It is to be regretted, perhaps, that this volume has in it a feature
which must be considered a supplement. But doubtless the author will be
excused when he tells the reader that many have delayed till now--long
after the completion of the book--to send in their names. New men,
strong men, have lately come to us from other States--men whose names
could not well go into the main body of the book, for the reason that
this has been done for some time. Also, young men of our own State have
risen into such favorable notoriety as to merit honorable notice.
In the body of the book I have placed the names of persons in their
alphabetical order. Not so here: I have entered the names as they came
into my hands. The printer was hurrying me, and I could not stay for
proprieties.
* * * * *
Clark, Mr. Peter F., son of P. F. and Daphney Clark, was born in
Hale county, Ala., near Gallion, on the Taylor plantation. He first
attended what in his neighborhood was known as the Vaughn Hill School,
and afterward studied at a night school taught, he says, “by one who
would have been my mistress had slavery continued.” Bro. Clark has
been remarkably successful in business, which is largely due to his
industry, economy and courteous manners. He is vice-president of the
Penny Savings Bank in Birmingham, as well as one of the directors.
In speaking of the line of work out of which he derived his start in
business affairs, he remarked to the writer: “I remained with one firm
twelve years.” As we see his success in the light of this statement, we
are reminded of the old saying, “The rolling stone gathers no moss.” So
many fail on all lines because they move about so much. Mr. Clark is
sociable, hospitable, and courteous.
O’Riley, Rev. J. P., pastor at Compton and Trussville, gives the
following sketch of himself: “I was born in Saint Croix, Danish
West Indies, August 1, 1850. In 1870 I entered a Catholic school
in Baltimore, with a view to preparing for the priesthood. In 1874
I joined the Protestant church, and in 1880 I was ordained to the
ministry of the Baptist denomination. My pastorates in Alabama have
been in connection with the St. Paul Church at Greenville, Coalburg
Chapel, Mt. Nebo at Patton, Mt. Joy at Trussville, and Mt. Olive at
Compton.”
Bro. O’Riley is a vigorous worker, and is blessed with social qualities
which make him an agreeable companion.
Frazier, Rev. Jeremiah Lemuel, son of Richard and Phœbe Frazier, was
born in Abbeville county, S. C., June 18, 1857. He says: “My parents
were among the poorest of the slaves.” In 1867 his parents moved to
Florida, where, in 1874, their son was baptized into the Bethlehem
Baptist Church, near Madison county Court House.
_His Education._--He has had no public school advantages, but being
possessed of a quiet, appreciative, observing, aspiring turn of mind,
he availed himself of such educational facilities as came in his way.
In the fall of 1874, he entered a night school and continued his
studies during the long nights of the winter, paying the teacher one
dollar per month. Being called off from this advantage by the demands
of the farm, he sought knowledge in the Sunday School, and in the study
of such books as he could command. He speaks with pleasure of the fact
that his mother prayed that he might learn to read the Bible, that he
did learn to read it, and that he read it to her in her weary hours of
sickness. The affectionate son is now the affectionate man.
_His Work, etc._--On informing his pastor that he was called to preach,
he was advised to take up a course of study, which he did, continuing
it for about ten years, during which time, 1878, he was wedded to Miss
Ida Paul, a young lady sufficiently skilled in letters to render him
valuable service in his books. He was ordained in March, 1885, to take
charge of the Zion Baptist Church, Enterprise, Fla., since which time
he has been pastor in Sanford, Fla. He is now the beloved, successful
pastor of the St. Louis Street Church, Mobile, Ala. He is a good
preacher, good pastor, good financier, good man. The above named church
was organized in 1854; their building is worth $20,000.
Keller, Rev. R. H., of Birmingham. This young man is brought into
special prominence by his missionary operations in the “Magic City.”
He began at Avondale as pastor, but seeing that so many people were
absenting themselves from the churches, he conceived the idea that
where the people would not or could not go to the gospel, the gospel
should go to them. Mr. Keller went to work at his idea, speaking in
empty store houses, etc., in the most ignorant and most polluted
neighborhoods or sections of the city, to such of the people as he
could induce to attend. At last he stirred such interest in favor of
his project and plans as influenced many of the good people of the
white churches to render substantial aid.
At present all the white and all the colored ministers of
Birmingham--except the Catholic and Episcopal--are united in Mr.
Keller’s support. It is rather a strange fact in gospel work that
this man should thus represent both races and all creeds. His talks
before the white people, so I’m informed, have caused the white women
of Birmingham to propose a work upon their part that has for its object
the betterment of the home life of the colored people.
“The Union Conference of the White and Colored Ministers of Birmingham”
is a result of Mr. Keller’s labors. Evidently he is a man of strong
hope in and strong grasp upon his purpose as well as patience, amidst
discouragements.
Loveless, Hon. H. A., of Montgomery, was born November 24, 1854, near
Union Springs, in Bullock county, Ala. His ex-master retained him on
the old farm for five years after the war was over on the plea that
his mother was unable to assume his management and support. Finally,
however, he escaped to Montgomery, where he found employment for small
wages. Being industrious and economical, he soon obtained a little
money ahead which he invested in the butcher’s business. His business
tact, push, courage, kindness of heart, politeness and integrity soon
won for him the confidence and respect of his neighbors, who marked him
as a youth of merit and promise. He soon became an earnest, consistent
Christian man, from whose hands the poor and needy were daily fed, and
at whose house pastors and their families were entertained for years
without cost.
Now (1895) in addition to his old business of butcher, he operates
a hack and dray line, a coal and wood yard, and an undertaker’s
establishment, giving constant employment to about twenty-five persons
at a daily outlay of about $25. His wife, once Miss Lucy Arrington,
whom he married in 1875, is a suitable help for him, no less in his
labors of love than in his business enterprises. He is worth not less
than $15,000. His life is an inspiration to poor young men starting
the journey of life. Mr. Loveless is an honest man, which in the
language of another, is the noblest work of God. The character of the
man may be seen in his advice to his laborers: “Pay your debts if it
takes the last cent you have.”
Eason, Rev. James Henry.--Among the younger and scholarly men of
Alabama is Rev. James Henry Eason. This energetic Christian worker and
model of moral courage was born October 24, 1866, in the “piney” woods,
eight miles from Sumterville, Sumter county, Ala.--fifteen miles from
the railroad.
His father, Jesse Eason, has served as deacon in the Sumterville
Baptist Church for a number of years, and is highly respected by both
races in his community.
His mother, Chaney Eason, is a faithful Christian worker in the
church, as well as a devoted wife and mother. Mr. Eason’s strength of
character, talent and success are, to a large degree, heritages from
this good woman. His mother taught him his alphabet one Sabbath when he
was only five years of age. The early part of his life was spent with
his parents on the farm, and he attended public school near his home.
His first teacher was a Mr. Poe, a white man, who said to him, as they
were coming from school one day: “You will be a smart man one of these
days.”
James did not advance very far in his books under this teacher, who
taught the old method of going through the spelling book first, next
the reader and then review. Besides, the schools only lasted three
months in each year. His marked improvement was not made until his
parents moved to Sumterville, and he began studying under Rev. C. R.
Rodgers and H. D. Perry from Selma University. It was in the Wednesday
evening prayer meetings, held in the school by Rev. C. R. Rodgers,
he received a deep and effectual religious impression. A year
afterward--October, 1881--he was baptized into the Sumterville Baptist
Church by Rev. G. Lowe. In November of the same year he entered the
Alabama Baptist Normal and Theological School at Selma, Ala., now Selma
University. In 1885 he graduated from this institution with the highest
honors of his class--his class being the second class to graduate from
this institution. Along with the normal course he took the college
preparatory course, and began his college course in the fall of 1885.
After spending about two years in this course he abandoned it on
account of financial embarrassment and other unfavorable circumstances.
To this point he had kept himself in school by working on the farm
during the summer months.
In 1883 he took a little school at Ohio, Ala., and in 1886 he canvassed
and sold the _Colored Chieftain_. In 1887 he was elected principal
of Garfield Academy, Auburn, Ala. It was in this position his noble
qualities claimed the attention of the public as a teacher and
preacher--yes, as a leader. Here the desire of higher education burnt
again upon his heart and, against the protest of patrons, he resigned
this position and entered Richmond Theological Seminary, Richmond, Va.,
in 1887. After three years of hard study he graduated ahead of his
class in 1890 with the degree of B. D., and returned to Alabama and
began work as professor of mathematics in Selma University--a position
he still holds. He was ordained in Tabernacle Baptist Church, Selma,
Ala., in 1891, and took charge of Union Baptist Church, near Marion,
Ala. He has baptized one hundred persons. He is moderator of New Cahaba
Association, and managing editor of the _Baptist Leader_. As a teacher
he is admired by the pupils and respected by the faculty. He is a hard
student and takes high rank as a preacher, and excels in persuasive
oratory. He is original, broad minded and good natured, and is much
respected among the brethren of the State.
[Illustration: Rev. T. W. Walker, Pastor Shiloh Baptist Church,
Birmingham, Ala. Moderator Mt. Pilgrim Association.]
Mason, Dr. Ulysses Grant.--We feel justified in saying, that among the
rising and foremost young men of Alabama is the one whose name heads
this article. He is the youngest son of Mary and Isaac Mason; was born
November 20, 1872, in Birmingham, Ala., which city is still his home.
Until the age of 16 his school advantages were limited to the rural
districts, where educational facilities were few. But his desire to
learn soon exhausted the shallow draughts of the primary school, and
therefore he entered the State Normal School at Huntsville, Ala., now
located at Normal, Ala., where he drank more freely from the deeper
springs of science and art. Aside from his regular course, he pursued
the carpenter’s trade, at which his success was soon apparent; for,
two months after entering, he was advanced to the position of foreman
over some of his older colleagues. He graduated from the above named
school June 1, 1891. As a student and teacher the thought uppermost in
his mind was that of serving his race by helping to lift it to a higher
plane of intellectual culture, for he was not slow to see the moral
and physical disadvantages under which it was laboring. To effect this
result, he dedicated all his energies to the social and educational
betterment of his race. After finishing the course at this school, he
taught, as a stepping stone to further usefulness, having held with
honor and respect the principalship of the Calera public school. He
resigned this position, much to the regret of the school board and
patrons, to enter the Meharry Medical College, Nashville. His success
as a student of medicine surpassed even his previous career, causing
the surprise and even the envy of many who claimed to have towered far
above him in the literary world. He was appointed prescriptionist
for the clinic, and assistant professor of clinical medicine in the
absence of Prof. R. F. Boyd, B. S., M. D., D. D. S., in which capacity
he proved very efficient. He refused the honor of valedictorian of his
class, and was unanimously elected treasurer.
Dr. Mason is now located at his home, Birmingham, Ala., and is one of
our best physicians. His kindly and affable manner has won to him the
love and confidence of all. There can be no question as to his future
success, as this is assured in his good qualities, skill, and the
confidence of the people.
Sisson, Rev. Samuel S.--The subject of this sketch was born in the
little town of White Plains, Calhoun county, Ala., June 11, 1863. He
lived with his parents on a plantation, helping them in every possible
way. He was converted and baptized in 1871. He attended the public
schools as opportunity allowed him. In 1882, being convinced that
he was called to preach, he entered the Alabama Baptist Normal and
Theological School (now Selma University), under the presidency of Dr.
W. H. McAlpine. Here he studied hard, paying his own way.
In 1884 he was called as pastor of the Baptist Church at Stock Mill,
Ala., Cherokee county. He served this church four years, during which
time he baptized and added to the church 250 persons. Not being
satisfied with his education, he returned to Selma University in 1888.
He was in school only two months when he was asked to supply the pulpit
of the St. Philip Street Baptist Church, Selma, Ala., as pastor pro tem.
He served them in this capacity three months, when he was elected
pastor, in which capacity he served the church about five years. A
great many doubted the ability of the young Timothy to stand in the
shoes of such noted theologians as Rev. Wm. A. Burch and Dr. C. O.
Boothe. He himself felt that his task was very difficult. He could only
trust in Him whose power is inexhaustible.
It was not long until his congregation outnumbered any other in the
city. He states that during his five years as pastor he added 1,142
members to the church. Six hundred and forty-two by baptism.
He also laid plans to build a new church. Three thousand three hundred
and ninety-seven dollars, so he informs the writer, was raised under
his administration for the new church building. Feeling that his work
was about accomplished in this field, he resigned as pastor in the fall
of 1893. He was then called to Milton, Fla., to pastor the Mt. Pilgrim
Baptist Church. He served the church only five months. His own State,
Alabama, not being willing to give him up, he accepted a call by the
Jerusalem Baptist Church, Bessemer, Ala. He is now serving this church
and is building up a strong congregation for the Master. He is active
in church work and much loved by his brethren throughout the State.
In 1888 he married Mrs. Roxie Drake, of Auburn, Ala., and to this
fortunate union is due much of his success. She is to-day the organist
of his church. Rev. Sisson has high hopes for the future of his people
and does everything possible to advance them. He is friendly and,
therefore, has friends everywhere he works. He is a hard student of
God’s word. As a preacher he is sound in practice and doctrine.
Jordan, Mrs. Dinah Smith, was born in Walker county, Ala., March 26,
1869. Her early days were spent in Arkadelphia, Blount county, and in
1883 she came with her mother to live in Birmingham, Ala. Mrs. Jordan,
from a child, loved to read that Book of all books the best, the Holy
Bible, and in April, 1885, gave her heart to God. The new-found love
in her heart now brought new motives and new aspirations into her
life. She was in a new kingdom, and wanted to work for her King. A
sermon preached by her pastor, Rev. W. R. Pettiford, on “Christian
Growth and Usefulness,” very deeply impressed this young Christian,
and to this day is an inspiration to her. Another one whom she dearly
loved was Mrs. M. A. Ehlers, a missionary under the Women’s Baptist
Home Mission Society, who was at that time in Birmingham, and who she
says will never know the help she has been to her in her Christian
life, until the lights of Eternity dawn upon her. She began by doing
the little things that came to her hands to do--faithfully attending
the services of her church, bringing children to the Sunday school, and
seeking in her home to honor her Savior. As grand a motive may be had
in doing those things which in the eyes of the world seem small as in
doing that which the world calls great and admires; and Mrs. Jordan, we
believe, had this _true_ motive, the love of Christ constraining her.
Her marriage, which took place on June 7, 1887, to Mr. Andrew Jordan,
had been made a subject of special prayer. The husband thinks he has
one of the best of Christians in his wife, and through her consistent
life he was led, in the fall of 1892, to say, as did Ruth of old:
“Thy God shall be my God.” The Women’s Missionary Society opened up
new avenues of usefulness to her, and as they came she gladly went
forward--visiting the sick, doing religious visiting in the homes of
non-church-goers, and holding fireside schools for the children in
her neighborhood. She rejoices that in these she has had the blessed
privilege of directing the minds of the little ones to Jesus. Her
work as teacher in one of the industrial schools conducted by the
missionaries has been faithful, earnest, and a means of great strength
to them, and her gentle ways have won the love of the pupils.
She loves the work of the young people, and is a member of the board of
the associational B.Y.P.U. Her consistent Christian life in her home
and in the circles in which she moves has made her life a blessing to
all.
Duncan, Mrs. M. D.--This lady who began and is now operating a female
academy, was born in the year 1864, March 8, in Jefferson county, Ala.
She, for one, has made her mark in life. She professed a hope in the
Lord Jesus Christ, in the year 1876--was baptized by Rev. E. T. Winkler
(white), and joined the Baptist church of Marion, Ala. She worked her
way in school. After she finished the primary department (taught by
Mrs. Frances Nickerson,) she entered the Lincoln Normal University,
where she was graduated in 1882. Then she was thrown out on the great
voyage of life, to meet the many hindrances and obstacles that fall
in the pathway of life. But being a brave and persevering woman, she
triumphed over them all. She commenced teaching school in 1879, in
Marion, Perry county. In 1882, she taught a three months’ term in Bibb
county. She was then highly recommended by the President of L. N.
University to Tuskaloosa, where she taught in the city school for two
terms; then removed to York Station, Sumter county, and there taught
two terms, and in 1889, taught one term in Forkland, Greene county. She
was then called to Demopolis, to take charge of the Female Institute,
where, for five years, and up to the present time, she has given mutual
satisfaction to the entire city and community.
The above is given to show the spirit of enterprise among us and to
excite others to work on the same line.
* * * * *
Closing the chapter which brings into prominence notable individuals
of the denomination, the author feels that it is only just to remark
that many of the most cultured and deserving of our number are not
mentioned. This comes of the facts that limited means made the
production of a large book impossible, while, on the other hand, as the
author was hard pressed with other business, his survey of the field
was necessarily imperfect. Such persons as the learned and industrious
Prof. J. W. Beverly, of the State School at Montgomery; Prof. A. H.
Parker, principal of one of the city schools of Birmingham; Prof. R.
B. Hudson, principal of the City School of Selma; Prof. E. W. Knight,
of the faculty of Selma University; Prof. Phillips, principal of one
of the city schools of Montgomery; Mr. Edgar A. Long, the business
manager of the “Alabama Publishing Company,” Birmingham; Mrs. A. A.
Bowe, teacher of the sewing department of Selma University; Mrs. M.
A. Boothe, the first president of the Colored W. C. T. U. of Alabama,
and Mrs. S. L. Ross, the first secretary; Mrs. S. A. Hardy (once
Miss Stone) who led the women in their successful money effort in
interest of our brick school building at Selma; Mrs. C. Copeland
and Miss Octavia B. Boothe, who have been in the employ of the
Baptist Women’s Home Mission Societies as missionaries; Mrs. Amanda
Tyler, of Lowndesboro; Mrs. R. T. Pollard and Mrs. S. H. Wright, of
Montgomery; Mrs. Rebecca E. Pitts, of Uniontown; Mrs. Alice Gray, of
Talladega; Mrs. Lula Patterson (once Miss Lula Watkins), the very
capable teacher of music in Selma University; Doctors Robert and
Felix Tyler, of Lowndesboro; Prof. Samuel Roebuck, of Elyton; Rev. T.
W. Robinson, of Gurleys; Rev. H. Zimmerman, the efficient leader of
Bibb County Association; Mrs. Nancy Nickerson, the first teacher of
colored children in Perry county; Rev. F. L. Jordan, pastor of the
Sixteenth Street Church, Birmingham--of all these, with many other
worthy persons, our book fails to give any notice. Their absence from
the biographic sketches is to be accounted for solely in the reasons
mentioned, namely, that means were limited and the author’s time
and energy were divided between so many different lines of work as
necessitated an imperfect survey of the field.
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