Page:Women of distinction.djvu/139

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
WOMEN OF DISTINCTION.
91

years to greater effort in study, for it was then that he often had to burn midnight oil in order to come out even with her in the next day classes. She was a student from whom the writer could always, when discouraged, catch new inspiration; a real genius in the class-room, yet gentle, never arrogant, always wearing a pleasant smile, occasionally interrupted by a blush passing over her face. She did not remain to graduate, though only lacking one or two studies of completing the course, these not having been made on accout of the class reciting at an hour when she was engaged in teaching (a class). Although offered a diploma at any time she felt disposed to come up for examination, she declined; preferring to take a more extended course of study elsewhere, resigned as teacher and entered Howard University in the fall of 1883, from which she graduated in 1886. During her vacations she served as copyist in the office of Hon. Fred. Douglass, Recorder of the District. During and since graduation she has held responsible positions at Howard University, which she resigned for the consummation of that affection which had been steadily growing between herself and Dr. Samuel H. H. Washington, to whom she was married, and who is now a busy, practicing physician in Mobile, Ala. She may be truthfully called a brainy woman, of strong Christian character—a refined lady of no small heart. Besides scholarship Mrs. Washington became quite into prominence as a writer, during her maiden days. Her first article appeared in the Virginia Star, of Richmond, in 1877. It was a good thrust at intemperance, against