Page:Women of distinction.djvu/346

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
274
WOMEN OF DISTINCTION.

we shall hear the multitude of voices joining in one vast song—"Alleluia, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" Nor is this impossible. Our history, it seems to me, has but just begun. All the past is but sorrow and gloom, and here and there a bright ray to bid us hope. * * * I hope they (the colored youth of the country) will early develop a love and taste for the beautiful in musical art; that soon we shall be proud to mention those whose names, through their works, shall be immortal.

This extract is sufficient proof of her strong, active mind and soul full of love for her race and the beautiful in musical art.

CHAPTER LXXII.

ARTISHIA GARCIA GILBERT, A. B., A. M.

Situated among the "foot-hills" of the Cumberland Mountains is the quaint little town of Manchester, Ky., where, in a little log cabin, was born, on the 2d day of Jutie, 1868, the subject about whom we propose to write this sketch. Her parents, William and Amanda Gilbert, were farmers, and were, like many of their race in those days, poorly prepared to educate the little ones.

In Artishia Garcia was a growing inclination and love for books, and although too young to be enrolled as a pupil in the county school yet to be daily went with the school-teacher to and from school, where she remembered much that she heard, and soon could spell and read; hence from her association she was given the name of "little teacher" by the pupils. In this way she was soon able to help the pupils prepare their lessons.