her hands books which should prove the most beneficial. The result was at maturity she was considered among the best informed of the race. Seeing how hard her mother had to labor for the support of her children, Miss Smith felt that she must lend a helping hand. Though young she took a position under the Lexington School Board, where she labored faithfully and satisfactorily. In 1881 she was elected teacher in State University, taking charge of the model school as principal. She was a model teacher as well as an exemplary Christian woman, and left a lasting impression upon those under her care. She lifted the men up to the apprehension that a noble character and a cultivated intellect are more enduring graces than mere beauty of form—that to be manly was their first duty. She taught the young women to despise mediocrity, to trust their own brain and to aspire towards all that is noble and grand. Her indomitable will, perseverance and originality gave her success in all her undertakings. For some time she served as private secretary to Dr. William J. Simmons, by whom she was led into prominence. She was painstaking and accurate and sacrificed much of her pleasure and time that his work might not lag. All that she did was with that cheerfulness of spirit that not only sweetened her own life, but made life easier for others.
Dr. Simmons often spoke of her worth and helpfulness. Though burdened as teacher and private secretary, she took up the studies of the normal department and graduated in 1887. Out of her means she supported a sister in the University; after this sister's graduation
