She is one of the leading spirits of this grand organization that is destined to do wonders for the colored people as a race. She was succeeded as president by Mrs. Mary C. Terrell, whose portrait is given and of whom mention is made in connection with school work in Washington in another part of this book.
Mrs. M. E. Stewart, of Louisville, Ky., is the wife of Wm. H. Stewart, who is editor of the _American Baptist_. Mrs. Stewart is a very intelligent and refined lady, and one of the most useful women in the State. She is an accomplished musician, having completed a course in the National Music School of Chicago. For many years she has had charge of the musical department of State University in Louisville, and has made an enviable record as an instructor. Her pupils are among the most accomplished musicians of the young people. At the meetings of the National Baptist Convention, of which she is a member, her services are always in demand, as she is an expert performer on the pipe organ. For a number of years she has been organist of the 5th St. Baptist Church, and has the record of never being tardy nor absent. She is a leading member and officer of the Baptist Women's Educational Convention of Kentucky. Mrs. Stewart's home life is beautiful and her children show the influence of a refined and cultured mother.
DR. JOHN R. FRANCIS AND HIS PRIVATE SANATORIUM.
Dr. John R. Francis is distinctly a product of Washington, D.C., having first seen the light of day in that city. He is the only son of one of the city's most worthy citizens, Richard Francis, his mother being Mrs. Mary E. Francis. He has been loyal to his place of birth, having remained constantly there except during his absence in other states in the pursuit of his education. His early school days were spent in the private and public schools of the District of Columbia; his academic education was received at Wesleyan academy at Wilbraham, Mass. His professional course was taken at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., where he graduated with high honors in the class of 1878, which class is noted for the fact that some of its members are the most distinguished scientists of the world to day. His career since graduation has been that of the typical doctor. He has devoted his time and energy during that period to the relief of suffering humanity. With Dr. Francis it has not been a mercenary pursuit, but the relief of the wounded and sick has always been his first thought when called upon. Indeed his career has been such that he has been invariably sought by the people of Washington as a most desirable person to assume the several responsible positions that have fallen to him. He has served that city and the colored people faithfully, and has done most excellent service in the many offices of trust and honor which he has held. Among his works we find that individuality and originality of thought and action which is doing so much at the present time to draw, to the colored citizens of this country, the attention of the civilized world, and to command its respect for the former's intellectual ability and skill to cope with the other American citizens in the upbuilding of the government and the development of its grand institution.