The source of this uncorrected OCR text may be viewed in the DjVu format at: http://fax.libs.uga.edu/E185x93xG4xC323/ or http://purl.galileo.usg.edu/ugafax/E185x93xG4xC323/ ! THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA ^^t^m^ EEV _. K. PAKTKR. THE B AC SIDE •ARTIAL HISTuRV THK BT7SINESP RELIGIOrS .M) EDHCATIOX i-L -"IDE THE NE(rRO [iithor REV. E. R. CARTER, Ou) Pidjjit niuxf.rd.f.p.d," -'Descriptive es of Europe and the Orient." ATLANTA, (fA. 1894. PREFACE. This Book comes to the public from one who has the care of a large pastorate, busy studying and praying in order to find how he may best serve his flock; it comes to a people who are not all prepared to appreciate a work of this kind from one of their own race. The Negro, it seems to the author, is not yet ready to encourage its men of a historical and literary turji of mind—not even those who are in advance of the common people. I have often thought if I was anything else but of the race I am, I might, perhaps, be something and be able to do and also make somebody else something, but as it is, I am doubtful. Yet I feel encouraged enough not to despair, but to push forward under God's help with hope to become something and to yet make my people something. It is universally conceded that my people have accomplished what no other race in the world ever accomplished in KO short a time, and notwith standing I am not so flushed with what we have accom plished to forget the fact that we have not as yet more than got our foot on the bottom round of the ladder, whose top leads to all that a race must possess to be classed with the races who passed through centuries to lay their hands on the top round. Generations must come and go before this can be done. It took five hundred years to make a Jew in the days of Abraham, eight hundred years to make a Roman in Cicero's time, and one j thousand years to make an Englishman. We have done well for the time we hav • TV PREFACE. had, but not well enough. To stop and rake tine to argue about what we have done, is like a little boy boasting of his manly acts before he has hardly com menced in life, so we may by so doing spoil all we have done. Yet we may, as we go, on speak of what we have done for our own encouragement and inspiration of those who are to follow in our footprints. The Black Side will be one of the factors in solving the great Negro problem. These beautiful, cultured faces, either in the school of experience or letters, will do much in advancing a step farther in finding the answer in the great problem. This book represents men, young and old, who have come to the front in life with everything to discourage them, no lucrative position to inspire them, nothing to encourage save the natural ability being an impetus to their successful business tact which the God of Nature has abundantly crowned the Negro with. It is hoped that this book will do much when it is read to give a great impetus to the younger ones. This wish is the inmost throbbing of the Author's life. INTRODUCTORY. BY BISHOJ' H. M. TUKNEK, D.D., LL.D " To everything there is a season and a time to ever} purpose under the heaven," says the wise King of Israel. He further says: "I have seen the travail, which God hath given to trie sons of men to be exercised in it." Recognizing the truth of these divine declarations, this is evidently the time and the season for so much of the Hamitic races as includes the Negro, to take their place among the literary rien of the present age, and rapidly are they doing so. Year after year additions to our libraries are made by the productions of this cold-shoul dered and undervalued race. A few years ago it was argued by the contemners of the Negro that he was not only degraded, non-intellectual, but created an inferior race by that God who is no re specter of persons, and as such was destitute of a knowl edge of governmental institutions, and could not compre hend the subtilties of any system of philosophy. Another charge that has repeatedly been alleged, was that he either had no history or had been too incompetent to pre serve it. This allegation is false and ever has been, a^ all ancient history abounds with the genius, skill, bravery, adventure and enterprise of the Hanitic races; and the sane has been preserved, not only in recorded annals, but in granite shafts and heaven-towering spires. The man, or nen, who make such assertions, advertise their ignorance of history upon the one hand, or proclaim their disregard of truth upon the other. VI [NTRODTCTOEY. Who built the pyramids of Egypt ? Who embalmed the dead heroes that have defied the tooth of time for four thousand years ? Who founded and organized the first civil governments ? Who built the first floating crafts and spread their sails to the breeze ? Who 'first carved wood and chiseled stone ? What people insti tuted military protection, and marshalled men by thous ands to the defense of their country ? Who first de signed thefhieroglyphics and made them the symbols of thought and expression ? Who gave Greece that alpha bet which enabled Homer to write his world-famed Iliad ? Echo answers, Who ? Read the historic lore of ages, and the footprints and finger-marks of the sons of Ham will tell the inquiring student who. But let us admit that the Negro was a degraded being during the days of our enthrallment and forced dehumanized condition. Is it any marvel ? Was not every form of our environment degraded ? Were we not brought up under a degraded people ? Were not the whites, to whom we belonged, equally degraded, and did they not close the doors of every avenue that looked toward our elevation ? But why pause to discuss that phase of this doleful subject ? Thank God, the Negro has outlived them all, and our duty now is to look to the future. While we may not entirely forget the past, we may remember it only as an incentive to achieve grander results in the progressive hereafter. That other falsehood also, that the Negro can only attain to certain limited conditions, is equally defunct. He can, and will, do what any other people can. Hinton R. Helper, of South Carolina, says, in his works on " Negroism," that only from the fair Caucasian race can statesmen, orators, poets, philosophers, historians, law yers, physicians, merchants and editors be obtained, to say nothing of great authors, logical ministers of the INTEODTTOTORV VII gospel, manufacturers, adventurers, etc. Let us, how ever, see. From Mr. Helper's own State we have the world-renowned Bishop D. A. Payne, D.D., LL.D.; the celebrated Robert Smalls ; the learned F. L. Cardoza; the mathematical professor, J. W. Morris, A.M., LL.B., the national famed Robert B. Elliott, and eloquent Richard H. Cain, both of whom held the United States Congress spellbound; the fluent yet learned Rev. Frank J. Grimkee, D.D.; the massive-brained Elder A. T. Carr, whose granite shaft in Charleston's cemetery vies with John C. Calhoun's; and the universally-known and ever to be lamented W. J. Simmons, D.D., LL.D., and the able physician, J. J. Durham, A.M., M.D. This catalogue takes in but a small number of the black celebrities of South Carolina, but it suffices to con trovert his own position, whether set forth ignorantly or intentionally. And, if we will step ontside of the little State above mentioned, and glance over a few pages rep resenting the present and the past, what an array of Negro talent confronts us ! Will any one dare to say that Toussaint L'Overture, in point of actual generalship, was not the peer of Bonaparte, Wellington or Washing ton, and with the same resources to draw from would not have been more famous than any one of them ? Shall we pause to recount the mathematical prodigies of Benjamin Banneker, who brought President Jefferson to his feet, or Phillis Wheatley, whose poetic genius won the admiration of the cultured men and women of Amer ica and Europe ? May we not well lift our hats at the name-shrine of Dr. Garnett, Samuel Ward, Dr. McCune Smith, the elder Downing, Dr. Bias, Lewis Woodson, Rev. Andrew Marshall, who lived to the age of a hun dred and four years, Major Martin R. Delaney, Captain Small, to say nothing of Douglass, Wears and a long list of living lights, whose splendor-blaze eclipses the flicker VIII INTRODUCTORY. ing lights of our raceberaters and would-be contemners? But still they come; slowly, yet surely, the years are giving us a retinue of lights, whose effulgence enters into our homes and is bidding our ignorance, vice and immorality disappear. This is a glorious age in some respects, in which the Negro is living, notwithstanding the reign of barbarism that has been inaugurated by white mobs, lynchers and incarnate fiends, who are putting to death from a thousand to fifteen hundred of us without judge or jury, here in the midst of schools and churches, every year. But the God of the Negro still lives and holds the store of his vengeance, and will mete out retribution sooner or later if he will only be true to himself and stand guiltless bef >re the bar of an enlightened conscience. The time is 4pe for the Negro to right his own battles, seek his own fame, achieve his own greatness and immortalize his own name. Let the young men, who may read these pages, remember that their fathers are growing old, and the mothers of the young ladies are doing the same, and prepare to supply their places and radiate a moral luster that will redound to the good of our race. Greatness has no color; learning is neither white nor black. There is no such thing as colored intelligence, white intelligence or black intelligence. There is no such being as a white God; God is neither white nor black. There is no such place as a white heaven, where every angel, cherub and seraph is white. If there were, it would be a dull, monotonous place. Heaven, with its population, is as variegated in its color as the flowers of the forest, or as the stars in the sky. The one great want of the Negro race is men learned in all the sciences, philosophies and professions of civili zation and an unadulterated Christianity. We need great poets to write hymns in harmony with our color, and not SS* RESIDENCE ALFRED XASII. [NTBODFCTOEY. IX cherish the idea that God must pull off our black skin before we can pass through the pearly gates into the New Jerusalem. Rev. E. R. Carter, the author of the book to which this is an introduction, is grandly contributing his part in the promotion and general advancement of our race. As a preacher of the gospel, he has few equals; as a tenperance lecturer, he has no superior; as a trav eler and explorer, he has been to the sumnit of Calvary, where the Son of God expiated for the sin of the world. He has inspected the Egyptian pyranid with his own keen and observant eye, as well as rolled in the saliferous waters of the Dead vSea. He has given the public a book of near three hundred pages entitled Our Pulpit IlhmtrutKd, in which can be found the profile, not only of a large nunber of emi nent colored divines and gentlenen of his own colored denomination, but of Methodists, Presbyterians and others of worth and merit. No young minister in the State of Georgia is nore industrious, nore venturesome, more popular, more forethoughted and more studious than he. While largely self-nade, he will, in a few years, if he continues in his noble work, wear every title of distinc tion which the college can confer, and go down to his grave beloved, honored and wept for. I bespeak for this inimitable production a wide sale, thorough and prof itable reading, not only by the nenbers of our race on this side of the broad Atlantic, but on the fertile plains and golden sands of the sunlit landscape of Africa, where in the fullness of tine, the sons and daughters of our race will achieve wonders in every departnent of civilization and Christianity that will be spoken of from pole to pole. Africa, the future home of her goaded and oppressed children, where they shall stand out in the grandeur of their individuality, and men like Brother Carter will have their names woven in prose and song. THE BLACK SIDE. CHAPTER I. THE HISTORY OF THE BLACK SIDE OF ATLANTA. In beginning the history of the Black Side, or the Afro-American, in this the beautiful, enterprising city of Atlanta, because of the unfriendly relations existing be tween most of the whites and blacks, and because of the continual effort to debar and prevent the Brother in Black from entering into any lucrative business, I am inclined to use the words of the Apostle Paul: "For here we have no continued city, but seek one to come." This condition of affairs causes a feeling of unrest and everlasting perturbation, which unsettles all permanent thought and action, and we wonder what will be the re sult or outcome of such a state of affairs? Notwithstanding the effort to close every avenue which leads to trade-learning against the negro, the Black Side of this city has surmounted obstacles, leaped over im pediments, gone ahead, purchased the soil, erected houses of business and reared dwellings, which show architec tural skill and taste, and, as Mr. Crumbly says, if gjven a white man's chance and let alone, will accomplish what any other race has accomplished or can accomplish. By the above assertions we would not have our readers be lieve that we think ourselves utterly friendless in our sojourn here, for there are among us white brothers who will do us any favor or show us unlimited courtesy; yet Southern custom and public sentiment clasp these in fet ters so binding that they are hindered from carrying to 12 THE BLACK SLDE. any great extent these higher feelings, however hard they may strive to du so. In giving the history of the Black Side in this city, which will include also some prominent features of the Black Side out of the city, I am obliged to go out into this field as did Ruth into the field of Boaz, with the little handful which I have gleaned from the acts and doings of that small number of the colored people, which helped to form this now great city in its infancy. It has been said that diligence and ac curacy are the only merits which a historic writer may ascribe to himself. I have spared neither care or pains to secure the facts as to the Black Side of this city. I would not say that the work is without error; to as sert such would be the grossest egotism. In presenting to the public the facts as to the history of the negroes here, I give in connection herewith a brief sketch of the oldest living Afro-American in this city, viz: Andrew Montgomery. Allow me to add that he it is who fur nishes the information concerning the history of the early- days of Atlanta. Like many others of his race, he lived during the dark days of slavery, and bore the cruel treatment char acteristic of those days, and having lived his four score years and more, he is still here to relate to the younger generation the history of the early days of Atlanta. Andrew Montgomery was born at Buck Creek, Jack son-county, Georgia, in the year of our Lord, 1808. He passed through all the vicissitudes of slavery life, had several owners, from whom he received both kind and cruel treatment. When quite young he became converted, and ever afterward lived a devout Christian. At quite an early age he came to this city, then called Terminus. At this time there were not more than fifty colored persons here, and of that number only two were THE 13 not slaves. These were Mary Combs and Ransom Montgomery. Mary Combs was the first colored person to own property in this city. Her property occupied the place where Wheat street meets Peachtree street. This prop erty she sold, and with the proceeds purchased her hus band. Ransom Montgomery, who was a brother to Andrew Montgomery, was the second person of color who pos sessed a share in Atlanta's soil. He obtained his free dom by a noble act of his life. This act was the saving of the lives of more than one hundred passengers during the burning of the bridge over the Chattahoochee river whilü a passenger train was crossing it. By this act the State of Georgia unloosed the chains of -slavery which bound Ransom, made him a free man, and gave him all that land lying near and around the Macon round-house and along where the Milner spring used to be. There were others here who owned property. Bob Webster, better known as Bob Yancy, Dougherty Hutch- ins and Jacob Nelson. Several others, of whom we shall speak farther on, and who became prominent in the legislature of Georgia, came after the above named per sons in having a share of Terminus. Every age has its great men, and these, of whom we have just spoken, were considered as such, esteemed and held in high re spect by their own race, as well as by members of the white race. Although not able in those early days to exhibit patriotism for their brothers in black, when the days of slavery were no more these rendered great ser vie • to their people and became their leaders. 14 THE BLACK SIDE. CHAPTER II. MARTHA SV1LLE. The population of Terminus increased gradually until 1843, when it was able to boast of about ten white fami lies. Now it was that the inhabitants became ambitious for a corporate name and charter. Application was made to the legislature for a charter which was granted, and the village was christened under the name of Mar- thasville, in honor of the daughter of ex-Governor Wilson umpkin, who at that time held the reins of State power in his hands. At this time the Hamitic population of Marthasville was quite small, for not all of the ten white families were able to hold slaves, and very minute was the number of free men among the sons of Ham. Nothing noteworthy concerning them transpired to mark their existence in the village of Marthasville till the establishing of the first colored church. That came about in this way. During the days of Terminus the whites and blacks worshipped in the same house, the whites using it on mornings and allowing the negroes to use it in the afternoons, requiring them to use portions of scriptures as refer to passages like, servants obey your masters, etc. Or, to use Father Montgomery's words. " The negroes had to consider themselves the shoe soles and the whiles the upper leather." But finally, there chanced to pass by one who proclaimed the Word as found in Christ Jesus, regardless of one's feelings. This enraged the whites, who refused the negroes privilege to hold services in their church house again. So Father Montgomery, of whom we have already spoken, called together a num ber of the brethren to devise means by which to estab lish a place of worship. This number consisted of Nelus THE BLACK SIDE. 15 Murphy, Henry Strickland, Vine Ware, Sam Fisher and Father Montgomery himself. These constituted the Board of Trustees whose business it was to obtain ground on which to erect a house of worship. The smallest sum for which land could then be purchased was seventy dollars and on to one hundred. Father Montgomery called upon Colonel L. P. Grant who gave him a portion of land. Major Terry selected a suitable site, on what is now Jenkins Street, for the building which was soon erected thereupon. This house stood till destroyed by the Federals. The land was then taken from the Negroes but by order of Colonel Grant was returned to them, He then gave deeds for the same, and finally this site was sold and a more desirable one on Wheat Street was purchased, and upon it was erected another house of worship. To this was given the name, Old Bethel, and from it the present church derived its name, Bethel Church. Thus was established the first colored church in Marthasville, and it was Methodist. The chief events of this period were namely, the ap pearance of the Luitiinary, the first newspaper, and the completion of the entire line of the Georgia Railroad, the first train running through from Augusta to Marthasville September 15, 1845, arriving about dark. In 1846 Marthasville could boast of another railroad. This was the Macon and Western Railroad, which had just been completed. After the entering of the railroad things in Marthas ville took d turn. The villagers were buoyed up by these events, and feeling themselves " too great " for a village incorporation, made an effort to obtain a charter for a city. The first attempt failed, but the second was a success. Thus after a life of five years the village gave up the title of Marthasville and received instead that of Atlanta. THE BLACK S CHAPTER III. ATLANTA The name, Atlanta was suggested, through a letter to Mr. Richard Peters, by Mr. Edgar Thompson, as a more suitable one for the ter.ninus of the Western and Atlantic Railroad. Thus, in 1847 the Legislature of Georgia legalized the name and change, so that, as Marthasville, Atlanta existed. Now in the year 1848, Atlanta numbered about five hundred souls. This population consisted chiefly of work ing men employed by the various railroads. There were continual new developments in the city of Atlanta, but as nothing of importance concerning the Black Side occurred, we pass on to Atlanta during the war. This period cannot be truly described, except by him who had the opportunity to witness the scenes thereof himself. The writer was a small slave who then lived at Athens, Ga., but not so far away that he could not hear the continual report of cannon and gun, the sounds of which, echoing and reverberating, traversed the distance from this city, where a mighty struggle was going on, to the place of his abode; and often in the still hours of night could be heard those terrific roarings as of muttering thunder. Under the flying shells which sent down torrents of tire, as in the days of Sodom, houses were consumed, and the inmates were forced to take refuge in holes or caves and flee to the woods for protection. Many, in fleeing, were seriously injured, while others, from the strokes of shells, lay bleeding and dying. This was a sad picture, a pitiable scene! The loss on the white side was great. BEV. TAMES ' VTE. '.»•€ •.'•£ ' ^ (•"l 11 A.MUEL FKEEJ] VIS. THE BLACK SIDE. 17 Only a few blacks suffered loss of property, for not as yet were their possessions much in real estate. In fact, this struggle was more of gain than loss to the black side ; for the shells of General Sherman were the strokes of the hammer of liberty, unfastening the fetters of the accursed and inhuman institution of slavery ! These strokes were joy to the "Brother in Black." Yes, they rejoiced when they saw the Confederate flag fall like Lucifer and trail in the dust, and in its stead the Union flag floating in the breeze, publishing to the nations that the diabolical temple of traffic in human blood had been overthrown and buried in everlasting oblivion, and the temple of the Goddess of Liberty had arisen. Ye«, tkey cried for joy ; It from the slave's eye did beam ; His heart o'erflowed with ecstasy That was not all a dream ! The cries of the long enslaved, "We are free, we are free ! CHAPTER IV. ATLANTA AJTEB THE WAK. In 1867, by order of General Pope, the Constitutional Convention met in the city of Atlanta for the purpose of revising the Constitution of the State of Georgia, and reconstructing the political affairs concerning the government generally. And be it said to the honor of the Black Side, that the majority who composed that Convention were some of the noblest and most patriotic of the sons of Ham. This meeting brought about fiery, bitter speeches from both sides, which made this period almost as dangerous as any preceding it. This is a chap ter in the history of the metropolis of the South equally t s THE BLACÜV SIDE. as difficult to narrate, especially when referring to the feeling which existed between the two races. It was, however, the year of jubilee for the Black Side. Nearly all public affairs were under their control, or that of the party to which they belonged. In the same year of the reconstruction, Rufus B. Bullock was elected Governor of Georgia. Hence, the Governor, Speaker of the House and Representatives were all sup porters of the principles and party of the Black Side. All over the State, as well as at Atlanta, began the organization of leagues, which were for the purpose of inspiring and encouraging the Republican party in this State. This league trumpet could have been heard from the mountains to the seaboard. The reinforcement of their energies and power was the backbone and the life-giving power of the Republican party. In Atlanta could be seen the sable sons of Ham, who a few days previous, handled a plow, saw, shovel or pick, crowding into the Legisla ture and Senate Hall, for the purpose of making laws for the government of their former owners. In nearly every seat in the old capitol hall were seated the ebony- faced men, once slaves, now free men and statesmen. There sat E. M. Turner, now D.D., LL.D., U. L. Houston, Madison Davis, Romulus Moore, Alfred Rich ardson, the martyr of the Republican party, James Simm, Jacob Fuller, Campbell and Bradley, and a number of others whom we cannot mention at this point. There sat they beneath the capitol dome, while the stars and stripes played peacefully in the breeze, assuring them of protection and security, Those were times worthy of appreciation and recog nition. Every child should be told of the hands which aided in the reconstruction of the government of this grand THE IC SIDE. 19 old Empire State of the South, should be told of the honor? conferred upon their fathers, and the high positions to which they were chosen, notwithstanding their insuffi ciency in many instances. It is the history of the ract. and is therefore worthy of repetition. Those were trying times ; they called forth all that there was in our fathers. Though the emblem of peace waved over them, yet they walked the streets in jeopardy. However, they were not molested to any injurious extent. This was pre vented through the wise counsel of the better class of the brothers in white ; and from the fear of worse happen ings than those through which the country had but re cently passed. What was true concerning the state of affairs in Atlanta, was equally true of the State of Georgia. While the brothers in black were rejoicing in their sleeves over their freedom, they were at the same time trembling in their boots, from fear of losing their life, so great was the hostility between the two races. Jehovah be praised! Most of this hostility is over. The white man is glad that the black man is free and the black man is glad that the white man is free. The strug gle is now in another line. Education, wealth, suprem acy are what the races are now fighting to gain. The first two powers the Black Side is bound to have ; yes, determined to possess. The third never enters his brains ; he cares nothing for it. All he asks is a citizen's privilege, the rights of a tax-pay er and free access to the public positions of the city, which he is compelled to support, and whose laws he so eagerly strives to protect. I doubt whether there are people living by the side of another people who pay as much taxes as the Negro in thL city for the support of its government, and who share so little recognition in the government of the city. 20 THE BLACK SIDE. CHAPTER V. THE PROGRESS OF THE BLACK SIDE OF TO-DAY. After the Southern Cause had been lost and the coun try became quiet, the Negro then realized that he must act for himself. Standing alone, possessing nothing, he closed his eyes to the past to open them to the dawn of a new day. The many hardships and privations which he had so long and patiently borne, energized him to strive to make a brighter future for himself and children ; accordingly ? James Täte, who is now one of the most successful whole sale and retail merchants of the Black Side, or the aver age business man of the White Side, in the year 1866 com menced a grocery business on Walton street, near the First Baptist Church (white). His total stock at that time amounted to $6.00 (six dollars). He now carries a stock of more than $6,000 (six thousand dollars), in a neat, two-story brick building on Decatur street, where he has resided since 1867. This man was the first to open and teach a school in this city. He might rightly be called the father of the beginning of business and enterprise, as well as of the intellectual source. The first of the Black Side of this now thriving city to open a store, the first to open a school, the first to teach a school! From him no doubt came the inspiration for the many who have come after him. Business houses among the Black Side are now established all over this wonderful vestibule of the South ; businesses of every class and kind, from the junk to the dry-goods store. The next event of importance in the history of the Black Side of Atlanta was the establishment of the Atlanta University. "This institution was chartered in THE BLACK SIDE. 21 1867, soon after the shackles of slavery had been re moved, and civil and religious liberty had been declared the natural heritage of the colored race by the great benefactor and patriot of modern times, Abraham Lincoln." Though chartered in 1867, the University was not properly opened until 1869. This inestimable source of knowledge and instruction to the Black Side was organized and established under the auspices of the broad-hearted, Godly-minded Professor Edmund Asa Ware, who, through conflicting opinions of the North and South, came to this city to open a channel of learn ing for the children of Ham. Upon one of the many hills which surround the city of Atlanta, where battles were fought to keep the negro in bondage and ignorance, sets this grand institution, a lasting monument to the good man who raised it ; sending forth yearly, men and women, boys and girls, to wage battles against ignorance, crime and vice. n the year 1868. under the leadership of Rev. Frank Quarles, the First Colored Baptist Church was organ ized. This body consisted of about twenty-five mem bers, among whom were John Carter, Levi Alien, Jake Whittaker, James Täte, Orange Davis, Betsy Rucker, Mary Whitehead and others. They first held religious services in a car-box, in the northeastern part of the eity, on Walton street. Here they worshipped for a considerable time. The next place of worship was somewhere on Luckie street, where they also held meet- ]ngs quite a while. Finally a lot on corner of Haynes and Markham streets was purchased, and a small wooden building was put up. The membership had by this time increased considerably, and wishing a still more desirable site, the present lot on corner of Mitchell and Haynes streets was, through the recommendation of John Carter, purchased, and upon this a more commo- THE BLACK S dious structure of brick was erected. As the wheel of time moves onward and developments in progress are made, a new day dawns. While in the past there were none or only a few places of mercantile or intellectual resources, now Atlanta for the Black Side abounds in such innumerable places of business and of intellectual and industrial training, occupying some of the best streets and dotting the hills and borders of this fair city. All around her borders tower, like the mighty hosts of Zion, some of the finest colleges, universities and .seminaries fur the Black Side, in all this Southland, re gardless of class or kind! There are attached depart ments where youths of any age who have the power of speech can, by simple operations, be taught to read, spell and cipher, and given a practical insight into geometry without having a book placed in their hands. This form of instruction comes through the Kindergarten system, which is among the wonderful inventions of the age. In fact, Atlanta, for the Black Side, is the classic city. On some of the most beautiful avenues and streets of this basin city are grand structures erected as altars to Jehovah, from which minarets, domes and steeples lift their heads to the azure sky. Along these same streets are many structures of brick, where various kinds of businesses are carried on. Some of these structures are : Odd Fellows Hall, point ing upward four stories in height, on Piedmont avenue; Good Samaritan building, ascending four stories, on Ivy street: the Schell Opera House and Hall, of three sto ries in height, on West Mitchell street. On Marietta street, the erections of Rivers, McHenry and McKinley stand with neat brick fronts. The storehouses of Täte and Murphy occupy conspicuous places on Decatur street, while on West Mitchell street, near their beauti- THE BLACK SIDE. 23 ful residences, are to be seen the two-story structures of N. Holmes and W. H. Landrum, used as storehouses; and, in proximity to the same, on West Hunter street, is the handsome storehouse, with residence above, of M. V. James. The neat storehouse and dwelling of P. Escridge, on Wheat street, deserves special mention, for the owner and proprietor is a man of acute business talent. Going in another direction, we arrive at the storehouse and dwelling of I. P. Moyer, on Peters street. Here he carries on a flourishing business. Also on same street are the storehouses and dwellings of King and R. N. Davis. Such are some of the brick buildings owned by the Black Side of Atlanta. Returning to Wheat street, we come to the large fancy grocery of F. H. Crumbly, where he does business on an extensive scale. Above this place of business are his handsomely arranged apartments. On same street are the business houses of Pace, and C. C. Cater; the storehouse and residence of T. M. Gooseby & Son; the bookstore of Hagler & Co. Next in line is the pharmacy of Drs. Slater, Butler & Co. Then, on Fraser and Martin streets are the storehouses, near which are the dwellings also, of Watts, Graham, Emery, and Epps & Jones. There are other promi- inent grocers in the city whose names and places of business we should be glad to mention would the ;ope of this paper permit. Briefly we mention some other enterprises carried an by the Black Side of our business-like city of Atlanta. Among the most prominent is that of J. McKinley, which consists in rock-quarrying and dealing in sand and brick. In this enterprise he employs at times more than one hundred and fifty laborers, white and colored. An other, the Cooperative South View Cemetery Co. The Georgia Real Estate Loan and Trust Co., of which the B4 THE BLACK STDE. Hon. H. A. Rucker is President. Atlanta Loan and Trust Co., of which W. C. Redding is President. These enterprises show the marked ability of the Black Side in controlling and managing the most intri cate forms of business, and is a firm denial of the asser tion that the negro is non-progressive. It also demon strates to the world what the negro will do if given a chance and let alone. Just here may also be mentioned the professional pur suits. As lawyers we have the erudite Robert Davis and the cunning, shrewd M. E. Loftin. In dentistry the famous pedestrian, Robert Badger, and the sons of the late, much lamented Roderick Badger. Let us add that there are others of our sons pursuing this profession, who will soon begin practice in this and other cities. As we take a retrospective view of the Negro, then see him as he now is, engaged in the many enterprises t pursuits, professions and occupations, we can but exclaim like the poet : •• 0, what a glorious hope is ours, While in this land VP stay; We mon than tasto immortal joy A.ud antedate that day." But let us proceed. There is the firm of Drs. Asbury, Taylor & Co., known as the Friendship Drug-store. Then, that of Drs. Strong & Lockhart. All of these are skillful physicians and have an extensive practice among our people. Those in the educational line, who are capable of fill ing chairs of languages and sciences at the colleges of to-day are : the scholarly, linguistic Professor Wm. E- Holmes, of the A. B. S. ; Professor Wm. H. Crogman, who is considered by all whose pleasure it has been to meet him, as a deep thinker, an able instructor and eloquent speaker; Professor St. George Richardson, the learned Principal of the Morris Brown College. ILL] TEMPLE STEEI ^f. E. , ^__ , • £ , " - - 'i-.'1" «•" ' .'~&i!tk3f"'f. UOOI) SAAFA lîITAN lUT] rj)T\(î. THE BLACK SIDE. 25 In the public schools we have as principals: the re fined, cultured, gentlemanly instructor, W. B. Matthews, of the Houston street school; the business-like and ora torical E. L. Chew, of the Gray street school; the elo quent " Boy royal of the times," F. Grant Snelson, of the Mitchell street school; and the witty, deep-thinking, pro gressive, self-made, Carl Walter Hill, of the Martin street school. As lady principal, there is the inestimable, Christian worker, well informed Mrs. Allie D. Carey, of the Roach street school: and of her it is truly said that nowhere is there a more intelligent, better read or bet ter informed person in all the languages than she. Having spoken of those who work with the mind, we now mention those whose lot it is to deal with the body. Our successful tailors are: the polite, artistic G. M. Howell; the venerable Wm. Finch, the successful Rufus Cooper, A. W. Finch, who does a flourishing business, and B. B. Brightwell, the steady. These are scarcely more than half of our successful tailors ; but this number serves to show what the Negro is doing in this line. We also have several artistic and fashionable dressmakers in our midst, and the gentle, obliging Mrs. Pennernone as milliner and hatter. Verily, the sons and daughters of Ham are applying themselves to the useful arts and pro fessions of life. THE GOOD SAMARITAN ORDER. The order of the Independent Order of Good Samari tans and Daughters of Samaria was introduced into the State by the organization of Crystal Fount Lodge, No. i, in Atlanta, Ga., on Friday night, July 9, 1875, by Rev. W. G. Strong, of Mobile, Ala., under the jurisdic- 2ß THE BLACK SIDE. tion of the R. W. E. D., Grand Lodge. No. i. of Brook lyn, N. Y. The following officers were installed on that night : H. R. Rakestraw, W. P. C. ; Sarah Mangum, W. P. P. D.; Samuel B. Bailey, W. C. ; Julia Dillard, W. P. D.; Wm. Holmes, W. V. C.; Eliza Holmes, D. of Ft.; John Davis, W. P.; Amanda Bradbury, D. of L.; S. W. Easley, Jr., W. R. S.; Beele Burkes, D. of R.; C. J. Dickersun, W. F. S.; Mary A. Snyder (King), D. of F.; Alfred Peck, W. T.; Betsy Jackson, D. of T.; James Dozier, W. Con.; Lucy Watkins, D. C.; J. H. Oliver, . S.; Rachael Oliver, D. of K.; Peter McMurray, A. S.; Jane Scott, D. of P.. The lodge was organized with about seventy-five per sons, composed of the very best people in Atlanta, among whom may be noted Mitchell Cargil, Hiram Brooks, Joseph McCants, Anderson Phelps, Rev. J. C. Riggin, Ed. Hill, Andrew Hill, Sam'1 Jackson, Jack son Gates, Alien Brown, Thomas J. Henry, Mrs. J. P. McMurray, Mrs. Lizzie Lewis, Mrs. Clora Garner, Mrs. Mollie Golden, Mrs. Sully Alexander, Mrs. Amanda Hill, Mrs. Viola King, Miss Mary Garrett, Mrs. Nancy Wilson, Mrs. Lizzie Ford and others. The list of honorary members is also brilliantly illus trated by such noted prelates as Right Rev. "W. J. Gaines, D.D., Rev. S. H. Robertson, D.D., Rev. Rich ard Graham, and others of like note. Crystal Fount Lodge has also furnished to the Grand Lodge of Georgia three Grand Chiefs, two Grand Pre siding Daughters, viz. : J. M. Marshall, S. W. Easley, Jr., Peter McMurray, Mrs. Matilda Simmons, and Mrs J. P. McMurray, and other Grand Lodge officers, as well as National Grand Lodge officers. The lodge since its organization has initiated into mem- THE BLA<-K bership over three hundred persons, and has a member ship to-day in good standing of about four hundred. The secret of the marvelous financial and numeri cal success of this lodge is due to the fact that its treas ury has always been open to all charitable objects, suf fering humanity, and the poor inebriate. It contributed to the yellow fever sufferers in Savannah, Ga., in 1876» to the afflicted in Memphis, Tenn., 1875, during the great cholera epidemic that carried off so many souls; in this and other ways caring for the poor, sick, afflicted, dead, the lodge has disbursed upwards of $26,000. It has a fine four-story brick building on Ivy street in the heart of the city, valued as $30,000, and several shares in the South View Cemetery of Atlanta, Ga. It was the first of the secret orders in Atlanta to purchase real estate, though by several years younger in the city than any of the secret orders. In fact it has been the pioneer in every movement looking to the advancement of "the Black Side of Atlanta." In religion, morals, industrial, intel lectual and financial progress Crystal Fount Lodge has blazed the pathway, that others may "go and do thou likewise." The order is a Christian-temperance order, and its members the world over are found in honorable stations in life, from queens, princesses, kings, noblemen, lords, congressmen, governors, bishops, ministers, lawyers, doctors, laymen, professors, authors, orators, nurses, cooks, seamstresses, laborers, and toilers after honest gain, for the sustenance of life. Such an order as the Good Samaritans is a power in the land and country, and is a God-send and a blessing to mankind generally. Long it live and prosper. 28 THE BLACK SIDE. SPELMAN SEMINARY, 1881-1893. It is not my purpose to bring before the public the full and interesting history of the faculty of this grand and God-established institution, but rather I wish to have you know of the work which it has done, which it is doing, and which it is destined to do. In April, iSSi, there came to the city of Atlanta two consecrated Christian women from Boston, Mass., to en gage in work for the women and girls of the South. Little did Miss Sophia B. Packard and Miss Harriet E. Giles know when they entered Friendship Baptist Church and rapped at the door of the study of Rev. Frank Quarles, that they had come in answer to his prayers, and even to the prayer which he was then offering. Priscilla and Aquila had come. After conversing with these ladies, and finding out their object, with a heart overflowing with joy and grati tude, Rev. Quarles gladly opened his church door, and on April ii, 1881, in the basement of Friendship Baptist Church, these noble-hearted and self-sacrificing women laid the foundation of the grandest work ever done for the women of the South. The first term of work lasted only three months. Though the Southern climate was very severe, and many comforts were naturally denied these white ladies who had come to work among the colored people, these Chris tians felt it their duty to spend their first vacations in At lanta, that they might learn more of the people, and that tue people might learn of them and of the object in view. During this summer they visited the homes, the Sun day-schools, gave Bible readings, organized a mission band and an educational society. The ensuing October the second term of school opened with an increased number of sixty-nine. THE BLACK BIDE. 29 The exceeding dark prospects had begun to get bright, the foundation had been laid, and, as the Lord said to Zerubbabel, he said to them: "Yet now be strong . for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts." The school had grown large enough to demand the service of another teacher, and more room was impera tive. The American Baptist Home Mission Society of the North had agreed to take charge of the work, but it questioned the wisdom of maintaining a separate school for girls. The decision was reached—the school was ever to be a school for women and girls. The necessity for a boarding department was clearly seen, so Rev. Frank Quarles, whose sympathy was in the work from the beginning, after getting a few dona tions from the colored people, went North to raise money to build a boarding department. The inclemency of a New England November was too great a strain upon his Southern constitution, and he sickened and died, thus giving his life for the education of the women of his race. n February, 1883, the old barracks, with nine acres and five frame buildings, upon a height in one of the loveliest parts of the city, was purchased. The school was moved from the basement, and the boarding depart ment was immediately opened. The real growth of the school was more and more plainly manifested. The -'unseen hand" was constantly at work. The third teacher, who came in December, 1882, was now to open another department—a model school—where girls could be trained to be efficient teachers in the day schools, to which most were likely to be called. The industrial feature became prominent. The students were taught ^ewing, cooking, house-cleaning and laundering. .30 THE BLACK SIDE- THE SIDE. f This school, unlike the other schools of the kind in At lanta, was the first to see the value of putting mental, tiiOi'al and ma/Mal training side by side, believing that the rise of a race depends as much upon nicely kept homes as it does upon its ability to handle Csesar or to challenge Euclid. The annual progress of this school has been beyond human conception. In 1884 the name of the school was changed from Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary to Spel- man Seminary, in honor of John D. Rockefeller's father- in-law. Mr. Rockefeller gave the largest donation to ward the purchasing of the property; he also was the largest donor toward the erection of the first brick build ing, which bears his name. The chapel, office, reading room and eleven recitation rooms are in this building. In 1886, Union Hall, in which was the old chapel and recitation rooms, was burned. At the time of burning it contained the dining hall, the model school and the music rooms. The burning of this building necessitated the immediate erection of the second brick building, which was named Packard Hall, in honor of the Senior Principal, Miss S. B. Packard. Spelman Seminary has a Preparatory Course, an Aca demic Course, a Collegiate Course, an Industrial Course, a Nurse Training Course, a Missionary Training Course, a Normal and Training Course. THE PREPARATORY COURSE includes primary, inter mediate and grammar school studies. Those finishing this course often teach in the public schools of the South. Those completing the ACADEMIC COURSE have taken all of the sciences commonly taught in any English course. Some graduating from this course have held and are holding high positions in some of the colleges which are maintained by the Baptist Home Mission Society. The majority finishing this course are engaged in teaching. have married. From these the m^fl. fin of the lising and future generations is hoped to come. It is desirable that those graduating from the Academic Ci ursewill return and complete the COLLEGIATE COURSE, which is four years. This course, comprising the lan guages and higher sciences, was added this year. In the INDUSTRIAL COURSE the girls are taught plain sewing, dress-cutting, cooking, house-cleaning and laun dering. Much attention is given to this course, owing to the fact that while all cannot be teachers, none are exempt from properly performing the duties of our every-day home life. Certificates are awarded those who creditably omplete this course. Every woman more or less is called upon to care for • sick. To meet this demand a NURSE TRAINING COLRSL was added to the Seminary in 1886. Nine-tenths of the daily deaths occur from the want of proper nurs ing. In this course the students are taught physiology and practical hygiene. There is a hospital, the Evarts ward, on the campus, where the nurses have the practice in nursing under the eye of a professor. There is a sur gical room connected with the ward, in which cases are sometimes brought in and operated upon in the presence of the nurses. [t is well for ever}' teacher to have some knowledge of caring for the sick. What teacher has not met with an opportunity, possibly to save life, if she had only known some of the most simple remedies which are learned in this cours - A few of the students have chosen nursing a life-work, and are earning ten or more dollars a week, working under some of the best doctors, both white and colored. THE MISSIONARY TRAINING COURSE was added to Spelman Seminary in 1892. This course prepares those who have finished the Academic or its equivalent, to do 32 THE BLACK SIDE. missionary work in the families, churches, Sunday-schools, in this or foreign lands. This course takes in two terms of eleven months each, six months in school and five months on the field doing practical work under the direc tion of a teacher. The time of two teachers is given to this work. Lectures to the class from different profes sional men are given almost weekly. The great neces sity of this work is plainly seen. It is the longing desire that all pastors will take hold and encourage the work. The Bible is the only text-book used. Expenses of this course are borne by the friends of the North. To give the older women an opportunity of gaining an education, an ELECTIVE COURSE has been added specially for them. One has graduated from this course, and is doing a grand Christian work among the women of her race. THE NORMAL AND TRAINING COURSE, the last but not the least addition to Spelman Seminary, prepares graduates for teachers after the plan of the best normal schools North. Miss Griffin, from Potsdam, N. Y., is the superintendent of this course. She is ably assisted by six teachers, together with nine pupil teachers. The pupil teachers teach under the immediate eye of a reg ular teacher. It is hoped that ere long only teachers re ceiving this special training will get employment. Those who creditably take this course are awarded certificates. This course will soon occupy an immense four story brick building which is near its completion. In this building, aside from the twenty-four recitation rooms for the Normal and Training Department, there are eighteen dormitories and three recitation rooms for the Missionary Training Department, also a Chemical Laboratory and Science lecture room. Those students wishing to become printers and whom the principals think prepared, are taught printing, which " --*r -:£ k. ttf J» >»!!•"% "ITH H ill ^^ , i ftt ''* . !*iï l r l "V" , r t ' -- i -i- ,. I THE BLACK SIDE. 33 will enable them to get employment in many of the printing offices. Vocal music is given uvice a week without extra charge. Instrumental music, two lessons a week and a daily practice hour, is given by paying extra. You have -our choice of taking on either piano or organ. [| Spelman Seminary is founded upon the teachings of 1 the Bible, therefore the Bible is taught daily to every scholar. As the result of this, two students, Miss Nora A. Gordon and Miss Clara A. Howard, were taught to hear the gracious call, replying: "Here am I, send me." They are now missionaries in Africa. The student who does not leave this school to work for Christ and the good of all who come under her influ ence, has failed to carry out her instruction. The motto of Spelman Seminary, " Our whole school for Christ, "is expected to be verified in every girl who has been a member of that school. "In 1888 a Board of Trustees was forned, and Spelman Seminary was incorporated by the State of Georgia." The school has a nice library in which there are many valuable books, which have been donated by different i| friends of the North. There is a museum in which sorie beautiful collections have been gathered—stuffed birds, valuable stones, and many relics from the East. Aside from the regular courses, persons wishing to becone professional dressmakers, or elocutionists, nay enter and pursue said studies belonging to the profes sion. There are six associations and societies belonging to this institution—Young Women's Christian Association, Congo Mission Circle, Students' Volunteer Society, Social Purity, Christian Endeavor societies, and the Ly- 84 THE BLAPK SIDE. THE BLACK ceum. The teachers and students take an active part in the promotion of each of these organizations. The expenses of this institution are within reach of almost every woman or girl who is desirous of an edu cation. Each girl has the choice of doing her own washing. There is a comfortably arranged brick laundry with all of the modern facilities. There i« a regular laundress in charge, with several assistants. Aside from the donations given by the colored churches, Sunday-schools and associations of Georgia, amounting to t\vo per cent, of the total donations, Spel- man Seminary is run by the American Baptist Home Mission Society, the Women's American Baptist Home Mission Society of New England supporting a large number of the teachers by the Slater fund, and by indi viduals, Hon. John D. Rockefeller being the largest in dividual donor. Many of the faculty, now numbering thirty-seven, whom the Lord has prospered in this world's goods, have given and are giving, their services. Sixty-six young ladies have satisfactorily finished the academic course and are doing work in every Southern State. Two are missionaries in Africa: Miss Rubie B. Jones is a member of the faculty of the Spelman Semi nary; Miss Selena M. Sloan is preceptress of the State Normal School of Florida ; Miss Alice E. McEwen is an editress in Alabama ; Mrs. Morgan (Ida B. Carswell) i<= principal of a city public school in Columbus, Ga.; Miss Essie M. Atkinson is teacher in the Gray St. School, Atlanta. Many, whose location I cannot get, are holding- good positions. There have come into this work, as have come into all others, discouragements and dark shadows, but the presence of the Lord has always been felt. The death angel has visited the institution and taken five of his consecrated ones to their reward. Each coming seemed to have been sadly realized, but none was so heart breaking as was the calling home of the beloved and honored senior principal, Miss Sophia B. Packard, who was one of the first two who planted the mustard seed which has so rapidly grown into a great spreading tree. This sad stroke came in June, 1891. Do the women of Georgia realize their loss, is the question to be an swered. Miss Harriet E. Giles, Miss Packard's associate prin cipal and coworker succeeded Miss Packard as principal of Spelman Seminary, with Miss Lucy H. Upton as sociale principal. Under these two ladies nearly two terms have been successfully taught, MRS. CARRIE STEELE LOGAN, FOUNDER OP THE COLORED ORPHANAGE OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA This noble, Christian woman is a native of Georgia, and in this State was reared. She was a slave till, through divine providence, that great benefactor, Abra ham Lincoln, set her free. While a slave she learned to read and write, the acquisition o£ which she has always found indispensable to her. For more than twenty years she has been in public work, and her contact with the world has been a complete education of itself. Being, for a long while, a stewardess at the depot in this city, this good woman had daily experiences of the sufferings and wants of her people. Daily she saw hungry, half-clad, ignorant children wandering about the streets, being tossed hither and thither by the rude winds of adversity; waifs drifting 36 THE BLACK SIDE. down the struam of destruction! Children barefooted and crying for bread, seeking, in vain, places to lay their tired heads! These sad sights touched the heart of Mrs. Steele, and moved to pity, she resolved to do something for the chil dren of her race. By her industry and economy she had some time previously purchased a valuable lot on Wheat street, and upon it built a handsome cottage. She now began to think how she could better the condition of the children of her people. A divine inspiration came to her, and she grasped it eagerly; it was that she might erect a place of retreat for these little ones. She began this arduous work by writing a short ac count of her life, which she placed before the public for sale. Her little book took well, and she realized an ac ceptable profit from it. This was the first step in the great undertaking of her life. She then solicited aid in other ways, and to her re quests many kind hearts of both races responded, and she was soon able to begin the erection of the Orphan age, which now stands a lasting monument of the great work done by this good woman. This building is three stories in height, built of brick with a stone foundation, and well adapted to its usages. Within its walls Mrs. Logan has gathered around her fifty heretofore friendless and homeless little ones, who, at the time of their coming, were mostly ignorant and uncouth, but now are tidy, trained and being taught to read, etc. These are taught, first of all, to pray. The older ones are being taught domestic work in all its parts, and fancy work. The boys do farm work. All attend school, which is provided for them at the Home. THE BLACK SIDE. 37 They have Sunday-school every Sunday, and even the little ones of four years can repeat chapters in the Bible. The campus is spacious and most beautiful. The Orphanage was erected at a cost of five thousand dollars, all of which was raised through the efforts of Mrs. Logan. She is deeply interested and wrapped up in her work, which she claims is the greatest joy of her life. Since this noble woman has done so much for human ity, all should lend a helping hand to push forward the grand and glorious work. Mrs. Logan has done a work which will tell in years to come. She has placed the stepping-stones for the bet terment of the race, by striving to save the boys and girls. They are the ones to be shielded from dangers and temptations. Save, O, save the children ! God's choic est blessings rest upon him who works to this end. Just after resigning her place at the depot, she married Mr. Logan, of New York, a Christian gentleman, a man of sterling worth. Their ideas are mutual, both having at heart the elevation of the race; both laboring to the same end. In Mrs. Logan he possesses a treasure rare; in him she finds all which could be desired in any one. This Home is non-denominational; it is free to all homeless, friendless children of the city of Atlanta. It was dedicated June 20, 1892. Long after the founder shall have gone to her final rest this structure will still tower heavenward, and may the good work done within its limits make her memory imperishable, her name immortal. THE BLACK SIDE. REV. N. J. JONES, FOUNDER OP THE COLORED MEN'S PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION—ABLE BAPTIST MINISTER. Rev. N.J. Jones the subject of this sketch was born in Nashville, Nash county, North Carolina, in the year 1844, and when six years of age was brought to Pike county, Georgia, at which time he was the property of a Mr. Milton Riggins. In 1862, when but eighteen years old, he was, for his thrift, aptness and integrity, appointed driver and foreman over a large and prosperous planta tion, which was managed chiefly through his directions. He also worked at the blacksmith trade, and was con sidered a skilled and first-class workman in that line. When emancipation was declared, he was still the prop erty of the same man, and when all of the slaves had gone, he remained with his former owner, Mr. Riggins. Mr. Jones was a great favorite with him, and until this day he highly respects him. He came to Atlanta in the year 1866, and the follow ing year was converted and joined the Friendship Bap tist Church, under the venerable Rev. Frank Quarles. He has ever since labored for and devoted his Christain zeal to this church, and is a most important factor in it. He assisted largely in making the church what it is now, one of the leading Baptist churches in the State. He was at one time employed by the firm of Messrs, Hoke, Miller & Company, and, because of his faithfulness industry and efficiency, was greatly esteemed by those gentlemen. He is identified with many of the leading enterprises, and has enlisted his heart and hands in every commenda ble effort which promises to promote the prosperity of his race. In the capacity of a workman he aided in the THE BLACK SIDE. 89 ci ci tion of the old capitol building on Marietta street, and later served Mr. A. Landsburg, an extensive lumber dealer, whose place of business occupied the site where th< Markham hotel now stands. He was made foreman • the enure business, and manager of the yard hands, and the accuracy with which he managed the business of measuring and selling lumber was commendable in no small degree. He remained with this gentleman, and after leaving him, went into the grocery business on a small scale, but by prompt attention to business, honesty and sobriety, he has built up a business surpassed by none in the city in its line. He has a large and well supplied stock of staple and fancy groceries. In addition to his energy and arduous labors among his people, he retains the highest confidence and esteem of all good citizens of both races, who know him. Concerning the orders and organizations of the city, he holds in some of these the highest offices in their gift. Was chosen president of a benevolent society, which office he filled with trust and ability, and from which much good has been derived. On another occasion he was unanimously elected pres ident of a Smallpox Society, during the time when that terrible epidemic infested our city. Through his endur ing efforts, a large sum of money was collected and de posited in the James' Bank for the relief of those who might fall victims to the dreaded plague. As a worker in the Sunday-school, Rev. Jones has no peer, as there is no more useful, earnest and faithful laborer to be found. He has been an active teacher in the Friendship Baptist church for the past twentj' years, and many are the young men who have graduated from the A. B. S., who ceived valuable instruction in the Sunday-school class -lught by Rev. Jones. It can truly be said, that no one has labored more zealously for the Sunday-school cause than THE BLA<:K RIPE. this man. Because of his activity and Christian zeal for the cause of Christ, the church granted him license and permission to preach the truth "as found in Christ Jesus." He possesses a superior knowledge of the scriptures, and his manner of expressing it is eloquent and forcible. As a divine he stands and ranks with the leading clergy of the State. Along with the other noteworthy events of his life, might be mentioned the formation of the Colored Men's Protec tive Association, an organization which is known far and near, and is looked upon as being one of the best so cieties among the race. This large and flourishing insti tution was projected and founded by this good man in the year 1886. After careful study and consideration of the poor class of the race, he devised a means to bring them in closer connection with that class which was more able to help them. Thus he called a council of good men to whom he stated his object; which was, that he desired to establish an order or union which would take care of and help those who were unable to help themselves. Accordingly, he, with the council, set to work, and soon the good results of their hard toil manifested themselves. Of course they did not have smooth sailing. There was much opposi tion; but the harder seemed the struggle, the more vig orous grew these combatants, for they felt they were fight ing for the good of humanity. Rev. Jones finally suc ceeded in gathering together a large mass of people from different points in the State, and with the committee of the following gentlemen, himself being chosen chairman of said committee, applied to the superior court of Fulton county for a charter. Committee, N. J.Jones, Chairman; A. Blalock, A. Payne, H. C. Davis, A. B. H. Lowry. December 17, 1886, the charter was received for a term of twenty years. During the same year Rev. Jones was elected President of the Association. During BIKS. CAEK1E STEELE LOOtAIS. yt, o H •<, ri'-1.- ':: ' THE BLACK SIDE. 41 the year 1887 the order had increased in number tu one thousand, and soon after to eighteen hundred. Great and good have been the results of this order, and all due to the noble-hearted, unselfish Rev. N. J. [ones. Sick members receive the best attention, the poor are cared for and the dead decently buried. This good work is not confined to Atlanta, the society has State rights, and, as a consequence, several branch lodges have been established from the one of this city These lodges are doing creditable work, and be it said to the honor and credit of Rev. N. J. Jones, that under hi? leadership the prosperity of the lodge has been great and rapid. As expression of the confidence placed in him, he has been made president every year since its or ganization, and this without opposition. He is the ac knowledged leader and chief commander, and is backed by a number of intelligent citizens. It is an established fact that the Colored Men's Protective Association of Atlanta has done more to lift up fallen humanity than any other organization in the city. Its doors are open to all with no respect to persons ; the rich, the poor, the cast down, may enter and receive protection, all that is needed being a reformation on the part of those who have been or are cast down. Those who are received must take most solemnly the pledge which strictly requires good morals, decency and uprightness of character, and so soon as one violates this pledge he is excommunicated. So rapid has been the growth of this order that the wise president saw the need of enlarging its borders, thus giving access to a broader field of labor. Accordingly, he called a conven tion to meet at Atlanta, October, 1890. In that grand assembly were many distinguished business men from many cities of the State. In addition to widening the 42 THE BLA< K SIDE. field of work and establishing better laws, the president's object was to organize a grand lodge for the State. It is needless tu say that this convention was a success under his wise jurisdiction, for he rules but wisely. The work \,as substantial and agreeable, the session lasting three dayo. During the session the delegates from the various place? united in one voice in electing Rev. Jones Supreme Grand President. Thus he stands supreme over all of the C. M. P. A. lodges. After giving a grand banquet in honor of the presi dent, the Convention adjourned to meet at Columbus, Ga., the following year. The Association has a large amount of capital deposited in one of the prominent bank" of the city, and pays out to its sick annually from eight to nine hundred dollars. Since its organiza tion has paid out to its members more than five thousand four hundred dollars, besides other expenses. During the recent heavy snow Rev. Jones busied him self in looking after the poor and needy. With wagon and driver, through the snow, he was seen going from place to place issuing out provisions to those who were in need ; and by his timely aid relieved rmuiy from acute suffering. In this fragment of a chapter, this mere outline, it is not possible to give all the good deeds performed by this godly man. He is a Christian man, affectionate in his home, pleasant and polite in his manner, with a smiling countenance for all he meets. Rc\'. Jones will long live in the hearts of his people as a devoted Christian, and a leader of his people. THE BLACK SIDE. 4.°, WEST ATLANTA W. C. T. U. ORGANIZED M AUCH 10, 1887, AT FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH, UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF MISS LIZZIE STEPHENS'>N. The following officers were chosen: Mrs. Ella M. Pitts, President: Mrs. E. R. Carter, Vice-Président, and Mrs. M. A. Ford, Secretary. The object of the Union is to promote the cause of temperance and morality, especially in the western part of the city. The departments of work chosen by the Union were these: Prison and Railroad Work, Press Work, Juvenile Work, Social Purity, Department of Lit erature. The Union did very little during the first years of its organization except hold prayer-meetings, study temper ance literature and visit the sick in the neighborhood. In 1890, with Mrs. M. A. Ford, President, regular active work began at the close of the year. The reports brought in were as follows: Report of Mrs. M. A. Mason McCurdy, Superintend ent of Prison and Railroad Work—Chain-gang visited three times; 39 books, n Testaments and 19 different kinds of papers distributed among prisoners; reports of W. C. T. U. sent to five different papers. Report from Miss M. F. Pullen, Superintendent of Ju venile Work—Tweuty-three talks on purity to the girls of the W. C. T. U. of the Atlanta University, and 28 talks to the Unions in the city on the following subjects: En gagements, What They Are; Engagements, What They Should Be ; Care of Body, Baths, etc. ; Mother's Influ ence; Marriage; Motherhood: Unfermented Wine; Char acter Building. Talks given privately to 63 persons; 23 young women took White Cross pledge. U THE BLAC SIDE. Reports in the year closing March, 1891, were these: Superintendent of Social Purity reported 127 pledges taken for social purity. Superintendent of Juvenile Work, two Bands uf Hope organized. Superintendent of Work among the Girls, Miss Eunice D. Coles, reported that her class of girls had made cloth ing for an orphan baby: also had pieced a quilt for an orphan home in Covington, Ga. This class of girls met _once a week, and sewed while some one read an inter- e«ting book to them. At the close of the year ending March, 1892, with Mrs. E. R. Carter. President, these reports were brought in: Superintendent of Evangelistic Work reported 21 visits made poor and sick of the neighborhood. Superintendent of Social Purity, 23 pledges distributed, — visits made to four families, 3 public talks on purity ^ mothers' meetings. A committee was .sent to pastors of different churches to urge them to use unfermented wine on the communion table. Two surprises were given to poor families. Through the influence of the Union enough money was raised for the burial of a poor man. Miss M. F. Shattuck. an honorary member of the I nion, gave to it $12 with which to purchase a book case for a library to be located in the western part of the city. A good number of books have been given by Mrs. C. C. Tucker and other friends from the A. U. For the year ending March, 1893, the following pro gram was sent out by our State President, Mrs.- G. W. King, to be used in each Union: On the first Monday in each month, business meetino-; second Monday, science meeting; third Monday, social THE K SIDE purity and mothers' meeting; fourth Monday, Bible read ing, consecration and prayer-meeting. During this year a number of visits were made by members of the Union to the poor and sick. Two quilts quilted for an orphan home. A room rented in which to open a library. A bookcase purchased and books marked and arranged in the case. On the opening of the library an ice-cream and strawberry festival was given, which was preceded by literary exercises. It is the aim of the West Atlanta W. C. T. U. to con tinue the work begun until its influence for good can be felt from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the lakes on the north to the gulf on the south. We shall not stop here, but continue to pray, hope and work until the whole world shall be made better for the West Atlanta Women's Christian Temperance Union having been organized. MRS. M. A. FORD, President. M. F. PULLEN, Secretary. MORRIS BROWN COLLEGE. In pursuance of the policy of the African Methodist Episcopal Church the ministers of this denomination in the State of Georgia, in cS8o, resolved to build a college for the education of the young men and women. Accordingly in 1881, under the general superintend ence of Rt. Rev. W. J. Gaines, D.D., the beautiful site, overlooking the City of Atlanta, was purchased at a cost of $3,500, and thereon, in 1885, was erected the north wing of the proposed college. This portion of the building was completed and dedicated to the memory of Rt. Rev. Morris Brown, the second bishop of the A. M. E. Church. Hence the name, " Morris Brown College." 46 THE BLACK SIDE. In October, 1885, Morris Brown College first opened its doors for the admission of students eager for educa tion. During that year 107 were enrolled. Since then, many improvements have been rr.ade. A large sum of money has been expended in furnishing the school with the best school furniture, as desks, seats, maps, black boards, clocks, globes and other necessary supplies. The north wing was erected at a cost of about $10,000, and last year the south wing, a building the same as the north wing, was put up at about the same cost, thereby making a total expenditure of about 125,000 on the two buildings. This amount was raised by Negroes, from among Negroes, for Negroes of the State of Georgia. During the first period of the history of the school it was under the principalship of Mrs. A. D. Gary, who was succeeded by Rev. E. W. Lee, A.M. These princi pals were each zealous in promoting the welfare of the school and, in increasing its usefulness. In 1888 Professor A. St. Geo. Richardson was appointed Principal of Morris Brown College, which position he still holds with much credit. Under his management the school has steadily progressed from year to year. Both the staff of teachers and the number of pupils have been doubled. In 1888 there were four teachers ; now the corps of teachers numbers eight. The enrollment of pupils for t888 was 252; and at the date of writing the enrollment for the present year io 430. The course of instruction embraces four departments, viz: ist, the English Department; 2d, the Normal De partment ; 3d, the Academic Department; 4th, the In dustrial Department. The English Department comprises eight classes, taught by competent, experienced teachers, who have the work at heart, and are interested in the moral and spirit ual welfare of the pupils, as well as the development of THE BLACK 47 the intellect. The instruction given in this, as also in the other departments, is systematic and thorough. The Normal Department aims at giving full and sound instruction in those branches of study which are calcu lated best to prepare and tit the student not only for the profession of teaching, but, at the end, for the active duties of life. In the Academic Course, the student is prepared for the higher studies embraced in the college course, and also for entering the field of business and commerce Although the Industrial Department is not yet fully established, it is expected to have manual training in operation and actively engaged in by the students after the opening of the next fall term in 1893. The curriculum of studies is so arranged that on the completion of any one course the student will have ac- qi -d a good foundation for the pursuance of any higher course, or for active service in the business world should he then discontinue his studies at school. The system of instruction is uniform throughout, and is arranged so that all the several courses are but different links in the one great educational chain that binds together the sev eral parts of the whole system. Music is taught to all the pupils, who are drilled in the elementary exercises of the first and second music readers. The pupils are taught to sing with feeling and expression. Instrumental music will be one of the new departments in the next academic year. Drills and calisthenics form a part of the instruction to pupils in the English Department. The various exten sion movements with wands, bar-bells, etc., are the ones generally practiced. Fridays of each week are devoted to a review of the week's work done by the pupils. Exercises, such as essays, declamations, recitations, etc., are presented by 48 THE BLACK SIDE. the several classes. The last hour of this day is devoted to Bible-reading and students' prayer-meeting, in which the students take a most active part, and bv their inter est and enthusiasm, together with the assistance of the teachers, many souls have been converted to Christ. Upon the opening of the new building ext fall ar rangements will be made to accommodate, with board and lodging, students from abroad, who are now com pelled to board in private families in the vicinity of the college. In the new building it is expected to have established the Theological Department for the special training of young men about to enter the ministry. The Academic Faculty is composed of he following efficient and experienced teachers: A. St. Geo. Richardson, B.A., Principal, 'Professor of Classics and Mental Science. Miss Carrie J. Thomas, Assistant Principal, IrviVructor in Science and Literature. Miss Florence H. Martin, Instructor in \His.torv sad Mathematics. Mrs. Alice M. Hoyt, Teacher of English Branches. Miss Annie B. Thomas, Teacher of English, and Sec retary of Faculty. Mrs. Ella M. Landrum, Teacher of English Branches Mrs. I. E. Upshaw, Preceptress of Primary Depart ment. Miss Julia T. Allen, Assistant Primary Teacher. In addition to the above staff of teachers Rev. S. H. Robertson, D.D., is the General Superintendent and Treasurer. The President of the Board ^f Trustees is Rt. Rev. Abram Grant, Presiding Bishop of the Sixth Episcopal District. Of the Executive Bo; rd Rev. E. P. Holmes is Chairman, Rev. A. W. Löwe, Secretary. Bishop W. J. Gaines, ex-President of the Board of BKTHKI-. ^ W II -(T" M;' '"' ' Jftft '«*• jiii j l? JOT »I»,5« ;Tj&sSes= -?ss - - '* J^SW^^zii - Ul^f^ |E3= ^—1,- "~ ,^«*JB!J _ ^| THE BLAPK P ID E. 49 n Trustees, has labored strenuously to place this school on i| a good, sure foundation, FO that its future succe?« may ,| be assured and its purposes realized. During the past five years Professor Richardson, with his able corps of teachers, has put forth every effort to bring this school to the front rank, su that now it stands forth as the coming school of the Negroes in the State of Georgia. This schuol is a monument to the enter prise and energy of the Negroes of Georgia. , On all their public exhibitions and concerts the students have always acquitted themselves well, and have received many favorable comments from both pulpit and pre«s : The commencement exercises reflect much credit on the school and its energetic Principal. Morris Brown College has graduated three young ladies from its Normal Department. In 1890, Miss Laurean Chandler, now teacher in Summer Hill Public School, Atlanta; in 1892, Miss Georgia Alien, Principal Grant Institute, Mclntosh, Ga., and Miss Julia T. Allen, teacher at Morris Brown College. The work that is now being done principally pre paratory and normal, but in process of time the higher courses will be fully established as the school grows older. Our great need is m<,ncii sufficient to complete the en- ire structure of the building and equip the school with all necessary apparatus. An endowment of about $25,000 or $30,000 would be a lasting monument to ttie gen erosity of any one who has the work of education at heart. Should any person be thus inclined to help a school that has thus far been helping itself without the aid of any endowment of any sort, he would confer a lasting benefit on the negroes of Georgia and immortalize his name by making a bequest tc this chool, Morris Brown College. 4 50 THE BLACK SIDE. E. O. OF O. F. ST. JAMES LODGE NO. 1455. In the year 1870, January 20, Mr. Augustus Thomp son met upon the streets of Atlanta one Mr. James Lowndes, of Louisville, Ky., who had only a day pre vious come to Atlanta. Mr. Thompson was recognized by Mr. Lowndes by the likeness he bore to his brother who resided at Louisville, and who was a friend and ac quaintance of Mr. Lowndes. A conversation arose, during which Mr. Lowndes asked Mr. Thompson if the people of Atlanta had an Odd Fellows Lodge here Receiving a reply in the negative, he said to him that he (Mr. L.) could tell him how to organize such. The proposition was accepted, and they proceeded forthwith t ) discuss matters relative to it. The Lodge could be organized with twenty-five good men. Accordingly Mr. Thomson set about in search of this number. He first succeeded in gathering together sL\ ur seven good men, and on the following Sunday they met in a basement on corner Pulliam and Rawson streets, belonging to E. E. Rawson. After arranging preliminary matters they dis persed, each promising to bring some one to the next meeting. The following week they organized with the desired number—twenty-five—among which number were some of the best citizens, such as Revs. J. A. Wood, J. A. Carey and Brothers J. D. Render, A. Thompson, and others. Their next action was to write to Philadel phia to Mr. James Netum, General Secretary of Com mittee of Management, who forwarded the application to England. The cha* ter was delayed for twelve months, thus it was some time before the body could be fullv or ganized. But during this time the members cared for their sick and buried their dead, while waiting for their charter. THE BLACK SIDE. 51 Finally a letter from them fell into the hands of D. B. Bowser, who had been installed as General Secretary of Committee of Management in the place of the deceased Mr. James Netum. He wrote the body telling them so soon as their charter arrived from England he would so inform them. In the meantime, after they had been started a period of about ten months, Rev. F. J. Peck, hearing of the movement on foot and being an ex-member from Boston, Mass., also started up a lodge and named it the Star of the South. January, 1871, the charter and books arrived, and immediate arrangements were perfected for D. B. Bowser, of Philadelphia, to come to Atlanta to set up the lodge. He came by the members paying him $3.00 per day, from the time he left Philadelphia till his return to that city, and also his traveling expenses, board and one gallon of beer per day, March 5, 1871, he reached Atlanta, and during the same day set up the St. James Lodge No. 1455, one hundred members strong. The St. James agreed to let Mr. Bowser set up the Star of the South Lodge if it would agree to pay half of the expenses, which they did. The officers installed in St. James Lodge No. 1455 were as follows : Augustus Thompson, Noble Father ; James Lowndes, Noble Grand; Rev. J. A. Wood, Vice- Grand ; L. S. Smith, P. S. The Star of South No. i (.56, with sixty members and Vine Ware (now deceased) as Noble Father, was also set up. Under the St. James Lodge a lodge was organized at Marietta, Ga., with thirty-four members. Also one at Dalton, Ga., with forty or more members. Then one at Augusta, Ga. Thus it is seen from the start, the St. James No. 1455 began to work, and is still burying her dead, 52 THE BLACK SIDE. caring for her sick, and at this time, taking care of an old brother who has been blind for ten years ; all of this time giving him from $10 to $12 per month. This Lodge has done great work. It has a lot which cost the members $3,350, and a four-story brick building costing over $11,000, making y total of $14,356. The Ludge i? still growing and has a very large membership. The following brethren have done much good as Board of Directors and as Building Committee : VV. H. Landrum, M. P. V. P ; W. A. Harris, Perry Calhoun, Henry Pleasant, A Dixon, Professor C. W. Hill, L. H. Cargile, Martin Alexander, Wesley Redding, Lucius Lester, Treasurer; E. B. Gibson, P. S.; La fayette Landrum. AUGUSTUS THOMPSON. M. P. V. P. HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE ATLANTA BAPTIST SEMINARY. THE ATLANTA BAPTIST SEMINARY, under the name of Tht. A ay ii at a InMtuh, was founded at Augusta, Ga., in May, 1867. [t was conducted under the auspices of the National Theological Institute, by Rev. J. W. Parker, D.D. No permanent location having been secured for it thus early in its history, it was taught at night in Spring field Baptist Church. When Dr. Parker had been in charge but three months feeble health compelled him temporarily to sus pend his labors and return North. During his absence, at his request, Rev. J. Mason Rice took the principalship and continued it until the following fall, when Dr. Parker returned to his post of duty. THE Bi HID Instruction was given by lectures ti such ministei and >ns as found it convenient to attend, while two distants taught females. In November of the same year, Dr. Parker having re signed, Rev. Charles H. Corey and wife were appointed t<-> rill the vacancy. They retained Mr. Rice, and taught with sucrées until July 13, 186^, when Mr. Corey was transferred to the Richmond [nstitute, Richmond, \7j. Early in the following winter, Rev. Lucien C. Hayden, D.D., succeeded Mr. Oorey in the management of the Seminary, but as the United States Educational Burea1 then establishing schools for the colored people, thought best to blend the efforts of the Seminary those of the Bureau. Dr. Hayden took charge of thesi schools in January, 9. Thus, with the exception of ;m occasional lecture, ministerial training during that year was discontinued. November 15, 1869, under appointment of the Ameri can Baptist Home Mission Society, Rev. W. D. Seigfned came South "s the president of the Seminary. The :hool being still without quarters of its own, it was urged by friends that it was essential to its success that the Society should purchase site fjr that purpose. Accordingly, April 21, 1870, a beautiful lot in the city of Augusta, Ga., 180 by iSo feet, centrally located on Telfair street, was bought for cash at $5,700. Dr. Seigfned at once removed to the premise; , where ' had an unusually large attendance. In the summer he went North to solicit subscriptions reimburse the Society for the outlay in the purchase this property. He returned early in the following autumn ; but in the course of a few months he severed connection with the institution, whose Operations second time suspended (until August i, 1871), ,,'hen Re^ . Jos. T. Robert, LL.D., was appointed to its 54 THE BLACK SIDE. presidency. A Southern gentleman of high culture and liberal views, Dr. Robert succeeded in carrying forward the work as none of his predecessors had been able to do. He conducted the school four years without an as sistant. In addition to raising funds for its maintenance» he heard recitations five hours a day, and delivered two lectures a week on biblical and scientific subjects. The fifth year he had two of his advanced students aid him in hearing classes, tn the sixth year of his connec tion with the Seminary Professor Sterling Gardner, an accomplished colored gentleman, a graduate of Madison University, Hamilton, New York, was transferred from the Richmond Institute to assist Dr. Robert at Augusta. Professor Gardner was eminently fitted for the work, and did effective service, but in less than a year, after a protracted illness, he died. During his sickness, and after his decease, two of his pupils, Collins H. Lyons and William E. Holmes, aided Dr. Robert in his work. After the death of Professor Gardner, Rev. David Shaver, D.D., was associated with Dr. Robert as his principal assistant, from the beginning of the session 1878-79 to the close of that of 1880-81. A man pos sessed of large general information, and deeply learned in theology and philosophy, Dr. Robert found in him a colaborer admirably adapted to the work he loved so well. In the fall of 1879 the Seminary was removed to Atlanta, Ga., and given its present name, THE AT LANTA BAPTIST SEMINARY. An eligible lot of four acres was purchased, and a commodious brick building was erected for its use at the corner of Elliott and West Hunter streets. Dr. Robert continued with the school until his death, which occurred March 5, 1884. After the death of Dr. Robert, his first assistant, Rev. THE BLACK SIDE. 55 David F. Estes, A.M., was commissioned acting presi dent. In this capacity he served with acceptance until May 27, 1886, when Rev. Samuel Graves, D.D., of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was appointed to succeed Dr. Robert. Dr. Graves is unusually well qualified to dis charge the delicate and difficult duties of his position, having had-large experience as a pastor and educator. Under him the Seminary has gone steadily forward; its standard has been raised, its attendance increased, and its influence wirened. As the result of Dr. Graves's efforts, the American Baptist Home Mission Society has been enabled to secure a lot of fourteen acres, "beautiful for situation," high and healthful, in the western part of the city, for the sum of $7,500, on which a building, convenient in all its ap pointments, 140 feet front and four stories high, has been erected. The corner stone of this structure was laid in May, and the Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, which was then in session here, took p.u-t in the exercises on that occasion. This building was ready for occu pancy December i, 18^9. In view of the steady and substantial progress which the Seminary has made during the twenty years of its existence, we have reason to "thank God and take courage." THE COLORED PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION, No. 3. In this thrifty, rushing nineteenth century, when in vention and enterprise are lending much in aiding the human family in rising to the high mark of that civiliza tion which characterizes all thorough-going, industrious people, the negro has not shown in the least that he is THE BLACK SIDR. wanting on any of these lines. He has organized hank systems, building and loan associations, institut ion ^ learning, and corporations of such nature as do aid the Teople in acquiring wealth in many ways which ena1)!«^ them 10 have some income outside of their daily lab >r The Colored Men's Protective Association, which the subject of this sketch, is one of those enterprise' which render many a poor man, washerwoman and mechanic's condition in time of sickness or disabilit; burdensome than it otherwise would have been ^,iout the existence of such an enterprise. This benevolent enterprise was >rganized in Shiloh African Methodist Episcopal Church, Atlanta, Ga., Au gust 24, iSSrf, by Lodge No. i, with Robert Farmer as its President and Robert Collier as Secretary, Laving the time of the organization forty-two members. Sinct the date of its organization the membership has .»rown to be i They have .. a financial basis .^,033.25 The^ have paid out as sick benefits $842.75, and for burying the dead of the Association $275.00; for 'ther xpen es and charitable purposes $40.90. The ot this enterprise is not simply to administer t > the their members and to protect them in the many dis: tagen thai they may be called to undergo in tin but to stanJ by their fellow-men at all times anu a^e of emergency or danger; and, further, t fellow-citizen of the "Black Sidt"' in building up busine ^.otablishments, to induce the people of the tn patronize the men of their race that are in businer- and, further, to aid the unfortunate in obtaining his legal right at this time. The Colored Men „ Protectiv Association instrumental in doing grand service to its race, their organization the_y hav^ held their meetings )uild- ings owned by colored men; first, for some time i • th ct 'if ai LT>OW' HALL •II I IVll I! •„ •« THF Br ' HIDE. 37 Shiloh African Methodist. Episcopal Church; then in the River's Hall, and now in the Shell Opera J [ou^e, i spier did three-story building. In the sick-room they employ the doctors of their < race, and thus build up the practice of colored physician. Among the colored physicians Drs. 1. W.. Hays and Taylor are the practicing physicians. The Hon. Robert Farmer, who !.« at the head of this enterprise, is a man of wonderful natural executive power; he governs his people with the skill of a Napolean. This able man was born in the dark days of t> hrMii.iu times, when negroes were not allowed to learn their lexers, in the county of Franklin, Ga., July 30, 1842. He yery devout Christian ministe'- a straight-forward business man, a finished mechanic, lover of his race, man of honors and virtues that would adorn any race. THE MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH, OF ATLANTA, GA. This is the second Baptist Church of this city [t ' .jrganized April 5, 1868, by the Revs. Dock Philip, Owen George, George Hines. M. Mitchell, Deacon^ Sarnucl Gordon, Anthony Whitt „d Milner. The nV ve composed the council, with the following 1 members: Brethren James Thorntou, Henry Gatt -lohn Maukey, David Hines ; Sisters Charity Owe..., and others, thirteen ii all, and Rev. Dock Philip a0 oaM.01. This church edifice "'•'« located on Luckie Hi il here ervices held for i considerable length r In 186 ehurch "hanged pastor^ calling Re' -58 THE BLACK SUIE. Owen George from Griffin, Ga. He accepted the charge. During the five years of their stay on Luckie Hill many were added to the church. In 1882 the members, becoming dissatisfied with their place of worship, agreed to move to the corner of Baker and Calhoun streets. This site was located by Rev. Owen George the pastor, and his composed trustees. They purchased a piece of land at the above named place, from Wallace & Fowler, for three hundred and fifty dollars. They erected a house of worship at a cost of $1,000, facing East Baker street. Here they wor shipped till the disease of their venerable and loving pas tor. After his death the church called Rev. A.W.Watson who served them two years, when for some unknown cause there came about great dissatisfaction, which re sulted in the burning of their house of worship. This caused much confusion among the members and they no longer kept Rev. Watson as pastor, but called Rev. W. R. Clemons, from Greene county, Ga. This was in 1880. Having no house of worship, they went to an old box-factory and worshipped there until they could build, which they did in a short time. They marched their members from the old factory and settled them in their new house of worship, in the same spot of the first one. Their new house cost three hundred and fifty dollars. They used this house for five years, when they again be came discontented, and Rev. Clemons split the church, carried out fifty-eight members and with them built a church known as Mt. Olive Cnurch. The Mt. Zion Church being without a pastor, could not remain so, and immediately called Rev. W. L. Jones, of Roswell Junc tion. This was in the year 1886. He accepted the call, and soon under his wise guidance the darkness dispersed, light shone into each heart, and the prospects for ad vancement were bright. They moved on gradually, and THE BLACK SIDE. 59 through prayer and supplication many new souls were added to their number. The church wanted their pastor fully equipped for his high calling, so it sent him to the A. B. S. that he might gain the needed knowledge. His salary was seventy- five dollars per month, besides they giving him a com fortable home on Angier avenue. This saying of the Saviour was a prophecy: " He that soppeth in the dish with me, has lifted his heels against me. As a proof, in 1888 Rev. Jones split this grand old church again and carried out about sixty-five members. This wounded the hearts of many. They, however, would not give up the struggle, but with Jesus as their leader, struggled on in prayer, and in 1890 called Rev S. A. McNeal. He served them one year, when his resignation was solicited. He-resigned, whereupon Rev. W. H. Tilman, from Tennessee, was chosen as pastor. He remained until June, 1892, when, without the knowl edge of the members, he left them without a pastor. They heard of the good works of the oratorical W. H. Tuggle, a young pulpit divine, who was then laboring in Morgan, Putnam, Green and Rockdale counties. He was known from reputation as a preacher, praying man and a singer. He had already four churches in charge, consisting of one thousand, one hundred and eighty-six members, and found it hard to leave this field ; but trust ing in»God, he accepted the call of the Mt. Zion Churcn, and was installed October, 1892. Since his acceptance very flattering are the prospects of success. Through this noble young man the church has made rapid strides toward advancement, and many wayward ones have been brought into the fold of Christ. The church edi fice is among the largest of the city, and very often standing-room cannot be procured, so large is the au dience. n TUE This churci" root of mure branch ehurchr any other in the State, six having gone out from it i located in this city. Surely "The Lord loveth Zion more than Jling? of Jude? FLOYD H. CRUMBLY, „ADUST« MERCHANT EXT 1RPRIKT ZEN. Among the prosperous men of Georgia, is Floyd H. Crumbly, of Atlanta. Of those of this city w.i iiav< made the mercantile line a success, he ranks hea r-\t* has prospered and grown with the prosperity and .owth of the city, and to-day is the leading young cului t chant of the town. In commencing this business, Mr. Crumbly d at J lowest round of the ladder, but his ascent steady and sure. His firm resolution and st. ^ suffered him not to think of failure. Perseven &uc- '•^ed ! his watchwords, and these kept landed him safely in the harbor of success. In the "City of Hills," May 10, 1859, the here narrative fi -st opened his eyes to the light of this* ] lis father wa~ ive, the chattel of ; Methui min cer. The elder Crumbly was a preacher to his fellow men, in the days uf servitude, and after the gaged in politics for » time, being a member or Con stitutional Convention of i860, and i " everal ; legislature«. The mother of the subject of this .vornan, who, just before the i "ir,\vi iparated THE BLACK SIDE. fil husband. Then, taking her son with her, she went to Nashville, Tenn. The wife never saw the husband again as she died in 1869. After the mother's death, young Crumbly wuo brought to Atlanta and given to his grandparents. [n the meantime, his father having learned his where abouts came for him, taking him under his own protec tion. The first teacher of young Crumbly was the Rev. George Standing, an English minister of the M. E. Church a man full of good work and of the Holy Spirit. It is not to be doubted that the principles and goodly ex- ampl of this devoted man did much to shape and mould tne character of Mr. Crumbly. In 1876, Floyd \vas eighteen years old and living in Atlanta. A recruiting officer of the United States Army was seeking recruits for the military service, and young Crumbly enlisted for a period of five years. From Atlanta he was carried to St. Louis, thence to San Antonio, where he received instruction in military tactics, and then was assigned to Company I, Tenth United States Cavalry, commanded by Capt. T. A. Bald win, stationed at Fort Richardson, Texas. Upon ar rival, r><-> was appointed lance corporal, which position he held six months ; when he \vas commissioned as corporal. At the expiration of two years he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. This was at Fort Sill, I. T. He was then appointed clerk of his company. In 1880, while stationed at Fort Stockton, Texas, he was appointed Ser geant Major of white and colored troops, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel J. F. Wade, now Colonel of the Fourth Cavalry. Mr. Crumbly was in the Victory Cam paign ot 1880, which lasted six months, commanded by Generals Grierson and Hatch. He was discharged a. Fort fetockton after having served his country five yeas s of h" orable and acceptable service. 62 THE BT.AUK SIDE. During Mr. Crumbly's term of enlistment, he applied himself to study and acquired a first-rate business educa tion. At the same time he kept up a correspondence with Miss Lula Goldsmith, whom he afterwards married. Soon after his return from the army, Mr. Crumbly was employed by Mr. Charles H. Morgan, who was at that time a prosperous grocer, to clerk in his store at a salary of live dollars a week. He remained in the em ploy of Mr. Morgan for some years, and then resolved to go into business for himself. This was a bold resolve, and to many it seemed rash. He was altogether without resources. His good name and sober habits secured for him $300 worth of goods on credit. With only ten dollars, with which he paid the first month's rent for the building in which he placed the goods above mentioned, he entered into the business of i grocer. His earnestness, honest business integrity and energy soon drew to him a good line of customers. Bus iness prospered, and at the end of six months Mr. Crum bly began to buy the place he had been renting. In eighteen months he had finished paying for the place, and began to buy the place next door. These places are on Wheat street, one of the principal thor oughfares of the city. On one of these lots he has erected a handsome two-story building. His trade has grown rapidly, and his stock of goods has increased in propor tion, until now he has a stock of $1,500, or $2,000. Mr. (Jrumbly ascribes no small part of his success to the economy, devotion and sacrifice of his wife, who never failed to rejoice with him in his prosperity, and to sym pathize and counsel with him in his struggle. With his wife he spent time happily and pleasantly, till the mes senger Death claimed her for his own, and left him in sorrow and sadness. The death of Mrs. Crumbly occurred October i, 1892, THE BLA< K SIDE. 63 and was as an electric shock to her large circle of friends, who feel deeply her absence from their midst. In 1890 he associated himself with Messrs. H. A. Rucker, J. T. Schell, J. N. Blackshear and Alex. Hamilton in the or ganization of the Georgia Real Estate Loan and Trust Company, of which H. A. Rucker is President, and Mr. Crumbly is Secretary. Under these able men, this com pany has prospered and controls more than twenty-five thousand dollars worth of Atlanta's valuable soil. Sub sequently at the session of the Grand Lodge of Free masons of Georgia, held at Augusta, he proposed the very successful plan of a relief association for the benefit of the poor widows and orphans of deceased brethren of the order. He also has been Secretary of the Grand. Lodge for more than eight years, and aided in the adop tion of its present code uf laws. In [892, the Penny Savings Hink of Chattanooga, Tenn., in selecting its directors, could decide upon no better choice from this city, than Mr. Crumbly : and he was chosen one of the directors. This banking house is prosperous and reflects credit upon the Negro's financial ability. Later he was appointed by the Governor of the State of Georgia, Ad jutant of LieuLenent-Colonel Thomas Grants' Staff, tie possesses great military ability, and as such a man is ac knowledged by all as having no equal. Mr. Crumbly is Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Carrie Steele Logan Orphanage of this city, and the founder of the Negro Historical Society of Atlanta, which body has charge of the Emancipation exercises etc., etc. Well might. North Geogia be proud of such a son. Mr. Crumbly has acquired considerable real estate and as a business man he cannot be surpassed. He is gen- tlemanl}- and courteous, pleasant and affable. The "Gate City" of the South should be grateful to her sister "City • jf Hills," for giving to her one so worthy of esteem, so charitable and so honorable as Floyd H. Crumbly. THE BLACK SIDE. J . ROBERT DAVIS, AT J. Robert Davis, the subject of this sketch, was born at Lagrange, Troupe county, Ga., A. D. 1867. His parents came to Atlanta in 1871, bringing with them their "™ Robert, who was then in his fourth year. So soon as Robert arrived at a sufficient age, he was placed in the Storrs School, which was then under the unequalled i-ègïnH of Miss Amy \Yilliams, of Rochester, N. Y. After completing the course of study at Storrs, Robert was admitted into the junior preparatory class of the At lanta University. B}' this time his young mind began tc appreciate the meaning and value of study, and, he en tered upon the study of the higher branches with zest : so forcibly was he impressed with the importance of knowledge, that he eclipsed all his classmates by passing from the junior preparatory class to the senior prepara tory, thus gaining a whole year by skipping the middle preparatory class. At the age of seventeen he was fitted for college. Desiring the benefit of travel, he decided to go North, to complete his college education. He went to Lincoln University, Chester County, Penn., October, 1884. Arriving at Lincoln, he was examined, after which he entered the junior college class. Having come from Lhe senior preparatory class of a Southern school, his admis sion to the junior college class of a Northern institution, nonplused him, and not desiring to be an A.B. at „„ early an age, he left Lincoln University after spending about three months there, for a college with a higher curriculum, selecting Howard University at Washington, D. C. RO1ÎEKT 1'AKMEK. VIUIUIH, 'U . • -Vf § . ^; ''' '• -'4 A- 'I ElVKRS HOI THE BLACK SIDE. 65 In January, 1885, he registered in the freshman class of Howard University, college department. He passed through the college department to within five months of completing the senior year, when there arose, between the class and the faculty, some discrep ancy in which he would not yield. So rather than sacrifice his individuality by yielding to the faculty's de mand-;, he left his class and went to Fernandina, Fla., where he took charge of the public school of that city. In the autumn of '89 he matriculated in the Law De partment of the University of Michigan. Here he began to prepare himself for actual warfare in this race of life. In June, 1891, he received the degree, L.L. D. Im mediately on receiving his diploma, he turned his head southward as the only field for his success in his pro fession. In September, 1891, he applied for admission to the bar of Atlanta. After passing a rigid examination before the lion. Marshall J. Clarke, the court ordered that his license be given him. Mr. Bavis has, for a young man of his age, travelled extensively, having visited every State and Territory in the Union. lie has also visited the British Isles and the continent of Europe, and has set foot upon the soil of France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland and Western Austria. This young man of whom I now write is intelligent and able, besides full of energy and pluck. lie is destined to make his mark in this life among his people. THE BLACK SIDE. MISS HATTIE M. STURDIVANT, BCHOUL-TEAUHEK. In Walton county, Ga., in the little town of Monroe, March 7, 1872, was born to Eli and Martha Stur- divant their only daughter, Hattie. With her childish prattle and winsome ways, she was the joy of the house hold, as well as the pet of the neighbors. So soon as she was old enough she was sent to school. Hattie made rapid progress in her studies, and her parents, desiring to give her better educational advan tages than their little town afforded, moved to Atlanta, in the year 1880. In this city, whose educational facilities are unsur passed, they could educate their two children, their son and daughter Hattie, as they desired. Hattie was sent to a school taught in the basement of Bethel A. M. E. Church, while her brother attended another. Being dili gent in study, she was soon promoted to higher classes. Her teacher then was the gentle, and amiable, and com petent instructor, Miss Elizabeth Easley (Holmes). During the summer of '82 a building was erected on W. Mitchell .street. This was the Mitchell Street School, and in September of the same year, Hattie entered this school where for four years she received instruction. While a pupil there, she took the examination for county schools and secured second grade license. Now it was that her father's health began to fail rapidlv. but through the inflexible zeal of the mother the children were kept in school. In the fall of '86 Miss Hattie became a student of the Atlanta University, where she continued her studies till May, 1892, when she graduated with high hunors. While an inmate of the Atlanta University she ac- THE BLACK SIDE. 67 cepted Christ as her Saviour and helper and friend ; and she now lives the true, pure life of a Christian. ehe says that since she has given herself to the Lord her work seems easier, her life is happier: and you who have experienced the love of Christ can but acquiesce, for "He maketh the crooked ways straight," and " with- holdeth no good things from them that walk uprightly." Miss Hattie first began teaching by assisting Mr. B. F. Smith, She has since conducted with success her schools alone. She united with the Friendship Baptist Church, was baptized by the Rev. E. R. Carter, and is an ardent worker in the Sunday-school. Miss Hattie is a lady of an amiable disposition, gentle, refined and modest. REV. ROBERT L. DARDEN, ABLE MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL. Among the young divines of this day who have bat tled with many hardships, overcome many obstacles and are now doing great and good service in the Master's vineyard, no one of them is more prominent than he of whom these words are written. His parents were for merly slaves, and at the time of his advent into this life, were in very poor circumstances; but owing to perse verance and will-power contrived to send young Robert to school during a small portion of the year. Thus his first years were spent on the farm and in the village school. Early in life there could be discovered in him signs of speech-making and oratory, which signs devel oped as he advanced in years, until they have reached a THE point which now determines our subject to be an influen tial pulpit orator. He encountered many difficulties, and because of his father's limited means more than once was the fond hope of one day attending a better school destroyed and scattered as the wind does the chaff. However, the time finally came, when he was given the privilege to make his own way through life; and, know ing that without education for a guide and helper, he could not be prepared for life's battles, made hi? way rirst to that grand old camp where religion and knowl edge go hand in hand, the Atlanta Baptist Seminary. At the time of his entering his worldly effects may be iummed up thus . One suit of clothing, one pair of shoes, one hat, and six dollars in cash. After being in .school about three months, finding himself financially embar- assed, he left and began the work of teaching, by vhich he was enabled to re-enter school at the opening »f the next term. So, by teaching during the vacation months, he re mained in school till he completed his course of study. In iSSS, realizing that he was called to the ministry, and deeming it unwise to enter so great a field wichout more biblical instruction, he re-entered the Seminary and took a thorough course of theology, under the efficient pres ident of the institution, Dr. Graves. In 1890 he finished this study, and after his ordination, became the pastor of a church at Fairburn, Ga. The people of this place were not slow to find out that they had a good leader in the person of Rev. Darden, and soon the membership, as well as the congregation, increased rapidly. Rev. Darden's next charge was the First Baptist Church, of Marietta, Ga. When he first accepted this work the church edifice was unfinished, as it had been for quite a number of years. More experienced minis ters than he had left the work incomplete, and the mem- THE BLACK SIDE. <39 bers to suffer Deacons had become impatient, and all was at a standstill till he took charge of the work. By his labor and wise judgment the work was pushed for ward to completion, and to-day the edifice, completed the cost of three thousand dollars, stands as a monument to Rev. Darden's untiring zeal. It is the oldest Baptist church in North Georgia, and has a membership and con gregation of which any past jr might well he proud. He has delivered able sermons before the different Associa tions in the State,but he proved himself equal to any pulpit emergency when he delivered the conventional sermon before the Sunday-school Baptist Convention, held at Macon, Ga., 1892, which sermon was ordered by the Convention to be published in all the colored jour nals of the State. He married Miss Daphne P. Knox, ex-student of Atlanta University, who is refined and o-entle, and who teaches in the public schools of Marietta. Rev. Darden is a member of the Executive Board of the State Baptist Convention and a life-member of the For- eio-n Mission Convention of the United States. He has rt a beautiful home in the city of Atlanta, and also a pro ductive farm in Meriwether county, Ga. He .„ a worthy young man, an advocate and defender of the denomination with which he is identified. He is the se< ond son of Noah and Lucy Darden, and was born in Meriwether county, Ga., February 2d, in the year of our Lord 186=;. 70 THE BLACK MR. WILLIAM C. ROSETTE, REAL ESTATE AND RENTING AGENT. The young man whose name adorns this sketch is one of Atlanta's thrifty, enterprising, adopted sons. He is of a bright intellect and keen business perception. Few men would prove more serviceable, to the Black Side, in this line of business of which the undaunted spirit of this young man will make a success. The Negroes, in the days of slavery, used to pray that the time would come when they would have men of their own race prepared to lead, conduct and foster lines of business for themselves. Providence, by the use of hu man agency, has answered those prayers, and we now have the men. .But sometimes, because of ,the lack of confidence and trust imposed in them, by the very ones who prayed, I am made to wonder if these men be not in advance of those prayers. The men are here, pre pared and ready, but it is a sad fact that the race is not supporting them as it should. The co-operation of the race is essential to the success of the members of that race. The success of the business into which this young man has entered depends upon the people, and that success is only gained in this way, viz. : Those among us who have houses to rent, lands to sell, should put them into the hands of our own agents, that the per centage which would make the men of other races inde pendent might make the men of our own race equally so. Mr. Rosette was born in the classic city of Athens, Ga., 1865. His early days were spent in a private school. Later, he attended the Knox Institute of that city. His first manner of making a living was school- teaching, which he pursued several years; after which he engaged in grocery-keeping. Desiring to see some- THE BLACK ^ thing of nature before settling and taking unto himself a wife, he sought and obtained employment over one of the prominenc railroads, and, selling his property all but two very desirable lots, traveled for three years through many of the States of the Union. After having this taste of nature, he returned to his home, where he was married to Miss Emma Eva Carey, a former belle of Atlanta. Soo.i after their marriage, by request of his wife, they moved to Atlanta, in which city Mr. Rosette is engaged in the aforesaid business; and, it is hoped, that the Black Side of this city will give him the patronage which a struggling son deserves. He is pleasant in manner, con genial and affable, and with the combined efforts of the Negroes of this city Mr. Rosette will prove an honor to the race. AUGUSTUS THOMPSON, F. L. T. AND M. V. P., JMA.STÏÏH BLACKSMITH. The subject of this sketch was born in Jackson, Miss., on July 8, 1837. His mother was a slave, but his father •" • a freeman. His mother, Minerva Lee, with four children, including himself, were willed to a Mr. Julius Sappho, of Madison, Ga. So in 1840 they were moved > Madison, The father, being a freeman, could not ac- '"ompany his wife and children, because the removal of a freeman to another State caused him to be enslaved. Thus the mother and children were separated from the father. The early life of our subject was quietly spent. Edu cation was denied slaves, and his chances to gain knowl edge were poor indeed. However, he had a good chance 72 BLACK SIDE, to develop his muscles. In 1855 he was apprenticed to the blacksmith trade, which he served faithfully during his apprenticeship of six years, when he was considered as a master of his profession. His first work was at Lexington, Ga., as a journey man, after which he was employed at Athens by the Confederate Gun Factory Company, where he made guns for the Confederacy. These guns were used in the late war. He was under Major Ferdinand Cook. n 1863 he was detailed under Colonel Raines, and sent to Augusta, Ga., to iron off gun carriages of artil lery in the Augusta Machine Works. Here he was em ployed until emancipated through the influence of the noble Abraham Lincoln. In 1865 he worked as blacksmith for the Augusta Cotton Factory, and the following year married a Miss Lorie Ann Jones, who proved a true and devoted wife, and with whom he lived happily till her death, which oc curred 1888. During their union there were no children given them. From 1866 to 1870 Mr. Thompson worked incessantly for the Georgia Railroad in one or more places. At one time worked in Augusta under Colonel Frost and Mr. McDuffie as car-builder, ironing off passenger coaches. He next removed to Union Point, Ga., where he was blacksmith of that entire line of railroad. In 1870, desiring to better his condition, he came to Atlanta, and soon obtained work in the State road shops as a boiler manufacturer, where he remained during the Messrs. Bullock and Blodgett management of that road. When the road was leased to Jos. E. Brown he was sus pended. Not being satisfied without employment, Mr. Thomp son began a business for himself, which he has ever since pursued both profitably and creditably to himself. By . DAÜDEN. UJuUriTl rtEV «'. M. KLNCH. THE BLACK SIDE. 73 hard work and temperate habits he has realized a snug Little fortune, and is well prepared for rainy days. He does business on South Pryor street, rear of No. 69. Being thoroughly acquainted with his trade, and ren dering satisfaction to all patronizers, he is never without a pretty good supply of work. May he continue in the path of success. In the latter part of the year 1870 Mr. Thompson met a Mr. James Lowndes of Louisville, Ky., who was member of the order of Odd Fellows, and who had ;i "general law" governing the order of the G. U. O. of O. F. They conversed together concerning Odd Fellow - ism. Mr. Thompson became deeply interested in it. Ideas were exchanged, plans were arranged, and the or ganizing, through the efforts of Mr. Thompson, of the first colored lodge of Odd Fellows in the Empire State of the South was the result. He next organized a lodge at Marietta, then one at Dalton, Ga., and from these have sprung many other lodges. It is with pride and pleasure that Mr. Thompson re calls those days, and now looks upon the result of his work. Ah, verily we reap what we sow. These grand institutions have done much toward helping and uplifting the Negro race He is still a member and trustee of the oldest lodge in this State. The enterprising spirit of this man would not permit him to be satisfied with a mere organization. He de sired more—a home for this organization—so he brought the matter before the Assembly, which discussed it fully, finally deciding in favor of Mr. Thompson's plans for a home, and now, through his influence, stands a fine four- story brick building, which should reflect credit on any race, and is an ornament to any city. To show their ap preciation of the founder, this lodge has made him an 74 THE STUB. honorary member, and this hut extends to him the de served merit. Mr. Thompson is a man who deals squarely and hon estly with and by his fellow-men, and commands the re spect of both races. En 1889 he was happily wedded to Miss Katie Mc- Clendon, in whom he finds a helpmate true, and who shares his cares and happiness with him. In September, 1892, he was converted and united with the A. M. E. Church under the present pastor, Rev Larry Thomas. Mr. Thompson is a Christian man, a law-abiding citi zen, and a true friend to his race. His neat and comfort able home is on Connally street, No. 157. May God's choicest blessings rest upon all such good and useful men REV. WILLIAM FINCH, EX-CITY C«UN< 1ILMAN—PBSA.OHER—TAILOK. No citizen of the city of Atlanta is better known than the one whose name appears at the top of this page. All who have known him have felt themselves honored by the acquaintance. That part of life over which he has passed has been an inspiration for good to many a youth. To say that he is a benefactor of the race is putting it mildly. No one has ever sought his sympathy and received it not. None have ever, in time of distress or trouble, applied to this man for assistance, financial or otherwise, and been denied or turned away unaided. Small in stature, yet in his bosom rests a magnanimous heart. He bears malice toward none, and has charity for all. Even in those " cruel days," to his oppressors he THE BLACK SIDE. 75 was ever kind and obliging. In those trying times, when the enemy, while fighting to bind more tightly the chains of servitude, became wounded, with his own hands would William dress their wounds, administer to their wants, and soothe their sorrows. Besides exhibiting the gran deur of his soul in thismanner, he was often the instru ment of saving for his master, and sometimes others, much of their gold, silver and valuables. He tells many interesting anecdotes of war times, which with his per mission the writer would be glad to record. This worthy man was born in the county of Wilkes, at Washington, Ga., during the days of servitude, and of a slave mother. At the age of twelve he went to live with Judge Andrews, in the same county, He stayed with Judge Andrews four years, at the expiration of which he went to Athens to stay with Chief Justice J. H. Lumpkin. This was the year 1848. Spending several years in the employ of Mr. Lumpkin, he afterward went to the war, where he passed through the hottest of the struggle. Returning, he again made his abode with Judge Andrews and remained with him till the strife ended, a result whereuf was the liberation of six million slaves. In gratitude to the Union army for his freedom, Mr. Finch made a beautiful United States flag which he presented to the 144^ New York Regiment. He was deeply interested in the welfare and elevation of his people, and having, by his own efforts and assist ance from his former owners, acquired some education, he resolved to do what he could toward instructing them. Accordingly he opened and taught the first school for the Negro in that part of the State. In 1854 lle married Miss Laura Wright, with whom he passed life happily till 1876, when death severed the union. He was apprenticed to the tailor's trade at the age of fifteen, and becoming an efficient tailor, in 1866 he 7ß THE BLACK THE BLACK HIDE. 77 went to Augusta, Ga., to engage in the business. He remained in Augusta two years, when, hoping to bet ter his financial affairs, he came to Atlanta, and, with Mr. Danwell Brydie as partner, opened business in this city. He came to Atlanta fifty dollars in debt and with six chil dren whose support rested entirely upon him. By sobri ety and close attention to business he soon canceled the debt, educated his children, and besides purchased a por tion of land on what i« now the beautiful Edgewood avenue, on which he ^reeled a cos}- cottage, now worth 86,000. In 1881 he married Miss Minnie Vason, of Madison, Ga., who is charming in manner and appearance. Mr. Finch was at one time a member of the city council, the only Negro who has ever enjoyed that honor in this city. While a member he used every effort to bring about a state of affairs by which his people could be benefited. He was the originator of the plan to re public schools for Negro children, and after the establish ment of the same he was the first to agitate the query: Should the whites teach the Negro children, while among the Negroes were able, competent teachers? Every res ident of our city is aware of the result. Every public school in the city for Negro children is supplied with Negro instructors. Of course Mr. Finch met much op position, and at times the desired result was almost de spaired of; but his untiring energy failed him not, and at last his labor was rewarded. In July, 1848, he was converted, joined the African Methodist Episcopal Church under Rev. Samuel Antony, and has from that time onward been a faithful worker in the church and cause of Christ. March 15, 1868, he was ordained to the ministry by Bishop« Alexander and Way- man. Lastly, he wa° ordained as elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, by Bishop T. M. D. Ward, May 9, 1876. The eventful and successful career of this man is well worth perusal. He ascribes much of his success in his business life to the conversations which used many years ago to occur between himself and Chief Justice Lumpkin while he lived at Athens in the Justice's service. Many a night until the clock would strike the midnight hour they would be conversing, consulting and advising with each other. He was always fond of horses and has for several years owned fine ones. He tells a little anecdote con- J cêrning his being able to keep them. Riding along the streets one day he was asked by a white friend: " How is it, Finch, that you are able to keep horses to ride while I have to walk ! " To which Mr. Finch replied in this language : •'Do you drink beer, etc., smoke, chew tobacco; and if so, how much does the use of them cost you?" Receiving y" > to his questions, he again remarked: " I fin ririt/KT. This is why I am able to keep horses to ride. The money you spend foolishly for such things I save. Do likewise and 3-ou too can ride " lie is ix great temperance adv< cate, an honor to the race, and the pride of his church MR. FRANK T. HOWARD, SU( BJSFITL "NDKBTAKEB AND EMBA.LMBK. Atlanta is behind in nothing. Within her broad limits i, very industry, trade, business enterprise and profession, and everything it takes to make a city, are to be found. hi the line of business of which I now write she is sui - I 78 THE BLACK SIDE. passed by no city, and in this business here of the Black Side no one is more noted than the young man whose name is written above this article. He is the eldest son of the well-known David T. Howard, of this city, and was born December 10, A. D. 1871, in Atlanta, Ga. At the age of seven young Howard was sent to the Storrs School, which he attended till he finished the course of study there, which he did at the age of four teen. Then he entered the college preparatory at Atlanta University, and when he reached his seventeenth year was prepared for the college course. He continued in college till he finished the freshman year. He also at tended the Knowles Industrial School, connected with the University, and acquired the skilled use of tools. Desiring to put into practice this valuable knowledge ob tained at Knowles, he left school and associated himself in business with his father, and to the father the son is indispensable. He manufactures and manages the man ufacturing of most of his fine caskets and coffins, some of which equal those made at the factories of the North. Young Howard has the reputation of being the fastest coffin trimmer in Atlanta. He has been known to make, paint and trim a hospital case in one hour. He is also a skillful embalmer, and embalms for the "State Anatomical Board of Georgia." He is success ful in his business, numbering his subjects by the scores. Aside from the more solemn works of life, he is very fond of athletic sports. During the season of 1892 Mr. Howard very successfully managed a baseball team, which played in several Southern cities under his direc tion. He is the possessor of a very fine-blooded trotting horse, which has made a fine record. Mrs. Ella B. Howard, the mother of this young man, is a charitable, Christian lady, and devotes much of her time to charita. THE BLACK ÖIDK. 79 ble and temperance work, and is greatly loved by all who know her. Mr. Frank Howard is a young man of fine intellect, jovial and courteous, and is in good circumstances, his father having accumulated much real estate. That he may live many years, be an honor to his race, and ascend the ladder of fame, is the earnest wish of the writer. REV. M. V. WHITE. RISING BAPTIST DIVINE. This worthy young man was born in Upson county, Ga., March to, 1858. Being deprived of educational advantages he did not learn the alphabet till he was four teen years of age. In 1877 he went to Hampton, Ga., where he was em ployed as a farm laborer for the salary of §6.00 per month. His employer agreed also to send him to school during the three months term. Young White was very studi ous and soon learned to spell, read and write. He next went to Jonesboro, Ga., at which place be also did farm work. Being the son of a good Christian woman the precepts taught him in early youth, and the prayers he had been wont to say at her knees, followed him through boyhood to manhood, and in 1880 Mr. White was converted and united with the Baptist Church. During the same year he married a Miss Vinie Lawrence. It was now that Mr. White began to realize that there was a higher sphere for him to fill—a nobler work to do. From Jonesboro he moved into Atlanta, and soon afterward he fell that he was called to the ministry. To better pre- *° THE BLACK SIDE. pare himself for the great work to which he had been called, he entered the Atlanta Baptist Seminary in 1877, and while pursuing his studies was offered the .pastorate of a church in this city. He accepted this, and under his wise, good guidance many souls were brought to Christ. He was next principal of the school at Tallapoosa, Ga.' Here he remained till called to a church at Powder Springs, Ga. This was a poor charge, but through the perseverance and patience of this good man, the work soon revived and many came into the fold of Christ. He also at this place erected a new church which is a credit to him and the community in which it now is. God is blessing his work and rewarding his labors by udding members to his church. Rev. White is still attending the Seminary, which is in proximity to both of his charges, one being at West Point, the other at Powder Springs, Ga. REV. WILLIAM H. TUGGLE, JTTL1'IT OKATOK—BAPTIST LEADEB. About three miles west of Madison, Morgan county Ga., standing in the midst of an extremely poor vicinity' is an old farm-house known as the Bill West plantation.' Here on the 25th of August, A. D. 1867, William H Tuggle first saw the light of day. His early life was characteristic of honesty and frankness, for while a youth he scorned a mean act. His father being a poor farmer, William was obliged to work hard and steadily while quite small. But amidst all disadvantages and difficulties he perse vered and succeeded in obtaining a common school edu- KKANlv f x-:. ' fe r.:< REV, M. V. WHITE. THE BLACK SIDE. M cation. Though born in obscurity and poverty he was destined some day to become a leader among his peo ple. When he was eleven years of age his father died, leaving him to the care of a widowed mother. At the time of his father's death William was unconverted, but this death so affected him that it was not long before he sought and found salvation of our Lord. In the autumn of '78, shortly after his father's death, he, during a series of meetings held at the popular New Enon Church was converted, and received the holy rite of baptism from Rev. Samuel Cochran. William very soon became an ardent Sunday-school worker and his untiring zeal knew no limit, though the cyclonic winds of-misfortune and trial blew hard against him. In the year 1885 he was united in holy wedlock to the accomplished Miss Ollie Coleman, of Eatonton, Ga., in whom he finds a helpmeet indeed. The impression during his early life that he must preach the word of God grew stronger in him as he ad vanced in life, so finally making known his desire to the church with which he was connected, he was granted license, and began his work in the fourth district of the ghiloh Association as Sunday-school agent. His labors in this direction proved a success. He was next called to the pastorate of the Baptist Church at Monticello, Ga., where he rendered faithful service till called to the Sand Hill Baptist Church in Putnam county. Here he was a successful leader for the Baptist army. His next field of labor was at the Henderson Grove Baptist Church where he served till a cry came down from Conyer,«, Ga., calling for his service at that place. He found the Baptists at that place far behind the times, but this only stimulated him the more to labor, and he, with nine ener getic members, went zealously to work and soon their labor rt2 THE BLACK RIDE. was rewarded by the erection of a neat little structure, which cost six hundred dollars, and that amount was soon cancelled. At this place Rev. Tuggle baptized many souls. Finally, to the deep regret of all the charge he re signed. He was called to guide the Mt. Zion Church, at Atlanta, Ga., where with united energy,'Christian zeal, patience and ambition, he still proclaims in oratorical tones the imperishable word of God. To this church, where he has been since September last, he has, by pray ers and his wonderful manner of preaching, added seventy- four members. It is said of him that he has a voice like silver trumpet, and is like unto one of the sweet sing ers of Israel. REV. RL'FUS H. HOUSTON, D CITIZEN, TTSEFrL DEACON. Savannah, the picturesque city by the sea, is the p'ace of nativity of the one whose name heads this narrative. He was born in the year 1845; ar>d when very young was rarried to Jackson county, Ga. His early life was spent like that of most slaves. At the age of eleven }>ears he was sold to one John Holliday, with whom he lived until the emancipation, [n 1864 he married a Miss Frances Schell, of Athens, Ga. She died in 1876. During the same year he entered the .service of Major Campbell Wallace. The same year of his marriage he professed a hope in the Lord, and was baptized by the late Rev. Francis Quarles. Like the most of his fellow- brethren, at the close of the war, Brother Houston had almost nothing, his possessions amounting to six dollars in silver; and ihe thought which troubled hi:n most was, THE BLACK Î^ 83 what must he do with those six dollars. He could not definitely decide, so he laid them away and began work- in o- for Major Wallace, receiving as wages thirteen dollars per month. Taking out a small portion upon which to live, he saved all the rest, and by the time there was a bank established, he had quite a handsome sum to deposit. Thus he became a member of the bank, which progressed finely for a time, when finally it failed, and Mr. Houston found that he was no better off financially than when he first employed himself to Major Wallace. It was as if he had just started in life. This failure was a great drawback to him, but he did not allow it to dis courage him, and he went forward with renewed en ergy, the result of which was that, in a few years, he had accumulated enough to purchase a cozy little home, which to-day cannot be purchased for three thousand dollars. Now he began to feel the need of education. ] [is business arrangements would not permit him to attend schoul ; however, he secured a teacher, to whom he re cited as often as work would allow him. Finally, a night session was opened at the Storr's School, and he had a chance to go. His object for seeking education was that he might some day be more able to preach the "Word of God as he felt had been enjoined upon him. He learned to read, write and spell, and also obtained a fair knowl edge of arithmetic. In 1882 he married his second wife—Mrs. Laura Boyd, a woman known for integrity, virtue and Christianity. In her he possesses a treasure. In the year 1885 he was ordained a deacon of the Friendship Baptist Church, which position he fills credit ably. In 1890 he was licensed to preach the Gospel. Brother Houston is bold and courageous in the discharge of his duty, a useful factor in his church, a faithful Christian, devoted husband, and an example to believers; an honor to his race. 84 THE BLACK SIUK. REV. ISAAC R. HALL, PAINTER, PROGRESSIVE MINISTER. [saac R. Hall was born near Greensboro, Ga., De cember 25, 1856. His parents were quiet, religious people, whose occupation was that of tilling the soil. In his early life Hall had to assist his father in field work, and this he did till the year 1875. All who know any thing of. farm life know it is not an easy one. Many troubles and perplexities must in it, as in all other under takings, be borne and endured. Becoming tired of farm ife, Hall learned and pursued the painter's trade for some time. During this time he became desirous of seeking and working for Jesus. These words, "Ye must be born again," rang in his ears and echoed through his heart. He obeyed them, and in the year 1882 united with the Baptist Church at Greensboro, Ga. -lavingbecome a resident of this city, he cast his lot with the Mt. Zion Church ; from which church he was, in the year 1886, ordained. While at Greensboro, Hall attended the public schools which were of short duration. After coming here, he entered the Atlanta Baptist Seminary, where he pursued, in connection with other studies, that of theology, under the efficient Rev. S. Graves, D.D. During Hall's vacation he left for the West, visiting the principal cities of Illinois, Indiana, Arkansas and Califor- •riia. While on this tour he was called upon at the dif ferent places to assist in religious services. After two months' travel he returned home and prepared to reënter school. In August of the same year he was called as pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church, which had been or ganized four years prior to his call and was then in a state of decline. He accepted this call with the hope and intention to revive the church, whose membership THE BLA'-K WJDE. Bo then numbered only five souls, viz : Brethren Lewis Holmes (and wife), Linear (and wife), and Pitts. With these Rev. Hall held worship in a small, unseated, un- lighted, rented room. He with these labored zealously ; the church grew in numbers and increased in strength, and after two years a lot, 50x100 feet, at a cost of four hundred and fifty dollars, was purchased, upon which a house of worship was soon erected. In 1891 this build ing could not accommodate the congregation and had to be enlarged. Rev. Hall has a wife who to him is a great help and blessing. The Lord has bountifully blessed his work. Since he has had charge of the church he has raised $3,500.00, baptized three hundred and five souls, and received one hundred and twenty by letter, making a total of four hundred and twenty-five. Rev. Hall is an eloquent speaker, zealous worker and Christian gentleman. May God continue to bless him and his work. The race needs more useful workers like 'him. REV. R. H BURSON, STATE MISSIONARY, DEVOUT CHRISTIAN. This godly man of whom 1 now write first saw the light of day in Fair Play District, Morgan county, Ga., A. D. 1840. He first became religiously impressed at the age of five years, by his pious, Christian mother. That mother's spirit has passed (July i, 1888) into its eternal rest, but the memories of her devotion to her Maker and the Christian teaching to her son Richard are still fresh within his bosom. Being personally acquainted with Rev. Burson for a number of years, it is more than a 86 THE BLACK SIDE. pleasure to me to be called upon to relate these few facts of his Christian life. He was born of slave parents, and was himself a slave ; but his treatment was never cruel. Somehow he was a favorite in his masters' families. In 1852 he was sold to Mr. S. Burson, of Morgan county, who was his former master's son-in-law, and with this man as.his owner he spent the remainder of his days of servitude. His chief duty while a lad was to carry his master's children to and from school. This aroused the desire for an education within him ; and he set himself to wondering how he could obtain such. He had no means with which to purchase and no ways of obtaining books. He finally decided that he would gather all the disconnected leaves of the pupils' books lying around the schoolhouse. One day, after carrying the children to school as usual and waiting till they had all gone into the schoolroom, lie busied himself picking up the loose leaves which he put away snugly in his pocket, and on reaching home, obtaining a needle and thread he sewed them together, making as he said a book, and was it not a book V Aye, to the youthful slave it was a dear book. The children were kind to him and gave him the necessary assistance, so it was not long be fore he could spell every word on every leaf of his home made book. Afterward by some means, he came into possession of a Webster's spelling book, and within a year he had mastered its contents, reading quite accurately. Thus began his education. Let me add, his study hours were confined to the hours of the night, as he had no chance during the day for it. In 1.866 he married Miss Antoinette Virginia Veal, a woman of true worth, who has been the guiding star of his life. To them was given only one child, who having grown to useful, intelligent manhood, with a bright THE BLACK SIDE. 87 future before, was suddenly overtaken by a severe dis ease which cut him off from this life. This inestimable wife taught her husband to write, and then possessing the knowledge of reading and writing, he felt in a meas ure equipped to pursue his calling. He was converted five years before his marriage, and had united with the Baptist Church of Gwinnetl county. In 1873 he was licensed and ordained to preach. He has served the following churches : At Stone Moun tain, Ga., Shiloh, in DeKalb county, one at Nurcro=o, Ga., one at East Point, Ga., and the Fraser street B. C. of this city. He has served as missionary of the State for four -ears during which time he has given entire satisfaction to the chief authorities of the missionary force and is do- ing great work for the Master. He is still spending his days and strength in that capacity, and is not satisfied when not working for his Maker. Verily it will be »aid of him when he shall have finished his earthly career: " Thou hast fought a good fight. Enter into thy rest ." REV. THOMAS M. DORSET, BAPTIST PEEAOHEE. Thomas M. Dorsey was born June 2, 1860, in Colum bia county, Ga. When he was but Sve months old his mother died, leaving him to the care of his father. At the age of nine he began to do farm work. Being anxious to learn and not able on account of hav ing to work, to attend school, young Dorsey found out where a school was being taught at night and of this fact acquainted his father, who consented to send the son tc 88 THE BLACK Sir» E. this night school. While attending he learned rapidly. His daily labors seemed easier to him since he felt that he was acquiring knowledge, though at the sacrifice of a few hours sleep at night. He was anxious to learn, for he had already the conviction that " knowledge is power." The young man of whom I now write is not selfish, he loves the race to which he belongs. Accordingly, feel ing that he was able to impart knowledge to the children of that race with God as his leader, he began the work of school teaching. His first work of this kind was at Sandtown, Ga., where he endeared himself to the patrons and pupils. Wherever he afterward taught, he was loved and respected by those with whom he came in contact. Mr. Dorsey at one time attended the Schofield Industrial and Normal School at Aiken, S. C., where he was diligent student. Having accepted and resolved to follow Christ and to work for him, he united with the Baptist Church, and was baptized by one Rev. E. V. White. He was soon appointed church clerk, and superintendent of the Sun day-school, where he did good service for the master. Feeling that be was one of the chosen he applied to his church for license, and the church believing him to be called of God granted him the necessary license. After coming to Atlanta, Mr. Dorsey joined by letter Shiloh Baptist Church of which Rev. I. R. Hall is pastor, and from which church he (Rev. Dorsey) was licensed ami ordained, the presbytery consisting of Rev. J. B. Davis, Atlanta, Ga.; Rev. M. V. White, Atlanta, Ga.; Rev W. H. Tilman, Atlanta, Ga.; Rev. I. R. Hall, Atlanta, Ga., and the writer. Rev. Dorsey was called to take charge of the Big Bethel Baptist Church December last. May he be suc cessful in this work. This church is located in Cobb II. Tl (UiJjlo. BKV. 1. K. HALL. ,. I R. H. HOUSTON riii i LOH CHURCH. THE BI.APK SIDE. 81) county, Ga. He also was a student of the Atlanta Bap tist Seminary, the inexhaustible source of knowledge. Rev. Dorsey is a good man, worthy of his calling. I May the Lord continue to be his guide and protector through the varying scenes of life. REV. HENRY WHITE, ABLE BAPTIST DIYINE. He was born at Richmond, Va., A. D. 1854. he was very small he was placed upon the block to be sold, but he used his lungs with such violent force he was taken down. Young White knew nothing at all about his paternal parent, his father being sold before his birth. He was finally purchased by a man from the State of Louisiana and carried to that State. After spending some considerable time there, he came to Geor gia and located at Lagrange. There he stayed till 1871 working on the farm. He next came to Atlanta. Ga., and for a while worked at butchery. Thinking he could better his financial condition by so doing, he took up the business of draying, which proved to be successful. His first investment in this city was in three-fourths of an acre of land, for which he paid one hundred dollars. Afterward sold the same for two thousand dollars. In 1885 he united with the Wheat Street Baptist Church, and soon afterward was made superintendent of the Sun day-school. 1887 he was licensed to preach, and prov ing himself an efficient disciple, he was ordained. Shortly after his ordination, he was called to the care of i small church in South Atlanta. As pastor he has done and is still doing excellent labor. At South Atlanta Rev. 90 THE BLAPK White has erected a church-house at a cost of one thou sand, nine hundred dollars, and increased the member ship greatly. He also engaged in grocery-keeping which enabled him to push forward his educaiion. He is - student of the Atlanta Baptist Seminary. In 1892 he accepted the pastorate of the Baptist Church at Fair- burn, Gà. Rev. White is one of the business men of our city, and by his eneiy and push is able to keep the wolf from the door. REV. J. C. BEAVER, DEVOUT SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORKER. He is the youngest of eleven children, who were born to William and Charity Beavers, and was born October 17, 1860, in Campbell county, Ga. His early school days were passed in the village of Campbellton, and in this school he ranked at the head of his classes. While he was a small boy, he would play " at preach ing " to the other children about the place, and the older persons who heard him would say among themselves : "That boy is going to preach sure enough one day." He has fulfilled the prophecy, as he is to-day a leader among the Baptist army of the State. He has taught in several public schools and was regarded as a model teacher. Rev. Beavers is a Christian and a trusty man ; all who know him, place the utmost confidence in him, and be lieve him a true follower of Christ. He is a great Sun day-school worker, and has done more work in that di rection than any other man in West (Georgia. Has also enjoyed the honor of being the clerk of several Associa tions, and has written largely for the leading Negro jour- THE yi nal of the South, the Georgia Baptist In 1889 he moved to Lithia Springs, Ga., where he is employed as janitor and florist of the beautiful Chautauqua grounds. He performs his duties so well and successfully, that those for whom he works deem him indispensable. In 1891 he married a Miss Magnolia McGraw of New Or leans, La., and during the same year was elected clerk of the Carrollton Association. Rev. Beavers says of him self that he is a Baptist of the deepest dye. In 1892 he was ordained to the ministry ; and soon after became the pastor of the church of which he was a member. He immediately began the fight against sin, and soon had a large number to baptize. Among this number was his wife, who had accepted Christ, thai she might the better assist her companion in upbuilding the Master's God and ad- Rev. Beavers is now en gaged in erecting a church edifice, which, when finished, will assist in adorning the already beautiful little vil lage of Lithia Springs, Ga. kingdom. His highest aim is to glorify vance his kingdom on earth. REV. J. B. DAVIS, CARPENTER, JANITOR, SUCCESSFUL, PROGRESSIVE MIN ISTER OF G<)D. A few miles from Watkinsville, Ga., in a poor region known as Farmington, near the roadside, sat an humble cabin. In this cabin, April 15, 1857* was ushered into this world, Jeremiah B. Davis. Being the son of slaves, and born at the time of slavery, his educational advan tages were like those of most of his people. After freedom he lived with a white man, whose son took pleasure in teaching Jeremiah, and each day would THE BLAPK Î^ give him a lesson to prepare for the next. He would get this lesson by taking with him to the field his bouk, and at the dinner hour would study it. In this manner Jeremiah received his first teaching. All through his earlier life he scorned wrong-doing, and never stooped to meanness. At the age of fifteen, after hearing one Rev. Shadrick preach from T Cor. 15:55, he was con verted. This good man, Rev. Shadrick, though not a theologian or scholar, though not able to ascend the starry heaven and bring philosophy to dwell with man kind, knew how to preach the blessed Word of God, and selecting, at that time, the above named portion of scripture was the means of bringing to Christ one more soul. After his conversion, Jeremiah lived a true Chris tian, and in his community is considered the leader of prayer-meetings and of the Sunday-school. Like most of his fellow-men he was obliged to do field work, but, thirsting for knowledge, he managed to attend the three months public school which had then been established. When he was seventeen he became apprenticed to car pentry under one Mr. Mack, of Athens, Ga. He served this trade nine years. Though his early life was given to physical toil, his mind was hungry for food, t*nd in time this food was given him. He found a friend in the person of Rev. C. H. Lyon, D.D., who was then pastor of the Baptist church, at Wat- kinsville. Seeing in Jeremiah a grand spirit and believ ing if cultivated he would become a power for good as a pulpit orator, the church with which he was connected granted him license to proclaim the truth in Christ Jesus. Rev. Lyon now urged him to enter the Atlanta Baptist Seminary, and he, being anxious to pursue his studies, consented to this. Arranging and locking his tool-chest, he made ready for his departure. His possessions in finance amounted to only fifteen dollars, half of which THE BLACK SIDE. y;3 amount he gave to his wife. After paying his railroad expenses for himself and tool chest Jeremiah had left him the pitiful sum of two dollars and fifty cents. Ar riving in this city, with comparatively no means, all around him seemed dark and gloomy, and he knew not where to go. In the midst of despondencies and discouragements. God opened a way for him, as he will do for you, my readers, if you will trust him. tie succeeded in obtain ing board and lodging for eight dollars per month, from a charitable woman who waited till he was able to pay her Entering school he paid his tuition of one dollar. Having brought his tool-chest, he was prepared to follow his trade; and this he did, obtaining work Friday afternoons and Saturdays. By this means he kept up with his ex penses for three years. At the expiration of this time, the president, Dr. J. T. Robert, LL.D,, perceiving that Jeremiah was quick intellectually and industrious in his habits, and knowing his financial condition, together with the other members of the faculty made him ("Jere""1 janitor of the building, allowing him as salary twelve dol lars per month, including tuition. Thus, being able to pursue his studies, he completed the normal and theolog ical course with honor. While attending school he ac cepted the call of a small church at Woodstock, Ga., where he served as pastor for two years, during which time he very much enjoyed his labor among the people who were friendly, frank and unselfish. Indeed he was drawn by cords of love to these people, whose simplicity attracted him. Having a family to support, and other expenses, the in come of my subject was quite limited, and because of railroad expenses this field of labor was inconvenient for him, and, though regretting to leave the flock he had for two years tended, he gave up the work and assumed 94 THE BLAPK SIDE. charge of a church in the western portion of this city. For this church he served in the capacity of janitor as well as pastor, and for this little weather-beaten struc ture he purchased lamps, filled and lighted them, but rang not the bell, there being none to ring. Rev. Davis has served this church for eight years, during which time God has bountifully blessed his labor, he having added to his flock two hundred and forty souls, making now the membership two hundred and sixty strong. Also he has erected a handsome three thousand dollar brick structure where the former house stood. Rev. Davis, born amid hardships, and having traveled at least half the distance of poverty and want, knows how to sympathize with suffering humanity. Having through God's help been so successful in his work, Rev. Davis retrospectively views the condition of the church, when it was a dilapidated building, with defaced furniture within, and says within himself: "Surely God is pleased with my work, since he has crowned it with success." Pie merits the respect and trust of all. God bless such men ! REV. DAVID S. KLUGH, DEVOUT BAPTIST MINISTER. I know uf no one more unassuming, more unpretend ing and more gentlemanly than the young man of whom I now speak. Besides bearing these qualities, he is full of energy, push and vim. He first beheld the dawn of light in the State of South Carolina, A. D. 1864. Mr. Klugh's father died while he was yet too young to realize what grief was, so the son never knew the love of that parent. THE BLACK SIDE. 95 The mother was left with five children to care for, and many were the battles she fought against poverty, but she succeeded in rearing her children aright and properly administering to their needs morally, intellectually and physically. By this mother's teachings the soul of our subject became enthused with three desires: he desired first to know something, then he would work to be some thing, and, lastly, he would struggle tu have and do something. His first school days were spent in a rude log cabin. It was a free school, but as he lived outside the town ship he had to pa}' fifty cents per month tuition. Feel ing that he must make good use of the time so as to receive the value of his fifty cents, he applied himself dil igently to study and became the leader of all his classes. Mr. Klugh does not regret the money paid in those early dnys for his schooling, for he says it was the best invest ment of his life. Leaving the village school he began farming, at which he worked five years, and during that time found it to be both profitable and pleasurable. Subsequently he entered the Normal Institute at Greenwood, S. C., and while in attendance there he was offered and accepted the position of teacher in the Pine Grove school at Hodges, S. C.; but not being satisfied with his ability as teacher he soon resigned this work and became a student of the Caflin University at Orangeburg, S. C. While here he is again solicited to take the school at Hodges, which, after some persuasion, he did. It was now that he felt God required his labor in a higher sphere—that of minister of the gospel; so he again gave up the school at Hodges and took charge of one at Greenville, ,S. C., thereby having a better opportunity to exercise his ministerial talents. Feeling his deficiency for so high a calling, he resolved to attend a Baptist school 96 THE BLACK SIDE. of some note. Accordingly he matriculated in the At lanta Baptist Seminary at Atlanta, Ga., where he en deared himself to the professors and students, as well as to many leading residents of the city. First in all his classes, he graduated with high honors in 1890, and his oration for that occasion was considered a masterpiece. After his graduation he became the pastor of the Morris Baptist Chapel, Greenwood, S. C., where he led many souls to Christ, and also founded the Greenwood graded schco!, which is still under his successful management. He has, also, charge of the Baptist Church at Promise Land, S. C., to which he gives a portion of his time, and where he is erecting a handsome church edifice. He has recently been called to the pastorate of the Union Baptist Church at Augusta, Ga. Degrees have been offered him, but as yet he has not accepted any. One might readily see that the future of this young man is bright and prosperous. Early he obeyed the command : "Seek first the kingdom of heaven," and now he is real izing the promise • " And all things else shall be added unto you." REV. CYRUS BROWN, ELOQUENT MINISTER. In the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four, twelve miles from the classic city of Ath ens, in Georgia, was ushered into slavery life a male baby to whom was given the name we present above this narrative. Though born a slave he did not suffer to any great extent the cruelties of slavery days, for as we see, his advent into this world was not a great while be fore that great struggle which finally resulted in his free- KEV. DAVID ». KLUCtH. •RIA va -a • 'Aas t:*'., - - ,., ~:< • S-*-"' -'räf^'., -SI, ..,."." MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHUECH. THE BLACK SIDE. 97 dom commenced. But he saw enough of the cruel treat ment to others older than himself to impress him that slavery was an accursed institution; he heard enough of the cries and prayers of his elders to make him wish that they were free. Cyrus was used as a house boy, what we now call a butler, and was more favored than many of his fellow- creatures, but possessing a tender, sympathetic heart, many were the tears he shed in secret over the wrongs perpetrated upon his people, lie first learned shoe-mak ing under his father, but after his father's death he was put to work under a Mr. Henry Horten, of Athens, Ga. In those days of superstition and ignorance the idea of children's religion was not tolerated, there were none who would believe in it ; consequently when, at the age of twelve Cyrus professed and proclaimed a hope in Christ, he created no little excitement. He was small in stature, and had to be placed upon a table in the church when telling of his conversion. He was the first child to unite with the church in the city of Athens. He became a member of the Baptist Church, and was baptized by Rev. Floyd Hill. In 1876 Mr. Brown was married to a Miss Eliza Le&ter. He felt that he was one of the chosen, to whom the command, "Go preach my gospel," was given; so that he might prepare himself for that arduous calling he came to Atlanta in 1882 and entered the Atlanta Baptist Seminary. Before his becoming a member of the seminary he was called as pastor of the Mt. Pleasant Church. During the same year of his enter ing school he was also called to St. James Baptist Church. He accepted the call and went alternately to these churches to fill the office of pastor. At neither of these places had they a decent house of worship, but under his wise management and well preached gospel both 98 THE BLACK SIDE. communities soon erected comfortable churches at a cost of seven hundred and eight hundred dollars respectively. In iSS'^ he resigned these charges and accepted that of the Macedonia Baptist Church at Atlanta. n 1890 he finished his studies and was then able to devote his whole time to his ministerial work. He is still the honored pastor of the last named church, where he has been instrumental in bringing many souls to the king dom of Christ. The names which follow are some of the worthy female members of his church ; Mrs. Amy Simms, Mr?. Leah Hartsneld, Mrs. Susie Eagles, Mrs. Lucy Dillard, Mrs. Mattie Sanders, Mrs. Mahala Saracens, Mrs. Mollie Calhoun, Mrs. Cresie Kendrick, Mrs. (Jhas. Alcllenry. Sunday-school teach ers: Miss Mary Jordan, Mrs. Laura Price, Miss Hattie Rogers, Miss Culbreth; Messrs. Täte andj. C. Comer, also trustees Rainwater and Bug^. In 1889 Rev. Brown accepted another charge at Ac- worth, Ga., where -he also labors vigilantly for the cause of Christ. He owns real estate in Athens, Ga., in a most desirable portion of the city, said property being near the Lucy Cobb Institute. He is a zealous worker for the kingdom of Christ, full of ambition and valor, a man of unswerving determination. REV. W. L. JONES. SUCCESSFUL AND BELOVED PASTOR OP THE BEULA.H BAPTIST CHURCH. Immediately after the late rebellion, the parents of the subject of this narrative removed from their home in Milton county, Ga., where he was born, to the county of Gwinnett, at Norcross. THE BLACK 9 y Young Jones possessed the traits common to all youths, but was early in life religious!}- inclined, for at the tender age of sixteen years he professed a hope in Christ Jesus and united with the Baptise Church at Nor cross, Ga. Immediately he became an enthusiastic Sun day-school worker, which he has ever afterwards been. Soon after his conversion he began to feel that he was to enter inio the ministry of God. To rid himself of this feeling he left his home and went into the State of Mis sissippi, but while there the spirit continually impressed his mind, and after remaining there a year, he returned home and began preparing himself for his arduous call ing. He was licensed and ordained, and only ten min utes after ordination was given the care of two churches. His influence and fame as a pastor began to spread, and during the second year of his ministry, he was called to serve the third church. At one time he was the pas tor of four churches. This led him to believe that God had a special work for him to do; so hi; began to gather together all the churches in the county in which he lived, and organized and formed them into an associa tion, to which he gave the name of the Hopewell Asso ciation. Now it was that he felt the need of education ; so after due consideration, he resolved to attend the Atlanta Baptist Seminary. Moving from his home to Decatur, Ga., which, on account of its being only six miles from Atlanta, is nearer to the seminary, he became a member of the Atlanta Baptist Seminary. Finding it too expensive to reside at Decatur and attend school here, he finally moved to Atlanta, where he was more able to continue his studies. Soon after coming to this c:ty he was called to serve the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, of this city. After due and prayerful consideration this call he accepted. The church building being in a dilapi dated condition, Rev. Jones began to devise plans for luu THE BLACK SIDE. the erection of a new one. After much toil and labcr his efforts were rewarded by seeing a neat structure occupying the place of the old one. All this time he, through many disadvantages, contin ued in school, and also served another church at Roswell, Ga. He remained in school till he received his " sheep skin," when, against the protestations and tears of his many charges, he gave them up with the inten tion of removing to the West. He left the soil of his native State, but his religious influence and good works remained behind, and during his absence he was re quested to come back home and be the pastor of the Beulah Baptist Church. Feeling it his duty to do al' the good he could at home, he returned and became the pastor of the above named church. This church house was also in a state of decline, but under this energetic man a new edifice soon towered upward. This was not accomplished all at once, for the membership was small and the members poor; but they all persevered until the work was completed, and now a handsome édifice of stone and brick adorns the community which sur rounds it. Notwithstanding the many hardships through which he has passed, Rev. Jones has had bountiful success in all his labors. He has greatly increased the member- f-\iip of this church, having baptized three hundred be sides taking in others by letter. He is a man who be lieves that it is left with a person as to whether he will make anything or nothing of himself, and entertaining this view he has striven to make something of himself. Few men there are who possess more courage and fortitude than he. As a young man he has made his mark in the world for good. His religion is of the lib eral nature which constrain? him to look after the spir- THE BLA< K; S itual and temporal welfare of his people and all who aid in any way the onward march of Christ. Struggling against disadvantages, and knowing how hard it is for poor young men and women to acquire an education, he contributes annually to the Spelman and Baptist seminaries. Rev. Jones has been the wise and efficient moderator of the Hopewell Associatiation for the past ten years, which fact shows his ability to rule wisely and well. May God continue to bless him and his work, and as he advances in years, may he advance also in the love and grace of Christ Jesus. MISS MABLE B. JOHNSON, TEACHER TN ATLANTA PFBLIC SCHOOL. The women among the Negro race who would dare to be anything to the race, have untold difficulties and trials to undergo, and if they, through perseverance do rise to any pre-eminence in the race, it is only because nature has endowed them with an indomitable will and such un swerving and natural ambition to be something. The race has not yet in general arisen high enough in the scale of culture and refinement to not show signs of prejudice to to those who would rise to honor and fame. Long since the idea of woman's ability and position in ife has crystallized itself in the minds of men and the pub lic, that they are good for nothing more, absolutely noth ing more, but to attend to babies, to cook, to entertain the husband's company, and to see after domestic affairs generally. L 02 THE BLACK SIDE. Such have been some of the disadvantages through which the subject of this sketch has had to pass. Mabel Beatrice Johnson came into life surrounded by the beautiful hills of the paradise-like town of Griffin, in Georgia. She was born of parents of ante bcllum days. Her early life was spent in the Gate City of the South. So early was she brought to this city by her parents, that she scarcely recognized the fact that she was not born in this city. This quiet, unassuming woman has gone along making her way by degrees up and up the rounds of the ladder of art, science and industry, until she stands in even ranks with those who have made in every way com plete success. She has had superior advantages to many of her race in the educational line. When she was scarcely old enough to go through the streets unaccom panied, she was placed in the Haynes street school, which at the time of her attendance was taught by white teach ers. After spending some years in this school, she passed to the Summer Hill public school. At this time, her mother wishing her to be taught more thoroughly sent her to the Storr's, a school of a much higher curriculum. Here she remained till within a few months of graduat ing. Her parents then moved to Charlotte, N. C., where they lived some time. Returning to Atlanta in 1882, she entered the Spellman Seminary, one of the first schools for women and girls in the South. On entering, she was able to make the Junior Normal class, and after four years, graduated with honors from the class of 1886. After her graduation, she entered public work. She made a creditable standard before the board of education and was appointed supernumerary of the Atlanta public schools, which position she filled with credit to herself and satisfaction to the board of education, as a good dis ciplinarian and successful teacher. The record will sho\\ THE BLACK SIDE. 103 that in 1888 she was elected teacher of the third grade of the Houston street school. In the fall of 1890 she was promoted to the fourth grade at the West Mitchell street school. In 1892 she succesfully advanced and was raised in honor of her faithful and praiseworthy work, to the sixth grade. This she has done by hard struggle and by accepting hardships and disadvantages as she met them. Miss John- gon is an expert in artistic needle work, and all her spare moments are utilized in fine lace-making and embroidering. She displays fine musical talent and on the whole is intel ligent cultured and refined. Nature has also bestowed upon her abountiful supply of beauty, as the accompanying cut of herself will show. REV. SILAS SMITH, BAPTIST DIVINE. Rev. Silas Smith was born in Pittsylvania county, Virginia, 1857. He spent the earlier part of his life in farming, and when he reached manhood he went to Dan ville, Va., where he was employed in a tobacco factory, where his work consisted in rolling the leaves for their further use. He worked in this establishment Eor some considerable time, when the desire to travel seized him, and, having saved some money, he began to make prep aration for an extended tour. He purchased a magic lantern whereby he might be the better able to defray his expenses, and thus pass from place to place with ease With his lantern he was most successful, being able to pass through twenty-two States, visiting all oE the principal cities and towns in those States. With his pan- 104 THE BLACK SIDE. orama he commands crowded houses, and his splendid variet}^ of scenes and kaleidoscopic views are enjoyed by all whose high pleasure it is to see them. Cn this his chosen profession Rev. Smith stands second to none. He has a charm about him whereby he is able to hold his audiences spellbound ; and can cause them to sing, laugh or cry at his own will. In short, he seems suited to this profession, in which he is so successful. During his travels he felt that he was called of God to preach the Gospel. In March, 1892, he was ordained. Rev. Smith now resides at Bedford City, Virginia, where he has a most beautiful and comfortable home. He is pastor of two churches, one being in the city in which he lives and the other inRoanoke county, Virginia. He pays taxes on $1,000.00 worth of real estate. Rev. Smith is a man of broad experiences, having traveled quite extensively. He is jovial and entertaining, a clever conversationalist. REV. W. D. JOHNSON, ELOQUENT PREACHER. Among the leading Baptist divines of the Negro race can well be classed the subject of this narrative. He first saw the light of day at Beph/ibah, Richmond county, Ga., June 4, 1862. Having a praying mother and a Christian father, his first impressions were religious. These influences were brought to bear so heavily upon him that, when only nine years old, he left his home one Monday morning and went to a great creek swamp, where he stayed five nights and days without a morsel of food or a drink of water. Having seen the gathering of the eagles the people decided that he was dead, and p. *-t; KJO J1KOWN. "y n* r - f r, !. W. JONES. THE BjjACK iSiDE. 105 i search was instituted; but when found he "had been killed dead to sin and made alive in Christ Jesus." He was then baptized into the Covenant Baptist Church b} Rev. Nathan Walker. Being born of poor parents, he was never as well attired as his fellow schoolmates, but his aptness as a scholar and his Christian deportment won the respect of his teachers and demanded it of the pupils. His first effort at oratory was made at the closing exer cises of the school of which he was a pupil, at the age of ten years. This attempt was a success, and then and there it was prophesied that he would one day become an orator of eminence. Flis parents were too poor to purchase shoes for him; thus, while making this speech, his feet were bare, and there were seen patches on the knees of his pants. At this earlv age (nine) he was often chosen by the older members and officers of his church to lead the prayer-meetings. At twelve he was a prominent teacher in the Sunday-school. Being im pressed with the religious zeal of this boy disciple, the ministers and older Christians predicted for him a call to the ministry. Looking to this end he was per suaded by them and Rev. C. T.Walker, then his pastor, to enter the Augusta Institute, now the Atlanta Baptist Seminary. In November of 1888 he entered this school with eight dollars and a half, and in a way that he can't explain remained there six months on that sum, supple mented only bj' a little meal and wood brought now and then from his country home. When he left school he taught a private school in Burke county, near Green's Cut, for ten dollars per month. In the summer of the same year he resigned this school to teach at Milieu, Ga., at $15.00 per month. In the fall of 1879, as the school had moved from Augusta to Atlanta, he en tered Haven Normal School at Waynesboro, Ga., and remained there for several mmths. In the spring 106 THE BLACK SIDE. of 1880 he was taken by Rev. Robert Kelsey to a very dark section of country on the line of Screven and Burke counties. This was a section unvisited before by any but local instructors, and the people were almost idol atrous in their worship, and in every respect were much in need of both a leader and instructor. In this capacity he worked, gaining the confidence and respect of both white and colored. The Bible, hymn books and Isunday-school literature were introduced, and the people came ten and twelve miles to be instructed. For rive •ears he labored in this section with almost marvelous success. He has been styled "the father"of this country, and to-day there are hundreds of young men and women who regard him the greatest benefactor of their lives In the fall of 1880 he resumed his studies at the [Sem inary. Since his connection with the Seminary he has studied modern languages, viz., Latin and Greek, both at Paine Institute, Augusta, Ga., and by correspond ence from Chautauqua school byr Alfred A. Wright. Though starting penniless he has saved up his earnings and now owns very valuable property in AugusUi, Ga., his present home. When the grocery firm of F. P. Juhnson & Co. failed in Augusta, Ga., in iSSi, he was a heavy loser, being in school but having stock in that firm. He is a stockholder both in the Augusta ,V«- tmel and the colored State Fair Company. In the spring of 1880 he was licensed to preach (Rev. C. T. Walker, pastor), and in December, i83i, was ordained to the Gospel ministry. Shortly after his ordination he was called to the pastorate of Zion Baptist Church, Burton Ferry, Ga. Under his pastorate this flock greatly prospered, a new house of worship being built, and many were added to the church. At the close of two years' labor, from 1882 to 1884, he resigned this flock, to the regret of all. In 1883, he was called to the Murphy THE BLACK SIDE. 107 Kbenezer Baptist Church, Girard, Ga., which he ac ceptably served two years. He was also called to the pastorate of the St. Paul Baptist Church in this year, which he served very successfully for three years, [n 1884 he was called to the pastorate of the Thankful Baptist Church, Waynesboro, Georgia. This church had fallen into utter insignificance, having no land, no house, no money and very few members. It was regarded as a failure. The other churches and denominations had the town. Fifteen persons was a large congregation. By his hard work and shrewd management it has grown to be the strongest church in the town. They have pur chased a lot and built a large and attractive edifice, and every service there the church is crosvded to overflow ing. In referring to his success there, Rev. C. T. Walker, D.D., said, "Nobudyelse could have done what Johnson has done." For nine years the Lord has pros pered his labors there. In 1885 he was called to the pastorate of Palmer Grove Baptist Church, near Green's Cut, Ga., at which place he has built a large and substantial house of worship, paid off all of the old church debts, and baptized many precious souls. In 1889 he was called to the pastorate of Franklin Cov enant Baptist Church where he was baptized, and preached three years with great success. In 1887 he was called to the pastorate of Elim Baptist Church, Summerville, Augusta, Ga., which church he now serves. This church had the sworn opposition of nearly «veryT church in Augusta, but by earnest effort he hac built a fine house of worship and largely increased its membership, and the church is now regarded as one of the strongest and most influential churches of the city. The city folks take great delight in riding three miles out to the village to hear its pastor preach. The Northern 108 THE guests from the great Bon Air Hotel regard it a pleasure to resort to this church and listen to his sermons. At the age of fifteen he was elected as a delegate to the Walker Baptist Association by his church, and served on important committees. Since that time he has been regarded as one of the leaders of that Association. For ten years he has served on the Executive Board. Re is chairman of the local Board of Trustees of the Walker Baptist Institute, and has dune much to bring that school up to its present degree of prosperity, and toward shaping its Euture usefulness. He has long served as a member of the Executive Board of the State Baptist Sunday-school Convention, and at the last session of that body was elected its vice-president. He is one of the directors of the colored State Fair located at Augusta, Ga. Prominent among the addresses and sermons delivered upon special occasions were the following: "The Needs of the Colored Ministry," delivered at the centennial celebration of the Baptists of Georgia in Savannah, 1888; "The Duty of the Colored Baptists to send the Gospel to Africa," delivered before the Foreign Mission Baptist Convention of the United States in Louisville, Ky.; and "The Enemies of the Cross,"1 introductory sermon preached to the Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia at Cuthbert in 1891. He has baptized more than 1,200 persons, and is still laboring in the Master's vineyard. Success to him through future life as it has been through his past. THE BLACK SIDE. 10!) REV. A. B. MURDEN, STATE MISSIONARY—ELOQUENT BAPTIST DIVINE. Few young men at the age of twenty-seven have ac complished more or exerted a broader influence for good than has Rev. A. B. Murden. He tirst saw the 1'ght on the plantation of Judge Howell Bunkley, near Crawfordville, Ga., August 25, 1865. He was the sev enth son of Jerry and Sarah Ann Murden. Being a bright boy from babyhood, the people predicted great things for him. The white people called him Bartow, in honor of the great Southern General, but the colored folks called him Ulysses Grant, hence the name Aaron Bartow Ulysse? Grant Murden. At the age uf nine young Murden was sent to school. He soon proved to be a very bright boy; so rapidly did he learn that many offered to take him and educate him, but his mother was not willing to have him leave home. As a lad he was thoughtful and active and always wanted to earn something for himself. A pleasing little incident is that when about twelve :ears old he bottomed a chair for a neighbor and re ceived in payment an old hen. At another time he earned a goose, and from that time he began to earn money. He became quite skillful in making brooms, horse-collars and Eout-tnats. These articles, when sold, brought many dol lars to his widowed mother. When about sixteen years old young Aaron found him self an orphan, thrown upon the world to care for him- self. He had always been a great lover of his mother, and now that she who had been his best friend was dead, he resolved to leave the old home place. He had a great thirst for knowledge, but to gain it he in THE BLACK SIDE. must have money, and this he had not. He resolved to find work on the railroad so that he might earn money enough to defray his expenses at school one term ai least. Accordingly he left his home and came to Atlanta, but not until the crop was gathered and he had attended to all the business which his mother had left undone. After settling the debts of the farm, paying the doctor's bill and burial expenses of his mother, he found that he had twenty-five dollars for himself. On reaching Atlanta he went to see his cousin, Mr. W. A. Jackson, at whose house he left his trunk and other articles. Before leaving the city he deposited twenty- two dollars in the bank, and boarded the cars for Mari etta, Ga., with three dollars in his pocket. While on the cars, boy-like, he bought a ring for a dollsr and a half. On reaching Marietta he found he must walk forty miles to Dallas, Ga., at which place he was to engage. On the way some one stole a dollar from him, so when he reached his destination he had only fifty cents. The E. T., V. & G. R. R. was being constructed at that time, and he engaged at grading for a dollar and a quarter per day. His manliness, activity and faithfulness to duty soon brought him to the place where he earned a dollar and seventy-five cents a day. At first he boarded at nine dollars per month, but soon found this a poor way to save money, so he built him a little shack in the woods and did his own cooking. He found by so doing he could live on three dollars a month. Some of my readers may not know what a shack is. It is a very small house built of logs and daubed with mud. It has a stick-chimney, a dirt floor and is just high enough for a man to get in. In such a house our hero lived from March till August, 1882. In this short sketch we cannot mention all the incidents, but the reader may lest assured they were many and va- THE BLACK 11 ried. Young Murden was the only Christian but one working on the road at that time. Most of the men 'pent Sundays in gambling; but he went out and found a church into which he gathered the children and told them about Jesus, that one who died to save them. He witnessed manv crimes, and many accidents oc curred. Several times he narrowly escaped with his life. Rev. Murden tells of one most remarkable incident. It was the 25th of March, 1882; he had been holding the jumper from seven o'clock til] near twelve, when the man who was driving the steel said, "Murden, I guess you are tired now, let me hold and you drive." They were working in a deep cut, and a huge stone looked frowningly down upon them. Murden had said, "Mitch- ell, I think that rock there is cracked." Mitchell had proposed to examine it in a few minutes. Scarcely had the words dit-d from his lips when down came the mas sive rock upon him. He was leaning over the jumper, and so great was the force that the steel was driven right through his breast. His head was terribly mashed; he brought one convulsive groan and was dead. A piece of the rock struck young Murden in the side and hurled him quite a distance. Think, he had gotten up from the steel only about ten minutes before Mr. Mitchell was killed! What a narrow escape and what an evidence of God's providence over those whom he chooses to do a great work in his name. Remember, Murden was only sixteen vears old at this time, and he thought this narrow escape was a warning to him, so he resolved to leave the road. But he first went to God in prayer, and the Spirit seemed to say to him, "I'll be with you," so he decided to work until Au gust. It was always a glad day for him when the pay-train came. No one knew where his bank was, but he always 112 THE BLACK SIDE. wended his way to a certain rock away off in the woods, under which he concealed his well-earned wages. In August he returned to Crawfordville. Having earned enough money to defray his expenses at school, he en tered the Atlanta Baptist Seminary the following Octo ber. He had not been at the seminary long before the teachers found him to be really a promising youth. As a student he was thorough and inquisitive. He ^ icver reproved. He realized that his opportunity was worth all the effort he could put forth, so he spent no time in idleness. As a schoolmate he was genial and loving, al ways good-natured, hence he was loved by all the stu dents. The second year of his attendance at the seminary Mr. Murden did not seek a boarding place in the city, but stopped in the dormitory, where a number of the young men did their own work. Wednesday was his cooking day. You need not think he merely cooked special things on that day; it means he did not cook anything but once a week. During the summer vacation of 1883 Mr. Murd taught school at his home. He was quite successful as a teacher, and the people loved him as they were wont to do. He taught school five consecutive summers, and thus earned money to defray his expenses at school. Every where he was loved by patrons and scholars, and always made warm friends wherever he went. In 1886 Mr. Murden was licensed to preach by the Friendship Baptist Church, Crawfordville, Ga. He at once showed marked ability as a pulpit orator, and evinced signs of becoming one of the foremost preachers in the State. [n 1888 Rev. Murden preached the introductory ser mon of the State Baptist Sunday-school Convention at MISS M H. .IOII.YRON. •'os.viiur A\ •era 'M'a 'XOSYJÏ '•»' > 'NOSKIVH *.. THE BLACK RIDE. 113 Savannah, Ga., which led to his being |appointed State Missionary by the Stale Convention. As a missionary Rev. Murden was untiring in his ef forts and faithful in visiting destitute places. For four years he traveled over the State preaching the gospel and doing what he could to lift his race to a higher standard of morality, intelligence and true Christian living. Let the reader be assured that a missionary's path is not always a smooth one. Many times has Rev. Murden had to walk twenty and thirty miles in order to meet his appointments. He was not always received by the peo ple, and not a few times has he gone without food forty- eight hours. But Rev, Murden had a true missionary spirit, and allowed none of these things to move him. He went about doing what his hands found to do, with the firm conviction : Where there's a will there's a way. He has man v pleasant memories of persons converted through his own personal influence. Many times has he known wicked men to cry out while he was yet preaching. He has that peculiar gravity which draws people; having been once heard he never fails to get a congregation. We need not add that as a missionary Rev. Murden was abundantly successful. By his resolute will and firm trust in God he has made an excellent record and done a great work among his people. He has the honor of being called the best financier of all the missionaries of Georgia. As an orator Rev. Murden is quite fluent, and we make no mistake when we say eloquent. His graduating ora tion in May, i886, won for him quite a name as a speaker. As a preacher he is a deep and ready thinker and never fails to make an impression. Since May ist, 1892, Rev. Murden has been pastor of the First Baptist Church, LaGrange, Ga. He has little experience as pastor; but thus far he has been quite sue- 14 THE BLACK SIDE. cessful. He has won a warm place in the hearts of the people, and the prospects are that his career in the line of church work may be a brilliant one. In October, 1891, Rev. Murden married Miss Dora A. Jackson, of Atlanta, Ga., a graduate of Spelman Semi nary. Theirs was a happy union. Their home is made cheerful by a bright little boy, A. B. Murden, Jr. Rev. Murden is a graduate of the Normal and Theo logical departments of the Atlanta Baptist Seminary. May this short sketch inspire some young man of mean circumstances to rise up and make for himself a name. REV. ROBERT SCHELL, SUCCESSFUL MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL. The subject of this sketch was born October [2, 1855, at Barnesville, Pike county, Ga. As a slave he was the property of ihe man's daughter for whom the town was named (Barnes) ; and was when emancipated on a farm three and one-half miles from Barnesville, and was in his tenth year. His father, Vine Schell, then moved back to town, and then it was that Robert's pilgrimage began without learning or experience. He was first hired out as house boy; after which he moved to Griffin, Ga., and entered a public school taught by Northern ladies. This was in 1866. After staying in school fora few months he was again put out in service, this time working in a barroom. Leaving that, he was then put to work on the farm, where he spent two years, and endured many hardships, being without a mother's care. In 1870 his father moved the family on a farm at Milner, Ga. In 1872 Robert was apprenticed to the blacksmith trade, at which THE BLACK SIDE. 15 he worked during the day, going to school at night. Eighteen hundred and seventy-four found him again in school at Barnesville. During this same year he also worked as brickmason ; after which he served as a teamster; and next as a cook in a restaurant. In Feb ruary, 1877, he married a Miss Lilian Schell, and in the fall of the same year moved to Atlanta. His first em ployment after coming to this city was that of teamster for a Mr. F. Kicklighter. Soon after this he worked on the custom house, which was then in course of erection. When his work on aforesaid building gave out he em ployed himself at draying for seventy-five cents per day; finally his wages were raised to ninety cents. In the spring of 1880 Mr. Schell was converted, united with the Friendship Baptist Church, and was baptized by Rev. Frank Quarles, who was then pastor. He was elected church clerk soon afterward, and served in this capacity for seven years. During this time he was still draying, working in the wholesale grocery of a Mr. Smith, whose place of business was on Alabama street. He had so far gained the confidence and respect of his employer that his wages were raised from ninety cents per day to ten dollars per week, and the entire business of shipping goods was put into Mr. Schell's hands. Mr. Smith carried on an extensive shipping business, and many thousands of dollars' worth did Mr. Schell send to all parts of Georgia, North and South Carolina and Florida. While caring for his physical wants he wished also to contribute to his mental wants; so he entered the A. B. S., but continued in the service of Mr. Smith, working for him every afternoon after school hours. Of course his wages were not so much then, but were sufficient to enable him to provide for his family and keep himself in school. Mr. Schell felt that he was called to the minis- Hfi THE K SIDE. try, and he wished to prepare himself for this great and grand work. He was given license in 1886 by the Friendship Baptist Church, while attending the Seminary, and in the following year was called to the pastorate of the Shiloh Baptist Church at Dallas, Ga. In the fall of the same year he went into business with J. T. Schell (his brother) at No. 145 West Peters street. During his stay at Dallas he built a neat house of worship, and baptized between eighteen and twenty-five persons. In the spring of the next year Mr. Schell became ill, and lost all his possessions but a home for his family. In 1889 he was appointed State Missionary, which he followed two years, during which time he was instrumental in the conversion of between one hundred and fifty and one hundred and seventy-five souls, who professed to know Christ in the pardon of their sins. He has given up the missionary work, but serves in the city whenever he can, together with serving the churches at Dallas and Douglasville, Ga. He is also in •charge of the McKinley Temple in West Atlanta, and is now considering a call to the Enon Church, Campbell county. Rev: Schell is a member of the Executive and Educa tional Boards of the Friendship Association. Thus it can be seen by these few pages that Rev. Schell has already accomplished much good and proved himself worthy of the life God has given him. THE Bi,A( K SIDE. 117 REV. MADISON C. B. MASON, A.M. B.D., POSTMASTER -BRILLIANT PASTOR — FIELD AO-ENT OF THE FREEDMEN'S AID AND SOUTHERN EDUCATION AL 0 work. He wau -«"n able to move his family to Atlanta, which he did. but the expense of car ing for it decently was more than he -ould d > with his small wages; thus he left his trade, purchased a receipt for making a patent soap, and by this enterprise he real ized enough c-ish to stp"-t some line of business. So he opened up a small groceiy, with a shoe shop attached, on Peters street. This was hi< «tarting point. His busi ness flourished, and ere long he " —ame the owner of the building in which his business was carried on. Signal success ' attended him ""-'- afterward, and he is now classed with the wealthiest citizens of the Gat City of the Sou 1 te is ; member of every prominent enterprise in tl^ _ an ex ensive dealer in real estate, and an owner of much of that real estate. He has snug bank account, and, on the whole, '"' a progressive and rising young man. A cultured and amiable wife pre sides over his pleasant, beautifully arranged home, in which four bright, merry children mingle their happy voices. Mr. Schell is a leading spirit in political, social and financial matters in this city, and his industry and atten- 114 THE BLACK RIDE. tion to business, his urbanity and sobriety, characterize him a model man. In addition to his vast amount of real estate he owns a well supplied dry goods establishment. He is master of his trade, having followed it for twenty- six years. In connection with his dry goods store is a shoe store, and he has another in a different portion of the city. Wonderful has been his success in so few years Mr. Schell is also owner of a neat, three-storied brick building which adorns that portion of the city in which it is located. MR. THOMAS L. LVMAN, A RISING. INDUSTRIOUS ÏUUNG MAN Newnan, Ga., in Coweta county, was the scene of this youn^r man's birth was and the year was 18——. He only spent four years of his early life at this place, after which time, his father having died, his widowed mother sent him to Marietta, Ga., where he was to live with his grandparents. While in Marietta he attended school, which was under the supervision of a Mrs. John son. After spending five years in Marietta, he returned to Atlanta. Leaving Atlanta, he went to Opelika, Ala., and while there attended school, and after school hours clerked in his brother's store. Staying with his brother till misfortune caused him (his brother) to close his place of business, he then returned to Atlanta to care for and assist his mother. In 1888 he married Miss Cora Bos- well, a gentle, refined, intellectual lady, who, together with a bright little boy of two year?, makes his home comfort and joy. Mr. Lyman owns a most beautiful home in a very de sirable portion of the city, the hospitality of which many friends enjoy. I},} II! JI. LAM3U Il 1 il!! D THOMAS LVMAN. THE BLACK SIDE. 45 He is a model young man, thrifty and saving; and his industrious, economical wife shares equally his sorrows and his joys. Mr. Lyman, of course, did not have the. many disad vantages and difficulties to encounter which so many others have had, but nevertheless he was a poor boy, and accumulated what he has through industry, toil and per severance, and that is saying a great deal for him. MR. JAMES C. ODOM, THRIVING MERCHANT. Among the thorough-going young men of this city who are full of energy and pluck can be classed Mr. James C. Odom. He is genial and courteous, and pos sesses in no little degree that quality which is termed grit. His parents, perceiving in him an aptness to learn, placed him in school so soon as he was old enough to attend. They were soon rewarded by James having, at an early age, completed with credit his studies in the grammar school, and being prepared to enter a school of a higher course of studies. Consequently, he entered the Atlanta University, where he applied himself dili gently for a number of years. Then, deciding that he had received so much from his parents it was now his duty to assist them ; accordingly he left college and began teaching school. He taught for a successive number of years in the State of Florida. While in that State his father died; he gave up his work there and returned home that he might care for and comfort his mother. He is a lover of home, and has the peace and protection of it at heart. Mr. Odom struggled under the disad- 146 THE BLACK SIDE. vantages common to all colored young men, and by which so many of our young men are carried down the abyss of ruin; but possessing an indomitable will he man aged to keep his head above the sweeping tide ; and to day is a model young man. In 1890 he commenced the grocery business. This was known under the names, Goodlett & Odom; but Mr. Odom, in a few months, bought out Mr. Goodlett's share and is now sole owner of the house. This has not proved a failure, but the stock of two hundred dollars with which he began has increased eight times its value. He makes a splendid living for himself and family, and has no mean supply laid by for days which may be rainy. For one of his years Mr. Odom has done remarkably well; and how well he may yet do is for the coming years to decide. The future is big with promises for him. He believes that he can do what others have done, lie has no place in his vocabulary for " I can't." Recently Mr. Odom was married to the accomplished and amiable Miss Pickens of this city, in whom he pos sesses a jewel of much value. He is not a native of Atlanta, having first beheld the light of day in Carroll- ton, Ga., A. D. 1864. MR. PETER F. HOGAN, ANOTHER EISINU TOUNG MAN. Were two-thirds of the Negro population of Atlanta made up of such thrifty men as is the subject of this sketch, it would be well with the entire city; for he is one who possesses in a considerable degree the requisites for the advancement of a people like ours. He did not live THE ELAPK (SIDE. 117 during the days of bondage; but while justice was de manding the liberation of the slaves and injustice was struggling to fasten more tightly the shackles which already bound them, Peter first opened his eyes to the light of this world. He experienced some sadness dur ing his early life. When only seven years old his father was burnt to death. After the death of his father, he, with his mother and brother, went to live with his grand father. Soon after they had settled themselves comfort ably at their new home the summons came for the grandparent to join the innumerable caravan gone on be fore. Then the family was once again dispersed. The boys, though young, undertook farming, but with no help except that of a mother found it a difficult task. There was a school being taught in their little village, and they were both anxious to attend; but the mother could not spare them both; so she sent one son one week and the other son the- next week; thus trying to do her duty by both. Finally, she was advised to give Peter as much advantage in school as possible, as he displayed a quick and clear perception ; so Peter was sent daily to school. En 1886 he came to Atlanta, thinking that in this city he might have better opportunities to become a more useful man. His ambition was to assist in the elevation and the advancement of his people; and with this cherished hope in his bosom he entered the Atlanta Baptist Seminary to prepare himself more thoroughly for the work. He first felt that he could do the most good for the race by preaching the gospel : then he decided that perhaps this was not his talent, and that he could the better preach to his people by teaching their children. Accordingly, for quite a number of years, he taught school in different lo calities, when he finally decided that he would invest the proceeds of his labor in some line of business. Conse quently, he began grocery keeping with a small stock, 48 THE BLACK BIDE. which stock has increased to the amount of three or four thousand per year. In 1890 Mr. Hogan purchased a lot on Greenferry avenue, on which he soon had erected a two-story building, the lower floor of which is used as his storehouse, being 20x90 feet. He has a considerable amount of cash and some valuable real estate, all of which was accumulated in rive years. He is a member of the Salem Baptist Church, and an untiring Sunday- school worker; a useful and law-abiding citizen. He hails from Lincoln county, Leathersville, Ga., and was born in the year of our Lord 1864. LEWIS II. COX, SHIPPING U LEEK, STENOGRAPHER. MERCHANT. Without doubt no occupation of the mind is so pleas ant as that indulged in when one looks over the lives of industrious, devout and Christian young men, who are unpretending, unassuming and gentle in manner. Mr. Lewis Cox is a young man of this make-up. He was born at Meansville, Ga., nine miles below LaGrange, De cember IQ, A. D. 1864. His parents remained at the home of his birth till the rear 1869, when they came to Atlanta, bringing with them their two children, Lewis and Laura. Being industrious and economical they soon saved enough of their earnings to purchase a comfortable home. In 1884 the father died, leaving Lewis and Laura to the care and protection of the mother. The son then felt that the care of his wid owed mother and his sister rested upon himself, and be ing of a sufficient age to seek work, he sought and ob tained employment with Mr. W. Darden, working on the farm, and in this line became a professional farmer. During portions of the year he attended the Storr's THE BLACK HIDE. 149 School, where he applied himself diligently to study and wasted not a moment. All of his hours of rest from his labors were spent in study. In this way he acquired a pretty fair education. In 1879 he entered the A. B. S. with a view to com pleting the Normal Course, but scarcely had he begun his studies, when because of ill health his mother could spare his assistance no longer. This noble son gave up his cherished hopes of continuing his studies, left school and again sought work, which he found with the firm of Duncan & Camp as a shipping clerk. He served the firm in that capacity for several years, giving, by his strict at tention to business, entire satisfaction. In 1890 he accepted the position as bookkeeper and clerk in the grocery business of Mr. Nick Holmes, who finds him indispensable, so successfully and thoroughly does he execute his tasks. Some years ago Mr. Cox professed the hope of Christ, was baptized by the distinguished Rev. E. R. Carter, and united with the Friendship Baptist church. His promptness to the services, his punctuality and activity, combined with the devotion displayed in the meetings, soon won for him a warm place in each heart, and the whole body of the church desired his services as clerk of the church. He was made clerk, and to his honor it is said that one more faithful in the discharge of his duties is yet to be found. Mr. Cox studied shorthand under the Rev. Samuel P. Smith, of Halifax, England, and in it became quite an expert. The writer cannot do justice, in the small space set apart for this narrative, to this young man. All he might say will be praiseworthy, but this little sketch will show that Mr. Cox has made the beginning which marks for him a bright future and a glorious end. 150 THE BLACK Su JE. J. W. COX, DEVOUT CHRISTIAiSr, USEFUL CITIZEN. This gentleman was born, A. D. 1819, in Murray county, Ga. Though born and reared during slavery clays, his treatment was better than that of the average slave, as his master was his father. Very early in life he married Miss Martha Ray, a free woman, and to them were born five children. Soon after the birth of the fifth child, the mother died, leaving the father and children to lament her loss. Some years af ter her death, Mr. Cox met and married Miss Emily Griffin of the State of Alabama. To this union were given ten children. Soon after the surrender Mr. Cox was chosen chair man of a committee. This was the Reconstruction Committee. He fain would have accepted this honor, but being illiterate, said he was unprepared for the duty in volved therein. Feeling the need of education, he re solved to pursue the road to the acquisition of knowledge. Thus he began to study, but the duties and cares of life came so heavily upon him that he could not long continue his studies. In 1872 he removed to Atlanta, at which place he lived till his death, which occurred a few months ago. He be gan work in this city by running hacks, and getting a start in life by this means of employment, he went into the shoemaker's work. Serving out his apprenticeship of several years, he opened a business of his own, hiring his own help, paying them from seventy-five cents to one dollar a day. This line of business proved a success, and soon in connection with it he opened up a beef market and a grocery store. His success was rapid and steady. Selling his property at West Point, which he owned, he THE SIDE. 151 invested the proceeds in real estate in Atlanta, and soon became the possessor of valuable land in this city. Dur ing all his life he proved a model husband, devoted father, a worthy and useful citizen. This good man passed from this life not long since, af ter bearing uncomplainingly for several months the se verest illness, to the " Home beyond the skies." He leaves a wife and several children to grieve his absence, He was connected with the M. E. Church (Loyd street) of this city, in which he was a most devout and useful worker. He left his family in easy circumstances, hav ing accumulated, by hard, honest toil and industry, several thousand dollars' worth of property. He fought the good fight, finished his course, then entered his Master's rest. He was connected with a lodge of Odd Fellows, being P. N. F. of his organization. MR. GREEN W. WILSON, ARCHITECT AJSfD BUILDER. He is a young man of acute business talent. Though comparatively young he has had to encounter many dis advantages, and has come in contact with many obsta cles, but his indomitable will and unswerving energy have made him successful in life thus far. He has never given over to disappointments, has never yielded to fail ures; the result of which is that he ranks with those who are fast approaching the front in the accumulation of this world's goods. He is a mechanic of the first order, ap plying his skill to the architectural part of the profession. With his clever knowledge of drawing he is able to make all his plans for his work. He is also a skillful bridge builder, and for several years followed this pursuit in the L52 THE BLACK SIDE. West. He married a Miss Bomar in 1891, and in her possesses a charming, industrious and intelligent help meet. Mr. Wilson is a man full of pluck and nerve; he believes that the way to success is 'hrough perseverance, and says that he alone falls whj gives up the struggle and holds not out to the end. He was born March 31, 1856, at ——— He owns twenty-five acres of fertile land, which he has purchased and paid for himself. In 1891 he opened up a butcher's business on Tattnall street, which he rinds to be very lucrative. This busi ness his helping wife attends during the day while he is at his profession. May he continue in the road to suc cess and prosperity. TS . ft MORGAN McNAIR, REPAIRER OF ALL KINDS OF riEWINO The subject of this narrative was ushered into this life in DeKalb county, Ga., August 31, 1862. When only three months old his mother died, leaving her infant son to the charity of the world. His mother's mistress, be ing interested in the baby, had him reared in her own family, and cared for him till he became of a sufficient age to "paddle his own canoe." His first real work was that of farming, which he followed for some years, when he left and went to a place called "Snap Finger" to seek work. Here there were a saw and a gin mill owned by a Mr. Van Winkle (the same now does business in this city), who employed him, and with whom he remained a year, working around the house of Mr. Van Winkle and assisting at the mills. HOGANP. •l li «a» JOHN W. COX. r et THE BLACK SIDE. 153 At this time, young Morgan's brother, who was older than he, began farming, the farm being near Atlanta, and desired the services of his brother; so Morgan left Mr. Van Winkle and went to live and work with his brother. They worked together two years, when, hav ing saved some money, they turned their faces Atlanta- ward, thinking that they could save and make more money. That they might not be out of employment while seeking work, they bought each an axe and went from house to house chopping wood. While thus engaged Morgan one day met Judge A. Speer, who then lived on the corner of Rawson and Cooper streets. The Judge employed Morgan to cut wood, and told him to come over the next morning and clean his yard and wash and curry his horse. Morgan did his work so well that both the Judge and wife were pleased, and being without a coachman the Judge hired Morgan in that capacity, giving him a salary of six dollars per month. Morgan remained with Judge Speer till his (the Judge's) death. Judge Speer and wife were exceedingly kind to Morgan, sending him to school two terms, after which they gave him lessons themselves every night. The result was that he learned to read and write very rapidly. Judge Speer was of no little prominence, and being with him Morgan came in contact with the better class of whites and blacks. After the death of the Judge, Morgan apprenticed himself to the brickinason's trade, at which he worked for a considerable time; then he obtained a situation with the Singer Sewing-Machine Company of this city and worked with this house seven years. While with it he learned all about the work and became machine adjuster. He served as foreman until July 6, 1891, when he opened the same kind of business for himself. In 1887 he married Miss Jennie V. Payne, with whom he has from that year to this spent a happy life. Mr. Me- 154 THE BLACK SIDE. Nair is well versed in the sewing-machine manufacturing business; is fully able to renovate all machines out of re pair. He also sells and buys machines, and will give as good satisfaction as any white machine dealer. Let all of us who have work in his line to be done give our patron age and thus help him instead of our white brother, who needs our help less. His place of business is No. 43. West Mitchell street. He has a neat, comfortable home which he has purchased and paid for since his coming to Atlanta. Besides being industrious, Mr. McNair is courteous in manner and a pleasant conversationalist. MR. JOHN A. TREMBLE, OAliPENTEE. This Christian young man was born at Covington, New ton county, Ga., A. D. 1864. In Christian character, ster ling worth, he cannot be surpassed by any young man who was reared without the tender, watchful care of pa rents. The mother of this young man died when he was an infant. When he was but ten months of age his father went to the war, never returning, and he was never heard of by the son. Young Tremble was then left to the care of his grandmother, who also died when he was only nine years old, leaving him to be cared for by her daughter- After living with this relative for two years, she also died,, and he was again left alone in the world. Being now eleven years old, he resolved to find employ ment whereby he might support himself. After many days of careful search he succeeded in obtaining work at a very small salary. In 1881 he secured employment with the drug firm of Sharp & Brother, for which he THE BLACK SIDE. 155 received better wages than he previously had. With these men he worked till 1884, when he was employed by the C. R. R. of Ga., where he remained several years. Mr. Tremble is a model young man, sober, industrious, energetic and persevering. He was converted in 1886, and united with the Friendship Baptist Church of this city. In 1890 he became apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, and after completing his apprenticeship, went to work with contractor Geo. Thomas. By good, careful management he is able to surround himself with the comforts and necessities of life. His education is limited, but sufficient to enable him to be classed with the leaders of the race. A bright and prosperous future lies before him, which, if he continues in the path in which he now treads, he will doubtless realize. O1IN OLIVER ROSS. MERCHANT. John Oliver Ross is a native of Austin, Texas, born A. D. 1863. Soon after his birth his mother moved to North Caro lina, where his early life was passed. When he was but thirteen years old his mother died, after which he went to Raleigh and engaged in Earming. This was the beginning of his career. He first attended night-school till he realized enough cash to enable him to attend daily. His first (day) instructor was a Miss Hayes, who, becoming interested in him and wishing to aid him, made him janitor of the school building. By this means he was able to pay his board and tui tion. While studying here he became equipped for a 156 THE WIDE. teacher. Ile taught for one year and earned enough to enable him to become a student of Shaw University. After a time he had to return to work, and was em ployed in the office of the Secretary of State of North Carolina. He stayed there till he earned enough to come to Atlanta, Ga. En 1882 he became a member of the Atlanta Univer sity, where he acquired a pretty good education and a thorough knowledge of shoe-making. Following this line of work he made enough cash to keep himself in school, paying his board and ruition. In 1885 he went to Valdosta, Ga., to engage in the mercantile business, which he carried on for two years, when he was made principal of the Academy of that town. Returning to Atlanta in 1889 he engaged in the gro cery business, which he now follows. He married the re fined, highly cultured and intelligent Miss Mahoda Hill, a graduate of the A. U. and a former teacher in the At lanta public schools. Mr. Ross has traveled extensively through most of the States of the Union. His business is in a flourishing condition. He is a young man of good repute, highly respected bv all good people who know him. It may be interesting to some readers to know that this young n.an, coming to Atlanta with only forty dollars, and depending upon the money earned by his trade for his support, by industry and attention to business, has been able to purchase the beautiful home residence of the late beloved president of the A. U., for which he paid three thousand dollars. In this home, where are cher ished memories so" dear to all A. U. students, reside this happy pair, to whose keeping God has given two lovely little children. THE BLACK SIDE. 1f> 7 CORNELIUS KING, INDIAN AGENT. Cornelius King, the eldest son of George and Phyllis King, was born March 17, 1861, in Mississippi. His mother was a Cherokee Indian, and was stolen from her parents at the age of six or seven and sold a slave in Mississippi. Here she grew to womanhood, met and married George King, who, being a carpenter and mill wright, saved money and bought His wife and two chil dren, Cornelius and Alice, and sent them to Jackson, Tenn., in 1863. Here the children attended school, and 1870 Cornelius was put to work at a machine shop, and developed a great talent for the use of tools. Captain Jacobs, the head master mechanic, noticed this and found that he had learned the use as well as the names of many of the tools. He at once offered to teach him the trade if Mr. King would agree that the boy could stay with him long enough. The offer was accepted and Corne lius was given the trade. He worked here until the death of his mother in 1876. This was a terrible blow to him, the effect of which still remains fresh in his mem ory. He always refers to his mother in the most endear ing manner, and hopes to see her again in the beautiful home, where parting is no more. His father now prepared to move to Ft. Smith, Ark., and sent Cornelius on ahead. A young white boy ac companied him. They traveled in a wagon. At this time the Mississippi and Arkansas bottoms were alive with wild animals. This was very dangerous, and he and his companion often despaired of ever reaching their des tination. Three days and nights they traveled through these bottoms without seeing a living soul. The waters had subsided, and the high watermark was twenty feet 158 THE BLACK SIDE. above their heads. Though homesick and often dis couraged, they traveled on, and in twenty days after they started they reached Arbuckle »Island, where the white boy, fohn P. Perkins. now a leading young lawyer in Ft. Smith, found work. King, however, finding none there, went on to Ft. Smith. The only machine shop there was owned by Philip Millberger. He applied to this man for work, and obtained a situation which he held until 1880, when a company, known as the Arkansas Oil Mill Company, built one of the largest mills and cotton compresses combined in the South. This com pany employed Captain Jacobs (who had taught King the trade) to put in all the machinery and boilers and put the mill to running. He employed Cornelius and Jim Childs to help him. They made all the water and steam connections, and when these were tested not a defect was found. This gave Cornelius great prominence, and he was sent from mill to mill to do general repairing until 1887. This year he married, and as Arkansas City was a very unhealthy place, and fearing his wife's health, as well as his own, would be endangered, he resigned and took work with the Iron Mountain Railroad Company, with headquarters in Little Rock. Here he remained until the death of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Bishop Turner, in 1889. The bishop being thus left alone, requested him and his daughter to move to Atlanta and keep house for him. This they did. He hoped to secure work in some of the machine shops here. Having excellent letters of recommendation from the best business men and com panies in the State of Arkansas, he presented them to several different shops, and, to his great surprise and dis appointment, was told that Negroes were not allowed to work at a bench, as the white workmen would all quit. He was compelled to accept a position from the Western and Atlantic Railroad Company. Here he stayed until THE BLACK SIDE. 159 he was injured in a wreck at Dalton, Ga. He brought suit against the road and the jury gave him five hundred ($500) dollars, though many thought him entitled to as many thousand. He has recently been employed as pri vate detective in the law office of Messrs. Hoke and Burton Smith. The former, now Secretary of the Interior and thus a member of the President's cabinet, moved to Washington and still kept King in his employ in that city in the pension office. He has deeds to some one hundred and sixty acres of fine farming lands in Arkansas and some to his wife's property in Georgia. His father holds his claim of one hundred and sixty acres in the Indian Territory, which comes through his mother. Each of the other children has the same share. His father, stepmother, his only brother and youngest sister now live in a beautiful home on the edge of a large prairie thirty-two miles from Ft. Smith in the Indian Territory. Victoria Turner King, to whom he was married in 1887, visited the home of Mr. King, in company with her father, then Bishop of Indian Territory, in 1882. Here they were betrothed, and were ever, before and after marriage, devoted and happy in their choice. Three bright boys blessed their union, Henry McNeal, George Turner and Cornelius Victor. The two oldest died before their mother, the youngest one month after. Her death was a shock to the entire community. She was well known throughout Georgia and in many of the other States. She attended school at Wilberforce, O., and Berea College, Ky. She spent much time in Washing ton City and traveling with her father. She had the happy faculty of making friends wherever she went and was very popular. Many hearts were saddened as the news of her death was read in the papers. They were married December 14, 1887. She died May 28, 1892, ICO THE BLACK SIDE. and is buried in West View Cemetery, Atlanta, near her mother and beside her three children. The following is clipped from the Atlanta .Jt>n.rii.al of May 30. 1892: DEATH OF A BISHOP'S DAUGHTER. "Lincolnia V. King, the wife of Cornelius King and daughter of Bishop H. M. Turner, will be buried this afternoon from Bethel African M. E. Church, on Wheat street. She was born August 25, 1864, and died at 2 o'clock P. M., Saturday, the 28th inst. "Her father said to-day that she was bright and pos sessed an unusual tendency to politeness from childhood. She was educated at Wilberforce University, in Ohio, and Berea College, Kentucky. She was happily con verted about seven years ago during a revival conducted in Bethel Church by Rev. Richard Graham, now presid ing elder of the Milledgeville district. She married some five years ago Cornelius King, of the Indian Territory, and for a time lived at Little Rock, Ark., but after the death of her mother, Bishop Turner's wife, she and her husband came to Atlanta to keep house for her father. She lived a consistent Christian and died most happily. "A short time before she expired, she called for her infant baby and kissed it good-bye, commending it to the keeping of the Christ in whom she put her trust, and then in turn kissed her father, husband, sister and niece,, and requested them to meet her in heaven, being con scious of all she was doing and saying until the breath left her body. She was generous to the poor, sympa thized with the suffering and a worker for her church. A stream of persons were coming and going all day yes terday, many of whom wept profusely as they looked upon her remains. Bishop Gaines and other ministers of prominence will conduct the funeral services at Bethe1 J<>HN BOSS. fr r""?'- 'S ".V- '>.-'• \tK>. \ KTOKIA 1C1\(, THE BLACK RIDE. L61 church. She leaves an infant only two months old and a devoted husband to lament his loss." After holding an important position in the Pension Office for more than a year and a half, Mr. King was appointed a Special Indian Agent, with headquarters at Muscogee. This is an important and honorable place, only to be held by men of undoubted ability and well- tried fidelity. This appointment was extensively noted and commented upon by the press throughout the coun try, and many letters and telegrams of congratulation were received from distinguished colored men all over the country. Before going to his new field of activity Mr. King was united in matrimony with Miss Tina Culver, one of the most cultured and affable leaders of the best society of Washington, who accompanied him to hi's home at Mus cogee, I. T., after visiting through the East and South, stopping at most points of interest. The elements which show themselves in Cornelius King are patience, industry, sterling honesty, acute ana lytical powers, powerful memory, large generosity and kindness of heart, invincible courage and indomitable will power. These qualities of head and heart, coupled with a strong body and economical habits in his business and personal life, will in time carry him to the top whence he can look back from his already exalted post with a con sciousness of duty well discharged and that success is the price of worth and activity. His life is an incen tive to younger men to educate and apply themselves, thereby to rise, as King has risen. 11 162 THE BLACK SIDE. THE BLACK SIDE. ill MR. WILLIAM M. ALLEN, SHOEMAKER, MUSICIAN. He was born at Athens, Clarke county, Go., in the month of December, Christmas day, 1860. At the emancipation he was sent to live with his grandmother, and while with her he went to school and learned the alphabet. His next school days were spent in the city of his birth, and these schools Were taught by the first mis sionaries. At the early age of eleven years he was ap prenticed to the shoemaker's trade under a Mr. Adam Malone. He was so apt and swift in this that by the time he reached his fourteenth year he had served his apprenticeship. Then he went back to school, and later, took the examination for county schools, received license, and taught in different counties. 1 [e did not fanc\ school-teaching, but had a desire to be a business man , so in 1880 he entered the Atlanta Baptist Seminary to better prepare himself for a business life. Subsequently he received an appointment as mailing clerk in the post- office of Athens ander Postmaster Madison Davis. Thi« position he filled with credit and honor to himself. T the spring of 1884 he resigned his position as ;lerk, re turned to Atlanta and resumed his trade, which he fol lowed till 1891, when, having taken the Civil Servie examination, June 6 of same year, was appointed U. S. letter carrier by General J. R. Lewis, postmaster. His other duties were so urgent upon him that he found it very necessary to return to them. Accordingly, he. on the twenty-second of same month, tendered his resigna tion. He received a very flattering letter from the post master, who regretted his (Alien's) hasty action. Mr. Alien is full of enterprise, being a member of all the leading organizations of the city. For two years he was the honored Secretary of the South View Cemetery Company, which position he filled with credit to himself and benefit to the Association. He is also a member of the Georgia Real Estate Loan and Trust Company, which is one of the strongest organizations in the South, having a capital of §50,000. Mr. Alien is a lover of music, and performs with great skill on the violin, zither, mandolin, cornet and other in struments of music. He is the organizer of the first orchestra of this city, and on the whole is what might be called a talented young man. He has, by his habits of industry and sobriety, accumulated considerable prop erty. Being a first-class shoemaker, he is in the employ of the premium boot and shoemaker of the State, viz., A. J. Delbridge, and is the leading workman in the shop. Mr. Alien is a great advocate of all young men learning trades of some kind, and, having learned them, to stick to them. Too much cannot be said in reference to his spirit of energy and daring, for few possess these in a greater degree than he does. It is hoped that he may ever be useful in life and achieve greatness in the end. G. H. FARMER, A PROGRESSIVE BUSINESS MAlv. G. 11. Farmer, the subject of this biographical sketch, was born in Madison, Morgan county, Ga., December 25» ISS9, and is thirty-four years of age. At an early age he attended a high school taught by Bost Howell, but his circumstances rendered it necessary for this bright genius to forsake the school of learning before his collegiate course was completed. He took favor to the music of the anvil and delighted in the wheelwright's trade, and by assiduous work he became master of both 164 THE BL,A«;K SIDE. trades. Under H. R. Goldwire, of Madison, he started his trades in their different branches, and proved a com petent and accurate workman. In 1888 the fir.n of Geo. D. Harris & Co., of Augusta, gave him work, at which place he stayed until 1891, when the fame his business characterized by remarkable success, went widespread, and Atlantians, who are ever on the alert to secure that which is best, did not miss the opportunity of having him join their number. Here he opened with a business of his own, and is very extensively patronized by all who need work in his line. Success has attended his every effort and both Morgan and Fulton counties receive a consider able amount of taxes on real estate. He is generous to a fault, the friend of all workmen, the enemy of none, lending help when and wherever he can. Such is the character of this business man of whom we write. In 1885 he married a Miss Janie Jones, a woman faithful and true. God blés« all such good men, for they in their turn are a blessing to any community. Young men, follow in his footsteps. MR. JULIUS ALEX \NDER, NÈGBO AKTISA.N. He was born in the State of North Carolina, in the year 1843, of slave paren's. At the tender age of rive years he was sold from his parents, and thus grew up without their tender care and protection. Julius passed through ail the trying scenes of Southern slave life. It was his lot to be the property of both kind and cruel masters. At the age of twenty-one he emi grated to Georgia, and locating at Griffin employed him self to a man under whom he learned blacksmithing. After leaving Griffin he came to Atlanta and secured employment from the G. R. R. Company, for which he THE BLACK SIDE. 165 worked three years. He next obtained work at the Winship Brothers' Foundry, in whose employ he stayed several years, after which he opened a business of his own. He now has an establishment, where he runs two forges, on corner of Ivy and Lyon streets. In 1871 Mr. Alexander united with the First Congre gational Church, in which church he was treasurer for both church and Sunday-school. At this time Rev. Cyrus W. Francis was pastor. His first wife was a Miss Lula Nunnally, to whom was born eight children, two of whom he educated in the Atlanta University, these being Stephen and Annie. In the year 1881 Stephen died. His daughter Annie, graduate of the A. U., is now a successful and accom plished teacher in Florida. His first vvife dying, he wn: married in 1889 to a Miss Edwards, who by habits i> economy and industry renders him great service. At the surrender Mr. Alexander was entirely illiterate, but by diligent and hard study, chiefly at night, he h;< acquired a good business education. His mother was a devout Christian woman, a member of the Methodist church, and though Mr, Alexander was deprived of her gentle training, he seemed to have par taken of her Christian nature. He is a good man, a useful, law-abiding citizen, and is esteemed and respected by all who know him. When freedom was declared he would not take his former master's name, and instead of using his full name, Julius Alexander Pledger, he cut off the surname, which was his master's, and used his first and middle names. Thus we know him as Julius Alexander. He has some real estate ; pays taxes on one thousand four hundred dollars' worth. Mr. Alexander i< still a useful factor in the church, law-abiding, and respectet. by all who know him. 166 THE BLA<-K SIDE. MR. THOMAS GOOSEY, ARTISAN AND MERCHANT. The subject of this sketch, Thomas Goosby, was born November 10, 1840, in (Jglethorpe county, Ga. He was born of slave parents, and lived during the "dark days" of slavery, but as it was his lot to fall into the hands of a good, Christian owner, a man who possessed a heart and realized that all other human beings possessed the same organ, he fared well, and did not experience the crut-1 treatment or feel the lash of the Negro driver's whip as so many of his slave brothers did. In his earl}' life he worked on the farm and at the car penter's trade. During the war he worked at shoe- making. December i, 1865, Mr. Goosby received his first wages, which consisted of one pound of meat and twenty-five cents per day. He was married in the year 1863 tu a Miss Martha Eberhart, who has been a constant helper, ad viser and sharer of joys and sorrows to him. This union was prolific of live children, two of whom are graduates of the Atlanta University, Miss Mary, who is now em ployed as public school teacher at Athens, Ga., and Mr- Wm. H., who is now in the government service, being U. S. letter-carrier. Mr. Goosby moved to Atlanta in 1866, and at once obtained work at hia trade (carpentn*), receiving one dollar and twenty-five cents per day. He was, as is now, a master workman, and during the re building of the city had as much as he could do. He assisted in erecting many of the first structures in the city. Was employed in the erection of the present Kim ball house for two years, also on the State capitol, and aided in the erection of the steeple on the Trinity M. E. Church (white). THE BLACK SIDE. 167 In 1876, having professed a hope in Christ, he united with Wheat Street Baptist church, and was baptized by Rev. W. II. Tilman. Mr. Goosby is an important Eactor in this church, serving as trustee, treasurer, finance col lector and deacon. He is a man of sober habits, integ rity and industry, and numbers his friends by the scores. In 1889, with his son as partner, Mr. Goosby com menced grocery keeping, in which, for so short a time, he has built upon an excellent trade, carrying on an ex tensive business in this line. He owns a most cozy cottage home on the principal thoroughfare, Wheat street, near which is his place of business. Mr. Goosby pays taxes on more than $6,000 worth of real estate. He is a man of fine parts, gentle, faithful in duty, earnest in business, respected by all who know him. MR. FLOYD GRANT SNELSON, PRINCIPAL OF THE MITCHELL STREET GRAMMAR SCHOOL. The subject of this sketch, Floyd Grant Snelson, was born at Ellaville, Schley county, Ga., December 19, 1865. His Eather is Rev. Floyd Snelson; his mother is Mrs. Nancy Snelson. Grant is the eldest of three chil dren, all of whom are living. lie is brother to the thriv ing, successful practitioner, S. C. Snelson, of Savannah, Ga., who graduated from Howard Medical College at Washington, D. C.; also brother to Mrs. Mary Snelson Cooper, a graduate of the Atlanta University. Grant first entered the A. M. A. school at famous An- dersonville. He next attended the Beach Institute at Savannah, while his father was pastor of the Congrega tional Church in that city in 1874. During the winter of 168 THE BLACK SIDE. 1874 his father moved to Mclntosh, Liberty county, where he constituted the Dorchester Congregational Church and established the Dorchester Academy. Grant then entered this school, where he remained a student till the fall of '83, when he entered the Atlanta Univer sity. While at his home he was secretary of his church for four years, an assistant deacon and a religious worker, frequently aiding his father as exhorter. He was organ ist for five years, and the leader of the boys and girls in assisting to raise funds for the erection of the large Con gregational Church which his father afterwards erected at Snelsonville, a village of two hundred inhabitants, named for the family of Snelson. Grant began his career as teacher at the age of twelve years by assisting in the academy he attended, hearing three classes regularly each day under the supervision of Miss R. M. Kinnev, who was then in charge of the Dor chester school. The principal frequently commended be fore the entire school the excellency of Grant's work, and he was considered the "boy royal" of the times. After1 two years' experience in his own schoolroom as a tutor, at the age of fourteen, in company with others, including his brother, Grant went before the County School Commissioner to take the examination, which was both oral and written. Hon. S. D. Bradwell, the present S. S. C., who was at that time President of the Institutes for whites, was called upon to assist in examin ing the applicants. In the presence of a large audience he gave Grant a rigid problem in taxes to solve upon the blackboard. This Grant did so quickly and accurately that the C. S. C., lion. Benj. Dorse}-, observed: "This boy is an exceptional Negro, for he has the brain of a white man." Grant answered readily all questions put to him by the white students of the institute, and it ib needless to say received first grade license. This was WM. AIYLEN. « 1. f> G. H. FAKMEK. o ai THE BLACK SIDE. 1(39 remarkable for a boy of fourteen. He was so small in stature that his mother prepared for him two home-made dusters in which to teach, that his small figure might not be so noticeable to his pupils. Signal success has followed and attended him ever after in the schoolroom. In the summer of 1888 he was compelled to leave his school after teaching three weeks, on account of the "crackers," who had most of his patrons employed, and who told them that if they i-ent their children to school to Snelson they would not hire them (the patrons) to work for them. It was election year, and the "crackers" claimed that Grant would teach the children Republican doctrine. So he was persecuted in this way, an account of which ap peared in the State papers of color. In 1877 the father of Grant was called to the mission ary work in West Africa under the auspices of the A. M. A. Grant accompanied the family in visiting Africa, the fatherland. He remained there fourteen months, at tended school with the natives, one of whom, Mr. A. B. Jarrett, has since graduated from Fisk. University. Grant in Africa, as in America, was first iti his class, and was well spoken of by the principal, Rev. A. P. Miller, now pastor of Congregational Church at New Haven, Conn. He frequently accompanied his father about among the African villages, talked with the natives, gave Bible lessons, and was generally found doing good. In rhetoricals he was pointed out as >'the model" for all the boys, and was fondly considered by the notables in Sierra Leone, among whom was the ruyal governor who predicted that Grant would some day be a "good and grand man." The English commandant called him his "little American beloved," and when Grant was pre paring to return to America he presented him with a fine jack monkey and a copy of Robinson Crusoe. On their 70 THE BLACK SIDE. return homeward, while in New York City, Grant's father took him to Henry Ward Beecher's church. This eloquent divine placed his hands upon Grant's head, blessed him, and prayed that God would give him a life of usefulness, long and full of good deeds. Entering the Atlanta University in 1883 he spent seven years in this institution, graduating in 1890, just nineteen years after his father's graduation at the same university While an inmate of this institution he led an exemplar] life, always stood well in his classes, was religious and had the respect and confidence of the entire faculty. In the college literary societies he Was always ready, with his wit and genius, to contribute to the occasion, and whenever his name appeared on the program for eman cipation or other public exercises, there was sure to he assembled a large audience to greet his appearance on the rostrum. lis ability as an author is wothy of mention: his pro ductions being "Starlights ot the Ages"—a historical essay on slavery; "Universal Conflict"—a philosophic oration touching upon the great movements of mankind;. "Eulogy on General U. S. Grant," his distinguished name sake, and the "Development of Modern Liherty," which was his graduation oration in which he surpassed himself, and which was pronounced to be the treat of the occa sion. Immediately after his graduation he was called to the principalship of the Columbus High School, at Colum bus, Ga. Very untoward circumstances greeted him at the opening of this work. They were subjective as well as objective. Subjectively he was discouraged, because his plans for entering a Northern seminary had collapsed. He left home with only means to secure a week's lodg ing; without money and with little to cheer, he took upon THE BLACK SIDE. 171 himself the labor of building an institution of learning. Objectively the work there was in a shattered condi tion. The fears within this educational enterprise were greater than the foes without; but notwithstanding this ' s labored to unite all elements in the city, visited all churches, preached and lectured to all congregations and Sunday-schools, and in ten months had increased the ochool from a membership of nineteen pupils to one hun dred and fifty. His addresses and lectures were inspiring and elevating in no little degree, and were always largely attended. On one occasion he received an invitation from the white peo ple of an adjoining town to lecture to them, which invita tion he accepted. He held an immense crowd spell bound, and received unlimited applause, his address being encouraging to both races, practical, eloquent, and serving to teach the colored heroism in all that develops the race, and to teach the whites generosity, fair play and equity, tn an aspiring people. January, 1891, Mr. Snelson delivered the Emancipa tion Oration at Columbus. The occasion was a brilliant one. The address was published abroad and was favor ably commented upon by the public press. At the dedication of the high school building at Way- cross, Ga., in 1889, he delivered the dedicatory address, which was complimented most freely by the town paper, as well as all who heard him. Limited space will not allow us to recount every achievement in his public career; let it suffice to know that he figures conspicuously in all public gatherings which have for their object the elevation, morally and mentally, of the Negro race. His address delivered before the State Teachers' As sociation, held at Ma^on last June, was considered one of the best of the session. 72 THE BLACK SIDE. THE BLACK 173 He is now the successful principal of the West Mitch ell Street Grammar School, of this city, and is identifie with all that tends to better the race. Mr. Snelson is connected with the A. M. E. Church a member of Class 1894 of Gammon School of Theology He is blessed with the companionship of an educated refined and faithful wife: ambitious like himself, she courages and lends inspiration to him in all his efforts, and is building for him a house of true love which shall bless his coming years with progress and peace; a fine baby- boy has sealed their union and united their spirits for life. MR. JAMES LEE H ONE Y WELL, CIGAR MANUFACTUREE -TT S. LETTER CARRIER. The amount of enterprise shown in the life of tin: 3'oung man of whom [ now write is worthy of commen dation. It is not an every-day ocrurence to find otit so few years as he who has passed through the man}' vt. rying scenes of this complicated life of ours. He w the only child of Mrs. Marian Gay, and first opened hi infant eyes to the light of day at Quincy, Fla., Jan uary 28," A. D. 186«. His mother was not strong physically, and young Honeywell had to be put in service at an early age to aiu in her support. Thus, when he was eight years old, was employed as errand-bo} and clerk in a grocery stc, His next work was that of stationary engineer, and from this he went to the hotel work. Possessing a spirit of enterprise and daring, this life soon grew monotonou0 and he began to look about for other employment Accordingly he-met Mr. A., of Maine, a retired mil lionaire, who engaged Honeywell as companion for him self. Honeywell was eager for the hour to arrive when his employer and himself would begin what was to be to Honeywell a round of sight-seeing. With the millionaire he traveled for more than a year, isiting every State in the Union, Canada and Mexico. After leaving Mr. A.'s service he did not care to locate any particular point; so he secured work over a prom- ient railroad as sleeping-car porter. One day while in New York City a stranger ap proached Honeywell, and in language which was not all English told him that he was in distress and wanted to •> home, and asked assistance of him. This stranger i a native of Cuba. Mr. Iloneywell complied with stranger's request; and, while conversing with him concerning his home, expressed a desire to go to Cuba himself; but added that he had no friends or relatives there, and did not know how he would fare among the natives. Whereupon the Cuban persuaded him to go, telling him he would see that he (Honeywell) was cared Accepting the invitation, Mr. Honeywell, in due time, with his friend, reached the Isle of Cuba. All was strange and new to him, but he trusted his -uban friend. True to his promise the Cuban secured Mr. Honeywell employment in a cigar manufacturing -iblishment, in which were employed one thousand per ms, whose language he could not comprehend or speak " "'ord. Among these strangely speaking people he had pecu- ia" experiences. When he desired anything he either had to go out and search for his Cuban friend, or pay an interpreter to make known his wishes. This, however, id not last a great while, for soon Mr. Honeywell mas- ""ed the Spanish language, which he now speaks most fluently. 174 THE BLACK SIDE. THE BLACK SIDE. 175 After spending two years in Cuba, working in ihe cigar business, he returned to Atlanta, Ga., where his mother was then living. Soon after his return to this city, she became ill, and lingered for a year. During her illness he proved to be the most devoted son. Indeed he per formed the parts of husband and -son. No wish of her« was denied. The best medical attention was furnishe« her; and finally, when death claimed her, the devote« son's grief was most poignant. During the latter part of 1892 he was married to Mis, Mattie Duke, a very amiable young lady, who, during his hours of sadness, shared equally his sorrow. He is a son of whom the fondest mother might be proud; a husband Lo whom the loving wife can look with reverence. He has established a cigar business here, which is car ried on with great profit to himself. He also occupies government position, being a United States letter-carrier. My personal opinion of Mr. Honeywell is that he is model young man. He has a pretty fair education, an, his experiences gained through traveling are interesting and various. His only teacher was the Rev. E. K. Love, now OL Savannah, to whom he went seven months. The remainder of his education he acquired himseit, with sometimes the aid of perhaps his different employ ers. He is what might truly be called a self-made young man. During his young life, so far, he has performe., many noble acts, which if he continues to do until he sha have reached a ripe age, when he is summoned to join his mother, there will be written opposite his name many noble deeds. MR. ELIJAH RICHARD GRAVES, THE CANDY MANUFACTURER. To many, perhaps, the biography of this man will be particularly interesting, as he is the only one of the race with which he associates in this city who is engaged in, and owner of the above business. His father was a Jew whn bore the cognomen of Allison Deikle. His mother, in whose veins flowed Anglo-Saxon and Indian and a feu drops of African blood, married a man by the name of Belvin Graves, and it is from him that our subject takes his surname. Early in life he was bereft of his mother and left to the care of his step-father. At the time of Hood s raid through Georgia, young Graves refugeed from Atlanta TO Macon, Ga., and then joined the United States hospit al train, which was then going through the country tak ing up the dead and wounded soldiers. It was then that he lost sight, of his step-father. Leaving the hospital train at Nashville, Tenn., he returned to Atlanta and .on after became quite ill. He was then adopted into the family of Festus Flipper, where he was nursed back to health. By his many good traits young Grave^ oon won the hearts of the entire family, and was liber ally provided for by Mr. Flipper, who sent him to the Storr's School, where he received instruction from the ~Jst teachers. In his early life he worked at photogra phy under one Mr. R. N. Lane. Mr. Graves has had a heckered career, in which has been mixed both sorrow and joy. He at one time joined a minstrel troup at Athens, Ga., which soon dissolved, and not having the necessary means, he had to walk the entire distance from that city to Atlanta. On another occasion he was com pelled to walk ninety-three miles. He was employed as butler in the National Hotel, at Atlanta, but desiring to 176 THE BLACK SIDE. I acquire a knowledge of some occupation or profession, he began to work at the baker's trade ; but his lungs be ing weak, he feared the constant dealing in flour might more seriously affect them. So he gave up this vocation, and took up that of candy-making. He found employment with the F. E. Block & Com pany manufacturing establishment, where he worked quite a number of years, mastering entirely the candy- making art. So proficient in this art is he that he has established a business of his own, which he conducts and carries on most successfully and with profit to himself. In 1876 he led to the hymeneal altar a Miss Georgia Anne Sims, whose father was Dr. Thos. Sims, of Clay- ton county, Ga. The marriage vows were solemnized by the eminent Rev. Wm. Finch, ex-councilman of Atlanta. The morning succeeding their marriage Mr. Graves gave his wife fifteen cents, which was half of his entire pos sessions, and said to her, "As I give you this I will give you more." With the aid of his brave, industrious wife, who has proven a constant source of comfort and joy to him, he has accumulated a bountiful supply of this world's goods. His neat little cottage home on Magnolia street, near which is located his place of business, is attractive and inviting. Space need not be taken to comment further upon this man's life. The facts here given show the amount of industry, enterprise and grit in his make-up; and if his future be as progressive as has been his past, he will have ascended to the topmost rung of the ladder of finance. He has some valuable real estate, and also some cash. He is a native of Richmond, Va., where he was born A. D 1855. M""- Graves pays taxes'on three thousand dollars' worth of property. SNKLSON. THE BLACK SIDE. 177 MR. DANIEL L. ANDERSON, A RISING MERCHANT. Mr. D. L. Anderson was born in the year 1865 in DeKalb county, Ga. His parents were industrious, thrifty and religious people, who, though they were, or had been, debarred of educational advantages, resolved to do their duty by their children in this line. By their industry and economy, they had accumulated something of this world's possessions, thereby enabling them to edu cate their children. Accordingly Daniel was sent to the village school till it was found to be necessary to send him elsewhere to one of higher studies. Finally it was decided to send " Dan " (as he was called at home) to Atlanta, and after doing so he entered the Atlanta University, where he spent iive years, dur ing which time he made rapid progress, so that when he left this grand institution of learning he was equipped to fight life's battles. While a student of the Atlanta University he would spend his vacations in teaching that he might help him self in school and not depend entirely upon his parents, who had several other children to educate. From both parents " Dan " inherited that spirit of thriftiness which so plainly characterizes him. Since living in Atlanta, he has borne an untarnished name, and is ever found on the side of right. He was converted and joined the A. M. E. Church in 1875. Faithfulness in the discharge of his religious duties brought him to the office of steward and then sec retary in his church. These positions he held for a num ber of years with credit to himself and satisfaction to all. 178 THE BLACK SIDE. In 1891 Mr. Anderson married Miss Macie Gill, a sweet-tempered young lady, who is a helpful adviser and counselor to him. In iSSS Mr. Anderson opened a grocery business with stock of thirty-six dollars. This business has grown stea lily till he now does a busir^cc of six thousand dol lars per annum. For one s<~> young, he is fast coming to the front ranks of the race. It [urnisl.es me no little pleasure to be able to rec ird the good dei ol our coming young men, those who will take their places beside the worthies of onr race, is the subject of this paper will no doubt i' JACKSON McIIENRy, KRPEISING AND P1U,V E CITIZEN There \ no man in the t Atlanta who N"ar& a greater liame of anxiety in his bosom for the progress of his people than does the subje ot paper, Jackson McHenry. ll'is very existence goes rushing out, as an uncontroll able flood, for the elevation and welfare of the young of his race. He is not .. man of lett The "King': English' is not at all safe when it tails into his mouth ; but in common ense. wit and nur - there is n man born who can surp;i«-^ "Jack." He is a born orator. When he speaking, words of wisdom fall from his lips like an April shower. It is almost marvelous to a man with no more education than he has with such power of speech. He can electrify and entertain any assembly of people, political or relic-- ious, ignorant or educated, as well as any man of superior attainments. THE BLACK SIDE. 179 lis business career in the city of Atlanta has not been in any certain line. He, like his fellow brethren, is hedged in by race prejudice. The assistance which Ne gro men of the South need is shut out from them wholly because of color. A great number of colored men in this city, uf unflagging industry and energy, would soon be lifted to wealth and distinction, were it not for South ern sentiment. On account of this state of affairs, he has had to keep feeling until he found it safe to hold on to one certain line of business. He came to Atlanta in iStS with seventy-five cents in his pocket, and feeling himself rich in the possession of that amount. Possessing an indomitable will, and being of a high spirit, no class or kind of work "downed" him. He „oon began blacksmithing with his brothers, serving the trade till he became an acceptable workman; but de- „iring t n do better, he took his earnings and purchased an ox and cart and began hauling and selling wood. After a time he \ able to dispos^, of his ox and secured „ mule; finally he sold the mule and obtained a horse. Then accepting a position as office porter under H. L Kimball ut 840 per month, he gave up the team to hi? two brothers. This he held till he was engaged as janitor for the financial committee of the Legislature of the State of Georgia salary of $30. He pursued this till the Democratic administration, after which he obtained the agency for the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Co., "" -iving $75 per month and 10 per cent, on every ma chine he sold. He was thus engaged ten years, and was able to repair machines and do work connected there with. In 1891 he was made head janitor at the custom house of this city, for which his salary is $Soo per year. He is military man, being Captain of the Governor's Volun- 180 THE BLACK SIDE. teers. Under him this company has progressed, winning the first and second prizes. Mr. McHenry is the oldest captain (in position) in the State. He was married at the early age of seventeen to a Miss Louisa Moore, who died in 1871, after which he married in 1873 Miss Ellen Brown. In 1872 he united with the A, M. E. Church, of which he has ever since been an active member. He pays taxes on between two and three thousand dullars' worth of property. Mr. McHenry was at one time an owner of several hacks and cabs. This pursuit proved very lucrative. Was also at one time engaged in the express business. In 1870 he was nominated for councilman, but was de feated by sixty votes. Eighteen hundred and seventy- six found him a nominee for the Legislature, and received the largest number of votes ever given a colored man. He has rilled the position of bailiff, and has been a dele gate to every District Convention ; also a member of the State Central Committee. In 1888 he was elected as delegate from the Fifth Congressional District. It is seen by this that he has occupied many positions of 'honor, which he filled honorably. REV. FREDERICK LAWRENCE CARLETON, A GKEAT EVANGELIST. One of the bright stars that beamed forth with bright ness and shed its rays in a portion of Clarke county known as Bashire, in Alabama, is Rev. Frederick Law rence Carleion. He was ushered into this life December n, A. D. 1837. At the age of six weeks he was sold for the sum of Sioo. He became religiously impressed when he was just three THE BLACK SIDE. 181 years old, by one night hearing his mother shouting and praying. This impression was so deep that from that time he became a Joseph boy. He talked constantly of things pertaining to the other life, but was not then conscious of the extent of his knowledge concerning that life. His mother was permitted to stay with him until he reached the age of seven years, after which time she was sold from him, and he was left to the care of a drunkard. He remained with this drunken master one year longer, when he was again sold, this time bringing the amount of $850, and with this owner remained until he was emancipated through Lincoln. Being a bright, active lad at the age of twelve years, he was placed in a blacksmith shop to learn the trade, which he accom plished by the time he was sixteen years old. He was then' taken from blacksmithing and put to engineering» at which he worked till his stoppage was necessitated by his having lost his sight. For a number of years he could not see at all, then a period of partial blindness set in, during which time he worked at the mill. In 1862 he became converted and was immediately called to the ministry, while between the plow handles in the field. He began preaching then and there; threw aside his plow, went to the house and told his master of his call; whereupon his master got upon his horse and rode all around to the different plantations, telling the people not to molest Frederick, but to allow him to preach wherever he went. There were many souls con verted under him even before he was baptized. He was afterward baptized by the Rev. Cerrine, at Elam Baptist church, remaining a member of that church till freedom as proclaimed. During this time he went about from plantation to plantation, preaching the word of God, and causing many to turn from the paths of sin. 182 THE BLACK SIDE. At this period it was discovered that he was endowed with the evangelistic gift. In 1856 he was married to Patsey King, and with her lived till '59, when they be came separated by her having been sold to a different plantation and another put in the house with her. lie next married in 1870, Miss Elizabeth Griffin, his present wife, after which he moved to Mobile, Ala., where he receivtd license to preach from the Central Baptist church After receiving license, in six months he raised a church, caused the conversion of many souls, who were baptized by Rev. C. C. Levi. A council was called, bv which he was ordained from the Ohiloh Baptist church. He served as pastor there three years, then going to Scranton, Miss., organized a large church, which he pastorated till the yellow fever epidemic. He then returned to Alabama and established another flourishing church. Leaving here he went to Chunchula, Ala., and there built from the bush arbor a large church, remaining pas tor two years, and also caring for the Starlight church, of same place, for twelve years. This church deciding that he had the evangelistic call, sent him out : jvan- gelist. It was then that his evangelistic tour com menced, which afterward became so extensive. He went to the States of Florida, Louisiana and Texfis where he organized and erected churches and baptized many souls. He met many Associations, all of which co-operated with him in his work. He did and said much toward preserving the purity of the Sabbath, and much gospel work generally. The education of this godly man is limited, on account of his partial blindness for so long a period. He attended college at—————————for a time, when his sight failed. He next pursued a course of Theology under Professor Warner, when his sight again failed. Applying himself THE BLACK SIDE. L 82 at different times to diligent study, and information gath ered from his extensive travels in nearly every State in the Union, have made him a well informed man. Rev. Carleton came to Atlanta, Ga., October 26, 1892, purchased a desirable lot, beautiful for situation, erected thereon and occupied a neat cottage, in less time than one month. He owns fortv acres of fertile land in Mobile county, Alabama. He has been solicited by the Sunday- School Convention to "'sit the entire State of Georgia. The blessing of God ever attend his work. Rev. Carleton ranks with the world's great evangelists: .j a most profound Biblicist of this day, knowing it from Genesis to Revelations, and is prepared at any time, with out any previous warning, to quote exactly any passage required. Below are given clippings from some of the leading journals of the day concerning him, and showing forth his \ast knowledge and good works: "By request we visited and listened to a lecture Mon day evening, on the Scriptural Sabbath and its Propei Observance, by Rev. F. L. Carleton, of Chunchula, Ala. To sa\ that we were surprised, is putting it mild. His familiarity with th" Bible i« indeed w >nderful, and his lecture would do credit to more pretentious divines, and he is instructive and entertaining to any audience. We are informed that he has appeared before white congre gations in many places and astonished them with his rea soning and ready reference to scrip'ural passages, from Genesis to Revelations, sustaining his arguments. He requests his hearers to bring their Bibles with them, refers them to different chapters and verses and calls upon them to read aloud during the progress of his lec ture. He seems to know the whole Bible by heart." The Awfi'ir.a»,, Lake Charles, La. 84 THE BLACK SIDE. "On Sunday evening, the iSth inst, the Rev. F. L. Carleton lectured to a congregation of whites and blacks, at the Skating Rink, on the Observance of the Holy Sab bath and Training of Children. This lecture was indeed a gem, and so pronounced by all present. The Rev. Joel T. Daves, pastor of the M. E. Church (white), com mended it in the highest terms, saying in the course of his remarks that it was a dut}' for the colored people to send this colored divine forth over all the country, and if they failed to do so, God would be angry with them. I tes tify to these things for the simple reason that I know they are true, and that I believe that the Rev. F. L,. Carleton should receive encouragement and support wherever he goes, from the white people as well as his own race, whom he is so capable of elevating and enlightening."— "W. C. McClanahan, Editor Atfîmra/)., Lake Charles, La. •'Rev. F. L. Carleton, the Evangelist, of Chunchula, Ala., has been traveling in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, and has met with great success." Jl */.; ,<«;' "' MR. JOHN W. WILLIAMS, SUfCESSSTL DYER. Among the earliest records of the human race we find that there was a great appreciation of the brilliant hues displayed by natural objects : and in those days of wis dom, men were not long in finding out ways of appro priating these hues for the adornment of wearing apparel. The art of dyeing extends back to the days of Jacob and Joseph; for we are told that Joseph had a coat uf many colors. Moses, when making the Tabernacle, was com manded to use "blue and purple and scarlet and the ram's skin dyed red." BE V. - CABT.ETON. ITIIAY '\\ * .. '-V, THE BLACK HIDE. 185 AYhen Solomon's Temple was being built, the Tyrians sent one of their number skilful to work "in purple and blue and in tine linen and in crimson," to assist in this line. During the time of the Roman emperors a kind of coloring was so highly estimated, that cloth which had been twice dipped in it, was sold for a sum equal to about one hundred and fifty dollars per pound weight. We are told that in the fourteenth century, in the city of Florence, there were two hundred dyeing establishments. These facts give an idea of the importance of the art of dyeing in those early days. The man who dyes will live, because he is indispensable. Realizing this fact, he whose cognomen appears at the top of this paper chose, for his part in life, this art. Of course he did not accom plish it all at once ; he did not step from the lowest to the top round of the ladder; he ascended it step by step, and this too through many disadvantages, and over many obstacles. In making the ascent to this accom plishment, Mr. Williams first employed himself to the re nowned Mr. James Lockrey (white), with whom he staid five years. He next worked under the most pro fessional dyer in this State—Mr. James Watson, remain ing with him a considerable time, after which, feeling that he was able to stand alone, he began a business for himself. This business he carries on with the greatest accuracy, and satisfaction to all customers ; his patronage is large. Mr. Williams' early years were spent as house-boy in his master's family. In 1865 he became apprenticed to the hatters business, and says he made many woolen hats during Federal days. His first wife was a Miss Mattie Hardie, with whom he passed four happy years, when death claimed her as his victim. His present wife was a Mrs. Ophelia Marsh, in whom he fi nds one well able to 86 THE SIDE. fill her station in life. Being a man of sound intellect and good judgment, his advice is often sought. He is treasurer of one of the largest orders in the city, admin istrator and guardian of the estate of Mr. Edmond Thomas, and an esteemed deacon of the Zion Hill Bap tist church. He was born at Griffin, Ga., A. D. 1850. The real estate of Mr. Williams and wife amounts to four thousand dollars DAVID W. RYAN, PICTTKE FRAME MAKER AND DEALER IN BRONZE ODIZKD OAKis (J<>\[PuiSLTl<>N>> 4.NI) MOULDINGS. David is the uist child uf John and Jane Ryan, aru. was born in Edge field county, S. C., November 30, iS6i. Young Ryan was pi ced in school at an early age, and being ready in his Studie« made rapid progress, so that when but eighteen y< 0 old, he was empluved a. '^r in one of the publi srh_ of his county. He taught three vears, after which time his mind thirsted for more «xtensive knowledge: so he le.ft his nativity find came to Atlanta, Ga., and entered the Atlanta University. Here he pursued his studies two terms, then left this institu tion and became , member of the Clarke University. While a student of Clarke he began the business of framing pictures, which he did su accurately, that it in sured for him immediate success, so much so that he had to leave school to give his whole time to his work. Mr. Ryan deserves commendation for the manner by which he learned the first steps in his now lucrative busi ness. He gained his knowledge of the art of framing by watching a man do the same work, and he said t^ THE BLACK SIDE. 187 himself that he saw no reason why he would not do the same. His invincible will assisted him. He applied himself to the task, and the result is that he now carries on the business with great profit, to himself, and satisfac tion to the patronizers. Mr. Ryan's patronage is not confined < his people and to this city. He does work for both people, and for different cities. When David > fifteen years old, his father gave him one hundred ind ten ai_res of farming land and three hors-i He un dertook farm work, but it not being congenial to his na ture, he sold out his possessions and invested the proceeds in the above mentioned business, which he now follows He ' converted at the age of twelve years, and ha.« since lived a Christian life. He was only sevente -n when married Miss Amanda Hardy. He met her when she but nine years and he only twelve years old. Their '*• first sight, and their affection for each other in- *ed until they were wedded. She sun ived only one oar after marriage. Mr. Ryan has acted as secretary for the Building and Loan \ jociation of Syracuse, New York, and has held other positions of honor and trust. His business increases rapidly and is carried on quit" xtensively. Wishing to unite with some order, Mr. Ryan joincv. the Free Masons' organization, and is now a Master Ma- Success to him continually. ROBERT STEELE, THE PRINCE OF BARBERS One who has made success in the lonsorial line in this city i ' whose name heads this page. He i« ont, of Atlanta's most enterprising citizens, and justly deserves 188 THE BLACK SIDE. the title given him above, for the manner in which he governs his business. Among the corps of workmen in this line of work Mr. Steele is surpassed by none. He has splendid equipments for shampooing and baths, and after going through this treatment under his skil ful hands, one feels new energy, new life again. His place of business, located on the thoroughfare, Marietta street, is inviting within, and, at a glance, one sees that it is operated by master hands in this vocation. Mr. Steele is a man who exercises great common sense in all things, and of extreme politeness. Exercising these traits, he has been able to draw around him a host of the best citizens of both races of the city. His patron age is white, and consists of the best of that race in this city. His work is done in the latest and most modern style, and satisfaction is always given. It must not be inferred from the above assertions that Mr. Sieele is not a race man. To his people he is kind, benevolent and generous, exercising a great deal of charity towards them. He is also a Christian gentleman, a member of Bethel A. M. E. Church, in which he is a class-leader and use ful worker. Mr. Steele is a trustee of the Carrie Steele Lugan Or phanage. Mrs. (Steele) Logan, his mother, did much to help him along in life, but to himself was left the greater part of the struggle to fight. Being of a good disposition when a lad, he met with favorable circumstances. Was apprenticed lu the bar ber's trade, and, marked for his wonderful aptness, he soon rose to the position of barber, having a chair of his own. Laying aside his blacking-box, he began the work in earnest, and with a desire to better his condition arid accomplish his calling. After working sometime at his THE BLACK SIDE. 189 trade his health began to fail, so much so that he was obliged to leave off work of that kind. Accordingly he accepted a position as porter in the National Hotel. This work he followed for sometime. When his health was restored he went back to his trade, which he has suc cessfully pursued ever since. In 1872 he was married to Miss Emma Brown, in in whom he finds a thorough-going, economical wife, and to her noble traits and characteristics he says he owes much of his success. Mr. Steele is an honored member of the Masonic Lodge, und also of the Afro-American Historical Society. He was born December 4, 1846, at the historic little town of Milledgeville. He is a man of fine and com manding appearance, to whom Dame Nature, in bestow ing elegance of person and manner, has been kind. JAMES W. PALMER, A STAUNCH FEIEND OP HIS PEOPLE. Mr. James W. Palmer, the subject of this sketch, is one of the staunchest Republicans belonging to the party. Duubtless, no young man of the Republican in clination has sustained more disadvantages for the sake of the party than he has, and none has proved more true to the cause. He was born in Hancock county, A. D. 1854, and was the property of one Henry Parley. His earliest days were spent in the capacity of errand boy for his master's family. After the surrender he was sub jected to many and various changes, going from one place to another, till, finally, he located at Milledgeville, where he was employed 10 one Dr. White as porter and THE BLACK S messenger boy. ITe remained at this place till 1866, at which time he went to Augusta, Ga., and found a posi tion as waiter in the Planter's Plotel. Subsequently, he was employed as cabin-boy on the steamer ————. In 1873, Mr. Palmer came to Atlanta, in the same predicament in which so many before him had come, viz., without money, and with only one suit of clothing. He soon found work under Inn-ian & Co., cotton dealers sampler of cotton. For this firm he worked succeSo. ively till 1890. In 1892 he was employed by the United State; government a > an assistant engineer at the Custom House. Two years previous to this he serT"= on a County Executive Republican Committee, also a i assist ant chairman of the first ward of this city. He has also been in the race for councilman of Atlanta, and wa among the first to apply for a policeman's position, stood a fine examination, but only on account of the color ot his skin was not appointed. Mr. Palmer is aman of fini phy ique, congenial, pleasant in manner, entertaining in conversation. If allowed the chance he would fill high honorable positi in the :ity in which he Will race prejudice neve'' f MR. J. O. CONNALLY, SAUSAGE GRINDER, SUCCESSFUL BUTCHER. [n aays of bondage, we were what our white brothers mrJn of US- [n this Jay of freedom and opportunities we are what we make ourselves. From the earliest pe riod it has happened that those boni amid hardships and in poverty often amass the most in this world's goods. So it i with the man who bears the name of this paper THE BLACK SIDE. 91 ,ar where the famous historic battle of Chickamauga fought, in Walker county, was born on July 20, 185 S, J- U. Oonnally. At the early age of ten Connally "'•is left an orphan, his parents having died of that devas tating disease, smallpox, which then infected the city ol_ Chittanooga, Tenn., to which place they, after leaving Walker county, had gone. With no kindred, save :ousin, young Connally was thrown upon his own re- ,ourres. He lived with his usin, assisting him in .rm work. This relative, being in poor circumstances^ had not the necessary farming implemen , and with only t.ie hoe did not make this vocation a succès« With an intention and a desire to make ;• mething uf and for him-' "îlf, young Connally left his relative having staid with him about «even years, and with nut ; penny in his ' . walked to Atlanta. He worke whatever he could find to do, receiving little remuneration. Fm.-lly he succeeded in obtaining employment under a white buti -a Mr. Shields. Un account of his small stature, Con nally is first refused by Mr. Shields, but afterward was taken on trial. The ,vTork proved to be very hard for him. Early and Litt had he to grind aw., ' at the sansag mill. No da} was his, not < ven Sunday, as that day others—WP spent at the slaughter-house or the market. lion well Connally performed his tasks shown by the fact that he remained with Mr. Shields for •ears. On the occasion of Mr. Shields's re-fusing to increase Connally's salary he left Mr. Shields, and having •aved his earnings '•< ™i« able to i-'art a business of his own. Knowing more about it than an\ other, he decided on butchery. He has made it a success. Thus, while grinding at the sausag^ mill from early morn till late at night, though weary and faint at times, this man was shaping his, destiny, and grinding, as it were, dollars and cents, which have enabled him to take a place among the 192 THE BLACK SIDE. property holders of the Gate City of the South. His property values about three thousand dollars. His busi ness is in a most flourishing condition. LANDY EMBREE. 1'ROM A. CANAL ]>IGGER TO A TRUSTY, WORTHY PORTER 1ST THE SUPREME COTTRT ROOM. The subject of this sketch was born at—————————, May i5th, A. D. 1854. He remembers a few incidents of slavery-life. On one occasion his mistress, having become angry with him, declared that she would sell him to the meanest man she could find. Accordingly he was sold to a Mr. Horton. Landy was then but ten years old. He staid with this man 'till freedom was declared. Contrary to his mis tress' expectation, Mr.Horton treated Landy with great kindness, and seemed to like him very much. After the emancipation he went to live with his uncle, with whom he staid two years, and receiving no pay for his services, his mother took him home. He lived with her five years, when she hired him for fifty dollars per year. This employer was a negro-hater, and one day while Landy was at his work, his employer became en raged at him for some trivial offense, and threatened to flog him. Landy resisted, whereupon his employer put a pistol to Landy's temples, and made him yield. He felt that he could not stay with this man and take such cruel treatment, so he decided to return to his mother. When he reached home and told his mother of the mistreatment he had just received, she told him that he •i f.* .1. SV. PALMAR. I-*. THE BLACK SIDE. 193 could go about and pick cotton for a livelihood. This he did, and during the year made twenty-five dollars by it. He had to divide this money between his mother, himself and nine brothers and sisters. He kept for himself five dollars, which was the largest amount of money he had ever received or possessed. After that he left home and went to Augusta, Ga., where he was employed to assist in digging the canal. His next employment was dish-washing in a hotel; then a butler. Up to the time he was twenty-three years old he had saved nothing. Leaving Augusta he went to Madison, where he obtained work at the Female College; his wages being eight dollars per month. In 1881 he came to Atlanta and was employed in Capt. Langston's family as cook. After that he went to work for the E. T., V. and Ga. railroad. In 1882 he returned to Madison to receive his bride, Miss Maggie ——————. Mr. Embree is a useful member of the Friendship Baptist church, a Mason and an Odd Fellow; and in each institution gives valuable service. Having married an in dustrious woman, with her assistance he has accumulated quite a snug little fortune. When he first came to At lanta he had only twelve dollars in cash: now he pays taxes on five thousand dollars property. By these few points in this man's life one can easily see that life is what we make it. He never attended school but five weeks during his life. Born amid the disadvantages, he perse vered; pressed forward to make himself something and to make something for himself. He waited not for oppor tunities, but searched for them, and having searched he found them awaiting him. Go ye, do likewise. He also has six shares in the Mutual Aid Loan and Investment Company. 194 THE BLACK SIDE. MR. WILLIS SMITH, PROGRESSIVE MECHANIC. The subject of this sketch, Willis Smith, was born in Walton county, Ga., in the year 1835, under the yoke of slavery. His lot was the same as that of his fellow bonds men. Deprived of liberty, he had not the opportunity to gain an education. When a mere lad he was anxious to learn something in books; and so soon as he found op portunity, he by some means obtained a Webster's spell ing book, and with the aid of an old man whom he called "Uncle George Peters," Willis was soon able to spell anywhere in the book, but could not read a sentence. One day, uncle George asked him why he did not read. Willis replied, I do not know how; whereupon the old man took the book and began reading about the old fat hen feeding her chickens. This so amused Willis that he took the book and after trying for a while, began then and there to read. Ah! it was no easy task in those days of darkness to learn to spell or read. In this day we look with amazement upon those who cannot read; in those days those who could read were considered as being won derful (of course 1 refer to slaves), and when they, with all the difficulties and threats through which they had to pass, were so persevering as to accomplish such, me- thinks that if we, who have everything prepared for us, neglect such chances, shall be justly punished for oppor tunities wasted. Willis weut to the war in 1860, as at tendant for Mr. Calvin Naul, and remained during the years '61, '62, '63 and '64, when he returned to the place of his nativity (for the slave has no home). In 1866 he came to Atlanta. He had just enough money to pay his railroad fare, so when he arrived here he was penniless. He borrowed five dollars from his sister and with it set THE BLACK SIDE. 195 himself up in the business of selling pies and cakes, hut this proved a complete failure, leaving him as bad off financially as at first. Having a knowledge of carpentry he resorted to the use of tools, and was successful in realizing ten dollars. This stroke of good luck encour aged him greatly, so he engaged a job at twenty-five dollars. In 1869 he began bridge-building, and with fol lowing that and house-building together he was soon able to purchase a piece of land, on which he built a sm'all house, into which he moved his mother and sister. In 1871 his mother died, and the next year Mr. Smith was married to a Miss Adaline Sims. His work was profitable and thereby he was able to buy a more desirable lot than the first. Accordingly his present lot on Tatnall street was bought, and the house on the former lot was moved to this one. Soon after this ?vlr. Smith became ill, but Providence saw fit to prolong his life, and soon he was again at hard work. In 1874 ne began car-building, and worked at that till 1881, when he became the junior partner of Mr. Harrison Coles in the undertaker's business. In this was invested twelve hundred dollars. They did well for a time; finally Mr. Coles died, and when his affairs had been settled, Mr. Smith found that he was involved about thirteen hundred dollars. Of course this was enough to deprive him of courage, but possessing that quality in no little degree, he struck out anew, continued the same busi ness until he could arrange matters satisfactorily. Then he resumed the work of carpentry, in which he engages now. Mr. Smith is a great advocate of education. He has educated his wife, who took a thorough course in the Nor mal department at the Spelman Seminary, under that matchless woman, the late Miss Sophia ß. Packard. He and wife have no children, but aid greatly in the education 196 THE BLACK SIDE. of others; having educated his sister's children. Mr. Smith and wife united with the Friendship Baptist church of this city, having been baptized by the Rev. F. Quarles. He claims that much of his success in later years is due to the help of his industrious wife. He has renewed and •enlarged his home; making it a six-room residence. In the family of Smiths with which he was connected the name of Willis was much valued; the grandfather, the father and the present Smith, all having the name Willis. Mr. Smith pays taxes on two thousand dollars' worth of property. WALTER A. WRIGHT, JR. Walter A. Wright was born in Athens, Ga., October 15, 1872. His father is Rev. W. A. Wright ; his mother was Mrs. Hattie Wright. His father being a iminister of the A. M. E. Church and a member of the Conference, young Walter had the advantage of travel. So soon as he was old enough he was sent to school, where he spent his early days. Conference finally gave Rev. Wright a charge at his •old home, Athens, from which he had been sent for a number of years. So the family moved back to Athens. At this time the religious wave was sweeping over Athens, and during this period young Wright was con verted and united with the church of which Rev. D. G. McGhee was pastor. While at Athens he attended the normal school under the regime of Rev. C. H. Lyon. This school he attended two terms, during which time his mother died. After her death he became dissatisfied at Athens, and went to Albany, Ga., to live with his THE BLACK ÖIDE. 197 uncle. While with his uncle he learned the woodturner's trade. He beg.-ery successful in doing. Mr. Howell was so delighted with what he had learned about the machine that he was now determined to do all he could to induce his mother to purchase the machine. Accordingly, on her return the young man succeeded in his attempt, and the machine was purchased. Previous to buying the machine, the young Mr. Elowell had been engaged in peddling in mint, rags and bones, and such things; but when the machine was purchased, he began trying to learn to sew, and in a very short time he accomplished his much craved desire. He now understood more about the machine than any one on the place. This led him to feel that he could use this knowledge to a little advantage to himself and all con cerned; so he purchased some cloth and made aprons for the hotel boys and the bar tenders. Succeeding in this very well, he went on a step farther in the business, and began making ladies' [dresses and 228 THE BLAOK SIDE. •II underwear of all kinds, classes and sorts. Becoming verj efficient in this, he began to apply himself more directly to tailoring. How this came about was that one Captain Cook, who was running a tailoring business in the city, employed young Mr. Howell to carry his dinner to him. Whili the young man was waiting for Mr. Cook to finish din ner, he would employ these moments in trying to cut and sew. Captain Cook saw his aptness on this line; he gave him the benefit of all he knew about sewing while he was employed as a dinner carrier. It was with this man that he got the idea of sewing, cutting, measuring, and to some extent making men's clothes. He learned how to press and clean clothing from Mr. John Williams, ,vho was then working for the Watson dye house. In 1883, while attending the Atlanta University, he opened his first tailoring shop in the engine room at the Atlanta University. Here he cleaned and pressed the clothing uf the students. Out of this little business he earned suf ficient money to defray all his school expenses. The reader of this sketch will learn a lesson of perseverance, •energy, thrift and industry and what boys may do if they •would use what knowledge they have of doing any one thing. They will learn also that it is not the man or the boy that knows the most, nor that is often times sur rounded with every advantage in life to fit him for the successful carrying out of any pursuit or profession which he may desire to follow in life, but the man or boy that uses the knowledge and opportunities of fitting for the profession which he wishes to follow. After leaving Mr. Cook, he went to work with Rev. William Finch, of this city, earning one dollar per day for his labor. We can see how that from the little knowledge he picked up here and there, he is able to make somewhat an inde pendent living for himself, and also to aid a struggling THE BLACK SIDE. 229 mother and father. In 18— he gave up working for Mr. Finch to attend the exposition at New Orleans for the purpose of enlarging his knowledge in his line of business while in that city, this trip giving him an opportunity to look in upon other business of his kind, and to see how men more skillf.ul in his line of work manipulated and carried *• on. Gathering the experience he desired, he returned to the city of Atlanta, opened in a shoe shop with his brother—his brother using one corner to make shoes and he using the other part to carry on his work. His busi ness succeeded in such a marvelous way, Mr. Howell was obliged to seek a larger place, where he might bet ter accommodate his customers. Accordingly, he moved to one of the most desirable places in the city. Here his business grew so rapidly on account of his skill and cheap ness in making the finest gentleman wear, that where it was his custom to employ two or three hands, he was obliged to employ from sixteen to twenty men and women, includ ing drummers in the city and agents on the railroads. His whole stock, previous to coming to this place, never exceeded at any one time more than seven dollars. His stock at this place increased from four thousand dollars to fifty-five hundred. This flourishing business went on until his pay-roll ran up from ten dollars per week to three hundred-and fifty, until he met with a disastrous destruction by fire, and although this fire completely de stroyed everything he had, did not discourage his busi ness ambition. However, he had some little insurance which, after a little trouble and a process of law, he suc ceeded in gaining, which enabled him to again carry on his business, but of course not on as large a scale as it 'as at first. According to Bradstreet's report, Mr. Howell carried on the largest merchant tailoring business of any man of his race this side of Mason and Dixon's line up to the 230 THE BLACK SIDE. time the fire took place. His business now is valued at from twelve hundred to two thousand dollars. In 1890 he married a very refined and accomplished young lady of the city of Augusta, Miss Sophie Summer- ville. In 1866 this young man, of whom this noble and inspiring record speaks, came into this world, poor and penniless, and by his natural genius, push and shove, to gether with indomitable will, made himself eminently great in the industrial world. Let those who read this sketch catch his spirit and go forward. His work is done neatly and of the latest styles, and at prices that suit every man's pocket. A PREACHER, A DYER, A MERCHANT IN OLD CASTAWAY CLOTHIN^—A CLEANER AND REPAIRER OF CL( >THLNft. Robert B. Brightwell, a merchant hustler in old cloth ing in this city, is one of the most thoroughgoing, enter prising, stirring men of the city. The business that he carries on in this city is one of untold service and advan tage to the public. At his place of business old clothes can be made new, the soiled made clean, at a little cost. His industry and thrift has made him popular and very influential among the people of this great city. He was born at Maxie, Ga., on the r 5th day of June, 1864, and came to Atlanta in 1876 and engaged in the grocery business, which he followed till 1884, when he opened the business above named, of dyeing and cleaning and re pairing old clothing, which business he carries on up to the present time. His path in his business has not always been smooth, as the success which he has had in carrying on this business would seem to show. He has THE BLACK SIDE. had some very serious drawbacks since his engagement in this business. Once disturbed by the falling in of the Norcross building on the corner of Marietta and Peach- tree streets, by which destruction of the building all his ready and unmade stock and other work in repairing, dyeing and cleaning of his customers, were seriously in jured by the breaking of the water pipes, which flooded his whole business, and from which he suffered great loss. In the month of August, of the same year of this first destruction, 1894, he met with a simliar misfortune, the loss in which amounted to about eight hundred dol lars, by tire which broke out in the Gould building, which caused his second misfortune in the same way. In the same year he met with another disaster in business, which was caused by the invasion of an army of cock-roaches, which destroyed a great lot of his goods. And yet with all these disadvantages and cripplings which have come to him in his efforts to develop and establish this line of business, he has not abated in the least in his efforts, en ergy and courage to still go on. In my opinion, if there is any definition of persever ance and energy, Mr. Brightwell is that. The young men of to-day, and of generations to come, who may read this sketch, will do well to take Mr. Brightwell as an example in establishing a business and -sticking to it under whatever disadvantages or adversi ties they may meet in carrying it to a success. Mr. Brightwell, aside from carrying on this business, has availed himself of the opportunity of obtaining a knowl edge of books by attending the Atlanta Baptist Seminary. For several years he has carried on a course in theology in order that he might be better able to preach the go?- pel. He has taken other studies along with this course of normal, which have helped him much in conducting his business to a great financial success. 232 THE BLACK SIDE. He is not a young man who has in his possession much of this world's goods, but presuming from the energj, push and shove, and qualities of the like, will become a great benefactor in finance to his people and charitable good of his race. GATE CITY COLORED PUBLIC SCHOOL. The above-named school, more popularly known as the " Houston Street School," is situated on the corner of Houston and Butler streets. This school was first taught in the basement of Big Bethel A. M. E. church, in 1879 or 1880. When the colored citizens of the Fourth ward asked the city authorities for a public school for the colored children of that ward, the authorities said they had no suitable building, and could not give the school on that account until grounds were secured and a building erected. The officers and members of Big Bethel, who were then allowing a private school to he taught in the basement of that church, offered the base ment to the city to be used as a public school. By this means all excuses for delay were obviated. During the year 1880 the city bought a lot and erect ed the building now situated on the corner of Houston and Butler streets, to be used by the colored people in that section of town as a public school building. The building is large and spacious, containing eight large rooms, neatly furnished, four up stairs and four rooms down stairs. It also has a large hallway, which makes the building very convenient for a school-house. The seating capacity of the school is four hundred and fifty, which afforded, at the time of erection, ample _- commodation for all who applied for seats. The com munity surrounding the school has increased so rapidly M. HOWET.l,. o o W o Q W H M |i THE BLACK SIDE. 233 since its erection that from one to two hundred children are turned away every year for the want of room. This being a public school, it is directly under the manage ment of the city government. All supplies for run ning the school are furnished by the city, the teachers are appointed by the city through the Board of Education. Professor R. H. Carter, a graduate of the Atlanta Uni versity, and a teacher of some experience, was elected by the Board of Education to the principalship of this school in 1880. Professor Carter had as his assistants some of the best educators in the State among the Negro race. Notably among them were Mrs. M. A. Ford, Mrs. Julia Turner, Miss G. B. Mitchell, Miss I. M. Clarke, and other very faithful workers, whose names do not now present themselves. Professor Carter proved him self to be an efficient principal, giving very general sat isfaction to the Board of Education and to his patrons. He served them four years, after which he resigned tu take a position which paid better. In 1885 Mr. A. Graves was elected principal of the school, and held that responsible position for two years. He proved himself to be an able man, a good disciplina rian, and an excellent teacher. He managed the school successfully, building it up as a useful factor for good in the community. As a man he strove to impress the law of obedince upon his pupils. If he understood the law to be just, he would see to its being carried out to the letter; but if he thought it wrong, or unjust, he wuld not obey, neither would he make his children obey. The firmness of Professor Graves is illustrated by the follow ing tiue story which occurred during his administration: While he was principal of the school, the remains of the late Jefferson Davis were removed from Mississippi to Richmond, Virginia, by way of Atlanta. The white citi zens of Atlanta celebrated the occasion with a great dem- -234 THE BLAPK SIDE. onstration. In the line of march all the public schools were commanded to join, led by the principals. Mr. Graves thought that it was wrong to honor a man whi had fought and died, as it were, to keep the teachers and pupils represented in the school in which he wa. teaching in slavery. He told the teachers and pupils the situation, and said to them that if they wanted they might go, but he would not. The school made progress under the direction of Prof. Graves, who was assisted by an able corps of teachers During the summer of 1886 Professor L. M. Hershaw was elected principal of the Gate City Public school to succeed Mr. Graves, who had resigned. When he took charge of the school he tound it in a progressive condi tion, having moved on so successfully since its beginning that it ranked as one of the leading grammar schools of the city. Mr. Hershaw was principal of the school for four years, during which time the scholarship of the school was greatly promoted. The pupils from this school com pared very favorably with the pupils of any school in the city in the entrance examinations to the prepara tory course in the colleges and seminaries. He was a successful teacher and principal, having managed the school to the satsifaction of the Board of Education and the patrons. In 1890 Professor Hershaw accepted a clerkship in the department at Washington, D. C., and Mr. W. B. Matthews was elected principal of the Gate City school. He found the school in a flourishing condition. Many oi the teachers whom he found there had been with the school from its foundation. They were well experienceu and knew the rules of the school and rendered great as sistance to the new principal during his first week about the school. THE BLACK SIDE. 235 Since 1890 the school has been growing in popularity. Many of the best citizens of the city have been attracted to the school under the management of Prof. Matthews. The order of the school has improved very greatly, and the high scholarship reached under Professor Hershaw has been retained and improved. During the last four years there has been less trouble between the parents and teachers than formerly. This school has competed with older and more favored schools located in the same community, thereby proving the solid work done by its teachers. Through the enengy and push of the present principal, the teachers and pupils have learned to regard their duty as a sacred trust. That the school is doing good in the community we do not think anybody has any doubts. That the money spent" by the city government in support of this school is as seed sown in good soil, is very obvious. Let those who doubt come and see. Many of the pupils who have gone through this gram mar school have graduated from the colleges in our city and elsewhere, and are now very proficient teachers in the public schools of our city and State. Many of the roung men are in business, holding government positions and filling other honorable callings in life. The present corps of teachers who are doing good work in this school, are: W. B. Matthews, principal; Mrs Julia Turner, assistant principal; Miss A. D. Badger, seventh grade; Miss S. B. Pullen, sixth grade; Miss Aurora V. Peters, fifth grade; Miss M. P. Westmoreland, fourth grade; Miss L. E. Badger, third grade; Miss I. B. Pollard, second grade; Miss C. R. McGhee, first grade. The patrons of the Gate City Colored Public School are proud of the work the school is doing for the elevation of the race. The school is under the immediate control of the city Board of Education, and that Board extends the I I 236 THE ET.AOK SIDE. same advantages to all of the schools in every respect save one—they do not pay white and colored teachers the same salary. This one fact makes a wide differenct between the white and colored schools of Atlanta. The teachers of the colored schools see the unfairness in the manner of paying teachers here, but would not feel it so keenly if more accommodations were given to the colored citizens for the education of their children. It is not a good idea to criticise anybody unjustly ; it is very poor policy 10 find fault with our friends, especially when they claim that they are doing the best they can for us; but it is never right tu accept discrimination with lealed lips and silent pens. The Negro citizens of Atlanta are thankful for what schools they have, but feel that they need more, and trust that the city, through its Board of Education, may soon provide more room for them. MRS. OBEDIA CECILE BROWN CARTER. BY ME«. M. A. McCURDY. It is indeed interesting and amusing to watch with care an artist while he tries to transfer to his canvas the luster of a precious stone. After he has used his ut most skill, his picture proves to be dull, and in many in stances valueless. The same can be said concerning the writing of a biographical sketch of a grand and Christ- like woman, full of reason, love and godliness, that makes a whole crown of precious jewels; and all that one can do in the attempt, is to present a valueless opaque copy of her in the sketch. The happy and beautiful name which heads this articlt belongs to one who was born May 10, 1858, in Athens, Ga., the " classic city of the South," yet with all its THE BLACK SIDE. 237 beauty and happiness, it fails to give us an idea of the re markable energy and brave persistency of character of which Mrs. Obedia Cécile Brown Carter is the possessor. She is the daughter of Mr. John Wesley and Harriet Brown (deceased), of Athens, Ga., and granddaugh ter of the venerable Rev. Robert Brown, of Athens, Ga. Mrs. O. C. B. Carter was married at the age of eighteen, in the year, A. D. 1876, to Rev. E. R. Carter, now the pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, of Atlanta, Ga. At the time of her marriage, she knew not Christ as her Re deemer, but after being elected President of the West Atlanta Woman's Christian Temperance Union in 1888, she sought earnestly to know the Lord as her Redeemer, and was converted several days previous to the time she was to preside over that Christian body of women. She there after held the position of President for more than two years, much to the delight of her many admiring friends, and is now Vice-Président of the same local union, as well as Superintendent of Prison and Jail work, assist ant Superintendent of Evangelistic work, and has been Treasurer of the State Woman's Christian Temperance Union (subject to re-election) 'ever since 1892. Her value in this Christian work cannot be estimated, as she is and has ever been an untiring laborer, ever doing and saying such things as will eventually assist in the dethron ing of the demon rum. She received her education at Knox's Institute in the city of Athens; said education has caused her to fill with honor and accuracy the many po sitions she now occupies, and when she is called from "labor to reward " it will be a difficult matter to find one to take her place. As a local missionary sent out by the church of which her husband is pastor, she is one of those Godly women who never tires in doing work for the advancement of the cause of Christ, going into the highways and hedges on errands of mercy, ever adminis- '2:38 THE BLACK SIDE. tering to the sick, poor and needy. Just such things that give life and strength to the soul and food and raiment for the body, and thus making for herself a reputation ass a modern Dorcas, worthy of commendation and emula tion. As a member of her husband's church, she it. greatly beloved, especially by the juvenile members of the church, as it is with them she labors most assidu ously, ever remembering that the future of our race de pends very largely upon what the boys and girls of to-day will prove to be in the to-morrows of the future, when men and women will be wanted to fill the place of those who are to-day making "foot-prints in the sands of time," that cannot be erased and are "in the broad field of battle," proving themselves to be heroes and heroines like the subject of our sketch, in this strife. She is also the President of the "Woman's Fireside School" and "Bible Band" of Friendship Baptist Church. The ob ject of this band, which she is carrying out in a most beautiful manner, is to cause, if possible, the reading of the Bible in the homes of the members, at least once a day, and bring about the much needed practice of praying in the homes of many mothers, whose children know not what it is to hear their parents pray. Last, but not least, one of the most loveable and praiseworthy traits of this grand woman, is her devotion to her husband and children. As a wife and a mother, she is a model, one ever worthy of commendation. When either one of the members of her family are in pain or sorrow, she it is who ever admini*- ters to their wants and necessities, with untiring care, dur ing the wee small hours of the lonely night, and the heated or cold hours of the day. Her trust, love and respect for her husband is all that any one could wish, as she " Never doubts his fidelity, Never thinks his heart untrue, But, trusts him fully, trusts him freely, Even as he has trusted her." THE BLACK SFDE. 239 MITCHELL ST. PUBLIC SCHOOL. ALICE D. CARY, PRINCIP- Early in the month of July, 1882, not far from the cor ner of Maple and Mitchell streets, the sound of nail and hammer was heard, which attracted the attention of the passersby and neighbors as well. It was not very long ere it was generally known that there was to be erected on that spot a building to be used exclusively for the colored youth. For two months the erection of this building was watched with much interest and anxiety by many, and when the appointed day for opening came, the first noon in September, 1882, the house was packed with children eager to get a seat in this new building. Many parents came with their little ones, and each in sisted that,their children should be favored with a seat. The parents' friends and children listened to an encour aging and pointed speech from the superintendent, Maj. W. F. Slaton, after which the work of seating and grad ing was done by the corps of teachers then employed for that year, viz. : Prof. H. L. Walker, Misses C. E. Jones, Helen Coles, E. M. Townsley, I. M. Clarke, L. Easley. Julia M. Tooke and E. M. Thomas. It was not many days before the school was in good working order and continued throughout the year, and at its close the teachers expressed themselves satisfied with the year's work, and showed an annual report of 493 pupils. Mitchell Street School has been in session twelve years, has had eight principals, viz. : Prof. H. L. Walker, Rev. E. P. Johnson, Profs. E. A. Johnson, C. W. Hill, T. A. John- -on, P. A. Alien, Rev. F. G. Snelson and Mrs. Alice D... 240 THE BLACK SIDE. Gary; with twenty-four assistant teachers; of this twenty four two have crossed the river of death, Mrs. Katie (Short) Wright and Mrs. Ella M. (Townsley) Pitts; twelve of them have crossed the river of mantrimonv and living in comfortable homes of their own; the re maining nine are still teachers. You will observe that during these twelve vears there have been almost a principal for each year. No school in the public schools of Atlanta has had so many; yet she has, despite the many changes and obstacles, braved the tide, and to-day we find her firm and sailing smoothlj over them, and promises a still brighter future. Last year's enrollment was 450; per cent, of attendance, 96.8 It is with much delight I recognize the fact that four of the teachers now teaching in the public schools wert pupils of Mhchell Street School, and finished from that school with credit. Two of them, Misses A. Boswell and W. E. Keller, are now employed as teachers in the same building they were seated as pupils in 1882; of the other two, Misses R. Keiths, is teaching at Summer Bill school; Miss H. Studivant at Roach; and she hopes ere many more years have passed to have as many or more of her pupils employed as teachers in some one the public schools. I do not feel that a sketch of Mitchell Street School would be complete without the mentioning of our faithful janitor, Mr. Pat. Heard. He was with the school in its infancy j and performed his duties with faithfulness and credit, until sickness laid hands on him and bade him cease work and be nursed by its grim hands, but ere ;' had long held him, death relieved him and bade him gL where there would be no more pain or death. to 3 THE BLACK SIDE. 241 BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH. REY. EDWAED SMITH, PASTOE. This little church is one of the most enterprising churches in the city. The people who compose it are a people of most untiring zeal ever gathered in any one •vplace for the purpose of keeping house for God. They are in spirit and activity a perfect bee-hive—so earnestly are they about their Master's work. There are a number of churches that have larger mem berships and larger houses, and more embelished with the beauties of artistical paintings, in which to worship, but none more ardent and zealous for the advancement of the Master's kingdom than this grand little band of disciples. They pride themselves in doing whatever the pastor, Rev. Edward Smith, assign to their hands to do. He only has to speak and it is done; to command, and his people go forward to carry out his orders. At this point we will give a few names of some of the most faithful, active and eminent members of this church : G. W. Person, Benjamin Pierson, Armus Weaver, Win. Armps, Dora Norwood, Emma Fletcher, Lucy Brown, Sarah Beatle, Mary Arnold, Ida Thomas, Martha Weaver, Eliza Suttles, Nancy Dura, Josh Mathews, Julia Washington, and a host of others that this limited space would not allow us to name. This church was organized March, 1879. The council was composed of Revs. G. W. Gwin, D.D., Jerry M. Jones, and Rev. Dorsey, with twenty-five members. Since the day of its organization it has passed through many vicissitudes, but the Lord has heard their prayers 242 .THE BLACK SIDE. and they have accomplished great good since the day of their organization. The church now has a beautiful set of working young men and women, who are always active in entertain ments and mission bands, and thus aiding and keeping alive the church. They have had in a very short dura tion, eight pastors. In 1889 the church extended a call to the present pa: tor, Rev. Edward Smith, and all that we have spoken or this church in the way of activity and work, is due tirely to the untiring zeal and energy of this noble man. Its membership ha.s grown greatly under his care. At the time he accepted the call there were only about in number; from that time up to the present, the churr has increased on an average oï seventy-five a ye°r—,.. membership now being five hundred. On account uf this rapid increase, this good people have been obliged enlarge their house of worship. The value of the prop- ertj- has also increased under his ministry from five hu dred to three thousand nine hundred dollars. Re\. Smith is a bright, intelligent and able preacher clear-headed, kind-hearted and generous. No man i serves more credit from this people than Rev. Edwa^. Smith. He has done more in that part of the city for th Baptist cause and the kingdom of our Master than other man could possibly have done. They have given cheerfully to the mission and educ tional work whenever it was their duty to do so. Be it said of this noble, generous-hearted preacher the gospel, that he has done well. THE BLACK SIDE. 243 FIRST COLORED BAPTIST CHURCH OF ATLANTA, KNOWN AS THE FßlENDSHIT BAPTIST CHUKCH. There is no church in the city that is more worthy of the highest honor, praise and recognition among all the Baptist churches that are in the city, from the point of view that she has done more to inspire and to provoke the other churches to good works and to set up a stand ard of model preaching and worship. She has done more by the way of rendering her building to the edu cational service to the Negroes of Georgia than any other church in the city or State. This church was organized by Rev. Frank Quarles, in 1868, and consisted at that time of twenty-five mem bers. In 1881, at the close of the eventful pastorate of Rev. Frank Quarles, it numbered about fifteen hundred, it had its beginning in a car-box, in the northeast part of the city, on Walton street, and after several changes as to location and house, a lot was finally bought on the corner of Haynes and Mitchell streets, where, under the leadership of Rev. Frank Quarles, a very large and commodious house of worship, ^.6x100 feet, was erected. But when the first pastor, Rev. Frank Quarles, died, a large debt of $3,000, created in the erection of the house, was still unprovided for. But when Rev. E. R. Carter took charge of the congregation the debt was soon paid, and interior improvements, costing about $2,500, were made to the church and paid promptly- making the property now worth $60,000. Since the Rev. E. R. Carter accepted the pastorate of Friendship Baptist Church the growth in membership, strength and influence has been so marked that now this 244 THE BLACK SIDE. is considered the second strongest, numerically and finan cially, of any colored Baptist church of organization in the State. To-day his membership numbers 2,500 souls, and is increasing at the rate of nearly one hundred baptisms annually, besides those received by letter and other methods of Baptist usage. The damp basement story of this church was the birthplace of Spelman Seminary, which is now one of the largest and most reputable schools on the continent. The organization, growth and usefulness of this church have been remarkable, evidencing most conclu sively the fact that God's guiding hand has directed its course and blessed its labor. While its first pastor was a devout Christian and de voted his life and energies to the interest of this church, God again displayed the hand of a wise Providenct when Rev. E. R. Carter, although an obscure young man, was called to fill the pulpit, so ably occupied by the former pastor. The present pastor, E. R. Carter, is one of the most remarkable men (regardless of color) of the present century. His native ability, present intellectual attain ments, coupled with the great work he has accomplished and the traveling he has done, makes him as a prodigy in the estimation of those familiar with all the facts con nected with his brief but eventful life of usefulness. This church, under the wise leadership of Rev. Carter, has given largely to educational and missionary work, and secured and now maintains a home, where its old and decrepit members can be and are cared for by the gifts and appropriations made by a society known as the " Ninety-and-Nine." R.ev. Carter was born in Athens, Ga., and while there is no record as to the exact date of his birth, it is THE BLACK SIDE. 245 thought that he is now about thirty-five years old. His was an uneventful life up to 1879, except the honest fight he made in ignorance and poverty, always hoping and longing for an opportunity and striving for means to educate himself. He was married in early life, and an afflicted wife for five long years added to the obstacles in the way to ed ucation. But she was a true, patient woman, and when her health was restored, greatly aided him in his efforts to attain the great desired boon, an education. In 1879 he entered the Atlanta Baptist Theological Seminary, from which institution he graduated after years of privation and battling with poverty. He actu ally did the washing for himself and family, and worked some each day in a shoe-shop, in order to make his way through college. His first call to the charge of a church was at Stone Mountain, at $8.00 per month, $32.00 of which is still unpaid and due him. During his year of ministry at Stone Mountain twenty- five souls were converted, and from this number some promising preachers, missionaries and brag scholars of Spelman Seminary, have developed. In addition to the great work he has done as a min ister of the gospel and advocate of prohibition, he has found time to write a book, entitled " Our Pulpit," which was published in 1890. He has recently written a book entitled " Descriptive Scenes of Europe and the Orient," which is now ready for publication. Rev. Carter has traveled very extensively, both in the Old and New World. He made his first trip to Europe in 1888. The object of this journey through the old country was to extend his information and render prac tical the extensive reading he has done. The object of his second trip, in 1891, across the great waters was to familiarize himself with the historic 246 THE BLACK SIDE. scenes recited in Biblical history, to better prepare him self for his life-work—that of teaching his race the wa} of eternal life. While making these trips in the orient he traveled in Egypt, Asia, Syria, Italy, France, Ger many, Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland, England and Asia Minor, thus having traveled extensively throughout the Old as well as the New World, because he has visited and labored in nearly every State in the Union and in Canada. We doubt that such a record has ever been made by any man living or dead, white or black, on this continent, in so brief a time. Nine years ago he could not write, but now he is a Greek, French, Hebrew and English scholar, and has some prac tical knowledge of the Latin and German languages. In addition to all the work and travel mentioned above, he edited the colored Baptist paper of the State, served as Grand Worthy Chief Templar of the State. Vice-Président oi the Georgia State Baptist Sundaj school Convention, and was a member of the Centen nial Committee of the colored Baptists of the State of Georgia. He made himself a hero in two prohibition campaigns, and has lectured in many prominent cities, on various occasions and subjects. Be it said to his credit, that all this has been accom plished in the last nine brief years. He is an orator and theological student and scholar, linguist and author, and a born leader of his race. WHEAT STREET BAPTIST CHURCH. The Wheat Street Baptist Church is one of the most elegant and neatly arranged that is in the city. It has a seating capacity of about one thousand. Its floor is that THE BLACK RIDE. of an incline plane, slanting from the door to the pulpit. It has a splendid swinging or self-supporting gallery that is most charmingly situated in the front entrance, a stair way going from the vestibule which leads into it. The windows are of beautiful cathedral glass of variegated colors, costing in the neighborhood of eight or nine hun dred dollars. Its walls are covered with the most exquisite and rarest kind of wall paper for church services. Its pulpit is the model style and is situated in the rear end of the house with just above a nicety and very beautifully ar ranged apartment, something like a small gallery, where the choir sit. Up in this apartment is a splendid pipe organ whose appearance and beauty add much to the em- belished character of the house. The choir ranks as equal to any in the city, and i: composed of the best 'class of people. The church is beautifully lighted with the latest style chandelier gas lamps. Its baptistary is convenient!}' arranged underneath the pulpit. It is very agreeably heated by a furnace having five registers, one in the front of rostus and two on each side. It has a basement which they use for society meetings, church conferences and other secular meetings. This church was organized on the South end of Fort street, in 1870, by Rev. Andrew Jackson and a few uf Atlanta's most prominent citizens, who were at that time members of the Friendship Baptist church, the number being only six. The much esteemed Peter Eskridge was one among the number. Rev. Andrew Jackson served this church about four years, and then resigned and went to Mississippi. The church was then without a pastor, and the services of Rev. Henry Brewster were employed until they could secure another pastor. During this time, by some means not known to the writer, this church be came acquainted with Rev. W. H. Tilman and extended 248 THE BLACK SIDE. him a call. The membership at this time was about two hundred. The house of worship, by the power and in fluence which this venerable minister of the gospel had over the people who came to hear him, was crowded, and the house which they were then using was too small for the people who gathered. The pastor and deacons began to look about for a place more suitable on which to erect a house that would give larger accommodation, n 1880 the site on which the present house of worship now stands, was purchased. Deacon Thomas Goosby and Deacon S. Foster were the two men who raised the first amount to purchase the present house of worship. Shortly after the purchase of this place, by these two noble brethren, the erection of a far more commodious building was seen going up. The lot was valued at two hundred and forty dollars, fronting about seventy feet on Wheat street (now Au burn Avenue) running back about two hundred on Fort street. On this piece of ground is the above described house. This piece of property is now worth from thirty five hundred to forty hundred, all of which has been paid for. Et numbers among its members some of the wealthiest colored citizens of Atlanta, and also those of the highest character and eminence of the citizens of Atlanta. Among them are Thomas Goosby, Peter Eskridge, S. Foster, "Willis Murphy, Joseph Johnson, W. T. Robinson, Lu cius Laster, Shadrack Laster, Crawford Austin, Thomas Gray, Columbia King, Mrs. George Foster, Mrs. Mary Goosby-Crumbley, Mrs. Emma Williams, Mrs. Effie Brandon, Henry Dupree, Mrs. Adline Dupree, Mrs. Georgia McGhee, Crawford McGhee, Elbert Roberts, Mrs. Mary Smith, Martha Hayes, Hattie Eskridge, Mrs. Caroline Badger, Mrs. Mary Gipson, Mr. J. S. Brandon. r •II >M in i.sr.r.,TY!r " THE BLACK SIDE. 249 This list of names embraces some of the noblest citi zens, in character, wealth and honor, in the city of At lanta. Any church would be honored for having such a corps of citizens for its members. TSe name was originally Mt. Pleasant which was then in a common wooden building and when moved to Wheat street they changed its name to Wheat Street Baptist Church, taking its name after the street, but since the existence of this beautiful building the name of the street has been changed to Auburn Avenue, so that the name of the church now stands as the Auburn Avenue Baptist Church. So well has this church succeeded under the grand leadership of its noble and much esteemed pastor, it has grown from two hundred to fourteen hun dred in number. This grand and noble man has done a great and noble work. Too much cannot be said of this great worker in Israel. He makes no prétention to scholarship. He has been moderator of the Ebenezer Baptist Association for eight years. He served as vice-president for some years of the Foreign Mission Baptist Convention for the State of Georgia. The cost of this building erected by the present pastor, Rev. W. H. Tilman, is twenty thousand dollars. Within the pale of this church there are a number of live societies oper ating for the good of trie church and its members. Among them are the Sisters or Love, the Rising Star, of which Mrs. Jennie Eskridge has been so faithful a president. There are also the Aiding Brothers of Love, the Wo man's Mission, which does work both in city and State, This society has done much in the way of relieving wid ows and the poor little orphan children. Miss Hattie Eskridge, a most faithful and energetic woman, is its president. There is also the Sunday-school, of which 250 THE BLACK SIDE. Mr. J. S. Brandon has been superintendent for the last six years. Much of the success of this good and great church is due to its charitable spirit and its broad hearted pastor. PAPERS READ TWELFTH ANNIVERSARY AUTHOR'S WORK AS PASTOR OF FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST ,HUP ATLANTA, 3A. THE CALL. BY MISS U. E. CßA.WFOBD, TEACHER IN FOURTH WARD SCHOOL. When the throne of England or any of the great powers of foreign nations have been deprived of their king or queen, their subjects are never at a loss to know who will be their next ruler, as these offices are filled ac cording to birth or hereditarily. When the head of the American nation has been re moved, either by death or expiration of term, the atten tion of every true American citizen is turned to the city of executive power and the all important question of the day then is, who shall take his place ? Who shall stand at the head of this great nation? The same question may be asked by each individual State in reference to her Governor, the city in reference to its mayor. As in politics so it is with institutions of learning and religion. For at the head of all these there must be some one who shall feel the responsibility of all. During the declining years of the venerable and much beloved Father Quarles, when his feeble strength would not permit him to fill his own stand, he would often be seen wending his way to the plant bed of the Baptist pul pit, the Atlanta Baptist Seminary, and draw therefrom a young man in whom he had implicit confidence as a true Christian gentleman, Rev. E. R. Carter, to assist him in his work. And while this young man was ad ministering the gospel to his congregation, he would sit at his back and invoke God's blessing upon him. In the year 1881, after much pressing and hesitation, he consented to go on a mission to the North for the pur- 254 THE BLACK SFDE. THE BLACK SIDE. 255 pose of procuring funds fur the erection of the now fa mous Spelman Seminary. He left Rev. Carter in chargt of his church until he returned. But the allwise Father of all saw fit to call him from his well-harvested field uf labor while away on his mission. And though the hearts of his sons and daughters were grieved at the sudden and unexpected death of their beloved father friend and brother, the question was being asked by each one of them, who shall take his placer What man amonj us is there who is able to lead this people who have been from their earliest existence under the leadership of sc great a man ''. In their grief and excitement it had not 01 eurred to them the possibility of the man who was serving his apprenticeship, as assistant and supporter of their de ceased father, was by divine injunction, under a course of preparation, the result of which would be his calling t the pastorate of the church he was then serving. And finally, after a brief consideration, he was unanimously elected pastor uf Friendship Baptist church. In appearance one may style him a very ordinary look ing man. In character he is firm in his convictions, widt in his views, generous and sympathetic in nature, frank in his expressions, dares to speak his opinions and act: and moves according to the dictates of his own con science. His ability, while he makes no attempt at display, i: well founded. He is a thorough scholar, a deep thinker, eloquent in expression, fluent in language, clear in hi conceptions and arrives at conclusions from a logica standpoint. He has written several books, among them the " Bap tist Pulpit," "Scenes Abroad" and "The Black Side of Atlanta,'' each of which is a masterpiece of thought and ability. Immediately after taking charge of the church, he was informed of the enormous debt of $1,500 which over shadowed the church, the interest being one-third of the principal and if not paid would probabry dispossess them of their home. He did not simply show them their sad plight, but immediately began to devise plans and ways by which the indebtedness of the church could be met ; and by his skillful management the debt was soon can celed, and the hearts of his people rejoiced that the}' could once more worship under their own vine and fig tree. Hardly had this object been accomplished when he inspired them to remodel and beautify the home for which they had paid so dearly. And as usual they took hold with a will. The result of that effort can be seen in the beautiful and delicate designs which adorn these walls ; The displacing of the old pews for the present ones not only gives comfort but adds beauty and capacity ; the removal of the breakable and often smoking [amps, for the beautiful and illuminating gas lights ; the large pipe organ which peals forth its sweet strains of music and often causes the congregation to forget church etti- quette in looking back to see from whence the sound came, takes the place of a much inferior one ; and last, but not least, the many souls which have been added to the cause of Christ since his calling. The work accomplished up to this time covers the short period of six years, in which time the church has been raised to a higher standard financially, intellectually and religiously. In 1891, to show their gratitude and high appreciation for his valuable services and the great work which he had accomplished in so short a time, his congregation extended him an invitation of a tour tu the old country, at their expense ; at which time he traveled extensively 256 THE BLACK SIDE. through the old world, and visited many points of interest and institutions of learning, where he gained much in formation of the manners, customs, fashions and religions of the inhabitants of those countries. That his mind is ever active and that the interest of his people is always at heart was seen when he showed them the importance of the church becoming the pos sessor of the valuable piece of property which adjoins them; for had it remained in the hands of some one who perhaps not regarding the absolute necessity of quietude in or near the house of worship, possibly may have erected a beer factory, a coffin . factory, or some other establishment which might have been detrimental both to the comfort and value of the church. But instead of any of these objectionable features, there now stands the home of the old saints, where they rest from their labor and the church supports them. When we notice the active and ever restless spirit of this man, to move onward and upward, we can but join the poet in saying : " Tel] me not in mournful numbers, Life is but an empty dream, For the soul is dead that slumbers, And things are not what they seem." Coming to his last great step of which we have any knowledge, of lifting up fallen humanity and furthering the cause of Christ, is the organization of the Missionary Society of a few days ago, in this church, and at the head of which stands one of our noblest and most earnest Christian young women, Miss Agnes Boswell. An attempt to explain the good which has been ac complished by this band of Christian workers, would be but to fail. It is enough to say that many a hungry soul has been fed, the naked clothed, and the word of God read to all. THE BLACK WIDE. 257 Too many good things cannot be said of one who is worthy of having a great many good things said of him. But I would not have you understand that while Rev. Carter possesses so many beautiful traits of char acter, eloquence and ability, that he is without any of the shortcomings which generally befall mankind. It may be true that his demonstrations upon people and things of this life may have been based upon false prem ises, from which the true results could not be deduced, yet be it said to his honor that in not one single act of his life was he ever known to degrade, to drag down or to crush his fellow-man: but rather to lift up, to elevate, and to encourage some sad heart. Like Daniel he has often stood almost alone in protect ing the unprotected woman. When the beast in human form would seek to crush out her life, he has come to her rescue, and in words of force and command say to him : " If you are not guilty, if you can establish your own innocence, cast the first stone." And in nine cases out of ten the casting of stones have been few and far be tween. The W. A. W. C. T. U. tender you their congrat ulation for the many years you have led this people and the valuable service given them, and especiallj^for the noble stand which you took in the prohibition campaign in saving our sons and daughters from the demon alco hol, and for God and home and native land. May these twelve brief years i.i which so much work has been crowded, inspire us to do something to make the world better for having lived in it. And though we may not be called to preach, and though we cannot make a speech, we can tell the love of Jesus, we can say he died for all. 858 THE BLACK SIDE. BY REV. J. B. DA.V1S, PASTOR OF CENTRAL AFK1CA" BAPTIST CHUKCH. SIR—I greatly appreciate the compliment which I am this day enjoying in having the pleasure of meeting with you on this occasion. High, however, as is the honor, I cannot for one moment lose sight of the fact that, in ac cepting your invitation to speak at this hour, I am like wise assuming a responsibility which I shall seek to dis charge with all fairness and earnestness, trusting that the time will come, if not now, in your own life when you shall see that the words which I am about to speak have been verified by your own experience. And the topic which I wish to speak about is " Natural Ability as a Preacher." Rev. E. R. Carter, like the Apostle Paul, the great preacher, avails himself of every opportunity to illustrate the truth which he seeks to impress upon the minds of those to whom he preaches or lectures. The Apostle found material which served to illustrate the great truth of the Bible in the Greek games, in the military service,, and even the anatomy of the human body furnished him with abundant opportunity to explain his thoughts. He never hesitates for a moment to employ them, casting aside afi idea of criticism and scorning all thought of censure. [f he wished to speak of the Christian warfare he dressed his thought in the form and garb of the Roman soldier, helmeted and attired in full armor, with weap ons at hand and shield for defense. So with Rev. E. R. Carter, an educated gentleman, an eminent minister of the gospel, a devoted pastor and a profound, practical thinker. From his youth he has been a close observer of every thing around him, and his audiences have, in his lectures and sermons delivered from this rostrum from time to THE BLACK SIDE. 259 time, the result of accumulated years of observation from many standpoints of life—on the farm, in the school room, in business circles, from the pulpit, and in the rounds of pastoral visitations—extensive knowledge of the Holy Land. His keen perceptives have caught and made a moral diagnosis of every idiosyncrasy and pecul iarity of character passing before him, and with his wonderful ability and scalpel of caricaturing art, he has dissected them before the world. If any one should enjoy the distinction of being origi nal in the pulpit, it ought to be Rev. E. R. Carter, D.D. His germons are full of practical every-day life, and with that God-given endowment he moulds from the habits and customs of men a moral and a religious truth. His manner in the pulpit is unique, and attractive to the listener, whether young or old. The genius for natural speaking or preaching is inborn and ineradicable with some persons. It is God-given and, like every other natural endowment, it is bestowed for a good purpose. And accompanying his natural ability is wit, of which one has truly said : "Wit is the ally of truth." Bishop H. M. Turner, introducing Rev. E. R. Carter to some gentlemen, said : " Sir, he is as sarcastical as the devil and as complimentary as an angel." Many of the greatest preachers possess wit and humor in a high de gree. The sparkling and caustic wit of Robert South has brought down his sermons from the seventeenth cen tury to this day. He was the master of polished sar casm, impaling an absurdity on the point of an antithesis with a skill never surpassed. Spurgeon's wit is no small element of the popularity which makes him the first preacher of his generation. Beecher's wit was irrepress ible and brilliant, and did much toward making the Ply- , hu n l 2öU THE BLACK SIDE. THE BLACK SIDE. B61 mouth pulpit in Brooklyn so irresistibly attractive crowded and cultured audiences for so many decades. The same quality is found in Carter, in connection with his astonishing powers as a word painter and theologia. preacher. It was the natural ability and wit of Carter's that has so indescribably shaken one side of these United States during the recent prohibition campaign. One of the daily papers published in Indianapolis, October 3, 1889, speaking of the ability of Rev. Carter, said: "Rev E. R. Carter, who preached on a recent Lord's day the North church, is pastor of a colored Baptist church in Atlanta, numbering twenty-five hundred members. He was at the time in attendance here upon the national meeting of our colored Baptists." He is a "preacher of ability and a graduate of our Home Mission Seminary at Atlanta. He is clear-headed, manly of bright intellect, and has had the advantage of traveling very extensively in Europe. During the late prohibition campaign in this State, Rev. Carter received an invitation to come forthwith to Monroe, Ga., to deliver a prohibition speech. After manj' of Georgia's eminent sons had spoken, he wa» called upon, and, after a brilliant ray of words in illustra tion of the suffering and misery derived from the use ot accursed traffic in liquor, the infernal fire-water, that burns and scorches out all that is noble and grand in humanity. After he had concluded his speech, the gen tleman who had invited him there to speak, rose up and said, that " there never was such a speech made '" this court house since Monroe has been a Monroe " Dr. Geo. A. Lofton, of Alabama, in referring to the defeat sustained by the Prohibition party in the last Pro hibition campaign, held in this magnificent city, said : "What more could have been done to save the city than was done. There is Hawthorne, Grady, Hillyer and Carter, Atlanta's true sons, have done their duty." I see a sketch of his life written by Dr. J. W. Lee, of this city, in which he said: ."Rev. E. R. Carter commands the highest respect and admiration, not only of his own church and denomination, but of all churches and all classes of our people." He is original and unique. His wit and humor are of the freshest and most irresistible kind. His way of putting this is peculiarly striking and Entertaining. Perhaps he has most prominently come before the people outside of his own denomination in con nection with his work for the cause of Prohibition. When his natural ability became so conspicuous in 1885, during the first great uprising on the subject of Prohibi tion, in which he so valliantly fought, he was invited to Richmond, Va., Mississippi, South Carolina, Alabama and Indiana. His speech in Richmond, Va., excited a great deal of attention. Bishop Turner said that while it was being delivered, he thought he caught sight of the ver}- pit as Carter uncovered the meanness of the whisky traffic. So Dr. Lee says there was something however, about the man that went deeper than his speeches. It was his life and bearing. He was threatened, he was persecuted ; the pressure brought to bear upon him to weaken his purpose, was heavy. This only seemed to furnish strength to his zeal and determination. Perhaps it will be universally conceded that if an election was taken in this city as to who was the greatest hero in the prohibi tion campaign of 1887, E. R. Carter would receive almost the unanimous vote. No man among us met more» overcame more than hi did. lion. Pringle, the repre sentative of the Georgia Legislature, has these words in the August i Chronicle : " Amongthe gentlemen who spoke here to-day I would be guilty of gross injustice were I to rate Rev. E. R. 262 THE BLACK SIDE. Carter, pastor of Friendship Baptist church, second to any. At times he dived down into the purest African dialect and showed ability without education; ere he had done this, he soared to the loftiest heights of purest elo quence and diction. Few men have the power as this man." Rising from the mechanic's bench, and as much as St. Paul the master of a trade, he respected labor and laborer« first salutes him with honors. He speaks to them and for them, and they are proud of him. If he exaltes theif destiny, he does not refrain from exposing their faults If they are intemperate, he denounces not them, but in temperance. If they are idlesome he set them an exam ple of unflagging industry. If they are illiterate, he shows how some knowledge had been gained by the evening blaze of tallow candles and by the light which breaks through the crevices of the early morning. In his sermons he never has been betrayed into any ambitious use of language, and seldom decorated any thing with borrowed scraps. Pilate and Herod struck hands, but the brave heart of Carter, strong from con- tinous struggle, flinches in no wise from the task self-im posed and self-sustained. God grant that you might live to see the dead carca?« of the great wrong of intemperance buried forever out of the sight of man, and the once blackened besom of the great Christiandom, pure again from that ancient sin. May you live to do more in this spiritual struggle, amel iorating the condition of humanity, both temporally, in- terlectually and morally. Sin, the enemy of equity, justice and right, is as the colossal forces that shook our broad land, and made its earth-fast foundation tremble with the steps of uncounted hosts. Sir, this world needs men like yourself who can get the great truths out of the Bible, and give it in child-Like simplicity to a dying world THE BLACK SIDE. AS I HAVE SEEN HIM. BY PKOF. W. E. HULMEP, A.M. Re\ . Edward R. Carter was called to the pastorate of Friendship Baptist church April n, 1882, where he has served with acceptance these twelve years. FINANCIAL WORK. On coming into the work he was greatly surprised to learn that a debt of two thousand dollars rested upon the building, this amount having been borrowed from the American Baptist Home Mission Society of New York City to aid in erecting this place of worship. Besides this, there were several obligations of smaller sums here and there to be met in the city. The members were told the condition of affairs, and they went to work cheerfully and promptly to lift from their shoulders this load of debt which had been in curred in providing them with a church home and in op erating it after completion. Appeal after appeal was made with the most gratify ing results. Collection after collection in a remarkably short time liquidated all the debts, and the church stood free and untrammeled to advance the cause of Christ. With a view to encouraging the people and to con gratulate them upon the success of their efforts, a large and enthusiastic meeting was held, before which an in teresting programme of speech and song was carried out to the delight of the entire audience. The building was decorated, and in a conspicuous place was displayed the legend, " Frc^ From Debt."1 Thus discharged of all its obligations, the church has since been prosperous in an eminent degree in every thing it has undertaken. 264 THE BLACK STDE. MATERIAL PROGRESS. Having an eye for the beautiful as well as the useful, under the direction of the pastor the building has been beautified within and improved without. To enable everybody to see what is going on in front, the floor has been elevated at the doors and lowered L. the rear; the pulpit has been enlarged, and on the arch above it, in prominent characters, is the statement from Scripture: "He that believeth and is baptized shall b^ saved." Beautiful cathedral windows take the place the plain, unpretentious sash, and frescoed walls givt evidence of cultivated taste, while from afar a roof of slate glitters in the summer sun. Desiring to lengthen her cords and strengthen her stakes, the church has undertaken, on property of her own, representing an outlay of fifteen hundred dollar to provide for her worthy, indigent poor. And no v while we speak, a number there are beneficiaries of her charity. RELATIONS BETWEEN PASTOR AND PEOPLE. No where can beneficial results be reached without hearty co-operation, concert of action and the close cordial relations. And eminently true is this of the re lations between pastor and people. In Friendship this has been repeatedly illustrated. From the day Mr. Carter was elected to this pastorate to this hour, there has always been the " Faithful FCM to confer with their pastor concerning the interests f the church, to unite with him in furthering the succès. of Zion, and to strengthen his hands and encourage his heart all the time and everywhere. Nor have they been slow to give liberally of their means to enhance his happiness and promote his welfare. At the suggestion of one of his sincerest friends, the; * THE BLACK SIDE. 2fift have several times sent him North to spend vacation, and twice they have sent him abroad to revel in the beauties of other lands and to gather information for in creased usefulness at home. So far as known, they took the initiative in this worthy, generous step. SPIRITUAL RESULTS. So much for material results and general success. But the noblest, the most enduring, and by far the most signal success, has been in the realm of grace. Anxious to add to the excellent work already begun and so ably carried forward, the new pastor began at once to labor for seuls for the Master, and in this line of endeavor he has brought much to pass. Ninety persons every year—eleven hundred the entire time—have come into the church as the result of his earnest labors. And what more shall I say r The crown of his re joicing is bright, shining as the sun, and when in the presence of our Redeemer, where are joys forever more, he shall be called to receive it; he will be wel comed with the salutation: "Well done, thou faithful servant; enter thou into the joys of thy Lord." HIS ABILITY AS A HERO IN THE TEMPER ANCE CAUSE. BY LEWIS COX. There has been much said as to the cause of temper ance reigning in this section of this country. There have been a good many plans on foot to oust intemperance ; many speeches have been made by our best citizens, who have lost many a sleepless night planning and arranging as to how we shall take advantage of this monster. 266 THE BLACK BIDE. THE BLACK HIDE. 267 Among some of our most eloquent was the Hon. H. W. Grady, who now sleeps beneath the clods awaiting the final judgment, when the Lord shall say unto those who have done good unto the resurrection, " Come ye blessed of my Father;" Hon. George Hillyer, the Hammonds, Sam Jones, Sam Small, Dr. Morrison,Dr. J. B. Hawthorne, Captain Milledge, Captain Harry Jackson, Alex Smith and D. L. Moody. Thus we see one among the Anglo-Saxon race who maneuvered the campaign fields and could always locate the enemy, was Mr. H. W. Grady, who seemed to be first and foremost in planning for his people. Many laurels he has won for his race, and yet to remember him the people of Atlanta have set up a monument in a street of Atlanta that all who pass by that way may be reminded of the great hero who once lived and did so much for the elevating of his race. And last, but not least among the great men of our race who did what they rould in promoting the cause was Rev. E. R. Carter, Bishop Gaines, Bishop Turner John W. Young, who now sleeps beneath the clods, and Granderson, Price, the great negro historian who by his eloquence won for himself and race many honors. Both white and black pronounce him an orator, but the .Lord has taken this great man away through his provi dence to live with the just men made perfect. Among the many speakers among our people there seems to be one distinguished from the rest, whose mo tive in life is to make a mark that unborn generation who shall come after him will see his foot prints on the sands of time, and will know from reading history that the great temperance hero lived. This great hero is in the person of our distinguished pastor and orator, Rev. E. R. Carter, whose aim in life is to promote his race, and whose greatest ambition is to see his people prosper and to do everything in his power to elevate them to a higher stand ard in life. In fact, he is a model preacher, who has studied extensively and knows exactly what good thing to give his people. As a maneuverer in the gospel min istry he has no equal. A man for this day, has written extensively. First, " Our Pulpit Illustrated," a book worthy to be in any house; second, a book known as the " Black Side of Atlanta," that is now in the press, and still another called "Descriptive Scenes of Europe and the Orient." Thus you see the time he has spent in preparing good literature and money too cannot be compared with the glory that shall be revealed e'er he's gone. Let us as young and old ones too throw our arms around such a man and show him that we as a race ex pect to stick up to our race and honor them to whom honor is due, then we can say as one has said, United we stand, but divided we fall. So powerful and influential was the speeches that they were stereotyped and sent all over this State and other States in the Union as a standard and temperance com- paign document. Thus by the power of the press his speeches on this great subject has gone nearly the round of America, into nearly every family, and has done much to shape and mold the great and powerful sentiment of temperance in this great nation. From the compliments and eulogies which the papers of this country have paid to our pystor, I think I can be warranted to say that there is no man, living or dead, that has undergone more to glorify the temperance cause and to battle down the strong hold of the traffic in liquor, than the man whose twelfth anniversary we meet here to-day from all over this beautiful city to celebrate. We may, reviewing things as we do of the past, truthfully and rightfully entitle him, as the Dow of the Negro race in the temperance cause. Bfi8 THE BLACK SLUE. And may God grant that from the heroism that hat been displayed in our pastor from this pulpit and nearly everj- rostrum and platform and stump in this State and other States, so inspire and enthuse and mold and form in every man and woman that here is to-day to catch on fire from this hero and rise to that eminence that will make them a blessing to home, to God and native land. A PURPOSE AND WILL. BY MISS SARAH DOZIER. TEACHER TN THIRD W CCHOOL. There may be somewhere on the globe, men who have made themselves conspicuous to the world's eye as men of prominence, of interest and wealth who started ou without a Purport, a/id Will in life, men who have rowec their life-boat at random, men who have truly reached the top, but how few men have climbed the ladder cf fame and prosperity, beginning with the round thai rested upon the ground to the one that leans against the highest summit of human ambition, were men who had marked out for themselves in life this motto, " A Pnrfjut and Will." A purpose and will means nothing more than a fixed destination. This all men should have,for it give one mort zeal, makes him courageous, makes him indeed a warrior for the fixed purpose, and like the eagle which seeks tu rise above the mighty thunder storm, struggles, battle; and wrestles with the mighty winds (all the while with hie head upturned as if desirious of fixing his eye nn tht goal), and screams only when he has proven to himself at least that he had a " purpose and will," when he can calmly spread his pinions and sail above the storm- THE BLACK SIDE. 269 Not that the same person may become successful in all occupations in life, but it is enough that success is achieved in a single occupation, proves much to that man. He deserves well of his fellowmen and may justly respect himself. He had in life mapped out a purpose and will and accomplished it. This man, though young in years, recognizing the divine call, without a thought of self, and a heart full of love for God and mankind, has proved beyond a contra diction that He, without whose knowledge a sparrow cannot fall, takes care of His own. He seemed to have realized that the highest success is achieved by making the most of one's powers and opportunities. He works in accordance with the will of the Master, and when dif ficulties confront him, they vanish before him as do the mists from the morning sun. But to the limited advan tage for intellectual improvement, he has accomplished infinitely more by force of his natural abilities than have many who have ample stores of useful information. Out of the material furnished and in accomplishing the controlling purpose of life, he has placed himself where he now stands. He has been advanced from one position to another, in each of them showing himself capable of meeting the demands made upon him. His aim is high, and to help him reach it, he has availed himself of all the help, in the way of learning that were accessible; he has read only to learn more emphatically that God made all men to be brethren and that Christ gave as the sum total of his doctrine, that they should love one another. Let us take a view of the past twelve years of his life, when he first became pastor of this church. Just think a church of fifteen hundred members, a pulpit left vacant by the death of its dearly beloved pastor, he stepped in as a son taking up the great work? has labored under many disadvantages to lead his people [INI l'IT'i 270 THE BLACK SIDE. to the desired haven. Notice the path through which lit is passing. It is one of obstacles and difficulties, but be ing a self-made man he has worked his way up from the base to its summit. In preaching to his congregation he always bears in mind the old as well as the young. With these two force he has struggled night and day and succeeded in finding words to please both, and to-day when he takes his stand in the pulpit, mother and daughter, father and son, wit ness together the glorious truths that falls from his lip?. His purpose is not to gather a band about seif, but unite a company around the Savior. He has not only devoted his time and talent to his own church, but has also gone abroad to better the moral condition of his race. Take, for instance, the work he undertook in ad vocating the cause of prohibition. In this movement he has made himself famous. During the great struggle in this cause in 1885, he stood, as it were, almost alone and defended his cause. He made in this campaign a name that is a household word with prohibitionists of the South. Look, if you will, at the enemies on all sides in the form of friends—men who walked daily by his side with smiles and words enough to cause him to cry out : "Truly the victory will be ours!" But in the midst of the great combat he is often found alone, and with a pur pose and will, conquers his foe. Another instance in which he has experienced great difficulties, is in preaching to his people on the subject of emigration. He was threatened and the pressure brought to bear upon him to weaken his purpose was heavy. Has he faltered ? No, it has seemed only to furnish strength to his zeal and determination. He has lived, and the people have lived to see and experience that many of the things he preached to them are indeed truths. THE BLACK SIDE. 271 It must ha"^e taken a man of purpose and will to stand under such difficulties, amidst opposition of such strength. In viewing his life from early boyhood to where he now stands, we can ste supreme purposes which he has formed running through his whole career. He has a mark in view, and is pursuing it steadily. It requires purpose, will and oneness of aim and invincible determination, to succeed. He has experienced the great difference be tween men, between the great and the insignificant, z> energy, invincible determination, an honest purpose once fixed, and then death or victory. This quality will do anything in the world, and no tal ents, no circumstances, will make a creature a man with out it. The very reputation of being strong-willed and indefatigable is of priceless value. Such purpose and will have enabled him to cower his enemies and dis pel the opposition that was about to confront him. He started in life with a determination to reach a certain po sition, and adhered unwaveringly to his purpose, rejecting the advice of the over-cautious. Can such a man fail ? No, he will not fail, but is continuing to work until he reaches goal for which he set out. He is a man who sees but little impossibility in what ever he undertakes. If he waits and does nothing, the reason is that he wants an opportunity to carry out his purpose. He has formed in his mind a divine purpose ; it has governed his conduct, as the laws of nature gov ern the operation of physical forces. I dare say, had he not been a man of courage and full of the divine will power, he could not and would not be standing where he is to-day. For the success which he has enjoyed, and for the wide, extended influence which he has exerted, not only in his own State, but in other States, ought not the church to be proud of such a man ? 272 THE BLACK SIDE. I have not written in terms of fulsome flattery of one, nor would I convey the impression of invidious compari son, but because he merits it, I repeat and affirm all I have stated in the assertion, that of all the choice spirits who preach the Gospel of the Son God, he is one. POSITIVENESS OF SPEECH. BY MHS. A. BAKSWELL, Teachi r in Fourth Ward richool. Many know when to speak and what to say, but do not know how to say it. Many know how to speak, but fail to do so. Such possessions as these are possessed either with selfishness, cowardice or hypocrisy. Then there are few, very few, who know how to speak, and do speak in the real way. When, by chance, we find one of this few we should confer upon him the greatest hon ors, for this plain, positive, open way of speaking is the best way to reach the minds of the people. No doubt this very reflection has been stamped upon the mind of Rev. Carter, and that is why he chose this simple way of imparting his knowledge. He considers the classes of people that he has to minister unto ; for they range from the old gray-haired fathers and mothers ofrthe dark days of slavery to the young blooming child of the nine teenth century; from the most ignorant to the most learned. Yet, even though his mind is filled with a knowedge of the various languages; even though he can reason with philosophers and contest with the great men of the nation, he knows that this is not the time nor the place for it. So he places himself in an attitude to make the lowest understand. He does not come in with all THE BLACK SIDE. 273 the fine words of Webster, with his hyperbolical expres sions and oracular speeches to crowd out and crush down the understanding of the unlearned. But he is one of the very few who know how to talk, and who talks in the real way. He comes with good common sense rea soning; not with a puff and a blow, but to give the truth in a plain way, so as to reach the hearts of the peo ple. He has that quality of candor in him which is one of the first if not the foremost of all qualities a man can possess. He is the man with power and not show; and throughout the land you will find that the man who has power is rather to be preferred than the one who has show. Rev. Carter pours out his heart's blood into the channels of public prosperity, but he does it in a way open to all. His hearers are carried away with him; they follow him in all that he says, because they can under stand even every change of feeling. He speaks without mingling his speeches with falsehood. If he has to speak that he will do it and do it candidly. If he is aske.d his honest opinion, that will he give in spite of all the foes that may rise against him. Once I heard him say, " that if he had to be a man's enemy because he spoke his opin ions, why then he would be his enemy." That very ex pression, in my opinion, won for him the name of a man who is not afraid of the truth. Sometimes I think he is too plain and that if he were to withhold some things of his mind he might the more gain the favor of the public. But he does not regard public sentiment; he cares nothing for the thoughts of the world. Let them do what the}7 may his thoughts are his own and he does not smother them when they should be known. He knows what he does know; he knows when to make it known, and he makes it known in a distinct way. I say now, as I said in the beginning, that if any man cannot 18 274 THE BLACK Snip;. speak his mind because of fear then he is a coward: and if any man will not speak his opinion because of friend ship's sake he is a hypocrite. Let us then reflect upou this; let us imitate the example of Rev. Carter. For, to say the least of it, is to say that it is simply honest. W t all know that any undertaking, clear, round dealing the best deal. We have been told that this winding way this twist, this turn about is the course of the serpent that God has lowered. If any rnan tates this \vuy he lowers his character and covers himself with shame. Lt- us walk in the straight path then; for sooner or laU it will gain for us the principal instruments for tin which are trust and belief. We will see that, as the poet says : There's wit there, we'll get there, We'll linrl no orlii'i where. WALTER H. LANDRUM, MASTEE OF CEKE MOISI T.Eb. DEA.R BROTHERS, SISTERS AND FRIENDS: We gathered this beautiful Sabbath to celebnne the tweli anniversary uf the administration of the Rev. E R. Car ter's work with us in this our church. A little over twelve years ago it pleased the omnipc tent and all-wise God to transfer the late Frank Quarle our much beloved pastor, from this world of woe and misery to the celestial city above the sun, moon and star... My much beloved brothers and sisters, I knu« you remember him well— yes, I know you do. Ye just as true as I am standing here. I believe I have livin witnesses to what I shall say At times away down in the souls of you who labored with the Rev Quarles, can't you hear him giving THE BLACK SIDE. 275 that favorite hymn of his? Yes, when the Rev. Quarles' soul was kindled with the flames from on high, he would rise up with the tears running down his cheeks— I Servant uf God, well done, Rest from thy loved empluy; The battle fought, the victory won, Knter thou thy Muster' ' li The voice of midnight rame, lie started up to hear ; A mortal arrow pierced his trame tie fell, bu1 felt no fear. ( Tile pains of death are past Labor and sorrow cease, And life-long warfare closed at last, Eis Mjul is found in peace. 4 Soldier of Christ, well done, Praise be thy new employ, And while Pternal age« run, Rest in thy »Savior's joy. Now, to Father Täte, Father John Carter, James Holmes, Rivers and Houston, you who labored with the Rev. Quarles so long, at times in your bosoms you can hear the very sounds of his lining, and the tinkling music of his favorite hymn, of which I have, just spoken, ringing and shall continue to ring until God shall call you hence. God will not let the work of his people die. But let us go back to the subject of to-day—the twelfth anniversary of the administration of the Rev. E. R. Carter. Twelve years ago this church was with out a leader. The eyes of the deacons were turned in every direction, thinking what would be the best for the church. The prayers of the sisters ascended on high. The God that we serve being surrounded by a legion of angels, making music both day and night : but in the midst of all that magnificent music the prayers of Friend ship church were heard. God sent forth a young man 276 THE BLACK SIDE. by the name of Rev. E. R. Carter to lead his people on ward and upward toward the celestial city. But stop! Satan was not asleep. Some of the members began to find fault, saying the young man Carter was too young; others said the debt that hung over this church was too great for a man of his age. The young man Carter being a commissioned officer of God, his papers all duly signed by the Supreme Hand of the universe, took his little army here, much out in the fields, delivering the church from the great debt and add ing hundreds of souls to her list. Thus we have gathered to return our sincere thanks t( our God for the twelve years' journey in the wilderness. A LOOK BACK OVER THE PASTOR'S WORK. BY MRS. MAMIE (JACKSON) TÄTE. As we look back upon the silent ocean of the past twelve years, of which our beloved pastor, Rev. E. R. Carter, has been our leader, we find that they are marke.1 ones in the history of our community. [n the year 1882, he was called to preside over the congregation of Friendship Baptist church, which at that time was a very small number. As the years rolled on the church grew in membership, financial strength, and in fluence, and is now considered the second strongest of any Negro organization in the State of Georgia. Under the philosophical leadership of Re". Carter this church has been successful in all of its undertakings; and has given largely to the educational and missionary work. Its organization, growth and usefulness are mosl remarkable. In the midst of the pastor's .grand work, THE BLACK SIDE. 277 which is his happiness, there has beat around him, not once but repeatedly, storm after storm, and at times they seemed as if they would carry him down ; but he stood undismayed in the midst of he temptest, while darkness seemed to bar the way, sustained by strong faith through which he saw a brighter day, for beyond that belt of darkness, where the years will roll on as rippling and caressing waves, around the green islands fragrant with the breath of flowers that never wither and whose atmos phere is joy and peace, there alone is life. When the great waves of sorrow or depression have come striking at individuals, he has never failed to give them needed consolation. Notwithstanding the many difficulties which have surrounded him, he has thrown out the life line and brought many safely to the shore. Friends, can we be otherwise than grateful for such a man as Rev. E. R. Carter ? For I doubt if there has ever been such a record of any man, living or dead, black or white, on this continent in so brLf a time as this one which is being brought before us to-day. Does not the world need such men P Yes, we want more men like the one who stands at the head of Friend ship church, which a time like this demands, men with great hearts, strong minds, true faith and willing hands; men whom the lust of office does not kill, men whom the spoils of office can not buy, men who possess opinions and a will, men who have honor, and men who will ïinf. lie.. A GOOD SHEPHERD. BY MAJOK S. W. EASIiEY. JR. I am to speak to you of a good shepherd as contra distinguished from "The Good Shepherd." The term shepherd in this sense is applied to one who provides I III 278 THE BLACK HIDE. spiritual food for his flock, in whom he takes pleasure in caring for and constantly holding before them the love of God, the cross on Calvary, the bleeding wounds ot Him who died for mankind, a pleader of our cause be fore the Great I Am, a loving Savior, the Prince of peace and King of kings. He who does this is truly , good shepherd, as was exemplified on the plains of Beth lehem when the angelic choir appeared unto the shep herds, apprising them of the fact that the Emanuel was born. This that choir of choirs did with a song of such melody and sweetness that the sound thereof is still upon the wings of the wind, which causes the blood-washed souls to become enchanted at each recurring sound. Does the shepherd of this mighty flock in whose be half these exercises are being held to-day, come up tu this standard ? Is he mindful of his flock, standing be fore them with an acquitted conscience of a duty well done ? From my observation of him I have gleaned the following: It is always a difficult task to even fairly estimate the character and purposes of a man filling an exalted pos tion-. He is so far removed from the ordinary plane tha his in-coming and out-going are a mystery to most uf mankind. Few people know him well. The multitude must gather their knowledge of him through the mist conjecture and take their view of his conduct from b hind other people's spectacles. Years of association with men of more or less import ance have taught me many useful lessons in criticism. A man of prominence once said that you never really know a man until you have been with him in his bibulous as well as his graver moments. This is entirely true. The most difficult of all the work writers have to do i to make an estimate of a prominent man and his act from the eminence upon which he stands. Criticism i THE BLACK SIDE. 279 therefore often as unjust as applause is undeserved. In this spirit and in this light I am viewing Rev. E. R. Carter, pastor of this church, whose broad personality is worthy of careful consideration. I have been led to make this attempt at an estimate of the character of the most accomplished and scholarly Baptist minister in Georgia, and is therefore rightly called a good shepherd. The doings and sayings of men in high places are uft- timcs magnified or dwarfed by those whose self-interest intrudes eulogy or defamation upon those who have not the opportunity of seeing and hearing for themselves There is an old and true adage that " No man is a hero to his valet," yet he may be a hero to the many who can not reach him. There is no one so great in this world that he is not an ordinary individual to some one. The character under revision to-day by this congrega tion is knuwn to you as one possessing lofty traits of Christian virtues, a personification of the lowly Nazarine, the embodiment of a true and faithful shepherd. Those of us who cast our eyes heavenward at nigh1- and as we hehold the bright planets that adorn the skies with their radiance of light and splendor, we observe the satalites around which cluster the smalle: ones. So it is with us to-day clustering around a servant of God commissioned by Him to preach Christ to a dying world, and how well he has done so, the records of this house of God is an answer for that. We are asked to-day to stop and celebrate the twelfth anniversary of the installation of the pastor of this church. To me it is both a pleasure and a pride to be permitted to add my feeble and humble testimony to the intellectual, moral and Christian worth of our friend and brother. 11 III È80 THE BLACK SIDE. LINES, BY LITTLE MISS PEABL SCHELL, At the Author's Twelfth Anniversary of his work as Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church. 1 The man I came to speak of to-day Is one of whom the people say Is a mighty speaker in every way. ii He was born in Athens, they say, A city not far away, In the year of fifty-six— The day of the month not accurately fixed. 'a He came to Atlanta in seventy-nine, And in the people's hearts he began to entwine, For he always -was a fellow not to be left behind. 4 He drove the peg with hammer of shoemaker's kind, That he might stay in school and prepare himself for t'_. task of the times. •r) In eighteen hundred and eighty-four, He finished college and went no more, For the Master's work called him to go. .SU.MMIOK KILL UKAM.MAK Hl'HOOL. il THE BI.ACK SIDE. È81 ABSTRACT OF AN ADDRESS. BY WM. E. HOLMES, Delivered before the white teachers at Gainesville, Ga., June, 1894. Besides the teachers there were present members of the Board of Education, Hall county, the expert in charge of the white teachers' institute, lawyers, the col ored teachers of Gainesville and the county, and the col ored pastors. The address delivered at the request of Hon. John T. Wilson, Sr., Commissioner of Education, Hall county, was as follows: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: I am glad this opportunity presents itself. I shall improve it to the extent of my ability in the brief space of time allotted me to speak to you. I am always glad to address an audience of this kind. Two years ago before one of the largest and most representative gatherings ever assembled in the historic old First Church of the Baptist denomination in Philadel phia I was invited to speak. To that body 1 spoke of the Negro, and to you I shall speak of the same subject, because everywhere there is misapprehension, misunder standing on this subject. And the cause of all this in the South is. that Eor thirty years—the life of a generation— you have not known anything of the Negro; you stand aloof from him; you have no adequate conception of the progress he has made since '65: nor do you know what he is reading, what he is thinking, or what he is doing. In that elder day when he sustained the relation of slave to you, and you master to him, you saw more of him in your houses. You visited his cabin and his more pretentious dwelling place. He worshiped in your meet ing houses and at your firesides, but with freedom came THE HIDE. mistrust, alienation, and the withdrawal of your assic ance and kindly advice. Thus left alone, ignorant and irresponsible, to become an easy prey to the demagogue who sought power and preferment at his hands, and the South herself is ri sponsible for the condition of affairs which follower emancipation. But here let me not rest. The Negro is misrepre «ented whenever he asks the worth of his money On railway lines and river steamers he asks not that his associate, but that instead of crowding him into third- rate compartments where the air is vitiated with th • smoke of the white man's cigar, and the water cup are used to drink whibky from, you provide him wit., accommodations commensurate with the expense travel involves Why charge him first-class rates, and in return gi\ ^ him such fare ? At present L is neither safe not r.omfui able for our women to travel any considerable distam alone on common carriers in most Southern State». \n yet when we ask that this condition of things be changed, the cry of "social equality" is raised, when, in trull there is not a sober, sensible Negro on the American con tinent who desires or seeks admission to your social circle' This whole thing of social equality is a bugbear, and ex ists only in the minds of those who harp upon it. The Negro is the best peasantry in the world, talk about filling up the South with the hordes of immi grants who by the half million every year crowd our shores. You are talking and planning to introduce pe^- ple here who are out of harmony with the genius and spirit of our government ; people prepared to create reign of terror of which the. Negro never dreams. You are planning to have enacted here such scenes as tho« THE BLACK SIDE. 283 through which our fellow-countrymen passed recently at Chicago, Boston, New York, and other places. Let the white people of the South but make the over tures to the Negro they are making to the anarchists, to the communists, to the socialists, and every old red hill would be crowned with plenty and every neglected valley would smile with the products of his labor. Why should not the Negro be trusted ? From day to day, patient and uncomplaining, he goes to his task under conditions no other people would endure. Why should not the Negro be trusted now ? When the permanence and stability of this union was at stake, and you of the South, at Bull Run, Shiloh, and Gettysburg, contended for what you believed to be right, behind you were your wives and your little ones, left to the keeping of the faithful Negro about whose limbs you were forg ing more tightly the chains slavery, and during that entire struggle there wa» not one black hand uplifted to to strike down the least of those committed to his care. The Negro is an American citizen, and he is concerned for the welfaie of American institutions and the perpe tuity of American government And here let me state that, however good and law-abiding may have been the parents of the present generation of Negroes, their sons and successors are no less so. Here and there among them is'ifound the vicious, shift less, lawless element-—and where is it not found?—bu i I deny that education has unfitted these people for res idence in the land that gave them birth. It has helped them; it has not hurt them; it has done them good; it has not done them harm; it has lifted them up; it has not cast them down. In conclusion, I would say Northern institutions for the higher education of the Negro have not, as some have claimed, made the Negro the enemy of his Southern 284 THE BLACK RIDE. THE BLACK 285 white neighbor. On the contrary, these schools have opened the eyes of the Negro to his duty to himself and to his fellow-men. If you and all the other white people of these Southern States knew what these schools are do ing for the South in giving it a more desirable class of citizens, in preparing them to develop its resources, and so become powerful factors in its material advancement, you all would commend the public spirited philanthropists of the North for furnishing the means to reach such results. I declare there cannot be found anywhere within the limits of the old Confederacy better or more effectual agencies at work making law-abiding, useful citizens if the Negro than the seminaries of learning everywhere in the South, which stand as monuments to the patriotism and humanity of Northern benefactors. invoke God's blessing upon these benefactors, and J pray that the light of his countenance may shine upon the institutions they have founded for the education of this race. And may they continue to be what they have thus far proved to be, powers Eor good to the latesr generation of man. Hoping what I have said may lead you to think more favorably of the race I represent, and thanking you, ladies and gentlemen, for your patient and polite attention, [ have done whal I regard a very pleasant dut}-. LET US PL\Y THE M A.N. sketch of a sermon preached before the Second Battalion oi Govurnor'h \Tolunteer.= (GiO on the fourth Sunday in .Inly by the Author We are living in one of the grandest countries on the face of the globe ; none like it anywhere. Whatcvi we may think of it, because of our attitude and situation in it, of course, protection of life, property, liberty, friends, and all other civil rights are of the first and high est importance with the people of the government; and if these things are neglected in reference to any part of its citizens, the country where that part of its citizens live will be taught by such treatment to seek a panacea for their ills, and will regard the local district and geograph ical line that encircles the spot of their habitation as the whole country, and that the meanest and most unright eous spot upon the globe, but this will not blot out the fact of its grandeur in all. There are other countries that may have some features that accord with our idea as to how a country ought to deal in equity with all of its subjects, and this idea may create dissatisfaction in the ill-treated part of that govern ment, and with the love of liberty that burns in their bosom, may stir them to seek another clime, and as they go, shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against it. But on arriving at this goodly land, we come in contact with a more formidable foe, and may be called eternally to the battle-field to protect our property, religion, liberty and family. Worse than all, swim through a sea of blood to maintain them, so far as the right to own prop erty in this country. We can own all we can pay for. So far as religious liberty, no man dare to molest us; so far as civil liberty, we may walk, stand, and act where we please. So far as our standing, walking, and acting are in the bounds of the law, and when I say this, I am not blind to nor ignorant of the troubles, drawbacks, hin drances and mighty resistances which, as a part of this grand republic, we have to encounter. But, my fellow-brethren, we are not the only creatures of God's great creation that have to meet and encounter and struggle for the place they would occupy on this mighty, prolific, and progressive globe. All things have •28G THE BLACK ST DE. to struggle with all their might and main for the point < eminence for which they are striving to reach. Th< mighty king of day, as he rises out of the womb of tin morning, has to struggle against the darkness of a pr< ceding night with a mighty burning tgrch of light to gai" his reign; the silvery lights that aid the way-worn trave have to struggle through air and cloud, and a thousanc other forces to give its light to earth's inhabitants; th< little stream that comes tumbling down the crags uf mighty Alpine peak through valley and plain, pushing ana shoving and dividing its way around curves, being re pelled and tossed backward and forward before it reache, the mighty ocean. It seems to be the order of nature and the plan of Providence to develop and improve a nation of people through this method of discipline, and its sub jects have only to wait for the fruits of its operation. "The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be tht flower." It has just been a few centuries since the Jew v,^^ hated, persecuted, and brutally treated in Europe. Ann these very same people by wise conduct have arisen fro... this abject state tu the best society and position that within the gift of the United Kingdom. I have onlyneet to refer to the Rothschilds, the monarchial gold- bugs; their moneys are loaned in every part the world. Benjamin Disraeli ',j another might1 power that has arisen of the Jewish nation in thi United Kingdom. He was despised and rejected of men. How bitter these words are, especial!}' to the despised man; it weighs on his ambition like a millstone around his neck. So felt Benjamin Disraeli, the Jew. To r Jew was to be out of the pale of English society, eligibl'' to no office, ground down by special taxes. After wurl ing earnestly for many years, he was at last rejoiced «ee the "Emancipation ol the Jews" act passed b} TIIK BLACK SIDE. •287 English Parliament, and he was elected by a small bor ough as its representative in the British House of Com mons. When he made his first speech there, he became so confused and embarrassed that, amidst the jeers and laughter of the other member0, he sank back silent into his seat. The ridicule so stung him, that he jumped up again and a lid, "You laugh at me now, but the time will orne when ynu will laugh with me." By patient inclus- y, at last, he was acknowledged to be the first rheto rician in the house, and when Disraeli rose in his seat, the empty benches became filled as if by magic, and the morning newspapers everywhere were filled with his great spe^chc^. The words of this Jew moved the em perors and kings of other countries, and he became the exponent c English ideas to the powers of the earth everywhere He became the most trusted minister of Queen Victoria, until at last, fur his great services to her and the English nation, she said, "You are no longer plain Mr. Benjamin Disraeli, the Jew, but you shall be called "The Right Honorable Earl of Beaconsfield, a peer and nobleman of England, and the leader of the Hou^e of Lords, and second only to prince of the blood royal." At the dose of the Russian-Turkish war, Russia dic tated peace to Turkey, but th« other European powers objected to the San Stefano treaty, and demanded that a conference should be held. The result was a meeting of the representatives of all the great powers in Berlin, Germany. Lord Beaconsfield was sent to represent Great Britain, and among all the great ones of these great countries, Lord Beaconsfield was elected chairman of that conference, to which the destiny of nations wa« intrusted, and the peace of the world involved. When he returned to England, the enthusiam of the people was beyond description when he stood up in his place near 28« THE BLACK SIDE. the throne and said, " He had brought back from Berlin to London peace with honor." At last, full of years and honor, he lay down to his last sleep amid the wail of a grief-stricken nation. Around the grave stood the great ones of the earth,princes, kings, and emperors, none too great to do him reverence. He ives to-day, as no other statesman does, in the hearts of his countrymen. He alone has had dedicated and set apart a special day to commemorate his memory. On the anniversary of his death, his favorite flower, the prim rose, will be seen decorating the homes and persons of high and low, rich and poor, in England, and if you ask its meaning, the people will say, "This is primrose day, kept in honor of Benjamin Disraeli, the despised Jew." And now what do 1 mean by telling this bit of history of a despised race but to show you what is true of one race may be true of another, especially when its men will do their whole duty, and have for their sole object thi_ elevation of the people. Benjamin Disraeli did not comt to honor by incendiary speeches and teaching his de spised race anarchy and rebellion, but by being a loya citizen himself, and teaching his people the same, and playing the man for them. What we want are men. God give us men! A time like this demands Groat hearts, strong minds, trie faith, and willing hands. Men whom the lust of offic.fi does not kill ; Men whom the spoils of office cannot bu> Men who possess opinions and a will ; Men who have honor, men who will not lie ; For while the rabble, with their thumb-worn creeds. Their large professions and their little deeds, AVrangle in selfish strife lo! Freedom weeps, Wrong rules the land, and waiting Justice sleeps. -Olirer Wemlell Holmes. This was not in the land where they were recognized ns men, and allowed every proper representation, but wher they were ridiculously treated,sneered at, rebuked, and de- I THE BLACK 289 spised that they have arisen to so great a height of eminence and altitude of power and recognition. And what is true of this people, is true of any nation or race of people who will adopt the wisest and best method of producing peace with the race among whom they are living, and follow it. Know this that there is no place teeming with such op portunities and advantages for aiding a people to the highest plane of civilization. We often charge bad gov ernment with most of the wrongs that we have received, and then seek to check them by changing the govern ment by political measures; and so we say that if the Wilson bill goes overboard the country will be better. If the Force bill goes into effect old things will pass away, and behold all things will become new. If we had some change in the government that would give all subjects fair recognition and representation, then this would be a grand country; hut these remedies have been applied in part, and still we are in want of a panacea. What then? We see what we want, we feel what we want, but where is the statesman that ever stood in (Jongress, in the Senate, that ever formed the law or constructed a mode of government that ever met the approval of all people. God himself has never yet done it, and man need not ex pect it from sinful and erring man. The thing for us to do as a part of this grand republic, is to view the state of affairs ->s respecting us in the clearest light, and seek in the most peaceful wa}', with the race which we arc liv ing and bound to live, the wisest and best method of ad justing them. Hot-headedness and incendiary speeches never bring peace, hut will sink deeeper and deeper the prejudice and envy that now exist between the two races, into irreconcilable depth. There is no other way for us to live with another race but to seek mutual con fidence and pursue it. We have tried politics long enough; 290 THE BLACK SIDE. we have looked forward to the results of political meas ures in hope of a resurrection from all our ills, and still we are in our graves without hope of ever living again. The main thing for us to do is to become reconciled with our opponents. All the wrongs done us in the South art not from a natural pesonal hatred or personal envy which they have against us as a people, but from the relation which we sustain to the Republican party, and the Re publican party to us. The Republican party, in its incip- iency, guarantees so many things contrary and inherent to the Democratic principles, and we being in such awaj allied to the Republican party, we are ever made subject; of their hatred and victims of their spleen. If both par ties had left off many harsh measures, which have been used for adjusting the things relative to our condition, we no doubt long since would have been enjoying the samt features of recognition and representation that an}7 other unltked element, in the form of people dwelling in tht midst of this great nation, has enjoyed; but howevt dark and cloudy may seem the state of affairs, I candidly believe that there is a turning point for our good, but no1- in partyism, nor in political reformation, because all polif- ical reforms of to-day are nothing but tricks, and what ever danger and destruction and hurtful results that are in these reforms, the poor and ignorant part of the gov ernment are the sole victims. See the state of affair* that is now in our midst; the people of the country, in wild confusion, snatched the government with their ballo from the wisest statesman that the nation ever witnessed, thinking that a new reform would better the condi tion of the country. Alas! ere they had cleared the poll and the grand old ship of State had been launched for glorious voyage on the sea of Democracy, she sprung « leak in the lower deck of tariff reform, and she went down into the gulf of bankruptcy, carrying with her almos THE BLACK SIDE. 291 every conceivable form of industry; and as E watched her sinking into the deep, I saw the poor and ignorant class perish with her, while a few of the crew, such as the gold- bugs, leaped from the upper deck upon a little plank that floated upon the rough sea. The Wilson bill tried to save their lives, and all who looked on thought that they would finally be lost, and the plank on which they floated only left a sign of where they went down. Viewing these things as we have, and seeing that we have not as yet obtained any permanent and abiding benefit, let us not grow despondent, nor become discouraged and give up the ship, for things are not even now what they used to be. Many changes have taken place are taking place every day for our good, and as slow as they may seem to come, the day is breaking, and the skies of our political condition are already reddening with a beautiful and glorious sunlight of a charming day of recognition. Only let us do our part well in all the trusts that are vouchedsafed to us by the government, the people, and the nation, and take the advice of the Mighty General of the armies of Isreal, " Be of good courage, and play the men for our people, and for the dtit'N of our God and the Lord, do that that seemeth good to them." THE NEGRO IN ORATORY. Delivered before the Teachers' Association of Georgia, June, 1X94, at Augusta, Ga. Mr. President and the Teachers of (jrcorgia ^s I esteem the opportunity that has been given me to speak to you to-day as a great privilege, and the sense of the honor conferred by the distinguished presiding 292 TifK BLACK SIDE. officer of this department is so profoundly fraught with |-our estimation of my ability to speak to you upon this subject that I find it exceedingly difficult to select words to express my feelings of the honor conferred. The negro, in genera], has shown himself fully suso tible of the fullest development in all the arts and scienc" that have been discovered in this nineteenth century. As a historian, Johnson has fully shown competency, on th part of the negro, to write the story of facts in details While he may not have had the time and experienc and hereditary associations drawn about him that man^ of the brightest stars in this sphere of literary sky, y le has arisen so high in the midst of the mighu constellation, that its brilliancy can be recognized by the most cultured, acute minds in such a powerful way thai it compliments the race, not with that narrow circum scribed appellation as the best historian of the Negro race, but as a historian that is equal to any. and unrivaled b\ many of the Caucasians who have taken their rank in mighty stellary system of the historians of the world. Aa a philosopher, I have only to refer to Bishop Henr\ McNeal Turner, J. W. E. Bowen, E. W. Blyden, and irresistible and potent reasoner, J. H. Garnett, D.D. we glance at the inventor's fields, J have only need ask } our investigation of the patent hall of the capit of the nation, and there you will find ocular demonstra tion sufficient to evince the genius and ability of the Ne™ to produce almost anything in the ruder and finer art> that any other being that has a soul can produce. [ spea.. in reference to these things and in the face of the most gorgon prejudice unlimited and uncompromising. Some may judge me extravagant, but I shall nevei own it. And now, as 1 proceed directly upon the subj assigned me for ihis occasion, I come with no less word of limitation, with no less compromising words for t TUE BLACK SIDK. Negro in the oratorical field. The Negro is not like the Caucasian race on this line, who have to be drilled and mechanically trained in order to become powerful in the art of speaking, but it is innate and ineradicable in the Negro. He can speak as powerfully and as eloquently, with a /ery limited vocabulary, as can many of the brightest stars in the oratorical skies, with all their liter ary attainments. I have heard the greatest speakers of the world. ] have sat under the mild and dew-like falling tones of the matchless pulpit orator, Charles H. Spurgeon, the preacher of the nineteenth century; I have heard the brilliant and eloquent Parker of the city of London-, I have heard the only Gladstone in the world; the enthusiastic, sensational, and bombastic DeWitt Tal m age, Parkhurst, Störs, of Brooklyn, and Gordon of Boston, and Q-rady of Atlanta. But all their liter ary attainments, coupled with centuries of hereditary culture, when compared to the natural ability of the Negro, i< like the blowing of fog horns in the midst of the mighty peals of a thunderstorm at sea. [ do not mean by this that the volume of the Negro's voice is all fuss, but along with this thundering and earthquaking power in oratory comes inspiration that creates men into lions, or fashions them into lambs. The Negro's power to speak is as charming as the mound-like waters of the Ontario, and as awfully grand as the dizzy heights of the altitude peeks of the Alps of Italy, and as electrifying the beautiful powers in the forces of nature, and as eloquent as the heavens. This is due in a measure to the clearness and beautyr of the Negro's voice. The voice, in my opinion, and the power to use it, is the most important element in oratory, and this the Negro has without measure. I admit that rhetoric grammar :md some elocutionary training play an important part *h arl of speaking, but these without a good voice, 294 THE BLACK RIDE. clear as the ringing of a silver bell, would be as so mucl ammunition set apart to be used in a great battle with out cannon or gun through which to give them forc^ and power for which they are to be used. The Negro has boththe ammunition and the instrument through which to make it powerful. And with this mighty voice of his, with the appliance of these other elements, he has driven the guilty sinner into awe and lifted the Christian into ecstasy, with it he has charmed congress and the chambers of the senate; he has set the legislature into as great a rage as the Euroclydon ever stirred the sea. It has gone over sea and land that the Negro is an orator. In proof of these strong utterances which I give upon the Negro in oratory, let us call your attention to some of the Negro orators of the past days, such as Toussaint L'Ouverture. Il was at a time when the freedom of San Domingo was about tobe overthrown, and when this man saw the fleets coming into the waters of the island, be exclaimed, " All France is coming to enslave Sando- mingo! We perish!" and turning to his people he said, "Burn the cities; destroy the harvest; tear up the roads with cannon, and poison the wells. Show the white man the hell he comes to make." And at another timt hi^ little soul was fired with indignation, and he gave vent to it in these words: " I took up arms for the freedom oi my color. France proclaimed it, and she has no right to nullify it. Our liberty is no longer in her hands; it is in our own. We will defend it or perish." The next to be noticed of the past days are the late Revs. Andrew Mar shall, Henry Watts, and T. M. Robinson. It is said that Rev. Andrew Marshall was such a won derful speaker that the legislature of Georgia at one time gave him a hearing in an entire body. William Cathcart, in speaking o fhim, says his voice was fo deep, sonorous, THE BLAOK and tender, that its capacit}' for the expression of pathos was unsurpassed ; and then adds that he was endowed with ready argument and would have been a leader in any age or country. The late Dr. Joseph T. Roberts said that the eloquence of Andrew Marshall in speech could not be told from the most refined and cultured white man. Rev. Henry Watts, of this city, is another factor to be used in demonstrating that the Negro is an orator. This little, slender, wiry-framed man had a voice as clear as a sea of glass and as effective as the eloquence uf Pericles, and as powerful as the sudden cracks of thunders of the heavens. It is said at times he soared to the loftiest heights of charming eloquence. So won derful at times was his description of the city above that his people, and many of those who were of the other race, were forced to exclaim, What H man! Rev. T. M. Robinson, of Macon, is a man that few have power to speak as he, the wonderfulne^s in humor, wit, and the ready flow of it, clothed with such eloquence and earnest ness that few men may be regarded as his equal as a speaker. These men were mighty men, mighty because they were natural men, mighty because they spoke as they knew, and not as others. I am one of those men that believe in the development of men, as we do nature. There is some part of nature that can be developed, and some part, if touched by human art, becomes as ugly as hell and as ridiculous as an army of mosquitoes, dressed in soldiers' uniform. I have seen men attempt the im provement of springs, of natural scenes in the forest, and the attempt in nearly every case has only proven to be the destruction of their beauty and naturalness. What hand can make more beautiful and attractive Manhattan Island, the exquisite grandeur of the verdant-covered Alps of Switzerland, of Niagara, and of the grand Pyrenees sys tem. Nature has done her work too well for man in his 296 THE BLACK SIDE. THE BLACK SIDE. 897 imperfection to improve. The ax has been applied to the tree, the knife to the flower, the hammer and drill to the spring, for their fuller development, to array them witl more beauty; but in nearly every case the tree has die'l, the flower withered, the spring has dried up. How true is this when applied to the natural endowed ability of the speaker. Many a powerful speaker among us has been made weak by the ax of conventionalism, by the artificial knife and mechanical art in speaking. The first men never knew it ; they spoke from the heart to the heart, unconscious of the key or pitch of voice. Men may In taught to move their hands and head, and they may use them on some occasions when they are merely formal, but when men are fired from danger of country, liberty, and property by the hostility of some invaders, the natura1 man forgets artificial and conventional speaking, and leaves it for less dangerous moments. Oratory is natural, and the proof of it is found in the men of the Negro race, who have not passed under the polishing stone of the elo cutionist. The Negro, as an orator, speaks with his mouth open, with his eyes open, his hands open, and it is nut long before all that hear him are in the same condition. This was the character of Andrew Marshall. Henry Watts, and is the manner of T. M. Robinson. Do not mistake me—I believe in trained speakers, but not out of their element. If the rock is more attractive and beau tiful in the rough, do not destroy the beauty by attempt ing to improve it. And these men I have mentioned are and were more beautiful in the rough than they could have possibly been if polished. And now, as ] proceed to speak £of men of broader erudition and training in the art of speaking, the same principle, so far as the naturalness of the orator is concerned, must be ap plied to them as to the former, if they would be power ful and natural speakers. What has given Robert El- liott, Richard R. Wright,]. B. Davis, J. C. Price, Crog- man, Ellis of Savannah, William E. Holmes, Dr. C. T. Walker, W. G. Johnson, Silas X. Floyd, W. J. White, Douglas, Bruce, Walter H. Brooks, Langston, Booker Washington, (jrandison, Cyrus W^kins, Vann, Lucj Lane\, Ida B. Wells—I say, what has given these men and women their position in the grand stellary host of the brilliant orators of to-day, but the same energy, earnestness, and eloquence that is found in Robinson, Watts, and Marshall. Now, in conclusion, hear a few extracts from these men's speeches Dr. Walker on the Sin t at Sea : '' We saw the sun set, and as night put on her sable '•obe, his light went down in the west, its beautiful rays lingering and irradiating the heavens for quite awhile. Soon after sunset the new moon came out in her silvery ii and stationed herself nearly over our steamer, and smiled upon the sea. The stars then came out one by one, taking their places in their diamond sockets, and gave us the benefit of their effulgent brightness, while the ..lountain, on the other side, were covered with snow.'' Professor William E. Holmes on the Ner/ro ProbUni.: " There are three steps. The first is to make solid, morc,l progress. I want our people to recognize the fact thai there is rottenness and evil in society, and to remm- ber that until this is remedied we must keep our mouths shut. The second step is to make common social prog- r. -- •: we are too free and familiar, though not wish ing To underrate the kindly hospitality, not wishing that we shiuld be social icebergs, yet dignity is to be culti vated. Much that is called politeness is downright vul- garit-' The third step is to make sound, mental progress. We r t have men of learning that arc broad and deep. Robert Elliott, in the house of Congress, speakinj the much-honored Alexander Stephens, said : of v.. 298 THE BLACK SIDE. " I meet him only as an adversary, nor shall age 01 any other consideration restrain me from saying that tu now offers this government, which he has-done his utmos to destroy, a very poor return for its magnanimous treat ment, to come here to seek to continue, by the assertior of doctrines obnoxious to the true principles of our go\ ernment, the burdens and oppressions which rests upon live millions of his countrymen, who never failed to lifi their earnest prayers for the success of this government when the gentleman was seeking to break up the union of the States, and to blot the American Republic fron" the galaxy of nations." And as I leave off these recitations I wish to make suggestion to the teachers assembled in this beautifu city, that they resolve from this time on to exhuim these dead heroes, patriarchs, and their speeches, and to it that hereafter the declamations of the boys and girl under us in school shall have their speeches and decla mations made up of some one of the noble heroes, patr archs, and orators of this race. Let Cicero and Demns- thenes sleep in their almost mystical graves. Bring about a resurrection of Toussaint, Elliott, and let white roh and crowns and palms of victory be given to them, ani. the God of Heaven will break upon us the mighty liier ary millennium of the Negro race, wherein will dwell th beauty and grandeur of a cultured race. And old thing will have passed away; all things will have become nev\ THE BLACK SIDE. 29!» THE TO-DAY AND TO-MORROW OF THE COLORED MAN. Pr<. BY BKV. SAMUEL GRAVES. D.D., of Theology i», Atlrin1.ii. Bnpilat urmlnnr "Though yp have lain among the pot«, yd shall ye be as the wings i if a dove, <_uvercd with silver, and lier feathers with ve.llow golil.'' -Psalm '!«• to. The imagery of the text is highly poetical and expres sive. It denotes restoration to beauty -, exaltation to honor; out of degradation and vileness. The Psalmist sees a bedraggled dove, defiled by the soot and filth of an Eastern inn, hid away among the cooking utensils. This dove is to be sought out by a loving and gentle hand, and restored to the beauty and freedom native to her, and which have made the dove in all ages a symbol of purity, fleetness, and peace. So God had brought his people Israel again and again out of the oppressions and defilement of the heathen, among whom they had often been carried, and had set them in honor and made them glorious among the nations with the beauty of the Lord their God upon them. He had rescued them from Egyptian bondage, from Midianite and Philistine oppression, from the captivity in Babylon. And the text looks forward, as many believe, to yet unfilled promises, when Israel shal be again gath ered and restored to the land which God gave in conve nant to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And since the Word of God, " as we read," is of no private interpretation, the promises herein written may be claimed by all —whether individuals, nations, or races who come into similar relations to God, which those stood in to whom the promises were originally given. 300 THE ] tow applicable this language is to every true believer; born as we all have been of a corrupt seed, with a dam aged moral nature, by which we were children of wrath, how like the dove in the text, soiled and despoiled of grace and beauty, but as redeemed and saved by the srrace of God, made glorious in the righteousness of Christ. So too, of this lost world in its alienation from God, debauched and defiled by sin, yet redeemed by Christ, and yet to become the abode of righteousness when the new heavens and the new earth shall emerge from the ruin of sin. I wish, however, as already suggested, to apply the words as in some sense prophetic of what, in his provi dence, God will yet do, indeed has already begun so «''«•• nally to do, for the colored people of this country, and through them, of what he will ultimately do for Africa. The texi very graphically expresses their former condi tion. They have "lain among the pots." Africa has well been called " The Dark Cominent. For 250 years her wretched sons and daughters had been despoiled of the right of manhood and the virtue of womanhood; bought and sold and worked like under a————————of servitude, at————————cast-off a? ———————————————within these fe\ an enormity. ————————————— years Africa has been opened to the light of the gospel and Christian civilization, and the nations of Europe arc parceling it out among themselves to conquer and to col onize. In the exaltation of manhood which this century has brought about, the colored man has been lifted out chattlehood, and in civil rights set beside his whit brother—a citizen, a property holder, a voter an inte gral part of our national life and unity; an element in nur Christian civilization. lie is here, and here to remain, {or weal or for woe to himself and to us. His destinj THK RLA<:K SIDE. 301 bound up with the destiny of the republic. What i? good for him is good for the nation; and what is ill for him is ill for the nation. When emancipation was first talked of, the question which sprung to thousands of anxious lips was, " What shall we do with the Negro?" But the spirit of Christ in its breadth and helpfulness, changed the question, and we asked, "What shall we do for the Negro?" The practical answer and outcome of this question has been, by our own denomination, the founding of a score ot schools for the education of both male and female pupils, with equal opportunities and accommodation for both; 216 teachers, 4,861 pupils, an endowment fund of $750,- ooo, and an expenditure since the war of $2,300,000. Of the pupils in those schools last year, 4.16 were prepar ing for the Christian ministry, an increased number for mission work in districts and scattered through the dark est places in our own country, and others who are pre paring to go to Africa; [,756 were preparing to teach, others for various purposes, or in their own language, "to make men and women of themselves." In these schools, I suppose, between 20,000 and 30,- uoo have received an education which has fitted them very well for the business and duties of life. The South itself, though at first it looked with disfavor upon this work, has become certainly the most liberal minded to appreciate the value of these schools, and hno been stimulated to make larger provisions for the colored people in the public schools of the South. The effect of this has alreacry been, and in the course of a generation will be, of incalculable benefit, h is in spiring the colored man with self-respect, it is fitting him as nothing else can, for citizenship in this land where the citizen is the sovereign. Neither the Emancipation Proc lamation nor the amendments to the Constitution could •102 THE BLACK SIDE. do this. They only furnished the opportunity. Chris tian training, patiently, lovingly pursued through the years, alone can bring these things to perfection. Now, we justify what has been done for the colored people, and urge that it be continued and enlarged for the following reasons, viz.: Because, i. It is but paying a debt which we owe. We have had the well-nigh un requited toil of the colored man for seven generations The wealth of the country, especially of the South, be fore the war was largely due to him. The rice, the cot ton, the corn, the sugar were products of his hand, for which in return he received little but the coarsest food and clothing and rudest shelter. " And the hire of the laborer who had reaped our fields, which by us was kept back, cried and still cries in our ears and in the ears the Lord God Sabaoth " for u Full satisfaction. God sometimes slow in settling his accounts, but in time they are squared with interest. And this debt we are paying as best we can by what we are doing for our creditors b^ these Christian schools. £. We owe it to him because slavery starved his intel lect, kept his moral nature in degradation, shut up the Bible and made the teachings of it to him a crime. True, he came here, or rather he was captured and brought here a pagan; but it was our Christian duty to him as our weaker brother, to teach him and enlighten him for whom Christ died, as he did for us. We owe it to him because wo robbed him of the most precious boon of life—all that the dear old Saxon word