Mrs. Juliann Jane Tillman, 1844
In 1837, Mrs. Tillman explained in a newspaper article that she “was strangely wrought upon” and “went to God” for help. Soon, “what seemed to be an angel made his sudden appearance, and in his hand was a roll … on which was written, ‘Thee I have chosen to preach my gospel without delay.’” After much anguish and more supernatural visitations, Mrs. Tillman overcame strong personal doubts — and the equally strong opposition of male ministers and laity — and began to preach in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Library of Congress.