Robert W. Woodruff
Library
EMORY UNIVERSITY
Special Collections & Archives
WILLIAM J. SIMMONS. A.M. LL D.
born june 24, 1849; died oct. 30, 1890.
First President National
Baptist Convention.
WHO'S WHO
AMONG THE COLORED
BAPTISTS OF THE
UNITED STATES
VOLUME I.
$! .JO PER COPY.
EDITED BY
SAMUEL WILLIAM BACOTE, A.B., A.M., D.D.
2210 Kansas Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri.
FOUNDER OF THE NATIONAL BAPTIST YEAR BOOK.
1913.
FRANKLIN HUDSON PUBLISHING CO.,
KANSAS CITY, MO.
COPYRIGHTED 1913,
BY S. W. BACOTE, D.D.,
KANSAS CITY, MO.
SAMUEL WILLIAM BACOTE,
Statistician National Baptist Convention;
Editor Baptist Year Book.
DEDICATION.
To her—whose every, thought is mine,
Whose faith and hope and love
Inspire my. soul with power divine,
Attracted from above,
To strive to reach a greater height
Than man could ever gain
Without the aid of right and might,
United they must reign:
To her—unlike all others, still
With womanly charms replete,
Who smooths my way with rarest skill,
With gentle words discreet;
Whose glorious fancies come from far—
A noble guiding light—
As if the brilliant evening star
Endowed them with foresight:
To her—whose love a happy fate
Has given to me in life,
This volume, now, I dedicate
With all my heart:—
MY WIFE.
PREFACE.
The wd£d "biography," in its broadest, deepest sense, has
a higher meaning than that which is derived from superficial
analysis. Bi—life—refers not merely to physical existence,
but to intellectual vitality and to spiritual being. It implies
constant change, growth, progress; for no living thing can re¬
main stationary. It opens out toward a glorious future with
limitless possibilitiestoward an» ever-widening vista that
reaches to the Infinite.
A nation's life, or that of a race, is the life of its great
men; those who combine in themselves the constructive agen¬
cies that comprise the bone and sinew of the people.
To consider the history of a peoplle or of '.an individual apart
from those things that have possessed a dominating influence
in the development of character; to fail to give due credit or
allowance to natural or hereditary disposition, to environment
and to reactionary force, would not only be unjust, but would
cause error in the delineation of national or individual genius.
Although personal genius, to a certain extent, is the outcome
of social conditions, it remodels the society from which it has
evolved. And in so far as it extends beyond the heights at¬
tained in the aggregate, thus far does it not only express, but
intensify the national type.
In the description of prominent men and women herein re¬
corded the writer has made no attempt at an exhibition of bril¬
liant scholarship, but he has endeavored in a simple presenta¬
tion of facts to take cognizance of underlying qualities—of
causes and incentives—and to point out the high destination of
the soul through the proper unfoldment of its moral and intel¬
lectual faculties, that younger generations may find inspiration.
6 Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists.
.The details of what a man has accomplished are not so im¬
portant to his fellows as are the motives that actuated him, the
purposes and determination, the dominant idea, that led to suc¬
cessful effort, and the means by which that idea was shaped or
obstructed, whether by natural inclination or by constraining
force.
It is impossible to write a complete or exhaustive biogra¬
phy, for there is much which enters into the life of each person
that cannot be fully comprehended nor explained. But the
author of this work has been interested from boyhood in the
subject, and he has felt the spiritual uplift that comes from
high aims and an earnest desire to benefit the race. However,
he will be amply compensated if the book encourages but one
reader to look upward instead of downward; if but a slight im¬
petus is given to racial progress.
No denomination of color has made, since the Civil War,
a record that compares favorably with that of the colored
Baptists. They emerged from slavery with a numerical
strength far less than that now found in any one of the Middle
Western States. To-day, through the ceaseless efforts of such
men as the lamented Dupeei Hamilton, Foster, McAlpine,
Johnson, Brockington, Holmes, Jasper, Simmons and Brooks,
whose sketches are to appear in "Landmarks of History," and
such living pioneers as Pardee, Massey, A. R. Griggs and D.
Sawyers, together with a large number of younger men and
women, many of whose histories appear in this volume, the
denomination has a total membership of 2,444,055, with ap¬
proximately 18,000 ministers and 18,000 church edifices, val¬
ued at $25 000,000:
The colored Baptists have demonstrated the truth of the
assertion that the real price of labor is knowledge and virtue,
of which wealth and credit are signs,; and although the signs
may be counterfeited, that which they represent cannot be
imitated.
It is a source of satisfaction to introduce to one another,
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 7
through these pages, new recruits, as well as many whose names
have long appeared upon the roll of fame'—men and women of
noble occupations and callings. Ir\ the compilation of this work
it was found impracticable to place the subjects in alphabetical
order, having been made up as the material was secured.
Volumes II. and III., which are to appear soon, will con¬
tain sketches of other representatives equally as distinguished
as those found in this number.
The author is indebted to Professor J. Dallas Bowser, who
read the manuscript and offered friendly suggestions; to Mr.
C. Brown, and to others who tendered assistance ; to Simmons'
"Men of Mark," from which much information relative to
pioneers was gleaned; and to Rev. Dr. E. A. Wilson, of Mus¬
kogee, Oklahoma, under whose able endorsement this book
makes its bow to the public, in full confidence that the lofty
ideals embodied in the subjects of these articles justify their
publication.
Samuel William Bacote.
2210 Kansas Avenue,
Kansas City, Missouri,
August i, 1913.
INTRODUCTION.
History only stoops to notice men with a song, men who
have a message, men who have a mission to perform. They
who have trodden the highest peaks of human accomplishment
have been those whose names were linked inseparably to great
epochs and great deeds. Like the stars of the firmament, they
may differ in their brightness; but, unlike the stars, they, are
not too numerous to be counted.
In these grand and sublime times, men whose names live,
and will forever dawn the pages of history, are those who per¬
form no witchcraft or work no miracles to reach the lofty
planes of greatness—but, on the other hand, must march to
the orders of the century's call, "Do, serve, or die."
We desire to present to the reader a star of the first mag¬
nitude : a prolific writer, an 1 erudite scholar, a prince among
church-builders, a successful pastor and an able expounded of
the gospel.
The subject of this sketch, Samuel W. Bacote, A.B.,
A.M., B.D., D.D., saw the light of day February 1, 1866, at
Society Hill, South Carolina. His parents, Dembo and Har¬
riet Bacote, both rocked in the cradle of slavery, were highly
respected and loved by white and black of the entire com¬
munity. His father possessed superior ability to that of most
of the slaves, being able to read and write, and was honored as
deputy sheriff of Darlington County for a number of years.
His mother died when Samuel was only three months old,
leaving him to the care of his father and grandmother.
At the early age of seven he was sent to the public school
and soon showed remarkable ability in reading, orthography,
penmanship and mathematics.
At seventeen years of age he entered Benedict College,
South Carolina. Having only $17.00 in his pockets, one suit
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 9
of clothes and sockless feet, he was easily recognized as the
poorest boy on the campus. With poverty staring him in the
face, he was unmoved, but pressed forward with dauntless
courage and tireless zeal until he had reached the goal.
Starting in the lowest class, working at odd hours, he suc¬
ceeded in three years in graduating from the Normal Depart¬
ment and was elevated to the position of private secretary to
the president and director of all the classes in penmanship and
bookkeeping. In 1888 he graduated from the higher English
course of the school. He then took the public examination
and received a first-grade certificate at Anderson Court House.
After serving for one year as principal of Johnston Acad¬
emy, Edgefield County, South Carolina, he resigned to enter
Shaw University, Raleigh, North Carolina, where he studied
for one year.
In the fall of 1889 he matriculated in the Theological
Seminary, Richmond, Virginia, and graduated May 17, 1892,
with honors, having distinguished himself in Hebrew and
Greek, also serving as assistant teacher during the entirfe
course.
In 1892 he was called to the pastorate of the Second Bap¬
tist Church; Marion, Alabama, and elected principal of the
Baptist -Academy. Here "he succeeded in a short time in pay¬
ing off a long-standing debt of the school and raised it to a
higher standard, both in the financial and scholastic world.
March 3, 1895, he received a unanimous call to the Sec¬
ond Baptist Church, Kansas City, Missouri. In less than a
year he succeeded in canceling a debt of four thousand dollars.
Plans were laid for the erection of a superstructure on a large
basement, and during the second year of his pastorate he had
raised $14,000. In a few years a magnificent edifice was
reared as a monument for the Negro Baptists, an ornament
and a blessing for the race. During the eighteen years' of Dr.
Bacote's pastorate he has raised more than $100,000, all of
which has been properly expended on the new church, which
now stands free of all indebtedness.
io Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
Still thirsting! and hungering after knowledge and real¬
izing that "the mind is the standard of the man," the' Rev.
Mr. Bacote in 1896 matriculated at Kansas City University
(white), Kansas City, Kansas, and graduated with the degree
of B.A.; two years later he received the degree of M.A. from
the same college. While pursuing his classical course at Kan¬
sas City University he was a favorite1 with his classmates, be¬
ing the only colored member of the class and the first Negro
graduate of the university. Upon several occasions while a
student he was honored with favors, and at one time was the
principal speaker to address one of the college fraternities. In
1904 Kansas City University conferred upon him the degree
of Doctor of Divinity. 1
In 1901 he was elected statistician of the National Baptist
Convention. He at once set about his work, bringing it to a
high standard, editing the National Baptist Year Book; this so
efficiently systematized the various departments of our denom¬
inational enterprises, making it an easy matter for any one at
a glance through the columns of the Year Book to tell exactly
the standing of Negro Baptist^ of the world.
In 1900 Doctor Bacote was united in holy wedlock to
Miss Lucy Bledsoe, Topeka, Kansas. Mrs. Bacote is a most
accomplished musician, having studied at the Conservatory of
Boston and. holding the Bachelor of Music degree from the
Conservatory of Kansas City University. She is at present
musical director of the choir of the Second Baptist Church,
and in every respect is a helpmeet; refined in bearing, gentle
in manners, sweet in disposition and helpful to all, Mrs. Bacote
is the silent force that has greatly assisted her husband in at¬
taining the prominence and honors which" he holds to-day.
Two bright little children bless their home life and give them
joy and happiness.
In 1892 Doctor Bacote was a delegate to the Parliament
of Religions in connection with the Columbian Exposition. In
1910 he was a delegate with others of the National Baptist
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
ii
Convention at the World's Missionary Conference, Edinburgh,
Scotland.
While abroad he toured Europe, visiting the following
points of interest: Glasgow, Dublin, Liverpool, London, Man¬
chester, Paris, Modena, Munich, Geneva, Lucerne, Genoa,
Rome, Naples, Mount Vesuvius, Milan, Florence, Venice and
Oberammergau.
Dr. Bacote is sending forth his first volume, ' "Who's
Who Among the Colored Baptists." We pray that you will
not view this book with a critic's eye, but as you read it for in¬
formation that you will be able to know the lives and scan the
deeds of some of the most brilliant men and women of our
great denomination, the largest and most intelligent in the
world.
For such a book as this and for the untiring efforts of the
author to hand to coming generations this heritage of Negro
Baptists, he has erected 'for himself a monument more en¬
during than the Pyramids of Egypt or the pride and pomp of
marble bust and stone. He has built a monument of honor
and virtue, a monument that will last when
"The seas shall waste, the skies to smoke decay,
Rocks fall to dust, and mountains melt away."
■ E. Arlington Wilson,
Pastor of First Bdptist Church.
Muskogee, Oklahoma,
May 3b, 1913.
INDEX.
Page.
Allen, J. D 197
Amiger, William Thomas 30
Anderson, J. H 188
Bacote, Albert Robert 142
Bailey, J. W 169
Beckham, William 56
Becks, Mrs. Ida M. Bowman. .108
Booker, Joseph Albert 58
Bowen, G. N 106
Boyd, Richard Henry 73
Britt, Hardin B 199
Brown, B. J 195
Brown, J. T 201
Broyles, R. A 136
Burroughs, Miss Nannie H. . . .238
Callaham, Peter Andrew 84
Campbell, Lee Lewis 90
Carter, J. W 173
Castle, Mrs. T. A 249
Caston, J. T 279
Clark, Charles Henry 24
Codwell, J. M 291
Cooksey, A. P 157
Cosey, A. A 171
Credit, William Abraham 40
Curry, G. C. F '64
Dunbar, Albert Prince 286
Durham, Jacob Javan 114
Eason, J. H 158
Ewing, T. H 270
Fishback, Charles Gentry 295
Fisher, Charles Lewis 241
Ford, John Elijah 283
Francis, Robert B 110
Francis, Samuel L. M 124
Page.
Fuller, Thomas O 121
Fuller, W.H 247
Gathings, J. G 126
Goode, George Washington.... 204
Goodwin, George Augustus.... 164
Goodwin, J. J 161
Gordon, Charles Benjamin W. .211
Graves, Charles Francis 186
Griggs, E. M 54
Hall, Mrs. Josie B 258
Hall, M. P 76
Hampton, Charles Nicholas. . . . 132
Henderson, J. H 293
Hendon, I. M 254
Hoard, J. H 140
Hudson, Richard B 27
Hughes, P. H 261
Jackson, Alexander S 61
Jackson, Dock Ballard 162
Jackson, G. N 190
Jackson, J. C 154
Jernagin, W. H 86
Johnson, A. M 263
Johnson, Moses 69
Johnson, W. H 256
Johnson, William Thomas 251
Jones, S. S 152
Jones, T. L 181
Keeling, Ulysses Simpson 207
Kelly, I. H 67
Kersh, J. F 216
Knox, L. Amasa 49
Knox, John Edwards 174
Lange, John, Jr 303
Lawrence, William P 8
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists.
Page.
Lewis, H. C 112
Lights, F. L. . . .'. 71
Lovelace, William Franklin.... 227
Madison, William, Jr 273
Martin, J. A. 302
Massey, William 299
Maxey, Mrs. Minnie Virginia.. 218
Mt. Zion First Baptist Church,
San Antonio, Texas 65
McNorton, Mrs. L. J 209
Mitchell, John, Jr 305
Morris, Elias Camp 14
Morris, F. L 15.1
Morris, George Edmund 183
Mosley, Samuel A 220
Moss, Aaron Wesley 289
Moses, William Henry 224
Neal, P. Carter 128
Norman, Moses W. D 146
Oldham, P. B 130
Over, D. E 265
Pardee, Zachariah Taylor 297
Parks, W. G '..... 22
Parrish, Charles Henry 36
Pegues, Albert W 244
Perry," J. Edward 98
Pierson, Edward Donahue. . . . :267
Read, George E 192
Robinson, A. R 33
Robinson, William Edward.... 144
Page.
Roberts, Charles L 78
Rodgers, M. M 233
Scott, Daniel A 51
Second Baptist Church, San
Antonio, Texas 66
Shannon, James Flournoy 118
Simmons, William J.. (Frontispiece)
Smith, G. W 96
Smith, Hardin : 82
Smith, Mrs. M. A. B 80
Steward, William H 281
Stewart, Charles 277
Stewalrt, J.W 214
Stokes, A. J 38
Strong, J. W 179
Trotter, Robert Tate 134
Vass, Samuel Nathaniel 235
Walker, Charles T 43
Walker, J. Franklin 138
Walker, T. W 167
Washington, Booker T 18
Washington, P. R 149
Watkins, Walter Thomas 93 1
Weaver, Fortune J 103
Westbrook, B. J. F ...... 222
Whitfield, Mrs. Ella Eugene . . .101
Williams, H. M 275
Williams, L. K 177
Wilkins, Mrs. Annie Eula 230
Wilson, Elisha Arlington 47
i4 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND ELIAS CAMP MORRIS, PhD., D.D.
Parmer — Statesman — Minister — Presiding Over 2,400,000
Baptists—Executive Officer World Baptist Alliance and
General Convention of North America.
Because of his official position, his achievements up the
ladder of denominational greatness, it is befitting that the
sketch of the President of
the Baptist family should
°Pen the series of articles,
l \ mapped his own independ-
Jte 4 J| cationaL, political and busi-
~ ' • &£ I ness world, was born in
remembers well the
^81 conflict between the blue
and the gray, and takes de¬
light in telling of his> experiences during those exciting times.
Dr. Morris attended Sunday-school at an early age, and
he professed religion and joined the Morning Star Baptist
Church, Stevenson, Alabama, in 1874. The same year he was
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 15
called to the ministry. As he was extraordinarily bright, his
parents gave him the advantage of such public school edu¬
cation as was available ati that time, and) later placed him un¬
der competent private instructors until he was prepared to take
lectures and ministerial studies at Roger Williams University.
At that institution his close application' to study and manjy
deportment wonj 'the admiration of his superiors. And Mor¬
ris grew as grows the cedar, throwing its branches higher and
wider into the circumambient air.
November 27, 1884, Dr. Morris was joined in matri¬
mony to Miss Fannie E. Austin^ a refined young student of
Rus,t High School/ Huritsville; and to the happy union gifted
children have been born.
Dr. Morris, naturally endowed with remarkable talent as
a speaker, was unable to meet the demands upon his time, and
after reflection and prayer, he responded to,the call of the Cen¬
tennial Baptist Church, Helena, Arkansas, in 1878, which pas¬
torate he has held continuously to the present. He has built
up the membership 4of the church until it has 'become ome of
the largest and! mosit influential in the entire connection. 1
For thirty years he has presided over the Arkansas Baptist
Convention, which has frequently raised as much as $15,000
during the annual session. He has been instrumental in the
founding of the Arkansas College, Little Rock, Arkansas, an
institution valued at $100,000. In 1879 he and W. W. Colley
planned the Foreign Mission Convention of Baptists. Dr.
Morris has been school trustee at Helena for many years, and
trustee of Arkansas College for twenty-five years.
Eighteen years ago the attention of the Baptists of the
country was attracted by his force and magnetism, and by) his
ability as a worker, and they elected him to the presidency of
the National Convention, which he has unremittingly served
since, bringing that body forward as the largest and wealthiest
of the race. Under his administration a publishing house
worth $400,000 has; been established, more than a hundred
foreign mission! stations have been formed, and active affilia-
16 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
tion has been created with the Southern Baptist, General Con¬
vention of North America anid the World Baptist Alliance.
Dr. Morris is a member of the Executive' Boards of
both the General Convention of North America and the World
Baptist Alliance, taking an energetic part in the deliberations
of those organizations and making such recommendations in
the interest of the National Baptist Convention as he deems
proper.
He has been- editor of the National Baptist Union, the
Arkansas Vanguard, and of several other periodicals, and his
articles have Ibeen eagerly read because of the vigorous man¬
ner in which they were) written. Their, depth of 'thought also
appealed to the public. Dr. Morris is a frequent contributor
to many weekly and daily publications, conducted for both
white and'colored people.
The doctor has traveled extensively in Europe, thereby
obtaining a wider view of important subjects. He was chair¬
man of the delegation of colored Baptists' that attended the
World Baptist Alliance at London, England, in June, 1905,
and served in a like; capacity when that deliberate body met in
Philadelphia in 1911<; and was instrumental in having a mem¬
ber of the National Baptist Convention elected a vice-president.
In -addition, to his religious duties, Dr. Morris looks after
the political welfare of the race. He has represented the Ne¬
groes of his adopted State in the Republican National Con¬
vention since 1884, with the exception of one convention. He
is a statesman broad in culture and experience and he occupies
a high position among the most distinguished men of modern
times.
Years ago the State University, at Louisville, Kentucky,
conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity, and the
Alabama State Normal University, Huntsville, gave him the
degree of Ph.D. He has lived up to the traditions of both in¬
stitutions,, adding luster? to their names anld acquitting himself
with credit.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 17
1 '
Although Dr. Morris makes no display of what hq is
worth financially, his check is good for large amounts in any
bank with which he is acquainted.
Dr. Morris presides with grace and efficiency, over the
deliberations of more than two million members. And he
is held in the highest esteem, possessing almost unlimited in¬
fluence over brethren in the various walks of life. He is a
great sermonfzer, a convincing orator, an entertaining lecturer,
and a trustworthy advisier. He has reached the point where
he can render the greatest service to his constituents and give
to the world an exhibition of that true leadership for which
such men as Simmons, Douglass and Price stood unflinchingly,
and of which Washington, Boyd, Dubois and others are exam¬
ples that now stand out pre-eminently.
Dr. Morris is still in the thick of the fight for principle,
justice and righteousness. But when the conflict has ended,
and he takes his well-earned rest, in the everting of life, may
the good that he has accomplished reflect upon his own heart
the hope and courage and joy that he has brought to others.
That a boy can advance from penury to the summit of the
world's greatness is' well revealed in the career of this brilliant
leader.
18 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON, LL.D.
Architect of His Own Fortune—Educator—Author—Philos¬
opher—Traveler—Leveler of Race Prejudice—Principal
of the World's Greatest Industrial College.
The name of Booker T. Washington, architect of his own
fortune, the most illustrious character the Negro race has ever
produced and one of the
world's greatest immortals,
is a synonym in every
American household for
wisdom and culture, deep
thinking and philosophy.
The qualities that have
brought the renowned
teacher and writer promi¬
nently before all people are
not dependent upon race,
color or condition in life.
They are faculties implant¬
ed by the Creator in those
who are designed by Prov¬
idence to become the in¬
struments of justice and
progress, that millions of human beings may receive the im¬
petus to work out their destiny, and that a whole race may at¬
tain the heights of mental, moral and physical excellence.
Mr. Washington was born on April 18, 1856, to Mrs. Jane
Ferguson, of Hale's Ford, a Virginia hamlet, in Franklin
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 19
County. At the close of the Civil War he went with his moth¬
er and step-brother to West Virginia, where he entered the
public schools, earning his board "and lodging by working each
morning and evening before and after school hours. While
there he was happily cpnverted and united with a little Baptist
church, in which he has ever retained his membership. His
mother's death, shortly after he reached West Virginia, was
doubtless responsible for the awakening of his best impulses
and highest aspirations, which have brought him, through the
development of self-reliance, to the forefront of authors and
educators. He started for Hampton Institute in the fall of
1872, making the trip historic by overcoming almost insur¬
mountable obstacles. Graduating in 1875 as the leading mem¬
ber of his class, he taught school at Maiden, West Virginia,
for some time. Later, feeling that a more extended course
would be necessary in order to fully equip him for a career of
usefulness, the young man took especial instruction at Way-
land Seminary, Washington, District of Columbia, after which
he returned to Hampton as a professor.
In 1880 the Alabama Legislature established the Tuskegee
Institute. Washington having been recommended for the posi¬
tion by General S. C. Armstrong, under whom he had studied,
he was placed in charge as the only teacher. The State had ap¬
propriated but $3;ooo for building and maintenance, yet, step
by step, Washington guided the affairs 0/ the little school
through the crucial periods of its history with unusual ability.
To-day it is an institution with a valuation of $1,295,216, with_
an endowment of $1,811,647, and proudly boasts of 1,750 stu¬
dents and a faculty of 193 members, representing the best
thought of every leading university.
Dr. Washington believes in the training of mind and heart
and hand—the proper balance, through which the most satis¬
factory results are always obtained. And as the ocean washes
every shore and clasps every land with all-embracing arms, so
has his influence made itself felt by men and women in every
20 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
clime. He has made a marked impression upon public opin¬
ion; he has softened or removed prejudice and awakened hope¬
fulness in relation to the solution of a problem encompassed
with difficulty. His rare qualifications have brought him in¬
ternational fame. He has traveled through many countries,
making a study of racial problems and comparing the Afro-
Americans with others who have experienced the weight of in¬
justice. The crowned heads of Europe as well as the highest
officials of our Republic have honored themselves by entertain¬
ing this remarkable product of modern civilization.
In his book, "The Man Farthest Down; A Record of Ob¬
servation and Study in Europe," Dr. Washington gives par¬
ticular attention to the agricultural classes. His ideas on in¬
tensive cultivation of the soil are most important. "The Story
of the Negro; The Rise of the Race from Slavery," has stim¬
ulated those who needed encouragement to acquire habits of
thrift, economy, education, Christian character and industrial
skill. Dr. Washington's contributions to The Outlook and
other periodicals have been widely circulated and read. They
have added materially to the luster, of his reputation. He is
clear, concise and unaffected, as are all fine writers, and entire¬
ly free from exaggerated flowers of speech and lurid phrases.
It is said that one reveals himself in his writings. The
glimpses of the real Dr. Washington are most inspiring, for
they disclose an unusual combination of strength and purpose
—a blending of heart, intellect, and soul.
In the words of Dr, Curry: "The life of Booker T.
Washington cannot be written. Incidents of birth, parentage,
schooling, early struggles, later triumphs may be detailed with
accuracy, but the life has been so incorporated, transfused into
such a multitude of other lives—broadening views, exalting
ideals, moulding character—that one may not know the deep
and beneficent influence exerted, and no pen can describe it."
Though he was born in a log cabin, only twelve by sixteen
feet in size, and without windows, the light of inspiration
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 21
penetrated his soul; though in childhood he slept upon a pallet
of rags, invisible messengers from above filled him with deter¬
mination and power that he might lead his brethren, as did
Moses of old, into the promised land—the land of peace and
prosperity, where intelligence rules. Of what consequence to
him were personal discomforts when a down-trodden people
was pleading for relief from the bondage of inefficiency? Was
not his real existence bound up in theirs ? Did he not hear the
call of duty—to obliterate the scars made by the yoke of op¬
pression? No self-sacrifice could be too great.
It has been shown that eras revolve around an individ¬
ual. Booker T. Washington, the sage of Tuskegee, will go
down in history as one who gave distinction to the period in
which he lived.
Doctor Washington was married to Miss Fannie N. Smith,
of Maiden, West Virginia, in 1882. She was a graduate of
Hampton Institute, whose Alumni Journal said of her and
Mr. Washington: "Their happy union had done ifiuch to
lighten the arduous duties devolving upon him in the manage¬
ment of the school." One child was born to them. Death
claimed Mrs. Washington in May. 1884. In October, 1893,
Professor Washington married Miss Maggie James Murray,
an alumna of Fisk University, who went to the Institute as a
teacher in 1889. She has, in every way, proven herself to be
equally interested in the advancement of Tuskegee, giving
especial attention to the care of the girls. Several children
have been born to this second union.'
22 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
t
W. G. PARKS, D.D., LL.D.
Eloqu?n1\ Preacher—Race Advocate—Financier—Vice~Presi-
dent National Baptist Convention—Explorer.
Among the men making rapid progress and shedding
luster upon the pages of history to be read with increasing in¬
terest by upnborn genera¬
tions is the man whose
career we now give to the
reader.
Wesley G. Parks was
born in Lincoln _ County,
Tennessee, on May 7th,
1858, to George Washing¬
ton and Annie Caroline
Parks.
After taking the public
school course, Dr. Parks'
took private instruction,
becoming a highly educated
man. His degree of D.D.
was conferred by Roger
Williams University, May
12th, 1905; that of LI/.D.
was conferred by Virginia
Theological Seminary and College, on May 27, 1912.
He was converted in November, 1874; licensed to preach
in August, 1877; ordained in July, 1879, Nashville, Tennes¬
see, in the Spruce Street Baptist Church, the Reverend N. G.
Merry officiating.
Dr. Parks has filled various positions of trust in a satis-
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
factory nianner; among them: pastor of Olive Branch Baptist
Church, Nashville; pastor of Mount Zion, Murfrees,boro:
Mount Zion, Woodbury; Mount Zion, Shelbyville; First Bapr
tist Church, Chattanooga; Mount Zion, Knoxville, Tennessee;
and the Union Baptist Church, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
his present location, to which he was called in March, 1905.
At the time he took charge the church had a membership of
"1800; it now has am enthusiastic, congregation of nearly 2900.
Dr. Parks served the Tennessee Convention as secretary
for a number of years, and finally as president. He also rep¬
resented the same State as. vice-president of the National
Baptist Convention. He was elected president of the Jubilee
Commission of the National Baptist Convention inj 1905, and
he was elected vice-president at large of the National Bap¬
tist Convention at New Orleans in 1910, which position he
now holds.
Dr. Parks has traveled extensively, having visited Eng¬
land, Scotland, Italy, Egypt and Palestine.
The church of which he is pastor is out of debt, having
canceled a mortgage of $9,000 in one year and five months un¬
der his guidance. The membership is composed of fine, intel¬
ligent people, who are a credit to their leader. A new site has
been purchased, upon which it is intended to erect a church
edifice worth $28,000. The site was bought for $28,000, mak¬
ing the entire cost of the property amount to $56,000.
Dr. Parks is a man of action—he does things but he is
modest to a fault about exploiting his own achievements.
However, he is recognized throughout tha country, as well as
in foreign lands, as an Afro-American of unusual ability as a
speaker, a writer, a financier, and a moulder of opinion.
He has come in contact with people of all nationalities
and has grown broadl and deep in thought, as well as polished
in manner. His consistent Christian life, his refusal to be¬
come self-centered, his devotion to his people, have endeared
him to all who know him.
Our denomination numbers many brilliant men and
24 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
women among its members, but there is none more honorable
than the distinguished minister and race advocate, Dr. W. G.
Parks.
CHARLES HENRY CLARK, LL.D.
Farmer—School-Teacher—Disciplinarian—Co-Founder of the
National Baptist Publishing House—Financier—Man of
the Plain People—Great Pastor.
The Reverend Charles Henry Clark, whose church in
Nashville. Tennessee, is the hostess of the National Baptist
Convention for 1913, is one
of the really great and in¬
teresting characters of the
National Baptist Conven¬
tion. lie was born Octo¬
ber 15, 1855, in Christian
County, Kentucky. His fa¬
ther was unknown to him,
he having escaped across
Mason and Dixon's line
while Charles was a mere
babe. Later his mother
married Mr. Jerry Clark,
who joined the Union
Army in i860 and re¬
mained until 1864, when
he rejciined her in Trigg
County, Kentucky. For
some time they farmed at
this point; but feeling the need of better educational facil¬
ities for Charles and an elder son, George, Mr. Clark moved
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 25
to Hopkinsville, where he placed the children in school.
But poverty soon forced him to leave the city and re-enter
farm life five miles away. At this time George, an enterpris¬
ing boy, who was nearing his: twenty-first birthday, determined
that distance should prove no hindrance and poverty no bar¬
rier . to his education, resolved to walk to town daily to
scfiool and pay both his tuition and that of his brother Charles.
For three years they remained in school, winning prizes and
exhibiting rare attainments. So rapid was Charles' progress
in school that he soon made good in the county examination,
was awarded a teacher's certificate, and engaged in successful
teaching for some time at the Mount Zion Baptist Church, neai
Hopkinsville.
But God had another mission) for him; and this new call¬
ing began in 1876, when he felt the forgiveness of his sins
and joinjed the Green Hill Baptist Church, of which the Rev.
G. G. Garrett was then pastor. He was at once made church
clerk and a deacon. As an officer he was active and tireless
in the prosecution of his duties. Soon he was licensed to
preach and went from plantation to plantation, exercising his
gifts anld swaying men by the charm of his voice and his
searching presentation of the Scriptufes.
It was not until 1880 that Mr. Clark relinquished teach¬
ing and devoted his efforts to the ministry. During that year
he married Miss Maria Bridges, of Canton, Trigg County,
Kentucky. Five children have blessed the happy uniont—
Grant, Mattie, Mary, George, and Willie.
The Canton Baptist Church called him to ordination in
September, 1880. He served at the same time the Rolling
Mill and Center Furnace Baptist Churches until 1884, when
the Shepherd Street Baptist Church, Princeton, Kentucky,
offered him her pulpit. May 1, 1886, he accepted the pastor¬
ate of the Fourth Street Baptist Church, Owensboro; and for
sieven years and nine months he led that great church forward
as it had not been for years. He 'was called from Kentucky
to his) present pastorate at Nashville, one of the most flourish-
26 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
ing and progressiva in the entire connection and one that gave
the National Baptist Convention a most magnificent entertain¬
ment in September, 1899.
Mr. Clark is an organizer of men. He is one of the founds •
ers of the National Baptist Publishing House; for it was in
his parlor that the plans were drawn and from his bank ac¬
count a contribution) was given to start a concern that has be¬
come the wonder of the age. And Dr. Clark has been con¬
tinuously elected chairman of the board of managers of that
corporation) since its organization; and much of the success
that has followed the operations of that enterprise has been
due to his judicious advice and personal efforts. As chair¬
man of the Publishing House Board, it devolved upon him, as
the right-hand man of Dr. Boyd, to advise ways and means of
co-operation with the, Southern Baptist Convention in mission
work.among the Southern colored Baptists.
Dr. Clark has served as president of the Tennessee Bap¬
tist Convention and as commissioner appointed by the Governor
of Tennessee to the Educational Convention of Negro Leaders,
and is at present presidenlt of the National Baptist Sunday-
school Congress, an active member of the Board of Trustees
of Roger Williams University and of Howe Institute, a di¬
rector of the Penny Savings Bank of* Nashville, and treas¬
urer of the Stone River Associatiqin. He has shown great
executive ability throughout his career of thirty-six years,
and the confidence and esteem in which he is held by his co-
laborers in all the responsible positions to which he has been
called are well-nigh idolatrous^
The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him
by the Cadiz (Kentucky) Normal and Theological College, of
which the Rev. W. H. McRidley, IX.D., is president; and that
of IX.D. by Roswell College, New Mexico, Dr. J. H. May
president.
- In whatever capacity Dr. Clark has served, success has
followed him. As a public school-teacher, he was loved and re¬
spected ; as pastor, he 'has proved a signal success, having raised
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 27
the financial, moral, intellectual, and spiritual standing of the
people to a high degree* of efficiency; as a disciplinarian, he is
the equal of any man of the denomination; as an evangelist,
thousands have been coverted under his preaching. Eminent
as a Bible student, great as a public speaker, thorough as a
leader of men, and the idol of the eighteen hundred members of
the Mount Olive Baptist Church, Nashville, Dr. Clark, w ith hid
devoted wife, will live in the memory of friends long after he is
no more.
PROFESSOR RICHARD B. HUDSON, A.B., A.M.
Right Worshipful Endowment Treasurer Grand Lodge (Ma¬
sonic) of Alabama—Highly Honored Lay Member of the
Baptist Church—Bank Cashier—Educator of Merit—Del¬
egate to World's Missionary Conference—Secretary of
National Baptist Convention.
Wheni a man's soul is on a par with those of the best and
noblest, he may, if he will, take his place with them, whatever
may have been his antecedents.
Reared in the atmosphere of means
sufficient to take him through
school independent of self-help,
Richard B. Hudson early decided
to cast his dot with those who be¬
come builders of their own fortune.
Richard B. Hudson was born at
Uniomtown, Perry County, Ala¬
bama, in 1866, to Richard and Mil¬
lie Hudson. The parents posses¬
sed means to gratify the ambition
of their son for a higher education,
and after the completion of the public school course in Union-
28 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
town, he was sent to Selma University, where he finished the
normal course at the early age of fifteen, immediately enter¬
ing the college department for classical culture, and after four
years' study, graduated at the head of his class with the degree
of A.B'.,
Mr. Hudson's aptitude and his earnestness in; the pursuit
of knowledge procured for him the favor of the school author¬
ities, and he was given employment as a student teacher. Mr.
Hudson studied subsequently at Chautauqua, New York.
As principal of the! Selma city school, now Clark School,
nearly a quarter of a cenjtury ago, he brought to his work all
his rich native endowments and long years of training. In
recognition of his peculiar fitness for the work, he has been
continued year after year in the position, and new honors have
been conferred upon him.
Mr. Hudson has evinced remarkable business ability and
has conducted a private enterprise—a coal and wood yard—in
addition to performing his duties as a teacher and as cashier
of the Selma branch of the Alabama Penny and Savings
Bank.
He is a member of the Baptist church at! Selma, and has
been! for a number of years the recording secretary of the
National Baptist Convention; he is also secretary of the Ala¬
bama State Baptist Convention.
He has traveled in- Europe, visiting Edinburgh, Scotland,
as a delegate to the World Missionary Conference. From that
city he went to Glasgow, Dublin, Liverpool, London, Paris,
Geneva, Gemoa, Rome, Naples, Mount Vesuvius, Florence,
Milan, Venice, Oberammergau, and other points upon the Con¬
tinent. The editor with others who accompanied him on the
trip abroad found him conversant with the history of various
points of interest and a valuable source of information to the
stranger in a strange land.
One of the greatest honors that has fallen to the lot of
Mr. Hudson is the office of endowment treasurer and secre¬
tary of the Grand Lodge (Masonic) of Alabama. The place
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 29
is one that could be filled satisfactorily by a thoroughly trust¬
worthy person only. -Mr. Hudson has proved faithful to the
trust and with his splendid business ability he has managed the
affairs of the Lodge in a most competent manner. His sagac¬
ity, tact, integrity, an,d patience have rendered him an exceed¬
ingly valuable officer.
Mr. Hudson is married, and his wife, Mrs. Irene M.
Hudson, is an intelligent and sympathetic companion. Two
children have been born to the union, orile of whom is now a
sophomore in the Atlanta Baptist College; the other is a pupil
in the Selma public schools.
Mr. Hudson] is a close observer and a pleasing speaker.
He is also what is often termed a "good mixer" with men..
His opinions on school mahagement are widely sought and he
is considered an authority on that subject.
He is a brilliant historian and one of the ablest of the
race's advocates in the entire South.
3o Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists.-
WILLIAM THOMAS AM I GBR, A.B., A.M.,
B.Th., D.D., LL.D.
Pastor — Educator — Author—Theologian—Master of Seven
Languages — President of State University, Louisville,
Kentucky.
One of the strongest men of letters, character and indus¬
try of which the race may well boast is William Thomas Ami¬
ger, son of Rowland and
Margaret (Alexander)
Amiger, born in Culpepper,
Virginia, July 16th, 1870.
Early in life he became a
Christian and united with
t hj e Baptist Church, the
principles of which he
maintains unremittingly.
Mr. Amiger, always
alert, affable and studious,
was a favorite in the pub¬
lic schools of Culpepper.
He was not afraid1 of hard
work and succeeded in
completing the graded and
high school courses at a
very early age.
Believing that God had in store for their son a great mis¬
sion in life, the parents of Mr. Amiger sent him to western
New York, where he entered the State Normal College at
Genesee and prepared for college. While at Genesee he again
proved his ability to grapple with difficult subjects of the
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 31
course of study and was more than a match for his white
competitors. j
In 1895 Mr. Amiger entered Lincoln, University, Chester,
Pennsylvania, from which he graduated with honor in 1899,
receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Two years later he
graduated from the Department of Theology, taking the de¬
gree of Bachelor of Sacred Theology, and in the same year
the' Master of Arts' degree was conferred upon him.
But so great was the young student's thirst for knowledge
anid so well did he appreciate the demands of the age for thor¬
oughly prepared leaders, in whatever capacity they served, that
he specialized in Hebrew and Greek at Newton Theological
Institution,. And he reads those languages to-day with the
accuracy of an author and interprets them with the intelli¬
gence of the learned Jew or the scholarly Greek.
This learned apostle was called from Newton to the pas¬
torate of the Third Baptist Church, Springfield, Massachusetts.
For five years he led the people "into green pastures and beside
the still waters," bringing the congregation up to a high degree
of efficiency in all departments of denominational work.
In 1908 the trustees of State University, Louisville, Ken¬
tucky, were in great need of a man to succeed the lamented
Doctor Charles L. Puree as president. They wanted a man
who not: only possessed great scholarship and character, but a
man who,could see far and wide, whose youth, courage and
executive ability would make the institution commensurate
with its name. Amiger was selected, and the new buildings
erected, improved courses of study adopted, the large faculty
employed and the many successful graduates sent forth dem¬
onstrate the wisdom of their choice. 1
In recognition of his brilliant career, his Alma Mater con¬
ferred the degree of Doctor of Divinity upon him in June,
1909. The Central Law School of Louisville, Kentucky, made
him Legum Doctor in 1912.
Doctor Amiger's work as an author, educator and the-
32 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
ologian has attracted wide-spread attention, and his books—
"The Hands of Jesus," "Studies in Anthropology," "Miracles
of the Messiah/' and "Inductive and Deductive Hebrew Les¬
sons"—have distinguished him as a deep thinker, and their
wide circulation illustrates their value and the great popularity
of their author. Written: with great clearness and brevity and
with such simplicity of language that even a child can under¬
stand and benefit by the truths which they expound, they bring
their author at once to the forefront among the literati of the
world.
Having studied the needs of the people and labored un¬
tiringly for their mental, moral, religious and industrial prog¬
ress, equipping his students with valuable knowledge which
lenables them to go forth in their chosen-professions with dili¬
gence and effectiveness, Doctor Amiger's name and deeds will
go down in history as one who has served the Master faith¬
fully and' well.
In 1892 Miss Eleanor Green, of Castleton, Virginia, be¬
came Doctor Amiger's wife. Being well educated, thoroughly
abreast of the times, Mrs. Amiger has nobly seconded every
effort put forward by her distinguished husband and has a just
right tcf share the honors he has achieved.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 33
A. R. ROBINSON, D.D.
The Man Who Never Fails—Chairman Foreign Mission Board
—Vice-President World Baptist Alliance—Financier—
Great Preacher.
One of the very successful ministers still on the youth¬
ful side of life is the dashing and very intrepid Abraham
R. Robinson, of Pennsyl¬
vania. He hails from that
mother of secessionists,
South Carolina. And Doc¬
tor Robinson is somewhat
of a s e c essionist himself,
for he breaks away from
iron-clad rules and prece¬
dents and introduces meth¬
ods of his own that have
always led to success,
whether in the pastorate or
other organizations over
which he has. been called
to preside. In school he
was ever ready for a frolic
or a fight, whether with
some knotty problem in
m a thematics or some
haughty fellow on the campus who invaded his rights. He
was known as an expert athlete and could box with the will¬
power of a Johnson or wrestle with the courage and inspira¬
tion of a Gotch, and was always a favorite among the students.
" The parents of the Reverend A. R. Robinson were well-
34 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
to-do farmers and devout Christians, the father was a deacon
of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, in the town of Florence,
South Carolina, and served in that capacity from early life
to the time of1 his death, in 1911; hence the son was sur-
, rounded/ from his very birth with strong religious influences.
From the public schools of what was Darlington County.
South Carolina, Dr. Robinson passed into the graded schools
of Florence, after which he was sent to Benedict College, at
Columbia, South Carolina, finishing his course in that insti¬
tution in 1889. He then took a post-graduate course, and was
called, in the same year, to Silver Spring Baptist Church
at Pendleton, South Carolina; he was also called, in 1900, to
Saint Paul Baptist Church at Lauren's. South Carolina, and
served the two churches, alternately, for ten years, when he
gave up the church at Pendleton, taking in its place the church
at Union, South Carolina.
At Pendleton he built a beautiful church and parsonage
and a first-class school-house for the colored children. He
possessed great influence with both white and colored people.
and his departure was deeply regretted. f'
At Laurens he built three churches on the same spot. The
first was too small for the increasing congregation, and it
was torn down and a larger one was erected, which was
wrecked by a storm. Undismayed, Dr. Robinson called his
army together and with the aid of the white people of that city
a more beautiful church soon replaced the one destroyed.
More than seven hundred persons united1 with the church -
during his pastorate, and he left the congregation free from
debt. The same was true of both Pendleton and Union
churches. /
Going to Anderson, South. Carolina, Dr. Robinson built a
brick structure—one of the largest in the State—and added
seven hundred and twenty-five to the membership. He also
built a large two-story parsonage and made the grounds about
the church the most beautiful in the city. From there he went
to Chester, Pennsylvania, where the Baptists were divided into
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 35
three congregations, worshiping at different places. In ten
months he succeeded in uniting the churches. Six hundred
and fifty were received into the church and $18,859 raised;
and when Dr. Robinson left the town his people had $4,000 on
interest.
From Chester he was called to the historic Shiloh Baptist
Church at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Taking charge on the
first Sunday in May, 1912, he raised on that day $363.75. A
number of persons were received into the church on the same
date. The first month $1,150 was collected and the mortgage
lifted. Shiloh is one of the largest and finest colored churches
in Philadelphia.
Dr. Robinson has traveled extensively in England, France,
Germany and Italy. He was a delegate to the World Mission¬
ary Conference at Edinburgh, .Scotland, in June, 1910^ He
was elected vice-president of .the World Baptist Alliance at
Philadelphia in June, 1911, as the representative of thea Na¬
tional Baptist Convention. He is essentially a great preacher,
a builder and financier, and is destined to occupy a still greater
place in our reforms.
Dr. Robinson is married and has a happyv congenial, in¬
telligent family, and the distinction which he has achieved is
largely due to his affable wife, Mrs. Rachel Robinson, an al¬
umna of Benedict College.
Dr. Robinson believes in the future of the race, and is
working diligently to the end that the Afro-American people
may, as a whole, be prosperous^, well educated and happy.
36 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND CHARLES HENRY PARRISH,
A.B., A.M., D.D., F.R.H.S.
President of a University—Delegate to World Baptist Con¬
gress—Holy Land Traveler—Chairman of Foreign Mis¬
sion Board—Magnetic Preacher.
' The Reverend Charles Henry Parrish, son of Hiram and
Henrietta Parrish, was born at Lexington, Kentucky, on April
18, 1859. The father was a slave
teamster and the mother was a
seamstress. Both were earnest
Christians, the former being dea¬
con of the First Baptist Church in
his home city.
Young Parrish became alive to
great religious truths at an early
age, and united with the Baptist
Church when he was twelve years
old. He soon interested himself in
Sunday-school work, and did ex¬
cellent service as a teacher.
He studied nights, while acting as porter, at different
places, as occasion would permit.
Dr. Parrish matriculated in State University, over which
the eminent Dr. W. J. Simmons presided at that time. But
death cast a gloom over his prospects by taking away his father,
then at a later period his mother, and finally a much-loved
sister of thirteen summers.
Dr. Parrish was employed as janitor in the city while he
pursued his studies at State University. But he proved him-
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 37
self a man of ability, keeping up with his classes, and grad¬
uating- from the Academic Department in two years. He was
awarded a gold medal in acknowledgment of his scholarship.
He afterward received the degree of A.B., and became a teach¬
er of Greek in the school.
Dr. Parrish has frequently represented his State at nation¬
al gatherings, both white and colored. In 1887 he bore the
greetings of thq National Baptist Convention to the Southern
Baptist Contention. In 1905 he was a messenger to the
World Baptist Alliance, held in London, England, and while
abroad he visited the Holy Land.
One of Dr. Parrish's greatest achievements was the estab¬
lishment of Eckstein Norton University, Cane Spring, Ken¬
tucky. It is an institution of marked influence, having sent
forth graduates into every field of usefulness. Its founder is
still president-
So distinguished has Dr. Parrish become as an educator
that several institutions of learning have conferred upon him
the degree of Doctor of Divinity. In view of his original re¬
searches in Palestine he was made a Fellow in the British
Royal Historical Society in 1912.
He is also pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Louisville,
Kemtucky, and is constantly in demand as a lecturer and
preacher. For several years he was chairman of the Foreign
Mission, Board, once located in Louisville, but recently re¬
moved, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He is a brilliant writer—one of the contributors to the
Baptist Union Review. \
Dr. Parrish married Miss Mary V. Cook, an alumna of
State University, and an accomplished teacher. One son has
been born to the union. < ;
Dr. Parrish is a magnetic preacher, whose rapid flow of
choice language and piercing logic never fail to bring forth an
enthusiastic response from his hearers. His intense zeal, tem¬
pered with judgment, renders him successful in whatever he
undertakes.,
38 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
A. J. STOKBS, D.D.
Pastor of Seven Thousand Members—Financier—Holy Land
Traveler—Treasurer National Baptist Convention—Great
Preacher.
The man, who forges ahead, listens neither to the unwise
advice of friends nor the unworthy criticisms of foes, is the
mad that rises to a point of emin¬
ence from whence he may view the
rich fruit of his tireless labors.
The Reverend A. J. Stokes was
born at Orangeburg-, South Caro¬
lina, on July 25th, 1859, to Joseph
and Rosana Stokes. He was con¬
verted on May 3rd, 1870. From
the common schools of Orangeburg
he went to Claflin University and
Benedict College, from which he
was graduated—classical course—
in 1884, Guadalupe College, Tex¬
as, and Princeton University, in Indiana, conferred upon him
the degree of LL.D.
Dr. Stokes has officiated as pastor in Mt. Pisgah, Black
Jack, Winnsboro, Rock Hill, Mt. Olive, Mt. Zion, Ebenezer
and Bull Swamp churches, of South Carolinja; First Baptist
Church, Clarksville, Tennessee; Mt. Zion Baptist Church,
Florida. In 1891 he was called to the pastorate of the First
Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama, where he still resides.
He has baptized about 15,000 persons, 7,000 of whom entered
the First Baptist Church of Montgomery, Alabama. The
present membership of that church is 5,700, the largest in
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 39
America. He has performed the marriage ceremony for
3,000 couples.
Dr. Stokes has beeni editor of the South Carolina Baptist;
he has also edited the Montgomery Helping Hand. He has
occupied the position of president of the Montgomery Acad¬
emy and of moderator of the Spring Hill Association—the
latter for twenty-one years. He has also filled successfully
the office of president of the Managing Committee of the Un¬
ion Review; anjd is now treasurer of the National Baptist
Conventioii
Dr. Stokes is one of the wealthiest preachers in the United
States. He owns three plantations, inS Montgomery, Cren¬
shaw and Elmore counties, respectively.
In 1885 he married Miss Essie Tucker. Two children,
Lue Rosa and Hugo, were born of the union.
Dr. ^tokes is. broad-minded and"well informed on subjects
of national and international interest, having traveled exten¬
sively in Europe, Egypt, Palestine and other countries.
Dr. Stokes has achieved wide distinction in) the school of
life's conflict, which is the surest test Of deserving., And while
he has been in many skirmishes fraught with danger, he has
offered his life in many a hard-fought battle ini defense of the
race. He is a great leader of a great people in a great cause,
and the First Baptist Church of Montgomery—the largest itt
America—may well boast of one of the bravest and most com¬
manding' pastors of modern times.
40 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
WILLIAM ABRAHAM CREDITA.B., A.M., B.O.,
D.D., LL.D.
Scholar—Orator — Pastor First African Baptist Church —
Founder of a University—President Neiv England Bap¬
tist Convention.
Reverend William Abraham
1864, at Baltimore, Maryland, to
Credit was born July 14,
B. R. and Mary L. Credit.
He attended the public
schools and then, consecu¬
tively, Lincoln University,
Newton Theological Insti¬
tution, and Boston School
of Expression. Colleges
have honored themselves
by conferring upon this dis¬
tinguished member of the
Afro - American race the
the d e g r ees of A.M.,
Ph.D., D.D., and LL.D.
Dr. Credit was converted
in Baltimore in 1876, and
since that time hi? life has
evidenced the high purpo.-e
that came to him with his
change of heart and life.
His influence has grown wider with each successive year until
he now numbers many thousands among those who have re¬
ceived inspiration from his preaching.
It has been given him to hold various positions of trust; to
occupy many pulpits of importance. He has been an instructor
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 41 >
in the State University, Louisville, and iri the State Normal
School, Frankfort, Kentucky. He was the first to introduce
the inductive method of teaching Latin, Greek and Hebrew in
the State University. While at Frankfort he served as pastor
of the Corinthian Baptist Church. From Frankfort Dr. Credit
went as pastor to the Berean Baptist Church, Washington, D.
C.; and st> acceptably did he serve the Berean congn Ration, that
it was with difficulty it released him to accept the very large
and lucrative pastorate of the First African Baptist Church,
Philadelphia, which he still occupies.
His present charge is composed principally of professional
people, whose combined wealth is nearly a million; dollarsj, an)d
the edifice in which the people worship is valued at $100,000.
It is a model of elegance and beauty, well equipped with all
modern appliances for the comfort and pleasure of its worship¬
ers, thereby attesting the fine aesthetic and artistic taste 'of the
people. This is the oldest Negro church in the East, having
been, organized at the dawn of the nineteenth century. From
its organization it has had but seven pastors, each having served
well his time and generation. Dr. Credit, the seventh, erected
the present edifice in 1909. It is institutional in nature, and the
members are wisely taught to inculcate the doctrines of Chris¬
tianity; but thrift, virtue, education, business anid. race unity
are emphasized.
Feeling the need of an institution that would give the
colored youth an opportunity to learn the trades that would
enable them to earn an independent support in the field of
competition, he founded the Downiington Industrial College
and became its first president. The institution has grown to
large proportions and is one of the best of its kind in the Key
stone State.
Because of his experience, great scholarship and executive
ability he was elected president of the New EnglanJd Baptist
Convention, which he served faithfully and continuously for
four years.. He is now president of thei Cherry Building and
Loan Association, treasurer of the Reliable Mutual Aid Life
42 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
Insurance, Company, founder of the first Colored Farmers'
Alliance of Pennsylvania, and member ^of the Republican
State Central Committee.
Dr. Credit has made the best of the manjy opportunities
to aid his fellow-men, and his immense personal following in
State and Nation attests his popularity and the confidence of
the people in hia leadership.
> Dr. Credit is brilliant and versatile; he is a most able man
—a forcible speaker, eloquent and earnest, deep in thought,
but clear in language. His fame has gone abroad and his
'name is known and honored wheiever the qualities of energy,
integrity, love arid devotion to the race are recognized. A fine
speech may be prepared and delivered without stirring an
audience; but-Dr. Credit has the faculty of not only writing
addresses, but of penetrating, by means of a certain magnetic
force, the minds and hearts of the most indifferent listeners
and of firing them with a determination to make their lives
worth while.
Those who have a tendency to follow industrial pursuits
are encouraged by Dr. Credit to attain the highest and most
independent plane in their chosen trades; those who have the
gift of special aptitude for the professions are given a start
along the line of their wishes.
Having been signally honored from time to time by the-
people of his State; loved and respected by all who know him;
looked upon as one of the most eloquent men of modern times,
liberal in education, profound in statesman*hip, and safe in
leadership—Dr. Credit may well feel proud of a record that
shines on) with increasing brightness as, the cphere of his pow¬
er and influence widens with the passing years.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 43
REVEREND CHARLES T. WALKER. LL.D.
Farmer—School-Teacher—University Trustee—Pastor—Tem¬
perance Lecturer—Chaplain United States Army—Holy
Land Traveler—"The Black Spurgeon"—Eloquent Min¬
ister.
The Reverend Charles Thomas Walker, known as "The
Black Spurgeon," was born near Hephzibah, Georgia, on Feb¬
ruary 5, 1858, to Thomas
and Hannah Walker, both
amiable Christians The
father died the day before
the birth of Charles, and
the mother, who enter¬
tained great hopes for her
youngest son, did not live
to witness—in the body—
his noble career. But Dr.
Walker has always felt
that from her exalted
position in the better world
she has seen and approved
of that which he has done.
A near relative of her for¬
mer master, eulogizing
'Mrs. Walker, said:
"No marble headstone marks the spot where she was laid
away, yet I am sure that the humble mound that covers her
sleeping dust covers a heart as honest and faithful, as patient
and gentle, as kindly and true, as any that rests beneath the
proudest monument that art could fashion or affection buy."
44 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
It was but natural that Dr. Walker, coming from a gener¬
ation of preachers, and bred amid religious surroundings,
should choose the ministry as his profession. For seven years
he experienced the hardships of slavery; then came freedom,
and opportunities to mould his; own future.
At fifteen years of age, in June, 1873, Dr. Walker pro¬
fessed a hope in Christ. From thet time of his conversion he
was an active and zealous Christian. He at once identified
himself with church, Sunday-school and prayer-meeting serv¬
ices. The peculiar manner of Dr. Walker's conversion has
been rioted by his biographer in "The Life of Charles T. Walk¬
er," and his fasting for three days arid nights in the woods,
where he found the Lord after a struggle lasting for seventy-
two hours, brings to mind the trials and temptations of the
Great Example—Jesus,. Having evidence of the divine call
to the ministry, Dr. Walker resolved to prepare himself by
enlisting the assistance of Dr. Robert,, an ex-slaveholder, who
became president of the Augusta • Institute, now Morehouse
College, Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Walker completed the literary
and theological courses at that institution through the gener¬
ous aid of a Mr. Bierce, of Ohio, arid was ordained in May,
1877.
His first pastorate was the Franklin Covenant Baptist
Church, near Augusta; his second was at La Grange, where
he founded the La Grange Academy. From there he was
called to the Central Baptist Church, Augusjta, out of which
grew the Tabernacle Church, now one of the largest in the
State. He is still in charge of the Tabernacle Church.
Dr. Walker was at one time manager of the Augusta
Sentinel, and in 1893 he was director general of the Negro
Exposition. One of his most important services: to the race
was the founding of the Old Folks' Home. 1
In 1891 Tabernacle Church sent Dr. Walker to the Holy
Land, where he spent two months or more, visiting Alexan¬
dria, Cairo, Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane and
(points in continental Euiiope. On this trip Dr. -Walker
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 45
preached in Exeter Hall and Spurgeonfs Tabernacle. London.
He was connected with the organization of the National
Baptist Convention, and since that time he has been a national
figure. His vigorous defense of the South against criticism
by a Northern delegate brought him strongly before the pub¬
lic, and his intelligent, aggressive stand against those who dare
to challenge the thrift and progress of the race mark him as
a worthy defender of high ideals.
The degree of Doctor of Divinity was received from State
University, Louisville, Kentucky.
Dr. Walker wears his honors modestly. There is noth¬
ing'ostentatious about him; his appearance in, a convention is
unattended by any air of importance. But when he is aroused
the flash of his eyes, the gestures of his hands, the movements
of his) body, the thunder of his voice and the faultless yet ini-
cessant flow of English fairly lift his> hearers from their seats
and carry them away with him.
He has served! as chaplain in the Army of Occupation in
Cuba, and he preached while there in 1898. His deportment
was favorably commented upon, and his services for his
country and brethren, across the water were characteristic of
the earnestness that makes him an idol and a hero at home.
In 1899 Dr. Walker accepted a call to Mount Olivet Bap¬
tist Church, New York city, over the unanimous protest of
Tabernacle Church. During his inlcumbency Mount Olivet
Church increased three-fold, and each Sabbath hundreds were
turned away, being unable to gain) admission to the building.
Dr. Walker established the Y. M. C. A1, in that city and it has
since become one of the largest in the entire country.
In 1901 he was recalled to Augusta^ but'so anxious were
the members of Mount Olivet Church to retain him that it
was fully a year before he was able to make a favorable re¬
sponse. Upon his return the church at Augusta broadened
the scope of its work, which became of national importance.
Dr. Walker, who is still its pastor, has giveri! the Tabernacle
prestige throughout! the United States.
46 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
Hq is without doubt the most eloquent minister! in Amer¬
ica, if not in the world. No church, hall or auditorium has
ever been ablei to accommodate the thousands who have gath¬
ered to hear himi from time to time. As a writer he possesses
the rare faculty of stirring his readers to the depths of their
religious natures—a difficult thing to do in cold type. As a
leader he ranks with the foremost, having an army of personal
followers. As an evangelist he is demonstrative and magnetic.
He has brought thousands into the church, at Atlanta, Kansas
City, Chicago and elsewhere.
In) 1879 Dr. Walker was married to Miss Violet Frank¬
lin, of Hephzibah, Georgia. Four children have been born
to the union. Three of them are living at the present time.
Dr. Walker.hasi a history that is brim' full of good' deeds;
fie has occupied the center of the stage in the International
Sunday-school Convention, in the National Baptist Convention,
in the World Baptist Alliance and in the Convention1 of North
America. He is at that age) when the young man is no more
arid the middle-aged starts upon his journey toward the even¬
ing of life. And as he nears the sunset glow that gives prom¬
ise of' a bright to-morrow, his name, as one of the world's im¬
mortals, will become indelibly impressed upon the hearts of
his fellow-men.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 47
REVEREND ELISHA ARLINGTON WILSON,
Ph.B., D.D.
Boy Evangelist—Master of Language—President State Con¬
vention)—Secretary K. P. Fraternity—Assistant Secretary
National Convention.
The Reverend EHsha Arlington Wilson, passionate or¬
ator, journalist, organizer of men and modern evangelist—a
typical example of "t h e
doctrine that the character
impressed on a man at
home follows him abroad,''
was born at Garland City,
Arkansas, October 22,
1876, to Bryant and Cath¬
erine Wilson, formerly of
Virginia. Like Timothy,
he was early taught the
Scriptures.
Dr. Wilson was reared
in Texarkana, Texas, and
educated at Bishop College,
Marshall, Texas; Christian
University, Canton, M i s-
souri; and Kansas City
University, Kansas City,
Kansas. He was the second Negro to receive a college degree
from the last named institution and the first Negro to receive
that of Bachelor of Philosophy. The degree of Master of An¬
cient Literature was conferred upon him by Christian Uni-
' P|
48 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
versity, and that of Doctor of Divinity by Eckstein Norton
University, Cane Spring, Kentucky.
In July, 1899, he was united in marriage to Miss Leurlean
Snadon, a native of Kentucky. Mrs. Wilson is an alumna of
Lincoln High School, Kansas City, Missouri, and studied
music at Chicago Musical Conservatory. She is still a devotee
of music, in which art she has made an unusual success.
Dr. Wilson is at present pastor of the Metropolitan Bap¬
tist Church, Kansas City, Kansas; president Kansas Baptist
Convention; recording secretary Western Baptist Convention
and assistant secretary of the National Baptist Convention.
The Doctor is a thirty-second degree Mason, and re¬
cording secretary of the National Grand Lodge of United
Brothers and Sisters of Mysteriouls Tens of U. S. A.
He is the author of "The Burning Message for the
Young," "The Heavenly Vision," "Armageddon," "The King's
Business," "Higher Ground," and other tracts and pamphlets.
Dr. Wilson's personal property, .and real" estate eaSlly
reach $10,000 on more.
Since he was a boy fourteen years of age, he has labored
successfully as an evangelist, and he is now one of the field
workers with Drs. I. Tolliver, C. T. Walker, E. J. Fisher, H.
R. Wilson and Tyler in the World-wide Evangelistic Cam¬
paign. Thousands have flocked to his evangelistic meetings
from time to time and hundreds have professed to know the
Lord) through the power of his preaching.
The rapid rise of Dr. Wilson has been phenomenal. For
nearly fifteen years he hasi officiated with the best of results
as pastor of one of the most intellectual congregations in his
State, and for nine years he has been the popular leader of
25,000 Baptists of Kansas.
Under his administration as pastor a debt of $4,500 has
been canceled, and a foundation for a "Greater Metropolitan"
om thei institutionalr plan has been built, and he hasi acquired a
membership that stands for all that is highest from a moral,
intellectual and spiritual standpoint .
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 49
XThe Sunday forum, the) annual Chautauquas and the Re¬
ligious Congress which meet with the Metropolitan Church
owe their origin to Dr. Wilson. He is a favorite with the
young people and is greatly respected in the denomination.
As a speaker he is persuasive, logical and fervid, and as a
word-painter few men can excel him. A bright future awaits
this eminent and much-loved divine, whose eloquence weaves
in one golden web of divine oratory similes and symbols in
setting forh the divine glory of Christ's transcendent excel¬
lence and mission.
L. AMASA KNOX, A.B., LL.B., LL.M.
Blacksmith—Prominent Lazvyer—Civic Worker.
L. Amasa Knox, of Kansas City, Mo., was born in Vir¬
ginia in 1869. At an early age he came under the domina¬
tion of religious thought and feel¬
ing, and joined the First Baptist
Church of Sussex, Virginia, when he
was eleven years old..
Like many other young men who
were inspired by the educational at¬
mosphere of a State which boasts of
'the possession of one of the finest
universities in America, he became
imbued with a zeal for education and
a thirst for higher things. Embracing
the opportunities which the State afforded, he completed the
college preparatory course at the Virginia Normal and Col¬
legiate Institute in 1890, and in 1894 graduated from the same
institution with the degree of A.B.
50 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
He had already decided on his professional career and
had equipped himself for the study of law. In 1897 he was
graduated from the Law Department of Howard University,
with the degree of LL.B. and in the following year the degree
of LL,.M. was conferred upon' him. He is the only colored
man in Missouri—the State of his adoption—holding the lat¬
ter degree.
Mr. Knox is a conservative, dignified Christian gentle¬
man'—quiet, thoughtful, and unostentatious. He is admit¬
tedly one of the ablest attorneys at the Kansas City bar, and
he commands respect before the courts. He believes in at¬
tending strictly to business. He is absolutely frank and hon¬
est with his clientSj and by that means has built up a solid,
substantial and growing practice. Mr. Knox is a credit to the
race and an honor to his profession and denomination.
Mr. 1 Knox started life as a blacksmith, thereby earning
money to support himself while in school. He is not only
learned, in his profession, but he is also a most effective pub¬
lic speaker and a civic worker who is using all his influence in
favof of much-needed reforms.
Mr. Knox is married and much of his success is due to
the timely assistance of his) wife, Mrs. Clara T. Knox.
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 51
REVEREND DANIEL A. SCOTT, Th.B., D.D.
Austin, Texas.
Sufvday-School Missionary of the American Baptist Publication
Society—Pastor—Leader—Orator—Hard Student.
The great State of Texas has never produced a more
favored son than the subject of this sketch. With a keen
brain, a high ambition, he
carved his own; w a y
through hardships and pri¬
vations to a place of honor
among the truly great men.
The Reverend Daniel A.
Scott was born in Travis
County, near Austin, Tex¬
as, on December 5, 1863.
He was educated in the
public schools of Austin
and in Bishop College, Mar¬
shall, Texas, where he dis¬
tinguished himself as a hard
student and a deep thinker.
Dr. Scott entered the min¬
istry with the conviction
that the greatest progress
couldl be made by working for the advancement of the young
people of the race. He realized that through them would the fu¬
ture be determined; that they must be trained to fill useful posi¬
tions in the world; that they must be educated both in relation
to the knowledge to be obtained from books and in the trades
52 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
and the professions. With the high purpose ofl devoting1 him¬
self to the good of his fellow-men—of consecrating himself
to the cause of the development of all that is best in the
Negro—Dr. Scott connected himself with every movement
looking to the uplift of the people. For more than twenty
years) he has been a prominent figure in the Lone Star State.
Hq has filled successful pastorates at Austin and) ati Marshall,
where he built large church edifices and strengthened the
memberships. When he decided to take up general denomi¬
national work, he was invited to return to the pastorate, by a
unanimous vote of. both congregations which he had served,
but he felt that the Lord had' other things for him to do.
Dr. Scott has occupied high positions at various times.
He was general secretary of the Baptist M. and E. Conven-
, tion; president of Houston College for seven years; and gen¬
eral superintendent of the Sunday-school and Bible work of
the State Convention and of the American Baptist Publication
Society, jointly. His influence over young persons enables
Dr. Scott to perform most acceptable services for the denom¬
ination and for Christianity in general. He was presiding
officer of the State Sunday-school Convention for twelve
years. - ' t
Dr. Scott was a brilliant staff correspondent of the
Western Star, and he has been editor of the Texas Head¬
light and of Truth.
As a conductor of Bible institutes he has made a record
which younger men might well imitate.
Dr. Scott owns some valuable real estate in Austin. He
enjoys also the happy association of a devoted wife, one
daughter and five splendid sons.
i He is regarded as one of the most eloquent and persuasive
Baptist preachers of the country. His pulpit manner is grace¬
ful; his arguments are logical and convincing; his style is
clear and he possesses a ready command of good English.
He is highly spiritual and his delivery is forceful.
Not the least among the attainments of Dr. Scott is a
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 53
well-trained, melodious voice. He has been called a "sweet
singer in Israel."
All the talents of this eminent divine have been used
unstiiiitingly for the glory of God and for the betterment of
humanity.
Dr. Scott undoubtedly has many years before him, be¬
ing in the prime of life, and if the future is to be judged
by the past, he will be heard? from again andl he will continue
to set an example worthy of emulation by the young people of
the denomination and of the race-—the leaders to come.
Dr. Scott's name is a synonym for earnestness, capabil¬
ity, faithfulness and unselfishness.
54 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists.
B. M. GRIGGS, D.D.
Minister—Financier—Race Advocate—Indefatigable Worker.
Some men are satisfied to give only the best they have in
whatever capacity they serve for the assistance of their com¬
rades and fellows, and our
sketch is a man of this kind.
The Reverend E. M.
Griggs was born March
5th, 1865, in Red River
County, near Clarksville,
Texas. His father died
when the boy was only six
weeks old, hence he was
brought up by a widowed
mother. He leoeived his
education at Bishop C o 1-
lcge, graduating with the
degree of B.Th. For a num¬
ber of years he served as
pastor of the West Union
Baptist Church, Palestine,
Texas, succeeding Elder
R. H. Boyd, D.D., LIv.D., of Nashville, Tennessee. He was
moderator of the Zion Hill Baptist Association, and was the
first moderator in Texas to locate an association on a camp¬
ground of sixty acres of land, where meetings are held annually.
Mr. Griggs has been for several years district secretary
of the National Baptist Convention of America, which posi¬
tion he now holds. He is also president of the Farmers' and
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 55
Citizens' Savings Bank of Palestine, Texas, the largest Afro-
American bank in the State. It has a paid-up capital of
$45,000, and its resources are more than $81,000
Mr. Griggs is State organizer of the State Negro Busi¬
ness League of Texas; a member of the Board of Directors*
of the Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention of
Texas; a member of the B. Y. P. U. Board of the National
Baptist Convention.
He believes that religion and business should go together,
and through his efforts much encouragement has been given to
Afro-Americans who desire to engage in enterprises of a
higher and more profitable nature than that in which the col¬
ored man usually embarks.
Mr. Griggs is a race advocate of the best type. He sees
the possibilities of the future for the people and is using all
his energies for their advancement. '
Among his elements of strength is his force of character*
which shines with the lustre of a golden sun in a cloudless sky.
His word alone is as good as a certified check and his life is
an open book. He is a strong believer in an educated min¬
istry, but above it a converted heart and a life of purity.
Such men as Griggs are ever in demand to hurl with the sword
of truth the) fiery darts of sin from the hearts of men.
56 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND WILLIAM BECKHAM, D.D.
Self-Made Man~±- Great Minister—Lecturer—Field Secretary
National Baptist Publishing Board—One of the Best Fin¬
anciers of the Race.
The Reverend William Beckham was born in Pike County,
Georgia,' in 1866/ to' James and Nancy Beckham. As the
parents were very poor, William
had few educational advantages ex¬
cept those which he secured through
his own efforts. But he had the
will, and made the best possible use
of the facilities afforded by the
public schools in his native State.
' Soon after he entered his "teens"
his parents migrated to Texas,
where the son continued his studies
ih the town schools at Boriham, He
evinced a great thirst for knowl¬
edge, always leading in his classes
and taking first rank as a debater and public speaker.
Dr. Beckham was converted in 1880 and united with the
Baptist Church. In November, 1891, he was called to the
ministry, and his ordination took place in the same year,
He is a deep student of theology and a veritable store¬
house of information upon leading topics of the day. His
manner of speaking and his choice of words are peculiarly his
own, and he can hold an audienlce ^pell-bound for hours, ad-
vancing from one poiri|t to another with increasing power.
In recognition of his brilliant services, Guadalupe College,
Who's Who Among the Coi/jred Baptists. 57
Texas, and Friendship College, South Carolina, conferred up¬
on him the degree of Doctor of Divinity.
After filling the pastorate at Abilene, Texas, for some
time, Dr. Beckham was elected general superintendent of
Baptist Sunday-school Missions, in which position he acquit¬
ted himself most creditably. He is n!pw field secretary of
the National Baptist Publishing Board, located at Nashville,
Tennessee.
Dr. Beckham is one of" the foremost preachers of the
Afro-American race. As a lecturer he is witty, pointed and
exceedingly entertaining; as a money-raiser in the mission
field he is a signal success. He is respected and loved by his
brethren. He is plain in speech, and at timesi may be consid¬
ered almost rough in his methods of expression, but he is so
only to drive his arguments home the more forcibly.
Dr. Beckham has traveled extensively in Europe. He
was one of the delegates to the World Missionary Conference
at Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1910.
In view of the fact that he is yet comparatively young,
his future is before him, and God will unquestionably use him
to accomplish a great work in the interests of the race and
denomination. And judging by the past, that work will be
undertake^ with cheerfulness and courage, and pursued to
completion with strength and determination.'
58 Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH ALBERT BOOKER,
A.B., A.M., D.D.
Professor of Mathematics and Languages—Critic—College
President—Editor—Great Disciplinarian.
The Reverend Joseph All
land, Arkansas, on December
t Booker was born at Port-
i, 1859, to Albert and Mary
Booker. He was a prom¬
ising child, almost from the
cradle, and long before he
reached his tenth year he
was the neighborhood critic
and mathematician. He ac¬
cepted no theories without
good reason, and was often
so inquisitive that he was
nicknamed "the question-
box." Though poor, his
parents decided that their
gifted son should have the
benefit of the best possible
education. Having pre¬
pared himself in the public
schools of his native vil¬
lage, he was sent to Roger
Williams University, Nashville, Tennessee.
He went straight from the plantation to the University—
he had previously united with the Baptist Church at Portland,
Arkansas—and attracted the attention of both professors and
students because of his brilliant mind. While in college he
excelled in mathematics and Latin. He was exceedingly fond
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 59
of Cicero's Orations, which, no doubt, had something to do
with his developing into a great orator.
After taking the degree of Bachelor of Arts, he returned
to Arkansas as a teacher in the public schools, which position
he retained for ten years. He won the confidence of pupils
and patrons, and it was with reluctance that they released him,
in order that he might accept the office of State missionary.
But God had a higher position for the young educator,
and the Arkansas Baptists were determined that hei should fill
that place. He was therefore unanimously elected to .the
presidency of the Arkansas Baptist College, and he has amply
demonstrated the wisdom of their choice. Hei has been con¬
tinuously elected annually for the past twenty-five! years.
Dr. Booker Has taken the school out of the second-class
list and placed it among the finest colleges of the country. Its
students may be found in every walk of life. They are in the
pulpit; at the bar, pleading the} cause of the oppressed among
their fellow-creatures; at the teacher's desk; or at the bedside
of the sick, ministering with care and judgment to those who
are the victims of disease.
The Arkansas College has grown "to enormous propor¬
tions and matriculates annually more than six hundred stu¬
dents. Her buildings are modern, her appliances are of the
most improved kind, and, her instructors number twenty-four.
The property is valued at $8o,ooo.
■In 1887 Dr. Booker married Miss Mary J. Caver, and
eight bright, promising children are the result of the union.
One—Mattie Alberta—is a teacher of music.
Im recognition of his rare attainments, the degree of A.M.
was conferred upon Mr. Booker by his Alma Mater. He has
also received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from two or
morel colleges.
Dr. Booker is a man of honor, an apostle of temperance
and of industrial reform, as well as am advocate of higher edu¬
cation for the Negro. He is a fine editorial writer and an ex¬
ceptionally good critic-
60 Who's Who Among the Covjred Baptists.
A3 an orator he has attained national fame. It has been
said of him that he wias neither born great nor was greatness
thrust upon him, nevertheless he has become on(e of the
greatest men of the Afro-American race; and that through
his own efforts—not by vain self-seeking, but by sincere en¬
deavor to; lift his fellow-men upon a more independent plane.
He is like other famous leaders—rso absorbed in service to
others' that he has grown, gradually but surely, into a prom¬
inent figure in the race and the denomination. His devotion
to the interests of the institution! over which he presides—his
self-forgetfulnjess—cannot but continue to r.dound to his
credit. As a pedagogue of the first rank he has gently
woven into the lives of those about him the ideals of true
greatness that have sent forth into the world such leaders as
J. P. Robinson and R. M. Caver, who occupy a commanding
position in the eye of the public.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 61
ALEXANDER S. JACKSON, D.DJ
Receiver of Public Funds—University Regent^-Travelef in
Egypt—Strong Pastor—Ideal "Christian.
Unlike the majority of young men, our sketch was blessed
with an indulgent'father,, who offered every encouragement to
the unfolding of his grasp¬
ing intellect, and, unlike
many' young men, he made
good use of his oppor¬
tunities.'' ''
Alexander S. Jackson, soni
of the Reverend Andrew
and Charlotte Jackson, was
born onl the' 4th day of
May, 1858. The father was
a pioneer pastor; hence the
boy was surrounded with
religious influences from-
the time of his birth." He
united with the Baptist
Church at an early a g e,
and as a foundation for his
future ministerial duties he
entered Atlanta University. He was among the firsFrt#~iriaL
triculate in that institution and Clark Theological Seminary,
both established by Northern philanthropists. : :!'° '* '
After receiving a substantial education, Dr. Jacksion be¬
came a teacher in the public schools of Georgia' and Missis¬
sippi. He taught successfully for many years," during tfte
6j Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
last seven, of which he was principal of the State School for
Negroes at Jackson.
But God intended that his talents should be exerted in a
higher field of usefulness and he was ordained and called to
the pastorate of the Tulane Avenue Baptist Church, New Or¬
leans. For eighteen years he labored in( that church, develop¬
ing it into thei strongest colored church in the city.
He was one of the prime movers in the reorganization of
the Louisiana Baptist State Convention and of the National
Baptist Convention, and was for two years president of the
latter.
While at New Orleans Dr. Jackson was made regent of
Leland University and chairman of the board.
In 1892, so widely known had he become as a leader of
thought and a theologian), he was elected a member of the
Advisory Committtee of the World Parliament of Religions
held in connection with the Columbian Exposition' at Chicago,
Illinois. The manner in which he discharged the duties of
the position) reflected great credit upon him and did much to
make his name a household word.
In 1899 New Hope Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, real¬
izing that Dr. Jackson was the man of the hour, invited him
to her pulpit, where such distinguished divines as A. R. Griggs
and E. W. Isaac had officiated. He accepted the call, much
against the wishes of both the white and black citizens of New
Orleans. He still serves the New Hope Church, which has
become! one of the most important missionary churches in the
United States. During his administration a $40,000 house of
worship has been erected, and that without incurring a
mortgage.
Dr. Jackson has probably addressed a larger number of
national gatherings of whites than any other Negro Baptist
minister. Three times he appearecf before the Northern Bap¬
tist Convention by invitation, and he has also been the hon¬
ored speaker at the Southern Baptist Convention, held in
Kansas City, Missouri,
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 63
Although Dr* Jackson is mot in any sense a politician, he
was appointed receiver of public moneys at New Orleans
during President Harrison's administration, and his appoint¬
ment was promptly confirmed by the Senate without dissension.
Dr. Jackson was a delegate to the World Missionary Con¬
ference, Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1910, and while abroad he
visitedi the prominent cities of Europe and toured Egypt and
Palestine. He is a close student of the Bible, and both his
sermons and his lectures are intensely interesting.
The Doctor has been married twice. His first wife. Miss
Laura Augusta Mason, died years ago. Three children of
this union still survive. His present companion, Alice Morse
Jackson, was formerly a teacher of New Orleans. Two fins
boys- have blessed their marriage.
Dr. Jackson received the degree of Doctor of Divinity
from the famous State University, Louisville, Kentucky. He
is a strong temperance advocate and an untiring worker for
all that stands for Christian manhood. He is fully abreast of
the times, and no man is doing more to bring about harmony
between the races than he. Dr. Jackson grows bigger in the
hearts of his brethren as the years go by.-
64 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
G. C. F. CURRY„ B.Th.
Forceful Speaker—Promising Youivg Divine—Moderator of
Large Association—President Stockholders' Board of
Guadalupe College.
The Reverend G. C. F. Curry, the energetic and highly
esteemed moderator of Guadalupe Association, was born De¬
cember i, 1872, in Guadalupe County, near Seguin, Texas.
He was converted and baptized by Dr. W. B. Ball, in August,
1885, and was married to Miss Tillie Phillips, a promising
young teacher, of Seguin, in 1893.
Mr. Curry graduated from the Theological Department of
Guadalupe College in 1904. -He began active ministerial work
immediately, and has served as pastor in the following
churches.: Zion Hill, Seguin; Riddleville; Sweet Canaan,
Kingsbury; New Providence, Prairie Lea; First Baptist, Ma¬
son; Lone Oak, Lockhart; St. Mary's, Austin; Terrisville,
Gonzales. He is now connected in a ministerial capacity with
Mount Zion .First Baptist Church of San Antonio, Texas.
Dr. Curry is president of the Stockholders' Board of
Guadalupe College, and he is alsoi a member of the Educa¬
tional Board of the General Convention. For a number of
years he was treasurer of the District Sunday-school Con¬
vention and treasurer of the Association.
As a public speaker, Dr. Curry is magnetic. He is force¬
ful, clear 'and logical. As a religious guide he is wise and
earnest. £Te has already won the distinction of being a suc¬
cessful evangelist, having brought many souls to Christ. He
is regarded in the denomination as on'e of the most promising
young divines in the Southwest, and there is no doubt that
he will attain still greater heights than those which he has
thus far reached.
There is no nobler life tham that which is consecrated to
the work of bringing men and women into a better life, and
Who Is Who Among the Colored Baptists. 65
Dr. Curry has devoted his entire talents to the service of God,
teaching those who come under his influence how to become
good Christians—good citizens, good fathers and mothers.
Mount Zion First Baptist Church, San Antonio, Texas,
REv. G. C. F. Curry B.Th., Pastor.
Second Baptist Church, San Antonio, Texas.
Rev. I. H. kelly, Pastor.
(Valuation, $100,000.)
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 6?
REVEREND I. H. KELLY, B.Th., D.D.
Builder of $100,000 Edifice—President B. Y. P. U. State Con¬
vention—Model Pastor—-Gifted Citizen.
The Reverend I. H. Kelly is the pastor of the Second
Baptist Church at San Antonio, Texas, one of the most im¬
posing in the country, built
at an expense of $100,000;
^ ^ p^sente^d
L 2jjjj£mE&M positions in the Baptist
^ e nominati°n' being ex-
moderator of the Guada-
lupe Association; president
of the State B. Y. P. U.
General Convention of Texas; member of the Board of Trust¬
ees of Guadalupe College, and member of the Old Ministers'
Relief Board of the General Baptist Convention of Texas.
Mr. Kelly is esteemed one of the most promising among
68 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
the ministers of the country. He is enthusiastic and has a
faculty of transmitting his enthusiasm to those with whom he
comes in contact. He has already acquired a wide influence
for good.
The problems that confront the Afro-American race in
regard to its future welfare are deeply felt by Mr. Kelly, and
he will continue to labor, as he has in the past, for the solution
of those problems in an intelligent manner.
He is earnest, energetic and strong in faith, believing that
great thing? can be done for the uplift of humanity. His in¬
terest in the members of the church extends to plans for
material benefit, as well as for moral and religious develop¬
ment. He understands that body, soul and mind must ad¬
vance together—in unison, and his labors cannot but be blessed
with a large measure of success. No man in the State is
more highly respected and no man of his years has accom¬
plished more in the field of moral, spiritual and business uplift
thani Brother Kelly, whose life is an incentive to every ambi¬
tious son of Ham.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 69
REVEREND*AIOSES JOHNSON.
Example of High Moral Character—Devoted Minister—Faith¬
ful Christian—Kind Father and Husband.
(Published by request of the Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas.)
The Reverend Moses Johnson was a pioneer Baptist min¬
ister, full of good works. August 16, 1847, was the day of
his birth, and lie died May
18, 1898. He was the pas¬
tor of Mount Rose Baptist
Church, Brenham, Texas,
for twenty-two years. Mr.
Johnson was ordained by
Dr. Crane (white) and Dr.
Burlson (white), of. Bay¬
lor University.
He was the father of fif¬
teen children, fourteen of
whom, and a widow, still
survive him.
During Mr. Johnson's
pastorate at Brenham he
received into the church
and baptized more than
1,500 members. Under his leadership the numerical strength
of the church was increased to 1,200.
Mr. Johnson was a friend to education and a man of
strong morals. Although his opportunities were limited, he
had a thorough understanding of the doctrines of the Baptist
Church. His learning came from the old white minister at
70 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
Independence, Texas, who gave to him lectures on history and
Church doctrines. Mr. Johnson's memory never failed him.
He was loved and revered by white and colored people alike.
At the funeral the pall-bearers were white men, who shed
tears as freely as did the family and intimate friends. One
of the pall-bearers stated that he himself did not feel ^vorthy
to kiss Uncle Moses' feet.
v; His life was an example of earnest, faithful work—of
kindness and patience. He was a devoted husband and father,
a sincere Christian who labored unceasingly in the Lord's
vineyard, saving many souls.
Mr. Johnson still- lives in the hearts of his fellow-citizens,
both the white and colored. And because of his good deeds
his influence will continue to be felt through those who have
been inspired by him to enter upon the Christian life. "Peace
be to his ashes."
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 71
REVEREND F. L. LIGHTS, D.D.
Minister—Banker—Leader of Men—Model Pastor—President
Foreign Mission Convention.
F. L. Lights is in the fore rank of Baptist preachers. Born
in' the State, of Louisiana, on July 4th, 1859, he baffled every
obstacle to improvement.
At the age of twelve years
he was located, at Bryan,
Texas, where he attended
the city schools. At a later
period he entered Hearne
Academy—her first student.
He was a hard worker,
careful and exact, and did
not hesitate to apply him¬
self closely to the studies
of the course in order to
acquire- an education. He
was never satisfied with
a half-learned lesson, but
took pains to fix the points
to be mastered firmly in his
mind. And to this quality is due, in a large degree, his suc¬
cess in life.
He was converted at an early age, and having been called
to the mnistry, he kept that in view throughout his school
career.
As a pastor Dr. Lights has won the encomiums of all who
know what he has achieved. He has erected several large
72 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
church edifices, chief among them Antioch Church, at Hous¬
ton, Texas. The building is valued at $85,000.
As president of the Orgen Banking Copmany Dr. Lights
has demonstrated his financial strength.
As president of the Foreign Mission Convention he has
sihown what may be accomplished through energy and
perseverance.
Dr. Lights has traveled extensively abroad, and has; been
enabled thereby to study the condition of-other peoples. He
has plans for the uplift of the Afro-American race, and is
turning all of his talents to the realization of those plans. His
eloquence as an orator has attracted wide-spread attention; his
earnestness and integrity have aided him to reach thousands
whose hearts might not otherwise have been touched. With
the assistance of his faithful wife, Dr. Lights has brought
about many needed reforms. Only a few months ago Mrs.
Lights was summoned to her reward."
It has been siaid that Louisiana never gave birth to a no¬
bler member of the race than F. L. Lights. He has often been
referred to as "the model pastor of Texas." And these say¬
ings are evidences of his standing among his own congregation
and the denomination at large.
"The best in any calling is not its emoluments, but its op¬
portunities to lay down life for others." This has been the
motto of our brother, who feels that "the world needs onjy
those who are willing to subordinate ambition to service, self-
seeking to patriotism."
There is no doubt but that Dr. Lights has a great future—
one of usefulness anSd influence beyond anything in his brilliant
past.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptises. 73
RICHARD HENRY BOYD, LL.D.
Born in Slavery—Educated in the School of Adversity—Au¬
thor—Founder of Baptist Publishing House—President
of Penny Savings Bank—The Man of Action.
The Reverend Richard Henry Boyd, of Nashville, Ten¬
nessee, is one of the most interesting personalities on the
American continent, if not
in the world. He was born
in Knox County, Mississip¬
pi, 1846. He was denied
everty opportunity to ac¬
quire any education and
was regarded as little more
than a beast of burden,
n e v ertheless he emerged
from a childhood of slavery
into a manhood of inde¬
pendence ; out of ignor¬
ance to the noble sphere
of intellectual a m b ition
and achievement. He was
twenty'years old before he
was allowed to open a
book. Freedom gave Mr.
Boyd the opportunity he
desired; for it removed this cruel restrction, and he set im¬
mediately to work, learning to read and write in a very
short time, and this, too, without the aid of a teacher.
Mr. Boyd worked! at manual labor each day, while he studied
each night. This method was kept up until, at the age of
74 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
forty, he decided to enter Bishop College, Marshall, Texas,
to prepare himself for the ministry, to which he felt divinely
called. He spent only six months) at Bishop, when poverty
drove him away. But Boyd's soul was afire; his mind assim¬
ilated the contents of the best books readily. "Self-improve¬
ment" became his motto, and it has made him one of the
strong men of the times.
Leaving Bishop College, Mr. Boyd accepted a large pas¬
torate in the State* and while so occupied made it one of the
most useful to every phase of denominational wprk.
Mr. Boyd first came intcn prominence as a national char¬
acter when the National Baptist Contention convened in Kan¬
sas City, Missouri, in the fall of 1898. He conceived the
idea of having the National Baptist Convention found a pub¬
lishing house, not only to furnish literature to the several
thousan4 Sunday-schools of the connection, but to give em¬
ployment to hundreds of worthy young men and women in
the various departments of the institution as well as to illus¬
trate the capabilities of the Negro. The resolution passed
amidst a storm of excitement, with Boyd occupying the cen¬
ter of the stage. Mr. Boyd went to Nashville, surrounded
himself with such men as C. H. Clark and J. P. Robinson, and
began actively to plan for the largest Negro publishing con¬
cern in the world. When! the first literature came out, it was
called "Negro Backs"; so called because the plates used in
making up the forms wiere furnished by the Southern Baptist
Convention Publishing House. But Boyd was not to be dis<-
couraged. While others laughed his efforts to scorn, he
worked the harder, and God has rewarded his efforts with a
plant now valued at $400,000, which employs more than; 150
persons. As corresponding secretary of the National Bap¬
tist Publishing Board, Mr. Boyd has rendered greater service
to the denomination than any other. He has given prestige
to the Board at home and abroad, and has been the means of
bringing about co-operation in missionary work between the
Southern and the National Baptist Conventions. Through
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 75
him several business enterprises, aside from the denomina¬
tional work in which he is engaged, have been formed. Among
them is the Nashville One Cent Savings Bank, of which he is
president, and through whose efforts it has become one of the
strongest in Nashville.
Mr. Boyd is vice-president of the Negro Nation-al Busi¬
ness League and president of a local league. He is a
high Mason and connected with the fraternal order of
United Brothers of Friendship and the Immaculates. Doctor
Boyd is author of several books and pamphlets dealing with
Sunday-school work and methods. Amcng them may be men¬
tioned: The Teacher's Class Book (1897), Sunday-school
Record .Book (1897), National Baptist Easy Lesson Primer
(1898), "The Bible As My Mother Taught Jt to Me" (1898),
Baptist Catechism and Doctrine (1899), The National Bap¬
tist Pastor's Guide (1900), Baptist Statistics arid Sunday-
school Text-book (1902), "What Baptists Believe and Prac¬
tice" (1902), National Baptist Hymnal (1903), National Bap¬
tist Commentary (1904), and The National' Baptist Church
Record, published in 1906. In recognition of his ability and
piety, his work for the Master and the race, Guadalupe Col¬
lege, Seguin, Texas, conferred upon him' the degree of Doctor
of Divinity, and Agricultural College,. Huntsville, AJabama,
befittingly gave him the degree of Doctor of Laws.
Doctor Boyd is simplicity personified, being void of all
ostentatiousness, and makes no effort at oratory. He is slow
of speech and takes great pains to weigh every word with em¬
phasis on the cardinal points lof his address. He is a man of
action and is careful to never disclose his planis until he is
ready to put them into execution. He is a willing listener to
every or^fe giving advice, but he is one man who never tells
what he is likely to do next.
Doctor Boyd is a friend to young men and has assisted
many, both financially and otherwise, in their struggles for an
education.
Mr. Boyd has traveled in various parts of the United
76 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
States, the insular possessions and! upon continental Europe,
visiting London, England, in 1905, as delegate to the World
Baptist Alliance, and while abroad visited many points in
France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.
Mrs. Boyd has been a constant companion and source of
comfort to Dr. Boyd in all his undertakings. Their son,
Henry Allen, now assistant man/iger of the publishing house
and prime mover in the Young People's Congress, is a young
man of sober habits, thrift and resourcefulness, capable of
doing great good for the people at large.
The Reverend M. P. Hall has richly rewarded his par¬
ents and his friends for the encouragement given him during
mon schools. Subsequent¬
ly he received instruction at Chester, and still later at Benedict
M. P. HALL, A.M., D.D.
C0liege Presiden t—Financier—Leader.
his school days. With a
liberal vision! of duty and a
well-proportioned body,
mind and soul, he has been
able to gather about him
and foster a number of en¬
terprises looking to racial
advancement. He was born
in Chester County, South
Carolina, in May, 1859
His parents were the Rev¬
erend Thomas and Mrs.
Eliza Hall. At an early
age he was sent to the com-
Who's Who Among the Colored' Baptists. 77
College, Columbia, South' Carolina. He graduated from both
schools. Since that time he has taken a post-graduate course
and has been honored with a degree by Benedict College.
Guadalupe College and Morris Brown College conferred upon
him the degree of Doctor of Divinity.
At present Dr. Hall is president of Friendship College,
founded in 1891, at Rockhill, South Carolina. He has occu¬
pied that position from the time of its .inception, twenty-one
years ago. The school is one of the best in the State of South
Carolina. Its diplomas are recognized in the granting of first-
grade certificates and hundreds of teachers have gone out to
carry education among the people.
The dissemination of knowledge has been going on at a
rapid rate since the establishment of institutions of learning
for the Negroes. Wonderful advancement has beenl made,
and Friendship Normal and Industrial College is, not the least
among the schools that are conducting the work. Whatever
it has accomplished, much credit, is due to Dr. Hall, who has
devoted his life to its prosperity.
Whenever a noble institution is built up we may know
that there is a giant intellect behind it. Some one has applied
all his energies ta making it a factor in the educational or in¬
dustrial world. Someone is employing all of his talents and
time that the race may be benefited. Friendship has been
fortunate indeed to have had the services of Dr. Hall from the
peridd of its origin. Aided by faithful assistants, he has
brought thq college into the foreground' of the seats of learn¬
ing in the South.
Dr. Hall's excellent judgment, his kindness of heart, his
happy faculty of bringing out that which is best in each per¬
son with whom he comes in contact, have constituted him a
most remarkable man, beloved by his pupils, and respected by
all who know him.
78 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
CHARLES L. ROBERTS, D.D.
Safe Leader—Strong Pastor—Business Man.
The high esteem in which our sketch is held is shown by
his long service as pastor in the city of his birth. Eloquence
alone is not responsible for
his hold upon a grateful
and well-informed people.
It is the righteous life
charged with intelligence
and surcharged with busi¬
ness traits that makes our
brother grow larger in the
hearts of the people each
day.
The Reverend Chas. L.
Roberts was bom August
26th, 1851, at Cheneyville,
Loui siana. At fourteen
years of age he accepted
Christ* and in^ 1868 he was
licensed to preach the gos¬
pel. Two years later he
married his present faithful wife. His ordination took place
at Leland University, New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1875.
Dr. Roberta is pastor of thiee of the leading churches in
the State, with a membership of 1038, and property valued at
$13,461.85. He was also president of the Eighth District
Association for ten years.
The Reverend Mr. Roberts is a business man. He is the
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 79
organizer of the Relief and Burial Association, a flourishing
fraternal order of Cheneyville, that has several thousand dol¬
lars on deposit for the relief of the distressed.
The Cheneyville Academy is a monument to his energy
and executive ability. It has performed a noble work, send¬
ing out young persons well prepared to take an active part in
the world. The influence of an institution of learning such
as the Cheneyville Academy can hardly be over-estimated. In
this age standards have been raised and thorough training is
required for the masses. Dr. Roberts has realized this and he
has bent all of. his energies to doing his share toward the dis¬
semination of knowledge. He is distinguished as an earnest,
sincere and capable minister, the result of whose labors will
continue to live long after he has passed into the Great
Beyond.
8o Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
MRS. M. A. B. SMITH.
Prominent Missionary Worker—Corresponding Secretary
Woman's Convention—Editress.
Mrs. M. A. B. Smith, of Austin, Texas, is one of the rep¬
resentative women of the A fro-American race. She has given
her best energies to the up¬
lift of the people, laboring
unceasingly along both re¬
ligious and e d u c a tional
lines.
Mrs. Smith is corre¬
sponding secretary of the
Woman's Auxiliary, Gen¬
eral Baptist State Conven¬
tion of Texas. The pres¬
ent status of the work is
lue to her efforts. The Mis¬
sionary T raining School
of Guadalupe is directly
under her fostering care.
The salary of the teacher
is paid through the influ¬
ence of Mrs. Smith among
the sisters of the State.
She edits the literature of
the societies, and has ar¬
ranged matters so that supplies are regularly distributed and
the societies are becoming more and] more intelligent with ref¬
erence to the management of missionary work by the Church.
Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 81
Woman's work presents a great field for development,
particularly in relation to missions. Mrs. Smith has recog¬
nized the need and has. come forward nobly, patiently devoting
herself to the cause, and accomplishing remarkably good re¬
sults. There is no doubt but that the future will show still
greater! achievements, and that a vast amount of good will be
performed both directly and indirectly through the exer¬
tions of Mrs. Smith and those who have become interested
through her.
She is endowed with ability, judgment and courage, the
three important requisites to success. The State Convention
is fortunate in securing her services and the National Wom¬
an's Convention of Baptists, with which she is conspicuously
identified, recognizes her loyalty and- generous support to that
organization.
82 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND HARDIN SMITH.
Pioneer Preacher—Excellent Organizer.
The Reverend Hardin Smith was born at Blue Springs,
Missouri, in the year 1848. His parents died while he was
very young, and he became
the foster-child of Charles
and Elizabeth Johnson, of
I n d e p endence, Missouri.
During the Jatter part of
the Civil War he became
separated from them. He
was converted in 1867, be¬
ing baptized into the Sec¬
ond Baptist Church of In¬
dependence, Missouri. In
1868 he was licensed to
preach. His first pastor¬
ate was at Lexington, Mis¬
souri, and since that time
he has served with much
success in Missouri Kan¬
sas and Illinois. He has
organized the following churches: First Baptist, Salt Pond;
Second Baptist, Higginsville; First Baptist, Olathe; Second
Baptist, Rock Springs; Second Baptist, Lathrop. Rev. Mr.
Smith pastored the Boonville and Chillicothe, Missouri, Bap¬
tist churches very acceptably for many years. Under his
management the churches flourished and the standard of mor¬
ality was raised. He has officiated as moderator, secretary
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 83
and treasurer of Western College while at Independence,
Missouri.
Mr. Smith has served as pastor in a number of churches,
where he has added materially to the membership and general
prosperity of the congregation. He has built some of the best
edifices in the States of Kansas and Missouri.
He was married, in 1871, to Harriet J. Pollard. To that
union two children were born, onie of whom, a son, died at the
age of three and one-half years.. The daughter lived to pro¬
fess a hope in Christ and became a member of the Church,
passing away two years after that time. Jn 1908 Mrs. Smith
was called by death. In 1910 Mr. Smith married Miss Susie
Carter, of McLouth, Kansas.
Much credit is due to our pioneer ministers, and Mr.
Smith has labored long and faithfully ini the vineyard of the
Lord.
84 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
PETER ANDREW CALLAHAM, B.D., D.D..
Hebraist—Strong Pastor—Worthy Example of Noble
Manhood.
Opportunity created by necessity, upon which ambition
mounts to a plateau, whence spreads to view the reward of
labor and the gain of hope,
\ animated by the aspiring
amind, is responsible for
A much of the great success
/• < J||f that has attended the career
f , \ of our sketch. In boyhood
I W ||||| ^ traces of leadership were
well defined, which became
more pronounced as he ad¬
vanced in years.
Peter Andrew Callaham,
of Darlington, South Caro-
Wplina, comes of a saintly and
well-to-do family of Level
m f Land, South Carolina. He
was born to Henry and
Hannah Callaham, Abbe-
ville, South Carolina, Oc-
tober 12th, 1862. Young
Callaham showed extraordinary ability while attending the
public school of Level Land, from which he soon grad¬
uated, only to matriculate in Benedict College, Columbia, South
Carolina, in the fall of 1883. During his five-years course at
Benedict, by precept and example, he put a meaning in life
that was the admiration and inspiration of the student body.
Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 85
He was respected and trusted by both students and teachers.
He graduated from the Higher English Course of Benedict in
May, 1888.
In the fall of the same year Mr. Callaham entered Rich¬
mond (Va.) Theological Seminary under very favorable cir¬
cumstances, taking the full three-years' course in Hebrew and
Greek. He held his own in his classes, and distinguished him¬
self as a rapid reader of the 'Jewish language. He was a fear¬
less debater and his frequent clashes with advanced students
in the forum, where he often carried off the honors, made him
a commanding figure upon public occasions. As a classmate
irn the Seminary, the editor saw in the young apostle of Dixie
a leader who would some day take his place among the great
men of the race. On May 17th, 1892, Mr. Callaham grad¬
uated from the Seminary, carrying the good-will and confi¬
dence of teachers and students alike.
Union Baptist Church, Society Hill, South Carolina, be¬
ing without a pastor, extended Mr. Callaham a call immedi¬
ately after his graduation. So well was Mr. Callaham liked
in this first pastorate and so powerful were his sermons that
he soon increased the membership and influence of the church
many fold. He was called from Society Hill to Barnwell ;
thence to Laurens, South Carolina; and next to Fernandina,
Florida, where he erected a $15,000 church edifice. Having
fully established his claim as a pastor„ leader and orator, he
was called to the historic church of Darlington* South Caro¬
lina, which call he accepted in 1908, succeeding the late ven¬
erable Dr. I. P. Brockington, for twenty-five years president
of the State Convention of Baptists. The church has under¬
gone great improvements and under Doctor Callaham's leader¬
ship is recognized as one of the best in the State.
Mr. Callaham is a close student; not afraid to face the
present-day issues and advise his people along correct lines.
In recognition of his piety, learning and master-workmanship,
Benedict College conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of
Divinity in 1912.
86 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
Doctor Callaham takes an active part in denominational
affairs in State and country, and his eloquence, ready wit and
learning] are ever in demand upon set occasions.
Doctor Callaham was married in 1892 to Miss Lillian
Moon, an alumna of Richmond High School and a teacher of
ability in Manchester, Virginia. To the union five children
have been born.
W. H. JERNAGIN, D.D.
President Oklahoma Constitutional League—Evangelist—
Treasurer—Pastor of Ability.
The Reverend W. H. Jernagin is a Mississippian by birth
and a typical Southwesterner by training and experience. It
was with difficulty he kept
the wolf from his door,
s u r m o unted discourage¬
ments and obtained his ed¬
ucation. After preparation
in the schools of his home
State, Mr. Jernagin took a
special course at Danville.
New York.
While he did acceptable
service in the pastorate in
Mississippi, it was in the
Southwest that he proved
his true requisites of lead¬
ership. He entered the
pastorate at Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma,, under
very unfavorable condi¬
tions. He soon transformed conditions; erected a handsome
Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 87
church edifice, paid for it, invigorated the town through the
power of his sermons, and gave the Baptists a new standing
in the State. During his twelve-years ministry in the new
State he took an active part in the political improvement of
the people and was for a long time president of the Oklahoma
Constitutional League.
The measure of a man's greatness is service; and Doctor
Jernagin's services to the denomination are not confined to the
State of Oklahoma or the District of Columbia, to which he
has been recently called. For eleven years he has acted as
treasurer of the National B. Y. P. U. Board, and for an equal
number of years has been active in every movement looking
to the welfare of the National Baptist Convention.
Mr. Jernagin believes that economy will buy land, secure
homes and make men independent. And wherever he pas¬
tors, he makes it an unalterable rule to teach his people the
advantages of material prosperity.
The Revferend Jernagin is an evangelist of note, having
conducted many revivals in different States with goodi results.
While.he possesses little of the magic of the average evangel¬
ist, he is earnest, and his sympathetic appeals, with clear expo¬
sition of the Scriptures, seldom, fail to carry conviction to hi>
hearers. ' j
The enlargement of his sphere of usefulness by a recenit
call to the capital of the Nation, at Washington, shows the
esteem in which he is held and his value as ,a. man for the
times.
Doctor Jernagin has a happy family, and his wife and
daughters move in the best circles of Washington society.
88 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND WILLIAM P. LAWRENCE, D.D., Ph.D.
Student of Philosophy—Brilliant Speaker and Writer—Be¬
loved Pastor of a Large and Intelligent Congregation.
The Reverend William P. Lawrence was born in Caroline
County, Virginia, on July 31st, 1865. He was educated in the
public schools of Virginia;
in Hampton Institute;
Bethany Bible Institute,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
in Syracuse and Philadel¬
phia. Guadalupe College
conferred the degree of
Doctor of Divinity and the
degree of Ph.D. was re¬
ceived from the Virginia
Theological Seminary and
Con roe College, Conroe..
Texas.
In October, 1894, Dr.
Lawrence was married to
Miss Jessie C. Brown, of
Tarry town, New York.
He occupies many positions of trust. Among them
are the following: pastor of Union Baptist Church, Or¬
ange, New Jersey; president of the New Jersey Baptist Sun¬
day-school Convention; first vice-president of the New Eng¬
land Baptist Missionary Convention; member of the Execu¬
tive Board of the New Jersey Baptist State Convention; presi-
Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 89
dent of the Progressive Building and Loan Association of' the
Oranges; president of the Oakwood Home Association; ex-
general secretary of the Twin City Young Meni's Christian As¬
sociation of Pittsburgh and Southwest Branch Young Men's
Christian Association of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The present membership, of Dr. Lawrence's church is 1,035.
He has been in charge for six years, and during that period
has taken in 650 persons. In all that he essavs to do Dr.
Lawrence is ably seconded by his large and enthusiastic
congregation.
Dr. Lawrence has made his way from the farm to the
position' which he now occupies—that of spiritual guide and
social leader of a wealthy class of people in a flourishing
church in the most conservative city of the United States.
And it is unusual talent and executive ability that have ren-
dered( him valuable as a minister and1 as an officer of various
denominational organizations. In addition to his capability as
a spiritual adviser, Dr. Lawrence is endowed with qualities
that make foi prosperity in business.
He is a firm believer in. the doctrine of the betterment of
the Negro along mental, moral and material lines. He real¬
izes! that the standard of moralitv is raised by contact with the
refinements of life—that the mind is elevated by the enjoy¬
ment of comfort—by freedom from the harrowing cares of a
hand-to-mouth existence. He teaches his people to use the
best that is in them in the most effective way for their own
advancement in civilization. Hef wins their confidence and by
wise counsels and sincere efforts on their behalf he has found
a place in their hearts that belongs only to himself. It is
through the desire t.o be of the highest service to his flock that
a pastor accomplishes the greatest amount of real good, and
Dr. Lawrence is eminently successful in that respect.
As a public speaker Dr. Lawrence is eloquent; as a min¬
ister, he is a devoted Header; and as a race advocate, he is in
the front rank.
9° Who's Who AmonC the Colored Baptists.
REV. LEE LEWIS CAMPBELL, D.D.
Founder of a College—Superintendent of Sunday-School Mis¬
sions—Corresponding Secretary and President of General
Missionary Convention—Prominent Politician—A Na¬
tional Character.
Lee Lewis Campbell, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church,
Austin, Texas, has led a very strenuous life during the many
years of his public career.
Born in Milan County,
Texas, the second year of
Negro emancipation in that
State, Lee L. was given
such education by his
mother, Louisa, as the pub¬
lic schools of that county
afforded. He spent s i x
years at Bishop College.
Marshall, Texas, during
which time he completed
the normal, college pre¬
paratory and the junior
year of the college courses,
when he was compelled, on
account of insufficient
means, to leave school.
Mr. Campbell was con¬
verted at the age of twelve and baptized by the Rever¬
end Jack Yates. The young man was immediately licensed to
preach by Mount Zion Baptist Church, Baileyville, and it was
through that church and her good pastor, Rev. Yates, that Mr.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 91
Campbell was assisted at Bishop College. ,The Cameron Grove
Baptist Church, Rev. F. L. Lights, D.D., pastor, called him to
ordination in July, 1890, and the Lincoln Association, in .ses¬
sion at the time, ordained him after a most rigid examination
by such men as Dr. H. M. Williams, A. L. Sledge, E. M.
Wright and F. L. Lights. He immediately took charge of
Ebenezer Baptist Church, Clarkson, Texas, which he faithful¬
ly served for one. year, resigning to accept the district mission-
aryship of the Lincoln Sunday-School Convention. So well
did Mr. Campbell serve in that capacity that he was soon pro¬
moted to the position of superintendent of missions for the
Sunday-schools of the State.
Rev. Campbell founded the Central Texas College and
was elected its first president. His experience as principal of
the cityi public schools of Cameron: served him well in his en¬
larged field of educational work and; he was by care and dili¬
gence enabled to bring the institution prominently to the front.
For a time he was chairman of the board of trustees of Guad¬
alupe College and corresponding secretary of the General
Baptist Convention of that State. He is now the honored
president of the latter, in which capacity he has made it one
of the largest and most flourishing in the United States; a con¬
vention that supports three colleges, several academies and
high schools. The combined property of the convention is
estimated at $750,000. One of the associations connected with
it (the St. John, of which Dr. Campbell is also moderator)
has .property valued at $200,000. An orphan home, the Texas
Colonization Society and Home-Builders' Army are other in¬
stitutions with which he is identified. He is prominent in the
National Baptist Convention, being one of the State officers.
(Mr. Campbell is quite prominent in political' circles. At
one time he was chairman of the Tenth Texas Congressional
District and in that capacity did credit to his party and race.
He is a great temperance lecturer, having met and defeated
many opponents of temperance in heated debates. He is a
92 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists.
good preacher, a strong pastor and a fearless defender of
Baptist principles.
Doctor Campbell was united in marriage to Miss Ella
Williams, of Calvert, Texas, in December, 1887. Three boys
and one girl have been born to the union, each prominent in
church circles: W. B., now a senior in the college course,
Shaw University, Raleigh, North Carolina; Junius and John,
now in the Prairie View College, Prairie View, Texas; and
Mrs. Hattie Lee Campbell xSmith, now of Huntington, West
Virginia.
Mr. Campbell is a financier of ability, and his holdings in
Texas are quite sufficient to make him an independent sup¬
port. It is the boast of his friends that he is one of the
wealthiest citizens in his State. And his wealth has been free¬
ly used to found and substantially maintain the Baptist Her¬
ald, the organ of the 135,000 Baptists of his convention.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
93
REVEREND WALTER THOMAS IVATKINS, B.D., D.D.
Hard Student—Author—Manager Book Concern—After-Din¬
ner Speaker—-Honored Guest of a Governor—Great Pas¬
tor—Leader of Men.
The Reverend Walter Thomas Watkins was born at
Bloomsburg (now Danripple), Halifax County, Vi ginia, May
18, 1872. Although his
parents were poor, they
belonged to a good family
—of respectable, intelligent
people.
Because of the circum¬
stances in which his father
and mother were situated.
Dr. Watkins was obliged
to work his way through
all of the schools and col¬
leges which he attended.
He studied law under Pro-
f e s s o r R. P. Armstead,
Ph.B., LL.B., Lynchburg,
Virginia, while taking his
course at the Seminary.
He w als converted in
1887, and joined the Cross
Road Baptist Church, Halifax County, Virginia, under the
pastorate of the Reverend Alexander Pamplin. He taught
in the public schools of the counties of Appomattox and
Prince Edward's, Virginia, for ten years, occupying the posi¬
tion of principal a part of that time. He was also State
94 Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists.
lecturer on public school subjects in the County Teachers' As¬
sociation of Appamattox.
^.bout three months after his conversion he was called to
the ministry, but he preferred law, until he wasi made sensible
that it was God's will that he should preach the gospel. Start-
in^ on his mission, he was first a revivalist, then a missionary,
after which he served as pastor. Dr. Watkins is now in
charge of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Hill Street, Orange,
New Jersey. The church has a membership of 500, and has
one of the finest choirs in the East.
He owns property both in Virginia and in New Jersey,
and has strong financial standing with the banks of Lynch¬
burg, Virginia, and the Oranges of New Jersey. He holds
many positions of trust and honor, and is manager of at flour¬
ishing book concern. Five years ago Mr. Watkins was the
invited guest of the Governor of New Jersey, dining with the
chief executive of the State at Seagirt.
The man who finds it necessary to make his own way
through school usually develops great .strength of purpose and
determination early in life. The extra time consumed in .work
is not wasted; it is an important factor inf the make-up of the
man; it is a moulder of character, and he who earns a) liveli¬
hood while obtaining an education is the better for having put
forth the effort. He learns in youth a lesson that others] must
acquire, perhaps, later, through hard discipline, after much
difficulty. {
Dr.-Watkins, realizing these things, went bravely ahead,
and he is now reaping the rewards in both material blessings
and the pleasure that comes from having met the exigencies
of life with fearlessness and decision; from having conquered
the obstacles in the .way and forged to the" front. The very
faculties cultivated by his exertions during the formative
period of his career no doubt fitted him to become a leader of
men, for without firmness and power one may not succeed as
a spiritual guide or an adviser to those who are tender his
tuition.
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 95
Dr. Watkins has rounded out a splendid character. He
has acquired business acumen, Christian patience, and not the
least among his virtues is the quality of winning; the affection
of his congregation. His popularity is well deserved.
It has been said of him:
"Place him in the pulpit, and you will hear a preacher; on
tho platform, and you will hear an orator; and on the floor of
any assembly, and you will hear an invincible debater. As an
after-dinner speaker he has few equals.
Dr. Watkins is happily married. His wife was Miss
R. E. Williams, of Lynchburg, Virginia, a graduate of the
high school' of het home city and of the -Virginia Theological
Seminary and College, Lynchburg,, Virginia. Her refinement
and tact have done much to aid Dr. Watkins in his work.
96 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND G. IV. SMITH.
Pioneer Preacher—Public-Spirited Citizen—A Man of Honor.
(,The Reverend G. W. Smith is a native of Texas, and was
born in. Richmond, Harris County, in 1843. He united with
the Mount Carmel Baptist
Church, at Richmond. In
1869 he was called to the
ministry. Ordination took
place in 1884, when he ac¬
cepted a call to Mount
Pleasant Baptist Church,
near Booth, Texas, where
he has preached without a
blemish upon his good
name for thirty-seven years.
He has also officiated as
pastor of other churches in
the same vicinity.
In 1867 Air. Smith was
111 a r r i e d to Miss Man-
Brown. During his service
as a minister of the gospel many thousands of persons have
become Christians. For nine years he has been chairman of
the Examining Board of the Southwest Central Association.
He is also a member of the South Texas Association and has
served as its treasurer.
Mr. Smith has a good home, is a man of honor and is con¬
sulted by large numbers of people in. regard to business mat¬
ters as well as religious affairs. His advice is wise and' to the
point. He has obtained in the years of his pastorate a broad
Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 97
viewi of life, and gladly gives those who go to him for guid¬
ance the benefit of his extensive observation-
It would be difficult to measure specifically the good that
has been accomplished by Mr. Smith during his years of hard
work, but it is safe to say that he has been one of the most suc¬
cessful preachers in his State: that the circle of his influence
has grown larger month by month and year by year until it has
become far-reaching. |
Mr. Smith is a self-made man and a pioneer minister,
taking up his duties in new fields, where it was necessary to
build up and increase the membership of the church. Tie has
borne reverses patiently, and has proved a faithful an:d devoted
husband to Mrs. Smith, who is afflicted with blindness. It
may be truthfully said that he is a shining light in the com-»
munity where he resides.
98 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
/. EDWARD PERRY, M.D.
Farm-Hand — School-Teacher — Successful Practitioner —
Builder of a Sanitarium—Member of the Visiting Staff
of Surgeons to the City Hospital.
J, Edward Perry, who has attained an enviable position
in the medical profession, was born of very poor parents at
Clarksville, Texas, April 2,
1870.
Young Perry was a typ¬
ical farm-hand. Between
the. plow-handles he fol¬
lowed the mules up the
dusty furrows for many
years; and he says that he
could do it now if it be¬
came necessary.
At fifteen, having as¬
similated such instruction
as the public schools af¬
forded, he entered Bishop
College, Marshall, Texas,
from which he was honor¬
ably graduated in 1891.
He taught public school in
the State for some time
following his graduation, giving entire satisfaction to the
school authorities and patrons. But school-teaching was not
to his liking, and after seven years he decided that he could
render greater service to the race in the practice of 'medicine.
He enitered Meharry Medical College, Nashville., Tennessee,
Who's Who Among ths Colored Baptist's. 99
under very favorable conditions, and rapidly advanced in the
study of that profession: and on February 5, 1895, ^-e received
his M.D. degree, after undergoing a most rigid examination.
To further prepare himself for his new field of endeavor, he
took a post-graduate course in the Chicago Medical College.
In 1898, when the United States and Spain, engaged in
deadly conflict on the field of battle, Dr. Perry enlisted as a
surgeon in defense of his country. At the close of the war
he was honorably discharged, after receiving congratulations
from his superior officers for the very commendable services
rendered his country.
Dr. Perry came to Kansas City fresh from the Army, and
without any acquaintances, openled an office and settled down
to the practice of his profession. Being a man of pronounced
religious proclivities and of unimpeachable character, learned
in his calling and democratic in his. ways, he came rapidly to
the front. Single-handed, he has built a large sanitarium,
modern in every particular, and as neatly furnished and kept as
any similar institution in the West. This institution alone has
immortalized his name. He is part owner of the Feople's
Drug Store and has other valuable property in his adopted
city. Dr. Perry was instrumental in starting the movement
for the appointment of Negro doctors to visit and render
medical aid to Negro patients at the General Hospital of
Kan)sas City. He is a member, of this visiting staff of sur¬
geons ; and his associates, white and black, bear testimony to
his excellent services.
Dr. Perry is a member of several organizations. He is a
Pythiani of high rank, a distinguished Mason, and an officer
of the United Brothers of Friendship. He is a worthy mem¬
ber, of the Second Baptist Church and a member of the local
Y. M. C. A.
Dr. Perry enjoys a very lucrative practice, and has per¬
formed some of the most delicate operations known to medical
science. His reputation as a surgeon has spread abroad and
he is frequently consulted by doctors of both races.
ioo Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
Dr. Perry is married and has one son. His wife, former¬
ly Miss Fredericka Sprague, a teacher of rare attainments in
Lincoln High School, Kansas City, Missouri, and a graduate
from one of the best training schools in America, comes from
one of the most influential families of the race, she being the
granddaughter of .the late orator and statesman, Frederick
Douglass. She has rendered great asisistanlce to her distin-
guishea husband in his chosen profession, and her winning dis¬
position, her gemerous spirit and forceful character have made
her one of the most popular idols in our social reforms.
Dr. Perry is still young, fearless, of temperate habits,
prompt in his engagements, able in the practice of his profes¬
sion, and the world will no doubt hear of -him in connection
with other and greater achievements than those of his already
brillianlt past.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. ioi
MRS. ELLA EUGENE WHITFIELD.
College Matron—Bible Band Worker-—Missionary—Field
Secretary of Woman's National Convention.
Among the women of the race who may justly boast of
the record they have made is Mrs. Ella Eugene Whitfield, the
wife of the Reverend B.
W. Whitfield, D.D., a grad¬
uate of the Theological
Department of Guadalupe
College, Seguin, Texas.
Mrs. Whitfield is unique
as a worker, richly gifted
with intellectual, moral
and spiritual power, and
with executive ability to
transform theories into
practice, thereby unfolding
success at every round of
endeavor.
Mrs. Whitfield was born
at Tolberton, Georgia, but
years ago she removed to
Texas with her parents,
Emmanuel and Ella Eugene Jones. She early learned to
love the Lord, and united with the Baptist Church, in which
she has served almost her entire life.
. Mrs. Whitfield has had educational advantages which
have served her well in the very responsible positions which
io2 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
she has occupied. She first came into prominence while em¬
ployed as matron of Guadalupe College, Seguin„ Texas, and
she was known as one of the best matrons the school ever had.
The students obeyed her, not because they feared, but rather
because they loved her. Her example and precepts, her fine
Christian character, always commanded respect. She was
kind, yet positive; cheerful, yet dignified.
But Mrs. Whitfield felt that the Lord needed her in an¬
other directioh, hence she resigned her position to become field
worker in Miss Joanna Moore's Bible Band. So well did she
serve in that capacity that her work attracted wide-spread at¬
tention and was noted by the Woman's National Auxiliary
Convention. That body of Baptist women employed her
early in its organization to take the field as a missionary.
Her reports bear witness , to the success of the undertaking.
Miss Nannie H. Burroughs, under whom she serves, pays
the following compliment to her:
"Mrs. E. E. Whitfield, who has been promoted to field
secretary, leads in work accomplished as in former years.
We believe that Mrs. Whitfield is God's special agent for this
special work."
(Within the past fiscal year she delivered 491 addresses;
visited 823 homes, 312 churches, and collected over $2,009..
No church has ever turned her away empty-handed. Her
winning disposition, her faith in God, her determination to
succeed, have swept every obstacle aside and crowned her
labors with remarkable success.
Mrs. Whitfield is a woman of untiring zeal and command¬
ing appearance. She can hold an audience indefinitely, by the
intensity of her earnestness and the clearness and appropriate¬
ness of her well-chosen words. The utility of her subjects
and the excellence of her delivery have rendered her extreme^
ly popular as a public speaker.
As field secretary of the Woman's National Convention
her achievements have been remarkable. She has traveled ex¬
tensively in Cuba, Canada, and in every portion of the United
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 103
States, save the insular possessions, arousing interest and kin¬
dling slumbering forces to missionary activity.
Mrs. Ella Eugene Whitfield is a shining light worthy of
emulation.
FORTUNE J. WEAVER.
President of Large Investment Company—Manager of De¬
partment in Great Mercantile Company—Financial Agent,
Adviser, Administrator — President of Negro Business
League of Kansas City.
Every Negro boy should read the history of men who
have ascended the ladder of prosperity, not by fortuitous
circumstances, but by con¬
centration of efforts and
strict application to their
execution. Our sketch is
a man of this character.
Fortune J. Weaver's
birthplace was- Council
Grove, Kansas, on May 3,
1874, and Millie and Fort¬
une Weaver were his par¬
ents. He was educated in
the village schools, and at
the age of seventeen years
he was running a farm. At
a later period, in Coffey-
ville, Kansas, he became
editor of a newspaper
called The Black Man, an
exceedingly popular periodical, but it didn't pay.
104 Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
Mr. -Weaver entered Kansas City as a tramp with ten
cents in his pocket and not an acquaintance to assist him.
After walking the streets awhile, Mr. Weaver was employed
by the Webb-Freyschlag Mercantile Company, and because of
his honesty and business ability he was promoted until he be¬
came the manager of the holiday department. The company
is one of the oldest and most substantial in the West, and
Mr. Weaver owes his advancement to the fact that he is
capable and efficient as well as- trustworthy.
Mr. Weaver stands out conspicuously as a financier. He
is President of the Afro-American Investment and Employ¬
ment Company, a firm that transacts annually $90,000 worth
of business in Kansas City, Mo. It- was, through his efforts
that the company was organized, and "it is still largely through
his exertions that it maintains its prestige as one. of the mam¬
moth institutions of the race, employing ninety-two people in
the various branches. The number of persons who have been
directly benefited by the Afro-American Investment Compa-
njy and Employment Bureau would be hard to estimate, but
in one year work} has been secured for between four and five
thousand Negroes, and colored men and women are constant¬
ly encouraged to buy homes—to take the first step in pros¬
perity by becoming property-owners.
Mr. Weaver should be emulated by -young men through¬
out 'the country. There is a wonderful field open to the Ne¬
gro, if he will interest himself along commercial lines and
compete with white men for the patronage of the race. And
Mr. Weaver has a mission which he is amply able to fill. He
is demonstrating the truth that success does not depend alto¬
gether; upon color or previous condition, but upon' energy and
determination. Opportunity comes every day and at all times
to those who are awake to the possibilities.
Mr. Weaver is kind, generous and painstaking, which ac¬
counts for his having reached a high place among business
men. He is active in church work, and he was at one time
treasurer of the Second Baptist Church, the largest in the
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 105
West. He is a Y. M. C. A. worker and takes part in every
movement looking toward the betterment of'the race. Mr.
Weaver is president of the Negro Business League of Kansas
City. He is a married man and Mrs. Weaver is a competent
business woman, having recently become president of a floral
( company that is enjoying a most excellent trade.
Leaders have felt for several years that if the steady flow
of money that goes from the colored people into the coffers of
white men of the different professions could be diverted to
representatives of the Afro-American race, it would result in
greater ambition ^and greater achievement among its members.
Why should there not be a larger number of Negro doctors,
lawyers, merchants and mechanics? The Negro can serve
his Own people with satisfaction to himself and to his patrons.
Mr. Weaver is an example of what can be accomplished by a.
bright, earnest, intelligent and sincere colored man who has
strength of character and steadfastness of purpose.
io6 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
PROFESSOR G. N. BOWEN, A.B., A.M.
Prize-Winner—College President—Professor of Biology.
Professor G. N. Bowen was born in Granger County,
Tennessee, on February ioth, 1869, to Jackson R. and Vic¬
toria Bowen. He gave evi¬
dence of extraordinary in¬
telligence at a very early
age, and his parents, deter¬
mined to give him the ben¬
efit of the best possible ed¬
ucation. placed him in tfie
public school. After grad-
u at ion from the district
school he entered Morris-
town College, and success¬
fully completed the course.
He then matriculated in
Roger Williams University,
Nashville, Tennessee, car¬
rying off many honors, and
winning distinction as a de¬
bater and orator. He ex¬
celled in the1 sciences and in the ancient languages, and was
the recipient of a gold medal for his excellent scholarship.
Professor Bowen was elected president of the Intercol¬
legiate Lecture Bureau, and while serving in that capacity he
had the honor of introducing the Honorable C. H. J. Taylor,
politician, statesman, and register of the United States Treas¬
ury. Kis address upon that occasion is said) to have been a
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 107
masterly effort. It at once placed him1 in the public eye as an
exceptionally fine orator.
After taking his Bachelor's degree he was elected teacher
in Nelson Merry College, Jefferson.City, Tennessee. Subse¬
quently he became the president of the institution, occupying
that position for ten years.
Later he was made professor of biology at Douglass High
School, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma,, in which position he still
gives great' satisfaction.
Several years ago he was united in marriage with Miss
Murphy, of Tennessee. Mrs. Bowen is an accomplished wo¬
man—a graduate of Roger Williams University. Five prom¬
ising children have been born to the fortunate1 parents.
Professor Bowen, modest to a fault, pleasing in manner,
dashing and earnest in all that pertains to the uplift of the
race, holds a unique position among the great men of the race
a»d denomination.
He was converted in 1887 and is mow an officer in the
First Baptist Church at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
io8 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
MRS, IDA M. BOWMAN BUCKS.
Elocutiomst—Lecturer—Field Secretary Woman's National
Baptist Convention.
Mrs. Ida M. Bowman Becks was born at Armstrong,
Howard County, Missouri, on March 28, 1880. to Mr. and
Mrs. Milton Bowman, who
were among the early set¬
tlers of that county. Hfer
father died when she was
eleven years old, and1 as
there was a family of eight
children, it was a grAt
task for the mother to pro¬
vide for them and send
them to school.
Mrs. Becks completed
the grammar school course
when she was sixteen years
of age, then went to Car-
rollton, Missouri, thence
she attended Lincoln
School, from which she
graduated in 1899.
In. order to obtain an education she worked in a private
family—for the small sum of $1 per week—and kept up her
studies at the same time. She was the only one of the class
of nine girls who finished. On account of her brilliant schol¬
arship, she had the honor of taking the valedictory.
Mrs. Beck took a post-graduate course at Wichita, Kan¬
sas, after which she removed to Cleveland, Ohio. She was
converted when a child of eight, and, having been trained by
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 109
a Christian mother, she longed to serve her people. The needs
of the women of the Afro-American race were so strongly im--
pressed upon her while in Cleveland that she gave up all else
and entered the work of aiding them systematically.
Her first field was at Dayton, Ohio, where she became
secretary of the Colored Women's League, giving splendid
service, }In Dayton she met an industrious and ambitious
young man, Mr. H. W. Becks, to whom she was married on
July 1, 1907. In 1908 Mr. andj Mrs. Becks went to Kansas
City, where Mr. Becks entered the Government service, in
whicH he proved to be a most efficient worker.
For two years Mrs. Becks was field representative for
the Florence Crittenton Home at Topeka, Kansas. Her ef¬
forts in that capacity were so successful that she was called
to a larger sphere of usefulness, as field representative of
the National Training School at Washington, D. C., under
the auspices of the Women's Auxiliary of the National Bap¬
tist Convention.
Mrs. Becks is an elocutionist of national repute, having
been trained at the Chicago School of Elocution. As a pub¬
lic speaker she ranks among the best, and has frequently ap¬
peared by appointment before leading Chautauqua audiences.
Her mannetf of address is direct, dramatic, and at tirpes sen¬
sational, yet pleasing and intensely interesting.
She is a fearless advocate of woman suffrage and is an
uncompromising defender of the Afro-American race. She
realizes the possibilities of the future for the colored, people—
foi4 the women in particular.
Mrs. Becks is thoroughly modern in her tendencies and
claims for her sex every privilege, every honor, that is ac¬
corded toi man. She is not one whit behind the white women
who are laboring for the advancement—the emancipation—of
her sex. She is bright, keen-witted, and persuasive. She
realizes that those who desire the ballot must express their
wishes, earnestly, decidedly, if they would attain their object.
no Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists.
Mrs. Becks' influence is the greater because of her importance
in the denomination.
She is a credit to the Church, and a valuable addition to
that class of race leaders whch is yet to reach the zenith of
usefulness. Her name will undoubtedly be emblazoned upon
the records of the time to come as of one entitled to high
esteem because of noble achievements.
REVEREND ROBERT B. FRANCIS.
Talented Preacher—Good Business Man—Banker—Vice-
President Baptist State Convention.
Texas is noted for business men as well as great pastors
and fluent speakers. It is seldom, however, that we can find
one who combines all of these qual¬
ities and makes good in each. But
there are exceptions and the young
apostle Robert B. Francis is one
of them.
The Reverend Robert B. Francis
was born October 20th, 1869, neat-
Tvler. Texas, to Willis and Mary
Ann Francis, who at one time were
held as slaves.
After taking a public school
course in Smith County, Mr. Fran¬
cis, entered Bishop College, support¬
ing himself while receiving his edu¬
cation. He made good in his studies and was popular among
both the teachers and pupils of this institution.
In 1895 he married Miss P. J. Gray, of Alabama. One
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. hi
child—Eddie Lee—was born to the couple. Mrs. Francis
died eight days after the birth of the little one.
His present wife was Miss Eviline Martin, of Alto, Tex¬
as. To the latter union were born six children, four of whom
are living.
Dr. Francis was converted at sixteen years of age, and he
wa3 called to the ministry in 1892, being ordainec^ in 1895,
when he was tendered the pastorate of Millsport, Texas, where
the Knnis Baptist Church was erected through his efforts. In
six years the membership was increased by the addition of 224
persons. Rev. Francis also held the position of pastor in the
Pleasant Green Baptist Church, at Longview. He has labored
in the latter church fifteen years, during which period five hun¬
dred members have been added. He is also pastor at Pitts¬
burgh and Pine Bluff; at the latter place he has built a $4,000
house of worship.
Rev. Francis is vice-president of the Texas Missionary
Convention; member of the Texas Educational Board; trus¬
tee of East Texas Baptist Academy ; and vice-president of
the Farmers' Citizens' Savings Bank, of Palestine, Texas. As
a speaker he is earnest, logical and pleasing. The positions
of distinction which he now holds prove his capability and
worth in the religious and business world. Being yet on the
youthful side of life, his friends have a just right to expect
greater rewards to come to him in the course of events.
ii2 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND H. C. LEWIS, M.D.
Minister—Prominent Physician.
The Reverend H. C. Lewis„ M.D.,. was born at Mathews,
Alabama, to Robert and Caroline Lewis. Although he was
converted in 1882, he was not
called to the ministry until
1897. His ordination took
place in i'898._
Dr. Lewis received his edu¬
cation at the Montgomery
High School, Montgomery,
Alabama. He then took a
medical course at the Illinois
Medical College. Feeling
keenly the needs of his peo¬
ple in the South, the young-
physician decided to return to
that section and preach and practice medicine among his
brethren. ,
He has served as pastor in Arbroth, Louisiana; and has
been Treasurer of the General Baptist State B. Y. P. U. of
Texas. As treasurer of Guadalupe College and as trustee of
that institution he has proved exceedingly efficient. Dr. Lew¬
is has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of
the General Baptist Convention.
There is no more widely known physician in the vicinity
of San Antonio, Texas, where he now resides, than Dr. H. C.
Lewis. He not only ministers to men's souls, but also to their
bodies. His skill as a surgeon is universally acknowledged.
In 1890 Dr. Lewis was married1 to Miss Anniss G, Garri-
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 113
son, of Louisiana. Two children, Johnnie and Lillian, have
blessed the union.
While the Doctor is very prominent in denominational
work at home, he is equally so abroad; and his opportunities
to doi good, either as! a physician and surgeon or as a preach¬
er, have not been1 neglected, regardless of the dual calling.
There is no greater demand in this age than the one:
"Heal my body; relieve my suffering." And there is suffer¬
ing all around us, on every hand. What a noble life is that
of the preacher who can cure physical ailments as well as
comfort the sorrows of the soul! ' /
Dr. Lewis has reaped his reward for good work, for he
now enjoys a most lucrative practice, and is surrounded with
all that is necessary to happiness.
ii4 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
JACOB JAVAN DURHAM, A.B., A.M., M.D., LL.D.
Blacksmith—Valedictorian—Scholar—Lecturer and Debater—
Educational Secretary—Founder of a College—President
of South Carolina Baptist Convention—Eminent Physician.
Jacob-Javan Durham, famous as a debater and orator,
was born near Spartanburg, South Carolina, on April 13th,
1849, t0 James Wr. and
Dorcas Durham. His
mother was very pious and
sought to bring up her
gifted son "in the nurture
and admonition of the
Lord." Mr. Durham learn¬
ed the blacksmith's trade,
which he followed to good
advantage during the early
part of his life. He at¬
tended the public school
only a few weeks during
the year, working during
the day, while each night
he employed in study.
By the time he was
twenty years old, he had
made and saved sufficient money at his trade and in the mean¬
time sufficiently improved in his studies to enable him to enter
the graded school at Greenville, where he supported himself
while engaged in study; and it was while in this city's school
that he prepared himself for the freshman year at South Car¬
olina College, where he spent two years, remaining in that
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 115
institution until it was closed to colored students in 1877. He
then entered Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee, where he
took his A.B. two years later.
Mr. Durham, feeling that better care and attention should
be given to Negro patients and that the profession Offered
greater opportunity for a struggling young man, began the study
of medicine at Meharry Medical College, Nashville, in the fall
of the following year, where he held his own in a large class of
brilliant young men, and after four years of hard study grad¬
uated as valedictorian of his class. Having made 98}^ per
cent on his final examination, the board of. trustees offered
him a professorship in the school, but he declined, feeling that
his services were needed among his people at home.
Upon leaving Meharry Medical College, Doctor Durham
was called to Bethesda Baptist Church at Society Hill, South
Carolina, where he pastored and practiced his profession
with great success, having undergone conversion and ordi¬
nation many years before. While pastoring at Society Hill
the church flourished under his fostering care, and each
Sunday his church edifice was crowded to overflowing
with both white and colored, who came from remote points
to hear his great sermons. But Bethesda was too small; the
Hill was not high enough for the vision of the young apostle.
Soon the Educational, Missionary and Sunday-School Conven¬
tion of the State elected him as financial agent and correspond¬
ing secretary; and Mr. Durham was so successful in this new
field of labor that he held it continuously for ten years, in¬
fusing it with new life and canceling her many debts and
giving her financial standing in the State.
Doctor Durham was called to the pastorate of the Second
^Baptist Church of Savannah, Georgia, which he successfully
pastored for more than twelve years. The church member¬
ship was divided at the time Mr. Durham was called, and
$13,000 of indebtedness was on the property. But within a
very short time the debts were paid and the rhembership was
united. During his pastorate quite sixteen hundred persons
n6 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
were received into the membership. In one public rally,
March, 1893, the church raised $3,059.33. But South Caro¬
lina could not spare Mr. Durham, and he was recalled to the
State as educational secretary.
He began his work as educational secretary at a time
when the work of the convention was at a very low ebb. At
the close of his first year's efforts he recommended, among
other things, the establishment of an institution of learning to
be owned and operated by colored Baptists. The report was
followed by an eloquent sermon on the subject, and so thor¬
oughly were the brethren aroused that more than $12,000 was
subscribed within a few minutes, and the strong and flourish*
ing Morris College, at Sumter, South Carolina, was the result.
In appreciation of Mr. Durham's great services to the insti¬
tution, the presidency of the school has been many times of¬
fered him, and he has each time refused that lucrative position,
preferring to remain as a board member, where he can do even
greater service.
Because of his great executive capacity, the 200,000 Bap¬
tists of the State elected him as president of the State Con¬
vention, which office he has held for several years, and by his
unusual ability, tact and scholarly attainments he has brought
his commonwealth unusual distinction. Mr. Durham has the
State work thoroughly organized, and by his wise management
he has formed several auxiliary bodies, such as a woman's
convention, a Sunday-school and B. Y. P. U. convention, all
of which are rendering much assistance to the missionary and
educational work. |
Doctor Durham has frequently been referred to as "The
Daniel Webster of the colored race," so called because of his
unusual ability as a debater. He has never lost in a debate
in all of his school-life or since, and few students dared to
tackle him. He has had< the pleasure of introducing some of
the great public men of the Nation. Frederick Douglass, on
being introduced by Mr. Durham, once said: "That was the
most eloquent introduction I ever had; that gentleman ought
Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 117
to be in Congress to plead the cause of his people." After in¬
troducing the late President McKinley on one occasion, the
latter remarked, "That was one of the most beautiful and elo¬
quent speeches I ever heard."
Doctor Durham, is a great scholar, and Las been a hard
student all of his life. He reads the Bible in five different
languages—English, German, Latin, Greek and Hebrew. And
several prominent colleges have honored themselves by confer¬
ring upon him several honorary degrees. The Doctor is a
great preacher, deliberate and argumentative; but when he is
thoroughly aroused by some strong antagonist, he becomes a
mighty storm and tempest of impassioned eloquence, in which
the thunder of his voice and the lightning of his logic strike
terror and consternation to his opponents and make them think
the day of judgment has come.
He has received several flattering offers of pastorates,
both North and South, but he has contented himself to remain
at the head of the Baptist family of the Palmetto State.
The Doctor has been twice married—first to Miss Mary
Ella Simkins, of Edgefield, South Carolina, the daughter of
Augustus and Lettie- Simkins. Mr. Simkins was a prominent
citizen of Edgefield, having represented*his county in the State
legislature. After the death of his, first wife he was married
to Miss Emma Ramey, of Edgefield, the daughter of Lottie
and Judge W. D. Ramey.
Mr. Durham is a mart of considerable wealth, which may
be counted with five figures. And he enjoys the distinction
of being the only preacher of his State' owning an automobile.
As pastor of Second Calvary Baptist Church, Columbia,
and president of the Baptist Convention of South Carolina,
this famous, learned and eloquent divine, who is at the height
of his career, amply verifies the dictum, that poverty rather
than inheritance is the spur which ambition rides; and that
■from lowly condition more often springs the desire to survey
the lordly heights, where fame is enthroned.
ii& Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
JAMES FLOURNOY SHANNON, M.D.
School-Teacher—Prominent Secret Society Man—Treasurer
Y. M. C. A.—Secretary Pan-Missouri Medical Society—
President of the People's Drug Company—Eminent
Physician. \
Among the young men of the West who have made good
in their chosen professions is Doctor James Flournoy Shan¬
non, the talented president
of the People's Drug Com¬
pany, of Kansas City, Mis¬
souri. He is a Southerner
by birth and education and
a Westerner by adoption.
He first saw the light of
day on September 14, 1872,
at G r e e nsboro, Georgia.
H i s mother, an ex-slave,
was denied the privileges
of an education; however,
so zealous was she that her
ambitious son should be
properly trained that she
made every sacrifice com¬
patible with her means.
How far-seeing that saint¬
ly woman was is well demonstrated in the fearless yet illus¬
trious efforts of her son, who, cherishing sweetly the memories
of her sleeping dust, holds his own among) learned men of his
chosen profession, administering to the afflicted and contrib-
Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 119
uting 'his share to the race's achievements by precept and
example.
Mr. Shannon entered Atlanta (Ga.)'Baptist College (now
Moorehouse College) at the age of fifteen years. He com¬
pleted the scientific course in May, 1891. His career in the
college was brilliant, and while at Atlanta he acquitted him¬
self like a man. |
From 1891 to 1894 Mr. Shannon engaged in teaching
school, studying in the meantime for his higher course else¬
where later on. Franklin, Kensington, Sparta and Lafayette
schools of his State felt the "magic touch of his scholarship and
discipline, the latter being a high school. ■
In September, 1894, Mr. Shannon matriculated in the Me-
harry Medical College, Nashville., Tennessee, and after four
years' hard work, graduated in February, 1898, and immediate¬
ly went West to Kansas City, Missouri, and began the practice
of his chosen profession under very favorable circumstances.
He at once identified himself with the Second Baptist Church
and many civic enterprises of that city, looking forward, to the
uplift of the people. The Young Men's Christian Association
elected him as its treasurer, and the Twin City Business League
used him in the same capacity. He is at present secretary of
the Pan-Missouri Medical Society and president of the Peo¬
ple's Drug Company. He is also a member of the Masonic
and Odd Fellow lodges of the city.
Doctor Shannon has enjoyed almost from the beginning
of his medical career a large and very lucrative .practice, and
his skill as a physician is recognized by eminent surgeons of
the State. He is a member of the visiting staff of physicians
to the General Hospital of Kansas City.
Doctor Shannon is a man of very temperate habits and
enjoys the distinction of being a toetotaler. He is correct in
his bearing and immaculate in his dress. He is reserved and
sedate, but one of the most congenial professional men of the
West. He owns much residence and business property in his
120 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
adopted city, and holds a large interest in the People's Drug
Company.
No small event in the distinguished career of our sketch
was his uniting in wedlock with Miss Rosalind L. Reid, in
1904, the climax of his early school days. Mrs. Shannon is
of Southern birth» being a native of Alabama, and an alumna
of Spelman Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia. In joint commence¬
ment exercises they both filled contiguous numbers .on the pro¬
gram and were awarded their diplomas from the same hand.
Mrs. Shannon is a woman of unusual brilliancy, having taught
previous to her marriage in the public schools of Mississippi,
Georgia and Missouri. For seven years she was first assist¬
ant in the Garrison School, Kansas City, and while serving in
that capacity achieved much distinction as a vocalist and read¬
er. She is a devout Christian, earnest and faithful, and is
closely connected with every reform movement, and has ren¬
dered from time to time valuable services to her church—the
Second Baptist, with which she has long been identified. It is
through such characters as Doctor and Mrs. Shannon that ad¬
vancement along the highway of prosperity is certain, and the
members of the race everywhere may well point with pride to
their lives of usefulness and find in them food for reflection in
years to come.
Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 121
REVEREND THOMAS O. FULLER, A.M., Ph.D.
Class Valedictorian—School-Teacher—Senator—President of
a College—Minister—Great Advocate of Equal Rights.
The last Negro to occupy a seat in the upper branch of the
State Legislature of his native commonwealth was the learned
and eloquent Thomas O. Fuller, of
North Carolina. And his experience
as a law-maker has made him one
of the leading men of the race.
The Reverend Thomas O. Fuller
was born to J. Henderson and
Mary Eliza Fuller on October 25,
1867, at Franklinton, a hamlet near
Raleigh North Carolina. Although
his parents were poor, they were
devoted Christians, and the real
foundation of their son's greatness
was laid in the humble home where
he was taught to regard the invisi¬
ble things of the soul and the higher mental faculties as of
much more importance than worldly wealth.
The father was a wheelwright and carpenter, and young
Thomas followed those vocations in his first youth, hoeing
cotton in the intervals between periods of work along the
other lines. He was the baby of the family in which there
were fourteen children! At five years of age he attended a
private school, but his education was hardly begun until after
the establishment of the State Normal in his home town, when
he received systematic instruction}. In 1885 he entered Shaw
University, where he made excellent advancement.
122 Who's Who Among the Colored *Baptists.
He became a minister of the gospel in 1886, the year in
which his revered mother was called from the cares of earth
to her long rest.
So trustworthy had the younjg man become in the dis¬
charge of the less important duties devolving upon him that he
was promoted to the charge of the dining- and reading-rooms
of the school. He was also appointed assistant teacher by
the Home Mission Society during his closing years at the
institution, from which he was graduated in 1890. His ordi¬
nation took place in April of the same year.
Dr. Fuller is justly considered one of the best orators that
came out of Shaw. He was at one time president of the
Lyceum. After some years' experience as a teacher in the
public schools, he founded the Franklinton Girls' Training
School. From that position; he was called to Warrenton.
While engaged in other work he also officiated as secretary of
the North Carolina Sunday-School Convention.
The rare qualities inherent in Dr. Fuller that distin¬
guished him as a race leader became apparent during his res¬
idence at Warrenton. In a fierce campaign he was elected
over his white rival as State Senator in 1899. Dr. Fuller's
talen'ts had ample opportunities for display in the Legislature
and he used them in the interest of the colored race, intro¬
ducing bills that were for the good of the people, and thereby
winfning the respect and admiration of both the whites and the
Negroes. Some of the most eloquent addresses ever deliv¬
ered in the Senate of the old "Tar-heel" State were delivered
by Dr. Fuller.
?In 1900 he was elected principal of Howe Institute,
Memphis, Tennessee, which position he still fills with credit.
From an ordinary third-grade high school, with property
worth $20,000, the institution has steadily increased, both in
influence and finances, until to-day it has a faculty of twenty
members, six hundred students and $60,000 in property. It
compares favorably with our colleges, ar^d the end is not yet,
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 123
for Howe Institute will undoubtedly grow with the passing
years.
Dr. Fuller is a ready writer. lie is the author of a book,
entitled "Twenty Years in Public Life," which deals with the
trials and the ordeals incident to the career of a law-maker.
The volume bears strong testimony to Dr. Fuller's ability as a
writer and statesman. He is constantly in demand as a lect¬
urer before colleges and universities. Dr. Fuller bears the
degrees of Ph.D. and D.D. worthily. He is married—to a
graduate of Shaw—anfd has a most interesting family.
The Doctor is one of the assistant secretaries of the
National Baptist Convention and wields a potent influence in
denominational progress.
As a sermonizer Dr. Fuller has attained a most enviable
reputation. His productions are richly endowed with imagery
and pathos, and they are filled with' food for deepest thought.
124 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists.
SAMUEL LIPS CO MB A GBA U MONTGOMBRBAU
FRANCIS, B.A., D.D., Ph.D.
Race' Advocate—Brilliant Minister and Scholar.
Samuel Lipscombageau Montgomereau Francis, son of
James and Eleanor Francis, was born at Jamaica, B. W. I., in
the parish of Portland, May 24, 1865.
He attended Calabar High School, Kingston Collegiate,
Eton of Cambridge and Notre Dame, Bordeaux, winning the
degrees of B.A. and of Ph.B.; his Alma Mater and Latta Uni¬
versity conferred upon him the degrees of M.A. and Ph.D. in
course,'
Dr. Francis studied theology at Pastors' College. Eck¬
stein Norton University conferred upon him the degree of D.D.
He has taught successfully at Port-au-Prince, Hayti, Latta
University, North Carolina, and Bluefield Seminary, West
Virginia, where he was professor of classics and president.
He is master of seven different languages, speaking sev¬
eral of them fluently.
Dr. Francis has been pastor of churches in West Virginia.
Kentucky, and Illinois. At Chicago he built a $40,000 house
of worship, the Providence Baptist Church, which stands as
a- monument to his energy and! influence. He is1 now dean of
the New Chicago Religious Training Seminary, at Chicago,
Illinois.
Dr. Francis is recognized in' the United States'and else¬
where as a man of great intellect. His educational advant¬
ages, his natural ability and his personality have made him a
leader of whom his followers may well be proud. He has
traveled extensively, and his breadth of mind and modern
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 125
ideas have proved to be of great value to the institutions in
which he has been an instructor. He is devoted to the inter¬
ests of the race, and is one of the foremost advocates of re¬
forms. He would teach the masses of the Afro-American
people; those branches that can be utilized for the good of the
race in general, and at the same time prepare them, as indi¬
viduals, for the vicissitudes of life.
As the head of the Training School, Dr. Francis is en¬
abled to send out highly educated although practical instruct¬
ors, who will spread the gospel and also look after the material
welfare of their charges.
Dr. Francis is a believer in the great future of the Afro-
Americans and is working with that end in view.
126 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REV. J, G. GATHINGS.
Model Christian Leader—Teacher—Sunday-School Worker—
General Missionary of Texas.
There is a great demand for more leaders of great force
of character, especially in the ministry. And the subject of
this sketch is a valuable ad¬
dition to that profession.
The Reverend J. G.
Gathings, of Goliad, Tex¬
as, was born near Prairie
S t a tion, Mississippi, in
1867. Long before he at¬
tained his majority the boy
was employed as a teacher
in the public schools.
In 1880 he professed a
hope in Christ and was
called to the ministry.
Lea ving Mississippi in
1893, he settled near Rich¬
mond, Texas, where he ac¬
cepted a position in the
public schools, teaching for
nine years.
Through his life and precepts he brought many souls
to Christ. He believes to-day, as then, that one of the prin¬
cipal qualifications of a good instructor is to know Christ.
So well did Mr. Gathings perform his duty as a Christian
teacher that he was appointed, by the Texas Sunday-School
Convention, colporteur and conductor of Normal Institutes.
Who's Who Among'the Colored Baptists. 127
At the same time he was employed as financial agent of Guad¬
alupe College, Seguin, Texas, which position he held until the
General Baptist State Convention, at Waco, in 1908, unani¬
mously elected him State missionary. His work in that
capacity has been so creditable that he has been continuously
re-elected from year to year.
Mr. Gathings is unassuming, kind-hearted and generous
to a fault. Being young, he has not yet reached the summit
of his ambition, but it is an assured fact that he will have ac¬
complished great things for the welfare of the race before he
passes the zenith of life. His early experiences in the training
of youth, his broad knowledge of human nature obtained
through his years of work as a minister, and above all his
devotion to the cause of the Master, cannot fail to have their
effect.
128 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND P. CARTER NEAL, A.M.
Prise-Winner-—Professor in a University—Prominent Y. M.
C. A. Worker—Faithful Minister.
One of the shining lights of the Afro-American race is
Professor P. Carter Neal, of Baltimore, Maryland. He was
born to S. Claiborne and
Emma Neal in March,
1869. Early in life he ex¬
hibited great aptitude for
b o oks. After completing
the public school course he
mat riculated in Wavland
Seminary, Washington, D.
C., and graduated with hon¬
or. He then went to that
famous college and school
of oratory, Lincoln Uni¬
versity, from which he took
the degrees of A.B. and of
A.M.
Professor Neal was con¬
verted at the age of six¬
teen, and feeling that he
was called to the ministry,
he determined to prepare himself thoroughly for the work of
preaching the gospel. Thereupon lie entered Hamilton Theo¬
logical Seminary, at New York, where he compared most
favorably with the large class* of white students in which he
found himself. He carried off many honors.
Professor Neal is a faithful minister, having charge of
Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 129
the large First Baptist Church, Baltimore, Maryland. He is
also corresponding secretary of the Co-Operative State Con¬
vention of Maryland ; president of the United Ministers' Alli¬
ance, Baltimore, Maryland; organizer and first president of
the Young- Men's Christian Association; member of the Niag¬
ara Movement; and professor of rhetoric and moral science in
Clayton Williams University.
As a public speaker, Doctor Neal is among the best; as a
sermonizer he is clear and pointed int his language. His lect¬
ures are models of elegance, and they drive* home to the hearts
of his congregation of nine hundred members the truths of
the Eternal Word.
While at Wayland Seminary, Professor Neal met Miss
Harriet A. Wimbish, and the two formed a friendship that
soon ripened into love, and later into marriage. Mrs. Neal is
a student—a consta'nt source of inspiration to her distinguished
husband. She'is ever watchful of all that, makes for the hap¬
piness of the home, the church, and of the community as well.
;Dr. Neal got his education under the hardest conditions
that could oppose encouragement to his ambition. He became
aware that only men who can and will think are promised a
livelihood; that thought must pass into volition and volition
must manifest itself1 n action. And Mr. Neal is a man of ac¬
tion. His forceful personality, reinforced by his thorough
knowledge of racial conditions at home atiid abroad, and his
practical ideas regarding the education of the Negro stamp
him as one of the men capable of safe-guarding the affairs
of the most progressive race history has recorded.
130 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
PRINCIPAL P. B. OLDHAM.
College Graduate—Principal of Thriving School—Rising
Young Man.
Texas »has produced many promising young men who to¬
day are leading liveis of usefulness. And not the least among
them is Professor P. B.
Oldham, of Oakwood. He
was born in 1868 to Hor¬
ace and Laura Oldham,
both of whom have long
since passed to their
reward.
The boy was left at an
early age to make his own
way in the world. There
were difficulties in his way
that seemed almost insur¬
mountable. but he was built
of the right material, and
did not allow himself to be¬
come discouraged. He had
faith in) God and in his own
power to mould his future.
Accepting Christ at York Creek Baptist Church, Staple
Store, Texas, while he was still young, he pushed on toward
the goal of! his ambition—the acquirement of an education.
After completing the* studies of the common school course, he
matriculated in Guadalupe College, from which he was grad¬
uated with distinction.
In 1896 he was called to the ministry, and feeling the need
Who^s Who Among Colored Baptists. 131
of further preparation, he entered Howard University, Wash¬
ington, D. C., taking thosa branches that led to the degree of
B.D., and finishing within the required time, returned to his
native State to lift up a standard for the people.
For six years he taught public school, holding a first
grade certificate. It was not long until, his ability came to be
recognized, and Boyd Institute—which had been presided over
by that prince of scholars, Dr. J. T, Brown—called him to the
presidency. Dr. Oldham has held the position,' for seven years,
adding each year to the riumber of students and to the amount
of property owned by the institution. Located at Oakwood,
the center of a large colored settlement, the school has increased
its holdings from $2,000 to $40,000. Professor Oldham
couples teaching with preaching and he has erected Boyd's
Chapel—named after the Reverend R. H. Boyd—to which the
community repairs each Sunday for spiritual food.
Professor Oldham's wife died on December 28, 1905, and
in 1907 he married Miss Dennie Black, of Austin, Texas.
Thoroughly informed as to the need^ of the} race, Profes¬
sor Oldham is working industriously to give to the pupils who
come under his care the best possible businqfcs instruction.
His institution stands for all that is elevating.
132 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND CHARLES NICHOLAS HAMPTON, D.D.
Profound Thinker—Excellent Preacher—Church-Builder—
1 Leader.
Charles Nicholas Hampton was born of slave parents,
Henry and Anna Eliza Hampton, in Butler County, Alabama,
April 23rd, 1854.
In the month of October,
1865, he entered school for
the first time. The school¬
room was under a brush
arbor, furnshed with pine
logs as seats. He was con¬
verted—August 28th, 1873
—and baptized into Pine-
top Baptist Church, Butler
County., Alabama.
Air. Hampton served his
church as clerk from 1873
to 1878. He was also re¬
cording secretary of t h e
Union Baptist Association
from 1874 to 1878, and
was licensed to preach on
February 13th, 1878.
In 1879 he became a student at Natchez Seminary, now
Jackson College, Jackson, Mississippi. Graduating from the
Normal Department in 1883, he matriculated in Roger Wil¬
liams University, Nashville, Tennessee.
Dr. Hampton is in some respects a self-made man, who
displayed great energy and determination in obtaining an edu-
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 133
cation. He taught school driring the summer vacations, thus
making his way through school.
Being ordained to the ministry, he accepted a call to the
Mount Mortiah Baptist Church, Ocala, Florida, May 29th,
1887, where he remained for nine years. While there he was
elected trustee of Jacksonville College;, Jacksonville, Florida,
treasurer of the Florida State Convention and superintendent
of missions. .
In March, 1896, he resigned the pastorate of Mt. Moriah
Baptist Church to go to Paris, Texas, as pastor of St. Paul
Baptist Church. He has officiated at the latter place for six¬
teen years. During that time an excellent brick structure has
been erected at a cost of $30,000, and the church n»pw owns
property valued at $35,000. The membership is 412.
Since Dr. Hampton has been in Texas he has occupied the
following positions: corresponding secretary of Zion Baptist
Association and Zion Baptist Sunday-School Convention; re¬
cording secretary of Zion Baptist Association; statistician of
the Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention.of Texas;
and he is now second vice-president of said convention.
• >
In May, 1909, the degree of Doctor*of Divinity was con¬
ferred upon him by Natchez College, Natchez, Mississippi, Pro¬
fessor S. H. Owens, president.
Dr. Hampton has shown marked talent from the beginning
of his career. He is a most excellent preacher, having a fine
command of language; he is a good organizer and a.successful
financier; he has not hesitated to undertake difficult enterprises,
and has pushed them, in every instance, to a favorable termin¬
ation. His influence has been the means of arousing the en¬
thusiasm of many a young man' who has proved to be of al¬
most invaluable service to the race and denomination.
Dr. Hampton's1 fine Christian character commands the re¬
spect of all who have the honor of his acquaintance. '
134 Whojs Who Among the Colored Baptists.
ROBERT TATE TROTTER.
Self-Made Man—Chief Mechanic—Notable Example of What
Merit Can Do to Eliminate Race Prejudice.
Robert Tate Trotter was born in Montgomery County.
Missis)sippiy in 1869. His father and mother died while he was
quite young, and Tillman
Trotter, the eldest of the
nine children, sought
homes for his brothers and
sisters among good white
families. It was f o r t u-
nate for Robert that he
fell into the hands of kind
people who paid him a few
dollars, per month, a fair
salary at that time for
plow-hands in some por¬
tions of the South.
After eight years he ran
away and went from place
to place, finally reaching
Kansas City, in 1886, with
thirty cents in his pockets,
and that, too, without any acquaintances. Occasionally he
was told by the police to move on, as he walked about the
streets.
The H. F. Johnson Grocery Company employed him for
nine months at a salary of $9 per month, room and board.
Being a country lad, he did not discover the difference between
country and city wages, and was perfectly satisfied with this
Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 135
amount until a newly-made friend opened his eyes by securing
him a position with Woolf Brothers, at $10.50 per week.
One day, as Mr. Trotter was going down the street, he
saw a man fall to the ground, breaking his nose. No doctor
was/ near, nor was there any eye-witness to the accident save
Trotter. He assisted the man to his feet, applied such tem¬
porary remedies as were possible, and obtained a doctor. For
this kindness the patient, after recovery, secured Mr. Trotter
employment with the Uniteid Typewriter Company, and told
the company to teach Trotter the business and charge the
amount to his (the white friend's) account.
It was the chance which Robert had long desired. He
werit at the trade with a will, and with the care and precision
that are known only to those who -ucceed. After eighteen
months, he was on a salary of $12.50 per week; then his wages
were raised to $18 per week; next to $32 per week.
To-day Mr. Trotter is master of every detail of the type¬
writer repair business. He is now at the head of the entire
mechanical work of the company with which he has labored
for twenty years. The manager of the company asserts that
the young man is the most efficient typewriter mechanic in
Kansas City; that he is capable of doing work which no one
else in the city could accomplish.
Mr. Trotter is married and has an interesting family.
He enjoys the church work that is imposed upon him each
Sabibath. He is a striking example of what the young men of
the race can do. His pleasant manners and superior intelli¬
gence have rendered him extremely popular among his asso¬
ciates, and his influence over others has been invariably ex¬
erted for their good.
Many Negroes are occupyipg positions of trust in con¬
cerns owned by whites. While the fact is kept a secret,
they are making history for the race, demonstrating that it is
the man who can do the work, regardless, of color, that counts
in the world of business. And Robert Tate Trotter stands out
136 Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
as an example of what a man of color can do in eliminating
race prejudice.
Mr. Trotter is worthy of all the good fortune that has
cornel to him.
REVEREND R. A. BROYLES.
Brilliant Pulpit Orator—Welfare Worker.
Th'e Reverend R. A. Broyles is known as one of the most
brilliant young pulpiteers in the West. And he uses his talents
for the welfare of the col¬
ored people who have had
no advantages—who need
instruction and guidance.
Mr. Broyles was grad¬
uated from Benedict Col¬
lege, South Carolina, and
accepted a position as prin¬
cipal of the Belton High
• School, in that State. In
1894 he resigned to go to
Texas, where he became
principal of the High
School at Longview. Some
time afterward he gave up
the work at Longview to
enter upon a greater sphere
of usefulness, as principal of the State Deaf, Dumb and Blind
Institute for Colored Youths at Austin, Texas. In the mean¬
time he was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Leovia Patter-
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 137
son, of Hearne, Texas, a graduate of the Texas State Normal
School, at Prairie View.
Leaving Austin, they removed to Chicago and matriculated ■
at the University of Chicago, to prepare for greater usefulness.
In December, 1904, Mr. Broyles was called to; the pastor¬
ate at Paris, Illinois. In April, 1907, he was called to the
church at Rock Island.
Mr. Broyles is the field superintendent of the Noxubee
Industrial School, at McLeod, Mississippi. The Noxubee
school endeavors to reach the isolated mass of Negroes out on
the plantations, who are remote from the influences of culture
and refinement. It encourages the idea, "Stick to the farm,"
and makes a great effort to instill the minds of its pupils with
the fact that the farm can be rendered a most attractive and
profitable place.
Mr. Broyles, through his eloquence, has proved to be a
valuable field superintendent. He is earnest, impressive and
convincing in argument. His honesty is such that he is unre¬
servedly trusted by all who know him. -
Prominent people—both white and colored—wherever he
has lived vouch for his integrity and strength of character; his
ability, courtesy, reliability, industry and true worth.
Under the most unfavorable conditions, Mr. Broyles has
steadily forged to the front and his success is a compliment to
young men of like determination.
138 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
/. FRANKLIN WALKER, D.D.
Eloquent Preacher—Successful Business Man—Vice-President
National Baptist Convention.
The Reverend J. Franklin Walker; is a native of Cumber¬
land County, Virginia. He was born in 1873. He was con¬
verted at thirteen years of
age, and prepared himself
for the Virginia Seminary
at Lynchburg by attending
the Young Men's Christian
Association's night school,
at Richmond. He was a
student at Lynchburg and
Wayland Seminaries for
some time, then took spe¬
cial work at Temple Col¬
lege, Philadelphia, Penn¬
sylvania, under the tuition
of the well-known Dr. Rus¬
sell Conwell.
Dr. Walker was licensed
to preach by the Fifth
Street Baptist Church,
Richmond, Virginia, and
was ordained by the Tren¬
ton, New Jersey, Baptist Church, in 1898, at which place he
erected a memorial edifice,)
Accepting a call to McDonald, Pennsylvania, he turned
his attention toward improving the condition of the congre¬
gation, and through his influence a beautiful church was built.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 139
The large and flourishing Corinthian^ Baptist Church, of
Indianapolis, Indiana, next tendered him a call, an,d he re¬
moved to that city, filling the pastorate with signal success un¬
til incited to the pulpit of the Zion Baptist Church, at Cincin¬
nati, Ohio, where he still resides.
Dr. Walker's career is acknowledged to be one of the most
brilliant among the young members of the Afro-American race.
He is possessed of unusual financial aptitude, and through his
exertions a fifty-year mortgage has been lifted from the Zion
Church. He is the owner of much valuable property in that
city, and transacts a real estate business in addition to serving
the spiritual needs of his flock.
As vice-president of the National Baptist Convention, his
decisions are always judicious and impartial, for which reason
he has endeared himself to the hearts of his brethren.
Recognizing his sterling qualities, his power as a theo¬
logian and his unceasing efforts for the good of humanity,
Guadalupe College, Seguin, Texas, conferied upon him the
degree of Doctor of Divinity, in 1902
Dr. Walker is married and has a happy family. In do¬
mestic life, as well as in business and church matters, he has
shown wisdom and proved' the value of his guidance.
140 Who's "Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND J. H. HOARD.
Good Preacher—Missionary JJ'orker—Postmaster.
Some men are noted for saying little and doing much; and
the character that follows is one of them.
The Reverend J. H.
Hoard was born in Hop¬
kins County, Kentucky, in
1862. He was educated in
the public schools of Hop-
kinsville, Kentucky, and
having an earnest desire for
additional progress, he has
made a practice of reading
good books, thereby acquir¬
ing a wide knowlege of men
and events.
Mr. Hoard's conversion
took place in 1885, and in
1897 he was called to the
ministry. He served for
two years as missionary
pastor under the Home
Mission Society of New York, after which he accepted a call
to Okmulgee, Oklahoma, where he now resides.
Among the positions of importance with which Air. Hoard
has been honored is that of chairman of the Educational Board
of the Oklahoma Baptist Convention; postmaster at Hoards-
ville; moderator of the Southwest Creek and Seminole Dis¬
trict Association; pastor of the First Baptist Church, Okmul-
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 141
gee, Oklahoma; and' pastor of the Undon Baptist Church at
Grayson.
In 1884 Mr. Hoard married Miss Clara L,ocke. Eleven
children have been born to the union.
As :a farmer and stock-raiser, as well as a minister, Mr.
Hoard has proved exceedingly successful. He has acquired
valuable farm land near the Henryetta gas and oil fields, which
will eventually be the means of bringing him a very large
income.
Mr. Hoard is an example of the Afro-American preacher
with a good business head, who went to the land flowing
with milk and honey to do pioneer work. He has accumulated
that which will be more than a future competency, and his re¬
ligious work has not been interfered with in order to seek for
wealth.
142 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND ALBERT ROBERT BACOTE.
Pastor—School-Teacher—A'slsoelation Secretaryf—PrOfninent
Divine of Baptist State Convention.
The Reverend Albert Robert Bacote was born at Society
Hill, South Carolinja, more than fifty years ago, to Dembo and
Harriet Bacote. The father was a
shoemaker, and at one time deputy
sheriff of Darlington County, being
a man of some education, secured
through the assistance of his mas¬
ter's sons, who taught him secretly
during slavery. The mother died
very early, leaving her* husband,
three sons and one daughter to
struggle onward without her help.
Albert had reached young man¬
hood before he made much progress
educationally. He was a farm-hand
on his father's place and worked
hard, studying ast he worked.
When Benedict College offered special inducements to
enterprising students, many persons from the young man's
home town took advantage of it, and Albert's enthusiasm was
aroused thereby. Making a great effort, he was able to enter
the college in October, 1886.
Mr. Bacote, having been converted while very young, felt
that he was called to the ministry. He was licensed to preach
by Bethesda Baptist Church before he went to Benedict, and
this qualified him to receive from the school the aid to which
all ministerial students were entitled.
His striking personality, his genial disposition and his will-
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 143
ingness to work won him particular favors and friends at the
institution, from which he graduated in 1891, taking the higher
English and classical preparatory courses.
Albert was highly esteemed, and became custodian of the
buildings and grounds in vacation months during the last three
years of his stay at Benedict.
Soon after graduation he accepted the principalship of the
public school at Society Hill. He also became the pastor of
the Baptist Church at the same place. He has faithfully served
in both capacities to this time, giving the best years of his life
and the full benefit of his experience that those who needed
guidance and encouragement might be given proper instruction
and aided in the development of' their, higher faculties.
Mr. Bacote is honest, faithful and energetic. He is an out¬
spoken advocate of temperance and takes an active part in the
missionary and educational work in his State. He has literally
gone about the neighborhood in which he has lived for fifty
years and urged and assisted young men and women off to
college.
The noble, unselfish work of Albert R. Bacote will live long
after he is no more. The community has never furnished a
more exemplary Christian! or a more sincere lover of the race
than this useful and honorable man.
He was married, years ago, to a refined young woman of
Georgetown, South Carolina. Mrs. Bacote has been a comfort
to him in all his conflicts with adversity. '
His style of preaching is on the conversational order. He
exhibits no flights of oratory, but his earnestness and con¬
vincing words and manner bring out the great truths of Chris¬
tianity so clearly that his sermons are exceedingly effective.
Mr. Bacote is a shining example of unselfishness, and com¬
plete consecration to the work of the Master. He has made
good under adverse circumstances.
144 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
PROFESSOR WILLIAM EDWARD ROBINSON, B.S.
A. Leader of Modern Thought—Brilliant Educator—Sunday-
School Worker.
Professor William Edward Robinson was born near Har¬
mony Village, Middlesex County, Virginia, to Henry R. and
Mary E. Robinson. While
a boy he became acquainted
with farming and oystering.
which have served him well
as a means of securing a
broader and more compre¬
hensive knowledge of eco¬
nomic conditions and of the
needs of the race. He
went from the public
schools to Wayland Semin¬
ary, thence to Howard Uni¬
versity, from which he was
graduated in 1896 with the
degree of B.S. After leav-
i n g the University, he
taught for several years in
the public schools, laying
the foundation of his subsequent brilliant success as an in¬
structor of the highest type. In 1904 he was elected to the
principalship of the Rappahannock Industrial Academy, Oze-
ana, Virginia, where he made-good use of his practical knowl¬
edge, teaching those things that would prove most necessary
to the pupils in .after life, and at the same time inculcating re¬
ligious truths with great fervor. The erection of a three-story
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 145
dormitory for girls;, the installation; of a hydraulic water sup¬
ply and the creditable work by the young men and women are
somqi of the results of his strenuous efforts. •
•Professor Robinison has been president of onje Sunday-
School Convention for thirteen consecutive years. Under his
guidance the convention is doing much to advance the work
of the Sunday-school and to foster education. He is also
vice-president of the State Sunday-school Convention!.
Professor Robinson holds a unique position among the
people, and he embraces the opportunity to temper racial prej¬
udices by teaching and showing that education is a means of
greater service rather thani the -sowing of the seeds of indolence
or the fomentation of strife.
In 1904 he was married to Miss Sinclair Wheeler, a
graduate of Morgan College, Baltimore, Maryland. She is a
teiacher of great worth and makes an impression for good upon
the minds of all who come within tlhe circle of her influence.
Professor Robinson owns a beautiful home in Harmony
Village, Virginia, where he spends his vacations in happiness
with his1 little family.
It has been saidi that the Sunday-school is the hope of the
Nation!. Professor Robinson realizes that the Negro race is
destined to play a far more important part.in the Nation in the
future than it has in the past, arid he is using the Sunday-
school as a means of preparing Afro-American youth for
creditable) performance of the duties of life, whatever they
may be. The one who receives a thorough education, is ready
to fill any Station to which he may rise arid Professor Robinson
sees that his students, both in the day and Sunday-schools, are
well equipped. His devotion to their spiritual welfare, his wis¬
dom a$ to the needs of their material existence, and his clear
conception of mental and moral excellence have enabled those
who have come untder hist tuition to take broad views of every
subject connelcted with the advancement of the race in general.
Professor Robinson is in the front rank of teachers. He
is a leader of modern thought and is constantly in demand as
146 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
a lecturer before colleges onr topics of vital importance. Few
young men,' enjoy wider and more enviable fame or wear
more becomingly the honors of their Alma Mater than does
Professor Robinson.
REVEREND MOSES IV. D. NORMAN, LL.D.
Dean of Theological School—Noted Commencement Orator—
Executive Head of Fifty Thousand Baptists—Pastor of
Large and Flourishing Church.
The Reverend Moses; W. D. Norman, LL.D., was born
August 27, 1867, near Plymouth, North Carolina, to Moses and
Caroline Norman. He was
educated at State Normal
School, Plymouth, and at
Shaw University, receiving
the degree of A.B. from the
latter in 1893.
Dr. Norman took a spe¬
cial course in oratory in
Emerson School of Orato¬
ry, Boston, Massachusetts.
He is justly considered one
of the finest public speak¬
ers of the Afro-American
race. He expresses himself
clearly, forcibly and with
great elegance of language.
In 1896 Shaw University
conferred upon him the
degree of A.M. and in 1901
Virginia Seminary and Col¬
lege, Lynchburg, Virgnia.
gave him the degree of A.M., and in 1911 Virginia Seminary
Who^s Who Among the Colored Baptists. 147
and College, Lynchburg, Virginia, gave him the degree of D.D.
That of L,L.D. was conferred by Guadalupe College in 1912.
Dr. Norman married Miss Fannie Bridgers, an alumna of
Shaw University, in 1893.
From -1893 to 1896 he was dean of the Theological De¬
partment of Shaw University. For five years he served as
president of Roanoke Institute, Elizabeth City, North Caro¬
lina, and jofficiated as pastor in! a church in that State, after
which he accepted a call to Ebenezer Baptist Church, Ports¬
mouth, Virginia. The church grew rapidly in every w-ay un¬
der his leadership.
Dr. Norman is now pastor of the Metropolitan Church,
the largest Baptist/Church in Washington, D. C., and one of
the largest in] the denomination. He is also moderator of the
General Baptist Association of the District of Columbia.
Despite his busy life as a minister and college professor,
Dr. Norman finds time to do much valuable writing. He has
served as editor of a paper, and he is the author of many ex¬
cellent articles that have been published in various periodicals.
The influence of such men as Dr. Norman! has given a
worcderful impetus to the advancement of the race and of the
Baptist denomination. As an instructor—as dean of a theo¬
logical seminary—Dr. Norman was a moulder of thought, and
his teachings will bej promulgated for many years through his
pupils. Thus it is that the' greatest good is accomplished by
means of ever-widening circles.
From the pulpit of a large church this distinguished mem¬
ber of the Afro-American race now inspires his congregation
to use every exertion to improve itself; to work unsparingly
for the development of the rising generation. He realizes that
there is a great future fot the race, but he also knows that un¬
ceasing effort is necessary to success—to achievement.
Dr. Norman's clear brain and noble heart have been of
almost' untold advantage in the work of preparing the young
for lives of usefulness, and those who have come under his
148 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
tuition have learned to look beneath the surface of things into
the deeper channels; to seek not worldly treasures, but to value
above all else the higher qualities of mind and the Christian
virtues.
Unselfish endeavor in any direction for the. good of others
brings its reward and Dt. Norman has won for himself an
enviable place in the hearts of his congregation and of the
denomination*, as well as of the race in general.
He is a commencement speaker of note, and it has been
remarked on such occasions that he has a most exceptional
faculty of impressing his ideas firmly upon the minds of his
listeners.
Dr. Norman is employing his talents in the highest way,
and cannot fail to accomplish much good.
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 149
REVEREND P. R. WASHINGTON.
Successful Preacher—Sunday-School Worker—Financier—
First Vice-President State Sunday-School Convention.
The useful minister instructs his people along material as
well as spiritual lines; and the Reverend P. R. Washington,
born on March 15th, 1874,
at Clarksville, Texas, to
George and Catherine
Washington, is one of that
kind. At the age of twelve
years he was converted and
joined the Hopewell Bap¬
tist Church, Red River
County, Texas.
He attended Bishop Col¬
lege, Marshall, Texas, from
1901 to 1907, and was an
earnest student.
In 1904 he was called to
the ministry, taking up pas¬
toral work soon after his
ordination, in 1895.
Mr. Washington h a s
9erved six ohurch&s with excellent results. His present charge
is Saint Paul Baptist Church, Fort Worth, Texas, a fine
church with several hundred members, who have prospered
both indivdually and collectively under his leadership.
He has been president of several Sunday-school conven¬
tions, and was for eight years first vice-president of the State
150 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
Sunday-School Convention. He is now a member of the State
Mission anjd Educational Boards.
Mr. Washington has been more than ordinarily successful
in, business and he owns much property in Boley, Oklahoma,
and Fort Worth and Sherman, Texas.
He attributes a large portion of his material advancement
to his refined and business-like wife, Mrs. Allie V. Walker-
Washington.
With Mr. Washington's versatile talents, he will doubtless
continue to perform the best of service to the denomination and
race. He is still a young man, and he has already acquired a
competency, so that he, may now devote his .entire energies to
the task of opening up new avenues of labor for the Afro-
Americans of1 his State. There is a wonderful opportunity to
do that which will not only bring great honor to him person¬
ally, but will also advance'the interests ofi his fellow-men, and
judging the future by the past, it is plain that Mr. Washington
will not hesitate to take advantage of that opportunity.
Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 151
F. L. MORRIS, A.B., D.D.
Popular Young Minister, with Promising Future—Pastor of
Large Congregation.
The Reverend F. L. Morris is a native of Texas. He
professed a hope in Christ in 1897, and was baptized and re¬
ceived into the Church in
the same year.
In 1898,he was called to
preach, and by way of
preparation he entered
Guadalupe College, Seguiri-
Texas, where he took a
literary course, after which
he studied theology. The
degree of A.B. and that of
B.D. were conferred upon
him by his Alma Mater.
Dr. Morris was ordained
to the ministry in May,
1904, and in 1907 he suc¬
ceeded the late Dr. Mitch¬
ell Harrison to the pastor¬
ate of one of the largest
and most prosperous churches in Southwest Texas—the Pal¬
estine Baptist Church, located at Victoria.
Dr. Morris has received many calls to go elsewhere, but
his congregation is attached to him and refuses to entertain
the thought of giving him up.
The young minister has a bright future—one in which he
will doubtless have a hand in racial work—that of aiding in
152 Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists.
the development of those qualities that make for the uplift of
Afro-Americans in particular, and of humanity in general.
The affection with which Dr. Morris is regarded by his
people will render his task less difficult, and will also stimulate
him to great effort, that his coming life may fulfill the promise
of his past, arid surpass the achievement of the present, which
is greatly to his credit. Texas; is proud of him and the denom¬
ination which he so faithfully serves has in him an exponent
of usefulness of which it is not ashamed.
REVEREND S. S. JONES, D.D.
Missionary—Financier—Pastor of Wealthy Congregation—
President State Coruvention.
S. S. Jones is a Westerner, by adoption and is a many-
sided man. He is a Southerner and Tennessee is the State of
his birth, in 1869. In early life he
moved to Memphis, Tennessee. He
was converted to a hope in Christ
in 1881, and was called to the min¬
istry at the same time. He at¬
tended Howe Baptist Institute, at
Memphis, and taught in the public
schools'for a number of years.
In 1889, when Oklahoma was
opened to settlement, he was sent
from New York by the American
Baptist Home Missionary Society
to labor in the new field. He has
continued to work in Oklahoma for twenty-three years, eleven
years of which time he served under the auspices of the above-
named society.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. . 153
Dr. Jones has built the following churcjhes in Oklahoma:
Mt. Olive, Dover; First Baptist, Enid; St. Jofyn, Oxley; First
Baptist, Guthrie; and First Baptist, Muskogee. The latter
edifice cost in the aggregate $23,000. The parsonjage is valued
at $5,000. Through the efforts of Mr. Jones, each of the
churches built under? his supervision is out of debt. He is at
present pastor of the largest and wealthiest Baptist church in
the State of Oklahoma. Its membership numbers 1,172. Dr.
Jones is president of the Baptist State Convention1, president
of the Muskogee Fruit and Bottling Company, and editor of
the Baptist Informer.
The'career of Dr. Jones illustrates what can be accom¬
plished by honesty, infdustry and determination. Although of
slave parentage and brought up on a farm, he was not afraid
of hard work and by perseverance he was enabled to rise far
above the conditions that hampered his youth. He is called
a business preacher, and he is a laudable. example of pains¬
taking industry.
Those who are most deeply concerned in regard to the
future welfare of the Afro-American race realize that in order
to make proper advancement, the young men and women must
be instructed along commercial and industrial lines as well as
in matters pertaining to religion. Dr. Jones has labored un-
ceasirigly to demonstrate this fact, and he is widely recognized
as the tried and true friend. He is a born leader of men; a
leader whq knows how to fight, and for what to fight. He is
a veritable pioneer in the new State and the commanding place
in the ranks of the National Baptist Convention which Okla¬
homa Baptists now enjoy is due largely to his untiring efforts.
154 Who js Who Among the Colored Baptists.
/. C. JACKSON, D.D.
Farmer—Statistician of the New England Convention—Vice-
President—Board Member—Noted Evangelist—Man of
Influence.
When great and good men fall, it is a call for otheis to
aspire to their places. It was a part of the training of the
youth in olden time that
they should spend some"
time in the chambers of the
honored dead among the
statuary of noble men. that
the}- might catch something
of their nobility.
When the subject of our
sketch was born, South
Carolina was honored with
the services of such noted
men as Dr. James Hamil¬
ton and Isaac Brockinton ;
the former a learned
Northerner and the latter
a native pioneer with the
spirit of a genius. Among
the many who became in¬
spired and who resolved to make service the real measure of
their greatness was the distinguished subject of this sketch.
The Rev. J. C. Jackson, D.D., of Jerkintown, Pennsyl¬
vania, was born in Rocky Mount, Fairfield County, South
Carolina, on January 25th, 1866, of slave parents, Henry and
Amy Jackson. The father died when the boy was ten years
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 155
old, leaving the mother to care for two children. From that
time the son's path was hard', but, determined to make a suc¬
cess of life, and believing that what others had done he could
do, he undertook the most difficult tasks without hesitation.
While a student in the country schools, he paid his board
by working when the short terms closed. It was seven miles
to the little school-house., but he willingly walked the distance
each day, so anxious was he to receive ai> education.
After his conversion he felt called upon to preach, and en¬
tered Benedict College, from which he was graduated in 1896.
Dr. Jackson's wife died ini that year, and the entire care of
his two children devolved upon him.
In 1897 he married Miss Mamie E. Henderson, of Winns-
boro, a graduate of Claflin University, Orangeburg, South
Carolina.
In August, 1889, he was licensed to preach by the Rev"
erend J. B. Williams, of the Gethsemane Baptist Church.
The young preacher's ordination) took place in August,
1891. He was pastor of St. Paul's Church at Winnsboro,,
South Carolina; of St. Paul's at Anderson, South Carolina;
served as pastor of Court Street Church, Lynchburg, Virginia;
and was finally called to the Salem Baptist Church, of Jenkin-
townj Pennsylvaia, where he still serves acceptably.
The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him
by Guadalupe College" in 1904.
Since leaving college Dr. Jackson has been a diligent
student, taking extension courses and devoting much time to
special branches. He has accomplished a prodigious amount
of religious work in addition to filling appointments to preach.
He is kn!own well and favorably throughout the United States,
having conducted meetings in many of the best churches in the
country.
During the last fourteen years Dr. Jackson has been con¬
stantly retained on one or another of the boards of the National
Baptist Convention, He is now vice-president for Pennsyl-
156 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
vania and statistician! of the New England Baptist Convention.
In all the vicissitudes of life, no matter how trying, he has
been courageous and hopeful, which fact has undoubtedly con¬
tributed in a large measure to the success of his undertakings.
His Christian fortitude and his devotion to the Church have
won the respect and loyalty of members wherever he has been
located.
Dr. Jackson is generally regarded as a leader among Afro-
Americans. He has cherished plans for their material pros¬
perity and mental advancement as well as for the salvation of
their souls, and thus far his efforts have been marked with sig¬
nal success. He teaches that patience and industry are neces¬
sary to real progress and that love of God is evirilced b.y love of
our fellow-men.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 157
REVEREND A. P. COOKSEY.
Popular Pastor—Earnest Worker—Good Speaker.
The Reverend A. P. Cooksey was born December 13th,
1877, in Navarro County, near Corsicana, Texas. He at¬
tended the public schools at Chat-
field, Texas, and was converted in
1893. In 1895 he was called to
the ministry, entering- the Aca¬
demic Department of Bislsop Col¬
lege in 1900. Later he studied
theology in the same institution.
He has served several churches '
with great credit and has built some
fine edifices. He is at present pas¬
tor of the First Baptist Church at
Longview, Texas, where for two
years he has made a signal success.
Mr. Cooksey is yet a young man
and what he has already accom¬
plished gives promise of great
things for the future. He is an earnest worker, an excellent
speaker, and he has a happy faculty of assimilating himself
with his people. It is to young divines of his class that the
Church must look for the upbuilding of high moral character
among its members, and for the extension of its influence in
the time to come.
There is work to be done for the welfare of the Afro-
American race and Mr. Cooksey is eminently fitted to succeed.
Brother Cooksey is quiet and unassuming, yet vigilant and apt
as a teacher, pushing his work steadily forward in the face of
great odds.
158 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND J. H. EASON, D.D.
State Missionary—Professor of Mathematics, Logician—Edi¬
tor—Eminent Minister and Writer—Commanding Figure
in State and Nation.
Reverend James H. Eason was born in 1866—October
24th—at Sumterville, Sumter County, Alabama. He was
the oldest son of Deacon
Jesse and Channy Eason.
In 1872 he entered the
public school of his county.
He was considered a bright
chap and fond of wrest¬
ling. He became a member
of the church in 1881, the
year in which he matricu¬
lated in Selma University,
from which he was grad¬
uated in 1885. In 1883,
while a student, he began
teaching in the public
schools of the State, be¬
coming later the principal
of Garfield Academy, Au¬
burn, Alabama. He also
became missionary for the State of Alabama, under the aus¬
pices of the Home Missionary Society of New York. He
was graduated from the Richmond Theological Seminary in
1890, at the head of his class, taking the B.D. degree. He
became professor of mathematics in Selma University during
the same year, and in 1891 was ordained tof the1 gospel minis-
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 159
try. In 1893 he was assigned the chair of logic and mental
stience in, the University, and feo well did he fill the position
that- he was talked of as the coming president of the ischool.
In 1891 he began the pastorate of a ,small country church,
and in 1894 became moderator of the New Cahaba Association.
His marriage to Miss Phoebe A. Kigh, a brilliant teacher,
took place in 1894, at Selma, Alabama. During the following
year he became editor of the Baptist Leader, the organ, of the
colored Baptists of Alabama. In that capacity he served very
acceptably for years. Dr. Eason was recommended as Minis¬
ter to Liberia by the Immigration Club of Selma in 1896-7.
His installation as pastor of the Galilee (now the Seventeenth
Street) Baptist Church occurred in December, 1898.
At forty years of age—in 1906—he was elected president
and made leader of the. Alabama Baptist State Convention.
In 1910 he attended the World's Missionajy Conference in
Edinburgh, Scotland, and preached at the famous Cursethers
Baptist Church in that city. The editor heard his sermon
upon that occasion. It was pointed and eloquent, and was
well received by the large audience that had never heard a
colored preacher. He visited Paris and Brussels during this
trip abroad, and attracted wide attention by his pious and
scholarly bearing and familiarity with the points of interest.
Dr. Eason; is still pastor of the Seventeenth Street Bap¬
tist Church of Anniston.' The enrollment of- the church when
he became pastor was only one hundred and fifty, but through
his labors it has been increased to five hundred persons, and
the little frame building has been exchanged for a large brick
structure with an auditorium fifty by seventy feet in-extent.
Dr. Eason is a remarkably efficient man, and the State is
prospering under his leadership as president of the Baptist
Convention. He is unique in character, majestic in his indi¬
viduality. He is bold without rashness, constant, but not ob¬
stinate. He puts caution against hope, so that hope will not
become premature; he puts hope against caution:, so that cau¬
tion will not yield to fear nor danger. His love finds its high-
160 Who's Who Among the Colored. Baptists.
est expression in the welfare" of humanity. He is a great
man, but, unlike many great men, he can be approached by
the humblest person.
Dr. Eason is regarded as one of the most profound think¬
ers in the denomination. In one of hte most notable sermons
—before the National Convention—the richness and firmness
of his thought and expression were strongly impressed upon
the audience, and he swayed it at will, and at once rose as one
of the great orators of the race.
Dr. Eason is distinguished by a deep-seated devotion to
the Afro-American race; he has an abiding faith in the possi¬
bilities of the future. (His chief characteristic is loyalty.
His wife, a most lovable woman, has been! a tower of
strength to him. The union has beers blessed with three chil¬
dren, of whom only Gladys Pearl is living.
If we measure greatness by unselfish service rendered,
the Reverend J. H. Eason is indeed great. He wrote "Sancti-
fication versus Fanaticism," the first book published by the
National Baptist Publishing Board.
The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him
by Guadalupe College, Texas, in 1896.
Dr. Eason's ability and energy have enabled him to ren¬
der noble services to the cause to which he has consecrated
his life. Being a man of high ideals with a level head and an
uniftipeachable character, his generalship is safe and his fol¬
lowers will wear palms of victory when the smoke of battle is
cleared away. I
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 161
REVEREND J. J. GOODWIN.
Self-Made Man—Teacher and Minister.
The Reverend J. J. Goodwyn is a native of Shelby County,
Texas, and is in the prime of life, being abcut fifty years old.
In 1879 he was married to Miss
Narcissus White. Thirteen chil¬
dren were born to the couple,
twelve of whom are living at the
present time.
Mr. Goodwyn had few opportu¬
nities in the, way of schooling, but
through his own efforts acquired
an education. He studied very
hard in order to fit himself for
teachings and was connected with
the public schools as an instructor
for thirteen years.
In 1884 he united with the Shady
Grove Missionary Baptist Church, in Panola County, and was
baptized on the 23rd of September. After serving in the
capacity of a deacon for nine months^ he was^ 'licensed to
preach, being ordained October 16th, 1886.
For twenty-one years Mr. Goodwyn was clerk of the East
Texas Bethel Association. He is now the moderator of the
same association. He has been successively clerk of the East
Texas Bethel Association and president of the same organiza¬
tion. He is a member of the Executive Board of the Texas
Baptist Foreign Mission Convention and also pastor of the
162 Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists.
Pine Grove, Carthage Church, and of the Corinth, Long
Branch and Wayside, Tacoma.
Mr. Goodwyn and his wife have a fine home and 812 acres
of land. They are doing both home and foreign missionary
work, and they feel that the bread which they have cast upon
the waters has indeed returned to them.
REVEREND DOCK BALLARD JACKSON, D.D.
Schoot-Teacher—Church^ Builder—Business Man—Honored
Minister—Uncompromising Baptist.
The Reverend Dock Ballard Jackson was born iru Octo¬
ber, 1859, near Memphis, Tennessee. His parents removed to
Crittenden, Arkansas, when their
son was a small boy. He was con¬
verted and united with the Pleas¬
ant Grove Baptist Church in 1882.
Fitting himself at Memphis to fill
a position) as teacher, he returned
to his adopted home, at Marion,
Arkansas, where he taught for sev¬
eral years, resigning to enter Roger
Williams University, from which
institution he was graduated in
1896.
While at the University he was
convinced that he was called to
the ministry; therefore he took special theological branches,
which gave him a strong foundation upon which to build a
storehouse of valuable information.
Dr. Jackson was ordained at the Rising Sun Baptist
Church, Marion, Arkansas, in 1893. Soon afterward he was
elected missionary of the East Arkansas Association. In
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 163
1895 he was made State missionary of West Tennessee, and
he traveled extensively, visiting remote points within the lim¬
its of the convention, arousing intense interest in mission
work.
In September, 1897, Mt. Zion) Baptist Church called him
to her pastorate, where he remained one month, when he
went to Bethlehem Church, Hill City. He remodeled the
church, and canceled long-standing debts. As soon as this
was accomplished, Rockwood Church invited him to her pas¬
torate, where the situation was anything but favorable. With¬
in nine months and twelve days he erected an'1 edifice, placed
the church in an excellent condition, and resigned and went
West, as he believed the Holy Spirit dictated.
In August, 1900, he assumed charge of the Rose Hill
Baptist Church, Kan\sas City, Kansas, at the earnest solicita¬
tion of the congregation, which numbered seventy-two per¬
sons. They were worshiping in a small frame building. Dr.
Jackson gathered the scattered flock around him, purchased a
new site and succeeded in erecting a beautiful stone structure
—one of the most imposing in Kansas—and that, too, without
creating any debt. The church now. has six hundred mem¬
bers, well disciplined, and filled with enthusiasm and mission¬
ary spirit.
Dr. Jackson is a business man as well as a preacher of
power. He was at one time identified with the Kansas City
Embalming Company. Several years ago he served as secre¬
tary of the Kaw Valley Association and as an officer of the
Baptist State Convention of Kansas. He is now treasurer of
the Kansas-Missouri Association. On December 6th, 1912,
the Correspondence School' of Washington, D. C., recognized
in him a minister of power, learned in the Scriptures and
forceful in the presentation of thought. It therefore con¬
ferred upon> him the degree of D.D.
Dr. Jackson is a credit to the community and the State in
which he lives. He is a fearless advocate of Baptist princr
164 Who's Who Among the Colored• Baptists.
pies. Mrs. Jackson, his accomplished wife, shares equally
with him in all that makes for the best interests of his
parishioners.
REVEREND GEORGE AUGUSTUS GOODWIN,
B.A., D.D.
Farmer>—Salutatorian—Musical Director—Critic—Professor
of Theology—Secretary of State Teachers' Association—
Commencement Orator—Great Pastor.
The Reverend George Augustus Goodwin is the eldest
son of George and Catherine Goodwint He was born at
Augusta, Georgia, in t h e
early sixties, and was bap¬
tized in 1879. He lived on
a farm in early life, an/d
was a pupil of the "Yankee
teachers." In 1884 he grad¬
uated, as salutatorian, from
Morehouse College, At¬
lanta, Georgia, where he
had been a tutor.
Dr. Goodwin was an act¬
ive Sunday-school teacher
and choir master for years,
and he organized several
juvenile institutions. His
fine tenor voice caused him
to be in demand as a sing¬
er, and he was repeatedly
importuned to join traveling quartettes. He was a teacher
Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 165
at fifteen years of' age, and also director of music; in the col¬
lege that he was then attending.
Among the positions of honor which he has filled are
those of military critic and adjutant ofi the Third Battalion of
Volunteers (Georgia) ; teacher in Peabody and County Nor¬
mal Schools of Georgia and Florida; prime mover in the or¬
ganization of the Georgia Colored and the Florida Colored
Teachers' Associations; recording secretary of the former for
seven years; State theological instructor for Georgia; com¬
mencement .preacher for Eddy High School, Milledgeville,
Georgia, for Union Academy, Gainesville, Florida, Preparatory
Department of Livingstone College (A. M. E. Z.), Salisbury,
North Carolina, and Atlanta Baptist College; principal and
treasurer of Walker Baptist Institute; principal of public
schools at Augusta and1 Washington, Georgia; professor of
Biblical introduction, psychology, Church history and homi-
letics in the Divinity School of Atlanta Baptist College, Atlan¬
ta, Georgia; president of the Alumni Association.
■ Dr. Goodwin has occupied the pulpit as pastor in St. John
Baptist Church, Gainesville, Florida; Bethsaida, Stone Mount¬
ain, Georgia; Fork Creek, Carlton*, Georgia; Cross Roads,
Promised Land, South Carolina; Springfield (First Street),
Greenville, South Carolina.
He has supplied as pastor pro tem.: Harmony, Thankful,
Tabernacle, Springfield, Augusta, Georgia; Wheat Street,
Friendship, Atlanta, Georgia; and he has received calls to
manjy prominent churches which he would have accepted with
pleasure had he not been already erfgaged where he felt that
he could accomplish the greatest amount of good.
Dr. Goodwin is a leader of men, and is an excellent or¬
ganizer. He is also well adapted to fill executive positions.
On July 17th, 1895, he, married Miss Anna Gardner, an
accomplished teacher and pianiste of Augusta, Georgia. There
are four children, George A. junior, Janie, Anna and Eunice,
as the result of the union.
Di*. Goodwin is a trenchant writer, a convincing speaker
166 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
anjd a thoroughly qualified instructor. He retains his mem¬
bership in the celebrated Springfield Baptist Church, Augusta,
Georgia, where four generations of his family have worshipped.
The immense amount of work that Dr. Goodwin has per¬
formed successfully augurs well for the future. The fact that
he has kept abreast of the times—that he is broad-minded—will
no doubt urge him to even, greater exertion, by which the
Afro-American race in general will unquestionably be ad¬
vanced in many ways.
The great Sidney Smith once said, "Be what Nature in¬
tended you for and you will succeed; be anything else and you
will be ten thousand times worse than nothing." Doctor
Goodwin, as a specialist in soeial economics, believes that the
greatest waste in modern society is misdirected effort. He
recognizes Nature's talents in young men and women} and
skillfully develops those > qualities so that they may bring the
largest possible returns inj the battle of life among the world's
toilers. Occupying as he does the center of the stage at a
critical period with a brilliant past -and a bright future, the
State of South Carolina has a just right to expect of him safe
counsel in the solution of her many racial and denominational
problems.
Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 167
T. W. WALKER, D.D.
Successful Pastor—Prominent Business Man—President of
Flourishing Baptist Convention—Banker.
The Reverend T. W. Walker organized the Sixth Avenue
Baptist Church, at Birmingham, Alabama, building a house of
worship at a cost of
$10,000, and with a mem¬
bership of about 1800 souls.
The church was destroyed
by fire, but it was rebuilt
by Dr. Walker and his good
people in a very short time.
Dr. Walker was licensed
to preach in 1883 and was
ordained in 1884. Dr. W.
R. Pettiford and Rev. A.
C. Jackson being members
of the ordaining council.
After ten years of service
HbV & 1 as pastor of the Sixth Ave-
W UnH
I nue Baptist Church, he was
yW JHrafl |H called- to Bessemer, (Ala-
—fMr—mPwI-mI bama, but returned to Bir¬
mingham in a short time,
where he organized one of the historical churches of the
South, the Shiloh Baptist Church. At first there were
only six members, who met in a store at the corner of Nine¬
teenth Street and Avenue G. At that time they had not a
dollar in the world. But Providence blessed their exertionis,
and soon a lot was purchased at a cost of $1700, where a
168 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
church worth $2,%oo was erected. In the meantime the mem¬
bership had increased to more than two thousand. The build¬
ing became too small and it was enlarged, but again it was
filled to overflowing with members, and the lot on the opposite
corner was purchased at $1,400 and a commodious structure
was built, costing nearly $40,000.
In 1904 Dr. Walker was afflicted with an illnless that
eventually necessitated the amputation of his right. leg. In
October, 1910, he was able to return to his pastorate, to which
he had been elected for life at the time of the organization) of
the church.
Dr. Walker's business career has been particularly suc¬
cessful. He was the organizer of the Union Central Relief
Association, a sick anjd accident association that works about
125 agents and officers. He is the president, also, of the
Union Mutual Association of Atlanta, Georgia; president of
the Woodlawn Cemetery Company and of the society known
as the Christian Relief; he is a director of the Alabama Penny-
Savings Bank, the largest Negro bank in operation; moder¬
ator of the Jefferson Counlty Missionary Baptist Association;
president of the New Era Baptist State Convention, and pres¬
ident of the Land Company. But Dr. Walker feels that his
work for the saving of souls is the greatest service to which
he has been called. He has baptized more than three thous¬
and persons during his pastorate in Birmingham.
The high esteem in which Dr. Walker is held and his
worth as a leader of menf are well illustrated by the large num¬
ber of business enterprises which he presides over anjd leads to
success. Educated in the school of adversity, with nothing to
aid him along save an unwavering faith and courage led on
by visions of better things beyond the gloom, he has developed
into one of the greatest business men! of the age. And that
good old-fashioned gospel that moved men to repentance in
the' early days of emancipation has enabled him to build up
one of the most flourishing missionary congregations m the
South, let alome hold his own in the ministry among learned
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 169
men. Quiet and unassuming, original -to a fault, his history
will furnish food for reflection long after he is no more.
REVEREND J. W. BAILEY, B.Th., D.D.
Honor Man in College—School-Teacher—Missionary—
Evangelist.
The Reverend J. W. Bailey was educated at Bishop Col¬
lege, Marshall, Texas. In 1890 he finished the Normal and
High English courses and grad¬
uated with honors, after which he
secured a first-grade certificate and
taught in the public schools of Tex¬
as for ten years. He entered the
ministry only after a struggle, and
was thirty years of age when he
returned to Bishop College to begin
a theological course. In 1901 he
was given the degree of Th.B.
Dr. Bailey did excellent pastoral
work, and held some of the best
charges in the State of Texas.
Under his preaching many souls
were brought to Christ, and it became evident that he would
be a powerful evangelist. He conducted meetings for the
pastors of Texas witlt great; success.
After fifteen years of pastoral work, Dr. Bailey was
called into the missionary field, first serving as district mis-
170 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
sionary for two years. Then he was made superintendent of
missions for the State of Texas, which position he filled sat¬
isfactorily for four years. .
On April 26th, 1912, he received the degree o£ Doctor of
Divinity from Friendship College, Rock Hill, South Carolina,
M. P. Hall, D.D., president.
His resignation as superintendent of missions was ten¬
dered! that he might perform the duties of Negro Evangelist
of the S. B. Convention, at Oklahoma! City, ta which office he
was unanimously elected in May, 1912.
He goes into this higher work that he may do a greater
amount of good for the race throughout the South.
Dr. Bailey is deeply interested in furthering the religious,
moral and intellectual development of the people, and he has
a host of friends throughout the country who count his leader¬
ship worthy of emulation.
Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 171
RBV. A. A. COSBY, D.D.
Hard Student—Successful Merchant■—Great Pastor.
The Reverend A. A. Cosey was born at Newellton, Lou¬
isiana, in 1874, to Elias arid Jane Cosey, who were in very
poor circumstances. After taking
the public school course, he went
to Natchez, graduating with high
honors.
Dr. Cosey was 'converted in 1890
anid became a member of the Stone¬
wall Baptist Church, at Newellton.
He was called to preach at once,
and was ordained in 1894. His
first pastorate was at Clarksdale,
Mississippi, where he officiated
from 1898 to 1905, when he ac¬
cepted an invitation to take charge
of the First Baptist Church at
Mound Bayou. He is still at that place.
For six years Dr. Cosey was corresponding secretary of
the National Baptist Benefit Board. In recognition of his val¬
uable services. Natchez College conferred upon him the degree
of Doctor of Divinity in! 1906.
In 1901 Dr. Cosey was united in marriage to Miss Hope
Carter, of Helena, Arkansas.
Dr. Cosey is vice-president of the Bank of Mound Bayou.
He is also a heavy property-owner in Louisiana, as well as in
Clarksdale, Mississippi, and in Mound Bayou. He is half
owner in an ice and coal business.
172 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
Dr. Cosey is an enthusiastic race advocate, and devotes
much time to the problems that now confront the Afro-Amer¬
icans, along social and industrial lines.
Mrs. Cosey is a graduate of a normal school anld of an
agricultural college; she is also a school-teacher of many years'
standing, in addition to being a model wife.
It is not often that remarkable businless qualities are com¬
bined With scholarly attainments in one person, but Dr. Cosey
is an example of a highly educated man] who is also a most
successful financier and great pastor. He has an unusually
good knowledge of Latin and Greek ankl of other important
branches. Through his own exertions he has risen above the
obstacles presented by poverty and made of himself a most
distinguished citizen. Dr. Cosey believes in the possibilities of
the race and the work he is accomplishing evinces the correct¬
ness of his faith.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 173
/. W. CARTER, D.D.
Earnest, Practical Preacher—Missionary.
The Reverend J. W. Carter, D.D., is pastor of the Mount
Zion Missionary Baptist Church, at Denison, Texas. He is
practical, logical, and spir¬
itual in preaching. He ranks
among the strong men of
Texas.
In a missionary church
there is much to be done
that does not confront those
who officiate in localities
where the congregation has
gotten upon an independent
plane. Dr. Carter has la¬
bored devotedly to over¬
come these difficulties, and
has had signal success in
the matter of placing his
church upon a sure footing
and of making it a power
in the community. The
members are growing into a most energetic iband of workers
for the uplift of the race. They are obtaining a broader view
of life, and are looking to the goal of spiritual development.
And they are makngi progress in a material way as well.
It will not be long until, through the efforts of Dr. Carter,
the Mount Zion Church will be numbered with the great influ¬
ences for good known throughout the State of Texas.
The self-denial that is required—upon the part of the pas-
174 Who 's Who Among the; Colorkd Baptists.
tor—to bring such results is not always understood by the
world at first, but faithfulness and energy are sure to meet
their reward eventually. ■
Dr. Carter's talent and his eloquence as a preacher have
already made themselves felt beyond the confines of his church.
Being actively identified with every denominational and racial
enterprise, Mr. Carter may well feel proud of his record.
JOHN EDWARD KNOX, M.S., D.D.
Beloved Pastor—Able Instructor in Bible History and Mathe¬
matics—President Brinkley Academy•—Superintendent of
State Missions.
John, Edward Knox was born in Alabama, on February
15th, 1865; his parents removed to Knoxville, Tennessee
when he was an infant.
He began! his education in Knox¬
ville College, where he was con¬
verted, but after making up his
mind that he was going to enter
the ministry and work in the Bap¬
tist denomination, he matriculated,
in 1884, in Roger Williams Uni¬
versity, at Nashville, Tennessee,
where he graduated from the Col¬
lege Department in 1890.
He studied theology under D.
W. Phillips, D.D., who was dean
of theology of Roger Williams
University for many years.
After graduation Dr. Knox was called to the Arkansas
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 175
Baptist College, at Little Rock, as instructor in Bible history
and mathematics.
He there gave good service for1 eleven, years, helping to
make the institution one of the best in the South for Negro
Baptists.
While professor at the Arkansas Baptist College he as¬
sisted in the organization, of the National Baptist Publishing
House, at Nashville, Tennessee. He was one of the charter
members of the National Baptist' Publishing Board arid in that
capacity rendered excellent service. He also served as re¬
cording secretary for the Home Mission Board for the Na¬
tional Baptist Convention.
In May, 1901, he resigned the professorship in the Arkan¬
sas Baptist College to accept the presidency of Brinkley Acad¬
emy. at Brin!kley, Arkansas. He remained at Brinkley Acad¬
emy for six years, during which time the institution prospered
and large numbers of students were gathered into it.
Under Dr. Knox's adrninistation furniture and equip¬
ments were secured, buildings kand grounds improved, and the
debts of the institution were all paid.
While president of Brinkley Academy he also did some
pastoral work at Stuttgart, Arkansas.
Iri, May, 1907, he accepted the call of Bethel Baptist
Church, Houston, Texas, where he has labored for the past
five years; success has followed his pastorates, and his ability
as a preacher is well known. Sixteen thousand dollars
($16,000) have been raised for all purposes during his pastor¬
ate arid many souls have been converted, baptized and added
to the Church under his administration.
Dr. Knox's connection with Bethel Baptist Church has
not made him lose interest in school work; for the past five
years he has been dean of theology, and instructor in his¬
tory and literature at Houston College.
Dr. Kriox takes special interest in the missionary and
educational work for the Negro Baptists of Texas; for three
years he served as first vice-president of the Missionary and
176 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
Educational Convention of Texas. He is a loyal member
of this convention, and never misses any of its annual ses¬
sions. At the annual meeting held in Terrell, Texas, in Octo¬
ber, 1912,. he was unanimously elected State superintendent
of missions.
Dr. Knox is a deep thinker, a fluent and forcible speaker;
he is constantly called upon to lecture at neighboring towns.
He is a student of current literature as well as of economic
and social questions. He is one of the leading men in Texas,
shaping the destiny of the race.
Several years ago the degree of Doctor of Divinity was
conferred upon' him by Conroe College, Conroe, Texas, and
also by Guadalupe College, Seguin, Texas.
Dr. Knox feels that he owes much of his success as a
public man to his beloved wife, Mrs. Isabella Knox, who has
been his strong helper and adviser for manly years.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 177
L. K. WILLIAMS, B.Th., D.D.
A Strong Pastor of a Great Church—President of the Baptist
Missionary and Educational Convention of Texas—A
Man of Many Achievements.
No man can read the history of the Baptists of Texas
without discovering, among the many great men responsible
for the denomination's tre¬
mendous growth within
the past ten years, the
name of one of the race's
strong advocates, Rev. L.
K. Williams, the pastor
of Mount Gilead Baptist
Church, Fort Worth.
Mr. Williams was edu¬
cated at Bishop College,
Marshall, Texas, and his
struggles for advancement
were hard and trying; yet
so determined was he to
obtain an education that he
early decided "to find his
way or make it." In school
Mr. Williams was apt,
thrifty and persevering,
and he did not allow anything to deter his "work. He ad¬
vanced rapidly, and was asslisted at times by the friendly aid
of the president and others interested in his welfare. He
graduated from the institution with high honors, taking the
degree of Bachelor of Theology.
178 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
After doing mission and pastoral work among some of
the country churches, the Rev. Williams was called to the pas¬
torate of Mount Gilead Baptist Church, Fort Worth—a con¬
gregation which for wealth, intelligence and work is one of
the most enterprising and progressive in the South.
Doctor Williams is now engaged in erecting one of the
finest church edifices of the country, and the amount of money
collected for that purpose during the past twelve months was
more than $12,000. For a number of years he has been the
honored president of the Missionary and Educational Conven¬
tion of that State; and as a presiding officer he is kind, con¬
servative and impartial in his decisions, giving every man an
equal privilege. The convention over which he presides stands
for progress—educational, financial and religious. And the
large number of schools and colleges founded and supported
by this convention give it an enviable position.
Rev. Williams is a man of great force of character, known
throughout Texas as a temperance apostle; and his sermons,
addresses and lectures are gems' of thought, taking high rank.
He is a strong preacher—fearless, logical and independent in
manner. The Rev. Williams is married and has an interesting
family. Being ^.t on the youthful side of life, with a keen
perception, great faith and courage, his future is bright, and
the Baptists may well expect an enlarged sphere of usefulness
in every department of their work under his fostering care.
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 179
PRESIDENT J. W. STRONG, B.S., D.D.
Brilliant Educator—Safe Leader—Executive Officer.
J. W. Strong was born near Lafayette, Georgia, in 1854,
to Wiley and Martha Strong. His education was begun in
the public schools, and
completed by a three-years
course at Talledega Col¬
lege, under Dr. Alfred
Wright, of Cambridge,
Massachusetts.
In 1868 he was convert¬
ed, and in 1876 was called
to the ministry.
Dr. Strong once held the
office of alderman of the
city of Corpus Christi, Tex¬
as. He occupied the po¬
sition of principal of the
Runge School for ten years.
i> I hit his greatest influence
H has been exerted as Presi-
I dent of Central Texas Col¬
lege. He has officiated as
pastor at Corpus Christi for a number of years. Guadalupe
College conferred upon him: the degree of B.S. and later that
of D.D.
When he was still a small boy, Dr. Strong's parents died
and he was compelled to hew out his own future as best he
could. How well he has succeeded his great work for the
Church and for the cause of education bears witness.
180 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
A college president must be not only a man of culture, but
he must also be to a very large extent a man who possesses
the inherent power of moulding ideas. Dr. Strong combines
with a broad, keen mind the qualities desirable in one who fills
so important a position, as that which he holdl His dearest
wish has been to place the facilities for learning within the
reach of all who are willing to make use of them. The pros¬
perity of the college attests to his success.
The cause of education and the saving of souls have been
the twoi moving factors in Dr. Strong's life. He numbers
many of the best people of the Afro-American race among
those whom he has converted and baptized. And through
them the circle of his influence ever widens—grows greater in
circumference. Central Texas College is his monument and
her ever-increasing influence for good in thg hearts of count¬
less thousands attests the wisdom, com age and faithfulness of
the man of the age—Dr. J. W. Strong.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 181
REVEREND T. L. JONES, D.D.
T eacher—Pastor—Sociologist.
The Reverend T. b. Jones, president of the West Florida
Baptist Academy, Pensacola, Florida, was born on West Wal¬
nut Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio,
August 24, 1863. When a
child he was taken to Nash¬
ville, Tenkiessee, where
he received an education in
the public schools, and in
Fisk University. He was
converted in 1881, and was
baptized by the Reverend
Nelson G. Merry, the ven¬
erable pastor of historic
Spruce Street Baptist
Church. For twelve years
he taught in the city schools
of Nashville, filling some
of the most important po¬
sitions. He moved in the
best literary circles and
organized the famous Ty-
reean Literary Circle and the Nashville Sociological Club,
which are no\v known throughoutr the country. Doctor
Jones took a lively interest in denominational affairs and
served as president of the Nashville Sunday-School Union,
whch raised the first money for the beginning of the National
Baptist Publishing House, an institution which has grown to
182 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
enormous proportions. He was one of the organizers of the
first Teachers' Association of Tennessee. He was a member
of the Board of Directors of the Negro building at the Nash¬
ville Centennial Exposition, and occupied the position of chair¬
man of the Floriculture Department.
When he was ordained to the ministry, he resigned a
lucrative position in the Nashville city schools to enter the
activq pastorate.
Dr. Jones has had charge of a number of the leading
churches in Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida.
His degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred by Selma
University.
Dr. Jones has taken advantage of every opportunity to
advance the interests of the race in a material as well as a
spiritual sense. It is remarkable how much good work can be
accomplished in a life of consecration to a cause, and Dr.
Jones has thus far made great strides in his chosen profession.
Hisf devotion to the people has firmly entrenched him in their
hearts, and the improvement of their condition under his
guidance is proof of his ability.
When the Reverend Mr. Jones stepped into the arena of
public affairs to guide the destiny of those under his care, the
times needed just such a man. For he was a prophet that
could see far and wide and a leader who could unite discord¬
ant elements and use them in the general advancement of the
masses. He has steadily overthrown every opposition and by
singular courage, far-reaching sagacit\ and endurance perched
victory upon his banner. And just as his State protrudes far
into the Gulf, so his influence through the school over which
he presides extends far into the inner circles of denominational
and racial advancement.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 183
GEORGE EDMUND MORRIS, Ph.D., D.D.
Pastor—Lecturer—President of Afro-American State Con¬
vention—Vice-President of National Baptist Convention
—A Man Among Men.
History has shown the migratory instinct in man to be a
puissant element of human progress. God often prepares a
man in one locality as the
great agency by which oth¬
ers may be blessed. And
one of the strong men of
the denomination who has
achieved a wide reputation
in his adopted State as a
leader of men is Reverend
George Edmund Morris, of
Morristown, New Jersey.
He was born in Rich¬
mond, Virginia, on June
4th, 1866. His father died
when he was less than six
months eld. His mother,
Fannie A. Morris, died in
1910.
The boy attended school two years in Richmond and
five years in the country, living at the home of his mater¬
nal grandmother. At the age of twelve years he left school
to help his widowed mother, who. was ill. He followed
the race-horse business with his uncle for four years. When:
184 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
sixteen years old he returned to Richmond and worked as a
porter in a dry-goods store, remaining there until the time of
his conversion, in March, 1885, when he felt that God had
called him to the ministry, and he immediately made prepara-
tiorts to enter the Richmond Institute and Theological Semin¬
ary, from which he graduated in the class of 1892.
Dr. Morris took high honors and the newspapers com¬
mented favorably upon hisi graduation oration!. His professor
of Hebrew said that as a Hebrew and Greek student the young
divine ranked with the best in the Northern colleges. He re¬
ceived two calls to preach and one to teach, just after his grad¬
uation. He accepted the call to Gallipolis, Ohio, but was com¬
pelled, on account of ill-health, to withdraw his acceptance be-'
fore going to the church.
After two years of recuperation, Dr. Morris took charge
of Calvary Baptist Church at Morristowni, New Jersey, where
he. has remained to the present time. The field was consid¬
ered a most difficult one. Inharmony among the members and
lack of means had discouraged his predecessors. But on the
first Sunday of Dr. Morris' incumbency he said:
"With the help of God, arikl your hearty co-operation in
prayer, sympathy and money, I will build you a house of
worship where you can worship God unmolested, to your
heart's desire."
The ground was bought, the building went up, and was
dedicated in the winter of 1895-6.
Dr. Morris' work has been simply amazing. He is in the
front rank of the Baptist denomination. The late Dr. Fox, of
the First Baptist Church, white, of Morristown, declared,
after listening to a sermon delivered by Dr. Morris before that
church, that he could not have been more highly pleased if Dr.
Parkhurst or Dr. McArthur had been in the pulpit. A ser¬
mon delivered by Dr. Morris before the State Convention was
said to be an able address, worthy of any institution.
In 1897 an article written by him on the "Thganthropism
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 185
God-Man" was* published in the Baptist Magazine. Compe¬
tent critics have asserted that it was a most scholarly effort.
In 1902 he represented New Jersey at the Young People's
Religious and Educational Congress, in Atlanta, Georgia. His
lecture on "The Ante-bellum Religious Life of the Race" was;
pronounced one of the best delivered before the Congress. In
that year he was elected president of the! Afro-American Bap¬
tist State Convention of New Jersey, which position he has
held continuously since.
Through the untiring exertions of Dr. Morris, New Jer¬
sey has taken first place in missions, acording to her numbers,
in the great Baptist family. He has been for years the vice-
president of the N. B. Convention—from New Jersey—and is
also trustee of the National Training School.
In 1908 Guadalupe College conferred on him the degree
of Doctor of Divinity; Conroe College conferred the degree of
Ph.D. Although he has received several calls to important
charges, Dr. Morris prefers^ to remain in Morristown until
convinced that God wants him to go elsewhere. His sermons
and addresses are always of a scholarly nature and are highly
appreciated by those who have the good fortune to hear them.
He is profoundly interested in all denominational work—in
everything that makes for the uplift of his people.
In 1895 Dr. Morris was married to Miss .Susie Lee John-
sort, of Richmond, Virginia, the highly cultured daughter of
the Reverend George E. Johnson. To the union have come
three daughters and one son. They have a model home.
186 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
CHARLES FRANCIS GRAVES.
Great Executive Officer—Rising Young Educator.
Charles Francis Graves was born on May 24th, 1878.
at Yanceyville, North Carolina, to William P. Senior and
Caroline Mildred Graves.
After completing the
course prescribed in the
graded schools of Reids-
ville, he entered Shaw Uni¬
versity, where he attracted
the attention of teachers
and pupils alike, for his ex-
c e 1 lent work. Professor
Graves became interested
in the religious life under
the preaching of Dr. J. C.
Crosby, at Reidsville, North
Carolina, and was con¬
verted in 1890.
He is, the honored pres¬
ident of Roanoke Collegiate
Institute, Elizabeth City,
North Carolina, and also
fills the position of secretary of the Negro Fair of Elizabeth
City. I
His marriage—in 1904—to Miss Hattie Forester Chavis,
of Winton, North Carolina, a music teacher in Roanoke Insti¬
tute, has proved to be a happy union. There are three chil¬
dren, one son and two daughters.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 187
Professor Graves' coninection with Roanoke Institute is of
twelve years' standing. During his incumbency a modern
building has been erected, and many other improvements have
been made. The school has s,even teachers and two hundred
and fifty pupils. The institution is self-supporting, although
it is under the auspices of the Roanoke Baptist Association.
The labors of Professor Graves have thus far been amply-
rewarded, for he has sent forth many who are doing effective
work in the Lord's vineyard. Much depends upon getting the
right start in the world, and Professor Graves endeavors to see,
that his pupils set out on thei journey of life fully equipped in
the way of education and principles. He instills, as far as lies
within his vpower., a love of humanity and a desire to accom¬
plish something for the benefit of the colored race.
Professor Graves will no doubt be heard from again as a
leader of men in the denomination/.
188 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND J. H. ANDERSON.
Able Preacher — Excellent Organier — -Treasurer State Con¬
vention Educational Board.
J. H. Anderson is a man among men. He came forth into
the world in Amherst County, Virginia, January 27th, 1863, to
Reuben and Francis An¬
derson.
He received his education
at the West Virginia Insti¬
tute, Bluefield, West Vir¬
ginia.
On December 12th1890,
he was converted, and in
the same year was called to
preach the gospel. He has
filled various public offices
of trust, among them that
of treasurer of the Edu¬
cational Board of Okla¬
homa. He has also served
as moderator of the Cen¬
tral Way land Association
for nine years.
In 1888 Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Laura A.
Wimbush, of Lynchburg, Virginia.
In the twenty years of his ministry Mr. Anderson has
done much to build up the Church. He has held eight charges,
leaving each one in better condition than when he entered upon
the work of its pastorate.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 189
He is an ex-member of the Educational Board of the
National Baptist Convention, and he has organized successfully
two associations.
Particular interest in the uplift of the race has led Mr.
Anderson to undertake special labor along educational lines.
He believes that humanity should advance proportionately in a
mental, moral and material way. He believes that religion fos¬
ters education and that education fosters; religion. His effi¬
ciency as a pastor and asi an officer of the various bodies to
which he has belonged has enabled him to render effectual
service. His eloquence as a speaker has been the means of
bringing many persons! into the Church.
Air. Anderson is regarded as one of the most substantial
preachers, in the State of his adoption, Oklahoma. He now
resides at Coalgate, where he ministers to the needs' of his
congregation and community.
190 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
G. N. JACKSON, D.D.
Excellent Pastor—lVise Counsellor—Social Leader.
G. N. Jackson, D.D.- the subject! of this sketch, was born
near Meadville, in Linn County, Missouri, on May 21, 1869.
He entered the ministry
when quite young, having
received h i s education at
W e s tern College, Macon,
Missouri. He g r aduated
from the Literary and
Theo logical departments
with the degrees of B.S.D.
and B. S. T. in 1900. A
few years later the honor¬
ary degree of D.D. was
conferred upon him by his
Alma Mater, in recognition
of his deep piety, learning
and attainments in things
divine.
Dr. Jackson served the
Bap tist State Convention
of Missouri for seven years
as corresponding secretary. He was pastor of the Louisiana,
Fulton and Palmyra churches, of Missouri, and served as
moderator of the Mount Carmel Association of Missouri
four years. He also filled the position of grand secretary of
the U. B. F.s and S. M. T.s of Missouri the constitutional
limit, four years..
Dr. Jackson is now pastor of the Warren Street Baptist
Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 191
Church, of Lawrence, Kansas, and moderator of the Kaw Val¬
ley Association. Through his influence $5,000 worth of im¬
provements have been made in the church within the two years
of his pastorate.
He is a wise leader, active, energetic, yet characterized by
moderation. He is devoted to the interests of the people, and
has proved to be a tower of strength to them, advising, admon¬
ishing, commending—always looking after their welfare. And
they have advanced rapidly under his guidance.
The church has grown and its members have prospered as
individuals. In this age of the world a pastor must be not
only a good preacher, but a good minister as well—recognizing
the needs of his congregation and using every means at his
command to supply them. The church should be a com¬
munity center, where sociability is cultivated and life-long
friendships are formed.
The Warren Street Church has been particularly fortunate
in this respect. Dr. Jackson's happy faculty of harmonizing
the different elements and bringing the people together at so¬
cial functions has made him extremely popular, and his relig¬
ious work has been thereby made exceedingly effective in the
classic center of the Sunflower State.
192 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND GEORGE E. READ, B.D., D.D.
Educator—President University Alumni—National Character.
The Reverend George E. Read was born at Smithville,
Virginia, May 23, 1866, to William and Sarah Read. He was
educated at Virginia Union
University, which insti¬
tution conferred upon him
degrees of B.D. and D.D.
Dr. Read was converted
in 1885 and was ordained to
the ministry in '92. Among
the positions which he has
held—some of which he is
still holding—are: pastor
of Mount Olive Baptist
Church, East Orange, New
Jersey; pastor of the Afri¬
can Baptist Church, Cheri-
*tan, Virginia; principal of
Tidewater Institute, Chesa¬
peake, Virginia; statistician
Lott Carey Baptist Foreign
Missionary Convention; moderator Northampton Baptist As¬
sociation; corresponding secretary Baptist General Associa¬
tion, Virginia; and president Alumni Association of Virginia
Union University.
Dr. Read stands out conspicuously among the many suc¬
cessful graduates of the schools of the South fostered by the
'American Baptist Home Missionary Society. Although he is
a comparatively young man, he has been for the last eighteen
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 193
years one of the foremost workers of the colored Baptists of
Virginia.
He spent the first four years after his graduation from the
Richmond Theological Seminary as pastor of Mount Olivet
Baptist Church, East Orange, New Jersey, following which
he became principal of the Tidewater Institute, Chesapeake,
Virginia—then known as Spiller Academy—and as pastor of
the African Baptist Church, Cheritan, Virginia.
From the very beginning his' work has been characterized
by marked intelligence and unusual efficiency. He has been
active, untiring and aggressive.
The graduated of the school over which he presides have
invariably ranked well in mind and morals in other schools of
higher grade to which they have gone; and in daily life, as
housekeepers, artisans and professional men and women, they
have also been unusually successful.
In almost every community in Virginia may be found grad¬
uates of the Tidewater Institute, living clean and wholesome
lives, actively concerned in the welfare of the) community, and
presenting examples of chaste and sober manhood, and as a
rule these students are loyal to the church, and valuable assets
of the religious life around them. The invigorating atmos¬
phere which a great thinker creates has a most remarkable
effect upon all who dwell in it, and Professor Read's pupils
by unconscious as well as conscious absorption acquired his
spirit of inquiry, his method of research and habits of in¬
vestigation, his manner of attacking and mastering difficulties.
This school is about twenty years old and it has been main¬
tained at a tremendous cost of labor and sacrifice on the part
of the principal. It has depended in the main upon the colored
people.for support, and this has been conditioned solely upon
the patience, persistence and personal force of the principal.
The work has been hard, extremely hard, and only a man of
extraordinary character and talent could have performed it.
Apart from the work of directing the school* and despite
the constant grirld and strain which it has involved, Dr. Read
194 Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists.
has at the same time beera one of the able and successful pas¬
tors of the State, and an indispensable factor in all the work of
the denomination.
Dr. Read is in every sense a leader along religious lines on
what is known as Eastern Shore, Virginia, where there are
about 25,000 colored people. In the face of unfavorable cir¬
cumstances and discouragements unspeakable, he has done
much to impress his ideals upon the people and to improve their
condition generally. Few men in any part of the South have
done a work of such import and of so far-reaching effect as
that of Dr. Read in behalf of the people of Eastern Shore,
Virginia.
His has been a life of devotion and sacrifice and his
achievements are a tribute to industry and serious purpose.
He is one of the few men charged with the responsibility of
shaping the policy of the denomination and the race in Vir¬
ginia. He is now in the prime of life, and with his ripe experi¬
ence is destined tc* accomplish much good in the future. !
Dr. Read is 'married and his refined wife has assisted him
at every round of his endeavor,' looking to the advancement of
the people.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 195
B. J. BROWN, B.S., D.D.
Evangelist—Editor—Successful Pastor.
One of the busiest young men in the Lone Star State is
the energetic pastor at Gainesville, Texas—B. J. Brown.
B. J. Brown, B.S.,
D.D., was born December
17th, 1863, at Searcy, Ar¬
kansas. He is the son of
the Reverend James and
Margaret Brown.
After completing t,h e
course in the public schools,
Dr. Brown was graduated
from, the Branch Normal
College, Pine Bluff, in June,
1890, with the degree L.I.,
under Professor J. C. Cor-
bin, A.M.., Ph.D.
Mr, Brown taught in the
High School at Searcy,
Arkansas, and was appoint¬
ed to the Peabody Normal
by Ex-Superintendent Junius Jordan. He was ordained
in 1894, and proved to be a successful pastor as well as
teacher. He has been an instructor in the Baptist Acad¬
emy at Magnolia. Arkansas; State superintendent of Sunday-
school Missions; first president of C. W, R. District Sunday-
School Convention of Arkansas; and was called to the pas¬
torate of Mount Olivet Baptist Church, of Gainesville, Texas, (
in 1901, which position he yet fills. Pie is president of the
196 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
Northwestern District Sunday-School Convention; member of
the Board of Directors of B. M. and Educational Conven¬
tion of Texas; and is also a member of the Board of Foreign
Missions, Associated Charities, and of the Examining Board
of N. W. Association.
As editor of the Northwestern Baptist Informer, Dr.
Brown has exerted a great influence. He is an able writer,
and ani orator of no mean ability, while as a preacher he is in
the first rank.
Dr. Brown's record as a pastor, builder, evangelist, mis¬
sionary and teacher is one of which his friends may well be
proud. And although honors have come to him, he has never
deviated from the line of humble Christian conduct that has
always distinguished him.
Mr. Brown believes that the Word of God furnishes a per¬
fect and' reasonable basis for the transaction of business in
mental and spiritual affairs and does not allow the whims of
others to misguide him. He is an inspiration to his people, a
credit to the denomination and a potent factor in' the uplift of
the race.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 197
REVEREND J. O. ALLEN.
Successful and Ideal Pastor—Sunday-School Worker-*—Ex-
Vice-President of South Carolina' Baptist Convention.
The Reverend J. O. Allen, of Greenville, South Carolina,
was ordained to the gospel ministry in November, 1887. He
has been and is still offi¬
ciating in some of the best
churches in Greenville,
Laurens and Spartanburg
counties.
Mr. Allen is regarded as
an ideal pastor and Bibli¬
cal teacher, looking faith¬
fully after the welfare of
his congregation, and tak¬
ing a keen interest in their
mental, moral and spiritual
development.
He has served as vice-
president and treasurer of
the Educational and Mis-
s i o n a r y Convention of
South Carolina, and he has
also served as moderator of his own Association.
He is now president of one of the best Sunday-school
conventions in upper South Carolina, which place he has
filled for over twenty years.
Mr. Allen is a wise and safe counsellor, whose advice is
often sought, not only by many members of the race, but by
many leading white citizens of his home city.
198 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
A visit to his churches will convince any one that the
members have prospered both collectively and individually un¬
der the guidance of Mr. Allen.
. His work among the young persons of the State, his wis¬
dom in conducting the affairs of the Sunday-school* betoken
executive ability of an unusual order.
_ Mr. Allen believes that the spiritual uplift of the people
should come before all else, and has kept that in view through
the entire period of his ministry, which probably accounts for
the remarkable success that has attended his efforts.
With no trace of the poseur, no effort to make an impres¬
sion, just a man of the times, ready and willing at every call
to duty, the Reverend J. O. Allen is considered by all who
know him a valuable asset to the leadership of a race only
fifty years from slavery.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 199
HARDIN B. BRITT, A.B., A.M.
Valedictorian—One of the World's- Greatest Gospel Singers—
Baritone Soloist.
There is quite a difference between vocal music and vocal
noise. And many of the so-called singers are in reality per¬
sons with fair voices with¬
out c u 11 i v ation. "The
technique and development
of the voice consist in how
to increase its power and
to extend its compass and
capability of crescendo and
diminuendo." Few are the
singers who are willing, by
years of study, to pass
slowly up the ladder of
fame, and train that with
which God has endowed
them. '
Hardin B. Britt, son of
Thomas and Julia Britt,
born at Brownsville, Ed¬
monson County, Kentucky,
in 1871, is a man of music;
and what is more, he has
trained and cultivated his
voice almost td'perfection. He attended the common schools,
then went to Louisville and worked his. way through the State
University, from which institution he received his degree of
A.B. He wears the gold medal presented to him as valedic-
200 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
torian of his class. The degree of A.M. was conferred by
Eckstein Norton University.
Professor Britt has held many important positions as
chorister and soloist, and rhe is now the national and interna¬
tional gospel singer of the Baptist denomination, in which
capacity he has been an agent in God's hand, winning many
souls into the kingdom. *
Under the caption, "A Sweet Colored Singer," the Chris¬
tian Herald, London., England, July, 1905, said:
"Mr. H. B. Britt, B.A., the sweet singer of Louisville,
Kentucky, U. S. A., was the leading soloist at the recent Bap¬
tist World's Congress, London. For six years past he has
been traveling as a singing evangelist in the Eastern States of
America, and he has sung before thousands of people in the
leading cities of fifteen different States. His rich, sweet bar¬
itone voice has attracted the attention of the press in a num¬
ber of places. In the great open-air demonstration of Hyde
Park, London, in connection with the Baptist World's Con¬
gress, he sang several solos, 'Death Is Only a Dream' being
the most effective. He also sang in the great meeting in
Spurgeon's Tabernacle, conducted by the colored people. Mr.-
Britt and one or two colored ministers, after conducting serv¬
ices in London, expect to take part in a niumber of conventions
and associations in Germany. They return to London (D.
V.) on September 1st, and will then engage in holding serv¬
ices throughout Britain, or will return to America to be at the
Colored Baptist National. Convention, which meets on Sep¬
tember 15th."
From the foregoing it will be seen that Professor Britt
has acquired world fame as a singer. And he deserves all
the encomiums that have been given him. His life, his tal¬
ents, have been consecrated to the Lord, and he is a power in
revival work. His well-trained voice has a peculiar melody
that is more effective than many words in the winning of
souls to Christ.
Professor Britt is a vocal artist who carries the gospel
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 201
into many lands anc(/ softens the heart of those who hear him,
so that the admonitions of the ministers are not in vain.
Music is an inspiration, and the sweet singer of Louisville is
an instrument in God's hand for the accomplishment of great
good.
PROFESSOR J. T. BROWN, A.B., A.M., D.D.
Salutfltorian—Valedictorian—Scholar—Author—Editorial
Writer— Uncompromising Bap tist.
J. T. Brown; one of the most gifted of . the classical
writers of America, is the son of slave parents, Mary and
Prince Brown), of Hilton
Head, South Carolina. He
was educated in the rudi¬
ments of the English lang¬
uage at Hampton Institute,
graduating under the late
General S. C. Armstrong,
then president. He led his
classes at Hampton, and
did the same when he en¬
tered Lincoln University),
Chester, Pennsylvania,
where he took both the
college and theological
courses. He was first hon¬
or man throughout the
seven years spent at Lin¬
coln, and developed into a
severe critic. He delivered the Latin salutatory upon grad-
202 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
uating from thq college1 course and was chosen valedictorian
of his class three years laten when! he received his theological
degree, June, 1891.
Mr. Brown was called to ordination by, the First Baptist
Church, Fernandina, Florida, the Rev. M. W. Gilbert, D.D.,
and the Rev. J. Gardner Ross, D.D., being among the mem¬
bers of the ordaining council. He became associated with
President Gilbert, of the Florida Baptist Institute, and suc¬
ceeded the latter as president when the school' was removed
to Jacksonville and became the Florida Baptist Academy in
1892. He was called from Florida to Montgomery, Alabama,
where he pastored one of the largest churches in that State.
From Alabama Mr. Brown was called to Texas^ where he
spent fourteen years asl a teacher in what he called "a the¬
ological school on wheels." Doctor Brown's sermons and
his addresses are masterpieces of modern composition and
eloquence:
"His eloquence is classic in its style;
Not brilliant with explosive coruscations
Of heterogeneous thoughts at random caught
And scattered like a shower of shooting-stars."
The Doctor is the author of several valuable theological
works, which have received wide circulation. Among them
"Theological Kernels," "The Cherubim," and "Seven Things
Satan Has Taught the Baptist Churches" are the most
important.
One of the chief characteristics for which Dr. Brown is
distinguished is his absolute devotion to the princples of the
Baptist denomination. As moderator of the Florida East
Coast Association and pastor of the Baptist Church at Miami,
Florida, he has indoctrinated the people and raised the stand¬
ard and efficiency of the ministry. The editorials of Doctor
Brown are gems of thought and give to our Sunday-school
literature in which they appear a fine polish.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.. 203
The Reverend Mr.' Brown owns considerable property in
Texas, and has been the means of influencing his people to
make great progress along material as well as religious an.d
educational lines.
The pen is a mighty weapon for the advancement of any
race, and Doctor Brown is filling a most important place when
he uses his brains and his pen to expound religious truths and
instruct' his people in those things with which the man of the
future must be conversant, if he would keep abreast of the
times.
Dr. Brown has a charming wife and one son.
204 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND GEORGE WASHINGTON GOODE, D.D.
Institute President—Talented Minister—Philanthropist—
Denominational Worker.
The Reverend George Washington Goode, the son of
Henderson and Julia Goode, was born in Patrick County, Vir¬
ginia, March 14, 1865.
After completing the
high school course of
Marion, Virginia, he taught
in the public schools for
seven consecutive terms.
In 1886 he became a Chris¬
tian and realized a call to
the ministry. The follow¬
ing year he was licensed to
preach.
In 1889 he entered the
R i c h m o nfd Theological
Seminary, Richmond, Vir¬
ginia, and in three years
he finished the institute
course. At the end of three
years more he graduated
from the Theological De¬
partment with the degree
of Bachelor of Divinity.
While studying theology he also filled the pastorate of Sa¬
lem Baptist Church, West Point, Virginia, and Mount Zion
Baptist Church, Churchview. Virginia. In 1896 he was called
to Calvary Baptist Church, Danville, Virginia. He is now
Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 205
in the seventeenth year of his work at that place. During his
labors more than twelve hundred people have acknowledged
Christ.
Dr. Goode was married, in 1896, to Miss Mary L. Gaines,
of Richmond, Virginia. Mrs. Goode is. a graduate of the
Normal School of that city, and has been a teacher for seven
years. '
In 1901 Central College, Mississippi, conferred upon him
the degree of D.D. I
In 1903, at the solicitation of the people of the city of
Danville, he founded the Pittsylvania Industrial Academy, now
the Pittsylvania Normal and Collegiate Institute, with full col¬
lege powers. The school has an enviable record, and affiliates
with the famous Union University of Richmond.
In 1905 he was chosen president of the General Associa¬
tion of Virginia, which position he held with honor for seven
years, resigning of his own accord over the vigorous protest
of the entire membership. His resignation was twice rejected,
but when, he pleaded over-work and ill health, the; resignation
was reluctantly accepted. Dr. Goode now wears one of the
finest gold badges ever given1 a presiding officer on retiring.
Through his ceaseless efforts and by means of his organizing
ability the General Association and its auxiliary bodies have be¬
come quite powerful. He is prominently connected with all
the interests of the denomination and with the educational un¬
dertakings of the Church. His appointment by the Governor
as a delegate to Denver, Colorado, in 1911, evidences the fact
that Dr. Goode's talents and sterling qualities are appreciated
by all, irrespective of color.
He is positive, fearless, yet cautious and kind. Many
young men and women have been helped' by his strong Chris¬
tian example and instruction.
Dr. Goode's generosity—his willingness to aid any worthy
object—has endeared him to the people. He is now support¬
ing an African student in school. Despite his philanthropy,
he has managed to save something. He owns a fine ten-
206 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists.
room residence in a popular portion of Danville, and a val¬
uable farm of about one hundred acres, with a neat five-
room cottage, and other buildings for tenants. He also owns
some fine live stock.
Dr. Goode has served as member of the Foreign Mission
Board of Lot Carey Convention, and as a member of the Ex¬
ecutive Board of the State Sunday-School Convention; also
as treasurer of the State B. Y. P. U,-
He is one of the foremost men of the denomination and
can point to a long list of charities and a vast amount of tell¬
ing work for thfe advancement of the race.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 207
REVEREND ULYSSES SIMPSON KEELING, B.Th.
Secretary—Minister—Writer-—Editor.
The Reverend Ulysses Simpson Keeling comes of a sturdy
Christian family. He was born near Jewett, Leon County,
Texas, October 7th, 1881.
His father, B. J. Keeling,
was a prominent member
of Mount Olive Baptist
Church of Jewett, from
which the son received his
license to preach. The
mother, A. A. Keeling, was
a great missionary worker
—a charter member of the
first women's society or¬
ganized in Leon County.
She was a successful teach¬
er of twenty-five years'
stand ing and organized
several religious societies
which were a power for
good in the locality. And
the distinction achieved by
her talented son is tracea¬
ble to the influence of this pious, devoted mother.
In 1900 the subject of this sketch was called to the minis¬
try, and in 1904 he entered the pastorate, in which he is dis¬
tinguished for earnestness and devotion1. He is considered a
most excellent preacher, andi Texas honors him because of his
sterling qualities and ability as a pastor an'd an organizer of
208 'Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
men. He is at present secretary of the Texas Baptist Minis¬
ters' Conference Auxiliary to the Baptist Missionary and Edu¬
cational Convention of Texas; president of the Old Land¬
mark District B. Y. P. U. Convention; vice-president of the
Old Landmark District Sunday-School Convention, and mem¬
ber of the Executive Board of the Texas Baptist Foreign Mis¬
sion Convention.
Mr. Keeling- was married on July 29th, 1908, to Miss
Myrtle A. Knight, of Belton, Texas, and Mrs. Keeling is a
constant source of help to her husband in1 his ministerial labors.
The union has been blessed with one child, U. S. Keeling, Jr.
Mr. Keeling is at present the pastor of Pleasant Grove
Baptist Church, at Bryan, Texas, and has the honor of preach¬
ing in one of the handsomest edifices in the State. His con¬
gregation is a flourishing one, in which there is a high degree
of intelligence.
Mr. Keeling was educated at Guadalupe and Central col¬
leges. He received the degree of Th.B. at Central College,
Waco, May 25th, 1911. He has excellent oratorical ability
and has been elected State grand lecturer of the Order of
United Friendship, Silver Fleece and Leaf, a fraternal order
of high standing,*
In 1903 he became editor of the' Texas Watchman, in
which capacity he has exhibited great ability as a writer and
thinker.
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 209
MRS. L. J. McNORTON.
Prominent Woman Educator—Missionary Worker.
Mrs. L. J. McNorton was born anu iecued to womanhood
in the city of Clarksville, Texas. Her father, Wynn Bowers,
was an exceedingly pros¬
perous farmer arud trader.
When the Honorable Ed-
mond J. Davis was Gov¬
ernor o£ Tfexas, Mr. Bow¬
ers was on the State police
force, where he won dis¬
tinction as a brave and at¬
tentive officer. Mr. Bow¬
ers died in 1893.
Mrs. McNorton was ed¬
ucated in the city schools
of Clarksville, and at Wy-
ley University, in Mar¬
shall, Texas. She taught
school in her home city,
and afterward took a
course in millinery and
dressmaking in Chicago, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri. She
then opened a school of millinery and dressmaking in Clarks¬
ville, from which many young women have gone forth pre¬
pared to lead useful as well as profitable lives.
Opening a millinery store, she was the first colored wom¬
an to visit the large wholesale houses in St. Louis and Chicago.
Her store was twice burned out and she decided to locate in
210 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
Fort Worth, where she still carries on a school and business
of large proportions.
Mrs. McNortoni is a most enterprising woman and has
done great service to the race by teaching a valuable trade.
She is now corresponding secretary for the Women's Con¬
vention Auxiliary to the Baptist Missionary and Educational
Convention of Texas, treasurer of the women's department
of the Northwestern Baptist Association, and president of one
of the largest and most successful missionary societies in the
State.
She is deeply interested in the educational advancement
of the people and is doing her utmost to bring about needed
reforms and to fit women for lucrative positions in the world,
that they may be elevated to an independent plane.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 211
REVEREND CHARLES. BENJAMIN WILLIAM
GORDON, D.D.
Poet—Orator—Journalist—Representative Citizen—Bertie-
factor of the Race—Devoted Minister.
The prophecy of the old settlers, that Charles Benjamin
Gordon would some day be heard in the literary world, was
well founded.
He was born in Colerain, North
Carolina, on November 1, 1861, to
Daniel and Nancy Gordon, the de¬
scendants of Charles Brown Holly, a
brave soldier of the Revolutionary
War, whose courage and sterling
qualities won him his freedom at the
close of the great struggle for the lib¬
erty of the Colonies. His daughter
was a woman of such eminent virtue
that rather than depart from the
moral/ law, she submitted to separation from her husiband and
child' and was sold into another State.
The country was passing through the critical period of its
history when* Charles was born; the patriotism of the Negroes
was fully aroused by the endeavors of the Government to make
the Republic in truth the land of the free. Those who come
into the world during epochs of great moment seem to be
gifted with extraordinary powers, and Charles was not an ex¬
ception to the rule. He displayed marked talent when only
five years of age, at which time he entered the school of Thom¬
as Nixon, on Roanoke Island, Virginia, where he became the
acknowledged genius of the institution. Making a speech be-
2i2 Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists.
fore the school on one Friday afternoon, the young student
surprised both teacher and pupils by his oratorical skill, an'd
that without previous training. He proved the truth of the
doctrine that geniuses are born, not made. Under many diffi¬
culties was his education continued after the removal of the
family to Perquimans County. He worked during the day
1 and studied in the evening, often remaining up until the
morning hours, when he again went forth to hard labor. While
a pupil at night school he became a member of a debating so¬
ciety, in which he distinguished himself in repaitee.
In 1879 he obtainled a position as teacher at Brick Kiln,
Pasquotank County, North Carolina, and in the same year he
sought and found the Savior. Soon after that he was elected
principal of the public school at Windsor, North Carolina,
and one year later he entered Richmon'd Theological Seminary,
where he gained the admiration and1 respect of those with
whom he came in contact for his excellence of character and
•rapid progress in the studies of the course. Vacations were
spent mainly in hard wprk as an evangelist.
In 1884 Dr. Gordon received a celII to Mount Calvary
Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia^ and at the same time to
the large First Baptist Church of Petersburg. Dr. Gordon
felt that God's hand was in the matter; that if one is really or¬
dained of God, he cannot fail; that often success is evidence
that a minister is truly called of God. The position was a dif¬
ficult one. The young pastor was surrounded by the literary
talent of the city—by the most severe critics. To reach their
hearts he must needs be endowed with high intellect and great
magnetism; he must be almost above temptation. Dr. Gor¬
don, although youthful and practically inexperienced, proved
worthy of the great trust. The history of his pastorate is an
account of one triumph after another. And the fact that he
has remained in the pastorate at Petersburg shows that he is
the right man for the place.
As a preacher Dr. Gordon has a persuasive quality that
has wonderful effect upon his congregation. He does not at
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 213
tempt to force people into the right path; he wins them, using
intelligent argument.
As a student he is brilliant, having completed his education
at the Theological Seminary, now a part of Union University,
Richmond, Virginia.
Dr. Gordon's poetical ability has long been appreciated.
His book, "The Good Shepherd," has been favorably com¬
mented upon by the best critics.
Unstinted praise has been accorded him as a public speak¬
er, and in addition to his other good characteristics, Dr. Gor¬
don has shown himself to be unselfish,. using his power not
for his own enrichment, but for the benefit of the race. Elo¬
quently he has depicted the struggles of the Negro with pov¬
erty, prejudice and injustice. Clearly he has pointed out that
the colored people are not as a race indolent and worthless,
but that they have proved themselves to be industrious, loyal
citizens, making great advancement in the brief period that
has elapsed since emancipation.
Since 1886 Dr. Gordon has been editor of the National
Pilot, which is a potent influence in racial and denominational
reforms. The distinguished editor is also the founder of the
American Institute and the National Orphans' Home, and he
has been president of the National Orphan and Educational
Association since 1891. His book, "Select Sermons," gives
evidence of high attainments and its enormous sales have at"
tested its popularity. May Doctor Gordon have many'more
years of usefulness and his memory ever be cherished long
aftei he is no more.
Mrs. Maggie W. Gordon is a pleasing writer and is
widely known as a reformer and leader, and, like her devoted
husband, continues to grow in the hearts of her people.
2i4 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists.
REVEREND J. IV. STEWART.
A ble Preacher—Pioneer Missionary—Property-Owner.
Many are the citizens who followed Greeley's advice to
make it westward may now boast of happiness and prosperity.
And notably among them is
the Reverend J. W. Stew¬
art, who first saw the light
of day at Flat Rock, South
Carolina, in 1856. He was
converted in 1868, and in
1870 felt that he was call¬
ed upon to enter the min¬
istry, and thereafter he so
ordered his life that when
the time for ordination
c a m e—in 1875—he was
fully prepared for the
duties which devolve upon
those who undertake pas¬
toral work. Forty years
ago the labors of a minis¬
ter were much more ardu¬
ous in many respects than
they are now, despite our growing civilization and needs.
In the early days there were few of the conveniences that
are now accounted necessities. It was a much more diffi¬
cult task to raise money than it is at the present time. But
there were souls to be saved, and Mr. Stewart did not spare
his strength. He willingly gave of the best that was in him
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 215
to the cause of Christ, and as a result he has received into the
Church —in the aggregate—more than six thousand persons,
two thousand of whom he baptized.
Mr, Stewart removed to Watonga, Oklahoma, in 1903,
and served as pastor of Mount Olive and Rising Sun churches,
after which he became a missionary of the western half of
Oklahoma, and was employed jointly by the Oklahoma Bap¬
tist Convention and by the Home Mission Board of the Na¬
tional Baptist Convention.
By dint of hard work and economy Mr. Stewart has ac¬
quired much property, and his declining years will doubtless
be spent in comfort, if not in: luxury. And he has earned, by
long and faithful service, the right to take his ease.
Mr. Stewart is loved and respected as only a pioneer min¬
ister who has labored long and earnestly can' be loved and
honored. His experience and wisdom are a constant source
of satisfaction to his congregation.
216 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND J. F. KERSH, D.D.
Excellent Preacher—Successful Pastor.
The "Razor-back" State has furnished many great men to
the denomination. And the elements of success, such as faith
and perseverance, were
innate and irresistibly led
them on to a life of use¬
fulness among men. Such
is true of J. F. Kersh, born
in the State of Arkansas,
on the 14th day of Novem¬
ber, 1866, to the Reverend
,T. R. and Amy Kersh.
From the time of his birth
he was surrounded by re¬
ligious influences; thus it
was only natural that he
should eventually enter the
ministry, having felt the
divine call.
He was educated at
Branch Normal C o 1 lege,
Pine Bluff, Arkansas; received the degree of Doctor of Di- >
vinity from Conroe College, Conroe, Texas, many years later.
His conversion took place in 1889, and in 1890 he began
his pastoral labors in his native town, Varna, Arkansas.
Dr. KershJ served a si justice of the peace in Arkansas, in
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 217
the year 1890. He was married in 1896, and two children
were born to the union.
Dr. Kersh has officiated as secretary of the State Baptist
Convention of Oklahoma, and for the past six years has. been
pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church of Muskogee, Okla¬
homa, where he is regarded with the highest affection by his
congregation. His eloquence and forcefulness as a speaker
have done much to make his preaching effective, and the
church has prospered under his charge. .
Dr. Kersh is alive to the needs of the race in the great
Southwest, and he has accomplished much that makes for the
uplift of humanity. His kindness and sympathetic qualities
have held the members of his church to him through the many
vicissitudes that are inevitable in any religious organization,
and he is regarded as a fixture, so greatly is he venierated bv
his people.
218 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
MRS. MINNIE VIRGINIA MAXEY.
Excellent Teacher—Strong Personality—Secretary of State
Convention! of Women.
Institutions of learning, from the common schools to the
universities, are essential to the translation of man from deep
darkness ta light. Whatever agencies of civilization are nec¬
essary for the uplift of other races are equally needful for the
advancement of the colored race. Andi it has been the effort
o^ Mrs. Maxey's life to impress this fact upon all who have
come within the circle of her influence.
Minnie Virginia Maxey was born at Branchville, Milan
County, Texas, on June 15th, 1869, to Edmund and Joyce
Stamps. She attended Central Tennessee College, Nashville,
Tennessee, and from that institution she went to Central Tex¬
as College, from which she graduated with honors, being the
valedictorian of her class.
Her conversion took place in 1879, and 'from that time
forth she has led a devoted Christion life, setting an example
of patience and earnestness to her pupils.
In 1900 she was married to Henry Maxey, to whom she
has been a faithful and loving wife.
The early promise of unusual mental power shown by
Mrs. Maxey has not failed of fulfillment, and her career as a
teacher in the High School' of Waco, Texas, has been a bril¬
liant and interesting one. She has been able to do that ex¬
ceedingly difficult thing, arouse an enthusiasm in an over¬
whelming majority of her pupils. It is not often that general
enthusiasm can be maintained where there is so great a diver¬
sity of life and ideas, but Mrs. Maxey seems to be an inspira-
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 219
tion to those with whom she comes in contact. She always
keeps her Christian duties in mind, and teaches religion and
morals, as well as the ordinary branches of learning expected
in the public schools.
Mrs. Maxey is the recording secretary of the General
Bap'tist Convention of the women of Texas, in which capacity
she has given full satisfaction, and extended her influence for
good.
Her noble work in the uplift of fallen boys and girls has
been eminently successful. She has snatched many a brand
from the burning, and started many a young man and woman
on the way to lives of usefulness and high achievement.
Mrs. Maxey is regarded as orie of the representative
women of the Baptist denomination, who believes in the fiat,
"Let there be light."
220 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND SAMUEL A. M OS ELY-, D.D.
Superintendent of Missions—Pastor of Great Church—Secre¬
tary of Board of ^Trustees of Arkansas College. .
The Reverend Samuel A. Mosely was born of humble
parents in Franklin, Tennessee, in 1858. His early childhood
was spent in the public schools at Helena, Arkansas, after
which he was a student at South Land College for seven
years, and at the Arkansas Baptist* College for two years, re¬
ceiving the degree off A.B. He wag converted in 1874, under
the preaching of the Reverend Harrison, in Phillips County,
Arkansas. Having been ordained to the ministry in 1878, his
first pastorate was Mount Olive Baptist Church at Marvel.
Arkansas. While in charge of this congregation, he was also
employed in teaching in the public schools. He was principal
of the High School at Newport, Arkansas, for ten years.
Dr. Mosely organized and built several churches, among
them the Grace Temple Baptist at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, which
was at the time the finest brick church in the State. It cost
$30,000.
Reverend Mosely was superintendent of State missions
under the Southern White Board and of the National Baptist
Publishing Board for one year; also vice-president of the
National Baptist Convention! for seventeen years and secre¬
tary of the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Baptist Col¬
lege for fourteen years.
He has educated two daughters who are engaged in teach¬
ing. His first wife died and he married Miss Alpha O. Clem¬
ens, of Birmingham, Alabama, who has been a faithful co¬
worker in his field of labor.
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 221
Reverend Mosely is still pastor of Grace Temple Baptist
Church at Pine Bluff. There are many influential members
in the congregation and much good has been accomplished.
The people have learned to confide their troubles to him and
he has counseled them wisely and conscientiously. They have
benefited both individually and collectively under his careful
guidance. Dr. Mosely is a man of wide experience! and takes
a lively interest in every movement looking towards the im¬
provement of the people. He is a strong minister, working
for a noble cause.
222 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND B. J. F. WESTBROOK, D.D.
Successful Minister and Financier—A Bible Student—Corre¬
sponding Secretary ^of Inter-State Press Association.
The Reverend B. J. F. Westbrook was born on a planta¬
tion near Bryan, Burleson County, Texas, in 1879, to Moses
a n d Lucinda Westbrook.
He was educated in the
common schools of Mc-
Clellan County, Texas, and
at Paul Ouinn and Central
Texas Colleges. He stud¬
ied theology under Dr. J.
T. Brown, of Central
Texas College.
At seventeen years of
age, in 1896, Dr. West¬
brook was converted. He
was licensed to preach in
1898, and ordained and
called to the pastorate of
Macedonia Church, Hub¬
bard City, Texas, in 1891.
He has officiated as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Tex¬
as, and of Mount Pleasant and Calvary Baptist churches in
Oklahoma. He still has charge of the latter at Oklahoma City.
The congregation numbers more than one thousand persons
and' more than three thouand persons have been added to the
membership of the Baptist churches by him during his minis¬
terial career.
Dr. Westbrook is well provided for with this world's
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 223
goods, and he is interested in the promotion of both the spirit¬
ual and financiq.1 welfare of his people.
He is a member of the Foreign Mission Board and of the
National Baptist Convention, correjsponding secretary of the
Foreign Mission Convention of Oklahoma, and corresponding
secretary of the Inter-State Press Association of Denomina¬
tional Editors of National Baptist Convention.. He was for
five years president of the Oklahoma State Sunday-School
Convention.
Dr. Westbrook is a Greek, Latin and Hebrew student of
no mean ability, and he is anxious to extend educational ad¬
vantages to a greater number of the young people of the race,
as well as to fit them for the practical affairs of every-day life
along ordinary lines. He is an enthusiast in regard to the
development of the Afro-American race, and is full of energy
and earnestness in whatever he undertakes. Through his in¬
fluence there has been marked improvement in the condition
and standards of the youth of his church. As corresponding
secretary of the Denominational Press Association, he is ever
in touch with every, department of the work, and occupying
as he does that responsible position, he has become a com¬
manding figure in the world's largest religious body of the
race to which he belongs.
224 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
WILLIAM HBNRY MOSES, B.D., D.D.
Farmer and Rail - Splitter—Pastor—Evangelist—Sensational
Orator—Author of the Life of Christ—A Man in a Class
by Himself.
Some characters are so pre-eminently great in their spe¬
cial fields of endeavor that the watchful public natudally turns
to their ancestry f q r the
discovery of the sinews
leading to their elements
of greatness.
William Henry Moses,
one of the leading pastors
and writers of the denom¬
ination, has had such a
thrilling career during the
many years of his public
service that it is difficult to
produce a pen-portrait com¬
mensurate with his origin¬
al endeavors. He was born
in Charlotte County, Vir¬
ginia, December 31, 1872,
to Thomas and Sarah
Moses. William was the
eldest of four brothers and comes from a very religious stock.
Mr. Moses was reared by Richard Morton, his grand¬
father, who was the largest and leading land-owner of Char¬
lotte County. Being the favorite of his grandfather, he was
allowed a liberal use of his extensive library, and the boy rap¬
idly advanced while farming.
At the early age of fourteen Mr. Moses was performing
the difficult task of plowing with two horses; and at fifteen he
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 225
was able to chop as much wood, maul as many rails and cut as
much grain as the average man in his prime. During the same
year he made a profession of religion and joined the Mor¬
rison Grove. Baptist Church, Charlotte Court House. So care¬
ful and painstaking! was Mr. Moses that at seventeen he was
made overseer of all hands on his grandfather's plantation and
received for the same enough money to enable him to enter
college.
By hard study Mr. Moses? was abl'0 to enter the Virginia
Seminary and College at twenty, and by the timely assistance
of President Gregory W. Hayes, to whom he attributed much
of his success, remained until he graduated, carrying off the
honors of his class four year's later. And so thoroughly and
consistently has he imbibed the spirit of Professor Hayes that
he has been for years considered the ablest graduate that schol¬
ar ever turned out.
So great was the impression madq by Mr. Moses that he
was called to the Mount Zion Baptist Church, Staunton, Vir¬
ginia, one month before he graduated. For that old aristo¬
cratic congregation he built during his ten years' pastorate a
$30,000 house of worship and a fine parsonage. He was called
to the pastorate of the Metropolitan Baptist Church of Pitts¬
burgh, Pennsylvania, which he reluctantly accepted; and from
which he was soon called to be field secretary for the Foreign
Misssion Board at Louisville, Kentucky. As a mission work¬
er, Dr. Moses is said to have excelled any man in the denom¬
ination ; and the amount of money collected for missions in the
States he visited was larger by far than the combined collec¬
tions of all missionaries in the same district employed for the
same length of time during the previous year.
Aside from his pastoral and missionary efforts, Dr. Moses
has occupied, among other high positions, the office of corre¬
sponding secretary of the Virginia Baptist State Convention;
editor of the Baptist Statesman; trustee of Virginia Seminary
and College, of Morris College, Sumter, South Carolina, and
of Nelson Merry College, Jefferson City, Tennessee. For a
short time he was pastor of the First Baptist Church of New-
226 Who's Who Among ths Colored Baptists.
berry, South Carolina, and is at present pastor of the First
Baptist Church at Knoxville, the leading congregation in West
Tennessee. He succeeded Doctor M. W. Gilbert, now presi¬
dent of Selma (Alabama) University.
Perhaps the most difficult task of Mr. Moses' brilliant career
isvhis latest production, "The Life of Christ," just issued from
the press. It is an excellent book, well written, and shows the
depth and magnitude of the writer's scholarship and knowl¬
edge of the sayings and doings of our Saviour. Other lit¬
erary productions are "The Negro Baptist Church," "Sancti-
fication" and "A Young Man's Vision."
He is a prolific writer, a hard student, a strong debater
and an eloquent preacher and pastor. His manner is peculiar¬
ly his own, and in, his sensational flights of oratory, mingled
with mirth, then sarcasm, charged with the dynamic force of
his own convictions, he is apt to make his opponent feel the
force of his logic as he sweeps his audience along ^vith him.
Doctor Moses is married, and Mrs. Moses, cultured and
matured in judgment, strong and striking in personality, con¬
genial to a fault, active in all departments of church and social
affairs, is leading a life of usefulness that makes her a worthy
companion of her distinguished husband.
The Reverend Doctor Moses is a man of much wealth;
but he uses it freely in the interest of humanity. He is a will¬
ing contributor to all denominational purposes, and his church,
following his example, gives freely and largely to every phase
of Christian service.
Because of his literary attainments, deep piety and ex¬
perience in things divine, his Alma Mater conferred upon him
the degree of Doctor of Divinity, May, 1907. And the Na¬
tional Baptist Convention with which he has long been identi¬
fied, looks upon him! as one of her very able members, whose
thundering voice has electrified her upon many a public occa¬
sion. Being in the prime of life, full of fire, ambition and
determination, his usefulness' will increase as he reaches the
zenith of his greatness.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 227
REVEREND WILLIAM FRANKLIN LOVELACE, D.D.
Indefatigable Worker—Unselfish Christian—Devoted Son—
Influential Pastor—Beloved Teacher and Leader of the
People.
The Reverend William Franklin Lovelace was born on
September 26, 1862, in Lauderdale County, Tennessee, to
Daniel and Susan Love¬
lace, who1 placed their son.,
the eldest of several chil¬
dren, . in 1 the country
schools as soon as possible
and kept him there as long
as their means would al¬
low. The mother had
taught the child to read
the Bible, and he showed
signs of an unusually
bright intellect.
Through h i s .mother's
influence and that of the
Sunday-school, he learned
to love his Savior, and in
his fourteenth year he
yielded to the sacred truths
of Scripture and embraced
a hope in Christ. It was
not uncommon for him to
carry fliis Bible in. his pocket to the field and read it at inter¬
vals. When he was made a teacher in the Sabbath-school, in
recognition of his bright mind, he felt the need of an edu¬
cation that he might do more for himself and the race.
228 Who's Who Among' Colored Baptists.
At this period his parents could do nothing further for
him, as they had younger children to support. Then the temp¬
tation to go out from home and advance his own interests,
without offering to assist in the maintenance'of brothers and
sisters, assailed him. But his unselfish nature predominated
and he contented himself to remain with his parents, helping
them to the extent of his means and studying on rainy days
and by firelight when there was no oil.
In 1883 he was called to the ministry, and two years later
reluctantly accepted his first pastorate, and was ordained dur¬
ing the college vacation. The church had about thirty mem¬
bers and no house of worship. But within three years,
through the indefatigable work of Dr. Lovelace, the congre¬
gation1 had increased one hundred, and a comfortable building
in which to hol($ its services had been provided.
In 1887 he became the pastor of the First Church of
Wynne, Arkansas, a new organization with only seven mem¬
bers. At this time the young man's courage was put to the
test: churches were calling for him, his itjlme was needed in
school, and more embarrassing than allt* he had not a cent to
pay expenses.
The previous years- in which he had attended Roger Wil¬
liams University, Nashville, Tennessee, had swept from him
all of his limited means, but his resolution, his fortitude,
shrewdness and courage remained, and his excellent judgment
and promptness of action had won the confidence of Dr. D.
W. Phillips, president of that institution; therefore, in 1887,
help was obtained for him and he graduated with honors.
His career as an educator has been eminently successful.
In 1888 he was elected principal of the public school at
Wynne, which position he held until 1894. In 1896 he be¬
came principal of the schools of Stuttgart, .Arkansas, where
he labored faithfully until called to his former position at
Wynne.
He founded the Wynne 'Normal and Industrial Institute
and operated it until it passed into the control of the North
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 229
Arkansas Baptist District Association. He is now its efficient
secretary.
No sooner had Dr. Lovelace completed his college course
than he placed his brother Ezekiel in school, and later1 he edu¬
cated a sister.
In March, 1900, tie married Miss Mary H. Fisher, a belle
of the old Tennessee stock. Then he purchased a home and
started afresh to work for humanity. The degree of D.D.
was conferred upon him by Guadalupe College.
Dr. Lovelace has distinguished himself as editor-in-chief
of the Baptist Vanguard, the State denominational paper, as
assistant county examiner of teachers, and as principal of
the Wynne Normal and Industrial Institute. His popularity
as pastor is evidenced by the words of one of his members
upon a notable occasion:
_ "We will call him by the name more daring than Luther,
more illustrous than Morris; we will call him the founder,
shepherd and ever-constant preserver of Wynne's First Bap¬
tist Church, our own beloved Lovelace. Long may he live,
and may his works bring forth boundjess harvest now and
throughout all eternity."
230 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists.
MRS. ANNIE EULA 'WILKINS.
Preceptress—Church Worker—Secretary Woman's State
Convention.
North Carolina is distinguished not only for great men,
but for great women also.
Mrs. Annie Eula - Wil-
kins was born February
5th, 1864, in Middleburg,
Warren County, North Car¬
olina. Her parents were
Reverend and Mrs. John
M. Paschall, who were
blessed with eleven children-
At the age of six she en¬
tered the Mount Pleasant
public school, of which her
father, an ex-senator of
North Carolina, was
teacher.
She spent five years < at
Shaw University, Raleigh,
North Carolina, where she
early developed a strong
missionary spirit and a de¬
sire to work for the Lord. Her congenial nature, coupled
with the exercise of rare attainments, endeared her to her
superiors. It was not long before she led her classes and
became an interesting study for the school.
In August, 1880, she profefssed a hope in Christ, united
Who's Who Among Yhe Colored Baptises. 231
with the( Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, was baptized by the
Reverend O. Bullock,-and at once was appointed teacher in the
Sunday-school, serving her church well.
She was ejected teacher in the public schools! at Smith-
field, Johnson County, North Carolina, which position she held
for five years.
In June,-1884, she was married to the Reverend Fredricum
Hillonious Wilkins, of Raleigh, North Caroliri(a, who wap prin¬
cipal of the Washington Graded School of Raleigh; also pas¬
tor of the White Rock Baptist Church of Durham, North Car¬
olina. One child, a daughter, Johanna, was borrx to bless the
union.
Mr. Wilkins was called to the pastorate of the First Bap¬
tist Church, Springfield, Missouri, and the couple gave up
home an]d friends to accept. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins felt
that the Lord had important work for them. After laboring
faithfully for five years in Missouri, with excellent results,
they weriH to Texas, to the Bethesda Baptist Church at Mar¬
shall, where they remained for eight years. Mrs. Wilkins was
ever at her» post of duty in the Sunday-school, the missionary
society and in1 other auxiliaries of the church, ready to give a
helping hand at all times.
She was appointed by the American Baptist Home Mis¬
sion Society as industrial teacher in Bishop College, Marshall,
Texas, where she served not quite four years, resigning to
accompany her husband to his new field of labor at Austin,
Texas.
In October, 1900, she was elected teacher in Hearne Acad¬
emy, where she was employed for thr< e years as matron, pre¬
ceptress and teacher, going from that institution to Houston,
Texas,t to fill a similar position in Houston College.
For the past seven years-Mrs. Wilkins has given special
attention to the dressmaking and millinery art for the school.
She is a graduate of several schools of millinery and dress¬
making.
As secretary of the Women's Auxiliary to the Missionary
232 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
and Educational Convention of Texas she has accomplished
much good. Many thousands of dollars have been collected
and paid to the different missionary objects since she has been
identified with this great Christian body Mrs. Wilkins' pleas¬
ant disposition, yet firm and alert, quick to grasp and recognize
the manly and womanly qualities of those for whom she so
faithfully labors, enables her from year to year to execute
any plan she may foster for the good of her constituents.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 233
PROFESSOR M. M. RODGERS.
Educator—Successful Politician — Business Man — Secretary
State Convention—National Baptist Convention Figure.
Some men are behind the times; while there are others
ahead of the times; then too there are many right along with
the times. It is to this lat¬
ter class belongs the sub¬
ject now claiming our at¬
tention. His mind is ever
opened to light and old-
time dogmas are feasible
to him only as they apply,
to the greater enlighten¬
ment of the present.
Mack Matthew Rodgers
first saw the light of day
July 13th, 1849, in Whar¬
ton County, Texas, where
he grew to manhood. He
is the only surviving child
of Stephen and Lucinda
Rodgers.
In 1878 he married Miss
Caroline Jackson, and of
the union were born five daughters and two sons.
In the fall of 1878 Mr. Rodgers removed to Fayette Coun¬
ty, graduating in 1881, with horrors,' from the Prairie View
State Normal School. In 1887, having located at La Grange,
he was elected principal of the city school. His career as a
teacher had commenced at the age of sixteen.
234 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists.
Mr. Rodgers became interested' in politics,, and for three
successive terms—twice from his ward and once from the city
at large—he was elected alderman of the city of La Grange.
His political service an|d reputation soon extended over
the State, and he was elected in 1888, 1892, 1896, 1900, 1904
and 1912, to the National Republican Convention. .In 1897
he resigned the position of principal of the La Grange city
school to accept the appointment, under Collector Webster
Flanagan, of deputy collector of internal revenue for the Third
District of Texas. He was the first Negro in Texas to hold
such an office.
Mr. Rodgers is regarded as a* good business man, a deep
thinker, a close writer, a fearless but conservative debater, a
sane and safe leader and a smooth but reliable politician. It
is because of his manly qualities that he is recognized! and re¬
spected by the people of his State.
He accepted Christ in 1879 and was baptized by Elder
James Daveinport. In religioiy, as in politics, he became active
and manifested a lively interest ini the work of the Church and
in the development of denominational principles. In 1883 he
was made secretary of the La Grange Baptist Association—
a position which he still holds—and in 1889 he became secre¬
tary of the Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention of
Texas. To both organizations he has given his best thought
and energies. For the last eighteen years he has striven) to
systematize the business and improve-the financial status of the
Convention and of its institutions of learning. To him, more
than to any other otve person, credit should be given for in¬
corporating the Convention. Its present healthy condition and
splendid school regulations are also due to his efforts.
Mr. Rodgers is giving much attention to the affairs of the
National Baptist Convention, and his opinions are attracting
the attention not only of that body, but of a host of Baptists
throughout the country.
Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 235
SAMUEL NATHANIEL VASS, A.B., A.M., D.D.
Boy School-Teacher—University Professor—Superintendent
of Colored Work for the American Baptist Publication
Society—Noted Biblicist and Lecturer.
One of the brainiest men that the old "Tar-heel'' State has
ever produced is the subject of this sketchy born May 22, 1866,
at Raleigh. H i s mother,
Anna Victoria Vass, was
a slave; while his father
was one of the most prom¬
inent white men of Ral¬
eigh, formerly master to
his mother.
Young Vass experienced
a great love for God at a
very early age and united
with the Baptist Church.
He was a brilliant youth
and graduated from the
St. Augustine Normal and
Collegiate Institute at the
age of seventeen, and from
the College Course of
Shaw University at nine¬
teen, carrying off the class honors, May, 1885. Mr. Vass began
his career as a public school-teacher at the age of fourteen.
This was done during the summer months, while during the
fall and winter he applied himself to study in the University.
He was appointed a teacher at Shaw during his senior year
236 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
and was elected permanently upon receiving his A.B. degree;
and for nine, years he continued to teach at Shaw, holding the
chair of Latin and Greek, and giving perfect satisfaction! to
the University management.
Professor Vass was married to Miss Mary Eliza Hay-
woody an accomplished young woman, at the age of eighteen,
and to the union six lovely children have been born, two of
whom are living—Dr. Rufus Vass, a successful physician, of
Raleigh, N. C., and Mrs. Lillian Vass-Bass.
At the age of twenty-one the young educator was or¬
dained to the ministry after sustaining a most difficult exam¬
ination before a board otf prominent white and colored minis¬
ters ini the city of Raleigh.
In 1892 Mr. Vass was appointed district Sunday-school
missionary for Virginia, District of Columbia and Maryland
by the American Baptist Publication Society; and so accept¬
ably did he fill the position that within a short time the So¬
ciety made him general superintendent of all Sunday-school
work done by that body among Negroes. For twenty-one
years Doctor Vass has held;' that important position, lecturing,
holding Bible institutes and'preaching as occasion! presented
itself. He has specialized in Bible work, and his lectures with
the aid of charts and maps drawn by himself are intensely in¬
teresting, and the demands made upon his time by pastors and
others interested in Bible research are greater than he can fill.
Being thoroughly conversant with Greek and Latin and hav¬
ing a working knowledge of Hebrew, and with twenty-one
years' experience, he is accepted as one of the most profound
Bible students in the country.
Doctor Vass has a unique and unusual individuality, and
he does a kind of work that can only be done by a born teach¬
er and leader.
• This distinguished archaeologist and Biblicist has stead¬
fastly refused to put his lectures into book form, feeling that
such' a book should be written later on in his life. He is the
author, however, of many pamphlets of great value, among
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 237
them "Consecration," "The Divine Message of the Hour,"
and "The Progress of the Negro." His lecture "The Origin
and Early History of the Negro Race" is one of the most
scholarly and profound productions ever1 given on the subject.
Professor Vass is an active member of the North Caro¬
lina Baptist State Convention, of the Lott Carey Foreign Mis¬
sion Convention, and of the New England Baptist Conven¬
tion. He is also a member of the National Baptist Conven¬
tion and takes a lively interest ini every phase of the work of
each. For years he was statistician of the latter.
It was said of Peter the Great of Russia that by a rare
combination of character an!d endowment he did for the bar¬
barous hordes of northern Europe the work of centuries in
one short lifetime. So it may be said of Mr. Vass,. that by a
happy combination of character, .learilting, common sense, pa¬
tience, faithful endeavor and a magnetic personality, with the
country as a field, a race as am audience and the Bible as a
text, he has done more during his public service to arouse
interest in the study of the Bible than any other Biblicist of
the race.
238 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
MISS NANNIE HELEN BURROUGHS, A.M.
Corresponding Secretary of the Wowaris National Conven¬
tion—President and Pounder Woman's Training School
— Founder Douglass Improvement Company — Gifted
Orator and Leader.
Fame is accused of being- a fickle jade, who bestows favors
sometimes by lucky cbance through adventitious circumstances,
but more frequently she is
coy and needs to be wooed
with ardent persistence and
demonstrations of unquec-
tioned merit. While she
has been very liberal to¬
ward the subject of our
sketch, her favors have
been well earned in th?
field of faithful endeavor,
by persistent struggle, tact
and diplomacy.
Miss Nannie Helen Bur¬
roughs was born at Cul¬
pepper, Virginia, May 2.
1878, to John and Jennie
Burroughs, dcscen d a n t s
from a sturdy line of car¬
penters and housemaids,
noted in slavery days for their ability to do things better than
the ordinary "hands." While an infant Nannie was taken to
Washington, D. C., where she was reared and educated. And
Who's Who Among the; -Colored Baptists. 239
her mother, refined and saintly, delights in the achievements
of her noted daughter up the ladder of Fame.
After completing the prescribed course of the grammar
school, Miss Burroughs was promoted to the high school,
thence to the normal, graduating! from each with honors; this
was followed by a course in a business) college in Washing¬
ton, D. C.
Miss Burroughs organized the first Girls' Literary Society
of the Washington High School. She is well read and has
pursued,a post-graduate course in, English for several years.
Her contributions to leading newspapers and journals are
widely appreciated. The degree of A.M. was conferred upon
her by Eckstein University.
At the age of fifteen Miss Burroughs was converted.
Since that time she has been an active member of the Nine¬
teenth Street Baptist Church. She has served as Sunday-
school-teacher, librarian, and secretary of tjie Young People's
Society of Christian Endeavor.
Miss Burroughs loves her work, which is the best assur¬
ance of success in all that she undertakes. She has occupied
many positions of trust, having been employed ins the office of
the Christian Banner as a stenographer and having served as
stenographer an;d bookkeeper of the Foreign Mission Board of
the National' Baptist Convention, as well as corresponding sec¬
retary of the Woman's Convention and the Auxiliary Na¬
tional Baptist Convention since 1900. In June, 1908, she was
elected president of the National Training School for Women
and1 Girls, an, institution which she had conceived and founded.
In that capacity her remarkable talents have had greater op¬
portunity for development, and she has accomplished a vast
amount of good.
The movement—instituted by her—to counteract the false
impressions given by the prevalent burlesque pictures of Ne¬
groes on calendars, post-cards, and elsewhere, has been pro-
240 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
ductive of almost unhoped-for results, for the Douglass Im¬
provement Company distributes vast numbers of the only
N egro calendars in the world.
Miss Burroughs has traveled throughout America, deliv¬
ering brilliant addresses before audiences of both white and
colored people. She has attended two world meetings, one in
London, in 1905. and one in Philadelphia, in 1911. She was
a prominent speaker at both gatherings. Tbp London Times,
commenting ori her speech at the former meeting, said:
"Miss Nannie H. Burroughs, who has become one of the
most distinguished personages of the, World Congress, pos¬
sesses rare oratorical gifts."
And in regard to her address delivered before the Negro
Congress, the Atlanta Constitution said:
"The best address delivered at the Young People's Negro
Congress was that of Miss Nannie H. Burroughs."
In 1905 the Western Recorder said:
"Nannie H. Burroughs is the Negro woman1 who was
lionized at the World Baptist Congress."
Miss Burroughs is one of the ablest speakers the race has
produced. She is fearless and outspoken, forceful, persuasive,
humorous at times, provoking to mirth and then with ex¬
quisite pathos melting her audience to tears
As the head of the National Training School she is dem¬
onstrating her executive Ability and her strong personality
makes her a moulder of young womanhood. The girls go out
from the school to do ordinary things in an extraordinary
manner. In three years Miss Burroughs has caused the in¬
stitution) to increase its holdings from a valuation of $6000
to $35,000. It has students from every State in the Union.
Miss Burroughs' missionary work has not been the least
of her deeds, arid gifts of money, clothing and school supplies
are contributed by women throughout the United States to be
sent by her to Africa. She has written tracts and booklets on
every unidertaking in which women are concerned.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 241
Being a dub woman and at the head of the Young
Woman's Department of the National Association of Colored
Women's Clubs, Miss Burroughs is leading a life of useful¬
ness calculated to revolutionize the present status of society.
PROFESSOR CHARLES LEWIS FISHER,
A.B., A.M., D.D.
Prize-Winner—Class Orator—Professor of Ancient Languages
—Great Pastor—Safe Leader—Author—Chairman Board
of University Regents,
Professor Charles Lewis Fisher was born in Saint Bern¬
ard Parish^ Louisiana, July 16, 1866. His father, Alexander
Fisher, was an ante-bellum
pre acher, and his mother,
Elizabeth,, was a leader in
religious matters among
the women.
Dr. Fisher finished his
college course (at Leland
University, New Orleans,
Louisiana, in 1884, and
completed his theological
course at Morgan Park
Seminary—now the Divin¬
ity School of Chicago Uni¬
versity—in 1887. He was
the only Negro orator at
commencement. In a class,
of twenty-five, three of
whom were colored, there
were only six speakers, of whom one was colored. The priv-
242 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
ilege to sp^ak was determined by scholarship. He received
the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Divinity from
his Alma Mater—Leland University, in the years 1890 and
1910. The latter degree has been conferred upon him b>y
two other schools, Natchez College, Mississippi, and Guada¬
lupe College, Texas.
In 1893 Dr. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss Rosa
J. Richardson, of Alabama. He w2s converted in January,
1875, and at the early age of fifteen years, he knew that the
Lord had called him to prepare for the ministry.
Dr. Fisher has served as pastor of the following churches:
Mount Zion Church, at Little Rock, Arkansas; Tabernacle
Church, Selma, and Bethlehem Church, Gallian, Alabama;
Mount Helm Church, Jackson, Mississippi; Sixteenth Street
Baptist Church and Jackson Street Baptist Church, Birming¬
ham, Alabama. •
In addition to his pastoral work, Dr. Fisher successfully
taught at Selma University as professor of languages. He
is now chairman of the Board of Trustees of Selma Uni¬
versity, which position he] has filled most.creditably for fifteen
years. For six years he has been moderator of Mount Pil¬
grim Association—the largest in the State of Alabama.
As editor of Sparks, a magazine devoted to the material,
mental and moral uplift of all the people, Dr. Fisher has found
the means of reaching a vast audience, which is greatly bene¬
fited by his teachings. The influence of the press cannot be
overestimated. The admonitions of a public speaker may be
heeded as long as the impression made upon the mind of the
listeners remains clear; but the printed article appeals to the
eye as well as the brain—its ideas are absorbed slowly, and
for that reason they entrench themselves firmly in the thoughts
of the reader. However, Dr. Fisher's unusual talent as an
orator must not be overlooked, for he is forcible, eloquent
and polished in language, wielding a mighty power over his
audience.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 243
Through his owns industry he has accumulated a compe¬
tence, so that he is enabled to live in comfort while devoting
himself to the causie of humanity. Dr. Fisher has been act¬
uated throughout his career by the highest and best of motives
—by motives that have made his success an established fact.
As a mimister Doctor Fisher occupies a foremost place in
the profession, distinguished for analytical precision in the
preparation of sermons, quick perception and pleasing address.
244 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
PROFESSOR ALBERT W. PEGUES, A.B., A.M., Ph.D.
Parmer—Valedictorian—Missionary— University Pean—Su-
pervisor of State School for Deaf and Blind—Presides
Over 200,000 Baptists—Commencement Orator—Emi¬
nent Scholar and a Man of Great Porce of Character:
Aspiration is the spur that urges* a studious lad on to
glory; and when it develops early in life, the world sees a
young man occupying a
position ordinarily gained
only after many years'
preparation. "The race for
fame and fortune is over
a rough road, and many
fall by the wayside, faint
and heartsick, because of
the least resistance. But
only he of iron will and
steady nerve wins the lau¬
rel ; and when it is won
honestly and justly, the
plaudits of the multitude
are loud and hearty."
In looking over the roll
of great men who have
moulded character and
rounded the lives of many
who are now occupying positions of trust in the world
of progress, the name of Albert W. Pegues is found well-
nigh at the top of the list. Born near Cheraw, South Car¬
olina, in November, 1859, Mn Pegues early entered a school
at Cheraw, taught by Mr. H. L,. Shrewsbury, who was em¬
ployed by the Freedman's Aid Society. The institution ran
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 245
ten months during the year, and Mr. Pegues managed to remain
in it for two consecutive years, when poverty drove him to the
farm. His two years of study had so sharpened his appetite
for knowledge that he read all the; newspapers, books and
magazines he could find; he eventually entered night school,
and so determined was he to receive an education that he
walked at times more than two miles to the same.
Having saved of his earnings some $200, the young man
entered Benedict Institute, now' Benedict College, Columbhi,
South Carolina, in the fall of 1876. He was converted and
baptized during the summer of the following year, and in the
fall of the same year entered the school with the ministry in
view. In the fall of 1878 Mr. Pegues entered Richmond (Vir¬
ginia) Institute, now Union University. By hard study he
graduated as valedictorian of his class in May, 1882. After
spending some time as district missionary under the auspices
of the Missionary Baptist Convention of his native State, Mr.
Pegues, in September, 1882, matriculated in Bucknell Uni¬
versity, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. For four years he held his
own in a class of twenty-four members, standing third. In
addition to his A.B. course at Bucknell, he specialized in psy¬
chology and ethics under President David J. Hill. Just be¬
fore leaving Bucknell he was appointed principal of Sumner
High School, Parkersburg, West Virginia. After remaining
at Parkersburg for one year, Mr. Pegues was elected as dean
of the College Department of Shaw University, which he occu¬
pied for seven consecutive years. While at Shaw University
he raised the standard of his department, making the courses
conform to those of the most advanced colleges.
Professor Pegues resigned the position as dean at Shaw
University to accept the supervisorship of the State School for
the Deaf and Blind at Raleigh, North Carolina, in the summer
of 1902, only to be recalled to Shaw University three years
later, to take charge of the Department of Theology, which
position he retained for eleven years and whch he considers
the most fruitful of hisi career; and some of the leading pas¬
tors of the Church were trained at Shaw University by Pro-
246 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
fessor Pegues, and they honor and revere him for the services
he rendered.
Notwithstanding his exacting duties, Mr. Pegues has
found time to take special studies at the University of Chicago
and has been honored with the degree of Ph.D. |Twe"nty years
ago he published a book, "Our Ministers and Schools," which
was widely circulated. In recognition of his brilliant career,
Shaw University in 1903 conferred upon him the degree of
Doctor of Divinity. He is constantly called upon to address
colleges and universities upon the leading topics of the day;
and no member of the race is more conversant with education¬
al subjects than h^. He is one of Jthe most highly educated
men of the country, and his selection by Bucknell University
to deliver the. master's oration, 1889, was| a timely recogni¬
tion of the breadth of his scholarship.
Professor Pegues is well known to Baptist organizations,
and for the past twenty-five years he has been active in the
North Carolina Baptist Convention, of which he is now presi¬
dent; and for fifteen years he has served as corresponding
secretary of the Sunday-School Convention, one of the most
efficient bodies of its kind in the country as well as in the "Tar¬
heel" State. He is also recording secretary of the Lott Carey
District Convention. In addition to these, Mr. Pegues is
closely identified with several local industrial and financial
institutions. ' !
In 1890 Mr. Pegues was married to Miss Ella Christian,
of Richmond, Virginia, an accomplished young woman, who
has assisted him greatly up the ladder of Fame. Professor
Pegues' prosperity is due to the strong moral influence exerted
over him by his faithful mother during childhood, and to his
quick recognition and acceptance of the opportunities which
beckoned him. And he has not been satisfied to put his talents
away in a napkin, nor his light under a bushel; instead, he has
used them throughout his public career to bless humanity.
"Greater love hath no man than that he will lay down his life
for his brethren."
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 247
W. H. FULLER, A.M.
Recording Secretary of the Missionary Baptist General Con¬
vention—Secretary of the Educational Board—Great Ex¬
ecutive Officer—Pleasing Speaker.
Mr. W. H. Fuller, A.M., is a national figure among Afro-
Americans. He was born near Troy, Alabama, March 8,
1874. He went to Texas
in December, 1889, and
located at Cameron, where
he was converted in 1895
and baptized by the late
Rev. Peter Diggs. He be¬
gan at once to take an act¬
ive part in church work
and was soon chosen a dea¬
con. His influence widened
rapidly and in 1902 he was
elected recording secretary
of the Missionary General
Convention, holding that
office for eight consecutive
years, resigning to accept
the position of financial
secretary of the Education¬
al Board.
As a leader his slogan
has ever been, "Enlighten¬
ment for the masses,'' and how well he has accomplished his
aim is illustrated by the unusual success that has, attended' his
efforts in his department. He inaugurated a State-wide fin-
248 Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists.
ancial campaign by letters and newspapers, and was rewarded
with' 80 cents for the first year; the second year he collected
$24; the third year $88; and during the first three months
of 1912 the receipts for the schools of the General Convention
(Guadalupe College, Seguin; Central Texas College, Waco;
and Boyd's Institute, Oakwood) amounted to $15,821.97.
. Mr. Fuller is a man of perseverance and determination.
And it is through the exertions of such men—men of great
strength of character, education and financial ability—that our
churches and schools are built and maintained. He is a mem¬
ber of the National Baptist Convention, takes an active part in
its meetings, and was one of the strong men who succeeded in
capturing the 1912 session of that grand organization for
Houston, Texas.
It is said that the soldier plucks glory from the red can¬
non's mouth, the statesman wins fame by his forensic elo¬
quence, and the artisan receives praise for the superior quality
of his work. And it is to this; latter class that the young and
gallant educator of Austin belongs. Being in the prime ot
life, full of vigor and push, Mr. Fuller is likely to occupy a
more commanding position in the uplift of the race.
Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 249
MRS. T. A. CASTLE.
Founder of Rescue Home—Missionary—Indefatigable Work¬
er—Woman of High Ideals and Great Influence.
One of the very representative women of Texas is Mrs.
T. A. Castle, of Bryan. She is well known in the State as an
apostle of temperance and
a lecturer of ability. She
has been for a number of
years closely identified
with the missionary and
educational work of the
Baptists. Her addresses
before Sunday-school <md
State conventions have
been quite thoughtful, and
she has been received with
open arms wherever she
has gone. She is a woman
of culture and refinement
and her striking personal¬
ity, reinforced with an
abiding faith in God, has
given her a commanding
place in the hearts of her
people.
Perhaps the greatest
single achievement of Mrs. Castle's life has been the success¬
ful founding of the Rescue Home at Bryan, Texas, an insti¬
tution that is intended for fallen girls; and the one hundred
and twenty-six young inmates of that institution, some of
250 Who's Who Among the Colore:!) Baptists.
whom are now living upright lives, well attest the wisdom of
its founder and the need of the school. Six thousand dollars
have been raised and judiciously expended on an eleven-acre
tract with a nine-room residence. No greater monument
could be erected to.the memory of a faithful servant than
such an institution. And may the good that Mrs. Castle is
doing for fallen girls be emulated by others until every un¬
fortunate is housed in an asylum of a similar character.
" 'Tis hers to soothe the ills below
And bid life's fairer views appear."—Crabbe.
Aside from her special mission in the rescue line, Mrs.
Castle finds time to do active church work; and her services
to the Baptist conventions of the State are recognized and
highly appreciated by the members. Her mind being opened
to light and as one to whom old-time dogmas are feasible only
as they apply to the greater progress and enlightenment of the
present, she inspires all who are so fortunate as to come with¬
in the sphere of her influence.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 251
WILLIAM THOMAS JOHNSON, B.D., D.D.
A Man from the Ranks— School-Teacher—Minister—Presi¬
dent of Friends' Orphan Asylum—Chairman Lott Carey
Foreign Mission Board—Secretary Educational Board,
General Association—Field Secretary United Society of
Christian Endeavor.
The Reverend William Thomas Johnson, pastor of the
First Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia, is a man of un¬
usual ability, having risen
to fame by hard knocks
and heavy blows, almost
single-handed and alone.
His parents, Henry and
Catherine Johnson, who
were am~ng the poorest of
the Christian people of
South Richmond, saw in
their son the promise of a
great man and made every
effort to give him a good
education. July 10, 1866,
William Thomas Johnson
was ushered into the
world. Obedient and kind,
he grew up well liked by
his neighbors and encour¬
aged by his teachers, who
took much interest in him because of his good disposition and
his insatiable thirst for knowledge.
252 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
Mr. Johnson graduated from the public schools of South
Richmond at an early age, sustained a rigid examination and
began teaching in the public schools of the county, with every
prospect of success. After seven; years' experience in that pro¬
fession, he professed a hope iti Christ, felt called to the min¬
istry, and resigned as teacher to prepare himself for his new
calling. 1
He entered the Richmond Institute and completed the
course just as that institution became the Richmond Theological
Seminary, since changed to the Union Uriiversity. Mr. John¬
son, who was in the Seminary at the time the writer was a stu¬
dent inj the department of Greek and;Hebrew, was considered
one of the best pupils in the school; and no student bore a bet¬
ter reputation or applied himself more closely to his! studies
and other duties than he. He was not afraid of hard woik and
rejoiced in the fact that he was poor. He was a close observer
of men and a constant reader of the lives of great characters.
In 1893 he graduated at the head of his class, taking- the degree
of Bachelor of Divinity.
Mr. Johnson has had wide experience as a minister and is
a leader among men. While in the Seminary he- pastored the
Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Chesterfield. Immediately after
graduating he accepted a call to the First Baptist Church
Lexington, Virginia. While at Lexington he was instrumental
inj erecting a fine house of worship, bringing the membership
up to a high degree of efficiency.
Eleven years ago he was called to the historic First Bap¬
tist Church of Richmond, Virginia, which he still pastors with
signal success. This church has had five thousand members,
one of the largest and most influential in, the South.
Aside from-his ministerial offices, the Rev. Johnson has
been honored by national and international organizations. He
is president of the Friends' Orphan Asylum, treasurer of the
Negro Baptist Old Folks' Home, chairman of the Lott Carey
Foreign Mission Board, secretary of the Educational Board1 of
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 253
the Virginia Baptist Association, and trustee and field secre¬
tary of the United Society of Christian Endeavor.
In 1905 Rev. Johnson was sent as a delegate to the World
Baptist Alliance, London, and while abroad visited many of
the historic points of Continental Europe, thus broadening his
vision of the world and obtaining an tdtication received only
in the school of extensive travel.
The pen of Mr. Johnson is kept busy; and the vigorous
manner in which his editorials for the First Baptist Church
Journal are written, as well as pungent articles for many secu¬
lar and religious daily and weekly papers, has excited wide
comment throughout the Nation'.
In appreciation) of his ability, the Un'ion University of
Richmond, Virginia, in 1903, conferred upon him the1 degree
of Doctor of Divinity; and he wears the honor with becoming
dignity.
If- success be measured by prosperity, Dr. Johnson has
earned it; if success be counted by a vast number of loyal
friends, Mr. Johnson has them; if success requires integrity,
capability, generosity and foresight, he has them all and is a
brilliant example of what they achieve.
Dr. Johnson was married several years ago. and owns a
beautiful home at No. no West Leigh Street, Richmond. His
wife is a graduate of Hartshorn Memorial College, and is a
constant source "of comfort and assistance to him in the execu¬
tion of his work.
Being a man of great force of character, an orator, writer,
financier, an able evangelist, who is courageous, yet judicious,
Dr. Johnson may be depended upon to succeed in< whatever he
undertakes.
254 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REVEREND I. M. HEN DON.
Well-Known Minister—Secretary General Baptist Convention
—Chairman Church Extension Board.
The Reverend I. M. Hendon, one of the representative
men of the General Baptist Convention of Texas, was born at
Wharton. Texas, January
27, 1871. to Susan and A.
D. Hendon. The father
was for eighteen years
sheriff and county com¬
missioner. and was well
known as an honorable
and faithful citizen of the
community.
Being aware of the fact
that a man becomes suc¬
cessful and truly great only
in proportion to the good
service which he renders,
Mr. Hendon resolved to
prepare himself thoroughly for his chosen profession. After
leaving the public schools, he entered Leland University, New
Orleans, Louisiana, where he remained two years. In 1896
he became a student at Iowaj Christian; College, and remained
in that institution until the entire course in theology was com¬
pleted to the satisfaction of the faculty.
Mr. Hendon, who was converted in 1889, felt called to
the ministry as early as 1893, and his ministerial career began
at that time. He has served faithfully and well some of the
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 255
best pastorates in the State. Among them: Mount Zion, Or¬
ange ; Live Oak,, Beaumont; and Calvary Tabernacle, Paris;
the last named he still pastors.
For fourteen years he was secretary of the GeneraljBap-
tist State Convention) of Texas, being relieved of that respon¬
sible position in order that he might give his time arid expe¬
rience exclusively to the executive work of the Church, Ex¬
tension Board. In this capacity lie has exhibited great
ability and has brought that department of church work for¬
ward in a manner that reflects credit upon both himself and his
board as well as the en'tire connection.
The Reverend Hendon. who is still on the youthful side
of life, is capable of doing much in the way of assistance to
the rising generation; and the rising generation looks to such
pastors as he for those noble traits of manhood which stimu¬
late and inspire others to attempt that which will redound to
the1 lasting benefit of Afro-Americans everywhere.
256 Who 's Who Ajmong th£ Colored Baptists.
REVEREND W. H. JOHNSON, D.D.
Popular Pastor—Well-Known Evangelist.
The Reverend W. H. Johnson was born at Marshall,
Texas, in 1874, to Frank and Ellen Johnson. He first at¬
tended the common schools
of Tyler, Texas, but feel¬
ing the need of higher edu¬
cation, he afterward en¬
tered Bishop College, at
Marshall, Texas, where he
remained four years. At
a later day, desiring the
benefits of a post-graduate
course, he took special
studies by correspondence
at P r i nceton University,
Tn.diana.
Dr. Johnson was con¬
verted at the age of thir¬
teen years and united with Pleasant Grove Baptist Church,
Tyler, Texas. Believing that he was called to preach the
gospel, he turned his attention to preparation for ministerial
work, and in,1 1900, when he was twenty-five} years of age, he
was ordained, after which he officiated as pastor of four dif¬
ferent churches. At present he is in charge of County Line
Baptist Church, at Chandler. Eleven hundred persons have
been converted under Dr. Johnson's preaching, five hundred
of whom he baptized. He is president of the Friendship Dis¬
trict Sunday-School Convention, which organization has ac¬
complished great results^
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 257
Dr. Johnson is married and has one son. The home life
of the family is a powerful factor, contributing largely to the
success of the husband and father in his labors among his
congregation.
Dr. Johnfeon is not unknown as an evangelist, having
been much in demand as a public speaker during religious re¬
vivals. He is well liked by both the white and colored resi¬
dents of the community in which he lives.
258 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
MRS. JOSIE B. HALL.
Successful Teacher—Devout Christian—Brilliant Writer—
Devoted Wife and Mother.
Mrs. Josie B. Hall, the well-known writer, was born in
Waxahachie, Texas, on September 17th, 1869, to Tennie and
Henry Briggs, who were
representative colored peo¬
ple, both industrious and
pious. When eleven years
of age Josie was left an
orphan, under the loving
care of a kind sister.
At twelve years of age
Miss Briggs demonstrated
that she was possessed of
unusual energy and ability,
for she began1 her career
as a teacher at that time,
proving both faithful and
capable. She was kind,
courteous, modest and
virtuous.
She was converted at
Bishop College. Marshall,
Texas, in 1886. At sixteen she taught in the public schools
of Canaan, Texas. It was during her /residence tiiere that
she was united in marriage to Professor J. P. Hall, one of
the leading teachers of Mississippi.
Five children have been born to Professor and Mrs. Hall,
and the parents are bringingthem up in the-light of modern re-
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 259
ligious and educational influences. There is no doubt but that
they will carry on the good work commenced by the father
and mother, and that the race will reap the benefits of their
mental and moral training and the sound principles inculcated
by Mrs. Hall.
Mrs. Hall's book. "Moral and Mental Capsule for the Eco¬
nomic and Domestic Life of the Negro as a Solution of the
Race Problem," has had a wide circulation. It has been read
with interest by thousands of people—both white and colored
—who have attempted to solve the so-called race problem.
And without a dissenting voice those who have had the privi¬
lege of giving the book a thorough perusal have acknowledged
that its author has dealt with her subject in a masterly way;
that she has expressed her ideas in simple language, which
may be easily understood by all classes of people; that she has
presented her thoughts so clearly that they must of necessity
be grasped by those for whom they were intended. Mrs. Hall
is gifted as a poet, and some of the gems that appear in her
book are well worth repeating. The lines called "Sunday"
are perfect in rhyme and rhythm, and their sentiment is beauti¬
ful. What could be more restful than this?
"The day is calm and cool and still.
The fleecy clouds are drifting slow,
The morning zephyrs gently blow;
I hear the cricket sharply shrill,
Peace, good-will; peace, good-will."
Or morel uplifting than this prayer?
"O God, the God of truth and love,
Send down more blessings from above;
Grant that I may be more like Thee,
<And that my heart may purer be!'
O God, my refuge and my light,
To dot Thy will is my delight;
260 Whojs Who Among the Colored Baptists.
But when temptation fires my heart
. I often from Thy ways depart.
But, Heavenly Father, hear my prayer;
Remove Thou every cloud and care,
And hide me, O my Savior, hide,
Where I can- safe in Thee abide!
Help me to faithful be, and meek,
And make me strong- wher^i I am weak.
Teach me, O Lord, how I should pray,
And! how to walk the narrow way."
While men in all conditions of life are endeavoring with
mighty efforts tor-solve the problems which are of vital import¬
ance to the Negro race, Mrs. Hall, quietly and without osten¬
tation, has prescribed the proper remedy. Her noble efforts
for the moral betterment of the young have borne rich fruit,
although at .t'imes the result of her labor may' have seemed to
be meager in proportion to the effort put forth. Her inspir¬
ing words will live and continue to help those who need assist¬
ance long after the author has been called to her reward.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 261
P. H. HUGHES, D.D.
Evangelist—Successful Pastor.
"Nothing- succeeds like success" is well illustrated in the
career of the subject of this-sketch.
P. H. Hughes was born at Fluvania, Virginia, on August
4th, 1862, to John and Mildred Hughes. After finishing the
course prescribed in the public schools of his county, he at¬
tended Bluefield Seminary, West Virginia. He also studied
privately under Doctors Fisher and Boothe, of Birmingham,
Alabama* ,
As pastor Dr. Hughes has occupied the pulpit of Mount
Moriah Baptist Church, Birmingham; of the First Baptist
Church, at Pueblo, Colorado; and his present charge in Mex¬
ico, Missouri.,
His conversion and baptism occurred when he was nine¬
teen years of age. Guadalupe College, in recognition of his
services, conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity
in 1905. :
Like many strong Afro-Americani ministers, Dr. Hughes
has shown unusual financial ability. He has been a-,success¬
ful church-builder. As a public speaker he is pointed and
entertaining. His judgment is excellent, and he is considered
a safe, sane leader of the people, with sufficient caution to
warrant their confidence, and yet having plenty of fire and
enthusiasm.
The Southwest is opening up a wonderful field for relig¬
ious and educational work, and Dr. Hughes, seeing the need
of laborers in that n'ew vineyard of the Lord,, gave up the re¬
finements of life in an old thickly settled State to cast his lot
262 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
with other pioneers who have the good of the race at heart.
His unselfish devotion has been1 amply rewarded and his in¬
fluence has been extended over a much larger territory than
formerly. He studies the problems that come before him
thoroughly and conscientiously, and after he has decided upon
the proper course to take, he pursues that line diligently,
thereby securing the best of results.
Dr. Hughes is in the front rank of those who minister
faithfully to the needs of the race.
I
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 263
REVEREND A. M. JOHNSON, D.D.
Pioneer Minister—Leader of Thought—General Missionary.
The Reverenjd A. M. Johnson, the subject of this sketch,
was born in Yazoo County, Mississippi, October 18th, 1863.
He was reared eight miles from Yazoo City, and attended1 the
public schools, graduating from the same, after which he spent
three years and six months in Waldien University, at Nash¬
ville, Tennessee. He was converted and united with the-Issa-
quama Baptist Church in September, 1880, while the Reverend
P. Barnes was pastor.
.Dr. Johnson was licensed to preach the gospel in April,
1881, and was ordained in August, .1881. Although his life
had long been consecrated to the Master's service, his highest
usefulness began with his entrance! into the ministry. He be¬
came general missionary for the Baptist Convention of Mis¬
sissippi, which office he filled most creditably for four years,
after which he was made educational secretary, holding the
position for six years. While serving in that capacity he was
elected president of the General Baptist Convention and has
served as executive head of that body for the past ten years.
He is a graceful presiding officer and his impartial decisions
and striking personality have made him quite popular.
Dr. Johnson was married in February, ♦ 1882, to Miss
Clarissa Fridge. The union has been blessed by the birth of
ten children, four boys and six girls. The eldest boy now liv¬
ing is a carpenter, and the youngest is in the tailoring business.
The eldest daughter was for three years a teacher in Natchez
College. She is at present teaching in, the city schools of
Vicksburg, Mississippi. Aniother daughter has entered the
Training School for Girls at Washington, D. C. She is under
the care of Miss Nannie Burroughs.
264 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
Dr. Johnson is deeply interested in the welfare of young
people, and he has proved to be a source of inspiration to
them, aiding and encouraging those who needed assistance.
\It is a difficult matter in this age of the world to arouse
youthful) enthusiasm in church work, but Dr. Johnson] is emi¬
nently successful in that respect, and during the period in
which he has been identified with the church as a pastor his
influence has not waned. On the contrary, it has grown
stronger* with years, until his name is known and honored far
beyonjd the confines of his own State.
He has sympathized with, admonished and commended
his people, always taking advantage of every opportunity to
help in the development of the Afro-American race.
Dr. Johnson's high moral character, his sincerity, his
earnestness and power as a speaker and his 'broad and sympa¬
thetic views upon all subjects have endeared him to those who
have had the good fortune to come within the circle of his
acquaintance.
Undaunted by obstacles,' he has, gone forward faithfully
with reforms and improvements,. trusting implicitly in Him
who said: "Lo, I am with you always, even) to the end of
the world." And he has net trusted in vain, for the results
of his, efforts are to be found throughout the State of
Mississippi.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 265
Model Pastor—Strong Temperance Advocate—Good Mixer
—Excellent Financier.
The Reverend D. E. Over, of Denver, Colorado, is noted
for his strong personality and ability to bring things, to pasis.
special course in the Iliff School of Theology.
Dr. Over filled the pastorate of the Third Baptist Church
at Garnett, Kansas, while pursuing his studies at the University,
after which he was called to the Eighth Street Baptist Church
at Pueblo, Colorado, where he erected a fine church edifice.
In 1909 he accepted a call to Zion Baptist Church, at Denver,
Colorado. Zion Church is the leading colored church in the
State. Within eighteen months he canceled a mortgage of
$5,000 and purchased the fine Calvary Baptist Church building
from the white people. It is one of the handsomest structures
of the kind in Colorado.
During the pastorate of Dr. Over the church membership
REVEREND D. E. OVER, D.D.
He was born at Topeka,
Kansas, June 10, 1873, to
David and Eliza Over, who
migrated West after eman,
cipation.
After graduating from
the public schools of his
native city he attended Ot¬
tawa ,University, special¬
izing in English and in sub¬
jects closely connected with
theology. He also took a
266 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
has increased amazingly. In the first six months of 1912 he
baptized), about one hundred persons,.
Dr. Over is devoted to the cause of temperance. He has
delivered a large number of lectures on the subject and
through his influence many persons have been( saved from
lives of debauchery. He is an advocate of law-enforcement
and can) always be depended upon to work earnestly and effi¬
ciently for the reclamation of those who are addicted to in¬
temperance, as well as to use every means of throwing safe¬
guards around the young, that they may be protected and pre¬
vented from forming the liquor habit.
Dr. Over is a great favorite socially. He is a good mix¬
er, and has a happy faculty of saying and doing the right thing
at the right time and place. He has promoted harmony, and
made of the church a social center, where the people meet
regularly, thus binding the memberst by both religious and so¬
cial ties to their denomination, and encouraging them to un¬
dertake further work for the Master.
Dr. Over is still a, young man anid undoubtedly has a bril¬
liant and useful future, in which he will make his mark and
leave an impression upon his time and upon the Afro-Ameri-
caqr race.
Mrs. Over, formerly Miss Garner, of Kansas City, Kani-
sas, is active in church work and is responsible to a large ex¬
tent for the commendable career of her fearless husband.
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 267
EDWARD DONAHUE PIERSON, BS.
Farmer—School-Teacher—Distinguished Mason and U. B. F.
—Secretary of Many State Organisations—Treasurer of
a Rich Lodge—Prominent Church Man—A Man of
Means and Influence.
Texas is proud of Edward Donahue Pierson, one of her
most gifted and enterprising citizens. Mr. Pierson was born
December 27. 1872, in
Natchitoches Parish, Lou¬
isiana; his mother was a
slave and a Baptist, while
his father was a Creole
and a Catholic. Mr. Pier¬
son early joined the church
of his mother's choice anid
entered vigorously upon
religious work, after being
baptized by the Rev. Peter
Martin.
H i s support in school
was a widowed mother,
whose only resources were
a. large supply of poverty,
much faith in God, and
what she could earn from
day to day as a hireling.
Edward soon completed the common school branches, such
as were taught in the irregular country schools of the
State. To accomplish this, he had to use books borrowed
from his more fortunate classmates, as his mother was too
268 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
poor to purchase them. Finding that he knew about as
much as his incompetent teachers, and that he was needed onl
the farm to assist his mother, he left the school, leased land
from his cousin, Leonard Prudhomme, and a rich planter,
Richard! Williams. Prosperity crowned his efforts, and in the
eighteenth year of his age he was employing several families
onj his farm and making, six bales of cotton to every employee
and corn in proportion.
But Mr. Pierson was intended for a broader field of use¬
fulness. So one day in the fall' an excursion left his home for
Marshall, Texas, and the young marc got aboard. Incidental¬
ly, while making his rounds through the city, he visited Bishop
College and became infatuated with it; he returned home and
prepared for the disposal of all his farm implements and cattle,
save his famous steed Dexter, which he later sold because of
insufficient means to take the owner through school'. He
matriculated in Bishop on January 5, 1892, and by strict econ¬
omy and through the generous aid of President Wolverton,
he was able to remain in school, completing the entire thirteen
years' work in seven and graduating at the head of his class
with the degree of Bachelor of Sciences, May, 1904. While
at Bishop College, Mr. Pierson learn|ed the printers' trade,
which has served him well in his newspaper and general print¬
ing business.
The! high esteem in which this daring,young man is held
is well' illustrated by the numerous responsible positions to
which he has been called. No young man of the race has oc¬
cupied so many responsible positionls in so short a public
career. His State looks upon him as one of the brainiest men
of the present day and hajs frequently- called upon him to hold
normal schools for the training of teachers in the public insti¬
tutions. Mr. Pierson has been grand secretary of the Majsons
of Texas; principal of Pittsburg city schools; principal of
Houston College, under President D. A. Scott; secretary of
the Superintendents' Division of the State Sunday-school Con¬
vention ; secretary of State B. Y. P. U. Convention; treasurer
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 269
of the St. James lodge of U. B. F.s; managing editor of the
Western Star; manager of Western Star Publishing Company;
and now a teacher im the city high school. He is secretary of
the Texas Business Men's League, in which capacity he has
been instrumental in1 bringing together large Negro enterprises,
thus enabling them to enjoy a commercial (standing hitherto
unknown.
Mr. Pierson owns much real estate in the city of Houston
and elsewhere in Texas. The Western Star Publishing Com¬
parer, in which he is a heavy stockholder, attests his ability as
financier and stands as a monument to the wiise and faithful
efforts of the young man. The company does a handsome
printing business, and the quality of the work done in its
$5,000 plant compares favorably with that of any printing out¬
fit in Texas. j
In 1896 Mr. Pierson married Miss Mae Dee Hardy, of
Coffeeville, Texas, and after four years of happy union she
died. He later married Miss Lizzie Lee Spears, an, alumna
of Allen University and a native of Sumter, S. C. To this
union three bright children have been born; all are now in
school, and two of them, Eulalia Viola (aged fifteen) and
Theodore D. (aged thirteen), are students in the high school.
Unlike the average young man, Mr. Pierson seeks the
hard and difficult things of life as stepping-stones to the higher.
Success has followed in whatever he has engaged; and if
pluck, tact, square dealings and what nbt are elements of great¬
ness, he is really great. As deacon in Antioch Baptist Church,
Houjston, and as manlaging editor of the Western Star, the
eight-page,, seven-column organ of thousands of Baptists in
the Lone Star State, Professor Pierson, young and brilliant,
fearlejss yet congenial, is making for himself a record in the
religious, business and literary world worthy a page in the
history of anly race.
270 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
T. H. BWING, M.D.
Tramp—Farmer—Medical Student—Original Thinker—Prop¬
erty-Owner—Church-Builder—Great Pastor—Progressive
Citizen.
The Reverend T. H. Ewing, the progressive pastor of the
Vine Street Baptist Church, Kansas City> Missouri, is a man
who thinks and acts accord¬
ing to the dictates of his
own mind. He is peculiar
in his own way, but when
he is understood, one must
admire him. He is a mail
who has risen to distinc¬
tion unaided, except by the
hard knocks he has re¬
ceived from those who
tried to keep him down.
Born in Kentucky, just be¬
fore the breaking out of
the Civil War, he was
reared on a farm, where he worked hard to support himself
and render such assistance to his' aged mother as was possible
under the circumstances. Mr. Ewing had heard much of the
West and its great possibilities. But he was without means
to make the trip. Finally he resolved to walk the distance.
Young and full of determination, Mr. Ewing set out from
Paducah, and by gradual stages made the trip within a few
months. He reached Kansas City, without a dime in his pock-
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 271
et, and had it not been for the kind assistance of a friendly
hand, he would have gone hungry. He made it to Leaven¬
worth, and thence to Nebraska, where he found work, and
work he did. He applied himself to study during the hours
he was not employed and by such means. advanced rapidly.
He entered a medical college of Nebraska and graduated with
honor, and for several years practiced his profession with suc¬
cess. He pastored the Baptist church of Lincoln, resigning) to
accept a call' to the pastorate of the Baptist church at Leaveh-
worth, .Kansas, where he built a/ strong church, and remained
with it for years. He became one of the town's best citizens.
Doctor Ewing was called from Leavenworth to take
charge of the Vine Street Baptist Church, Kansas City, Mis¬
souri, about fifteen years ago. At the time the membership
was divided into as many factions as there were members, and
the property, then near Nineteenth and Tracy, was so heavily
encumbered that it was threatened with foreclosure of mort¬
gage. But Mr. Ewing gallantly set to work to disentangle its
obligations. He purchased a piece of property at 1825 Vine
Street, paid for it and began the erection of the present fine
edifice. Since coming to Kansas City he has paid for the pres¬
ent property, erected a large auditorium annex, adaptable to
church extension work, and has given the congregation a
decided improvement in spiritual, moral and industrial uplift.
The congregation is large and fluorishing, and /the property of
the church is valued at $25,000.
The Reverend Mr. Ewing owns considerable property,
and is probably the wealthiest colored Baptist minister in the
entire West. j i '
He is a strong preacher, quite frank in his remarks, but
only does so to drive home with telling effect his arguments.
He likes debates and frequently engages his colleagues in some
knotty theological question. He believes in organization, and
there is no better organized congrgation anywhere than the
Vine Street Church, If organization, push and thrift make
272 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
one great, he is surely great. He is moderator of the Kansas-
Missouri Baptist Association, and has made that body strong
and powerful through his wise and judicious leadership. He
believes in a strong ministry, a clean life and a spirit of strict
economy.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 273
WILLIAM MADISON, JR., B.D., D.D.
Farmer—Minister—Treasurer Publishing Board—Commence¬
ment Speaker—Church-Builder.
The Reverend Doctor William Madison, Jr., pastor of the
Day Street Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama, has been
unusually successful in the
ministry. Though only
forty years old, he has al¬
ready established a great
record as a pastor and
church-builder.
Mr. Madison was born
in Dallas County on April
22, 1873, and was educated
in the public schools of the
county and in Selma Uni¬
versity, Selma, Alabama.
During his entire college
course his father gave him
only three months' board
and tuition. But this
proved no barrier to his
ambition. While Mr. Mad-
son was only fourteen years old when he entered Selma Uni¬
versity, he did not graduate until May, 1910, due largely to the
irregularity with which he attended school on account of insuf¬
ficient means. So determined was he to obtain his education
that he often did chores about the school premises and occa¬
sionally preached. During vacations Mr. Madison hoed cot-
274 Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists.
ton, split rails and ploughed mules on the farm in an effort to
raise money to defray his expenses. Mr. Madison has held
many important charges during his ministerial life of twenty-
seven years. Bethel, Marion; First Baptist, Pratt City; and
his present church, the Day Street, Montgomery, Alabama, are
the most' important. The membership of the latter was 5°°
when he assumed the pastorate in October, 1908; at present it
has more than 1,100. He has recently erected a fine church
edifice in Montgomery, costing- more than $35,000.
Mr. Madison is a man of great piety and faith and enjoys
the respect of the brethren of his State. "His faith in God
gives him strength for each day's battle, and his vision is clear
and he seldom blunders in thel great things of life." He is at
present treasurer of the publishing board of the State Conven¬
tion and a member of both the National Baptist Convention
and the Sunday-School Congress. He is greatly in demand
as a public speaker at college commencements, and has been
often called upon to deliver the commencement address be¬
fore the Tuskegee Bible School. 1
' The Reverend Madison was married1 to Miss Mary Solo¬
mon, of Safford, Alabama, in 1895. And she has made him a
helpmeet worthy the sacred vows at Hymen's altar.
"Trained to patience and hard work, Mr. Madison has
steadily forged ahead, with 'the sword of the Lord and of
Gideon,' and he well demonstrates what a man who unionizes
divine and human forces in spiritual' conquests" may do in the
advancement of society and those for whom he labors.
May the good people Mr. Madison so faithfully serves go
forth to meet in like manner the struggles of life -with a brave
heart and confident spirit, so that when the dust settles over
the battle-field' of this' life, they may be called to the life eter¬
nal, to join hands with their gallant leader.
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 275
H. M. WILLIAMS, D.D.
Humorist—Lecturer—Bible Student—Great Pastor—Statisti¬
cian—Church-Builder—National Figure.
On the first day of January, 1863, at the time Lincoln
issued his Emancipation Proclamation, the Reverend H. M.
Williams, noted 1 e c turer
'and humorist, was born.
And Mr. Williams, a Lou-
isianian by birth,had to hoe
his own row through life
with the aid of his friends,
and in spite of every dis¬
advantage incurred by his
enemies.
From early childhood he
was quick of perception
and took to his books "like
a duck takes to water." He
entered Leland University,
New Orleans, quite early,
and remained until gradua¬
tion. He is acknowledged
as one of the ablest stu¬
dents and orators which
that famous institution has ever sent forth.
Mr. Williams, after leaving Leland, was elected principal
of Hearne Academy, He^rne, Texas; and while serving in
that capacity made considerable improvements to the grounds,
canceled many debts, and more than doubled the enrollment.
276 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
While teaching at Hearne he was called to superintend
the State mission work for the General Baptist State Con¬
vention. He aroused and awakened the people to ai lively in¬
terest in missions and education asj they had not been before
nor since. His interest in the success of pastors, as well as
his own, created for him a warm place in the hearts of his
brethren, which the lapse of time has not caused to grow cold.
The Reverend Williams is moderator of the Lincoln As¬
sociation, probably the oldest and most influential organization
of its kind in the State. During the five years of his admin¬
istration he has brought it up to a higher degree of efficiency,
unsurpassed by any in the South. He has made liberal use
of his superior training among those less fortunate and has
unselfishly given himself to lifting up a higher standard of
right-living for those among whom he has been called to laljor.
Doctor Williams is pastoring one of the best disciplined
churches in the country; and it is abreast of the times, giving
liberally to all reliable denominational purposes. When he
took charge of the Avenue L, congregation, Galveston, it im¬
mediately took on new life. His sacred eloquence, burning
zeal, pungent logic and indomitable will, reinforced by a life
of sacrifice, have been instrumental, during the nine years of
his pastorate, in erecting a large and commodious edifice, which
long ago had proven inadequate for the accommodation of its
ever-increasing membership. He is a natural-born financier.
Doctor* Williams is statistician of the General Baptist
Convention of Texas, and in that capacity has been quite serv¬
iceable to his brethren in furnishing data concerning religious
bodies of the world, let alone in his own State.
As a humorist, he is the ablest of the connection, with
one possible exception. He stands out conspicuously as an
ideal pastor, fearless race leader and one of the most represent¬
ative men of the great National Baptist Convention.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 277
CHARLES STEWART, A.M., D.D.
Writer—Lecturer—Humorist—Press Agent for the National
Baptist Convention.
Charles Stewart, D.D., journalist and press agent for the
National Baptist Convention and: the Negro race, was born to
Henry and Harriet Stew¬
art, Frankfort, Kentucky,
May 28, 1869. He early
showed evidence of unus¬
ual scholarship in the pub¬
lic school. His principal,
Prof. W. H. Mayo, pre¬
sented him a book on sten¬
ography, which he soon
mastered from cover to
cover. Early in 1883 he re¬
solved to enter college, but
was discouraged by his par¬
ents, who were quite poor.
With this in view, he ran
away from home on July
15? 1883, and made it to
Louisville, Kentucky,
where he was employed in
Watson's boarding-house, morning and evening each day, for
board and lodging while in attendance at the State University.
The head of the boarding-house soon lost patience with the
young student and "fired" him, saying thai} he did not educate
Negroes in slavery and he did not intend to do it at that late
date.
278 Who's Who Among -the Colored Baptists.
W. H. Stewart, editor of the American Baptist, on learn¬
ing of Charles' discharge, made him collector for his paper,
which position he retained while pursuing his studies. On
leaving the State University he entered a business college in
Chicago, in the meantime working as waiter at the Grand
Pacific Hotel during odd hours, which paid his expenses
through the entire course. While in college he distinguished
himself as a rapid typewriter andl stenographer.
On leaving college he was employed by the Biermeister &
Spicer Manufacturing Company, and later became court re¬
porter in Cook County, Illinois. It was whilel a reporter that
he took to newspaper work. In 1910 he was a press repre¬
sentative at the World Missionary Conference, Edinburgh,
Scotland, and while abroad visited many European capitals.
He is a strong preacher, lecturer and humorist, and so greatly
is» he in demand) that he cannot meet the calls upon his time.
The Ohio State Journal says of him:
"The Reverend Charles Stewart, A.M., D.D., is press
agent for the Negro race, having received his training in the
offices of the American Baptist and the Louisville (Kentucky)
Courier-Journal. He is well educated, versatile and a pro¬
nounced humorist, and one of the best newspaper men in the
entire United States."
Mr. Stewart enjoys the confidence and respect of the en¬
tire connection and no man is listened to with greater pleasure
in the national gatherings. In his chosen field, he is in a class
by himself and is doing with his pen a service to the race that
only a Stewart can perform.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 279
J. T. CASTON, B.D., M.D.
Valedictorian — Physician — Faithful Shepherd — President
Missouri Baptist Convention—Grand Master of United
Brothers of Friendship.
The Reverend Doctor J. T. Caston, the eminent physician
of Jefferson City, Missouri, is. a strong combination of the suc¬
cessful minister and business man.
And he has, during the many years
of his public career, never suffered
defeat in any of his undertakings.
Doctor Caston was born in Penn¬
sylvania, just after the close of the
Civil War, and migrated to Mis¬
souri with his mother and settled
in Macon more than twenty-five
years ago. He became a Christian
very early and united with the Bap¬
tist Church, Macon, Missouri. He
was educated in the public schools
of Pennsylvania, the Western Col¬
lege, Macon, Missouri, and Meharry Medical College, Nash¬
ville, Tennessee, taking the coveted honor of his class—the
valedictory. He made the highest average of any! member of
the class during the entire four years at Meharry. He was
later ordained to the ministry. And het is as studious to-day
as he was the day he graduated. He is a man of details and
is as careful in the execution of the) simplest! duties as he is of
the more complex. Nothing escapes his unerring eye and
the Quaker spirit of the Keystone State has made him one of
the very strong men of the West.
280 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
Doctor Caston has had much experience in the pastor¬
ate, having served thel Fulton, Macon, and the Jefferson City
churches; and upon; each/ hqf left the impress of; his character.
Long-outstanding debts were paid, improvements were made,
and the spiritual and social atmosphere was greatly clarified.
Doctor Caston was elected to the presidency of the Mis¬
souri Baptist Convemtion about ten years ago and he has been
elected continuously ever since. Through his efforts the or¬
ganization has become one of the feest of its kind in the coun¬
try. He has increased the holdings of the Western College,
Macon, Missouri, and has laid plans for a greater Western
College at Kansas City. As president of the State Conven¬
tion, he is modejst, unassuming, yet positive and direct. He
is well liked by his brethren. He is a great preacher, using
none of the sensational methods so often indulged in by the
dress-parade minister; instead, he is clear, logical" and forceful.
Two years ago Doctor Caston was elected grand master of
the United Brothers of Friendship, and so ably has he handled
the affairs of that rich body that it is to-day in better shape
than ever before. He is an adept in diplomacy and has never
been reversed in any ofl his many parliamentary decisions.
Doctor Caston enjoys a large practice in his chosen field.
His patients are numerous throughout! the State, and so large
has his medical practice become that he was forcedl to move
his office to the city of St. Louis and relinquish the active pas¬
torate entirely. He is a recognized authority on medical sub¬
jects and enjoys the confidence of a large circle of eminent
physicians.
Doctor Caston is married. His beloved wife is a grad¬
uate of Western College, and moves in the best church and
fraternal circles. Doctor Caston is a man of means, and he
uses his wealth freely for charitable purposes.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 281
WlXlIAM H. STEWARD, A.B., A.M.
Sunday-School Missionary—Editor American Baptist—Secre¬
tary National Baptist Convention—Trustee of University
—Influential Citizen.
William H. Steward was born at Brandenburg, Meade
County, Kentucky, on July 26, 1847. Although a slave, he was
accorded a greater number
of privileges than was
usually the case, and he did
not hesitate to take advant¬
age of every opportunity
for the improvement of his
condition.
While still a child he
went to Louisville, where
he attended a private school
taught by competent in¬
structors. He was a very
bright boy and made rapid
progress in his studies.
After he had reached man¬
hood he became a teacher
in Frankfort and Louis¬
ville. Consecutively he oc¬
cupied positions with rail¬
road companies, and with the Government as letter-carrier.
In 1867 he professed religion, was baptized and joined
the Fifth Street Baptist Church in Louisville. From that
time forward1 lie was an active worker, becoming secretary of
the choir and teacher of the largest class in the Sunday-school,
282 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
bending every energy to making the lessons interesting and in¬
structive. Later he'was. elected superintendent of the Sun¬
day-school.
Mr. Steward has been secretary of the National Baptist
Convention and secretary of the Baptist State Convention;
chairman of the* board of trustees! of1 State University, Louis¬
ville, Kentucky; secretary of the board of visitors of the
schools of Louisville, and subsequently chairman of that body.
Since 1879 Mr. "Steward has been connected—in an edi¬
torial capacity—with the American Baptist. He is still an
active member of the National Baptist Convention, and he is
also Sunday-school missionary for the American Baptist Pub¬
lication Society for Kentucky.
Mr. Steward visited London in 1905 on the occasion of
the meeting of the World Baptist Alliance.
It is as editor of one of the oldest and best denominational
papers, that Mr. Steward has probably reached the largest
number of people. He is a brilliant writer, strong and con¬
vincing, and a thorough scholar. The average newspaper is con¬
sidered a most effective medium of communication, but when
the periodical is . so important a publication as the American
Baptist, the number of persons brought under the influence of
the editor can hardly be estimated!. And it is needless to state
that the columns of Mr. Steward's paper have been devoted
invariably to the promulgation of right principles. He has
been a faithful champion of the race, and he has employed
political channels in many instances to benefit those whose
welfare he has at heart. ; •
Fraternal organizations have paid him high honor,- and he
is recognized as a power in his community and State.
Professor Steward is married, and his wife, Mrs. M. E.
Steward, is one of the most accomplished women of the race,
being actively engaged! in! educational work. Mrs. Steward is
widely known as a musician and lecturer of rare attainments.
She is professor of music in the State University at Louis¬
ville and president of the Woman's Baptist State Convention
o: Kentucky.
Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 283
JOHN ELIJAH FORD, B.D., Ph.D.
Noted, Lecturer and Biblicist—Educator.
The Reverend John Elijah Ford, the noted Biblicist of
Jacksonville, Florida, was born October 21, 1863, at Owens-
boro, Kentucky. His par¬
ents, Isom and Anna Eliz¬
abeth Helen Ford, were
slaves and had fifteen chil¬
dren, John Elijah being the
oldest; and of the fifteen,
ten have died.
Young Ford moved to
Chicago at a very early age
and matriculated in the pub¬
lic schools of that city. He
made exceptionally good
grades, and while in h i s
"teens" graduated from the
high school of the city, be¬
ing the only colored pupil
in the class. He wasi espe¬
cially fond of Latin, and tlje four-years course in the high
school of "The Windy City" served him well during his col¬
lege life at Fisk University (1882-9) and Beloit College
(Wisconsin, 1889-91). In 1891 he matriculated in the Di¬
vinity School, Chicago University, and graduated three years
later with thel degree of Bachelor of Divinity, being the first
colored student to take that degree from the University.
While in Chicago Mr. Ford served as pastor of the Bethany
284 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
Baptist Church, and he was constantly in demand as a lect¬
urer, debater and public speaker before lyceums of the city.
He was called from Chicago to the pastorate of the Zion
Baptist Church, Denver, which he accepted, while taking a
post-graduate course in the University of Denver, Colorado,
leading to the degree of Ph.D. in 1905. Mr. Ford is a verita¬
ble book-worm and has a great fondness for thei classics, and
his knowledge of Latin and Greek has made him one of the
great- Biblicists of the country.,
In 1906 he was elected to the presidency of the State Uni¬
versity and while acting in that capacity added new laurels
to his already illustrious record. To further his study in
Bible research, Doctor Ford visited Europe in 1907, taking in
the great capital cities of the Old World, visiting the great
libraries and museums of the universities. He returned to
the States the latter part of that year and accepted the pas¬
torate of the Bethel Institutional Church, Jacksonville, Flor¬
ida, probably the finest in the South. He is still its pastor,
and an assistant minister, a clerk and a large teaching force
are allowed' him in the prosecution of the institutional work.
Mr. Ford is a trustee and an instructor of theology in the
Florida Baptist College, Jacksonville, of which Professor N.
W. Collier is president.
The Reverend Doctor Ford has, in addition to his pas¬
toral work, conducted for the past few years the Bible insti¬
tute work of the Sunday-School Congress, and his learned ex¬
position of the Scriptures in simple yet choice language, re¬
inforced with an earnestness characteristically his own, has
inspired the members of the Congress to look1 forward to this
particular feature each year with increasing pleasure.
Mr. Ford was married to Miss Justina h. Warren, a
charming and talented alumna of the Galesburg (111.) High
School, in 1893. In 1899 Mrs. Ford was graduated from the
Hering Medical College of Illinois; and so thirsty was she
for the best possible knowledge of the science of medicine that
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 285
she took a post-graduate course in the Hahnemann Post-Grad¬
uate Medical College, Chicago. Mrs. Ford was instrumental
in building the hospital at the State Normal; and Agricultural
College, Huntsville, Alabama, while engaged in the practice
of medicine at that point. She now enjoys a large practice
in the city; of Denver and her skill is recognized by the best
medical students of the Rocky Mountain State.
Some men of eloquence speak to the understanding; oth¬
ers speak to the imagination; while still others address the
heart. But Rev. Ford has the happy faculty of speaking to
all three. Being a man of great faith, reverting constantly to
prayer, and with the Bible seemingly "transfused" into him,
he is doing a service for the denomination that cannot be over¬
estimated. May he continue to grow in the hearts of the
people as he advances in years;
286 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists.
ALBERT PRINCE DUNBAR, D.D.
Farm Hand—Boy School-Teacher—Youthful Pastor—Noted
Evangelist — The Founder of a Great Corporation — A
Hero of Many Battlesn
The achievements of Albert Prince Dunbar bedeck the
glittering pagesi of the history of one of the most progressive
business concerns ever es¬
tablished by a struggling
people.
Born to Reverend and
Mrs. Richmond Dunbar, in
a log cabin, near the
swamps of Barnwell, S. C.,
October 25, 1859, the boy
gave promise of a great
man. In excess of their
parental pride, he was
named Albert Prince; and
his career has verified the
appellation, for he has
proven a "great prince in
Israel."
When seven years of age
young Dunbar could repeat
his catechism verbatim, and
'long before he was ten his knowledge of Webster's speller
was quite equal to that of his backwoods teacher. So rap¬
idly did he advance that it became necessary for his father
toi move near the town of Barnwell, where he placed! his boy
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 287
in the high schopl, from which he graduated before he reached
fifteen. After graduation he sustained.a public school exam¬
ination and was employed as a first-grade teacher at $50 per
month. i.
The young teacher early professed a hope in Christ and
united with the church of which his father was, pastor. Later
he felt called, and was liceinsed and ordained to the Gospel
ministry in the same year. He became a power in the neigh¬
borhood as a preacher and several churches invited him to be¬
come their pastor. But he wiselyj refused, preferring to pur¬
sue his theological and classical studies in a college to better
equip himself for the ministry.
Mr. Dunbar married Miss Sheldonia Bell Daniels, of Barn¬
well', at eighteen years of age, and at once disposed of his per¬
sonal property and matriculated himself and wife in Benedict
College, Columbia, South Carolina, where, by the timely as¬
sistance of Mr. and Mrs. Bixby, of Boston, Massachusetts,
the youthful couple were enabled to remain for many years.
Soon after Mr. Dunbar entered Benedict he became assistant
pastor to tne venerable Rev. Samuel Johnson, of First Cal¬
vary Baptist Church, Columbia, South Carolina. So well did
Rev. Mr. Johnson and his good people like the young assistant
that at the death' of the former, Dunbar was chosen pastor of
First Calvary Church—the largest in the| State. He discharged
with signal success and conspicuous ability the onerous duties
of the church, at the same time continuing his studies at the col¬
lege, making an exceptionally good record in Greek and He¬
brew. During Mr. Dunbar's pastorate of eleven years at Co¬
lumbia, a beautiful church edifice costing $10,000 was erected
and more than one thousand members were added to the
cnurch. He became secretary of the association to which his
church belonged and was made vice-president of the Baptist
Mate Convention.
Aside from the pastorate of First Calvary, Mr. Dunbar
spent ten years as minister of-Fifth Street Baptist congrega-
288 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
tion, Richmond, 'Virginia, erected for that people a handsome
edifice at a cost of $3^5,000 and added more than 1,200 mem¬
bers; served Second Calvary, Columbia, South Carolina, for
ten years, built a $10,000 edifice, paid off outstanding debts
and received more than 1,000 persons into its membership;
administered to the spiritual wants of thei Mount Olivet Bap¬
tist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, for three years, united a divided
people, gave the congregation a new standing in the commu¬
nity and largely increased its membership, and made $8,000
improvements. Doctor Dunbar, because of the failing health
of his wife, had to resign his Atlanta charge and seek a higher
and better climate. He returned to Columbia.
Apart from the ministry, perhaps the greatest racial enter¬
prise in which the distinguished Carolinian ever was engaged
is the Mutual Benefit Insurance Company of South Carolina,
established by himself without one dollar of capital. Under
his wise management the institution has in property and cash
more than $30,000, does an annual 'business of $50,000; and
employs more than 157 agents and 8 clerks in the general
office, each being an expert in his department. Although
general' manager of the concern, Mr. Dunbar finds the dispo¬
sition to preach irresistible and even now pastors more than
one country church. Acting in the double capacity of pastor
and of business man, he is demonstrating by precept and ex¬
ample the ideals of the true leader capable of transforming
the carpenter into the architect, the politician into the states¬
man, the priest into the prophet. Though an uncompromising
Baptist, Dr. Dunbar has been honored by Allen University,
the foremost institution of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church, with the degree of Doctor of Divinity.
' From the backwoods of South Carolina, where he was
reared on the farm, ploughing a sleepy-eyed Georgia mule,
the stfbject of our sketch has risen to fame and distinction
in the business, and financial* as well as in the religious world
worthy the emulation of every ambitious boy.
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 289
In discourse he is thoroughly practical, deeply thought¬
ful, convincingly logical and irresistibly persuasive. The
ignorant ones are held as speli-bound by his preaching as the
more intelligent, and the 7,787 souls baptized by him give him
a place among the soul-savers that is equaled by few in the
ministry.
AARON WESLEY MOSS, D.D.
Pastor—Treasurer Foreign Mission Convention—Member of
Executive Board E. and Md Convention\ of Texas—Dele¬
gate to World Baptist Alliance, London, England.
The Reverend Aaron Wesley Moss, D.D., has occupied
many prominent places as minister during his long public
career. And in each of
them he has stood for all
that was uplifting and no¬
ble. He is an Alabamian
by birth, having been born
on January 21, 1854. His
parents migrated to Mis¬
sissippi in 1866, and one
year later their son, Aaron,
was converted and united
with the Baptist church,
under the pastorate of Rev.
P. W. Waldon.
During 1874 Mr. Moss
felt called to the ministry
and was licensed as a local
minister; seven years later
the Mount Carmel Baptist
Church, near Macon, Mis-
290 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
sissippi, called him to ordination. The young man served that
church for three years, resigning to accept a more lucrative
field at Canton. Having gained much notoriety as a good
minister, Reverend Moss had to divide his time between the
Canton and Livingston churches for several years, finally giv¬
ing up the pastorate in Mississippi, and accepting a call to the
Ebenezer Third Baptist Church, Austin, Texas, and later en¬
tering upon the pastorate at Gainesville, Texas.
The Reverend Mr. Moss was at one time treasurer of
the Foreign Mission Convention, and was a board member of
both that convention and of the Missionary and Educational
Convention. It was Mr. Moss who gave the Northwestern
Association of that State ten years of very acceptable service,
and it was during his administration as moderator that it flour¬
ished as never before nor since. It was while Doctor Moss
was serving as pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church, Tyler,
that he was sent as a delegate to the- World Baptist Alliance,
London, England, in 1905. On his return to the United
States he was elected to the superintendency of Sunday-school
missions for Texas, which position he held for one year. He
returned to the pastorate and served El Bethel Baptist Church
of Dallas for seven consecutive years. He later was called
to Griggs Chapel Baptist Church of Dallas, in which capacity
he still serves.
Mr. Moss was married to Miss Josephine ^Ferguson, De¬
cember 8, 1881. The union has proven a happy one and the
two bright children—Priscilla and Haywood. Ferguson—have
already given evidence of useful lives. Mrs. Moss feels proud
of the record her, husband has made,, and the Doctor congrat¬
ulates himself upon his happy life's choice, who has aided him
in his every effort.
As a theological student of Jackson College, Jackson,
Mississippi, and as one among the many having received the
degree of D.D. from Guadalupe' College, Seguin, Texas, the
public has a just right to expect even greater things from
Mr. Moss during the remaining years of his natural life.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 291
PROFESSOR J. M. CODWBLL.
Member City Council—Member County Board of Examiners
—Editor of The Western Star—Educational Secretary
—Assistant Secretary of the National Baptist Convention.
The newspaper is a moulder of public opinion; and he
who sends forth his convictions through its spicy columns,
dealing with the great live
issues of the day, especial¬
ly when they are discussed
with an eye single to the
common good of all the
people, will rise to a place
of prominence where he
may reap the full reward
of his endeavors.
Professor J. M. Codwell,
formerly of Navasota,
Grimes County, T exas,
now a resident of Houston,
is a journalist of rare dis¬
tinction, and is considered
one of the best editorial
writers of Texas. While
fearless and outspoken, he
recognizes merit even in
his foes; and uses his great paper to defend principles
rather than men. Mr. Codwell was born in Navasota, and
educated in the public schools and colleges of his State. He
was considered a very bright boy by his teachers andi was of-
292 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
fered every encouragement to his ambition. He early learned
to) wield a vigorous pen while in school and the high position
he now* holds in the newspaper world is the goal of hisi child¬
hood ambition.
Mr. Codwell became a Christian early in life and con¬
nected himself with the Baptist church of Navasota. He al¬
ways took an active part in Sunday-school work, and his
services were freely given in that department of church work.
So prominent did Protessor Codwell become and so rapid
was his rise in the community that the colored citizens elected
him to the city council of Navasota, which position he filled
to the satisfaction of his fellow-citizens. While in the coun¬
cil he secured needed legislation for his constituents.
Mr. Codwell became prominent in the educational affairs
of Grimes County. He taught public school in the county, and
so well was he liked by his constituents that he was made a
member of the board of examiners for the county; and he
held his own among his white associates and was respected
and honored by every member of the board;
When the Baptist Educational ■ and Missionary Conven¬
tion of Texas was organized, it needed a great organ to ex¬
pound its principles and defend its every interest. The West¬
ern Star Publishing Company was organized and J. M. Cod¬
well was placed in the editorial chair; andl how well he has
filled the position is demonstrated by the large circulation, the
increased interest in the conventional work and the command¬
ing position the paper occupies in the field of journalism.
This brilliant young educator is educational secretary of
the Educational Convention and secretary of the Texas Sun¬
day-School Convention. He is assistant secretary of the Na¬
tional Baptist Convention and no man has occupied that high
office with greater efficiency.
Professor Codwell is in the prime of life; a journalist of
conspicuous ability, a race advocate of the first magnitude, a
diplomat and leader in the affairs of the denomination. Til-
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 293
lotson College has never sentj forth an abler man to lift up a
standard for the people; nor the Lone Star State a braver son
to tell the story of a rising race only fifty years from slavery.
J. H. HENDERSONB.D.
Farmer—Student-—6 chool-Teacher—Strong Pastor.
The Reverend J. H. Henderson was born in Louisiana
of slave parents, who strove to give their son a good education,
though under circum¬
stances most trying. Young
Henderson, being natural1y
bright and thrifty, soon
passed through the grades
of the public schools of his
home town. Financially
unprepared to pursue his
studies in a higher insti¬
tution after graduation,
Mr. Henderson worked on
his father's farm for a
while and engaged in teach¬
ing private classes, at
night. He continued to
study and within a f e w
years had saved enough
money to enable him to en-
college.
He early professed a hope in Christ and united with
Baptist church. Very soon thereafter he felt, called
ter
the
294 . Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
to the ministry and the local congregation licensed him to
preach. Later he was ordained. He next entered the Vir¬
ginia Union University, and after three years of hard study
graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Divinity. He at
once returned to his native State and was called to the pas¬
torate of Trinity Baptisti Church, Shreveport, La., and to the
principalship of the Thirteenth District Academy. Both con¬
gregation and school thrived under his administration. For
a short time he served the Mendon (La.) Baptist church with
much success.1
In 1913 Reverend Henderson was called to the Roanoke
Baptist Church, Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he still serves
the people with signal success. His present congregation is
one of the best in Arkansas and stands for all that makes for
the best interest of the community.
Mr. Henderson is known nationally and takes a leading
part in every phase of denominational and racial enterprises.
He is a strong pastor and a good preacher—fearless and in¬
dependent in manner.
Mr. Henderson is married, and is the father of four
promising children. Mrs. Henderson, congenial and pleasing,
is ever faithful in the discharge of the duties imposed upon
her as the companion of a well-deserving minister. May the
years of this youthful minister and his loving wife be many,
and may they continue to grow in favor in the hearts of their
people.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
REV. CHARLES GENTRY FISHBACK, A.M., D.D.
Waiter—5uccessful Pastor—Church-Builder—Field Secretary
of Foreign Mission Board, National Baptist Convention.
Rev. Charles Gentry Fishback, Jr., comes from a family
of good preachers. His father, Charles G., was a pioneer min¬
ister of Winchester, Ken¬
tucky, the birthplace of our
sketch. Young Fishback
was early taught to know
the Lord, and his pious
mother, Mrs. Letitia Fish¬
back, like her venerable
husband, spared no pains to
rear their talented son "up
in the way he should go.''
While the boy was still un¬
der their fostering care, the
parents sent him to Louis¬
ville, where he entered the
State University. He was
a hard student, applying
himself to his books, and
succeeded in graduating from the department of theology in
May, 1898, when he took the degree of B.D. Norton Uni¬
versity, Cane Spring, Kentucky, conferred A.M. upon him in
June, 1902. Since leaving college he has continued his studies
and is considered a very able minister. He is earnest, elo¬
quent and logical in the delivery of his sermons.
(
296 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
Reverend Fishback began life as a hotel waiter in Louis¬
ville and Winchester. He was not ashamed to do with his
might whatever his hands found to do; because of which spirit
he was able to assist himself through school.
When Mr. Fishback left the State University he was called
to the pastorate of State Street Baptist Church, Bowling
Green, Kentucky. For seven years he labored earnestly with
the people of that community, during which he rebuilt the
church edifice and gave the membership a large increase and a
better financial standing in the community. He was called from
Bowling Green to Topeka, Kansas, where he entered upon the
pastorate of the Shiloh Baptist Church, once pastored by the
eloquent Dr. W. L,. Grant. He is still in charge of the congre¬
gation, which is large and intelligent. It does active mission¬
ary work under the supervision of Dr. Fishback.
In connection with the pastorate, Rev. Fishback does con¬
siderable foreign mission work for the Foreign Mission Board,
of which he has been field secretary for a number of years.
He is one of the very successful men raising money for the
Board. At one time he was offered a large salary to give his
entire time to foreign missions, but he declined, feeling it was
not proper to leave a great church at this time, where his ser¬
vices were so much in demand.
Reverend Fishback has attained some distinction as a
writer. He has written much for various magazines and week¬
lies. He is the author of a booklet, "The Uncrowned Queen,"
which has had a large sale and has proven quite popular.
Still young in years, having risen to a prominent place
among Baptists of the United States, willing and earnest, far-
seeing and courageous, Reverend Fishback will doubtless add
many more bright pages to his already well-filled history.
Reverend Fishback is married and has a family.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 297
REVEREND ZACHARIAH TAYLOR PARDEE.
A Landmark of History—A Prince in Israel—Organiser of
the First Negro School in Texas.
"The race is not given to the swift, nor the battle to the
strong, but unto him who endures unto the end."
The man who may justly
§lay claim as the pioneer of
ai^cl ^varied experiences as a
drews, sold him to Samuel
Pardee in 1850, and Pardee sold him in 1857 to one William
Griggs, who kept him until the close of the Civil War. He
was not brought to Texas until he was quite a young man, and
he has alternately lived in Corsicana and Dallas.
Mr. Pardee was converted on March 1, 1862, exactly
at the age of twenty-three. He was baptized by Rev. Prairie,
298 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
at Chatfield Baptist Church, which body licensed him to preach
in 1865. Revs. Joseph McCullough, D. G. Biggins and Josiah
Leak later ordained him at the same church. His field of
labor covers a wide territory, and the Lord blessed his labors
with abundant success. He was instrumental in organizing
two churches, and remained with them until they became strong
and mighty. Corsicana. Good Hope, Mount Zion, Hopewell,
Hester, Samaria, Runnels Chapel, St. Paul, Enis, and St. Mark,
Dallas, are among some of the leading ones. Brother Pardee
served as moderator of the Friendship Association for a num¬
ber of years, and for fourteen years acted as treasurer of the
Missionary and Educational Convention. In 1883 he was
unanimously chosen superintendent of missions, but declined.
He has served as president of the Mercantile Association of
Corsicana for many years, and during his incumbency no man
worked harder to bring about good results in the association.
Rev. Pardee assisted in the ordination of many great min¬
isters during his long pastorate. Among them Revs. Felix
Gary (deceased), C. Kelly, C. Jones, H. Holland, F. H. Har¬
rison, A. R. Griggs, S. E. Griggs, Sr., E. T. Allen, L. Moore.,
W. Mclveen, W. R. Banner,-G. W. Walker, V. Walker, Wm.
Ervine, A. W. Walker, James Lewis, and others. Thousands
have been converted under Rev. Pardee's preaching and many
have been baptized. Says he: "I have traveled on foot thirty
miles a day and preached two sermons. It was common in
those pioneer days to walk seven and eight miles to church. I
am now in my seventy-fourth year, and am trying not to
allow a Sunday to pass without attending some Sunday-school
and preaching somewhere."
Rev. Pardee was married to Miss Ella Griggs twice—once
before the Civil War, by Rev. Charles Kerr, a Methodist min¬
ister, July 16, 1862, and since by Rev. Josiah Leak. Fifteen
children have been born to the aged couple, all dead except six,
one of whom is Rev. R. T. Pardee, now pastoring at Corsi¬
cana; the remaining five are girls—Christian workers. Truly
Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 299
Rev. Pardee is a landmark of history, a great man in Israel,
with a great past and an honorable present:
"How beautiful is it for man to die
Upon the walls of Zion! To be called,
Like a watch-worn and weary sentinel,
To put his armour off, and rest in Heaven."
—Willis.
REV. WILLIAM MASSEY, D.D.
Pioneer Minister—Faithful Servant—Ex-President Baptist
Missionary and Educational Convention.
The Reverend William Massey has had much experience
during his long career, not only in the ministry, but in slavery,
undergoing some very sad
afflictions while the chains
of oppression dangled from
his bleeding feet as he
prayed to that God who al¬
ways answers prayer. He
w a s born in Culpepper
County. Virginia, in 1844.
His mother was Mrs. Mil¬
dred Thompson, while his
father was unknown to him-
He was sold from his moth¬
er in Richmond, and car¬
ried to Tennessee, by one
Dr. Allen M. Hall. Mr.
Hall sold him to one Mr.
John R. Massey, who in
turn sold him to a planter named J. B. Sterling, at Green-
3oo Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
.ville, Mississippi. His master paid1 $1,658 for .him. He
w,a9 kept busy on the farm until the Civil War broke out,
when he made a dash for liberty. He got as far as Memphis,
,but was captured and returned to his owner, who made his
feet fast in the stocks. "A log and chain were placed upon
my legs and I was forced to drag them around," said Mr. Mas¬
sey. "During this sad experience of 1859 I professed a hope
in Christ and my master licensed me to preach." When Fort
Spauist and Mobile surrendered to the Union soldiers, Mr.
Massey succeeded in joining a brigade of 7,000 men and went
with them to Mobile, thence to New Orleans, Red River, Mis¬
sissippi, Shreveport, Louisiana, Marshall, Texas, and Alexan¬
dria, Louisiana.
At the close of the war he joined Bethesda Baptist Church,
Marshall, from which body he was ordained in September,
1867, by a presbytery of white brethren, among whom were Dr.
A. E. Clemons and Rev. T. L. Scruggs and several deacons of
the white Baptist church.
Reverend Massey was twice married. His first marriage
before the Civil War produced one daughter, who for many
years taught school in Texas. He was sold from his wife dur¬
ing slavery and married again after the freedom of slaves.
Three children, all living, have been born to the second union.
The ministry of Reverend Massey covers many years, dur¬
ing which his services proved invaluable, especially to the Mis¬
sionary Baptists, who at that time had but very few consecrated
men in the field. He did both pastoral and evangelistic work.
He went forth as a pioneer. He pastored the church at Mar¬
shall for ten years; from Marshall he located at Waco, where
he did very commendable work for four years. The Calvert
church called him for six years, where his work was favorably
spoken of. Austin, Navasota, Cold Springs, Weatherford,
Pilot Point, Denison, San Angelo, and other important points
used him successfully for a numiber of years as their pastor.
During his long career more than 3,000 persons have been con-
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 301
verted and more than 2,500 have been baptized. Rev. Massey
was at one time moderator of St. John Association and served
as president of the Missionary and Educational Convention of
Texas for fourteen years. Because of Rev. Massey's work in
the ministry, his wise leadership, his deep piety and thorough
Christian life, a Presbyterian college and Guadalupe College,
Seguin, conferred upon him the degree of D.D. He is a life
member of the National Baptist Convention and at one time
served as one of its vice-presidents. He is a great man in the
Baptist church.
Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists.
J. A. MARTIN, D.D.
Good Pastor—Earnest,, Worker—Representative Member of
the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
The Reverend J. A. Martin, successful pastor at Selma,
Alabama, was born, reared and educated in that State. He
comes from a noble family
of farmers, industrious and
honest. His parents gave
him a course of training at
Selma. University, from
whose theological depart¬
ment he graduated. After
graduation he entered the
active pastorate in that city,
and success has followed
his every effort. Reverend
Martin has a large, influ¬
ential and progressive con¬
gregation, one of the lead¬
ing congregations in Ala-
'bama. Doctor Martin is
married and has several
lovely children, two of
whom are studying in Sel¬
ma University. Reverend Martin is held in high esteem by
the brethren of his State and has been intrusted with many re¬
sponsible positions as the reward of faithful toil.
Being a man of character, push and capability, he has not
been willing to put his talents away in a napkin for safe keep-
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 303
ing, but has freely given them to better the lives of others.
Truty he is a worthy representative of Alabama State Conven¬
tion, which will yet call him to a more exalted station.
JOHN LANGE, JR., ESQ.
Steer-Driver-—"Educated in the Woods"—Business Man—
Manager Blind Boone Concert Company—Benefactor—
Capitalist and Uncompromising Baptist.
Kansas City and the West are fortunate in justly claiming
as their own distinguished citizen, Mr. John Lange, of the
famous Blind Boone Concert Com¬
pany. He was born in Harris-
burg, Kentucky, October 4, 1840;
and was brought to Missouri, and
settled in Columbia, by his master,
about sixty-five years ago. John
Lange, Sr., was born in Baton
Rouge, Louisiana; while young
Lange's mother, Louisa, came from
Atlanta, Georgia. No one strug¬
gled harder against odds than did
young Lange during his youthful
years. Asked where he was edu¬
cated, he replied: "In the woods.'-
And it was in the wild forest that he obtained a foothold that
has made him one of the leading Afro-American financiers..
After emancipation he began life as a wood-chopper and steer-
driver. and often carted wood to town. Many a day in the pit¬
iless glare of a sun that sent the mercury bubbling over the
304 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
100-mark, making clothes a burden and a bath a luxury,^ Mr.
Lange, with back bare and feet naked, laid siege to some giant
oak. Within two days he erected and moved into his first log
hut, the sweet memories of which he cherishes even to-day.
Thirty-three years ago he organized the famous Blind
Boone Concert Company, of which he is still the efficient
manager. The present members of this excellent company
are: Blind Boone, the musical prodigy; Miss Emma Smith,
soprano; John Lange, manager; and a few others. The com¬
pany has traveled extensively over many parts of North Amer¬
ica and is recognized as the best and most substantial musical
organization of its kind in the world. Mr. Lange is essentially
a business man and has accumulated a great fortune by apply¬
ing himself diligently to his chosen field of labor. Asked about
his financial standing some time ago, he replied: "My financial
standing is worth a hundred cents to the dollar." He owns
much residence and business property in Kansas City and else¬
where in Missouri. Mr. Lange is a philanthropist, giving free¬
ly to charitable institutions. The Second Baptist Church and
Old Folks' Home of Kansas City, and the Second Baptist
Church, Columbia, Missouri, have been special objects of his
benevolence. Every summer he makes it a custom to look up
the poor in and around Kansas City, and render unto them
such assistance as they may need.
In religion he is an uncompromising Missionary Baptist,
and is a regular attendant at the Sunday services of the Second
Baptist Church when he is in the city. He is a man of his
word and of unusual ability persistence and unflagging enthu¬
siasm, and an "example of sturdy success-crowned determin¬
ation worthy of emulation by those whose efforts are as inde¬
fatigable and whose aspirations are as .lofty." He is a high
Pythian and a faithful member of the Masonic fraternity.
Men like Mr. Lange and Blind Boone are valuable to any com¬
munity and are potent factors in the solution of the knotty
problems confronting the Negro race.
Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 305
JOHN MITCHELL, JR.
Nezvsboy — Prise-Winner—"The Gamest Editor Upon the
American Continent"—President of Mechanics' Bank—
Grand Chancellor of Knights of Pythias—Member Amer¬
ican Bankers' Association.
Right in the capital of the Confederacy;, where the boys in
blue drove the boys in gray from their trenches to their Water¬
loo at Appomatox, the subject of
our sketch was born. And it was
there he was reared and educated
and to-day enjoys the distinction
of being the bravest and most suc¬
cessful newspaper editor of the
Afro-American race.
John Mitchell, Jr., was born July
11, 1863, in the city of Richmond.
His mother was a seamstress,
while his father was a coach¬
man. Young Mitchell very
early showed ambition for lead¬
ership and ability to do that which other boys consid¬
ered impossible. He was daring and absolutely fearless. He
attended the public school at an early age, and while doing so
became a waiter in a hotel owned (by a Negro-hater, named
Lynch. He later became a newsboy and sold copies of the
Evening State Journal. He was prepared for the high school
under the tutorage of Dr. A. Binga, Jr., and in 1876 entered
the Normal High School, from which he graduated at the head
of his class in June, 1881. While in the high school he drew a
306 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists.
map of Virginia, pronounced by competent judges the best pro¬
duction of the kind ever drawn by any student, white or black,
in the State. He was awarded a gold medal for the same, on
commencement day, by the Hon. A. M. Riley, then minister to
Austria. "He has since drawn a map of Yorktown, surround¬
ed by dignitaries of the Revolutionary War. It resembles the
finest steel engraving, and would be readily taken for such.
Mr. Mitchell has never received any lessons in the art and this
makes it the more surprising." He is recognized as one of the
greatest newspaper artists of any race. He is a member of the
British Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Mr. Mitchell is a great orator and debater, and while a stu¬
dent made' quick work of the boys who dared to face him in
the forum. He won a gold medal for oratory while a' student
in 1881.
It is as editor of the Planet that John Mitchell has been
most successful. He assumed the editorship of the paper on
December 5, 1884, after relinquishing the position of corre¬
spondent for the New York Freeman. And the Planet has
grown steadily in the hearts of A fro-Americans until to-day it
is. the most widely circulated paper of its kind among Negroes.
Though Mr. Mitchell is a member of the First Baptist Church,
Richmond, and has occupied many prominent positions in the
Baptist State Convention of Virginia, he uses the columns of his
paper to defend principles rather than men and creeds. He
"hews to the line, let the chips fall where they may." It mat¬
ters not whether in church, secret society or political party, he
is merciless in his denunciation of corruption. And he is
bravery personified, and has been styled "the gamest Negro
editor on the Continent." He has offered his life in defence
of innocent victims of race prejudice upon several occasions.
On February 22, 1887, the New York World said: "One of
the most daring and vigorous Negro editors' is John Mitchell,
Jr., editor of the Richmond Planet. The fact that he is a Ne¬
gro and lives in Richmond does not prevent him from being
Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 307
courageous, almost to a fault. He is a man who would walk
into the jaws of death to serve his race His
pen seems dipped in vitriol and his words are hurled with the
force of Milton's Satan, whom we find described as having
such strength that his spear, to equal which the tallest pine
' hewn on Norwegian hills to be the mast of some great admiral
were but a wand."—Simmons' "Men of Mark."
Mr. Mitchell has the largest Negro printing plant in Amer¬
ica, with the single exception of the National Baptist publish¬
ing outfit at Nashville, Tennessee. He is president of the
'Mechanics' Bank of Richmond, an institution that stood like
Gibraltar against the run caused by the failure of the True Re¬
formers' Bank in the same city a few years ago. He is the
"only Negro member of the American Bankers' Association.
Mr. Mitchell is a Pythian and is grand chancellor of that order
in the State of Virginia. May his brilliant career continue for
many* years to come and he eventually "lie down to pleasant
dreams'' as one of the world's great immortals.