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This young lady was born in Halifax county, North Carolina, May 1, 1869. When she was only seven years old her mother died, leaving her and five other children. Mary and the three younger ones were taken to Raleigh and divided among her mother's relatives. From this time Miss Jones has had to struggle for her own support. Her aunt, who had the oversight of her, very soon hired her out to make her self-supporting.

When she was fourteen or more years old she had been given only six months' schooling, her father having deserted her since the death of her mother; and desiring to go to school, she made her intentions known to her Church, of which Rev. W. A. Green was pastor. This kind and very benevolent minister at once advised the Church to help her, stating her circumstances; but despite his advice the majority of the members declined to help her. Still determined to be "somebody" she made her way to the residence of the president of Shaw University. Having no money with which to pay expenses, she was there refused admission. Again she thought to try her Church and, if possible, get the Church to help her just one year. She went before the body and pleaded with them, and they did agree so to do. She again went to Shaw University and was allowed to enter the school with the understanding that her Church would help her