Beacons of Light: The Education of the Afro-Texan
Ella
F. Sheppard, Eminent Teacher, Singer, Pianist.
One of the most talented women of the race is Miss Ella F. Shephard of Fisk Jubilee fame, who for a number of years traveled through the United States, Europe and other foreign countries delighting with her company of singers the many thousands who flocked to hear them and even until now say lasting words of praise of them. She is an intellectual model of most genial nature, ambitious; yea one, who has lived laborious days, and shunned delights, that she might do educational service for her race. For a number of years she served as lady principal of Prairie View Normal Institute of Texas, and resigned to recruit the Old Jubilee Troupe. Her qualifications as a musician, if the " fittest survive," may be considered a criterion, are par excellence. Those who have sat under the mellifluous music of her voice, have expressed their inspired admiration, with their greatest earnestness. The greater portion of her useful life has been spent in the South where the greatest battles with ignorance have to be fought, as a teacher she has always been equal to the emergency and superior to the general rule. Wherever she has taught the whites as well as those of her race have become her faithful and lasting friends. Later in life she has filled very dignified positions as professor in some of our leading institutions of learning.
Her race affiliations are not contracted to a few teachers and
ministers, but the broad field of her active life has brought her in
social touch with the leading spirits of our 19th century civilization.
Her worth cannot be estimated in words, she has lived in deeds, not the
extended life of many, however, but the tireless activity of this noble
heroine tell.
Sketch from Noted
Negro Women: Their Triumphs and Activities
by Monroe
Alphus Majors