Her elocutionary power was early displayed, and each year at the closing of school she was the bright, particular star in oratory. Miss Mary Bozeman, Miss Emma Brown and Miss Addie Howard, her teachers, all aided Miss Davis by their admirable training, and to them she returns thanks for encouragement.
At the early age of fifteen she passed the necessary examination and was awarded a position as teacher in one of the public schools of her native State. While holding this position she attracted the attention of the Board of Education of the State of Louisiana, who tendered her a higher position to teach, which she accepted. She remained there some time until called home by the illness of her mother. Miss Davis left Louisiana amidst the regrets of many friends. She also bore the certificate of the Board of Education testifying to the efficiency and ability with which she had discharged her arduous duties.
Miss Davis, in 1878, entered the office of Recorder of Deeds at Washington, as copyist, where she remained until 1884, when she resigned to follow her chosen profession. It was while holding this position -that she decided to carry out a long-cherished desire to study for the dramatic stage. She had in the meantime, by a wide and thorough study of the best masters in classic and dramatic literature, laid the foundation for a promising career.
Miss Davis became the pupil of Miss Marguerite E. Saxton, a lady of undisputed ability and a most conscientious teacher—a lady who knows no one by their
