Women of distinction/Chapter 19
CHAPTER XIX.
MRS. JOSEPHINE TURPIN WASHINGTON.
It is a noted historical fact that man becomes great, refined and powerful, either as an individual or as a nation, only in proportion as woman, his immediate companion and associate in society, is elevated to her natural sphere in the affairs of life that contribute to the highest
MRS. JOSEPHINE TURPIN WASHINGTON.
good and happiness of both. Her place is fast proving to be not a secondary one, but an important one, at his side. As he succeeds and conquers, she also succeeds and conquers. As he fails and goes down in the struggle, she also goes down with him. The interests of the two are inseparably linked together by a golden chain that makes his destiny her destiny, and certainly his glory should be her glory.
In this condensed presentation of the life and works of Mrs. Josephine Tnrpin Washington the writer has no occasion for any exaggerated description of her. A simple statement of the facts is amply sufficient to tell of her greatness, and especially so when we remember that she has become noted long before reaching the age when scholarship usually ripens into golden fruit. She was born in Goochland county, Va. , July 31, 1861, being the daughter of Augustus A. and Maria V. Turpin. She was always a brilliant little creature, and learned to read quite early under the instruction of a friend of the family. Her parents moved to Richmond when she was vet young where she entered the Public schools and was an attractive pupil, learning readily. She soon entered the High and Normal School, from which she graduated in 1876. From this time up to 1879 or 1880 she was engaged in teaching school, when she entered Richmond Institute, both as a teacher and student. Here she filled her twofold position with credit to herself and satisfaction to all concerned, remaining for three years, during which time she was a faithful, hard-working student. It was here that the writer first came into contact with her in a practical way, as school-mate in the class-room. Her zeal, keen intellect, kind disposition and general scholarship, all combined, did much to stimulate the writer during those three memorable years to greater effort in study, for it was then that he often had to burn midnight oil in order to come out even with her in the next day classes. She was a student from whom the writer could always, when discouraged, catch new inspiration; a real genius in the class-room, yet gentle, never arrogant, always wearing a pleasant smile, occasionally interrupted by a blush passing over her face. She did not remain to graduate, though only lacking one or two studies of completing the course, these not having been made on accout of the class reciting at an hour when she was engaged in teaching (a class). Although offered a diploma at any time she felt disposed to come up for examination, she declined; preferring to take a more extended course of study elsewhere, resigned as teacher and entered Howard University in the fall of 1883, from which she graduated in 1886. During her vacations she served as copyist in the office of Hon. Fred. Douglass, Recorder of the District. During and since graduation she has held responsible positions at Howard University, which she resigned for the consummation of that affection which had been steadily growing between herself and Dr. Samuel H. H. Washington, to whom she was married, and who is now a busy, practicing physician in Mobile, Ala. She may be truthfully called a brainy woman, of strong Christian character—a refined lady of no small heart. Besides scholarship Mrs. Washington became quite into prominence as a writer, during her maiden days. Her first article appeared in the Virginia Star, of Richmond, in 1877. It was a good thrust at intemperance, against selling wine at entertainments for church benefit. She has since written many articles for the Viginia Star, Planet, New York Globe, Industrial Herald, New York Freeman, Christian Recorder and the A. M. E. Church Review. The following are some of her subjects: "Paul's Trade and the Use He Made of It," "Notes to Girls," "Higher Education of Women," "The Hero of Harper's Ferry," "The Remedy for War," "Teaching as a Profession," and quite a number of other articles. Her writings have been published in the leading Afro-American journals of the country. Her writings have consisted of both prose and poetry. "Thoughts for Decoration Day" is one of her choice poetical writings, into which she seems to have put her whole soul. The following are only a few verses selected from this poem:
Throughout our country's broad domain,
In North and East and South and West,
In city street and village lane,
The nation pauses and takes rest.
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Yet honor we the men who gave
Their lives and all that makes life dear,
To save our land and free the slave
From cruel fate than death more drear.
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For women who, like Spartans brave,
Had tied the sash round soldiers gay,
And sent them forth a land to save,
And cheered them as they marched away.
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We are not one; an alien race.
Distinct, the negro dwells apart;
The crime of color his disgrace,
What matters brain, or brawn, or heart?
Through ages dark in bondage held,
And freed by accident of state,
Deemed strangers where our fathers dwelled,
The strife of party feud and hate.
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Arouse, awake, bend to your oars!
Much work remains yet to be done;
Till opened wide all closed doors,
Rest not, nor think the battle won.
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Unite to build the race in wealth,
For money is a magic key;
Seek power frankly, not by stealth,
And use it wisely as may be.
With all thy getting, wisdom get;
Acquaint thyself with minds that soared;
'Tis knowledge makes the distance set
'Twixt cultured men and savage horde.
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No cloud of doubt disturbs my mind.
This nation's destined to be one,
And future ages sure must find
The night dispelled by risen sun.
Hence, let us pass with hopes renewed.
Fresh courage for the daily care;
Forget past wrongs, avoid all feud,
And only what is noble dare.
The brave men we have honored here
Knew how to die like heroes true;
Who questions we will be their peer,
If we like heroes learn to do?