Clark, Mr. Peter F., son of P. F. and Daphney Clark, was born in Hale county, Ala., near Gallion, on the Taylor plantation. He first attended what in his neighborhood was known as the Vaughn Hill School, and afterward studied at a night school taught, he says, “by one who would have been my mistress had slavery continued.” Bro. Clark has been remarkably successful in business, which is largely due to his industry, economy and courteous manners. He is vice-president of the Penny Savings Bank in Birmingham, as well as one of the directors. In speaking of the line of work out of which he derived his start in business affairs, he remarked to the writer: “I remained with one firm twelve years.” As we see his success in the light of this statement, we are reminded of the old saying, “The rolling stone gathers no moss.” So many fail on all lines because they move about so much. Mr. Clark is sociable, hospitable, and courteous.
O’Riley, Rev. J. P., pastor at Compton and Trussville, gives the following sketch of himself: “I was born in Saint Croix, Danish West Indies, August 1, 1850. In 1870 I entered a Catholic school in Baltimore, with a view to preparing for the priesthood. In 1874 I joined the Protestant church, and in 1880 I was ordained to the ministry of the Baptist denomination. My pastorates in Alabama have been in connection with the St. Paul Church at Greenville, Coalburg Chapel, Mt. Nebo at Patton, Mt. Joy at Trussville, and Mt. Olive at Compton.”
Bro. O’Riley is a vigorous worker, and is blessed with social qualities which make him an agreeable companion.
Frazier, Rev. Jeremiah Lemuel, son of Richard and Phœbe Frazier, was born in Abbeville county, S. C., June 18, 1857. He says: “My parents were among the poorest of the slaves.” In 1867 his parents moved to Florida, where, in 1874, their son was baptized into the Bethlehem Baptist Church, near Madison county Court House.
His Education.—He has had no public school advantages, but being possessed of a quiet, appreciative, observing, aspiring turn of mind, he availed himself of such educational facilities as came in his way. In the fall of 1874, he entered a night school and continued his studies during the long nights of the winter, paying the teacher one dollar per month. Being called off from this advantage by the demands of the farm, he sought knowledge in the Sunday School, and in the study of such books as he could command. He speaks with pleasure of the fact that his mother prayed that he might learn to read the Bible, that he did learn to read it, and that he read it to her in her weary hours of sickness. The affectionate son is now the affectionate man.
His Work, etc.—On informing his pastor that he was called to preach, he was advised to take up a course of study, which he did, continuing it for about ten years, during which time, 1878, he was wedded to Miss Ida Paul, a young lady sufficiently skilled in letters to render him valuable service in his books. He was ordained in March, 1885, to take charge of the Zion Baptist Church, Enterprise, Fla., since which time he has been pastor in Sanford, Fla. He is now the beloved, successful pastor of the St. Louis Street Church, Mobile, Ala. He is a good preacher, good pastor, good financier, good man. The above named church was organized in 1854; their building is worth $20,000.
Keller, Rev. R. H., of Birmingham. This young man is brought into special prominence by his missionary operations in the “Magic City.” He began at Avondale as pastor, but seeing that so many people were absenting themselves from the churches, he conceived the idea that where the people would not or could not go to the gospel, the gospel should go to them. Mr. Keller went to work at his idea, speaking in empty store houses, etc., in the most ignorant and most polluted neighborhoods or sections of the city, to such of the people as he could induce to attend. At last he stirred such interest in favor of his project and plans as influenced many of the good people of the white churches to render substantial aid.
At present all the white and all the colored ministers of Birmingham—except the Catholic and Episcopal—are united in Mr. Keller’s support. It is rather a strange fact in gospel work that this man should thus represent both races and all creeds. His talks before the white people, so I’m informed, have caused the white women of Birmingham to propose a work upon their part that has for its object the betterment of the home life of the colored people.
“The Union Conference of the White and Colored Ministers of Birmingham” is a result of Mr. Keller’s labors. Evidently he is a man of strong hope in and strong grasp upon his purpose as well as patience, amidst discouragements.
Loveless, Hon. H. A., of Montgomery, was born November 24, 1854, near Union Springs, in Bullock county, Ala. His ex-master retained him on the old farm for five years after the war was over on the plea that his mother was unable to assume his management and support. Finally, however, he escaped to Montgomery, where he found employment for small wages. Being industrious and economical, he soon obtained a little money ahead which he invested in the butcher’s business. His business tact, push, courage, kindness of heart, politeness and integrity soon won for him the confidence and respect of his neighbors, who marked him as a youth of merit and promise. He soon became an earnest, consistent Christian man, from whose hands the poor and needy were daily fed, and at whose house pastors and their families were entertained for years without cost.