Evidences of progress among colored people

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EVIDENCES OF PROGRESS

AMONG

COLORED PEOPLE.

BY

G. K. RICHINGS,

Originator of Illustrated Lectures on Race Progress,

ELEVENTH EDITION.

PHILADELPHIA:

GECX S FERGUSON CO.,
1904.

LOAN STACK

Copyrighted, 1902, by G. F. RiCHlNGS.

INTRODUCTION.

IT is a pleasant thing to introduce an individual or
a friend to another individual or a friend ; but to in
troduce a book is more important than an individual
introduction. Books are good and they are bad, just
in proportion as their contents tend to producing
right or wrong action of life; or convey truth or
error. When the mission of a book is to present
facts versus theory about an individual or a race, it
ought to be encouraged by all who believe in fair
play.

The author of this book has for a number of years
been collecting facts in relation to the Progress of the
Race since Emancipation. He has traveled East and
West, North and South, with his eyes and ears open.
For several years he has thrown these facts on the
canvas to be seen and read in the New and Old
World. He now proposes to present them to a
larger and greater audience. It was impossible for
all to attend his entertainments, but now he proposes
to send the entertainments to the audience.

The pages of this book will take the place of the
canvas ; the dim light of the lantern will be super
seded by the clear light of reason, and the race. that
has been so long misrepresented will appear in a new

(iii)

358

IV

Introduction.

light as the representative characters of this book
pass a thorough examination as to their capability
of self-culture, self-improvement, self-support and
self-defence.

The Home, the Store, the School and Church, and

the Factory are the infallible signs of civilization ; the
people who support these exhibit the true signs of
enlightenment.

In this volume you will have an opportunity of
learning how the leading schools were started by the

Introduction. v

friends of the race. You will learn how men and
women left their homes of ease and comfort and went
among the new-born Freedmen, and assisted in re
constructing the individual and home life. You will
also learn the names of noble men and women who
have founded, supported and endowed institutions for
the training of the head, hand and heart of the coming
generation.

An account will be given of the schools founded,
manned and supported by the race itself; and, for the
first time, the world will be enlightened as to what
the race is doing for its own education ; illustrations
of buildings, presidents, professors and students will
gladden your eyes.

Short sketches of men and women who have shown
skill in the professions, and achieved success in busi
ness, will be presented, calculated to give inspiration
to the youth of the future.

Having witnessed the instructive exhibitions of the
author of this volume, and heard with pleasure his
instructive Lectures, I take great pleasure in intro
ducing to the present arid future generations " EVI
DENCES OF PROGRESS AMONG COLORED PEOPLE."
For I know no man better qualified by his knowledge
of the history of the race and by his personal exami
nation and careful study of our problem, also his
intimate acquaintance with individuals about whom he
writes, than Mr. G. F. Richings.

I am yours for God and the Race,

BENJAMIN W. ARNETT.
TAWAWA CHIMNEY CORNER,

WILBERFORCE, OHIO, March 30, 1896.

G. F. ETCHINGS, Author.

PREFACE.

THERE seems to be a general impression and a
growing sentiment in this country that the colored
people, as a class, have not, and are not, making any
progress ; or, that they have not improved the educa
tional opportunities offered them by the philanthropic
white people who have proven themselves friendly to
the cause of Negro education. This feeling has de
veloped from two causes : First, we have a large and
wealthy class of white people who go South every
year during the cold season for either their health or
pleasure, and while in the South, they see a great
many colored people on the streets of Southern cities
who appear to have no employment. In many cases
this may be true; sometimes because they do not
want to work ; but in the majority of cases the true
cause of so much idleness among the colored people
in the South lies in the fact that they are not able to
get work, no matter how much they may seek it.
Let this be as it may, the presence of these people on
the streets, dressed as the unemployed usually dress
in the South, gives these Northern white people an
unfavorable impression of the colored brother and an
erroneous idea of the real condition of these people.
Hence they return to their Northern homes with a

riii Preface.

very pessimistic story to tell regarding the Southern
colored people.

The second reason for this erroneous impression
regarding the condition of the colored people of the
South, lies in the fact that white people never look in
the right direction for evidences of race progress, but
are continually drawing their comparisons from the
lowest types and judging the whole race by a few
who occupy only the lowest levels in common society.
For an illustration : A country girl from the South,
who has never spent six days of her life in a school
room, is employed in a Northern family t<? do menial
work. The mistress of the household finds her
ignorant and sometimes absolutely stupid, and instead
of classing this girl where she belongs, as all races are
divided into classes, she immediately arrives at the
conclusion that because the girl hails from the South,
she must be a fair specimen and a true representative
of all the colored people in that section. And she
further concludes that all this talk about the wonder
ful progress made by the Negro since the war is mere
talk, having no foundation in fact, and that this
talk is kept up in order that the people may be mis
led into subscribing their money for educational
work.

I have talked with a great many white people on
this subject, and they have, in almost every instance,
expressed about the same sentiment I have given
above. One lady, in Boston, Mass., said to me :
" But colored people are so ignorant." I asked her
with whom she was acquainted among colored people.

Preface. ix

" Why," said she, " we have employed colored help
for years, and one colored woman has washed for our
family ever since I was a child." It will be seen that
her conclusions were drawn from a very low level,
and that her contact with colored people had always
been limited to the poorer, working classes. Indeed,
so general is the impression among white people that
no real progress has been made by the ex-slaves, that
at least seven out of every ten seem to think of the
colored people as a worthless, inflexible element, in
capable of mental, moral and other developments
essential to a high state of civilization.

I think that I can safely say that the only white
people who are willing to admit that there is a better
class of colored people, are those who have either
taught in their institutions, or have intimate friends
engaged in that kind of work. Friends who are
anxious to help the race, find that these wrong im
pressions have been so thoroughly established, that
the educational work is very much hampered and
interfered with from year to year ; and the success of
Southern schools, dependent on Northern philan
thropy, has been very much hindered on account of
the gloomy aspect given by Northern people visiting
Southern cities. The contributions from the North
to these schools, have been very meagre and, of
course, the higher possibilities of negro education
have not been reached. Enemies of the race, and
those laboring under false impressions, are led to be
lieve that the money invested in Southern Educa
tional Institutions has been simply thrown away.

x Preface.

We cannot hope for a change for the better as long
as colored people are only known as coachmen,
waiters, cooks, and washerwomen.

I have called your attention to a very gloomy as
pect of the Southern situation. But while the aspect
is a gloomy one, it represents the true attitude of the
American people, with a few exceptions. I have put
forth this effort to set my friends right on this im
portant question, and I sincerely believe that the
time is not for distant when the white people will see
to it that these Southern Institutions are guaranteed
more liberal support and better encouragement. I
see the colored people in a much brighter light and
in a more hopeful condition than the men of my race
who visit the South for the purpose of making super
ficial observations. And because I have found so
many interesting " Evidences of Progress Among Col
ored People," I offer this as my apology for writing
this book. The facts contained in this work have
been gathered during sixteen years of actual labor
and contact with the colored people in all parts of
the United States. I have had to go deeper into the
question, to secure my information, than merely to
visjt street-corners and hold casual conversation with
the unfortunate and the unemployed, North or
South.

When those who read this book take into con
sideration the fact that many of the characters herein
mentioned started some thirty years ago without a
dollar, without a home, and without education,
except here and there a few who had, in some mys-

Preface. xi

terious way, learned to read and write, they will, I
am sure, be willing to admit that some progress has
been made by the people in whose interest this book
is published. I wish to make prominent four phases
of the race question, namely: (i) The schools which
have been built for colored people and managed by
whites; (2) The schools managed by colored people;

(3) The church work carried on among them, and

(4) The business and professional development as
the result of education.

I am well aware that, had it not been for the philan
thropists who gave their money so freely at the close
of the Civil War for the education of the freedmen,
and the Christian and unselfish missionaries who
went South to teach the ex-slaves, I would not have
been able to present so many interesting and, in many
cases, startling " Evidences of Progress Among Col
ored People." I want to mention most of the schools
started by white friends. But I shall deal more at
length and in greater detail with the school work
carried on by the colored people themselves. There
are many who are asking if the colored people are
doing anything for themselves in an educational way.
This question will be clearly answered in this book.
I do not claim that colored people support entirely
all of the schools managed by them, nor have the
white people a right to expect that they should be
able to do so, in so short a time. For my part, I
shall feel that they will have accomplished a great
deal if, in the next hundred years, they will have
reached that point where they can support their own

xii Preface.

schools and meet all the financial obligations involved.
I have no doubt but that many who shall read this
book will be, as I was, greatly surprised, yes,
astonished; for some of the sketches read like
romances more than the ordinary things of life.

I shall mention the names of one or more of the
many men and women I have found engaged in all
the pursuits and walks of life. I present in many
cases the portraits of characters whose sketches ap
pear, in order that the white people may make a study
of their faces. Some, in fact many, of them are very
dark. I mention this because I have been led to be
lieve that it is the general opinion among Americans
that quite a percentage of white blood runs through
the veins of colored people who have proven their
susceptibility to higher education. I believe, and I
am confident, that the contents of this book will help
me to demonstrate that the color of the skin, the tex
ture of the hair, and the formation of the head, have
nothing whatever to do with the development and
expansion of the mind. I only hope that the white
friends may be made to feel that the colored people
are entitled to more consideration and ought to be
given a better opportunity to fill the places for which
they are being fitted, in the commercial and business
life of this country.

Among the colored readers I hope to stimulate a
greater interest in these institutions and thereby help
to bring the race up to a higher educational and social
level. In order that my book might not be too large,
I had to omit a great many sketches of worthy per-

Preface. xiii

sons and institutions ; but I tried to mention one or
more persons engaged in the different branches of
business and professions. So any who are omitted
will please attribute it to a want of space and not a
neglect or oversight on my part.

I shall feel that I have accomplished a good work
if I have set before my readers food for earnest
thought on the questions involved.

G. F. RICHINGS.

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION * •«

PREFACE . . . . "«

CHAPTER I.

BAPTIST SCHOOLS MANAGED BY WHITE PEOPLE ... I?

CHAPTER II.

BAPTIST SCHOOLS MANAGED BY COLORED PEOPLE . . .4!

CHAPTER III.

CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOLS 71

CHAPTER IV.

EPISCOPAL SCHOOLS ........ 88

CHAPTERS V. AND VI.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL SCHOOLS 97

CHAPTER VII.

A. M. E. SCHOOLS . . .. . . . . • H?

CHAPTER VIII.

I M. E. ZION SCHOOL . . . . . . . .143

CHAPTER IX.

PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOLS MANAGED BY WHITE PEOPLE . ,154

CHAPTER X.

PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOLS MANAGED BY COLORED PEOPLE . 158

CHAPTER XI.

TUSKEGEE AND NORMAL, BOTH IN ALABAMA .... 189

CHAPTER XII.

ECKSTEIN NORTON UNIVERSITY, GLOUCESTER, AND OTHER

SCHOOLS . . . . . . . . . . 2l8

(xiv)

Contents. xv

CHAPTER XIII.

ATLANTA UNIVERSITY AND BEREA COLLEGE . . . . 248

CHAPTER XIV.
INSTITUTE FOR COLORED YOUTH, CAMP NELSON, AND CURRY

SCHOOL . . . ...'•• • • 254

CHAPTER XV.

NASHVILLE, TENN. . . . 264

CHAPTER XVI.

ATLANTA, GA., AND INDIANAPOLIS, IND 273

CHAPTER XVII.

FINE PENMEN . .... ... . . . 278

CHAPTER XVIII.

COLORED LAWYERS . 284

CHAPTER XIX.

J. H. LEWIS AND OTHER BUSINESS MEN 297

CHAPTER XX.

WALTER P. HALL AND OTHER SUCCESSFUL MERCHANTS . .316

CHAPTER XXI.

BANKS, INSURANCE COMPANIES, ETC. . . . . . -334

CHAPTER XXII.

PATENTS AND OTHER BUSINESS INTERESTS .... 342

CHAPTER XXIII.

COLORED EDITORS AND JOURNALISTS . . . . . 349

CHAPTER XXIV.

CHURCHES . . . . .. . . . . 375

CHAPTER XXV.

HOSPITALS AND HOMES . . . . , ... 392

CHAPTER XXVI.

PROMINENT COLORED WOMEN 41 1

CHAPTER XXVII.

DR. JOHN R. FRANCIS AND HIS PRIVATE SANATORIUM . . 429

CHAPTER XXVIII.

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOLS, BOYDTON INSTITUTE, AND

CHRISTIANSBURG INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE .... 436

jcvi Contents.

HAMPTON INSTITUTE,

CHAPTER XXIX.

HAMPTON, VA. . . .

CHAPTER XXX.

STATE SCHOOLS AND

CALHOUN SETTLEMENT .

. 461

CHAPTER XXXI.

C. M. E. SCHOOLS

• 472

CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
COLEMAN MANUFACT1

CHAPTER XXXII.

. d.76

CHAPTER XXXIII.

JRING COMPANY

.481

RICHMOND, VA.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

. 486

CHAPTER XXXV.

HERE AND THERE 498

CHAPTER XXXVI.

NATIONAL BAPTIST PUBLISHING BOARD . . 564

CHAPTER XXXVII.

COLORED SOLDIERS . 569

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

THE METROPOLITAN MERCANTILE & REALTY CO. AND OTHER

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS OF THE RACE . 572

CHAPTER XXXIX.

CONCLUSION . 592

INDEX TO PORTRAITS OF PEOPLE 594

EVIDENCES OF PROGRESS AMONG
COLORED PEOPLE.

CHAPTER I.

BAPTIST SCHOOLS MANAGED BY WHITE PEOPLE.

IN 1865 four million colored people suddenly
emerged from bondage, poor, ignorant, and in
many cases with very crude notions of religion or
morality. Not one-third of those who had arrived
to years of understanding at that time can be found
among the eight millions of colored population
to-day. And consequently, the younger element of
this race know little or nothing about the great con
flict, the culmination of which brought to their fathers
and mothers that boon of all human aspiration —
liberty. ."With the mutations of time in Egypt, a
king arose who knew not Joseph. In these changes
here, a new generation comes on, to whom occur
rences of the past are but dim and sometimes distorted
traditions."

To my mind, the last generation has been charac
terized by greater conflicts and has been freighted
with more thrilling events than any generation
through which the history of this country has brought

I& Evidences of Progress

us. Through ignorance, and sometimes indifference,
we are in serious danger of depreciating the wonder
ful agencies that have been such potent factors in the
growth and development of a people. It is, therefore,
important that some close observer of events con
stantly keep before the people, in whose interest these
factors have been set in operation, full accounts of all
the developments, that the young may be inspired to
noble aims and lofty endeavors.

While such a task is not an easy one, I feel it my
duty to attempt its performance. All the data and
every observation set forth in these chapters have
been the result of personal investigation among the
colored people. I shall give in this chapter a brief
history of the schools conducted by white people of
the Baptist denomination for the education of colored
people. In this work the American Baptist Home
Mission Society has expended since 1862 $3,000,000.
The value of school property acquired by the so
ciety amounts to $900,000.

When before this society " came the vision of
emancipated millions, desperately needy, in dire dis
tress and full of forebodings, stretching forth their
unshackled, but empty, unskilled and helpless hands
for friendly aid and guidance," this society at once
took them in and offered them shelter and comfort.
The society has accomplished wonders for the colored
people, and I am sure that the colored people appre
ciate all that it has done for them.

I shall begin my history of Baptist schools with
Spelman Seminary.

Among Colored People. 19

SPELMAN SEMINARY.

The history of Spelman Seminary reads like a
romance. Beginning in 1881, in the gloomy base
ment of the Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, Ga.,
a church owned by the colored people, without any
of the accessories needed for successful school work,
with but two teachers, Miss S. B. Packard and Miss
Harriet E. Giles, and with less than a dozen pupils, it
has grown to be the largest and best equipped school
for the training of colored girls in the United States.

The institution has a magnificent location, and all
of the buildings are specially suited to its needs.
Spelman has a large and able faculty of earnest, de
voted teachers, an attendance of pupils numbered by
the hundreds, a constituency of friends and patrons
rapidly extending in numbers and interest, and has
made for itself a large place in the educational forces
of the South, and established a reputation of a very
high order.

The question of the education of the colored peo
ple as a preparation for citizenship, just after the war,
demanded careful thought and prompt treatment,
and among the noble women who ventured into the
South, fully equipped to do the service they felt was
needed, were Miss S. B. Packard and Miss H. E.
Giles. The Southern white people could not reason
ably be expected to throw to the winds all their
cherished traditions and preconceptions simply be
cause they had acknowledged defeat at the hands of
the Northern people. They could not even be ex-

2O Evidences of Progress

pected to at once admit their former slaves into po
litical fellowship, recognizing them as equals in all
the rights of citizenship ; nor could they be expected
to provide schools for the education of these people.
Out of a consideration of these facts, Northern people,
moved by noble and unselfish impulses, made their
way to the South and established these great institu
tions for the education of colored people.

Both Miss Packard and Miss Giles had made for
themselves a reputation before moving from their
homes in New England to Atlanta. They were
identified with the Woman's Baptist Home Mission
Society and had indicated their zeal for the promo
tion of the Society's interest in the most practical
manner. The work done at Spelman is a practical
Christian work, and the young ladies who graduate
from that institution are the very best specimens of
cultured and refined womanhood. This school is
modeled after those of like grade established for
white people. This should be the case with all
Southern schools. There are required the same
qualifications in the teachers, the same text-books,
the same course of study, the same kinds of disci
pline that are found in similar institutions. There
seems to be no point in the equipment or general
management of these institutions where they can
diverge safely from those which the history of educa
tion has shown to be most desirable and best adapted
to their purpose. The grounds, buildings, furniture,
libraries, text-books, apparatus, endowments of a Ne
gro school in Georgia, should not differ in any re-

Among Colored People. 21

spect from the equipment of a similar institution for
white pupils in Massachusetts.

Spelman Seminary is a power for good, and since
the death of Miss S. B. Packard is managed by Miss
H. E. Giles, principal, and Miss L. H. Upton, asso
ciate principal.

ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY.

Roger Williams University was founded in 1863
by Rev. D. W. Phillips, D. D., who was for many
years its president. Its present president is the Rev.
P. B. Guernsey, A. M. The total enrolment for 1900
was 222 — 122 young men and 100 young women.
The school is beautifully situated in the suburbs of
the city of Nashville, in the State of Tennessee.

Nashville has become the chief centre of education
in the South, both for the white and colored people.
No other city south of the Ohio offers so many ad
vantages as the seat of an institution for higher learn
ing. The University grounds lie close to the city
limits, on the Hillsboro' turnpike, just beyond the
Vanderbilt University. The location is high and
airy, and commands an unsurpassed prospect of the
city and surrounding country.

It is a school for both sexes. It has Collegiate,
Biblical and Theological, Academic, Normal, Eng
lish, Musical and Industrial Departments.

The Collegiate Department aims at a thorough
liberal education which gives the student the posses
sion of his faculties developed and trained, a general
acquaintance with the broad principles of all human
knowledge, and a preparation for a special study of

22 Evidences of Progress

any of the learned professions. This department has
two courses : the classical, leading to the degree of
B. A., and the scientific, leading to the degree of
B. S.

The Biblical and Theological Department has a
general and special aim. Its general aim is to make
the Bible a living book to each student. Every
pupil in the school receives during his entire course
a daily lesson in the Bible. Its special aim is to fur
nish better preachers of the Gospel and better pas
tors of the churches. Every year a " ministers'
class " is conducted for ten weeks, beginning with the
first day of January. Members of the class have
three recitations daily. They may also attend such
other classes as they can with profit to themselves.

The Academic Department prepares for college.
It consists of a three years' course in classic and
mathematic studies that link the English Department
to the college work.

The Normal Department aims to furnish, for the
public schools of the land, teachers that will raise the
tone of education and make these schools more effi
cient. It consists of a three years course in subjects
best adapted for this purpose.

The English Department aims to give the pupil a
thorough drill in the elements of common intelligence.
Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Grammar, Geography,
Spelling and History are taught by the best of
teachers, so that the young people are prepared to
take their places as citizens alongside of pupils of
the most favored city schools. Parents who live in

24 Evidences of Progress

rural districts and in country towns, where the public
schools are of short duration and scant equipments
and feeble teaching, will find here facilities for Eng
lish education that are not surpassed in the South.

The Musical Department aims to give a musical
education, both vocal and instrumental, that will
make the young people efficient workers in church
and Sabbath school and elevating and refining mem
bers of the home and social circles.

The Industrial Department does not aim to fit
students for the various mechanical trades, but it
does aim to give them instruction and experience,
that will train their eyes and hands and make them
handy in the use of tools.

The school has a total teaching force of sixteen
persons. Six of these are graduates of the best
Northern Universities. Others are teachers of ex
cellent education and wide experience.

The young ladies are under the close and affec
tionate watchcare of a New England lady, whose
treatment of them is noted for its conscientiousness,
its piety and its motherliness.

A number of the male teachers live in the build
ing with the young men and thus become to them
constant advisers, counsellors and friends.

The religious influences of the school are pure,
constant and strong.

The University is grandly located for accessi
bility, healthfulness, and beauty. It is near enough
to the city of Nashville to give it all the advantages
of city life. Yet it is so far removed from the

Among" Colored People. 25

crowded city with its slums, saloons and other evils,
that it is virtually in the country.

The property of the school is valued at $80,000.
It has a small endowment fund of less than $1,000.
Several Indian youths from the Indian Territory
have been students in this institution. The graduates
are widely scattered throughout the South, occupy
ing positions of influence and usefulness.

VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY.

Virginia Union University has been formed out of
two very excellent schools, where a great work has
been done for the education and advancement of the
colored people, namely, Wayland College, which
was located at Washington, D. C., and Richmond
Theological Seminary, at Richmond, Va. Both of
these schools have a very interesting history. Way-
land Seminary, as it was called, was founded at
Washington, D. C., in 1865. Rev. G. M. P. King
was president of it for twenty-seven years. The
work began in 1865, was vigorously followed up by
the purchase of property on •" I " street at a cost of
$1,500 from monies contributed by women of the
North. The school was named in honor of President
Francis Wayland, of Brown University. In 1871
a new site, 150 feet square, on Meridian Hill, in the
northern part of the city, was purchased at a cost of
$3»375- The erection of a new building was begun
in 1873. It was a fine four-story building, with
basement and accommodations for seventy-five stu
dents, with recitation rooms and rooms for the faculty.

26 Evidences of Progress

It cost about $20,000. The walls, from the founda
tion to the crowning, were constructed by colored
bricklayers under the supervision of a master work
man, an ex-slave from Virginia, who purchased his
freedom before the war. Wayland Seminary has
turned out some very able men, among them Rev.
Harvey Johnson, D. D., of Baltimore, Md., who is
one of the most noted colored preachers in the
country. He has held charge of one of the largest
Colored Baptist churches in the United States for
nearly thirty years.

The Richmond Theological Seminary, at Rich
mond, Va., has a very remarkable history. It was
first commenced in 1868, and started its work in
Lumpkin's Slave Jail, and was first known as Colver
Institute. In 18/6 it was incorporated as the Rich
mond Institute. Subsequently the trustees and offi
cers of the American Baptist Home Missionary Soci
ety decided to make it a school for ministers only,
and in 1886 the name was changed to the Richmond
Theological Seminary. Rev. Charles Corey, A. M.,
D. D., was elected president in 1868. and remained
in charge until 1899, when the school went into the
Union University. In speaking of the work, Rev.
Corey said : " Of students there have been in at
tendance nearly 1,100; total preparing for the min
istry, 540; graduates with diplomas from Richmond
Institute, 73 ; total graduates with degree of B. D.
from Richmond Theological Seminary, 27. Some
of these graduates are now in charge of institutions
of learning, others are professors in 5eminaries

Among Colored People* 27

and universities. Six entered the foreign mission
field. The former students of the Richmond Theo
logical Seminary are to be found from Canada to
Texas, and in the lands far beyond the sea." The
school has had among its teachers such men as
Prof. J. E. Jones, D. D., and Prof. D. N. Vassar,
D. D. Both of these men are well educated and
represent a high type of true manhood, and they
have done much to advance the race they are identi
fied with. Now Wayland College and Seminary and
Richmond Theological Seminary are united under
one board of trustees. They have at present the
Theological Department, the College Department,
the Academic Department and the Preparatory De
partment. An industrial plant will, it is hoped, be
built. They already teach the students in a practical
way the art of printing and of managing the steam
and electrical plant. This last gives them quite a
knowledge of engineering. The new buildings num
ber eight — a fine library building, including a chapel
and library, a lecture hall, a dining hall, a dormitory,
a power plant, two residences and a stable. They
are constructed of the finest granite, and could not
be duplicated for $300,000. They are situated on a
hill about fifty feet above the valley — a beautiful lo
cation in the centre of thirty acres. The buildings
contain every modern improvement — steam heat in
all the rooms and halls, electric lighting and a com
plete telephone system for the different buildings
and floors, and most approved toilet and bath ar
rangements. It is said to be the finest group of
buildings in the whole South.

28 Evidences of Progress

Rev. M. Mac Vicar, Ph. D., LL. D., is the presi
dent of the University, George Rice Hovey the dean
of Wayland Seminary and College, Rev. George F.
Genung, D. D., the dean of the Theological School.
The faculty consists of fifteen teachers of unusual
ability, graduates of the best colleges, some of whom
have made a name for themselves already. About
one-half are white. The courses of study are equal
to those of the ordinary Northern schools of similar
grade. Virginia Union University will doubtless be
the largest Baptist school operated for colored people,
and it is located in a part of the country where the
colored population is very large, and especially
among the Baptists.

ATLANTA BAPTIST SEMINARY.

On the corner of Hunter and Elliott streets, in the
city of Atlanta, Ga., there stands a smoke-begrimed
and somewhat dilapidated brick building bearing the
inscription/' American Baptist Home Mission Society,
1879." Directly in front of the building lies the
shunting-yard of the Southern Railroad. The local
ity is one of the nosiest, dustiest and smokiest in the
• city. It was in this building, among these unfavorable
surroundings, that the work of the Atlanta Baptist
Seminary was carried on from 1879 ^ l$9O-

In the old building no provision was made for
dormitories. The students, most of whom were from
the country, were left to find boarding-houses where
they could, and besides living in close and crowded
homes, where the atmosphere was not specially intel-

Among Colored People. 29

lectual and where the opportunities for quiet study
were not great, they were, except for the few hours
of school each day, beyond the control and watch-
care of the teachers and exposed to the distractions
and temptations of the city.

For twelve years prior to the year 1 879 the Seminary
had been located at Augusta, Ga., and was known as
" The Augusta Institute."

Upon the death of Rev. Joseph T. Robert, LL. D.,
president for fourteen years, which occurred in 1884,
Rev. Samuel Graves, D. D., was appointed. Dr. Graves
was quick to see that the first requisite to the vigorous
growth of the school was a transplanting. Accord
ingly, he set to work to secure ground and building.
As the result of his efforts the present campus was
secured and the present building erected, and in the
spring of 1890 the Seminary bade farewell to the old
building and its noisy neighbors and took up its
abode in its new home.

The main building of the institution was erected
in 1889 at a cost of $27,000. In this beautiful build
ing the visitor will find chapel, library, eight class
rooms, president's apartments and rooms for six
teachers, dormitory accommodation for about one
hundred students, besides kitchen, dining-room and
storerooms, laundry, printing office, workshop and
boiler-room. Rev. George Sales is president.

SHAW UNIVERSITY.

Shaw University is beautifully located in the city
of Raleigh, North Carolina, within ten minutes' walk

30 Evidences of Progress

of the post-office and capitol. The grounds, upon
which have been erected five large brick buildings
and several of wood, are among the finest in the cityr
and include several acres. This institution furnishes
by far the largest accommodations of any colored
school in North Carolina, and, in the large number
of advanced pupils, it is not surpassed by any colored
school in the country.

Shaw University was founded in 1865 by Dr. H.
M. Tupper, D. D., who conceived the desire for school
work among the colored people while serving as a
soldier in our late war. He started his first school,
which has grown into the present university, in a
cabin scarcely ten by twenty feet. The large brick
structures, which now form a part of the institution,
are looked upon with great interest because of the
fact that the bricks in them were made by student
labor under the direction of Dr. Tupper.

There are normal, collegiate, scientific, music and
industrial departments, as well as schools of pharmacy,
law and medicine, and a missionary training school,
and all doing good work. Every graduate of the
pharmacy school, class of 1900, recently appeared be
fore the State Board of Examiners and obtained cer
tificates as required by law. Prof. Chas. F. Meserve
is its present president, since the death of Dr. Tupper.

The Baptists have cause to be proud of the good
work done at Shaw University. Preachers and
teachers by the hundreds have been educated at
this excellent institution for home and foreign mission
nvork.

Among Colored People. 31

BISHOP COLLEGE.

Bishop College is located in the city of Marshall,
the county-seat of Harrison county, Texas. For
beauty of situation, commodiousness of buildings,
and completeness of outfit for the work, this institu
tion is unsurpassed by any school for the colored
people west of the Mississippi.

The Rev. N. Wolverton has been succeeded as
president by the Rev. Albert Loughridge, who will
push the work with the same degree of vigor. The
dormitories are spacious and pleasant, the grounds
are ample for recreation, and those who go there to
live find all the advantages of a Christian home.

Every student must understand that, in entering
the school, he stands pledged to willing and cheer
ful conformity to the regulations prescribed by the
faculty for its government.

This institution was founded in 1881. It now em
ploys nine white teachers and seven colored. Total
number of students in attendance daily about two
hundred. Amount of money expended yearly for
the support of the school, $7,434.

BENEDICT COLLEGE.

In 1870 a desirable site for an institution for the
education of colored people was found available at
Columbia, S. C. As this was the capital of the State,
and central, it was decided to locate it here. A
noble woman in New England, Mrs. B. A. Benedict,
of Providence, R. I., gave $10,000 towards its pur
chase, the cost being $16,000. The property con-

32 Evidences of Progress

sisted of nearly eighty acres of land. In honor of
the deceased husband of the donor, Dea. Stephen
Benedict, brother of David Benedict, the historian,
the Board called the school " Benedict Institute."

It was opened December I, 1870, . under the
charge of Rev. Timothy S. Dodge, as principal.
The first pupil was a colored preacher, sixty years
old. In October, 1887, Rev. Lewis Colby succeeded
Mr. Dodge under appointment of the Board.

Upon his resignation in 1879, Rev. E. J. Good-
speed, D. D., was appointed. He entered upon his
work in October, continuing until his death, in the
summer of 1881. Rev. C. E. Becker was selected
as his successor and went to Columbia in October,
1882, but at this writing the president is Rev. A. C.
Osborn, D. D.

During 1879-80, Rev. Lewis Colby, deeply im
pressed with the need of better accommodations,
rspecially for girls, devoted his time without com
pensation, and with the approval of the Board, to
raising $5,000 for a girls' building. This amount
being secured, together with an additional offering
from Mrs. Benedict, two frame buildings were
erected in 1881. Towards the furnishing of the
buildings, the colored people of the State gave over
$1,600. The girls' building is known as "Colby
Hall." Better quarters for the young men are
greatly needed. By special act of the South Caro
lina Legislature, through the efforts of President
Becker and the co-operation of leading Baptists, the
institution in 1882 was exempted from taxation.

Among Colored People. 33

LELAND UNIVERSITY.

Leland University was founded in 1870 for the
higher education of such men and women as desired
to fit themselves for Christian citizenship, either as
ministers, teachers, or tradesmen. It is open to all
persons who are fitted to enjoy its advantages, with
out distinction of race, color, or religious opinions.
The University owes its existence to the late Hoi-
brook Chamberlain, Esq., of Brooklyn, N. Y., who
erected the buildings, assisted in its management,
and at his death left to it the bulk of his property,
about $100,000, as an endowment fund, the interest
of which goes to the payment of teachers.

The University has a library and reading-room,
which is supplied with the leading journals and
periodicals of the day.

There is a Literary Society, the " Philomathean,"'
composed of young men and young women, which
holds weekly meetings for mutual improvement.

The students also constitute a recognized branch
of the International Young Men's Christian Associa
tion and of the National Society of Christian En
deavor.

Dr. R. W. Perkins was elected president in 1901
to fill the place of Pres. Mitchell, deceased. He will
be supported by a corps of earnest, faithful teachers.

The University is situated on St. Charles avenue,
New Orleans, La., and its retirement from the
crowded part of the city renders it peculiarly adapted
to study.
3

34 Evidences of Progress

HARTSHORN MEMORIAL COLLEGE.

This institution was chartered by the Legislature
of Virginia, March 13, 1884, with full collegiate and
university powers.

Hartshorn Memorial College is located at the west
end of Leigh street, Richmond, Va. The grounds
comprise eight and one-half acres, well elevated, and
shaded in part by a belt of native forest trees. The
object of the institution is to train colored women
for practical work in the broad harvest of the world.

The president, Rev. Lyman B. Tefft, D. D., claims
that among the millions of colored women in
the United States there is the same need and the
same field for trained and cultured Christian service
as among the whites. Life for them has the same
meaning as for any other race. They have the same
social, intellectual and spiritual necessities. They
are a people essentially by themselves. There is,
therefore, for the educated colored woman, the same
wide and ready field of Christian work and influence
as for any others.

THE MATHER INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.

This school is located on a bluff in the suburbs of
Beaufort, S. C. It was established just after the war,
by Mrs. Rachel C. Mather, of Boston, Mass., who is
still its principal, assisted by six other white teachers.

Mrs. Mather was a teacher in the public schools
of Boston during the Civil War, and just after the
conflict was over she went South to do the work of

Among- Colored People. 35

her life. The history of her efforts are interesting
in every detail and inspires the reader with an appre
ciation for the noble work of a noble woman.

Mrs. Mather conducts an orphanage in connection
with the school, and during the twenty-seven years
of her labors in this section, a great many orphan
children have been cared for and trained from child
hood to noble manhood and womanhood.

It is the aim of this school to reach the homes
of the common people and develop the good quali
ties in the young men and young women of the race.

I regard this work as being one of the most im
portant schools in the South. This lady has borne
all the cares, anxieties and difficulties engendered in
this peculiar work for these many years, with remark
able fortitude and courage.

People who have always lived in the North cannot
appreciate what it means to go South and take charge
of a colored school. I have talked with many of the
men and women now at the head of such institutions,
and they tell me that it is the rarest thing for the
Southern white people to ever come near them, or
even speak of them, except in the most disrespectful
manner. In fact, in the early days of freedom
Northern teachers could hardly stay, because of their
treatment on the part of the whites. There has
been a great change, and many of the Southern
people are willing now to admit that the white
teachers have done a most excellent work for the
race, but they still let them good and well alone.
But in many cases it is a great help to be let alone,
and especially when their recognition would not be
friendly.

36 Evidences of Progress

DAWES ACADEMY.

Dawes Academy is located at Berwin, I. T. Rev.
Geo. Home, principal. This school. has an average
attendance of about 100. It is developing rapidly.
Rev. Horne is assisted by three teachers.

JACKSON COLLEGE.

This institution, as Natchez College, was founded
by the A. B. H. Miss. Soc. at Natchez, Miss., in 1878.
In 1883, as Jackson College, it was established in
Jackson, the State capital. Rev. Luther G. Barrett,
A. M., is president, a graduate of Harvard College
and of Newton Theological Institution, a practical
educator, and who was for a time professor in Shaw
University, Raleigh, N. C. It is beautifully and
healthfully situated in the outskirts of the city, with
fine buildings and an able corps of ten teachers. Its
field is immense, Mississippi having 800,000 negroes.
It had, up to the present yellow fever scourge, 200
students, and will, no doubt, with the passing of the
fever, soon eclipse this number, as under its present
efficient management it is fast gaining in popularity.
It does superior work, its academical and classical
departments comparing favorably with those of simi
lar first-class institutions of the North, while it is
just beginning regular college work. It has also a
fine preparatory department and excellent graded
musical course. It is pre-eminently a Christian
school, the Bible being taught in grades one hour
daily. Revivals are frequent, and generally each

Among Colored People. 37

session closes with nearly every student a Christian.
Its students stand high in the State as teachers, while
many go on to professional schools of law, medicine
and theology. Its great aim is to supply leaders.

STOKER COLLEGE — FREE-WILL BAPTISTS.

At Harper's Ferry, W. Va., within sight of where
John Brown made his famous raid, stands Storer
College. The beautiful valley of the Shenandoah
could not contain anything that would add more
to its beauty than this splendid institution of learn
ing.

This school has a most interesting history. Just
after the Civil War, when the glare of cannon and the
din of gun had faded away, this school was started.

The school is conducted by the Free-will Baptists.

In February of 1867, President O. B. Cheney visited
Mr. John Storer, of Sanford, Me., in behalf of Bates
College. Although not a Free-will Baptist, Mr. Storer
was deeply interested in the history and aims of the
denomination. During the conversation he said to
Dr. Cheney: "I have determined to give $10,000
to some society which will raise an equal amount
toward the founding of a school in the South for the
benefit of the colored people. I should prefer that
your denomination have this money, only that I fear
that they will not or can not meet my condition. I
am old and I desire to see the school started before
I die ; so as you came I was about writing to the
American Missionary Association, making them this

38 Evidences of Progress

proposal, and I am confident they will accept and
rapidly advance the project."

In reply Dr. Cheney pleaded that he be allowed to
make an effort. He told him of the Southern enter
prise, of its needs, and added : "A school there is just
what we must have in order to carry forward the
work. We shall feel that God has heard our prayers
and is blessing our labor if you will give us your
support. You may set your own time — one year,
six months, or less — only let us try''

Mr. Storer came to a favorable decision before
twelve o'clock that night.

Monday, Oct. 2, 1867, Storer College commenced
its noble work — the outcome of which eternity alone
can truly unfold. It began with nineteen pupils
(from the immediate vicinity) and with one assistant
teacher, Mrs. M. W. L. Smith, of Maine, under Mr.
Brackett as principal. The school opened in the
government building — known as the " Lockwood
House " — and this one building served for dwelling-
house, school and church.

The efforts to obtain a gift of this property were
now redoubled. Dr. James Calder of Harrisburg,
Pa., was especially active in furthering this project.
Finally, through the earnest support of Mr. Fes-
senden in the Senate and of Gen. Garfield in the
House, a bill to this effect passed Congress Dec. 3,
1868, and the four buildings, with seven acres of
land, worth about $30,000, became the property of
the institution. Had this failed, the site of the school
would have been at the Bolivar Farm. As it was,

Among Colored People. 39

the farm, through cultivation and sale of lots, largely
assisted in supporting the school during its infancy.

In September of 1867 the Freedmen's Bureau
donated $500, which was used in making needed
repairs, and soon after the school opened, paid over
the promised $6,00® to a temporary Stock Company
organized under the laws of West Virginia. But
the " Bureau " did far more than it promised, and as
long as it existed ceased not to render generous and
efficient aid. Among its further benefactions were
$4,000 to renovate the shattered government build
ings, and about $1,500 toward the running expenses.
Altogether, including about $4,000 for the erection,
in 1868, of Lincoln Hall — a boarding-hall for boys —
the Freedmen's Bureau contributed $18,000 toward
the upbuilding of Storer College. How the institu
tion could have flourished or even lived without this
external aid, it is difficult to realize, for the denomina
tion was heavily freighted with the needs of other
important enterprises.

The school is now in a flourishing condition and
is doing a noble and elevating work in behalf of
civilization.

Crowning, as they do, the heights of Harper's
Ferry, the buildings of Storer College are conspicuous
objects in every direction. A passing allusion
should be made to the wondrous scenery which sur
rounds Storer College — to witness which, Thomas
Jefferson wrote : " It were worth a journey across the
Atlantic." And the most unappreciative observer can

4O Evidences of Progress.

but feel that the outspread grandeur and beauty must
exert an elevating influence.

The institution has three departments — Prepara
tory, Normal, and Classical. It has had over 1,200
different pupils, has sent out more than 300 teachers
and about 30 ministers. In one year its students have
numbered 232, and both total and average attendance
are constantly increasing. In 1875 a summer term
for teachers was inaugurated. Its session holds
through June and July, and it is greatly appreciated
by those whose only opportunity for further study
and progress is at this time.

No one can visit Harper's Ferry without coming
away overflowing with wonder and enthusiasm. One
stands abashed before the brave spirit, the devotion
and never-mentioned sacrifices of our toilers there.

Rev. N. C. Brackett served this institution as
its president from its beginning until 1897, when he
was succeeded by Rev. Ernest Earle Osgood, a young
man of most excellent qualifications for such a
position. He comes of that class of New England
people who have done so much for the education of
colored people. Rev. Osgood will doubtless, because
of his youth, add vigor and energy to the school
that will be helpful in bringing a larger attendance.

CHAPTER II.

BAPTIST SCHOOLS MANAGED BY COLORED PEOPLE.

IN this chapter I shall deal with the Baptist schools
managed by colored people. Many of these schools
have had a very hard struggle ; but by the patriotism
and race pride of the colored people, they have been
constantly growing and developing, until to-day
they are among the very best educational institutions
in this country.

I open this chapter with a brief sketch of " The
Western College," located at Macon, Mo., because I
regard it as one of the best schools of the kind in
the West.

THE WESTERN COLLEGE.

One of the best institutions in the West for the
education of Negroes is The Western College located
at Macon, Mo. Since it was founded, in Jan
uary, 1890, its growth has been extraordinary, and
to-day (1901) its temporary buildings are crowded
with earnest young men and women anxious to secure
a Christian education. Believing that religious prin
ciples should underlie all true education, the Negro
Baptists of Missouri, several years prior to 1890, had
in mind the establishment of a Christian institution
in which ministers might receive biblical training
and where hundreds of men and women might be

(40

42 Evidences of Progress

educated and thoroughly trained for teaching and
other useful pursuits in life. They realized that the
Christian college is one of the greatest forces in the
aid of Christianity, inasmuch as its great aim is to
build up a character in accord with the principles
of God's Word. When first opened, the school was
conducted in rented quarters at Independence, Mo.,
for a part of two sessions. In the Fall of 1891
the Board of Trustees purchased twelve acres of
land, conveniently located within the city limits, at
a cost of $4,000. The school was opened here
in January, 1892. At present two buildings are
occupied, but the growth of the school has rendered
these wholly inadequate for the demands of the work.
The colored Baptists themselves have raised a large
amount of money for paying on the property, for
current expenses and for building purposes. In
this work they have been kindly assisted by The
Home Mission Society of New York, which has
contributed annually toward the payment of teachers.
But for its timely aid, the work, so well begun, must
have suffered.

Located as this school is, in the northern
part of Missouri, it has a large territory from
which to draw. Students have matriculated from
Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Mississippi and Alabama.
With enlarged facilities in the v/ay of commo
dious buildings and apparatus, the power of this
institution in the development of the Negro race in
Missouri and the West will be beyond calculation.
In view of these facts the college should receive

Among Colored People.

43

substantial encouragement from those who are philan-
thropically inclined.

PROF. E. L. SCRUGGS, B. D.

Realizing that the lives of public men are in some

PROF. E. L. SCRUGGS, B. D.

sense the property of the world, and also that true
lives are not lived for self, but for humanity, it affords
the writer pleasure to speak of one of Missouri's
noble sons, President Enos L. Scruggs, B. D., one

44 Evidences of Progress

who has risen by gradual steps to the position he
now holds, overcoming many flinty obstacles to
progress. He is an example of a self-made man.
Having been left both motherless and fatherless early
in life, he was left to combat with the world without
the loving and tender care and helpful influences of
a mother. By great perseverance and earnest efforts
he completed with credit the course of study at Lin
coln Institute, Jefferson City, Mo.

Early in life he professed a hope in Christ, and
feeling that he was called to the work of the min
istry, he prepared himself by a course of study in
the Union Baptist Theological Seminary, Morgan
Park, 111., which has recently become " The Di
vinity School " of the University of Chicago, grad
uating from there with honor with the degree of B. D.
He accepted a call immediately to the Second Bap
tist Church, of Ann Arbor, Mich. Ever seeking
to go higher and higher intellectually, he availed
himself of the opportunities afforded him at the Uni
versity of Michigan. After a very successful pas
torate of twenty-eight months, he resigned October
I, 1892, to accept the Presidency of the Western
College, where he has most creditably filled the
position ever since, doing a noble work in this field.
He is building a monument by his earnest efforts
and faithfulness to duty that will always be an honor
to him, to the race and to the denomination. As he
is a young man and constantly striving for richer
and better results, we wish for him continued success
and that no record will reveal greater riches than his,

Among- Colored People. 45

and that his may present to all a heritage of heroic
deeds.

THE BIBLE AND NORMAL INSTITUTE.

The above-named institution was founded and in
corporated in Memphis, Tenn., in the year 1887,
through the philanthropy of Mr. Peter Howe, of
Winona, 111. Located as it is near the lines of three
States — Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas — the
school has great possibilities among the host of
Baptists in that section, under whose auspices it is
conducted.

The Howe building, which the school occupies, is
a brick structure two stories above the basement, and
is valued at nearly $18,000. The primary depart
ment is conducted in the basement. The first floor
contains the principal's office, the chapel, and recita
tion-rooms, while a commodious and well-fitted lec
ture-room and several " living rooms " comprise the
second floor.

As the charter of incorporation indicates, the insti
tution was established for the purposes of giving
Bible, literary, scientific, and industrial instruction ;
training preachers and teachers and other Christian
workers. The history of the institution is a proof
of the fact that these objects have constantly been
before the management of the same. Many of the
very best teachers, preachers, and other missionary
workers in the section from which the school draws
its patronage owe their success directly to its in
struction and influence.

The success of the women's missionary and nurse

46 Evidences of Progress

training and the theological departments has been
very marked.

The session of 1896 and 1897 was the first under
the control of a colored principal, Prof. Nathaniel H.

PROF. JOSHUA LEVISTER, A. B.

Pius, a graduate of Leland University, New Orleans,
La., who held the position for two years, when he
was succeeded by Prof. Joshua Levister, A. B., who is
a graduate from Shaw University, at Raleigh, N. C.
Prof. Levister is a native of North Carolina. He is

Among Colored People. 47

a young man of splendid character and very much
thought of by all who know him.

The statistics for the session of 1897 and 1898
show the following figures : Enrollment, males, 85 ;
females, 90; number preparing to teach, 35; num
ber preparing to preach, 19; number pursuing mis
sionary and nurse-training course, 30.

At present the faculty consists of seven members,
five colored and two white.

The school is located among thousands of Baptists,
and will in time take its place as one of the very
large Baptist schools. Prof. Levister is a young
and energetic man, who will be able to push the
work with vigor. They will in time be able to add
more of the industrial work, which will be of great
help to certain classes of students who do not care
to take the higher courses, and will find industrial
education very helpful to them.

VIRGINIA BAPTIST SEMINARY.

The Virginia Seminary was founded by the Vir
ginia Baptist State Convention during its annual
session of May, 1887, at Alexandria, Va., and was
incorporated February 24, 1888, by an act of the
General Assembly. The aim of the Seminary is to
give a thorough and practical education to the col
ored youth. Under the provisions of the charter a
committee was appointed to purchase suitable grounds,
which committee purchased the present site at Lynch-
burg. The corner-stone was laid in July, 1888. The

48 Evidences of Progress

school was opened January 13, 1890. The property is
held in trust by a Board of Managers for the Virginia
Baptist State Convention. The school is supported
by the colored Baptists of Virginia, who number
more than 200,000.

At the time this sketch was written the valuation
of the entire property of the institution was estimated

VIRGINIA BAPTIST SEMINARY, LYNCHBURG, VA.

at $40,000. The enrolment of students for 1900
numbered 250. The development of this institution
has been most creditable to the Baptists of the State
of Virginia.

The following compose the faculty of this institu
tion for 1896 :

Prof. Gregory W. Hayes, A. M., President, Prof.
Bernard Tyrrell, A. M., Prof. J. M. Arter, A. M., Prof.
U. S. G. Patterson, George Moore, Mrs. Mittie E.
Tyler, Miss Lula E. Johnson, R. Lee Hemmings,

Among- Colored People. 49

Lewis W. Black, Miss Carrie L. Callaway, Walter
W. Johnson, Miss Minnie Norvell.

The chairman of the Board of Managers is Rev.
R. Spiller ; secretary, Rev. P. F. Morris.

Rev. P. F. Morris, D. D., was the first president of
the Seminary, but on account of failing health he
resigned the position before the institution had been
completed.

PROF. GREGORY W. HAYES, A. M.

When President G. W. Hayes was appointed to
take charge of the work, he had to start under many
disadvantages, a depleted treasury on the part of
the Baptist State Convention, and with no available
sources from which financial aid could readily be pro
cured. By his zeal and enterprise a large building
now crowns one of the most beautiful hills in the
vicinity of Lynchburg.

Prof. Gregory W. Hayes was born of slave par
ents in Amelia county, Va., September 8, 1862.
He graduated from Oberlin, one of the first institu
tions of learning in the State of Ohio, in the class of
'88 and was elected to the chair of pure mathematics
in the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute,
which position he held for three years. He was the
first president of the National Baptist Educational
Convention for the United States and was commis-
sioner-in-chief from Virginia for the Southern Inter-
State Exposition. He was elected president of Vir
ginia Seminary in 1891.

In young men like Prof. Hayes rests the future of
the race. He is an able orator, and whenever he
4

50 Evidences of Progress

speaks to a body of people he enlightens them. The
future before him is bright. Modest, unassuming,

PROF. GREGORY W. HAYES, A. M.

brilliant, he stands tip-toe upon the threshold of suc
cess and justice bids him enter.

ARKADELPHIA ACADEMY.

The Arkadelphia Academy was organized Aug,
15, 1890, as Arkadelphia Industrial College. In
1892 the name was changed to the Arkadelphia

Among Colored People. 51

Academy, and it was made tributary to the Arkansas
Baptist College at Little Rock, Ark. The school
had few friends and no money when started ; but in
1896 the property was valued at $12,000.

F. L. Jones, A. M., is the principal. The object of
the school is to train workers for the Sabbath school
and other departments of church and Christian work .
to this end every person in the school is required to
study the Bible, as the Bible is the foundation of all
instruction given, and with it go all the cognate
studies. The institution is located at Arkadelphia,
Arkansas.

THE FLORIDA INSTITUTE.

The history of " The Florida Institute," at Live
Oak, Fla., is interwoven with every effort of the
colored Baptists of the State. As early as 1 868, when
the colored Baptist churches in Florida were very
few, the fathers of the church in that section took
the initiatory steps toward the establishment of this
institution.

After much deliberation Live Oak was chosen as
the place of location. About three and a half acres
of land, with an incomplete building, originally in
tended for a court house, were purchased at a cost of
$2,000. This money was raised by the colored Bap
tists of Florida. The final payment was made in
1876. The school was incorporated the same year.
The school was opened October I, 1860. Rev. J. L.
A. Fish was the first president. He was assisted in the
work by his wife and other teachers from the North.

52 Evidences of Progress .

Under his wise management the school rose rapidly,
against many odds, and took rank among the best of
its kind in the State. His administration lasted ten
years, during which time the school developed into a
power for good, and its influence became far-reaching.
Many of the ablest teachers and ministers of the
State were trained in this institution. Others, who
have made success in business and in professions, re
ceived their training in the Florida Institute.

In 1882 a two-story frame building for the accom
modation of girls was erected. In 1884 additional
grounds and a building for a boys' dormitory were
purchased, making in all about ten acres of land, a
school building, two dormitories, and the president's
residence. Total valuation, about $15,000.

From 1882 to 1887 Dr. Fish edited and published
The Florida Baptist, the denominational State organ.
The work was done chiefly by the students. Also
in the Institute's printing office the work of printing
the minutes of the State Convention and the various
associations was conducted for several years. The
Florida Institute Messenger is now published monthly
by the school.

The library of the school contains about I,OOO
volumes, many of which are of great value.

The annual enrolment averages about 125. Many
of the students are from the best families, and represent
every part of the State, and some from other States.

The courses of study embrace the Normal Prepar
atory, Academic, Theological, and Industrial.

About twenty acres of land near the school are

Among Colored People. 53

rented at moderate cost, making in all about twenty-
five acres cultivated by the students under the direc
tion of a competent professor.

The religious character of the school is a marked
feature.

PROF. H. B. LAWRENCE.

Prof. Lawrence, of Massachusetts, served as pres
ident during the school year 1890-1891. Rev. M.
W. Gilbert was appointed to succeed him in 1891.
His administration lasted one year. This year (1896),
for the first time, the entire faculty is colored.

October I, 1892, Rev. G. P. McKinney was
appointed president, and now serves his fourth year.

The school is enshrined in the hearts of the col
ored Baptists of Florida. This is evidenced by the
large and liberal contributions they make annually
for its support.

REV. GEO. P. MCKINNEY.

In May of 1892, Rev. George P. McKinney was
called upon to take the presidency of this institution,
the same school in which he began his student life
ten years previous.

As president of Florida Institute, pastor of the
African Baptist Church, president of Florida Baptist
Congress, corresponding secretary State Convention,
vice-president State Teachers' Association, and vice-
president of the Sunday-school State Convention,
he has indicated his fitness and ability.

His field of labor is the State of Florida, and as a.

54 Evidences of Progress

bold defendant of truth, virtue and morality, he feels
himself specially appointed to attack the wrong
wherever it is found. By his bold and unmitigating
attacks he does not always receive compliments

REV. GEO. P. McKINNEY.

from the assaulted. He teaches the young men
under his care to stand by the right even though you
be left alone in doing so. In giving this advice to
his students, with a serious look into the future, zeal-
ous that they should rise up and bless the world, his

Among Colored People. 55

profound earnestness discloses the fact that he is a
man who knows what he wants and goes straight to
his goal.

STATE UNIVERSITY.

The State University of Louisville, Ky., is the
oldest, largest and most influential institution in
the State owned and operated by the colored people.

This institution is the outcome of a general discus
sion which followed the close of the war, among the
colored people, as to the best means of elevating the
race and teaching true citizenship. In these discus
sions the Baptists were foremost, and took the first
steps looking forward to bringing about some of the
wise suggestions made by those who had spent their
lives as slaves and had just been given the rights of
American citizens by the Emancipation Proclamation
of Abraham Lincoln.

A call for a convention issued by the leading
Baptist ministers to be held in August, 1865, at the
Fifth Street Baptist Church, Louisville, Ky., was
responded to by a large delegation.

Annual meetings were held at such times and

o

places as agreed upon by each annual gathering. In
1869, the necessity for fostering an institution where
colored men and women could obtain a Christian
education was brought up and practical steps were
taken to perfect the organization.

The session held at Lexington, Ky., made applica
tion to the State Legislature for a charter. This
petition was granted by a charter to the General Asso-

56 Evidences of Progress

elation of Colored Baptists, authorizing them to estab
lish a school in the State.

The purchase of ground and the erection of an
edifice was the next thing to receive attention.
Subscriptions were taken by the leaders, and collec
tions raised in all the churches. It resulted in Old
Fort Hill at Frankfort being purchased, but it was
found that it could not be utilized for the purpose for
which it was bought, and it was sold.

Contributions were raised, the trustees were kept
busy looking out for another site, a few young and
active men were members of the Board and rendered
good service. Among them was William H.
Steward, who was employed in the Louisville post-
office as carrier, and a representative of his race.

In February, 1879, the school was opened by
Rev. E. P. Marrs, with his brother, H. C. Marrs, as
assistant, and the attendance was large. Mr. Stew
ard was elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Thus the work progressed and students came in
from all parts of the State. At the close of the first
year the work looked encouraging.

William H. Steward is termed the pioneer of
colored Baptists in Kentucky. This distinction he
has won by personal attention to the religious and
educational work. In order that the new institution
meet with success, he has given hundreds of dollars
at a time to assist in prosecuting the work of this
University.

Through the efforts of Mr. Steward, the State
University is the great institution that it is to-day.

Among Colored People. 57

It was through his efforts that the services of the late
Rev. William J. Simmons, D. D., as president of the
institution, and also that the present president, Rev.
Charles L. Puree, D. D., were secured.

The faculty of State University is composed of
some of the best educated men and women of the
country. It consists of Rev. C. L. Puree, D. D.,
President, Theology and Philosophy; Prof. R. S.
Wilkinson, A. M., Languages and Political Science ;
Prof. W. H. Huffman, A. B., Mathematics and
Natural Sciences ; Prof. A. G. Gilbert, M. D., Eng
lish and Hygienic Science ; Prof. L. M. Seeley,
English and History ; Prof. L. V. Jones, English
and Cognate Branches ; Mrs. M. E. Steward, Music ;
Mrs. F. R. Givens, Art ; Mrs. M. B. Wallace, Matron.

This institution is well supported by the colored
people of the State and its work is deserving of
high praise,

REV. CHARLES L. PURGE, A. B., D. D.

Dr. Puree is one of the best known educators in
this country. He was for ten years president of the
Selma University, located at Selma, Ala. He ac
cepted the presidency in 1894, and has done good
work for the elevation of the denomination.

He succeeded in paying off the debt of Selma
University of $8,OOO, and by his pluck and persever
ance he made many additions to the school and im
proved the system of education in it. He is a man
of good common sense as well as of high mental
attainments. He never allows himself to suffer defeat

58 Evidences of Progress

under any circumstances. As a leader among the
colored people, he is highly esteemed and acknowl
edged.

The following letter from Mrs. M. C. Reynolds,

REV. CHARLES L. PURGE, A. B., D. D.,

President of State University, Louisville, Ky.

corresponding secretary of the New England Wo
men's Home Mission Society, of Boston, Mass.,
will show in what light Dr. Puree is regarded by
noble white people in the North :

" Dr. Puree is highly esteemed by me. I visited his

Among- Colored People. 59

work, in Selma, Ala., and I liked him very much.
He is one of the few colored men who now are
fitted to lead. So many are impetuous, sensitive,
not well balanced. So many fail to see that it takes
time to bring order out of this race chaos. Patience
is what is needed. Some have it, some have it not.
Some are far-sighted and are willing to bide God's
time ; these are the leaders."

The corps of competent instructors under Dr.
Puree at State University are busily engaged daily in
the theological, college, normal, grammar, art, music,
sewing and printing departments, preparing young
men and young women for future usefulness.

Never before in the history of Kentucky were there
so many boys and girls, men and women, striving to
get an education. And this desire has been inspired
by the noble life and character of Rev. C. L. Puree.

WALKER BAPTIST INSTITUTE.

Walker Institute was founded at Augusta, Ga. In
corporated in 1885. Teachers employed are all col
ored. The school has an average attendance of over
one hundred. This institution takes its name from
the Walker Baptist Association under whose auspices
it exists. For the last few years the work has made
rapid strides forward, winning the patronage of Bap
tists in both the city and adjoining counties. Two
classes have graduated, and the young people are
leading useful lives as teachers and preachers. The
Walker Baptist Institute aims at Christian education
and the perpetuity of the church which gave it birth,

60 Evidences of Progress

It aims at the highest good of man at home and
abroad. Its course of study is academic, and, since
this is the golden mean between the common school
and the higher and professional institutions of learn
ing, it aims at a happy combination of quality and
quantity. Its management is in hearty accord with
higher training as the shortest and safest route to
successful leadership in literary or professional life.
The main support of this work is derived from the
following organizations for stated purposes : the
American Baptist Home Mission Society, Walker
Baptist Association, the Home Board of the South
ern Baptist Convention ; while a small part of the
current expense is met by tuition fees and subscrip
tions by a few friends.

PROF. N. W. CURTVVRIGHT, A. B.

Prof. N. W. Curtwright, principal of Walker Bap
tist Institute, is a native of Georgia. He had but very
little time in his younger life that he could devote to
his education. But being by nature a close student
made the most of what time he did have to attend
school. In 1888 he received his first certificate to
teach in the public schools of his State. In 1889
he entered the junior preparatory class of Atlanta
University at Atlanta, Ga. During his seven years'
course in this school he was regarded as a very hard
and energetic student and made rapid progress in
his studies. When he graduated in 1896 he was
chosen to represent his class at commencement.
Immediately after graduation he was called to the
chair of Latin and Greek at Haine's Normal and

Among Colored People. 6 1

Industrial Institute at Augusta, Ga. He served in
this position one year and part of the second year,
when he resigned to accept the principalship of Eddy
High School at Milledgeville, Ga. At the close of

PROF. N. W. GURTWF.IGHT, A. B.

the year was re-elected. But on the same day was
elected as principal of Walker Baptist Institute, which
position he had never in any way sought. We feel
that the trustees have made no mistake in placing
Prof. Curtwrisfht at the head of this institution.

62 Evidences of Progress

COLEMAN ACADEMY.

Coleman Academy was founded at Gibsland, La.,
and incorporated in 1 887. The teachers employed are
all colored, and there are six in number. This insti
tution was founded by Prof. O. L. Coleman, who saw
the need of such a school in north Louisiana, as there
was a wide scope of country where there had never
been a high school for colored people. The school
was first opened in a church building in Gibsland,
La., in 1887, with only ten pupils. The school has
grown rapidly, and during the first five years of its
history but little money was received by the princi
pal or teachers, as they allowed their salary to go
toward building better and more suitable buildings
for their purpose. The institution has six depart
ments, and a full and competent faculty. An indus
trial and ministerial department were added in 1897.
The school has an enrollment of over 200 from some
four different States. Ten acres of land, three large
two-story buildings, one kitchen laundry building,
and a new barn constitute the property of the insti
tution.

PROF. O. L. COLEMAN, A. M.

Prof. O. L. Coleman is a native of Livingston,
Miss. He first attended the public school of that
town. He afterwards went to Alcorn College, then
Alcorn University. He also attended school at
Washington, D. C. At that time he thought of read
ing medicine, but gave that up to devote his life as a
teacher. He took a course at Chautauqua University,
New York, of four years in the study of classics,
elocution, and pedagogy

Among Colored People.

PROF. O L. COLKlVfAN, A. M.

ARKANSAS BAPTIST COLLEGE.

This school is located at Little Rock, Ark. It
was originated by the colored Baptists, in their
convention in session at Hot Springs, August,
1884. In the following autumn, school was begun
and operated as " The Baptist Institute," using the
Mt. Zion house of worship in this city as its first
schoolroom. In 1885 Mt. Pleasant house of worship
was secured. In that same year, with the aid of

64 Evidences of Progress

Rev. Harry Woodsmall, articles of association were
drawn up, and the Institute was legally organized
and incorporated under the laws of the State, and
known henceforth as the Arkansas Baptist College,
with capital stock of $50,000, divided up into shares
of $50 each, payable in instalments of $10 a year.

While the " Pastors' Course " was the most promi
nent feature of the school to begin with, this served
as a nucleus around which popular interest collected
and grew, and as fast as possible Literary Courses of
study were developed and taught, and students from
different parts of the State increased in attendance
every year, until now the institution has grown in
numbers, work and workers, to a very favorable com
parison with other colleges in the South.

The spirit of the school is decidedly of a missionary
nature. It was established, more than for anything
else, to aid teachers and preachers in a higher fitness
for their work. Indeed, it .aims to specially train
preachers and teachers on moral questions, religious
obligations and spiritual work. But it also aims to
give liberal education in those branches of science,
arts, literature and language commonly taught in
American colleges, and to give practical training in
the industrial and business features of lifework.. It
is quite unpretentious in all its work, aiming to be,
rather than to seem.

The school owns one block, in the southwest part
of the city. This property was bought by the colored
people at a cost of $5,000. The site is high and desir
able, overlooking its surroundings in every direction.

Among Colored People.

PROF. J. A. BOOKER, A. M.

Rev. Joseph A. Booker is the president of this
school, and his services are highly appreciated by the
citizens of the State.

PROF. J. A. BOOKER, A. M.

WATERS' NORMAL INSTITUTE.

Waters' Normal Institute, located at Winton, N. C,
was incorporated in 1887. Rev. C. S. Brown is its
principal. Four colored teachers are employed in
this school and excellent work is being; done. Rev.

66

Evidences of Progress

Brown has, by energy and determination, built up
this work, and as some of the evidences of the thor
oughness of the instruction given, a large number of
teachers, holding first grade certificates have gone
out of this school to teach in the public schools of
Hertford and adjacent counties. The Baptists in

WATERS' NORMAL INSTITUTE.

Eastern North Carolina appreciate his executive
ability and they render him hearty support in his
enterprise.

REV. CALVIN S. BROWN, A. B.

Rev. C. S. Brown is an interesting character. He
was born of slave parents. He became a teacher in
one of the public schools of Salisbury, N. C., at the
age of fifteen, having stood an examination before
the school board of that city and received a first grade

Among Colored People.

67

certificate. In 1880 he entered Shaw University for
the purpose of studying theology. Six years later
he graduated and was valedictorian of his class. He
is not only an active man as the principal of the
Waters' Normal Institute, but is the successful pastor

REV. CALVIN S. BROWN, A. B.

of a large Baptist church at Pleasant Plains, in Hert
ford county, near Winton, N. C. At one time he
held four churches with an aggregate membership
of 2,500. For some years he was the editor of The
Baptist Pilot, secretary of the State Ministerial Asso-

68 Evidences of Progress

elation and secretary of the State Baptist Associa
tion.

SELMA UNIVERSITY.

This institution is located in the suburbs of
Selma, Alabama, on what was known as the agricul
tural fair grounds. The property was bought in
1878, comprising thirty-six acres of land with one
small building, at a cost of $3,000. Not only did
the colored people of the State pay for this, but pro
ceeded to make improvements, and at the same time
gave money for the support of the school. The
property is now valued at $15,000.

Rev, R. T. Pollard is now president of Selma Uni
versity. He succeeds the late Rev. C. S. Dinkins.

HEARNE ACADEMY.

Hearne Academy, at Hearne, Texas, is one of the
best institutions of the kind in the State. The
colored people contribute $2,405 toward the support
of this school yearly, and while the enrolment of
students only numbers 76 for 1896, the influence of
the school is felt throughout the entire State. Rev.
J. F. Anderson is principal. Five colored teachers
are employed. Rev. Anderson will push the work at
Hearne in a faithful and vigorous manner which will
bring to the institution both friends and success.

NATCHEZ COLLEGE.

Natchez College is located at Natchez, Miss. This
school is one of very great interest, and one that the
colored people are very proud of, from the fact that

Among Colored People.

the support of this institution comes entirely from
the colored Baptists of the State. The school is at
tended by about two hundred students, mostly
from the State of Mississippi. Prof. S. H. C. Owen,
president.

PROF. S. H. C. OWEN, A. M.

Prof. Samuel Henry Clay Owen, president of

PROF. S. H. C. OWEN, A. M.

Natchez College, was born at Durhamville, Tenn.,
March 6, 1856. He is a graduate of Roger Williams

70 Evidences of Progress

University. Prof. Owen has been twice elected presi
dent of the Natchez College. He is doing a most
excellent work there and has made the school one
of the leading institutions of the South,

JERUEL ACADEMY.

Jeruel Academy, located at Athens, Ga., is a small
school, but it is doing a splendid work. Rev. J. H.
Brown is its principal. There are upward of sixty
young men and women in regular attendance.

HOWE INSTITUTE.

Howe Institute, at New Iberia, La., was estab
lished in 1888; Rev. E. N. Smith, principal. Con
sidering the many disadvantages of the locality, the
school has done remarkably well. Rev. Mr. Smith
is aided by three colored teachers.

SPILLER ACADEMY.

Spiller Academy, located at Hampton, Va., was
founded by Rev. R. Spiller, and in 1897 became af
filiated with the Virginia Union University; Rev. G.
E. Read, principal, 1898; colored teachers, 4. Rev.
Spiller, the founder of this institution, has been for
years one of the most prominent Baptist pastors in
Virginia.

FLORIDA BAPTIST ACADEMY.

This school is located at Jacksonville, Fla. It was
incorporated in 1892. Prof. N. W. Collier is its prin
cipal. There are six colored teachers at work in this
institution, and the reports from this school are very
encouraging. The colored people in the State con
tributed $1,320 toward its support in 1895.

CHAPTER III.

CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOLS.

IN this chapter, I propose to set forth the important
educational work carried on in the South by the
American Missionary Association. This work has
certainly been significant, and I can do nothing
better than quote from Mr. L. B. Moore, Professor at
Howard University, Washington, D. C, these words
on the industrial schools :

"These industrial schools have been sending to
the country places and to the small towns a host
of young people who have gone forth as skilled me
chanics, and they have gathered them in from the
hills and valleys and said, ' Go and learn how to
farm with improved implements; go and learn the
carpenter's trade with the best tools; learn painting
and shoemaking and blacksmithing, and carry the
knowledge of these things back to the homes whence
you came.' They have been teaching the dignity of
labor.

" These industrial schools have also been teaching
the value of free labor. The South is just waking
up to see what it has lost by slavery. If the white
man of the South had been as shrewd as the white
man of the East was, he would not now be groaning
in poverty and saying, ' We would like to help in
this work, but we are so poor.'

C7O

72 Evidences of Progress

" The colleges of this Association are sending out
leaders for the people, and oh, how my people need
leaders ! I can take you to places where the blind
are leading the blind, and they are both falling into
the ditch together. How important it is that there
should be leaders among this people to instruct and
help them! These colleges have sent forth 1,000
college-bred men who are going to teach that peo
ple; and I tell you the time is coming vvhen that
thousand will be increased by another thousand, and
the ignorant and ofttimes immoral leaders will have
to give way before the light which is now rising.

" Now, why ought this work to be sustained ?
The first reason is, it pays, and that is the business
reason. When a man invests money he wants to
know whether it is going to yield him a large in
come. Can you show me a work that has brought
a larger income than the work of the American
Missionary Association ? Can you show me a peo
ple in all history that has made the progress which
has been made by the black people in the South
according to your own testimony and the testimony
of white men in the South ?

" Then there is another thing : this work is but
justice. It is but just to the slave who toiled for
250 years and accumulated the wealth of this nation.
The white man and the colored man were in partner
ship together for 250 years — John Smith & Co.: but-
when the dividends were declared, John Smith got
them all and the poor colored man has yet to get a

Among Colored People.

73

settlement. So he is just asking for a share in the
dividends."

FISK UNIVERSITY.

Fisk University is located at Nashville, Tenn.
Rev. J. G. Merrill, D. D., is the president.

The work of founding Fisk University was begun
in October, 1865, by the purchase of a half square of
ground in Nashville and securing the large Govern-

THEOLOGICAL HAUL

FISK UNIVERSITY, NASHVILLE, TENN.

ment hospital that had been erected during the war.
The Fisk School was opened January 6, 1 866, and
the attendance for the first year was over 1,000.
There were then no public schools in Nashville for
colored children.

The charter for the incorporation of the University
under the laws of Tennessee was secured August 22,
1867.

74 Evidences of Progress

The Jubilee Singers were sent forth to raise
money for the University October 6, 1871. The net
result of their campaign was $i 50,000 in money,
besides valuable apparatus, books for the library, and
several valuable portraits. This success led to the
establishment of the University on its present most
beautiful and commanding site, one and a quarter
miles north-west of the State capital.

The University has in successful operation the
following departments :

1. The Common English, which has been main
tained to meet a continued need on the part of many
of the patrons of the University.

2. The Normal, which has a course of study
extending over four years, beginning with Latin and
Algebra.

3. The College Preparatory, which has a course
of study extending over three years, beginning with
Latin and Algebra, and requiring two years of Greek.

4. The College, which has a four years course of
study additional to that provided in the College
Preparatory course.

5. Department of Music, with an extended course
in both instrumental music and voice culture.
There are 150 pupils in this department. In addi
tion, vocal music is taught throughout all the courses
of study. The Mozart Society studies and renders
the classics in music.

6. Industrial. Printing and Carpentry are taught
to young men. The young women are instructed
in Nursing, Cooking and Sewing.

Among Colored People. 75

7. Theological. For the use of this Department
the Theological Hall, represented in the cut on page
73, has been erected. The course of study extends
over three years.

The University has a campus of thirty-five acres
with buildings and other appliances for its educa
tional work, which could not be replaced for
$350,000. Number of officers and teachers, thirty.
Number of students last year, 478, representing
twenty-three States and Territories.

The constant aim in Fisk University has been to
build up a great central institution for the higher
education of colored youth of both sexes. The
faculty and trustees have held undeviatingly to this
purpose and the result is that Fisk offers unusual
advantages to those who are seeking earnestly for a
thorough education.

For healthfulness and beauty of location, in build
ings and apparatus, the University is justly ranked
as foremost.

Already 291 have been graduated from the Col
lege and Normal Departments. The Theological
Department, though the last established, offers ex
cellent facilities to those who wish to prepare them
selves for the Christian ministry.

The Department of Music numbers over one hun
dred and offers superior advantages for the study of
piano-forte, organ and voice culture.

TALLADEGA COLLEGE.

This institution was founded in 1867 by the

76 Evidences of Progress

American Missionary Association at Talladega, Ala.s
and incorporated for the purpose of affording " facili
ties for the education and training of youth, from
which no one shall be debarred on account of race
or color."

It is easily accessible from all parts of the State,
and is so far removed from the great cotton belt as
to escape the more intense heat and malaria of that
region. The buildings, shaded by trees, stand on
high ground, about half a mile from the village of
Talladega.

In the vicinity of coal fields, surrounded by hills
filled with iron, in the midst of a rapidly increasing
population, with clear air and pure water, Talladega
College is not surpassed in advantages of location
and beauty of scenery by any institution in the
South.

The departments of study are Theological, College
Preparatory, Normal, Grammar and lower grades,
Vocal and Instrumental Music.

The industries are Agriculture, Architectural Draw
ing, Carpentry, Cooking, Housekeeping, Nursing,
Printing, Sewing. There are twenty-four instructors
and officers. Over 500 pupils in annual attendance,
representing most of the Southern States.

Graduates from various departments of the College
are occupying prominent positions as pastors and
teachers, or in business. Seven mission Sunday
schools in the vicinity of Talladega, enrolling 350
pupils, are maintained by students during term time.
At least 3,000 pupils are in attendance upon the

Among Colored People. 77

country district schools in charge of undergraduates.
An institute for the farmers of the county is statedly
held under Collegiate auspices and annual meetings
of several days' length are conducted in three or
four of the counties of the State for the benefit of
teachers. In these and similar ways the College is
proving itself a mighty and growing force in pro
moting the physical, intellectual and moral welfare
of the people.

From numerous testimonials concerning the worth
and work of the College, the following are here
given. The County Superintendent of Education
writes :

" I have a favorable opportunity of knowing the
thoroughness with which your students are taught.
Many of the undergraduates have applied to me for
certificates of qualification to teach in the public
schools. They show that they have been success
fully instructed in both manners and matter. It is
quite observable that the influence of the College is
seen and felt by both races ; and I cheerfully recom
mend it to all lovers of fallen humanity."

An editorial in the Mountain Home, the principal
paper in the county, makes this statement: "In two
particulars we had the same impression in all cases,
namely: that the teachers are thoroughly equipped
in all that constitutes efficiency as instructors, and
that the students showed remarkable proficiency in
their studies."

Rev. G. A. Lofton, D. D., in writing to the New
York Examiner y says : "It would be impossible to tell

78 Evidences of Progress

the moral effect of this school as immediately felt
upon this section of the State. Especially does itlay
an excellent moral foundation upon which the stu
dents build character ; and culture and refinement in
all directions are everywhere manifest."

TOUGALOO UNIVERSITY.

This institution is located in the beautiful little
village of Tougaloo, in the very middle of the State
of Mississippi, a few miles from Jackson, the capital.
It is in the heart of the Black Belt, where the colored
people outnumber the whites. The standards in
this school are very good, while the teaching is
especially excellent.

Rev. Frank G. Woodworth, D. D., is its president
The number of pupils in all the departments of this
institution for 1896 was upwards of 400.

Industrial education is thoroughly graded and ably
taught. Students are not only made familiar with
the use of tools, but are required to make out
bills of material, working plans, plans for construc
tion, etc., and to execute them intelligently. In agri
culture, the plantation of Tougaloo comprises 640
acres, and about 150 acres are under excellent culti
vation, and pupils are practically taught the care of
cattle, horses, and mules, plowing and planting, culti
vation of crops, gardening, fruit-culture, steam-sawing
and the like. In nurse-training this school has had
special advantages. Instruction is daily given in
nursing and hygiene, with a special course of two
years for those who desire to make nursing the sick a

Among Colored People.

79

profession. The course in cooking, and in sewing
and dressmaking, is excellent.

HOWARD UNIVERSITY.

This institution was established by the friends of
the freedmen — especially through the instrumentality
of the distinguished soldier whose name it bears, and
whose spirit its teachers seek to emulate— imme-

HOWARD UNIVERSITY.

diately after the war. It has always welcomed all
nationalities alike. Its work of years is now before
the country. Every year the Trustees seek to enlarge
its scope and fit it for greater usefulness. Important
additions have lately been made to its teaching force,
and to its literary and scientific appliances.

The institution occupies an elevated and beautiful
site at the northern edge of the city of Washington,
on a twenty-acre campus, fronting a park of ten acres,

80 Evidences of Progress

and having the Reservoir Lake immediately adjacent
on the east. The University edifice, four stories in
height, contains recitation and lecture rooms, chapel,
library, and laboratory rooms, museum, and offices.
The Medical Building is on the south of the Park,
and the Law Building is on the west side of
Judiciary Square. Miner Hall, presided over by the
Matron and Preceptress, is set apart for young lady
students. Clark Hall is for young men. Spaulding
Industrial Hall (named after Martha Spaulding, of
Lowell, Mass.) is devoted to instruction in various
trades.

Rev. John Gordon, D. D., is the president; Mr.
George H. Sofford, secretary and treasurer. The
work at Howard University is thorough and sys
tematic. A great many applicants are refused admis
sion to this institution from year to year, because
they cannot meet the necessary requirements. How
ard graduates are usually regarded as thoroughly-
equipped men and women.

TILLOTSON COLLEGE.

This institution is located at Austin, Tex.; Mar
shall R. Gaines, President. It was established by
the American Missionary Association, and is main
tained under its supervision. It was opened to
students in January, 1881. The Institute was named
in honor of the late Rev. George J. Tillotson, of
Wethersfield, Conn., whose generous contributions
and earnest efforts were greatly instrumental in
purchasing the lot and erecting Allen Hall. It has

Among Colored People. 8 1

enjoyed a steady growth in the public confidence
from the first.

During the present year a new charter has been
granted and the name changed to Tillotson College.

There are two entirely separate buildings, especially
designed and erected as dormitories, and for school
purposes. These will accommodate, without crowd
ing, 125 students, besides the rooms for members of
the faculty. The boys and girls are, therefore, in
different buildings. The boarding department is in
the girls' hall, 600 feet north of Allen Hall.

The object of the College is to furnish an oppor
tunity to acquire a thoroughly practical common-
school education; to prepare those who propose to
take a more extended course for entrance to the
highest educational institutions of the land; to train
teachers for all positions in the public schools. It
is a Christian institution, conducted in the belief
that Christian faith is the true source of the highest
culture.

STRAIGHT UNIVERSITY.

Straight University is located at New Orleans, La. ;
Oscar Atwood, A. M., President. The first building
for this school was erected by the United States
Government about three years after the war, upon
land purchased by the American Missionary Asso
ciation.

The history of the University is a record of steady

growth and expanding influence. It was the pioneer

school in this section of the South, in offering the

recently emancipated race the opportunity for an

6

82 Evidences of Progress

education leavened with the spirit of the Gospel — -an
opportunity of which, from the very first, they availed
themselves with grateful appreciation. During all the
years since, though not without those trials which
have tested the faith and devotion of her friends, her
progress has been steady and salutary, keeping pace
with the growing intelligence of the people, her
courses of study being enlarged from time to time to
meet their higher intellectual wants, the manifest
fruit, in large part, of her own faithful educational
ministry.

Thus her history is, in some respects, the intellect
ual history of the colored people in this part of the
South, since they received the gift of freedom, the
successive additions of the Normal, Collegiate and
Theological Departments marking and measuring
the moral and intellectual advancement of the race.

The institution received its name from Hon. Sey
mour Straight, of Hudson, Ohio, in grateful acknowl
edgment of his liberal gifts and wise counsel. Mr.
Straight is still the President of the Board of
Trustees.

Stone Hall, with the ground upon which it stands,
is a fine monument to the considerate generosity of
Mrs. Valeria G. Stone, of Maiden, Mass. It is a
dormitory for the girls, and the home of the President
and most of the teachers. Here, too, are the kitchen
and the cool and spacious dining room.

The general housekeeping is under the supervision
of an efficient matron, and an experienced and com
petent preceptress teaches the girls how to care for

Among Colored People. 83

their rooms and their health, and trains them in the
manners of a refined, Christian home. In a word,
the whole management of Stone Hall, with the con
stant inculcation of the principles of good breeding
by precept and example, is an impressive object-
lesson to the students of what constitutes the ideal
Christian family.

Whitin Hall, a dormitory for boys, is a memorial
of the generosity of Hon. Seymour Straight and the
late John C. Whitin, of Massachusetts. This is
under the charge of an accomplished matron.

BEACH INSTITUTE.

Beach Institute is located at Savannah, Ga. ; Miss
M. L. Graham, Principal.

The educational movement which finally took the
name " Beach Institute " began thus :

Soon after the surrender of Savannah to General
Sherman, educational work for colored people was
begun under the direction of an " Educational Com
mission," organized by Rev. J. W. Alvord and Rev.
M. French. The first schools were opened by Rev.
W. F. Richardson with the aid of colored teachers in
the old slave mart and the Styles building in Yama-
craw.

Soon after, Rev. S. W. Magill, a native of Georgia
and agent of the American Missionary Association in
Connecticut, came from the North with a corps of
competent teachers and opened a school in the Meth
odist Church on South Broad street. At the close
of the first week 300 children and 118 women were

84 Evidences of Progress

enrolled. The school soon outgrew its quarters and
was removed to the Massie school on Gordon street,
which building was assigned to this service by Gen
eral Grover, commander of the district.

Previous to 1867 the colored Methodist Church,
New street ; Lamar Hall, Liberty street ; the lecture
rooms of First and Bryan Baptist Churches ; Sturte-
vant Hall, an old wooden structure on the site of
present buildings at corner of Price and Harris streets,
sheltered this A. M. A. work.

In 1867 commodious buildings were erected by the
American Missionary Association, and dedicated as
Beach Institute, in honor of Alfred E. Beach, Esq.,
editor of the Scientific American, who donated the
funds to purchase the site.

There were 600 scholars, with ten teachers, at this
time.

The teachers' home, 30 Harris street, was first oc
cupied on Thanksgiving day, 1867.

The attendance and teaching force remained at
about the same numbers until 1875, when the build
ing was rented to the city for the use of the public
school conducted by the Board of Education.

In 1879 tne Association again assumed charge in
order to secure a higher grade of instruction than
the public school authorities thought it wise for
them to furnish.

AVERY INSTITUTE.

The Avery Institute at Charleston, S. C, is doing
a splendid work for the educational and moral uplifting
of the colored people of the State. I do not know of

Among Colored People. 85

a single school in the State where so many children
are in constant attendance. I have visited this
school and I have always found every seat in the
chapel occupied ; in fact, the entire building is usually
crowded.

The following is a complete list of all the normal
and graded schools conducted by the American Mis
sionary Association in the South :

Gregory Institute, Wilmington, N. C, Washburn
Seminary, Beaufort, N. C., Lincoln Academy, All
Healing, N. C, Skyland Institute, Blowing Rock, N.
C., Saluda Seminary, Saluda, N. C., Brewer Normal
School, Greenwood, S. C., Dorchester Academy,
Mclntosh, Ga., Storrs School, Atlanta, Ga., Ballard
Normal Institute, Macon, Ga., Allen Normal and In
dustrial School, Thomasville, Ga., Knox Institute,
Athens, Ga., Normal Institute, Albany, Ga., Normal
School, Orange Park, Fla., Union School, Martin, Fla.,
Trinity School, Athens, Ala., Normal School, Marion,
Ala., Emerson Institute, Mobile, Ala., Burrell School,
Selma, Ala., Green Academy, Nat, Ala., Industrial
Training School, Anniston, Ala., Carpenter High
School, Florence, Ala., Le Moyne Institute, Memphis,
Tenn., Warner Institute, Jonesboro', Term., Slater
Training School, Knoxville, Tenn., Grand View
Academy, Grand View, Tenn., Pleasant Hill, Tenn.,
Cumberland Gap, Tenn., Crossville, Tenn., Chandler
Normal School, Lexington, Ky., Williamsburg, Ky.,
Meridian, Miss., Jackson, Miss., Almeda Gardner

86 Evidences of Progress

School, Moorehead, Miss., Helena Normal School,
Helena, Ark.

Total number of schools, 84; total instructors,
408; total pupils, 12,604.

Theological, 113; Collegiate, 55; Collegiate Pre
paratory, 151 ; Normal, 1,455 ; Grammar, 2,770; In
termediate, 3,241 ; Primary, 4,937. Total, 12,604.

Some of these schools are located in the remote
districts of the South among what might be classed
the neglected classes of the colored people. It is a
hard matter to correctly calculate the real worth
of these institutions.

DORCHESTER ACADEMY.

Dorchester Academy, Mclntosh, Ga., is but one
type of a class. It is in the rice fields of Georgia.
Beginning with one teacher, it now numbers 413
pupils, five of whom are in the advanced normal grade.
The principal writes us : " Although my boys and
girls wear dark skins, and come from the rice fields
and turpentine swamps, and their native speech is
sometimes little better than a jargon, still I would
not have hesitated in an exhaustive review of as much
of the work of the year as could be covered in two
days' examination to have put them beside boys and
girls coming from far more favorable surroundings.
It was a thorough test and was well met."

This is a school which, with many variations, may
stand for many. Next, we advance to schools of
higher grade, such as Beach Institute, in Savannah;
Gregory Institute, in Wilmington ; Ballard Normal

Among Colored People. 87

Institute, in Macon ; Allen Normal, in Thomasville ;
Orange Park Normal, in Florida ; Le Moyne Insti
tute, in Memphis ; and Avery Institute, in Charleston
(which has merited its place among chartered insti
tutions) ; and in the entire field twenty-seven more,
each deserving consideration, which together form a
system of schools where disciplined and experienced
instructors are preparing youth for worthy life and
many to be worthy teachers for their less privileged
people. These schools, though unlike in their en
vironments and characteristics, are yet similar in
purpose and not dissimilar in their courses of study.
Northern visitors often express surprise in their dis
covery of the quality of their work.

In referring again to Le Moyne Normal Institute,
I will say it was founded in 1871 by the American
Missionary Association, and named after Dr. F.Julius
Le Moyne of Washington, Pa., who gave some
$20,000 for that purpose.

The course of study is English only, including the
training of teachers through a good normal course
and with considerable attention to manual training,
including woodworking and printing for the boys,
and sewing, cooking, and nursing for the girls. The
school was originally designed to accommodate about
250 pupils, but has grown to a capacity of over 600
in regular attendance, with an annual enrollment of
over 750. The buildings are good and well adapted
to the work carried on in them.

The principal of this school, Mr. A. J. Steele, has
had charge of the work since January, 1874.

CHAPTER IV.

EPISCOPAL SCHOOLS.

WHILE the Episcopal Church has not built up as
many schools for the education of colored people in
the South as many other denominations, the work it
has accomplished is of the most thorough and sys
tematic character.

REV. JAMES S. RUSSELL, ARCHDEACON OF VIRGINIA.

Mr. Russell's early training was under sober, il
literate Christian parents. In very early life he made
a profession of religion, was baptized and joined a
neighboring denominational church. His member
ship remained here until he had read the book of
Common Prayer, when he at once changed his faith
and offered himself as a candidate for the ministry
in the Protestant Episcopal Church. He at first felt
that he would like to be a missionary to Africa, and
his mind was so made up until it was changed by the
earnest persuasions of his aged mother, whose only
child he was. He has long since felt that rich fields,
white and ready to be harvested, awaited him in his own
native State, where his ministry is considered a success.

Mr. Russell had been appointed on different com
mittees in the diocese of Virginia, and at the council
in Norfolk in 1893, diocese of Southern Virginia,
he was made a member of the Committee of the
(88)

Among Colored People. 89

State of the church. He was also notified by Bishop
Randolph at this council that he had nominated him
for his Arch-deacon of the diocese, to have general
charge of the colored work in Southern Virginia,

REV. JAMES S. RUSSELL.

This nomination was confirmed at the meeting of the
Church Commission in Washington, October nth,
of the same year, and the Venerable Arch-deacon
Russell entered upon his new duties immediately
thereafter. This new office relieves him of none' of
the work already carried by him as principal of thf?

go Evidences of Progress

school, for he has the entire care of raising funds to
operate his large school at Lawrenceville, situated in
the heart of the "Black Belt " of Virginia. The school
is inculcating the self-help principle in its students.
The education of head, hand and heart are com
bined.

The industries carried on at present are Black-
smithing, Wheelwrighting, Carpentering, Printing,
Shoemaking, Farming, Grist and Saw-Milling for the
boys, and Cutting, Fitting, Dress-Making, Tailoring,
Cooking, Washing and Ironing for the girls. Machin
ery and material for these departments are needed
and earnestly solicited.

The school has been, and is still, dependent upon
voluntary support from the friends of industrial edu
cation.

The cost of educating a student in St. Paul's is
only $75.00 a year, and the student is required to pay
$50.00 in money and labor, and the friends of the
school are asked to give the $25.00, styled a scholar
ship.

There were over 300 students in attendance for
session 1895-96. The graduating class numbers
twenty, and they represent nine distinct States. The
school has students from sixteen States in the Union.

No discrimination is made on account of one's re
ligious belief, but all are treated alike and all are re
quired to comply with the rules and regulations as
laid down.

The Arch-deacon would find no trouble in ad
mitting 500 or more students if he only had the

Among Colored People. 91

necessary accommodations for them. The Arch
deacon is meeting with great success in the mission
work of his church in the diocese of Southern Vir
ginia.

COLORED ORPHAN ASYLUM AND INDUSTRIAL SCHOOI,
LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA.

This is one of the most interesting Institutions I
know of in the South. It was chartered by the Legis
lature of Virginia, in the year 1889, and is established
for the benefit of colored orphans of the whole conti
nent, to rescue them from brutal treatment, ignorance,
vice, and lives of shame and crime, and to endeavor
to make of them sensible, sober, chaste, industrious,
religious, and useful members of society.

No higher education is here contemplated, ex
ceptional cases aside, than to make of them intelli
gent farmers, mechanics, cooks, etc.

This is a much-needed work. Most abject pov
erty, ignorance and improvidence cause the death
of many, whose offspring are left to the mercy of the
poor neighbor. The orphan, originally received out
of kindness, is kept as a slave, when it is able to do
any kind of work ; and no one suspects that there are
innumerable orphans scattered in cabins, who are
practically slaves, groaning under the bitter burden
of work and the lash of taskmasters of their own
race. The slavery of adults has been abolished, and
the slavery of children has been made more bitter
and more brutal. Now brutal treatment produces

92 Evidences of Progress

brutes ; the man avenges by crime society's guilt in
heartlessly neglecting innocent childhood in its suffer
ings and degradation.

Sufficient as is the direct object of redeeming neg
lected orphans, by itself, to appeal to the heart and
conscience, it is also the most promising work for the
elevation of the whole race.

This race needs examples of new life to free itself
from the influences of the past. It needs examples,
not so much of college-bred men who follow the pro
fessions, as of pure men and women who walk in the
common paths of life, and who can lead in the way
of sensible, honest, industrious, cleanly, and thrifty
living, that the sense of sin and virtue, of the morally
right and wrong, may be developed. This is the
noblest and most promising of charities, because it
is for the youngest, the weakest and the lowest.

The institution occupies a farm of one hundred and
a fraction acres, in a most healthful spot, affording as
fine an opportunity for the bringing up of children
as is to be found in the whole country. When com
pleted, several hundred children will be comfortably
provided for and trained for their life's work. One
wing has been built, and shelters between fifty and
sixty children, who range in age from infancy to fif
teen or sixteen. A second wing is in progress of
erection at this writing. A steam brick yard fur
nishes the brick and will also form part of the indus
trial system.

As to results, so far, it is but the literal truth to
say that orphans who would otherwise have been

Among Colored People.

93

doomed to child slavery and devoted to destruction
of body and soul, not only wonderfully prosper in
health, but are manifestly influenced by the regular
occupation, the firm discipline, the atmosphere of
honesty and fidelity in work, and the mental and re-

HOFFMAN WING OF COLORED ORPHAN ASYLUM AND INDUSTRIAL
SCHOOL.

ligious instruction. The Rev. Paul Sterling, of Mel-
rose, Mass., writes to the New York Churchman:"
" It goes without saying that such a work is doing
good, but its beneficial effects are very evident, even
in the case of the youngest child, and are the best

94 Evidences of Progress

possible endorsement of the wisdom and capacity of
those who have the Institution in charge. The scru
pulous cleanliness and orderliness that prevail is also a
thing that commends the Institution to the observer."
This Institution is without any endowment and is
entirely dependent for building fund and for daily
bread upon voluntary contributions. The small sum

THREE ORPHAN SISTERS AT LYNCHBURG SCHOOL.

of sixty dollars a year rescues, shelters, trains, feeds
and clothes one child ! In consideration of the great
need of such work as this institution is doing, and
of the many well-equipped Institutions all over the
South for meeting the other needs of the race, it is to
be hoped that means will be soon forthcoming to

Among Colored People. 95

complete and endow this noble work. Contributions
may be sent to Rev. A. Jaeger, D. D., general mana
ger, or to Rev. C. Breckinridge Wilrner. Superin
tendent, Lynchburg, Virginia.

ST. AUGUSTINE'S SCHOOL.

While mission work of various kinds must be
carried on, it is evident that, through the work of
schools, the Church will accomplish its greatest work.
The ambition of the people for education is very
great, and it must be along these lines that the
Church will not only satisfy the longings of the
people, but also give them the greatest training in
Christian discipline.

St. Augustine's School, at Raleigh, N. C., has led
the way in this training. It has already sent out
from its walls hundreds of teachers and over twenty
of the colored clergy. A large number of the
teachers and clergy now at work under the Commis
sion for Work among the Colored People received
their training here. It was founded just after the
war by the Rev. J. Brinton Smith, D. D., from the
diocese of Pennsylvania, with the hearty co-operation
of Bishop Atkinson, of North Carolina. Dr. Smith
secured money with which its land was purchased
and buildings erected.

Its work is carried on along three lines — Indus
trial, Normal and Collegiate. With the exception of
a cook and farm hand, with occasional assistance,
the whole work of the school is done by the students.
The girls have the care of the household, the young

g6 Evidences of Progress.

men the care of the grounds. Besides that, the girls
receive thorough and systematic training in both
cooking and sewing, the courses extending over
several years. Instruction has been given to the
young men in carpentering and in brick-laying. It
is greatly to be desired that this trade instruction
might be furthered by the establishment of a trade
school, modelled after the New York Trade School,
founded by Col. Auchmuty and so well endowed by
Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan. The skilled mechanics of
the South were largely trained in the days of slavery,
and, with the passing of this generation, it is impor
tant that younger men should be thoroughly trained
and enabled to earn an honest living. The develop
ment of the South depends not alone upon its rich
and various resources, nor upon the muscle of the
colored laborers, but also upon the brain and skill
of those laborers.

In its normal work, the school is continually
sending forth a stream of teachers for the public
schools as well as for the Church schools. There is
little danger of carrying on higher education, as
some have thought. The greatest difficulty is in
securing, at this stage of the race's development,
students who have the grit to persevere in their
school work so as to reach the higher classes.

The school has an endowment of about $30,000,
of which $25,000 reverts to the Board of Managers
of Missions, in case of impairment or misuse. There
are large buildings for both girls and young men.
Two of the buildings have been erected almost entirely
by the students.

CHAPTERS V. AND VI.

METHODIST SCHOOLS.

THE Methodist Church has been very active in its
educational work at the South, and its schools rank
among the very best. It is noticeable that this
church has paid special attention to industrial educa
tion among the colored people. I have visited
some of these schools and I was pleased to see how
highly the young men and young women appreciate
the opportunities afforded them to learn trades and
professions.

WALDEN UNIVERSITY.

At the close of the Rebellion in 1865, the con
dition of the emancipated slaves attracted the at
tention of patriots, philanthropists, and Christians
North and South. There were millions of them
ignorant of books and of their duty as freedmen.
They were poor, having only the clothes they wore,
or if they had other property, it could usually be
carried in a bundle in the hand or on the head. All
the leading religious denominations of the North
entered this field of missionary work — the Methodist
Episcopal Church among the first. In 1865 the mis
sionary society of this church appropriated $10,000
to establish a school for the freedmen in the South.
This sum was placed under the direction of Rev.
7 (97)

98 Evidences of Progress

Bishop D. W. Clark, D. D., who, having visited
Nashville, authorized Rev. John Seys and Rev. O. O.
Knight to open a school in Clark Chapel, a church
building purchased from the M. E. Church, South,
and then known as Andrew Chapel. Rev. O. O.
Knight was principal, assisted by Mrs. Julia North,

WALDEN UNIVERSITY.

D>'. J. Benson Hamilton, President.

Mrs. Mary Murphy, and Miss O. D. Barber. All of
the assistants were colored. The school was com
posed of scholars of all ages and sizes — grandparents
and grandchildren, parents and children, were in the
same classes. They were poorly clad, and mostly
homeless wanderers from the plantations. They found
shelter in the army barracks, in abandoned houses,
in cellars or garrets, stables, or other out-houses —
whatever would afford them a present shelter. Yet
in the midst of this destitution they were hungry for

Among Colored People. 99

education. Never did teachers have more earnest
pupils. The crowded condition of the church soon
led the teachers to seek for better accommodations,
and the next year the school was moved into the
building known as the Gun Factory.

The school was chartered in 1 866 by the Legislature
of Tennessee. A large portion of the students have
been teachers, and are at school preparing for more
advanced work.

Since this school has had its charter, we know of
none where a greater amount of good has been ac
complished. The graduates from there are found in
all parts of the country engaged in all useful walks
of life. There is a theological training given to
young men wishing to enter the ministry. Also a
splendid law department where young men are pre
pared to plead in the highest courts of the land.
Dr. J. Braden, D. D., who has for years stood at the
head of this Institution as its president, is one man
among a million, for when he went to Nashville, it
was worth more than mere talk for a white man to
declare himself a friend to negro education. He
grew old in the work, and was much beloved by all
who knew him. At his death he was succeeded as
president by Dr. J. Benson Hamilton, a man who is
known as a strong leader, and doubtless one who will
take up the work Dr. Braden had for years carried
on with such marked success, and continue to make
Walden University one of the best known schools. It
was for years known as Central Tennessee College.

IOO Evidences of Progress

MEHARRY MEDICAL, DENTAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL
DEPARTMENTS OF WALDEN UNIVERSITY.

G. W. HUBBARD, M. D., DEAN.

The Meharry Medical Department was organized
in October, 1876, and was the first school opened in
the Southern States for the education of Colored
Physicians. Since that date, 482 students have been
enrolled, 263 of whom have received the degree of
M. D., and most of whom are now engaged in the
practice of their profession in the Southern States,
and have been cordially received by the White Physi
cians; they consult with them in serious cases and
assist in difficult surgical operations.

The success which has attended the professional
work of their alumni has been very encouraging,
and the professional reputation they have acquired
is such as any college might well be proud of.

Ever since the organization of Meharry Medical
College, the want of means has been greatly felt.
Every year, many students have been unable to at
tend on account of the lack of sufficient means.
With few exceptions, they are entirely dependent on
their own labor to meet their college expenses, and
many have younger brothers or sisters to assist or
families of their own to support. During the session
of 1894-95, one of their students sacrificed his life
in his efforts to supply the needs of his family and
carry on his medical studies. The applications are
frequent asking for a little aid, or for an opportunity
to work to help pay their college expenses.

The Dental and Pharmaceutical Hall contains a

Among Colored People. 101

clinical amphitheatre capable of seating two hundred
students, a Dental Infirmary, Dental Laboratory, two
rooms for pharmaceutical work, a laboratory for
analytical chemistry and a museum.

The twenty-first annual session of the college
opened September 14, 1896.

The Meharry Dental Department was opened in
1885, and since that time twenty-two have completed
a course in dentistry and received the degree of Doc
tor of Dental Surgery.

A most promising and useful field is now open in
this profession, as there is a large and increasing
demand for dental work, and good and competent
Dentists will find plenty of work and fair remunera
tion.

This school is a member of the "American Asso
ciation of Dental Faculties," and diplomas from this
college receive due recognition wherever they are
presented.

The Pharmaceutical Department has been in suc
cessful operation for five years, during which time
thirty-one students have finished the course and
have been fitted for the responsible position of prac
tical druggists. With scarcely an exception the
graduates in pharmacy have made good records be
fore the different State Boards of Pharmacy, and
most of them are either owners or managers of drug
stores in different parts of the South.

The question is often asked, " What are the young
men of the colored race doing after they have obtained
a college or professional education?'*

IO2 Evidences of Progress

The following table will show what the graduates
of Meharry are doing: Teaching, 9; Preaching, 4;
Employees of U. S. Government, 3 ; Editor, I ; Sun
day School Agent, i; Occupation unknown, 6;
Practising medicine, 218. Total number living, 242.

CLARK UNIVERSITY.

Clark University is a Christian school, founded in
the year 1870 by the Freedmen's Aid and Southern
Education Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
It is open to students of all classes regardless of sex
or color, the sole conditions of admission being a
desire to learn, good moral character, and obedience
to lawfully constituted authority.

The buildings and grounds are located just south
of the corporation line of the city of Atlanta, Ga.
The campus is sufficiently elevated to overlook the
city, and has perfect natural drainage on all sides.
It is beautifully shaded with oak and pine, which
with its great elevation — 1,200 feet above sea level —
makes it a delightful retreat in midsummer. It
would be difficult to find a more healthful location in
the United States — an assertion proven by the fact
that, among the thousands who have been in attend
ance, but one has died on the grounds during eight
years of operation.

Prof. W. H. Crogman, A. M., has succeeded Rev.
Charles Manly Melden as President of Clark Uni
versity. For some years Prof. Crogman has been at

Among Colored People. 103

the University as teacher of Latin and Greek lan
guages and literature. This is the first time in the
history of the school that it has had a colored Presi
dent, and we feel that a wise choice has been made.
Prof. Crogman, is the author of a very useful and well-
written book on the subject of race progress, entitled
" The Remarkable Advancement of the Negro Race."
His book is full of very instructive and interesting
matter, giving a great many valuable facts touching
.upon the history and progress of the race in this
country, in such a way that no family can well afford
to be without a copy.

Too much cannot be said in favor of books writ
ten by colored authors upon the subject of race
progress. While the race is making such marked
and rapid progress, a new book could appear each
year full of useful information.

The industrial features of Clark University are in
teresting in the extreme. I found well equipped
shops where wagons and carriages are made by
students, also a splendid harness shop, where several
young men have been taught the trade and have
since started harness shops of their own. Large ex
press and ice wagons, now in use in Atlanta, were
made at Clark University entirely by student labor.
Every young man above the age of sixteen and be
low the college classes is required to devote two
hours per day to manual training, consisting both
of theoretical and practical work. Pupils are required
not only to construct miniature models, but products
for the market as well, and thus are prepared for the
struggle of life, should no professional position open
to them. Not all students can fill professions.

IO4 Evidences of Progress

Skilled bread-winners are second only to skilled
soul-winners. The great need of the South and
especially of the Colored people, is skilled workmen
who can wield a deft hand and teach others to do
the same — men who can earn $2.50 per day while
others are earning 75 cents.

Clark University is endeavoring to supply this
want through her Industrial Department. It teaches
Carpentry, Wagon-making, Carriage-trimming, Har
ness-making, Painting and Printing.

THAYER HOME.

This home, as its name indicates, is modeled after
a real home, and is furnished with all modern im
provements. It can accommodate about twenty
young ladies, who are taught to cook, keep house
and do other things practised in a well ordered
home.

Miss Flora Mitchell, who superintends this home,
is in my opinion, one of the finest specimen of noble
womanhood I have ever met.

The work of the home is done by the occupants
alternately, so as to give all a practical knowledge of
model housekeeping. Lectures are given on domes
tic science, food, dress, physical culture and social
ethics. In short, the aim of the Home is to fit
young ladies to conduct and adorn a model Chris
tian home.

Too much cannot be said in praise of the excellent
work done at Thayer Home, and especially when we
take into consideration the very crude homes that

Among Colored People. 105

many of the girls come from who are students there.
I had the pleasure of eating a meal at the Home on
one occasion and I was very much impressed with
the extreme neatness of the place. Miss Mitchell
told me many interesting things about the Home
and its work, also showed me quite a lot of needle
work done by the girls. She said, " I have visited
several homes of students from here who have mar
ried, and it was such a pleasure to see our girls
located in neat, clean homes of their own when both
husband and wife were happy, and it was positive
proof to me that our labor had brought forth good
results." I met in Philadelphia Mrs. Rev. P.
O'Connell who was at one time a student under Miss
Mitchell, and she is very enthusiastic over the good
work done at " Thayer Home" for Colored girls. I
will say in conclusion that if Mrs. O'Connell's home
is a specimen of other homes kept by students from
there, then " Thayer Home" is indeed a blessing.

CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY.

The existence of Claflin University is due largely
to the generosity of the Hon. Lee Claflin and family,
of Boston, Mass.

In 1869 this property was purchased and set apart
to its present purpose and is now one of the most
interesting schools in existence for the education of
the Colored youth ; located at Orangeburg, S. C,
where the Colored Methodists are strong in number.
Rev. L. M. Dunton, A. M., D. D., president of

io6 Evidences of Progress

Claflin, went South as a preacher in the early days
of freedom and has remained ever since. Claflin
University has now one hundred acres of ground
that are worked by students. The school has been
assisted by the Peabody and John F. Slater funds at
different times. It is the only Methodist school in
the State under the auspices of the M. E. Church
or its aid and educational society. There have been
enrolled since 1869, when the school was founded,
about 8,OOO different students. It is estimated that
one thousand Christian teachers, besides many minis
ters, mechanics, and intelligent laborers, have been
educated there. It is impossible to make an estimate
as to the great good that has been done by prepar
ing Christian young men and women to be laborers
among their own race. The number of teachers
required to man the school is a'^out nineteen and the
property is estimated at one hundred thousand dol
lars in value, and has some twenty buildings con
nected with the institution. Besides the Collegiate,
College Preparatory, Normal and English courses,
twenty distinct industries are taught.

NEW ORLEANS UNIVERSITY.

The University is situated at 1428 St. Charles
avenue, in one of the most beautiful and healthful
sections of the city of New Orleans, La. The ground
includes nearly two squares.

The main building is of brick, five stories high,
furnished with the best of furniture.

Among Colored People. 107

Besides large parlors and society rooms, there are
rooms for 150 students in the building.

The heating is by steam and every precaution has
been taken for comfort and for safety.

A frame building is used exclusively for recitation
rooms. It will accommodate 350 students, so that
ample provision has been made for all who can
attend.

The value of the entire property is $100,000.

It has an industrial school in connection, in the
way of carpenter-shop, printing office, tinshop, and
surgery school.

In about 1889 there was a Medical School estab
lished at New Orleans University, and up to 1892 the
first class graduated. The charter of the institution

o

admits students of this school to practise in its wards ;
Also admits them to practise in the State of Lousiana.
Rev. L. G. Adkinson, A. M., D. D., the president,
is a man of great ability and has accomplished great
good during his professorship.

COOKMAN INSTITUTE.

Cookman Institute is located at Jacksonville, Fla.
The beginning of this Institute was very unpreten
tious. It was started in 1872, simply to do good
among the colored people in the immediate locality.
Prof. H. R. Bankerd is president.

In an old church, then in an unfinished building^
and finally in a small, two-story wooden building,
Cookman Institute took on its more permanent
growth.

io8 Evidences of Progress

Property adjoining the Methodist Episcopal Church
was purchased by the Freedmen's Aid Society, and
upon it began the long and laborious task of erect
ing buildings suitable for the work, and also the
greater difficulty of raising the money to pay for
them. The institution has buildings worth $25,000,
accommodating one hundred boarders and 400 day
pupils. These serve for the present size of the school.
They are constructed of brick, and convey the idea
of strength and durability.

Of far greater value than building has been the
desire to see the intellectual work carried forward.
This has been no easy task. To organize the various
departments, get the classes well defined and students
brought on to fill the several stations in the progress
of the work, has taken years of patient toil and the
expenditure of much money.

Those who have been with the school have won
for themselves many golden opinions. The grad
uates honor themselves in their success in life, and
show what education will do for the people when ex
tended courses of study are pursued.

LAGRANGE ACADEMY.

This school is located at LaGrange, Ga. The
faculty consists of Miss Carrie King, Principal; Carrie
E. Campbell and Julia Gilmore, Tutors.

This school was organized in 1876, and is now
under the auspices of the Freedmen's Aid and
Southern Education Society. Its design is to meet
the great demand for a thorough and systematic

Among Colored People. 109

course through the English, Normal and Academic
studies. The Academy is an auxiliary to Clark
University, and the text-books used are the same as
at the University. The building is situated in the
northwestern part of the town, three-fourths of a
mile from the station.

RUST UNIVERSITY.

This Institution is located at Holly Springs, Miss.,
and was started in the early days of freedom by the
Freedmen's Aid Society and represents one of the
best schools in the South for the education of the
colored youth. Being a Methodist School, it has a
large number of families to draw its scholars from,
for Mississippi is largely made up of Methodists and
Baptists. I found a much better state of affairs in
Mississippi from an educational standpoint among
the colored Methodists than I expected, and I am
sure the credit is largely due to the very excellent
work done at Rust University. I found that, in ad
dition to the Academic, Normal and Collegiate courses
taught there, they give industri-al training in printing,
sewing, plumbing, rustic work, and domestic in
dustry. They also have a splendid model home for
girls. The president, William W. Foster, Jr., D. D.,
is a most excellent man. He comes to this insti
tution from the East, where he lias served some of the
leading M. E. Churches as pastor. He is a graduate
of Boston University, and comes well fitted to take
charge of such a school as Rust. Mrs. Foster, who is
as well known in the church as her husband, will be
of great help and inspiration to him in this new field.

no Evidences of Progress

PRINCESS ANNE ACADEMY.

This school is located at Princess Anne, Mci
Princess Anne Academy was founded as a branch of
Morgan College, Baltimore, Md., in September, 1886,
and in 1891 was also made the Eastern Branch of
the Maryland Agricultural College.

A good farm containing 12 1 acres, together with
barns, stock, farming implements, &c., have been
added for practical instruction in Farming and Gar
dening ; also shops, tools and materials for teaching
Carpentry, Blacksmithing, Shoernaking, Tailoring,
Masonry, &c., have been provided for the boys; and
facilities for teaching the girls Cooking, Laundering,
Sewing, and the general proprieties of housekeeping,
have been added, and very gratifying results have
followed.

Students are allowed to select their own trades, at
which they are required to work one hour daily ex
cept on Saturday, when they devote five hours.
They rise at 5.45 A. M., and retire at 9. 45 p. M., thus
devoting at least eight hours to rest and sleep ; of the
remaining time about ten hours are spent in Literary
Work and Manual Training. The course of study is
broad, thorough, and perfectly in keeping with the
spirit and needs of the times. Nearly one thousand
persons have received more or less training since the
organization of the Academy, and few have any dif
ficulty in securing profitable employment as soon as
they leave school.

The school was founded by the late Prof. B. O.
Bird. At his death Rev. P. O'Connell took charge ;
but at this time Prof. Frank Trigg is principal.

Among- Colored People. \\\

WILEY UNIVERSITY.

Wiley University is located at Marshall, Texas,
a quiet city of ten thousand inhabitants. It is now
enjoying a period of unparalleled prosperity along
all lines. For the years 1897-98, the enrollment

REV. M. W. DOGAN, A. M.

reached 352. These pupils come from Texas, Lou
isiana, and Arkansas, and represent some of the best
homes in this section.

It is the aim of the management to keep the

112 Evidences of Progress

courses of study fully abreast of the best in the South.
To this end the departments are being constantly
strengthened. In addition to a well-equipped college
department, the following departments are success
fully operated : preparatory, normal, English, musical,
and industrial.

Wiley University is distinctively a Christian insti
tution and no apology is made for insisting on Chris
tian instruction. The pupils are taught that the most
enduring education has Christianity for its basis.

The faculty of Wiley is composed of 1 5 professors
and instructors, all colored but two. Rev. M. W.
Dogan, A. M., is a young man of most excellent
educational qualifications for the place he holds as
president of Wiley University. He has taught at
some of the best schools in the South.

MORGAN COLLEGE.

Morgan College is located in Baltimore, Md. Rev.
F. J. Wagner was for years its president. The
school has played an important part in the education
of the race. It has its representatives as graduates
all over the State of Maryland. The higher grades
are taught there, and the teachers employed are the
best. In addition to its regular work it has two
branches, in the way of the Lynchburg, Va., Annex
and Princess Anne Academy, located at Princess
Anne, Md., which is mentioned in another write-up.
Since Rev. Wagner retired as president, Prof. J. O.
Spencer, A. M., Ph. D., has taken charge of the
work. Mr. Spencer is a white man who is much in
terested in the race.

Among Colored People, 113

BENNETT COLLEGE.

Located at Greensboro', N. C., in a part of the
State where the colored population is very large.
This school when first opened had a white president
in the person of Rev. E. O. Thayer, but of recent
years the board has had colored teachers in charge.
Rev. C. N. Grandison at one time was president.
At this time Prof. J. D. Chavis, A. M., B. D., is presi
dent with a good corps of colored teachers under him.
I regret that I am unable to present his picture, for I
am of the opinion that he is a most worthy young
man.

BROWNING HOME,

An industrial and high-grade school for girls, is
located in the historic town of Camden, S. C., within
the bounds of the district. The work done there and
the discipline are so thorough that it deserves more
than mere mention. The Home was built in 1887
by the Woman's Home Missionary Society of the
M. E. Church, to educate girls and young women
along the line of practical housekeeping. Since the
opening of the school, about one hundred and twenty-
five have received training. Connected with the
Home is a day-school of high grade, having a regular
course of study, from which three classes have grad
uated. The school this year is well attended, having
an enrollment of over two hundred ; and thirty-seven
girl boarders in the Home.

The Home will be enlarged so as to accommo-
8

114 Evidences of Progress

date all who may come. Total expenses for board
and tuition, five dollars per month.

Mrs. Gordon, the superintendent, and her corps
of teachers, are a noble band of self-sacrificing women,
who came from the North. They have been the sub
jects of opposition, and abuse, and ostracism, in their
efforts to elevate a downtrodden people, and they de
serve, and ought to have, the patronage, sympathy,
and good-will of all.

GAMMON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.

Gammon Theological Seminary, at Atlanta, Geor
gia, is the largest theological school for the exclusive
education of colored men in the United States. It
stands to-day a monument to the philanthropy of
Elijah H. Gammon, of Maine, a noble gentleman,
who endowed, the school with nearly half a million
dollars. Dr. Gammon was certainly a philanthropist.
This fact is plainly indicated by his splendid benefi
cence.

He did not wait till in sight of the grave and then
cast off his wealth as a possession he could no
longer use ; but living, he poured out his treasures;
yea, more, he gave the ripe thought of his last years
— planned and wrought for the equipment of this
Seminary. The measure of his philanthropy is not
in that he gave $io,OOO to Garrett, $5,000 to the
Maine Wesleyan, thousands to churches and aid to
many struggling students. The mere catalogue of
benefactions is no measure of the real philanthropist.
The man himself, his motive, his purpose, his sacri-

Among Colored People. 115

fice, his unselfish enthusiasm, his giving of thought
and time and heart for humanity — these are the tests
of genuine philanthropy.

He did not endow this school merely for the sake
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He wanted to
help all his fellow-men through all the churches. It
was entrusted to the care and direction of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, as best adapted through
its spirit, .organization and government in the South,
to carry out his plans.

His benefactions took the form of a theological
school because he believed that the ministers held
the centre of power, and were to be the leaders of
their race for years to come.

He established an institution opened especially for
the Negro race, not because they were black, but
because they were the most needy of all men. He
simply gave practical expression to his faith in the
fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.
He was no sentimentalist as regards the Negro.
He simply had a heart as broad as humanity — a
great heart backed by conscience — and without prej
udice, it went out to this race as a part of God's
family, needing the touch of Christ's hand, through
him.

Rev. Wilbur P. Thirkield, D. D., President of
Gammon Theological Seminary, is laboring hard and
earnestly to make the institution all that Dr. Gam
mon, its founder, had aimed to have it ; and the class
of young men who are receiving their training for
the ministry in this school is certainly a compliment
to the endeavors of its president.

Il6 Evidences of Progress

There has been something over one hundred
young ministers who have graduated from Gammon
Theological Seminary.

Dr. J. W. E. Bowen, one of the best educated
colored men in this country, is one of the instructors
in this institution ; and his work is regarded as being
very fruitful and effectual.

The position Dr. Bowen holds at Gammon Theo
logical Seminary is one that could only be filled by
a man of a splendid education. He is Professor of
Church History.

Dr. Bowen was a representative to the last General
Conference of the M. E. Church, which met in
Cleveland, Ohio, in May, 1896. He secured a large
vote for the Bishopric, but I am sorry indeed to say
was not elected. I was in hopes that the M. E.
Church had grown magnanimous enough to at least
elect such a worthy colored man to preside over the
thousands of colored members they have, if no
others.

In addition to the schools already mentioned in
the M. E. work, I wish to mention Philander Smith
College at Little Rock, Ark., Rev. J. M. Cox, D. D.,
president; George R. Smith College, Sedalia, Mo.,
E. A. Robertson, principal; Central Alabama Acade
my, Huntsville, Ala., A. W. McKinney, principal; Gil
bert College, Baldwin, La., A. E. P. Albert, princi
pal ; Meridian Academy, Meridian, Miss., J. L. Wil
son, principal ; Morristown Academy, Morristown,
Tenn., J. L. Hill, principal. I regret that want of
space will not admit of special mention of all the
above schools, for I can assure my readers that they

Among Colored People. 117

are all worthy institutions that are playing a great
part in the education of the race.

Rev. M. C. B. Mason, D. D., was elected as a
general corresponding secretary of the Freedmen's
Aid and Southern Educational Society. Mr. Mason
is a graduate of New Orleans University, also of
Gammon Theological Seminary. He is the first
colored man to hold this position in the history of
the Society. The Methodist Church will doubtless
find places for a larger number of the educated
colored students from her schools to labor in the dif
ferent departments of the church than have been em
ployed in the past.

CHAPTER VII.

A. M. E. SCHOOLS.

I DESIRE to call the reader's attention to the fact
that all of the A. M. E. Schools are supported
entirely by the colored people. In this regard they
are unlike i>ther denominational institutions.

WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY.

It is a beautiful coincidence, full of historic value,
that appears in the planting of two institutions in
Greene county, Ohio, some four miles apart.
Between them runs a highway over which passed,
some thirty-five years ago, that mysterious line
known in history as the Underground Railroad. It
was wh.*s the slave was yet hastening his flight from

n8

Evidences of Progress

the tobacco patches, the cotton fields, the sugar
plantations of the Central South to the sterner clime
of England's Colony, cold yet free, that Wilberforce
University rose, right beside his perilous path, to
offer freedom of mind and heart to him who dared
remain. The war came with its carnage and death.
Twenty years later Ohio built a home where the
orphan of the soldier who died to free the slave
might be succored in the years of its helplessness.
In sight of each other and on opposite sides of the
fugitive's path to liberty, stand these historic monu-

WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY.

ments, the results of a civilization that is the glory
of the century.

Wilberforce University was organized in 1856 by
the M. E. Church. Its object was higher educa
tional facilities for colored youth. In its first Board
of twenty-four Trustees was Hon. Salmon P. Chase,
then governor of Ohio, and the fugitive slave's
powerful advocate ; also Rev. Richard S. Rust and
Bishop Paniel A, Payne, Its first active president

Among Colored People.

119

was Dr. R. S. Rust, and its students were largely
"the natural children of Southern and South
western planters." On the beautiful premises, for
which Nature has done so much, with its sparkling
mineral springs, its varying landscape, its superb
repose, the young institution grew and flourished.
But the dark days of civil strife closed in upon it and
its patronage from the South ceased, its operations
were suspended.

BISHOP D. A. PAYNE, D. D., LL. D.,

First President of Wilberforce.

1 20 Evidences of Progress

While the war was still in progress, the future, full
of misgivings, without a dollar and alone, on the
night of the loth of March, 1863, Bishop Payne
purchased the college property for $10,000. He at
once associated with himself Rev. James A. Shorter,
afterward Bishop, and Prof. J. G. Mitchell, now Dean
of Payne Theological Seminary. An act of incor
poration was duly taken out, with the broad principle
embodied in it that "there shall never be any dis
tinction among the trustees, faculty or students on
account of race, color or creed."

The financial obligations which Bishop Payne had
assumed were being promptly met through his inde
fatigable efforts, and everything indicated a prosper
ous future, when, on the I4th of April, 1865, and by
the hand of incendiaries, the beautiful edifice went
up in flame and smoke. That night Lincoln laid his
life on Freedom's Altar. Undismayed, President
Payne began the labor of reconstruction. A four-
story brick building was commenced on the original
site. Congress was importuned, and through the
influence of Senators John Sherman, Charles Sumner
and others, $28,000 was appropriated to complete
and equip the work. The consecrated efforts of the
Founder of Wilberforce University were fruitful in
other directions. Through his influence, the society
for the promotion of Collegiate and Theological edu
cation at the west made appropriations from its funds,
of $1,800 per annum for two years. The American
Unitarian Association supported a lecture course

Among Colored People. 121

from 1868 to 1875 at an outlay of $6,000. The will
of Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase contained as its
first bequest, $10,000 for Wilberforce University, and
the executors of the Avery estate in Allegheny City
added $10,000 to its endowment.

For thirteen years Bishop Payne presided over the
affairs of the University. He called to his aid such
instructors as Dr. Wm. Kent, of England, Prof. T. E.
Sullot, of Edinburgh, Scotland, Dr. J. G. Mitchell,
of Oberlin, Prof. W. B. Adams, of Amherst, Prof. B.
K. Sampson, of Oberlin, and Prof. J. P. Shorter, of
Wilberforce, Ohio. Among the ladies who rendered
valuable service were Miss Esther T. Maltby and
Miss Sarah Jane Woodson, of Oberlin, Mrs. Alice
M. Adams, of Holyoke, and Miss Mary McBride, of
Oswego.

From under Bishop Payne's hand went out such
graduates as Dr. J. T. Jenifer, Dr. T. H. Jackson,
Prof. J. P. Shorter, Bishop B. F. Lee, Dr. J. W.
Beckett, President S. T. Mitchell, Miss Hallie Q. Brown,
the Misses Copeland and others of large acquirements
and wide influence, known over the continent. In
the undergraduate column were Bishop Cain, Bishop
Salter, Dr. Wm. Hunter, Hon. C. L. Maxwell, Poet
A. A. Whitman and others. President Payne left his
impress on every line of college development. He or
ganized the Trinity Church, the Society of Inquiry
on Missions and the Women's College Aid Society.

In the summer of 1879 his earnest endeavors
placed in position our most valuable teaching auxil-
liary, the Payne Museum, built by Prof, Henry A.

122

Evidences of Progress

Ward, of Rochester, and illustrating the various de
partments of Natural Science. The Museum is
worth $2,000. Bishop Payne resigned the presidency
in 1876 and it was in the administration of his suc
cessor that this important acquisition was made.

REV. B. F. LEE, D. D.

President Lee brought to the conduct of the affairs
of the University splendid moral, mental and physi
cal abilities. In all the elements of devotion to a
great enterprise, of personal sacrifice, of tireless in
dustry, of uprightness of character, of accurate judg
ment, he was a worthy successor to the great
Founder.

Among Colored People. 123

And the University grew in usefulness, in popu
larity, in the scope and character of its departments.
On the 2Oth of June, 1878, the buildings and grounds
were dedicated and a bright era dawned. President
Lee held most of the faculty for a period and joined
to it such talent as Prof. W. S. Scarborough, Mrs.
S. C. Bierce, Miss E. R. George and others.

Through the Missionary Department of the church,
the island of Hayti was brought into close relations
and five of her sons entered upon various courses of
study. Under the efficient management of Mrs.
Bierce (now Mrs. Scarborough), a graduate of Os-
wego, N. Y., the Normal Department rapidly de
veloped into a most vigorous arm of the University
work. President Lee organized and sent out the
Wilberforce Concert Company that sang its way to
the hearts of thousands in the West and Northwest.
Financially it was not a success, but the good it
accomplished was inestimable.

This administration gave to the world a brilliant
galaxy of cultured young men and women, for the
pulpit, for the schoolroom and for general service.
It included such graduates as Profs. H. A. Talbert,
Ex-Professor of Languages at Wilberforce University ;
F. S. Delany, Principal High School, Madison, Ind.;
Edward A. Clark, War Department, Washington,
D. C. ; M. H. Vaughn, D. M. Ashby, J. R. Gibson,
Principal High School, Galveston, Tex.; G. W. Prio-
leau, Chaplain gth Cavalry, U. S. A. ; Drs. W. H.
Yeocum, I. M. Burgan, Ex-President Paul Quinn

124

Evidences of Progress

College, J. R. Scott, President Edward Waters Col
lege, Jacksonville, Fla. ; Miss Georgiana White, Mrs.
Alice E. Gary, Principal of one of the largest public
schools in Atlanta ; Miss A. H. Jones, and others.

REV. SAMUEL T. MITCHELL, A. M., LL. D.,

President of Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, Ohio.

The University reached its highest enrolment, for the
first twenty years, in '/Q-'So, a total of 171 students.
All through these years revivals occurred with the
return of every session and hundreds of young men
and young women learned life's noblest lesson of
consecrated purpose to the cause of God and man
kind.

Among Colored People. 125

In 1884, President Lee accepted the Editorial
Chair of the Christian Recorder, Philadelphia, from
which he rose to the highest station in the gift of
his church — the bishopric. The presidency came to
the hands of another of Bishop Payne's graduates,
Prof. S. T. Mitchell, of class of '73. It is preferable
to let another speak, and Prof. W. S. Scarborough,
in the Ohio State Journal, of February 5, 1894, has
the following comment:

" President Mitchell's incumbency has been fraught
with nothing but good for the college. He is to be
congratulated on the marvelous success that has
attended his efforts of upbuilding and enlarging the
usefulness as well as the domains of the institution."

The last decade has witnessed a continuation of
the steady growth of the University. Four Depart
ments now represent its work. The Collegiate, in
cluding law, music and art, with its preparatory
courses; the Normal and Industrial, under State
patronage ; the Theological, under the name of the
Payne Theological Seminary ; and the Military, under
the National Government. The second of these de
partments came into existence in 1887 under a statute
of law providing both for its organization and main
tenance.

From that time until the present (April 10, 1896),
the State has appropriated $100,000 to support the
department, and the 72d General Assembly of Ohio,
by a majority vote greater than that given to any
other State Institution, authorized a levy on the
grand tax duplicate of the State that will yield a

126 Evidences of Progress

permanent revenue of $17,500 at the beginning, to
increase annually with the financial growth of the
commonwealth. No greater endorsement of a
Colored Institution can be found anywhere in the
United States. It has a faculty of nine members who
give instruction in Normal branches, business course,
shorthand, typewriting, nurse training, vocal culture,
dressmaking, cooking, carpentry and printing.

The faculty is exceptionally strong. Oswego
Normal School, New York, furnishes the principal
of the Normal Department ; from Central Commer
cial College, Iowa, comes the business professor;
Ann Arbor gives a trained medical doctor (a lady),
resident physician and head of the nurse-training de-
partmem. An experienced mantua-maker, who in
Washington, D. C, counted among her patrons
Presidents', senators' and diplomats' wives and daugh
ters, trains the girls in dressmaking, using Mc
Dowell's system, of highest honors at the World's
Fair. A graduate of Mrs. Rorer, head of the cook
ing department at the Columbian Exposition, teaches
cooking; an experienced, thoroughly competent in
structor, whose education was obtained in Boston,
trains in vocal culture. Skilled workmen of ten and
fourteen years' experience, teach the trades of car
pentry and printing. By a provision of the statute,
every member of the General Assembly may nomi
nate a student resident in the State, whose tuition,
room rent, fuel and incidentals are furnished free.

The equipment includes the splendid Normal Hall,
provided with office, library, reception room, cook-

Among Colored People. 12 7

ing apparatus for instruction, rooms for sewing and
nurse-training and teachers' and ladies' resident room.
It is heated by the Gurney system of hot water, and
is supplied with bath rooms, laundry room, dining
room and every convenience. A fire-escape at each
end of the building furnishes ready exit from every
floor. The printing office, carpenter shop, and cook
ing school, each fully equipped for its work, are
operated in a new three-story brick industrial build
ing, constructed by students. Here is located a
forty-five horse-power engine, and an electric plant
sufficient for all purposes of water supply, illumina
tion and general work.

A magnificent mineral spring of 2,500 bbl. capacity
per diem is the source of water.

To the sixty-two acres of ground now occupied
will be added the beautiful estate of Robert Ken
dall, just adjoining, and which contains 130 acres.

The University also owns 1,250 acres of eastern
Kentucky coal lands.

The typewriting, stenography, and business de
partment of the Normal and Industrial classes have
quarters in the Main University Hall.

The Payne Theological Seminary was organized
under distinct management in 1891, with Bishop
Payne as its Dean, with whom were associated Dr.
J. G. Mitchell, D. D., Prof. W. S. Scarborough, LL. D.,
and Prof. G. W. Prioleau, B. D., succeeded by
Prof. George W. Woodson, of Drew Seminary. The
hall is a beautiful and substantial structure of brick
and is well equipped. Each conference in the A. M.
E. connection is expected to maintain a conference

128 Evidences of Progress

student. To this Seminary, Bishop Payne left three-
fifths of the main portion of his real estate for an en
dowment fund, and Bishops Campbell, Ward and
Wayman their valuable libraries.

To the University faculty, of experienced, earnest,
competent, Christian instructors, graduates mainly of
the University, and including a Ph. D. of Harvard
and a post-graduate student at Berlin, is added the
professor of military science and tactics by the ap
pointment of the President of the United States. No
other colored institution in America enjoys such a
distinction ; no other colored officer has received
such a promotion.

Lieutenant Charles Young, the only colored grad
uate from West Point, now in the U. S. A., compe
tent, vigorous, soldierly, is achieving splendid results
in that department.

An examination of the Alumni Register will show
a list of exceptionally strong graduates, such as
Profs. Scott, Roberts, Arnett, Revs. Jones, Ransom,
Johnson, Misses Clark, Jackson and others who are
rapidly rising to prominence because they are capa
ble. It is a high mark of confidence that the presi
dent of the University is called upon not only to rec
ommend Wilberforce's trained workmen for impor
tant positions, but to send them in answer to urgent
letters and telegrams. Just recently Metropolis, 111.,
made such a call ; later, the Alabama Normal and
Industrial Institute summoned an instructor for its
agricultural department. Now, a graduate of our C.
N. and I. Department is pursuing a special course

Among Colored People. 129

preparatory to taking a position in Prof. Booker T.
Washington's school at Tuskegee, Ala.

Wilberforce University is consecrated to the
Christian enlightenment of the race, and the atten
dance grows larger from year to year. In June, 1900,
Pres. S. T. Mitchell resigned as President on account
of failing health, and Rev. Joshua H. Jones, D. D.>
was elected in his place. Rev. Jones was born in
South Carolina, and received his education at Claflin
University, at Orangeburg, S. C, and at Howard
University, Washington, D. C. He afterwards took
his theological course at Wilberforce, where he is now
President. I regard Rev. Jones as a strong man,
who has for years rendered the church great service,
and I feel confident he will make a most excellent
President for the University, who will doubtless be
able to still increase the attendance.

EDWARD WATERS COLLEGE.

The Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, Fla., is
an institution of learning founded in 1885 by the A.
M. E. Church in Florida, and has been sustained and
operated by that organization ever since. Its object
is to give the Negro youth of its section a thorough
training both intellectually and industrially. Its
courses of study extend from that of the Grammar
School to the College. Some instruction has been
given in sewing, printing and tailoring; but the au
thorities recognize the fact that in order to reach the
great mass of colored people in the South, and do

the greatest good, the school must make it possible
9

1 30

Evidences of Progress

to give a student a trade along with his college
course. This serves several purposes: it helps the
student through school, teaches him to rely upon his
own powers, and gives something to lean upon
he has gone from school.

PROF. A. ST. GEORGE RICHARDSON, B. A.

The president receives numerous letters every year
from young men and women who desire an educa
tion, but are too poor to pay their way. They are
willing to work, but he has not sufficient for them.
Hence, every year scores of worthy young men and

Among Colored People. 131

women, eager to obtain an education, are turned
away.

Prof. Richardson is now making an earnest appeal
to the friends of education and progress everywhere
to charitably help him build up an industrial depart
ment to his school, in which he can teach the young
men and women who apply, some of the useful
trades, thus helping them to become more worthy citi
zens. Grateful acknowledgment of all amounts re
ceived will be made in their annual catalogue.

They now have an excellent three-story brick
building, and two board structures, a strong faculty,
and usually enroll more than 200 students. Any
thing that will help them to broaden their field of
usefulness or increase their facilities for doing the best
work in the best way, will be highly appreciated.

PROF. A. ST. GEORGE RICHARDSON, B. A.

A. St. George Richardson, President of Edward
Waters College, Jacksonville, Fla., is regarded by
all who know him as one of the bright young men
of the race who has by hard work acquired a splendid
education.

KITTRELL COLLEGE.

This school now ranks as one of the best in the
South, being conducted on the plan of combining the
education of heart, head and hand. Founded in
1886 and incorporated in 1887, the growth of the
school from year to year has been most remarkable
and it bids fair to still greater usefulness. This school

132

Evidences of Progress

is located at Kittrell, N. C. The school property is
valued at $15,000, consisting of sixty acres of land
and four buildings, with livestock of most kinds.
The work is so arranged as to give all students

J?ROF. JOHN R. HAWKINS, A. M.

a chance to woik out a part of their schooling, and
at the same time pursue their regular course of
study in either the Scientific, Normal or Intermediate
Departments.

The principal of this institute is Joseph S. Wil
liams, A. M., who is devoted to his work and pushes it

Among Colored People. 133

with courage and vigor. There are associated with Mr.
Williams seven teachers and officers, all of whom are
in sympathy with their leader and stand by him
in the belief that a very high standard of excellence
should be maintained in all school work. The school
is largely dependent upon the charitable public for
support, and has won the respect and confidence of
many benevolent friends who are able to help sup
port it.

At the last General Conference of the A. M. E.
Church, held in Wilmington, N. C., in May of 1896.,
Mr. John R. Hawkins, the founder of Kittrell
Institute, was elected as the secretary of education of
the A. M. E. Church. This is the first time in the
history of the Church that a layman has held this
position. But his election to this place is due entirely
to his most excellent fitness for the position. Mr.
Hawkins is now reaping the reward that always
comes in the end to those who are worthy. He
has been a hard student all his life, and many a
night when other young men were seeking amuse
ments, or asleep, Mr. Hawkins could have been
found in the late hours of night hard at work over
his books. He has to-day an honored position, while
some of his associates have gone to the bad. I am
told Mr. Hawkins has, since his election as secretary
of education, been able to very much enlarge the
educational work of the A. M. E. Church, and in
crease the amount of money given for connectional
schools in all parts of the country.

134 Evidences of Progress

ALLEN UNIVERSITY.

Allen University is the outgrowth of Payne Insti
tute, which was established in the romantic and
historic town of Cokesbury, S. C, July 29, 1870*

Allen University, established Dec. 24, 1880, is
pleasantly situated in the eastern suburbs of the city
of Columbia, S. C., and comprises four acres of ex
cellent ground, four cottages, and one main building,
which has forty-two rooms. The Girls' Industrial
Hall is considered one of the finest structures in the
State. It is a silent but eloquent monument of the
zeal, labor, ability, unselfish devotion of Negroes de
voted to the cause of Christian education. All
efforts that are the results of Negro self-dependence
should always merit our devotion and steadfast en
couragement. The departments are as follows :
Theological, Law, Classical, Normal, Musical, Inter
mediate, Graded, and Domestic Enconomy.

Rev. David Henry Johnson, D. D., is president of
Allen University. He is a fine scholar and regarded
as one of the leading educators.

WAYMAN INSTITUTE.

Wayman Institute is located at Harrodsburg, Ky.
The course of studies taught there are College Pre
paratory, English, Theological, Normal, Music, Do
mestic Economy. This institution takes its name
from the late Bishop A. W. Wayman, in whose honor
it was built. The president, Rev. I. H. Welch, D. D.,
is a very able man and will doubtless make Wayman
Institute one of the leading schools of the connection.

Among Colored People. 135

He has been for years one of the prominent pastors
of the church. As a scholar he ranks among the
leading men of the race, and is in every way prepared
for the work he now has in hand.

In that part of Kentucky the A. M. E. Church
has a large membership, and there is no reason
why an A. M. E. school should not succeed in
building up a large work. Harrodsburg is situated
in the very best part of Kentucky as far as the
wealth of the State is concerned, and .there are
many well-to-do people in that section of the
State.

MORRIS BROWN COLLEGE.

The site upon which these buildings, Morris
Brown College, are erected, was purchased by W. J.
Gaines, of Atlanta, Ga., February, 1881 — now bishop.

He paid the first $1,000 out of his own pocket.

This ground was bought at a cost of $3,500. The
buildings and grounds now are worth $7,500. It
contains four acres of ground, fronts three streets,
Boulevard, Houston and Howell, and is situated in
the heart of Atlanta. The money to buy and com
plete these buildings was raised by the Georgia,
North Georgia, and Macon, Ga., Conferences.
Bishop Gaines raised a good deal of money by sub
scriptions. He raised $2,600 by advertisement with
James Armstrong Soap Company, Baltimore, Md.
The first building, which fronts Houston street, was
erected while the bishop was presiding elder of
Atlanta District. The other building was erected

£36 Evidences of Progress

after he was elected bishop in 1888 and appointed to
the Sixth Episcopal District.

When the bishop left the district there was $3,500
indebtedness upon the property.

The bishop says he owes lasting gratitude to the
ministers of the three Georgia Conferences for stand
ing by him in this the greatest struggle of his life.

The number of students is now between 300 and
400.

For the first time in the history of Morris Brown
College it is to have a president in the person of
Rev. James M. Henderson, D. D., an exceedingly
able man. He graduated from Oberlin College,
Ohio, with fine honor. Is also a graduate in law
and theology. Morris Brown must under the
management of such a man become one of the great
schools for the education of the Colored outh. Mr.
Henderson is the choice of Bishop H. M. Turner,
D. D., LL. D., now in charge of the diocese Morris
Brown College is in. Mr. Henderson began his
work at this school in the fall session of 1896.

PAUL QUINN COLLEGE.

REV. I. M. BURGAN, A. M., PRESIDENT.

Paul Quinn College is not the result of an impulse,
but of well-considered promptings. While the estab
lishment of the school in its present scope may be
dated from 1881, the real beginning of the institu
tion took place in Austin, in 1874, when, after dis
cussion and prayer, it was decided to found a " Con
ference High School" in Austin, which was done.

Among Colored People. 137

It was thought best, however, to broaden the
purpose of the school and locate it in the town or
city that offered the best inducements. Several
places vied for the location, and after a very inter
esting canvass of the State, Waco, by reasons of
liberal donations, eligible and beautiful situation, was
chosen as the site.

The promoters were, in the main, uneducated
men, with no experience in, and but little observa
tion of, school matters ; but all were impressed with
two things: first, the necessity of a school for
higher learning in Texas ; secondly, the need of the
negro's assuming responsibility and depending upon
self-help, if he would ever reach the full stature of
manhood. While grateful for schools established in
the South by members of the other race, and appre
ciating fully their benefactions, the founders of Paul
Quinn thought that self-reliance was an essential
part of a perfect education, and that could only
come through the onus of managing enterprises call
ing for sacrifice, planning, devising, suffering, triumph
ing, in the first person.

Paul Quinn College is under Negro management,
and is doing as much as any institution in the land
to teach the lesson of self-help. It is an object
lesson of Negro capacity to plan, manage, and pro
mote enterprises involving self-denial and hard work.

The growth of the school has been steady and
solid. Bishop Atticus G. Haygood, while agent for
the Slater fund, visited it and said it was the best
managed and conducted school he had seen,

138 Evidences of Progress

The school property consists of twenty acres of
land, worth $65,000; two brick buildings and one
brick addition ; ten frame buildings; eight teachers ;
225 students enrolled.

For the second time in the history of this school
Rev. I. M. Burgan, A. M., has been elected as Presi
dent of Paul Quinn College. He is a graduate of
Wilberforce, and the institution has just cause to be
proud of him. His election this time is to succeed
Prof. H. T. Kealing, who was elected as editor of the
A. M. E. Revieiv. The fact that Mr. Burgin has
been the second time placed at the head of this
institution speaks well for his ability as an educator.

WESTERN UNIVERSITY, QUINDARO, WYANDOTTE CO.,

KANSAS.

This institution is pleasantly located about four
miles from Kansas City, Kans., on a high bluff over
looking; the Missouri River. The location is one of

o

the healthiest centres in one of the healthiest States
in the American Union. It is in easy walking dis
tance from the West Side Electric Line and has the
advantages accruing to a suburb of a great metrop
olis. It offers a full course of instruction in the
following departments :

Theological, Preparatory Normal, Normal In
dustrial and Collegiate.

Western University : tuition, room rent, fuel and
board eight dollars and fifty cents per school month
in advance. Each room is comfortably furnished,

Among Colored People. 139

Students are expected to bring bedclothes and
towels.

The president of Western University at this time
is Rev. W. T. Vernon, A. M., who is regarded as an
able man for the place.

CAMPBELL-STRINGER COLLEGE, JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI.

Campbell and Stringer College owes its existence
to the policy of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church to establish schools in every State where its
membership is very large. The movement was in
augurated in 1887, headed by the chartered trustees
and located in the cities of Vicksburg and Friars
Point, where for a number of years they remained.
Owing to their unfavorable location, and in order
that the endowment of the church would not be di
vided between several educational institutions, through
the wisdom of Rt. Rev. W. B. Derrick, D. D., Bishop
of the A. M. E. Church, presiding over the Eighth
Episcopal District, and the trustees of said colleges,
it was agreed upon to unite these two institutions of
learning, and locate them in the city of Jackson.

The progress of the college is due to the active
service of the ministers and laymen of the A. M. E.
Church in Mississippi, who have given labor and
money to promote liberal learning in its borders, in
the effort of elevating those of the race who pre
viously have been deprived of the opportunities now
offered them.

We plan to meet the needs of the negro youth
of the last quarter of the nineteenth century in offer-

140 Evidences of Progress

ing them the advantages of an English, Classical,
Theological, Missionary, and Industrial education.
It aims to give ample preparation to young men and
women for personal success and usefulness, and it
endeavors to correct the effects of too great special
ization on the one hand and extreme diffusion on the
other.

The College campus is on the highest point of
ground in West Jackson, at foot of Lynch Street.
Nature and art have combined to make the surround
ings pleasant and attractive. During the summer
months it is one of the most inviting spots in the city.

The main building is a good substantial frame
structure, two and a-half stones high. In this build
ing are the chapel, the library, the halls for the
literary societies, also recitation rooms. The school
is near a large number of African Methodists, and
will be a great help to the church in that part of the
South.

Rev. Daniel Hunter Butler, D. D., who at this
time is President of Campbell College, is a native of
Mississippi, having been born of slave parents. His
early life was one of privation and suffering, having
lost his parents while young. He worked his way
through school, and graduated with high honors
at Jackson College, located at Jackson, Miss. He at
one time attended Oberlin College, at Oberlin, Ohio,
but could not remain for want of funds.

Rev. Butler has been a very successful teacher and
pastor. He has been principal of some of the large
public schools in both Mississippi, Alabama and
Tennessee. As a pastor he has had charge of some

Among Colored People.

141

of the leading churches in Atlanta and other large
towns of the South.

His theological training was received at Gammon
Theological Seminary. Since Prof. Butler took

REV. DANIEL HUNTER BUTLER, D. D.

charge of Campbell College the school has taken
on new life, and the attendance has been increased
very much, and the outlook for the school is much
brighter.

142 Evidences of Progress

PAYNE UNIVERSITY.

Payne University is located at Selma, Ala. It is
now being conducted in a frame building, and is well
attended. The school is in a part of the South
where the African Methodist Church has a large
membership, and as a connectional school will do
great good. The courses of study are College, Nor
mal and Academic. Prof. J. S. Moten, A. M., LL. B.,
is president of Payne University, and is regarded by
all who know him as a fine scholar. He has had
charge of this work for several years, and the school
has grown both in attendance and popularity under
his management. Prof. Moten is assisted by his very
able and accomplished wife, besides other able
teachers. I was very favorably impressed with the
school as a power for good.

SHORTER COLLEGE.

Shorter College is located at Argenta, Ark., and
is a great help to the A. M. E. Church in that State.
They have a splendid frame building and an able
body of teachers. Courses there are College, Nor
mal, Classical English, Theological and Industrial.
The school is indeed fortunate in having Dr. Thos.
H. Jackson as its president, as he is known to
be one of the best scholars in the United States, and
will be a great blessing to the school and church in
that section of the South.

CHAPTER VIII.

A. M. E. ZION SCHOOL.

IN this chapter I present a brief history of the great
work started by the late Dr. J. C. Price. This in
stitution is one of great interest.

LIVINGSTONE COLLEGE.

Among the evidences of Negro ability to establish
and control great institutions, we have no better ex
ample than Livingstone College. In a quiet, anti
quated-looking town of historic connection with those
stirring times of our American Revolution, and with
those more than rebellious times of our country's
civil strife, where the Confederate Government in
humanly treated Union soldiers in one of their most
noted prison-pens, in the town of Salisbury, N. C.,
and under the shadow of that prison, is Livingstone
College — the pride of a great church, an honor to the
Negro race. This institution stands as a towering
monument to the heroes of that bloody struggle
whose lives were lost for their country's sake and to
make an enslaved people free.

The A. M. E. Zion Church had long desired an
institution for a thorough education of its children,
and accordingly a school under the auspices of the
North Carolina Conference was started in 1879 in
the town of Concord, N. C. It was incorporated

(143)

144

Evidences of Progress

under the name of Zion Wesley Institute, and after
two sessions, depending upon collections from the
churches of that conference, it was forced to close

THE LATE REV. J. C. PRICE, A.M., D. D.,

President of Livingstone College, Salisbury, N. C.

its doors. Therefore it was in May, 1881, when it
became apparent that the school must close — then
being taught by Prof. A. S. Richardson. The
Ecumenical Conference of the Methodist Church was
held this year in England and in this month of May.
Bishop J. W. Hood, D. D., who was president of the

Among Colored People. 145

Board of Trustees of the Institute, and Rev. J, C.
Price, with other representatives of the Zion Church,
were in attendance.

Bishop Hood, recognizing the ability of Dr. Price,
who was then a young man just out of school, pre
vailed upon him to become an agent for the school
and to remain in England after the close of the con
ference.

During the conference Dr. Price made himself
famous among the delegates and visitors as an elo
quent orator and after its close had no trouble in
getting before the English people, who welcomed
him everywhere and responded to his appeals in a
sum amounting to $9,100. This, of course, was great
encouragement to the Trustees and the Church. The
congregation of the Zion Church, in Concord, offered
seven acres of land for a site to erect buildings and
locate the school permanently. But the trustees de
cided that Salisbury would be a more favorable
place and the school was located in that city.

It was in the spring of 1882 that Bishops Hood
and Lomax, with $3,000 of the money raised by
Prof. Price in England and $1,000 donated by the
business men of Salisbury, purchased the site now
occupied by Livingstone College. There was on the
place one two-story building with ten rooms includ
ing basement. The tract of land consisted of forty
acres and the total cost of the place amounted to
$4,600.

The Board of Bishops at the meeting in ChesterP
S. C., in September, 1882, adopted Zion Wesley In-

10

146 Evidences of Progress.

stitute as a connectional school, electing a faculty
with Rev. J. C. Price, president, Rev. C. R. Harris,
Prof. E. Moore, instructors ; Mrs. M. E. Harris as
matron.

October 9, 1882, the Institute was opened on its
own premises in Salisbury. The name was soon
changed to Zion Wesley College, and in '86 or '87
became Livingstone College, in honor of the great
African explorer, David Livingtone.

It may not be out of place to mention here that
the president and faculty felt that in the scope of the
work the institution aimed to do, it would be less
hampered by the new name. The wisdom of this
has doubtless been seen by those intimately associated
with the College.

The first day the school opened there were five
day students, but no boarders. About the middle of
October the first student from abroad came — Miss
Lizzie Williams, of Newbern, N. C. When the
session closed, however, there were in all ninety-
three students. A small frame building (16x40) for
boys had been erected and the girls were crowded
in rooms with two beds each, and so great was the
need for rooms that they were compelled in some in
stances to sleep three in a bed.

When the second session began, another teacher
was added, this being necessary because the president
was required to travel and solicit donations. Dr. W.
H. Goler, a personal friend and college-mate of the
president, was the teacher added. The institution
was very much strengthened by this new addition,

148

Evidences of Progress

for, besides the literary advantages to the school, the
business tact of Dr. Goler, as well as his practical
knowledge along certain industrial lines, made the
addition very valuable. It mav be well to mention

KKV. \V. H. GOLER, D. D.

here that Dr. Goler had the distinction of preaching
the first annual or baccalaureate sermon, and the late
Bishop S. T. Jones of delivering the first annual
address.

In the middle of the second session, when the

Among Colored People. 149

number of students reached 120, the building for
boys was taken for girls and rented houses in the
community were provided for the boys. This meant
to the young men inconvenience and a sacrifice
of comfortable quarters, but they were in full sym
pathy with the school and its struggles, and bore the
hardships without a murmur. These days are often
referred to as the "Dark Days " of Livingstone
College for both teachers and students. Then it was
that some of the teachers were laboring without
knowing what they would receive for salary, and Dr.
Goler often says " he never received a penny during
his first year's work."

The faithful discharge of duty by Prof. Moore,
Prof. Harris (now Bishop Harris), Mrs. Harris as
matron, and Prof. Goler, was of incalculable value to
the president in these struggling years of the school
for existence.

In 1884 an addition (42 x 56) was made to the orig
inal ten-room house, for a chapel, a dining room and
dormitories for girls. Mr. C. P. Huntington was the
chief donor, and the building, "Huntington Hall," is
named for him. The dimensions of the building are
91 x 38. It is four stories high, including basement.

In the fall of 1885 the necessity for more buildings
caused Dr. Price to visit the Pacific coast. After
lecturing about four months he secured the donation
of $5,OOO from the late Senator Leland Stanford and
$1,000 from Mrs. Mark Hopkins. The entire amount
collected by Dr. Price on the coast was about
$9,000. Only a little over $1,000 was needed

150 Evidences of Progress

to make up the sum of $20,000. The Hon. Wm. E.
Dodge, who had assisted Mr. Price through school,
promised him a donation of $5,000 if he should raise
that sum. Mr. Price lost no time in securing the
residue and Mr. Dodge kept his word.

In March, 1886, ground was broken for the erec
tion of a dormitory for boys — Dodge Hall — a four-
story brick building 60x40, and a four-story brick,
100x40, for girls, known as Hopkins Hall, forming a
nucleus to Stanford Seminary. It will be observed
that all these buildings are named for their principal
donors.

In 1887, Mr. Stephen F. Ballard of New York
erected the Ballard Industrial Hall (60 x 39) and fitted
it up with complete outfits for the department of
carpentry, shoemaking and printing. The entire val
uation of the buildings and grounds (now about fifty
acres) is estimated at $IOO,OOO. •

The aim of the school has been to give a thorough
literary training to colored young men and women.
The industrial feature has not been neglected, although
recently the school has not been able to do as much
in that line as formerly. The reason for this has
been the withdrawal of the Slater Fund. However,
mis department has been operating with such means
as the officers have been able to obtain. The students
in the carpentry shop make and repair all the furni
ture used irt the school, such as bedsteads, chairs,
tables, desks, washstands and dressers. The printing
office is well equipped and much minute and
pamphlet work has been done besides the publish-

Among Colored People. 151

ing of the College journal, which is now conceded to
be one of the best, if not the best, College magazine
published by a colored institution in the country.
The. institution has been running but little over a
decade. It boasts, however, of a prominence equal to
any institution in the south founded and sustained by
colored men. The character of its graduates and the
showing they have made bespeak the thoroughness
of its work. In fact, the officers of the institution,
while recognizing the need and the cry for the in
dustrial training of the Negro, have stoutly main
tained that industrial education should not supplant
the higher educational development of the Negro.
The success of the 130 graduates since '85 has been
sufficient argument for them to hold this point.

The young men who have entered the ministry are
all prominent in the great church under whose aus
pices the school works. Many of the largest and
most prominent churches in the connection are held
by them, and they have merited each place. In the
law and in medicine they are not behind, and in the
schoolroom as teachers, many brilliant records have
been made by its young men and women. As
teachers, they are in demand, and in most cases give
entire satisfaction.

The work of Dr. Price, in his efforts to lift the race
to a higher plane of intellectual and moral develop
ment, is well known on both sides of the Atlantic.
To speak of Livingstone and its aim is to speak of
the one great desire of its lamented president. So
thoroughly wedded was he to this idea and its

152 Evidences of Progress

development through the work of Livingstone College
that no honor in church or state, however tempting
the emolument attached to it, could induce him to
give it up.

His great influence rests upon his successor and
his associates — ten in number. These are making
noble self-sacrifices to carry on the work.

The maintenance of this work is wonderful when
it is remembered that Livingstone has no endowment
fund for teachers, no scholarship fund for students,
and only a small appropriation from the church
under whose auspices it is operated — only a little
over half of this being received annually to carry on
the work and pay teachers.

The death of Dr. Price occurred Oct. 25, 1893.
To him directly is due the permanent establishment
of the institution.

Dr. W. H. Goler, the new president, took charge
with a vim that delighted all. His ability, his friend
ship for and acquaintance with Dr. Price, and his ex
perience give him a confidence that makes success
doubly sure.

During the past five or six years the school has
averaged an enrolment of over 200 students. The
enrolment one year was about 300. Students rep
resenting New England, Michigan, Missouri, Ken
tucky, Illinois, and all the States along the coast,
from Massachusetts to Florida, as well as Alabama,
Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Tennessee, have
been enrolled. Besides these, representatives of

Among Colored People. 153

Liberia, West coast of Africa, and the West Indies
are among the number.

The death of Dr. Price was a great blow to Living
stone. Its friends were thrown into a state of anx
iety for its future. But many believed that Price's
work was accomplished when he demonstrated to
the world his practical production of his great lec
ture — " Negro Capabilities." When Livingstone
started, the world had not learned that a College
could be established and controlled entirely by
Negroes.

CLINTON INSTITUTE.

Clinton Institute is located south of Rock Hill,
S. C., in a section of the State densely populated
with colored people.

I was very much impressed with the work done
at Clinton Institute. The school is under the
auspices of the A. M. E. Zion connection, but has
some help from outside. Prof. R. J. Crokett, who is
president of the school, is a graduate of Livingstone
College, and is a most excellent and worthy young
man. The school has a graded department, in
which are taught the ordinary and higher English
branches. It has a normal department, in which are
taught some of the sciences, and in which is the
practice school for young teachers — who work in the
more rural districts. It has an industrial department,
in which it is designed to introduce all the industrial
arts that are of practical benefit to the colored people
in the South.

CHAPTER IX

PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOLS MANAGED BY WHITE PEOPLE.

IT is a great pleasure to me to note, in these
sketches, the splendid work done by the Presbyterian
Church for the education of the colored people.

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY.
Rev. I. N. Randall, D. D., President.

Among the instrumentalities through which the
friends of the Negro may convey to him the blessings
of education, Lincoln University especially deserves
the confidence of the Christian public. She was the
first to enter this field. Lincoln University was
chartered by the State of Pennsylvania to give a
liberal Scientific, Classical and Theological education
to colored youth of the male sex in 1854, six years
before the war which resulted in emancipation. The
school is located in Chester county, half a mile from
Lincoln University Station. A liberal Christian edu
cation was the policy adopted by Lincoln University
for the elevation of our colored population before the
body of them became freedmen.

Four hundred and ninety-five have been graduated
from the Collegiate Department, after a course of
instruction extending through four and, in many
cases, seven years. Most of these graduates are en
gaged in professional and educational labors in the
Southern States. Two hundred and sixteen of the

Among Colored People. 155

students of Lincoln University have received ordina
tion as ministers in Evangelical Protestant denomina
tions. Thirteen students have gone to Africa as
missionaries. Three young men from Liberia are
now in the University.

Such men as J. C. Price, W. H. Goler and hundreds
of others are the class of men educated at Lincoln
University. There can be no question but that this
institution has accomplished more for the colored
people both North and South than any other north
of Mason and Dixon's line.

SCOTIA SEMINARY.

Scotia Seminary is one of the most interesting
schools I have ever visited. It was founded to bring
within the reach of colored girls in and about Con
cord, N. C., where it is located, the advantages of a
thorough Christian education and to aid in building
up the Presbyterian Church among the colored
people. It is chartered by the State of North Caro
lina. Says Rev. D. J. Satterfield, D. D., the presi
dent:

"Our aim has always been to appeal to the nobler
natures of our students in order to secure compliance
with our wishes. Our rules prohibit what is unlady
like and disorderly and require only what is necessary
to provide for the mental, moral and physical welfare
of all.

" For the enforcement of these rules we hold
students as well as teachers responsible. We pro
pose to maintain a moral sentiment in the school,

156 Evidences of Progress

which will make anything vulgar or vicious so much
out of place here, that it cannot stay."

MARY ALLEN SEMINARY.

This institution is located at Crockett, Texas,
and was founded by Mrs. Mary Allen, who was a
true friend to the colored people, and especially to
colored women. The purpose of this school is to
train up colored women in such arts and sciences as
are taught in schools of high grade, in all kinds of
domestic duties. Rev. Jno. B. Smith, D. D., is pres
ident, and he is assisted by an able body of teachers.

MARY HOLMES SEMINARY.

Mary Holmes was founded and is now sustained by
the Board of Missions for Freedmen of the Presby
terian Church. The school was first located at
Jackson, Miss., and was built as a memorial to Mrs.
Mary Holmes, wife of Rev. Mead Holmes, of Rock-
ford, 111. The buildings at Jackson were destroyed
by fire, and the school was then moved to West
Point, Miss. The object of this institution is the
higher education for colored women. Rev. H. N.
Payne, D. D., is president.

BARBER MEMORIAL SEMINARY.

Barber Memorial Seminary is the thoughtful and
loving gift of a Christian woman for the education
and elevation of colored girls. Ardently interested

Among- Colored People. 157

in the welfare of the colored people, Mrs. P. M.
Barber, of Philadelphia, has founded this school as
a memorial to her late husband, whose expressed
purpose it had been to provide an institution of this
kind. The school is located at Anniston, Ala. Rev.
S. M. Davis, D. D., president.

BRAINERD INSTITUTE.

Brainerd Institute, established for the Christian
education of Colored youth of both sexes, is located
in Chester, S. C. John S. Marquis, Principal.

The school grounds comprise 13 acres. There
are two large buildings ; one being principal's home,
young women's dormitories, dining room and kitchen ;
the other containing class-rooms, printing office,
and young men's dormitories.

Brainerd Institute has turned out some very useful
men and women. Rev. George W. Clinton, now a
Bishop in the A. M. E. Zion Church, was at one
time a student there.

INGLESIDE SEMINARY.

Ingleside is located at Burkville, Va., and, like
Mary Holmes, Mary Allen, and Barber Memorial, this
seminary was founded for the higher education of
colored girls. In addition to the literary work, they
have an industrial department, where sewing and
other domestic work are taught. Rev. Graham C.
Campbell, A. M., president.

In addition to the schools mentioned in the Pres
byterian work they have quite a number of large
parochials which are doing splendid work.

CHAPTER X.

PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOLS MANAGED BY COLORED PEOPLE,

IT will be noticed that quite a number of the Pres
byterian Schools are under the management of col
ored people. These schools are very well managed
and reflect great credit on the ability of colored men.

SWIFT MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.

Swift Memorial Institute is located at Rogersville,
Tenri. It was begun by Rev. W. H. Franklin in 1883,
under the most unfavorable circumstances. He be
gan at the very bottom and had no other capital save
intellectual ability, school-training, strong purpose,
perseverance, and unswerving faith in God and the
righteousness of his cause. It is true that he had
the hearty endorsement and co-operation of the
Presbytery of Holsten, the Synod of Tennessee, and
the Freedmen's Board, but they were not in a con
dition to render him the assistance required and the
conduct of the whole work, for a number of years
rested upon his shoulders. In the face of opposition,
discouragement and prejudice of every kind, the
work had a gradual and solid growth. Each year
found the school advancing and intrenching itself in
the confidence of the people at home and abroad.
Mr. Franklin did not lose any opportunity to earnestly
present the necessity and the claims of the school in
(158)

Among Colored People. 159

Tennessee, in Ohio and in Michigan. In 1887, when
the founder had raised a subscription of $500, the
Freedmen's Board appropriated $1000 to purchase
a desirable site which had been selected. The school
soon outgrew its new accommodations. In 1890,
the school had prospered to such an extent, and had
so favorably commended itself to the Board that it
pledged $5,000 for a suitable building provided
that the friends of Rev. E. E. Swift, D. D., of Alle
gheny, for whom the school was named, would raise
$5,OOO additional. After two years of soliciting,
pleading, praying and hoping, the Board and the
Ladies of the Church in Pennsylvania, Illinois and
elsewhere took hold of the matter in real earnest and
soon the building was erected. The site was enlarged
and made -more desirable by an additional purchase.
May, 1893, found the school in an elegant and sub
stantial brick building, 1 16 x 42, and three stories high,
erected at a cost of $15,000. The building has all
the modern improvements and is much admired by
all visitors for its simplicity, its neatness and its con
veniences. It has many visitors. The whole plant,
site, building and furniture, cost about $25,000.
These funds have been supplied by the Freedmen's
Board, Women's Societies and benevolent individuals,
besides many gifts annually for current expenses and
scholarships.

The literary work will compare most favorably
with that done in other like institutions of the best
grades. The students have taught in this State and
in other States and are much in demand. It is a

160 Evidences of Progress

Christian centre and is giving a thorough Christian
training to all of its students. Its industrial and
domestic departments are giving such training as
will revolutionize the home life, give intelligent di
rection to the applied hand, and give business-like
system to all the activities. The present year
marks the most interesting and prosperous one in its
history. All the rooms in the girls' dormitory are
occupied, and no place can be found for the boys.
The great, pressing and immediate want of the
institution, is a dormitory for the boys. With this
want supplied, the ability of the school to do 'a
much-needed and urgent work for Christ and hu
manity will be increased many fold. Few schools
under the auspices of the Freedmen's Board have a
better field and a better opportunity to do a great,
useful and permanent work for a needy, meritorious,
and appreciative people. With timely and sufficient
aid, few schools have a brighter, more fruitful, or a
more glorious future. The faculty of the school is
as follows :

Rev. W. H. Franklin, A. M., Mr. J. J. Johnson,
A. B., Miss Ada G. Battle, N. S., Mrs. Flora E.
Elms, N., Mrs. Ida V. Penland Love, N., and Mrs.
Laura C. Franklin, Matron.

REV. W. H. FRANKLIN.

Rev. W. H. Franklin, A. M., was born at Knox-
ville, Tenn., April 14, 1852. His parents were free
and enjoyed the respect and confidence of all who
knew them. His father was a competent brick-

Among Colored People.

161

mason and was much in demand in his trade. His
mother is a modest and sensible woman. The an
cestors of both parents were influential. His grand
mother, with several members of her family, went to

REV. W. H. FRANKLIN, A. M.

Liberia in 1850. Mr. Franklin had the opportunity
of attending school one month, just as the Rebellion
began. He learned to read and to write his name
in that month. When Burnside came to Knoxville
in 1865, he entered school again. He was generally
ii

i62 Evidences of Progress

acknowledged not only the head of his class, but
also the head of the school he attended. He at
tended the schools of Knoxville until 1870. He
then taught school at Hudsonville, Marshall Co.,
Miss., for two terms and saved sufficient money
to help build a better house for his mother and to
enter Maryville College, Maryville, Tenn. In that
institution he took high rank in his class, and in the
college. His talents received immediate recognition.
The first year he appeared as Vice-President of the
Athenian Society and a participant in its annual
exercises, delivering a recitation and the diplomas to
the graduates of the society. From that time his
recognition and place was secured until his gradua
tion in 1880 from the classical course. His graduat
ing oration was said to be the best on the occasion.
He entered Lane Theological Seminary in Sept.,
1880, and graduated from it in 1883, in a class
•known for its high ability. The Commercial
Gazette awarded him the highest medal of praise.
From Lane he came in June of the same year to
Rogersville, Tenn., which was to be his future field
of labor. He was ordained minister by Union
Presbytery, Synod of Tennessee, in 1883. In June
he took charge of his work at Rogersville. He
began the work of making a real church and of
founding a school for the higher education of colored
youth. The task was to make brick without straw
and in the face of persistent, opposition and preju
dice. He disregarded both. The result is that he
has succeeded in building up a strong church work

Among Colored People. 163

and a splendid school. He has a plant estimated to
be worth $25,000 and a full school of students
representing four different States.

He has done much other work in the interest of
the race. He has corresponded with newspapers,
represented his people in conventions, represented his
Presbytery in the memorable Centennial General
Assembly and is now a director of Maryville College.
His alma mater conferred A. M. upon him several
years ;igo. Mr. Franklin has the respect and confi
dence of all his acquaintances in Church and State,
and is known as a scholar, educator, orator and
preacher of no mean ability. He has never sought
notoriety, but has been contented to do his duty con
scientiously and efficiently in the field which he has
chosen for his labors.

HAINES NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE.

The Haines Normal and Industrial Institute is the
product of the great missionary effort of Miss Lucy
C. Laney, formerly of Macon, Ga. It was estab
lished in Augusta, Ga., in 1886, where it is now
located and successfully managed by its founder, to
whose personal efforts its existence for the first three
or four years is solely due.

After that time she succeeded in having it placed
under the auspices of the Northern Presbyterian
Church, and it is to-day under the care of the Freed-
man's Board of that church.

The present usefulness of the school has doubtless
outreached the expectations of its founder and the

164 Evidences of Progress

Board. The original design was to make it simply a
home where a few girls might receive an all-round
development, and a means for furnishing day-school
advantages to as many as could be cared for. It
is now a large boarding school, furnishing home ac
commodations in the main buildings for sixty or
seventy girls, and in rented cottages for fifteen or

HAINES NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE.

twenty boys ; class-room facilities for 550 pupils, the
highest number reached being 436 ; industrial train
ing in sewing, laundrying, nursing, printing, shoe-
making and general house-cleaning.

The following selection taken from an article
written by Rev. E. P. Cowan, D. D., Secretary of the
Freedmen's Board of the Presbyterian Church, in the
August number of TJic Church at Home and Abroad
(1893), presents very forcibly the real character of

Among Colored People. 165

this school growing out of the character of its
founder and present head. " He (referring to Rev.
David Laney, who died a year ago,) has put no son
into the Gospel ministry to succeed him, but his

LUCY C. LANEY.

worthy daughter Lucy is to-day pratically doing the
work of a faithful minister or servant of Christ.
Miss Laney is a graduate of Atlanta University, and
has an education of which no woman in this land,
white or colored, need be ashamed.

" Equipped for the work and fired with a dauntless

1 66 Evidences of Progress

zeal for the elevation of her race, of whom she always
speaks as 'my people,' she entered Augusta, Ga.,
single-handed and alone and began te-iching the few
children she could at the beginning draw around
her. As she taught, her school increased. No one
stood with her at the first. The Freedmen's Board
was back of her, but we scarcely knew her value at
the time, commissioning her for the work, but giving
her only what she could collect for her services on
the field. On this point her success brought us the
information we needed. We did not help her at the
first as we would now. Her courage, patience, self-
forgetfulness, and withal her good common sense,
attracted attention. She began with a few and at the
end of the first year reported seventy-five scholars
under her care. At the end of the second year she
reported 234. The progress of her work was so satis
factory that when the opportunity to place $10,000 in
some particular educational work in the South came
to the Board, the unanimous opinion of the members
was that Miss Laney's school had merited the pro
posed help.

" When the Assembly met at Minneapolis in 1886,
Miss Laney met the late Mrs. F. E. H. Haines. who
was then President of the Women's Executive Com
mittee of Home Missions, and was so impressed with
her earnest Christian character and her deep interest
in the colored people of the South, that she went
home and named her school the Haines School."

The literary department of Haines School consists
of College Preparatory course, Higher English,

Among Colored People. 167

Grammar School, Primary and Kindergarten. The
school contains the material for a strictly Normal
course, and more than a dozen young women have
graduated from the higher English or high-school
course. Trained teachers are needed to put such a
course into effect.

The Grammar School department, except the high
est grade, furnishes practice work for these young
women And it is preparatory to the higher English
course.

The College Preparatory course aims to prepare
students for college. With a very few exceptions
all of the graduates from this course have entered
Lincoln University, making at entrance Sophomore
class. One entered Junior class two years ago.

The Higher English course aims to prepare the
average young man and woman for active life as well
As to stimulate them to further study in school.

The Kindergarten is complete in itself. Its fur
nishing, the training of the Kindergartner and her
salary, are a gift to the school from its friends in
Buffalo, N. Y. Though but lately added to the
school, the Kindergarten is the result of the long-
cherished plans and personal efforts of Miss Laney.
Not only the Kindergarten, but the entire success of
the school, is due to contributions from friends who
have been reached and impressed with the actual
needs of the Negro by Miss Laney in her numerous
speeches to Northern audiences ; " a mission," says
Dr. Cowan in the same article quoted from, " for
which she has a rare gift, apparently without know-

1 68 Evidences of Progress

ing it." No less able is she to impress, by her own
life of sacrifice, Christian character and native ability.

A lasting influence for good in this school, and
especially in the home life, now lives, sacred to the
memory of Miss Cora Freeman, who was associated
with Miss Laney, when the foundation of the work
was being laid, and who shared bravely the hard
things which necessarily attend the beginning of a
large, unselfish work of this kind. She died after a
service of three years.

Miss Irene Smallwood, the present Kindergartner,
Mr. Frank P. Laney and Mr. James Smith, both of
Washington, D. C., at present, were also associated
with Miss Laney in the earlier work of the school.

A large four-story brick building, a wooden build
ing for the industrial work and Kindergarten, one
acre of land, three rented cottages, together with
radiating Christian influences, constitute Haines
School, one of the evidences of the native ability
and disposition of the Negro, of the hopeful results
of Christian education for the Negro, of Northern
devotion to the Negro, and the promise of a fuller
development of better things for the Negro eager to
be uplifted, and for consecrated hearts, willing to
give.

MONTICELLO SEMINARY.

The story of the development of this school is
better told when interwoven with the life of Rev.
C. S. Mebane, its founder. Rev. C. S. Mebane, A. M.,
Principal of Monticello Seminary, Monticello, Ark.,
ivas born of slave parents in Alamance county, N. C.,

Among Colored People.

169

in the year 1857. At the close of the late war he
and six other children with penniless parents wit
nessed the hardships that confronted those who were
thrown out upon the frozen charities of the world.
A few years of earnest toil rewarded the oncepoverty-

REV. C. S. MEBANE, A. M.

stricken family with a comfortable living. Having
reached the years of manhood he was not content
with a common school education, but had a thirst
for higher training, and as soon as the necessary

170 Evidences of Progress

arrangements could be made he entered Lincoln
University, Chester county, Pa., for the purpose of
fitting himself for the ministry. Here he made the
acquaintance of the late Mr. W. R. Davenport, of
Erie, Pa., who supported him through school in
honor of his deceased son, Frank R. Davenport
Having completed his course in school he entered
upon the church and school work at Monticello,
Ark., in the fall of 1888. Of a self-denying, fatherly
disposition, he has often cared for the suffering and
unfortunate both with hands and purse. He revised
the old organization, infused new life into it, gathered
about him the handful of members, selected officers,
and began the race to success. A Sabbath School
was organized and regularly kept up, and preaching
service was at first observed twice a month.

But before the church work was well on footing,
he entered the schoolroom ; and here the struggle
began in earnest.

The school session continues eight months and is
divided into four departments : the Primary, Pre
paratory, the Teacher's and Higher courses.

The boarding pupils live in the " Home " and are
taught domestic work in connection with their
studies.

The last two years have been the most successful
in the history of the school. The enrolment for the
first passed the 200 line ; and while it may not go
beyond that this year on account of " hard times,"
it has drawn upon larger areas and new territory.

Among- Colored People. 171

IMMANUEL TRAINING SCHOOL.

This work was begun in a small dilapidated frame
building at Aiken, S. C, in 1882. That building
constituted a part of the first real estate, which,
through the aid of Dr. Derby, Mrs. H. G. Burlingame,
Miss E. M. Greenleaf, and many other friends, was
purchased for the colored people's use in April, 1882.
As witnesses to the lawful execution of the deed,
Dr. Derby and his brother-in-law, Mr. George H.
Kennedy, who was spending the season in Aiken,
signed their names to it.

That unfinished boarding house, which has since
been used as a home, church, school and boarding
hall for students, all at the same time, was, in a sense,
the foundation of what is now Derby Hall — one of
the best buildings of the school. To accommodate
it to the various demands of the work, changes were
made from time to time. But after the erection of a
houseof worship and a school building, there remained
but one thing more to do, and that was to reconvert
the entire structure into a boarding halt principally
for the accommodation of students from a distance.
The new mansard roof was put on and other neces
sary alterations and improvements made during the
summer of 1891, at a cost of $1,600. The building
now contains twenty-six rooms.

All of the helpful branches of industry are taught
in this school.

REV. W. R. COLES.

Rev. W. R. Coles, the superintendent of the Imman-
uel Training School, and pastor of Immanuel Presby

172 Evidences of Progress

terian Church, of Aiken, S. C, was one of the first
graduates of Lincoln University. Speaking of his
work as founder of the Immanuel Church, he had the
following to say :

* Laboring as Sy nodical Missionary, by appoint-

REV. W. R. COLES.

ment of the Synod of Atlantic (and approved by the
Presbyterian Committee of Missions for Freedmen), I
came to Aiken on the 23d day of May, A. D. 1 88 1,
seeking a home for my family, and to look after the

Among Colored People. 173

general interests of our work. While here (June 10,
1881), I received a communication from the Freed-
men's Committee, informing me that my work as
Synodical Missionary would terminate with June 30,
and that it was the will of the Committee that I
locate again in the pastorate.

" I, therefore, settled in Aiken, and commenced
missionary work, holding services in my own house
from June 30 till the latter part of November, when
we moved into a rented house, the property of Henry
Smith, on Newberry street. This building was, on
the night of the third Sabbath in November, 1881,
formally set apart as a place of worship, under the
name of ' The Newberry Street Presbyterian Mis
sion.' The way being clear we organized a Sabbath
School on the fourth Sabbath in November, 1 88 1, with
thirteen members : Mr. J. F. Chestnut, Superintend
ent ; teachers, Mr. James F. Chestnut, W. R. Coles,
Mrs. R. E. Coles ; Librarian, Mr. T. G. Bronson ;
Treasurer, Mrs. R. E. Coles. Thus established, we
labored, preaching and conducting Sabbath School
every Sunday, holding prayer-meeting one night
during the week, and visiting, etc., till the fifth Sab
bath in January, 1882, when, at the request of nine
communicants, I, acting as an evangelist, assisted by
Rev. T. P. Kay, of the First Presbyterian Church of
Aiken, S. C., formally organized The Immanuel Pres
byterian Church of Aiken, S. C. Messrs. Alexander
Johnson and Vincent Green were elected, ordained
and installed as Ruling Elders ; John Mayes as
Deacon."

174

Evidences of Progress

DAYTON ACADEMY.

The history of Dayton Academy and the career
of Rev. Henry D. Wood must go together.

Rev. Henry D. Wood, A. M., Principal of Dayton

REV. HENRY D. WOOD.

Academy, Carthage, N. C., was born in Trenton, N. J.,
Feb. 10, 1847. He received his early training in the
public school of that city. A youth of sixteen years
(1863) he enlisted in the famous 54th Massachusetts
Regiment and served in defence of his country and

Among Colored People. 175

for the freedom of his people until these were accom
plished. He returned to Brooklyn, N. Y., and for
several years found employment with the Orington
Bros., Importers, working his way from the position
of porter to a clerkship in the shipping department
of that house. United with the Siloam Presbyterian
Church, and was at once made an elder in that
church, and though holding a lucrative position, was
so impressed with his call to the ministry that he
resolved to make preparation for that work. He
entered Lincoln University, where he held high rank
in character and proficiency in studies, and was
graduated from the Theological Department in '78.
In 1880 he was commissioned by the "Presbyterian
Board of Missions for Freedmen," ordained by the
Presbytery of Yadkin, and entered upon the work in
which he is now engaged. He found here a desti
tute, neglected field, an organization of about forty
members in two churches, no Sabbath schools, public
schools limited to two months, and the people too
poor to better their condition.

He made known the condition of things to per
sonal friends North, who generously responded to
his appeal for help, and arousing his people to effort
in their own behalf soon succeeded in erecting" one

o

of the neatest and most comfortable churches in this
part of the country.

The people were encouraged to deeper interest in
their own improvement. Day school was opened in
his residence, but it proved too small ; many were
crowded out. The Board established a parochial

176 Evidences of Progress

school and each year it was enlarged. In '86 it was
found necessary to advance the grade, hence " Day
ton Academy," a handsome three-story building
comprising class-rooms and girls' dormitory, also a
boys' dormitory, with dining-room and kitchen.

Three church buildings are valued at about $3,500;
school property about $1,500; church membership
about 400; Sabbath school about 450; Day school
scholars, 260; five teachers in Academy.

This school supplies teachers for the public
schools, and they are found doing good service in
Sabbath schools and in churches, and everywhere.

ALBION ACADEMY.

The Albion Academy, at Franklinton, N. C, was
founded in the year 1877, by the late Moses A. Hop
kins, Minister to the Republic of Liberia. At the
time of the founding of this Academy there were no
adequate facilities to serve a liberal education in the
community. Aided by friends at the North, the late
William Shaw, of Pittsburg, Pa., and John Hall,
and the First Presbyterian Church, of Albion, N. Y.,
the Academy was organized and established amid
the strenuous efforts of bitter opponents to resist it.

The first principal of the school was its founder,
the late Rev. Moses A. Hopkins.

Many young men and women have been sent from
this institution to higher schools, as Lincoln Univer
sity, Pa., Biddle University, N. C., Fisk University,
Tenn., and Howard University, D. C., etc. The
school is designed for the education of the many

Among Colored People.

thousands in this section of the State. It is the only
educational centre of the Presbyterian Church, in
Eastern North Carolina, for the Negro race. It offers

REV. JOHN A. SAVAGE, D. D.

the benefits of a liberal education to the Negroes of
the South, as well as the State of North Carolina.

Many friends in the North have given largely to
the support of the Academy. There are three
halls. The Stamford Hall, and the Darling Hall.

12

1 78 Evidences of Progress

are for the young ladies. The Academy Hall con
tains eight recitation-rooms and a chapel hall.

REV. JOHN A. SAVAGE, D. D.

After the resignation of Rev. Samuel S. Sevier in
the year of 1892, as the principal of the Academy,
Rev. John A. Savage, D. D., was called and ap
pointed by the Board of Trustees to the presidency
of th'e Academy. Since his government the Aca
demy has taken a fresh start in every direction.

Rev. Mr. Savage, the president of Albion Academy,
is a graduate of Lincoln University. He is an
unassuming gentleman of much natural ability and
his work in the State of North Carolina is most
creditable. The school has been rapidly built up
under his charge, and many young men and women
in the community are thankful to Rev. Savage for
his kind attention and earnest interest in their educa
tion.

BIDDLE UNIVERSITY.

This University is located at Charlotte, N. C., and
is named in memory of the late Henry J. Biddle, of
Philadelphia, whose widow, Mrs. Mary D. Biddle,
has been one of its most liberal supporters. It is
chartered by the Legislature of the State, and is
under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church in the
United States.

The object of the institution is the education of
colored teachers and preachers, and leaders for the
race in other walks of life.

It stands at the terminus of seven railroads, in the

Among Colored People.

179

midst of a dense and comparatively intelligent col
ored population, and occupies a site of sixty acres in
the suburbs of the city.

It is situated in the heart of the South Atlantic
region, which contains the two Synods of Atlantic
and Catawba, having 290 colored churches, 180 min-

BIDDLE UNIVERSITY.

isters, scores of young men in preparation for the
ministry, with a large number of schools and acad
emies under their care. These schools and churches
must be furnished with intelligent Christian teachers
and preachers, who must be largely educated on the
field, and in contact with the people among whom
they are to labor. Such a training is given here at
less expense than it could be elsewhere ; the student

i8o

Evidences of Progress

has the best opportunities for a liberal education to
gether with the refining influence of a Christian home,
and he is kept at the same time in contact and sym
pathy with the people.

REV. D. J. SANDERS, D. D.,

President of Biddle University, Charlotte, N. C.

This institution has a colored president and J
think that he has demonstrated the ability of the
colored man to govern. I regard Rev. D. J. Sanders,
D. D., as a very able man, and I think he has done
as well at Biddle as any other man could have done.

Among Colored People. 181

considering the period through which the institution
has just passed.

No institution in the care of the Presbyterian
Church has a wider field or greater opportunities.
Its students are gathered from all the South Atlantic
States, and are scattered in their school and church
work through all this vast region, and as far west as
Texas.

It is the only institution of its kind maintained by
our Presbyterian Church in the South ; and it cer
tainly is one of the most important agencies in the
hands of the Church for the accomplishment of good
among 8,000,000 of colored people. It commends
itself to the prayers and gifts of all good men.

The importance in the eyes of the Church, of the
interests which Biddle University represents, is forci
bly put in the language of a recent circular addressed
to churches on its behalf by the Board of Missions for
Freedmeu :

" What is done," say they, " for Biddle University,
will, in a great measure, determine the success of
our whole work among the Freedmen."

FERGUSON ACADEMY.

Ferguson Academy is situated at Abbeville, S. C.
The property was acquired by the Freedmen's Board
of the Presbyterian Church in 1891. In 1892 Rev.
Thomas H. Amos, A. M., then pastor of the First
African Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, was elected
principal to succeed Rev. E. W. Williams. The enrol-

182

Evidences of Progress

ment then consisted of sixty-two students, which
have grown from that number to 210.

The property consists of three buildings valued at
$7,000 or $8,000, free of debt.

IBB

REV. THOMAS H. AMOS, A. M.

The course of instruction is divided into nine grades.
The faculty consists of Rev. T. H. Amos, A. M.,
Principal ; Prof. Joseph W. Lee, Mrs. Ida B. Amos,
Eliza A. Pindle, Misses Carrie M. Richie and Mattie
F. Barr.

Among Colored People. 183

There is an industrial department connected with
the school, and most of the work is done by the
students. The management of the work is economi
cal; the instruction painstaking and thorough, the
discipline kind, and the graduates have the reputa
tion of being moral and efficient teachers. There is
no doubt but that the influences of such a school are
uplifting to the masses of colored youth in the com
munity. Those who have investigated the work of
the school praise the management and thank its bene
factors for what it is doing. The friends of Negro
education may have confidence in Ferguson Acade
my, and find it an appropriate channel through
which the rising generation of this people can be
helped to places of usefulness and respectability.
The religious tone of the instruction is deep and in
addition to this the diligence and experience of its
faculty and the supervision of the officers of the
Presbyterian Board guarantee that this is a light to
scatter the night in the regions where its graduates,
both male and female, will go forth.

HARBISON INSTITUTE.

Harbison Institute is located at Beaufort, South
Carolina; Rev. G. M. Elliott, President.

The aim of Harbison Institute is to give thorough
training in those studies laid down in the course, and
thereby fit those who attend upon its instruction for
practical life, and help them to succeed in the work
of their choice.

Persons whose moral character, or whose general

1 84 Evidences of Progress

influence would be detrimental to the good of the
school, will not be received or retained in the school.

The use of intoxicating liquors, tobacco, profane
or indecent language, card-playing, and everything
tending to immoral life, are strictly forbidden.

Immoral or vicious conduct; insubordination to
school authority ; habitual tardiness, or truancy ;
habitual uncleanliness of person, or indecency in
dress ; persistent disorder, or misdemeanor on street,
while going to or from school, will be deemed suf
ficient grounds for suspending the offender from the
privileges of the school.

This school is doing just the kind of work needed
in the locality where it is situated.

j. B. SWANN.

Rev. J. B. Swann, who is conducting an Indus
trial School, at Lothian (Anne Arundel county),
Maryland, has been a very active worker in behalf of
Negro education, from the time he entered Lincoln
University in the fall of 1867, up to the present time.

He started out as a Missionary teacher under the
Board of Home Missions for Freedmen during the
summer months while attending Lincoln, and suc
ceeded in building his first day-school at Mocksville,
N. C., in 1869. From Mocksville, he was com
missioned by the Board to West River, Md., where
he labored for twelve years. From this place he
was sent to Greensborough, N. C. Here he took
charge of a school which had been previously
organized and he made quite a success of the work.

Among Colored People. 185

A few years later Mr. Swann returned to Lincoln for
the purpose of taking a theological course. After
finishing his studies he began his present work.
His success has been marked and the results of his

REV. J. B. SWANN.

untiring efforts have been gratifying both to him and
the Board.

MARY POTTER MEMORIAL SCHOOL.

Mary Potter Memorial School is located at Oxford,

1 86

Evidences of Progress

N. C., and is under the management of Prof. G. C.
Shaw.

This school is named in honor of Mrs. Mary
Potter, of Schenectady, N. Y., who was very much

PROF. G. C. SHAW.

interested in the Freedmen and contributed liberally
toward their educational improvement. She donated
the money to start this school, and after it had be
come too small for the accommodation of the many
young people who crowded into it, friends of Mrs.

Among Colored People. 187

Potter and friends of the colored people contributed
to its enlargement. It is now in a splendid condi
tion and very creditable work is being accomplished.

Professor Shaw, the principal of this school, was
born of slave parents at Louisburg, N. C., June 19,
1863. He entered Lincoln University in 1881 and
graduated in 1886. Devoted one year to the study of
theology at Princeton Theological Seminary.
Graduated from Auburn Theological Seminary, of
Auburn, N. Y., in 1890.

It was while he was at Auburn that he made the
acquaintance of Mrs. Potter, who offered him
encouragement in the line of work he had mapped
out for his life.

While in Oxford, he has succeeded in organizing
a church and building up the school. Mr. Shaw tells
me that he contemplates adding an industrial depart
ment to the school shortly and thereby increasing its
usefulness.

COTTON PLANT ACADEMY.

Cotton Plant Academy is located at Cotton Plant,
Ark. Rev. F. C. Potter, Principal. It is a school
for co-education, and is doing very good work for
the moral uplifting of the colored people in the
section where it is located.

RICHARD ALLEN INSTITUTE.

Named after Rev. R. H. Allen, D. D., late Secre
tary of Board of Missions for Freedmen of the Pres
byterian Church; is the outgrowth of the Mission

1 88 Evidences of Progress.

established in 1885 by the Presbytery of Pine Bluff,
Ark.

The school was opened November 7, 1887, in the
dwelling-house of the principal, and at first occupied
one room; a second and then a third were soon in
demand ; from an enrolment of twenty-one pupils it
increased to 138, and has steadily advanced until the
roll has reached nearly 300. With the assistance of
Messrs. W. B. Alexander, J. W. Crawford, J. B.
Speers, Judge W. S. McCain, J. R. Westbrooks, ct al.;
a title with no encumbrance was secured to the
property, and a building commenced, foundation
and studding in place, when the weather prevented
further work. When completed, this building had
four rooms below, two rooms in second story, and
one extended room on the third floor. In this, from
250 to 300 pupils were accommodated. The loss of
this house by fire on the 1 7th of January, 1894, was
a severe blow, entailing a loss of $5,000, confining
the whole school in the dormitory of Richard Allen
Institute, which was erected in 1892, by the assist
ance of Miss Mary E. Holmes, and fitted up to
accommodate a number of pupils.

This is a chartered Institute under the laws of
Arkansas, and is supported like all other Missions
under the Board of Missions for Freedmen of the
Presbyterian Church.

Rev. Lewis Johnston, Principal,

CHAPTER XL

INDEPENDENT AND STATE SCHOOLS.

IN this and the next two chapters I shall deal with
the Indepednent and State schools. I open this
chapter with Tuskegee Normal and Industrial In
stitute because it has created a greater amount of
interest and has been the subject of more discussion
in recent years than any other.

THE TUSKEGEE NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE.

Charles Dickens says somewhere : " There is not
an atom in Tom's slime, not a cubic inch in any pes
tilential gas in which he lives, not one obscenity, or
degradation about him, not an ignorance, not a
wickedness, not a brutality of his committing, but
shall work its retribution through every order of
society, up to the proudest of the proud and the
highest of the high."

Ignorance and degradation among the people
clearly menace the South, and not only the South,
but the entire country. The action and reaction of
human life is such that no class of persons, however
wise or wealthy, can stand aloof from those lower,
and remain unaffected, even though unmoved, by
their misfortunes. More and more is this fact being
recognized, and, as a means of self-protection, as well

(i8q)

190 Evidences of Progress

as from philanthropic motives, a widespread interest
is being taken in the education of the Negro.

Perhaps the phase of this question which has
aroused the greatest discussion is, " What kind of
education does the Negro need ? " Yet, probably,
if we would try better to understand each other,
there would be less difference of opinion. He who
claims that there are those who should receive the
higher education, and he who contends that what the
masses need is an English course and a trade, are
not necessarily antagonistic in their views. They
may simply stand each for the prominent presenta
tion of a special phase of the work to be done for the
race. Bright colored girls and boys who wish to go
to college and can do so, certainly should be en
couraged to go. We have need of men and women
with trained and disciplined minds. Besides there
are individuals who are endowed with special gifts
which can be used, to the greatest advantage, for the
race and for humanity, only by giving them the
highest possible degree of culture. On the other
hand, there are the masses, who, like the masses of
any race, are not able, either intellectually or finan
cially, to take a college course, and who, besides, are
destined to callings which require training other than
that the college gives. What is to be done for them ?
This Booker T. Washington is ably demonstrating
at Tuskegee. Both of these cases should be pre
sented in equity, and the importance of either should
not cause the other to be overlooked.

The success of the Tuskegee School is due, in a

Among Colored People. 19!

large measure, to the fact that it meets what is recog
nized as a great educational need. It carries along
with the training of the head the training of the
hand makes possible an education to the poorest boy

PROF. R. T. WASHINGTON, A. M.,

Principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute,
Juskegee, Ala.

and girl in the land, and sends each graduate out
into the world familiar with some form of labor to
the extent that he can earn thereby his daily bread.
The experiment of this kind of training in solving

192

Evidences of Progress

the much-talked-of problem, is being watched on all
sides with eager curiosity.

Tuskegee is no more Hampton than Hampton is
the little school in the Sandwich Islands, from which
General Armstrong received those earliest concep-

ARMSTRONG HALL.
Built by Students.

tions of the industrial education, afterwards realized
on American soil in behalf of the American Negro.
The peculiar exigencies of the situation gave rise to
features in the more Southern school which are not
to be found in the one nearer Mason and Dixon's
line, and, in like manner, account for the absence in
the younger school, of certain characteristics belong
ing to the older institution.

As those acquainted with the history of Tuskegee
know, the school started in 1881 in an humble church

Among- Colored People. 193

and two shanties in the town of Tuskegee. There
was then one teacher with thirty pupils ; no land, no
buildings, no apparatus, nothing but the $2,OOO ap
propriated by the State for the payment of salaries.
There are now over one hundred persons connected
with the school in the capacity of instructors of some
kind, nearly 1,200 pupils, including those attending the

ALABAMA HALL.
Built by Students.

Training School ; more than forty buildings erected
by student labor, 2,600 acres of land, and a property
valued at $225,000, unincumbered by mortgage.

This marvelous growth is due mainly to one man,

Booker T. Washington, the principal of the school;

and his success may be attributed to a combination

of qualities — marked executive ability, high enthusi-

13

194

Evidences of Progress

asm, keen, prophetic vision, and a wonderful power
to see and to state the value of things commonly con
sidered of small account. Some one has character
ized Mr. Washington as " the man with a genius for
common sense," and, probably, one might use many
words in telling of him without giving so good a de
scription as that conveyed in this terse expression.

PHELPS HALL.

Built by Students.

Tuskegee stands for the education of the head, the
hand, and the heart, the three H's which include the
three R's and much more. It gives a good Normal
course, which fits one fairly well for the race of life,
or serves as an excellent foundation for a more ad
vanced course. Stress is laid on the study of peda
gogy and practice in the training school; for the in
stitution acts on the theory, which in most cases is
correct, that these young people, after graduation,

Among Colored People. 195

will teach at some time, whether or not during their
schooldays they expect to do so, and, therefore, pro
tects the future pupils of these embryo teachers by
requiring every one who aspires to a diploma to re
ceive training in the theory and practice of teaching.
The Phelps Hall Bible School, connected with the
Tuskegee Institute, is the gift of a Northern friend,

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON'S COTTAGE.
Built by Students.

and is designed especially to help the ministers of
the South, among whom it is doing a great work.
Many pastors in charge of churches, learning of the
advantages of the institution and the possibility of
getting through school with very little money, resign
their churches to come here and better fit themselves
for the work. Others, nearer, enter the school and

196 Evidences of Progress

trudge several miles on Saturday or Sunday to meet
and minister to their congregations. Those not
pastoring churches while in school, carry on some
form of mission work, and so keep in touch with the
people and help lift up others even while they are
being lifted up.

There are over twenty-five industries operated by
students under experienced and efficient instructors.
A limited number of young men and women work
during the day and attend school at night, in this
manner supporting themselves and laying by a sur
plus for expenses when they enter the day-school,
besides fortifying themselves with the knowledge of
a trade. In order to teach the dignity of labor, as
well as for the sake of the skill thus acquired by
each student in some industry, all are required to do
a certain amount of work.

Besides the literary societies of the school, of
which there are four, doing good service along the
lines usually adopted by such student bodies, there
are several religious organizations. The Y. M. C. A.
has a large membership and is doing a most effective
work. The young men belonging to this association
are of an especially high type of young manhood,
and they are exerting a most helpful and healthful
influence on the morals of the school. After a great
deal of worthy effort they have succeeded in getting
a pretty well-stocked reading-room and library, and
they are now bending their energies toward securing
a building of their own. They feel that they have

Among Colored People. 197

outgrown the one little room which is all the school
can afford to give them.

The Y. P. S. C. E. is full of vigorous life. Its
presidents have always been teachers, while the va
rious committees are composed of both teachers and
students. Besides the Executive Committee there is
a Lookout Committee, which looks out for the wel
fare of the society, and keeps trace of the members
who are absent from the consecration meetings ; a
Prayer Meeting Committee which has charge of all
the prayer meetings ; a Flower Committee, which
carries flowers to the sick, and decorates the chapel
for special exercises, and a Mission Committee, which
does work in the neighborhood among the poor,
carrying food and clothing to them from time to
time during the year.

The Mite Society is a branch of the W. H. M. S.
Besides general work among the poor in the vicinity
of the school, it has given special care to the old
people of the county poorhouse. This society exacts
one cent weekly from its members, and when this
cannot be given, accepts, in lieu thereof, a sheet of
paper, a stamp, an envelope, or anything which may
be sold by a committee appointed for that purpose.

The Tuskegee Women's Club is not, like the or
ganizations already mentioned, for the students ; but,
as an outgrowth of the school, and one of the most
helpful influences in the community, it may be men
tioned here. This club is composed of the women
connected with the institution, either as teachers or
the wives of teachers. At the regular semi-monthly

198 Evidences of Progress

meetings a literary and musical program is rendered,
and there is a sub-organization which meets weekly
for an informal discussion of current topics ; but these
efforts for self-improvement do not limit the activity
of the club. Among the branch organizations con
ducted by its members are social purity clubs among
the girls of the institution, a humane society, to
which both boys and girls belong, a club for the
ministers' wives of the town and vicinity, where they
are helped to a fuller realization of the responsibili
ties and opportunities of their position, and are shown
how they may best work among the girls and women
of the churches, a club for mutual improvement
having as members girls attending the institution, but
living in town, a Y. W. C. T. U., and a club con
ducted in the town on Saturday afternoons in the
special interest of the country women, who flock in
on that day to see the sights and to do their small
shopping. This club was organized by Mrs. Booker
T. Washington, several years ago, even before the
organization of the main club of which it is now con
sidered a branch, and it has done much to elevate
the morals and improve the manners of the women
in and near Tuskegee.

The influence of the school is still further extended
by means of the farmers' conferences, with which the
public is very generally acquainted. These confer
ences are held annually, towards the latter part of
February or the first of March, and are largely at
tended. The men are advised to buy land and to
cultivate it thoroughly, to raise more food supplies.

Among Colored People. 199

to build houses with more than one room, to tax
themselves to build better school houses, and to ex
tend the term to at least six months, to give more
attention to the character of their leaders, especially
ministers and teachers, to keep out of debt, to avoid
law suits, to treat their women better, and where
practicable, to hold similar conferences in their
several communities. A woman's conference is held
on the afternoon of the same day, and topics relating
to the home and the care of children are discussed.
The next day there is a congress of workers, which
is attended by teachers and others who labor for the
elevation of the colored people.

Tuskegee not only advises the people to get
homes, but, through the generosity of a friend who
established a fund for this purpose, she has been
enabled to help several families to this end. The
sum of $4,500 was given to be loaned in amounts
ranging from $30 to $300, to graduates of the
school or to other worthy persons. Already more
than twenty homes have been secured in this man
ner, and, as a result, Greenwood, a model little
community, is growing up just beyond the school
grounds.

The Summer Assembly furnishes help of another
kind. This is a sort of Southern Chautauqua, mod
ified to meet the needs of the section and of the
people for whose benefit it is held. Here tired
teachers, preachers, and others meet annually and
combine pleasure with instruction, holding daily
morning sessions at which papers on subjects of

2OO Evidences of Progress

practical importance are read and discussed, and
spending afternoons and evenings in rest and recrea
tion.

These are influences emanating directly from the
school, but what of the work of its graduates, of
the indirect influences thus set in motion ? Their
name is legion. These graduates and undergraduates
are scattered throughout the South, engaged in the
great work of trying to elevate a race. We find them
in the shops, comparing favorably with their white
fellow-workmen, at the head of industrial departments
in smaller schools planned after the order of the
Tuskegee Institute; preaching among the people,
trying to clear their minds of ignorance and supersti
tion, and seeking to raise the standard of the ministry
of which they form a part; teaching in remote coun
try districts, probably for salaries hardly more than
sufficient to pay their board, perhaps building with
their own hands the schoolhouse they have induced
the people to assist in erecting ; on their own little
pieces of land farming after the improved methods
they learned at school; nursing, sewing, caring for
their own homes and children — all, we trust, many,
we know — lights in the communities in which they
reside and living embodiments of the principles for
which the beloved parent institution stands.

The aim has always been to have the instructors
at Tuskegee persons of ability; frequently they have
been also persons of considerable reputation. One
of the most remarkable characters ever connected
with the school and the one to whom, more than to

Among Colored People. 20 1

any other, with the exception of Mr. Washington
himself, is due Tuskegee's phenomenal progress, was
Mrs. Olivia Davidson Washington, the now deceased
wife of the principal. She was Mr. Washington's
assistant almost from the first, and being a woman
of great enthusiasm, earnestness, and fixity of pur
pose, and being, besides, widely and favorably known
in the North where she received her education, she
made many friends for the institution, and brought
to it many gifts.

Mrs. Warren Logan, who is yet teaching in the
school, was associated very early in the work with
Mr. Washington and Miss Davidson, she and Miss
Davidson being for some time the only women
teachers in the school. Mrs. Logan helped to train
many of the teachers who have gone out from Tus-
kegee, and has done other work in that line, having
been appointed at various times to hold teachers' insti
tutes in different parts of Alabama and of Georgia.

Mr. Logan, the secretary and treasurer, holds a
position in the institution second in importance only
to that of the principal, and has proved his worth by
long years of faithful service. The head teacher,
Mr. Nathan B. Young, is a graduate of Oberlin Col
lege ; he is a close student and a man of recognized
scholarship.

Mr. R. R. Taylor, who is in charge of the depart
ment of architectural and mechanical drawing, was
graduated from the Boston School of Technology.

Rev. E. J. Penney, at the head of the Phelps Hall
Bible Training School, is of the Yale Divinity School.

2O2 Evidences of Progress

Prof. J. W. Hoffman, an agricultural specialist, is
a member of the American Academy of Natural
Sciences, and of several English and continental
scientific bodies.

At one time Miss Hallie Quinn Brown, the noted
elocutionist, served as lady principal.

Dr. Tanner's talented daughter, Dr. Hallie Tanner
Dillon, was resident physician until she married, and
her husband accepted the presidency of Allen Uni
versity in South Carolina.

Something may be judged of Mrs. Booker T.
Washington from what has been already told of her
work among the women. She is now more widely
known, perhaps, as the President of the National
Federation of Afro-American Women ; but it is in
the State of Alabama, the heart of the Black Belt,
where her influence is really exerted and felt, as it
can be exerted and felt nowhere else. Mrs. Wash
ington is a very strong character, and is truly a help
meet for the husband who has chosen her.

Of Mr. Washington, the whole country knows how
he struggled for an education at Hampton, was se
lected by General Armstrong to take charge of the
work at Tuskegee, and with one bound has leaped
to the front, making himself the most prominent
figure among living colored men and his school the
greatest educational influence in the South at the
present day.

This brief mention gives some idea of the status
of the men and women who compose the teaching
force of the school at Tuskegee. The best talent is

Among Colored People. 203

none too good for such work. The school is in the
centre of a vast Negro population, where the blacks
outnumber the whites three to one. Here are un
paralleled opportunities for helping the masses of the
people; and in their redemption, even more than in
the higher education of a gifted few, the welfare of
the country is involved.

NORMAL.

While the State Normal and Industrial School, at
Normal, Alabama, has made little display through
the public prints, it is a fact that it is doing a great
work for Negro Education, and stands among the
best schools of the land.

This institution, like many others in the South, is
the work of sacrifice and charity. The early teach
ers taught for a bare living in order to make the
school a fixture. Prof. Councill, the founder and
president of the school, gave his entire earnings for
more than ten years to the work. The documents
which the teachers signed, donating their salaries to
the cause of education of the Negro race, is a part
of the records of the institution, and a witness of
their devotion and consecration to the work.

The school began its existence in the city of
Huntsville, Ala., May I, 1875. It was first taught
in a little church, and then in rented houses about
the city until, September I, 1882, a beautiful lot con
sisting of five acres of land, on which stood several
buildings, was purchased and the school permanently
located.

204

Evidences of Progress

Beginning May I, 1875, with not one dollar in
property, only one teacher, nineteen pupils, annual
income of $1,000, in 1878, its work was so satis

factory that the annual appropriation was increased
to $2,OOO, and it then had four teachers and over 200
pupils. The Peabody and Slater funds made liberal
contributions to its support. In 1884, the Alabama

Among Colored People. 205

Legislature increased the annual appropriation to
$4,000, the city of Huntsville gave aid, and warm
friends, North and South, contributed liberally. The
old buildings on the grounds were improved, and by
1890, two large handsome brick buildings, one large
frame dormitory for young men, and a commodious
industrial building had been erected and fitted up;
the faculty had been increased to eleven teachers, and
more than 300 students were receiving instruction
in a thorough Normal Course and in important
industries. The Legislature of Alabama, in further
recognition of the merits of this institution, selected
it as the recipient of that portion of the Congres
sional grant under act approved August 30, 1890,
known as the Morrill Fund " for the more complete
endowment and maintenance of colleges for the
benefit of agriculture and the mechanic arts," given
to Alabama for Negro Education. This action of
the Legislature gave new force and broader scope to
the work. It was seen that larger quarters were
necessary, that the beautiful grounds, handsome
buildings supplied with gas and. water, must be given
up and the school removed from Huntsville to
some suitable place near by. A great many lo
cations were offered, and, after due consideration,
the present location was purchased. Palmer Hall
and Seay Hall, a barn and a dairy were erected and
the session opened for 1891-2, September I, in its
new quarters — three months after the closing of the
session, June I, 1891. The new location was com
monly known as Green Bottom Inn, or Connally

206

Evidences of Progress

Race-Track. It has an interesting history, as old
almost as the State itself. There once stood upon
these grounds a famous inn, a large distillery, grog
shop, slave cabins, rows of stables in which were
kept the great trotting horses of fifty years ago, while
in the beautiful valley, circling at the foot of the hill,
was the race-course, where thousands of dollars
were lost and won. Stretching faraway to the south,
west and north of the hill (now Normal) are broad

ONLY SCHOOL PROF. COUNCILL EVER ATTENDED.

fields wherein worked hundreds of Africa's dusky
sons, filling the air with merry songs accompanying
plow or hoe, or with silent prayers to heaven for de
liverance from bondage. Here men, as well as
horses, were bought and sold, and often blood was
drawn from human veins by the lash like the red
wine from bright decanters. But what a change!
The famous old inn is no more. The distillery has

Among Colored People.

207

crumbled to dust. Not a vestige of those stables re
main. The old grog-shop, too, has gone forever.
However,

"There are still some few remaining,
Who remind us of the past."

The beautiful mountains and the same broad fields,
made more beautiful by Freedom's touch, still

208

Evidences of Progress

stretch far, far away ; the race-course is gone, but a
little higher up the hillside is a road along which
thousands of slaves have passed from the Carolinas

and Virginia to the bottoms of the Mississippi,; and
the road now is a main street of Normal ; four of the
old slave cabins remain, one of which for three years

Among Colored People. 209

served as the president's office and three repaired
and occupied by teachers and their families; the great
old gin-house, built of logs, where so many slaves
trembled at the reckoning evening hour, now used as
Normal's blacksmith shop, wheelwright shop, broom
factory, mattress factory; the old log barn, repaired,
and with additions, serving as Normal's laundry; the
little saddle house whose framework is put together
entirely with pegs instead of nails, now serves as
barber shop; the carriage house, which has served
as sewing room and printing office ; and last the
grand old residence of the "lord of the manor,"
partly of stone (walls three feet thick) and partly of
wood covered with cedar shingles, under a heavy
coating of moss, containing in all eight rooms. In
this typical, hospitable Southern home, the great
Andrew Jackson, once President of the United
States, was entertained when he attended the races
and bet his eagles on the trotters. This home is
now the residence of the President of Normal who
was himself a slave. The mutations of time !

The income is derived from the State of Alabama,
U. S. Government (Morrill Fund), and charitable
sources. This is steadily increasing every year.

Since the organization, the institution has sent
forth 218 graduates from its various departments.
Besides these graduates, there are hundreds of under
graduates doing great work among thousands of the
Negro population of the country.

In the Literary Department of Normal there are
14

2IO

Evidences of Progress

six well organized schools or courses of study, to
wit :

I. Normal or Professional School, with a course
of three years.

2. Normal Preparatory School, two years.

3. Model School, four years.

4. Bible Training School, two years.

Among Colored People. 2 It

5. School of Music — Instrumental and Vocal.

6. Business Course, including Bookkeeping,
Shorthand, Type-writing, Telegraphy and Commer
cial Law.

Normal has, also, a liberal Post-Graduate Course.

The Industrial Department has twenty schools or
courses, from one to three years, in Cooking, Sewing
Sick Nursing, Laundering, Housekeeping, Network,
Blacksmithing, House Carpentry, Wheelwright,
Cabinet-making, Shoe-making, Painting, Printing,
Broom-making, Mattress-making, Plumbing, Agri
culture, Horticulture, Dairy Farming, Stock Raising.

Normal is fortunate in her abundant water supply.

The school has an excellent laboratory, and a
very good library consisting of choice books, and a
reading room, wherein are some of the best magazines
and journals of the country.

There are quite a number of Religious Societies
which are doin<r much sfood.

o o

There are more than twenty buildings of various
sizes and uses upon the grounds.

A post-office has been established on the Elora
branch of the N. C. & St. L. R. R., right at the
school, and the stati'on has been named Normal,
Alabama, in honor of the school. Fearns is the
name of the station on the M. & C. R. R., situated
also on the school grounds. Normal does registry
and money-order business. It has also an express
office and telegraph station.

All work, including building, repairing, black-
smithing, wheelwrighting, painting, broom-making,

212

Evidences of Progress

printing, shoe-making, mattress-making, farming,
cooking, dining-room and general house-work, is
performed by the students.

The shops are well supplied with ordinary ma
chinery and tools.

The farm comprises about 2OO acres of land, on
which are cultivated for general and experimental

Among Colored People. 213

purposes many varieties of cotton, grain, and all
kinds of vegetables. The farm is well stocked with
mules, horses, Devon, Holstein and Jersey cows,
best breeds of hogs and poultry ; vehicles and
implements of every kind.

The various fruits of this section are found in the
orchards of the farm.

The healthfulness of this entire section is generally
known. But this school is particularly favored in
this regard on account of its excellent location and
surroundings. Normal is 1,200 feet above sea-level,
with a natural drainage unsurpassed in the United
States. The atmosphere is pure and bracing at all
times.

Very few of the students of Normal received
other help than a chance to work out their destinies.

The teachers contribute a portion of their salaries
to our " Student Aid Fund" and other causes for the
promotion of the work.

The work of elevating the plantation life of the
Negro is one of the most important connected with
the work of education in the South. It is hard for
the schools to reach these people. Hence the im
portance of special effort in this direction. Normal
has organized to meet the demand. Young women
are trained especially for this work. Those who
will dedicate their lives to this work on the planta
tion, to work regardless of pay, have all of their ex
penses paid in school while they are in preparation.
Normal hopes to do much in this line.

The young men are also organized for Sunday-

214

Evidences of Progress

school Mission Work. Many of them walk five to
ten miles every Sabbath, to organize and conduct
Sunday schools. Everywhere they go, school-houses

are built and repaired, homes are refined and general
intelligence scattered among the people. The
ingenuity displayed by these young men to overcome
the poverty which confronts them in their work is

Among Colored People. 215

quite remarkable. One of them bought Sunday-
school literature and started a library, on a collection
of one egg each Sunday, from those who could
afford to make such a contribution.

The U. S. Government has made Normal a Weather
Service Station, and the signals are read by the
farmers for miles away. Normal has a brass band,
also an excellent string band.

Prof. W. H. Councill owns a farm adjoining
Normal, and occupying a portion of the triangle be
tween the two great railroad lines approaching each
other after passing on either side of Normal. He
has laid a portion of this land off in lots, streets,
avenues, alleys, and gives the odd numbers to bona
fide settlers, who will build a specified house, and sub
scribe to certain, other conditions, such as keeping
up fences, streets, sidewalks, etc. Men who can turn
their brains and muscles into things of use are en
couraged to settle here.

PRESIDENT W. H. COUNCILL.

W. H. Councill was born in Fayetteville, N. C., in
1848, and brought to Alabama by the traders in 1857,
through the famous Richmond Slave Pen. He is a
self-made man, having had only few school advan
tages. He attended one of the first schools opened
by kind Northern friends at Stevenson, Ala., in
1865. Here he remained about three years, and this
is the basis of his education. He has been a close
and earnest student ever since, often spending much
of the night in study. He has accumulated quite

Evidences of Progress

an excellent library and the best books of the best
masters are his constant companions, as well as a
large supply of the best current literature. By
private instruction and almost incessant study, he

PROF. W. HV COUNCILL.

Principal of State Normal and Industrial School, Normal, Ala.

gained a fair knowledge of some of the languages,
higher mathematics and the sciences. He read law

o

and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Alabama
in 1883. But he has never left the profession of
teaching for a day, although flattering political posi-

Among Colored People. 217

tions have been held out to him. He has occupied
high positions in church and other religious, tern-
perance and charitable organizations, and has no
mean standing as a public speaker. And thus by
earnest toil, self-denial, hard study, he has made
himself, built up one of the largest institutions in the
South and educated scores of young people at his
oivn expense.

Just before closing this sketch, I want to say that
I regard Mr. Councill as being one of the most re
markable colored men in the United States to-day.
I have known him for a great many years and I
recognize in him the true, honest man — in every
sense a man.

CHAPTER XII.

ECKSTEIN NORTON UNIVERSITY.

THIS school was founded by one of the most suc
cessful educators of the race, the late Rev. Wm. J.
Simmons, D. D., and his associate, Rev. C. H. Par-
rish, A. M., who is its worthy president. In 1890 it
opened under the most favorable auspices, and each
year has succeeded beyond the sanguine expectations
of its friends. For purity of atmosphere, for develop
ment of the physical powers, for freedom from the
allurements and unwholesome amusements of city
life, no better place could have been selected than
Cane Spring, Bullitt county, Ky., twenty-nine miles
from Louisville.

The object is to teach the students how to work ;
to teach the dignity of labor, that hands must be
used as well as heads and that both can be success
fully used together. It teaches manliness and race
pride; that skill tells regardless of skin or parentage.
It gives, besides the industries, a literary training
which begins with the primary and ends with the
college. As much is required from the study of
the Bible as from any other book.

This school has had its adversities in deaths of
teachers and conflagration of buildings, yet it has
bravely struggled through all.

Its session for 1896 opened with students from
(218)

220

Evidences of Progress

fourteen different States, and with prospects bright
and encouraging. Students who enter this University
must come with a purpose and must use with profit
their time. Anything short of this will not be
tolerated.

Children who come as young as eight years are
under a special matron who cares for them as a
mother. In the Industrial Department will be found
carpentry, blacksmithing, farming, printing, plain-
sewing, dressmaking, tailoring, cooking, etc. Busi
ness Department includes Shorthand, Typewriting,
Bookkeeping, etc.

The Musical Conservatory is the first of the race
manned by teachers from the best Conservatories of
Music of this country. The course of study is in
accord with Oberlin, Boston, Chicago and others.
A Conservatory building is now being erected under

Among Colored People. 221

the direction of Prof. Hattie A. Gibbs, who has traveled
extensively through the East in its interest.

Many of the graduates who have gone out from
this institution are successfully teaching in the various
districts of their counties, and some are assistants
in the schools of their towns. Many of these young
men and women return after their schools close and
take up their duties in the College Department.
Classes and studies are so arranged that students
may study what is most desirable, leave off at any
staere, recruit their health or finances, and return

o *

to complete the course at any future time. The
time to finish any course is the least possible, con
sistent with thorough work in all departments. The
school recognizes annually the i6th of December
(birthday of Honorable Eckstein Norton, after whom
the school is named), Donor's Day, at which time
the work is reviewed and the memory of those who
have helped the institution, living or dead, is kept
fresh and revered by students and friends; letters
of encouragement are read and contributions an
nounced.

The faculty is competent and consists of the fol
lowing persons :

Rev. C. H. Parrish, A. B., A. M., President ; P. T.
Frazier, A. B. ; Mary V. Cook, A. B., A. M. ; Alice
P. Kelley, A. B., A. M. ; Hattie A. Gibbs, Oberlin
Conservatory ; Minnetta B. James, Minnesota ; Cor
nelia Burk, Virginia; Amanda V. Nelson, Matron.

222 Evidences of Progress

REV. CHARLES HENRY PARRISH, A. B , A. M.

One of the most remarkable men among the Negro
educators of this country is Rev. C. H. Parrish. He
is a native Kentuckian, and worked his way up from
errand boy in a dry goods store to the presidency of
a flourishing school, and one of the most noted min
isters in the Baptist denomination. In infancy his
mother beheld a son in whom her soul could delight
Obedient, true and faithful were traits in his character
so conspicuous that he was a favorite in his town
among all people.

He entered State University, Louisville, Ky., Sep
tember, 1880, with Dr. William J. Simmons as presi
dent, and graduated May, 1886, at the head of his
class with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In i88£
he became pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church,
where he still remains greatly beloved by a large
membership, and enjoys the respect and confidence
of all who know him as being an efficient minister
and a Christian gentleman who loves truth for its
own sake and pursues it faithfully regardless of
everything.

Many honors have come to him as delegate to
State, Educational and National Conventions — hold
ing offices of trust in many. At this time he is
President of the State Teachers' Association, and
Chairman of the Executive Board of the General
Association of Colored Baptists.

He stands at the head of the Eckstein Norton
University, an institution devoted to the training of

Among Colored People.

223

the head, heart and hand, and therefore gives to the
Negro youth the kind of education best adapted to
his development. He has traveled extensively in the
interest of the school, and by his strict attention to
business he has made the work a success.

CHAS. H. PARRISH, A. B., A. M.

Though Rev. Parrish leads a busy life, he finds
time to look after race interests. He is author of
"What We Believe," a hand-book for Baptist
Churches. So highly was this work prized that the

224 Evidences of Progress

American Baptist Publication Society compiled it
with works by Dr. John A. Broadus, Dr. Alvah
Hovey, Dr. J. L. Burrows and others. Rev. Parrish
ranks high as an educator, pulpit orator, president
and author. He is clear, comprehensive and con
vincing in the presentation of his views upon all
subjects, and adds to this fact a beauty of language,
grace of rhetoric, and forceful logic, which stamps
him at once as extraordinary in his gifts and acquire
ments.

MISS MARY V. COOK, A, B., A. M.

The subject of this sketch is a native of Bowling
Green, Ky. Her life was uneventful till she reached
school age, when her ability for learning asserted it
self. By her persistent efforts and her insatiable de
sire for knowledge, she soon outgrew the educational
facilities of the place, and was chafing for better ad
vantages, when Dr. Wm. J. Simmons made it possi
ble for her to enter the State University at Louisville,
Ky.

After her graduation she was elected permanent
teacher and made principal of the Normal Depart
ment, and professor of Latin and Mathematics in the
State University, which position she held until a few
years ago, when she was called to a like position
in the Eckstein Norton University.

Miss Cook has appeared on the programmes of
some of the most noted bodies of the race, read a
paper on Afro-American women at the Educational
Congress in Chicago, 1893, and has addressed
crowded houses throughout the New England States

Among Colored People.

22$

under the auspices of the Baptist Women's Home
Mission Society.

In 1892, when a fight was made against the enact
ment of the Separate Coach Law, she, with three

MISS MARY V. COC

A. B., A. M.

other ladies, was invited to the State Capital to enter
protest before the Legislature. She has traveled ex
tensively through the South land and made a close
study of her people, their progress, etc. She has
gone as far west as California in the interest of the
'5

226 Evidences of Progress

work in which she is engaged, and the school is now
reaping the benefits of that trip. She has recently
accepted a place on the Executive Board of the
National Federation of Women, of which Mrs. Vic
toria Mathews is chairman.

Miss Cook is a thorough business woman ; her
industry and close application to affairs intrusted to
her is of marked comment. She is conscientiously
consistent with an honest conviction of right, to which
she adheres with admirable fearlessness. She is, by
her very constitution, compassionate, gentle, patient,
self-denying, loving, hopeful, trustful, and by the
power of her own pure soul she unconsciously molds
the lives of those under her. It would be utterly
impossible to live on day after day with Miss Cook,
and not feel the desire for as noble a life springing
up in your own heart. She has a wonderful influence
over her pupils, who love her with the love that
casteth out fear. And she not only influences them,
but all who come in contact with her are wonderfully
impressed.

Miss Cook is an intelligent little woman, a deep
thinker ; keeps abreast of the times and holds no
mean place in the galaxy of distinguished colored
women.

The women of her own State delight to honor her
and have conferred upon her some of the highest
offices in the organizations of which she is a mem
ber. Miss Cook has a literary inclination ; being a
strong, graceful writer, she has contributed much that
is good to colored journalism.

Among Colored People. 227

When she has appeared on the public platform,
she has never failed to carry her audience by the
force of her terse style and convincing argument.
She was recently appointed Commissioner of the
State of Kentucky to the Women's Congress which
convened at Atlanta, Ga., December, 1895, before
which body she read an interesting paper.

Slowly and surely, step by step, Miss Cook has
risen to this high plane of usefulness and her life
is an inspiration, modestly displaying the great un
selfish heart of the woman, whose highest ambition
is to be of use to her race and humanity.

MISS HATTIE A. GIBBS.

Miss Hattie A. Gibbs is the youngest of five
children of Hon. Mifflin W. Gibbs, of Little Rock,
Ark., and his amiable wife, Mrs. Anna Alexander
Gibbs.

Miss Gibbs entered the Oberlin Public School at
six, and began the study of music at nine under the
direction of her sister, who at that time had made
considerable advancement in that study. At eleven
she entered the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and
also kept up her studies in school for three years,
after which she entered the high school and devoted
all her time to those studies. After two years of
hard study of Greek, Latin and Mathematics, she
graduated with honors before her fifteenth birthday.

As a student she was an untiring worker, her hours
for study encompassed almost the entire day. She

228

Evidences of Progress

accustomed herself to rising at four o'clock to begin
her practice.

In the Conservatory Department of Oberlin Col
lege the attendance is about 500, and out of this

PROF. HATTIE A. GIBBS.

number the average attendance of colored students
is eight or ten. Students are required to finish a
course of three studies before a diploma is awarded.
Besides finishing the studies of piano, pipe organ
and harmony, she had the advantage of several terms
in voice culture, and since her graduation she has

Among Colored People. 229

made special study of the violin in order to better
prepare herself as director of Eckstein Norton Con
servatory of Music, of which she was a founder and
of which she is now in charge.

The women of the race should be proud of her.
The people of Kentucky should be proud that one so
able has placed her services within reach, and ought
to show the colored peoples' appreciation, by con
tributing money toward erecting such suitable build
ings, as will stand long after the founder is num
bered with the dead — a race monument in itself.

In disposition Miss Gibbs is amiable ; in mind she
is great; in heart she is noble; in manners she is
gentle ; she has a steadfast and undeviating love of
truth, fearless and straightforward in action and in
tegrity and an honor ever unsullied by an unworthy
word or deed, and after all, these traits so prominent
in her make-up make her greater than her worldly
success in her art, for in themselves they constitute
greatness.

She has a clever handicraft at all the arts com
monly styled " woman's work." Not only have her
hands been trained to glide dexterously over the key
board, but she has made every day of her life tell,
and the result of her industry is that she is skilled in
painting, crayon work, artistic embroidery, dress
making, cooking and all that goes to make up an
accomplished woman.

This brief sketch has been given with the hope
that young people, who wish to accomplish any par
ticular pursuit in life, may herein find an example of

230

Evidences of Progress

what a woman can do, and the truth may be brought
to them that " there is no excellence without great
labor."

GLOUCESTER AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.

PROF. W. B. WEAVER.

Professor W. B. Weaver, the principal of the
Gloucester Agricultural and Industrial School — was
born April 7, 1852, at Winton, N. C. The first
school he attended was taught by his oldest brother
under a cart shelter, from there to a log hut

Among Colored People. 231

which had been used as a barn, making seats out
of boxes and plank boards. In 1869 he spent a few
months in a public school, where he was advanced to
the grade from which he could enter Hampton Normal
and Agricultural Institute, Hampton, Va. He
worked his way through, and in 1873 began teach
ing his first school, in his native State, having in his
school 112 pupils. In 1875 and 1876 he taught in

THE LOG CABIN.

the Valley of Virginia, in 1878, at Williamsport,
Pa., and in the fall of 1879, he returned to Virginia,
and looking for a fruitful field, was sent by Gen. S.
C. Armstrong to Gloucester county, where he be
gan this noble effort for the uplifting of his race.
He opened school in December, 1879, m a ^^e l°g
cabin, which was used by slaves as a meeting-house
before the war. In this dark room he taught over
75 pupils. He soon caused the people in the com
munity to see and feel the need of education ; and
securing the co-operation of the School Board and
by the aid of the Colored people, a two-story building

232

Evidences of Progress

was erected known as Bethel Public School-house
Here 196 pupils were in attendance and three
teachers employed. His school did not close at the
end of the public school term of five months as
other schools ; but by keeping the people interested,
he raised money enough to continue for eight months.
Seeing the need of an industrial school for
Gloucester and surrounding counties, he gave up the
public school work and entered upon the work of

BETHEL PUBLIC SCHOOL.

establishing an industrial school. An educational

o

mass-meeting was called in which the Board of
Trustees were elected. Prof. Weaver then com
menced the work of raising money for the proposed
school. In October, 1888, he opened school with
four pupils in a board house once used for a store.
Coming out of a well-arranged crowded school-room
into this dilapidated make-shift with only four pupils,
made him feel strange. But having made a start in
the direction which he believed to be right, he did not
look back, but daily pressed on the work of teaching.

Among" Colored People.

233

In 1890, thirty -three acres of land were bought
and Richmond Hall commenced. In October of that
year he opened school in this building though only
partly finished.

RICHMOND HALL.

Since that time 120 acres more of land have been
purchased, a large farm put under cultivation, other
buildings erected, and industrial shops opened.
One large building known as Douglass Hall has re
cently been erected and in use, though no4t completed.
It is a three-story building 78 x 60 in size and will
cost, when completed, upward of $6,000.

234

Evidences of Progress

The school is located in Gloucester county, on
York river, and is accessible by a daily line of
steamers plying between Baltimore and West Point.

It is in easy reach of over 30,000 colored people.
It has sent out several graduates, who are doing
good work among their people and for their coun-

DOUGLASS HALL.

try. There are at present ninety-seven pupils on
roll, and the school property is valued at $15,000.

Mrs. A. B. Weaver, the wife of Prof. Weaver, has
been a strong helper with him in this work. He
says that his success is largely due to her constant
work, wise counsel and strong faith in God. Many
times, when the way would be dark, and to con
tinue in this industrial school work looked impos
sible, she would encourage him to hold on a few

Among Colored People.

235

days longer. She graduated from the Albany High
School of New York in 1880, and in '8 1 became
one of his assistant teachers in the Bethel Public

MRS. ANNA B. WEAVER.

School, and she has stuck firmly to the work ever
since.

The object of this school is to make good and
useful citizens, to train teachers, preachers, mechanics,
farmers and leaders for the race.

The school depends largely on charity for sup-

236 Evidences of Progress

port. The colored people in Gloucester are very
proud of this school, its work and its workers, and
contribute freely of their small means to its support.
It is an outgrowth of the Hampton school and is
known as Hampton's second son, and shows the
wonderful influence of that school. It also shows
how the colored people are striving to help them
selves, and how they succeed when they have had a
chance in such schools.

SCHOFIELD SCHOOL.

This school was established in 1868 by Martha
Schofield.

It was started in a little frame schoolhouse which
was soon crowded to its utmost capacity. To-day
the property, entirely free from debt, is worth $30,000,
and includes two substantial brick buildings, and two
frame buildings in Aiken, S. C., with a farm of 281
acres three miles distant.

Through all these years it has influenced and
moulded many lives. In the North and South, in
the city and country, you will find colored men and
women who will tell you that they received their
education at the Schofield School.

Much has been done, much remains to be done.
In the country places, in the towns and villages of
the South, are hundreds of young men and women
growing up in the densest ignorance — in ignorance
cf the commonest decencies and proprieties of life —
with minds capable of greatest effort, but darkened

Among Colored People. 237

and obscured ; with immortal souls clouded with su
perstition and the teachings of ignorant preachers.
They reach out their hands to us with the cry:
14 Come over and help us ! " What can we do for
them ?

In our schoolrooms they receive thorough train
ing in the branches of a common-school education.
In the boarding department they may receive indus
trial instruction which will fit them to take up the
duties of everyday life. Daily contact and associa
tion with refined, cultured teachers will develop latent
possibilities, will arouse new ambitions and longings
for a higher, purer life. Even a few months' sojourn
at the institution leaves an indelible mark on the
character. When a student comes back year after
year until he has completed the required course of
study, his growth is more rapid, the results of incal
culable value. Not until one realizes the narrowness,
the poverty of the environment from which such a
student comes, can one fully estimate the benefit of
such an institution. Nor does the good stop with
the one directly benefited. As the scholars go out
into their homes to be teachers and workers, they
carry the knowledge gained, and the light in their
own hearts, and thus reach multitudes with whom
we never, directly, come in contact.

There are those whose lives are consecrated to
this work, whose daily time and strength are spent
among these people for their uplifting. There are
constant calls on their sympathy, constant appeals
for help, but unless the help and support comes from
the North they cannot respond.

Evidences of Progress

Their greatest need is a larger Endowment Fund
to meet the current expenses, that the labor and care
connected with the raising of money may be ren
dered unnecessary, when there would be more time
and strength to meet the demands of the work at
their doors.

Can there be a greater privilege than to use the
money the Lord has sent them than bringing into
the fold some of His stray lambs? "For I was an
hungered and ye gave me meat ; I was thirsty and
ye gave me drink ; I was a stranger and ye took me
in ; I was naked and ye clothed me ; I was sick and
ye visited me ; I was in prison and ye came unto
me."

Who will open the door of knowledge to these
minds, held in the bondage of ignorance; who will
help to feed the souls hungering and thirsting for the
bread of life; who will aid them in their attempt
to clothe these rude, untrained spirits in the gar
ments of refinement and culture, in which even they
may stand arrayed ? " Inasmuch as ye have done it
unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done unto
me."

Among Colored People. 239

THE REED ORPHAN HOME.

The Reed Orphan Home, at Covington, Ga., was
founded by Mrs. Dinah P. Pace, who was gradu
ated from Atlanta University, Atlanta, Ga., in 1883.
During this year (1883) Mrs. Pace went to Coving-
ton to teach for a few months only, but while there
she became greatly interested in the work of uplift
ing her race. Her labors did not end with the rou
tine of ordinary school duties, for she visited the
homes and assisted in caring for the little ones of the
families, very few of which did not greatly need her
services. Her interest in both mother and children
soon caused her to take under her roof several chil
dren who were left orphans.

The institution has grown considerably during the
last few years. The work is quietly carried on with
out attracting any great amount of notice from other
towns or cities. With the aid of Northern benefac
tors and a few friends of the neighborhood, several
buildings have been erected, but these are fast be
coming insufficient, owing to the rapid growth of
the school.

Mrs. Pace is assisted by three other teachers, who
are also either graduates or under-graduates of At
lanta University.

The children of the " family " spend their vacation
in the country, taking care of a farm upon which

Evidences of Progress

many articles of food for the winter are produced,
As far as the means at hand permits, the children
are being trained industrially, as well as intellectually.
The work is not confined to any one denomination ;

MRS. DINAH P. PACE.

It is entirely unsectarian. Especial effort is being
made to prepare those under her charge for the
higher duties of life, both as citizens and Christians.
Like most institutions of this character, the " Reed
Home " is greatly in need of means. It is to be

Among Colored People. 24!

hoped, however, that a brighter future awaits it, and
that the noble work may be abundantly prospered.
No one can realize what it is to care for a large
number of children, bestowing upon each a mother's
affection — none can know but those who have under=
taken such a labor of love.

THE A. & M. COLLEGE, GREENSBORO, N. C.

The A. & M. College, at Greensboro, N. C., is a
State school for the education of the colored youth
of North Carolina. The buildings and appointments
are the best of any school in the South, except Fisk
University. While the main object at this institution
is to prepare teachers for the State, they have a splen
did industrial department. In the machine shop a
young man made a perfect steam engine, which was
the first made by a colored man in the State. Another
student made in the wood shop a valuable office
desk and another a handsome pulpit. I think I can
safely say that the wood shop and machine shop have
the best set of tools and machinery I have seen any
where. Prof. Jas. B. Dudley, A. M., who is presi
dent of this school, is a native of Wilmington, N. C.
He received his education at the public schools of
Wilmington, and he also attended the Institute for

o

colored youths at Philadelphia, Pa., and Shaw Univer
sity at Raleigh, N. C. Prof. Dudley began teaching
in the public schools of his native State in 1876, and
has been thus engaged ever since. As president of
16

242 Evidences of Progress

the State College he has improved the condition of
the school and also increased the attendance very

PROF. JAS. B. DUDLEY, A. M.

much. He has been prominent in the literary world
as a writer for both papers and magazines.

THE GEORGIA STATE INDUSTRIAL COLLEGE.

The Georgia State Industrial College is a State in-

Among Colored People. 243

stitution, the only one of its kind in Georgia for
colored youths. It is endowed by the General Gov
ernment and supported by the State. The grounds
contain about eighty-six acres, consisting of thirty-
five acres in the campus and fifty-one acres in the
college farm. The campus, shaded by tall live-oaks,
festooned by pretty pendant moss, is, for natural
scenery, the most attractive in the State. The loca
tion is perfectly healthful.

The college farm is separated from the campus
only by the railroad, by which passengers are con
veyed from the city to their grounds. There are at
present the following buildings on the grounds :
Dormitory, two school buildings, chapel, farm house,
blacksmith shop, wheelwright and carpenter shops
and four cottages for the professors.

The courses at present established are the indus
trial, sub-normal and collegiate.

Richard R. Wright, A. M., LL. D., who is presi
dent of the Georgia State College, was born of slave
parents, and is a very remarkable man, and one of
the best-educated men of his. race, and one of the
most prominent educators in the country. I was
very much impressed with the most excellent work
at the State school, both in the class-room and work
shop. There is no doubt but a great work is being
done for the colored youth through Prof. Wright's
very able efforts.

In the late war with Spain Mr. Wright was ap
pointed as one of the regular paymasters, and did the
work with great credit to himself and his race. He

244

Evidences of Progress

has been something of a political leader in the State
of Georgia; but his greatest work has been as an
educator. In 1878 he called the first convention of

PROF. RICHARD R. WRIGHT, A.M., L.L. D.

colored teachers ever assembled in Georgia, and for
three years was president of that convention. Mr.
Wright is the founder of the Ware High School at
Augusta, Ga., the first high school for colored

Among Colored People.

245

youths, and the only one supported by city funds in
the State.

STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.

The Slater Industrial Academy was incorporated

PROF. S. G. ATKINS, A. M.

September 28, 1892. The State Normal School was
established March 13, 1895 ; the Legislature appro
priating $1,000 per annum for its maintenance. This
institution is located at Winston-Salem, N, C. ; Prof,
S. G. Atkins, A. M-., Principal.

246 Evidences of Progress

The Governor of North Carolina has the following
to say for him :

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

RALEIGH, June 21, 1894.

Prof. S. G. Atkins is a distinguished educator, and
a man of great moral worth and fine intellectual
capacity.

He is deeply interested in the moral, intellectual
and material advancement of his race, and his un
tiring efforts in this direction should have the recog
nition and support of all who desire the improvement
of their fellow-beings.

His high standing in this State is beyond question,
and entitles his claims to your earnest consideration,
and I trust that you will lend him what assistance
you can.

Prof. Atkins has been an earnest worker in the
field of education, and his example and personal en
deavors have exerted a beneficial influence on the
fortunes of his race. I take pleasure in endorsing
him. I have the honor to be,

Very respectfully yours,

ELIAS CARR, Governor N. C.

Mr. Atkins may feel proud of the high praise
given him by the Governor. His school opened in
a small building, 20x40, with one teacher and 25
pupils. The school now has twelve teachers and last
session enrolled 250 pupils in all departments, and
Jias property valued at $25,000.

Among Colored People. 247

This institution is founded on the idea that intel
lectual development and industrial training should
go hand in hand.

The departments of instruction may be denomi
nated as follows: I. Industrial. 2. Literary. 3. Musi
cal. The literary department has in view chiefly the
preparing of teachers for the public schools of the
State.

Both races have contributed help, and especially
white men of means in Winston-Salem.

DELAWARE STATE COLLEGE.

Established in 1891.

The State of Delaware has at last been aroused to
a sense of its duty toward the education of the Negro,
and in 1891 the Legislature of Delaware gave
$8,000, and in 1893 $1,000. The first $S,ooo was
for buildings. The school is located two miles north
of Dover, the State Capital, on the Loockerman farm,
a tract of about one hundred acres. A workshop
has been erected and fitted with tools and machinery
for teaching the industrial arts. Rev. W. C. Jason,
A. M., D. D., a very able young colored man, has
been elected president of this State Institution. Mr.
Jason is a graduate of Drew Theological Seminary.
Professor Lorenzo D. Hileland has charge of the
departments of Mathematics and Physics, also is
superintendent of industrial work.

This Institution is the most northern State School
now in operation for the education of the race.

CHAPTER XIII.

-.«-..

ATLANTA UNIVERSITY.

ATLANTA UNIVERSITY — Rev. Horace Bumstead,
D. D., President — located at Atlanta, Ga., has special
claims for recognition and support because of the
somewhat unique character of its work for the
Negro. It is not duplicating the educational work
done by the State or most other private institutions.
It is supplementing and strengthening the work of the
public schools and of private industrial and trade-
schools by furnishing thoroughly trained teachers
and manual training superintendents to carry on the
elementary and industrial education of the masses.
It is elevating and purifying the domestic and civic
life of the Negroes, by furnishing those moral and
spiritual forces needed to counteract the gross ma
terialism which threatens to engulf them. It is pro
viding intelligent and conscientious leaders for this
race so sadly deficient in power of organization, so
that it may become self-directing and cease to be,
what it has so long been, a dependent race. To
accomplish all this Atlanta University is now, more
than almost any other institution in the South, con
fining itself to the work of Higher Education. It
receives no students who have not had a good gram
mar-school training or its equivalent.

Higher Education is not given to the Negro in
(248)

Among Colored People.

249

Atlanta University in any
but with a "practical end
made to force it upon the
masses of the race, but to
give it to the few for the
sake of the masses. It is
not given to these selected
few as a luxury, but as a
trust; not as a mere means
of personal profit and enjoy
ment, but as an equipment
for the service of others.
It does not educate the
students away from labor,
but from lower to higher
forms of labor, more prof
itable to himself and
others. It does not dis
honor manual toil even in
its humblest forms.

Industrial training is an
integral part of the Higher
Education which Atlanta
University gives, and it is
compulsory upon all stu
dents. It differs, however,
from that which is found
in the more distinctively
industrial or trade schools
productive industry. The
rather than commercial.

merely sentimental spirit,
in view. No attempt is

No attempt is made at
methods are educational
The shop exists for the

250 Evidences of Progress

boy rather than the boy for the shop. As soon as
skill is acquired that might have some commercial
value in some one particular direction, the boy is set
to learning something else that he may have skill in
many directions. He is himself the product of the
shop rather than the table or wheelbarrow which he
might make for the shop.

Graduates to the number of nearly 300 have been
sent out during the past twenty-six years from the
College and Normal courses. Of these about two-
thirds are teaching, mostly in public grammar and
high schools, in Southern cities and towns. In the
other third of the living graduates are ministers,
lawyers, doctors, business men, and married women.

Students to the number of 265 are enrolled this
year in Collegiate, Normal, and Sub-normal classes
under twenty-three officers and teachers. Rather
more than half of the students are young women.
Nine-tenths of the whole number are members of
churches.

The institution is chartered, is controlled by an
independent Board of Trustees, is undenominational
but earnestly Christian in its religious influence,
owns sixty-five acres in the city of Atlanta with four
large brick buildings, and other property, valued at
$250,000. In strategic location, efficient organiza
tion, successful maintenance of high standards, and
opportunities for future development and usefulness,
few institutions present so strong a claim for liberal
support and permanent endowment.

An endowment of at least $500,000 is needed,

Among Colored People. 251

Of this amount less than $5,000 is as yet secured.
The institution has about $28,000 of scholarship and
library funds, but these are not available for general
current expenses. It is earnestly hoped that the
needed endowment may be provided by friends either
in their wills or, better still, by their generous gifts
while living. The corporate name of the institution
is " The Trustees of the Atlanta University," in At
lanta, Ga.

Donations to the amount of $25,000 a year are
needed to provide for the present unendowed work.
Scholarships of forty, fifty and sixty dollars each are
solicited to cover the cost of the tuition of one
student for one year over and above the nominal
tuition fees paid by the student. Gifts of any
amount, large or small, for general current expenses
are asked for.

Remittances may be made, or requests for further
information sent to the president either at Atlanta,
Ga., or at his Northern address :

PRESIDENT HORACE BUMSTEAD,

Care of the J. F. Bumstead Co.,

340 Boylston street, Boston.

BEREA COLLEGE.

This remarkable institution, which has done in
some respects more for the colored race than any
other, is a monument of the old anti-slavery senti
ment of the South. It was founded before the war
among liberal-minded Southerners — John G. Fee.
Cassius M. Clay, and others — and the first principal,

252 Evidences of Progress

Rev. J. A. R. Rogers, and his wife were so popular
that they attracted the sons and daughters of slave
holders even while the school was running the gant
let of mobs and persecutions.

Soon after the war colored students were admitted
on the same terms as whites — the first, and to this day,
almost the only instance in the South. In the words
of Geo. W. Cable, u Berea is a college which predicts
the millennium."

This just and fearless course has led to none of the
evils which were feared by many good people.
There has never been a collision between white and

BOARDING HALL, CHAPEL, LINCOLN HALL.

colored students, and the relation of the two races is
more pure and natural in the sphere of Berea's in
fluence than in any other part of the South.

The college has given well-trained teachers to
the colored schools of Kentucky and other States,
men like J. H. Jackson of the Normal School of
Missouri, J. W. Bate of Danville, Ky., J. C. Lewis
of Cairo, 111., Green P. Russell of Lexington, Kirke
Smith of Lebanon, Ky. , E. H. Woodford of Ma-
nassas, Va. — besides those in other occupations like
Rev. James Bond of Nashville, Tenn., and Lieut,
Woodford of the 8th U. S. I.

Among Colored People. 2$ 3

Berea enables young people of color to measure
themselves by the standard of the race which has
had greatest opportunities in the past, and teaches
white young people to know the merits and respect
the worth of colored students.

The school, like Hampton, is earnestly Christian,
and managed by a board of trustees representing all
the leading Christian bodies, no one of which has a
controlling influence. It has buildings and equip
ments valued at above $150,000, including a library
of over 15,000 volumes, and was attended in 1898
by 674 students, 169 of whom were colored. Alone
among Southern schools it has had superior advan
tages sufficient to draw a considerable number of
white students from the North.

The institution includes Collegiate, Normal, and
Industrial Departments, and is making decided pro
gress under the presidency of Wm. Goodell Frost,
Ph. D., formerly of Oberlin College, who is a grand
son of Wm. Goodell, the great anti-slavery editor.
Associated with him are Geo. T. Fairchild, LL. D.,
late President of the State Agricultural College of
Kansas, Mrs. General Putnam, and about thirty other
instructors.

Receiving no aid from any State or society, Berea
is mainly dependent upon individual gifts. Remit
tances should be made to the treasurer, and bequests
to the trustees, of Berea College, Berea, Madison Co.,
Kentucky.

This college is now doing much good for the so-
called "mountain whites" as well as for colored
people.

CHAPTER XIV.

Continuation of Independent Schools.

" INSTITUTE FOR COLORED YOUTH."

PHILADELPHIA is known for her facilities for educa
tion. Few American cities are better equipped with
schools, public and private — free schools and those
in which tuition fees are demanded — schools devoted
to languages, schools devoted to art. In short,
everything that one might desire as a means for ob
taining an education in any known branch is provided
for the student, and the road to knowledge is made
about as easy as it can possibly be made.

But of all the schools provided for the instruction
of children, youths and adults, none is of greater
importance, perhaps, than that known as the "Insti
tute/or Colored Youtli" Strange to say, it had its
origin in the kindly forethought of one who had
once been a slave-holder. In the year 1832 Richard
Humphreys, a native of the West Indies, but at that
time a citizen of Philadelphia, died, leaving $IO,OOO
to found an institution, " having," as he worded it,
" for its object the benevolent design of instructing
the descendants of the African race in school-learn
ing, in the various branches of the mechanic arts and
trades, and in agriculture, in order to prepare, fit and
qualify them to act as teachers."

This sum was left with the Society of Friends (of
which sect he was a member), with the provision that
(254)

Among Colored People. 255

this society should have the care of the institution.
In accordance with this bequest and stipulation, in
1837 the " Institute " was founded, the sum of money
left for the purpose amounting at this time, through
careful investment, to about $13,300. The charter
was not obtained from the State of Pennsylvania until
1842. Shortly after this the sum of $18,000 was
left by another Friend for educational purposes, which
was given to further the interests of the Institute.

From time to time, different sums were bequeathed
and bestowed for this enterprise by philanthropic
people until, in 1851, buildings were erected on
Lombard street for the permanent establishment of
this institution of learning, in which location it re
mained until 1866. At that time it had become
clearly evident that the enterprise had reached such
proportions that more ample and convenient accom
modations were urgently required. A movement,
therefore, was set on foot to accomplish the work, if
possible, and a sufficient number of interested friends
were found to erect the large and commodious build
ing now situated on Bainbridge street, above Ninth,
at a cost of $40,000, including the ground.

The officers and committees of the corporation are
men belonging to the Society of Friends, but most
of the teachers are women who have worked hard to
obtain the education necessary to make them capable
instructors of their own race. The principal, Mrs.
Fanny L.Jackson Coppin, whose attainments fit her for
the principalship of any of the highest grade schools,
has received an education that would graduate her

256 Evidences of Progress

from any of our first-class colleges. Besides this she
is a woman of strong common sense. The following
persons are the instructors :

Principal, Fanny L.Jackson Coppin; principal of the
female department, Frazelia Campbell ; teacher of
natural and physical science, Edward A. Bouchet ;
teachers of English studies, Charles L. Moore,
Charlotte Basse;t, Julia F. Jones, Fanny A. Ramsey;
teacher of sewing, Martha F. Minton ; teacher of
drawing, Katharine H. Ringwalt.

One splendid feature of this school is its prac
ticality, an instance of which is shown in the fact
that the boys are taught to sew as well as the girls.
Realizing that the time will probably come to most
of them when they will be obliged to do for them
selves in every way, they are taught sewing on but
tons, patching, darning and buttonhole-making. A
boy who goes out from the Institute need never have
his clothes in a dilapidated condition because he has
no " women folks " to take care of them.

" Heed life's demands " is the watchword of the
principal, and everything is made to conserve to that
idea. Again, with this in mind, there is established
in connection with the regular school of education
what is known as a " kitchen garden." In this the
little girls are taught housework in a limited way.
They learn to sweep and scrub and make beds and
all the rest of that kind of work, not only in a prac
tical way, but from a common-sense point of view.

They are not merely taught that part of sweeping
a room is wiping the finger-marks off of the doors,

Among Colored People. 257

but they learn that when they bring the pail in for
that purpose they must also bring with them a piece
of carpet, or some such thing, upon which to set the
pail and thus prevent an ugly ring or splashes upon
the carpet or matting upon the floor. This is indeed
a practical education. " We have this kitchen gar
den," says the principal, " for many of our pupils
leave before they have completed the school course
to go out to service or to remain at home. When
they go from us they are not igorant of the duties
which await them."

In connection with the Institute there is an indus
trial department open to adults on three evenings of
the week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Men
who are otherwise employed through the day can
come here to learn bricklaying, carpentry, painting,
shoemaking, tailoring, plastering and shorthand and
typewriting. This part of the school is under the
supervision of George Astley, an instructor in the
Manual Training School at Seventeenth and Wood
streets. For women, three afternoons in the week
are given ; there are lessons in dressmaking, millinery
and cooking, under the following instructors : Ida A.
Burrell, instructor in dressmaking; M.Anna Earns,
instructor in cooking.

There are other schools supported by the Friends,
not only in the State of Pennsylvania, but in other
States. Each one of these schools is well managed
and is well supported. I am sorry that I cannot
devote more space to this work, for it is so helpful
and so characteristic of the Quakers.
17

258

Evidences of Progress

MRS. FANNY L. JACKSON COFFIN.

Mrs. Fanny L. Jackson Coppin was born in Wash
ington, D. C.,and was educated at Oberlin University,
Oberlin, Ohio, from which institution she graduated.

MRS. FANNY L. JACKSON COPPIN.

In 1865, she came, by invitation, to Philadelphia, Pa.,
and accepted a position as teacher in the " Institute
for Colored Youth," where she has taught constantly
ever since ; for the past twenty-eight years she has
filled the position of principal. Under her manage-

Among Colored People. 259

ment the Industrial Department was originated and
is now an important part of the work of this splendid
school. She is also the originator of the " Woman's
Exchange."

While there are a great many persons in Philadel
phia who know and admire Mrs. Coppin for her
great executive ability, few really know what a re
markable woman she is. And yet but a brief con
versation with her, or a few moments contact and
association, suffices to convince any one that she is
not only a woman of marked intellectual power, but
one of a wide and diverse scope of knowledge, both
abstruse and applied.

She is a credit to womankind and while her work
as a teacher has been among colored people, few
women are better known as educators and few if any
schools have done a better work in the interest of the
race, than the one she is at the head of. I am told
that the " Institute for Colored Youth " was in the
first place started as an experiment, because it was
generally believed that the Negro could not master
the higher branches of education. But in that the
colored youth has proven quite as able as the whites
and the results have been most satisfactory.

CAMP NELSON ACADEMY.

Camp Nelson Academy is situated in Jessimine
Co., Ky., near Nicholasville, and is midway between
Lexington and Danville.

The academy has one good school building and
a dormitory 30x60, three stories high.

260 Evidences of Progress

To the academy lot is added one hundred and
fifteen acres of land, as endowment, thus far.

The design is to establish a first-class Normal
School with an Industrial Department.

More lands are needed, and can be secured. The
academy has a charter from the State Legislature, by
which the school is opened to all of good moral
character — colored or white.

Practically, at present, the school is colored. The
buildings are adjacent to the village of Camp Nelson,
composed of colored citizens who settled there im
mediately after the war.

Of the forty-four families in the village, forty-two
have their own homesteads.

The village has a charter from the State Legisla
ture and no intoxicating liquors are sold in it.

The situation is central, high, and beautiful. In
the county of Jessimine and the five counties adja
cent there are over forty thousand colored people.
These with Christian culture and skilled labor could
be a great power for social well-being in that centre
of the State.

Who will help uplift and save ?

Mr. John G. Fee is President of the Board of
Trustees of Camp Nelson Academy, and much could
be said about him that would be of interest to the
public. Few men have suffered more for the colored
people than Mr. Fee, not only in a social way, but he
has suffered from mob-violence because of the stand
he took in favor of the race in their educational inter
est and their rights as American citizens.

Among Colored People. 261

THE CURRY SCHOOL, URBANA, OHIO.

The world will always pay homage to those men
who demonstrate their ability to create something.
The Buckeye State gave birth to a boy that has won
a place in history worthy of the highest praise.

The ennobling inspiration, that God made him for
some good purpose, has been a guiding star to this
boy, and, by push and energy, he stands to-day a
conspicuous figure in the arena of great men.

It hardly seems possible for one to accomplish so
much in a short length of time without material
means — not even proper encouragement — as the sub
ject of this sketch has done. The Negro race is full
of young men who can build lofty air-castles and
plan for great institutions, but few are found who can
execute these plans.

We need young men who are willing to give time
for the proper training of head, hand, and heart, so that
they can come before the world with Christian char
acter, intellectually brilliant, ambitious and full of
stick-to-it.

The future of the race will depend upon those who
are qualified to impress the world that the man of
color can attain to any height if he will pay the price,
the same as any other man, in spite of race preju
dice.

Prof. E. W. B. Curry, Urbana, O., the founder and
president of the Curry School, stands for all this and
even more. He first saw the light of day in Dela
ware, O., thirty-one years ago. His parents were poor,
and lived in a log cabin within two months of El-

262 Evidences of Progress

mer's graduation in the High School, which he did
at the age of seventeen years.

His father, Rev. George W. Curry, was a Baptist
minister, and his mother a hard-working woman who

PROF. E. W. B. CURRY.

found great delight in the Christian training of her
children.

Prof. Curry at the age of eleven gave his heart to
God, and connected himself with the Second Baptist
Church in Delaware, O. He received his training in
the High Schools, Michael College and the Ohio
\Vesleyan University at Delaware,

Among Colored People. 263

He read law under Marriott and Wickham, taught
a district school near Wilshire, Van Wert Co., O.
He was the founder of the Public Night School of
Delaware, and taught as a regular teacher in the
mixed schools for two years.

He worked night and day to earn enough money
to carry himself through school. At the age of sev
enteen he founded the Curry School in a shed
kitchen 12 by 14, which was rented for fifty cents per
month, on David street, Delaware, O. He built the
chimney from brick-bats gathered from a brickyard
where he once worked, and furnished his little
shanty with $6.15 worth of second-hand goods.

The enrollment on the first night was one, at
twenty-five cents tuition per week. To-day the
school that had its beginning in a fifty-cent shed
kitchen is located in Urbana, O., in an elegant brick
48 by 88, with L, containing in all twenty-two
apartments, used for office, recitation-room, industries
and dormitory.

The school grounds comprise sixteen city lots,
one-half square, decked with a variety of shade and
fruit trees, four blocks from the Monument Square.

The school is on equal footing with the best regu
lated institutions of the North. They operate a
Higher Normal, Literary, English, Bible Course,
Shorthand and Typewriting, Domestic Sciences,
Sowing, Gardening, Printing, Use of Tools, and Ce
ment Paving.

Students were enrolled this year from thirteen
States.

CHAPTER XV.

NASHVILLE, TENN.

UNDER this heading I shall call attention to the
.advance made by the colored people of this great
city. Nashville certainly has all the essentials of a
great city ; it has a rich tributary country, a healthful
climate, river and rail transportation, proximity of
abundant raw material, and a sturdy, healthy indus
trious population.

Having all of these then, Nashville, the capital of
Tennessee, situated in the centre of a realm un
equalled in variety and amount of production on
the American continent, with 100,000 people largely
native to the soil through long generations, is
assuredly a great city.

It has been just thirty-one years since the war
closed. Nashville then contained a scant 25,000
people. Ten years later her population was 40,000.
In 1885 it was 6o,OOO, and to-day within her borders
there are more than 100,000 souls. No better evi
dence of the advance and the prosperity of the city
than that could be given.

And through this entire history, the colored peo
ple have figured conspicuously during every step of
her progress.

During the many years I have spent in the South
among the colored people, I have made a special
(264)

Among Colored People. 265

study of the development of many of the towns and
cities. I have done this to ascertain what part the
colored man is playing in this development. In
view of the fact that Nashville has three large col
leges for advanced studies and a number of well-
equipped day-schools, I devoted special attention to
this city.

It is a well-known fact that a very small percentage
of all the educated people, white or colored, put
their education to any practical use. I claim that
there are as many, if not more, of the colored peo
ple who make good use of their education as any
other class in this country. I found in this city (Nash
ville) men of culture and refinement, who possessed
all the energy, enterprise and push that characterize
any thoroughly civilized people.

I think I can safely say that Nashville, for its size,
can boast of a larger number of colored business
and professional men than any other Southern city.
Among those I met in person was Dr. D. L. Martin,
who has the honor of being the first colored drug
gist in the State. He has succeeded in building
up a fine drug trade, and has purchased some very
good property. Speaking of colored Doctors, I am
told that there are not less than six in the city.
And they each have a good practice. One of this
number is Dr. L. W. Crostwait, who is of the School
of Homoeopathy; but few colored men have gone
into that branch of medicine.

266

Evidences of Progress.

DR. R. F. BOYD.

Those who have attended my illustrated lectures
will doubtless remember Dr. Boyd, one of the most
progressive colored physicians in the South. I

DR. R. F. I50YD.

have never met a man with whom I became more
favorably impressed than I was with Dr. Boyd. He
is a man of deep thought, lofty aspirations and un
tiring zeal. His work at Meharry Medical and
Pharmaceutical College marks him as one of the

Among Colored People.

267

most useful men of the race. He is a graduate
from this institution ; and I feel that if it had never
turned out but one such man, it would have accom
plished wonders. He came out of this school after
a hard struggle for an education, and cast his lot
among the people he had come in contact with from

BOYD BUILDING.

day to day in that community. You have only to go
into his office any day and see the number of patients
waiting for him; then see the splendid horses and
carriages used in his practice, to form an idea of his
success. Still, one of the best evidences of his pros
perity to me was the fact that all over the city he
owns houses which are rented.

The new Boyd Building has twenty-eight rooms
which are rented to Colored business and professional
men.

268 Evidences of Progress

j. c. NAPIER.

Another interesting character in Nashville is Mr.
J. C. Napier, attorney-at-law, who has a large prac
tice, and has also accumulated quite a bit of valuable
property. Mr. Napier owns one building that was
of special interest to me. He calls it " Napier
Court." The building is divided into offices. Every
room is occupied by a colored professional man. I
think there are nine offices in the upper part of the
building. I have never found in any other city
buildings owned by colored men where each room
was rented to colored men. I am pleased to note
that Mr. Napier has been selected as the head of the
colored people's exhibit for the Centennial to be held
in Nashville in 1897, but has since resigned.

After Mr. Napier came out of school he was for
several years active in politics, and has held several
government positions. His home is without doubt
one of the most attractive it has ever been my
pleasure to visit. Mrs. Napier, who is a daughter of
the Hon. John Mercer Langston, is indeed a most
charming lady.

While I am referring to lawyers, I must not forget
to mention the firm of Crostwait & Young, who
also have a good practice.

In 1884 I met, for the first time, Mr. S. A.
McElwee, who was then keeping a small grocery
store at Brownsville, Tenn. Since that time I have
watched his progress with much pleasure. He has
served two terms in the Legislature and finished his
course in law at Fisk University. He, like Dr.

Among Colored People. 269

Boyd, began his practice where he received his educa
tion. His success has been almost phenomenal.

I have visited his office a great many times and
each time I found quite a number of white and
colored people waiting to consult him in regard to
legal matters.

He owns a very neat little home that is furnished
in a most exquisite manner, and is just opposite
Central Tennessee College.

Among the business men of the city, I wish to
mention the firm of Harris & Barbour, furniture
dealers. These men make a specialty of dealing in
antique furniture. Many an old piece of household
furniture has been bought by these enterprising men,
fixed up, advertised, and often sold in New York and
Boston at high prices.

REV. PRESTON TAYLOR.

Mr. Taylor is a man who will impress you when
you meet him as thoroughly in earnest. He is never
idle, always with new plans, warm-hearted, generous,
sympathetic and a true brother to all men who
deserve the recognition of earnest, faithful workers
for Christ.

In the spring of 1888, he embarked in the under
taker's business, and has met with unbounded success.
He stands at the head of his profession, not only as
a funeral director, but as a safe and wise business
man. It is said by men competent to know, that he
does the largest business of any man of his race en
gaged in the same business in the country. He

270 Evidences of Progress.

owns and occupies the large two-story brick at 449
North Cherry street ; the building is 42 x 180 feet and
it is divided and furnished in the most convenient
style, with reception hall, office, chapel, show rooms,
supply rooms, trimming rooms, dry rooms, carpenter
shop, paint shop and a morgue. In the rear stands
a large stable occupied by eighteen horses, seven
carriages, hearses and all kinds of vehicles used
in the undertaker's business. The entire building
is lighted by electricity and fitted up with electric
bells. He is the only man in the city who manu
factures his own goods. He works sixteen men in
his establishment and often is compelled to call in
extra help. He has the honor of managing the
largest funeral that ever passed through the streets
of Nashville. It was the three colored firemen who
were killed on January 2, 1892, in a great conflagra
tion. He built a large catafalque with his own men,
which held all three of the caskets, which were
drawn by six beautiful black horses, followed by
sixty carriages two abreast, accompanied by all the
officials of the city, the police and fire departments,
the schools, the lodges and citizens by the thousands.
In all his business enterprises he ascribes his mar
velous success to his Heavenly Father, and he never
neglects his chosen calling, the preaching of the word
of God. In the last few years he has bought and
built one of the handsomest and most convenient
churches in the city, the Lee Avenue Christian
Church, of which he is now the pastor.

Among Colored People. %jt

Mr. W. T. Hightower started in business as a
dealer in old rags and iron with a capital of 25 cents.
He now owns a large brick building and a beautiful
home.

Mr. Joseph Brown, who lives just outside of the
city limits, operates a large nursery and hot-house.
He does a very successful business among the best
people of Nashville.

Mr. H. C. Gibson, a blacksmith, who started in
business on a capital of $2.00, has made wonderful
progress and employs quite a number of men in his
shop. His bills for stock used in his shop amount
to upwards of ,$150 per month.

Mr. Geo. W. Frazher holds a position that, for the
South, is indeed unique. He is the cutter and fitter
for E. Fuller & Co.'s shoeshop, where he is the only
colored man employed.

Dr. Hadley has been a cripple the greater part
of his life, but notwithstanding that fact, he has
had great success. He owns valuable property in
Nashville, and is at the head of the Immaculate So
ciety, a society organized for the purpose of caring
for the sick and burying the dead. His daughter
Willa has the honor of being the first graduate in
music from Fisk University.

Mr. J. C. Crawley, a successful teacher of Nash
ville, is another gentleman worthy of special mention.
He, like many others, has, by hard work and strict
economy, accumulated property and is living well.

I have left until the last to be mentioned, a man
who ought to be known throughout this entire

272 Evidences of Progress

country. I refer to Lewis Winters, who is the largest
egg and poultry dealer south of the Ohio River.
Mr. Winters was born a slave, and has never had any
educational advantages whatever. But while that is
true, he has a knowledge of all the essential qualities
of a successful business man. Mr. Winters has shipped
goods to New York by the train load. I found him
a very active worker in the A. M. E. Church.

While I have mentioned quite a number I have
not called your attention to all, and among those not
named are Lowery & McGavock, shoe dealers and
makers. There are also two colored men in Nash
ville who manufacture brooms, and have quite a
large trade.

Mention at least should be made of Dr. F. A.
Stewart, A. M., who is one of the leading colored
physicians of Nashville. He, like Dr. Boyd, has a
very large practice. In addition to his very exten
sive practice he is engaged as teacher of Pathology
at Meharry Medical College. Dr. Stewart is a grad
uate of Howard University, Washington, D. C, and
stands very high in his profession. He also owns
very valuable property.

CHAPTER XVI.

ATLANTA, GA., AND INDIANAPOLIS, IND.

ATLANTA, Ga., is another educational centre. I
found over fifty colored men in this city engaged in
business, professional and other pursuits.

I can only mention a few of these. I met in Atlanta
a very successful colored undertaker in the person of
David T. Howard, who was prompted to go into that
business because of the way white undertakers treated
the colored people when they had their funerals in
charge. Mr. Howard has succeeded in building up
a very large business. Atlanta can boast of one
of the largest contractors among colored people
in the country. I refer to Alexander Hamilton, an
ex-slave. Mr. Hamilton showed me a number of very
fine residences owned by the leading white people in
the city, which he had the contract to build. He
also drew his own plans and specifications to work
from.

There were two men in Atlanta who should have
special mention, namely, Mr. Joseph Rivers, and Mr.
Jacob McKinley. The latter, I am sorry to say, is
numbered among the dead. Both of these men were
born slaves and they were uneducated. Mr. Rivers
was, by trade, a blacksmith, and began life for
himself without one penny. He owns quite a deal
of property, among which is what is known as
18 (273)

274 Evidences of Progress

"Rivers Block," and the business rooms are rented
to white business men. Jacob McKinley made quite
a large fortune in the manufacture of brick and deal
ing in real estate. I am glad to note that several of
those connected with school work in Atlanta report
that Mr. McKinley was always willing to contribute
of his means for the education of his race. He was
very much loved by both white and colored.

Atlanta has several colored doctors. Among them
are Drs. Butler and Slater. They came out of school
together, and for some years carried on their pratice
in partnership. Dr. Slater now owns an interest in
a drug store, while Dr. H. R. Butler devotes all of
his time to a very extensive practice. He is also
Grand Master of Georgia of the Free and Accepted
Masons. Dr. Butler's wife is a graduate of Spelman
Seminary, and I want no better evidence of the very
excellent work done at that school than the doctor's
very neatly-kept home.

Dr. O. A. Lockhart is another young man with a
good practice and the owner of a successful drug
store. He is a self-made man, who had a hard
struggle to get an education.

Mr. F. H. Crumbly, who has for some years been
in the regular army, has returned and opened a dry
goods and notions store. Mr. Crumbly is a graduate
of Atlanta University, and is a man who is much
thought of by both white and colored people, and is
meeting with success in his business because of his
popularity and good judgment. He stood high as a
soldier, and was a commissioned officer in the late war
with Spain. He gave up a business to go in the army.

Among Colored People.

On the same street is to be found Mr. Peter
Eskridge, who learned while a slave. the blacksmith's
trade, which he followed until 1880, when he started
a grocery business, and in this he has succeeded.
He had not the educational advantages needed for a
successful business man, but he educated his daugh
ters and since they have been of great help to their
father in keeping his accounts.

I have always claimed that in most cases in the
South white people would give some of their patron
age to colored merchants, and I am more and more
of that opinion since I met Mr. Willis Murphy & Son,
who carry on a large and very successful grocery
business in a part of the city of Atlanta where they
reach a great number of the working people among
the whites, and most of the trade comes from that
class.

Mr. G. M. Howell, a young man, does quite a good
business as a merchant tailor in one of the rooms
under the Kimble House. I can speak for Mr.
Howell's workmanship as a tailor from the fact that
I have had work done by him. I think a large por
tion of his patronage comes from white people.

Mrs. M. A. Pennamone, of Atlanta, does quite a
business as a milliner, and strange to say most of
her customers are white people. I have often won
dered why there were not more colored women in
the millinery business.

In addition to those already mentioned from At
lanta, there are many engaged in various walks of
life, such as conducting wood yards, coal yards, dray-

276 Evidences of Progress

ing and doing just what white people do who want
to earn an honest living. Atlanta has six educa
tional institutions, to say nothing of the city or public
schools, in which there are employed some seventy-five
colored teachers. I have been told by the better class
of white men in the South, that " colored people own
far more property and are getting along much better
than the middle and lower classes of the whites."
I have heard it said that the only progress being
made by colored people in this country was in the
South. I am indeed willing to give the South
credit for its wonderful development, but as a friend
to the race in all parts of the country, I must say
that the colored people are also making progress in
the North. True, many of our successful men in the
North came from the South ; but they built up their
business in the North.

I met while in Indianapolis, Ind., some very suc
cessful people in the persons of the following gentle
men :

Capt. J. Porter is employed as a bank clerk in a
white bank. He is the only colored man I have met
holding just such a position. The men at the head
of the bank regard him as a very reliable and com
petent man.

The late Benjamin Thornton, of Indianapolis, es
tablished for himself a great reputation as a first-
class detective. He stood alone in this respect as a
colored man. He has often been sent for to work up
large cases in some of our leading cities where large
amounts of money and jewels have been stolen. Mr.

Among Colored People. 277

Thornton was quite a public-spirited man, and has
done a great deal to help others secure homes, and
well thought of by both white and colored.

The city can boast of two magnificent barber shops
owned by colored men. One at the Hotel Dennison
is owned by Messrs. Moore and Lanear, costing
about $6,000. The other one is owned by Geo. L.
Knox at the Bates House. Some twenty men are
employed there, and several ladies in the ladies' hair-
dressing department. This shop is said to have cost
$10,000. Mr. Knox is also the publisher of the
Freeman, which is mentioned in another part of my
book.

Mr. Baptist, of Indianapolis, is a very successful
contractor, and in 1893 built for John C. New a $10,-
OOO residence. There were quite a number of white
contractors competing for the work.

Mr. Puryear, of Indianapolis, does a large express
business, giving employment to quite a number of
men. Mr. Puryear was at one time, and perhaps is
yet, a member of the city council.

H. L. SANDERS.

Mr. H. L. Sanders, of Indianapolis, is the only
colored man in the country doing the kind of work
he is engaged in. In 1889 he began in a small way
to make jackets for butchers, waiters' and cooks' out
fits, also barbers' coats for shop wear. At first he
did not have work enough to keep one woman busy,
but now he has several at work all the time, and
his sewing machines are operated by steam. And
aside from his manufacturing he carries a splendid
line of gents' furnishing goods.

CHAPTER XVII.

FINE PENMEN.

I DEVOTE an entire chapter to Penmen, because I
regard this art as one of the special evidences of race
progress. The delicacy of the work and the close
application to study required to succeed in it make it
doubly hard to command any considerable attention.

PROF. RICHARD HILL.

Prof. Richard Hill, who is principal of Writing,
Drawing and Music in the colored schools in Nash
ville, Tenn., has much to be proud of. Mr. Hill is a
native of Nashville ; he attended the city schools
until he had gone through the ninth grade. At that
time the colored schools were not carried any higher.
In order that he might better prepare himself for a
useful life in the interest of his race, he earned money
by blacking boots on the streets until he saved
enough to attend Gaines High School in Cincinnati,
Ohio. At nineteen years of age he came home, and
began teaching in the same room where he himself
had been taught his letters. We feel warranted in
saying that Mr. Hill is the only colored man in the
country who has been placed in charge of Writing,
Drawing and Music in so many schools. He has
seven buildings, fifty-six teachers, nearly 4,000 children
under his care in the branches named. In 1893 the
(278)

Among Colored People. 279

Penman's Art Journal, of New York, held a public
school writing contest. The colored children in the
Nashville schools were allowed to enter on equal
footing with the whites. There were two prizes

PROF. RICHARD HILL, NASHVILLE, TENN.

offered and I am glad to say that the colored schools
won them both. But we are sorry to say the colored
schools have not been asked to take part in any
other contests. Penman's Art Journal said recently :
" Superintendent Webb, of Nashville, Tenn., writes

280 Evidences of Progress

us that ' the winners of the two certificates awarded
to Nashville in The Journal's public school competi
tion, as well as three other pupils whose names were
included in the roll of honor, are pupils in the
colored schools of that city. Richard Hill, Assistant
Supervisor of Drawing and Writing, has charge of
the work in these schools, and to him should be
given the credit that, without this explanation, would
naturally be given to me.' This speaks very well
for the colored schools of Nashville and their Super
visor, himself a colored man, and the only one we
know of who occupies this responsible post. He is
a fine writer and skilled in ornamental work. We
are reliably informed that he acquired this skill and
knowledge at the cost of great personal sacrifice, his
preceptor being our friend, Lyman D. Smith, the
well known author and teacher, whose methods he
closely follows. The Journal takes pleasure in
according this deserved recognition to Mr. Hill, his
pupils and his race."

FREDERIC S. MONROE.

Mr. Frederic S. Monroe, of New Bedford, Mass.,
is employed as stenographer and typewriter to the
Pairpoint Mfg. Co. (a corporation with a paid-in
capital of $825,000, a weekly pay-roll from $6,000.
to $8,OOO, employing a force of several hundred
skilled workmen), and engaged in the manufacture
of gold and silver plated ware, casket hardware, fine
cut glass, decorated ware and decorated French china.
The company ha? stores in New York, Chicago,

Among Colored People.

281

San Francisco and Montreal ; from each of these
places as well as from the factory a force of traveling
salesmen are sent out, who cover the whole of the
United States and Canada.

He has held this position for four years, and has

FREDERIC S. MONROE.

given perfect satisfaction. He resigned a clerkship
in the book and stationery store of Robert W. Taber
to accept his present position. Was in the employ
of Mr. Taber for about two years and a half, and

282 Evidences of Progress

prior to that time had filled the same position with
his predecessor in this business, Jas. M. Lawton, Jr.
Was with Mr. Lawton for about twelve years, and
for the last three had entire charge of the book and
stationery department, when he increased the busi
ness by the purchase of a music and art store.

So far as the character of the service rendered in
these different positions is concerned, I think the
length and regularity of the employment will speak
for him.

Speaking to Mr. Monroe regarding the position he
now holds, he said : " I taught myself stenography
as a boy of twenty, and after having mastered it tried
to maintain such proficiency in it as to be ready at
any time to accept a position in which a knowledge
of stenography would be a prerequisite. Have
never thought that ' luck ' had anything to do with
the opportunities I have had, and rather think they
are due to hard work in making myself competent,
and then, when a chance was offered, to try and be a
little more than equal to the demands made on me."

CHAS. J. BECKER.

While traveling in New England a few years ago,
I visited New Bedford, Mass., where I met Mr. Chas.
J. Becker. This young man executes some of the
finest penmanship I ever saw in my life. He is em
ployed in one of the largest and best business colleges
in New England. He has held his present position
for five years.

Mr. Becker was born in Fitchburg, Mass., in 1858,

Among Colored People. 283

commenced his life-work in Chas. B. Dennis's In
surance Office at nine years of age ; at twelve he wrote
a good business hand; at fourteen wrote all the poli
cies and daily reports for that firm — at sixteen his

C. J. BECKER.

writing showed up to Mr. Dennis so well, that he
sent him to Boston to attend Kendall's Normal Writ
ing Institution where he took a three months' course,

CHAPTER XVIII.

COLORED LAWYERS.

IN this chapter, I do not attempt to call attention
to anything like all of the successful colored lawyers.
I simply select from the hundreds of prominent
men practising law in courts throughout the United
States, two : D. Augustus Straker and T. McCants
Stewart.

D. AUGUSTUS STRAKER.

D. Augustus Straker was born in Bridgetown, in
the Island of Barbadoes, one of the West Indies, on
July II, in the year 1842.

His early education was fostered by his mother, a
pious and industrious woman, who took great pride
in her only child, and strove by the labor of her
hands to give him a liberal education, his father
having died when he was eleven months old.

He received a good English education at the
Central High or Preparatory School of the island,
under Robert Pierre Elliott, of Battersea, England,
and afterwards received supplementary training in
philosophy from lectures given by R. R. Rawle, Princi
pal of Codrington College, as well as private in
structions in Latin, Greek and French, from Rev.
Joseph N. Durant, D. D., of said island. At the
early age of seventeen years he became school
master of one of the principal schools of the island.

In 1867, he was induced, with two others, by the
invitation of Rt. Rev. B. B. Smith, of the Episcopal

Diocese of Kentucky, U. S. A., on hearing preached
(284)

Among Colored People.

285

a sermon on the cruelties of slavery and the de
plorable ignorance of his race in the United States,
upon their emancipation from bondage, to come to the
United States and engage in the uplifting of his race,

HON. D. AUGUSTUS STRAKER.

by teaching in the schools of Kentucky, under the
auspices of the Avery P. E. Institute and the Freed-
men's Bureau, under the superintendence of the Chris
tian soldier, statesman and humanitarian, General O.
O. Howard. Before leaving his native land he had

286 Evidences of Progress

commenced the study of law, preparatory to entering
the Middle Temple, England. While teaching school
in Kentucky he was persuaded to prepare for the
ministry in the P. E. Church, but did not enter upon
such duties, owing to the prejudice against color and
his race, even in said church, an inconsistency which
he could not reconcile with Christian practices.

In 1868 Hon. John M. Langston, then Dean of the
Law School of Howard University, was engaged in
lecturing through the South, upon the advantages of
said institute to the colored race, and the opportunity
afforded to receive a professional education therein.
Mr. Straker attended one of such lectures, and was
attracted to the University. He gave up his theo
logical studies and returned to his first love, entering
Howard University Law School as a law student in
1869, in a class six months advanced. He graduated
in 1871, with honor and distinction, and at Com
mencement delivered an address on " The Necessity
for a Common Tribunal Among Nations for the
Arbitration of International Disputes." His views
then are greatly verified as to the necessity of such a
tribunal, by the experiences of the present day.
His learning in the law and masterly discussion of
the subject secured him the praise and commenda
tion of the scholar and statesman, Hon. Charles
Sumner, of Massachusetts.

While studying law, he secured a clerkship in the
Sixth Auditor's office of the U. S. Treasury, in which
post he remained until 1875. In 1871 he was mar
ried in Detroit, Mich., to Miss Annie M. Carey, his

Among Colored People. 287

present wife, with whom he now lives, having had no
children born to them.

In 1875, he resigned his position in the Treasury
Department, and went to South Carolina as Inspector
of Customs, at Charleston.

In 1876, he resigned said post, and began the prac
tice of his profession in the town of Orangeburg,
S. C, and soon was recognized as a capable criminal
lawyer by his white brethren at that bar, and the
community in general. In the fall season of said
year, he was elected to the General Assembly of that
State, and took his seat in the famous House, well
known as the Hampton-Mackey dual Legislature,
by which Governor Chamberlain, the duly elected
Governor of the State, was driven from his post.
Mr. Straker was not long a member, because of his
eviction with others, on account of his politics, he
being one of the most prominent Republicans of the
State. During this period Mr. Straker suffered
much persecution at the hands of his political op
ponents, the Democrats, in this struggle. He re
turned to his constituents and was re-elected in 1878.
He was again denied his seat. He was again elected
in 1880, and again denied his seat, although on both
occasions receiving larger majorities than his politi
cal opponents. The grounds of objection were that
" he was not a citizen," although his naturalization
papers were produced and the proof of his citizen
ship evident and conclusive.

In 1882 he was elected by the Trustees, Dean and
Professor of Common Law in the University Law

288 Evidences of Progress

School of Allen University, Columbia, S. C, an in
corporated institution of learning, under the auspices
of the A. M. E. Church. In 1883, he presented a
class of four colored youths to the Supreme Court
of that State for examination for admission to prac
tise law, the result of his sole instruction — the insti
tution being too poor to hire a corps of law instruc
tors. These colored youths, the first in the history
of the State, were examined in open court, and hav
ing passed a most creditable examination, as told by
the court in open session, were admitted to practice,
and became members of the learned profession, and
the peers under the law of those who, but less than
a quarter of a century before, held them or their
parents in slavery. In 1884, another class was pre
sented by Mr. Straker, examined and admitted by
the court. Mr. Straker, having now severed his
connection with the law school, resumed the prac
tice of his profession at Columbia, S. C. He won
great distinction in the management as attorney for
the defendant in the celebrated murder case of the
State vs. Coleman, reported in I2th S. C., the de
fence being insanity, in which Mr. Straker was de
clared to have shown deep research in the law of the
plea of transitoria mania.

The prejudice of the community keeping distinct
all business between black and white of a profes
sional character, Mr. Straker was unable to support
himself and family by his profession in the South,
and after giving the same a fair test, and spending
fourteen years of his life in the endeavor to uplift

Among Colored People. 289

his race in the South, was compelled to seek a new
field. He came to Detroit, Mich., in 1887, bringing
with him, from his white fellow-citizens, the highest
testimonials of ability and character, who, while they
disliked him politically, admired and recognized his
legal ability. This, with his own natural energy and
legal acumen, soon gave him distinction in his new
home. He soon found himself in a fairly lucrative
practice, and had for his clients a large number of
whites, his own race being too poor to afford such.
He distinguished himself as an advocate of ability,
as was seen in his victory of the Civil Rights case
of Ferguson vs. Gies, 82d Michigan, which decision
settled the status of the colored citizen within
Michigan, as to his right to accommodation in pub
lic places, equally with his white fellow-citizen. His
legal argument in this case fully showed him a cap
able and learned attorney-at-law.

He rose at once to great distinction at the bar of
Detroit, and his white brethren at the bar soon rec
ognized him as a good lawyer, a gentleman in his
manners, and a faithful advocate. This recognition
was made manifest in his election in 1893, to the
office of Circuit Court Commissioner for Wayne
County, Michigan, a District at that time accredited
with a Democratic majority of 4,000 voters ; while
Mr. Straker was an uncompromising Republican.
Mr. Straker's opponents for this office were all white
citizens. He was re-elected to same office in 1895,
by a majority of over 7,000 — his opponents again
being all white citizens. He now holds said office,
19

296 Evidences of Progress

and is spoken of for a third term, which he is likely
to obtain, if not deprived through the divisions of a
few of his own race, who seem in many instances not
content to see one of their own rise to distinction.

Mr. Straker is widely known throughout the
United States, having lectured in many States, and
attended wellnigh all of the principal conventions,
held by his race, since emancipation. He is a con
tributor to the newspapers and magazines of his race,
and also of some of the Anglo-Saxon.

He is an author, having written a book entitled,
" The New South Investigated," which has received the
widest commendation for its cleverness, impartiality
and good taste. He has also written a unique law
pamphlet, on the " Larceny of Dogs," showing con
clusively that punishment for stealing dogs can only
be by statute, dogs being at common law of no value.
His pamphlet on " Reflections on the Life and Times
of Toussaint-Louverture " is interesting and shows
great race pride in the writer.

On December 14, 1895, at a Conference of Colored
Men of the United States, held in the city of Detroit,
Mich., Mr. Straker was chosen President of the
National Federation of Colored Men of the United
States of America; an organization established by
said conference for the purpose of seeking a remedy,
or putting an end to the barbarous practice of
lynching colored men in the Southern States, for
alleged offences, without trial by law. Already Mr.
Straker has placed this organization in the confidence
of his race and their white sympathizers, and much

Among Colored People. 29!

goocl is expected from the agitation created by it
of the wrongs done the colored people in the South,
both as to their civil, as well as their political rights.

T. MCCANTS STEWART.

Mr. T. McCants Stewart is one of the most re
markable colored men in the United States : he is a
lawyer of unusual ability. He was born in Charles
ton, S. C, December 28, 1854.

After graduating from the common schools in
June, 1869, he entered the Preparatory Department
of Howard University, Washington, D. C., and
finished the course, entering college in September,
1871. He stood at the head of his class throughout
the course, making special record in the foreign
languages, in belles lettres, and as a public speaker.
In the summer of 1871, he lectured at various places
in Virginia. Although a very young man, being
then only seventeen years of age, he was heard by
large audiences and took back to Howard University
enough money to get well started in his college
course. In the midst of his junior year, feeling that
the facilities for the study of the sciences were
better in the University of South Carolina than at
Howard University, Mr. Stewart left the latter and
entered the former institution, and in December, 1875,
he graduated, at the head of his class, from the Col
lege and Law Departments of the University of South
Carolina, delivering the validictory oration, and
receiving the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and
Bachelor of Laws.

292 Evidences of Progress

Gen. Robert B. Elliott, one of the ablest men of
his day, and, at that time, one of the most successful
practitioners at the South Carolina bar, took Mr.
Stewart into partnership and formed the law firm of

T. McCANTS STEWART, ESQ.

Elliott, Dunbar & Stewart, which firm was retained
in many important cases. Mr. Stewart began his
professional career in a murder case, in which there
was unusual interest in every part of the State. The
ablest attorneys and counsel appeared for the people

Among- Colored People. 293

and Gen. Elliott and Mr. Stewart appeared for the
defence The General guided his young partner, but
imposed upon him the burden of the work.

Mr. Dunbar died early in 1876, and Hon. D.
Augustus Straker, now Circuit Court Commissioner,
Detroit, Michigan, entered the law firm which then be
came Elliott, Stewart & Straker. The firm practised in
several counties of the State. Wherever he appeared
Mr. Stewart's management of his cases was highly
skilful, and he was usually successful. The Claren
don Press, a newspaper edited and published b}
Southern white men at Manning, S. C., makes thr
reference to Mr. Stewart's appearance in court there1
" We must admit that Mr. Stewart displayed signa!
ability in the management of several cases. His
respectful manner and modesty have created for him
a favorable impression amongst the people."

In 1877, Mr- Stewart accepted the chair of Professor
of Mathematics in the State Agricultural College of
South Carolina, at Orangeburg, S. C. He resigned

O O' £3

in 1878 to attend the post-graduate course of philoso
phy at Princeton College under Dr. James McCosh,
and he also pursued the theological course in the
seminary there. He went to New York in 1880, and
made a national reputation in the ministry as an
earnest and eloquent preacher. In November, 1882,
he resigned from the church to accept the position
of Professor of Belles Lettres and Law in the College
of Liberia, on the West Coast of Africa. After
traveling in Europe, he went to Liberia, remaining
there until January, 1884. He returned to the

294 Evidences of Progress

United States and was appointed General Agent foi
Industrial Education in Liberia, West Africa. He
traveled extensively in the New England States,
making addresses in the principal cities. He was
everywhere received with great enthusiasm, and
Joseph Cook gave up the platform of Tremont Tem
ple to Mr. Stewart, who made a brilliant address
there on March 23, 1885, to an audience which ap
plauded him heartily, and his address was subse
quently published in full in the New York Independent
of April 2, 1885.

In the fall of 1885, Mr. Stewart decided to return
to the practice of law, and in January, 1886, he
was admitted before the General Term of the
Supreme Court of the State in New York City. The
New York Freeman of January 9, 1886, contained
this reference to the proceedings in Court :

" On Wednesday morning, before the Supreme
Court in General Term, Algernon S. Sullivan, Esq.,
rose and submitted the papers of T. McCants Stewart,
signed by Chief Justice Simpson of the South Caro
lina Supreme Court ; and after a brief and generous
reference to Mr. Stewart's ability and character, moved
that he be admitted to practise law in the courts of
New York. Hon. A. M. Keiley, late minister to
Austria, seconded the motion. Mr. Keiley said he
deemed it a great privilege to speak in behalf of this
learned and well-beloved member of the African race,
and was sure the members of the bar would extend
to Mr. Stewart a fraternal welcome. Mr. Stewart
was then sworn in. Ex-Governor Chamberlain, who

Among Colored People. 295

was absent from the city, joined Mr. Keiley in sec
onding the motion for admission."

Mr. Stewart has been a very successful practitioner,
and has appeared in several important cases. He
has confined himself to the civil practice, and enjoys
the unusual distinction of having his efforts at the
bar commended in the written and published opin
ions of several judges. In a decision, rendered by
the Court of Appeals, which is the tribunal of final
resort, the court says : " On the argument here, the
accused (convicted of murder) was represented by
counsel of his own race, who argued the case with
courage and zeal, and a professional ability worthy
of commendation" (140 N. Y., 359). In an opinion
by the Surrogate's Court of the city and county of
New York, the Surrogate says : " The masterly ar
gument of counsel for the contestant greatly im
pressed me. His conduct of the proceeding has
been so admirable that I feel it to be my duty to
commend him. He has throughout the case dis
played all the qualities of a safe adviser and a skilled
and eloquent advocate. His appearance before me
will always be welcomed, as his unusual ability,
learning and industry will greatly aid me in disposing
of any proceedings in which he may be employed "
(5 N. Y. Sup., 23).

Mr. Stewart ranks high as an orator. He is also
an author, his best-known book being "Liberia;
The Americo-African Republic," and he is a fre
quent contributor to literary publications. He was
a member of the Board of Education of the city of

296 Evidences of Progress.

Brooklyn, N. Y., 1891 to 1895. Served as chairman
of the Committee on Rules and Regulations, and on
the Committee on Law, on Studies, and on Free
Scholarships. While on the Board, he succeeded in
removing the word " colored " entirely from the
school system and was instrumental in having colored
teachers appointed to mixed classes of white and col
ored children.

ored children. Since the first edition of this book
was issued Mr. Stewart has given up his practice
in New York and moved to Honolulu, Hawaii,
where he is meeting with very great success in his
profession.

CHAPTER XIX.

J. H. LEWIS.

IN this and the next chapter I shall call attention
to a few prominent business men. I begin here with

j. H. LEWIS.

Mr. J. H. Lewis, the second largest merchant tailor
in the State of Massachusetts, and the fourth largest

(397)

298 Evidences of Progress

merchant tailor in the United States. He is a remarka
ble man to say the least. His birthplace was at Heaths-
vine, N. C. The first eighteen years of his life were
spent on a farm. He went to Concord, N. H., in
1875 or '76 to learn the tailoring business. After
working three or four years at the business in Con
cord, he moved to Boston, Mass. He started in
business on a capital of $IOO; by close attention, he
soon began to make money, and now (1896) his
business is estimated at $ 1 50,000 per year. Mr. Lewis
devotes his personal attention to all of his customers,
and to this fact, as much as any other, is his marvelous
success due. His store is at 417 Washington street,
Boston, Mass.

w. Q. ATWOOD.

Mr. W. Q. Atwood, of East Saginaw, Mich., is one
of the largest lumber dealers in the United States.

Mr. Atwood was born a slave, but in spite of that
fact he is a well-informed man in everyway. He was
born in Alabama, but left there for East Saginaw,
Mich., in 1863. He has been a successful land, real
estate and lumber dealer ever since he landed in
the city.

In 1863, he located 1600 acres of land and sold the
same during the same year, clearing $4,000. This
was his first deal.

In 1868, with thirty men and eight teams, he cut
and put in 3,000,000 feet of pine saw logs, and manu
factured the same into lumber during the following
year. tje continued lumbering each year, cutting

Among Colored People.

299

from one to five million feet, until 1877, and has made
from ten to twenty-five dollars per thousand feet.

Mr. Atwood has given employment to large bodies
of men. In all his business transactions he has en

vy. Q. ATWOOD.

deavored to use his own capital, and has invested it
very carefully. He is worth about $100,000. He is
a leader in political, social and commercial matters
in his city. He is the only colorecj member of the
Board of Trade.

300 Evidences of Progress

I regard his career a worthy example of what can
be accomplished by men of the race, possessing the
requisite qualities of patience, enterprise and foresight.

SAMUEL HARRIS.

I present here a picture of Mr. Samuel Harris.

SAMUEL HARRIS.

The subject of this brief sketch lives at Williams-
burg, Va. I had occasion to visit that town a few
years ago, and when it became known to the white

Among Colored People. 301

people that I was interested in colored people, the
hotel proprietor where I stopped seemed very anxi
ous to give me all the in formation he could regard
ing the condition of the race in that section of
Virginia. After telling me all that he knew, and
much that he did not know, he said he wanted to
take me to see a store owned by a colored man by
the name of Harris. I was only too glad to go.
To see a large store owned by a colored man was
to me a thing of wonderful interest. We went, and
I am unable to put in words how much I was helped
and inspired by what I saw in that store. I got
while there these very interesting facts.

Mr. Harris started in business about twenty-five
years ago. His capital amounted to seventy dollars,
He is now doing a business of $55,000 a year; owns
ninety-six building lots in his town ; four large farms
in the State, and property in Richmond, Norfolk and
Newport News. All of the goods sold in his store
are shipped in his own vessel that is manned by his
own crew.

WILLIAM H. DAVIS.

William H. Davis, who has a well-equipped shoe
store in Louisville, Ky., deserves special mention incur
publication. Mr. Davis is a young man of about 26
years of age and owes his success entirely to his
own efforts. He was at one time engaged as private
secretary by the mayor of that city. He afterwards
taught type-writing and short-hand in the schools
there. . It might be well to mention that he taught

302

Evidences of Progress

himself both type-writing and short-hand, as none of
the schools there where those branches were taught
would admit colored students. There are but very
few colored men engaged in the shoe business, and I
know of none who have as large a stock and are in
every way as well prepared to suit all kinds of trade
as Mr. Davis. He has in connection with his stock
of boots and shoes a fine line of furnishing goods,

WILLIAM H. DAVIS.

also employs a first-class workman, so that he can
take orders for fine hand-made shoes for men and
women. I hope that this short sketch and picture of
Mr. Davis may inspire other young men to start in
some business enterprise. The sooner colored men
begin to represent some of the business interests of
this country the better for the race. There .is not a
city in the country where the colored population is

Among Colored People. 303

large that several business enterprises could not be
started by colored men with success. Every store
owned and controlled by a colored man with success
not only helps him, but it in a way lifts up the entire
race, and shows that colored men can do other things
besides clean houses and drive coal-carts. Mr. Davis
finds to his surprise that he has a fair trade among
the white people ; that fact alone should encourage
other young men to make an effort to go into some
business. As long as colored men own no stores,
they have no right to complain of their treatment in
stores owned by white people. When colored men
are felt as competitors in business, then, and not until
then, will white men see the need of making any
special effort to secure and hold colored people's
trade. Then, too, when members of the race own
large stores, they can give employment to young
women as clerks, and by so doing take a large num
ber of colored girls out of wash-tubs and cook
kitchens. Mr. Davis says that he has not had the
support he had hoped for from the better class of
colored people, such as the teachers and other pro
fessional people. But he feels that that will come
in time. In closing this sketch I regret to say that
Louisville has for a city with such a large colored
population a very small number of colored men en
gaged in any kind of business. In fact, the whole
State of Kentucky is behind in that respect. I have
found but very few towns in the State that had col
ored men doing any kind of business. Mr. Davis
desires that any young men who want to go into

304 Evidences of Progress

business, and feel that they would like some advice
and information as how to start, should write to him,
and he will gladly help them in the way of giving
them an account of how he started and his methods
of carrying on his business. I have often thought
that in towns where no one colored man felt able to
start some business enterprise alone several men
could put their means together and start a co
operative store, and in that way encourage a
business effort among the people, and at the same
time furnish employment for members of the
race.

J. E. REED.

Mr. J. E. Reed was born of free parents in North
Carolina, and knew nothing of slavery. He came to
New Bedford, Mass., in 1878, where he attended
school for two years ; at the end of that time, in
1880, he secured employment as errand boy in
Mr. G. F. Parlow's photograph galleries of that
city. Mr. Parlow found that the young man pos
sessed very excellent qualities of mind, and as an
evidence of his appreciation, asked him if he would
like to learn photography. I need not add that Mr.
Reed was only too glad to accept the offer. After
mastering the profession he worked as an assistant to
Mr. Parlow until 1888, when he formed a partnership
with Mr. P. C. Headly, a young white man. The two
young men bought out the gallery where Mr. Reed
had learned his profession. This firm of Headly &
Reed continued in business until 1895, when Mr

Among Colored People.

301

Reed bought out the interest of Mr. Headly. These
young men were regarded as by far the best work
men in their line the city afforded. Their patrons
were numbered among the very best people in New

J. E. REED.

Bedford. To me, the most interesting phase of Mr.
Reed's work was his partnership with Mr. Headly,
for I have always felt that one of the very best things
that could be done, in solving what is called in this
country the " Race question," would be to bring white

20

306 Evidences of Progress

and colored men together in a business way, where
they will have an opportunity to study each other
as only those whose financial interests are blended
can. I have no doubt but many comments, and
doubtless unpleasant ones too, were made about the
co-partnership of a white and colored man. But the
fact that they succeeded, and won the respect and
confidence of the best people in New Bedford, makes
me hope we may hear of more such firms, in other
parts of the country, for I am sure that it will prove
helpful to both races to be brought more together
in a business way. I can speak for Mr. Reed's
ability as an artist, having had work done in his gal
lery. I am also pleased to note that Mr. Reed is
a very useful and energetic church and Sunday-
school worker.

JOHN S. TROWER.

John S. Trower, as a successful business man,
ranks among the leading men of this country.
He was born in the State of Virginia. When a
young man, in 1870, he moved to Philadelphia, Pa.
He found employment in various lines of work, until
ambition led him to commence an enterprise of his
own. He started and conducted for fifteen years
on Chelten avenue a catering business. By much
economy and a strict adherence to his work, he
soon found his project assuming much larger pro
portions than he had ever hoped for, and in 1887
he purchased the old Germantown Savings Bank
for $25,000. This building has been put in good
shape, with all the modern improvements, with

Among Colored People.

30.7

telephone, and all that goes to make up a first-class
business house. His business office is presided over
by three competent clerks, all of whom are colored.

JOHN S. TROWER.

On the second floor he has a magnificent parlor with
every evidence of culture and comfort. Mr. Trower
has won high distinction in his business.

3O& Evidences of Progress

C. H. SMILEY.

I know of but few others who are doing what
might be regarded as a very large business in that
line; one is Mr. C. H. Smiley, of Chicago. He went
there some years ago from Philadelphia and started
out in 1880 as a waiter. His first experience as a
caterer was in a very small way. But his success
has been something phenomenal. I had the pleasure,
while in Chicago attending the World's Fair in 1893,
of going through his establishment.

At that time he was giving employment to twenty
people and owned the building in which he carried
on his enterprise. In fact he was then getting ready
to build a larger building more suited to his pur
pose. His patrons were only among the very best
people, and he thought nothing of serving banquets
or weddings, when his bill alone would run as high
as one or more thousand dollars. I found him a
most generous man. On one occasion I went to him,
asking aid for a department of church and educa
tional work I had been commissioned to raise funds
for. I had hardly stated my case, when he handed
me a $100 bill. I am told that he has given many
such sifts to churches and other Christian societies.

o

Many who have attended my illustrated lectures will
remember a picture of Mr. Smiley. I regret that I
am unable to produce it in this book.

E. I. MASTERSON.

Mr. E. I. Masterson is a successful merchant-tailor
in Louisville, Ky. We present his cut and a few

Among Colored People.

309

words about him, with a great deal of pleasure, be
cause he is a graduate from the tailoring department
of Booker T. Washington's great school at Tuskegee,
Ala. It has been said by those who are not friendly
to the Industrial Schools that we never " see any of

I

E. I. MASTERSON.

the industrial graduates putting any of their indus
trial education into practice." Then, again, it
has been said that the " industrial training given
in these schools is never thorough enough to be of
any practical benefit to the students," So as an

310 Evidences of Progress

offset to these objections, we are glad to introduce
Mr. Masterson as a successful tailor. Not that he is
the only one engaged in business as a result of an
education received at a trade school. In fact, we
know of some printers, blacksmiths, harness-makers,
and others who learned their trades at the different
Industrial Schools. Mr. Masterson is patronized by
both white and colored people, and having had
clothing made by him I can recommend his work
manship as first class.

CHARLES A. WEBB.

I shall give in this sketch what I consider a very
interesting history. The latter months of 1876 saw
the dawn of a business career which was destined
to spread itself like the mighty Mississippi, though
small in its incipiency ; having been retarded by many
obstructions, which were gradually removed, it worked
its way through valleys and plains, finally broaden
ing and deepening itself as it went ; having gathered
volume and velocity, it is no longer mindful of such
small obstructions as hindered its course in the be
ginning.

Such has been the business career of C. A. Webb,
whose cut adorns page 311, and who is the president
of the Webb-Jameson Co.

Like many others, he saw the light of freedom
without money, education or friends, but being
possessed of courage and a determination that always
succeeds, having worked a few years as a laborer

Among Colored People.

311

and in a few other minor capacities, he decided to
venture for himself.

His first venture was teaming and making gravel
streets and alleys. After a time, a new field was

CHARLES A. WEBB.

opened, and he began buying and selling wood in car
lots to the large pork-packers for smoking purposes.
Being successful thus far, he established a coal and
wood yard to supply small consumers. Little by
little the business grew, and in those days when the

312

Evidences of Progress

winters were more severe in Indianapolis than they
are now, and natural gas was unknown, the coal and
wood business was a busy one. So much so, that
after the business was run a few years, and the bor
ders of trade extended, it became necessary, in order
to supply the demand promptly, to employ a steam-
splitter and saw, instead of men who usually per-

MOVING A HOUSE.

formed this work, and two to four teams, instead of
one. The business up to this time had increased
from $500 to $5,OOO per year.

Still broadening itself, heavy draught and lumber-
hauling were added, which required more teams and
men to do the work, until now this branch of the
business, which belongs to Mr. Webb individually,
amounts to $10,000 per year.

All radical changes in the life of a city bring about
changes in established business, and cause new ven
tures to spring up. In 1887, natural gas having been

Among Colored People. 313

discovered near Indianapolis, all was excitement.
The general topic in the papers and at the fireside
was cheap fuel, which of course meant death or a
meagre existence to the coal and wood dealers.

Whenever natural gas was mentioned the brow of
the coal and wood dealers became clouded, but this
could not remove the difficulty.

About this time J. W. Davis & Co., one of the
oldest house and safe moving firms in the city, desired
to retire from business, and here the light began to
shine.

The opportunity was presented and accepted to
purchase the outfit of tools and appliances com
monly used in that branch of business.

The outfit as stated together with the good will
and name of the firm were purchased for $1,000.
The company at that time consisted of C. A. Webb,
Walter Jameson and Samuel Smith. The firm as
such did not have a dollar to start with. Mr. Webb,
who had been long in business, and had broad
acquaintance, assumed the debt and according to con
tract, within eighteen months after the firm began
under the name of Webb, Jameson & Co., they were
able to settle the debt besides living off the net
earnings of the business at the same time.

Messrs. Jameson and Smith were practical movers,
having worked at the business for the same firm
whom they united in buying out. Mr. Jameson hav
ing been employed in the capacity of foreman.

In the organization of the firm, Mr. Wrebb had
charge of all financial matters and the making of

314 Evidences of Progress

contracts ; Mr. Jameson general superintendent of
the work and Mr. Smith assistant.

The firm proceeded in this way, declaring weekly
dividends from May 28, 1889, the time of its organiza
tion, until May I, 1892.

The business increased so from the start that it
was considered unnecessary to use the name of the
old firm in operating the business.

By judicious advertising and skilful management,
the firm under the name of Webb, Jameson & Co. be
came well known at home and throughout the State.

The reputation of the firm having been established
for their reliability, honesty and responsibility, always
fulfilling their contracts to the letter, was often able to
secure better prices than other contractors.

The business having increased to such an extent
during the first three years, it was decided to increase
the capital stock and incorporate the company.
Accordingly the corporation was formed May I, 1892,
under the name of The Webb-Jameson Co. The
capital stock was $3,000, fully paid. The stockholders
consisted of C. A. Webb, Walter Jameson, Samuel
Smith and Mrs. Ida M. Bryant. At the first meeting
of the stockholders, officers were elected as follows :
C. A. Webb, President ; Walter Jameson, Vice-Presi
dent ; Samuel Smith, Superintendent, and Mrs. I. M.
Bryant, Secretary and Treasurer, with the same
officers as directors. The business has gone on
adjusting itself to the conditions of the times, but
never losing ground, not even in the trying times of
1893-4, from which the country has apt even yet
fully recovered.

Among Colored People. 315

Notwithstanding the increased competition which
each year brings forth, The Webb-Jameson Company
maintains their position in the lead. The entire
business operated under the management of C. A.
Webb amounts to from twenty to twenty-five thou
sand dollars per year. This volume of business
necessitates the employing of twenty-five to thirty
clerks and workmen, and six teams to prosecute the
work, and during the busy season more are required.

The expenses of the company in wages, the
purchase of new and improved tools, repairs, taxes,
advertising and insurance, amount to several thou
sand dollars per year — all of which goes to show
that they are doing business according to the meth
ods approved by the best and most conservative
business men of the opposite race. Much more
might be said of the business of The Webb-Jameson
Company, but be it said to their credit that many
who seek business relations with them are sur
prised to meet colored men. So great is their
surprise, they often make the ludicrous statement,
" I thought Mr. Webb was a white man," and fre
quently add, " Well, who is Mr. Jameson ? " thereby
showing that the general idea, without positive
knowledge, is that The Webb-Jameson Company is
conducted by white instead of colored men.

Besides the business already mentioned, Mr. Webb
is president of a building and loan association, con
ducted entirely by colored men and patronized en
tirely by the colored people. This enterprise thus
far has been very successful.

CHAPTER XX.

WALTER P. HALL.

I MET Mr. Walter P. Hall for the first time in 1892,
when giving my first course of Illustrated Lectures
on " Race Progress " in Philadelphia.

It seems that our subject never spent more than
one year in school, on account of his father's death.
.He had to help support his mother, and other mem
bers of the family. From the age of seven years to
sixteen he worked very hard, and was his mother's
main support. When he had arrived at the age of
sixteen, our country was then engaged in the great
civil war. Mr. Hall's love for his race, his patriotism
and love for our country prompted him to enlist as a
soldier in the 24th United States Regiment. At the
close of the war he returned to Philadelphia, where
he secured work and assumed the responsibility of
supporting his mother, sister and younger brother.
In 1871 he was employed by Mr. Oscar Robbins in
the old Fifth Street Market. His employer was the
the largest poultry and game dealer in Philadelphia.
Mr. Hall held his position for over ten years. In
a short while after leaving Mr. Robbins, he started
in business for himself. Having but little money,
and a great deal of opposition to contend with, it was
for a while an awful struggle, so much so, that he
frankly admits, that had it not been for his noble and

Among Colored People.

loving wife he would on several occasions have given
up. True merit will always win in the end, and this
proved true in his case ; for to-day, Mr. Hall has one
of the largest wholesale and retail poultry and game

WALTER P. HALL, PHILADELPHIA.

stalls in the I2th Street Market He employs four
men, paying each of them the same salary he received
when on a salary himself.

One need only see how well his home is managed
and kept, to fully realize that it is a happy home. You

3 1 & Evidences of Progress

also behold the power and usefulness of a true
and loving wife. In addition to his regular business
he finds time to do great good in church-work as a
class leader. He has filled that position for seventeen
years, and has been a trustee for fifteen years, and a Sun
day-school teacher for five years, having a large class
of young men in whom he feels great interest His
class he had to give up on account of being elected
as Sunday-school Superintendent. Then to add to
his church-work he has been made president of the
Southeast Branch of the Y. M. C. A. For seven
years Mr. Hall has been the president of the Pioneer
Building and Loan Association of Philadelphia, which
stands second to none of its kind in the country.
Many poor people have this association to thank for
the homes they live in to-day.

I think our readers need not be told that Mr. Hall
is a busy man. Rev. John M. Palmer, his pastor,
says, " Few men so prosperous in business, so com
fortable in possession of this world's goods, show
such ardent devotion for church-work and active par
ticipation in all its varied forms, as does Mr. Walter
Hall, at the same time meeting the requirements of
the several positions which he holds. As class leader,
trustee, steward, and Sunday-school superintendent,
he is always on hand. Among the members of his
class none are so poor but that he will hunt them up
when sick, to offer with them a word of prayer, and
very often giving them financial aid. One old member
said, before passing away, 'How he has helped me!
God will bless him!"'

Among Colored People.

S. L. PARKER.

319

Mr. S. L. Parker, whose picture I give here, be
longs to that class of men who are able to not only
do what they have seen others do, but able to create

S. L. PARKER, LAUREL, DEL.

something out of almost nothing. Mr. Parker, when
a mere boy, began business for himself in the town
of Laurel, Delaware, in the month of May, 1885,
with a stock of $19.50 worth of goods, bought on
credit of a friend. At that time for a colored man to

320 Evidences of Progress

attempt to sell anything in Laurel, except ginger
bread on the street corners, or fish on the street, was
looked upon with no little curiosity, for, while Dela
ware is practically a Northern State, I was surprised
to see what a great amount of race prejudice existed
in it. At first, Mr. Parker was regarded as a lazy
fellow, trying to get his living without hard work.
But we are glad to note that he was fairly well pat
ronized from the beginning of his business career.
On account of his lack of business knowledge he
met with several reverses during his first three years'
experience ; but, by constant efforts on his part, he
gradually gained a footing that is regarded by even
his opposers as firm and secure. So great has been
his progress that last year his business amounted to
over $io,OOO. He now conducts a general grocery
store, manufactures ice cream for both wholesale and
retail, having over $1,300 worth of machinery for that
use. He has two ice cream parlors, which are well
patronized by the very best people in the town, with
out any discrimination whatever. He also handles
the ice business of the place, running two delivery
wagons. He has packed this year 1,000 tons of ice
for his next season's trade. In addition to his busi
ness already mentioned, Mr. Parker, during the sea
son, ships large amounts of fruit and produce. I am
glad to add to what has been said of our subject. I
found, while in the town, that he had the respect and
esteem of the very best people.

Among" Colored People. 321

H. A. TANDY.

H. A. Tandy is a successful contractor and builder
of brick buildings. Some of the largest brick struc
tures in Lexington, Ky., where he resides, have been
built by him. Mr. Tandy has a partner whose name
is Bird. These very successful contractors have in
addition to many other large buildings been awarded
the brick-work on the new court house that is now
in progress of building in the fall of 1898. The
court house is to be one of the finest and largest in
the United States. Several million bricks will be
used to complete their part of the work. There
were many other bids put in for this work by con
tractors from all over the State, and some from other
States. The fact that the firm of Tandy & Bird
got the contract shows in what high esteem they are
held by the public in a business way. In order that
my readers may fully appreciate the importance of
Mr. Tandy's work there are a few things that must
be considered. First, one must take into account the
extreme and uncalled-for prejudice against the col
ored man in a business way, both North and South.
Then all of the labor unions have refused to admit
colored members. That in itself would have much
to do in discouraging any colored man to try to com
plete with white men as contractors and builders.
Then, too, a colored man would find it harder to
secure skilled mechanics to help him complete the
work after he had obtained the contract. But all of

21

322 Evidences of Progress

the things referred to that would hinder a colored
man has been overcome by Mr. Tandy. He is a
first-class workman in his line, and by doing business
in a straightforward manner he has made men recog
nize his true worth as a man, regardless of color.

H. A. TANDY.

Mr. Tandy has made himself both helpful and
useful to his race, not only by giving employment to
many of them, but he has taken an active part in
church and Sunday-school work in the A. M. E.

Among Colored People. 323

Church. He has also been active in the Masonic
Order, and is serving his second term as State Grand
Master of the Order known as U. B. F. and S. M. T.
Mr. Tandy is also connected with the Colored Fair
Association of Lexington, which is the largest thing
of its kind in the world carried on by colored people.

DANIEL PURDY.

Mr. Daniel Purdy, of Chester, Pa., is another of
the men I regard as being worthy of special mention.
He was born a slave, left Virginia when a small
boy in 1864, was brought to Washington, D. C., and
was bound out until he was eighteen years of age,
with the understanding that he was to have three
months of schooling each year, and when he arrived
at his eighteenth year, was to have $100. But none
of these conditions were fulfilled by those who had
taken the boy to raise. So that at eighteen he found
himself without education and without money.
From the time Mr. Purdy was eighteen years of age
until he was twenty, he worked at whatever he could
find in the State of Maryland. He then came to
Chester, his present home. His first wages in
Chester were about $1.00 per day, but by close ap
plication to his work, he so gained the confidence of
his employers that they advanced his salary from time
to time until he received $18 per week, which was
regarded as very large pay for a colored man. In
1886, Mr. Purdy, after working in the iron mills for
several years, had saved quite a sum of money, and
decided to go into business for himself. He has

324

Evidences of Progress

built up a large grocery trade and owns the building
in which his store is situated, also his residence. It
is a fine brick structure on the corner of two promi
nent streets. In addition to his grocery store he

DANIEL PURDY, CHESTER, PA.

does a general contracting business, employing dur
ing the summer months about twenty-five men, owns
six horses, and keeps two clerks employed in the
store. He tells me that the principal part of his
trade is among the white people. I did not press

Among Colored People. 325

him as to what he is really worth, but he said I could
safely say $15,000, and that he does a business of
from $2O,OOO to $25,000 per year. Who will say
that Mr. Purdy should not be classed among the
successful business men, both white and colored, and
especially when we take into consideration the fact
that all of his success has been accomplished with
out education or business experience. I only wish
some of our white college graduates would do as
well.

DR. W. T. DINWIDDIE.

Dr. W. T. Dinwiddie, a young man who is en
gaged in the practice of dentistry at Lexington, Ky.,
is a credit to the race. He is a native of Danville,
Ky., where he attended the public schools of that
city, afterwards taking a two years' course in the
Knoxville College at Knoxville, Tenn. Dr. Dinwid
die first learned the carpenter's trade, and was re
garded as a very fine workman ; but, having a natu
ral desire to practice dentistry, he decided to enter
Meharry Medical and Dental College at Nashville,
Tenn., and fit himself for the practice of that profes
sion. After a three years' course he graduated with
high honors, and was called by the President and
Faculty of Meharry Dental College to accept a pro
fessorship ; and he took the chair of Prosthetic Den
tistry, which position he held with both success and
honor, until he resigned to enter into the practice of
his profession at Lexington, Ky., where he has by
his most excellent workmanship and genial manners
built up a very large practice.

Evidences of Progress

DR. W. T. DINW1DDIE.

JAMES E. DIXON.

Mr. James E. Dixon, of Providence, R. I., belongs
to that class of men who are helpful to my book in
enabling me to demonstrate that the colored people
are entering all the professions and business walks of
life in which white men enter and succeed.

Mr. Dixon went to the North from Richmond, Va.

Among Colored People. 327

Having lost both his parents at a very early age, it
left him to look after himself, just at the time when
a loving mother is most needed. What he has in
the way of an education was obtained at New Bed-

j. E. DIXON.

ford, Mass. But having a desire to travel, he ac
cepted an offer to go to sea, which vocation he fol
lowed for a number of years, rounding the globe at
least seven times, visiting one or more parts of every
continent, inclusive of Australia, New Zealand and

328 Evidences of Progress

a number of Islands in both the Pacific and Atlantic
Oceans. Finding it to his advantage, he hailed from
an English port, and stuck to the English Merchant
Service. He secured a mate's certificate, and worked
himself up to a position as chief officer of one of the
finest sailing ships under the English flag. But by
an unfortunate accident in Calcutta, July 4, 1884,
he lost his right arm. He then returned to New
Bedford, Mass., and after a hard struggle against
big odds, mastered telegraphy. The Western Union
Telegraph Co., in recognition of his services in
their main office, appointed him on June 1 1, 1889,
as manager of their branch office at the Parker
House, New Bedford, which place he held until he
resigned June 3, 1893, to take charge of his present
position at Signal Tower on the main line of the New
York, New Haven and Hartford Rail Road, at Prov
idence, R. I. Some idea of his work and responsi
bilities is given in this statement. In 1894, 34,284
trains passed this point, and the number is never
under this. The operator has to know and report
the exact condition of every train. In addition he
has to give a signal to each train whether or not it is
all right to go ahead. The position held by Mr.
Dixon is indeed one of great responsibility, and
should he fail to discharge his whole duty in giving
each train the proper signal, great loss of life and
property would result. So well has the company
been pleased with his work, that they offer employ
ment to other members of the race when they can
show that they are properly fitted for duty.

Among Colored People. 329

PHILIP J. ALLSTON.

Mr. Philip J. Allston, of Boston, Mass., is holding
what I consider a very unique position. After leav
ing the public school of Boston he accepted a
position in the firm of Weeks & Potter, wholesale
and retail druggists and chemists of that city. He
was first employed as a bottle washer in 1878, but
had not been in the establishment very long when
he had learned the business of manufacturing the
famous articles sold by that firm.

Mr. Warren B. Potter, of the firm, took great in
terest in Mr. Allston, and when a vacancy occurred
in the laboratory he asked him if he would like to
enter the laboratory. He said he would. After a
year the chemist went on a vacation, leaving Mr.
Allston in full charge of the laboratory. Mr. Potter
being impressed with his work, asked him if he
could take charge of the new laboratory erected at
135 and 137 Columbus avenue. He said : " Give me a
trial." In 1882 he took charge of the laboratory with
one man assistant. During this time he attended the
Star School for drawing, and the English Evening
High School, receiving instructions in the advanced
branches. In 1889 Mr. Potter allowed him to take a
course in Analytical, General and Qualitative Chem
istry, as well as Practical Pharmacy, which he fol
lowed until Mr. Potter's death, in 1892. The labora
tory is, without dispute, the finest in New England,
($10,000) ten thousand dollars being laid out in the
summer of 1895 for repairs. Many appliances and

330

Evidences of Progress

improvements at Mr. Allston's suggestion has been
added, and many new devices for facilitating the
work. He has now five men under him, all mem
bers of his race, and all receiving twice the amount

PHILIP J. ALLSTON.

in wages he received when he began work for the
company. He is well known among the pharmacists
of Boston. In 1895, a personal letter from Prof.
Capen, of Tufts College, presented him to every
druggist in the city, he being a member of the corn-

Among Colored People. 331

mittee on finance which raised over ($23,000) twenty-
three thousand dollars for the Christian Endeavor-
fund.

In 1892 he married Miss Maggie A. Whiting,
formerly of Virginia.

He has always been an active member of the A.
M. E. Zion Church, having held the following posi
tions : Teacher in the Sunday school ; president of
Clinton Literary Association; conductor of choir;
assistant superintendent ; superintendent, and now a
member of the Board of Trustees. He is a member
of the Suffolk Investment Association, secretary of
the Wendell Phillips Club and secretary of the
Crispus Attucks Club.

He has had many offers to fill other laboratories,
but declined them, as well as inducements to fill
positions in the South.

DR. JARED CAREY.

Dr. Jared Carey, Chiropodist and Manicure, is a
very interesting character. My attention was called
to him while lecturing in Cincinnati. He is a native
of North Carolina, but left his native State before the
war, coming to Ohio with some Quakers and free
colored people. In his early life he worked on a
farm and engaged in all kinds of hard work, and
many a month got as pay only $6.00, which in those
days was considered large wages for a farm hand.

Dr. Carey had a great desire to travel and took up
the profession of Chiropody in order that he might
better his own condition and in his profession visit

332

Evidences of Progress

some of the larger cities, which he did in both the
United States and Canada. I do not find many col
ored men engaged as Chiropodists, and none that I
have met are as well prepared to do the work as Dr.

DR. JARED CAREY.

Carey. He has several rooms handsomely fitted up
for his work at 43 Arcade, up-stairs, Cincinnati,
Ohio. Dr. Carey gives employment to at least six
people all the time. His patrons are among the best
people in Cincinnati. In addition to his regular work

Among Colored People. 333

he has written a book on Chiropody and Manicure.
I^or quite a number of years he has, in connection
with his profession, conducted a school of Chiropody,
and quite a number of his pupils are engaged in
their profession in other large cities. Dr. Carey is
assisted in his work by his wife, who is quite an ex
pert at both Chiropody and Manicure. She is a very
refined and pleasant lady, who is much thought of
by their patrons. Dr. Carey has by good manage
ment been able to purchase some valuable property.
He has been an active and useful member of the M.
E. Church. Any young person, either lady or gentle
man, desiring to learn Chiropody or Manicure would
do well to write Dr. J. Carey at 43 Arcade, Cincin
nati, for full particulars as to terms. I am confident
that in most any large town a good Chiropodist
could do well, and I should like to see more of the
colored people thus engaged.

CHAPTER XXI.

BANKS, INSURANCE COMPANIES, ETC.

THERE has been an impression in the public mind
that colored men had not the ability to successfully
conduct such enterprises as Banks, Insurance Com
panies and Building and Loan Associations. But
this impression is an erroneous one. I have come
in contact with a great many of the men who have
embarked in the Banking, Insurance, and Building
and Loan Associations, and I have positive proof that
they are as successful as the average white man who
starts out in these lines of business.

THE UNITED BROTHERHOOD.
Dr. Daniel H. Williams, Imperial Regent ; Head Office, 3245 State St.

The colored people in the United States are the
only people who have not been permitted to know
the meanin^ and feel the benefits of what is known

C!>

as " Fraternal Insurance."

During the past 35 years over 200 Fraternal As
sociations have been organized, and many of them
have developed into the most formidable agencies in
the world for the protection of the families and homes
of the white races. Under this protection, millions
of men and women of all races of men, except the
Negro, have collected from and paid to each other
millions of dollars in benefits, ameliorated human
(334)

Among Colored People. 335

conditions, purified and strengthened social relations,
and added immensely to the sum total of human
happiness.

The United Brotherhood is a Fraternal Insurance
Association that has been planned with the greatest
care and study of every question and circumstance
that are considered as peculiar to the colored race as
an insurable risk.

The plan of organziation embraces the best features
of the best established associations in the world. It
was chartered under the laws of the State of Illinois,
on the 5th day of September, 1900.

The laws of the State of Illinois governing Fra
ternal Insurance are the most exacting that can be
found in any State of the Union. Under these laws
the methods of doing business are subject to inspec
tion by the State Insurance Commissioner at all times.

THE TRUE REFORMERS.

The True Reformers, of Richmond, Va., was started
by W. W. Browne, at his own residence ; and while
I fully believe that Mr. Browne knew just what
he wanted to do, I don't think that even he foresaw
the gigantic affair the True Reformers have turned
out to be. They have their headquarters at Rich
mond, Va., in a splendid building of their own,
which is three stories high. In the upper story
they have a very excellent opera house ; in the second
lodge rooms, and in the first the largest bank in the

33^ Evidences of Progress

world owned by colored people. I shall now give
an account of the work of the True Reformers fur
nished me by Mr. W. P. Burrell, General Secretary
of the society :

"The Grand Fountain, United Order of True Re
formers, founded by Wm. W. Browne in Virginia in
January, 1881, now numbers 1500 Fountains, 400
Rosebud Societies and 1000 Class Circles. The
total benefited membership is 50,000. The order
operates in twenty-two States and holds forty pieces
of real estate, valued at more than $2,000,000. It
has paid in death benefits over $500,000 and more
than $1,000,000 in sick dues.

" Besides the purely benevolent part of the order
there is connected with it their Savings Bank of the
Grand Fountain, with a capital stock of $100,000
and deposits exceeding $200,000. The Reformers'
Mercantile and Industrial Association, organized
April, 1900, now does a business of $1500 a week.
The Old Folks' Home Department, organized for
the benefit of the old members of the race, is in
good shape. A farm of 624 acres has been bought
and paid for, and arrangements are now being
pushed to put about 100 old colored people at the
Home.

" In 1 88 1 Rev. Wm. W. Browne started the order,
being assisted by one clerk and boy of all work, Mr.
W. P. Burrell. At the death of Rev. Browne, in
1897, he was succeeded by Rev. W. L. Taylor, who
had for twelve years been connected with the work
as an organizer. While under Mr. Browne the work

Among Colored People. 337

succeeded beyond expectations, yet the growth under
Rev. Taylor has been phenomenal. The plans as
laid by Rev. Browne have been more appreciated
since his death than before. Many new features
have been introduced, and the order continues to in
crease.

" The management is divided into departments,
and at the main office there are over eighty clerks
employed.

" The following are the general officers of the or
ganization : Rev. W. L. Taylor, Grand Master and
President; W. P. Burrell, General Secretary; R. T.
Hill, Cashier; E. W. Brown, Editor of the Re
former; J. C. Robertson, Attorney and Chief of
Real Estate; T. W. Taylor, Chief of Old Folks'
Home; Edward Ellis, Jr., Accountant.

" Under Rev. Taylor there are a large host of depu
ties and field workers, at the head of whom are Rev.
E. T. Anderson, Vice Grand Master and Deputy
General of the Southern Field ; Rev. J. T. Carpenter,
Deputy General of the Western Field ; Mr. C. A.
Puryear, Deputy General of the Northern Field.

"Since the organization of the bank, in 1888,
there have been handled by it $6,000,000. The Re
formers' Hotel is conveniently located, is steam-
heated, and has first-class accommodations for 105
guests. It is at the corner of Sixth and Baker
streets, and a line of street-cars pass the door.

" The work of the main office is commenced with
prayer each morning; the clerks assemble at eight
o'clock."

338

Evidences of Progress

I am sure that my readers will agree with me
that the account given by Secretary Burrell, showing
what has been done by the True Reformers, is
worthy of more than passing comment. It is a

REV. W. W. BROWNE.

Founder of True Reformers.

matter that should demand the greatest interest and
consideration of the colored people in all parts of
our country. To me there is one grand lesson
taught in the success of this order that all may profit
by if they will, and that is that colored people can

Among Colored People.

339

successfully manage a large business enterprise with
out any assistance or advice on the part of the
whites. Now comes the question that doubtless
many will ask. If the colored people can organize
and push on with great success the bank, hotel and
wholesale and retail grocery store, as Mr. Burrell's
statement proves beyond a doubt, then why cannot
colored people in all parts of this country organize SO-

TRUE REFORMERS' BANK BUILDING.

cieties and .stock companies for the purpose of get
ting members of the race into all kinds of business,
which would not only help those engaged in the dif
ferent enterprises, but it would give the colored
people as a race dignity and standing among the
better class of the whites that would prove helpful
beyond my power to express ? Let us hope that
.the time is not far distant when we may count with
pride many such grand societies as the True Re
formers.

34O Evidences of Progress

ALABAMA PENNY SAVING AND LOAN COMPANY, LOCATED
AT BIRMINGHAM, ALA., AND CONTROLLED ENTIRELY
BY COLORED PEOPLE.

It was opened for business the 1 5th of October,
1890. Rev. W. R. Pettiford was elected President,
which position he now holds, being elected seven
consecutive times. Mr. B. H. Hudson as Cashier has
held his position from the first. Mr. Peter F. Clark
is Vice-President ; to these are added as Directors —
Rev. J. I. Jackson, Thomas Benford, Prof. F. S. Hayel,
Rev. T. W. Walker, T. D. Davis and Rev. J. Q. A.
Wilhite who has charge of the Institution. These
men sold stock sufficient to be incorporated Feb. i6th,
1894, with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dol
lars, ($25,000) with the privilege of increasing to one
hundred thousand. There is deposited from one hun
dred thousand to one hundred and twenty-five thou
sand dollars per year. They carry $28,000 on deposit
now. The bank owns its business house of three
story brick, which is well tenanted and from this and
other Real Estate, it has a rental income of one thou
sand two hundred and ninety-seven dollars, ($1,297)
per year. The Real Estate is worth over ten thou
sand dollars. The bank has made rapid progress
under the present management and is now regarded
as a fixture. It has four persons in its employ, a good
safe vault and a neat set of oak finish fixtures which
makes the appearance attractive.

This bank pulling through the panic and buying a
nice three story brick building on 2Oth street, has
greatly strengthened confidence in its business.

Among Colored People. 341

WASHINGTON COMMISSION AND SUPPLY CO.

The Washington Commission and Supply Com
pany of Washington, D. C, started in 1897, is a
movement on the part of a number of Colored men
of this city to control much of the trade among the
Colored residents and to give the youth an oppor
tunity in business pursuits. It is a co-operative con
cern, but somewhat restrictive as to membership.
Those who started the enterpise decided, in order to
insure success, it should be self-supporting. Thirty
men of families, fifteen of whom were clergymen and
fifteen laymen, joined heartily in the enterprise. It
was estimated that these families would spend from
$20 to $40 each for table supplies. If these men
would patronize their own interests, the store would
do a business from $600 to $1000 per month inde
pendent of outside trade.

The store has been in operation but three months.
Three clerks are employed and five agents are at work.
The store has sold a little over $1800,00 worth of
goods in these three months. Indications are flatter
ing for a larger business.

The last week before writing this, was the best in
its history. It contemplates opening branch stores
all over the city. The authorities believe in moving
continuously. They believe it is only a matter of time
when through the pastors connected with them and
through their many friends they will control much of
the trade of the 85,000 colored people in the District
of Columbia. They will add a boot and shoe
business.

CHAPTER XXII.

PATENTS AND OTHER BUSINESS INTERESTS.

AMONG the colored people we find a few inventors
whose patents are being used throughout this coun
try. Mr. E. McCoy, of Detroit, Mich, invented the
" Lubricator," and it is being used on nearly all the
railroad engines in the United States. A large fac
tory has been built in Detroit for the manufacture of
the Lubricator. The late Mr. D. F. Black, of
Mechanicsburg, Pa., had invented several patents, and
was before his death engaged in manufacturing a
cocoanut food, and, I understand, met with fair
success. Rev. J. B. Randolph, of Trenton, N. J.,
has taken out a patent on an apparatus for heating
and cooking, claiming that at least one-half of the
fuel now used in heating a house can be saved by the
use of his patent.

Mr. H. Creamer, of Brooklyn, N. Y., has invented
an automatic steam pump that seems to have made a
good impression among those who have tested it, for
it is very highly spoken of.

I shall mention in this chapter a few colored men I
have met who are engaged in various lines of business.
Mr. W. A. Hazel, of St. Paul, Minn., is a decorator
and designer. Some of the handsomest window
glass used for churches is designed by Mr. Hazel.

Mr. Jas. H. Matthews, of New York City, has
(342)

Among- Colored People. 343

built up a very large business as an undertaker. His
patrons are among all classes of people. He has
been an active member of the Undertakers' Associa
tion of the State. In fact, he has held responsible posi
tions in the association.

It is quite a common thing to find colored men
engaged in large business enterprises in the South,
where the colored population is large. There are,
however, a few North who are engaged in business
to a greater or lesser degree. In Trenton, N. J., I
met Mr. J. W. Rodman, who has built a splendid
brick building, in which he conducts a very success
ful grocery business, and I am sure the largest trade
he has is among the white people.

At Evansville, Ind., I found Mr. John Neville and
Mr. McWhorter. These gentlemen were conducting
a fine barber shop and a magnificent Turkish bath
house. It is the only place of its kind I ever found
operated by colored men. That was in 1893, and I
suppose they are still engaged in the same work.

Providence, R. I., has a colored man by the name
of Richard Grant who was in his younger days a
slave in North Carolina. He began life in Providence
as a common day-laborer. He now owns and con
trols the street-sprinkling business of that city,
having five wagons made for that special work.

Hopkinsville, Ky., can boast of one, at least, very
successful colored merchant in Mr. Peter Postel, who
was once a slave. He owns a very large brick build
ing where his business is conducted, besides houses
he has to rent. I am unable to say what his wealth

344 Evidences of Progress

is, but I am told that he is quite a wealthy man.
While he has been deprived of an education, he has
given his children every advantage along that line.

Mr. E. Watts, of South Chester, Pa., has by hard
work and close attention to his business built up a
good trade in the grocery business. His brother,
Mr. John A. Watts, who has passed away, began in
Chester at hard work, and when he died owned a
fine grocery store and several houses.

At Boston, Mass., one of the most successful wig-
makers is a colored man who conducts what is
known as Gilbert & Co.'s Wig Manufactory. He
owns the establishment he learned his trade in. His
name is Gilbert Harris.

The late Thomas H. Boling, of Philadelphia, Pa.,
operated quite a wholesale and retail store where
choice flour, soaps, starch, and a general line of
groceries were sold. In speaking of his success he
said : " When I started this business I did not have
as many hundred dollars as I can muster thou
sands now." And yet he did not try to impress me
with the fact that he was wealthy. But it is
generally known that Mr. Boling has been a very
successful man.

JOSEPH H. DICKINSON.

Joseph H. Dickinson was born June 22, 1855* ^e
attended school in Detroit, Mich. At the age of
fifteen he enlisted in the United States Revenue
Service. At seventeen years he entered the employ of
the Clough & Warren Organ Co., where he now is.

Among Colored People. 345

and in whose service some of his best work has been
accomplished. In 1880, he married Miss Eva Gould,
of Lexington, Mich., and two years after formed a
partnership with his father-in-law, known as the

J. H. DICKINSON.

Dickinson-Gould Organ Co., for the manufacture of
parlor and chapel organs. This firm sent to the
New Orleans exhibition a large chapel organ as an
exhibit showing the progress of the colored people
in manufacturing. Prior to this, for the Centennial

34-6 Evidences of Progress

Exposition in 1876, Mr. Dickinson helped to construct
a large combination organ for the Clough & Warren
Organ Co., which received a diploma and medal. In
1886. Mr. Dickinson returned to the employ of
Clough & Warren and his chief work lies in superin
tending the building of the higher grade of organs.

Mr. Dickinson is a practical workman of an
inventive turn of mind, a good draughtsman and
designer, and an expert in all kinds of organ-build
ing. A few years ago he built and finished two
organs for the royal family of Portugal. A pipe
organ built on new methods is one of the products
of the Clough & Warren Co., and is pushing its way
into many places. The Christian Church, St.
Matthews P. E. Church, and the Church of the
Sacred Heart, all of Detroit, have organs built on
this method, that were designed by and constructed
under his superintendency. Last year, against the
competition of Eastern manufacturers, this company
secured the contract for putting in a large pipe
organ for the Tabernacle Methodist Church, at Cam-
den, N. J. The case for the same was also subject
to competition, and the design of Mr. Dickinson was
chosen in preference to that of Eastern designers and
architects.

The reed organs of Clough & Warren are cele
brated and are largely made so through the ideas
and supervision .of the subject of this sketch. He is
now engaged in perfecting a reed organ that pos
sesses some of the qualities and tones of a pipe
organ — a tubular pneumatic action — that bids fair

Among Colored People. 347

to be very successful. An organ on this plan is be
ing used at the Sunday evening services at the
Detroit Opera House.

Mr. Dickinson possesses good, strong, sterling
characteristics.

TRADE UNION CORPORATION OF WINSTON-SALEM, N. C.

On May 3, 1897, a few persons, led by Rev. John
T. Martin, joined themselves together for the pur
pose of buying and selling groceries, etc. About
sixty dollars was collected and paid over to Rev.
Martin, who was made business manager.

A room belonging to the business manager was
rented and the money invested in goods. Thus was
formed the foundation of the successful organization
known as the Trade Union.

In the fall a lot was purchased on the corner of
Eighth and Lendon streets, and a building 20 x 40
feet was erected thereon. The following summer a
great addition was made to this structure, and now
the Trade Union building contains an area of 3,200
square feet of floor space, and is now the largest
store building owned by colored people in the city
of Winston-Salem.

On January 9, 1899, a charter was granted by the
Secretary of State, and the Trade Union became a
corporate body, with a capital privilege of ten thou
sand ($10,000) dollars ; also rights and powers which
enable the Directors to deal in all manner of real
and personal property. On the second anniversary

348 Evidences Progress*

of this company the assets amounted to more than

$3 Poo-
It is the purpose of the Union to open a savings
bank in connection with their business. Mr. J.
S. Mill, a most excellent man, is now president of
the company.

THREE PROMINENT ARTISTS.

While in Boston, Mass., in 1895, I met Mr. Nel
son A. Primus, who painted that wonderful picture
(18 x 24 feet), " Christ Before Pilate." This gentleman
is certainly a remarkable artist and his portrait work
is received in Boston alongside of the productions
of the very finest artists of the city.

Mr. M. E. Bannister, of Providence, R. I., painted
the picture called " Under the Oaks," that was
awarded the first gold medal at the great Centennial
Exposition at Philadelphia, Pa., in 1876. His
painting was sold for $1,500.

Prof. H. O. Tanner has painted a picture called
"The Banjo Lesson," that sold for $800.

The colored race has produced a great many ex
ceptionally fine artists, and it is in the realm of art
that the highest possibilities of any race are
indicated.

Prof. Tanner has recently sold to the French Gov
ernment for the Luxembourg Gallery a large picture
representing " The Raising of Lazarus." Mr. Tanner
is the second American artist who has sold one of
his paintings to the French Art Gallery.

CHAPTER XXIII.

COLORED EDITORS AND JOURNALISTS.

THERE are published in the United States to-day
between 250 and 300 newspapers and periodicals de
voted to the interests of the colored people. The
prices of these, compared with the many other arti
cles of luxury for which they pay so freely, are ridic
ulously low ; and yet no field of labor for educated
men and women of the race is so perplexing and en
cumbered with so many difficulties.

But among those who have made a success
of journalism are the men and women mentioned
in this chapter.

T. THOMAS FORTUNE.

Mr. T. Thomas Fortune, the best-known journal
ist, both among white and colored people, is really
the pioneer among the colored journalists of
the United States. He has labored as an editorial
writer on the New York Sun for a great many years,
and he is the only colored man whose opinions on
important questions are published at length in white
newspapers. His work on the Times-Herald, of
Chicago, 111., and other great dailies, has been the
most creditable, and has been the subject of more
liberal discussion than that of any other writer.

Mr. Fortune's stand for right and justice to all
classes of American citizens has endeared him to

(349)

350

Evidences of Progress

every man and woman who appreciates fair play.
He is in Negro journalism what Charles Dana, Esq.,
is to white journalism — a leader. He has been pub
lishing the New York Age for a great many years,

T. THOMAS FORTUNE.

and that paper is recognized to-day as the official
organ of the colored people. Wherever Mr. Fortune
goes he is always sought out by the leading news
paper and professional men and accorded a royal

Among Colored People. 351

reception. I regard him as the most valuable man
in his line living to-day.

E. E. COOPER.

Edward Elder Cooper is a man of Southern birth,
full of vim, energy, enterprise and pluck. He is
the founder of the Indianapolis Freeman, which at
tained a national reputation under his skilful man
agement some years ago. He removed to Wash
ington, D. C, in 1892, after disposing of his interest
in the Freeman, where he established the Colored
American, an eight-page illustrated newspaper. Mr.
Cooper's strong point is as a business manager.
He has had phenomenal success with the Colored
American, among the solid business men of Wash
ington, who know it as a safe, reliable and useful
advertising medium. One of the great features of
the Colored American is its portraits of eminent
Negroes, which it publishes from week to week; this
feature is a big card for the paper and is greatly ap
preciated by the masses. The Colored American is
national in its scope and work and publishes the
news from every section of the country. A compe
tent force of Negro compositors and correspondents,
which include some of the best writers among the
race, make the Colored American a very desirable
and welcome weekly visitor in the homes of thou
sands of the best people of both races.

Mr. Cooper is comparatively a young man ; he is
not yet forty. He has, through his paper, popularized

352

Evidences of Progress

more struggling Negroes, who have been hitherto
unknown, than any other publisher of a race paper.
The subscription to the Colored American is two dol
lars per annum. It is published at 829 /th street N. W.,

E. E. COOPER.

Washington, D. C, in one of the most central busi-
ness locations in the capital city. In connection with
his newspaper, Mr. Cooper keeps on sale at his count
ing-room all of the most prominent Negro journals
published, and has also undertaken to cater to the

Among Colored People, 353

wants of those desiring Negro literature. All the
latest books, pamphlets, public addresses of colored
authors, writers and speakers can be obtained from the
Colored American office on application. And there
are many good books by Negro authors and by
others friendly to the race which may be found on
his shelves. This paper recently issued a mammoth
edition of 50,000 copies which is said to be the
largest edition ever issued by a Negro publisher.
Mr. Cooper is popular with the members of the
profession, and never hesitates to lend a helping
hand to his struggling brethren of the press. He
is a genial, open-hearted, open-handed, rollicking
good fellow, who makes friends easily and who
knows how to keep them. He exercises a sort of
hypnotic influence over prospective advertisers who
generally come his way. The American is strictly
a newspaper in the broader sense of the term neivs-
paper, and is conscientiously devoted to the moral and
material uplifting and advancement of the race whose
necessities have called it into being. He deserves great
credit for his courage and his unyielding faith in the
possibilities of Negro journalism; and he will, in the
future, command the admiration of his race, which
has now but small appreciation for the sacrifices, and
self-denial, of the brave men who fight its battles
through the media of the Negro press of the country.

PROF. W. S. SCARBOROUGH, LL. D.

Prof. Scarborough is the most distinguished
scholar of the race to-day. His experience in teach-
23

354

Evidences of Progress

ing' has been large and varied. Clear in explanation,
polished in language and bearing, profound in schol
arship, always the perfect gentleman, he has im
pressed himself upon many young minds as few

PROF. W. S. SCARBOROUGH, LL. D.

young men have been able to do. Add to these
characteristics a most laudable ambition, an unflinch
ing steadfastness of purpose, unwavering uprightness
and straightforward devotion to principle, and we
find wherein lies the power which has enabled him

Among Colored People. 355

to attain the heights and win the fame which is un
deniably his. But his has not been the mere routine
of a teacher's life; he has been an incessant student,
an indefatigable worker. During 1880 he prepared
his " First Lessons in Greek," which was published
by A. S. Barnes & Co., in June, 1881. This book,
the first of the kind ever written by a colored man,
has received the highest encomiums from the press,
while its merits have been recognized and acknowl
edged by some of the finest scholars in the land. It
has also received the most practical recognition — •
that of adoption — by schools and colleges, both white
and colored.

Mr. Scarborough is a regular contributor to Har
per's Magazine, the Forum, and the North American
Review.

REV. H. T. JOHNSON, D. D., PH. D.

Rev. Henry Theodore Johnson was born at
Georgetown, S. C, October 10, 1857.

His early life was spent in the public schools of
his native town until his fourteenth year.

He has attended the State Normal School at
Columbia, the South Carolina University, Howard
University at Washington, D. C., and Lincoln Uni
versity in Pennsylvania.

His " Elements or rsycnic Philosophy," a clear cut
but brief treatise on mental science, and his " How
to Get On," an admirably written and highly instruc
tive series of essays, are two of his books. Having

356

Evidences of Progress

REV. H. T. JOHNSON, D. D., PH. D.

been called to the chair of mental and moral phi
losophy by the trustees of Allen University in South
Carolina, he taught but a short time, when he re
signed for a more inviting field in Tennessee. Under
the auspices of his church, he here founded the in
stitution known as Slater College. In connection
with his school presidency, he was presiding elder
of a large district for three years.

His " Divine Logos " was written and published in
1891. As a unique Christological treatise it was
spoken of in the highest terms. Some idea of the

Among Colored People. 357

recognized ability of Dr. Johnson is indicated by his
having been clothed with the editorial responsibility
of the leading organ of his church and race at the
session of the General Conference in May, 1892.
The degee of Doctor of Philosophy was conferred on
him by Paul Quinn College, while that of Doctor of
Divinity was granted by Wilberforce University.
Dr. Johnson has already exerted an abiding influ
ence upon his race.

REV. j. w. SMITH.

Rev. J. W. Smith was elected at the last General
Conference of the A. M. E. Zion Church, which met
in Mobile, Ala., in May, 1896, as the Editor of the
Star of Zion, which is the official organ of the church-
As a writer Mr. Smith is an able one, and I am sure
that the general feeling is that a wiser choice could
not have been made. The paper is published at
Charlotte, N. C, where the Zion Church owns a splen
did property known as their publishing department.
I have known Rev. Smith for years, and I am glad
for the good of the connection that he has been
chosen as their editor.

He succeeds Rev. Geo. W. Clinton, D. D., who was
elected to the Bishopric at the last General Conference.

WM. H. STEWART.

Wm. H. Stewart is a native of Louisville, Ky. He
has always taken an active part in all public affairs,
and is an active member of the Baptist Church. He
is the superintendent of the Sunday-school of the 5th

358

Evidences of Progress

Street Baptist Church and leader of its choir, which
is one of the best in the country. Mr. Stewart is
chairman of Board of Trustees of State University,
located in Louisville, Ky., and is secretary of the

WM. H. STEWART.

National Baptist Convention ; he has held this posi
tion for many years.

Mr. Stewart also has charge of the Sunday-school
work of the State, for the American Baptist Pub
lication Society of Philadelphia. He is m;ui;i^cr
and publisher of the American Baptist, which is the

Among Colored People.

359

oldest and most extensively circulated newspaper in
the denomination. Mr. Stewart holds other useful
places, where he is helpful to the race. He owns a
beautiful home, and has some very refined and
cultured children. His daughters, at least two of
them, have taken a course in art, and they paint
beautifully; most of the fine paintings in his home
were painted by them.

REV. L. J. COPPIN, D. D.

Rev. L. J. Coppin, D. D., who for eight years
was editor of the A. M. £. Church Review^ is a

360 Evidences of Progress

bright literary light. He is the author of quite
a number of interesting books. The following
are the titles of some of them : " The Sunday
School : Its Work and How to Do it ; " "In Me-
moriam : Katie S. Campbell Beckett ; " " The Rela
tion of Baptized Children to the Church," and a
" Key to Scriptural Interpretation."

Rev. Coppin is a graduate of the P. E. Divinity
School of Philadelphia, Pa. He was elected editor
of the A. M. E. Church Review in May, 1888, and
re-elected in 1892. The work has been admirably
done under his editorship. He now gives way to
his successor, Prof. H. T. Kealing, B. S., A. M., who
was elected at the last General Conference.

WILLIAM H. ANDERSON.

Mr. Anderson is one of the bright literary lights
among the young men of the race. His work, with
that of Mr. Stowers, a novel, entitled " Appointed,"
is a very creditable showing of his ability as a writer.
His first work as a writer was done when he was em
ployed as the mailing clerk of the Detroit Free Press.
After his graduation from the city high school he
entered the employ of Newcomb, Endicott & Co.,
to carry parcels. He has been working for this com
pany ever since. He now has charge of the books
and credits for the carpet department of Newcomb,
Endicott & Co. No goods come into his department
unless checked by him and none go out without his
signature.

Mr. Anderson's editorials, written for the Plain-
dealer, on social and economic questions, were read

Among Colored People.

36,

W. H. ANDERSON.

with great interest. He was also a part owner of the
Plaindealer, which was a magnificent paper.

j. E. BRUCE.

John Edward Bruce (Bruce Grit) was born a slave
in the State of Maryland. He attended school in
the District of Columbia, at the close of the war, for
a period of three months, when he became a student
in the University of Adversity, where he acquired dis
tinction as a racy and trenchant writer. He has been

363

Evidences of Progress

a regular contributor to newspapers and special cor
respondent since 1874.

He is the author of a well-written pamphlet, en
titled " The Blot on the Escutcheon," which treats of

j. E. BRUCE.

the lynching evil in the South. Has written numer
ous short stories for race papers, more or less meri
torious, and which show him to have the journalistic
instinct. He has a larger acquaintance with public
men than any other Negro newspaper correspondent

Among Colored People. 363

in America, and has been the recipient of hundreds
of autograph letters from eminent men concerning
public questions affecting- the Negro. Among them
are such distinguished men as Wm. E. Gladstone,
Roscoe Conkling, Levi P. Morton, John A. Logan,
Geo. F. Hoar, J. S. Clarkson, A. W. Tourgee and
many others. Mr. Bruce has possibly as fine a col
lection of scrap-books as one would wish to see.
Among them (there are three of them) is one
which contains over a thousand columns of matter
from his own pen, the result of his labors since 1874.
Another contains important correspondence valued
for the autographs of the distinguished writers; in
this scrap-book is contained a letter from Mr. Glad
stone, with his autograph, the autographs of Grover
Cleveland, Chester A. Arthur, Cardinal Gibbons,
Baron H. Von Lindern, of Amsterdam, Holland,
James Russell Lowell, John Hay, W. W. Astor,
Frederick Douglass, James Freeman Clark, R. G.
Ingersoll, William McKinley, J. N. Bonaparte, Geo.
F. Edmunds, Geo. William Curtis, William Mahone,
William E. Dodge, Bishop Phillips Brooks, James
Theodore Holly, Bishop of Hayti, Hon. John W.
Foster, Rev. Alexander Crummell, Hon. Edward
Wilmot Blyden and other distinguished personages,
Mr. Bruce is a voluminous and witty writer, and rep
resents over a dozen of the best Negro newspapers
now published.

JOURNALISM IN PHILADELPHIA.

In noting the journalistic efforts of the colored

^64 Evidences of Progress

people, Philadelphia can proudly boast of having
eight live newspapers and two magazines that reflect
real credit on the colored race. The first to be con
sidered is the Weekly Tribune, one of the very few
colored papers in the United States that is actually
making money. It was founded in 1884 by Mr.
Christopher J. Perry, and has steadily advanced as
the years rolled on, until now it is established on
a solid financial basis. It is bright, crisp, newsy, and
the most popular newspaper among the colored peo
ple in the city.

The Standard-Echo began publication in 1883,
with Mr. Abel P. Caldwell as managnne editor. The

o o

Ec/whas enjoyed all the experiences of the average
Negro journal.

The Sunday Journal, a new feature in Negro jour
nalism, was founded by the late Robert G. Still, in
1895. After his death Messrs. Hart & Gee assumed
the management of it. and through their combined
efforts it is rapidly rearing the goal of success.

For workmanship, bright and crisp news, the Sun
day Herald has no superior. It was established by
T. Wallace Swarm, January, 1896. The paper has
struck the public's vein, and bids fair to outstrip some
of the older journals.

The Christian Banner is a Baptist paper, and is
largely circulated throughout the United States. Rev.
G. L. P. Taliaferro is the editor.

REV. C. H. PHILLIPS, D. D.

Rev. C. H. PbVlips is the editor of the Christian

Among Colored People. 365

Index, which is the official organ of the C. M. E.
Church. Their publishing house is located at Jack
son, Tenn., where they own their building and a
splendid printing plant. Dr. Phillips was born at
Milledgeville, Ga., in 1858. He is a graduate from
Central Tennessee College, and has been prominent
since then both as teacher and pastor. Rev. Phillips
has made the Index one of the leading church papers
published in the country, and the church may well
be proud of him.

ADAMS BROTHERS.

Remarkable types in Negro journalism are Cyrus
Field Adams and John Quincy Adams, of the Chi
cago Appeal. The Appeal is regarded as one of the
best weekly newspapers published.

HON. H. C. SMITH.

A musician, a composer, and an editor, a composite
body, is Hon. Harry C. Smith, editor and publisher
of the Cleveland Gazette. He is a born artist, a deep
thinker, liberal and fair-minded. A valuable acquisi
tion to Negro journalism.

HON. JOHN C. DANCY.

Hon. John C. Dancy, editor of the A. M. E. Zion
Quarterly, published at Wilmington, N. C., in the
interest of the A. M. E. Zion Church, has held many
responsible positions in the State and Nation. His
ability as an editor, and as an orator, has already
been acknowledged by the most reliable newspapers

Evidences of Progress

in this country. Mr. Dancy is well known through^
out the United States and Europe. His career has

HON. J. C. DANCY.

been remarkable, and his attitude in defence of human
rights is stern and unsympathetic.

THE COLORED AMERICAN MAGAZINE.

That the Negro is advancing toward an improved
condition there is conspicuous proof in the well-
attended schools called into existence by his demand

Among Colored People.

367

for enlightenment, in the number of. blacks found in
the practice of medicine and law, and in the strength
ened position of the race in financial, commercial, and
industrial affairs of cities East and South. But ad-

MISS PAUI.INK E. HOPKINS.

ditional evidence is the high class literature issued in
the Negro cause. Daily newspapers are published
for his entertainment and improvement, and in Bos
ton there is the relatively new "Colored American
Magazine," a monthly more beautiful in its typo-

368 Evidences of Progress

graphic finish than most of its white rivals. It is de
voted to the literature, science, music, art, religion,
and traditions of the Negro race, and fulfils its mis
sion creditably, being illumined with pleasing illus
trations, and having for its purpose the cultivation of
the best that the Negro has in him and, generally,
the presentation of the brighter side of life to him.

The Colored Co-operative Publishing Company,
publishers of the magazine consists of the following
officers: Col. W. H. Dupree, President Board of
Directors ; Jesse W. Watkins, Treasurer ; Wm. O.
West, Secretary. Miss Pauline E. Hopkins, a radical
race woman, is the literary editor.

REV. I. B. SCOTT, A. M., D. D.

Rev. I. B. Scott, A. M., D. D., who was president
of Wiley University at Marshall, Texas, was at the
last General Conference of the M. E. Church, held in
Cleveland, Ohio, in May, 1896, elected as editor of
the Southwestern Christian Advocate, which is pub
lished in the interest of the Colored members of the
M. E, Church.

THE GEORGIA BAPTIST,

Published by the Georgia Baptist Printing Co., Au
gusta, Ga., began publication in October, 1880. Has
come out regularly every week. Rev. W. J. White
has been editor from beeinnin<j, and also business

o o '

manager. The plant is worth about $3,000, has one
large cylinder and two first-class job presses, employs
the year round twelve to eighteen hands, all colored,
and prints minutes for about sixty religious bodies,
conventions and associations.

Among Colored People.

369

GEO. L. KNOX.

Mr. George L. Knox, the publisher of the Freeman,
at Indianapolis, Ind., has given the colored people
one of the best illustrated weekly papers ever issued
in this country. Mr. Knox is a hard worker, and
the Freeman is doing a most creditable work.

WALTER H. STOWERS.

W. H. STOWERS.

Mr. Walter H. Stowers is a city clerk in Detroit.
24

37^ Evidences of Progress

Mich. He is one of the bright minds among young
colored men. He is Deputy County Clerk for
Wayne County, Mich., his special duty being clerk
of one of the Circuit Court rooms. He has also
been admitted to the bar, and is a member of the law
firm of Barnes & Stovvers. He was at one time one
of the editors of the Plaindealer. Mr. Stowers and
Mr. Wm. Anderson wrote " Appointed," an American
novel, which has attracted considerable attention.

MR. CHARLES STEWART.

Mr. Stewart has for years done work on white
daily papers as a regular reporter. At the last Gen
eral Conference of the A. M. E. Church, which met
in Wilmington, N. C, Mr. Stewart took all of the
conference reports, and the Wilmington Messenger
has this to say of him :

" The Messenger gave full and readable reports of
the proceedings of the conference, and we take this
opportunity to commend Mr. Charles Stewart for the
excellent and satisfactory manner in which he made
the reports for us. It was a laborious piece of work,
and all who read the reports can testify that the work
was efficiently and cleverly done.

Mr. Stewart is a native of Kentucky, and began
newspaper work on the Louisville Courier- Journal
in 1880. Subsequently he was engaged by the
Chicago Inter-Ocean and worked as a reporter on
that paper from 1885 to 1892, since which time he
has been on the editorial staff of the Chicago Dis
patch. He is said to be the only Negro holding such
a position in journalism.

Among Colored People.

371

JAMES HOLMES MOODY.

Mr. James H. Moody was born of slave .parents at
Clarksville, Va. His education was received in the
public schools at Louisville, Ky. He has been ac
tive in politics, and has held some important posi
tions. While President Garfield was in office, Mr.
Moody was appointed a Deputy United States Mar
shal for the State of Kentucky. He was the first
colored man appointed to such a position in the State.
After Mr. Cleveland was elected, Mr. Moody came
to Chicago, where he is respected by all who know
him. He at one time had charge of the Chicago Con-

372 Evidences of Progress

r]' but has since established a most excellent
and useful paper known as the Chicago Monitor. It
has a lar^e circulation, and is doincr much £ood for

<-> o fc>

the race. Mr. Moody has shown great courage in
the manly stand he has taken for the good of his
people.

I. GARLAND PENN.

This young man has written and published several
books. His first book, " The Afro-American Press,"
gave short sketches of the colored editors and writers.
The book had large sale all over the country. Mr.
Penn is at the head of the Colored schools of Lynch-
burg, Va., his native town. He was appointed chief
commissioner of the Cotton States and International
Exposition, at Atlanta, Ga., for the Colored people's
department. He is a very young man to have accom
plished so much and we feel sure that he has before
him a bright and useful future.

PROF. E. JOHNSON.

Prof. E. Johnson, of Raleigh, N. C, now a teacher
in the law department of Shaw University, has written
the only school history now in use in Colored schools
which makes any reference to what Colored people
have done. I feel that Mr. Johnson did a grand work
to get his book into the public schools of North Caro
lina, and I only wish such books could be in use in all
Colored schools, for all over this country, Colored
children are being taught out of books which make
no reference whatever to what progress has been
made by the race. It is very hard to stimulate race
pride without race information.

Among Colored People.

373

PROF. H. T. KEALING, B. S., A. M.

The present editor of the A. M. E. Cl lurch Review,
who takes Dr. Coppin's place, is indeed a unique
character and has filled some important positions
as an educator and writer. He was elected Assistant
Principal of Prairie View State Normal School of

PROF. H. T. KEALING, B. S., A. M.

Texas in 1883. While here he attracted much atten
tion throughout the country by an impromptu speech
before the National Educational Association in To-

374 Evidences of Progress

peka, Kan., which the New England Journal of Educa
tion pronounced the brightest and wittiest piece of ora
tory in the whole session. He contributed in 1886
to The Century Magazine, of New York, for which
he was well paid. He at one time was supervisor
of the Colored schools in Austin, Tex. The posi
tion was created by the board for him. I know of
no other such case. For four years he was Presi
dent of Paul Quinn College at Waco, Tex. While
there he added several new features to its curricu
lum. During his vacations he spent his time in the
South and Northwest as a lecturer, and is now
known as one of the best platform speakers in the
country regardless of color. His lecture, " The
American Jonah," is unique, witty, forcible, and a
popular favorite. As an editor he has had some
experience before and has been a regular contributor
to Inter-Ocean, N. E. Journal of Education, Texas
School Journal, Galvcston News, and many other
leading papers of the country. I am sure the A.
M. E. Review has fallen into good hands. Mr.
Kealing was elected to his present position in May,
1896, at Wilmington, N. C.

PAUL L. DUNBAR

whose book of poems brought forth high praise from
the Hoosier poet, James Whitcomb Reilly. His book
also attracted the attention of William Dean Howell
who wrote a splendid review of it in Harper's Maga
zine, in which he said, " Mr. Dunbar's poems have
giyen me a much higher estimate of the Negro."

CHAPTER XXIV.

CHURCHES.

I SHALL not attempt to give a history of the various
denominations with which the colored people are
identified. I simply desire to set forth a few facts
which indicate that they have, by vigorous efforts,
made the same wonderful progress along church
lines that they have along educational, industrial and
professional lines.

The colored people are represented in nearly every
denomination known in the United States.

The Baptists, Congregationalists, Episcopalians,
Methodists Episcopal, African Methodists Episcopal,
African Methodists Episcopal Zion, Colored Metho
dists Episcopal, Congregational Methodists Episco
pal, the Presbyterians, and other denominations are
very well supported by the colored people, and the
church work has been a great help to the race since
1865.

I cannot give the amount of space to this phase of
the so-called Negro problem that it deserves ; but ir
order that my readers may get some idea of the
development of the race along religious lines, I offer
here a brief sketch of the Bethel A. M. E. Church,
of Philadelphia, Pa., for this is a fair representation
of church work among the colored people throughout
the United States. And what is said of Bethel will

(375)

Evidences of Progress

apply to all other denominations in proportion to
their membership.

BETHEL A. M. E. CHURCH.

In November, 1787, the colored people belonging
to the Methodist Society of Philadelphia (St.
George's) convened together, in order to take into
consideration the evils under which thev labored,

THE BEGINNING OF AFRICAN METHODISM.

growing out of the unkind treatment of their white
brethren, who considered them a nuisance in the
house of worship, and even pulled them off their
knees while in the act of prayer and ordered them
to the back seats.

For these and various other acts of unchristian
conduct, they considered it their duty to devise plans
to build a house of their own, that they might wor-

Among Colored People. 377

ship God under their own vine and fig-tree unmo
lested.

The causes which produced Bethel were race
prejudice on the one hand and an innate desire of
the heart for religious liberty and determination on
the other to be content with nothing less than an
opportunity for the exercise of the fullest Christian
manhood in the house of God.

Hence the organization in 1787 (November) of
Bethel Society, the oldest colored church organiza
tion in America. In 1793, Richard Allen, a preacher
and leading spirit among his brethren, proposed the
erection of a house of worship on his own ground,
at his own expense, which being acceded to by his
brethren, the first church edifice was erected on
the present site of Bethel, Sixth street below Pine,
Philadelphia, Pa., which house of worship was duly
consecrated and opened for divine service by Francis
Asbury, the then Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, at the invitation of Richard Allen. And
the house was named Bethel notwithstanding the
severest persecutions at the hands of their white
brethren for a number of years. Bethel continued
to grow in usefulness and influence, both locally and
generally. So that in the year 1816 the spirit of
Allen and his coadjutors had become so powerful
that the hour was ripe for the organization of a con
nection to carry on the work everywhere so well
begun by Bethel in Philadelphia.

Rev. Richard Allen now became to the connection
what he had been for twenty-five years to Bethel—*

37 8 Evidences of Progress

the acknowledged and honored leader, as the first
Bishop of the connection, Bethel remaining the
pivotal centre, around which the spirit of religious
liberty and Christian manhood revolved ; ever ex
tending its influence until, like in the family, all over
the connection it came to be known and called by
the endearing name of " Mother Bethel."

RICHARD ALLEN.

This first Bethel served to meet the demands of
the growing congregation up to 1841, when it was
found expedient to rebuild, and June 2, 1841, the
corner-stone of the Second Bethel Church was for
mally laid with appropriate ceremonies by Rt. Rev.
Morris Brown, the acting Bishop, Bishop Allen

Colored People.

379

having died in 1831. This church was completed in
the following year at a cost of $14,000, the first
church having been valued at about $10,000.

BETHEL A. M. E. CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA, PA.

Projected and Built under the Pastorate of Rev. C. T.
Shaffer, M. D., D. D.

A most remarkable feature of this church has
been, that notwithstanding the fact that Union, Little
Wesley (now Murray Chapel), Zion Chapel, and finally
Allen Chapel, were all colonies from this church,
all of which are now flourishing organizations,

3^° Evidences of Progress

Bethel has maintained such a hold on the community
as to carry a congregation commensurate with the
capacity of the building, through the century of her
history, and for more than half a century sustained
a membership ranging from 1,500 to 1,600 strong.

For some years the congregation, and especially
the more advanced thinkers, had felt the necessity of
a new church, the old one being both unsightly
and unsafe, though no practical efforts had been
put forth in that direction until 1889.

The Rev. C. T. Shaffer, M. D., was appointed to
the pastorate of Bethel, May, 1888. He at once set
about unifying and organizing, for the purpose of
rebuilding. He soon had plans laid, the church in
spired with larger hope, so that the people had a
mind to work. And, during his first year, had struck a
blow for the new Bethel by conducting a rally, the
money being banked for the building.

On his return from Conference, and entering his
second year, on the first Sunday of June, he held
another rally, the last service in the old Bethel. The
next Sabbath worship was held in Horticultural Hall,
on Broad street, adjoining the Academy of Music.
The old Bethel was torn down, and, on August 8, 1889,
at 9:15 A. M., ground was broken for the new build
ing, excavations made, and on November 7, 1889,
the corner-stone of the new Bethel was laid, with
imposing ceremonies, by the Rt. Rev. H. M. Turner,
D. D., LL. D., assisted by the pastor, C. T. Shaffer,
D. D., and associate pastors of the city and vicinity,
from which time there was hardly a day lost by the.

Among- Colored People. 381

workmen until the church was completed, which was

m

REV. C. T. SHAFFER, M. D., D. D.

done and formally dedicated to the worship of
Almighty God, October 23, 1890, and a congregation

382 Evidences of Progress

equal to the capacity of the new Bethel returned to
continue the worship of God on this sacred spot
which they have held in undisputed possession for
one hundred and three years as a church site, and the
first piece of ground ever bought, and now held for
church purposes, by colored people in the United
States, and on which three churches have been
erected by the congregation: the first in 1793; the
second in 1841-2; and the third in 1889-90. This
building is heated throughout with steam, and is one
of the most completely modern in all its appointments,
solid and massive in construction, of this great city
of churches, and has not a superior in the whole
connection of which it is the mother.

The cost of this building was about $50,000 and it
is valued to-day at $85,000.

The Revs. W. H. Heard, D. D.. Consul General to
Liberia, and W. D. Cook, D. D., have served with
marked success as pastors since the erection of the
New Bethel, and the Rev. Theo. Gould, who served
this church very successfully twenty years ago, is its
present pastor.

The connection of which this church is the mother
has fourteen Bishops, eleven general secretaries of de
partments, 4,365 itinerants, and 15,885 local preach
ers, full membership, 543,604, probationers, 35,287;
total membership, 599,141. Church edifices, 4,575,
valuation, $8,650,155; parsonages, 1,650, value,
$75,950; schools, colleges and universities, 41, value
of buildings and grounds, $756,475 ; grand total
valuation of property, $9,482,580.

Among Colored People. 383

What hath God not wrought !

Is not this the fulfilment of that prophecy, "And
Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hand unto God? "

Verily it would seem so.

Dr. C T. Shaffer, the builder of Bethel Church,
has a very interesting history. I am only sorry that
space will not admit of a full account of his life.
He is a splendid type of manhood that shows what
can be done by push and energy. Dr. Shaffer is a
native of Ohio ; in his younger days he learned and
worked at the plastering trade and in that way earned
money enough to educate himself and a younger
sister. He graduated at Berea College. He also
had the honor of serving his country as a soldier in
our late war. As a pastor, he has held the largest
and best appointments in the connection. While he
was pastor of different churches in Philadelphia, he
took advantage of the opportunity and read medicine,
graduating with honor in a class of 208 in 1888 from
the Jefferson Medical College, Phila. He has
never engaged in the practice of his profession,
although it would pay him far better than church
work, but he feels called upon to serve his church.
At the present time he is general corresponding
secretary and treasurer of the church extension
department. This department of church work he
created and has been twice elected to fill his present
position.

Before closing this chapter I wish to mention the
names of the general officers of the A. M. E.,
Church, in order that my readers who may not be
familiar with the great work of the " African Metho-

384 Evidences of Progress

dist Episcopal Church" may form some idea what a
work is being done, also a better knowledge of the
men who stand at the head of the connection. I
only wish I had the space to give a short history of
each of the men whose names will be mentioned.
To begin with, the church has fourteen Bishops, who
are all able men, and we head our list with the
senior Bishop, H. M. Turner, D. D., LL. D., who is
a native of South Carolina. He was never a slave. I
regard Bishop Turner as one of the most remarkable
men I have ever met. He was the first colored man
appointed a commissioned officer by President
Lincoln, his appointment was as Chaplain of the
First United States Infantry during the late war.
When mustered out he was recommissioned a Chaplain
in the regular service of the United States Army by
President Johnson. He has been a member of the
Georgia Constitutional Convention, and has served
two terms as a member of the Georgia Legislature,
was twice appointed to positions of honor by Presi
dent Grant. He now represents the Liberian Gov
ernment in the United States. He at one time was
the manager of the publishing department of the
A. M. E. Church, and was consecrated a Bishop in
1880. So it is very easy to see that Bishop Turner
has led a busy and useful life. I have been person
ally acquainted with the Bishop for years, and I am
only one of thousands who know him to love him.
In the State of Georgia, where Bishop Turner
resides, I found him very much thought of by the
leading white people.

Among Colored People. 385

Bishop W. J. Gaines, D.D., is a native of Georgia and
at one time was owned by that famous Toombs family.
His first work in the church was in a very humble
way, that of member. As a preacher he did a great
deal for the church in Georgia. He wrote a book
on African Methodism in the South that was both
interesting and useful. It was through the efforts of
Bishop Gaines that Morris Brown College was estab
lished at Atlanta. He was elected as Bishop in 1888,

Bishop B. W. Arnett, D. D., is a native of Penn
sylvania and is entirely a self-made man. He, like
Bishop Turner, has held some high positions of
honor. He was at one time a member of the Ohio
Legislature and while serving his district in that
capacity he introduced a bill, known as the Arnett
Bill, that wiped out the old and infamous black laws
that were a disgrace to the State of Ohio. Just
before he was elected Bishop in 1888, he served the
church as financial secretary. He is the father of
several very intelligent sons. Is also very active in
Christian Endeavor work.

Bishop B. T. Tanner, D. D., is also a native of
Pennsylvania. He began life as a barber, and has
held every position from lay member up to the
Bishopric. He was editor of the A. M. E. Review,
and at one time editor of the Recorder, the church
organ. Bishop Tanner was elected in 1888 as
Bishop. Few men in this country have been harder
students than Bishop Tanner ; he has a magnificent
library, and one can see at once that he has taken
25

386 Evidences of Progress

advantage of his fine collection of books, and is
regarded by the connection a very able man.
- Bishop A. Grant, D.D., is a native of Florida and was
born a slave and, what makes this man more remark
able, was born in an ox-cart, while his poor mother
was being taken from one plantation to another
where she had been sold. Some men are bor.n to
lead others, and it would seem that Bishop Grant
was one of them. I have never met any man who
had such a magnetic influence over his hearers. I
had the pleasure of being present at the A. M. E.
Missionary Jubilee held at Ocean Grove, July 24th,
1896, when the Bishop presided, and his address to
the thousands who heard it was a gem. He was
elected Bishop in 1888.

Bishop M. B. Salter, D.D., was elected to the Bishop
ric in 1892. He is a native of South Carolina, and he
too was born a slave. His owner was a watch
maker, and he taught the trade to Mr. Salter when
he was a young man ; that of course made him a
valuable piece of property. And when freedom
came it was a great blessing to Mr. Salter to have a
trade. Bishop Salter grew in the church from the
walks of a member up to the Bishopric, and is much
loved by men under him.

Bishop Jas. A. Handy, D. D., was elected Bishop
in 1892. He is a native of Maryland, and I am told
never had any schooling except what he got in night
school. He is regarded as a very able man, and is
a great lover of education. He at one time repre
sented the church as its financial secretary, and when

Among Colored People. 387

in the ministry was pastor of some of the largest
churches in the connection.

Bishop B. F. Lee, D. D., is a native of New Jersey.
He went when a young man to Wilberforce Univer
sity, Ohio, to obtain an education, but being poor, he
had to work his way through. In thirteen years
from the time he went there as a student he was
elected President of the University. He was for
quite a number of years editor of the Christian
Recorder. Bishop Lee was made a Bishop in 1892
and I am sure the church never did a better thing
for its interest than to elect him. He is not only a
Christian, but a magnificent scholar.

Bishop J. C. Embry, D. D., who was elected as Bis
hop in 1896, was one of the most profound scholars in
the church. For twelve years he managed the A.
M. E. Book Concern in Philadelphia, Pa. He only
lived about two years after his election.

Bishop J. H. Armstrong, D. D., was elected as
Bishop in 1896. For four years he had filled the
office of financial secretary with great credit to him
self. He lived about three years after his election.

Bishop W. B. Derrick, D. D., was elected Bishop
in 1896 by a very large vote. For eight years he
had been secretary of Missions. Dr. Derrick was
known far and wide as a powerful orator, and has
been associated in great meetings with some of our
greatest white leaders. I give here a beautiful trib
ute he paid to the American flag, on one occasion.

"The American flag has been washed, and
cleansed from the foul stain of Negro slavery until

388 Evidences of Progress

it is to-day among the most beautiful of national
emblems. The stars represent the stars of heaven;
the blue the sky; the white a higher Christian civili
zation; the red the blood of the various nationalities
who fought to make the principles of the Republic
more lofty and enduring. It is our purpose to con
tinue agitating until beneath its silken folds shall
stand as equals before the law the inventive German,
the wily and industrious Irishman, the trafficking
and cunning Jew, the musical and wandering Italian,
the polite Frenchman, the hospitable and tenacious
Englishman, the granite-minded and scholarly Scotch
man, the pagan Chinese, the unconquered Indian,
and last, but not least, the industrious, kind-hearted
and forgiving Negro."

Bishop Evans Tyree, D. D., was elected as Bishop
in 1900. He was born Aug. 19, 1854, of slave
parents, and was twice sold as a slave. His educa
tion was received at Central Tennessee College.
Bishop Tyree never held a general office before his
election as Bishop. He received a very large vote —
in fact the largest ever given any one man.

Bishop M. M. Moore, D. D., was elected to the
bishopric in 1900. For four years he had served the
church as financial secretary. He was a native of
Georgia. He was elected Bishop in May, 1900, and
died in November of the same year.

Bishop Charles S. Smith, D. D., who is a native of
Canada, was elected as Bishop in 1900. He was for
seventeen years manager of the Sunday-School
Union, a department of church work he created.

Among Colored People. 389

As a scholar he is regarded as one of the best in this
connection.

Bishop C. T. Shaffer, M. D., D. D., was elected as
Bishop in 1900. He had been for eight years secre
tary of the church extension department. Splendid
mention of Bishop Shaffer will be found on page
383 of this book.

Bishop L. J. Coppin, D. D., who was for eight
years editor of the A. M. E. Church Review, was
elected as Bishop in 1900. Mention of his life and
work can be found on page 359 of this book.

Rev. H. B. Parks, who is a very able man and was
for years a prominent pastor, is now secretary of
the missionary department.

Rev. J. H. Collett, D. D., is now business man
ager of the A. M. E. Publishing House, 631 Pine
Street, Philadelphia, Pa.

Rev. E. W. Lampton is secretary of the financial
department of the church located at Washington,
D. C.

Prof. John R. Hawkins, A. M., secretary of edu
cation, is mentioned on page 132 of this book.

Rev. W. D. Chappelle, D. D., of South Carolina,
is secretary of the Sunday-School Union, at Nashville,
Tenn.

Rev. H. T. Johnson, D. D., Ph. D., editor of the
Chistian Recorder, is mentioned on page 356.

Prof. H. T. Kealing, editor of the A. M. E. Church
Review i is mentioned on page 373.

Rev. G. E. Taylor is editor of the Southern Chris
tian Record, located at Atlanta, Ga.

3QO Evidences of Progress

Rev. John T. Jenifer, D. D., is Secretary of the
Preachers' Aid Society, located at Baltimore, Md. I
regret that, for want of space, I am not able to give
a more extensive account of the general officers, who
are all worthy men, and most of them have been
prominent pastors, holding charge of some of the
largest churches in the connection.

The next largest body of Methodists among Col
ored people is the A. M. E. Zion Church, which is
organized on the same principle as the A. M. E.
Church, with an able force of Bishops. They also
have a publishing department, located at Char
lotte, N. C

Bishop J. W. Hood, D. D., stands as the lead
ing spirit of the Zion connection. He has done a
great work for the church and the race at large. He
is the author of two books, in the way of a book of
Sermons and a history of the Zion Church.

Bishop C. R. Harris, D. D., is a graduate and was,
before his election to the Bishopric, connected with
educational work at Livingstone College, also gen
eral steward of the Zion Church.

Bishop C. C. Petty, D. D., is also a graduate and
before he was made Bishop was one of the leading
pastors.

Bishop I. C. Clinton, of South Carolina, has been
one of the most useful men in the connection as
a church builder and organizer.

Bishop A. Walters, D. D., was, when elected, the
youngest Bishop in the country. He is a very

Among Colored People. 391

energetic and hard worker for the cause of his
Church.

Bishop T. H. Lomax, of N. C, is also known as a
church builder. At their last General Conference at
Mobile, Ala., in May, 1896, they elected three new
Bishops in the persons of Rev. George W. Clinton,
D. D., Rev. J. B. Small, D. D., and Rev. J. Holliday.

Rev. Clinton I have known for years, and I
regard him by far one of the ablest men in the con
nection, both as a speaker and writer.

Rev. J. B. Small is one of the best scholars in the
country, and should have been a Bishop long ago.

William Howard Day, who is mentioned in another
part of my book, is their financial secretary, and Rev.
J. W. Smith, also mentioned, is editor of the Star
of Zion.

Bishop J. W. Alstork was elected as Bishop at the
last General Conference, held by the A. M. E. Zion
Church in 1900, at Washington, D. C. Rev. Alstork
is regarded an able man.

CHAPTER XXV.

THE FREDERICK DOUGLASS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AND
TRAINING SCHOOL.

THE Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital and
Training School was organized during the month of
July, 1895, through the earnest effort of Dr. N. F
Mossell. Its purpose is to give larger opportunities
for the training of colored girls as nurses, this class
of learners in this profession being to a large extent
excluded from the other training schools in Phila
delphia. Girls of no race will be debarred from the
course of training offered in this hospital. This in
stitution is open to all without regard to race or
creed.

The building is located at 1512 Lombard street.
The money necessary to equip and furnish the building
has been raised through the efforts of the management
and four lady auxiliaries. The special need of the work
at the present time is support for free beds. The hos
pital has been in operation four months, and its suc
cess up to the present date (April, 1896) shows both
the feasibility and necessity for its establishment. The
class of nurses in training are progressing in efficiency.
There have been admitted a number of cases that
have been successfully treated.

The wards are light and airy, and are equipped
with the most recent appliances for hospital work;
(392)

Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital and Training School.

393

394 Evidences of Progress

they are entirely aseptic, the furniture consisting of
enamelled iron and glass ; the walls and floors have
been properly treated to preserve this condition, the
operating room is a perfect gem. The out-patient
department is thoroughly equipped for the various
clinics. The drainage, plumbing and ventilation are
of the best. One fact worthy of notice is the hearty
co-operation in the work shown by both the best
elements of colored and white citizens, through con
tributions and subscriptions, also by the patronage
of all entertainments given for the benefit of the hos
pital. Desiring to receive patients from all parts of
the country, the management feel that, as the work is
not localized, the support should not be, and in many
cases friends at a distance have shown their kindly
interest by liberal donations. As the hospital stands,
it offers a notable proof of self-reliance and self-
sacrificing devotion.

Mr. Jacob C. White, the able principal of the
Robert Vaux School, is President of the Board of
Management ; Mr. S. J. M. Brock, Vice-president ;
Mr. Henry M. Minton, Secretary ; S. B. Henry, Esq.,
Treasurer; N. F. Mossell, M. D., Chief of Staff; Miss
Minnie M. Clemens, Head Nurse and Matron ; A. A.
Mossell, Esq., Solicitor.

Medical Staff — Consulting Surgeons : John B.
Deaver, M. D., Thos. S. K. Morton, M. D. ; Consult
ing Physicians : James Tyson, M. D., Roland G.
Curtin, M. D. ; Consulting Gynecologists : B. F. Baer,
M. D., Hannah T. Croasdale, M. D. ; Attending Sur
geons : J. P. Tunis, M. D., N. F. Mossell, M. D, ;

Among" Colored People. 395

Attending Physicians: E. C. Howard, M. D., Wm. H.
Warrick, M. D., James T. Potter, M. D. ; Attending
Gynecologists : Caroline V. Anderson, M. D., Theo.
A. Erck, M. D. ; Assistants : George R. Hilton, M. D.,
D. W. Ogden, M. D. ; Ophthalmogist, H. F. Han-
sell, M. D. ; Pathologist, A. A. Stevens, M. D. ;
Dermatologist, J. Abbott Cantrell, M. D. ; Dental
Surgeon, Wm. A. Jackson, D. D. S. ; Pharmacist,
Henry M. Minton, Ph. G.

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.

NATHAN F. MOSSELL, A.M., M. D.

Dr. N. F. Mossell, of Philadelphia, was born in
Hamilton, Canada, in July, 1856. He entered Lin
coln University in 1874, graduating in 1879 with
honor, delivering the philosophical oration and re
ceiving 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 gradua
tion was photographed with his class. His grade

39^ Evidences of Progress

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.

" Dr. Mossell had graduated with an average

N. F. MOSSELL, A. M., M. D.

higher than three-fourths of his class " — the com
ment 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

Among Colored Peoph. 397

Philadelphia County Medical Society, February,
1888. He has for a number of years secured sup
port 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, enun
ciated 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."

J. C. WHITE, JR.

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."

From the year of his graduation from the Insti
tute for Colored Youth, in 1856, Jacob C. White, Jr.,
has been continuously engaged as a school teacher,
his nearly forty years of service having been spent
in two schools. For thirty years he has been priir
cipal of the Robert Vaux School, and in that posi
tion has won the highest esteem of all connected
with public school work.

Mr. White comes of one of the oldest and best-

Evidences of Progress

known colored families in Pennsylvania. His
maternal great grandfather, one of the Bustil family,
which intermarried with Lenni Lenape Indians, was
a baker in Washington's army. His grandparents

J. C. WHITE.

were all Philadelphians, and his father was secretary
of the very first organized society of the famous
* Underground Railroad," which aided slaves to
escape to Canada. Robert Purvis was president of

Among Colored People. 399

the organization. As a lad young Jacob assisted in
caring for the fugitives, who came here in a wretched
condition, and he tells many an interesting story of
those who sought escape from slavery, a score of
whom would be hidden at one time in the garret of
his father's house.

Mr. White has always been actively identi
fied with movements for the betterment of the
colored people. He is a member of the Teachers'
Institute, Annuity and Aid Association, Educational
Club and the Teachers' Beneficial Association.

DANIEL H. WILLIAMS, M. D.

Dr. Daniel H. Williams, one of the best physi
cians in this country, white or colored, of Chicago,
111., now of Washington, D. C, was born January
18, 1858, at Hollidaysburg, Pa. He attended the
Janesville, Wis., High School, and was graduated
from Janesville Classical Academy in 1878. Com
menced the study of medicine at Janesville in 1880,
under Surgeon-General Henry Palmer; attended
three courses of lectures at Chicago Medical College,
from which he was graduated March 28, 1883, his
education having been obtained through his own
exertions, his parents being unable to render finan
cial assistance. In May, 1883, he located per
manently in the practice of medicine in Chicago.

Dr. Williams is a member of the American Medi
cal Association ; Illinois State Medical Society ;
Chicago Medical Society; Ninth International Medi
cal Congress. He was a surgeon to South Side

4-OO Evidences of Progress

Dispensary, Chicago, 1884-92 ; surgeon to Provi
dent Hospital, 1890-93; physician to Protestant
Orphan Asylum, 1884-93; member of Illinois
State Board of Health, 1889; reappointed in 1891.

DANIEL H. WILLIAMS, M. D.

He is also a member of the Hamilton Club, of
Chicago. Was appointed surgeon in charge to the
Freedmen's Hospital, Washington, D. C, February
15. 1894.

Among Colored People. 401

THE PROVIDENT HOSPITAL.

Provident Hospital, Chicago, was instituted in
January, 1891, by a few gentlemen of that city,
who saw the need of an opening for colored physi-
cians, as well as for colored women. At that time
there was not a hospital in the United States that
admitted colored men as resident physicians or
internes. There was no place, in fact, that a colored
man could get a good practical experience so neces
sary for the proper equipment of the young men in the
practice of medicine and surgery ; as well to colored
women, there were no institutions where they could
be admitted into the higher scientific work of nurs
ing. There may have been one or two exceptions
in which persons of very light color, who could not
possibly be detected, were admitted into one or two
of the Eastern institutions for the higher education
of women as nurses.

Each year, Provident Hospital has graduated a
class of ladies who have scattered themselves through
out the United States ; and in every instance they
are succeeding and doing commendable work, demon
strating at once the necessity of opening a field of
usefulness to colored women who are debarred from
every avenue of employment on account of color.

Provident Hospital, since its inception, has been
blessed in having as its supporters sincere and honest
helpers, white and colored, in Chicago. It has done,
already, a good work, and is on the road to prosperity.
In March, 1896, ground was broken for the erection
26

Evidences of Progress

of a new building, the like of which will not be seen
anywhere in the West. Fifty thousand dollars has
been donated by a philanthropic gentleman, in
Chicago, for the erection of the building, his only
request being that his name be not mentioned. This
building is to be erected in the southern part of the
city, and with all the modern improvements. Another
gentleman, Mr. H. H. Kohlsaat, one of the persistent
and faithful friends of the colored people in this
country, gave the ground on which the building is
to be erected. Mr. George H. Webster, the partner
of Mr. Armour, of Chicago, and a member of the
Board of Trustees, is a sincere and sympathetic
friend of the colored people in their efforts to upbuild
and maintain Provident Hospital. The gentlemen
composing the Board of Trustees, a mixed board of
Chicago's prominent citizens, are untiring in their
endeavors to promote the interests of the institution.

THE FREEDMEN'S HOSPITAL.

Within the past eighteen months, Freedmen's Hos
pital, Washington, D. C., has been entirely reorgan
ized. In the fall of 1894 the reorganization began
by instituting a training school for nurses. A com
petent superintendent was had, and reorganization,
reform and improvement went hand in hand until the
present time. Now, there is a training school of
forty nurses, all colored, selected from hundreds of
applicants and from every State in the Union. The
work of the training school is commended by every
one who takes the trouble to study it. Marked

Among Colored People. 4°3

change in every department of the institution was
manifested by the advent of these intelligent women,
who brought new life and a new future to the hos
pital. Instead of remaining a political institution, it
was converted, at once, into a scientific institution for
the education and upbuilding of the more progressive
members who have selected this as their life-work.
You cannot overestimate the good that will come
from the education of the young men and women in
this institution.

In connection with other features, a corps of
internes has been added. These are young graduates
of medical colleges who are giving a service of twelve
months of practical work in the several departments
of the hospital. At the expiration of this service,
they receive certificates which commend them at
once to the people in the communities in which they
are to reside.

In keeping with other lines of progress, an ambu
lance, with all the modern improvements, has been
added to the service within the last year. This
ambulance is complete in all its appointments, with
the quickest emergency service to any part of the
city. This feature of hospital work is one that has
been neglected by colored people in this country,
and one which they are particularly adapted to suc
ceed in.

It is a marvel to the observer of human affairs
that this institution has existed, for over twenty
years, receiving an annual appropriation of over fifty
thousand dollars, without an ambulance in its service,

4°4 Evidences of Progress.

in a city like Washington, where a great many of
the people are poor and depend upon charity in cases
of sickness and distress. This ambulance makes as
many as sixty or seventy-five emergency calls per
month, furnishing a rich field of surgical study to
the internes and nurses in the institution.

I have given in this sketch but a brief outline of
the noble work of Dr. Williams. I can testify to his
ability as a physician, and I take great pleasure in so
doing. He is one of the cultured and polished
gentlemen who reflect credit on the race.

HOME FOR AGED AND INFIRM COLORED PERSONS.

The Home for Aged and Infirm Colored Persons,
in West Philadelphia, Pa., is one of the best institu
tions of the character in the United States. The
society, under whose auspices the home was founded,
was organized September 28, 1864, in a private
dwelling on South Front street.

The first Board of Managers and principal pro
moters of this most noble charity was composed of
Friends and colored persons, whose circumstances
gave them the confidence of and influence in the
community, and was elected in the month of No
vember, 1864, whose names are as follows: Officers;
Dellwyn Parrish, President; Stephen Smith, Vice-
President; Marcellus Balderson, Secretary; Samuel
R. Shipley, Treasurer; William J. Alston, William
Still, William H. Bacon, Abram Fields, Joshua
Brown, Maurice Hall, Israel H. Johnson, Joseph M.
Truman, Jr., Henry Gorden, Clayton Miller, Jacob Co

406 Evidences of Progress

White, Sr., and John S. Hills. Female members :
Sarah M. Douglas, Helen Johnson, Rachel T. Jack
son, Anna M. Laws, Catharine M. Shipley, Priscilla
H. Heniszey, Sarah Parrish, Mary Jeanes, Eliza
Harris, Alice Hudson, Grace Mapes and Mary
Shaw.

The original constitution was adopted on the 25th
day of the tenth month (October), 1864, the pre
amble of which most clearly reveals the noble im
pulses and sentiments which burned upon the altar
of these noble hearts, and actuated this noble band
of true disciples of the blessed Christ to such splen
did deeds.

The preamble reads as follows : " For the relief
of that worthy class of colored persons who have
endeavored through life to maintain themselves, but
who from various causes are finally dependent on
the charity of others, an association is hereby organ
ized under the name of ' The Home for Aged and
Infirm Colored Persons.' "

The number of persons admitted to the home
within the first thirteen months, or up to the twelfth
month, 1865, was (21) twenty-one, and all women,
representing the States of New Jersey, Delaware,
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts,
South Carolina, West Indies and far-away Africa ;
their ages ranging from (70) seventy to (102) one
hundred and two years, which clearly indicates how
nobly they had struggled on in the race of life
against all odds.

The receipts for the establishment and mainten-

Among Colored People.

407

ance of the home during the first fiscal year were
$6,033.80.

The work of the home was conducted in the house
at 340 South Front street until 1871, when, through
the munificence of Rev. Stephen Smith and his wife,
colored persons of considerable means, one acre of
ground on the corner of Girard avenue and Belmont

REV. STEPHEN SMITH.

avenue was given the Board, together with a magnifi
cent four-story brick building, valued at $40,000.
The inmates of the home on Front street moved to
West Philadelphia. This building was opened June
29, 1871, since which time it has stood there as an
ornament to the city and an enduring and fitting
monument to the memory of its noble donors, and

408 Evidences of Progress

with ever-widening influence, power and helpfulness,
standing for and fulfilling all that is involved in the
term " Home " for that worthy and deserving class
of Aged and Infirm Colored Men and Women.

Mr. Edward T. Parker, of Philadelphia, who died
October 3d, 1887, gave $85,000 to the institution
for the purpose of erecting the annex to the old
building. Additions have been made to the home
in recent years at a cost of $85,000, thus making
the entire plant cost upward of $150,000, with ca
pacity for the maintainance of a family of near 200
persons, and giving us a home at once the most
complete, extensive and far-reaching in its benefits
of any institution of its kind in the city, and for the
class whom it is designed to bless, possibly in the
world. The total number cared for by the home
has been: men, 116; women, 427; total, 543, while
the present number in the home is 138; or the
whole family, help and all, 160; the maintenance
of which requires an expenditure monthly of from
$1,500 to $1,600, or near $20,000 per annum. With
the enlarged facilities come greatly increased de
mands and largely increased outlays.

The chief need now, therefore, is more means,
that the Home may always be able to extend the
hand of help to worthy applicants, and comfortably
maintain this large and most interesting family of
worthy aged and infirm colored persons, up to the
full capacity of the building to accommodate.

This noble charity has been supported largely by
members of the Society of Friends, they constituting

Among Colored People.

409

the principal portion of the Board of Managers. Yet
the colored people themselves have contributed to

EDWARD T. PARKER.

this institution between $175,000 and $2OO,OOO since
its establishment.

410 Evidences 'of Progress.

The present Board of Management consists of six
teen men and fifteen women, with a co-operative com
mittee of nineteen women, all of whom are most
earnest and self-sacrificing in behalf of the Home and
the family of old people.

Officers of the corporation are : Wm. Still, 244
South Twelfth street, President ; Joseph M. Truman,
1500 Race st., Vice Pres. ; Walter Penn Shipley,
404 Girard Building, Treas. ; Thos. H. McCollin,
1030 Arch st, Secty. ; C. T. Shaffer, M. D., 1821
Carnac st, Chairman of Board of Managers.

Communications addressed to any one of the above-
named gentlemen will receive prompt, courteous, and
careful attention.

CHAPTER XXVI.

PROMINENT COLORED WOMEN.

As a splendid type of noble womanhood I know
of no better subject than Dr. Hallie Tanner Johnson.

DR. HALLIE TANNER JOHNSON.

She is a daughter of Bishop B. T. Tanner, of the
A. M. E. Church, who is justly proud of her.

4.12 Evidences of Progress

Not only as teachers have colored women labored
for the race, but they can be found in most of the
professions also. The subject in question saw and
felt the need of lady physicians, and, acting upon her
feelings in the matter, she read medicine at the
Women's Medical College in Philadelphia, and grad
uated with high honor. There being an opening at
Tuskegee Institute for a resident physician, Dr.
Johnson went to fill the place. But before she could
practise medicine in the State of Alabama, she had
to stand an examination before a State Board of
Examiners. She has the distinction of being the
first lady, white or colored, to receive a certificate to
practise medicine in the State of Alabama. It is
with the greatest regret that I call my readers' atten
tion to the fact that since the first edition of my book
came out Dr. Johnson has passed away. She died
at her home in Nashville, Tenn.

There are other interesting characters among col
ored ladies who have read and are now engaged in
the practice of medicine, one of whom is Dr. Caro
line V. Anderson, of Philadelphia. Her experience
has been very interesting and useful, for her practice
has, been about evenly divided between white and
colored people, and among the whites she has been
called into some of the very best families. I re
gard Mrs. Anderson as one of the most intellectual
women I have ever met. She is a daughter of Mr.
William Still, who wrote that most interesting book,
"The Underground Railroad."

Among the earliest to graduate as lady physicians

Among Colored People. 413

from the Women's Medical College, of New York,
is Dr. Susan McKinney.

Dr. Alice Woodby McKane has lately organized
a nurses' training school, at Savannah, Ga. Dr.
Georgia L. Patton, who is a graduate of Meharry
Medical College, now enjoys a good practice at
Memphis, Tenn.

Miss L. C. Fleming, who worked for five years in
the Congo, has just finished her medical course at
the Women's Medical College of Philadelphia, and,
I am told, returned to Africa.

Dr. S. B. Jones, who is a graduate of the University
of Michigan, and has done good work as the Resi
dent Physician at Spelman Seminary, Atlanta, Ga.,
and since had a splendid practice at St. Louis, Mo.,
is successful.

Colored women have also gone into the practice
of dentistry.

In the profession of law we have three colored
ladies who have graduated. Mrs. Mary Shadd Cary,
of Washington, D. C. ; Miss Florence Ray, of New
York; and Miss Ida Platt, of Chicago. The first
named is well known as a brilliant 'speaker. Miss
Ida B. Platt is the only representative of the race
now practising at the bar.

I have found quite a number of colored women
engaged in various branches of business. At St.
Johns, New Brunswick, Mrs. Georgia Whetzell con
trols the entire ice business of that city, giving em
ployment to 75 men each winter, packing ice.

At Milford, Del, I found Miss Serrenna Palmer,

Evidences of Progress

who began business in 1889 with a cash capital of
$7, which she invested in notions. She has had
wonderful success, and in addition to a good-sized
stock of goods she has paid for two houses.

Among the highly cultured and brilliant women
of America I present here a portrait of Mrs. Victoria

MRS. VICTORIA EARLE MATTHEWS.

Earle Matthews, who has done grand service for the
race as President of the Women's Loyal Union, of
New York and Brooklyn. Mrs. Matthews began
life in Georgia as a slave, but came North when quite
young, and made the very best of her educational
advantages.

Among Colored People. 415

Mrs. Matthews is now doing a splendid work in
what is known as the White Rose Mission, which
was the outcome of a desire on the part of a few
Christian women to create sympathy and practical
interest in the isolated condition of the Afro-Ameri
can wpman and girl in New York City. At the
urgent solicitation of Rev. H. G. Miller, of Mt. Tabor
Presbyterian Church, the neighborhood surrounding
East 9/th Street was decided upon as a basis of
.wojrk. Mr. Winthrop E. Phelps offered free use of
rooms for a year. A small company of Afro-Amer
ican women volunteered regular service. and contri
butions of furniture. For more than eighteen months
it Ijias successfully conducted Neighborhood Visiting,
Mothers' and Young People's Meetings, also classes
in (Sewing, Dressmaking, Cooking, and Kindergarten.

While I am making mention of a few writers, I
wijl call your attention to Mrs. Frances Ellen Wat-
kins Harper, who has been a writer of ability for
many years. She is also a well-known temperance
wqrker, and at one time had charge of the colored
work for the W. C. T. U. among colored women.
THe literary effort of her life is the beautiful story,
entitled, " lola Leroy ; or, The Shadows Uplifted."

This book is indeed a gem and should be read by
every one. I am confident if such books written by
Colored writers c;ould be read by the leading White
people 'of our country, much good might be done in
breaking down the awfult prejudice which now exists.
Her book receivetj many very fine press comments
from the leading White papers of this country; for
yvant of (space.,j can,, only, give one:

416

Evidences of Progress

"The story of * lola Leroy' is well worth reading.
The plot is natural and the characters are to be
found in everyday life. The dialogue is exceedingly
clever, full of pathos, humor, and authentic. The
plot covers periods before, during, and after the war,
and gives abundant opportunity for changing scenes

MRS. FRANCES E. \V. HARPER.

and dramatic effects. Mrs. Harper has never written
to better effect nor with a more worthy object in
view. The book will greatly increase her popularity
as a writer and prove vastly beneficial to the cause
of her brethren."— Public Ledger, Philadelphia.

The Chicago Inter-Ocean, New York Independent,

Among Colored People. 417

Daily Evening Telegraph, Philadelphia, and Boston
Herald all spoke in the highest praise of " lola
Leroy."

Oberlin College, in Oberlin, Ohio, has turned out
quite a number of colored graduates who have done
good work for humanity. Among them is Mrs. A
J. Cooper, who is connected with the High School at
Washington, D. C. I wish to speak more especially
of her book, "A Voice From the South," by a black
woman of the South. It is just what Mrs. Mossell
says — "One of the finest contributions yet made
'toward the solution of the Negro problem." One
gets in reading her book a sense of her strong intel
lectual and spiritual power. As an educated woman
we have none better, white or colored. I have had,
for some time, a picture of Mrs. Cooper in my illus
trated lecture on " Race Progress," and while I was
in England her face created quite an interest among
the cultured people who attended the lectures.

Mrs. N. F. Mossell is a native of Philadelphia,
Penna. She is an ex-pupil of the Robert Vaux
Grammar School. Since her sixteenth year she has
been a constant contributor to the Christian Recorder,
Standard Echo, and other journals at a later date.
As editor of the Women's Departments of the
New York Age and the Indianapolis World, Mrs.
Mossell became widely known. Becoming the wife
of Dr. N. F. Mossell, during the year 1880, she as
sisted him for two years in the publication of the
Alumni Magazine. For seven years she worked on
27

418

Evidences of Progress

three of the most influential dailies in Philadelphia,
The Press, Times, and Inquirer.
Some of her best literary efforts have appeared in

MRS. N. F. MOSSELL AND

:R DAUGHTERS.

A. M. E. Review, A. M. E. Zwn Review, Our Women
and CJdldren, and Ringsivood 's Magazine. In the
past year Mrs. Mossell has been the editor of the
" Open Court," an ably-edited department of the
Woman's Era.

" The Work of The Afro-American Woman,"
her first attempt at authorship, was given an excep
tionally kindly reception. An edition of 1,000 copies
was soon exhausted. Many of the finest comments
ever received by any race author fell to the happy

Among Colored People. 419

lot of this lady. Such journals as the New York
Independent, CJiicago Inter- Ocean and Springfield
Republican spoke in high terms of her publication.

A talented young woman, and a noteworthy
representative of the educated, cultured and refined
class of colored women in the United States to-day,
is Miss Alice Ruth Moore, of New Orleans, La.

As a gifted author, Miss Moore is entitled to un-

MISS ALICE RUTH MOORE.

usual consideration, while her versatility in other
directions proves that she is a worthy type of pro
gressive womanhood.

426 Evidences of Progress

She was a quick, apt scholar during her school
days, and developed such talent for composition
that she was encouraged to devote special attention
to English literature and the classics, and to what
end her efforts in this direction were expended is
plainly noticeable in the excellence of her style of
Writing. The warmth and vigor of imagination
which characterizes all of her writings, inspires and
helps one to appreciate the true joys of an ever-
varying and fluctuating life.

The colored race has produced some very sweet
singers. I shall name a few of them in this chapter.
Many of my readers will remember the " Original
Fisk Jubilee Singers," who created such wide interest
in all sections of this country and in Europe. Among
the ladies were Miss Maggie Porter-Cole, who is still
singing, and Miss Jennie De Hart Jackson, who has
retired. Among those of more recent date I would
mention Madame Selika, who has appeared in all of
the principal cities of the world ; Madame Sisseretta
Jones, who has just returned from an extensive trip
through Europe ; Miss Bessie Lee, of Philadelphia,
who has a very sweet voice, and Miss Jennie Robin
son Stewart, who comes of a musical family. While
I was attending the World's Fair in Chicago, I met,
for the first time, Gertrude Hawkins. I have heard
many singers, but a sweeter voice I have never heard.

I have left until the last Madam Flora Batson Ber
gen, because I want to present a picture of her, and
make special mention of her work as a singer. Some
singers render a class of music either in some foreign

Among Colored People.

421

language, or else give us music that is on such a high
plane that ordinary people can not understand it. But
Madam Bergen gives us the old songs we heard when
we were children, and she sings them in such a way
as to reach our very souls.

On Thursday, March 19, 1896, the funeral service

MADAM FLORA BATSON BERGEN.

of Rev. R. H. Stitt, one of our young men who had
just passed away, was held in A. M. E. Zion Church,
Philadelphia. Madam Bergen sang two selections on

422 Evidences of Progress

that occasion, and never will I forget the impression
made upon me by her sweet voice. She sang "No
Tears in Heaven." That may be true. But there
were plenty of tears shed by that audience while slu
was singing the song. I am positive that all of these
great singers must be a help to the race in educating
white people up to a better knowledge of what the
race can do. It might be well at this point to call
attention to the elocutionists of the race. I feel that
some day they must play a prominent part in the
dramatic world. In a small way, they have done that
already, among themselves. .

In 1893, Miss Henrietta Vinton Davis organized a
colored company in Chicago, and produced " Dessa-
lines," a play written by William Edgar Easton, of
Texas, a bright young colored man. While the pro
duction in some ways was crude, I am sure that when
we take into consideration how great were the disad
vantages under which Miss Davis had to labor, I feel
that the general verdict would be in her favor.
Among those who took part in the play was Miss
Fannie Hall, of Chicago, who is without question a
fine dramatic reader, and who should, by all means,
be kept more prominently before the public.

One of the first colored ladies to take up elocution
as a profession was Miss Hallie Quinn Brown, who
is well known and admired throughout the United
States. Miss Brown has great powers in winning
friends, and great control over an audience. For
several years she spent her time in England. I had
the pleasure of being present at her first entertain-

Among Colored People. 423

went in London after her arrival. She has had the
distinction of displaying her talent to a greater num
ber of white people than any other colored lady of
her calling.

Mrs. Florida D. Carr, of Savannah, Ga., has made
a splendid reputation as an elocutionist. She is a
graduate of the New England Conservatory of
Music and Elocution. I was very much impressed
with her power as a reader. Mrs. 'Carr has a wonder
ful voice and perfect control of it in both humorous
and pathetic selections.

In Atlanta, Ga., my attention was called to Mrs.
Carrie Steel Logan, who began a home for orphan
children a few years ago; I think in 1889. She
started in a miserable little hut with some five
fatherless and motherless children. At first it was
hard to get any help from either the colored or white
people. But right will, as a rule, prevail, and so it
proved in this case, for now I am told that there
is not a colored church in Atlanta that does not give
something to support this Home. The city gave her
four acres of ground a short while ago, on which has
been erected a fine brick house. When I visited the
Home in 1894 there were fifty-three children being
cared for in this institution. Mrs. Logan visits
the merchants of Atlanta from time to time, and by
these visits procures provisions enough to help in the
support of these children.

Mrs. Lucy Thurman, from Jackson, Mich., who has
given the best part of her life to temperance work, is
now managing the work among the colored people.
As a public speaker she ranks among the best.

424 Evidences of Progress

Mrs. Julia Ringwood Coston, who published
Ringwoods Journal, which took the place in a way
of The Ladies' Home Journal, is one of the re
markable literary women of the race.

Mrs. Harvey Johnson, of Baltimore, has written
two very useful books, which have been published by
the American Baptist Publication Society, one called
" Clarence and Corinne," and the other, " The Hazeley
Family." Both were regarded as especially adapted
to Sunday-school purposes.

Her husband, Rev. Harvey Johnson, said, in speak
ing of his wife's ability: "I can't understand how
she does it, but although she has the care of this
house, and does a great deal of her own work, she
in some way finds time to write." And I could add
that what she writes is of the very best quality.

When referring to the women who have made
a name for themselves in the musical world,
I failed to call attention to Mrs. E. Lyons, of New
York, who delights the people of New York with her
sweet voice. She has just organized a quartette of
young colored ladies, which is the only one of the
kind in the country.

Philadelphia, Pa., can boast of a few colored ladies
who are engaged in large business enterprises,
namely : Mrs. Henry Jones, whose husband in his
life was a large and successful, caterer. At his death,
instead of her giving up the work, she went on with
it, and although she is quite an elderly lady now,
she is still actively engaged in the business. In her

Among Colored People. 425

case I am sure it is genuine enterprise, for I am told
her husband left ample means for the support of the
family.

There are two very successful lady undertakers in
Philadelphia, in the persons of Mrs. Henrietta Du-
terte and Mrs. Addison Foster. Mrs. Duterte is the
oldest colored undertaker in the city. Mrs. Foster,
who is a younger woman, and for that reason more
active, is doing a very large business.

Mrs. Elizabeth Rails, who has been engaged in
mission work in Philadelphia, and who organized the
Sarah Allen Mission and Faith Home, is worthy of
special mention ; not because she is wealthy or
highly intellectual, but because she has a heart full
of love for God and humanity. Every year she
serves a Christmas dinner to the poor. At some of
these dinners over 500 poor colored men and women
have been present.

Among the lady writers who are doing good work
in general I invite your attention to a publication called
Light and Love, a journal for Home and Foreign
Missions, published by Mrs. Lida Lowry and Mrs.
Emma Ranson. These two ladies are regarded as
very energetic and useful workers in the " Mite Mis
sionary Society of the A. M. E. Church."

The great work that is being done for the elevation
of the colored people by the untiring workers, such as
Mrs. Victoria Matthews, Mrs. Booker T. Washington
and Mrs. Libbie C. Anthony, and others, who are
leaders in what is known as the Federation of Afro-
American Women. The object of this organization

426 Evidences of Progress

is the " concentration of the dormant energies of the
women of the Afro-American race into one broad
band of sisterhood ; for the purpose of establishing
needed reforms, and the practical encouragement of
all efforts being put forth by various agencies, re
ligious, educational, ethical and otherwise, for the
upbuilding, ennobling and advancement of the race ;
(2) To awaken the women of the race to the great
need of systematic effort in home making and the
divinely imposed duties of motherhood.

The need of rescue work among our people by
our women. The establishment of Christian homes
and asylums for our fallen and wayward.

The separate car law.

Prison reform.

The plantation woman and child.

The John Brown Memorial Association.

The proposed international exposition in Paris,
1900; the part Afro-American women should take.

The need of a National Afro-American woman's
paper.

Plans for raising necessary money and securing
necessary support for the same.

How can the National Federation of Afro-Ameri
can Women be made to serve the best interests and
needs of our women ?

The strength of this new national organization,
even while yet in its infancy, gives encouragement
of its ultimate power among the people it represents.
The roll now includes fifty organizations, the average
number composing a local organization being seventy-

Among Colored People. 427

five members, many of the clubs having on roll as
many as 250 names.

Mrs. Booker T. Washington, wife of that great
educator, has a very interesting history. She is a
Southern-born woman, having first seen the light of
day at Macon, Miss., in 1865. She is truly a self-
made woman, the story of her life and struggles to
attain intellectual life being full of pathetic interest.
A mere outline is inadequate to do justice to the
heroic efforts that have placed her to-day as one of
the prominent women of her race. One of a large
family, of which the mother was bread-winner, her
father having died when she was a small child, she
would have had no opportunity for education had
she not through her own exertions created for her
self a way into the school life. Until her graduation
from the Fisk University she gave her own labor in
payment of board and tuition, gaining spending
money through services rendered teachers and pupils
— and by teaching at fifteen, it can be readily seen
that all the usual pleasures of youth were sacrificed
in the cause of education. Her experience as a
teacher well fitted her to accept the offer that came to
her on graduating, of a place in the faculty of
Tuskegee Institute. She immediately entered upon
her duties there, and at the time of her marriage to
the principal of the institution, she was lady prin
cipal. Appreciating her own struggles, she stands,
it is said, as a changeless friend to every girl working
her way through school.

She is one of the leading spirits of this grand or-

428 Evidences of Progress.

ganization 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. MAMIE E. STEWART.

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 mem
ber, 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 Ken
tucky. Mrs. Stewart's home life is beautiful and her
children show the influence of a refined and cultured
mother.

CHAPTER XXVII.

DR. JOHN R. FRANCIS AND HIS PRIVATE SANATORIUM.

Dr. John R. Francis is distinctly a product of

DR. JOHN R. FRANCIS.

Washington, D. C, having first seen the light of day
in that city. He is the only son of one of the city's

(429)

430

Evidences of Progress

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 pur
suit of his education. His early school days were
spent in the private and public schools of the Dis
trict of Columbia; his academic education was re
ceived at Wesleyan academy at Wilbraham, Mass-

His professional course
was taken at the Univer
sity of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Mich., where he
graduated with high hon
ors in the class of 1878,
which class is noted for
the fact that some of its
members are the most dis
tinguished scientists of
the world to day. His
career since graduation
has been that of the typ
ical doctor. He has devo
ted his time and energy
during that period to the
relief of suffering human
ity. 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 in
variably sought by the people of Washington as a
most desirable person to assume the several respon-

DR JOHN R. FRANCIS

private
SANATORIUM.

Among Colored People. 431

sible 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 abil
ity and skill to cope with the other American citizens
in the upbuilding of the government and the de
velopment of its grand institution.

As a member of the school board of the District
of Columbia Dr. Francis was very progressive, and
equally as aggressive in his attempt to bring about
the many needed reforms in the public schools of
that city. Although having done much good, on
account of the lack of support by the colored citi
zens, being ahead of the times as they saw it, he re
signed his position on the board because he saw the
impossibility of accomplishing the desired good and
securing for them the many benefits it was possible
to gain at that time. His strengthening of the
teaching ability of the Washington High School and
his improvement of the Normal school, with the sub
sequent retrogressions is but a fair example of his
good work and the difficulties he had to overcome.

While acting surgeon-in-chief of Freedmen's Hos
pital during the several months' illness of the surgeon-
in-chief, he instituted reforms there in the conduct of
its professional workings, notably the surgical and

432

Evidences of Progress

obstetrical department ; in the management of ward
work and the installment of the present training
school for nurses, which his characteristic modesty

has kept from the outside world and for which he has
never been given credit.

He is now obstetrician to the Freedmen's Hospital

Among Colored People.

433

and demonstrator and clinical lecturer of obstetrics in
the medical department of Howard University.

One of his most worthy contributions, however,
to the District of Columbia and to the professional
ability and business tact of the colored man is the

434

Evidences of Progress.

Francis Sanatorium at 2112 Pennsylvania Ave., N.
W., Washington, D. C.

This institution is established for the care of sick

persons whose home environments, as is well known,
so often prevent proper treatment and rapid convale
scence. The object is to guarantee to such persons

Among Colored People. 435

the careful scientific treatment of the hospital com
bined with the comforts of home.

Any physician in good standing is permitted to
enter and treat here proper cases, from his private
practice, the compensation being as usual, a matter
of agreement between himself and his patient. In
such cases a fee is charged only for room, board,
nursing, ordinary medicine, and any assistance by
Dr. Francis which may be desired.

A corps of trained nurses is constantly on hand by
day and night.

No insane, contagious or other objectionable cases
admitted.

All surgical operations will be charged for accord
ing to agreement made, in advance.

Trained nurses are furnished, any hour of the day
or night, to families in the city where such services
are needed.

This institution is conspicuous in being the only
place of its kind in the United States, established,
owned and managed by a colored man. Indeed we
believe it is the only one in the world.

The works of this man are a credit to any com
munity in which they exist, and we advise the youth
of to-day to imitate the example of Dr. John R.
Francis.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOLS, BOYDTON INSTITUTE,
AND CHRISTIANSBURG INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE.

IN this chapter I wish to mention the school-work
done for the race by the United Presbyterian Church.
This matter should have appeared with the other
Presbyterian work, but for the fact that I was unable
to secure the data when the first edition was pub
lished. I shall also mention in this chapter some
other school-work that came too late.

KNOXVILLE COLLEGE.

Knoxville College is located at Knoxville, Tenn.,
and is under the control of the Board of Missions to
the Freedmen of the United Presbyterian Church of
North America. By arrangement with the Univer
sity of Tennessee the college is also the industrial
department of the university for colored students.
For this purpose the university has added largely to
the equipment of the agricultural department and
mechanical department, provides for the salaries of
the professors of these departments, and sets aside
$600 annually to pay for the labor of students in
these departments. Thus they are enabled to earn
somewhat of their expenses, and especially is each
one taught a trade. Aside from the funds received
436

Among Colored People. 437

from the university as indicated above, the college
is supported by voluntary contributions of the church.

The faculty of the college, including matrons and
instructors in the industrial department, numbers
twenty-five. The president of the college is Rev.
R. W. McGranahan, D. D., who has been in that
position since 1899, succeeding at that time Dr. J.
S. McCulloch, who had served the institution as
president for twenty-two years.

Knoxville stands for the most thorough training
possible in an intellectual way, and at the same time
provides for the most helpful industrial training. It
is in hearty sympathy with all efforts to teach the
trades to the colored people, and is maintaining a
thorough industrial department for that purpose. At
the same time the literary standard is not lowered
one whit, but is being constantly elevated. The
courses of study offered are classical, scientific,
theological, normal and common school. The
industrial department offers training in agriculture,
carpentering, electrical work, printing, sewing and
housework.

The college occupies a commanding site on one
of the hills made historic by the siege of Knoxville
during the Civil War. The buildings consist of a
recitation hall, McCulloch Hall (boys' dormitory),
Elnathan Hall (girls' dormitory), boys' home, girls'
home, mechanical building, heating plant, president's
cottage and barn. Its property is valued at $1 10,000.

The work the college is doing is best seen in the
lives of those who have gone out from it.

43 8 Evidences of Progress

profession of teaching claims the larger number;
but these, for the most part, do not confine their
efforts to one profession, but teach, both by example
and precept, some manual art — farming, sewing,
printing, or some other useful occupation.

NORFOLK MISSION COLLEGE.

Located at Norfolk, Virginia, is under the manage
ment of the United Presbyterian Church. Rev. Wm.
M'Kirahan, is Principal at this time, and has under
him an able body of teachers. The teachers em
ployed are both white and colored.

The wisdom of the Board of Freedmen's Missions
of the United Presbyterian Church in the location
of one of its Schools in Norfolk is easy of vindica
tion. In behalf of the Mission College appeal may
confidently be made both to its supporters in the
North and its patrons in the South. Nearly ten
thousand colored children of school age have their
homes within a radius of four miles of its walls.
Two-thirds of these are not in any school.

A good Normal course is given there, and an In
dustrial training is given in sewing, garment-making
and fancy work for girls.

Boys are taught the trade of printing. That de
partment gives employment to 28 pupils for a short
time each day. The training given here includes the
application of the rules of grammar and rhetoric as
well as instruction in composition and press-work.
Several of the boys who spent some time in this de-

Among Colored People. 439

partment are now employed as compositors on one
of the city papers.

The graduates of the Mission College number
one hundred and thirty-four. Nearly all are usefully
employed. More than half are teachers. A good
number are in colleges and professional schools re
ceiving further preparation for life's work.

THYNE INSTITUTE.

Thyne Institute is located at Chase City, Va., on
the Richmond and Danville Railroad. The location
is one of the most beautiful in South Side Virginia.

The buildings are four in number, and are fitted up
in modern style. Every appliance necessary for suc
cessful school-work has been provided.

The aim of the officers of the Institute is to edu
cate the students along lines tending to fit them for
life's work in the home, in society, as teachers in the
public schools, and as religious instructors. The
moral, mental, and industrial are united.

Rev. J. M. Moore, A.M., Ph.D., is Principal, with
an able body of teachers. The course taught there
is Normal, and they have a fine Industrial Home for
girls, where they are taught all kinds of housework.
The school is under the control of the United Pres
byterian Church.

HENDERSON NORMAL INSTITUTE.

The Henderson Normal Institute, located at
Henderson, N. C, is a school established and con
ducted to afford the colored people an opportunity

44° Evidences of Progress

of obtaining a good education. It is a part of the
missionary work of the United Presbyterian Church,
which has always taken a deep interest in the welfare
of the colored race. Having opposed slavery as a
principle, it was natural that as soon as slavery was
abolished, this church should show its interest in the
future of the freedmen by doing what it could for their
moral and intellectual development. The members
of the church in the North have given freely of .their
means to support the work and to afford the colored
people an opportunity of rising and enjoying the
blessings and advantages which God has opened to
all in this free land. The United Presbyterian Church
gives each year nearly $50,000 in money, besides
many contributions in other forms, to carry on the
work it has undertaken for the colored people.

Rev. C. L. McCracken, A.M , is Principal, and is
assisted by able teachers.

The course of study embraces the ordinary Eng
lish branches from the primary to the high school
and normal grade.

For four years a sewing department has been
maintained in connection with the school. The
purpose of this department is to teach all the girls
in the school to do plain sewing, and to cut and
make their own garments. A competent teacher
gives her whole time to this department, and from
1 2O to 156 girls, in six classes, receive instruction
.nearly one hour each day. During the year many
hundred garments are made, and these are sold to
the pupils for less than the cost of the materials.

Among Colored People, 441

An industrial department has been added for the
boys. The colored people are making rapid progress
in knowledge, and taking a more intelligent interest
in business and politics. In consequence they are
beginning to publish their own papers; and each
year the papers published by them and in their
interest will increase.

In addition to the schools just mentioned, the
United Presbyterian Church has some smaller schools
in other parts of the South, as follows :

At Blue Stone, Va., with an attendance of about
2OO pupils. One at Athens, Tenn., with nearly 200
pupils, and at Miller's Ferry, N. C., of over 2OO
students. One at Prairie Bluff, Ala., of about 200,
and at Camden, Ala., of 200. One at Canton Bend,
Ala., of 50, and one at Summerfield, Ala., of nearly
2OO.

The data given regarding these schools will
enable my readers to see that the United Presbyte
rian Church is doing its share in educating the
colored people.

BOYDTON INSTITUTE.

The institute is located in a beautiful grove of
oaks, a mile from Boydton, Mecklenburg County, Va.
The Atlantic and Danville Railroad passes through
the town of Boydton. President, Mrs. Lucretia A.
Cullis, Boston, Mass. ; Principal, Rev. D. F. Lam-
son ; Associate Principal, Mrs. H. B. Sharpe ; Treas
urer, Miss Mary H. Ware.

In 1878, the "Randolph Macon " property, con-

442 Evidences of Progress

sisting of a four-story brick college building, steward's
house, and about 425 acres of land, was purchased
by Dr. Charles Cullis, of Boston, Mass., with funds
donated for the purpose. It was regularly incor
porated as a branch of the " Faith Work," and a
school for colored people immediately opened. The
college building has a chapel, school-rooms, and
library, with sleeping-rooms for more than one
hundred students. The dormitories have fire-places,
which enable the students to be1 comfortable in the
coldest weather.

This institute is intended for the education of
colored young men and women, who wish to fit
themselves for usefulness among their own people.

In addition to the common English branches,
provision is made for classes in English Literature,
Rhetoric, Civil Government, and the Theory and
Practice of Teaching. The principal also gives
instruction in Bible History and Interpretation, in
Theology and in Evangelistic and Pastoral work.
Special attention will be given to the needs of post
graduates and of ministers.

CHRISTIANSBURG INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE, CAMBRIA, VA.
CHARLES L. MARSHALL, PRINCIPAL.

The Christiansburg Industrial Institute, at Cam
bria, Va., is supported by the Friends' Freedmen
Association of Philadelphia, and is situated in the
southwestern part of Virginia, in the town of Cam-

Among Colored People. 443

bria, on the Norfolk and Western Railroad. The
location is healthful and quiet.

For the sake of pure, moral and religious training,
which is so much needed by both boys and girls, the
boarding department has been established. Students
living at a distance can secure board, room furnished,
fuel and lights, for $7.50 per month,

The design of this institution is to send out young
men and women well qualified for the great work of
life; young men and women who will lead the way
to the highest usefulness. To send forth such a
class of students it will be necessary to train their
heads as well as their hearts, and their hands as well
as their heads.

We are certain that at this institute a good English
course of study and the most needed industries can
be carried on without conflict, and to a very great
advantage to all who may attend the school.

The prime object of this institution, aside from the
literary training, is to put within the hands of each
young man and woman some industry by which
they will be able to secure a livelihood in the world.

It -will be modeled after the Tuskegee Industrial
Institute at Tuskegee, Ala., and the Friends are
advancing every effort to put it practically on the
same basis.

There are no industries from which can be obtained
such profitable and immediate results as those of
scientific agriculture, stock-raising, fruit-growing,
mattress-making, carpentry, wheelwrighting, black-

444 Evidences of Progress

smithing, dressmaking, printing, and methodical
cooking and housekeeping.

The Friends' Freedmen Association of Philadel
phia have placed the Christiansburg Industrial
Institute for the coming year under the supervision
of the officers of the Tuskegee Industrial' Institute,
Tuskegee, Ala., which gives Booker T. Washington
a general oversight of that work.

CHAPTER XXIX.

HAMPTON INSTITUTE, HAMPTON, VA.

THE Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute
first opened its doors for the reception of the freed-
men in April, 1868. Of its beginning and purpose,
General Armstrong, its founder and for twenty-five
years its principal, writes :

"Two and a half years' service with the Negro sol
diers (after a year as Captain and Major in the 1 25th
New York Volunteers), as Lieutenant-Colonel and
Colonel of the Ninth and Eighth Regiments of U. S.

o o

Colored Troops, convinced me of the excellent quali
ties and capacities of the freedmen. Their quick re
sponse to good treatment and to discipline was a
constant surprise. Their tidiness, devotion to their
duty and their leaders, their dash and daring in battle,
and ambition to improve — often studying their spell
ing books under fire — showed that slavery was a
false, though doubtless, for the time being, an educa
tive condition, and that they deserved as good a
chance as any people.

"In March, 1866, I was placed by General O. O.
Howard, Commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau,
in charge of ten counties in Eastern Virginia, with
headquarters at Hampton, the great ' contraband '
camp, to manage Negro affairs and adjust, if possible,
the relation of the races.

(445)

446

Evidences of Progress

" I soon felt the fitness of this historic and strategic
spot for a permanent and great educational work.
The suggestion was cordially received by the Ameri

can Missionary Association, which authorized the
purchase, in June, 1867, of ' Little Scotland,' an es
tate of 125 acres on Hampton River, looking out

Among Colored People. 447

over Hampton Roads. Not expecting to have
charge, but only to help, I was surprised, one day,
by a letter from Secretary E. P. Smith, of the A. M.
A., stating that the man selected for the place had
declined, and asking me if I could take it. I replied,
4 Yes.' Till then my own future had been blind ;
it had only been clear that there was a work to be
done for the ex-slaves and where and how it should
be done.

"A day-dream of the Hampton School, nearly as it
is, had come to me during the war a few times ; once
in camp during the siege of Richmond, and once one
beautiful evening on the Gulf of Mexico, while on
the wheel-house of the transport steamship Illinois,
enroute for Texas with the 25th Army Corps (Negro)
for frontier duty on the Rio Grande River, whither it
had been ordered, under General Sheridan, to watch
and if necessary defeat Maximilian in his attempted
conquest of Mexico.

" The thincf to be done was clear: to train selected

o

Negro youth who should go out and teach and lead
their people, first by example by getting land and
homes ; to give them not a dollar that they could
earn for themselves ; to teach respect for labor ; to re
place stupid drudgery with skilled hands ; and. to these
ends, to build up an industrial system, for the sake
not only of self-support and intelligent labor, but also
for the sake of character. And it seemed equally
clear that the people of the country would support a
wise work for the freedmen."

Thus, under a man of the broadest views and al-

44^

Evidences of Progress

most prophetic foresight, the school had its begin
ning. Xvvo teachers and fifteen students found living

room and class room in the dismantled mansion, the
old brick mill and the newer barracks, relics of the
slavery days and of the civil war. At the end of the

Among Colored People.

449

school's twenty-fifth year Gen. Armstrong died, see
ing, as it is given to few to see, great and tangible

results from his years of self-sacrificing labor. Since.
his death, the work has been carried on by Rev. H«

29

45 6 Evidences of Progress

B. Frissell, D. D., who has taken up with wisdom
and courage the task laid upon him and has a record
behind him now of five years, during which the in
stitution has shown steady growth and improvement.

At the beginning of the present year there were on
the grounds 1,001 students; of these 135 are Indians
representing ten States and Territories ; 361 are chil
dren coming from the immediate neighborhood, who
are instructed in the Whittier Primary School. There
are 630 boarders — 383 boys and 247 girls. Of the
eighty officers, teachers, and assistants, about one-
half are in the industrial department.

Instead of the old barracks, there are now over
fifty-five buildings, including dormitories, academic
and science buildings, a large trade school, domestic
science and agricultural buildings, a beautiful church,
a large saw-mill and shops where students help to
earn their board and clothes and receive instruction
in blacksmithing, wheelwrighting, painting, house
building, cabinet-making, upholstery, shoemaking,
tailoring, harness-making, printing, and engineering.
Two large farms with greenhouses, barns, and experi
ment stations give employment to students and in
struction in agriculture. The laundry, dining-rooms,
kitchens, and sewing-rooms give employment to the
girls, and in them they receive instruction in sewing,
dressmaking, laundering, and other branches which
fit them to instruct their people in these lines. All
the domestic work of the place is performed by the
students. The average age of the pupils is nineteen
years.

Among- Colored People.

451

452

Evidences of Progress

In 1870 this institution was chartered by special
act of the General Assembly of Virginia. It is not
owned or controlled by State or government, but by a

Board of seventeen Trustees, representing different
sections of the country, and six religious denomina
tions, no one of which has a majority. The school
now has a property worth over $600,000, free from

Among Colored People. 453

debt, and an endowment fund of over a half-million.
It receives aid through the State of Virginia for its
agricultural work and from the general government
toward the board and clothes of Indians, but it is
obliged to appeal to the public for $8o,OOO a year.

The Slater Fund Board makes a generous yearly
appropriation toward its trade-school work, and help
is received from the Peabody Fund, but the school
depends for the large part of its yearly expenses upon
charitable contributions.

Twenty-five years ago the imperative need of the
Negro was teachers in the country public schools of
the South, who could show the people by example,
as well as by precept, how to live, how to get land
and build decent houses. This need still remains,
but, with the improvement of the colored racs, more
thoroughly equipped teachers are necessary, not only
for the public schools, but for the workshops, and
for the industrial and agricultural schools that have
started up all through the South and among the
Indians of the West. To meet this need Hampton
provides an Academic Department with a corps of
able teachers, mostly graduates of normal schools
and colleges, who give thorough instruction in the

o o o

English branches. Beside this, manual training is
given to the boys, and sewing, cooking, and bench
work to the girls. Those of the boys who show ap
titude for trades in the manual training classes can
receive thorough instruction in the Trade School, a
building costing $50,000 and especially adapted to
the work. Competent instruction in carpentry, wood

454

Evidences of Progress

turning, cabinet-making, bricklaying, plastering,
wheelwrighting, blacksmithing, painting, machine

work, and mechanical drawing carry students through
a systematic course in their different departments.

Among Colored People.

455

fitting them to be teachers of trades. Chance is also

o

given to do actual work in the sixteen productive
industries on the school grounds.

Those of the girls who wish trades can be admit
ted into the Domestic Science Department where they

456 Evidences of Progress

are fitted to be teachers of sewing, cooking, and
laundering, with an opportunity to do actual work in
the school's laundry and kitchen.

All students of the school receive instruction in
agriculture, but those who wish to devote themselves
especially to it can receive special instruction in the
Agricultural Department, with experiments in the
laboratory and practical work upon the school's two
farms.

Those who wish to fit themselves to become teach
ers in the public schools, after graduation from the
Academic Department, enter the Normal Department,
where they receive instruction in methods of teach
ing, and have practice in the Whittier School, in
which there are over three hundred children, with
kindergarten and classes in cooking, gymnastics,
and the English branches.

The boys are formed into a battalion under the
.Commandant of Cadets, a graduate of the school,
from whom they receive military drill and gymnastic
training. A United States officer from Fort Monroe
assists in this work. The care of persons, quarters,
and grounds are largely under the care of the offi
cers of the school battalion. The girls are similarly
organized under their matrons and are instructed in
habits and manners.

The school is non-sectarian but earnestly Chris
tian. Careful instruction in the Bible is given by
teachers representing different denominations. The
Chaplain is assisted by the clergymen of Hampton
in the religious work of the school.

Among Colored People. 457

Six thousand young people of the Negro and In
dian races have had the advantages of the school's
training and gone out as teachers, farmers, and busi-

TRADE SCHOOL PAINT SHOP.

ness men, to lift their people to a higher level.
Nearly 1,000 have graduated from the school's Aca
demic Department, and of these 90 per cent, have be-

458 Evidences of Progress

conic teachers. The great majority have gone into
the public schools. Whole counties have been
transformed by their work. Homes, churches, and
schools have been built, land purchased, and the
morals of the community improved.

Booker T. Washington, a graduate of Hampton,
founded the Tuskegee School in Alabama, and over
forty other graduates have gone to help him in his
work. Schools at Calhoun and Mt. Meigs, Alabama,
Kittrell, North Carolina, Lawrenceville and Glou
cester, Virginia, are established on the Hampton
plan and carried on by graduates of the school.
Under the teachers who have gone out from Hamp
ton and its offshoots more than I5O,O'OO children have
received instruction. Of the 500 Indians who have
been trained at Hampton, 87 per cent, are engaged
as teachers, farmers, missionaries, and in other
regular occupations. Twenty years ago, Capt. Pratt
brought fifteen prisoners of war from Fort Marion,
St. Augustine, to Hampton and remained there one
year, bringing in the meantime other Indians from
the West. So successful was that first experiment
in industrial education that Carlisle School was es
tablished and now hundreds of thousands of dollars,
which were formerly devoted to fighting the Indians,
are given by the government to training their chil
dren in industrial schools.

Hampton has given an impetus to industrial edu
cation among the Negroes which is felt in every
State of the South. But 75 per cent, of the race still
live in one-room cabins on rented land, in ignorance

Among Colored People.

459

and poverty. Teachers of agriculture and home
builders are needed.

There is danger that the blacks will lose the trades,
which were their best heritage from slavery, unless

460 Evidences of Progress

industrial education is pushed. Well-trained young
women must go out to reconstruct the homes.

In addition to the work done by the school directly
for its pupils in class-ioom and industrial-training
shop, it reaches out continually into the home life of
its graduates and ex-students. Its graduate mission
aries visit in many homes, inspiring interest in land
purchase, home building, school-term extension, thrift,
temperance, and good citizenship. Its monthly paper,
the Southern Workman, deals in a spirit of free in
quiry and broad humanity with the race question in
its many phases, and publishes in its columns articles
of value from leading men and women of both the
Negro and white races. Its Summer Conference,
held in the vacation season, calls together for earnest
discussion some of the best thinkers, white and
colored, in the country ; and the Virginia Teachers'
Institute, assembling each summer on the school
grounds, keeps the school in touch with the educa
tional system of the State in which it works. Its aim
is, and has been from its beginning, to lay firm and
broad the foundation of character upon which all true
civilization is built.

CHAPTER XXX.

STATE SCHOOLS AND CALHOUN SETTLEMENT VIRGINIA

NORMAL AND COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE.

THIS is an institution supported by the State of
Virginia for the education of the colored youth. The
aim of the institution is to impart knowledge, disci
pline the mind and train the hand and heart, so that
those who leave its walls shall be better prepared for
the diversified duties of life. In the Normal course

STATE NORMAL INSTITUTE, PETERSBURG, VA.

of three years, the training has special reference to
preparing the student to become a successful teacher.
It is to this department that most of the students
naturally find their way. This course is comprehen
sive and endeavors to give all that is essential to fit
their graduates to teach any of the public schools of
Virginia. Although the course covers a wide field,

(461)

462

Evidences of Progress

they endeavor to so drill the student in the branches
taught that his knowledge is thorough, and not a
mere smattering. Considerable time is given to

JAMES HUGO JOHNSTON.

actual teaching of little children under the supervis
ion of the Model School teacher.

The college course is designed to give a higher

Among Colored People. 463

and broader culture to those of their youth who are
able to remain longer in school, or desire to pursue
the professions. This course covers four years. The
school is young, and quality, not quantity or number,
being their standard of success, they have thus far
labored to prepare thoroughly those who have taken
the college studies before admitting them to this de
partment. Their curriculum will compare favorably
with the best. The advantages here offered for ob
taining a college education at small cost are unparal
leled.

James Hugo Johnston, A. M., Ph. D., president
and Professor of Psychology and Moral Science, is
indeed a self-made man. His first work in life was
that of a newsboy on the streets of Richmond. In
fact he kept his paper route for some time after he
began teaching in the public schools of that city.
His most excellent work as president of the institute
at Petersburg places him among the most prominent
educators of his race. He has under him a very able
set of teachers.

CALHOUN COLORED SCHOOL

Is a school and social settlement in the blackest belt
county of Alabama. Opened and incorporated, 1892.
Trustees : Hon. John Bigelow, President, New York,
N. Y. ; Mr. B. T. Washington, Vice-President, Tus-
kegee, Ala. ; Mr. R. P. Hallowell, Auditor, Boston,
Mass. ; Rev. Pitt Dillingham, Secretary, Calhoun,
Ala.; Miss C. R. Thorn, Treasurer, Calhoun, Ala. ;
Rev. H. B. Frissell, D. D., Hampton, Va. ; Col. T, W.

464 Evidences of Progress

Higginson, Cambridge, Mass. ; Mr. C. F. Dunbar,
Buffalo, N. Y. ; Rev. Silas Jones, Mount Meigs, Ala.
Principals : Rev. Pitt Dillingham and Miss C. R.
Thorn.

The school is located at Calhoun, Lowndes Co.,
Alabama, on Louisville and Nashville R. R., 28 miles
southwest of Montgomery. It is a one-room cabin
and crop-mortgage region.

The plant is a farm of 100 acres, with stock and
tools, eleven buildings, namely, two schoolhouses,
two dormitories, three teachers' cottages, office, in
dustrial building, barn and farmhouse.

Students number 350 and upwards; 46 boarding
students ; 32 of the 46 work all day and attend night
school. Three hundred and more from the cabins
of the county.

Their teaching staff is seven white teachers from
the North, four colored teachers from Hampton, one
graduate of Calhoun, five other workers — seventeen
in all.

The departments are Academic — with Kindergar
ten and eight years' Common School Course. Indus
trial — with Agriculture for boys and Domestic Train
ing for girls.

Our graded school makes a natural centre for
community-life. Calhoun is in the midst of 28,000
plantation negroes. It lives in touch with all the life
of its township and county, and limits its aim to this
social group.

They have Farmers' Conferences, Mothers' Meet
ings, Sunday and Mission Services. Cabin, School

Among Colored People. 465

Church and Plantation Visiting. Agricultural Fairs,
Teachers' Institutes, Celebration of National Holi
days, and Christian Festivals. Thrift and Land Buy
ing Meetings, Sociological Study of the County, etc.

To change the crop-mortgage peon into an Amer
ican small farmer, with land and home of his own,
is our problem and opportunity. " The family is the
foundation of the nation."

From three to four thousand acres are being
bought at $6 and $7 an acre. 75 families (500 indi
viduals) are being planted near the school. A
Southern white planter and neighbor is assisting.

Calhoun believes in the educational and religious
value of work and property. It stands for a vital and
practical Christianity.

In my opinion the Calhoun School and Social
Settlement is based on the right principle to solve
the so-called race problem. When the colored peo
ple in the South own their own homes, as they can
under the system that has been established at Cal
houn, they will not only be more independent, but
more prosperous, and, as a result of the very practi
cal training given there, they will not only send out
farmers, but teachers, mechanics, and merchants as
well. As colored men are able to start stores in the
South they will be able to furnish employment to
graduates from such schools as clerks and book
keepers. I am sure that if the people in the North
could only understand what a real blessing such an
institution is to the South, it would, at least, not want
for means to carry on its wonderful work.
30

466 Evidences of Progress

STATE NORMAL SCHOOL FOR COLORED PERSONS AT
FRANKFORT, KY.

The State Normal School is situated about one and
one-half miles from Frankfort on a beautiful hill
overlooking the city. The site comprises about
thirty acres of tillable land and meadow, upon which
are located the main school building, with recitation-
room and chapel, a new mechanical shop, forty feet
by sixty feet, with modern equipments and furnish
ings, the " Ladies' Hall," recently built, and cottages
for the resident professors. Our students are free
from the many temptations and social demands inci
dent to those who attend school in a city.

Our location, being " elevated, healthful, and de
lightful," renders our students less liable to malaria
and other diseases due to impurities, both in the
water and in the atmosphere.

Nothing in our power will be neglected which can
add to the mental, moral, and manual training of our
students, or which can in the least contribute to their
comfort and general welfare.

"The object" of this State Normal School, estab
lished and maintained by Act of the General Assem
bly, " shall be the preparation of teachers for teaching
in the Colored Public Schools of Kentucky."

I have had the pleasure of making a visit to this
school, and was very well impressed with the institu
tion. I found there an able body of teachers and a
very fine-looking and intelligent class of students.

Among Colored People. 467

COLORED NORMAL, INDUSTRIAL, AGRICULTURAL AND
MECHANICAL COLLEGE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

This school is located at Orangeburg, S. C., and
in my opinion is one of the best State schools in the
South for the education of the colored youth. They
have very excellent buildings, not only good, but
beautiful. The course of study there is, as in all
State schools, normal. Their object is to prepare
teachers for the public schools of the State. Many
students, however, attend there who do not expect to
teach. Special attention is given to the industrial
training of both boys and girls. The wood shop has,
I think, about the best equipment in the way of
tools and up-to-date machinery I saw in any of the
Southern schools. The attendance is large; in fact,
they often have to send students away for want
of room. Hon. Thos. E. Miller, L.L. D., who is
president, I found a very pleasant and able man.
He is assisted by a strong force of competent
teachers, who have been educated in the best schools
of our country. I am sure the people at large will
agree with me in saying that South Carolina de
serves great credit for the establishment of such an
excellent school for the race.

EDUCATIONAL WORK AT LINCOLN INSTITUTE.

Lincoln Institute, a State Normal, Collegiate,
and Industrial School for Negroes, with ten well
equipped departments, is admirably located at
Jefferson City, Missouri, and was founded in 1866
by funds contributed by the Sixty-second and Sixty-

468 Evidences of Progress

fifth regiments of United States Colored Infantry
when they were discharged from service in the late
Civil War. In a comparatively short time the
school was taken under the care and patronage of
the liberal State of Missouri, and, as the oldest, best
equipped and most influential school west of the
Mississippi river exclusively for the education of
Negroes, affords most excellent opportunities for
both higher and industrial training, and through its
long line of graduates has furnished Missouri and
other States, not only many high grade teachers, but,
in addition, many of the leading lawyers, physicians,
and other professional and business men and women
of color, who, in a most practical manner, are helping
to solve the Negro problem as it presents itself in the
great Middle West and Southwest.

The campus, buildings, and surroundings — com
modious, sightly, and modern — are well situated on a
height of land that commands a fine view of Jefferson
City and its picturesque vicinity for miles around.
With such a location, excellent water, good drainage,
food well selected, and carefully prepared ; with
athletic sports in which all are encouraged to take
part, the health of students and of all connected with
the institution is record-breaking in its excellence.

Entering now upon the thirty-eighth year of its
career, Lincoln Institute is fortunate in having as its
administrative head a gentleman and scholar of wide
experience in educational matters in the person of
President Benjamin Franklin Allen, A. M., who, by
eight years spent as a professor in one of the most

Among Colored People. 469

important departments of the school, and for the
greater part of this time its vice-president, brings
with him a more than theoretical knowlege of ex
isting conditions, and of both the general and the

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ALLEN, A. M.

specific needs of the young people who come under
his care and guidance. Earnestly desirous of being
helpful to his race, and believing most throughly in
a happy combination of both higher and industrial
education as a means of symmetrical development,

Evidences of Progress

President Allen leads out along the most practical
lines of work, and is rapidly bringing the institution
to the front as one of the great schools of the country.
" The Lincoln Institute idea " is "progress" in the
fullest and highest significance of the term.

A well prepared and enthusiastic Faculty ably
seconds the President's noble efforts. Among the
men and women composing it are graduates of the
leading colleges and universities of the United
States. Presiding over the department of Latin and
Greek one finds Prof. J. H. Garnett, A. M. ;
Mathematics, Prof. J. S. Moten, A. M. ; Science, G.
S. Murray, A. B. ; English, Josephine Silone-Yates,
A. M. Mrs. Yates is also President of the National
Association of Colored Women.

The students are a high-minded, energetic set of
young people, many of whom are making heroic
struggles to get an education ; and their example of
working late and early, in season and out of season,
may well be emulated by those who daily are wast
ing golden opportunities, and simply increasing the
numbers of mere " consumers ."

During his administration of barely one year and a
half President Allen already has inaugurated many
reforms and many new features in the work of the
institution ; but possibly no one feature is destined
to be of more practical value to the Negro of this
section than the " Farmers' Convention," which, pur
suant to his call, has now held two very valuable
sessions ; has created much interest among both
white and colored educators, and is likely to prove

Among Colored People. 471

an important and invaluable factor in developing an
agricultural spirit, desire for the ownership of land,
and practical knowledge of agricultural pursuits,
among Negroes who are living in one of the most
fertile areas of the United States.

Although the buildings are State structures, much
of the original work and of the necessary repairs
from time to time is done by the students ; and this,
with many other lines of industrial work done on the
grounds, demonstrates its practical value, both from
educational and from utilitarian points of view.

Many of the graduates from the industrial depart
ment, young men and young women, have found it
possible with the knowledge acquired in it to set up
individual establishments, or secure lucrative posi
tions of trust and honor in their special line of work.

The State diploma received on graduating from
the four years' normal course is a life certificate, and
is furnished by no other school for Negroes in the
State of Missouri.

With its one hundred and forty-four counties and
its entirely separate system of education for whites
and Negroes, Missouri has a large number of Negro
schools, and many of the best teachers in the State
are those who have received their academic and pro
fessional training at Lincoln Institute.

One great aim of the institution, and one in which
it seems admirably to have succeeded, is to develop
in its students the power of independent thought and
research, the desire and ability to be continuous
searchers after truth throughout life,

CHAPTER XXXI.

C. M. E. SCHOOLS.

IN this chapter I shall give brief mention of the
schools managed by the " Colored Methodist Epis
copal Church in America." The connection was
organized in 1870, and set apart from the M. E.
Church South. They have at this time five Bishops,
namely : Bishop Isaac Lane, Bishop J. A. Beebe,
Bishop L. H. Holsey, D. D., Bishop R. S. Williams,
D. D., Bishop Elias Cottrell, D. D.

The Rev. C. H. Phillips, D. D., who is mentioned
on page 364 as editor of the Christian Index, was at
the last general conference of the C. M. E. Church
elected as a Bishop.

LANE COLLEGE.

Lane College is located at Jackson, Tenn. It was
founded by the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church
in America, and is still under its fostering care. The
school takes its name from Bishop Isaac Lane, who
has been the leading spirit in establishing the insti
tution. The work done at Lane College will com
pare favorably with other schools in the South.

The main building was erected at cost of $15,-
OOO. It is a fine three-story brick, with stone
trimmings, artistically covered with malleable iron,
with two beautiful lofty towers.
(472)

Among- Colored People. 473

Lane College, like all institutions, is in need of
funds to put the school in excellent condition. Any
one desiring to bless a worthy educational enterprise
would find the school in great need of means to
better equip it for the training of young men and
women to advance Christian civilization. Let your
gifts be ever so small, they will be duly credited and
rightly applied.

Their wonderful progress thus far is largely attrib
uted to the untiring labors of Bishop Isaac Lane.

In addition to the other branches of studies, and
recognizing the fact that the mind is often cultivated
at the expense of the body, and that trades are medi
ums through which young men may obtain occupa
tions, giving them a capital to fall back on should
they fail to make practical what they have learned
from books, industrial features are added. Girls will
be given lessons in needlework, cutting, sewing, and
cooking. Young men will be given lessons in ele
ments of gardening and carpentry.

An experienced teacher will have charge of each
department.

The president of Lane College is Rev. T. F. San
ders. He is a Southern white man, who has taken
up the work in that Christian spirit which means to
lift up humanity to a higher intellectual and spiritual
condition, regardless of race or color.

Rev. Robert T. Brown, A. M., is teacher of
language and mathematics. I regard Prof. Brown
as a very able man, and one who desires very much
to see his race educated in order that tV* colored

474 Evidences of Progress

people may take a more active part in the professional
and business world.

PAINE INSTITUTE.

Paine Institute is another of the C. M. E. Schools.
It is located at Augusta, Ga. The school is doing
about the same grade of work as that done at Lane
College. They have a beautiful brick structure
known as " Haygood Memorial Hall ;" it is named in
honor of the late Bishop Haygood of the M. E.
Church South, He was far in advance of the church
in his desire to see the colored people educated.
The bishop wrote a most excellent work on the race
question, entitled " Our Brother in Black." The book
had a large sale both North and South. He, like
Booker T. Washington, believed that the masses of
colored people should have an industrial education.
But he also recognized that those who felt called to
teach or preach should have the best education they
could secure.

The president of Paine Institute is Rev. G. W.
Walker. He is a Southern white man who sees the
great work that must be done for the colored people,
and is willing to help do it. I am told that he
takes an active part in everything that is of interest
to the school and scholars, making the students feel
that his heart is in the work. His family is also
helpful to him in his great effort. I hope it will not
be many years until a large number of Southern
white people will see the need of just such work as

Among Colored People. 475

Rev. Walker is doing, and be willing to assist in the
labor.

There are a few smaller schools managed by the
C. M. E. Church, but for want of space we must
omit mention of them, at least until they are more
prominent.

CHAPTER XXXII.

THIS chapter will be devoted to the work of the
Christian Church. The schools operated by that
church in the interest of the race are not as numer
ous nor as large as other connectional institutions,
but what they have are doing a splendid work.

FRANKLINTON CHRISTIAN COLLEGE.

Franklinton Christian College is situated in Frank-
linton, Franklin County, North Carolina, on the Sea
board Air-Line Railroad, twenty-seven miles north
east from the city of Raleigh. The college buildings
are on high ground, which is well drained; and there
is a grove of beautiful oak trees on the campus,
which, with other immediate surroundings, makes
the location one of special attraction.

The college entered on its mission of education in
1878 as a common school. Professor Henry E.
Long was placed in charge, and the interest taken in
the new movement by the colored people was so
general that an assistant teacher was employed to aid
Professor Long in his work. In 1880 Rev. George
Young, of Carlisle, New York, was appointed prin
cipal of the school, under the direction of Rev. J.
P. Watson, D. D., who was at that time Secretary of
the Children's Mission. It was during the first year
(476)

Among Colored People. 477

of Professor Young's administration of the school
that the college building was erected and the school
formally opened under the name, " The Franklinton
Theological and Literary Institute." The institute
remained under the supervision of the Secretary of
Missions until the meeting of the American Christian
Convention in 1886. The convention at that meet
ing received the institute to its care, and appointed a
board of control to take direct supervision of its
work and interests. The Board of Control obtained
a charter for the institute in 1890, and its name was
changed to Franklinton Christian College. In this,
its corporate name, the college has authority to give
diplomas and confer degrees. It may be said of the
college that its work has from the first been progress
ive in character. Its constant aim has been to assist
the student to high moral and intellectual, attain
ments.

In addition to the regular course of studies taught
they have some industrial work in the way of sewing
and fancy work for the girls, and it is hoped that this
department will soon be extended to include all that
is essential to good housekeeping and home decora
tion. Rev. Zenas A. Poste is president, and is as
sisted by five other teachers.

THE LOUISVILLE CHRISTIAN BIBLE SCHOOL

Is a missionary school, inaugurated by the General
Christian Missionary Convention, now the American
Christian Missionary Society : Headquarters, Cincin^
nati, Ohio, and under the immediate supervision of

47 8 Evidences of Progress

the Board of Negro Education and Evangelization :
Headquarters, Louisville, Kentucky.

While it is not the present purpose of the school
to maintain classes in those branches of study which
do not properly constitute part of a theological
course in English ; yet, to meet the needs of such
students as have not had the advantage of proper in
struction in the subjects of Course I, classes will be
maintained, continuously in a number of them, and
in others will be formed from time to time as the
necessity may arise.

The purpose of the school is to do what it can in
supplying one of the greatest needs of the colored
people of this county, namely, preachers and other
religious workers of their own race, who shall be
deeply imbued with the knowledge and spirit of the
Word of God. In doing this work it is not the. aim
of the school to give extended courses of instruction
in anything save in the English Scriptures. These
it proposes to teach as thoroughly as possible to col
ored candidates for the ministry, whether, in the com
mon use of the terms, such candidates be educated or
uneducated.

Adoniram Judson Thomson, A. M., is principal.
He impressed me as a very fine man, who is much
interested in the elevation of the colored people.
Prof. Thomson is assisted by Prof. Octavius Single
ton, B. L., who is a very able young man and a credit
to the race.

THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN INSTITUTE.

The plantation upon which the Southern Christian

Among Colored People. 479

Institute is located contains eight hundred acres of
land, being a mile and a quarter long by a mile wide.
It is located on the Big Black River, on the direct
road between Jackson and Vicksburg, being twenty-
five miles from the former and eighteen miles from
the latter. It is two miles from Edwards, which is
its postoffice. The name of the plantation is Mount
Beulah. The Vicksburg and Meridian Railroad
passes directly through the plantation, in which there
is a flag station. It is only six miles from the famous
battlefield of Champion Hill, and Pemberton's sol
diers retreated directly across it ; and the battle of
the " Big Black " was fought partly upon it. The
east end of the plantation is rolling, containing most
of the timber and all the buildings connected with the
institution : the old plantation building, to which has
been added the dining-room, kitchen and office, and
a girls' dormitory; a separate building for school-
house and boys' dormitory ; a barn and eight cabins,
six of which are located at this end of the plantation.
The timber is nearly all of the hard-wood variety,
such as oak, hickory, sweet gum, beech, etc. All
rough-bark trees are covered with long festoons of
Spanish moss. This part of the plantation has a
beautiful situation on a bluff, which rises about fifty
feet from the river. The western part of the planta
tion, containing about five hundred acres, is level,
but is located in what is called the second river
bottom, and hence is never overflowed.

The plantation contains such fertile soil, and has

4&3 Evidences of Progress

such a location, that all the crops that are raised in
the North can be raised here to advantage.

J. B. Lehman, President, has six assistant teachers,
while A. T. Ross is superintendent of Industrial De
partment, and Mrs. A. T. Ross is matron of the in
stitution. The enrollment of the school now reaches
125. We have every reason to believe that it will
be much larger the coming year. The course of in
struction is divided into Primary, Normal, Classical,
Biblical, and Industrial Departments. The Industrial
Department includes practical housekeeping, sewing,
broom-making, the making of molasses from sugar
cane, farming, fruit-canning, carpentry, and printing,
and the new machinery plant will add new industries.

THE LUM GRADED SCHOOL AT LUM, ALA.

The Lum Graded School was started four years
ago, with Robert Brooks as principal. Robert
Brooks was educated at the Southern Christian Insti
tute, completing the full course there. He took the
Alabama teachers' examination, receiving the highest
certificate given, and then returned to his home in
Lowndes County, Alabama, and opened a school in
a miserabe shanty at Lum. In this undertaking he
was encouraged and directed, and to a small extent
aided financially, by the Board of Negro Education
and Evangelization. The school having this humble
origin is now known to us and through all the section
of the country where it is located as " The Lum
Graded School," and last year enrolled one hundred
and eleven pupils.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

COLEMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY, AN ORGANIZA
TION CHARTERED UNDER THE LAWS OF NORTH
CAROLINA, TO DO BUSINESS OF ALL KINDS OF
MANUFACTURING.

CAN the negro race successfully own and operate
cotton mills ? This question, so long in doubt, is
about to be answered, and we believe in the affirma
tive. The first great stride in that direction was
taken when, on the 8th of February, 1898, was laid
with Masonic honors the corner-stone of the hand
some three-story brick building, 80x120 feet in
dimensions, of the Coleman cotton mill. It was
indeed a marked epoch in the history of the negro
race, and pronounced by all present an entire success.
Noted speakers from all over the United States were
invited, and the railroads gave reduced rates from all
points. Following the laying of the corner-stone was
the annual election of old officers, who are as follows :
R. B. Fitzgerald, of Durham, N. C, president; E. A.
Johnson, of Raleigh, N. C., vice-president; and W.
C. Coleman, of Concord, N. C., secretary and treas
urer. The following gentlemen constitute the Board
of Directors : Rev. S. C. Thompson, Camden, S. C;
L. P. Berry, Statesville, N. C. ; John C. Dancy, Salis
bury, N. C. ; Prof. S. B. Pride, Charlotte, N. C. ; Prof.
31 (481)

4$ 2 Evidences of Progress

C. F. Meserve, Raleigh, N. C. ; and Robert McRee,
Concord, N. C. Among these are some of the
highest lights of the negro race, and under their
careful direction we have no doubts as to the final
results of the enterprise. The promoter of this en-

WARREN C. COLEMAN.

terprise, W. C. Coleman, is the wealthiest negro in
the State, and he has rallied around him not only the
leaders of his race, but has the endorsement of many
of the most successful financiers among our white
citizens throughout the State.

Among Colored People. 483

The mill is to have from 7,000 to 10,000 spindles,
and from 100 to 250 looms, and, by their charter, will
be allowed to spin, weave, manufacture, finish, and
sell warps, yarns, cloth, prints, or other fabrics made
of cotton, wool, or other material. They own at
present, in connection with the plant, about IOO acres
of land on the main line of the Southern Railway, and
near the site of the mill. The mill and machinery
with all the fixtures complete will represent an outlay
of nearly $66,000, and will give employment to a
number of hands. The building is now completed
and ready for machinery.

Let us add that Concord has reason to and does
feel proud of the fact that she has the only cotton mill
in the world owned, conducted, and operated by the
negro race.

At a meeting of the directors recently the capital
stock was increased $50,000, and those wishing a
good safe investment should secure some of this
stock. The mill will be under good and safe man
agement, and will, no doubt, be a paying institution.

Special inducements will be offered to any party or
parties who desire to establish enterprises that colored
labor may be employed. Full particulars can be
obtained from the secretary and treasurer, W. C.
Coleman, Concord, N. C.

When the Coleman Manufacturing Company de
monstrates to the world, as it will, that colored girls
can weave cloth, and that this enterprise is a paying
one, there will be other men who will start similar
institutions throughout the South. I am sure that my

4^4

Evidences of Progress

readers will read this article with more race pride than
they have ever felt before when they realize that, while
they read it, cloth is being woven by colored girls.
This cotton mill, which is the result of Mr. Coleman's
push and energy, will give the colored man a stand
ing in the business world he has never had before,
and will be. indeed, helpful.

Warren C. Coleman is a most remarkable man,

COLEMAN COTTON MILL.

starting as he did from slavery, without money or
education ; in fact, he only had one term of school
ing in Howard University j Washington, D. C. Mr.
Coleman has for years operated a successful grocery
store. He has met with heavy losses, caused by fire,
to the amount of several thousand dollars. Many a
man would have given up with the idea that fate was

against him.

Mr.

Coleman is one of the largest

Among Colored People. 485

owners of real estate in Concord. He also operates
several farms in that county. He has educated out
of his resources a number of young colored men and
women. Mr. Coleman is doubtless one of the richest
colored men in the United States.

The Southern Age, of Atlanta, Ga., on February 6,
1897, among other things, says of W. C. Coleman:
" The greatness of the man appears particularly in
the way he makes obstacles and difficulties helps and
not hindrances. He will rank with Abraham Lincoln
as their practical friend and benefactor. One gave
them freedom — the other will give them an indus
trial position."

CHAPTER XXXIV.

RICHMOND, VA.

THIS chapter is devoted to the business interests of

REV. W. F. GRAHAM, PRESIDENT.

the colored people in Richmond, and I am sure my
readers will find it a valuable addition to my book.
(486)

Among Colored People.

487

RICHMOND BENEFICIAL AND INSURANCE COMPANY,
CAPITAL STOCK $5,OOO.

In July, 1894, a company of twenty men v-as
formed and began this work with $200.

MR. JOHN T. TAYLOR, SECRETARY.

started against many odds; their chief opposers were
the agents of white insurance companies.

Three years have told the story. They now have
a membership of 15,000, and employ seventy persons
as managers, clerks, and agents. They own their

488 Evidences of Progress

own property, a handsome three-story building,
valued at $6,000, and every cent of it paid for. The
worth of the company is $13,000. They are begin
ning to branch out in all cities of Virginia, and are
very cautious and careful with their money, their in
tention being the founding of an organization that
shall " stay " permanently, and are doing a business
now of $30,000 yearly.

Rev. W. F. Graham, the founder and president of
this company, was born of slave parents, in the State
of Mississippi, attended school in Arkansas, and fin
ished at Wayland Seminary, Washington, D. C. He
is also pastor of one of the largest and finest Baptist
churches in the South, and is what I regard as a
splendid type of manhood.

Mr. John T. Taylor is secretary and business man
ager for the company. Mr. Taylor taught school for
several years, and gave up that work to accept his
present position. He is regarded as a very compe
tent and energetic business man.

WILLIAM ISAAC JOHNSON.

Richmond has one of the most successful colored
undertakers in the country in the person of William
Isaac Johnson. His place of business and residence
is located at 207 Fonshee Street. Mr. Johnson owns
a magnificent brick building, three stories high. The
basement is used for his workshop and stables for his
horses. The ground floor is used as an office and
storeroom for ready-made coffins and trimmings.
The second story is used as a residence for his family,

Among Colored People. 489

and the third story is divided into lodge-rooms, which
are rented to different colored societies that hold
monthly meetings there.

The horses and hearse, also the carriages, used in
Mr. Johnson's business are as fine as any owned by
the leading white undertakers in Richmond. I found
him a pleasant and a very thorough business man.

A. D. PRICE.

Mr. A. D. Price, of Richmond, is also an under
taker, who owns good horses, hearse, and carriages
for his work.

PAUL C. EASLEY.

Mr. Paul C. Easley has an ice-cream parlor, also
manages a steam ice-cream manufactory, and has a
large trade, both wholesale and retail.

THOMPSON & BENSON.

One of the best drug stores owned by colored men
in the country is at Richmond, carried on by Thomp
son & Benson, two young and intelligent men, who
are both, as the result of a splendid education, com
petent to manage just what they have — a splendid
drug store. I was very much impressed with the
cleanliness, neatness, and perfect system that I found
throughout the entire building. Of all places that
ought to be clean and neat is a drug store.

G. W. BRAGG.

Richmond Steam Laundry is owned by G. W.
Bragg, a very progressive colored man, who has, be«

49° Evidences of Progress

yond doubt, the largest and best-equipped steam
laundry owned by a colored man in the United States.
Every modern machine for doing first-class laundry
work can be seen at his establishment. He employs
the most intelligent colored girls he can secure, and
has so far had but very little trouble in teaching them
to handle the different machines. I am pleased to
note also that his patrons are made up of the best
white families in Richmond. Mr. Bragg has a
brother in Farmville, Va. , who also owns a laundry,
but on a much smaller scale.

NICKEL SAVINGS BANK,

at 601 North Thirtieth Street, Richmond, Va,, is a
splendid enterprise, that has been put on foot by such
men as Rev. Evans Payne, R. F. Tancil, Rev. W. S.
Christian, E. A. Washington, Anderson Evans, R. J.
Bass, J. Henry Jones, who are the board of directors.
In order that my readers may get some idea of the
method adopted by the Nickel Savings Bank, I re
produce some matter that appeared on a circular
handed me by the cashier:

" The bank safe is a nickel-plated brass bank, with
combination lock, and is highly ornamental and con
venient. All sizes of coin or paper money can be
put into it.

" These banks are loaned to anyone free of charge
who has or will deposit $1.50 with us (for which we
give a pass-book) ; it being understood that if you
lose the bank, or fail to return it in reasonably good
condition when we call for it, we charge you $1.50

Among Colored People. 491

for the box, but you may return it at any time and
get all the money you have on deposit. It is under
stood that in consideration of our loaning you a bank
free of charge you will deposit your savings with
us once in three months or oftener.

" Money deposited in this safe can be taken out
only at the Nickel Savings Bank, as they keep the
key. When brought to us the safe is opened and the
amount is counted in your presence, and placed to
your credit on your pass-book.

" This is one of the best plans ever devised for en
couraging economy and frugality in children, as
money once placed in the safe cannot be taken out
except at our bank, and there it must be deposited.
At the same time it gives a child valuable business
experience, and the first lessons of economy are more
easily learned if the savings are for some fixed or
definite purpose.

" Laboring men and women who are able to lay
aside a small amount daily or weekly will find these
safes the most convenient and effectual means jof
accomplishing that end."

My object in reproducing a part of their circular; is
to furnish the matter that it may be the incentive or
suggestion to people in other cities to start similar
institutions for the benefit of the poor.

THE PLANET.

The Planet, published by John Mitchell, Jr.,
has, without doubt, the largest circulation of any
paper published by a colored man. Had the South

492 Evidences of Progress

a few more men who are as brave as John Mitchell
has shown himself, the lynchings of the South

THE PLANET BUILDING.

would not have been so numerous. The Planet
has not only the largest circulation, but The Planet
office is the best-equipped printing establishment

Among Colored People. 493

owned by a colored man in this country. Mr.
Mitchell has recently purchased a dwelling-house
at 311 North Fourth Street, Richmond, Va., and had
the house entirely made over to suit his purpose.

John Mitchell, Jr., was born in Henrico County,
Va., about three miles from Richmond, Va., at a place
called Laburnum. His parents were slaves. He at
tended the public schools of Richmond, and grad
uated from the Richmond Normal School, June 14,
1 88 1, with the highest honors. He received a gold
medal for scholarship, and was awarded a special
gold medal for excellence in map-drawing. He
taught public school in Fredericksburgh, Va., two
years, and also in those of Richmond one year. His
editorial career began in 1884. He has made a
specialty of lynchings and Southern outrages, etc.
His efforts to prevent the hanging of Simon Walker,
a fifteen-year-old colored boy, was crowned with suc
cess. He was threatened with hanging if he visited
Charlotte County, Va. His bold reply in the columns
of the Richmond Planet, supplemented by the arming
of himself and going alone into the county and visit
ing the scene of the lynching of the unfortunate
Richard Walker, caused the late Rev. Dr. J. W.
Simmons to denominate him the "bravest Negro ed-

o

itor on the continent."

Mr. Mitchell secured the release of Isaac Jenkins
in 1893, the colored man who was beaten, shot, and
hanged, but still lives. His last great feat was th?
saving of the lives of the three Lunenburg County
women, who were charged with the murder of Mrs.

494 Evidences of Progress

Lucy Jam. Pollard, near Fort Mitchell, Va. Gov
ernor O'Fei/all used the troops of the State to pre
vent their lynching, and editor Mitchell employed

JOHN MITCHELL, JR.

Hon. Geo. D. Wise, Hon. A. B. Guigon, and Hon. H.
W. Flournoy to defend them. The women — Pokey
and Mary Barnes and Mary Abernathy — were ac
quitted and now reside in this city.

Among Colored People.

495

The Richmond Planet continues its crusade against
these outrages.

In February, 1897, the present building, in which
the plant is now located, was purchased, and with the
improvements cost $5,000. The presses, type, en-

MR. J C. FARLEY.

gine, stereotype outfit, cost $4,000. The office force
consists of fifteen persons.

J. C. FARLEY.

J. C. Farley, the well-known colored photographer

496 Evidences of Progress

of Richmond, Va., was born in Prince Edward
County, Va., August 10, 1854. He came to Rich
mond in 1 86 1 and engaged in the bakery business.
He entered the photographic establishment of C. R.
Rees & Co. in 1872. He left there and labored in
the service of Mr. G. W. Davis, with whom he re
mained until 1895. It was while there that he be
came the operator, his rare talent winning for him
commendation and promotion from his employer.
He has been for years one of the most accom
plished photographers in the South, his work rank
ing with that of the best artists in this country and
Europe.

In August, 1895, he entered into the photographic
business for himself, under the style and title of the
Jefferson Fine Art Gallery, and is at present conduct
ing a profitable business upon the most fashionable
business thoroughfare in Richmond. Some of the
leading society and business leaders in the State have
sought Mr. Farley in order to secure the benefit of
his truly wonderful ability.

He married Miss Rebecca P. Roberts, of Amelia
County, Va., in 1876, and has a promising family of
seven girls.

T. C. JOHNSON.

Among the colored lawyers at Richmond, Va., is
Mr. T. C. Johnson, who was born of slave parents.
He attended Springfield (Mass.) Institute, then read
law and was admitted to the bar. Mr. Johnson has
an office in both Richmond and Petersburg, Va. He
has the honor of being the local attorney for two

Among Colored People. 49?

large white companies doing business in Richmond,
which is another evidence of the fact that a colored
man can do business in the South with white people.

THE TRUE REFORMERS,

Mention will be found of this order in Chapter
XXI. of this publication.

CHAPTER XXXV.

' .- , :' ' j ~i ' ' ~

HERE AND THERE.

IN this chapter it is my purpose to mention, some
men and women engaged in different lines of business
throughout the country.

MR. E. H. DIBBLE.

Mr. Dibble is a native of South Carolina, and is at
present operating a large store in Camden, S. C.,
where he keeps a stock of dry goods, boots, shoes,
fancy and family groceries. Aside from the store he
owns he also has an interest in another one in the
same town, which is operated by his brother. The
patrons at either one of the stores are not all colored
by any means, but a large percentage of their trade
comes from a splendid class of white people. My
object in making mention of so many men engaged
in business in the South is to stimulate among my
readers, and especially in the North, a determination
to at least make some effort along that line.

ROBERT G. WALKER.

Robert G. Walker, of Springfield, Ohio, is a car
penter and contractor the race may be proud of. He
was born in Ohio. At one time he was the leading

(498)

Among Colored People. 499

contractor of Hill City, Kansas, and gave employment
to fourteen men as carpenters. He built the court
house, jail, and many of the store buildings. He
also served there as city clerk. He returned to
Springfield because of hard times in the West, and
began contracting for himself after working a while
as foreman for a white contractor. Mr. Walker has
built some of the finest houses in Springfield owned
by white people. He is very much thought of by his
race and the better class of the whites.

JAMES NELSON,

manufacturer of " IXL " and Whiteley plows, two and
four-horse wagons, carts, etc., in Springfield, Ohio.
Mr. Nelson was born a slave in the State of Kentucky,
and learned his trade as blacksmith while a slave.
He has carried on a business in Springfield for him
self, with a great deal of success, for quite a number
of years. He bought out the entire right to manu
facture the "IXL" and Whiteley plows, and has
very much improved the plow and worked up a splen
did sale for it, principally throughout the various
Middle, Western, and Southern States.

He also makes a specialty of manufacturing an iron
tank-wagon, used by men who are in the oil business
and deliver oil from house to house. He has shipped
these tank-wagons to several of the different States.

JOHN H. ANDERSON.

John H. Anderson, of Urbana, Ohio, is the leading
contractor and builder of that city. He has had and

500 Evidences of Progress

finished some very large contracts. He built the
Y. M. C. A. building in Piqua, Ohio, also a beautiful
passenger station at same place. Mr. Anderson had
a contract to build a factory in Urbana that cost one
hundred thousand dollars. His finest work, he says,
was done on a residence in Urbana that cost forty
thousand dollars. Most of the men employed by Mr.
Anderson are white; but whenever he can secure a
good workman among colored men, he is only too
glad to give him work. I regard him as one of the
leading colored contractors in the country.

CAPTAIN HENRY.

Mr. Henry, of Pocomoke City, Md., better known
as " Captain Henry," owns several sailing vessels that
are manned by colored men, which he operates be
tween Pocomoke City, Md., and Philadelphia, Pa.
He ships large cargoes of wood, used in Philadelphia
for fuel. Mr. Henry also has a large dry goods and
grocery store in Pocomoke City.

MR. 'GEORGE H. WHITE.

Mr. George H. White, of Staunton, Va., has a large
and well-stocked grocery store, and very nearly all of
his patrons are white. He was born a slave in Vir
ginia, and spent the early part of his life at the black
smith trade. He has been in the grocery business
since 1892, and his trade has been growing larger
ever since. He owns a beautiful home and has the
confidence and respect of the best citizens, both white
and colored.

Among Colored People. 501

FRANK T. WARE.

Frank T. Ware was born a slave at Staunton, Va.i
May 15, 1843. His master "hired him out" until
1860, when he was sold to Negro traders, who took
him to Vicksburgh, Miss. There he served as
dining-room waiter until the beginning of the war.
He was then taken as a body servant into the Con
federate Army, but was soon captured by the Federal
troops. He then became a soldier in the Union
Army, and rose to the position of orderly sergeant
and continued as such until the war closed. He then
came back to Staunton and went into the express
business, which he followed for twelve years. Next
he embarked into the hardware and furniture business,
and is now said to be the leading colored man in that
line of business in the United States. His store is
three stories high and is packed from bottom to top.
It is in the business center of Staunton. His race iden
tity is no barrier to his success. He buys from the
best firms in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Richmond,
and a large number of his customers are of his own
race, but the bulk of his patrons are the white people
of this city and adjoining counties. Scrupulously
honest in his dealings, he has won an enviable busi
ness reputation and enjoys the implicit confidence of
all. He is a man of means and influence, and every
good cause receives his aid.

MR. A R. COOPER.

Mr. A. R. Cooper, of Findley, Ohio, has invented a
strictly water-proof shoe. Manufacturers of shoes

502 Evidences of Progress

have always claimed to make them water-proof, but
who ever wore them ? Mr. Cooper is a practical
shoemaker, and for a long time has been giving this
matter serious thought and consideration, until now
his efforts have been rewarded by the invention of
this shoe. It is not only guaranteed by the maker
to be water-proof, but also protects the foot from
any dampness whatever. The shoe will be easier,
warmer, and cheaper than the ordinary make.

ROBERT ORRICK.

Robert Orrick owns the largest livery, sale,
and feed stable in the city of Winchester, Va. Mr.
Orrick was born a slave. He began business for
himself in 1859, which was before freedom was
granted. This he did by paying to his master a cer
tain amount of money for his time. He married a
freeborn woman, and as a slave could not transact
any business, all business matters had to be done in
his wife's name. The amount named for his time by
his owner was $65 per year. His first business ven
ture was hauling baggage and freight, and by degrees
his work developed into a regular livery business.
He now owns forty horses and some forty-five dif
ferent kinds of vehicles. His residence and stable
join, and are valued at about ten thousand dollars.
In the country he has two farms of three hundred
acres, valued at one hundred dollars per acre.

MR. N. T. GANT.

Mr. N. T. Gant, of Zanesville, Ohio, is a very in-

Among Colored People. 503

teresting man ; looks enough like the late Frederick
Douglass to pass for his brother. Mr. Gant was born
a slave in Virginia. He bought his own and wife's
freedom. For his wife he paid fifteen hundred dol
lars. He moved to Zanesville before the war, and
began life as a truck farmer. He made money like
magic, and owns several farms now, after giving
all of his children good homes. The property now
used as " Gant Park " was sold by him for twenty
thousand dollars, with the understanding that no
intoxicating drinks were to be sold on the ground.
His residence in Zanesville was a part of the park.
He has one of the best-furnished homes in the
State of Ohio. Among the leading business and
moneyed men of Zanesville, Mr. Gant is considered
one of them.

CASPER TITUS.

Norfolk, Va., can boast of a progressive man in
the person of Casper Titus, a thriving florist, in
Huntersville, Norfolk, Va.; carries about 3,000 feet of
glass ; grows plants, flowers, and vegetables ; has a
good patronage from white as well as colored ; is the
leading colored florist south of Baltimore ; began
business with ten lilies and eight geraniums, the few
brought to him by his wife. The total number of
lilies to-day is 500, with a spring sale of about 5,OOO
plants of different varieties.

MR. J. STEPHENSON.

Mr. J. Stephenson, watchmaker and jeweler, does

504 Evidences of Progress

a good business in Norfolk, Va., and has a splendid
stock of goods. He began first by repairing watches
and clocks, until he had built up a trade, and at the
same time saved enough money to put in a small
stock of goods. His trade is by no means confined
to colored people. His success simply shows what
can be done when the proper effort is put forth.

MR. W. J. OVERTON.

Mr. Overton, of Clarksville, Tenn., was for years
before his death foreman and manager of the Clarks
ville ice factory. He began work there as a fireman.
Mr. Overton had the confidence and respect of the
best people in the city. He, by hard work and good
management, saved enough money to purchase splen
did property.

j. w. PAGE.

Mr. J. W. Page is also of Clarksville, Tenn., and is
regarded by all as a very prominent man. For years
he was one of the city councilmen, and much of the
public improvement in his ward has been done through
his effort. He owns a great deal of property, which
is rented. At his home he operates a grocery busi
ness that is well patronized in that portion of the city.
Mr. Page takes an active part in church and Sunday-
school work ; in fact, in all things that will in any
way lift up his people.

BOTTS & HENSLEY.

Messrs. Botts & Hensley, at Mt. Sterling, Ky., own

Among Colored People. 505

and operate one of the leading grocery stores of that
city. Both of these men stand high and own good
homes. Their patrons are mostly white.

J. R. HAWKINS.

Mr. J. R. Hawkins, of Hopkinsville, Ky., has a
very large and well-furnished grocery store. His
trade is about equally divided between the white and
colored people. As for his white patrons, he has
some of the leading families in the city who deal
there. He owns a splendid home, and is very highly
respected by all.

A. C. BRENT.

Mr. A. C. Brent, also of Hopkinsville, Ky., is en
gaged in the grocery business. He has a large
trade and many white patrons. Hopkinsville has
many things of interest among colored people. In
addition to Mr. Hawkins' and Mr. Brent's grocery
business, Mr. Peter Postell has a large store, which is
mentioned in another part of this publication.

MR. E. W. GLASS.

Mr. E. W. Glass, of Hopkinsville, Ky., is a suc
cessful undertaker. He is a native of Hopkinsville.
and has always taken an active part in all movements
that would advance his people. Mr. Glass has been
one of the city teachers, and for some four years was
engaged in the revenue service as United States store
keeper. He was at one time an alderman in his
ward. As an undertaker he is a success, and is re-

506 Evidences of Progress

garded as one of the leading men in that line in the
State.

MRS. C. HODGES.

Mrs. C. Hodges, a colored woman, is holding the
position of Deputy Meat Inspector in one of Mr.
Armour's large packing houses at Kansas City, Kan.

'f '' * b-'.i i ' •;• •';

MRS. M. M. BROWN.

Mrs. M. M. Brown, of Staunton, Va., has a good
dressmaking business. She keeps on hand a large
stock of ladies' ready-made clothing of all kinds. She
owns a splendid building on Main Street. The most
of her customers are white.

i V , M:-. -f\ V, . r-. ;j .'.} ,'.' ,,:

MISS ELIZABETH B. SLAUGHTER.

Miss E. B. Slaughter, of Louisville, Ky., is a young
lady who deserves more than passing mention. She
is.engaged in the millinery business, and has built up
a splendid trade among both white and colored
patrons. Miss Slaughter learned her trade in the
"Armour Institute " at Chicago, 111., where she, in
part, worked her way through that institution. Her
store is well and neatly furnished, and she keeps on
hand a line of goods that will please the best class
of patrons among both races. I regard her work of
great interest from the fact that she is one of the first
among colored ladies who have made an effort along
this line. We publish a splendid picture of Miss
Slaughter in this edition in the hope that it, along
with this short sketch of her work and success, may

Among Colored People.

507

inspire some other young lady to start in business of
some sort. When colored people, and especially
ladies, are engaged in different business enterprises,
such as women take up as a means of support, white
people will then be compelled to see them not only as

MISS E. B. SLAUGHTER.

cooks and washerwomen, but as business women and
competitors. Then, too, when colored ladies can
operate successful millinery stores, that in itself will
at least have a tendency to make white women en
gaged in such business treat their colored customer

508 Evidences of Progress

with more consideration. Miss Slaughter is a grad
uate from the schools of this city. She is very highly
respected, and I am sure that the better class of
colored ladies are proud of the fact that Louisville has
a colored milliner. At Lexington, Ky., Mrs. J. C.
Jackson and Mrs. Hathaway have opened a millinery
and notion store, and they are meeting with success.

MR. ANDREW HAYDEN.

Andrew Hayden, of Cynthiana, Ky., a blacksmith
by trade and an ex-slave, has, by very hard work
and good business judgment, built up quite a start in
life in the way of good property. He owns, in addi
tion to his residence, which is a beautiful brick struc
ture, several houses, which are rented — one as a busi
ness house, and some ten others as dwellings. Mr.
Hayden has his own home in the most aristocratic
part of the town, and his family are the only colored
people on that street. His house is well furnished,
and his wife takes great pride in her home. She has
a very large and fine collection of house plants, and
Mr. Hayden built her a very fine pit to keep them
in during the cold weather. He has but little educa
tion, but a large stock of good common sense. I re
gard him as a credit to the town.

PEOPLE'S DRUG STORE.

The People's Drug Store, located at Louisville,
Ky., is another evidence of colored people's ability to
manage business enterprises of their own. The store

Among Colored People.

509

is well equipped with a good stock of goods, and is
patronized by both races. It is kept neat and clean.
Mr. R. F. White, who has charge of the store, is a
graduate in pharmacy from Howard University, at
Washington, D. C., and stands high in his profession.

MR. R. F. WHITE.

In speaking of the class of people who give the most
support to race enterprises, Mr. White thinks " that
the middle-class seem to have more interest and pride
in the places of business started by colored men than
those who have had better advantages, and ought,

5 1 6 Evidences of Progress

because of their ability, feel a deeper interest in all
things that would help in any way the business de
velopment of the race." Of all stores that would be
helpful to the colored people a drug store would be
one of them, from the fact that the business could
only be carried on by educated people, and the more
of that class who can be brought into prominent
places the better for the entire race. Mr. White is a
native of Florida and is much thought of by his
people. He is progressive, and believes in perfect
system and order, and conducts the drug store on
that principle.

GREENE BROTHERS.

Greene Brothers, of Holly Springs, Miss., are mer
chants on a very large scale. They handle a general
line of all sorts of goods that can be found in what
is known in the South as a general store. They fur
nish quite a number of planters from year to year,
and of course take their chances on the results of the
crops for their pay. They are young men and owe
their success to the very close attention they give to
the business. Their store is not only one of the
leading places of business in Holly Springs, but is
one of the best in the State. I live in hope that the
time is not far distant when just such places of busi
ness can be found in every town in the South owned
by colored men.

REV. I. H. ANDERSON.

Rev. I. H. Anderson, of Jackson, Tenn., is another
evidence of Negro success. Mr. Anderson has been

Among Colored People. $ii

for years a minister in what is known as the C. M.
E. Church, and for some years managed the publish
ing house of that connection at Jackson, Tenn. He
has retired from active work in the ministry and gone
into business. Mr. Anderson has built a very fine
brick block in Jackson, where he keeps a line of
groceries, dry goods, boots and shoes ; in fact, a gen
eral store. He has a large white trade. I am in
formed that in addition to his store he owns a large
amount of property.

. '. ' ••: . ': J ' .3

FITE'S STUDIO.

Mr. S. Fite, owner of Fite's Studio, at Owensboro,
Ky., is in a position to render the race a great service.
It is acknowledged that he is by far the best pho
tographer in that city, and his patrons are not only
the leading white people there, but they 'come from
other towns to have work done. Mr. Fite had a hard
struggle when he first located at Owensboro, because
of the unfair means used by the white men engaged
in the same line of work to defeat him. But he has
more than won the fight, and stands at the head as
an example of what push and pluck will do.

J. G. HIGGINS.

Mr. and Mrs. Higgins, at Chattanooga, Tenn., are
engaged in business in a way that will be helpful to
the race. Mrs. Higgins is a manufacturer of human
hair goods, in such things as switches, wigs, waves,
bangs, and vest-chains. Her patrons are about all
white, and their store is in the heart of the business

512 Evidences of Progress

part of the city, and is one of the neatest stores in
that line I ever saw. Mr. Higgins is a practical watch
maker, and has a splendid trade repairing and clean
ing watches.

J. W. MOORE.

J. W. Moore, at Paducah, Ky., is another successful
business man. Mr. Moore is a native of Louisville,
Ky. He was at one time a clerk in the Mileage
Department of the C. & O. & S. W. R. R. office, and
was also a letter-carrier for three years at Padu
cah. He operates now a very large grocery store ;
in fact, one of the best in the city. He has some
thing to show for his labor, in the way of some
eight houses, seven of which are rented. I found
him interested in all that will help and advance the

race.

JORDAN C. JACKSON.

Jordan C. Jackson, the subject of this sketch, was
born in Fayette County, Kentucky, February 25,
1848. He is a remarkable example of what pluck
and energy can do for a man without scholastic train
ing. Mr. Jackson has been a prominent figure in the
State for twenty years, and has attended every Re
publican convention held in the State within that
time.

He was alternate delegate to the late Hon. W. C.
Goodloe to the National Republican Convention,
which met in Cincinnati in 1876, and delegate-at-large
to the National Republican Convention which met at
Minneapolis to nominate Benjamin Harrison the sec
ond time as President of the United States — an honor

Among Colored People.

513

which only one other man of the race has had con
ferred upon him from Kentucky. Mr. Jackson was
twice elected lay trustee of Wilberforce University,
and is now, and has been for the past twelve years,

JORDAN C. JACKSON.

trustee of Berea College, the most unique institution
on the American continent. He stands ready with
might and means to do his part in any and all move
ments for the advancement of his race. Mr. Jackson
has been United States storekeeper and gauger for a
33

514 Evidences of Progress

number ot years, and has always taken rank as a first-
class officer. He is now a member of the under
taking firm of Porter & Jackson, and has won for the
firm and himself a place in the confidence of the
people that can be had only by fair business transac
tions and personal integrity. He was a most valued
contributor to the Standard for a year, and was
known to the many readers as " Observer," a title
that befits him well, as all who have read his able
articles will readily attest. Owing to his many busi
ness cares, he has for a time retired from the literary
field, and in losing him the Standard has lost one of
its most highly prized writers. Writing under the
nom de plume of Uncle Eph, he also furnished a
number of most valuable articles for the American
Citizen. He combines qualities that every man is
not possessed of — literary talent and business quali
fication. Mr. Jackson is one of the most enthusiastic
workers against the enactment of the separate-coach
law of Kentucky, and was one of the first men ap
pointed to wait on Governor Brown for the purpose
of preventing the passage of the now obnoxious law.
He is a member of the State Central Committee, and
there is no man on the entire committee who is more
in the struggle that we are now undergoing. He
believes that if sufficient money is collected to test
the constitutionality of the law, that it will be wiped
from the statute-book of the Commonwealth. Mr.
Jackson was elected temporary chairman of the sepa
rate-coach convention held in Lexington, Ky., June
22, 1892.

Among Colored People.

515

REV. A. H. MILLER.

Rev. A. H. Miller, the subject of this brief sketch,
was born a slave in St. Francis county, Arkansas,
March 12, 1849. He has lived in Arkansas all his
life, with the exception of a brief period just after

REV. A. H. MILLER.

the war, which was spent in St. Louis, Mo. After
remaining in St. Louis about one year he returned to
Arkansas, worked by the day, and saved enough
money to give himself one session in Southland Col
lege, near Helena, which constitutes the major por-

516 Evidences of Progress

tion of his school advantage. He was chosen by
the people of his county to represent them in the
Arkansas General Assembly, in 1874, and served his
whole term honorably. It was witli the small amount
of money he saved while a member of the State
Legislature that he began his remarkable career as a
financier. He is a man of economical habits, and
gives close attention to his personal business. He
has amassed a handsome little fortune, being re
garded as one of the wealthiest negroes in East Ar
kansas. Rev. Miller has travelled extensively, and
is well known in the Baptist denomination. He is
somewhat a philanthropist, and has the credit of
being one of the first to make a personal gift to the
National Baptist Publishing House. He has filled
many important places in the work of his denomina
tion. He is prominent as a local leader, and is at
present a member of the Helena School Board.
Mr. Miller owns and rents some fifty houses in
Helena, and is building more for that purpose.

MR. S. BOYCE.

Mr. Stansbury Boyce, of Jacksonville, Florida,
has made a start in the right direction, and I hope
that many colored men will follow in the lead he has
taken. I have mentioned many men who have stores
and are doing a successful business, but Mr. Boyce is
the first one I have found who operates a regular
department store on the plan of a city store of the
same kind. Each department is in the hands of a
colored girl, who has been trained by Mr. Boyce as

Among- Colored People. 517

a saleslady, and I am very confident that the girls in
his store understand their work and know the quality
of goods quite as well as white girls doing the same
work. The store is patronized as much by white
people as it is by colored, and Mr. Boyce said that

MR. S. BOYCE.

in the " millinery department most of his trade came
from the best class of white ladies." I hope those
who read this short sketch will see what a great
blessing stores like this would prove to the colored
people if we had them all over the country, not only

5 1 8 Evidences of Progress

to make money for the owner, but for the purpose
of giving employment to a large number of well-
educated girls who can't find anything to do outside
of teaching and domestic work. I found Mr. Boyce
not only a successful merchant, but a very intelligent
and polished gentleman. His wife has charge of the
millinery department, and she thoroughly under
stands her work.

ISAAC JOHNSON.

Isaac Johnson, Manufacturer and Dealer in Florida
Curiosities, Jewelry, Novelties, Live and Stuffed Alli
gators, Chameleons, Shells, Palmetto Fans, Fly
Brushes and all kinds of Alligator Tooth Jewelry —
such is the wording of the billhead handed me by Mr.
Johnson, the only colored man in the country who
owns a store where all kinds of curiosities are made
and sold. His store is in Jacksonville, Florida, and
when walking down Hogan street your attention is
frequently attracted to large crowds gathered on the
left-hand side of the street. This is the great curio
establishment sometimes known as the " Alligator
Store," and is owned and operated by Mr. Isaac
Johnson.

Mr. Johnson, when a boy, was employed on the
very spot where he is now proprietor to assist around
the store. He showed great ability, and as time
went on this boy began to take hold of the work
and manifested a deep interest in all curiosities. And
from stuffing alligators he began to make very many
pretty designs from different parts of this animal,

Among Colored People. 519

thus showing his ability in various directions, which
was soon recognized by those who employed him.

He not only displayed his ability, but he took
special training, thus fitting himself for the work,
which is one of an expert nature. Before very many

ISAAC JOHNSON.

years went by Mr. Johnson, by his honesty, thrift and
diligence, not only acquired and mastered the trade,
but was able when the opportunity presented itself
to buy out the business, and to-day he is doing a
large trade and is able to help others of his race.

520 Evidences of Progress

HOWARD BROTHERS.

P. W. & E. E. Howard, of Jackson, Miss., are en
gaged in the mercantile business on quite a large
scale. They handle a general line of dry goods and
groceries. I have mentioned several men who are

E. E. HOWARD.

engaged in the same line of business, in different
parts of the country, and some who own larger
stores, but when we take into consideration the age
of these young men their effort becomes a thing of
great interest to the public at large. Mr. E. E.

Among Colored People. 521

Howard, whose cut appears in connection with this
sketch, is only about 21 years of age, while his
brother, P. W. Howard, is only 24. These young
men both attended Rust University, at Holly Springs,
Miss., and there and at the public schools prepared
themselves for their life's work. The money they
have invested in their business is entirely their own
earnings — from boyhood they have been saving what
they could earn with a view of some time going into
some line of business. I have no doubt but what a
large number of young men who have lived only to
enjoy life will read this sketch with a degree of sad
ness when they look over their past life and think
how different things might have gone for them had
they followed in the footsteps of such energetic and
progressive young men as the Howard Brothers.

MR. E. E. FLUKER.

E. E. Fluker, of Pine Bluff, Ark., is another of the
successful merchants of the South. Mr. Fluker,
like most men, began business on a small amount of
money, and has had some heavy losses that were
hard to stand and remain in business. He has a
large store, and does both a wholesale and retail
trade in dry goods, hats, caps, boots and shoes and
groceries. Mr. Fluker handles cotton on a large
scale, and thinks nothing of buying and selling
twelve thousand bales per year. He furnishes dry
goods and provisions to a large number of poor
planters who can only pay their bills once a year,
and that is when they sell their cotton. Mr. Fluker

522 Evidences of Progress

has also been active in society work and has been
instrumental in getting large numbers of colored
people into benevolent societies, where they could
get help when sick and in need. He owns a fine

MR. E. E. FLUKER.

brick block in Pine BlufT, where his business is con
ducted, and in part of his building one of the city
banks is operated. The room where the bank is is
rented to white people, who carry on that business.

MR. R. J. PALMER.

R. J. Palmer, of Columbia, S. C, the subject of
this short sketch, is one of the successful and leading
business men of that city. Mr. Palmer is a merchant
tailor by occupation. His patrons are numbered
among the leading white citizens of Columbia, who
give him their work because of the confidence they

Among Colored People.

523

have in him as an honest business man and an excel
lent workman in his line. Mr. Palmer keeps on
hand a full and complete stock of foreign and do
mestic woolens and a good line of gents' furnishing
goods. He employs only the best of workmen, and
he does all the cutting and fitting, and his business is

MR. R. J. PALMER.

carried on in a good brick building, which is owned
by himself. He also owns a good home. He is an
active and prominent member of the M. E. Church.
Mr. Palmer is a native of South Carolina, and has all
his life enjoyed the respect and confidence of the best
peopl* of both races.

524

Evidences of Progress

MR. LOUIS KASTOR.

Louis Kastor, of Natchez, Miss., is the only col
ored man I have found in my travels engaged in the
line of work he represents, at least on so large a scale
as he carries on his business. He is a first-class

MR. LOUIS KASTOR.

harness-maker by trade and owns one of the largest
and best-equipped stores in his line in the country.
In addition to the harness he makes he keeps on
hand a large stock of ready-made harness, bridles,

Among Colored People. 525

saddles, whips, rugs, in fact, a large and complete
stock of all goods sold by men in his business. Mr.
Kastor began first with $65.00, and is now doing a
business of some $22,000 a year. He owns a fine
property for a residence, and has the respect and con
fidence of the best people in Natchez. In addition
to his own residence Mr. Kastor owns three other
houses, which he has rented. I found him a very
intelligent man, and one who is very anxious to see
the colored people advance in every department of
life. He feels that they must be engaged in all lines
of work and business in order that they may suc
ceed.

SANDY W. TRICE.

Mr. Sandy W. Trice was born in New Providence,
Tenn., in 1866, He spent some years of his life in
the employ of railroad companies, as porter on
sleeping car. He finally decided to make an effort
to get into business for himself, and in 1900, with a
partner opened a small place, but at the end of one
year he bought out the partner's interest. The busi
ness was first started with a capital of about six
hundred dollars ; he has on hand at this time a stock
of goods worth over two thousand dollars, and doing
a business of several thousand dollars per year. \ His
patrons are among all classes of people, and much of
his trade comes from white people. Mr. Trice keeps
on hand a full line of men's furnishing goods ; also
ladies' goods. When he first started he thought he
could let Mrs. Trice manage the store, and he would

526 Evidences of Progress

remain on the road in order that he might make more,
but the business increased so rapidly that after one
year he had to give up his work and take charge of
the store, but his wife still helps in the business and

SANDY W. TRICE.

Mr. Trice feels that he could not get along without
her, and he gives her much credit for the great suc
cess they have had. He has the only store of its
kind in Chicago owned by a colored man.

Among Colored People. 527

E. H. FAULKNER.

Mr. E. H. Faulkner is in my mind a very interest
ing character in race history. This short mention of
him, accompanied with his cut, is another evidence
that colored men are going into all lines of business.
Mr. Faulkner has what is known as Tlie Afro-
American news office, located at 3104 State street,
Chicago, 111., where he keeps on hand each week

E. H. FAULKNER.

the leading newpapers and magazines published by
members of the race. He first started with two or
three different papers each week, and of them he
could only sell a few; but now his sales of papers and
magazines run up into the thousands each year.
Among the many papers and magazines sold by Mr.
Faulkner we give a list of a few of them :

Reformer, Richmond, Va. ; Planet, Richmond, Va.;

528

Evidences of Progress

Odd Felloivs Journal, Philadelphia, Pa.; Guardian^
Boston, Mass.; Atlanta Age, Atlanta, Ga. ; State
Capital, Springfield, 111.; Colored American, Wash
ington, D. C. ; New York Age, N. Y.; Gazette,
Cleveland, Ohio ; Detroit Informer, Detroit, Mich*

MR. EUGENE BURKINS.

Eugene Burkins, inventor of the " Burkins Auto-

EUGENE BURKINS,
Inventor of the Burkins Automatic Machine-Gun.

matic Machine-Gun," was at one time a bootblack in
the city of Chicago. He never had any education

Among Colored People. 529

outside of learning how to read and write. Nor had
he ever been a soldier, or had any experience with
guns of any description ; and for that reason his
invention is all the more wonderful. He began first
to make a careful study of the picture that appeared
in the papers, showing the guns on the " Battleship
Maine." Mr. Burkins saw in what way he could
improve the machine-gun by increasing its rapid-
firing capacity, and along that line he began to work
His first model was mostly made with a pocket-
knife. Some of the leading colored people helped
him secure his patent. Mr. Madden, a wealthy
man in Chicago, furnished over $3,000 to make a
perfect model. Admiral Dewey said it was "by
far the best machine-gun ever made." It shoots seven
times more a minute than the Catling gun, and will
doubtless take the place of other machine-guns.
Several foreign countries have offered large sums for
the right to manufacture it for their navies ; but Mr.
Burkins and Mr. Madden, his partner, proposed to
control the manufacturing interest in this country.

MR. GEO. E. JONES.

Mr. Ceo. E. Jones, of Little Rock, Ark., is beyond
doubt one of the most successful business men
among the colored people. He began life a very
poor boy, without friends or capital, and has by hard
work and close economy placed himself among the
most prominent business men of his city. Mr. Jones
is engaged in the undertaking business, and can say
what no other colored man engaged in that line of

o o

work in the South can say, and that is — he has about
34

530 Evidences @f Progress

as much patronage among the white people as he has
with his own race. Mr. Jones first started in busi
ness as a merchant on a small amount of money, and
finally worked into the undertaking business. He
owns now in Little Rock quite a large amount of

MR. GEO. E. JONES.

property, and among the different buildings there he
has two large brick blocks, one on Main street, where
he has his undertaking establishment, and one on
West Ninth street, which is rented. In the Ninth
street block Mr. Jones has in one room a fine drug

Among Colored People.

531

store, which he employs a young druggist to attend
to. He owns a fine lot of horses and carnages used
in his business as an undertaker. His residence is
by far the best furnished home I ever saw owned by
a colored man. Mrs. Jones, his wife, is a very re
fined and cultured lady.

MR. G. W. HIGGINS.

G. W. Higgins was born in South Carolina, and

MR. G. W. HIGGINS.

lived for some time at Newberry, S. C. He began at

532 Evidences of Progress

an early age to acquire an education in order that he
might be of some help to himself and race. Mr.
Higgins attended Biddle University at Charlotte, N.
C., where he took a course in theology. He was at
one time principal of the public school at Old Fort,
N. C., and while teaching there he established a
Presbyterian Church, which is still in existence.
After leaving the Presbyterian work he joined the
A. M. E. Zion Connection, and was appointed pastor
at Abington, Va., and afterwards at Johnson City,
Tenn. There he became interested in the industrial
advancement of the colored people, and set about to
learn some trade, and secured work in a first-class
steam laundry, and learned the business thoroughly,
and afterwards operated a laundry of his own. Mr.
Higgins came to Cincinnati, O., in 1893 and secured
employment with the Oil and Grease Company of
Chas. H. Moore & Co. After five years of faithful
work for that firm he became an expert in the com
pounding of the oils and greases made by the firm,
and was offered a larger salary by Burchard & Co.,
of Cincinnati, who are refiners of lard oil. For this
firm, Mr. Higgins has charge as foreman of the oil
and grease department. He is much thought of by
his employers.

MR. A. MEANS.

A. Means, of Memphis, Tenn., is a practical hatter,
and is the only colored man I know of engaged in
that line of work. He has a large trade and keeps
on hand a select assortment of the latest styles in

Among Colored People. 533

hats and caps. Mr. Means does a large business in
cleaning and repairing hats.

MR. J. E. HENDERSON.

J. E. Henderson, of Little Rock, Ark., is engaged
in the jewelry business. Mr. Henderson is regarded
as a good workman in his line, and for some years
before he began business for himself he did the re
pair work for one of the leading jewelry houses of
Little Rock. He gets a great deal of his work now
from the white people. I hope before many years to
see a larger number of colored men engaged in the
jewelry trade.

SOUTHERN MERCANTILE COMPANY.

The Southern Mercantile Company, Pine Bluff,
Ark., is a company of excellent business men, who
are demonstrating that colored men can manage a
successful business enterprise. They handle a large
stock of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes and
plantation supplies. They do both a wholesale and
retail business. The firm has in it such men as
Wiley Jones, Fred. Havis, who is president of the
company, and Mr. M. R. Perry, as secretary and
treasurer. Mr. Perry is a graduate from one of the
best schools in the country and regarded as a splen
did business man.

MR. L. CARTER.

L. Carter, of Greenville, Miss., was born of slave
parents at Carthage, Tenn. He has been in Mis
sissippi since 1866. Mr. Carter owns and operates

534 Evidences of Progress

the only large book store in the country owned by a
colored man. He keeps a splendid stock of school
books, blank books, stationery, periodicals and a
good assortment of story books and toys. In speak
ing of where he got the greater part of his support,
he said that at least two-thirds of his patronage came
from the white people, and among the best class of
them. Mr. Carter owns good property in Greenville
as a residence, and is regarded as one of the promi
nent citizens.

DAVIS & ROBINSON.

Davis & Robinson, of Jacksonville, Fla., are the
leading commission merchants of that city. They do
both a wholesale and retail business in oranges,
fruits, strawberries, northern produce, turkeys,
chickens, eggs, early vegetables. They handle
melons in car-load lots and keep all kinds of game
in season. They also supply the large hotels there
with all they need in their line. Both of these men
are respected and regarded as excellent business
men by the leading people.

MRS. ELLA HENDERSON.

Mrs. Ella Henderson, who is located at Natchez,
Miss., has opened a very excellent millinery store,
where she keeps a splendid stock of goods in that
line of trade. As I have stated in other parts of
this book, there are very few colored ladies engaged
in the millinery business. This is to be regretted,
for there is an opening for some one to do well in all
towns where the colored population is large. Mrs.

Among Colored People. 535

Henderson has taken special training to thoroughly
prepare herself for the successful management of her
business. She started in a small way, and has twice
since she opened her store had to enlarge the room
in order to meet the demands of her trade. She
buys her stock from the best houses in the country.
The travelling salesmen who visit the town with
millinery goods call on her and give her the same
attention to secure her patronage as they do the
white ladies in the same business. I hope that many
colored ladies who may read this short sketch will
be inspired to at least try and start some kind of
business.

RISHER BAKERY COMPANY.

Mr. H. T. Risher, of Jackson, Miss., who owns
and operates a very large and successful bakery
business, has taken a new departure in the line of
business for colored people. I have only found two
men engaged in that line of work. One was Mr.
Jones, at Danville, Va., and Mr. Risher, of Jackson.
His place of business is equipped with all the modern
appliances for a first-class bake shop. Mr. Risher's
trade extends to many of the towns in the State,
where he supplies merchants who sell his bread. He
has several delivery wagons that are used to supply
his city patrons. Mr. Risher is regarded as a very
excellent man, who is much interested in all that will
advance the cause of his race in a business and edu
cational way. He has been one of the leading
spirits in building up Campbell College at Jackson,

536 Evidences of Progress

one of the A. M. E. schools. Mr. Risher owns
splendid property and enjoys the respect of both
white and colored people.

MR. F. B. COFFIN.

F. B. Coffin, of Little Rock, Ark., is a druggist by
profession. He operates a very fine drug store at
Little Rock for Mr. Geo. E. Jones. Mr. Coffin is a
graduate from Meharry Medical College, at Nash
ville, Tenn. In addition to his work as a druggist
he has written a book of poems, entitled " Coffin's
Poems." The book has 248 pages, and contains
some very interesting matter, which shows his ability
as a writer. Part of his book is devoted to the ques
tion of Lynch law, and he speaks out like a true and
brave man against that awful curse to this country.

MR. j. E. BUSH.

J. E. Bush was born in Moscow, Tenn., in 1856.
His parents moved to Arkansas during the rebellious
unpleasantness of 1862. At an early age he mani
fested the energy and self-reliance that has developed
him into the useful prominence of a worthy and
highly respected citizen. He earned his tuition at
school by moulding brick. He may have made
" bricks without straw," but his manliness has never
allowed him to complain of the many hardships he
has endured to overcome the difficulties in his ex
perience or surmount the obstacles with which he
has so often been brought into contact. Mr. Bush
was educated in the schools of Little Rock, Ark

Among Colored People. 537

He has been successful in life and owns valuable
property there. He has also held some important
political positions, and was appointed in 1898 by
President McKinley as Receiver of the United States
Land Office at Little Rock.

DR. G. W. BELL.

Dr. G. W. Bell, of Pine Bluff, Ark., is a graduate
of Lincoln University, and he took his medical train
ing at " The University of Michigan." He has a
very large practice. Dr. Bell has established, in con
nection with his profession, a private sanitarium for
the benefit of those who come to him from a dis
tance for treatment. He has built a comfortable
building for that purpose, and I think it is the only
institution of the kind carried on by a colored doctor
in the State.

B. F. JACKSON.

Mr. B. F. Jackson, of Boston, Mass., is an inventor
of quite a number of very useful things ; among them
is a matrix dryer used in all of the large newspaper
offices, and a gas burner used with great success by
candymakers. Mr. Jackson has in use now a trolley
rope catcher, that is considered the best thing of its
kind in use. He also invented a gasoline engine for
automobiles that is in general use; in fact, he has an
automobile that he made himself. Mr. Jackson
hopes to organize a company of colored men who
can invest money, and start a factory, where patents
taken out by colored inventors can have their inven
tions manufactured and put 011 the market.

538 Evidences of Progress

DR. T. M. DORAM, M. D. V.

Dr. Dorain will doubtless be quite a bit of interest
to the readers of this book, from the fact that he is
the first and only negro graduate to receive a diploma
from a veterinary college in the United States. He

DR. T. M. DORAM, M. D. V.

was born in Danville, Ky., where his parents own
valuable farm land. His father was a carpenter,
and when Dr. Doram was young he worked with
him at the trade. After he had finished at the public
school, in 1892, he entered Eckstein Norton Uni-

Among Colored People. 539

versity at Cane Spring, Ky. While there the build
ing was destroyed by fire. Dr. Doram then found
his knowledge of the carpenter's trade of great value
to him and the school, in helping to rebuild the col
lege building. In 1896 he entered the McKillip
Veterinary College at Chicago, 111. At the close of
the first year he was at the head of his class in ma-
teria medica, and the second year he led his class
in pharmacy, and during his last year he was made
senior instructor of his class, an honor of which he
may be justly proud. In 1 899, when he graduated, he
came to Evanston, 111., where he enjoys a good
practice, and he is called in his profession by the
best people in that very wealthy and aristocratic
community. I very much hope that a few at least
of the young colored men who may read this sketch
may be inspired to take up the profession of veter
inary medicine and surgery, for I am confident that
many could succeed in different parts of the country.

MR. J. W. ADAMS.

In presenting a few words about Mr. J. W. Adams
and his business I feel that I am doing the people
at large a great favor to give them an opportunity
to know something about this eminently successful
colored business man. My attention was first called
to Mr. Adams by Prof. Booker T. Washington while
I was lecturing at Tuskegee. I changed my plans
somewhat in order that I might visit Montgomery,
Ala,, and see both the man and his place of busi
ness. Mr. Adams was born in 1867. He began

540

Evidences of Progress

business for himself about 1899. But before that
he picked up some knowledge of business by work
ing for a large clothing house in Montgomery. He
first went there as a porter, but in time they allowed
him to sell goods. Mr. Adams always saved his

MR. J. W. ADAMS.

money, and when he had about three hundred and
fifty dollars he decided to make an effort for himself.
He now operates a large store, where he sells dry
goods, clothing, millinery, boots and shoes, hats,
caps, trunks, notions, etc. Mr. Adams carries a stock
of over twenty thousand dollars, and his store covers

A) no Jig Colored People. $41

over four thousand square feet ; but he first started
in a room only 18 by 19 feet. His patrons are about
evenly divided between white and colored people.
He gives employment to a large number of clerks,
all colored. In the millinery department I found two
young ladies who had learned their trade at Tus-
kegee. Many of the white ladies in Montgomery
buy their hats at Mr. Adams' store. I need not tell
you that he is of great importance and help to the
race, for we all know what a great inspiration such a
man must be in stimulating a feeling among young
men to at least try to build up some business in
terest.

MR. H. A. LOVELESS.

Mr. H. A. Loveless is also a resident of Mont
gomery, Ala., and must be classed among the suc
cessful business men of the race. He, like Mr.
Adams, began business on a small scale, and by hard
work and an untiring effort he has made a showing
no man need to be ashamed of. Mr. Loveless
operates a coal and wood yard, where he gives
employment to a large force of men. He also owns
teams and does general hauling, and has nine fine
carriages that are kept on the street for the benefit
of the general public. Then, in addition to what I
have referred, Mr. Loveless has a very large un
dertaker's establishment, which also gives quite a
number of people employment. He owns fine
town property, and is regarded by both white and
colored people as a very excellent man. He takes
an active part in church work, and is especially in-

542 Evidences of Progress

terested in every movement that will advance the
colored people in the development of business in
terest He along with other leading men of the race
feel that industrial education, and a cfood business

o

MR. H. A. LOVELESS.

training for the young, will prove a great factor in
the solution of what we call a " race problem."

PROF. R. B. HUDSON.

Proi. R. B. Hudson is a resident of Selma, Ala.,
where he is principal of the city school for colored

Among Colored People. 543

youths. The school is a very large one, and is re
garded by such men as B. T. Washington, W. H.
Councill and others as the best public school in the
State. Mr. Hudson has been very active in educa-

PKOF. R. B. HUDSON.

tional and religious work, and for Over fifteen years
has been superintendent of a large Sunday-school,
and president of the largest District Sunday-school
Convention in the State. He is also secretary for
the Baptist State Convention, and statistician for the
Baptist denomination in the State. Prof. Hudson

544 Evidences of Progress

was for six years secretary of the State Teachers'
Association, and was then elevated to the presidency.
So one can see that in a religious and educational
work Mr. Hudson has been a very useful man, and
I am glad to inform my readers that he has also
done something in a business way, that is of great
value to the race in starting a large coal and wood
yard in Selma, where he gives employment to quite
a force of men. There are six coal and wood
yards in the city, and Prof. Hudson has the second
in size. His business in that line brings him an in
come of over ten thousand dollars per year, and his
customers are made up of all classes, among them
bankers, lawyers and leading merchants among the
white people. Prof. Hudson is still young, and I am
sure has a great future ahead of him.

DR. L. L. BURWELL.

Dr. Burwell is also a resident of Selma, Ala., and
a young man the people seem very fond of. He
worked his way through school and graduated with
high honors at Selma University, after which he en
tered Leonard Medical College, at Raleigh, N. C,
and by hard work finished the four-year course in
three. Dr. Burwell located at Selma, and has built
up a very extensive practice. He owns valuable
property, and operates one of the largest drug stores
in the South, and perhaps the largest owned by a
colored man. The country people have great con
fidence in him, not only as a physician, but as a splen
did business man, and from far in the country people

Among Colored People. 54$

come to get his opinion on some business matter.
In our late war with Spain the doctor induced over
thirty colored men to enlist, on the ground that they
ought to show their loyalty to the American govern
ment. I regret that I am unable to present a picture
of the doctor.

JOHN M. BROWN.

Mr. John M. Brown is to me a very interesting
character. My attention was first called to him by a
white man who sells the goods manufactured by Mr.
Brown. The white man \vas a Southerner, but seemed
quite proud of him. He is located in Macon,
Ga., and operates a broom factory on quite a large
scale, so much so that most of the time he has fifteen
people employed. He makes only a high grade of
brooms and sells them to the white merchants. Mr.
Brown does not send out a white man to sell his
goods, but goes himself and presents his claim for
their patronage on the merits of hie manufactured
article. I am glad to tell my readers that only on
one or two occasions has his color been a hindrance
to him in the State of Georgia, as far as the sale of
his brooms are concerned. Just one other point of
interest that will, I am sure, be appreciated, and that
is, Mr. Brown has taught colored men the trade of
broom making, and employs only members of the
race.

MR. CHARLES W. CHESTNUT.

Few people are aware of the fact that Mr. Charles
W. Chestnut, whose volumes of character sketches
and short stories have made him famous, is a colored
35

546 Evidences of Progress

man. His home is in Cleveland, and to meet him
on the street one would take him for a clerk in a
store rather than an author. Until within the past
couple of years Mr. Chestnut was a court steno
grapher in Cleveland and employed several assistants.
He has reported dozens of large conventions in this
city, and he is known to thousands as a stenographer.
Mr. Chestnut is of medium size and of very slight
build. His hair is light and he has a small, light
mustache. His hair has a slight tendency to kink, but
this is hardly noticeable. His complexion is very
fair, so much so that many Cleveland people believe
him a white man.

PROVIDENT HOSPITAL.

Provident Hospital and Training School, St. Louis,
Mo., opened for the care of colored patients in this
city on the 4th day of April, 1899, with a staff of
nine colored physicians and a consulting staff of nine
white.

It has a Board of Managers composed of colored
citizens of this city, it is a regular chartered institution,
and has a capacity of fifteen beds, modern operating
room, and three young colored women in training.
Some of the most difficult operations known to surgery
have been performed at the hospital during the past
year. The hospital has been furnished entirely by
the colored people of this city.

This institution meets a long-felt want, as the
colored people are not admitted to the white hospitals
in St. Louis. Miss J. E. Valentine, a graduate of the

Among Colored People.

Freedmen's Hospital Training School, is head nurse.
The course in the training school is two years.

Dr. Samuel P. Stafford, a graduate of the Medical
Department of the University of Pennsylvania, and
lately one of the internes of Freedmen's Hospital
and Douglass Hospital, is the physician in charge.
The future of the hospital is full of hope and grow
ing in usefulness. Dr. Curtis is President of the
Board of Managers; W. E. Jackson, Secretary; C. H.
Dodge, Treasurer.

This data should have appeared in chapter twenty-
five on Hospitals and Homes, but came too late. It,
however, will be of interest to my readers.

WARREN KING.

Mr. Warren King, of Cincinnati, Ohio, is making
a most excellent impression among the better class
of white people as to his qualifications as a splendid
business man. Mr. King has taken charge of the
restaurant in what is known as the Cumberland
Flats. Only the very best people live in those Flats,
and they must be persons of means to afford it. Mr.
King boards all who live in those magnificent build
ings. He has a great many friends, and is regarded
by those who take meals in his restaurant as a most
excellent manager.

J. A. BRABOY & SONS.

I have stated in several places in this book that
colored people are here and there engaging in all
kinds of business. It is with pleasure that I call at-

548 Evidences of Progress

tention to Mr. J. A. Braboy & Sons, of Kokomo, Ind.
These gentlemen operate what is known as a "Temple
of Music." They keep on hand a good assortment
of high grade pianos and organs ; in fact, they
handle only the best that is on the market. In ad
dition to their stock of pianos and organs, they keep
a general line of music and musical instruments.
Mr. Braboy owns splendid property, and is respected
by the leading people in Kokomo.

MR. Z. E. WALKER.

Mr. Z. E. Walker, of Sumter, S. C, is one of the
most successful merchants in that city. He operates
what is known as a general store, where all kinds
of goods are sold. He owns a great deal of very
valuable property in town and one or two plantations
in the country. He stands high in business, church
and society. Mr. Walker began business with a
very small amount of money, but is now looked
upon as a very well-to-do man.

MR. W. G. JOHNSON.

Mr. W. G. Johnson, of Macon, Ga., has one of the
best shoe stores in that city. His stock is not only
large, but is in every way up to date. Mr. Johnson
feels that if he buys the best goods made his people,
and especially the better class of colored people, can
not have that as an excuse for giving their patronage
to the white merchants. Aside from his shoe store, he
owns some very excellent property ; in fact, he owns
the whole block in which his store is kept. He is

Among Colored People. 549

a young man, and I believe has a useful future before
him.

JAMES A. JOYCE.

Mr. James A. Joyce, of Cleveland, Ohio, is em
ployed by the King Iron Bridge Co. of that city.
Mr. Joyce is the only colored man engaged as a
bridge draftsman in the U. S. A. His work for that
company is making designs for high grade bridge
work. Mr. Joyce has on several occasions been sent
out on large contracts to oversee the construction of
some very difficult work in their line. I am sorry
that I am unable to give a picture of Mr. Joyce in
connection with this brief mention of what I regard
as a very important character in race history.

R. B. FITZGERALD.

Mr. Fitzgerald is a resident of Durham, N. C., and
is one of the largest brick manufacturers in the
United States. He makes a specialty of fine and
ornamental brick. Mr. Fitzgerald lives in one of the
handsomest residences in Durham. He is also in
terested in what is known as the Durham Real
Estate, Mercantile and Manufacturing Company.
It is not a " trust " or grasping monopoly ; on the
contrary, it is a trust for the people, through which,
on the most generous plan, they can with absolute
safety and ease become stockholders, do business
and become factors in the mercantile world.

This corporation is formed under the laws of the
State of North Carolina to promote manufacturing
and mercantile interests, thus becoming a factor in

550 Evidences of Progress

the development of nature's resources as they exist
in North Carolina, thereby opening up an avenue
heretofore unknown to colored people.

The shares are low, within the reach of all. For
$IO.OO one can become a stockholder and will be
entitled to an equal share of all profit, which divi
dends will be declared and paid at such periods as
will be designated by their by-laws.

With ample capital, backed by such well known
parties as R. B. Fitzgerald, P. H. Smith, D. A. Lane,
and others, under its agreements consolidating large
interests, it is able to provide homes and investments,
large or small, at a great benefit to its patrons, and,
with absolute safety and ease, enable one to be
come the owner of the most precious thing on
earth — a home for his family.

HOSPITAL AND TRAINING SCHOOL FOR NURSES.

The hospital and training school located at Charles
ton, S. C, was organized in 1897, for the purpose of
training colored women as nurses. That such an
institution was needed in that community is evi
denced by the fact that their nurses are always in
demand, and graduates find ready employment.

Students have been admitted to the institution, not
only from Charleston and vicinity, but from all parts
of this State, and from some adjoining States.

The course extends through two years, the first
year being devoted to lectures and practical work in
the hospital, and the second year to practical work
in the hospital and to outside cases.

Among Colored People. 551

Thorough training is given in all branches of the
nurse's profession, including the nursing of surgical
cases. Tuition is free, and nurses are given board
and lodging in the hospital building. Candidates for
admission to the training school must be of good
character, in good health, and have a common school
education.

Further information may be procured by address
ing the Surgeon-in-Chief, Dr. A. C. McClennan, at
the hospital, No. 135 Cannon St., Charleston, S. C.

The general public is asked to give what aid they
can for the support and development of this most
worthy institution. If those who have means to
give would take into consideration that by educating
some young colored lady as a trained nurse they have
helped one more of the race to leave somebody's cook
kitchen, and enter a life where they can not only be
self-sustaining, but their position would give both
dignity and standing to the race.

Dr. A. C. McClennan, who is in charge of the
hospital, I found a very pleasant gentleman, and one
who is kept busy with a large practice outside of the
hospital work. This information came too late to
be mentioned with other such institutions written up
in my book.

DR. L. J. HARRIS.

Dr. L. J. Harris is a native of Virginia and a son of
Samuel Harris, of Williamsburg, the noted mer
chant referred to on page 300 of this book. Dr.
Harris is a graduate of Harvard, and has taken a
special course of study in the treatment of the eye,

552 Evidences of Progress

ear, nose and throat, and has located in Boston, and
gives all of his time to this special work. There have
been a large number of colored doctors educated,
and I think that, as a rule, they are succeeding in
their profession as regular practitioners. But Dr.
Harris is the first to establish himself as a specialist.
We most certainly wish him well in this departure
from a regular line of practice, and hope his success
may inspire other young men to follow in his
footsteps.

MR. EDWARD C. BERRY.

Mr. E. C. Berry, owner and proprietor of a $60 ooo
hotel at Athens, Ohio, is a man that I feel the world
ought to know. He was born at Oberlin, Ohio, in
1855 ; his education was received at Albany, a ham
let in Athens county. When fifteen years of age
he went to Athens and was employed as a hodcarrier
on the Hospital for the Insane, then in course of
building. Mr. Berry was married in 1875, and for a
time he boarded his wife at his own people's home.
His first business venture was a lunch counter, which
he started without any means, and was already $40.00
in debt. After he had got fairly started his wife
joined him, and in 1878 they opened a restaurant in
a small building on the site of the present hotel, and
Mr. Berry's peculiar talent for serving palatable viands
made him the popular caterer of the town. His
restaurant was often patronized by traveling men who
would arrive too late to get a meal at the hotel, and
because of the most excellent meals served at his
restaurant those men would ask. Why do you not

Among Colored People. 553

open a hotel ? and at the same time would say, If you
will, you can count on my being one of your patrons.
So many of those who took meals at his restaurant
said about the same thing to him that he felt en-

MR. E. C. BERRY.

couraged to make the effort. In 1892 Mr. Berry
purchased the adjoining building and commenced
the erection of a twenty-room hotel. From the very
first the business paid ; the house was new, neat and
clean, and always full of people, so much so that

554

Evidences of Progress

Mr. Berry soon found that his house was inadequate
for the business. In 1894 he built two large sample
rooms, over which he arranged four more sleeping
rooms. But one year later was — because of the in
crease in his trade — forced to again enlarge his

E. c. BERRY'S $60,000 HOTEL.

house. Up to that time he had spent very near five
thousand dollars in improvements. In 1899 Mr.
Berry enlarged his house to its present capacity,
which is forty-six sleeping rooms, a dining room with
a seating capacity of seventy-five, a light, well-veq-

Among Colored People. 555

tilated room used exclusively for writing 20 by 40
feet, one reading room 15 by 30 feet, four good,
light sample rooms on ground floor, and the whole
house is heated with three large hot-water heaters,
with public bath-rooms on each floor, and several
rooms with bath. The success that has come to
Mr. Berry in the hotel business is due wholly to the
fact that he is a natural-born caterer and a splendid
manager. I have traveled for years in this and other
countries, and I am free to say that the " Hotel
Berry " is one of the best furnished houses I ever saw.
Mr. Berry gives his personal attention to every de
tail that will make those who are guests in his
house comfortable. His trade comes only from the
best people on the road. He employs two clerks,
one white and one colored. Colored people who
are refined and represent the same class of whites
who stop there are never turned away. I was
pleased to hear him say that much of his suc
cess was due to the constant oversight his wife had
of affairs in the inside management of the house.
I only wish I could write an article that would
paint a word-picture strong enough to make the
American people see what a magnificent hotel Mr.
Berry really keeps. Aside from his very busy life,
he finds time to do a lot of church work, and is
looked upon as the leading man in the colored
Baptist church of Athens.

MR. DUMAR WATKINS.

Dumar Watkins is another member of the race

556

Evidences of Progress

who should be known by the American people at
large. Mr. Watkins is holding a position and doing
a line of work that has never been done by any colored
man in connection with a white institution such as

MR. DUMAR WATKINS.

the one with which he is associated. My attention
was called to him while lecturing at Princeton, N. J.,
by Rev. J. Q. Johnson. I am sure it will be as much
a surprise to my readers, and I hope as much of a
pleasure, as it was to me, when I learned that the

Among Colored People. 557

pathologist of Princeton University was a colored
man in the person of Dumar Watkins. When we
called upon him we found him at his work, prepar
ing some pathological slides for microscopic use.
He is much liked at the university, and is considered
very proficient in his work. The picture I present
here of Mr. Watkins is a splendid likeness of the
man. I need not tell my readers that Princeton
University is regarded as one of the greatest schools
in the world, and it ought to very much increase
the colored people's race pride to know that a mem
ber of the race holds such a position there as Mr.
Watkins occupies.

MR. LEWIS H. LATIMER.

Lewis H. Latimer, of New York city, is the only
member of the race engaged in the line of work he
represents. In 1880 Mr. Latimer entered the em
ploy of the United States Electric Lighting Com
pany as a draftsman and private secretary to Sir
Hiram S. Maxim, of Maxim gun fame. In 1881
Mr. Latimer was sent to England by the above-
named company to establish the manufacture of the
incandescent electric lamps in the factory of the
Maxim, Weston Electric Light Company of Lon
don. He returned in the latter part of 1882, and
continued only a few months in the employment of
the company who sent him abroad. For some time
he served as draftsman and electrician in several
minor companies. He was employed by the Edison
Electric Light Company in 1886, and has remained

558

Evidences of Progress

with them practically ever since, although that com
pany has been absorbed by the General Electric
Lighting Company. Mr. Latimer is kept in what is
known as the legal expert department, and is regarded

MR. LEWIS H. LATIMER.

as a very competent man in his profession. He
stands almost alone in his work as a colored man.
I have only known of about three members of the
race who have made any effort along that line, but
the other two never succeeded in making any head
way, at least not enough to become known to any

Among Colored People. 559

extent. Now, one can easily see that the people
who employ Mr. Latimer must hold him in high
esteem and place in him the most implicit confi
dence, or they would never have sent him to another
country to represent their business. This mention
of Mr. Latimer is another evidence that colored
people are gradually but surely getting into all lines
of business and professions, and I hope that in time
we may call attention to other successful electri
cians among the race.

MR. J. S. ATWOOD.

Mr. J. S. Atwood, of Ripley, Ohio, is a member
of the race who has a great many friends and ad
mirers among both white and colored people. At
present Mr. Atwood is engaged in the livery busi
ness on a very large scale. His horses and carriages
are the best, and his trade comes from the leading
people in the city. He not only owns the large
building where his business is carried on, but he
owns quite a number of others in the place. He
was born a slave in Alabama, and is a brother of
Mr. W. Q. Atwood, of Saginaw, Mich., who is also
mentioned in this book. For years he has been
active in the interest of his race, especially in
defending their rights. He was one who urged
Bishop Arnett to introduce the bill in the Ohio
legislature that mixed the schools of the State,
and in that way gave several thousand colored
children an educational opportunity who had before
that been kept out of school, as there were only

56o

Evidences of

colored schools in towns where the colored popula
tion was large. For sixteen years Mr. Atwood was a
member of the board of councilmen of Ripley, Ohio.
He has always been a strong and very influential

MR. J. S. ATWOOD.

Republican, but his general popularity as a leader
and strong man was such that he was chosen by a
Democratic governor to take the presidency of the
Ohio Institution for the Education of the Blind, lo
cated at Columbus, Ohio. He served as president of

Among Colored People. 561

this institution for five years, and while there brought
about many reforms in the interest of the race. Be
fore he went there colored people had never held po
sitions of any kind at the institution ; in fact, colored
children had been put off by themselves to both eat
and sleep. Mr. Atwood soon put a stop to that sort
of thing, and he also appointed several colored
people to different positions about the institution,
such as clerks and teachers. Some of the colored
teachers appointed by him gave such general satis
faction that they are still retained, atmough he has
been away for years. At Ripley Mr. Atwood is
looked upon as a very important citizen, and his
color in no way stands in the way of his popularity
and usefulness.

GEORGE W. FRANKLIN, JR.

George W. Franklin, Jr., was born in Rome, Ga.,
December II, 1865. He learned the blacksmith
trade with his father, who is still living and engaged
at his trade. Mr. Franklin saved his money from
childhood, and by the time he was a man he had
enough to start business with. His first effort in a

o

business way was a hack line and livery stable ; in
this he succeeded. Seeing the need of a colored
undertaker in Rome, he began by making his own
hearse, which was the first ever owned by a colored
man in Rome. In time he wanted a larger field for
his business, and moved to Chattanooga, Tenn., and
opened an undertaker's establishment on a larger
scale. In five years' time he built up a business that
36

562

Evidences of Progress

brought him several thousand dollars per year. He
now owns three beautiful funeral cars and landau
carriages, dead wagons and a beautiful lot of white
horses. Mr. Franklin has over ten thousand dol-

GEORGE W. FRANKLIN, JR.

lars invested in his business and is out of debt.
He is recognized by white undertakers to the ex
tent that when either he or they have large funerals
they will exchange carriages with each other. He
buys only the best of everything used in his busi
ness, and has bought a large tract of land for burial

Among Colored People. 563

purposes, which is known as East View Cemetery.
I found him a very pleasant man. He is much
interested in the race, and when Booker T. Wash
ington called a meeting in 1900 of the colored
business men of this country, which met in Boston,
Mass., Mr. Franklin took an active part, and, in fact,
gave an address there that was regarded as very able
by the press of Boston.

CHAPTER XXXVI.

NATIONAL BAPTIST PUBLISHING BOARD.

THE National Baptist Publishing Board, located at
Nashville, Tenn., is, beyond doubt, the largest and
by far the best equipped printing plant operated by
colored people. This establishment was started for
the purpose of giving some of the enormous amount
of printing done for the colored people, in the way oi
Sunday-school literature and regular church publi
cations, into the hands of the race, in order that em
ployment might be given to those who were already
competent printers, and at the same time encourage
others to learn the trade. Rev. R. H. Boyd, D. D.,
is the general secretary. He has shown himself a
very active and efficient man in his place. The suc
cess of this enterprise has far surpassed their most
sanguine hopes. The board does all kinds of print
ing, even book work of a high order. I think it no
more than fair to them and the public that I give
here a part of the secretary's yearly report for 1900
and a part of 1901 :

" The work of our Publishing Board has been con
ducted this year on the same plan as the past four
years, by a board of managers, a secretary, treasurer
and general manager. The literary department has
been conducted by an editor-in-chief, with an editorial
staff. We are glad to say that every department of
(564)

Among Colored People. 565

this work has been conducted on strict business
principles. Our board has held three meetings in
the rooms of the publishing house, examining the
machinery and plant thoroughly, and has appointed
an auditor, who has gone carefully over all of the
books and accounts and attached his certificate to
each quarterly report rendered by the Publishing
Board. We are glad to say that the work is no
longer an experiment, but a reality. We have the
best and most thoroughly equipped publishing plant
in America owned and operated by negroes. In our
judgment, seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) is
a very low estimate for this plant, for if it were capi
talized for one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000)
it would pay a reasonable dividend. This plant has
only a small debt, and this is mostly on the real estate.
It is strange that all of this has been paid for out of
the profit arising from the business, and yet the Pub
lishing Board has made large appropriations each
year to missions.

" Last year we called your attention to the fact
that there had been so great an increase in the volume
of business that we were compelled to make general
improvements. We did not expect, however, at the
time to make the improvements so extensive, but the
great enthusiasm created by the delegates on return
ing from the convention at Richmond aroused such
interest everywhere, that the volume of business has
far surpassed the most sanguine expectations of the
most hopeful friend of the Publishing Board.

" The improvements begun last year are fully com-

566 Evidences of Progress

pleted. We have also added a machine known as
the arithmometer and two typewriters to our clerical
department. We have added one roller backer ma
chine and one book and pamphlet trimmer, together

\

. . , ;»:.;• <•

REV. R. H. BOYD, D

with a great deal of bookbinders' appliances to our
bindery. We have added one more steam-engine
and a full electric light plant to our power-house,
three more printing presses to our press-room, a

Among Colored People. 567

full set of linotype machinery, together with a large
supply of printing material to our composing-room.

" The greatest need to-day of our publishing plant
is more room. We occupy three brick buildings,
one, two and three stories respectively. These are
crowded to their utmost capacity, and yet the board
has work of its own and uncompleted contracts which
are more than ninety days behind.

" This department is almost exclusively under the
management of the secretary and general manager,
who has conducted the business in such a way as to
challenge the admiration and confidence of the com
mercial world, bringing respect and honor to the de
nomination and credit to himself. We are glad to
say that his careful business management has brought
almost unlimited credit to our publishing concern in
commercial circles.

" It would be well under this head to call the atten
tion of the members of the convention to the profits
or income arising from this business to the denomi
nation. By referring to our financial statement, it
will be seen that after meeting all expenses of publi
cation the Publishing Board was able to pay cash for
$6,000 worth of machinery, which will stand as a
permanent fund, and has an uncollected account
standing out in open accounts and negotiable notes
to the amount of over $2,425.37, and still made an
appropriation of over $8,000 to missions, thus show
ing that the Publishing Board is not only self-sup-

568 Evidences of Progress

porting, but has paid a dividend to the denomination
this year of $16,425.37.

" Our Publishing Board is not only publishing
pamphlets and Sunday-school magazines in their
own name, but is really doing the work. All type
setting, presswork and binding is done by our own
people. They are also engaged in real bookbinding.
This is furnishing employment to a large number of
skilled mechanics who could not obtain like employ
ment in any other institution."

I am sure that the statements made by Secretary
Boyd will be very encouraging to all who read them.
One of the leading men in this great work is the Rev.
E. C. Morris, D. D., who is president of the National
Baptist Convention. He is a very progressive man,
and has done much for the elevation of the colored
people at large. From the fact that Rev. Morris has
been president of the national convention for years
shows the high esteem he is held in by the Baptist
denomination.

CHAPTER XXXVII

COLORED SOLDIERS.

IN this chapter we introduce to our readers Lieu
tenant Charles Young, who is the second colored
graduate from West Point. He was for some four
years Professor of Military Science and Tactics at
Wilberforce, Ohio. Mr. Young, as can be seen from
his picture, is a man of splendid military appearance,
and is regarded by all who know him as a most excel
lent young man. It is well known that in our Civil
War the colored soldiers made a reputation for them
selves as brave men. It has not, as yet, been much
written about by those who have given a history of
that war. But merit will win and become known in
time. I reproduce here mention made of colored
soldiers by General Guy V. Henry, U. S. A., himself
a veteran soldier, who, in a recent report, speaking of
colored American troops, says : " In garrison they are
clean, self-respecting, and proud of their uniform ; in
the field, patient and cheerful under hardships and
privations, never growling or discontented, doing
what is required of them without a murmur."

I also give an article that appeared in the Pittsburg
Times relating to the colored troops in our late war
with Spain :

"Amid all the praise that has been bestowed on
(569)

570

Evidences of Progress

our fighters on land and sea since hostilities began
but little has been said of the colored troops, of whom
there were several regiments in the thick of the fight

ing around Santiago.

When the

Rough-Riders re-

IBHBI

LIEUTENANT CHARLES YOUNG.

ceived their baptism of fire the country rang with
their praises, but few paused to note that the colored
troops fought side by side with them with equal
bravery, and, in fact, rescued them from their perilous

Evidences of Progress 57 l

position. In the subsequent fighting at El Caney and
at San Juan, before Santiago, they were second to
none in the bravery of their fighting and in the in
trepidity of their charges. They met the deadly rain
of bullets as unflinchingly as the best of their white
comrades, and, in proportion to their numbers, they
furnished as numerous victims to the missiles of the
enemy as any of the other commands. Under their
dark skins was the same warlike and patriotic spirit
that throbbed in the nerves of their paler fellow-sol
diers.

" On that field they once more vindicated the wis
dom that has given them citizenship, and showed that
they are made of the stuff which constitutes the
modern American and causes him to be respected
and admired. No men ever fought for their country
more bravely than did all the men who were engaged
at Santiago, and among them all none exceeded the
colored men in all the attributes of true soldiers and
patriots. They were there, Americans of the Amer
icans, battling for their country, and the difference in
the color of their skin made no difference in the
quality of their courage or service. It is to be hoped
that when all come to thoroughly understand the
quality of the negro as a soldier a little more consid
eration may be paid to his rights as a citizen."

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

THE METROPOLITAN MERCANTILE & REALTY CO. AND

OTHER BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS

OF THE RACE.

Of the various enterprises launched within the last
decade, none appear to me to have made more rapid
progress than the Metropolitan Mercantile & Realty
Company. Persons attempting to find the cause of
the rapid growth of this great institution need only
visit the Home Office of this company and interview
its officers. To do so, one will certainly become
convinced that the Company is headed by a set of
men who have the ambition and zeal of youth, but at
the same time the caution and foresight of men of
long experience in the ways and tendencies of the
business world.

We know of no company that is more in accord
with the spirit of the age; no company whose managers
better interpret and better understand the principles
of successful business enterprises than those of the
Metropolitan Mercantile & Realty Company. The
company was incorporated in 1900, and its perma
nent headquarters established at 150 Nassau street,
which is in the heart of the business section of the
great city of New York ; being within a few blocks
of the world-famed Wall street; and although this
company seems to have caught the spirit of this
(572)

Among Colored People. 573

great financial centre, it lias not copied its daring
speculative features. For while the Metropolitan
Mercantile & Realty Company is entirely progressive,
it is at the same time conservative ; as I am told that
its capital is invested only in improved real estate.

The company has agents and branch offices in ten
different States, and through them it is always able to
invest its money in the best real estate securities,
and at the same time to assist worthy colored peo
ple in getting homes. The company also deals
in groceries, and I am told makes a handsome profit
out of them, and for the last two years has paid a
dividend to its stockholders of seven per cent.
From the present outlook the dividends will in
crease in the near future, as the business is growing
rapidly.

The company began business with a capital stock
of one hundred thousand dollars, and has since in
creased the same to five hundred thousand dollars,
and the par value to ten dollars ; and while the stock
is sellingr at five dollars at the time of coiner to the

o o o

press with this edition, it will gradually increase until
its market value reaches ten dollars.

Of the different testimonials which the company
has, showing what the leading men think of it, we
print the one below from the Rev. W. H. Brooks,
D. D., pastor of St. Mark's M. E. Church, New York
City.

The president of the company, Mr. P. Sheridan
Ball, whose picture is herein contained, is a thorough,
wide-awake, energetic and progressive young man,

574

Evidences of Progress

and possesses many qualities of the true leader of a
great company. He is quick to see an opportunity,
and equally quick to grasp it; he is untiring in the
work and quite original. He graduated from a

P. SHERIDAN BALL, PRESIDENT.

business college in New Jersey, and was for many
years a partner in the Centennial Manufacturing
Company.

Mr. John H. Atkins, the treasurer, and Mr. L. C.
Collins, the secretary, may be treated collectively.

Among Colored People. 575

They were both Virginians formerly, and both gradu
ated in 1893 from the Hampton Normal and In
dustrial Institute, the school that furnishes to the
world Dr. Booker T. Washington, and they both

JOHN H. ATKINS, TREASURER.

again graduated from the law department of the New
York University in 1897, and are members of the
New York bar. Their training, then, and their keen
legal minds make them eminently fitted for the
position which they hold.

576 Evidences of Progress

In addition to the Metropolitan Mercantile &
Realty features, the company has an insurance de
partment, the Metropolitan Mutual Benefit Associa
tion. This department has a membership of over

L. C. COLLINS, SECRETARY.

ten thousand, and pays larger claims than any other
of its kind. It is established in many different cities
and States, and has several thousand members in
Charleston, South Carolina, alone.

The company, while giving an advantage to all

Among Colored People. 577

who pay cash for their stock by allowing a discount
of six per cent., at the same time caters to the small
investor as well, and persons may purchase stock in
blocks of five or more shares, and pay one dollar
per share upon subscribing, and forty cents per share
monthly until the amount subscribed for is paid.
For the benefit of persons wanting more information
about this company than the foregoing, we advise
them to write the Home Office, 150 Nassau street,
New York City, N..Y.

MRS. FANNIE BARRIER WILLIAMS.

Mrs. Williams was born in Brockport, N. Y., and
received a collegiate education. She is petite in
stature, with a complexion of clear light brown, and
delicacy of feature. Her voice is singularly soft and
sympathetic in tone. There is a pathetic quality in
her public speaking that never fails to touch the
hearts of her listeners. Her most popular lectures
are: "What Will You Do With Our Women?"
" Religion and the American Negro," " Prudence
Crandall ; or, A Modern Canterbury Tale," " Oppor
tunities of Western Women," "Opportunities and
Responsibilities of American Colored Women."

I have been anxious for several years to present a
cut of Mrs. Williams, and mention of her very useful
life for the elevation of her people. I regret very
much that we have not hundreds more such brilliant
women to take up just such work as she has done
with such excellent success. I give here a few of
the many press notices that have appeared in all or
many of our leading papers.
37

57

Evidences of Progress

" Mrs. Williams takes the greatest interest in all
things which pertain to the well-being of the colored
people, and she never hesitates to write or speak in
their behalf. As a lecturer she is in great demand.

MRS. FANNIE BARRIER WILLIAMS.

She has appeared several times in All Souls' Church,
this city; at Oak Park, Riverside, Hinsdale and in
many cities and towns in Michigan, Wisconsin and
Illinois during the last year." — Cliic ago Evening Post.

Among Colored People.

" Mrs. Fannie Barrier Williams, Corresponding
Secretary of the Illinois Women's Alliance, who was
a member of the recent Woman's Congress at Wash
ington, lectured in Providence, New York and Jersey
City during the past week on ' Our Women.' Mrs.
Williams is the lady whose application for member
ship in the Chicago Woman's Club raised such a
rumpus in November of last year. She is a woman
of more than usual intelligence, has a very pleasing
address, and is an agreeable public speaker." — New
York Sun.

' To hear Mrs. Williams,' says one who listened
to her in Chicago, ' is to feel a new conviction of the
possibilities of the race she represents, and a new
sense of responsibility for the unjust conditions
against which this race struggles.' Mrs. Williams is
one of whom Frederick Douglass speaks in terms of
warmest admiration." — Kalamazoo Daily News.

Mrs. Williams is the wife of S. Laing Williams, of
Chicago, who is a lawyer of great ability, and by
push and constant application has worked up a
splendid practice. He, like his wife, takes an active
part in every movement that will advance the interest
of the colored people. Mr. Williams is a prominent
member of the National Negro Business League ; in
fact, is one of the officers of the League. The or
ganization was put on foot by Booker T. Washington,
and has done great good for the race.

MISS CORA J. HAWKINS.

We give in this sketch a cut of Miss Cora J.

580 Evidences of Progress

Hawkins, a Chicago lady who has a public sten
ographic office in the Omaha Building, Chicago. So
far as we know, Miss Hawkins is the only young
colored woman managing an office of this kind on

MISS CORA J. HAWKINS.

her own responsibility. Fitting herself for this kind
of work in the High School at Milwaukee, Wis.,
Miss Hawkins used every means possible to make
herself thoroughly proficient. After working for
three years on a salary of $5.00 per week for the first

Among Colored People. 581

six months, and later at $8.00 per week, she gained
a thorough and valuable business training; but, as
there was no chance for further advancement with
this firm, Miss Hawkins decided then that she would
branch out for herself. By dint of perseverance and
dogged determination, she at this time has succeeded
in building up a good paying business.

In my interview with Miss Hawkins she consented
to this write-up, because she wished to have colored
boys and girls see the advisability of getting at least
a high school education, and then, if they have the
slightest liking for a business education, to fit them
selves for stenographers and bookkeepers. Miss
Hawkins has had many opportunities of securing
good positions for colored stenographers, but says
that in all her acquaintance there are not six whom
she could recommend as being thoroughly com
petent. Some who are rapid typewriter operators
are poor spellers and neglect their shorthand entirely,
and others have attended some business college for
six months and make no further attempt to perfect
themselves, being apparently thoroughly satisfied
with what little they could learn in that six months,
and expecting to secure a good paying position when
they were in reality mere beginners in the work, and
had had no experience whatever. Miss Hawkins
states that often when she was seeking a position she
offered to work without any compensation in order
to gain experience. It is her belief, and it is the belief
of most broad-minded people, that there is plenty ol
work for all colored men and women, boys and girls,

582 Evidences of Progress

who are thoroughly competent to fill the positions
they seek, and who are not easily discouraged.

Miss Hawkins has at times employed four or five
assistants, but in nearly all cases they were (neces
sarily) white girls.

Not long ago a prominent business man offered to
employ all colored help in his office if he could find
enough who were competent — both men and women.
After having talked with this man, and arousing his
sympathy and getting this offer of assistance to the
race, Miss Hawkins was very much embarrassed to
find that it was no easy matter; in fact, almost an
impossibility, to find colored bookkeepers, shipping
clerks, stenographers, etc., who (to use the man's own
words) were honest, thoroughly trustworthy, well
educated ; in short, persons who were capable, and
would be perfectly loyal whether their employer was
out of the city or in the office every day to see that
their work was well done.

There are opportunities for all colored persons
who are prepared to grasp them.

MISS MATTIE JENNETE JOHNSON.

Miss Mattie J. Johnson is employed as a saleslady
in Siegel, Cooper & Company's large store in the
city of Chicago. She began work for them in 1893,
and has been there ever since. Miss Johnson is in
the grocery department, and is regarded by her em
ployers as one of the most competent women in their
store. She has many warm friends among the
patrons of the establishment. We are glad that we

Among Colored People.

583

are able to present with this short mention of Miss
Johnson a splendid picture of her, and while she is
the first colored lady thus employed — knowing that
she was colored when they engaged her — I am sure

MISS MATTIE JENNETE JOHNSON.

she will not be the last, and I hope that this mention
of her may stimulate many young women to prepare
themselves for some useful place, for there is no
doubt in my mind but many positions will be open
to colored people in the future that have been denied

584 Evidences of Progress

them in the past. Miss Johnson came from the
South to Chicago. Many of her relatives are still in
the South.

F. D. CHENAULT.

F. D. CHENAULT.

Mr. F. D. Chenault is another member of the race
whose life ought to be an inspiration to all who read
this brief sketch of his business success. He was
born in Kentucky, in 1868, and moved to Kansas, in

Am o Jig Colored People. 585

1880, where he learned the butcher's trr.de. After
four years of hard work he was competent to do all
work in his trade and demand a good salary. Mr.
Chenault came to Chicago in 1891, where he started
in business for himself. Having only $28.00, he had
to begin on a small scale, but we are glad to say that
success has attended his effort from the first. He
has now, at 2630 State street, a large and well fitted
up meat market, where he sells all kinds of meats
and poultry, also game in season. His business has
grown from the $28.00 start to an income of some
fifteen thousand dollars per year. Mr. Chenault
says that his patrons are by no means all colored,
but made up of all nationalities living in that section
of the city. Now, the lesson that we hope to teach
in presenting this data and cut of Mr. Chenault, is
the help it may be to young men who may read it,
for we believe that as he started and succeeded so
could hundreds of others if the efforts adopted by
him be applied by them. They need not all become
butchers, but take up some one of the many lines of
business open to men of brains and energy.

DR. THOMAS W. PATRICK.

Dr. Thomas W. Patrick ir, a native of Hayti, but
was brought up in Trinidad. West Indies, where he
secured his certificate of registration in pharmacy.
He came to Boston, and for some time was with the
E. L. Patch Co., the manufacturing chemists of Stone-

£>

ham, and afterwards studied at the College of Physi
cians and Surgeons in that city. For some time he

586 Evidences of Progress

conducted a drug store in Blossom street, Boston,
but for ten years or more has given his attention to
teaching pharmacy, having established his school in
1892, and as far as I can learn he is the only colored
man who has ever established a school of pharmacy.
Since 1892, when he started the work, he has had over
four hundred students, and only two of them have
been colored. I regret that I am unable to present a
cut of Dr. Patrick with this sketch.

OSCAR M. TIBBS.

Mr. Oscar M. Tibbs was born in Virginia, in 1861.
He spent some years of his life as a sleeping-car por
ter, but being of a mechanical turn of mind, also a
musician of some ability, he turned his attention to
the making of musical instruments. His first effort
along that line was a guitar. When done he showed it
to Mr. C. C. Williams, manager for John C. Haynes
& Co.. of Boston, who are amon^ the largest

r^ o

manufacturers of musical instruments in the United
States. Mr. Williams was so well pleased with the
guitar that he offered Mr. Tibbs a place in the
factory. He now makes mandolins, banjoes and
violins. His work has been very satisfactory
in every way. He made and presented a violin
to Rev. Stevens' daughter that he was offered one
hundred dollars for, because of its most excellent
tone. Mr. Tibbs is the only colored man I have ever
heard of engaged in his line of work.

Among Colored People. 587

THOMAS HENRY CRUMP.

Mr. T. H. Crump is engaged in an enterprise that
is a new departure for a colored man. He has
started a lecture bureau, known as " The Metropoli
tan Lyceum Bureau," and we are glad to say that he
has made a success of his effort. He employs and
secures engagements for both white and colored
talent. He has on his list of attractions some of the
best singers, readers and lecturers. Mr. Crump has
his headquarters in Chicago, at 3844 Dearborn street.
He is quite a singer, and is blessed with a wife who
is also gifted in that direction.

ALEXANDER STEPHENS.

There is possibly no man in Chicago better or
more favorably known in a business capacity than Mr.
Alexander Stephens. In 1893 Mr. Stephens was a
resident of Memphis, Tenn., where he commanded
the respect and confidence of the business men, both
white and colored, for his strict honesty and integrity.

In Memphis Mr. Stephens stood high as a business
man, and during the year 1893, when great numbers
flocked to the World's Fair city, Mr. Stephens, in
order to enlarge his business enterprises, followed in
the wake of the great throng to Chicago, and to-day,
through perseverance and business ability, he stands
high up among progressive business men of the city.

Mr. Stephens is a born restaurant man, and Mrs.
Stephens, his estimable wife, knows as much about
a kitchen as any chef, and is as thoroughly conver
sant with the details of the business as is her hus-

588 Evidences of Progress

band, and the Stephens' restaurants are known far
and wide for their most excellent service. Mr. Alex
ander Stephens began in a modest way with one
small restaurant, and to-day he is the owner of three

ALEXANDER STEPHENS.

of the best in the city. Recently he purchased the
" Waldorf," 3027 State street, which is a credit to the
colored citizens of Chicago. Mr. Stephens is a race
man. He is a member of the Negro Business Men's
League of Chicago, a member of the Masonic Fra
ternity, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, last, but not
least, the True Reformers, and is in thorough sym
pathy with all the progress of his race.

Among Colored People.

DR. HENRY FITZBUTLER.

589

Dr. Henry Fitzbutler was born in Ontario, Canada,
in 1837. After finishing the district school he de
termined to prepare himself for college. He worked

DR. HENRY FITZBUTLER.

as a farm hand, taught school, and, by strict economy,
paid his way at the Detroit Medical College, and
then the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. To
accomplish this he endured many hardships. He
took contracts to cut roads through forests from one

590 Evidences of Progress

Canadian villiage to another, near Amherstburg,
Ontario, working as a lumberman or surveyor, as
necessity demanded.

He was married to Sarah Helen McCurdy, in 1866,
and was aided materially in subsequent work by the
courage of his wife. After graduating from Ann
Arbor he went to Louisville, Ky., in 1872, being the
first regular physician of the colored race to practice
in the State of Kentucky.

The prejudice was such that a Negro was not per
mitted to practice in any of the hospitals, or attend
lectures in the medical schools. Owing to this
prejudice, and to meet the demand for higher educa
tion, he, with Drs. Conrad and Burney, obtained a
charter for the establishment of a medical college for
the instruction of people of all nationalities.

Dr. Fitzbutler was dean of this school from 1888
until his death, December 28, 1901, serving as an in
structor in matcria me die a and surgery, and devoting
energy, time and money to the equipment of this
school, known as the Louisville National Medical
College, and from which more than one hundred
men and women now practicing throughout the
United States have graduated.

To meet the requirements of the times, that
patients might receive better treatment and students
have opportunity for observations, he started a hos
pital, in 1895, which he maintained largely from his
private purse. Of him it may truly be said : " He
did the best he could for everybody."

Dr. Mary Fitzbutler Waring, a daughter of the

Among Colored People. 591

late Dr. Henry Fitzbutler, is a graduate from her
father's school, and is now engaged in the active
practice of her profession in the city of Chicago, 111.,
and meeting with success.

CHAPTER XXIX.

CONCLUSION.

I HAVE now come to the most difficult part of
this work. The conclusion to a book is rarely per
fectly satisfactory to all readers, and I think rarely
satisfactory to the author. I can only offer this
apology: I did not at the beginning attempt a
" literary " work. I have only aimed to set forth a
few- facts, which are incontrovertible evidences of the
progress made by colored people, and these facts
I have stated in the simplest form of English so
that every person who reads the book may under
stand. I have indicated, I think, that the colored
people have the same ambitions and aspirations
which characterize all progressive races ; and that
when they are given equal opportunity and a fair
chance in the various industrial and professional
walks of life, they measure up to the white man in
point of excellence, proficiency and ultimate success.

I have not exhausted my subject, for there are
hundreds of men and women of the race not men
tioned in this book, who are just as successful, just
as remarkable in their careers as those mentioned.
It would require a book many times the size of this
one to give anything like a passing mention of these
progressive, intelligent people. I have, as I stated
in my preface, only pointed out a few of the evi-
(592)

Evidences of Progress 593

dences of progress. I have only given a few brief
sketches.

These glowing facts, thus presented to the world,
are the results of my personal contact, association and
experience of sixteen years among colored people,
both North and South, and it is my earnest hope
that I have succeeded in presenting to my readers
food for thought on the Negro question in the
United States.

I have devoted a great deal of space to Wilber-
force University, Livingstone College, Tuskegee
Normal and Industrial Institute, Normal and other
independent and State schools managed by colored
people, because these institutions typify the ability
of the colored man to govern and control enter
prises for himself.

I have not mentioned the political leaders of the
race, such as Messrs. Douglass, Bruce, Lynch and
others, simply because I am not giving a history of
the race, and it has been more my purpose to deal
with the educators and business men.
38

INDEX TO PORTRAITS OF PEOPLE.

Bishop B. W. Arnett, iv
Prof. E. L. Scruggs, B. D., 43
Prof. Joshua Levister, 46
Prof. Gregory W. Hayes, A.M. ,50
Rev. Geo. P. McKinney, 54
Rev. C. L. Puree, A. B., D. D., 58
Prof. N. W. Curtwright, A. B., 61
Prof. O. L. Coleman, A. M., 63
Prof. J. A. Booker, A..M., 65
Rev. Calvin S. Brown, A. B., 67
Prof. S. H. C. Owen, A. M., 69
Rev. James S. Russell, 89
Three Orphan Sisters, 94
Rev. M. W. Dogan, A. M., ill
Bishop D. A. Paine, D.D., LL.D.,

119

Rev. B. F. Lee, D. D., 122
Rev. S. T. Mitchell, A.M., LL.D.,

124
Prof. A. St. George Richardson,

B. A., 130

Prof. J. R. Hawkins, A. M., 132
Rev. Daniel H. Butler, 141
Rev. J. C. Price, A. M., D. D.,

144

Rev. W. H. Goler, D. D., 148
Rev. W. H. Franklin, A. M., 161
Lucy C. Laney, 165
Rev. C. S. Mebane, A. M., 169
Rev. W. R. Coles, 172
Rev. Henry D. Wood, 174
Rev. J. A. Savage, D. D., 177
Rev. D. J. Sanders, D. D., 180
Rev. T. H. Amos, A. M., 182
Rev. J. B. Swann, 185
Prof. G. C. Shaw, 1 86
Prof. B. T. Washington, A.M., 191
Prof. W. H. Council, 216
C. H. Parrish, A. B., A. M., 223

(594)

Miss Mary V. Cook, A. B., A. M.,

225

Prof. Hattie A. Gibbs, 228
Prof. W. B. Weaver, 230
Mrs. Anna B. Weaver, 235
Mrs. Dinah P. Pace, 240
Prof. Jas. B. Dudley, A. M., 242
Prof. Richard R. Wright, A. M.,

LL.D., 244

Prof. S. G. Atkins, A. M., 245
Mrs. Fanny L. Jackson Coppin,

258

Prof. E. W. B. Curry, 262.
Dr. R. F. Boyd, 266
Prof. Richard Hill, 279
Frederic S. Monroe, 281
C. J. Becker, 283
Hon. D. Augustus Straker, 285
T. McCants Stewart, Esq., 292
J. H. Lewis, 297
W. Q. Atwood, 299
Samuel Harris, 300
William H. Davis, 302
J. E. Reed, 305
John S. Trower, 307
E. I. Masterson, 309
Charles A. Webb, 311
Walter P. Hall, 317
S. L. Parker, 319
H. A. Tandy, 322
Daniel Purdy, 324
Dr. W. T. Dinwiddie, 326
J. E. Dixon, 327
Philip J. Allston, 330
Dr. Jared Carey, 332
Rev. W. W. Browne, 338
J. H. Dickinson, 345
T. Thomas Fortune, 350
E. E. Cooper, 352

Index to Portraits of People.

595

Prof. W. S. Scarborough, LL.D.,

Rev. H. T. Johnson, D.D., Ph.D.,

356

\Vm. H. Stewart, 358
Rev. L. J. Coppin, D. D., 359
W. H. Anderson, 361
J. E. Bruce, 362
Hon. J. C. Dancy, 366
Miss Pauline E. Hopkins, 367
W. H. Stowers, 369
James Holmes Moody, 371
Prof. H. T. Kealing, B. S., A. M.,

373

Richard Allen, 378
Rev. C. T. Shaffer, M. D., D. D.,

381

N. F. Mossell, A. M., M. D., 396
J. C. White, 398
Daniel H. Williams, M. D., 400
Rev. Stephen Smith, 407
Edward T. Parker, 409
Dr. Hallie Tanner Johnson, 411
Mrs. Victoria E. Matthews, 414
Mrs. Frances E. W. Harper, 416
Mrs. N. F. Mossell and her

daughters, 418

T. M. Doram, M. D. V., 538
J. W. Adams, 540
H. A. Loveless, 542
R. B. Hudson, 543
E. C. Berry, 553
Miss Alice Ruth Moore, 419
Madam Flora Batson Bergen, 421
Dr. John R. Francis, 429
James Hugo Johnston, 462

Benjamin F. Allen, 469
Warren C. Coleman, 482
Rev. W. F. Graham, 486
Mr. John T. Taylor, 487
John Mitchell, Jr., 494
Mr. J. C. Farley, 495
Miss E. B. Slaughter, 507
Mr. R. F. White, 509
Jordan C. Jackson, 513
Rev. A. H. Miller, 515
Mr. S. Boyce, 517
Isaac Johnson, 519
E. E. Howard, 520
Mr. E. E. Fluker, 522
Mr. R. J. Palmer, 523
Mr. Louis Kastor, 524
Sandy W. Trice, 526

E. H. Faulkner, 527
Eugene Burkins, 528
Mr. Geo. E. Jones, 530
Mr. G. W. Higgins, 531
Lieutenant Charles Young, 539
Dumar Watkins, 556

L. H. Latimer, 558

J. S. Atwood, 560

G. W. Franklin, Jr., 562

Rev. R. H. Boyd, D. D., 566

P. Sheridan Ball, 574

John H. Atkins, 575

L. C. Collins, 576

Mrs. Fannie B. Williams, 578

Miss Cora J. Hawkins, 580

Miss Mattie J. Johnson, 583

F. D. Chenault, 584
Alexander Stephens, 588
Dr. Henry Fitzbutler, 589

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