With no intention on my part to ever put in book form any matter
concerning myself, many years ago I began keeping a daily account of
the incidents of my life. I entered into this work conscientiously and
let no day pass over my head without its record. I did this that I
might improve myself and also provide for myself, family and friends, a
record and reference. This work has grown into three large volumes. I
have found this voluminous diary very valuable on many occasions, not
only to myself but to many others.
My comrades of the grand old Twenty-ninth Regiment, Connecticut
Volunteers, have frequently written me regarding persons and incidents
of the Civil War, and brethren of the ministry have frequently
consulted me through this diary for valuable information. This has led
me to the conclusion that this knowledge would be more valuable and in
better shape in published form.
So I determined that I would undertake the work of publishing my
autobiography not in any egotistical sense, but as an humble service
to my race and an inspiration to the young people of my race.
I have named the book, “Out of the Briars,” because the figure is a
befitting one in my own life. Although free born, I was born under the
curse of slavery, surrounded by the thorns and briars of prejudice,
hatred, persecution and the suffering incident to this fearful regime.
I, indeed, came out of the briars torn and bleeding. I came out of
poverty and ignorance. I did not have any of the advantages of the
schools. I learned what little I know by listening to the educated
white people talk. I picked up a great deal in this way.
I am sure, therefore, that this volume will be read with the kindly
spirit in which it is written. I have told my life story, and am now
seventy-two years on my journey through this world. I have but a few
milestones further to pass, or it may be, not one more; but at any
rate, the chapters of my life are about closed and I am ready at any
time to answer the call of the Captain of my salvation.
I sincerely trust that this book will become an inspiration to the
young men and women of my race, that they may copy my good qualities
and shun my weaknesses. If, in a small way, this supreme end is
accomplished, I am amply repaid.
I desire to acknowledge my obligations to the Rev. Samuel G. Miller,
D.D., Rev. I. W. L. Roundtree, D.D., Rev. C. A. A. Greene, B.S.T.,
Rev. J. P. Sampson, D.D., Rev. George E. Bivins, D.D., Miss Alice
MacParland, and my wife Lulu L. Newton, without whose encouragement,
inspiration, advice and assistance, this book would never have been
written.
“Take my life and let it be,
Consecrated, Lord to Thee.”
Alexander Herritage Newton, D.D.
Rev. J. P. Sampson, D.D.
Rev. Dr. J. P. Sampson, a friend and contemporary, whose picture we
present, though at that time a junior among them, he stood in the front
ranks with Geo. Watkins, Douglas, Garnett, Langston and Phillips as
an advocate for freedom, not only with eloquent speech but through
his pioneer journal, _The Colored Citizen_ at Cincinnati, making it
possible for hundreds, some of whom at that time were slaves, since,
themselves leaders, now declining, but who took their lessons from
these men, he was largely depended upon by the anti-slavery leaders;
scholar, author and advocate for civic righteousness, an exemplar and
teacher, a standard for those who followed, an old guard, whose life
with others are full of achievement, yet still active, cheerful and
happy, editing “A Jolly People,” among other books, running thousands
every year, few colored men are better known. He has the largest
charity for an enemy, matures gracefully and without asperity; he has
given his life of useful service to God and the race. A graduate from
two or three of our greatest colleges, especially in theology and law,
and filling for some years various positions of honor and trust in the
civil service of the government, subsequently giving up all secular
prospects, he entered and has been for nearly forty years in the active
ministry of the A. M. E. Church.
[Illustration: REV. J. P. SAMPSON, D. D.]