CHAPTER XVIII.
MISS HENRIETTA VINTON DAVIS.
(ELOCUTIONIST).
The subject of this sketch, Miss Henrietta Vinton Davis, was born in the city of Baltimore, Maryland. Her father, Mansfield Vinton Davis, was a distinguished musician, and from him she inherited a natural taste for music. Shortly after her birth her father died, leaving a young and beautiful widow and the subject of this sketch. In the course of a few years her mother contracted a second marriage with Captain George A. Hackett, who during his whole life was devoted to the best interests of his race, and was their recognized leader in Baltimore up to the time of his death. He was a man of ample means and generous heart, and gave to his little step-daughter all the advantages which such conditions allow. He, like her own father, died while she was quite young.
Her mother, a year after the death of Captain Hackett, removed to and became a permanent resident of the city of Washington, D. C. This good mother devoted herself to the training of her only child, and as she early displayed a fondness for books and an eagerness for knowledge, she was given every advantage of the excellent schools of Washington. She soon made rapid progress in her studies, and by her studious habits and genial manners became at once a favorite of her teachers. Her elocutionary power was early displayed, and each year at the closing of school she was the bright, particular star in oratory. Miss Mary Bozeman, Miss Emma Brown and Miss Addie Howard, her teachers, all aided Miss Davis by their admirable training, and to them she returns thanks for encouragement.
At the early age of fifteen she passed the necessary examination and was awarded a position as teacher in one of the public schools of her native State. While holding this position she attracted the attention of the Board of Education of the State of Louisiana, who tendered her a higher position to teach, which she accepted. She remained there some time until called home by the illness of her mother. Miss Davis left Louisiana amidst the regrets of many friends. She also bore the certificate of the Board of Education testifying to the efficiency and ability with which she had discharged her arduous duties.
Miss Davis, in 1878, entered the office of Recorder of Deeds at Washington, as copyist, where she remained until 1884, when she resigned to follow her chosen profession. It was while holding this position -that she decided to carry out a long-cherished desire to study for the dramatic stage. She had in the meantime, by a wide and thorough study of the best masters in classic and dramatic literature, laid the foundation for a promising career.
Miss Davis became the pupil of Miss Marguerite E. Saxton, a lady of undisputed ability and a most conscientious teacher—a lady who knows no one by their color. Under the tuition and guidance of this lady she made her debut April 25, 1883, at Washington, before an audience that was cultured, critical and large. She was introduced by the Hon. Frederick Douglass, who takes a deep interest in her success.
On this, her first appearance, her success was instantaneous and she received a veritable ovation. The Associated Press flashed the news throughout the world, and Miss Davis at once took her place among the professional women of the age.
A few weeks after her first appearance she made a tour of the principal cities of the East under the able management of Lieutenant James M. Trotter and Mr. William H. Dupree. At Boston, Hartford, New Haven and other places she was received with every mark of approval by both press and public.
In April, 1884, Mr. Thomas T. Symmons became her manager. Mr. Symmons is one of the few gentlemen of our race who possess the ability and spirit of enterprise calculated to secure success. He formed a dramatic and concert company to support his star, and by novel and liberal advertising brought her to the notice of new audiences. At Buffalo, N. Y., she received most flattering newspaper notices and was the recipient of much social attention from both white and colored admirers. Again at Pittsburg, Pa., Cincinnati, Ohio, and Chicago, Ill., and in fact wherever she has appeared, her genial manners and modest deportment attract to her many friends.
Miss Davis has received numerous presents from individuals and from the public; a massive gold star presented to her by the citizens of Chicago, two magnificent necklaces, a basket of flowers two feet high, made of tiny shells from Key West, Florida, presented by the leading ladies of that city, and many other testimonials of appreciation too numerous to mention.
Miss Davis is one of the pioneers of her race in the legitimate drama, and bv her success has been the means of stimulating and encouraging others to emulate her example. While she has many imitators she has few, if any, superiors, and stands unique in being one of the few representatives the race has in the tragic art. She is entirely devoted to the upbuilding of her race, and believes the solution of the vexed problem lies in the hands of the Negro. She believes that the education of the hand, the head and the heart is the prime necessity of the hour. She has invented a dress-cutting chart and has done much in the rural districts, where sewing seems to be one of the lost arts, to instill a love for this useful occupation.
HENRIETTA VINTON DAVIS.