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244 In 1875 she returned to Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute and resumed her studies.

In 1877 she graduated with honor and was the winner of a $20 prize offered to the best original essayist of the class. On her return home to resume the work among her people, to which she felt so closely espoused, she was elected prinicipal of the town public school. Here she met with some competition for the position, but energy, push and competency always hold sway over all opposition, where fair play is granted. She outstripped her rivals, and filled the position with credit three years.

She was looked upon as the spiritual, educational and political adviser of her neighborhood for the colored people. In the church and Sunday-school she had no peer, for both minister and Sunday-school superintendent sought her advice as to the best means of spiritualizing the church and enlivening the Sunday-school.

She stands in the ranks among the best educators of her race. Through her influence and recommendation a great many young men and women have gained admission into some of the best institutions of learning in the United States. Many of them she assisted financially, while in school, from her scanty income, which was a sacrifice but a pleasure. Quite a number of them have graduated and are filling honorable positions.

As a politician she was so well informed and could discuss so intelligently the public issues of the day that in her town, in the campaign of 1884, she was styled the politicians' oracle. She, as did Paul, ceased not day nor night to warn her people of the danger that awaited