It is with painful regret that we are obliged to record the untimely death of Miss Laura S. Cary, one of the teachers of the Fisk University. She was the daughter of John J. Cary, Esq., of Nashville, well known as cashier of the Freedmen’s Savings Bank, and as a trustee of the Fisk University from its organization.
Miss Cary pursued the full course of study at the University, and was graduated with honor in the class of 1877, receiving the degree of A.B.; after this she engaged in teaching in the classical department as an assistant to Professor Spence.
She was very attractive in person, cultured in manners, dignified, quiet and winning. Her character as a Christian was unobtrusive and consistent. As a teacher she was proficient, kindly and patient, adding to exact scholarship a grace of demeanor and a voice of such rare sweetness as to attract constant attention to it. In her death the institution has lost one of the most valuable members of its corps of workers, and the African race a representative of rare merit and promise.
She died of typhus fever, June 28th, after an illness of ten days, aged 23.
ITEMS FROM THE FIELD.
Raleigh, N. C.—After the closing of the Conference, Pastor Smith, with the assistance of Rev. Mr. Peebles, of Dudley, held special services for three weeks. The church was greatly revived. Two young men have been received into the church. Others have been and are interested. The congregation is increasing, especially in the attendance of young men.
Greenwood, S. C.—The Brewer Normal School, under the care of Mr. J. D. Backenstose, closed, June 26th, a successful year’s work. Examinations and exhibition were very creditable and largely attended. The annual address was delivered by the Rev. F. E. McDonald, on “Culture.” Ministers of other denominations, graduates of the school, and many prominent citizens, showed by their attendance, and expressed in words, their deep interest in the work and gratification with its results.
Atlanta, Ga.—The teachers and students of Atlanta University contributed about $75 at their monthly missionary meetings during the past year, and have employed that sum in aiding the work of the National Temperance Society, from which they have received a large supply of the best temperance literature. As nearly 150 of the students are at present engaged in teaching summer schools, and nearly all enter into the temperance work, they will find such a supply a valuable help, and can give it wide and effective distribution. About an equal sum was given at weekly school meetings, and will be sent to aid mission work among the Indians.
A State Teachers’ Association was organized in Atlanta, during commencement week, by the young colored teachers of Georgia. There was an attendance of more than one hundred, and all parts of the State were represented. The proceedings were dignified and appropriate, and wise and useful plans were set on foot for future action. A large portion of the participants were graduates of Atlanta University, and were in attendance upon its closing exercises.