# Women of distinction/Chapter 28

CHAPTER XXVIII.
MRS. A. E. JOHNSON.
This very excellent lady was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1858, and was edncated in Montreal, where she was also converted and baptized, joining the Point St. Charles Baptist Church when quite young. She is the daughter of Levi and Ellen Hall, formerly of the State
MRS. A. E. JOHNSON.
of Maryland. Upon the death of her father her mother returned to Baltimore, where she and her daughter both reside at this time. Mrs. Johnson was teaching a day school in the Water's M. E. Chapel, in Baltimore, when she and Rev. Harvey Johnson, D. D., became acquainted; as a result of which they were married in 1877, and now ​are proud of one daughter (four years old) and two sons, respectively eight and ten years old. Mrs. Johnson began her literary career by writing for race papers. It was in 1888 she saw the necessity for a paper such as would draw out the latent powers of our women by developing a taste and aptness, upon their part, to write on such topics as would interest the young people and kindle in them a thirst for reading; consequently she began the publication of The Ivy, a monthly of eight pages, which she sent forth as a herald of light to guide and elevate our own young people. The matter in these columns was original, pure, instructive and interesting. A large number of our good women wrote for this paper, the contents of which were extensively read and much praised by the public.
In speaking of this spicy little beacon-light (The Ivy) the Baltimore Baptist says:
The contents were original and the general tone very creditable to the editor. * * * So far as it has gone the editor must be conscious of having done a good work and shown the way for some others to follow.
Her next attempt was to write a book that could be used in Sabbath-school libraries. This she did, and it was accepted and published by the American Baptist Publication Society in 1890. This society is one of the largest of its kind in this country. The title of the book is "Clarence and Corinne." In May, 1891, she wrote a story, entitled "Dr. Hayes' Wire Fence," which was purchased by the Youth’s Companion, of Boston. At this time the American Baptist Publication Society ​has the manuscript of her second book, which will possibly appear during this year, having already been accepted. She now has on hand a new project with which she, we are quite certain, will soon strike another fatal blow upon the head of some "Thomas" of olden times, who sits hard by, ever ready to doubt the ability, skill and power of thought possessed by Afro-American women.
But, alas! the world shall yet see as it has not yet fully seen, and shall know as it has not yet known, the whole truth in this matter (at least it shall acknowledge much that is now denied), for indeed the women of this race are steadily climbing and "every round is higher and higher."
The following are some more of her writings and also some press notices. The National Baptist (Philadelphia) has reproduced her story, "Nettie Ray's Thanksgiving Day," and also short poems from her paper. The Sower and Reeaper (Baltimore) has published "The Mignonette's Mission." She has also been editor of a "Children's Corner" in this paper.
The National Baptist, in speaking of her book ("Clarence and Corinne"), says:
It is a pathetic little story.
The Baltimore Baptist says of the book:
The interest of the reader is early excited and held steadily to the close.
The Baptist Teacher says:
One feature of this book makes it of special interest. It is the first Sunday-school book published from the pen of a colored writer.
This, we believe, is our first Sunday-school library book written by a colored author. Mrs, Johnson is the wife of a noted and successful Baltimore pastor, and in this book shows talent worthy of her husband. * * * The tale is healthy in tone, holds the attention and is well adapted to the intermediate classes of Sunday-school readers.
The Baptist Messenger (Baltimore) says:
The fact of its being published by the American Baptist Publication Society speaks volumes of praise for the book.
It also says:
This is one of the silent yet powerful agents at work to break down unreasonable prejudice, which is a hindrance to both races.
There are other strong sayings of the Home Protector (Baltimore), National Monitor, the Sower and Reaper, the American Baptist. the Indianapolis Daily Journal, all of which show conclusively the value of the writings of this noble woman. Her article recently published in the New York Age in the defense of Afro-American literature as original productions is sufficient to hush in eternal silence the enemy of the progress the race has made, who now bobs up and claims that our literature is not original. Mrs. Johnson gives this false doctrine such original blows from the gigantic intellect of an Afro-American, and pursues her enemy with such vehement logic, that she not only confuses, but, like a champion of the truth, she refutes and conquers him.
The writer has often admired this little silent preacher in print, and feels confident that, with such success as Mrs. Johnson has already achieved, we, as a race, may very reasonably expect to garner a fruitful harvest of golden grain from her pen in the future.