# Women of distinction/Chapter 87

CHAPTER LXXXVII.
MARY E. HARPER, B. E.
This lady of the rostrum was born in Zanesville, Ohio, and remained in that State till two and a half years of age, when her father died and her mother, Mrs. F. E. W. Harper, moved to the East, where Mary spent most of her early life. She received her early primary training in the public schools of Baltimore and Philadelphia. Sometime later they moved into the State of Massachusetts, where Mary finished her education, graduating with honors. Afterwards she taught school in Virginia for several years, and also in Maryland. She had previously ​shown some taste for elocution by converting a chair into a rostrum, the family and visitors at the same time composing her audience to which she would speak from this very modern platform, addressing herself to the question of slavery. Her speech was in the following words: "The negroes shall be free." At this time she was quite a child of three or four years.
She had evidently inbibed these thoughts from her mother, who had been a champion of the cause of abolition.
Mary's fondness for the public rostrum finally induced her mother to send her to the National School of Elocution and Oratory, at Philadelphia, from which she graduated as Bachelor of Elocution.
After this she took a course in Boston under the instruction of the well-known actress. Miss Rachel Naah, and later took lessons (under Miss Julia Thomas) in "Psycho-Physical Culture."
She has read in the principal churches of Boston; has traveled extensively in America, reading to the cultured people throughout the East, West and South. Many of the largest and best churches and halls have been opened to her.
The following are some of her press notices, and are very complimentary to her as well, as they bespeak much for her possibilities as an elocutionist. Miss Harper partakes of many of her mother's good traits as a public speaker, and is destined to do much good for her country and especially her race:
The poem was recited in an excellent style.—Brooklyn Eagle.
Miss Mary E. Harper, the well-known elocutionist, adding much to the general enjoyment by her fine recitations and readings.—Sunday ltem, Brooklyn.
Having had the rare pleasure of hearing Miss Harper render a number of selections, we are free to say she is well fitted by nature and preparations to make a success as public reader. She has a commanding presence, a graceful carriage, a rich, pleasant voice, and her gestures are natural and effective.— New York Freemnan.
Miss Mary Harper recited several fine selections and did exceedingly well. She has a fine stage presence, and possesses elocutionary talent of a high degree.—Carlisle Evening Sentinel.
The elocutionary entertainment given last evening at the A. M. E. Zion Church by Miss Mary E. Harper, of Philadelphia, was all that could be desired. The selections rendered were from standard authors, consisting of pathos and humor, all of which were produced in the highest style of elocutionary art. All present were more than pleased with the entertainment, and Miss Harper can feel well flattered with her success as an elocutionist.—York Daily.
The elocutionary entertainment given at the A. M. E. Church last evening by Miss Mary E. Harper, of Philadelphia, was a complete elocutionary success. The selections were from standard authors, and rendered in the best of style. Miss Harper justly lays claims as an elocutionist possessing all the requisites of the art.—York Democrtic Age.
A much larger audience than usually assembles in the A. M. E. Church to witness intellectual efforts complimented last evening Miss Mary Harper, the elocutionist, who gave a series of select readings. The selections were mostly new, which made the task to interest the audience more difficult, but the elocutionist proved herself equal to the occasion. Miss Ilarper has undoubted talent of a dramatic order, which she pleasingly and effectively utilizes. Miss Harper's gestures are applicable to the sentiment, and a voice of much volume, which is under artistic control.—Harrisburg Morning Call.
Miss Harper possesses sensibility of high order. She will please and move her audience more by her naturalness, pathos and earnestness. She is a lover of the art of elocution, and destined to achieve success.—National School of Elocution and Oratory, Mrs. J. W. Shoemaker, Vice-President.
MRS. SISSIERETTA JONES.
An entertainment was given last evening at the Berean Presbyterian Church, South College Avenue and Nineteenth street, by Miss Mary E. Harper and the Stevens Family Parlor Orchestra. Miss Harper, who is a graduate of the National vSchool of Elocution and Oratory, gave some excellent readings, while the Stevens family rendered choruses, a musical sketch, and other numbers in excellent style.—Philadelphia Press.
The features of the entertainment at the Berean Presbyterian Church last evening were music by the Stevens Parlor Orchestra and Miss Mary E. Harper's reading. Miss Harper has a fine stage presence, a good voice, and recited with much expression. She gives promise of success. Altogether the entertainment was unusually good of the sort.—News.
Miss Mary E. Harper's reading was the feature of a very pleasant entertainment at the Berean Presbyterian Church last evening. Her stage presence is fine, both nature and training have done much for her voice, and with perseverance her success as a reader is insured. The Stevens Family Orchestra contributed the music, which was very good.—Philadelphia Times.
Miss Harper, a graduate of National School of Elocution and Oratory, gave some excellent readings.—Philadelphia Press.