born teacher. The late Professor John M. Ellis, in writing
of her, said: "She is a lady of Christian character and
pleasing address. As a student she has an excellent record
and standing in her class, showing good abilities and
industry and fidelity in her work. She has the qualities
natural and acquired to make a superior teacher."

In January, 1887, she was elected Assistant Principal of the
Little Rock High School, the highest position held by any
woman in the State of Arkansas, and the only colored woman
who has ever held the position. Mrs. Talbert resigned her
place after her marriage to Mr. William H. Talbert, one of
Buffalo's leading colored young men, and was urged after
marriage to reconsider her resignation and take up her work
again.

Leading educators and literary men, such as Charles Dudley
Warner, Samuel A. Greene of Boston, L. S. Holden of St.
Louis, and others who visited her classes, and, having seen
them at work, registered their names with written comments.

Professor Albert A. Wright of Oberlin writes as follows:
"Mary Burnett received her education in the public schools
and college of this place, where her parents have resided
for many years. She has won the respect and approval of her
teachers by her successful accomplishments of the tasks set
before her." Mrs. Talbert received the degree granted to
students of the Literary Course in 1894, and is a member of
the Association of Collegiate Alumnae, being the only
colored woman in the city of Buffalo eligible.