinnati Enterprise.

     MISS NAHAR is a talented lady whose "Sioux Chief's daughter" given in Indian costume was finely rendered, while the "Chariot Rice" from Wallace's " Ben Hur " was a revelation. — New York Mail and Express.

     At the Hyperion Theatre about 1000 people attended the concert given by the Dixwell Ave. Church, besides the Yale Banjo and Apollo Club, MISS NAHAR of Boston, a highly gifted elocutionist was received with great applause. — The Paladium, New Haven, Conn.

     MISS NAHAR is a reader of wonderful talent, very graceful and expressive; her selections are particularly refined — Philadelphia Advance.W

     Her gestures are easy and graceful and she possesse rare gifts and powers as an elocutnnist. — Durham (N C.} Daily Sun.

     Miss Nahar is undoubtedly a genius, to equal her would be a task for many whose reputation is broader.  "Aux Italiens" and the Curse scene from " Leah the Forsaken " were wonderful. — Raleigh (N. C.) Chronicle.

     Miss Nahar captivated the audience with her vivacity, and the "Charlot Race" brought down the house. - Hertford (Conn.) Telegram-Record.

     Miss Nahar's dramatic readings were splendid and drew forth hearty applause. - Detroit Free Press.

     "Aux Italiens" was magnificently rendered, but the climax was in the Garden scene from "Mary Stuart." la the character of Mary Stuart it is not

[Page 249]
too much to say her conception would have done credit to Charlotte Cushman, Jauneschek or Risbtori. - Newport, R. I. Daily News.

PRIVATE OPINIONS OF WELL-KNOWN PERSONS.

     She is a genius. - EX-SECRETARY NOBLE.
     She has power and the sacred fire of genius, and ought soon to be at the top as an actress. - D
ION BOUCCICAULT.
     She has power, force, talent and genius and should forsake the platform for the stage. - J
OHN BOYLE O'RIELLY.
     She has given five readings at the Soldier's Home and has successfully entertained the theatre full of old soldiers.  I consider her a reader of rare talent. - P. W
OODFIN, Governor Soldier's Home, Hampton, Va.
     She is the finest I have ever heard. - F
REDERICK DOUGLASS.
     Her "Chariot Race" from Ben Hur magnificently rendered. - C
OL. ELLIOTT SHEPARD.
     M
ISS NAHAR
has plenty of talent. - MODJESKA.

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

ELLA F. SHEPHARD.
Eminent Teacher, Singer, Pianist.

     ONE of the most talented women of the race is Miss Ella F. Shephard of Fisk Jubilee fame, who for a number of years traveled through the United states, Europe and other foreign countries delighting with her company of singers the many thousands who flocked to hear them and even until now say lasting words of praise of them.
     She is an intellectual model of most genial nature, ambitious; yea one, who has lived laborious days, and shunned delights,
that she might do educational service for her race.  For a number of years she served as lady principal of Prairie View Normal Institute of Texas, and resigned to recruit the Old Jubilee Troupe.  Her qualifications as a musician, if the "fittest servive," may be considered a criterion, are par excellence.  Those who have sat under the mellifluous music of her voice, have expressed their inspired admiration, with their greatest earnestness.
     The greater portion of her useful life has been spent in the South where the greatest battles with ignorance have to be
fought, as a teacher she has always been equal to the emergency and superior to the general rule.  Wherever she has taught the whites as well as those of her race have become her faithful and lasting friends. Later in life she has filled

[Page 250]
very dignified positions as professor in some of our leading institutions of learning.
     Her race affiliations are not contracted to a few teachers and ministers, but the broad field of her active life has brought her in social touch with the leading spirits of our 19th century civilization.  Her worth cannot be estimated in words, she has lived in deeds, not the extended life of many, however, but the tireless activity of this noble heroine tell.

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

MISS A. E. McEWEN.
Essayist and Editor.

     MISS McEWEN is one of hte best essayists of the South.  As a writer she is possessed with that grae and ease that is so noticeable among the great writers.  She has, for a number of years, assisted her father in the publication of a very


MISS A. E. MC EWEN

able Baptist journal, and with both tongue and pen helped to make it a very newsy as well as flourishing newspaper.  She is quite young, yet her, ability with the pen gives her notoriety envied by many twice her age.  A remarkable, a useful and illustrious life, full of good deeds and grand accomplishments in behalf of her race, beckon her on.

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