The Cyclopedia of the Colored Baptists of Alabama: Their Leaders and Their Work

by Charles Octavius Boothe

WILL’S CREEK ASSOCIATION.

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

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

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

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Gleaning from the associational chapter, we obtain:

1. The origin and field of each Association.

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

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

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

It was not thought well to try to tell the same things many times over; hence, some things are given in connection with one Association and other things in connection with another—all aiming at the same end, namely: The giving of a true picture of the Colored Baptists of Alabama.

Rev. W. T. Bibb, A. B., Pastor Baptist Church, Oxmoor, Ala.

IV. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A STRAW WHICH SHOWS THE DIRECTION OF THE WIND.

“The State of Alabama, }
Montgomery County. }

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

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

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

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

“Attest:

“William B. Bell.”

“A. R. Bell.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Ala.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capers, Rev. J. R., of Elyton (since gone to Oklahoma), was born in Camden, S. C., April 22, 1828. In 1845 he was baptized into the Marion Baptist Church (white) by the Rev. Mr. Devotie, and in 1869 he was solemnly set apart to the sacred office of the gospel ministry by Revs. Henry Wood, of Talladega, and Arthur Hall, of Jonesboro. He, with Revs. W. H. McAlpine, Berry Ware, Jasper Beavers, and others, organized the Mt. Pilgrim Association, in Mt. Pilgrim Church, in 1868. Of this association he was the moderator for eleven years. Bro. Capers is known among his brethren and neighbors as an intelligent, industrious, thoughtful, faithful, Christian man and earnest gospel preacher. He is a successful carpenter, and by industry, skill and economy has attained to the possession of a good deal of choice property. No doubt he owes much to his good wife, whom he married in 1850, and by whom he has a large family of thrifty children. Bro. Capers was an organizer in the Jefferson county work, and has left the impress of his decided character upon the workers of this section. He is now in Oklahoma Territory.

Chapman, Rev. F. A., of Flint, Morgan county, Ala., was born in the county and State in which he now lives, November 12, 1843. In 1861 he was baptized into the Sand Hill Church by Rev. M. A. Verser, and in April, 1868, he was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by a presbytery which was presided over by the brother who about eight years before had administered the rite of baptism.

Mr. Chapman is one of the most sober, quiet, pious, earnest, hard-working preachers in the valley of the Tennessee river. He aided in the organization of the Muscle Shoals and Flint River Associations. Most of his time has been spent in mission and pioneer operations. In 1868 he was wedded to Miss Alabama Garth, by whom he has a large family of interesting children. Their home is a retreat for weary preachers and a Christian example in their community.

In a speech which he made before our last State Convention, he said: “The brethren ordained me in 1868, not because of my fitness for the work, but in recognition of a necessity. There was need for a Negro to baptize Negro believers, and I was chosen as an answer to this want without any examination.”

Chandler, Rev. F. C., is pastor of Walnut Street Church, Rosedale, and bears a good name.

Rev. S. L. Belser, Pastor Red Mountain Baptist Church, Bessemer, Ala.

Clark, Rev. Henry, of Opelika, son of David and Patience Clark, both of Virginia birth, is one of the fathers of the work in Lee county.

Brother Clark was baptized at Auburn, Ala., by Rev. H. C. Toliver, of Tuskegee, in 1860. He was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry June 27, 1868, by Revs. W. E. Lloyd, D. D., and Thomas Glenn, since which time he has been busy going about and doing good. He has been a harmless, industrious, pioneer preacher, laying foundations upon which others have builded. He is a tried and faithful friend of missions and education. The writer has always felt that his every pledge was worth every cent it promised. Notwithstanding he has had no educational advantages, still he has, by study of books and by association with men of letters, obtained no inconsiderable store of knowledge.

The churches of Lee county and the Alabama Association owe much to the faithful, efficient labors of Brother Clark. His loving heart ever adorns his face with the smiles of peace and good will. Truly, he is a harmless man, ever ready to do a brotherly deed.

Colley, Rev. Moses, of Talladega, son of Rev. Boney Sawyer, who was a preacher over fifty years ago, is about 55 years of age. He has never had any school advantages, but has attained to a fair knowledge of books. He is a remarkably clear headed man, dignified and self-possessed. Mr. Colley is a hard working, successful farmer, and by this calling, he has obtained a comfortable support for himself and family. He was baptized by Dr. Renfroe in 1856, and was ordained to the ministry in 1872. He held several important pastorates in Talladega, and was once moderator of Rushing Springs Association. He is guarded in speech, but his manners are always affable. No act of folly or crime mars his good name. For many years he has held the pastorate at Mardisville, where he is esteemed no less for his piety than for his sound doctrine.

Collins, Rev. Asa Cyrus, of Hazen, Ala., was born November 1, 1861, in Dallas county of this State. Lost both parents at the age of 8 years. Was baptized by Rev. A. Waller in his sixteenth year, and soon began preaching. In September, 1881, he was officially set apart to the work of the gospel ministry. Mr. Collins has been pastor at various points, and is held in high esteem by his brethren. For several years he has been moderator of the Dallas County Association, over which he presides with credit to himself and with pleasure to the body. Brother Collins is still a rising young man.

Curry, Rev. J. C., of Mount Meigs, Montgomery county, the son of Rev. Philip and Venus Curry, was born in Marion, Ala., October 17, 1852. He was baptized at Felix, Ala., by Rev. D. R. Willis in 1873. On the occasion of his call to the pastorate of the Friendship Church, Shelby, Ala., he was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry by Revs. P. Caddell, M. Jackson, and Henry Scott. Mr. Curry is liberally educated, having been among the first students of Selma University. He is a close, clear thinker, a forcible speaker and a good preacher. He has been pastor at Shelby, pastor of the Dexter Avenue Church, Montgomery, and is now pastor at Mt. Meigs and Tuskegee.

At different times he has been engaged in the newspaper business; and I am informed that he is now assisting Prof. B. T. Washington in collecting certain statistics for the Tuskegee school. Mr. Curry is a man of rare energy and will force, and being endowed with good intellectual gifts there is no reason why he may not become one among the strongest men of the State.

Curtis, Hon. A. H., of Marion, Ala., was born in Raleigh, N. C., December 29, 1829. He came to Alabama in 1839 with the Haywood family. He was the property (?) of E. Haywood, and served as a waiting boy in the store of Stockton & Hunt for many years. He moved to Marion in 1848 and was the body servant of R. T. Goree for two years. After this he was barber for some years. Succeeding by industry and economy in obtaining some cash, he, in 1859, paid Mrs. E. Haywood $2,000 for his freedom, and during the same year went to New York and was emancipated. After the war he engaged in mercantile pursuits and the barber business. In 1870 he was elected to the lower house of the General Assembly of Alabama, and in 1872 he was elected State Senator from the Twenty-second senatorial district. No other colored man ever presided over the Senate of Alabama. He was connected with the legislature of the State for eight years, and not only enjoyed the respect of his fellow legislators of all parties but closed his service in this connection with growing confidence in his integrity. He was baptized in 1851. In 1850 his marriage occurred. His wife was a suitable helper for him and is still alive enjoying the honors and success which justly crown their offspring. The Curtis brothers and sisters are a praise to their parents. The senator was a strong man in society, in church, in State. He died near Marion, July 20, 1878, as the result of a bruise from a fall from his buggy. Three of his sons are successful physicians; two are north; Dr. A. J. Curtis is in Montgomery.

Davis, Rev. Philip, late of Talladega, was born in 1813, in the State of Virginia, near the North Carolina line. He was baptized in 1841, and about the year 1843 he began to speak to his neighbors of the doctrines and hope of the gospel. Early in life he married, and became the father of a large family. After he was brought to Calhoun county, Ala., he continued his labors in the ministry of the gospel, as he had opportunity, constantly increasing in favor with both God and man; and this was true of him to the day of his death, which occurred December 30, 1881. I first met this pious man in December, 1875, in Talladega. He was not a learned man, but he knew the holy scriptures, and was wise in the things of salvation. The more he was known the better he was loved; and his unassuming, gentle, chastened, self-forgetting spirit, as exhibited at home and abroad, was simply charming. As I have looked upon this unmixed, full-blooded representative of the Negro race, arrayed in the beauty of the Christian spirit, I have felt proud of him as a witness for my people. He was not fully installed in the ministry until the close of the war. The late Dr. J. J. D. Renfroe was the leading man in the presbytery who officially set him apart to the sacred office. His last words were: “Like one of old, I have finished my course and am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is come.” He left a pleasant home for his family.

Davis, Rev. C. M., of Flint, Morgan county, was born in the State of Tennessee. He was led to faith in Christ and was baptized by the Rev. F. A. Chapman. He says that his early life was rather wild, but when his eyes were opened he turned with all his heart. In 1885, in May, he was set apart to the ministry by Revs. F. A. Chapman and C. C. Matthews. Mr. Davis is one among the most promising young men in the Flint River Association. He is a discerning, aspiring man, who believes in studying to know the truth, so that he may not have reason to feel ashamed of his teaching, nor spend his time and energies without producing effects. The writer had special opportunity to know him at the State school, where the former was teacher and the latter was student. He is clear-headed, kind and conscientious.

Dawson, Rev. Iverson, of Eutaw, is a man rich in natural endowments, both of body and mind. Upon no man in Alabama has nature been more profuse in the bestowment of choice gifts. He is tall, well proportioned, kind hearted, genial, sociable, magnetic, clear-headed and ever sanguine. He is, no doubt, the strongest man in the Bethlehem Association, of which body he has been clerk for many years; and in every section of the State, and in every phase of business, he is recognized as a man of power and character. As a public speaker, he is both pleasing and instructive.

The vote, which in 1887 retained our university at Selma, was largely owing to his influence and labors.

Mr. Dawson has a pleasant home and an interesting family in the town of Eutaw, where he now serves as pastor. His home is placed on the roll of asylums for tired missionaries. He is a brave, fearless opponent and a true and trusty friend. At this time, he is editing a paper in his town in the interest of the republican party. The writer sincerely wishes that every motion of his strong manhood might be laid wholly upon the church’s altar, and that he could consent to leave the running of political papers to others.

Dinkins, Charles Spencer, D. D., general Sunday School missionary of Alabama for the American Baptist Publication Society, was born September 15, 1856, near Canton, Miss. Mr. Dinkins never knew his father, and his mother, Mrs. Sarah Dinkins, died when he was only 13 years of age. One year prior to her death, he was led to faith in the salvation of God as presented in the gospel, under the preaching of Rev. Jordan Williams, by whom he was baptized into the fellowship of the Mount Zion Church, Canton, in the fall of 1868. For such a boy, at such a time, to make the favorable acquaintance of such a man as Mr. Williams, was a peculiar providence. As in the cases of Saul and Ananias, and Philip and the eunuch, God brought the parties together.

Mr. Williams, perceiving the superior talents of the youth, privately inquired of him whether or not he desired to educate himself, and when the affirmative reply was obtained, he at once influenced his church to provide the means.

On Friday night, January 28, 1870, Mr. Dinkins took the cars for Nashville, Tenn., arriving at that point on Sunday morning. That day he met the good Dr. Phillips, who cordially accepted him at once, and remained his admiring friend to the close of his (Dr. Phillips’) long and useful life.

In referring to his early life, Mr. Dinkins says: “When I was 9 years old, my mother bought me a blue back speller and taught me the alphabet, which I learned in one night. My first teachers were Mrs. and Miss Highgate, of Philadelphia, and Hon. J. J. Spellman, now of Jackson, Miss. Before leaving the old plantation, I saw something of the horrors of slavery, which I can never forget.”

At the age of 16 he began teaching, which work he pursued during summer, returning to Nashville to continue his studies in the fall and winter. He graduated from the classical course of the Roger Williams University, Nashville, in the spring of 1877, as valedictorian of his class, among whom were Messrs. N. H. Ensley and H. M. G. Spenser. In 1878 he returned to take a post-graduate course and was appointed a member of the faculty. In the latter part of this same year he entered Newton Theological Seminary, near Boston, Mass., where, during the time of a full course, from which he graduated in 1881, he was associated with some of the most prominent educators of the country. In this course he took theology, church history, Hebrew, Greek, homiletics, etc. How Mr. Dinkins was seen by this institution, the following story may be allowed to signify:

Just before the death of Dr. Phillips, the writer met him in Nashville.

Dr. Phillips—How is Brother Dinkins?

The Writer—He is well and doing well.

Dr. P.—He is a very capable and worthy person. Dr. Hovey, the president of Newton, said to me on one occasion when I asked after some students who had gone from us to him, “Mr.—— is very sensitive, but Mr. Dinkins is very sensible.”

Dr. Dinkins has held various prominent positions, among which may be mentioned: Member of the faculty of the State University of Kentucky; pastor York Street Church, Louisville, Ky.; teacher of languages in Selma University; pastor Second Baptist Church of Marion, Ala.; and principal of the Marion Baptist Academy; and has been tendered the presidency of the University of Kentucky, and many times he has been earnestly solicited to return to the faculty of Selma University. His examination for ordination before the ministers of Louisville, Ky., in 1883, was an occasion of much comment by both white and colored pastors, in praise of his ability. The writer has had occasion to watch him very closely since his entrance upon work in Alabama, and he does not hesitate to write that Charles S. Dinkins, in point of scholarship, industry and high sense of honor, is not excelled by any man we have had among us. In 1890 the State University of Louisville, Ky., then under the presidency of the late Dr. W. J. Simmons, conferred on him the title of D. D. On the day which closed his twenty-fifth year, the 15th day of September, 1881, he was wedded to Miss Pauline E. Fears, the friend and classmate of Miss M. A. Roach (now Mrs. M. A. Boothe), by his fatherly instructor and faithful friend, Dr. D. W. Phillips. The marriage took place in the Roger Williams University, Nashville, Tenn., a school of which they are both graduates. Perhaps some future historian will write of Mr. Dinkins: “An eventful life, not the least eventful point in which is the finding and wedding of a woman so well suited to a man of such rare gifts.”

Five children—two boys and three girls—grace their home as the fruit of the marriage.

Closing this sketch, the writer would remark that if Mr. Dinkins has a fault, it may be described thus: An exceeding tenderness of conscience, whereby one may be so entirely possessed by present views of law and duty as to forget that new light and other views may modify appearances.

P. S.—He is now the trusted president of Selma University, and none of his predecessors have made, in the same length of time, a better mark than he has made. His personality moves in lofty purposes and is a source of pure thoughts and pious emotions which affect all his surroundings.

Dr. U. G. Mason, Physician and Surgeon, Birmingham, Ala.

Dosier, Rev. John, the founder and for twenty years pastor of the church in Uniontown, was a man of great moral worth. I once heard a politician who was associated with him in the legislature of Alabama, remark:

“John Dosier was an honorable man everywhere, and I never saw a man who did not believe every word he said.”

He, like Mr. A. H. Curtis, passed through his political preferments with stainless reputation.

He was a very old man at the time of his death, which occurred only a few years ago. He was born somewhere near the beginning of the present century. By some means he, during the days of his bondage, learned to read Greek, which knowledge he turned to good results upon his study and interpretation of the Scriptures. He was one of Alabama’s most worthy pioneers. He was a temperance man. Upon one occasion in a session of the Uniontown Association, some one complained that he smelled a very disagreeable whiskey odor in the house.

Mr. Dosier remarked: “With the consent of the body I will find the man who has been drinking.” It was agreed that he might make the search. Accordingly, he passed from man to man, requesting that he might smell his breath. He located the man, who, for lying about it, was excluded from the body.

The writer never met a man for whose veracity he had a higher regard.

Donald, Rev. R., of Birmingham, was born in Alabama June 10, 1854. He is the founder of the Tabernacle Church, Birmingham, and the builder of the First Church, Pratt Mines. He has worked hard and sacrificed much for the cause. His name will remain in many churches. He owes much to his noble, patient wife.

Edwards, Rev. A. J., of Lowndes county, is a teacher as well as a preacher, and in different sections of the State he has labored with good results in the interest of morality, education and religion. Mr. Edwards is blessed with much body as well as with much soul. Good health and jovial spirits abound, and hence he is ever an enjoyable companion. He is still a young man, full of manly pride, commendable ambition, and a love for the pure and charitable, in view of which we may hope that his day is only in its dawning, and that a brighter noon and evening are before him.

Ellis, Rev. Henry, of Flint, Morgan county, son of William and Martha Ellis, was born in May, 1856. He was baptized in 1871, and in 1875 he was ordained to the ministry by Revs. Charles Davis and M. J. Hooks. He is now pastor of St. Peter’s Church, which is composed of some of Morgan county’s best citizens. He deserves special praise for his attention to his Sunday School. Mr. Ellis also preaches to a church near Courtland. This brother is a warm friend to missionaries and delights to aid good causes.

Fisher, Rev. C. L., B. D., son of Alexander and Elizabeth Fisher, was born in St. Bernard parish, twenty miles below New Orleans, La., February 16, 1866.

On the first Sunday in February, 1875, he was baptized into the Broadway Street Baptist Church, New Orleans, La.

Ordained—He was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by the Second Baptist Church in Evanston, Ill., September 29, 1887, where he was student-pastor.

Educated—He graduated from the college department of Leland University, New Orleans, La., May 28, 1884, with the degree of B. A., and graduated from the Baptist Union Theological Seminary, Morgan Park, Ill., May 5, 1887, with the degree of B. D. On May 27, 1891, he received from Leland University the degree of Master of Arts.

Positions—In 1888 pastor of Mt. Zion Church, Little Rock, Ark. In 1889-92 he is teacher of languages and instructor of ministers in Selma University, Selma, Ala. For the last two years of this time he is pastor of the Tabernacle Church of the city of Selma. In the office of State Sunday School Missionary, under the American Baptist Publication Society of Philadelphia, he has for several years rendered very profitable service for the Baptists of Alabama as well as Mississippi. He has recently been recalled to the pastorate of the Tabernacle Church, Selma.

Than is Charles Lewis Fisher, Alabama Baptists have no more thorough scholar, profound logician and industrious pastor. His physical form is a little frail. Should this not hinder length of days, early future years must present him to the world as one of our greatest theologians and metaphysicians. He is not less modest than he is learned, not less benevolent and respectful than he is self-reliant and dignified.

Fykes, Rev. A. J., of Pratt City, is the much beloved pastor of the Canaan Church, Bessemer.

Fluker, Rev. Solomon, of Sylacauga, Talladega county, was born in March, 1833; was baptized in 1866 by a Rev. Mr. Smith (white), of Talladega. He soon began to preach, and ere long he had become a leading minister in his section of the country. For nine years he was pastor of the church in his town. He is a very meek, unassuming man, careful for the welfare of his family, and hospitable towards his brethren. Of late he has been a great but patient sufferer, and hence has been compelled to cease from active labors in the ministry. We owe much of our success in this section of the State to the industry and exemplary character of this faithful man. He has left the cross for the crown.

Foster, Rev. L. P., of Selma, was baptized by Rev. Jerry Shorter in Eufaula in 1876. Mr. Foster, some time after his marriage and mature manhood, moved to Selma and graduated from the normal course of Selma University. He is a stirring, industrious, self-reliant man, who purposes to make his own way in the world without striding the back of any other man. He has occupied different pastorates and has served as missionary of the Eufaula Association. He has a comfortable home—free of debt—and lends a helping hand to missionary and educational enterprises.

Foster, Rev. James A., late of Montgomery, was born in the State of Kentucky, in which he grew to young manhood. He died in the city of Montgomery in December of 1891—died as he had lived, in love and honor with men and in peace with God. Twenty-five of his fifty-four years had been spent in the gospel ministry, from the sacred offices of which he retired in great joy. He was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry by Revs. I. T. Tichenor, D. D., Nathan Ashby and Jacob Bellser, in the city of Montgomery, in the year 1867. His first pastoral charge was the church at Mt. Meigs, which he served till he resigned to accept the call of the Columbus Street Church in 1871. He was the first recording secretary of the State Convention, and was the next man to Mr. Ashby to preside over the Convention as president. He was trustee of the State Normal and Swayne Schools, and moderator of the Spring Hill Association.

Mr. Foster was a man whom nature had variously and richly endowed. Had he possessed early educational advantages—advantages suited to his rich natural resources—he would have held a place among the sons of the giants. His sermons were always earnest, and frequently his vast audiences were melted into weeping by a pathos that was as mysterious as it was mighty. He was loved, honored, followed, and obeyed. In the two churches in which he was pastor he, it is said, baptized 10,000 persons, married 600 couples, and preached 4,000 sermons. His loving, courtly manners won and maintained for him such a tender regard as few men ever possess. Nor was this confined to his own flock and race, but it was shared more or less by the whole people, white and black. The following will show something of his liberality:

“Montgomery, May —, 1891.

“Dear Bro. Boothe: On hearing that you need some money for your work, I look over my account with the Lord and find that I owe him five dollars. Enclosed you will find this amount. May God bless you.”

The last letter I received from him, one month before his death, contained a donation to the mission work.

His wife says of him: “Some time before his sickness, he talked of nothing but heaven. I could plainly see that his mind had left the world. I tried to interest him in house and home affairs; but he would talk of nothing but of God’s grace and of the home of the saints.”

He was a model husband and father, and is sadly missed from his home, as well as from his church and community. A good man has gone from labor to reward—from cross to crown. He was thoughtful of the welfare of his loved ones, and hence carried an insurance on his life, the payment of which has rendered them some assistance since his death.

He was one of the original incorporators of Selma University, and was a life member of the Home Mission Society.

“Servant of God, well done;

Rest from thy sweet employ.”

Forbes, Rev. W. R., now of Columbus, Ga., is still associated with our Alabama work. He is now about 37 years of age, is possessed of a fine personal appearance, is affable, studious, sociable and industrious. He is a Virginian by birth and came to Alabama in 1889 to begin work at Clayton and Eufaula.

Franklin, Rev. Samuel, of Mt. Meigs, was born June 4, 1849. He was converted to the Christian faith January, 1866, and ordained to the work of the ministry March, 1876. Brother Franklin is among the energetic enterprising men of his part of Montgomery county. Notwithstanding he earns his living at farming, he is busy in the interest of the affairs of the house of God. At present he is pastor at Pike Road Church.

Rev. J. P. O’Riley, Trussville, Ala., Pastor Compton Baptist Church.

Franklin, Rev. William, of Mt. Meigs, was born October 30, 1852. He was baptized by the late Rev. Washington Stevens, of Montgomery, July, 1871. He was ordained in 1881 by Revs. P. Lucas, W. Stevens and his brother, Rev. Samuel Franklin.

He is a thoughtful, enterprising man, and has the pastoral charge of several country churches. Being self-reliant, persevering, as well as economical with time and means, he has risen somewhat above the crushing heels of poverty and want. At the age of 25 years, he did not know the English alphabet, but by persistent application to study, he now reads and writes and keeps his own accounts.

His face bears those hospitable marks which make one feel easy and at home in his company and restful amid his family.

On a trip to Mobile, our train stopped at the bridge of the Tensas River to allow a freight train to clear the track. Mr. Franklin’s gaze upon the bridge led the writer to think he was frightened. As the freight train left the bridge, Mr. F. remarked: “If it will hold up that train, it will ours, too.” I said: “Maybe that train has just put it into the condition to let us through.” “Yes, and I’ll pull my shoes off now in time to swim,” said Mr. F.

Freeman, Rev. James H., of Moulton, Lawrence county, is one among the very worthy young men of our State. He has had comparatively no advantages for learning, and yet his sober and comprehensive views of life have spurred him onward in search of information, till now we have but few young men in Alabama who use better language, have clearer ideas of the Christian life, and make a more orderly speech than Mr. Freeman. Better still, his neighbors speak of him as a good man—a man whose conduct is a living epistle of the faith which he professes.

French.—Of the many substantial people of Talladega county who deserve honorable mention, none are more worthy in all regards than the French family. Messrs. Emanuel, William, and Prince French would be an honor to any race of people, no matter what the degree of their civilization and the purity of their moral culture. The two first named teach in the public schools; the latter is a preacher, and all of them are prosperous land owners, as well as faithful members of the Baptist church.

Gachet, Rev. Adam, of Barbour county, Ala., was born in Randolph county, Ga., March 10, 1837. At the age of 16 he was carried to the county and State in which he now lives. His childhood was wholly deprived of parental love and care, and he says he never knew anything of a relative. Depressed by his loneliness, he early felt the need of the friendship of God, which he sought and soon obtained, to the great joy of his heart. With this sweet peace soon came an impression that he was called upon to speak of this wondrous love to his fellow-slaves. In April, 1854, he was baptized into Enon Church. On June 7, 1869, he was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry. He is one of the pioneers in the work of the Eufaula Association, having preached the introductory sermon of the first session of that body. From the first till now he has been a member of their executive board, and is now a member of the board of trustees of Selma University. Notwithstanding Bro. Gachet has had no educational advantages, he reads intelligently and writes some. He has labored, and now labors, in some of the most important churches in his section of Alabama. He is still active on all lines of progress. He has a large family, who seem to do him honor. Bro. Gachet is no more.

Goldsby, Alexander, was born February 6, 1819, in Edgefield district, S. C. He came to Alabama in 1830. His father, who was a native African, was born on the ocean while his mother was on her way to America. His mother was born in Maryland. In 1844 he was baptized into the white church at Selma, Ala., by the Rev. Mr. Collins. In 1845 he was ordained to the office of deacon, in which position he served for thirty-eight years. He was a very honorable man, and was not less respected by the white people than he was loved and followed by his own. He was a successful blacksmith, usually hired his time, and hence he was to a very considerable degree his own master. In 1843 he married Miss Nicey Goodwin, and a large family of children is the fruit of the marriage. His massive head and deliberate manner, his strong will and dauntless spirit, his good sense and genuine piety, made him a leader of the people and a pillar in the house of God. A man more capable of friendship at great personal costs, I have never known. Especially from him, aided by Deacons Charles White, Nick Claiborne, Tall Underwood, and E. Ross, our cause in Dallas county has risen up. At or near the close of his seventy-third year, “Father Goldsby” bravely, triumphantly and peacefully passed from the earth to that city which knows no night and needs not the shining of the sun. He was one of the chief leaders of the band which met on Friday night, near Selma, forty or fifty years ago, to pray for freedom. His name is honored in his children.

Green, Rev. Lawson J., son of Lawson and Martha Green, was born near Livingston, Sumter county, Ala., August 4, 1859. Though he was so young, he says his heart still bears the impress of the horrors of slavery. Under his father’s direction, he soon learned how to farm. Notwithstanding the colored people of this county were greatly hindered by the kuklux, Mr. Green utilized every educational facility within his reach to attain to a knowledge of letters. After he had gone as far as he could in the schools in and around Livingston, in 1879 he entered the Selma University, then under the management of Rev. H. Woodsmall, of Indiana. From this institution, he graduated in 1884 under the presidency of Dr. E. M. Brawley. At different times and places he has followed the work of teaching. He taught in his own county, was principal of Tullabody Academy at Greensboro, was a member of the faculty of Selma University, and was also of the faculty of the Baptist Academy at Marion. His principal pastorates have been at Greensboro, Ala., and Selma, of the same State. As Brother Green is full of good health, pluck and mental energy, there is no reason why he should not have a long and useful life as a Christian leader. He has held various honorable positions in the general work, and is now secretary of the Board of Trustees of Selma University.

P. S. He is now in Birmingham, pastor of the Spring Street Church and principal of an independent school on the south side of the city. He will long be a power in the denomination, if watchfulness and temperance attend him.

Gulley, Daniel T., of Selma, son of John L. and Amy Gulley, was born near Snow Hill in Wilcox county, Ala. He was the property of James Gulley, whom he served as “waiting boy” till the close of the war. Doubtless this position was favorable in the direction of refinement and culture. A taste and relish for the study of books would naturally come of such environments. Utilizing some school advantages which came to hand, he soon, as the result of hard work, attained to such a beginning in letters as enabled him to officiate as clerk of the Antioch Church.

At the opening of Selma University on January 1, 1878, he, at 9 o’clock A.M., was the only student on the ground. He completed a course in this institution with the class of 1884. On the fourth Sunday in February, 1873, he was baptized into the Antioch Baptist Church by the Rev. Willis Stalworth. Here he served as clerk of the church and as superintendent of the Sunday School. From the beginning, he has been a substantial friend of ministerial education. He was ordained in the session of the State Convention held in Selma in November, 1883, Revs. M. Tyler, W. H. McAlpine, J. Dosier, E. K. Love, E. M. Brawley, W. R. Pettiford, H. Stevens and the writer, officiating as presbytery. He has held various pastorates and different positions in the general work, and is now Sunday School missionary under the Publication Society.

Hampton, Rev. James, of Leighton, Ala., was born and reared near where he now lives. On July 25, 1858, he began life’s journey a slave, in line with the condition of his race. In 1869—in September—he was baptized into the Mount Pleasant Church by “Father” Henry Bynum, and on June 18, 1882, he was solemnly set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by Revs. B. King, H. Bynum, O. Jackson and T. W. Morris. Brother Hampton is one of the leading men of the Muscle Shoals Association, and justly so, for added to his natural talent are many graces of character which come only of labor, aspiration, study, faith, and exalted purpose.

Without the aid of schools, he has attained to a creditable knowledge of letters. He is a builder, an organizer, a pastor and business man. With him and his family, the tired missionary may find a place for rest and refreshment. He lives upon his own fruitful farm near Leighton, in Lawrence county, and is a light which shines upon all the Christian enterprises around him.

Hawkins, Prof. D. D., of East Lake, Jefferson county, deserves honorable mention for his services for religion and education. The people of East Lake are comparatively prosperous and progressive, and to no man are they more indebted for this condition of things than to Deacon and Professor Hawkins. As church officer and as school teacher he has long and faithfully served his church and his community, and his spirit and labors have been like the leaven which the woman hid in the meal.

The writer has ever found him a quiet, industrious, hospitable brother, with ready heart and open hand in support of every good work. He is an honor to his school—Selma University.

Hall, Rev. S. M., pastor of the First Colored Baptist Church at Warrior, Ala., is one of our most robust, handsome and spotless young men. He was born in Walker county, Ala., October 26, 1867. Attended the public schools of his community for five years. In October, 1885, he joined the Oak Grove Church in Walker county, receiving baptism the same month. He has attended the Birmingham Institute two years, and has given three years to the work of teaching. He is one of those jovial, happy, friendly souls which one always enjoys. His hard work in the study of books shows that he sees and appreciates the value of knowledge, and recognizes that there is no easy, lazy road to learning, to culture and refinement.

Miss Ella Knapp, Missionary, Birmingham, Ala.

Hawthorne, Rev. Lambert, of Evergreen, was born March 15, 1859, in Pine Apple, Wilcox county, Ala. When he was only six years of age his mother, Mrs. Sarah Hawthorne, died and left him and two other sons to such cold charities as might chance to fall in their way. From the time of his mother’s death till he was 18 or 20 he was an apprentice to Col. J. R. Hawthorne, of his native county. This gentleman sent him to school, sometimes paying $2 per month to his teacher, thus enabling him in his early years to lay an educational foundation upon which he has continued to build. As might be expected of any person possessing his native talent and industrious turn of mind, he has successfully drawn upon every literary opportunity that has fallen in his way, to increase and beautify his store of knowledge and wisdom. He studied in Talladega College, entering that institution 1875 and leaving in 1879.

In 1879 he was induced, doubtless by denominational influences, to enter Selma University.

Both as teacher and as preacher he has been a very busy man. At different times he has been principal of the city schools of Opelika and Union Springs, and now he presides over the Evergreen High School. His most prominent pastorates have been the First Church, Union Springs, and the Bethel Church, Evergreen. For the latter church Mr. Hawthorne is now completing a good church edifice. In 1873 he was baptized at Pine Apple by Rev. W. Allen. In 1883 he was ordained to the ministry in Opelika by Revs. Thomas Glenn, H. Clark, N. B. Robie, D. D. (white), and others. In 1880 he was wedded to Miss Laura E. Drake, of Opelika, an affable lady, by whom he has six children. Mr. Hawthorne is energetic, sociable and full of work.

Holloway, Rev. W. H., who spent two years in the Presbyterian Theological School at Tuscaloosa, is preaching and teaching at Thomas. Affable and industrious, he is making friends and followers.

Hunter, Rev. Henry, of Faunsdale, son of Reuben and Abigail Hunter, is now (June, 1892) about 77 years of age. He was baptized by Rev. James Caldwell since the close of the war, and in 1866 he was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry in a council of which the Rev. James Caldwell was chairman. Speaking of his education Brother Hunter says: “By chance I learned to read the Bible.” He is one of the pioneers of Marengo county in the work of the colored Baptists. He is naturally talented, is unassuming, deeply pious, and is known by his brethren as being sober, upright and honorable. He has property worth about $1,000. He is quietly expecting a peaceable end to his earthly career, and like Abraham, has his eyes upon another country where the wicked shall cease from troubling and the weary shall be at rest.

Hutchins, Rev. P. S. L., of Gallion, son of Reuben and Sylvia Hutchins, was born October 13, 1862, in Barbour county, Alabama. In 1879 he was baptized into the Eufaula Baptist Church by the Rev. Jerry Shorter. He, in youth, was a person of observing, active mind, and hence by the time he came to early manhood he had fairly prepared himself for the position of school teacher. He took the college course in Selma University, from which institution he graduated with the degree of A. B. in May, 1890. On May the 31st, of the same year, he was publicly and officially set apart to the work of the gospel ministry, Revs. M. Tyler, C. L. Puree, C. L. Fisher, J. Q. A. Wilhite, R. T. Pollard, L. J. Green, A. N. McEwen and the writer, officiating as presbytery. At the time of this writing Mr. Hutchins is pastor at Gallion and also at Newberne. At both these points he has succeeded in leading his flocks to the erection of good church edifices. He is full of energy and pluck as well as of literary aspiration. Like O’Bryant and other rising men among us, he is a moving man, and has muscles as well as brains.

He is physically as well as mentally strong, and so, if wisdom, prudence and Providence shall continue to be his companions, a long life, a growing life, a useful life, an honorable life is to be his.

P. S.—Since writing the above Mr. Hutchins has been abundant in labors in building houses of worship at different points. Great physical strength is proving to be a very convenient instrumentality under the powers of a strong mind.

Jackson, Rev. A. C., the son of Roderick and Ellen Jackson, was born in Pickens county, Alabama, December 13, 1848. He was baptized into the African Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, Ala., by the late Rev. Prince Murrell.

He was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry at the request of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, by Revs. J. R. Capers (one of the most worthy organizers of the Alabama work), Henry Wood and N. G. Scurlock. The writer first met Brother Jackson in Mobile, in 1875, in company with Rev. P. Murrell. His Birmingham work was crowned with success. Beside what he did in the matter of increasing the membership, he laid at the hand of his successor in the pastorate of the Sixteenth Street Church about $3,000 worth of salable land and the present church site. He is accepted by his brethren as being an honest, earnest, industrious, studious man, especially noted for his hospitality to his brethren. Beside the pastorate above mentioned, he has been a builder and leader of other churches. He is now president of the Sunday School Convention of the Mt. Pilgrim Association and chairman of the Ministers’ Conference of Birmingham. He has had sore trials, but in all his changes his love for Jesus has been manifest to all.

Jackson, Rev. John W., pastor of the First Colored Baptist Church of Eufaula, was born at Whitesville, Ga., about thirty years ago.

Educational Advantages.—He has enjoyed only such advantages as the free public schools of Atlanta, Ga., afforded him, but because of his native talent and studious application to the study of books, and his association with men of thought, he is possessed of a fair education. His unassuming manner and happy, brotherly spirit win and hold for him the love of his brethren in the ministry as well as the tender, confiding respect of his flock.

He was led to faith in Christ in his sixteenth year. In December, 1890, he was installed into the work and office of the gospel ministry by a council, in which Revs. W. H. Tilman and E. J. Fisher, of Atlanta, Ga., officiated. He was called to labor in Alabama May, 1892. The Eufaula Church, of which he is pastor, was organized about the year 1867, and is therefore one among the oldest churches in the State. This church began on the river bank in a little board shanty, but they now worship in a nice large frame building on a main street of the city. Mr. Jackson follows in this pastorate Revs. J. Shorter, J. Q. A. Wilhite, G. W. Berry, Mr. Forbes, and Mr. Bassett; and he feels gratified with the assurance that he leads a church from which have gone forth some of the best people in the country. “Be thou strong, therefore, and show thyself a man.”

Jackson, Rev. Dennis, of Tuscumbia, is an honest, industrious man who has a large place in the love of his brethren.

James, Rev. Lewis D., son of James and Priscilla James, was born in Sumter county, Ala., December 24, 1859. Baptized by Rev. A. Gordon, of Gainesville, Ala., in August, 1875. Had limited educational advantages in youth, but has since his manhood increased his stock of information by study, in which labor he has been aided by Prof. E. D. Lord and Dr. A. F. Owens, of Mobile, and Dr. Pettiford, of Birmingham.

He was ordained to take charge of the Bethel Church at Warrior, Ala., October, 1888, by Revs. A. C. Jackson, J. W. White, A. D. Jemison and W. R. Pettiford, D. D. His brethren of the Mount Pilgrim Association have laid on him various positions of honor, such as president of the Sunday School Convention, district missionary, etc.

James, Rev. Van B., pastor at Avondale, is a brother of Rev. L. D. James. He is a progressive, industrious young man, whose breast is filled with longings for a higher life for his people. His preaching is characterized by thought rather than by emotion. In all the interests of the devotion he shows himself substantially concerned.

Johnson, Rev. Gabriel B., of Courtland, Ala., son of Beverly and Sophia Johnson, was born in King George county, Va., in 1849. Two years before the beginning of our civil war, the subject of our sketch, with three other children and his mother, were brought to Alabama as slaves. He was led to seek Christ in consequence of a revival conducted near Courtland by Revs. F. Bowman and S. Watkins. In 1867, in February, he was baptized by a white brother. Shortly after his baptism, he began to speak for Jesus in the public meetings under the authority of a license from his church. In 1873 he was solemnly set apart to the sacred office of the gospel ministry, Revs. G. Garrett, J. Belle, B. Swope and C. S. Gibson officiating, after which he was called to the pastoral charge of the Courtland Church, in which capacity he now serves. His first marriage was to Miss Millie Davis, daughter of Harry and Susan Davis. As the fruit of this marriage, there were seven children born to him, four of whom still live. In 1887, and some time after death had robbed him of this good woman, he was wedded to Miss Mariah Jarman, daughter of John and S. Jarman, of Leighton, Ala.

He has had but poor educational advantages, but has used to considerable effect such as have come within his reach. He has had some access to the free public schools and a few months in the Roger Williams University, Nashville, Tenn.

He has been Sunday School missionary under the joint appointment of the Muscle Shoals Association and the American Baptist Publication Society, has for several sessions assisted Prof. H. H. Stewart in the Courtland public school, and is at present the moderator of the Muscle Shoals Association. He has the confidence and love of his brethren, and will doubtless ascend into still greater things. Being physically strong, he will be a young man for years to come. His kind manner and polite disposition readily commend him to the favor of all persons who are inclined to be friendly, and hence a host of friends follow him with good wishes.

Johnson, Rev. Daniel, Oakland, Lauderdale county, Ala., son of Lewis and Martha Johnson, was born near Florence, Ala., November 11, 1844. Baptized by Rev. H. Beckwith in 1872. Ordained by Rev. H. Beckwith, Thos. Bruhes and A. Davis, in January, 1880.

Brother Johnson has been pastor of Zion No. 1 for some time past and is a cheerful supporter of all the general enterprises of the denomination.

Johnson, Rev. Richard, pastor of St. James Church, Birmingham, is one of our worthy pioneers, in the Macon county churches.

Rev. J. H. Eason, A. B., Professor in Selma University.

Jones, Rev. C. P., pastor Tabernacle Church, Selma, hails from Arkansas. We have nothing of his history. He comes to us highly recommended by those who knew him best, and so far he is making an excellent impression in his praise. Beside his moral worth and fine intellectual talents he has other personal graces very rarely seen.

The writer loves especially his earnest devotion to his sacred calling. He is of Georgia nativity, is about 27 years of age and is a good scholar. He has been in Alabama only three months. What he has accomplished in books is proof that he is a man of studious habits.

P. S.—Since the above was written Brother Jones has gone to Mississippi, forcing from Alabama Baptists an acknowledgment of his exalted piety, child-like faith, sound sense and superior pulpit power. Brother Jones is now in Mississippi, still growing in grace and popularity.

Jones, Rev. Silas, of Mt. Meigs, Montgomery county, son of Jupiter and Caroline Jones, was born May 1, 1847. He was baptized into Elam Church, May 1, 1866, by Rev. John Holmes, (white). Was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry May 29, 1870, under the auspices of the white Baptist Church, of Wetumpka, Ala., by Revs. A. Carleton, J. Cole and Thomas Smith. The writer first met Brother Jones in Mobile in 1875—has been with him in his pastorates at Wetumpka, at Sandy Ridge, at Mt. Meigs and at Calhoun. He did not learn the alphabet until after he was about 18 years of age, and hence his very manly struggles for a knowledge of books have not been attended with the perfection which comes of early training. But he is a man of natural ability and rare tact, and what he knows is most thoroughly utilized. His home Christianity includes a system of regular Bible study for children as well as for hired help. He is an exemplary pastor. He is an industrious Bible student and preaches the truth with telling effect. His urbanity and other elements of personal magnetism bind his people about him with strongest cords of confidence and affection. No one man has done more for the education of his people than he, as the schools at Mt. Meigs and Calhoun must show. Brother Jones is still young and strong and promises a long life. He has good property. His family does him honor. He is a strong man and coming days will give him the honors due him as a man great in service for home and country.

Jones, Rev. Pope, of Russellville, was born near Tuscumbia, Ala., June 15, 1839. He was baptized some time between 1862 and 1866, and was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry in 1869 by Revs. Joseph Shackelford, D. D. (white), and W. E. Northcross. Brother Jones was in many respects a very remarkable man—no man in the Muscle Shoals Association, no man in Northern Alabama, had so much power over the masses of the ministry and the great body of the laity as he. He was an executive man and a natural magnet, and men gathered about him and cheerfully submitted themselves to the sway of his opinions. He was as affable as he was firm, as joyous as he was earnest. He peaceably passed from this life in 1888.

Jones, Rev. Wm. B., of Demopolis, was born in 1847 in Marengo county, Ala. Was baptized June 16, 1867, by Rev. John Scott. He has accomplished some work in the churches.

Kennedy, Rev. F. R., of Columbiana, was born December 20, 1864, in this State. He was baptized at Calera by the Rev. Henry Clay in 1881, and in 1886 he was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by Revs. P. Fancher and John Tranholm. Mr. Kennedy at the age of 18 did not know his letters, but perceiving at an early age the value of book learning he resolved at the time named to attain to some knowledge on this line. He has availed himself of such facilities and opportunities as have fallen in his way, and in consequence he now reads and writes fairly well. No doubt much of his advancement and general success are due to the knowledge, aspiration and persistence of Mrs. Kennedy, whose educational advantages have been superior to her husband’s. Brother Kennedy has been pastor in his own town, in Birmingham, at Calera, and now he preaches in Anniston.

Kennedy, Rev. Samuel, once pastor Union Church, Mobile, is one of those unassuming, modest, friendly men whose heart pours forth in kindness upon everybody. Like many others his chief misfortune is that he bears the marks which declare his want of early school advantages. However, he deserves praise for many good qualities and commendable labors.

King, Rev. Boling, of Leighton, Ala., was born in Orange county, Va., August, 1836. He was converted to faith in Christ under the ministry of Rev. Henry Bynum, by whom, aided by Dr. Shackleford, he was baptized into the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church near Leighton. In 1868, in same church and by the same brethren, he was solemnly set apart to the work of the gospel ministry. Though he never attended school he can read and write, and is a natural leader. He is pastor of some of the largest churches in the Muscle Shoals Association. He is an industrious, honorable man and has accumulated about $1,700 worth of real estate. He is one of the pioneers of the work in this section of Alabama. He is still of youthful vigor and leads in the Sunday School the same as in the church.

Koyton, Prof. Abner C., of Tuscaloosa, son of Henry and Susan Koyton, was born in Marietta, Ga., but was reared in Summerfield, Ala. Mr. Koyton graduated from the State Normal School, Marion, Ala., in 1880, and delivered the first annual address to the alumni of this institution.

Under his principalship, and on his plans, so the writer is informed, the city schools (colored) of Tuscaloosa began to operate under their present graded system. He is now just inaugurating the Tuscaloosa Baptist Academy. He is young, but studious and progressive. His youth is dignified by his gravity and piety.

Lawson, Rev. A. J., of Camden, son of Mr. A. and Mrs. Julia Lawson, is doing a good work at Camden. His chief educational advantages have come of the Camden schools, and what he has accomplished in the way of letters, is evidence of his vigilance and application with reference to the opportunities which came to his hand. He was baptized by Rev. David Small, of Clark county, in 1886, two years after which time he was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry at Camden by order of the Camden Church, which was then under the pastoral care of Rev. J. W. White. His labors are well spoken of by his brethren.

Lawson, Rev. A., of Union Springs, the pastor of Mount Pleasant Church, now about 45 years of age, is one of the leading men of the “Old Pine Grove Association.” Like most of the men of his time, his education has been hindered. However, he is a very clear-headed man and, having a large following, has done much good in Bullock county.

Leavens, Rev. Charles, the man who led to the erection of the brick structure in which the St. Louis Street Church now worships, was of Virginia nativity, and was born about 1805. The writer is of the opinion that no man in Alabama did so much in pioneer days to organize the Negro Baptists in the State as Mr. Leavens. At the close of the war he was not ordained, but was the most enterprising, pushing, sanguine and influential man in his church. Naturally, therefore, the work of guiding the flock fell upon his shoulders. As he could not get ordination of his white brethren, he sought it in New Orleans. Finding himself now possessed with the commission of a gospel minister, he sought to touch and commission men for the other cities and towns of the State. The Rev. Philip Gambrell was ordained about the same time. Calling in this man’s services and assistance, Mr. Leavens ordained Messrs. P. Murrell, of Tuscaloosa; J. Bleavens, of Selma; James Caldwell, of Demopolis; the writer, and a great company of others, who went out into the various sections of the State to organize the people into churches. Of course, as might have been expected, he sometimes put out the wrong man, but it was a time to do and dare. His excuse for hasty action was: “This is a peculiar time whose peculiar circumstances call for bold methods.” His chief questions to applicants were: “Can you and do you read the Bible? Do you believe it, pray about it, and practice its teachings? Are you a good, whole Baptist? Are you a republican?”

Leach, Rev. James, of Birmingham, son of Alfred and Elizabeth Leach, was born July 16, 1832, in Marengo county, Ala. In 1846 he was baptized by the Rev. Mr. Fox, of Uniontown, and on November 26, 1867, in the African Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa, he was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by Revs. P. Murrell, P. Bowler and James Caldwell.

In 1855 he was married to Miss Mary Martin. He was once pastor of the African Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, and one time presided over the Bethlehem Association (organized in 1877) as moderator. Mr. Leach has held various pastorates, is a hospitable man, and has a very pleasant family.

The writer has often found—when weary and sick—a pleasing and invigorating refuge within the quiet home of these good people.

Leftwich, John C., of Montgomery, once editor and now manager of the Baptist Leader, is noted especially for energy and independence. He is, at the time of this writing, temperance lecturer for the State of Alabama under the “National Temperance Society.” Doubtless he inherits his push and ambition from his father, who was at one time a member of the Alabama legislature. He is quite a young man, and if wisdom shall rule over his purposes and plans in years to come, he will write himself upon the men and the occasions of future years.

Lewis, Rev. C., is pastor of Macedonia Church, Birmingham. He appears ready for any good word and work.

Looney, Rev. J. T., of Fayetteville, Talladega county, was born in Coosa county, Alabama, May 2, 1847. He was baptized into the Fayetteville Church by Rev. Berry Ware in 1867, and in 1885 he was set apart to the work of the ministry by Rev. H. Morris and others. At the time of this writing Mr. Looney is pastor at Alpine. He is a quiet and unassuming man, ever friendly to education and missions, and hospitable toward his brethren.

Lofton, Rev. J. B., is pastor at Smithfield, near Birmingham.

Lovelady, Rev. C. L., of Hollywood, Jackson county, is noted among his brethren for his interest in missions and education. He followed Rev. Lewis Roach in the moderatorship of the Mud Creek Association. He helps in the building of churches, and is a liberal supporter of schools.

Low, Rev. Green, of Livingston, is one of the most matter-of-fact sort of men with whom the writer has ever had any business. No man can beat him wearing his whole heart right on his face. He is uncovered, outspoken and fearless, and yet all seems so natural, so honest and so kind, until what would otherwise appear hard and ungenial, is really enjoyable. Mr. Low is among the leaders of the Bethlehem Association.

Miss A. L. Bowman, Missionary, Birmingham, Ala.

McAlpine, Rev. W. H., at present teacher of Ministers’ and Deacons’ Institute, under the appointment of the Southern Baptist Mission Board, was born in Buckingham county, Virginia, June, 1847. At the age of three years, he, his mother and a younger brother were brought to this state by a “Negro speculator,” who sold them to a Rev. Robert McAlpine, of Coosa county. At the age of 8 years and on the occasion of the death of this Presbyterian minister, he became the property (?) of Dr. McAlpine, with whom he remained till the close of the war. In this family he was the nurse of the white children for about ten years. As Mrs. Dr. McAlpine was very anxious and cautious as to the quality of the first moulding influences touching the childhood of her children, and as the schools around were hardly up to her ideal, she had her children instructed at home. As the nurse’s position placed him and kept him in constant association with the children, and as he was possessed of a literary turn of mind, he soon began to imbibe a knowledge of letters, advancing into reading, writing, grammar, geography and arithmetic. From 1855 to 1874 he saw nothing of his mother, and for sixteen years of this time did not know where she was. Naturally this incident started a train of serious reflections touching the facts and hopes of human life. About the year 1864 or 1865 he was converted to Christianity and some time after was baptized into the Talladega Church (white) by his friend, Dr. Renfroe. At the close of the war Mr. McAlpine first worked at the carpenters’ trade, which he left for school teaching. In the winter of 1866 he entered the Talladega College, supporting himself by laboring during the morning and evening hours—before the opening and after the close of the school. In 1873 he severed his connection with this institution, having been aroused to undertake the establishment of a similar institution for his own denomination. In 1871 he was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry, and accepted a call to the pastorate of the Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, Talladega, which he resigned in 1875 in order to give his whole time to his school project.

To no man in Alabama has been committed trusts more varied and more weighty. While connected with the Talladega College he occupied the position of State canvasser under the appointment of Mr. Cravath. He has been pastor at Talladega, Jacksonville, Marion and Anniston, and president of Selma University. His special excellence is not of that mental style which gives birth to fine psychological and metaphysical discernments and distinctiveness: it is that sort of mental something which strikes with broad side and ponderous weight. The breadth of his rear head would seem to indicate that all his faculties are driven forward by a force that starts from a broad base. The writer first met Dr. McAlpine in Mobile, in November, 1874, the year following that in which he brought forward, at the Tuscaloosa session of the Convention, his school idea. My first impression of him was that he was a man of special mission, and I immediately sympathized with him and with the school project, throwing myself fully into line with his plans.

In referring to his childhood life, and while talking with reference to the power of secret prayer, he once remarked to the writer: “Upon one occasion, though without my knowledge, Dr. McAlpine had resolved to punish me for a trivial matter on my part which had caused him some displeasure. I had gone to feed the horses, and in the crib I was on my knees at prayer. The doctor had followed me with his whip. I was not aware of his presence or purpose, and hence as he did not speak I got through with my prayer and fed my horse and returned to the house. I learned afterward that my prayer had subdued him, and that he had expressed himself as being ashamed of his purpose.”

Alluding once to some mistakes he had made, he observed: “We grow wiser as we grow older.” He has been happily married twice. By his last wife he has a large family of beautiful and promising children. The Rivers family, into which he married, are a people of very sterling qualities, and no doubt these happy associations have conduced to his success in all regards.

The act of the University in conferring upon him the honorary title of D. D. is evidence of the high esteem in which he is held by the trustees and faculty of the school. He is now theological instructor in the school and is supported by the Southern Board.

McAlpine, F. Percy, son of J. D. and Jane McAlpine, was born August 1, 1865, in Forkland, Ala. He entered the world amid that good heritage which can come only of the exemplary life of parents. Though his early life was spent on the farm, his youthful days were blessed with some educational facilities, which his discerning, appreciative mind turned to good advantage. After completing primary grades in his home schools, he, against the wish of his mother and protest of brothers, entered the State Normal School at Marion, Ala., with only $15 to begin the course of study prescribed. The next year he entered Selma University, studying during the school session and teaching in summer till 1888, when his mother, his only support since the death of his father, fell asleep. He says of this time of struggle:

“I owe a lasting debt of gratitude to President Purce, who never left me without an encouragement which it was possible for him to bestow.”

In 1890 while in his junior college year, financial straits forced him to give up study and go out to work. Applying for the principalship of the Bessemer City School, he made an almost perfect mark in his examination and obtained the position. While in this capacity, aided by Mr. J. C. Barker, he edited a paper known as “The Marvel Age.” In 1893, he and Mr. Barker operated a bookstore.

The writer knows but few young men who equal Mr. McAlpine in modesty, industry, courage, push and beauty of moral character. An honorable future awaits him, and of friends he shall have many. Talented and studious, he must still advance in scholarship. He became a member of the Missionary Baptist Church in 1885, and lives according to his profession. He expects to complete his university course in 1896.

McEwen, Rev. A. N., pastor of Franklin Street Church, Mobile, lately editor of the Baptist Leader, is a native of the State of Mississippi, where he was born April, 1849. When he was about 18 years of age he went to Nashville, Tenn., in search of better things than those to which slavery had introduced him. Here he entered the Roger Williams University, remaining only a very short while. Here also he found and wedded a wife. Being controlled by industry and economy he soon saved enough from his small wages to purchase a horse and wagon. This was the first of a series of financial successes by means of which he soon rose above poverty and want into comfortable circumstances for himself and family. While attending the services of Mt. Zion Church in Nashville in 1870 he was led to faith in Christ which he professed by receiving baptism.

Shortly after he began religious work, and in 1876 he was ordained to take charge of the pastorate at Tullahoma, Tenn. Five or six years after this he came to Alabama to take charge of the Dexter Avenue Church. Mr. McEwen, since his entrance into Alabama, has been intimately connected with all our state operations, educational and missionary, and no man among us has been more successful as a church financier. He has bestowed special care upon the education of his children, all of whom he has reared for the most part without their mother’s aid, as she died when they were young. The Dexter Avenue Church building was constructed under his leadership.

McCall, Rev. E. A., at present pastor in Columbus, Ga., the son of Rev. H. A. McCall, was born May 15, 1855, in Russell county, Alabama. In 1872 he was baptized into the Hawkinsville Baptist Church by the hands of his father. In September, in the twentieth year of his age, he was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by Revs. A. Gachet, S. Fantroy, J. Daniel, J. H. Davis and H. A. McCall. It will be seen that he entered the sacred office at a very early age—at an age rather soon in most cases—rather early for the good of the minister as well as for the good of the people and the cause. But though in youth he was possessed of very poor educational advantages, by talent, push, courage, ambition, observation and application to books, he has made surprising advances. He is strictly a self-made man. He speaks with ease and performs well on the organ.

He has had a wide range of operation, having been pastor at different times of eleven different churches, some of them equaling the best pastorates in the country. Among them the church at Union Springs may be mentioned. No man in Alabama is more companionable than he.

McCord, Rev. C., of Selma, was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by the St. Phillip Street Church while the writer was pastor in 1884. He started the study of books late in life, but by associating with men of advanced ideas and close application to books he is now considerably ahead of the masses of the ministry. He is a sober, judicious man, peaceable and ever ready for work.

Maddox, Rev. J. D., the son of Daniel and Tabitha Maddox, was born in Barbour county, Ala., near Midway, in 1854. His father was sold away from him when he was only three days old, and his mother when he was three years old, and hence he came up without knowing anything either of father or mother.

This friendless condition early impressed him with the desire to obtain the friendship of God, which in his eleventh year, he sought and found. He was baptized into the Rama Church by the Rev. Mr. VanHoose (white) during the same year.

In his seventeenth year, a desire to read books came into his mind. By good fortune, he came into possession of 25 cents which he invested in a “blue back speller.” In order that his book and purpose might not come to the notice of the white people he decided that he would tear out and learn one leaf at the time. Thus he began to spell, aided by a more fortunate fellow slave. The widow of a Baptist minister encouraged him with the statement that if he could read she would give him a hymn book and a Bible. On one Sabbath he learned the Ten Commandments. Doubtless he owes much of his success to his excellent wife, who is no less enterprising than she is devout and faithful. He said to the writer: “My wife makes me study.”

In 1879 at the call of the Friendship Baptist Church of Barbour county, he was set apart to the ministry by Revs. J. Shorter, A. Gachet and E. Alexander. Brother Maddox is a good man, a faithful preacher, and a successful builder—a leading man in the Eufaula Association, and is as gentle as a woman, and simple hearted as a child.

Rev. M. Tyler, D. D., Lowndesboro, Ala.

Maderson, Rev. William, of Greensboro, was born in Virginia in 1849, and came to Alabama in 1866. In the fall of 1872 he was baptized into the Second Baptist Church at Marion, Ala., and in the following year began to enter upon the work of the ministry, speaking in public as he had opportunity. While the Convention was in session in Marion in 1880, the hands of ordination were laid upon his head by order of the Marion Church, and by the same presbytery that ordained Dr. Pettiford. He spent some time in study in the Selma University, under the presidency of the late Rev. Harry Woodsmall. Mr. Maderson is a man of fine natural gifts which, considering his early, meagre advantages, have been well developed. He is remarkably capacitated for imbibing what is pure and elevating in good men and good books. He is dearly beloved no less for his stainless character than for his refinement and wisdom. After serving various other important pastorates, he was called to the pulpit of the Salem Church at Greensboro, where he now serves with success, greatly increasing the membership and purchasing a neat parsonage. For the past seven or eight years he has been the moderator of the Uniontown Association—the largest Association in the State. Should he continue as he has begun, coming years must increase his power with God and man.

Merrell, Rev. Mason C., of Fort Deposit, son of M. C. and Harriet Merrell, was born in Dallas county, Ala., June 26, 1849. As his parents were poor, he was apprenticed to the Rev. H. Talbird, D. D., of said county, who sent him to the schools of the neighborhood. By such means he was early placed in conditions where he was able to lay the foundation of a liberal English education. Much of Mr. Merrell’s time for many years has been spent in teaching in the State schools. The money thus earned has been a supplement to the meagre support given him by the small churches of which he is the efficient pastor. He was baptized into the fellowship of the Carlowville Church October, 1867, by the hands of his benefactor. In 1879 he was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry in the city of Montgomery, Revs. J. A. Foster, W. J. Stevens, Wm. Jinkins and R. Aarons officiating as presbytery. Brother Merrell is a sociable, genial companion, a careful speaker, an earnest Christian, and a firm believer in missions and education. On all the moral questions of the times he is as straight as a shingle. He, by his various pastorates, is associated with the Alabama District and the Union Associations, and in both bodies he is held in high esteem by all the thoughtful and pious persons.

Indeed, he is respected by all who know him, white and black. Because of his quietness and sunshine, as well as for his musical talent and skill, he is in special demand at our annual and extra meetings.

Murrell, Rev. Prince.—Rev. Prince Murrell was born in Savannah, Ga., January 1, 1817. His mother, who descended of a Congo prince, was born in Providence, R. I. His father was the son of an Englishman, of the name of Murrell. Some of his youthful years were spent with his parents in South Carolina. In the year 1838, his mother with seven children, he being the youngest, moved to Tuscaloosa, Ala. At this time no member of the family knew anything of the Christian life. In 1839 his mother was baptized, which incident excited such serious impressions in her son as resulted in his baptism in August, 1842. About this time he began to speak and exhort as he had opportunity. At the close of the war he had been a member of the Tuscaloosa Church (white) about ten years, and was the only colored Baptist preacher in Tuscaloosa. This brother has had a rather remarkable career. In the year 1855 he bought his freedom, and in 1856 started to Liberia, Africa, going as far as Savannah, Ga. His aspiration for liberty, his unaided toiling for the mastery of letters and books, his tact and perseverance in organizing the colored Baptists of his section into churches and associations, and his success in accumulating property with many other things, mark him as no ordinary man. His marriage to Miss Mary Drisdell in the year 1842, was no doubt largely conducive to his energy and success, for she—even up into old age—was a woman of strength and industry. The first colored school ever taught in Tuscaloosa was taught by him, and taught at a time when to teach a colored school was to put one’s life at the muzzle of the shot gun. Touching this phase of work, he related to the writer the following stories: “When we were just set at liberty I went to a white Baptist who had in times of slavery shown himself friendly toward black people, and said, ‘Mr. S——, we need a school teacher, can’t we secure you?’ He replied, ‘Do you think I would disgrace myself by teaching a negro school? Besides this, it would be only throwing into the waste my time, my talent and my strength. I might as well drive into a room a drove of sheep or a herd of swine, and put books before them as to put books before kinky-headed nigger children.’

“On one occasion, two white men who had come into town to bring a prisoner, walked into my school room with their ropes and chains in hand, and teacher and school, feeling sure that the ropes and chains were for their necks, were so dismayed as to excite the pity of the dreaded visitors, and they sought to remove our fears and to encourage us to continue on in our good way.”

Speaking of the organization of colored churches in the South, he remarked to the writer: “I was in Savannah when the white people were discussing the propriety of organizing colored churches.” He opened the first Sunday School for colored people in the city of Tuscaloosa the first Sunday in December, 1866. He claimed to owe most of his success in the study of divine truth to the Rev. Chas. Manly. On July 1 he organized the African Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa with 25 members. As he did not begin reading till he was 22 years old he was not faultless in his mastery of the English language, but was a good speaker, self-possessed and ready in words. Mr. Murrell was one of the leading fathers of the Alabama work. His children were a pride to him in his old age.

In the last years of his life he spoke tenderly of his old mistress who encouraged him to learn to read, and of his maiden mistress, who in many ways saved him from oppression and aided him in securing his liberty.

Since the above sketch was commenced Mr. Murrell and his good wife have exchanged the cross for the crown.

Nichols, Rev. James, of Greenville, moderator and missionary of the Union Association, was born in Virginia May 10, 1842, and was brought to Alabama September, 1856, locating at Selma, where he joined the church and was baptized by the Rev. Mr. McCraw, who was then pastor both of the colored and of the white churches of that city. At this time, as the dates will show, he was a young man. It was in this same church and city that he began the work of the ministry during the days of slavery.

His first marriage was to Miss Emma Allison, of Dallas county. The fruit of this marriage was two sons and one daughter, neither of whom is now living. His present wife has two living children. He has an humble home of his own.

Mr. Nichols is a man of energy, industry and decision of character; he has opinions and has the courage to express them. No man has any trouble in times of controversy to locate him, and yet in his rulings as presiding officer of the above named association, the writer has seen evidences of prudence and commendable flexibility.

His early life was robbed of literary environments, and hence he is not an extensive reader of books; but his knowledge of things is superior to many whose advantages have been far better than his have been. He says that he knew absolutely nothing of letters till since the close of the war, when he had a little opportunity to attend night school at Uniontown.

He was ordained in 1873 at Georgiana, Butler county, by Revs. Dan Shepard, Nelson Briggs, Jesse Holens and others, and he has done a good work in his section.

Northcross, Rev. W. E., of Tuscumbia, Colbert county, was born in Colbert county, Ala., in 1840, and ordained to the gospel ministry in 1867 by Rev. Mr. Slater (white) and Rev. Henry Bynum.

Mr. Northcross is strictly a pioneer. He, Rev. Stephen Coleman and Rev. Henry Bynum, aided by Dr. Joseph Shackleford (white) laid down the foundation stones in Morgan, Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale and Lawrence counties.

He is a peculiar man. He is a man of very positive nature—with him it is yea and amen.

To those who do not know him as well as to those who vacillate and pretend, his sternness is repelling. But behind and below external appearances there is a heart that is as tender as it is brave, and as kind as it is firm. Except a little time spent in the Roger Williams University, he has had no school advantages, but he reads and writes fairly well.

The Tuscumbia, Barton and Sheffield churches were built up under his labors. In the formation of the Muscle Shoals Association at Tuscumbia in 1869, he was one of the leading spirits. He relates the following incidents:

“Before the close of the war I was captured by the Federal troops and carried to Decatur, where I joined their army. As I had a crippled foot I was allowed to remain with the commissary department. While we were camped at Athens, General Forest came upon us and defeated, captured and killed until we were almost literally wiped out of existence. I had been kind to some little white children by which I had won their love and, of course, the love of their parents. Therefore, in the time of danger, I rushed to this house, and the good people hid me and changed my clothes. Hence when I was found, I was taken for one of the gentleman’s slaves. When I was permitted by the man to try to return to Tuscumbia and had gone some distance, I was caught by deserters from the Southern army, who voted to shoot me. They bound me and kept me over night, intending to do away with me the next day. It was in a lonely desert on the Tennessee river. I could not sleep, and so all night I prayed to God, and all night the wives of the men prayed for “the poor nigger”—prayed to their cruel husbands. Their cries and tears prevailed, and I was robbed and let go after I had vowed not to reveal their whereabouts. I left loving God and believing in his faithfulness to his people as I had never done before.”

For years Mr. Northcross has been the trusted treasurer of the Muscle Shoals Association. He is the pastor of the largest church, and has the best edifice, in northern Alabama.

Oden, Rev. M. C. B., of Sylacauga, was born in Charleston, S. C., December 24, 1839. He was baptized by Rev. J. J. D. Renfroe, D. D., in September, 1865, and in 1873 he was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry, Rev. W. Wilks, and others, officiating as presbytery. He, in speaking of the rise of the work in this section, says: “I came from South Carolina in 1858, a Methodist. There were nineteen or twenty other slaves on our place beside myself. I, and one other, professed to be Christians. The master of the place permitted us to hold prayer services, and allowed the slaves of his kin people to attend. The Lord blessed these meetings and at the close of the war this humble beginning was ready to unfold into the Harpersville Church. At the close of the war, I began to teach night and Sunday Schools, and thus introduced the study of letters, though in the Sunday School as well as in the night school, we had nothing but the ‘blue back speller.’” Brother Oden is an honorable, outspoken, industrious, prosperous man, whose hospitality is known far and wide. His home has often been an asylum of rest to the writer, as well as to other missionaries of Alabama of all denominations.

Mrs. Rebecca Pitts, Member Board of Trustees Woman’s State Convention, Uniontown, Ala.

O’Bryant, Rev. L. F., of Eufaula, the son of Frederick and Rose O’Bryant, was born on the Dent plantation in Barbour county, Ala., in the year 1860. In 1879 he was converted to the faith of the gospel under the preaching of Rev. Jerry Shorter, and was baptized into the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. At the call of the above named church, he was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry in 1885 by Revs. J. Q. A. Wilhite, A. Gachet, J. D. Maddox, E. May and J. A. Alston, of Arkansas. Notwithstanding his educational advantages have been very meagre, he has, by constant study and observation, advanced to a fair knowledge of books. He is a loving husband, a successful pastor, a strong preacher, a genial associate, and carries sunshine everywhere. The writer was associated with him for some weeks in the institute work at Eufaula, and was truly delighted with his urbanity and innocent wit. He is a young man of hopeful prospects—if his present wise course should continue to the end. His father before him is a Baptist minister, whose life is held in high esteem, and hence the subject of this sketch comes into his public career having his own excellent personal graces savored by the good name of his revered ancestor.

Owens, Rev. A. J., of Moulton, is an ex-student of Selma University; he is an agreeable companion, a kind father, an orderly thinker and a forcible preacher. The writer has greatly enjoyed the hospitalities of his home and the abundance of his good humor.

Owens, Rev. Albert Franklyn, editor of the Baptist Leader and pastor at Mobile, was born in Wilcox county, Ala., January 1, 1854. Early in life he left Alabama for Louisiana, in which state he was led to exercise faith in the Son of God and was baptized into Little Mt. Zion Church by the Rev. G. Stemley, of Avoyelles Parish. In April, 1873, he was licensed to enter upon the work of the gospel ministry. At the call of the Third Baptist Church, Mobile, Ala., he was ordained to the functions of the ministerial office by the Common Street Baptist Church, New Orleans, La., May 28, 1877, by a council of which Rev. Marsena Stone, D. D., of Ohio, was chairman, and Rev. A. M. Newman was secretary. His longest and hitherto most prosperous pastorate has been with the church who called for his ordination, and whom he led to the purchase of their neat brick edifice on St. Anthony street.

Beginning with them in the spring of 1887, he left them for Uniontown, September, 1890, in excellent quarters and free from debt. This he did at such patient self-sacrifice as may be found in only a very few men of his age.

In 1873 he entered Leland University, New Orleans, where he remained four years pursuing the classical and theological courses under Drs. Gregory and Stone.

While in Louisiana he was engaged in teaching school and was intimately associated with the general Baptist work, being at one time editor of their state organ, the Baptist Messenger. In 1884-85 he was editor of the Baptist Pioneer, located at Selma, Ala., and has served as general superintendent of missions for the State of Alabama. For many years he has been on the Board of Trustees of Selma University, and in recognition of his solid worth and general information he is now the bearer of our denominational standard.

Mr. Owens is a typical, Christian gentleman. No other man among us has a library so select, so varied and so valuable as he has, nor has any man in Alabama a clearer evidence of literary talent and literary relish. He is a many-sided man, and the beauty of his solid personal qualities is greatly enhanced by his indigenous vivacity, unstinted hospitality, and perennial benevolence. In the hovels of the poor and in the times of the sources of disease, no man among us is more welcome than he, neither is there one of his brethren whose duty renders more heedless of danger or blind to personal privations and material losses. Whether he builds houses of worship, preaches, lectures, teaches, writes—whatever may be the engagement of the hour, that engagement focuses the whole man. The following incidents will show something of the style of his mind: On one occasion when severely tried in administering discipline, and when he had allowed his feelings of indignation to run too high, he was so distressed that for many nights sleep almost entirely forsook him. The writer overheard him on this occasion, saying, “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight.”

Upon another occasion in the midst of a session of the Convention, and as one of the policemen of the town walked in and was seated, he arose and remarked: “Brother president, I see in our assembly a policeman of the city in which we are convened. I think this a fit time to give notice to any who may feel inclined to be unruly that they must observe good order or I’ll have them arrested.” This came in just at a condition of the meeting when a bit of humor was just the thing most needed.

The St. Anthony Street Church, Mobile, is a tangible memorial of his energy, self-sacrifice and patient industry. Beside the pastorate of the St. Anthony Street Church (the Third Baptist), he has served in the pastorate of the Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, and in the pastorate of the church at Uniontown.

His speeches are characterized by originality, clearness, force and dignity. He is still a growing man—growing in worth of manhood and in the confidence and love of the denomination; and should his health and life continue, the historian who will write of a brighter day than this—a day not far in the future—will point with pride to this man of rare gifts, giving more space than is here accorded him. With special pleasure the writer records the name of Albert F. Owens, D. D., high upon the roll of his personal friends.

And this short notice of a worthy man can hardly close at a point of greater beauty than in an humble tribute to his other self, Mrs. Mary Mims Owens (once Mrs. Taylor), whom he wedded in 1882, and who is held in high esteem as a leader in church and educational circles.

Pettiford, Rev. W. R., D. D., son of William and Matilda Pettiford, was born in Granville county, N. C., January 20, 1847. He was, when a boy, of an industrious turn of mind, working faithfully at whatever his hands found to do. At one time he was with the tanner, and at another time he was running his father’s farm.

At the age of 21 years he united with the Baptist Church of Rocksboro, Person county, N. C., and was immersed by the Rev. Ezekiel Horton, of Salisbury. While he was serving this church as clerk, he told his mother, as a secret which he greatly desired she would not reveal, that he felt called to the gospel ministry. As Brother Horton often put up at their home he soon got possession of the secret. Dr. Pettiford now says: “When I was called into an examining council and learned that my secret was out, I was very much frightened; but the advice given upon this day has ever been helpful to me.” The writer met the subject of this sketch for the first time at the session of the State Convention held in Talladega in November, 1876. He and the late Senator A. H. Curtis were messengers from the church at Marion. At this time the only traits that were especially noticeable were the frankness of his countenance and the geniality of his manners. At the commencement of Selma University in the winter of 1877-78, he joined Brother Woodsmall, becoming a member of the pioneer faculty of the school. It was here that he was seen as the studious, patient, industrious man—loved no less by tender youth than he was trusted by riper years. He was called to ordination by the Marion Church, Marion, Ala., and dedicating hands were laid upon his head in Marion, Ala., in the midst of the conventional session held there in November, 1880. After this he severed his connection with the school as teacher and as financial agent, to enter the pastorate in Union Springs. His open, earnest face, tact, and urbanity of speech, made him one of the most successful financial agents the University has ever sent upon the field. He relates the following incident in connection with his field work for the school: “I was about thirty miles southeast of Greenville, Ala. A colored man by the name of Turner had just been mobbed in Clark county. The colored people along the road were exceedingly frightened at the threatening attitude of the whites, and hence refused to entertain any stranger. I knew not where I was and it was now dark. My horse was broken down. Family after family turned me off. At last one man agreed to entertain my tired horse. Thankful for this little drop of kindness, I stopped and fed my animal. Then I started off—I knew not whither. After awhile I saw through the boughs of the pines a dim light, which seemed far away. Turning towards this light I wended my way through sage field and bush, until I stood beside an old log hut, a rickety relic of an old time Negro quarter. With ease this tiny spark peeped through the great opening in the dirty cabin full into my weary face. Herein, with husband and wife and babies, and a lot of dirt, I was allowed to rest my tired limbs and heavy heart till morning.

“Upon one occasion while Bro. D. T. Gulley and I were on mission work together, we were delayed in Marengo county. Waters were up, Brother Gulley was sick, and the people had no money to give for educational purposes. I went to begging milk cows and succeeded in getting the people to donate six.”

Mr. Pettiford married his present wife, Miss Della Boyd, of Selma, Ala., November 22, 1880. She is an excellent woman and comes of a fine family. As might have been expected the marriage has been a happy one for both parties.

Dr. Pettiford is a clear thinker, a concise speaker, a firm friend, a lover of his race, and a fine presiding officer. Every feature in his bearing is indicative of the true gentleman and earnest Christian. He is a firm friend of Selma University, and by this school he has been honored with the degree of D. D. He is at this time (1892) president of the “Alabama Penny Savings Bank” and of the Baptist State Convention of Alabama. He is further noticed in connection with the chapter on “State Convention” and “Selma University” as well as in other chapters.

Closing this sketch, it seems fitting that I should remark that though he excels in many virtues, he is especially peculiar in these:

1. He is abundant in plans and measures, so that the variety of his operations almost wholly exclude the monotony so often felt in church work.

2. He is in a peculiar degree a patient man. In all conditions he seems to possess his soul in patience.

Since the above was written, he has been elected financial secretary of the State work.

He is now organizing the Alabama Publishing Company. He is full of enterprise.

Rev. W. C. Bradford, Pastor First Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Phillips, Rev. D., of Tuskegee, was a “Father in Israel.” Those who are old enough to remember him as a slave, say that he sat in council with the white ministers and was permitted to speak in their associational gatherings. Nothing seemed to disturb his peace; no amount of heated discussion ever caused him to break from his strong hiding place of pious humility. He was a large man with strong will, but every “jot and tittle” of his ponderous being was under submission to his consecrated will, which ruled all like the helmsman steers the great ship. He was about the age of Mr. John Dosier, eighty years. He refused to accept freedom till all were free.

Peels, Rev. J. A., pastor of the First Colored Baptist Church in North Birmingham, is a rising young man in the Mount Pilgrim Association. His church, though a new enterprise, is a success, and all plans for gospel aggression find in him a ready and substantial friend. His brethren love him because he is peaceable and benevolent in his dealings with them.

Pollard, Rev. Robert T., son of Rev. R. T., Sr., and Mrs. Mary F. Pollard, was born in Gainesville, Ala., October 4, 1860. A few years after the close of the late civil war, Rev. R. T. Pollard, Sr., moved with his family to Enterprise, Miss. There the subject of this sketch received his first impressions—impressions which were to serve as the foundation of his future character. At the age of 12 his mother left him for the better country. The boy, reflecting over his sad loss in the death of his mother, turned unto the Lord, and was baptized into the fellowship of the Mt. Pleasant Church, in which he immediately became clerk and Sunday School teacher. Thus, starting right, we are not surprised at the righteousness of the course he now pursues.

By studying at night under his father’s instruction, he, at the age of 12, could read and write. At 16 he was known as “the boy preacher.” At the age of 20 he entered a school taught by Prof. Paul D. Jones in Meridian, Miss., in which school he studied arithmetic, algebra, English grammar and Latin. He remained here two years. In 1882 he entered Selma University, under Prof. Woodsmall. Of this good man he says: “His consecrated life did much toward fixing my character in the spirit and doctrines of Christ.” From this institution he graduated with the class of 1884 as valedictorian. In the same school and in the same year he entered upon the college course and completed the freshman and sophomore years. During this time he was assistant teacher in the University. By all, and throughout all, he has been and is now accepted as a student, a thinker, a rigid moralist and faithful Christian. In March, 1885, he was ordained to the gospel ministry in Selma, Revs. E. M. Brawley, D. D., W. H. McAlpine, H. N. Bouey, A. N. McEwen, C. L. Price, and C. R. Rodgers, officiating as presbytery. After this he entered upon and served acceptably different important pastorates in Perry county. With credit to himself and with profit to the denomination, he has, as teacher, as moderator, as recording clerk of the State Convention, and as district Sunday School missionary, served the Baptists of Alabama. At this time he is the successful pastor of the Dexter Avenue Church, Montgomery. Thus this quiet, hard working young man has risen up till there are but few that go before him. Mr. Pollard is a philosopher, clothed with the spirit of a child. In him a full heart balances a well stored head.

Pollard, Rev. I. M., of Loachapoka, is one of the few men of whom we sometimes feel that they are Nature’s favored children. So evenly balanced are all his tempers and passions, hopes and fears, that we are almost compelled to think that so much self-government must have come largely as the gift of nature. The writer has reasons to know him as an honest man—as a man who can handle the money of his neighbor without fault to himself or loss to his friend. Mr. Pollard is held in high esteem by all who know him—white and black. He was born about the year 1840. He possesses a fine personal appearance, a gentlemanly bearing, and is a good preacher of the plain old gospel.

Posey, Prof. Thomas H., of Bessemer, the son of Wesley and Patience Posey, was born September 15, 1854, at Bessemer, Ala. He was baptized into the Canaan Baptist Church about the year 1872 by Rev. William Ware. Brother Posey deserves honorable mention for his faithful services as an educator. He graduated from the normal course in Selma University in the spring of 1884, and has proven himself to be not only a power in the affairs of secular education, but a very efficient, faithful worker in the church and Bible school.

Prentice, Rev. D. L., of Selma, Ala., son of James and Caroline Prentice, was born in Shelby county, Ala., December 25, 1852. The home of his youthful days, like that of the writer, must have been in a wild country infested by wolves; for he, in speaking of how he had to go after wood and water into the thick swamps before the break of day, says: “On one morning as I found myself surrounded by wolves, I cried to God for help and was delivered. In my prayer for deliverance I made a vow of consecration, which was the beginning of a new life.” In 1875 he was baptized by Rev. Berry Ware. About the year 1865-66 he began studying Webster’s speller, and sought information, he says, of every person that he thought had any information to give. He learned to read and write and began figuring under the instruction of a Mr. J. W. Strong, a man, so it is said, who used to be mayor of Selma, Ala. The writer first met the subject of this sketch while he was student in the Talladega College, and since his graduation from the Selma University, his course and success as pastor, teacher, missionary and lecturer, has been watched with pleasing interest. He was ordained to the ministry May, 1882, by Revs. Joe Smith and Henry Scott. He is a genuine friend of religion and education and being young and strong he has a large opening for future usefulness and fame.

Prince, Rev. J. T., of Gallion, Ala., son of John and Mary A. Prince, was born March, 1853, in Marengo county, Ala. He was baptized into the fellowship of the Bethlehem Church by Rev. D. R. Willis the third Sunday in April, 1871. In 1884 in the St. Philip’s Church, Selma, he was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by Revs. E. M. Brawley, H. N. Bouey, C. R. Rodgers, L. P. Foster and the writer. He attended Selma University under the different presidents—H. Woodsmall, W. H. McAlpine, and E. M. Brawley. He began his education by studying under a white man, whom he paid $1.00 a week. Attended a public school after he was 23 years of age. He taught in the State school. Is now district missionary. He is an industrious man and owns good property.

Pullum, Rev. H. P., of Anniston, son of Lawrence and Caroline Pullum, was born in Pickensville, Ala., March 23, 1862; baptized at Carrolton August, 1882, and entered immediately upon the work of the ministry, but was not ordained until March, 1889. At the request of the First Colored Baptist Church at Bessemer, which he had organized and built up, Mr. Pullum received the hands of ordination from Revs. P. Murrell, W. A. Shirley, S. Page, A. J. Austin, D. M. Sewell, and J. C. Crawford. He has a large following wherever he goes.

Purce, Rev. C. L., ex-president of Selma University, is noticed in this work only so far as other authors have not been able to see him in his peculiar relations to the work in Alabama.

It was in 1886, I think, in the most trying period of our history, that Dr. Purce was unexpectedly called (upon the resignation of Dr. E. M. Brawley) to assume the presidential office in the Selma University. The school was burdened with $7,000 of debt, its credit was about gone, its debtors were impatient, its supporters divided, and denominational strife was at white heat. The former president was not only a peculiarly brilliant and cultured man, but had enjoyed special advantages looking toward fitness for the presidential chair. Many feared for Mr. Purce.

However, it was thought by some that caution and economy were the special characteristics called for by existing conditions. We needed a man who could shun the strife of factions, keep cool under severe pressure, and cause the school’s expenses to drop below its income. Some who had watched Mr. Purce, were willing to trust him with the difficult duties of this trying hour, and the writer records with much pleasure, that he kept clear of the quarrels, and meanwhile did much to remove the debt by putting the school on plain and well regulated fare.

Dr. Purce has done the Baptists of Alabama very praiseworthy service, not only as an educator, but as an example in the matter of school management; and those who follow him will profit by heeding his caution and economy. And, to his honor it may be said, we have had no president who has been more generally loved by the school.

Pyles, Rev. Carter, of Oxford, Ala., born in Talladega county, Alabama, December 15, 1845, of Christian parents. He was baptized in 1865 by Rev. Mr. Jenkins, a white minister, who devoted much of his time to evangelical work among the colored people. In 1876 he was officially set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by the Rev. Mr. Jenkins, William Taylor and B. Snow. Mr. Pyles is among the leading men of the Snow Creek Association. His pastorates at Jacksonville, Choccolocco and other points prove him to be a leader of ability. He is now undertaking a new work at Oxanna, Ala.

Rivers, Rev. E. C., of Talladega, Ala., was born January 5, 1847. He is the eldest son of Mr. Edward and Mrs. H. J. Rivers, two very worthy old citizens of Talladega. In his twenty-fourth year he was married to Miss Jane Moore, of Talladega, by whom he has a large family of children.

He has a fair English education, having attended the Talladega College for parts of five sessions. In 1867 he united with the Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, Talladega, and was baptized by the late Rev. Phil. Davis.

He was called to ordination by the Salem Baptist Church in 1884, Revs. J. P. Barton and Moses Colly officiating in the rites. He is an industrious, prudent man, and has accumulated property worth $3,000 or $4,000. At this time he is the moderator of the Rushing Springs Association, over which he has presided with dignity for several years. He is a model citizen and substantial man, sociable and aspiring.

Rivers, Rev. S. A., of Talladega, the son of Mr. Edward and Mrs. H. J. Rivers, was born in Talladega, November 10, 1854. In a series of meetings, held by the writer in Mt. Canaan Church, he was led to exercise faith in the religion of Jesus Christ in 1876. In the same year he was united with the church by baptism.

He immediately began laboring as a leader in Sunday School work, in which he at once proved himself to be a very capable person. He was soon appointed Sunday School Missionary for the Rushing Springs Association, in which position he was remarkably successful. In 1877 he married Miss Elizabeth Walker, by whom he has three promising daughters. He is a graduate from the theological department of the Talladega College. He is an industrious business man, a Christian gentleman, a clear thinker, a ready speaker, a social genius. No man among us of his age has brighter prospects than he, none more admired and loved. The manner in which he has succeeded, under trying circumstances in the Mt. Canaan Church, is simply amazing. Toward God he is faithful, toward man he is kind, gentle and full of service. He was ordained in 1889 to take charge of the Mt. Canaan Church.

Rev. H. Woodsmall, of Franklin, Ind., First President Selma University.

Rivers, Rev. Alexander A., of Midway, Ala., the son of John and Violet Rivers, was born near Glennville, Ala., in the year 1851.

In his twentieth year he was baptized into the Spring Hill Zion Church by the Rev. A. Gachet, under whose preaching he had been led into repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

It was not long before he felt that he was called of God to the work of the ministry. At the call of the Enon Church he was set apart to the sacred office by the Revs. A. Gachet, P. Johnson and F. Randall. Brother Rivers is one of the strong preachers and successful pastors of the Eufaula Association. He has had very limited educational advantages, but he is a constant reader of books and a close observer, and hence he has made considerable educational attainments. He is quiet, unassuming, even and hospitable. The writer enjoyed a very pleasant stay with Brother and Sister Rivers at their home in Midway. He once held a very fine pastorate in Texas, which he had to give up because of the poor health of Mrs. Rivers and return to his old home in Alabama.

Roach, Rev. Perkins, of Stevenson, father of Mrs. M. A. Boothe and of Rev. Thomas Jefferson Roach, was born in Tennessee. He, with Rev. Thomas Roach (who was the first ordained colored minister in Jackson county), and Rev. Robert Caver, organized the work in northeast Alabama. He was noted for his magnanimity and joyfulness of heart. It is said that his life was as one continuous song of gladness. When a child he was a house boy, which position brought him into continual contact with persons who knew books. He so far utilized this advantage as to learn to read, but his knowledge of writing was delayed till since the close of the war his daughter (now Mrs. Boothe) had sufficiently advanced in her studies to instruct him. This story is told of him: During the war his mistress, the widow of Rev. Charles Roach, Sr., fearing the Federal soldiers, left home and fled across the Tennessee river into Sand Mountain. The slave remained at home to care for things about the place. With the view of preventing want to the widow and those who were with her, he, regardless of the dangers of his undertaking, and while the shades of night hid his operations, would bear across the river and up the mountain such things as he thought they might need.

He has been dead some eighteen years. His widow, Mrs. Charlotte Roach, has done nobly in rearing and educating the children.

Roach, Rev. Lewis, of Fackler, deserves mention as a hard working, poorly paid gospel preacher. Many years he led the Mud Creek Association as moderator. He, Rev. James Larkin, Rev. Lewis Henshaw, and others, are trying to build an academy at Hollywood, Ala. They deserve success.

Roach, Rev. T. J., of Hollywood, is an industrious and honorable man. He has served the Mud Creek Association as missionary, has been pastor at Bridgeport, and now preaches at Paint Rock.

Robinson, Rev. Isham, of Eureka, Talladega county, was born in Greenville, S. C., October 10, 1814. While he was the property (?) of Mr. John Truss (in 1833) he took to wife Miss Aggie Truss, by whom there has been born unto him a large family of sons and daughters, who are now grown and are honorable members of society. Brother Robinson was baptized by a Rev. Mr. Joseph Byers in 1840. He said to the writer: “I was licensed in 1850, but could not preach except when I could secure the presence of two slaveholders. I was licensed by the Mount Joy Church, the first church organized in our section of the State. I was ordained in 1865, by a council over which Rev. A. J. Waldrop presided. I was so hindered in my ministry in slavery time that Brother Henry Wood and I covenanted together to take our case to God and beg for liberty. We agreed that we would go at sunrise at least once each week and pray to God for freedom. It was eighteen years before the victory came, and often appearances caused our faith to waver.” Mr. Robinson is now quite old, but is still in fair health. His sons are leaders in the Baptist church and helpers in every good cause.

Rodgers, Rev. C. R., missionary for the western district of Alabama under the American Baptist Publication Society, was born at Hamburg, Perry county, Ala., August 4, 1859.

In early life he had opportunity to attend the country school of his neighborhood, beginning under the instruction of Rev. G. J. Brooks, now of Selma.

Living on the farm, his early activities were in line with his calling. He was a farmer boy, and hence he drew his bread and bed from the handles of the plow and the hoe.

In November, 1878, he entered Selma University, graduating from the normal course in 1884, with Messrs. R. T. Pollard, L. J. Green, R. B. Hudson, D. T. Gulley,—Hines, Miss S. A. Stone and Miss Eliza Washington (now Mrs. R. T. Pollard). The next year he began the college course and completed with Messrs. Pollard and Hines the sophomore year.

Mr. Rodgers was converted in his fifteenth year, and was baptized by Rev. R. Windham September, 1874.

On June 11, 1884, he was set apart to the full work of the gospel ministry in the St. Philip Street Church, Selma, by Drs. E. M. Brawley, C. L. Purce and C. O. Boothe, aided by Revs. H. N. Bouey and G. J. Brooks. From the time of his ordination till December, 1890, he served the pastorate of the First Colored Baptist Church, Tuskegee, but since this last date he has been successfully operating in his present position.

In January, 1889, he was wedded to Miss Lily B. Foreman, of Opelika. Bro. R. is a man of excellent spirit, quiet, unassuming, and makes changes in men more on the order of the sunshine than in the manner of the storm spoken of in the fable of the contest between sun and wind. Perhaps no man among us has so few enemies as he has.

From 1889 to 1892, he has presided over the Auburn Association. He is an easy, pleasant speaker, and a choice man.

Ross, Rev. S. L.—It was March 9, 1861, when the subject of this sketch was born of slave parents—Luckie and Emily Ross—near Rehoboth, Wilcox county, Ala.

He had the advantage of a pious, Christian mother, and was hopefully converted at the age of 12 years, and united with the Pine Grove Baptist Church by baptism, Rev. Wallace Richardson, pastor, officiating.

He was taught his “A B C’s” by his mother and grandfather. As soon as free schools opened he was placed in school, which were simply poor, for schools in those days were kept, not taught.

In December, 1879, he was sent to Selma for the purpose of attending school. He united with the St. Philip Street Baptist Church—Rev. W. A. Burch, pastor. For a number of years he was clerk of the church and superintendent of the Sunday School.

It was while he was superintendent of the Sunday School that Mr. Ross felt called to the gospel ministry, in order to a better preparation for which he entered (1883) the Alabama Baptist Normal and Theological School (now Selma University), where he spent a number of years.

Having received a call to the pastorate of the Hamburg Baptist Church, near Marion, Mr. Ross was accordingly ordained March 31, 1889. Ordaining council: Revs. Charles L. Purce, president Selma University; R. T. Pollard, Sunday School Missionary; William Madison, J. H. Hunter and L. J. Green. Dr. C. O. Boothe and Rev. Charles L. Fisher were also present and participated.

Rev. Ross was married to Miss Emily C. Boyd, of Selma, August 7, 1889. October 1, of the same year he resigned the Hamburg Church, the Forkland School, which he had taught for a number of years, to accept the principalship of the Eutaw public schools, Eutaw; Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Boligee, and Liberty Baptist Church, Blocton.

Owing to her thorough training and long experience as instructress in the city schools of Selma, Mrs. Ross has contributed much to the success of her husband.

Against the wishes of friends, patrons and churches he resigned his school of 350 pupils and the two churches named, to accept the position as treasurer and instructor in the State Colored Normal School, Normal, Ala.

July 1, 1893, he severed his connection with that school and became pastor of the Steele Street Baptist Church, Huntsville.

October 1 of the same year he resigned the pastorate of the Steele Street Church to take charge of the Sunday School Missionary work in the State under the American Baptist Publication Society, Philadelphia, Pa., which position he now holds.

Savage, Rev. Daniel, of Mumford, pastor of several large churches, deserves to be mentioned among the praiseworthy, busy men of the Rushing Springs Association. He is held in high esteem for his self-reliance, stainless reputation, agreeable manners, public spirit and earnest Christian labors. He preaches for Shady Grove Church, Jenifer, and Sycamore Church, Talladega. The writer has seen him during the past fifteen years—in many meetings where there were hot words and hotter feelings and yet with him there was the same quiet spirit, the same smiling face. “He that ruleth his own spirit is better than he that taketh a city.”

Sampson, Mr. James William, son of Rev. Green Sampson, of Wetumpka, is a young man of high rank in the order of the Knights of Pythias, but is no less a solid efficient member of the Shiloh Baptist Church, of Birmingham. He deserves consideration as a man of discernment and enterprise concerning racial questions and denominational interests.

Scott, Rev. John, late of Demopolis, led to the erection of the edifice in which the First Colored Baptist Church of Demopolis now worships. After the Rev. James Caldwell, Rev. Scott was the chief leader of the people in his section. He died five or six years ago at about 50 years of age, and his pastorate is now filled by the Rev. Mr. Wallace.

Scott, Rev. Anderson, is at this writing pastor of the Tabernacle Church, in Birmingham, but began his ministry at Selma, where he appears among the organizers of the work. He has undergone a good many changes, but because of the presence of a very large amount of vitality and will force he is still pushing on among his brethren. His life may give this useful lesson, namely, “keep the face to the lion, never give the back to the foe”—forgetting the things that lie behind us, vigorously reach for the good that lies before us. Brother Scott is one of the pioneers and his name lies in the foundations.

Scott, Rev. Henry, of Blocton, is of Maryland parentage. He is a man of piety, of integrity and industry. He has labored as a missionary of the Shelby Springs Association, and has rendered valuable services in support of Selma University. He is an uncompromising foe of low morals. Recently his health has been poor, and hence his work has been hindered.

When Selma University existed only in purpose he very substantially aided the purpose toward materialization. He and Rev. D. L. Prentice collected over a hundred dollars from one church and sent it up to the writer in Talladega in 1876.

Shirley, Rev. W. A., was born in Tuscaloosa, Ala., June 12, 1857. He began the work of mastering letters in his native city at the age of seven years, by attending the public schools provided for by the State. Later he attended three sessions (of nine months) of the city school in Columbus, Miss. For seven years he worked in a whiskey saloon, where, he says, that while at work behind the bar, he was converted to the faith of the Christian religion. Joined the church in 1878 in Mississippi, under the pastorate of Rev. T. L. Jordan. Studied theology in the Presbyterian school at Tuscaloosa. Was ordained in the African Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa under the pastorate of the Rev. J. M. Mason. His pastorates have been at Hull’s and Birmingham, Ala.

For ten years he served the Antioch, Bethlehem Association, as clerk. He has built three church edifices.

Mr. Shirley is possessed of that easy, joyous, friendly turn in manners and address, which make him agreeable to all classes of reasonable people. He is studious and observing, which fact, coupled with his native talent, offers him an ever broadening field of operation as the years shall come and go “Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation.”

Simmons, Rev. J. S., at present pastor of the Gadsden Church, son of James and Annie Simmons, was born in Alabama August 16, 1859. He was baptized by the Rev. Henry Stevens into the Greensboro Church May 27, 1878. Mr. Simmons is a man of talent, and is a graduate of the Lincoln University, once located at Marion. He was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by the Sixteenth Street Church, Birmingham, in April, 1889, Revs. W. R. Pettiford, D. D., A. C. Jackson, and R. Donald, officiating as presbytery. Since his ordination he has served the Galilee Church at Anniston, and now serves the church at Gadsden, where his labors have been especially successful. Everywhere he has borne the reputation of an honorable and pious man. He has been fortunate in finding and winning a helpmeet for him in his spiritual and intellectual labors in the person of a very excellent lady.

Simpson, Rev. I. T., of Selma, Ala., was born in this State August 1, 1858. He was baptized into the Belleville Church December, 1876, and in 1883, he was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry by Revs. D. Shepherd and C. Travis. He attended the State University at Montgomery and is now soon to close a course in Selma University. Brother Simpson is a man of fine sense, is a good speaker, and with heed on his own part, sympathy on the part of his people, and blessing from above, his opportunities for increasing usefulness and honor are very encouraging. Already he has attained a reputation as a pastor and builder as well as orator.

P. S. Since the above was written, Brother Simpson has completed his course at the University, and is now pastor at Opelika, where he is already the peerless preacher and successful leader.

The writer has the good fortune to know something about the good order of his home, and of the hospitality of his refined and agreeable wife. He is peculiarly himself and not another—clear headed, comprehensive, reasonable, self-reliant, genial, in his home as well as in the public harness. Doubtless the historian who comes after, will tell of the fruits which shall hang upon the ripened years of this strong man. May God help him to remember that Sampson’s strength was the source of his ruin. “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”

Rev. J. E. A. Wilson, Pastor Rising Star Baptist Church, Pratt City, Ala.

Smith, Rev. G. S., is pastor of the Red Mountain Church Bessemer.

Steinback, Rev. L. S., ex-pastor African Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, was born in Marengo county, Ala., March 12, 1852. He was set free at 12 years of age.

He says: “One year, all the wages I received above my scanty meals and rough clothes, was one dozen apples. Often I was glad to obtain a good meal of parched corn. At 19 I worked in Uniontown for 50 cents a day.”

It was at this time that he learned his alphabet, studying at night school. He says that as he went to his meals and to his work, his spelling book was ever with him. He attended school after he had married—using such time as he could spare after crops were “laid by.”

He was ordained to the ministry in October, 1883, Revs. John Scott, F. Gilbert and A. Wright officiating as presbytery. By industry and perseverance, he has been able to teach in the free public schools of the State, has been missionary in his association, and is now pastor of one of our largest churches. He lives, he says, on his own plantation, for which he has paid three thousand dollars.

This is an example which is well calculated to encourage poor, struggling young men to overcome difficulties and rise anyhow—rise in spite of difficulties. Brother Steinback has served the pastorate of the Tuscaloosa Church and also edits a newspaper, The Christian Hope.

Stevens, Rev. Henry, of Uniontown, son of Harry and Agnes Stevens, was born near Port Royal, Va., May 5, 1820. At the age of 21 he was baptized into Flat Run Church, Orange county, Va., by the Rev. B. Hodge. He came to Alabama in 1843, at which time he began to speak concerning the grace of God in the redemption of sinners. In 1845 he began for the first time to read the sacred Scriptures, and in the same year he married Miss Clarissa Clay, by whom ten children were born to him.

Mr. Stevens was one of nature’s noblemen. He was an honest, outspoken man, an orderly citizen, and a very forcible preacher of the plain old gospel.

In 1868 he was fully set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by his white brethren, Revs. T. M. Bailey and Drs. McIntosh and Curry.

His every word was believed by all who knew him, and his perfect honesty no man doubted. For nine consecutive years he was moderator of the Uniontown Association. He was one of the founders of the State Convention, and also of the Selma University. In 1890 he exchanged the cross for the crown, dying as he had lived, loved and respected by all. He left his family in possession of good property, worth about $5,000, and, above all, a name that has no blemish. Often our school sought refuge from want in the purse of Elder Stevens. He was two years older than his brother Washington, who died before him in Montgomery.

Stokes, Rev. A. J., pastor of Columbus Street Church, Montgomery, was born in Orangeburg county, S. C., July 25, 1858. He was led to exercise faith in Christ at the age of twelve and a half years. He entered the work of the ministry in the Methodist church, but soon became convinced of the correctness of Baptist views, and, joining the Baptist people, he was baptized by Rev. Edward Green, of Branchwell, S. C., May, 1871. After studying two terms in Crafting University and two terms in the State University, he entered Benedict College, from which he graduated in 1884. In 1874 he was solemnly set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by Revs. E. Green, Jacob Govan, Henry Harvey, and Harry Reeves. Brother Stokes has been missionary, editor and school commissioner, and is one of the most successful preachers and pastors in all the land. During the two months in which he has been preaching in Montgomery he has added, by baptism, about 500 members. The writer tried to learn something of his methods, by visiting his meetings and young people’s classes, and the following points seem worthy of mention; his preaching is characterized:

1. By the idea of salvation by grace through simple faith.

2. By narrative and portraiture and illustration. There is no cold obtruse reasoning nor loud emptiness in his speeches.

3. By pointedness and sympathy. Each man seems to feel that the pastor is talking to him and that the heart that speaks has a care and tenderness for all.

Then he is sociable, approachable to all, from the lowest to the highest, old folks and children, rich and poor, great and small, wise and otherwise—all seem to find in him a ready echo. In view of his power and of his youth, prayer spontaneously rises to God that he may be kept in watching, in humility, in faith and in faithful service.

It is worthy of remark that during his short time with Columbus Street Church, he has bought a neat and valuable parsonage for the church from means raised above the necessary expenses.

Taylor, Rev. William, Choccolocco, was born in April, 1836, in the State of Georgia. He was the property (?) of a Mr. B. Jenks, whose daughter married a Mr. Taylor. He says, “When in my ninth year my mother bade me farewell with this charge: ‘Don’t kill, don’t steal, don’t keep bad company, don’t be impolite to old people, don’t be disobedient to those who own you, and you will never be abused.’ I have never seen her face since, but her words have ever been with me to confirm me in the right way.” Brother Taylor has now been in the ministry about twenty-four years, having entered upon his public career 1868. He is one of the leading men of the Snow Creek Association, and has attained to a fair knowledge of letters, though he has had no educational advantages. Brother Taylor has been careful of the welfare of his family and interested in the affairs of the house of God. He lives on his own farm near Choccolocco, respected by his neighbors, both white and colored.

Rev. W. A. Shirley, Pastor Sardis Baptist Church, Enon Ridge.

Thornton, Rev. Elbert, of Union Springs, son of E. Thornton and Matilda Thornton, was born in the State of Georgia, December 8, 1838. In 1853 he was moved into Barbour county, Alabama, where he remained till he was emancipated in 1865. In June, 1861, he was baptized into the white Baptist Church at Midway, Ala., by the Rev. Mr. Brooks. In 1868 he was united with the church at Union Springs, and was one among the colored brethren who drew out from the white church to organize a colored Baptist Church in Union Springs—the first colored church in Bullock county. He was chosen one of the first deacons. It was not long ere his brethren urged him to enter the work of the ministry, which, under a deep sense of duty and after some hesitancy, he did. On the 5th day of June, 1874, at the call of his church, he was solemnly set apart to the sacred office of the gospel ministry by Revs. C. H. Thornton, B. Clark and others. When he took charge of the church it was in debt, but this debt was soon removed and the membership was increased, during six years pastorate, from 48 to 188, and the pastor’s salary was raised from $30 a year to $25 per month. From 1874 to 1881 he was moderator of Pine Grove Association, and since his return from his gospel labors in Arkansas he has been re-elected. Brother Thornton is no less commanding in his personal appearance than he is in his strong, clear intellect. He is a strong leader.

Thornton, Rev. C. H., of Aberfoil, Bullock county, was born in North Carolina, in 1842. He was baptized in 1862 by a Rev. Mr. Brooks, of Midway. In 1869 he was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry by Revs. R. Wright and J. C. Jett. He organized and built up the Aberfoil Church. For several years he was moderator of the Pine Grove Association. Mr. Thornton is a strong, industrious, economical, persevering man. He has obtained property worth about $3,000. The people whom he serves at Aberfoil are honorable and aspiring, and hence each—pastor and people—finds in the other the elements of success.

It was within his comfortable home that the writer, weary from overwork and exposure in constant travel, found in February, 1890, a quiet retreat in which to finish “Plain Theology for Plain People.”

Troupe, Rev. Aaron, of Town Creek, Lawrence county, was born February 14, 1851, in Morgan county, Ala. Immediately after the close of the war his parents moved to Courtland, Ala., where Aaron was brought up. He was baptized in 1869 by Rev. John Bell, the pastor of Red Bank Church. Feeling that it was his duty to preach the gospel, and not willing to enter upon such a responsible mission without previous preparation, he, for about four sessions, attended the Selma University, known at that time as the Normal and Theological School. On his return home he taught in the public schools. On May 16, 1886, he was ordained to the work of the ministry by Revs. G. Garth, M. J. Hooks, A. J. Owens and M. James. Brother Troupe has served in the church at Huntsville, and is now the successful pastor of Macedonia, near Town Creek. In 1882 he labored as district missionary under the Publication Society. He promises well. He and his brother, Deacon Troupe, are in the bone and sinew of the north Alabama work, and in them every good thing finds a ready echo and a tangible response.

Tyler, Rev. Mansfield, of Lowndesboro, was born about twelve miles from Augusta, Ga., in the month of November, 1826. When very young he was moved into the city of Augusta and lived in the family of his great aunt, the wife of Rev. Jacob Walker. He was early brought under the influences of the Springfield Baptist Church of that city—a church of colored people, which as early as 1845 was reported as numbering 1,100 members, and it was added: “This large community, with the pastor and a large corps of exhorters, are all of the colored race.” Rev. M. Tyler remained in this Christian family and attended the services of the above named church till he was 18 years of age. He says: “I was with them when the stars fell.”

At this time, as he was a slave, he was removed by his master to the State of Alabama, where he has remained until this writing. In April, 1855, he made a public profession of faith in Christ and united with the people of God by baptism. Shortly after this he felt impressed with a call to enter the work of the gospel ministry. This call he tried to obey as far as his condition and fitness would allow. “The work,” he says, “was exceeding difficult, as we were not allowed to know books and might receive only oral instruction on religious subjects.” When a very young man he married his first wife, with whom he lived for twenty-six years—till her death.

At the close of the war he located at Lowndesboro, where he went immediately to work to organize a colored Baptist church. Success attended his ministry and many were brought to faith in Christ. In 1867 he succeeded in organizing the colored Baptist church in Lowndesboro. On June 27, 1868, he was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry, since which time he has baptized 1,000 persons into the Lowndesboro church and 500 at White Hall.

When the Alabama District Association was organized in 1871, he was elected moderator, and is moderator at this time. He was a leader in the organization of the Baptist State Convention, over which he presided from 1876 to 1886. He is one of the originators, stockholders, and trustees of the Selma University, and is now, and from the beginning of the University, has been the chairman of the board of trustees. He is a man dearly beloved.

In recognition of his Christian manliness, his faithful labors, and his knowledge of the word of God, the above named university in 1890 conferred upon him the honorary title of D. D.

He is studious, industrious, devout, urbane; and though he is now about 68 years of age, he is still so full of sunshine as to be acceptable to youth as he is to old age. His present wife heartily joins him in every good word and work.

He has succeeded in accumulating considerable property, and is greatly to be praised for the care he has bestowed upon the culture of his sons. He has been among the chief financial supports of all the worthy measures of the denomination. He is very sociable, and possesses rare powers as a preacher. No man in Alabama has so much power over the Alabama Baptists as Dr. Tyler; his works as well as words make him the beloved.

Walker, Rev. William, of Avondale, was born November 30, 1848, near Jacksonville, Ala. In August of 1866 he was baptized into Bethel Baptist Church, Alexandria, by Rev. George W. Brewton. Mr. Walker’s ordination took place in August, 1876, Revs. G. W. Brewton, S. L. McLean and James Miller officiating as presbytery. It was late in life ere he came upon opportunities for book learning, but finally some good white friends, seeing his desire to learn, assisted him in making a beginning upon which he has made a fair improvement. His preaching is characterized by self-abnegation, application to the subject, and earnestness of style. Indeed in several regards he is really a strong preacher. He is no less forcible in the pulpit than he is agreeable in the parlor. He has served the pastorates at Gadsden and Anniston, and now presides over the church at Ashville. The following will give some evidence of his standing among all classes: While the Wills Creek Association was in session a few weeks ago in Ashville the white Baptists allowed him the use of the house of worship for the session, and the Rev. Mr. Montgomery (white), of this town, informs me that the white people aid in his support, some of them constantly attending upon his services.

Rev. L. S. Steinback, Pastor Second Baptist Church, Demopolis, Ala.

Walker, Rev. T. W., of Birmingham, the son of Rev. Emanuel and Charlotte Walker, the property (?) of Benjamin Walker, of Coosa county, Alabama, was born in Coosa county, Alabama, September 5, 1852.

He joined the old Elam Baptist Church, Montgomery county, Alabama, in May, 1879, and was baptized by Rev. Jerry Cole in the same month. On February 26, 1884, he was ordained to the gospel ministry at the call of the Sixth Avenue Church, in the city of Birmingham, by Revs. W. R. Pettiford and J. R. Capers. His success has been marvelous.

The writer first met the subject of this sketch in Montgomery county in the year 1879, when, though he was not a Christian, he was acting as Sunday School superintendent. He says that on this occasion the question, “How can you lead others in the road to heaven when you, yourself, are not walking therein?” destroyed all his carnal security and false ease, and was the beginning of a change in his life.

I doubt if any man among us has had more power over the masses than he. While he was building the Sixth Avenue Church there was a constant demand for more room for his audiences. And since he has been serving at the Shiloh Church, the writer has seen not only the building filled to its utmost capacity, but hundreds of eager listeners standing without at the door.

Those who know him best feel that his power over the masses is largely owing to his common sense, goodness of heart, and his simple, steady faith in God, his cool self-reliance and his hard work for and among the masses of the people.

Future historians will no doubt find reasons for recording his name high on the best pages of their books. [2]

He relates the following incidents of his early childhood: “When I was five years of age, I, for the first time, enjoyed a ride to town. When I got off the wagon Mr. Harrison rolled up my shirt sleeves and the legs of my pants and placed me on a block on the street in the middle of a great crowd of people. I enjoyed it, as I seemed to be the person especially noticed by all. I saw my mother and father weeping, but I could see no reason for it. When I came down from the block, I, with two sisters and a brother, went home with a Mr. House, where the crack of the whip, the yelp of the hound and the howl of the wolf were the most frequent sounds that fell upon my ear. The fact and horrors of slavery were first branded into my heart by the tying and whipping of my father before my eyes. When I asked father what it meant, he replied: ‘The lash which I fear will soon fall upon yourself, my son, will too early explain what is meant.’”

A white man to whom he hired himself taught him at night his alphabet, and started him to spelling and reading during his eighteenth year, and now he reads, writes, and manages his own figures in business. He is a grand man.

He has organized a building and loan association with about 2,000 members.

[2] See chapters on Sixth Avenue and Shiloh Churches, Birmingham, and the Mt. Pilgrim Association.

Ware, Rev. William, of East Lake, Jefferson county, Ala., was born in said county October 5, 1837. He was converted to Christianity in his thirteenth year, and was baptized into Union Church, near Birmingham—that is, where the city now is—by the Rev. Willis Burns (white). He was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry November, 1868, by Revs. Edmond Burris and Allen McAlpine.

The Rev. A. J. Waldrop (white) says of Bro. Ware: “We never had in Jefferson county a man of more stainless character. He is not an educated man, but he is earnest, honorable and upright.”

The writer has found Bro. Ware to be one of the meekest and gentlest of men. He, with Rev. Henry Wood, organized the Mt. Zion Church in 1878, and he was the first moderator of the Mt. Pilgrim Association. He has held various pastorates, and has held them always with credit to himself and profit to the cause.

He lives on his own pleasant home and quiet farm a few miles northwest of East Lake. He is still an active worker, and enjoys the love and confidence of the people among whom his light so long has shone to the glory of God.

Ware, Rev. Berry, was one of the pioneers of the work in Shelby, Jefferson and Talladega counties. Few men in those early days had more power over the masses than he. He died some sixteen or seventeen years ago, and I have nothing of his history or nativity. He baptized the Rev. D. L. Prentice, and started the church at Aldrich.

Webb, Rev. George W., of Eufaula, Ala., was born in Russell county, Ala., in 1844. Fortunately for him, Capt. W. H. Redd carried him, while he was still quite young, to Columbus, Ga., where his perceptive mind was permitted to imbibe such ideas of refinement as did not exist on the plantation. Here, under the advice of his parents, he entered upon a sort of irregular course of study, which led to some success in book knowledge. As Gen. Wilson’s army was passing through Georgia, he enlisted as a soldier, remaining in service till he was mustered out in 1866.

He was baptized into the fellowship of the white Baptist church at Abbeville, Ala., by the Rev. L. R. Sims. In 1868 he married Miss Eliza Collins, and in 1869 was among those who led in the organization of a colored Baptist church at Abbeville. In 1870 he assisted in organizing the “East Alabama and West Florida Association.” In 1873 he moved to Eufaula. He was ordained to the gospel ministry about 1874-75. Mr. Webb is a very energetic man and a successful builder of churches. He took a leading part in the organization of the Eufaula District Sunday School Convention, and much of its success is due to his missionary labors. He is a friend of education and missions, and believes in progress on all lines.

Whatley, Rev. W. H., of White Plains, is of Georgia nativity, but came to Alabama while young. Without doubt Mr. Whatley is the most influential man in Calhoun county, and yet no man in the county is more modest, deferential and unassuming. He is a man of power, and yet he does not seem to know anything about it. For years he has been the moderator of the Snow Creek Association, and except something unusual shall occur he will continue to preside for years to come.

I know of no moderator who has better government in his association than Mr. Whatley, and yet there seems to be no effort to command. He exercises an oversight over every branch of his associational work, appearing in all the general meetings, whether the interest at stake pertains to local church work, to missions, to education, or to Sunday School. He is an ex-student of the Georgia school, and attended while it was located at Augusta. And it is a fact, much to the credit of his white brethren, that they made it possible for him to attend school. He lives on his own valuable farm amid his children, who are now maturing, his son Charles being now a young man.

White, Rev. E. C., of Tuscumbia, was born about the year 1842 in Chester county, S. C. In 1859 his master brought him to Alabama, where he has since resided. He was converted the fourth Lord’s day in October, 1869, and in the same month was baptized into the Russellville church by the late Rev. P. Jones.

Brother White says: “In April, 1868, my wife was baptized by the Rev. W. E. Northcross, and her devoted life constrained me to desire peace with God. My wife overthrew all my old ways and lovingly compelled me into the ways of the Lord.” At once he became zealous for the cause of Christ, and soon began to speak as opportunity offered itself, first at Russellville and then at Tuscumbia. At the request of a church which he had built up near Tuscumbia, Rev. W. E. Northcross called a council, and on October 8, 1873, solemnly set him apart to the office of the ministry. He has attained to some knowledge of books, of which he is still an industrious student. Before his whole time was employed in the ministry he taught in the public schools.

The good people of Russellville and Florence have long held to him as pastor.

Brother White owes much to his excellent, Christian wife, who has been a helpmeet for him since 1865. He is a hospitable brother and faithful Christian minister.

White, Rev. J. W., the son of Claburne and Elizabeth Hatcher, was born in Dallas county, Ala., in October, 1839, eleven miles south of Selma, on the Alabama River. He takes his name from the Mr. White who owned his mother. He was baptized into the St. Phillip Street Baptist Church, Selma, by Rev. John Blevins, in September, 1868. He was ordained to the work of the ministry by the above named church, in August, 1875, Revs. J. Dosier, J. Carter, Henry Stevens, and John Blevins, officiating presbytery. Bro. White was at one time moderator of the Uniontown Association; was for some months missionary under the American Baptist Publication Society; was pastor, at different times, of the Mt. Zion, the Summerfield, the St. Paul, and the Providence Churches, near Selma; was pastor at Camden, Ala., and recently retired from the pastorate of the Sixth Avenue Church, Birmingham. He has from the first been officially connected with the Selma University, in which he studied for about three sessions, being the first ministerial student who was enrolled. He is an earnest preacher and a studious man, so that it may be said of him that he is an elevator of the people on all lines. He relates the following story: “During the war, and at a time when things looked rather dark for the South, my stepfather and I were attending a Presbyterian meeting, when he was called on to pray God to ‘drive back our enemies.’ Father prayed: ‘O Lord, drive back our enemies.’ When we were at home alone I told him that I found fault with his prayer, for it was really against the interest of his people. The old man answered: ‘The our meant the colored people, and the word enemies referred to our oppressive chains.’”

At this time, extending from a time long before, there was an organized prayer circle in Selma, which met on every Friday night beneath a great oak tree in the woods to pray to God to bring liberty to the slave. Brethren Alex. Goldsby and Charles White were among the leaders of this meeting. Doubtless Bro. J. W. White knew of this meeting and of its purpose, and hence was hardly prepared to hear a prayer so seemingly contrary to the wishes and needs of his people.

Wilhite, Rev. J. Q. A., of Selma, was born August 13, 1854, in Louisville, Ky. He was baptized in 1866, and in 1878 was ordained to the office of the gospel ministry in his native city. The presbytery of the occasion was Revs. C. C. Stamm, D. A. Gaddie, W. W. Taylor and others. Shortly after this he entered the gospel work in Alabama, beginning as pastor of the Second Baptist Church, Eufaula. He came to supersede the Rev. Mr. Bassett, who for some reason had returned to Indiana. Under his administration the Eufaula Church rose into success and beauty unequaled by anything that had passed before. Beginning with 1886 he was for several consecutive years financial agent for Selma University. Resigning this work he was for sometime pastor of the church at Uniontown, where he was attended by his usual prosperity, both in gathering the people and in raising finances. This position he resigned in order to assume once more the office of financier for the University. At the present writing he is treasurer of the University.

Mr. Wilhite’s success is largely owing to the following: Self-reliance, industry, tact, perseverance, adaptability of himself and methods to the condition of the people.

He is an ex-student of the Roger Williams University, Nashville.

In 1872 he wedded Miss Kate Talbert, who has presented him with a large family of promising young folks, to whose education he is giving special attention. He is to be commended for that economy, as well as industry, which has enabled him to possess a comfortable home for himself and loved ones. He has not been forgetful of the welfare of them over whom God has made him guardian. Like very few preachers, he is a good business man as well as a good preacher.

P. S.—He has recently built a brick edifice at Uniontown. He is now a successful pastor in Birmingham.

Wilson, Rev. J. E. A., pastor of the First Colored Baptist Church, Pratt City, comes to our denomination from the Methodist Church. He was born January 1, 1861, in Fayette county, Alabama, and was led to submit to Christ as his Savior, September, 1882. He was regularly inducted into the Baptist ministry, September 27, 1887, by the laying on of the hands of a council consisting of Revs. A. C. Jackson, V. Huntington and others. He has served acceptably at Patton, Corona and Jasper. He is unpretending, quiet, brotherly and has a good report from all circles. His school advantages have been rather meagre, but with his youthful vigor and self-control, coupled with the abundant facilities for an increase of knowledge common to these times, he may yet be a man of learning and a leader in letters. Of course no man can hope to attain to knowledge beyond his ability to study forever and without any thought of tiring or despairing.

Notwithstanding he is a man of strong emotions, he has rare executive ability and is hard to equal as a leader.

Wood, Rev. Henry, of Talladega, was born August 15, 1825, in Greenville, S. C. His father was a lawyer in South Carolina. He came to Alabama with his mother when eleven months old, and was settled in Jefferson county, near Elyton.

He was baptized into the white church by Rev. Joseph Bias, who, at the time, gave it as his opinion that “Henry” would be a preacher. Ordained to the work of the gospel ministry just after the war (1867), he was a timely instrument in the special mission of organization. Mr. Wood has been one of the pioneers of our work in Jefferson, Talladega, Calhoun and St. Clair counties. In speaking of his struggle after knowledge in slavery time, he says: “I had been reading for some time and had begun to learn to write fairly well, when the fact came to the notice of the white people. They tied me up and laid 600 lashes on my back; and, I tell you, I lost all my knowledge of writing after this.” Referring to his missionary and pioneer work since freedom, he relates the following: “For the most part the white people have treated me well. Sometimes, however, I have been troubled with drunkards and ‘negro whippers.’ As I was riding on my missionary work in Blount county, I once met a man who gave me such a crack over my shoulders with his horse whip as almost broke the skin; but as I did not so much as look toward my abuser, he let me go with no further harm. I passed on, thanking God that it was no worse with me.”

Brother Wood is a man of excellent spirit—is as jovial as he is earnest. His life has been temperate and chaste, and he is approaching the death shadows and the tomb with triumph and in peace. He has occupied good pastorates and honorable places in the associations. His first wife (Miss Dicey Truss, whom he married in 1844), has preceded him to the goodly land, and both their children have passed before him. He now lives in Talladega with his second wife (the widow of Mr. Thomas Barclay), in very easy circumstances, and still finds plenty of work to do in the cause of the Master. Few men are more widely known and more generally beloved than he. For wrath and malice he is entirely a child. Nothing could more surprise his brethren than to see him in a fit of ugly temper, or to hear from his lips expressions of ill will. Brother Wood speaks in praise of Revs. Messrs. McCain, Mynett and Law (white) as friends to their colored brethren in the time of the latter’s weakness and inexperience in church work.

P. S.—Our dear Brother Wood has gone to his crown on the ever bright shore. Peace hover over thy dust, O thou man of God!

St. Louis Street Baptist Church, Mobile, Ala., Rev. J. L. Frazier, Pastor.

Wood, Rev. R. T., of Huffman, pastor of Pleasant Hill Church, and son of Mr. Henderson Wood, of the same place, is the eleventh child of a family of thirteen children. While he was still very small two older brothers were killed by the “K. K. K.,” which clan terrorized the country after the close of the war. In consequence of which sad incident, it is thought, his father died of mental depression, leaving the subject of our sketch without a father’s presence, guidance and support. Nothing daunted by this host of sorrows and misfortunes, Mr. Wood, industriously and with patient spirit, notwithstanding his delicate constitution, gave himself to such engagements as came to his hand, making horse collars and brooms as well as aiding his widowed mother in spinning, knitting and weaving. In his thirteenth year he was minded to seek for peace with God, and, so at an early age, he began to attain to experiences of grace which have increased with the growth of years.

Evidently the family is possessed of sterling qualities, as may be seen in their aspiration and courage. The other members of the family whom I have met live an independent home life in the mountains near Huffman. Mr. Wood hopes he may find an opening through which to enter the mission field in Africa, and his name has been sent in to the mission authorities. If his life should be spared for a maturer development he will be a tower of strength in good things. He is a graduate from the Grammar Department of Selma University, in which institution he expects to take a higher course.