Women of distinction/Chapter 3
CHAPTER III.
MISS HALLIE QUINN BROWN.
In the onward march of Christianity, with its civilizing influence as well as its saving power, we know of no better index to its real effect upon man than the high esteem in which he holds woman, and the estimation he places
HALLIE QUINN BROWN.
upon her as an agency purifying and preserving human society. As he rates her, just so the world rates him, and as she is appreciated and encouraged, so he is elevated and strengthened.
What is true in this respect of a man as a part of a race may also, to an extent, be true of the whole race.
The Afro-American is moving in the line of march with other civilized races in that he is placing upon the women of the race their merited worth. Among the class of highly distinguished women is the subject of this sketch, Hallie Q. Brown, who was formerly of Pittsburg, Pa., but while quite young her parents made their abode upon a farm near Chatham, Canada. While still very young, in 1868, she began a course of study in Wilberforce College, State of Ohio, the present residence of her parents, "Homewood Cottage," from which she graduated in 1873 with the degree of B. S.
I quote below a very unique description of her early life on the memorable old farm near Chatham, Canada:
A traveler passing by a country farm house, a few miles from Chatham, Canada, a few years ago, might have seen a little girl of eight or nine summers mounted upon a colt without bridle or girth, hair given to the winds to be tossed, dashing up a lane to the pasture. There he would have seen her dismount and hastily perform the duties of dairy-maid, first calling each cow by name, and inquiring the health of each or making some playful remark. The milking finished, she now goes through the programme that absorbs her whole attention, having risen before any other one of the household so that she could not be seen. She jumps upon a stump or log and delivers an address to the audience of cows, sheep, birds, etc. Neither knowing nor caring what she says, she goes through her harangue, earnestly emphasizing by arm gesture and occasionally by a stamp of the foot. She has a separate speech for the larger animals, and special addresses to the lambs, ducklings and any other juvenile auditors that happen to be near. Having exhausted her vocabulary-, she begins a conversation in the language of the horse, cow, sheep, goose, rooster, or bird, until each is imitated; then bidding adieu to her pet auditors, she remounts her prancing steed and canters back to the house. This is her daily morning programme. She supposed all along that her secret was locked in her own breast. But a farm hand saw her one morn by chance, himself unobserved, and 'twas a secret no longer. Nor did she realize her "ridiculous capers," as she has called it since, until she had grown to young womanhood. Who can say but that propitious Fate had her then in drill in order to develop the powers of her soul so that she might make a portion of mankind happier by the instruction and amusement she should furnish? "Who was this little girl," ask you? The subject of this sketch—Miss Hallie O. Brown.
In full sympathy with her brethren in the South in those dark days, she could not be happy in the comfortable home which she left to take charge of the work that rested most heavily upon her as a duty. She first taught a country school in South Carolina and at the same time a class of old people, whom she greatly aided in the study of the Bible; after this she went to Mississippi, where she also had charge of a school. The house in which she taught was built of logs, cracks all open, window-glass all out. In cold, windy weather comfort was a stranger. After fruitless appeals for repairs she determined to try her own hand. "She secured the willing service of two of her larger boys. She mounted one mule and the two bo3's another, and thus they rode to the gin-mill. They got cotton seed, returned, mixed it with earth, which formed a plastic mortar, and with her own hands she pasted up the chinks, and ever after smiled at the unavailing attacks of wind and weather." After much success here she was employed as teacher at Yazoo City, where she remained awhile and then, on account of the condition of the South at that time, returned North. She was then secured as teacher in Dayton, Ohio, where she served four years, but on account of bad healtli had to resign, and afterwards traveled in the interest of Wiberforce University, lecturing with marked success, and was particularly welcomed at Hampton Normal School in Virginia. Now, having been engaged in school-teaching North and South in which there was much of the missionary spirit, and having also completed a course in elocution, she served several years as an important factor in "The Wilberforce Grand Concert Company," which also traveled in the interest of that well-known institution.
From the day of graduation at the famous Wilberforce University she has continued to grow in public favor and popularity as one greatly eminent in her chosen profession; entering so fully into the real spirit of the author, and making such vivid descriptions, that she renders perfectly the idea of the writer, as the following will show:
The greatest compliment ever paid to Miss Brown, at least the one she doubtless appreciates the most, was received under the following circumstances: While at Appleton, Wis., she recited, among other selections, "How He Saved St. Michaels." After the concert a lady came forward, requesting to be introduced to the elocutionist. The Rev. F. vS. Stein then introduced to Miss Brown Mrs. Dr. Stansbury, the author of "How He Saved St. Michaels." Madam Stansbury grasped the hand of the elocutionist and exclaimed, "Miss Brown, I have never heard that piece so rendered before." This notwithstanding a famous reader, a few weeks before, had given the same selection there, and advertised by announcing that she would render Mrs. Stansbury's famous poem. Miss Brown was confused. She did not even know the lady lived in the State, and did not dream of her presence in the house, hence she was taken completely by surprise, nor would she have attempted to give it had she heard of the presence of the authoress. The compliment was all the more appreciated because every elocutionist who visits that section renders "St. Michaels."
She is a prominent member of the A. M. E. Church; also a member of the "King's Daughters." "Human Rights League," and the "Isabella Association."
She has served as lady-principal at Allen University and traveled extensively soliciting aid for the same. While on this tour the Chicago Bee said of her:
Miss Hallie O. Brown delivered a soul-stirriug lecture at the Bethesda Baptist Church last Sunday evening to a large audience. She is without doubt a fine speaker. The audience was held spell-bound from beginning to end. and her able, forcible and earnest remarks provoked frequent applause. Miss Brown is a graduate of Wilberforce University. and has been engaged in educational work for sixteen years. She is now giving a series of lectures throughout the North in aid of the Allen University at Columbia. S. C. in helping to erect a new building for that institution.
She was elected as instructor in elocution and literature at Wilberforce University, but declined in order to accept a position at Tuskegee.
In 1886 she graduated from Chautauqua, N. Y., and in 1887 received the degree of M. S. from her Alma Mater being the first female thus honored.
Wherever she has gone there her impress has been left as a pleasant reminder. The honors that have been heaped upon her, a knowledge of her own influence and ability, her excellence as a speaker before the public and as an elocutionist at large, the encomiums of the public press and the voice of the people, have not turned her head.
Meek as a lamb, gentle, kind, sociable and pure, yet eloquent, proficient, popular and progressive, Miss Brown is not only a public speaker and an elocutionist of great note, but possesses poetical ability of rare excellence as well. Her poem of fifteen verses, "At Eventide it Shall be Light," composed in one hour, from 12:30 to 1:30 A. M., at the time of her father's death, is indeed very excellent and would do credit, due credit, to any American poet. The poem closes with the following two verses in a most pathetic manner:
He left that tenement, that house of clay.
He took that spirit, bright and fair as day.
The cne we bore to yonder "city of the dead,"
The other, clothed immortal, dwells with Christ our head.
O when that "Day of God"' shall come.
When we shall hear the happy sonnd, "Well done."
In joy we'll sweep through gates of light.
With souls all pure and garments white.
The following are a few of the many press notices of her ability and popularity:
Miss Hallie O. Brown, the elocutionist, who has always been a great favorite with Xenia audiences, was cheered to the echo, and in some of her pieces was really interrupted by the continuous applause. She certainly excels in her character delineations and varied modulations of tone three-fourths of the elocutionists on the stage.—Daily Gazette, Xenia, O.
Miss Hallie O-Brown, the elocutionist with the company, was loudly applauded. Many credit Miss Brown with being one of the best elocutionists before the public.—Indianapolis Times.
Miss Brown the elocutionist, is a phenomenon, and deserves the highest praise. She is a talented lady, and deserves all the encomiums that she receives.—The Daily Sun, Vincennes, Ind.
The select reading of Miss Hallie O. Brown was very fine. From grave to gay, from tragic to comic, with a great variation of themes and humors, she seemed to succeed in all, and her renderings were the spice of the night's performance.—Monitor, Marion, Illinois.
We must say the capacity of Miss Hallie O. Brown to entertain an audience is wonderful.—Tri-County Reporter., Gosport, Ind.
Miss Brown's recitals will compare favorably with many of the female elocutionists who are classed with Mrs. Scott Siddons and others of lesser note.—Vincennes Daily Commercial.
Never in the history of Birmingham have the colored people displayed more intelligence and showed such appreciation for literary ability by the coming together of the best element of the race at St. John's Methodist Church last night, to hear and do honor to Miss Hallie Quinn Brown, the noted elocutionist. Miss Brown has few equals in her chosen art. Her manner of delivery is very charming and graceful, while her gestures are perfect. Fully eight hundred people were present. Miss Brown may well consider this one of the greatest testimonials ever tendered her in the South.—Age-Herald, Birmingham, Ala.
The greeting received by Miss Brown was very enthusiastic. The famous elocutionist recited with the greatest power and pathos "The Gypsy Girl," which was received with the liveliest demonstrations of approval. As an encore she upset the equinimity of the audience by her inimitable lecture on "Apples." Miss Brown acquitted herself in two other recitations in a manner that showed her elocutionary powers in the highest degree.—Savannah, Ga.
Miss Hallie Q. Brown is, without exception, the finest elocutionist that ever appeared in this city.—News and Courier, Charleston, S. C.
Miss Hallie Q. Brown has a fine voice well cultivated; a pleasing stage presence, and the freshest repertoire of any reader we have had here.—Niles, Mich.
Miss H. O. Brown, the elocutionist, ranks as one of the finest in the country.—Daily News, Urbana, O.
The select reading of Miss H. Q. Brown is done to perfection. She has an excellent voice and has good control of it. She makes every piece sound as if it were the author speaking, and in many of them doubtless she excels the one she imitates.—Neoga, Ill.
Miss Hallie Q. Brown, a general favorite at Island Park, rendered in her inimitable style "The Creed of the Bells." A prolonged encore followed.—Island Park "Assembly."
Her style is pure and correct; her selections excellent. The "Fifty Miles an Hour" made one thrill, it was so very impressive.—Long Branch (N. J.) News.
Miss Brown displayed remarkable powers of pathos and dramatic elocution. * * * Her excellent dramatic talent was displayed to the best advantage in the selection entitled "The Sioux Chief's Daughter." The audience was the largest ever gathered at a public entertainment in that place.—Newport (R. I.) News.
The readings of Miss H. Q. Brown confer a histrionic glow upon the colored race. She is the superior of nine out of ten elocutionists before the public.—Her description of "The Bells" is a masterpiece of elocutionary art which will withstand the severest and most cultivated criticism. Her prolongation of the tones of the bells is a wonderful representation of the poet's lines. Miss Brown's selections were all of a difficult order, and exhibited great versatility and ability to reach in most of them a still better execution,—Daily Republican., Emporia, Kans.
Of the recitations of Miss Hallie Q. Brovn too much cannot be said. As a reader she is the peer of any professional in the land.—Richmond (Ind.) Paladium.
Miss Brown in her elocution is unquestionably brilliant. Her "Fifty Miles an Hour," descriptive of Mrs. Garfield's ride to Washington when her husband was shot, was given with that generous touch of womanly feeling that made it the gem of the entertainment.—Miama Helmet, Piqua, O.
But the crowning feature of the company is the elocutionist, Miss Hallie Q. Brown. Nothing finer in elocution has been heard in this city, with no exception or reservation in favor of other eminent elocutionists who have appeared in this city. She is capable of touching every chord of emotion, equally effective in pathos and humor. The intonations of her voice are as exquisite as those of an seolian harp, and as melodious as music itself, and in dramatic fervor and power of dramatic expression Miss Brown is inimitable. What, for instance, can be more melodious and touching than her recitation of the Church Bells, or what more genuinely humorous than the recitation of the original piece called The Apple. Miss Brown cannot fail of establishing for herself a national reputation at no distant day.—Republican, Xenia, Ohio.
Wilberforce, Ohio.—To whom it may concern: This is to certify that Miss Hallie Quinn Brown, as a graduate from Wilberforce University, has excelled as an elocutionist, and in our judgment she has no equal in the West. If she has we have never seen nor heard of the person. We all honor and love her on account of her upright conduct ever since she left the halls of Wilberforce. We commend her to the esteem and patronage of all who know her.
Washington, D. C.—I heartily concur in the above, and wish Miss Brown success in our community and elsewhere.
Wilberforce, Ohio, October 8, 1888.—To whom it may concern: I take great pleasure in bearing testimony to the moral, religious and professional character of Miss Hallie Q. Brown. She is an elocutionist, an excellent teacher of the art of expression, and bears the reputation of always improving her pupils. Any one who follows her instruction will speak with ease, energy, elegance and variety of pitch and rate of the voice. Whatever you may do to assist her will be considered a personal favor.
I am yours for God and the race,
Miss Hallie Q. Brown, elocutionist of the Wilberforce Concert Company, has the distinguished honor of being the teacher in the department of elocution at the Monona Lake Assembly, and is meeting with great success.—Correspondence Cleveland Gazette.
* * * * Miss Hallie O. Brown was decidedly entertaining in her efforts in elocution. She "brought down the house" on various occasions, and had to respond repeatedly to the spontaneous calls of the vast audience.—"Monona Lake Assembly," Aladison (Wis.) Daily Democrat.
Miss Hallie Q. Brown, teacher of elocution, was tendered a handsome benefit at Masonic Temple by the members of her class. The entertainment consisted of music, recitations and tableaux, and was witnessed by an audience that not only filled the house from parquette to the gallery, but was as enthusiastic as it was large in numbers. The various parts of the programme were rendered in a manner somewhat surprising to those who have taken little note of the progress of the
MRS. N. F. MOSSELL.
colored people of Louisville, and the talent displayed is most worthy of mention. ********** At the conclusion of the programme President Simmons, of the State Baptist University, appeared on the stage and offered the following resolution, which was put to a vote of the audience and unanimously adopted:
"Resolved, That we, the citizens of Louisville, in concert assembled, hereby express our heartfelt appreciation of the high order of talent displayed b}' Miss Hallie O. Brown, our distinguished guest and eminent teacher in elocution, and hereby thank her for the rich and rare treat furnished by thepupilsof her training."—Courier-Journal, Louisville, Ky.
Prof W. F. Sherwin, of New England Conservatory, Boston, Mass., says: "Miss Hallie Q. Brown has few superiors as a refined reader and a careful trainer in the art of elocution and oratory."