The first benefit for the hospital was given February 26, 1896, at the Academy of Music, Philadelphia, with the "Black Patti" as the star. The ticket-selling on this occasion broke the record for concerts given at the Academy. Amount raised, over $3,000; amount cleared, $1,600. This institution is without doubt the greatest memorial yet established in honor of that great friend of humanity, Frederick Douglass.
Dr. N. F. Mossell, of Philadelphia, was born in Hamilton, Canada, in July, 1856. He entered Lincoln University in 1874, graduating in 1879 with honor, delivering the philosophical oration and receiving the Bradley medal for excellence in physical sciences. In the fall of 1879 he entered the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, being the first colored student to enter that department of the University. And after bearing the taunts and scoffs of his fellow-students during the first year, he won their confidence and respect and at graduation was photographed with his class. His grade was sufficient at graduation to call forth the following comment from Dr. James Tyson, Secretary of the Faculty, and the same appeared in the _Medical News_ of May 20, 1882.
[Illustration: N. F. MOSSELL, A.M., M.D.]
"Dr. Mossell had graduated with an average higher than three-fourths of his class"--the comment being called forth during a discussion as to the necessity for separate colleges for colored students.
He was the first colored member admitted to the Philadelphia County Medical Society, February, 1888. He has for a number of years secured support for from one to two students in the Medical Department of the University. The appointment of Mrs. Minnie Hogan, the first and only colored graduate of the University Hospital, was secured by Dr. Mossell. Since his graduation he has built up a lucrative practice.
He has systematized the beneficial departments of the various secret orders of which he is a member.
He is deservedly one of the most popular men among his race in the city. His watchword, enunciated in one of his addresses, while yet a stripling student in the college, was then and is yet, "He who spares his toil spares his honor."
Mr. Jacob C. White, the president of the Board of Directors of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital and Training School, is better known to the colored people of Philadelphia as the "pioneer educator."