Page:Women of distinction.djvu/167

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WOMEN OF DISTINCTION.
117

are proud of one daughter (four years old) and two sons, respectively eight and ten years old. Mrs. Johnson began her literary career by writing for race papers. It was in 1888 she saw the necessity for a paper such as would draw out the latent powers of our women by developing a taste and aptness, upon their part, to write on such topics as would interest the young people and kindle in them a thirst for reading; consequently she began the publication of The Ivy, a monthly of eight pages, which she sent forth as a herald of light to guide and elevate our own young people. The matter in these columns was original, pure, instructive and interesting. A large number of our good women wrote for this paper, the contents of which were extensively read and much praised by the public.

In speaking of this spicy little beacon-light (The Ivy) the Baltimore Baptist says:

The contents were original and the general tone very creditable to the editor. * * * So far as it has gone the editor must be conscious of having done a good work and shown the way for some others to follow.

Her next attempt was to write a book that could be used in Sabbath-school libraries. This she did, and it was accepted and published by the American Baptist Publication Society in 1890. This society is one of the largest of its kind in this country. The title of the book is "Clarence and Corinne." In May, 1891, she wrote a story, entitled "Dr. Hayes' Wire Fence," which was purchased by the Youth’s Companion, of Boston. At this time the American Baptist Publication Society