In Dr. Riley’s “History of Alabama Baptists,” we have the following:
“A negro slave, named Cæsar, a bright, smart, robust fellow * * * was
ordained to preach. His ability was so marked, and the confidence which
he enjoyed was so profound, that Rev. James McLemore would frequently
have Cæsar attend him upon his preaching tours. He was sometimes taken
by Mr. McLemore into the pulpit, and never failed of commanding the
most rapt and respectful attention.”
To the credit of the Alabama Association, it is written that they
bought this man and gave him his liberty that he might preach among
them the gospel of Christ; and it is said, that though he was as black
as a crow, he traveled alone and unharmed on the mission of life. Thus
the negro appears in the foundation of gospel operations in Central
Alabama. Here also appear the victories of the gospel leaven, the
triumphs of the love of God over those hearts wherein Christ was king.
The price paid for Brother Cæsar Blackwell is given as $625. Catching
inspiration from the encouragement before them in the form of their
brother Cæsar Blackwell’s success, and the good will of the Christian
white people to whose fellowship they belonged, Nathan Ashby and Jacob
Belser (colored) soon became active workers.