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

by Charles Octavius Boothe

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.