Women of distinction/Chapter 75
CHAPTER LXXV.
MRS. ROSA D. BOWSER.
On their arrival in the South the teachers from the North found an almost impenetrable wilderness of ignorance-. Only here and there could be found a colored family with a single member able to read. Wherever this was true it was a mark of superior natural intelligence, for with the stringent laws prohibiting the negro from reading he must be no ordinary man who would run the awful risk of being found with a book in his hand. Of such parents was the subject of our sketch born. Henry Dixon, a cabinet maker by trade, and a native of Amelia county, was no ordinary man, and his daughter, Rosa, whom he brought with him to Richmond when only a wee tot, inherited from him in larger measure, perhaps, than from her noble mother the traits of character that have distinguished her career. Obedient, thoughtful and quick to understand, it was not long before her teachers were. convinced that she would be no mean leader of her people. With systematic training it was not many years before she was thought competent to take charge of a school in her adopted city. Having passed creditable examinations and received her sheepskin from the Richmond Normal and High School, then in charge of Prof. R. M. Manly, she was elected by the Richmond School Board to teach in the Navy Hill group, of which Miss M. E. Knowles, of Massachusetts, was principal. This was at this time, and until 1883, the only group in which the teachers were colored. Her election was a special honor, for, although there were many more colored schools, the Board expressed the opinion that they could not secure competent teachers to fill them.
Possessing, as she did even in these youthful days, stern integrity, invincible purpose and a will strong to command, traits of character more frequently sought in the other sex, she has not been troubled with the question of discipline as most teachers are. But with this apparent sternness Mrs. Bowser possesses a tender heart, which always pulsates with sympathy for the anxious inquirer after knowledge and for the distressed of whatever creed or nationality. Her boys and girls, who can be numbered by the hundreds, would gladly unite in this testimonial to her ability as a teacher and to her warmth of heart as a friend. She did not, like many school-teachers, as soon as elected content herself with pursuing the rut of only her daily routine work in school, but each evening found her either learning more about her profession, reading for the sake of culture, pursuing some new art or perfecting herself in some new accomplishment. That same determination to succeed which characterized her early efforts has run through all her later attempts. Any one who has conversed with Mrs. Bowser for half an hour will be convinced of the first and second statements, and you have only to spend an evening in her cultured home to be assured of the third and fourth. A well-selected and carefully read library graces her parlor. Specimens of her fine laces, fancy needle-work and wax flowers will be shown at your request, and the calls of a number of music pupils will evidence that she has a name as a musician.
From what has been said one might suppose that the subject of our sketch was so engrossed with her professional and other duties that there was no time for the exercise of the tender passion, but not so; she possesses a woman's heart which, like the lyre, answered to the gentle touch of James H. Bowser, Esq., a former schoolmate, a native of Richmond, scholarly, refined and worthy. Her industry, versatility and good sense, as witnessed by him on various occasions, commended her more highly than all the praises of her friends. Having taught school with marked success seven years, the knot which made them one was tied in the simplest possible style. Ostentation, so objectionable to them, was not indulged on this occasion, not because of inability (for they were both possessed of considerable means), but because their good judgment dictated otherwise. Though a happy one, their married life was short. Scarcely two years had passed before he was called to his reward, beloved by his friends and respected and honored by all who knew him for his bright intellect, sterling good qualities and Christian character.
I need not say that Mrs. Bowser was given up with reluctance when her resignation was handed in to the School Board. The following testimonial from her former teacher is, perhaps, not out of place at this point:
Mrs. Rosa D. Bowser graduated with honor from the Normal School while it was under my charge, and then, with others, was a member of an "ex-senior" class, and pursued more advanced studies for one year under my own instrnction. She was always a studious, faithful and intelligent scholar, her character always above criticism, and her deportment marked by a dignity, sobriety and respectfulness not common with girls of her age. She had a very successful experience as teacher in the service of the city, and should she wish to teach again I recommend her to you with entire confidence that she would do her work not only faithfully, but wisely and with the approval of yourself and School Board. Very respectfully, R. M. Manly.
Testimonials of a similar nature were written by the Superintendent of Schools, Col. E. M. Garnett, by his predecessor, Prof J. H. Peay, and by Miss M. E. Knowles and Messrs. H. G. Carlton and T. P. Crump, who had been her principals. With such indorsements as these it is not surprising that in a short while after the death of her husband she was again called to a teacher's place. She has since served nine years.
In all that concerns the best interests of her people Mrs. Bowser has taken an active part. She was an earnest member and supporter of the first colored educational society of Virginia, of which Prof J. W. Cromwell, of Washington, was President. As teacher in the Peabody Normal Institute held at Lynchburg, Va., in 1887, under President J. H. Johnston, she added no little to its success bv her excellent work as teacher of the model class. It is hardly necessary to say that she became a Christian in early childhood and that her life has been a true exponent of her profession. As a teacher in the Sunday-school she has on more than one occasion represented her school in the State Conventions. In the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Young Men's Christian Association, in missionary societies, in local literary societies, as president of the Woman's Educational Convention of Richmond, of the Normal School alumni, she has been ever active. To her ability as teacher and organizer may be attributed her election as president of the State Teachers' Association of Virginia, which she has held for two years, notwithstanding this has, perhaps, more active, progressive educators than any other in the State.
I should not fail to mention that as manager of the Woman's Department of the Colored Fairs held in 1891 and 1892 in Virginia and in 1892 in West Virginia she succeeded in making these not only the most attractive departments, but demonstrative of far more skill among our women than even they dreamed of.
Thus far a truly useful career. May she be spared many more years to help in these various progressive movements.
James H. Johnston.