Women of distinction/Chapter 90
CHAPTER XC.
MRS. ROSA KINCKLE JONES.
In the onward march of progress of any people there is no one thing that can do more to make or mar than the disposition and tendencies of its women. Just as surely as water can only rise to its own level so surely can a race hope only to rise to the height of its women. If they are noble, pure and good, we may confidently expect their influence to bring about the same characteristics in the sterner sex, for
The hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world."
Lynchburg, Va., the "City of Hills," that has had the honor of sending out so many distinguished sons, was the place at which she first saw the light of day, and where the better portion of her life was spent.
She attended the public school of that city, making an excellent record, until 1877, when she left for Howard University, from which she graduated with honor in 1880. As is usually the case with gifted women she devoted the first years of her public services to teaching, having taught with great success in the State of Virginia and city of Lynchburg for two years.
Mrs. Jones is a well-read and cultured lady, having a voice of unusual compass, and is an excellent teacher of vocal music; but it is as a pianist that she is especially distinguished. Her execution of the most difficult of classical music is indeed marvelous.
Possessed of a touch of rare sweetness she can give the most excellent interpretation of the great masters, delineating every passion and emotion with a most delicate finish.
Mrs. Jones is undoubtedly possessed of natural ability in the musical line, but in addition to this she has been blessed with the best of instruction from competent teachers from early childhood, continuing the study in the city of Washington, finally taking a course in harmony at the New England Conservatory of Music.
Since residing in the city of Richmond she has been considered one of its most prominent, if not the most prominent and successful teacher of music, having taught some who are now successful teachers themselves.
For the past five years she has been the highly accomplished teacher at the Hartshorn Memorial College, and hundreds of pupils in and out of the State testify to her great ability.
In 1882 she married Rev. Dr. J. H. Jones, of the Richmond Theological Seminary, and is thus the eminent wife of an eminent man.
Their married life is an ideal one, and the union has been blessed with two bright and interesting boys.
Mrs. Jones is an indefatigable worker, and yet finds time to give her services free to every worthy enterprise. Pleasant, affable, kind, loving, she is loved by all who know her, and is an ideal woman, wife and mother.
G. W. Hayes.