INTRODUCTION.
"We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths;
In feelings, not in figures on a dial;
We should count time by heart throbs; he most lives
Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best."
Having been requested by Mr. Penn to write a brief introduction to his book, I cheerfully consented to do so from several considerations. In the first place, I admire the manly energy, venture, and intellectual power displayed by him in undertaking to chronicle facts concerning Colored American journalism. Then again, I heartily love to encourage intellectual and moral efforts of young Colored American men and women. For the last ten years, I have endeavored to do this as a teacher, associate, and friend. Suidas relates that Thucydides, when a boy, listened with delight to Herodotus as he recited publicly his famous history at the great Olympic festival, and that he was so deeply moved that he shed tears. Thucydides was so inspired by the occasion that he finally became a more distinguished historian than Herodotus himself. It is possible that a perusal of this unpretentious sketch may so energize and inspire some boy or girl, young man or woman, that he or she will determine to perform for the race a greater service than Mr. Penn has rendered.
I. HIS BIRTH AND EARLY TRAINING.
Irvine Garland Penn was born in the year 1867, in New Glasgow, a small village in Amherst County. Virginia. His father and mother, Isham Penn and Mariah Penn, were fully aware of the superior advantages of a public school training to their children, and moved to the city of Lynchburg when Irvine was five years old. He passed with success through the primary and grammar grades of the schools, and in 1882 entered the junior class of the high school. Circumstances, over which he had no control, prevented him from attending school during the
