Chapter IV: Preface (3)

They report thirty churches, with a membership of about 2,000. From a mutilated copy of their minutes for 1892 the following names are given as the ordained ministers of the body: J. Craddock, G. Christinar, J. Stith, Thomas Slaughter, M. Spencer, E. P. Langston, J. Cotton, E. Alford, T. Rollins, A. L. Koonce, J. C. Green, Wm. Carter, A. Powell, J. Foston, J. Sampson, James Humphrey, G. R. Hall, R. C. Liferedge, and A. Turner.

Part of the statistical table is torn away, but the following appears as the list of their post offices: Cowarts, Otho, Crosby, Balkum, Headland, Gordon, Shorterville, Halesburg, Zornville, Hardwicksburg, Brackins, Choctawhatchie, Columbia, Lawrenceville, Abbeville, Fort Gaines, Cottonwood, Dothan, Hilliardsville, Ashford. I give this list because to know the post offices of the churches is better than to know nothing at all. They are all right on temperance, and they say they will license no man to preach who cannot read the New Testament.

SNOW CREEK ASSOCIATION.

Is chiefly located in Calhoun and Etowah counties. At present their officers are as follows:

Rev. H. W. Whatley, White Plains, moderator.
Rev. William Munds, Anniston, assistant moderator.
Prof. Lydden Green, Oxford, clerk.

This body was organized in 1869 by Rev. Burrell Snow (whose name it bears) and a few others, aided by the late Rev. Mr. Jinkins, a white Baptist minister, whose heart and hand seemed ever ready to help on every good work among the colored people.

Rev. H. J. Hoke, the efficient missionary of Arkansas, went out from this association. They have something above 2,000 members belonging to the following churches:

Ohatchee, Ohatchee; New Mount Gilead, Markston; New Prospect, Choccolocco; Oconee, New Hope, Oxford; Spring Hill, Bynum; Bates Springs, Cane Creek, Greensport; Mount Olive, Oxanna; Mount Zion, Coat’s Bend; Galilee, Friendship, Anniston; Bethany, Iron City; New Mount Silla, Peaceburg; Shiloh, Dukes; Zion Hill, White Plains; Antioch, Friendship, Gadsden; New Hope, First Colored, Jacksonville; New Hope, Rock Run; Pleasant Gap, Stock’s Mills; Pine Grove, Knotville; Bethel, Alexandria; Mount Sinai, Weaver’s Station; Patona, Piedmont; St. Jacob, Tecumseh, and beautiful Borden Springs.

The following are the pastors: Revs. H. Middleton, J. J. Johnson, B. Jackson, H. Green, Thomas Ivory, A. F. Alexander, T. L. Douglass, S. Walker, J. S. Simmons, Gadsden; H. W. Whatley, White Plains; William Munds, N. P. Pullum, Anniston; C. Pyles, Oxford; G. W. Brewton, Alexandria; James Denson, Talladega.

These brethren are all O. K. on the leading issues of the day. Brother Whatley is, in many regards, a very strong man, hospitable as a host, and genial as a companion, a good citizen and successful business man.

SOUTHEAST DISTRICT ASSOCIATION.

Confined chiefly to Crenshaw county; was organized in 1879. The writer has attended one of their sessions held east of Greenville, a few miles from Luverne.

LEADING MEN.

Revs. James Barrett, Bolling; E. Dunklin, J. H. Henderson, Greenville; M. C. Lowery, E. D. Wallace, Bolling; S. M. Ransom, Oak Streak; S. M. Lowery, Salsoda; Bro. Walter Williams, Glascow and Bro. Henry McLain, Oaky Streak.

POST OFFICES OF CHURCHES.

Luverne, Greenville, Glascow, Oaky Streak, Salsoda, Rutledge, Pontus, Shell, Bradleyton, Pigeon Creek. They hope to begin a high school, for which purpose they have raised about $300. It is to be hoped that they will secure their money against loss. Far too many times money has been raised for church and school purposes and put into the hands of men who lost it (?) or loaned it out. Such loose management of funds destroys the confidence of the people and injures the cause of Christ. I regret to say that they, at the session referred to, did not unanimously endorse the temperance movement of the day, though there was a strong sentiment in the right direction. They number about 2,000 members. I was impressed with the natural power of some of their leaders. In their number I saw some rising young men, who I think will attain to knowledge of books.

SPRING HILL ASSOCIATION.

Operating south of Montgomery, was organized in 1874 by Brethren W. W. Lane, Lewis Witherspoon, George Jones, D. Carter, O. Blue, and others.

CHURCHES IN 1891.

_Pine Level Post Office_--Spring Hill.
_Woodley_--White Cloud.
_Center Point_--Mt. Pleasant and Macedonia.
_Helicon_--Mt. Gilead and Ramer.
_LeGrand_--Little Roxanna.
_Snowdown_--Snowdown Valley.
_Meadville_--Pilgrim, Hickory Chapel, Galilee.
_Pine Level_--Warrior Hill, Bethlehem, and Elizabeth.
_Shellhorn_--Israel.
_Montgomery_--Columbus Street Church, Baptist Lily.
_Fitzpatrick_--Philadelphia, Mount Moriah.
_Woodley_--Jerusalem.
_Chambers_--Calvary.

MINISTERS.

Revs. S. Adams, T. Ervin, A. Garner, R. Borden, M. Jackson, F. Nichols, William Rollins, William Day, O. Blue, J. Mitchell, W. Mullens, D. S. Adams, I. Davis, John Smith, and E. M. Burkett.

Dr. A. J. Stokes, of Montgomery, has for several years been their moderator. In the session of 1891 they rejected the temperance report; but this year (1893) they vote by a large majority in favor of it. A few, however, claim that they “have a right” to use alcohol if they desire to do so. They have a membership of 5,000 or 6,000. A Rev. Mr. Pollard has been in their employ as missionary, so the writer is informed.

STAR OF HOPE ASSOCIATION.

Organized in 1877 and operating chiefly in Wilcox county, presents the following roll of churches:

Antioch, Magnolia, New Hope No. 2, New Hope No. 4, Ruk West, Emanuel Street, and Union Baptist, Camden Post Office; Cedar Grove and Starling, Furman; Little Rock, Tilden; Little Zion, St. Emanuel, St. Peter, Nellie; Mt. Gilead and Magnolia, Bell’s Landing; Morning Star and Shady Grove, Miller’s Ferry; New Hope No. 3 and St. Wisdom, Canton’s Bend; New Hill, Butler’s Springs; Oak Valley, Monterey; Pine Flat, Tinela; St. Francis, Caledonia; St. Peter, River Ridge. Antioch of Camden, Cedar Grove of Furman, and Little Rock of Tilden, are the oldest churches in this body, having been organized in 1868.

Their number is between 1,700 and 2,000. Their pastors are Revs. S. B. McCall, George Earl, M. Boykin, V. Pruit, K. Wolfe, F. Williams, W. H. Ray, Jr., L. D. Johnson, M. Lewis, L. Jefferson, S. Boyd, C. L. George, J. C. Blackburn, John Poe, N. Hill, George Earl, M. Ervin, W. G. King, J. A. Lawson. The venerable Henry Allen has been in this section as “a father in Israel.”

They are trying to support a high school at Camden. Rev. J. A. Lawson is especially active in educational matters, and all seem ready for any and every good work.

TOWN CREEK ASSOCIATION.

Is a new body, organized in 1889. The minutes of 1891 give the following:

Magnolia Church, Warrior Stand, Rev. E. Moore, pastor; Bethlehem Church, Cotton Valley, Rev. M. Ellington, pastor; Sweet Pilgrim Church, Union Springs, Rev. E. Thornton, pastor; St. Paul Church, Cotton Valley, Rev. C. Johnson, pastor; Town Creek Church, Union Springs, Rev. J. Germany, pastor; Antioch Church, Columbus, Ga., Rev. E. A. McCall, pastor; Mt. Nebo Church,----, Rev. J. Germany, pastor; Mt. Pisgah Church, Dick Creek, Rev. W. M. Walker, pastor; Perry Hill Church, Warrior Stand, Rev. J. S. Tatum, pastor; Mt. Calvary Church, Union Springs, Rev. H. Jones, pastor; Oak Grove Church, Cotton Valley, Rev. Mac. Wright, pastor.

They have a membership of about 1,500.

Rev. E. Thornton, of Union Springs, is moderator, and E. A. McCall, of Columbus, Ga., is clerk.

The writer has been unable to ascertain all desirable facts. Judging, however, from the character of the men whose names appear in the lead of their work, we may feel sure that they have organized the Association in order to advance educational and missionary interests.

UNION ASSOCIATION.

Was organized in 1874 of churches which seceded from the Alabama District Association.

They have the following churches and ministers: Greenville--First Colored, Pine Top, Salem, Old Elm, Pine Level; Pineapple--Arkadelphia, New Virgin; Monterey--Ridgeville, Spring Hill, Mt. Moriah, Rosemary; Bugville--Friendship; Dunham--Long Creek; Simkinsville--Pleasant Hill; Starlington--Pine Level; Allenton--Siloam and Mt. Zion; Minter--Hopewell; Pleasant Hill--Good Hope, Cedar Grove; Snow Hill--Shiloh; Georgiana--Friendship; Furman--Antioch; Manningham--Mt. Olive; Luverne--New Hope; Daisy--Union; Vidette--Star of Hope; New Providence--Mt. Ida; Farmerville--Cedar Grove; Oakfield--Oakfield; Forest Home--Rockwest; Sepulga--Spring Hill; Camden--St. Mary. Rev. J. Nichols, Greenville, is moderator; Rev. J. W. Smith is treasurer, and Mr. I. N. Carter, of Monterey, is clerk.

Their sessions are rather stormy, as may be said of other bodies.

LEADING MEN.

Revs. L. Adams, H. Thompson, I. Young, W. Morast, S. Albrighton, J. Beverly, Q. C. Craig, J. Scott, L. McKee, W. Anderson, J. Barrett, G. Pugh, J. Henderson, S. Skanes, R. Palmer, E. Perdue, M. McLowery, J. Ricks, J. Moss, E. Wallace, E. Stallworth, William Scott, E. Pickett, J. Blackman, R. C. Crane.

Prof. I. N. Carter is a strong man in this body, whose confidence and good will he seems still to hold. They have many naturally fine young men, but they need a school very much.

UNIONTOWN ASSOCIATION.

Organized in 1872 by the late Revs. Henry Stephens, John Dosier and John Blevins, is reported to be next numerically to the Alabama District, containing a membership of about 11,500. They raise annually for general purposes from $200 to $400. Their “Statistical Table” gives the following list of churches and ministers:

POST OFFICES AND CHURCHES.

Selma--St. Philip Street, Tabernacle, Mount Zion, Little Rock, St. Paul, New Center, Mount Ararat, Beach Island, Everdale, Providence, Elbethel, Mount Zion; Newbern--Newbern, Holly Chapel, Oak Grove; Greensboro--St. John, St. Peter, St. Paul, Mount Moriah, Willow Springs, Salem, Pleasant Grove, Mount Zion; Safford’s--New Hebron, Mount Lebanon, Concord; Boiling Springs--First Baptist, New Boiling Springs; Hamburg--Green Liberty; Brown’s--Trinity, Good Hope; Sawyersville--Bethlehem, Springfield, New Hope; Perryville--Pleasant Hill, Perryville; Uniontown--Mount Calvary, Woodlawn, St. James, Uniontown; Kimbrough--Jerusalem; Prairie Bluff--St. Mitchell; Catherine--Salem, Dixon Grove, Mount Olive; Marion--Second Baptist, Springfield, Willow Grove, Hopewell, Bethel, Eagle Grove; Lamison--Macedonia; Scott’s Station--Green Leaf, McKinley, Bethel Hill; Faunsdale--Faunsdale, Camden, Rehoboth; Summerfield--Macedonia, Orrville, Peace and Love; Alberta--Macedonia, Christian Light; Felix--Center, Bethany, Marion Junction, Pernell, Colerine, Shiloh; Pleasant Hill--Bethel, Whitsets, Pickens.

MINISTERS.

Selma--Revs. C. J. Hardy, I. T. Simpson, D. M. Coleman, L. J. Green, G. H. Hobdy, Q. C. Craig, C. J. Davis, J. B. Russell; Newbern--W. H. Reddick, G. Frost. W. H. Huckabee; Greensboro--Wm. Madison, P. Cottrell, P. Umphrey, S. Abrams; Marion--C. S. Dinkins, D. D., A. Billingley; Uniontown--Rev. A. F. Owens, H. Alexander, Wm. Boon; Faunsdale--F. A. E. Beck; Gallion--P. S. L. Hutchins, A. M.; Marion Junction--A. W. Ragland; Hamburg--Y. R. White; Prairie Bluff--W. H. Green; Boiling Springs--E. Slone; Kimbrough--A. Gladen; Camden--J. A. Lawson; Lamison--R. Estridge; Brown’s Station--W. L. Lawson; Pleasant Hill--J. R. Scott; Perryville--R. Z. Deyampert; Sawyersville--I. J. Jones; Orrville--G. M. Jones; Post Offices unknown--R. Christian, J. G. Flood, L. E. Hobson, A. Gladen, W. W. Richardson, R. T. Bowden, E. C. Borroughs, W. H. Hatcher, G. M. Jones, G. King, and others. This body has quite a number of pastors from Selma University.

Too much cannot be said in praise of these brethren for the manner in which they have stood by the Selma University under all its changes. And yet we would have been surprised if such a grand set of men as lead this body should have acted otherwise. Rev. J. Dosier, quite an old man, reads Greek fairly well. Rev. C. B. Davis is a young man of much ability and promise. Rev. F. A. E. Beck appreciates the value of education, is a natural magnet, and draws the people after him. Rev. A. W. Ragland is loved by all for his brotherly, quiet manners. But space fails me or I would speak of Revs. Y. R. White, R. Z. Deyampert, J. R. Scott, and others, who are pillars in this organization.

SALEM MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, GREENSBORO.

The white Baptists had for many years prior to the late war a prosperous church at this place, with a large membership of white people and colored people--the slaves of their masters. Just about the time of the war the larger portion of the white membership moved away, and from one cause and another, the close of the war found but a few white members remaining, but a large colored membership.

The white members, to whom the property belonged, sold the building and donated $2,000 of the proceeds to the colored members for them to build a church with. This church is the same church that the white people had organized more than fifty years ago.

Rev. H. Stephens was the first pastor of the colored congregation, after they moved their church site, and was pastor for twenty years.

Rev. L. J. Green was pastor for about four years, and Rev W. M. Madison, the present pastor, has been there five years, has built a nice parsonage and greatly increased the membership.

There were 300 members (colored) when the church moved to its present site. They have now a membership of 800.

This is the mother church of nearly every church in Hale county and they have a great many large and prosperous churches in the county. The church property is worth $2,500.

This is saying good things for the white Baptists of Greensboro. Deacon Dock Lane, one of the most honorable and consecrated among men, deserves mention as a pillar in this church. Among the leaders of this church appears the name of Mr. A. Wimbs.

Desiring to make honorable mention of this worthy young man, I requested of him something of his history, and he sends me the following:

“I was born in Greensboro, Ala., September 23, 1860. My mother was named Josephine; she was brought from Washington and sold to Mr. A. L. Stollenwerck, of this town. My father was named Addison Wimbs and resided in Washington; he was a slave on account of his mother being a slave, but his father was a free man, and had bought nearly all of his children and sent them to Canada. What education I have, I received at the town school here--Tullibody Academy--under the management of Prof. W. B. Patterson. I have served my church in the capacity of superintendent of the Sabbath School and clerk of the church; was secretary of the Sabbath School Convention of the Uniontown Association; am a member of the Executive Board of the Convention. I was at one time editor of a small paper here called the _Voice_.

“I have been for many years the bookkeeper and general clerk in the law office of Governor Seay. I was, I am quite confident, the first Negro in Alabama, if not in the entire South, to operate on the typewriter, and now I think, I am the first Negro to manage the Edison phonograph for busi-purposes.”

I know of no ex-slave and ex-slaveholder, between whom there is more confidence on one side and high regard on the other, than exist between Governor Seay and Addison Wimbs. This means for Brother Wimbs quietness of spirit and solid worth, as well as a conservative, genial soul in Governor Seay.

THE ST. PHILLIP STREET CHURCH, SELMA.

This church was organized about the year 1845. The church was composed of the white membership and the church which was composed of the colored membership, agreed to build together, with the understanding that the former should occupy the upper story and the latter should occupy the basement. This agreement was kept until some time after the close of the war, when the white brethren bought the claims of the colored church, paying $2,000 for possession of the basement. Their first colored pastor was the Rev. Samuel Phillips, a man who had received his liberty as a reward for his services in the Mexican war. Deacon A. Goldsby told the writer that Bro. Phillips was a very earnest, worthy man. Nothing is known of the time and place of his birth, and nothing special is said of his death.

The Rev. John Blevens, who was born in Madison county, Ala., was the next pastor, and served from 1866 to 1878. Under his administration the present property on St. Phillip street was obtained. The Rev. Mr. Blevens was followed by Rev. G. J. Brooks, who, after a short pastorate, resigned, and was followed by Rev. W. A. Burch, from Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. Burch gathered a larger congregation than any other previous pastor, and did more than any other man in teaching the people to give for the support of the church. After two years, he was called to a pastorate in Boston, Mass., and was followed in the Selma pastorate by the writer, who remained with the church during 1882-87. Except the addition of about 350 members and the secession of the Tabernacle Church, nothing transpired that merits mention. The writer was followed by Rev. S. S. Sisson. At this writing, the Rev. C. J. Hardy, late of Florida, is their successful leader, under whose strong administration they have just completed a two-story brick structure on Sylvan Street. Their property is worth not less than $20,000--finest colored church edifice in Alabama.

It is worthy of mention and praise that the Selma University came to its birth under the fostering care of this church. In the old frame building on St. Phillip street the sainted Woodsmall began to turn upon the negro Baptists of Alabama the morning light, the early dawning, of our denominational school. And this church gave him quarters, fuel and lights without money and regardless of costs, so that in May, 1878, it was reported that the school had paid out nothing for these things. What a good deed is set down to their credit on high! But, in addition to this, they organized a missionary society, which gave regular contributions for support of teachers and other workers in the school.

Deacon A. Goldsby related the following to the writer: “Forty or fifty years ago we organized a prayer band to pray for our freedom. We met outside of the little town, under a large oak tree, on every Friday night. That we might know when a friend came beneath the tree, we agreed upon a password, which was ‘The hindering cause.’ Each uttered this softly as he came under the boughs of the tree, and was answered by any other who had come ahead of him. Then he seated himself in the bushes to await the hour for united supplications.”

If in years to come the University should desire a picture of itself as it made its advent from the world of hope to the world of fact, it may paint this: A frame structure, the roof of which is supported by a row of upright posts extending the whole length of the building, which is seventy-five or eighty feet in length. On the morning for opening, there enters this building a white man, whose face bears signs of suffering, but is all aglow with the rays of faith and love. He is the faculty. Also, there enters a short, fat, brown-skinned young man, with high, broad forehead. He has heard of the purpose to begin a school on this day at this place, and, hungering for learning, he has come up to enter. This teacher and this student usher in our beloved institution.

It was good for the denomination that our lot was cast among such a people, and that we had in Bro. Woodsmall a man who did not faint in “the day of small things.”

WILL’S CREEK ASSOCIATION.

Organized in 1873, and operating in “Will’s Valley” and St. Clair county, reports the following churches and ministers:

At Collinsville Post Office--Pleasant Grove Church; Lebanon--Lebanon; Fort Payne--Fort Payne; Valley Head--Bethlehem; Attalla--Mt. Zion, Pilgrim, Bethlehem; Keener--New Hope; Beaver Valley--Pleasant Hill; Ashville--Mt. Zion; Springville--Springville; Whitney--Evergreen; Guntersville--Bethlehem and Hooper Chapel; Trenton--Trenton; North Alabama--Clogville. Rev. G. Neeley, Ashville, is moderator; Mr. J. R. Dean, Ashville, is treasurer; and Prof. P. R. Sibert, Keener, is secretary. Their pastors are: Revs. N. Kerley, R. Berry, M. Edwards, of Fort Payne; G. W. Brewton, of Alexandria; H. Massey, J. Griffin, A. Jackson, and James M. Stevens. They have about 1,500 members.

Elder A. Kerley and his brother are the chief founders of this body. They greatly need an infusion of light from without. Rev. James Kerley, the pastor at Springville, is an ex-student of Talladega College. While they were in session in Ashville in 1892 the white people gave them the use of their church, and pastors, mayor of the city, and other leading people, turned out to encourage them and to financially strengthen their enterprises. While there, a white minister related to the writer the following story: “When the late Dr. Renfroe was a young man he was very poor, though, as later in his life, he was a powerful preacher. In the height of a glorious revival, the grass in his crop called him to his field. A colored brother who wanted the meeting to continue, requested his master to allow him to prolong the meeting. His master replied: ‘Jim, you can’t read, you can’t preach.’ The slave replied: ‘I can _plow_ and _kill grass_--can do these _for Brother Renfroe_.’”

* * * * *

Gleaning from the associational chapter, we obtain:

1. The origin and field of each Association.

2. The names of the pioneers in each section in the State.

3. The location and something of the history of churches and communities.

4. Something of the lines of thought and action prevailing in the various gospel enterprises of the denomination.

It was not thought well to try to tell the same things many times over; hence, some things are given in connection with _one_ Association and other things in connection with _another_--all aiming at the same end, namely: THE GIVING OF A TRUE PICTURE OF THE COLORED BAPTISTS OF ALABAMA.

_IV. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES._

Adams, Rev. Stewart, of Greenville, Butler county, was the chief leader and organizer in that section of the State for the first seventeen or eighteen years of freedom. He was a pure-blooded Negro, and was possessed of a fine personal appearance. His forehead was large and broad, and the sparkle of his eye indicated the presence of mental power. He could read and write fairly well, and in his speeches always succeeded in conveying his thoughts to others. He was for some years missionary in that part of the State under the American Baptist Home Mission Society of New York, during which time he organized many churches, which were united to form the Union Baptist Association. His neatness in dress and caution in the use of words were everywhere noticeable. It was sometimes thought that he was rather tenacious of his opinions, but I think all his brethren credited him with honesty of purpose, and hence he died in the love and respect of the denomination.

Allen, Rev. Wallace, of Greenville, was a very pious, hard-working preacher in the Union Association. The young men delight to honor his memory. The author has been unable to learn anything of his history or lineage.

Anderson, Rev. N. P., is pastor at Ensley City.

Ashby, Rev. Nathan, of Montgomery, was born in Fredericksburg, Va., August 5, 1810. He knew nothing of his parents, and to the age of 16 he was under the care and direction of his grandmother. At this point in his life he was sold, with some horses, to traders, who brought him to Alabama. He says of this trip: “At first I was not aware that I was sold, but thought (as I had been told so) that I was only helping the man to put his horses well into the way. When informed that I was among the stock sold, I wept bitterly at the thought that I could see my dear grandmother no more. While in this state of grief, an old cake woman came on, selling cakes. She, looking into my hand, professed to read as follows: ‘Don’t cry, for you are born for good luck. The man who will buy you will be more a brother than a master. Fear God and be obedient, and you will do well.’ This counsel, no matter whence it came, removed my fears, and I left off crying.”

When about 32 years of age he bought his liberty, paying for the same the sum of $900. His good wife, Mrs. Nancy Ashby, had been freed a few years before by a Mrs. Tate. Both being of an intellectual, industrious and economical turn of mind, it was not long before they were well under way to notoriety and prosperity. Touching her experience in servitude, Mrs. Ashby tells the following: “When I was 16 years old, my mistress, in urging me to be pure and faithful, promised that if I would obey I should serve no one after her. So, when I was 24, she set me free, giving me a daughter that had been born to me.”

Bro. Ashby was baptized by Mr. Shrovell in Monroe county, Ala., and was ordained to the full charge of the gospel ministry just after the close of the war, by Rev. I. T. Tichenor, D. D., and others. His labors in the ministry, however, began about the year 1845, from which time he increased in favor with God and man to the day of his death, in 1887. He led to the organization of the First Colored Baptist Church (Columbus street) of Montgomery, in which, under his presidency, the Colored Baptist State Convention was constituted in 1868. The last seventeen years of his life he was an invalid from paralysis, and four years of this time he was blind. During this time the writer frequently visited him, and it would seem that his faith in God was mightier in the days of his weakness than in the days of his strength. Heavenly sunshine illumined all the way of the dark valley, even to the day of his departure.

Bro. Ashby was a man of naturally fine parts. His sermons and speeches were characterized by order, thought and doctrine. He was not an emotionalist nor dreamer; with him Christianity was faith in the gospel and right-doing. It affords the writer much pleasure to record that each member of his family not only receives, but also contributes honor to his valuable life and honored name.

Mr. Ashby was by trade a carpenter, by which means he was able to earn fair wages, and was not long in coming into the possession of valuable real estate.

In order to show the condition of a free colored man in Alabama prior to the close of the late civil war, I submit a legal document here, bearing upon the good man whose name is now before us:

A STRAW WHICH SHOWS THE DIRECTION OF THE WIND.

“The State of Alabama, } Montgomery County. }

“Know all men by these presents, That whereas, heretofore, to-wit: on the 1st day of April, A. D. 1859, Charles T. Pollard sold and conveyed to Wm. B. Bell, as guardian or trustee for Nathan Ellis (now called Nathan Ashby), a certain lot in the city of Montgomery, State and county aforesaid, which is described in the deed of said Pollard as ‘Lots number three and four in square number fourteen, Scott’s plat, in the city of Montgomery.’

“And, whereas, the said Nathan Ellis (or Ashby), is now capable in law of holding property in his own name, and desires to hold the title to said lot and premises in his own name; and the said William B. Bell also desires to relinquish and give up the duties and responsibilities devolved on him by the said deed as the trustee or guardian of said Nathan Ellis (or Ashby);

“Now, therefore, in consideration of the premises and for the further consideration of five dollars, to the said Wm. B. Bell in hand paid by the said Nathan Ellis (or Ashby), at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents (the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged), I, the said Wm. B. Bell, do hereby release, relinquish, transfer and convey by quit-claim unto the said Nathan Ellis (or Ashby), and unto his heirs and assigns, all my right, title and interest both at law and in equity of every kind or description whatever, in and to the said lot and premises herein above described.

“In witness whereof, I, the said Wm. B. Bell, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this ---- day of January, A. D. 1872.

“Attest: “William B. Bell.”

“A. R. Bell.”

This manuscript is recorded in “Book 4 of Deeds, page 314,” March 26, 1872.

NOTE.--Seven years elapsed after freedom was declared before Mr. Ashby received from his “trustee” the transfer of his property. He had been free ever since 1842, but his “trustee” must hold and manage both him and his.

Archer, Rev. Maurice M., son of Mr. A. and Mrs. Mary Archer, was born in Camden, Ala., in 1858. He and his parents were the property (?) of Mrs. R. J. Adams. He entered the free public schools at an early age, but did not long remain, because of his father’s death and because of the demands made upon him as the eldest son in a large family. Mr. and Mrs. J. S. McBryde, seeing that he was a very capable boy, kindly aided him in his studies while he was in their employ. Thus he learned to read and write. At 14 Mr. Archer left Mr. McBryde determined on securing an education. Advancing by various means, he was soon able to teach school. In November, 1881, he was baptized into Siloam Church by Rev. A. Gould, which church he served as clerk and superintendent of the Sunday School. Feeling a call to the ministry and desiring to prepare himself for the same, he entered Selma University October, 1883, and passed the session of 1884-5, as he says starting with only 20 cents. By severe sacrifice, by push, pluck and self-reliance, he pressed onward, till in May, 1887, he graduated at the head of his class. He was ordained at Opelika, September, 1889, Revs. G. C. Casby, C. R. Rodgers and others officiating. He has been principal of the Auburn City School. Mr. Archer is one of our clearest thinkers and most fluent speakers, and his language is especially good.

Barker, Joseph C.--This patient and cool-headed young man was born December 20, 1863, near Laneville, Hale county, Ala. His parents, Sherrod and Caroline Barker, are both living and members of the Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church, Birmingham, Ala. They are living monuments of temperance, patience and obedience. Young Joseph was sent to school when still quite young. Filled with self, family and race pride, and feeling grateful toward his parents for their strenuous efforts to educate himself, his sister and brothers, and desiring to help them in return, at their consent, he sought employment with a benevolent merchant, who, after noting his higher qualities, gave him every advantage and privilege available. After three years of pleasant and profitable services, he left his beloved employer (Mr. J. M. Manders), who gave him a final settlement accompanied by a worthy recommendation and valuable presents. He is widely experienced in mercantile enterprises.

He had two years experience on the United States jetty and log boats under Capt. J. McKee Gould, who gave him such an honorable and flattering recommendation as would have been more suitable for a pilot than for a cabin boy. By studying at home and attending summer schools, he was prepared to enter Selma University in the session of 1884, remaining two scholastic years. Under President E. M. Brawley, D. D., he won a prize for map-drawing over forty-eight competitors. He has taught successfully in the schools of Jefferson and other counties. Was four years secretary of the Jefferson County Teachers’ Institute. Re-entered Selma University in 1893, and won the only prize offered for drawing over twenty or thirty competitors under President Dinkins, D. D. He is now preparing specimens to exhibit at the Atlanta Cotton Exposition in September.

He is employed by the Monarch Book Company, of Chicago, Ill. To know him, is to know a man possessed of a great soul, affable, and naturally gifted in making friends. He is a financier, and is rapidly acquiring means. As an artist and penman, he is a prodigy. In the session of 1884 he was converted to the Christian religion, and was baptized in the University pool by Rev. E. M. Brawley, D. D., and joined the St. Phillip Street Baptist Church under Rev. C. O. Boothe, D. D. On removal to Birmingham in 1886, he united with the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, of which Rev. Dr. Pettiford was pastor.

Last term, he was principal of the Oxmoor public school. He is now corresponding secretary of the Mt. Pilgrim Sunday School Convention. On all lines of manhood, Mr. Barker is a genuine success.

Barton, Rev. J. P., of Talladega, comes of Virginia parentage, and was born in Colbert county, Ala., October, 1844.

In 1871 he united with the Little Zion Baptist Church in said county, and was baptized by Rev. W. E. Northcross, of Tuscumbia. In 1877 he entered the work of the gospel ministry in his native section, doing valuable service within the bounds of the Muscle Shoals Association, especially in line with the Sunday School work. He has led to the organization of two Sunday School Conventions and eight churches, and built five houses of worship. His speeches before our State Convention have been largely conducive of the sentiment and system which have given birth to our women’s work and State mission operations. He has held official positions in connection with our State Convention and University, and is now chairman of the Board of Visitors of the Colored Deaf and Dumb Asylum of Alabama. He is easy in society and pleasing in address. He carries the youth and the masses, and so uses everything at his command as to impress one that he is an excellent general as well as a successful pastor. He is full of movement and plan, and is quick of discernment and clear in expression. He is a lover of science. He obtained his education in the Talladega College. Mr. Barton says that he owes much to his wife, whom the writer would honor as one of our noble women. Mr. Barton is still full of life and growth.

Our general work has always found in Brother Barton a ready and generous helper. He deserves credit for his industry and enterprise--in material as well as in church affairs. He relates the following: “In the winter of 1876-77 I chanced for the first time to meet the late Harry Woodsmall in one of his Ministers’ Institutes. He remarked: ‘On to-morrow we will discuss the subject of sanctification; and here is a little book worth only 15 cents which will be of service to you.’ I said to myself: ‘What is _sanctification_?’ I never heard of such a thing before. I bought the book from Brother Woodsmall, and, coming upon my subject, I read till late at night, in order that I might be in line with things next day. When the hour came I was up on the subject of sanctification, much to the pleasure of the teacher.”

Mr. Barton is ever ready to contend for his views, but is remarkably free from bitterness in discussion, is hardly ever wrong in his opinion on things, and is a remarkably winning preacher with the masses. Mr. Barton is now president of our State Convention.

Bacotes, Rev. Mr.--As the Cyclopedia goes to press the Rev. Mr. Bacotes comes to the charge of the Marion Academy and Marion Church. The writer wishes he knew something of the history of one so much favored and so highly recommended as Mr. Bacotes is. He has important trusts in hand.

Battle, Rev. Augustus A., of Hurtsboro, Russell county, the son of Deacon A. A. and Mrs. Jennie Battle, was born in Tuskegee, July 4, 1860. As his parents were pious people, he was very early the subject of religious impressions, which in 1881 culminated in a public profession of faith in Christ. On the third Sunday in August he was baptized by the Rev. Richard Lloyd, of Georgia. In the year 1879, aspiring for a liberal education, he entered the Talladega College, in which he graduated from the normal and the theological courses.

He is a young man of high moral tone, and his agreeable manners have won for him many friends. At present he is pastor at Sylacauga, and teacher of the city school in Talladega.

P. S.--Since the above was written, our good Bro. Battle has been called to the Mt. Zion Church in Anniston, and under his industrious and wise leadership his people have constructed a two-story brick edifice. To do what he has done in these hard times, in the way of raising and expending money, is to prove himself a man of no ordinary parts. The writer has enjoyed the hospitality of his quiet Christian home, where he has learned that the young minister has found helpful companionship in the person of a modest, intelligent wife.

Batts, Rev. J. H., of Florence, is an aspiring young man, and is very active in the enterprises of the Muscle Shoals Association and Sunday School Convention. Evidently, he has not enjoyed early access to books and schools, but his thoughts are orderly and clear, and he does not hesitate to give expression to his views.

Beavers, Rev. Jasper, was born May 9, 1825, in St. Clair county, Ala. His father and mother were slaves, and of course, he inherited their lot. He now lives at Easonville, in the county in which he was born, and is still a useful, as well as a very pious man. In 1851, he was baptized by the Rev. Jesse Collins (white), and in 1868 was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry by Revs. Henry Wood, J. Collins and T. Bush.

He was the first moderator of the Rushing Springs Association. In spite of the laws of the master forbidding such things, he, in slavery time, learned to read and write. By his industry and economy he has obtained real estate worth about $2,000. Brother Beavers is a man of fine personal appearance, is modest, genial, industrious, honest, firm. In the early days of our work, there was no more efficient man in St. Clair County than he. A large family of children are the support of his old age.

Since the above was penned, Brother Beavers has passed to the world that lies beyond. He was the most self-possessed and of the most commanding figure of any man in the Rushing Springs Association, though no man among them was more modest and humble.

Belle, Rev. John, of Courtland, was born in the State of Georgia and came to Alabama after the close of the war. He says: “In Stuart county, Ga., in the first part of 1861, I followed the white preacher to his different preaching stations, and he would preach to the white people in the morning and I would speak to the colored people in the evening. I could not say anything about Moses and the children of Israel.

“I went on preaching without any trouble for some little time, till at last, as I could read a little, it was decided that I should be hung. As I was ready for execution, and as I was praying God for help, a dispute arose between the white people which resulted in my release. I again went on, till on one occasion when I had displeased my mistress with reference to some garden work, and when, as she started to strike me with the rake, and I fled, she reported to her husband that I had tried to kill her and that she only saved her life by running into the house out of my reach. Of course, it was decided at once that I ought to and should die. On the night before I was to be executed, the lady became very ill and owned that she was only angry with me for getting out of her way, and that I had done nothing. She died that night. However, her dying words had set me free and so I returned to my work for God, feeling that I could not die till my work should be accomplished.”

Brother Belle has labored in different States, but his principal labors have been in Northern Alabama, where he has been one of the chief organizers of our work in this section, beginning his operations here in 1868.

It appears that Brother Belle was ordained in Helena, Ark., sometime in 1867, the late Rev. J. T. White, who was then pastor of the First Colored Baptist Church, being one of the officiating presbytery.

He is still a strong man. For several years past he has been pastor at Iuka, Miss., and of the Red Bank Church in Lawrence county. His pleasant manners have always made him an agreeable companion to his brethren.

Belser, Rev. S. L., pastor of the First Church, Bessemer, deserves the respect and love of the denomination for his beautiful brotherly spirit and unassuming manners.

Berry, Rev. G. W.--Although this good man is no longer among us, his name is still fragrant with his exalted faith and pious life. Like his stay on earth, his stay in Alabama was short, but useful and endearing. He was the son of Pickens and Mary Berry, and was born in Edgefield county, S. C., in 1859. Having studied some time in the Benedict Institute in that State, he, after doing some effective work in that State, came to Alabama to take the pastoral oversight of the church in Eufaula. Here it was that after a short illness he exchanged the cross for the crown, singing as his soul retired from the earth, “My Lord calls me and I must go.” To know him was to love him, for his gentleness of spirit was beautiful to look upon.

Betts, Rev. J. W., of Huntsville, Ala., son of John and Edith Betts, was born June 4, 1851, near Courtland, in Lawrence county, Ala. In the fall of 1873 he was baptized into the Courtland Church by the Rev. Gabriel B. Johnson. Brother Betts is among the younger men of the Muscle Shoals Association. He is a clear thinker and a lover of books. He is a business man, industrious and economical, and does not live of the donations of his people, but the labors of his own hands. His style is rather didactic for the masses, but it is plain and his doctrine is in line with the teachings of the “Good Book.”

Berry, Prof. J. S., son of Jack and Clara Berry, of Uniontown, is one among the most proficient Sunday School workers in Alabama. He is president of the Sunday School Convention of the Uniontown Association. His happy, unselfish spirit fills all his work with pleasantness and sunshine. He is now about 35 years of age.

Blevins, Rev. John, long the leading man and pioneer of Dallas county, the first pastor of the St. Phillip Street Church after the close of the war, was for his opportunities and times a very strong man in the work of organization. May it ever be told of him that he led his people--his church, to become the foster mother of Selma University in the time of its infancy and weakness. This fact is one of the brightest spots upon his memory, and should never be forgotten.

The buildings in which the St. Phillip Street and the Green Street Churches now worship were built by Mr. Blevins. He died eight or ten years ago at the age of 65.

Bibb, Rev. Wm. T., son of Linzy and Caroline Bibb, was born in Montgomery, Ala., in 1853. Brother Bibb is one of the most worthy of our rising young men. He is not noted for brilliancy, but for constant application in the race for knowledge, for pushing things to a finish in search for truth, for the purest life and loftiest piety, he is hardly to be excelled. Already he has been entrusted with various pastorates, including one at Marion and another near Birmingham. I had the best opportunity to learn him while I was pastor at Selma. Here he was superintendent of my Sunday School and aided me in my ward prayer-meetings. He completed two courses at the Selma University, graduating with the title of A. B., and with the highest confidence of all the faculty. In looking upon his open countenance one instinctively feels the impress of an honest, earnest man--a man free from hypocrisy and guile.

Bradford, Rev. William C., pastor of the First Colored Baptist Church, Union Springs, son of Henry and Elizabeth Bradford, was born in Montgomery, Ala., in 1862. His early years were spent in the Swayne school in said city, in which he succeeded in laying the foundation of a liberal English education. In his eighteenth year, and two years after his father’s death, he was baptized into the fellowship of the Columbus Street Baptist Church, Montgomery, by the late Rev. James A. Foster. Feeling a call to the work of the gospel ministry, he, with a view to fitting himself for this solemn charge, entered Atlanta Theological Seminary. In school as well as out among his brethren, he has managed to occupy a place with those who formed the van.

In the person of his good wife, once Miss M. H. Allen, of Georgia (daughter of Rev. T. M. Allen, ex-member of the Georgia Legislature), whom he wedded in 1884, he has found happy and efficient help in his studies as well as in his calling. For a while Mr. Bradford followed the tailor’s trade, but at the call of the Gilfield Church in Wetumpka, the Dexter Avenue Church, Montgomery, in 1886 set him apart to the work of the gospel ministry. At Wetumpka he built a church edifice worth about $700. While pastor at Clayton he led to the erection of a building worth $1,000, and just now is rejoicing with the good people of Union Springs on his entrance into the new brick structure which was dedicated on the second Sunday in October, 1892. He was principal of the city school while in Clayton, and now holds several positions of honor and trust. Mr. Bradford is one of the strongest and is among the most successful young men in Alabama. His affable manner commends him to all. He is now at Tuscaloosa.

Brooks, Rev. G. J., of Selma, Ala., son of Joseph and Nancy Brooks, was born in 1830 near Richmond, Va., in which city he lived till his eighteenth year, when he was carried to New Orleans, La., and from thence to Texas. 1849 was spent in St. Louis, Mo., and in 1850 he was brought to Huntsville, Ala. In this same year he was baptized into the Primitive Baptist Church of Huntsville by Rev. Wm. Harris (colored).[1] Of this period of his life Mr. Brooks says: “By the will of a Mr. Kenedy I was left free, but as the administrator of the will, a Mr. Clark, refused to execute this point in the will, I remained a slave.” In 1867 he united with the Marion Church, under the pastorate of the Rev. James Childs. Near this town he taught school, till in 1872 he went to Kentucky, where, in 1873, he was ordained to the work of the ministry. After serving various offices in the work in Kentucky, he came to Selma in 1875, where, after a few years, he became pastor of the St. Philip Street Church. By the assistance of the white family he learned to read at the age of 14. In Marion he extended his studies under Prof. Card, and under Presidents Woodsmall, McAlpine and Brawley he further prosecuted his studies in the Selma University. Brother Brooks has held various offices of trust under the State Convention and the Uniontown Association. His health is now rather below his usual strength, but his love for the Master’s cause seems nothing abated. His wife, Mrs. Anna, is among the leading women of Alabama.

[1] It appears that this denomination, Primitive Baptists, had some one or two ordained colored ministers.

Brown, Rev. Lewis, of Epes, Sumter county, was born near St. Louis, Mo., March 23, 1835, and came to Alabama in his tenth year. He united with the church in 1863, and was baptized by a Mr. Edmonds into the fellowship of the Jones’ Creek Church, by which church he was called to ordination in the fall of 1868. The chief persons in the presbytery were Revs. Abner Scarber (white) and Mr. Wright. Mr. Brown’s main pastoral charges have been Jones’ Creek, nine years; Sumterville, thirteen years; New Bethel, thirteen years; and Mount Olive, four years. He has long been moderator of the Bethlehem Association, and is known and recognized as a firm and tried friend of education and missions; and his children give evidence of pure and wise aspirations.

Mr. Brown was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, a slave girl on the same plantation with himself, in 1852. Seven sons and one daughter are the fruit of the marriage. He is a very industrious and economical man, and has possession of valuable property, worth $15,000. Seven or eight hundred acres of his farm once formed part of the plantation on which he (with 500 others) worked as a slave till 1865. He says that his master, Mr. Brown, was a Christian, and that after the close of the war this plantation gave to this county most of its religious leaders.

Burwell, L. L., M. D., the son of Charles and Amanda Burwell, was born in Marengo county, Ala., October 25, 1867. At the age of seven years he was given to his brother, Charles A. Burwell, of whom the Doctor says: “To him my success is largely due.” For quite a while he lived with this brother on a farm in Perry county. He attended the county schools till he entered Selma University in the winter of 1883-84. His love for books and his quickness of apprehension were early manifestations of native talent which, if properly cultivated, would unfold to his own honor and to the profit of his people. Each vacation found him upon the farm, earning money with which to re-enter school. During his entire course at Selma University his mother was able to spend upon him but $30. In 1886, he graduated from the above named school with the honors of valedictorian, and in the fall of the same year he entered Leonard Medical College, Raleigh, N. C., to take a course in medicine. The course extended through four years, but he completed it and received his diploma at the close of the third year, again receiving the honors of valedictorian of his class. In 1889, he passed an examination before the State Board of Medical Examiners of Alabama, and began the practice of medicine in the city of Selma, where he now resides amidst many friends, a paying practice, and a successful drug business. Commencing without a dollar, he has saved from his income about $4,000. In school he was called artist, orator, scholar. He says: “As a doctor I have for my motto: _Crurare Cito_.”

Brown, Rev. R. E., of Selma, the pushing, energetic leader of several associations, deserves honorable mention as a man of pluck and push--a man of courage and observation.

Bynum, Rev. Henry, of Leighton, Ala., was born in Baltimore, Md., January, 1820. In 1851, in Colbert county, Ala., he was led to exercise faith in Christ by the humble conversation and pious life of a fellow-slave by the name of Isaac. As his master did not believe in the Bible and its Christianity, his baptism was delayed till 1854. In 1867 he was set apart to the office of the gospel ministry by two white ministers, one of whom was Dr. Joseph Shackelford, of Trinity, Ala. He and Rev. Steven Coleman were the first ordained colored preachers in northern Alabama. He was married the first time in 1857, but his family were soon taken from him and he has never seen them since. His present wife is a most excellent lady, and affords him that help which only a good woman can bestow. He has good property, and he and his wife keep one of the most hospitable homes in northern Alabama. Bro. Bynum was the first colored minister in this section to administer the rite of baptism. He is now awaiting his change with triumphant hope, and still enjoys fair health.

Caddell, Rev. Perry, pastor in Shelby, Ala., son of Edmond and Edie Caddell, was born September 9, 1859, in Centreville, Bibb county, Ala. He was baptized into the Bethel Baptist Church, Calera, by Rev. John Trainholm, in February, 1873, and was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry, December, 1877, by Revs. Henry Wood and Mack Jackson. He learned his letters at the age of 12 years, and, though he has never had any help from teachers except such as he could get at night school, he has been a steadily growing man till the present time. He feels that he owes his beginning in letters to his mistress (Mrs. Caddell), who, after the close of the war, taught him to read, and to write his name. Of his father he says: “He was, no doubt, a believer; but in slavery time he refused to unite with the church for the reason that he felt that master and slave all the week could not be brothers on Sunday. And after the close of the war, he would not join for the reason that there was no colored Baptist church near his home.”

Bro. Caddell is an exemplary man in his family. I have found no family where the mother and children study the Word of God with more system and regularity. He has a ready command of language, both in speech and with pen, and is sociable and genial everywhere.