Page:Women of distinction.djvu/325

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WOMEN OF DISTINCTION.
253

instead of using the intervals between them for cramming, she washed and ironed. In this way was the money earned with which she bought her graduating dress. The girlish heart thrilled with genuine joy when she received her diploma. She felt a long-cherished hope realized. She saw her efforts crowned with success. She had grappled with the stern difficulties that stood between her and the consummation of her desire, and she had conquered. At seventeen years of age she set her little bark adrift with no fear of the future. Had she not won in that dark, tried past as a girl, and would she not win in that as yet untried future as a woman? She trusted the Saviour. She learned to love and serve Him when she was thirteen years old. Now she went forth for battle filled with pure, noble motives, burning with pent-up zeal to do something in the world, and to do what she could in the awakening of the young minds of the race. Has she succeeded? Read her history in the school-room and in the A. M. H. Sunday-school Union and you will find an answer to your question. Miss Shoecraft was offered a lucrative position as assistant principal in the State Normal School of Alabama. She accepted it. Rev. W. H. Councill, its principal, in speaking of her work in connection with the school, says:

"Miss Shoecraft was a success in every particular. She gained and holds the hearts of her fellow-teachers, the students and friends of the institution. She is, indeed, not only a born and cultivated teacher, but a leader and a commander. She was faithful and