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Rh withstood temptations, patiently bearing the burdens laid upon her, and led a pure, Christian life. She obtained her education in the common and high schools, and graduated from the scientific department of Lawrence University. She began to teach soon afterward, and continued to for some time.

During her life she has filled many good positions, which came without her seeking them. She has been successful as a teacher in high schools, a teacher of music, and as a clerk in dry goods stores. In 1883, she was assistant secretary and book-keeper in the financial department of the A. M. E. church. While at this work she began to sail upon the journalistic ship, which has been one of continued progress. The American Baptist, then edited by Rev. William J. Simmons, contained an account of her career in one of its issues of September, 1884, which gives her standing at that time: "As a writer, her fame is fast spreading, not only in one or two states, but throughout the United States. Should she continue with the same success in the future as she has had in the past, she will be equal to Harriet Ward Beecher Stowe, if not her superior.

Since then she has steadily progressed, until now she may be looked upon as indeed our "Harriet Ward Beecher Stowe." As a poetic writer, there is possibly no female Afro- American of her age that can surpass her. Concerning her poetic and scientific writings, we can say no more than a well-known writer has in the The Indianapolis Freeman: "Her last poem, 'Lucille of Montana,' ran through several numbers of the magazine Our Women and Children, and is full of ardor, eloquence and noble thought. Mrs. Coleman has contributed special scientific articles to The A. M. E. Review and other journals, which were rich in minute comparisons, philosophic terms, and scientific principles. She is a writer more for scholars than for the people, A novel entitled 'Poor Ben,'