BIOGRAPHICAL SUPPLEMENT.
It is to be regretted, perhaps, that this volume has in it a feature which must be considered a supplement. But doubtless the author will be excused when he tells the reader that many have delayed till now—long after the completion of the book—to send in their names. New men, strong men, have lately come to us from other States—men whose names could not well go into the main body of the book, for the reason that this has been done for some time. Also, young men of our own State have risen into such favorable notoriety as to merit honorable notice.
In the body of the book I have placed the names of persons in their alphabetical order. Not so here: I have entered the names as they came into my hands. The printer was hurrying me, and I could not stay for proprieties.
Clark, Mr. Peter F., son of P. F. and Daphney Clark, was born in Hale county, Ala., near Gallion, on the Taylor plantation. He first attended what in his neighborhood was known as the Vaughn Hill School, and afterward studied at a night school taught, he says, “by one who would have been my mistress had slavery continued.” Bro. Clark has been remarkably successful in business, which is largely due to his industry, economy and courteous manners. He is vice-president of the Penny Savings Bank in Birmingham, as well as one of the directors. In speaking of the line of work out of which he derived his start in business affairs, he remarked to the writer: “I remained with one firm twelve years.” As we see his success in the light of this statement, we are reminded of the old saying, “The rolling stone gathers no moss.” So many fail on all lines because they move about so much. Mr. Clark is sociable, hospitable, and courteous.
O’Riley, Rev. J. P., pastor at Compton and Trussville, gives the following sketch of himself: “I was born in Saint Croix, Danish West Indies, August 1, 1850. In 1870 I entered a Catholic school in Baltimore, with a view to preparing for the priesthood. In 1874 I joined the Protestant church, and in 1880 I was ordained to the ministry of the Baptist denomination. My pastorates in Alabama have been in connection with the St. Paul Church at Greenville, Coalburg Chapel, Mt. Nebo at Patton, Mt. Joy at Trussville, and Mt. Olive at Compton.”
Bro. O’Riley is a vigorous worker, and is blessed with social qualities which make him an agreeable companion.
Frazier, Rev. Jeremiah Lemuel, son of Richard and Phœbe Frazier, was born in Abbeville county, S. C., June 18, 1857. He says: “My parents were among the poorest of the slaves.” In 1867 his parents moved to Florida, where, in 1874, their son was baptized into the Bethlehem Baptist Church, near Madison county Court House.
His Education.—He has had no public school advantages, but being possessed of a quiet, appreciative, observing, aspiring turn of mind, he availed himself of such educational facilities as came in his way. In the fall of 1874, he entered a night school and continued his studies during the long nights of the winter, paying the teacher one dollar per month. Being called off from this advantage by the demands of the farm, he sought knowledge in the Sunday School, and in the study of such books as he could command. He speaks with pleasure of the fact that his mother prayed that he might learn to read the Bible, that he did learn to read it, and that he read it to her in her weary hours of sickness. The affectionate son is now the affectionate man.
His Work, etc.—On informing his pastor that he was called to preach, he was advised to take up a course of study, which he did, continuing it for about ten years, during which time, 1878, he was wedded to Miss Ida Paul, a young lady sufficiently skilled in letters to render him valuable service in his books. He was ordained in March, 1885, to take charge of the Zion Baptist Church, Enterprise, Fla., since which time he has been pastor in Sanford, Fla. He is now the beloved, successful pastor of the St. Louis Street Church, Mobile, Ala. He is a good preacher, good pastor, good financier, good man. The above named church was organized in 1854; their building is worth $20,000.
Keller, Rev. R. H., of Birmingham. This young man is brought into special prominence by his missionary operations in the “Magic City.” He began at Avondale as pastor, but seeing that so many people were absenting themselves from the churches, he conceived the idea that where the people would not or could not go to the gospel, the gospel should go to them. Mr. Keller went to work at his idea, speaking in empty store houses, etc., in the most ignorant and most polluted neighborhoods or sections of the city, to such of the people as he could induce to attend. At last he stirred such interest in favor of his project and plans as influenced many of the good people of the white churches to render substantial aid.
At present all the white and all the colored ministers of Birmingham—except the Catholic and Episcopal—are united in Mr. Keller’s support. It is rather a strange fact in gospel work that this man should thus represent both races and all creeds. His talks before the white people, so I’m informed, have caused the white women of Birmingham to propose a work upon their part that has for its object the betterment of the home life of the colored people.
“The Union Conference of the White and Colored Ministers of Birmingham” is a result of Mr. Keller’s labors. Evidently he is a man of strong hope in and strong grasp upon his purpose as well as patience, amidst discouragements.
Loveless, Hon. H. A., of Montgomery, was born November 24, 1854, near Union Springs, in Bullock county, Ala. His ex-master retained him on the old farm for five years after the war was over on the plea that his mother was unable to assume his management and support. Finally, however, he escaped to Montgomery, where he found employment for small wages. Being industrious and economical, he soon obtained a little money ahead which he invested in the butcher’s business. His business tact, push, courage, kindness of heart, politeness and integrity soon won for him the confidence and respect of his neighbors, who marked him as a youth of merit and promise. He soon became an earnest, consistent Christian man, from whose hands the poor and needy were daily fed, and at whose house pastors and their families were entertained for years without cost.
Now (1895) in addition to his old business of butcher, he operates a hack and dray line, a coal and wood yard, and an undertaker’s establishment, giving constant employment to about twenty-five persons at a daily outlay of about $25. His wife, once Miss Lucy Arrington, whom he married in 1875, is a suitable help for him, no less in his labors of love than in his business enterprises. He is worth not less than $15,000. His life is an inspiration to poor young men starting the journey of life. Mr. Loveless is an honest man, which in the language of another, is the noblest work of God. The character of the man may be seen in his advice to his laborers: “Pay your debts if it takes the last cent you have.”
Eason, Rev. James Henry.—Among the younger and scholarly men of Alabama is Rev. James Henry Eason. This energetic Christian worker and model of moral courage was born October 24, 1866, in the “piney” woods, eight miles from Sumterville, Sumter county, Ala.—fifteen miles from the railroad.
His father, Jesse Eason, has served as deacon in the Sumterville Baptist Church for a number of years, and is highly respected by both races in his community.
His mother, Chaney Eason, is a faithful Christian worker in the church, as well as a devoted wife and mother. Mr. Eason’s strength of character, talent and success are, to a large degree, heritages from this good woman. His mother taught him his alphabet one Sabbath when he was only five years of age. The early part of his life was spent with his parents on the farm, and he attended public school near his home. His first teacher was a Mr. Poe, a white man, who said to him, as they were coming from school one day: “You will be a smart man one of these days.”
James did not advance very far in his books under this teacher, who taught the old method of going through the spelling book first, next the reader and then review. Besides, the schools only lasted three months in each year. His marked improvement was not made until his parents moved to Sumterville, and he began studying under Rev. C. R. Rodgers and H. D. Perry from Selma University. It was in the Wednesday evening prayer meetings, held in the school by Rev. C. R. Rodgers, he received a deep and effectual religious impression. A year afterward—October, 1881—he was baptized into the Sumterville Baptist Church by Rev. G. Lowe. In November of the same year he entered the Alabama Baptist Normal and Theological School at Selma, Ala., now Selma University. In 1885 he graduated from this institution with the highest honors of his class—his class being the second class to graduate from this institution. Along with the normal course he took the college preparatory course, and began his college course in the fall of 1885. After spending about two years in this course he abandoned it on account of financial embarrassment and other unfavorable circumstances. To this point he had kept himself in school by working on the farm during the summer months.
In 1883 he took a little school at Ohio, Ala., and in 1886 he canvassed and sold the Colored Chieftain. In 1887 he was elected principal of Garfield Academy, Auburn, Ala. It was in this position his noble qualities claimed the attention of the public as a teacher and preacher—yes, as a leader. Here the desire of higher education burnt again upon his heart and, against the protest of patrons, he resigned this position and entered Richmond Theological Seminary, Richmond, Va., in 1887. After three years of hard study he graduated ahead of his class in 1890 with the degree of B. D., and returned to Alabama and began work as professor of mathematics in Selma University—a position he still holds. He was ordained in Tabernacle Baptist Church, Selma, Ala., in 1891, and took charge of Union Baptist Church, near Marion, Ala. He has baptized one hundred persons. He is moderator of New Cahaba Association, and managing editor of the Baptist Leader. As a teacher he is admired by the pupils and respected by the faculty. He is a hard student and takes high rank as a preacher, and excels in persuasive oratory. He is original, broad minded and good natured, and is much respected among the brethren of the State.
Rev. T. W. Walker, Pastor Shiloh Baptist Church, Birmingham, Ala. Moderator Mt. Pilgrim Association.
Mason, Dr. Ulysses Grant.—We feel justified in saying, that among the rising and foremost young men of Alabama is the one whose name heads this article. He is the youngest son of Mary and Isaac Mason; was born November 20, 1872, in Birmingham, Ala., which city is still his home.
Until the age of 16 his school advantages were limited to the rural districts, where educational facilities were few. But his desire to learn soon exhausted the shallow draughts of the primary school, and therefore he entered the State Normal School at Huntsville, Ala., now located at Normal, Ala., where he drank more freely from the deeper springs of science and art. Aside from his regular course, he pursued the carpenter’s trade, at which his success was soon apparent; for, two months after entering, he was advanced to the position of foreman over some of his older colleagues. He graduated from the above named school June 1, 1891. As a student and teacher the thought uppermost in his mind was that of serving his race by helping to lift it to a higher plane of intellectual culture, for he was not slow to see the moral and physical disadvantages under which it was laboring. To effect this result, he dedicated all his energies to the social and educational betterment of his race. After finishing the course at this school, he taught, as a stepping stone to further usefulness, having held with honor and respect the principalship of the Calera public school. He resigned this position, much to the regret of the school board and patrons, to enter the Meharry Medical College, Nashville. His success as a student of medicine surpassed even his previous career, causing the surprise and even the envy of many who claimed to have towered far above him in the literary world. He was appointed prescriptionist for the clinic, and assistant professor of clinical medicine in the absence of Prof. R. F. Boyd, B. S., M. D., D. D. S., in which capacity he proved very efficient. He refused the honor of valedictorian of his class, and was unanimously elected treasurer.
Dr. Mason is now located at his home, Birmingham, Ala., and is one of our best physicians. His kindly and affable manner has won to him the love and confidence of all. There can be no question as to his future success, as this is assured in his good qualities, skill, and the confidence of the people.
Sisson, Rev. Samuel S.—The subject of this sketch was born in the little town of White Plains, Calhoun county, Ala., June 11, 1863. He lived with his parents on a plantation, helping them in every possible way. He was converted and baptized in 1871. He attended the public schools as opportunity allowed him. In 1882, being convinced that he was called to preach, he entered the Alabama Baptist Normal and Theological School (now Selma University), under the presidency of Dr. W. H. McAlpine. Here he studied hard, paying his own way.
In 1884 he was called as pastor of the Baptist Church at Stock Mill, Ala., Cherokee county. He served this church four years, during which time he baptized and added to the church 250 persons. Not being satisfied with his education, he returned to Selma University in 1888. He was in school only two months when he was asked to supply the pulpit of the St. Philip Street Baptist Church, Selma, Ala., as pastor pro tem.
He served them in this capacity three months, when he was elected pastor, in which capacity he served the church about five years. A great many doubted the ability of the young Timothy to stand in the shoes of such noted theologians as Rev. Wm. A. Burch and Dr. C. O. Boothe. He himself felt that his task was very difficult. He could only trust in Him whose power is inexhaustible.
It was not long until his congregation outnumbered any other in the city. He states that during his five years as pastor he added 1,142 members to the church. Six hundred and forty-two by baptism.
He also laid plans to build a new church. Three thousand three hundred and ninety-seven dollars, so he informs the writer, was raised under his administration for the new church building. Feeling that his work was about accomplished in this field, he resigned as pastor in the fall of 1893. He was then called to Milton, Fla., to pastor the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church. He served the church only five months. His own State, Alabama, not being willing to give him up, he accepted a call by the Jerusalem Baptist Church, Bessemer, Ala. He is now serving this church and is building up a strong congregation for the Master. He is active in church work and much loved by his brethren throughout the State.
In 1888 he married Mrs. Roxie Drake, of Auburn, Ala., and to this fortunate union is due much of his success. She is to-day the organist of his church. Rev. Sisson has high hopes for the future of his people and does everything possible to advance them. He is friendly and, therefore, has friends everywhere he works. He is a hard student of God’s word. As a preacher he is sound in practice and doctrine.
Jordan, Mrs. Dinah Smith, was born in Walker county, Ala., March 26, 1869. Her early days were spent in Arkadelphia, Blount county, and in 1883 she came with her mother to live in Birmingham, Ala. Mrs. Jordan, from a child, loved to read that Book of all books the best, the Holy Bible, and in April, 1885, gave her heart to God. The new-found love in her heart now brought new motives and new aspirations into her life. She was in a new kingdom, and wanted to work for her King. A sermon preached by her pastor, Rev. W. R. Pettiford, on “Christian Growth and Usefulness,” very deeply impressed this young Christian, and to this day is an inspiration to her. Another one whom she dearly loved was Mrs. M. A. Ehlers, a missionary under the Women’s Baptist Home Mission Society, who was at that time in Birmingham, and who she says will never know the help she has been to her in her Christian life, until the lights of Eternity dawn upon her. She began by doing the little things that came to her hands to do—faithfully attending the services of her church, bringing children to the Sunday school, and seeking in her home to honor her Savior. As grand a motive may be had in doing those things which in the eyes of the world seem small as in doing that which the world calls great and admires; and Mrs. Jordan, we believe, had this true motive, the love of Christ constraining her.
Her marriage, which took place on June 7, 1887, to Mr. Andrew Jordan, had been made a subject of special prayer. The husband thinks he has one of the best of Christians in his wife, and through her consistent life he was led, in the fall of 1892, to say, as did Ruth of old: “Thy God shall be my God.” The Women’s Missionary Society opened up new avenues of usefulness to her, and as they came she gladly went forward—visiting the sick, doing religious visiting in the homes of non-church-goers, and holding fireside schools for the children in her neighborhood. She rejoices that in these she has had the blessed privilege of directing the minds of the little ones to Jesus. Her work as teacher in one of the industrial schools conducted by the missionaries has been faithful, earnest, and a means of great strength to them, and her gentle ways have won the love of the pupils.
She loves the work of the young people, and is a member of the board of the associational B. Y. P. U. Her consistent Christian life in her home and in the circles in which she moves has made her life a blessing to all.
Duncan, Mrs. M. D.—This lady who began and is now operating a female academy, was born in the year 1864, March 8, in Jefferson county, Ala. She, for one, has made her mark in life. She professed a hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, in the year 1876—was baptized by Rev. E. T. Winkler (white), and joined the Baptist church of Marion, Ala. She worked her way in school. After she finished the primary department (taught by Mrs. Frances Nickerson,) she entered the Lincoln Normal University, where she was graduated in 1882. Then she was thrown out on the great voyage of life, to meet the many hindrances and obstacles that fall in the pathway of life. But being a brave and persevering woman, she triumphed over them all. She commenced teaching school in 1879, in Marion, Perry county. In 1882, she taught a three months’ term in Bibb county. She was then highly recommended by the President of L. N. University to Tuskaloosa, where she taught in the city school for two terms; then removed to York Station, Sumter county, and there taught two terms, and in 1889, taught one term in Forkland, Greene county. She was then called to Demopolis, to take charge of the Female Institute, where, for five years, and up to the present time, she has given mutual satisfaction to the entire city and community.
The above is given to show the spirit of enterprise among us and to excite others to work on the same line.
Closing the chapter which brings into prominence notable individuals of the denomination, the author feels that it is only just to remark that many of the most cultured and deserving of our number are not mentioned. This comes of the facts that limited means made the production of a large book impossible, while, on the other hand, as the author was hard pressed with other business, his survey of the field was necessarily imperfect. Such persons as the learned and industrious Prof. J. W. Beverly, of the State School at Montgomery; Prof. A. H. Parker, principal of one of the city schools of Birmingham; Prof. R. B. Hudson, principal of the City School of Selma; Prof. E. W. Knight, of the faculty of Selma University; Prof. Phillips, principal of one of the city schools of Montgomery; Mr. Edgar A. Long, the business manager of the “Alabama Publishing Company,” Birmingham; Mrs. A. A. Bowe, teacher of the sewing department of Selma University; Mrs. M. A. Boothe, the first president of the Colored W. C. T. U. of Alabama, and Mrs. S. L. Ross, the first secretary; Mrs. S. A. Hardy (once Miss Stone) who led the women in their successful money effort in interest of our brick school building at Selma; Mrs. C. Copeland and Miss Octavia B. Boothe, who have been in the employ of the Baptist Women’s Home Mission Societies as missionaries; Mrs. Amanda Tyler, of Lowndesboro; Mrs. R. T. Pollard and Mrs. S. H. Wright, of Montgomery; Mrs. Rebecca E. Pitts, of Uniontown; Mrs. Alice Gray, of Talladega; Mrs. Lula Patterson (once Miss Lula Watkins), the very capable teacher of music in Selma University; Doctors Robert and Felix Tyler, of Lowndesboro; Prof. Samuel Roebuck, of Elyton; Rev. T. W. Robinson, of Gurleys; Rev. H. Zimmerman, the efficient leader of Bibb County Association; Mrs. Nancy Nickerson, the first teacher of colored children in Perry county; Rev. F. L. Jordan, pastor of the Sixteenth Street Church, Birmingham—of all these, with many other worthy persons, our book fails to give any notice. Their absence from the biographic sketches is to be accounted for solely in the reasons mentioned, namely, that means were limited and the author’s time and energy were divided between so many different lines of work as necessitated an imperfect survey of the field.
