BAPTIST SCHOOLS MANAGED BY COLORED PEOPLE.
In this chapter I shall deal with the Baptist schools managed by
colored people. Many of these schools have had a very hard struggle;
but by the patriotism and race pride of the colored people, they have
been constantly growing and developing, until to-day they are among the
very best educational institutions in this country.
I open this chapter with a brief sketch of "The Western College,"
located at Macon, Mo., because I regard it as one of the best schools
of the kind in the West.
THE WESTERN COLLEGE.
One of the best institutions in the West for the education of Negroes
is The Western College located at Macon, Mo. Since it was founded, in
January, 1890, its growth has been extraordinary, and to-day (1901)
its temporary buildings are crowded with earnest young men and women
anxious to secure a Christian education. Believing that religious
principles should underlie all true education, the Negro Baptists of
Missouri, several years prior to 1890, had in mind the establishment
of a Christian institution in which ministers might receive biblical
training and where hundreds of men and women might be educated and
thoroughly trained for teaching and other useful pursuits in life.
They realized that the Christian college is one of the greatest forces
in the aid of Christianity, inasmuch as its great aim is to build up
a character in accord with the principles of God's Word. When first
opened, the school was conducted in rented quarters at Independence,
Mo., for a part of two sessions. In the Fall of 1891 the Board of
Trustees purchased twelve acres of land, conveniently located within
the city limits, at a cost of $4,000. The school was opened here in
January, 1892. At present two buildings are occupied, but the growth
of the school has rendered these wholly inadequate for the demands of
the work. The colored Baptists themselves have raised a large amount of
money for paying on the property, for current expenses and for building
purposes. In this work they have been kindly assisted by The Home
Mission Society of New York, which has contributed annually toward the
payment of teachers. But for its timely aid, the work, so well begun,
must have suffered.
Located as this school is, in the northern part of Missouri, it has
a large territory from which to draw. Students have matriculated
from Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Mississippi and Alabama. With enlarged
facilities in the way of commodious buildings and apparatus, the power
of this institution in the development of the Negro race in Missouri
and the West will be beyond calculation. In view of these facts the
college should receive substantial encouragement from those who are
philanthropically inclined.
PROF. E. L. SCRUGGS, B. D.
[Illustration: PROF. E. L. SCRUGGS, B. D.]
Realizing that the lives of public men are in some sense the property
of the world, and also that true lives are not lived for self, but for
humanity, it affords the writer pleasure to speak of one of Missouri's
noble sons, President Enos L. Scruggs, B. D., one who has risen by
gradual steps to the position he now holds, overcoming many flinty
obstacles to progress. He is an example of a self-made man. Having
been left both motherless and fatherless early in life, he was left to
combat with the world without the loving and tender care and helpful
influences of a mother. By great perseverance and earnest efforts
he completed with credit the course of study at Lincoln Institute,
Jefferson City, Mo.
Early in life he professed a hope in Christ, and feeling that he was
called to the work of the ministry, he prepared himself by a course of
study in the Union Baptist Theological Seminary, Morgan Park, Ill.,
which has recently become "The Divinity School" of the University of
Chicago, graduating from there with honor with the degree of B. D.
He accepted a call immediately to the Second Baptist Church, of Ann
Arbor, Mich. Ever seeking to go higher and higher intellectually, he
availed himself of the opportunities afforded him at the University of
Michigan. After a very successful pastorate of twenty-eight months,
he resigned October 1, 1892, to accept the Presidency of the Western
College, where he has most creditably filled the position ever since,
doing a noble work in this field. He is building a monument by his
earnest efforts and faithfulness to duty that will always be an honor
to him, to the race and to the denomination. As he is a young man and
constantly striving for richer and better results, we wish for him
continued success and that no record will reveal greater riches than
his, and that his may present to all a heritage of heroic deeds.
THE BIBLE AND NORMAL INSTITUTE.
The above-named institution was founded and incorporated in Memphis,
Tenn., in the year 1887, through the philanthropy of Mr. Peter
Howe, of Winona, Ill. Located as it is near the lines of three
States--Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas--the school has great
possibilities among the host of Baptists in that section, under whose
auspices it is conducted.
The Howe building, which the school occupies, is a brick structure
two stories above the basement, and is valued at nearly $18,000. The
primary department is conducted in the basement. The first floor
contains the principal's office, the chapel, and recitation-rooms,
while a commodious and well-fitted lecture-room and several "living
rooms" comprise the second floor.
As the charter of incorporation indicates, the institution was
established for the purposes of giving Bible, literary, scientific,
and industrial instruction; training preachers and teachers and other
Christian workers. The history of the institution is a proof of the
fact that these objects have constantly been before the management
of the same. Many of the very best teachers, preachers, and other
missionary workers in the section from which the school draws its
patronage owe their success directly to its instruction and influence.
The success of the women's missionary and nurse training and the
theological departments has been very marked.
[Illustration: PROF. JOSHUA LEVISTER, A. B.]
The session of 1896 and 1897 was the first under the control of a
colored principal, Prof. Nathaniel H. Pius, a graduate of Leland
University, New Orleans, La., who held the position for two years, when
he was succeeded by Prof. Joshua Levister, A. B., who is a graduate
from Shaw University, at Raleigh, N. C. Prof. Levister is a native of
North Carolina. He is a young man of splendid character and very much
thought of by all who know him.
The statistics for the session of 1897 and 1898 show the following
figures: Enrollment, males, 85; females, 90; number preparing to teach,
35; number preparing to preach, 19; number pursuing missionary and
nurse-training course, 30.
At present the faculty consists of seven members, five colored and two
white.
The school is located among thousands of Baptists, and will in time
take its place as one of the very large Baptist schools. Prof. Levister
is a young and energetic man, who will be able to push the work with
vigor. They will in time be able to add more of the industrial work,
which will be of great help to certain classes of students who do not
care to take the higher courses, and will find industrial education
very helpful to them.
VIRGINIA BAPTIST SEMINARY.
The Virginia Seminary was founded by the Virginia Baptist State
Convention during its annual session of May, 1887, at Alexandria,
Va., and was incorporated February 24, 1888, by an act of the General
Assembly. The aim of the Seminary is to give a thorough and practical
education to the colored youth. Under the provisions of the charter a
committee was appointed to purchase suitable grounds, which committee
purchased the present site at Lynchburg. The corner-stone was laid
in July, 1888. The school was opened January 13, 1890. The property
is held in trust by a Board of Managers for the Virginia Baptist
State Convention. The school is supported by the colored Baptists of
Virginia, who number more than 200,000.
[Illustration: VIRGINIA BAPTIST SEMINARY, LYNCHBURG, VA.]
At the time this sketch was written the valuation of the entire
property of the institution was estimated at $40,000. The enrolment of
students for 1900 numbered 250. The development of this institution has
been most creditable to the Baptists of the State of Virginia.
The following compose the faculty of this institution for 1896:
Prof. Gregory W. Hayes, A. M., President, Prof. Bernard Tyrrell, A.
M., Prof. J. M. Arter, A. M., Prof. U. S. G. Patterson, George Moore,
Mrs. Mittie E. Tyler, Miss Lula E. Johnson, R. Lee Hemmings, Lewis W.
Black, Miss Carrie L. Callaway, Walter W. Johnson, Miss Minnie Norvell.
The chairman of the Board of Managers is Rev. R. Spiller; secretary,
Rev. P. F. Morris.
Rev. P. F. Morris, D. D., was the first president of the Seminary,
but on account of failing health he resigned the position before the
institution had been completed.
PROF. GREGORY W. HAYES, A. M.
When President G. W. Hayes was appointed to take charge of the work,
he had to start under many disadvantages, a depleted treasury on the
part of the Baptist State Convention, and with no available sources
from which financial aid could readily be procured. By his zeal and
enterprise a large building now crowns one of the most beautiful hills
in the vicinity of Lynchburg.
Prof. Gregory W. Hayes was born of slave parents in Amelia county,
Va., September 8, 1862. He graduated from Oberlin, one of the first
institutions of learning in the State of Ohio, in the class of '88 and
was elected to the chair of pure mathematics in the Virginia Normal and
Collegiate Institute, which position he held for three years. He was
the first president of the National Baptist Educational Convention for
the United States and was commissioner-in-chief from Virginia for the
Southern Inter-State Exposition. He was elected president of Virginia
Seminary in 1891.
In young men like Prof. Hayes rests the future of the race. He is an
able orator, and whenever he speaks to a body of people he enlightens
them. The future before him is bright. Modest, unassuming, brilliant,
he stands tip-toe upon the threshold of success and justice bids him
enter.
[Illustration: PROF. GREGORY W. HAYES, A. M.]
ARKADELPHIA ACADEMY.
The Arkadelphia Academy was organized Aug. 15, 1890, as Arkadelphia
Industrial College. In 1892 the name was changed to the Arkadelphia
Academy, and it was made tributary to the Arkansas Baptist College at
Little Rock, Ark. The school had few friends and no money when started;
but in 1896 the property was valued at $12,000.
F. L. Jones, A. M., is the principal. The object of the school is to
train workers for the Sabbath school and other departments of church
and Christian work; to this end every person in the school is required
to study the Bible, as the Bible is the foundation of all instruction
given, and with it go all the cognate studies. The institution is
located at Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
THE FLORIDA INSTITUTE.
The history of "The Florida Institute," at Live Oak, Fla., is
interwoven with every effort of the colored Baptists of the State. As
early as 1868, when the colored Baptist churches in Florida were very
few, the fathers of the church in that section took the initiatory
steps toward the establishment of this institution.
After much deliberation Live Oak was chosen as the place of location.
About three and a half acres of land, with an incomplete building,
originally intended for a court house, were purchased at a cost of
$2,000. This money was raised by the colored Baptists of Florida. The
final payment was made in 1876. The school was incorporated the same
year. The school was opened October 1, 1860. Rev. J. L. A. Fish was
the first president. He was assisted in the work by his wife and other
teachers from the North. Under his wise management the school rose
rapidly, against many odds, and took rank among the best of its kind
in the State. His administration lasted ten years, during which time
the school developed into a power for good, and its influence became
far-reaching. Many of the ablest teachers and ministers of the State
were trained in this institution. Others, who have made success in
business and in professions, received their training in the Florida
Institute.
In 1882 a two-story frame building for the accommodation of girls
was erected. In 1884 additional grounds and a building for a boys'
dormitory were purchased, making in all about ten acres of land, a
school building, two dormitories, and the president's residence. Total
valuation, about $15,000.
From 1882 to 1887 Dr. Fish edited and published _The Florida Baptist_,
the denominational State organ. The work was done chiefly by the
students. Also in the Institute's printing office the work of printing
the minutes of the State Convention and the various associations was
conducted for several years. _The Florida Institute Messenger_ is now
published monthly by the school.
The library of the school contains about 1,000 volumes, many of which
are of great value.
The annual enrolment averages about 125. Many of the students are from
the best families, and represent every part of the State, and some from
other States.
The courses of study embrace the Normal Preparatory, Academic,
Theological, and Industrial.
About twenty acres of land near the school are rented at moderate
cost, making in all about twenty-five acres cultivated by the students
under the direction of a competent professor.
The religious character of the school is a marked feature.
PROF. H. B. LAWRENCE.
Prof. Lawrence, of Massachusetts, served as president during the school
year 1890-1891. Rev. M. W. Gilbert was appointed to succeed him in
1891. His administration lasted one year. This year (1896), for the
first time, the entire faculty is colored.
October 1, 1892, Rev. G. P. McKinney was appointed president, and now
serves his fourth year.
The school is enshrined in the hearts of the colored Baptists of
Florida. This is evidenced by the large and liberal contributions they
make annually for its support.
REV. GEO. P. MCKINNEY.
In May of 1892, Rev. George P. McKinney was called upon to take the
presidency of this institution, the same school in which he began his
student life ten years previous.
As president of Florida Institute, pastor of the African Baptist
Church, president of Florida Baptist Congress, corresponding secretary
State Convention, vice-president State Teachers' Association, and
vice-president of the Sunday-school State Convention, he has indicated
his fitness and ability.
[Illustration: REV. GEO. P. McKINNEY.]
His field of labor is the State of Florida, and as a bold defendant
of truth, virtue and morality, he feels himself specially appointed to
attack the wrong wherever it is found. By his bold and unmitigating
attacks he does not always receive compliments from the assaulted. He
teaches the young men under his care to stand by the right even though
you be left alone in doing so. In giving this advice to his students,
with a serious look into the future, zealous that they should rise up
and bless the world, his profound earnestness discloses the fact that
he is a man _who knows what he wants and goes straight to his goal_.
STATE UNIVERSITY.
The State University of Louisville, Ky., is the oldest, largest and
most influential institution in the State owned and operated by the
colored people.
This institution is the outcome of a general discussion which followed
the close of the war, among the colored people, as to the best means of
elevating the race and teaching true citizenship. In these discussions
the Baptists were foremost, and took the first steps looking forward to
bringing about some of the wise suggestions made by those who had spent
their lives as slaves and had just been given the rights of American
citizens by the Emancipation Proclamation of Abraham Lincoln.
A call for a convention issued by the leading Baptist ministers to be
held in August, 1865, at the Fifth Street Baptist Church, Louisville,
Ky., was responded to by a large delegation.
Annual meetings were held at such times and places as agreed upon
by each annual gathering. In 1869, the necessity for fostering an
institution where colored men and women could obtain a Christian
education was brought up and practical steps were taken to perfect the
organization.
The session held at Lexington, Ky., made application to the State
Legislature for a charter. This petition was granted by a charter to
the General Association of Colored Baptists, authorizing them to
establish a school in the State.
The purchase of ground and the erection of an edifice was the next
thing to receive attention. Subscriptions were taken by the leaders,
and collections raised in all the churches. It resulted in Old Fort
Hill at Frankfort being purchased, but it was found that it could not
be utilized for the purpose for which it was bought, and it was sold.
Contributions were raised, the trustees were kept busy looking out for
another site, a few young and active men were members of the Board
and rendered good service. Among them was William H. Steward, who was
employed in the Louisville post-office as carrier, and a representative
of his race.
In February, 1879, the school was opened by Rev. E. P. Marrs, with his
brother, H. C. Marrs, as assistant, and the attendance was large. Mr.
Steward was elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Thus the work
progressed and students came in from all parts of the State. At the
close of the first year the work looked encouraging.
William H. Steward is termed the pioneer of colored Baptists in
Kentucky. This distinction he has won by personal attention to the
religious and educational work. In order that the new institution meet
with success, he has given hundreds of dollars at a time to assist in
prosecuting the work of this University.
Through the efforts of Mr. Steward, the State University is the great
institution that it is to-day. It was through his efforts that the
services of the late Rev. William J. Simmons, D. D., as president of
the institution, and also that the present president, Rev. Charles L.
Purce, D. D., were secured.
The faculty of State University is composed of some of the best
educated men and women of the country. It consists of Rev. C. L. Purce,
D. D., President, Theology and Philosophy; Prof. R. S. Wilkinson,
A. M., Languages and Political Science; Prof. W. H. Huffman, A. B.,
Mathematics and Natural Sciences; Prof. A. G. Gilbert, M. D., English
and Hygienic Science; Prof. L. M. Seeley, English and History; Prof. L.
V. Jones, English and Cognate Branches; Mrs. M. E. Steward, Music; Mrs.
F. R. Givens, Art; Mrs. M. B. Wallace, Matron.
This institution is well supported by the colored people of the State
and its work is deserving of high praise.
REV. CHARLES L. PURCE, A. B., D. D.
Dr. Purce is one of the best known educators in this country. He was
for ten years president of the Selma University, located at Selma, Ala.
He accepted the presidency in 1894, and has done good work for the
elevation of the denomination.
He succeeded in paying off the debt of Selma University of $8,000, and
by his pluck and perseverance he made many additions to the school and
improved the system of education in it. He is a man of good common
sense as well as of high mental attainments. He never allows himself to
suffer defeat under any circumstances. As a leader among the colored
people, he is highly esteemed and acknowledged.
[Illustration: REV. CHARLES L. PURCE, A. B., D. D.,
_President of State University, Louisville, Ky._]
The following letter from Mrs. M. C. Reynolds, corresponding secretary
of the New England Women's Home Mission Society, of Boston, Mass., will
show in what light Dr. Purce is regarded by noble white people in the
North:
"Dr. Purce is highly esteemed by me. I visited his work, in Selma,
Ala., and I liked him very much. He is one of the few colored men who
now are fitted to lead. So many are impetuous, sensitive, not well
balanced. So many fail to see that it takes time to bring order out of
this race chaos. Patience is what is needed. Some have it, some have it
not. Some are far-sighted and are willing to bide God's time; these are
the leaders."
The corps of competent instructors under Dr. Purce at State University
are busily engaged daily in the theological, college, normal, grammar,
art, music, sewing and printing departments, preparing young men and
young women for future usefulness.
Never before in the history of Kentucky were there so many boys and
girls, men and women, striving to get an education. And this desire has
been inspired by the noble life and character of Rev. C. L. Purce.
WALKER BAPTIST INSTITUTE.
Walker Institute was founded at Augusta, Ga. Incorporated in 1885.
Teachers employed are all colored. The school has an average attendance
of over one hundred. This institution takes its name from the Walker
Baptist Association under whose auspices it exists. For the last few
years the work has made rapid strides forward, winning the patronage
of Baptists in both the city and adjoining counties. Two classes have
graduated, and the young people are leading useful lives as teachers
and preachers. The Walker Baptist Institute aims at Christian education
and the perpetuity of the church which gave it birth. It aims at
the highest good of man at home and abroad. Its course of study is
academic, and, since this is the golden mean between the common school
and the higher and professional institutions of learning, it aims at
a happy combination of quality and quantity. Its management is in
hearty accord with higher training as the shortest and safest route
to successful leadership in literary or professional life. The main
support of this work is derived from the following organizations for
stated purposes: the American Baptist Home Mission Society, Walker
Baptist Association, the Home Board of the Southern Baptist Convention;
while a small part of the current expense is met by tuition fees and
subscriptions by a few friends.
PROF. N. W. CURTWRIGHT, A. B.
Prof. N. W. Curtwright, principal of Walker Baptist Institute, is a
native of Georgia. He had but very little time in his younger life that
he could devote to his education. But being by nature a close student
made the most of what time he did have to attend school. In 1888 he
received his first certificate to teach in the public schools of his
State. In 1889 he entered the junior preparatory class of Atlanta
University at Atlanta, Ga. During his seven years' course in this
school he was regarded as a very hard and energetic student and made
rapid progress in his studies. When he graduated in 1896 he was chosen
to represent his class at commencement. Immediately after graduation
he was called to the chair of Latin and Greek at Haine's Normal and
Industrial Institute at Augusta, Ga. He served in this position one
year and part of the second year, when he resigned to accept the
principalship of Eddy High School at Milledgeville, Ga. At the close of
the year was re-elected. But on the same day was elected as principal
of Walker Baptist Institute, which position he had never in any way
sought. We feel that the trustees have made no mistake in placing Prof.
Curtwright at the head of this institution.
[Illustration: PROF. N. W. CURTWRIGHT, A. B.]
COLEMAN ACADEMY.
Coleman Academy was founded at Gibsland, La., and incorporated in 1887.
The teachers employed are all colored, and there are six in number.
This institution was founded by Prof. O. L. Coleman, who saw the need
of such a school in north Louisiana, as there was a wide scope of
country where there had never been a high school for colored people.
The school was first opened in a church building in Gibsland, La., in
1887, with only ten pupils. The school has grown rapidly, and during
the first five years of its history but little money was received by
the principal or teachers, as they allowed their salary to go toward
building better and more suitable buildings for their purpose. The
institution has six departments, and a full and competent faculty. An
industrial and ministerial department were added in 1897. The school
has an enrollment of over 200 from some four different States. Ten
acres of land, three large two-story buildings, one kitchen laundry
building, and a new barn constitute the property of the institution.
PROF. O. L. COLEMAN, A. M.
Prof. O. L. Coleman is a native of Livingston, Miss. He first attended
the public school of that town. He afterwards went to Alcorn College,
then Alcorn University. He also attended school at Washington, D. C. At
that time he thought of reading medicine, but gave that up to devote
his life as a teacher. He took a course at Chautauqua University, New
York, of four years in the study of classics, elocution, and pedagogy.
[Illustration: PROF. O. L. COLEMAN, A. M.]
ARKANSAS BAPTIST COLLEGE.
This school is located at Little Rock, Ark. It was originated by the
colored Baptists, in their convention in session at Hot Springs,
August, 1884. In the following autumn, school was begun and operated as
"The Baptist Institute," using the Mt. Zion house of worship in this
city as its first schoolroom. In 1885 Mt. Pleasant house of worship
was secured. In that same year, with the aid of Rev. Harry Woodsmall,
articles of association were drawn up, and the Institute was legally
organized and incorporated under the laws of the State, and known
henceforth as the Arkansas Baptist College, with capital stock of
$50,000, divided up into shares of $50 each, payable in instalments of
$10 a year.
While the "Pastors' Course" was the most prominent feature of the
school to begin with, this served as a nucleus around which popular
interest collected and grew, and as fast as possible Literary Courses
of study were developed and taught, and students from different
parts of the State increased in attendance every year, until now the
institution has grown in numbers, work and workers, to a very favorable
comparison with other colleges in the South.
The spirit of the school is decidedly of a missionary nature. It was
established, more than for anything else, to aid teachers and preachers
in a higher fitness for their work. Indeed, it aims to specially train
preachers and teachers on moral questions, religious obligations and
spiritual work. But it also aims to give liberal education in those
branches of science, arts, literature and language commonly taught in
American colleges, and to give practical training in the industrial and
business features of lifework. It is quite unpretentious in all its
work, aiming to be, rather than to seem.
The school owns one block, in the southwest part of the city. This
property was bought by the colored people at a cost of $5,000. The site
is high and desirable, overlooking its surroundings in every direction.
PROF. J. A. BOOKER, A. M.
Rev. Joseph A. Booker is the president of this school, and his services
are highly appreciated by the citizens of the State.
[Illustration: PROF. J. A. BOOKER, A. M.]
WATERS' NORMAL INSTITUTE.
Waters' Normal Institute, located at Winton, N. C., was incorporated
in 1887. Rev. C. S. Brown is its principal. Four colored teachers are
employed in this school and excellent work is being done. Rev. Brown
has, by energy and determination, built up this work, and as some of
the evidences of the thoroughness of the instruction given, a large
number of teachers, holding first grade certificates have gone out of
this school to teach in the public schools of Hertford and adjacent
counties. The Baptists in Eastern North Carolina appreciate his
executive ability and they render him hearty support in his enterprise.
[Illustration: WATERS' NORMAL INSTITUTE.]
REV. CALVIN S. BROWN, A. B.
Rev. C. S. Brown is an interesting character. He was born of slave
parents. He became a teacher in one of the public schools of Salisbury,
N. C., at the age of fifteen, having stood an examination before the
school board of that city and received a first grade certificate. In
1880 he entered Shaw University for the purpose of studying theology.
Six years later he graduated and was valedictorian of his class. He
is not only an active man as the principal of the Waters' Normal
Institute, but is the successful pastor of a large Baptist church at
Pleasant Plains, in Hertford county, near Winton, N. C. At one time
he held four churches with an aggregate membership of 2,500. For some
years he was the editor of _The Baptist Pilot_, secretary of the State
Ministerial Association and secretary of the State Baptist Association.
[Illustration: REV. CALVIN S. BROWN, A. B.]
SELMA UNIVERSITY.
This institution is located in the suburbs of Selma, Alabama, on what
was known as the agricultural fair grounds. The property was bought in
1878, comprising thirty-six acres of land with one small building, at
a cost of $3,000. Not only did the colored people of the State pay for
this, but proceeded to make improvements, and at the same time gave
money for the support of the school. The property is now valued at
$15,000.
Rev. C. S. Dinkins is president of the school. He is assisted by two
white and eight colored teachers.
HEARNE ACADEMY.
Hearne Academy, at Hearne, Texas, is one of the best institutions of
the kind in the State. The colored people contribute $2,405 toward the
support of this school yearly, and while the enrolment of students only
numbers 76 for 1896, the influence of the school is felt throughout the
entire State. Rev. J. F. Anderson is principal. Five colored teachers
are employed. Rev. Anderson will push the work at Hearne in a faithful
and vigorous manner which will bring to the institution both friends
and success.
NATCHEZ COLLEGE.
Natchez College is located at Natchez, Miss. This school is one of very
great interest, and one that the colored people are very proud of, from
the fact that the support of this institution comes entirely from the
colored Baptists of the State. The school is attended by about two
hundred students, mostly from the State of Mississippi. Prof. S. H. C.
Owen, president.
PROF. S. H. C. OWEN, A. M.
[Illustration: PROF. S. H. C. OWEN, A. M.]
Prof. Samuel Henry Clay Owen, president of Natchez College, was born at
Durhamville, Tenn., March 6, 1856. He is a graduate of Roger Williams
University. Prof. Owen has been twice elected president of the Natchez
College. He is doing a most excellent work there and has made the
school one of the leading institutions of the South.
JERUEL ACADEMY.
Jeruel Academy, located at Athens, Ga., is a small school, but it is
doing a splendid work. Rev. J. H. Brown is its principal. There are
upward of sixty young men and women in regular attendance.
HOWE INSTITUTE.
Howe Institute, at New Iberia, La., was established in 1888; Rev. E. N.
Smith, principal. Considering the many disadvantages of the locality,
the school has done remarkably well. Rev. Mr. Smith is aided by three
colored teachers.
SPILLER ACADEMY.
Spiller Academy, located at Hampton, Va., was founded by Rev. R.
Spiller, and in 1897 became affiliated with the Virginia Union
University; Rev. G. E. Read, principal, 1898; colored teachers, 4. Rev.
Spiller, the founder of this institution, has been for years one of the
most prominent Baptist pastors in Virginia.
FLORIDA BAPTIST ACADEMY.
This school is located at Jacksonville, Fla. It was incorporated in
1892. Prof. N. W. Collier is its principal. There are six colored
teachers at work in this institution, and the reports from this school
are very encouraging. The colored people in the State contributed
$1,320 toward its support in 1895.