Women of distinction/Chapter 61

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2416833Women of distinction — Chapter LXI

CHAPTER LXI.

MISS ALICE ELIZABETH McEWEN.

Miss McEwen first saw the dawn of day in Nashville, Tenn., July 29, 1870. Her parents were Anderson N. and Elizabeth H. McEwen. She was taught the first principles of English by her mother. She entered Rodger Williams University and doubtless would have finished her course here, but moving from Nashville, and her parents feeling that better care would be taken of her, she entered Spelman Seminary the fall of '85. It was also in this year that her first article for publication appeared. She was a regular correspondent for the Montgomery Herald from. this time until its editor was forced to leave Montgomery.

Three years little Alice (as she was called) was in school trying to fit herself for usefulness. In 1888 she graduated from Spelman Seminary, not as a member only of her class, but as the one standing head. Those who know her can readily testify to her ability as a scholar. Since her graduation she has held prominent positions. It has been said of her that "As a scholarly woman she has acquitted herself most creditably."

Her first article, entitled "The Progress of the Negro," excited much comment. From time to time she has given the world her ideas through some of our leading newspapers. Her subjects have been varied. Among her best productions are her graduating oration, "The Advantage of Adversity," published in almost all the leading newspapers of the South; "Women in Journalism," a paper read before the National Press Association in Washington, D. C., and "Signs of the Times," a paper published in the Freemnn (Christmas, 1891), and afterwards published in the Southern Watchmanm of Mobile, Ala.

Aside from a journalist Miss McKwen is a professional teacher. Though young she has made a bright record in this profession. She has taught in the leading schools of Montgomery, Talladega and Huntsville. She has given perfect satisfaction wherever she has labored. As a scholarly. Christian teacher she stands among the first of our country.

She was elected secretary of Huntsville State Normal School last September, which position she held until she resigned to accept work elsewhere.

Miss McEwen is now principal of a large school conducted by the Odd Fellows at Moss Point, Miss.

Aside from her work in the school-room Miss McKwen is pursuing her study in elocution, which course she will soon complete. She is also reading medicine preparatory to entering school to finish a course in this great profession. In the near future she will become an author. She is ascending slowly the ladder of fame. She is a reader of the best works and keeps abreast of the times. She has many accomplishments that mark her a cultured lady.

May heaven bless her! The future of few female writers is prospectively brighter than that of Miss Alice E. McEwen. Her aim as a writer is not for mere social attainments, but for the betterment of her people.