HISTORY 
 
 UNITED BROTHERS&FRIENDSHII 
 
 Sisters of the Mysterious Ten. 
 
 Iff TWO PARTS. 
 
 A NEGRO ORDER. 
 
 Organized August 1, 1861, in the City of Louisville, Ky. 
 
 CONTAINING PHOTOS, SKETCHES,* AND ^NA^AJ-IVES OF THE LIVES 
 
 OF ITS 
 
 -AY 
 
 W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 LOUISVILLE, KY. 
 
 I RINTED BY THE BRADLEY & GILBERT COMPANY. 
 I8 97 . 
 
04 
 
 (COPYRIGHTED, 1897.) 
 
REV. MARSHALL W. TAYLOR, 
 
 FOUNDER. 
 
W. N. HAZELTON, 
 
 FOUNDER. 
 
 [Taken from an old daguerreotype.] 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Before giving a sketch of this history, we shall preface 
 it with reasons for performing the task, which will be of 
 interest to all of those who wish to learn of its origin, 
 and of those persons who were the originators. We be 
 lieve that this can be accomplished more to the satisfac 
 tion of the impartial reader when written by one who 
 has taken an active part in nearly all of its deliberations 
 for more than thirty years. For be it known to all 
 readers of history that more reliance is placed upon 
 those who were present and eye-witnesses to a scene 
 than to those who depend on sketches of hearsay and 
 from disinterested parties ; often the dates are conflict 
 ing and misleading views are given, causing the authen 
 ticity of the volume to be in doubt. But the principal 
 and greatest reason for this historical sketch should be 
 to place before the world the history of a Negro organ 
 ization whose growth has been unprecedented, number 
 ing its membership by thousands, its secret signs, em 
 blems, and outfits of all grades, mostly original. 
 
 Starting out as a local benevolent society, in the year 
 of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, 
 a few young men, free and slave, being desirous of im 
 proving their condition, met in a private residence in 
 the city of Louisville, Kentucky, and there organized 
 
 M125433 
 
IV PREFACE. 
 
 the benevolent society known as the United Brothers 
 of Friendship. The society grew rapidly and many were 
 added to its membership. Just at this time the Civil 
 War had begun. They had hardly been organized two 
 years before the negro was called to take up arms in 
 defense of his country by the immortal Abraham Lin 
 coln. "To Arms! To Arms!" was the cry many of 
 its members responded to the call the membership was 
 diminished, but enough remained to keep the society in 
 existence until the close of the war, when a new epoch 
 was begun. 
 
 And here let me say, while we have no discussion in 
 our ranks about our legality as an order, or from whom 
 we obtained our charter, or of our right to assemble in 
 State or National Grand bodies on account of our color, 
 we affirm that none of these questions disturb us, for we 
 have accepted the badge of distinction, and therefore 
 are not elbowing our way into any white organization ; 
 we claim to be purely Negroes and of Negro origin. 
 
 But there is one question upon which we have had 
 some discussion, and we propose to settle it in this sketch 
 in a plain and impartial manner: The question in regard 
 to who were the original organizers and the fathers of 
 the Order as it is generally applied. This, to our mind, 
 is an important question, and ought to be answered 
 truthfully, and let it be known to the present and future 
 generations who were the fathers of the Great Negro 
 Order. 
 
 By way of illustration, it is said that Columbus dis 
 covered America, but he was not called the father of 
 
PREFACE. V 
 
 his country because of discovery. It is just now at a 
 period of four hundred years that his right of discovery 
 has been acknowledged by the civilized world. Wash 
 ington, the father of his country, acquired the title from 
 the victories achieved over the enemies of the country, 
 thereby making it possible for a State and National 
 Government, with a constitution acknowledging the 
 freedom and equality of mankind. For these things he 
 was called by those who loved him and was with him 
 in the struggle for freedom, The father of his country. 
 
 In every department of life, where genius, science, 
 and other great achievements are obtained, there are 
 those who are ready to dispute with others their right 
 to their own inventive genius, and were it not for the 
 patent laws of our country the labor and time spent 
 and the royalty due them would be lost to the proper 
 and legal inventors. 
 
 Our object shall be to divide this history into tw6 
 epochs. The first giving the names of those organiz 
 ing the benevolent society, and secondly of those who 
 gave it a State and National existence a grand and 
 noble secret order, composed of male and female mem 
 bers. We shall not detract from those names who ap 
 pear conspicuous in the organization of the first epoch 
 of benevolence, but shall endeavor to give them credit 
 for the noble work performed up to the second epoch. 
 At the same time we shall give credit to those of the 
 second epoch who organized a secret order, laid the 
 foundation for statehood and National confederation, 
 which has been successfully administered by the various 
 
VI PREFACE. 
 
 State and National officers. There should be no need 
 for jealousies and bickerings, for there are but few in 
 the ranks that were in it thirty-six years ago ; hence the 
 old men have passed away, the young men become 
 their successors, and what few are left should be re 
 vered by the younger men, their deeds should be 
 forever remembered, and in death they should be ten 
 derly deposited in the tomb to await the resurrection 
 morn. 
 
 It is the pride of the Anglo-Saxon race to repeat and 
 commemorate the deeds of their fathers their biogra 
 phies are published that the world may know that such 
 individuals lived and benefited mankind. We are grati 
 fied when we read the history of several Negro orders 
 and find them presenting the names of their founders 
 and the good deeds they have accomplished for hu 
 manity. 
 
 We know that the Order of the United Brothers of 
 Friendship and Sisters of the Mysterious Ten will join 
 heartily in giving credit and honor to whom honor is 
 due. 
 
ORDER 
 
 OF THE 
 
 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP, 
 
 Organized August 1, 1861. 
 
 FIRST EPOCH. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 By the combined efforts of Marshall Taylor, Wm. N. 
 Hazelton, Charles B. Morgan, Charles Coats, Wm. Law- 
 son, Wm. Anderson, Wallace Jones, Ben Carter, and others, 
 the Benevolent Society of the United Brothers of Friendship 
 was organized, in the city of Louisville, Ky. Its aim and 
 object is set forth in the following preamble: 
 
 "We invite you, one and all, that are friends of human 
 ity you that wish to advance Benevolence and Christian 
 ity to come and unite with us in our effort to create a 
 system of harmony and friendship; not the empty title of 
 friends, but of friends in need and friends in deed, for 
 with the help of God we never intend to cease our efforts in 
 this good cause until death intervenes or our great object of 
 Friendship is accomplished." 
 
 The society grew rapidly among the young men for two 
 years, though it came into existence coeval with the "Re 
 bellion " of the Southern States against the Government of 
 the United States. Here their progress was interrupted by 
 
UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 a call to arms. There were many patriotic hearts beating 
 for freedom, and from this society a large number responded 
 by enlisting in the United States Army. The ranks of the 
 society were depleted by this call and enlistment, but a rem 
 nant was left to perpetuate the United Brothers of Friend 
 ship. 
 
 The regular order of business was conducted by those 
 officers who remained, the sick were ministered to, the dead 
 were buried, and correspondence was kept up with the sol 
 dier, boys. 
 
 The war was closed in 1865, "Peace was declared" many 
 returned home, others paid for our liberties with their blood, 
 their bodies remaining on the battle-fields and filling a soldier s 
 grave; others located in different States and Territories and 
 never returned. The return of the soldier boys was a joyful 
 meeting; receptions and barbecues; their mothers, wives, 
 and families vied with each other in the Grand Jubilee. 
 
 At the stated meetings of the society many renewed their 
 membership, but things had changed; the organization began 
 with free and slave members, now all were free men. After 
 consultation it was found necessary to inaugurate a new sys 
 tem of management. There were some complications that 
 required mature consideration. At this juncture a leader 
 was wanted. Marshall Taylor, George Taylor, Asbury Tay 
 lor, Charles Coats, Wm. Anderson. Wallace Jones, Wm. N. 
 Hazelton, and Ben Carter were pupils of W. H. Gibson, 
 Sr. He taught day and night school at Quinn Chapel (A. 
 M. E. Church). These young men, who were members of 
 this society, prevailed on Bro. Gibson to join them, as he 
 had more experience in society work than any of them. 
 Finally he accepted the invitation and became a member. 
 He was made Secretary. All the books and papers were 
 
FIRST KPOCH. 9 
 
 turned over to him for adjustment. For three weeks or more 
 he was engaged in this work, for the books were considerably 
 out of balance, there being a large amount of back dues and 
 a number of promissory notes uncollected. He recommended 
 that the features of the Order be changed, and that it be 
 chartered by the Legislature. He wrote the charter himself, 
 stating about what they wanted. The brethren appointed a 
 committee, a lawyer revised, prepared, and presented it to 
 the Legislature, and a charter was granted February 7, 1868. 
 
 CHARTER. 
 
 INSTITUTED AUGUST I, 1 86 1. 
 
 SECTION i. That William W. Jones, William H. Lawson, 
 William N. Hazelton, Charles Coats, and William Ander 
 son, and their associates, be, and they are hereby created, a 
 body politic and corporate, by the name and style of the 
 Grand Lodge of the United Brothers of Friendship, of the 
 State of Kentucky; and they, with their associates and suc 
 cessors, shall so continue, and have perpetual succession ; 
 and by that name are hereby made capable in law, as natural 
 persons, to sue and be sued, to plead and be impleaded, to 
 contract and be contracted with, to answer and be answered 
 in all courts of law and equity in this Commonwealth and 
 elsewhere ; to make, have, and use a common seal, and the 
 same to break, alter, or amend at pleasure. They may make 
 and ordain such regulations and by-laws, for their govern 
 ment, as from time to time they may deem proper, and may 
 change and renew the same at pleasure ; Provided, they be 
 not in contravention of the Constitution of the United States 
 or of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 
 
 SEC. 2. Said corporation shall have the right to purchase 
 and hold a suitable lot or lots in the city of Louisville, or 
 elsewhere in this Commonwealth ; to erect such buildings as 
 may be wanted for the use of the Grand Lodge and such 
 subordinate lodges of the United Brothers of Friendship as 
 
10 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 are now in existence, or may be hereafter created in said city 
 or elsewhere in the limits of said Commonwealth. 
 
 SEC. 3. Said corporation shall have power to raise money, 
 by subscription or borrowing, to any amount not exceeding 
 thirty thousand dollars, and lay the same out as specified in 
 section two. 
 
 SEC. 4. Said corporation shall have power to sell or other 
 wise dispose of the ground acquired by virtue of this act, or 
 any portion thereof, provided they deem the same neces 
 sary. 
 
 SEC. 5. Within thirty days after the passage of this act, 
 the corporators herein named, or a majority of them, shall 
 call a meeting, at a convenient time and place, in the city of 
 Louisville, and give due notice thereof to the residue, and 
 at such meeting shall adopt such permanent regulations as 
 the majority may deem proper. 
 
 SEC. 6. Said Grand Lodge shall not have or execute any 
 power or privilege not herein expressly granted ; and the 
 Legislature reserves the right to amend, modify, or repeal 
 this act; but the repeal shall not dispossess the said Grand 
 Lodge of the property and effects acquired and held under 
 this charter. 
 
 SEC. 7. Each and every subordinate lodge of the United 
 Brothers of Friendship now organized, or which may here 
 after be organized, under the jurisdiction of the Grand 
 Lodge, shall be a body politic and corporate, by the name 
 and style stated in the charter granted to them by the said 
 Grand Lodge, and shall be vested by all the powers and 
 privileges given by this act to the said Grand Lodge, not in 
 consistent with said charter, and subject to like limitations 
 and restriction, so long as they continue to hold a regular 
 and unforfeited charter from said Grand Lodge. 
 
 SEC. 8. It shall be the duty of the corporators herein 
 named, and their associates, to appoint a Board of Managers, 
 consisting of five members of the Grand Lodge, whose duty 
 it shall be to take charge of the fiscal concerns of said cor 
 poration, a majority of whom shall constitute a quorum to do 
 business. 
 
 Approved February 7, 1868. 
 
FIRST EPOCH. II 
 
 The charter having been obtained, it was necessary to 
 organize lodges under it, Bro. Gibson being authorized to 
 correspond with societies and individuals for that purpose. 
 It will be noticed that it was three years before the charter 
 was operative, but during the interval correspondence was 
 opened with parties desirous of being organized under it, 
 and favorable responses received. 
 
 The name "United Brothers of Friendship" was adopted 
 by the Benevolent Society of Louisville, Ky. It may be 
 proper here to state that many societies and organizations 
 in this and in other States were known by this name, or a 
 portion of it, at least. Some were called the Friendship 
 Benevolent, some Friendship Brothers, others United Broth 
 ers, United Fellows, Church of the United Brothers, etc., 
 but none of them had any connection whatever with the 
 United Brothers of Friendship. Whenever we heard of a 
 society by this name we opened up correspondence, and 
 also with societies of different names, proposing to them a 
 united body under this charter. Our efforts were crowned 
 with success at the expiration of three years, and we were 
 enabled to call a State convention and organize a State Grand 
 Lodge April 10, 1871. 
 
 With this correspondence closed the first epoch with a 
 grand future looming up before us the inauguration of an 
 incorporate body the foundation of a State and National 
 confederation of lodges, instead of a local society the uni 
 fication of a grand and noble order of Negro representatives, 
 hailing from every section of this nation. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL. 
 
 MARSHALL TAYLOR was born a slave in Lexington, Ky. 
 There were three brothers, Marshall, George, and Asbury. 
 
12 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 They attended my school, and were studious and naturally 
 given to literary pursuits. Marshall attached himself to the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church in his early youth. He studied 
 for the ministry, and became a prominent minister in that 
 denomination. His brother, George, was quite a society man 
 also, his labor being devoted to the Masonic fraternity, and 
 by his zeal and proficiency he passed through all the degrees, 
 was elected Grand Master of the State of Kentucky, served 
 as Grand Commander of the Sir Knights, and also a mem 
 ber of the Consistory. Asbury was rather eccentric, but of a 
 religious frame of mind. He was of the Evangelist view, 
 and was not particularly connected with any denomination. 
 He traveled extensively through the North and the Canadas, 
 preaching, lecturing, writing, and composing hymns and 
 poems. He is yet alive. Marshall was offered for the office 
 of Bishop at the General Conference that met in Cincinnati, 
 ()., 1 8 , but he was defeated, the white brethren refusing 
 to vote for a colored Bishop, deeming it unnecessary in their 
 connection at this time. He was elected, at that conference, 
 editor of the Southwestern Advocate, printed at New Or 
 leans. The paper was very ably edited by him for several 
 years, until his health failed, when he removed to Indianap 
 olis, and died there in 1889. His remains were brought to 
 Louisville for interment. We witnessed his funeral. He had 
 no affiliation with the Order, having left it a few years after 
 it was organized. I conversed with him after we became a 
 National body, and he said that his church relations were so 
 urgent that he could not devote his time to the Order, but 
 saying that we had his best wishes for its success. George 
 died a few years later. He was an Episcopalian, and was 
 buried with the honors of Masonry and the funeral rites of 
 that church. 
 
FIRST EPOCH. 13 
 
 WM. N. HAZELTON was freeborn in Baltimore, Md., 
 brought to Kentucky by his uncle, David Wells, and edu 
 cated. We were personally acquainted with him. He was 
 of a quiet temperament, but very decisive in his dealings 
 with his fellow-men ; he was also a Christian, and his chief 
 desire was to be doing something; his heart seemed to be 
 centered on the society, and how he could best enhance its 
 usefulness. He died in 1869, before the charter became 
 operative. His funeral was largely attended by the U. B. F. 
 
 CHARLES COATS was born a slave. He was of a peculiar 
 temperament. He was what we term a zealous Christian, 
 very active and out-spoken in his views on any subject. He 
 was a faithful attendant to the sick, and for many years our 
 Chaplain. His prayers around the sick bed of the brethren 
 were fervent and consoling. He was one of the charter 
 members who lived to see the second epoch of the society, 
 and participated in the organization of the State Grand 
 Lodge under the charter. 
 
 W. H. LAWSON, freeborn, in Maysville, Ky. , is the only 
 surviving charter member and organizer. His services to 
 the Order have been invaluable. He has figured in all of 
 the departments of the Order. He has codified our laws, 
 improved our secret work, formulated odes and various 
 services, has been the orginator of many signs and emblems, 
 and was our chief regalia manufacturer and banner-maker for 
 many years. He has lived to fill all the important offices 
 in the Order; also served in the army, and has an honor 
 able discharge. 
 
 WALLACE JONES was a faithful and zealous member of the 
 society. He did not live to see his desires accomplished as 
 a charter member. He was afflicted with a lingering disease, 
 terminating in death, dying at the residence of his former 
 
14 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 master, on Fourth Avenue. The funeral services were per 
 formed on a Sunday afternoon, the society turning out in its 
 full strength. A large concourse of people witnessed them. 
 WM. ANDERSON was also an active member in the early 
 stages of the society, and his name is recorded with the 
 charter members ; but he became inactive before the organ 
 ization under the charter, and he never returned. He died 
 out of our ranks. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 FORMATION OF A STATE GRAND LODGE. 
 
 Pursuant to a call, the United Brothers of Friendship 
 assembled in Quinn Chapel (A. M. E. Church), April 10, 
 1871, at 2 o clock P. M. 
 
 Wm. H. Gibson, Sr. , was elected Chairman, pro tern., 
 and H. P. Gains, Secretary, pro tern. 
 
 Prayer by Rev. Greenup Cooper. 
 
 The Committee on Credentials appointed and reported 
 the following representatives: Bros. Oliver Chambers, Alex. 
 Williams, H. P. Gains, Lexington, Ky. ; Richard Courtney, 
 Porter Filly, Simpsonville, Ky. ; W. H. Russell, H. J. 
 Graves, Henry Jones, Shelbyville, Ky. ; Wm. H. Gibson, 
 Sr., M. J. Davis, J. H. Taylor, Wm. Smith, Charles Coats, 
 J. T. Hudson, W. T. Tallefaro, Louisville, Ky. ; N. B. Stone, 
 Geo. Russell, Bloomfield, Ky. ; Sandford Thomas, Greenup 
 Cooper, New Castle, Ky. ; B. F. Crampton, W. T. Dixon, 
 Stradford Straus, Henry Mars, John Bryant, Frankfort, Ky. 
 
 Independent Sons of Honor Moses Yancy, George Buck- 
 ner, Jas. Graves, Wm. Dorsey, Wm. Smith. 
 
 United Fellows W. H. Lawson. 
 
 The Committee on Permanent Organization reported the 
 following: Wm. H. Gibson, Sr. , President; B. F. Cramp- 
 ton, Vice President; H. P. Gains, Secretary; W. T. Tal 
 lefaro, Assistant Secretary; T. S. Baxter, Treasurer; Geo. 
 F. Buckner, Sergeant-at-arms; W. H. Lawson, Secretary of 
 Committee. 
 
1 6 UNITED BROTHERS OE FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 The Convention being organized permanently, the busi 
 ness was stated by the Chairman, committees were appointed, 
 and the wheels of progress put in motion aside from such 
 business incident to such assemblies. The charter was read. 
 The articles of agreement were presented by the committee. 
 
 ARTICLE i. Resolved, That all Benevolent Societies form 
 ing a union under the Grand Lodge of the United Brothers 
 of Friendship shall maintain all the rights originally held by 
 them under their subordinate constitutions, except such as 
 may be delegated through their representatives. 
 
 ART. 2. Resolved, That an equality of representatives 
 shall be granted to all subordinate lodges who may, during 
 this convention, or hereafter, sign the articles of agreement 
 or confederation. 
 
 ART. 3. Resolved, That each lodge shall sign the Grand 
 Lodge Constitution, otherwise they will not be considered as 
 forming a part of this union. 
 
 ART. 4. Resolved, That each subordinate lodge will use 
 its best exertions towards having our Order introduced in the 
 adjacent counties throughout the State. 
 
 ART. 5. Resolved, That these articles of agreement may 
 be revised or amended from time to time at the meetings of 
 the General Convention. 
 
 These five articles, which comprise chiefly the articles 
 of agreement, are the bed rock or foundation of this New 
 Epoch, including Article 5 of the Constitution, which reads 
 as follows : 
 
 "The powers of this Grand Lodge are vested in the 
 charter granted by the Legislature ; with it lies the power to 
 enact laws and regulations for the government of the sub 
 ordinate lodges, to alter and repeal laws, and hear appeals 
 from subordinates and individual brethren when such appeals 
 are made to the Grand Lodge ; also to secure and purchase 
 property for the benefit of the Order. 
 

 J. H. TAYLOR, 
 
 P. G. 1 ., KY. 
 
E. W. MARSHALL, 
 
 SEC. G. L. KY. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 17 
 
 These being duly considered by the Convention they were 
 signed and approved by all the lodges represented, except 
 two, the Independent Sons of Honor and the United Fel 
 lows. 
 
 With some preliminaries, and the election of officers for 
 the ensuing year, the First Convention and organization of 
 the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, United Brothers of Friend 
 ship, adjourned sine die. 
 
 Resolved to meet in Frankfort, Ky., in 1872. 
 
 The title of the presiding officer was styled Grand Chief. 
 
 The following officers were elected to serve one year : 
 
 Wm. H. Gibson, Sr. , Grand Chief; B. J. Crampton, Vice 
 Grand Chief; T. S. Baxter, Grand Secretary; H. P. Gains, 
 Assistant Grand Secretary; A. W. Williams, Grand Treas 
 urer; J. H. Taylor, Grand Pilot; Chas. Coats, Grand Chap 
 lain; O. Chambers, Grand Marshal; M. J. Davis, S. Straus, 
 W. H. Russell, W. T. Dixon, Richard Courtney, Grand 
 Councilmen. 
 
 LABOR AFTER THE ORGANIZATION OF THE STATE GRAND 
 LODGE OUR FIRST EFFORT. 
 
 The State Grand Lodge having been organized, our duties 
 were of great responsibility. By the suffrage of that body 
 we were made the leaders to build up an institution in the 
 State which had occupied only a local position. Many visits 
 and communications were expected ; special visits and special 
 instructions were enjoined upon the Grand Chief (as he was 
 then called). We sallied out from Louisville to organize, 
 trusting in God, knowing that our cause was a just one. for 
 just about that time it was perilous in some parts of the State 
 in regard to meetings of our people. It was during the 
 
l8 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 reign of " Ku-Kluxism ; " hence we moved carefully about 
 the business, as a stranger in a community was spotted by 
 the "klan." 
 
 Our annual report will tell with what success. We quote 
 the following from the report of 1873 : 
 
 "Brethren This being our second annual meeting, we 
 congratulate you on the progress made. We should be 
 encouraged. When we formed this lodge, ten lodges were 
 represented; at our second meeting, fourteen, and at our 
 third, twenty-one. Our increase has been a wholesome one. 
 Go on in the good work, and before another year we hope 
 that in every county in the State we will have lodges organ 
 ized. Letters from the States of Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, 
 Iowa, Indiana, and Mississippi have been received, inquiring 
 into the workings of our Order, and expressing an earnest 
 desire to form a union with us, and if consistent to obtain a 
 charter from this body ; but as our charter privileges confine 
 us to this State, I have instructed them, and proposed a Na 
 tional Convention of United Brothers of Friendship Lodges 
 for the purpose of considering these questions pertaining to 
 a Grand Union of all the Lodges." 
 
 This subject I would most especially and respectfully 
 recommend for your consideration. 
 
 It will be seen from reading the quotations from the fourth 
 annual report that this matter received due consideration. 
 
 Charters have been granted the following lodges : Cali 
 fornia, Louisville, Ky. ; Sharpsburg, Ky. , Slickaway, Ky.. 
 Wilsonville, Ky., Carlisle, Ky., Chaplin, Ky., Beach Fork, 
 Ky., Trigg Furnace, Ky. ; also applications from Hopkins- 
 ville and Bardstown, Kv. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 19 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 RESOLUTIONS SUSTAINING THE RECOMMENDATION OF GRAND 
 
 LODGE OF KENTUCKY QUOTATIONS FROM THIRD ANNUAL 
 
 SESSION. LEXINGTON. 
 
 By B. J. Crampton : 
 
 WHEREAS, We have in our midst representatives from 
 Indiana, over which State our present charter gives no juris 
 diction ; therefore, be it 
 
 Resolved, That the chair appoint a Judiciary Committee 
 of three to consider and devise some means by which we 
 may effect a union of all the lodges of said State, claiming to 
 be United Brothers of Friendship, and those of other States. 
 
 Resolved, That the New Albany delegation be considered 
 a part of this assembly and have the same privileges of our 
 State until the question relating to said lodge be settled. 
 
 Resolutions adopted. 
 
 D. A. Walker, J. T. Hudson, and N. P. Greenup were 
 appointed as the Judiciary Committee. 
 
 JUDICIARY COMMITTEE. 
 
 The legality of the lodges organized under our charter in 
 Indiana was tested in a suit entered against one of our tem 
 ples, of which Sister Patsie Hart was Princess. The court 
 decided that the charter from Kentucky was a legal docu 
 ment, and that, as subordinates under that charter, they had 
 a right to assemble and transact business. 
 
 On another occasion, Edwin Horn, a member of Evans- 
 ville Lodge, who was also our first National Grand Secretary, 
 was appointed to consult an eminent jurist in reference to a 
 National Charter for our National Grand Lodge. Judge 
 Walter Q. Gresham informed him that " it was not necessary 
 in order to make our proceedings legal, as each Grand 
 Lodge was chartered by the State in which it resided." 
 
20 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 By the Judiciary Committee : 
 
 Resolved, That we call a National Convention of all the 
 United Brothers of Friendship in the United States for the 
 purpose of forming a grand consolidation of all the societies 
 claiming to be United Brothers of Friendship, that a National 
 Grand Lodge may be formed, said Convention to be called 
 as early as practicable. 
 
 OBJECTION TO A SECRET ORDER. 
 
 By B. J. Crampton : 
 
 WHEREAS, That the Order of United Brothers of Friend 
 ship, to all intents and purposes, is a purely benevolent 
 organization ; and 
 
 WHEREAS, Our object is to reach down to those of our 
 race in the lowest state of degradation and ignorance and 
 raise them up to the common level of manhood ; and 
 
 WHEREAS, We believe that the introduction of grips and 
 other signs of recognition into our Order (thereby resolving 
 ourselves into a secret organization) will be a great barrier 
 to our Order as above set forth. 
 
 Resolved, That the resolutions pertaining to said signs of 
 recognition be finally dropped. 
 
 Resolution adopted. 
 
 It will be seen from this resolution that the brethren at 
 this, session were not prepared for a secret order. This 
 matter was discussed from the time of the first Convention, 
 through our subordinate and State Grand Lodge meetings, 
 and by communications from sister States, with its consum 
 mation in the years A. D. eighteen hundred and seventy- 
 five and seventy-six. 
 
 [NOTE Second Annual Grand Lodge did not meet, on account ol 
 small-pox, at Frankfort, the place of meeting.] 
 
 QUOTATIONS FROM THE FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT. 
 
 "The number of lodges in the city of Louisville now 
 number five. A growing feeling has been manifested to in- 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 21 
 
 troduce into our lodges secret signs of recognition, a matter 
 that has been before the Grand Lodge before. We would 
 recommend that some action be taken on the subject. 
 
 " We were compelled to call an extra meeting of all the 
 lodges in the city of Louisville in February, with the Grand 
 Council and Past officers, for the reason that a spirit of insub 
 ordination was manifested by several members of the Grand 
 Council in calling a public meeting in the city for the pur 
 pose of introducing signs of recognition into the Order 
 against my proclamation forbidding the meeting, and for 
 holding correspondence with officers of a sister State Grand 
 Lodge, making proposals for them to come into our State 
 and interfere with the officers in our jurisdiction and favored 
 charter rights. The meeting called by us was largely at 
 tended ; and in order that these refractory brethren might 
 be allayed until the meeting of the Grand Lodge, we com 
 municated to that meeting all the correspondence that we 
 then had in our possession which was the property and the 
 business of this Grand Lodge, and by doing so the brethren 
 were convinced that we were faithfully discharging the duties 
 that this Grand Lodge intrusted to us. Since then, we be 
 lieve that general satisfaction has existed. 
 
 " On the 1 6th of March we called an extra session of the 
 Grand Lodge. The object of the meeting was to consider 
 the date and place of meeting for the National Convention, a 
 proposition having been received from St. Louis, Mo., ten 
 dering that city for the meeting. The following lodges were 
 represented : Friendship, California, St. James, St. Peter, 
 St. Matthews, Frankfort, Shelbyville, and Lexington. 
 
 " Brethren, we have briefly stated the transactions of our 
 societies during the interval of the Grand Lodge, which we 
 hope will meet your approval. 
 
 "There will be an extra amount of business for this Grand 
 Lodge to transact on account of the coming Convention in 
 July next, and here let me say, that the foreign correspond 
 ence from several Grand Lodges and subordinates, received 
 during the year, I will now have read, by your permission. 
 
 "Correspondence read from Brownville, Mo., St. Louis, 
 Mo. (5), Boonville, Mo. (2), Natchez, Miss., Austin, Tex 
 
22 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 (4), Arkansas, Keokuk, Iowa (2), Paducah, Ky. , Covington, 
 Ky. (4), Warren County, Mo., Replies No. 10, 12, 18. 
 
 "Committee on Correspondence recommended all sub 
 ordinate lodges, with their Grand Lodges, to meet in Louis 
 ville on the 2oth of July next in National Convention, where 
 we anticipate a happy reunion of sentiment and a permanent 
 foundation built for our Order throughout these United 
 States. 
 
 "Lodges chartered during the year, viz. : St. James, St. 
 Matthews, Moorefield, Paris, Georgetown, and Covington." 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 FIRST NATIONAL CONVENTION UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIEND 
 SHIP, ASSEMBLED IN LOUISVILLE, KY. , IN THE SEVENTH 
 STREET HALL (NOW THE ARMORY), JULY 2O, 1875. 
 
 Pursuant to call the Convention assembled. The Grand 
 Chief of the State, Wm. H. Gibson, Sr., called the Con 
 vention to order and stated its object. 
 
 On motion, Wm. H. Gibson, Sr. , was elected Tempo 
 rary Chairman, and H. P. Gains, of Lexington, Tempo 
 rary Secretary. 
 
 A Committee of seven on Credentials was appointed, 
 viz. : Bros. J. H. Rector, St. Louis, Mo. ; W. H. Russell, 
 Shelbyville, Ky. ; Boyd, of Indiana ; Been, of Texas; A. 
 Washington, of Iowa; Peters and McClosky, of Kentucky. 
 J. H. Taylor and T. Henderson, proxy for Arkansas. 
 
 LODGES REPRESENTED. 
 
 Taylorsville Lodge, J. A. Herron and Nathaniel Mathews ; 
 Wilsonville Lodge, D. S. Miles and Jos. Richardson; Falls 
 City Lodge, Daniel McElroy and Ed. Bowen; St. Peter 
 Lodge, W. H. Jones, Wm. Peters, and W. Hunt; Fairfield 
 Lodge, C. H. Johnson, L. Hughes, and L. Lewis; Coving- 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 23 
 
 ton Lodge, C. Goins, J. W. Hillman, and J. Conner; Chap 
 lin Lodge, R. Morrison, B. McMicken, and Geo. Harrison; 
 St. Matthews Lodge, R. Harris, J. Smith, and Ed. Butler; 
 Good Samaritan Lodge, W. Stuban; Moorefield Lodge, T. 
 Jones, W. H. Metcalf, and Geo. Davis; Bloomfield Lodge, 
 Geo. Russell, R. W. McClosky, and P. P. Shaw ; Maysville 
 Lodge, J. H. Nates; California Lodge, J. Dandridge, J. 
 Gaddy, and H. Harris; Lexington Lodge, H. P. Gains and 
 H. J. Ferguson; Friendship Lodge, Robert Fox, W. H. 
 Lawson, and E. P. Brannan; Charity Lodge, A. Williams, 
 B. J. Crampton, and F. W. Woolfork; St. James Lodge, J. 
 Montgomery, H. C. Parker, and J. H. Logan ; Scott Lodge, 
 Z. H. Shores and C. Smith; Excelsior Lodge, B. Tyler; 
 Owensboro Lodge, J. A. Fields and Morton; Sharpsburg 
 Lodge, Lewis and Clemmon ; Hardinsburg Lodge, L. C. 
 Hamilton. 
 
 MISSOURI. Moberly Lodge, No. 9, J. H. Rector, proxy; 
 Owsley Lodge, J. M. Richardson ; Macon Lodge, C. H. 
 Tandy ; St. John Lodge, J. H. Rector, proxy. 
 
 TEXAS. Austin Lodge, J. Been; Brenham Lodge, Galves- 
 ton Lodge, and Fisherville Lodge, J. Been, proxy. 
 
 ARKANSAS. Arkansas Lodge, J. H. Taylor and J. T. 
 Hudson, proxy. 
 
 IOWA. Keokuk Lodge, Archy Washington. 
 
 INDIANA. St. Luke Lodge, J. S. Boyd, J. Harrison, and 
 Stephen Douglass. 
 
 The Committee on Permanent Organization reported the 
 following officers : 
 
 J. H. Rector, of St. Louis, Mo., President. 
 
 J. H. Taylor, of Louisville, Ky., Vice President. 
 
 C. Goins, of Covington, Ky. , Secretary. 
 
 J. Fields, of Owensboro, Ky., Assistant Secretary. 
 
24 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 The following important resolutions were adopted at this 
 meeting : 
 
 WHEREAS, The society known as the United Brothers of 
 Friendship, established in 1861, for benevolent purposes, has 
 met the most earnest expectations of its founders in its cir 
 culation of principles, the accession of members, and the 
 organization of lodges first in the State of Kentucky, 
 then reaching into other States, thereby showing its useful 
 ness; and, whereas, the several lodges of Kentucky, Mis 
 souri, and Texas, with other subordinate lodges, have issued 
 a proclamation for this Convention, the object of which is to 
 form a more perfect union of the Brotherhood ; therefore, be it 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention adopt a system of signs, 
 grips, and tokens of recognition, whereby the brethren of 
 the Order may be known throughout the United States of 
 America. 
 
 Resolved, That, whereas this Convention has accomplished 
 the purposes for which it was called, viz. : to form a more 
 perfect union of the Brotherhood, and also the introduction 
 of signs, grips, and pass-words of universal recognition, and 
 for the purpose of drafting a constitution that will meet the 
 demands of each and every State Grand Lodge working un 
 der the jurisdiction of the Order, we do adjourn, to meet in 
 St. Louis, Mo., one year hence. 
 
 A grand procession was formed on the last day of the 
 Convention and paraded the principle streets of the city. 
 Speeches were made at night by delegates chosen for the 
 occasion. The ladies spread refreshments, consisting of all 
 the delicacies of the season. 
 
 C. H. Tandy, orator, assisted by J. H. Taylor, J. H. Rec 
 tor, and others. Their speeches tended greatly towards cre 
 ating a sentiment that riveted the action of the Convention 
 and encouraged many to apply to our local lodges for mem 
 bership. 
 
C. II. TANDY, 
 
 Missouri. 
 P. N. D. G. M. 
 
papM 
 
 J. H. RECTOR, 
 
 Missouri. 
 
 P. N. C. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 25 
 
 FOSTER. 
 
 After the adjournment of the Convention held in 1875, at 
 Louisville, Ky. , we received a visit from a gentleman by the 
 name of Foster. He introduced himself as a brother hail 
 ing from Little Rock, Arkansas, stating that a club had been 
 organized for a lodge of United Brothers of Friendship, and 
 that he had been sent to inquire into its workings. We gave 
 him such information as we thought necessary. He remained 
 in our city for several days and, we learned, borrowed money 
 from some parties, and that was the last of him, until we 
 heard of him in Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana, 
 claiming to be the authorized agent or organizer for the 
 LTnited Brothers of Friendship, collecting money for sup 
 plies, regalias, pins, etc., to the amount of hundreds of dol 
 lars, always in advance, and the goods never arrived. Hence 
 our trip to those States, after a continual solicitation, to ferret 
 out these matters. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 THE MISSOURI CONVENTION OF 1876, PURSUANT TO THE CALL 
 OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION OF 1875. 
 
 The Convention of 1875 adjourned to meet in St. Louis, 
 Mo., Monday, July 24, 1876. 
 
 J. H. Rector, of Mo., called the meeting to order and 
 stated the object. 
 
 J. H. Rector was chosen Temporary Chairman, and W. T. 
 Coleman, of Kentucky, Temporary Secretary. 
 
 A Committee on Permanent Organization, Committee on 
 Credentials, and Committee on Rules were appointed. 
 
 In the absence of these committees the Convention was 
 addressed by the following named gentlemen and brothers : 
 
26 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 W. R. Vanburen, Texas; J. T. Amos, Indiana; W. H. Gib 
 son, Sr. , Kentucky, and F. W. Washington, Indiana. 
 
 The Committee on Permanent Organization reported the 
 following, who were elected : 
 
 W. H. Gibson, Sr. , Kentucky, President. 
 
 C. H. Tandy, Missouri, Vice President. 
 
 E. C. Wood, Kentucky, Secretary. 
 
 B. S. Alpine, Missouri, First Assistant Secretary. 
 
 E. F. Horn, Indiana, Second Assistant Secretary. 
 
 W. H. Gilbert, Missouri, Chaplain. 
 
 W. L. Bailey, Kentucky, Reporter. 
 
 The Committee on Credentials made the following report, 
 which was adopted : 
 
 ROLL OF STATES. 
 
 ARKANSAS. J. H. Rector, proxy for Steele Lodge. 
 
 ILLINOIS. Steven Lodge, No. 7, of Sparta, F. M. Bar 
 tholomew; Circle Lodge, No. 8, of Alton, W. H. E. Ellis- 
 worth; Monroe Lodge, No. 4, of Cairo, James Thomas. 
 
 INDIANA. Asbury Lodge, No. i, of Evansville, E. F. 
 Horn; Washington Lodge, No. 2, Chas. Asbury, F. D. Mor 
 ton, and R. Nichols. 
 
 IOWA. Washington Lodge, No. i, of Keokuk, Archy 
 Washington. 
 
 KENTUCKY. Henderson Lodge, No. 3, Elijah Ash and 
 J. T. Amos; W. H. Gibson, Sr. , proxy for Fairneld Lodge, 
 No. ii, Lexington Lodge, No. 5, Lexington Lodge, No. 6; 
 Friendship Lodge, No. i, Louisville, E. P. Brannan, R. C. 
 Fox, and W. T. Coleman ; Falls City Lodge, No. 41, W. 
 L. Johnson; Owensboro Lodge, No. 7, J. A. Fields and 
 G. Alexander; St. Paul Lodge, No. , J. H. Burbridge ; 
 Hazelton Lodge, No. 45, W. N. Spalding, S. Stone, and 
 E. C. Wood; Green Lodge, No. 47, J. H. Brown; Cali 
 fornia Lodge, No. 12, H. Harris; St. James Lodge, No. 21, 
 Wm. Smith; Sharpsburg Lodge, No. 33, by proxy; Golden 
 Rule Lodge, No. 37, W. L. Bailey ; St. Mathews Lodge, 
 No. 32, L. H. Williams; Sumner Lodge, No. 52, A. Mar- 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 27 
 
 tin; St. Peter s Lodge, No. 22, R. Letcher; Carthagenian 
 Lodge, No. 50, D. Williams; Gaines Lodge, No. 46, T. M. 
 Brown ; Lebanon Lodge, No. 53, W. H. Gibson, Jr., proxy; 
 Bloomfield Lodge, No. 5, Chaplin Lodge, No. 14, W. H. 
 Gibson, Sr. , proxy. 
 
 OHIO. Smith Lodge, No. i, Cincinnati, C. J. Burkley, Jr. 
 
 MISSOURI. Steel Lodge, No. 8, J. Fields and J. Harris; 
 Rockport Lodge, No. 47, and Macon City Lodge, No. 6, R. 
 S. Cox and B. S. Alpine; Moberly Lodge, No. 9, B. F. Bush, 
 Chas. Bartlett, and W. H. Thompson; Kirkwood Lodge, No. 
 12, F. W. N. Carter, S. Renfro, and H. Johnson; Webb 
 Lodge, No. 16, F. Brown, proxy; Owsley Lodge, No. 3, 
 Ashley Lodge, No. 4, F. Brown, proxy; Scott Lodge, No. 
 i, G. W. Bryant, F. Hardy, and A. Payne; Hannibal Lodge, 
 No. 3, O. H. Webb, proxy; Monroe Lodge, No. 2, David 
 Urland ; Parris Lodge, No. 1 1, John Taylor and O. H. Webb, 
 proxy ; Palmyra Lodge, No. 6, O. H. Webb, proxy. 
 
 TEXAS. Austin Lodge, No. i, W. B. Vanburen ; Bren- 
 ham Lodge, No. 2, Galveston Lodge, No. 3, Fishville Lodge, 
 No. 4, Liberty Lodge, No. 5, Belmont Lodge, No. 6, In 
 dustry Lodge, No. 7, Bryan Lodge, No. 8, Harrisburg Lodge, 
 No. 9, W. B. Vanburen, proxy. 
 
 The Convention being regularly organized, a Business 
 Committee was appointed, as follows : J. H. Rector, R. C. 
 Fox, Robert Harris, Jas. Thomas, J. H. Taylor, Wm. Spald- 
 ing, F. Brown, A. Washington, C. Bartlett. 
 
 The following resolution was offered and passed: 
 
 WHEREAS, There exists two factions of the United Broth 
 ers of Friendship in this Convention ; therefore, be it 
 
 Resolved, That each representative in this Convention 
 pledge himself to abide by the decision of this Convention, 
 and adhere to the enactments of the same. 
 
 RESOLUTIONS OF BUSINESS COMMITTEE. 
 
 WHEREAS, A National Convention of United Brothers of 
 Friendship is called to convene in the city of St. Louis, Mo., 
 on the 24th of July, 1876; and, 
 
28 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 WHEREAS, The object of the Convention is to perfect the 
 reunion that was formed last year in the city of Louisville, 
 Ky., by the States of Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Iowa, Ken 
 tucky, and Indiana ; and, 
 
 WHEREAS, Much good has been accomplished in this 
 State by the said union, and by the introduction of signs, 
 grips, and pass-words ; therefore, be it 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of the representatives of 
 our lodges throughout the State, that each State should form 
 a Grand Lodge as soon as three subordinate lodges are formed 
 and chartered. 
 
 Resolved, That it is also the opinion of the representatives 
 of this State, that an act of incorporation should be obtained 
 by each State Grand Lodge. 
 
 The Business Committee reported the following : 
 
 We carefully examined the two works presented, and we 
 find that the first degree of W. H. Gibson, Sr. , and Frank 
 Washington s are so much alike that we accept Bro. Gibson s 
 first degree, and further recommend the second and third 
 degree of Missouri Grand Lodge, with some amendments. 
 
 By Smith Lodge, of Cincinnati, O. : 
 
 Resolved, That a book be compiled containing all the 
 work of the United Brothers of Friendship, viz. : Rules, 
 regulations of lodges, lectures, oath, Mysterious Ten, hymns, 
 funeral ceremonies, the duty of every officer, and form of 
 petition. 
 
 By the Business Committee : 
 
 WHEREAS, There are ladies connected with both branches 
 of the Order as it previously existed; and, 
 
 WHEREAS, We, in this Convention, have consolidated, 
 and we desire this bond of union to include the ladies ; 
 therefore, be it 
 
 Resolved, That the union that is formed between us, be 
 formed between them (the ladies). Be it further 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 29 
 
 Resolved, That as the degrees are in possession of the 
 ladies of Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, and Kentucky, that they 
 be, together with the title, "LADIES TEMPLE," adopted for 
 the ladies now belonging to or related to the Order through 
 out the United States; and be it further 
 
 Resolved, That the Committee on Degrees be furnished 
 with the work of the different temples, and write them, so 
 that all may have the same work. 
 
 RULES SUSPENDED. 
 
 The following resolution was offered by J. T. Amos and 
 J. Burbridge, of Kentucky: 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention, before its adjournment, 
 shall organize itself into a National Grand Lodge, the officers 
 of which shall be as follows : A National Grand Master, Na 
 tional Deputy Grand Master, National Grand Secretary, As 
 sistant National Grand Secretary, National Grand Treasurer, 
 two National Grand Trustees, National Grand Chaplain, and 
 National Grand Sword Bearer. 
 
 The Convention being called to order, the following reso 
 lutions were offered by Bro. F. D. Morton and adopted : 
 
 WHEREAS, We, the delegates and past and present Grand 
 Officers of the United Brothers of Friendship, have been 
 called to assemble in National Convention in the city of St. 
 Louis; and 
 
 W T HEREAS, We feel that our meeting here has been for, 
 and has secured, that union between us which we have long 
 desired and prayed for ; therefore, be it 
 
 Resolved, That we extend our heartfelt thanks and mani 
 fest our feelings of respect and obligation to our worthy Pres 
 ident, W. H. Gibson, of Kentucky, who has ruled so judi 
 ciously and impartially in this, our Convention ; be it further 
 
 Resolved, That we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Com 
 mittee on Business that has handled and directed the busi 
 ness of this Convention with such indisputable wisdom, and 
 may the Divine Ruler shower his blessings upon their heads 
 throughout their future lives ; and be it 
 
30 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 Resolved, That we feel a debt of gratitude to the officers 
 and members of this Convention for their punctuality and 
 earnestness in the work of the Convention ; be it further 
 
 Resolved, That we extend our thanks to the citizens of St. 
 Louis, and that a copy of the resolutions be furnished for 
 publication, and also that the resolutions be recorded in the 
 minutes of this Convention. 
 
 NATIONAL GRAND LODGE ELECTION. 
 
 The following brethren were elected to serve for two years, 
 viz. : W. H. Gibson, Sr., of Kentucky, National Grand 
 Master ; J. T. Amos, of Kentucky, Deputy National Grand 
 Master; E. F. Horn, of Indiana, National Grand Secretary; 
 R. C. Fox, of Kentucky, National Grand Treasurer ; W. R. 
 Vanburen, of Texas, First National Grand Trustee; F. 
 Washington, of Indiana, Second National Grand Trustee ; 
 
 E. P. Brannan, of Kentucky, National Grand Chaplain ; 
 
 F. D. Morton, of Indiana, National Grand Lecturer. 
 
 As we have before remarked that we should divide this 
 history into two epochs, it will be observed that it has 
 required three Conventions, beginning with that of 1871 and 
 terminating with 1876, to complete and permanently estab 
 lish the order of the United Brothers of Friendship, Knights 
 of Friendship, and the Sisters of the Mysterious Ten. We 
 have quoted from the minutes a portion of the most im 
 portant resolutions discussed before that body, so that the 
 reader of this history may be informed in regard to the opin 
 ions entertained in the Conventions in regard to a union of 
 all the lodges into a National Grand Body. It will be seen 
 that there were those among the delegates who were opposed 
 to a National Federation and in favor of only a State Grand 
 Body, but a majority favored the resolution offered by Bros. 
 Amos and Burbridge. The resolution, when passed, caused 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 31 
 
 great rejoicing and shaking of hands, and was made unani 
 mous. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The brethren at St. Louis had introduced a secret work 
 before the brethren of Kentucky, and, as an effort was being 
 put forth to establish a National Grand Lodge, we were un 
 willing to introduce anything pertaining to secrecy until we 
 had accomplished that object. There were parties in St. 
 Louis anxious to come over and introduce their work, and 
 parties here encouraging them to come. This was discour 
 aged by us for the reason that all of our correspondence was 
 through our Grand Lodge and its officers to officers of other 
 States, and we did not wish to forestall any of the proceed 
 ings that would naturally come before that body. Therefore, 
 at the first Convention held in Louisville in 1875, one secret 
 degree was introduced for recognition. At the Convention 
 that met in St. Louis in 1876 we encountered considerable 
 opposition from those parties who were so desirous of intro 
 ducing signs or secrets before the meeting of the Convention. 
 Letters were produced showing that parties in our city 
 (Louisville, Ky.,) were cognizant of the affair, and had been 
 sowing the seeds of discord. But after the matter was duly 
 considered and explained, and the schemes laid bare and 
 exposed, it was submitted to the Committee on Degrees. 
 Success attended every effort, and the object for which we 
 met was accomplished. 
 
 We were highly entertained by the citizens of St. Louis. 
 There was a grand parade to the park, where a large con 
 course of people were enlivened with music and speeches by 
 the brethren. 
 
32 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 FIFTH GRAND SESSION OF KENTUCKY QUOTATIONS. 
 
 "Brethren of Friendship Again we have met as a Grand 
 Lodge, through the mercies of an all-wise Providence, to 
 transact the business of another year. Since our last meet 
 ing prosperity has attended our efforts and the progress of 
 our Order has surprised the most sanguine expectations. 
 
 "After the rise of the Grand Lodge in May, 1875, m 
 Owensboro, a Convention met in Louisville, July, 1875, f r 
 the object of uniting all of the lodges known as the United 
 Brothers of Friendship. Six States were there represented 
 and the union formed. You have before you the proceed 
 ings of said Convention. One of the main features of it 
 was the introduction of signs, grips, and pass-words, making 
 our society a secret one. It at once gave a new impetus to 
 the lodges. One degree was introduced for the first year as 
 a trial ; so far, it has worked admirably. 
 
 "The Convention adjourned to meet in one year from the 
 time of its adjournment, at St. Louis, Mo., at which time it 
 met, and we are proud to say that our Grand Lodge was 
 nobly represented. There were eight States represented in 
 the Convention several States that were not represented in 
 the first were there also a portion of this Order known as 
 the National Wing of the Order, whose location was in Mis 
 souri, and who had not confederated with us in the union of 
 1875. The object of the Convention was to harmonize, if 
 possible, the two wings or factions. State and National, and 
 also to make a uniform work for them, if the union could be 
 accomplished. We are proud to say that we were successful 
 in our mission and object. After a thorough investigation of 
 the charter rights of each State, and the origin of our Order, 
 also the rights and privileges derived from the laws of the 
 several States, contained in their charters, a resolution was 
 offered that each party of the Brotherhood would agree to 
 sustain whatever the Convention would do in regard to mak 
 ing the union permanent, said resolution being the basis on 
 which the delegates acted. Hence a union was formed on 
 the following basis : 
 
 " That the work of the Order shall consist of three de 
 grees, those degrees to be arranged as follows : The Con- 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 33 
 
 vention at Louisville, in 1875, organized on a basis of one 
 degree, known as the First Degree of Kentucky. Missouri s 
 second and third degrees to be retained and added to the 
 first degree of Kentucky, making three degrees. 
 
 The subject of a National Grand Lodge was next pre 
 sented. This subject was thoroughly discussed and many 
 reasons given, pro and con, by the delegates. It was finally 
 agreed upon to form a National Grand Head. The officers 
 were nominated and elected. Your humble servant and 
 several of the Kentucky members were elected to positions 
 in the new compact. The action of this Convention touch 
 ing the National is to be ratified by the several Grand Lodges 
 at their first session. It will be a matter for your present 
 consideration. 
 
 "The duties of this year have been arduous. Owing to 
 these proposed Conventions we have had a very extensive 
 correspondence with the officers of Grand and subordinate 
 lodges touching the subject of the Convention and the 
 changes attending it. The lodges of our State under the 
 jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge are in a prosperous condi 
 tion, as far as we can learn. 
 
 "We have visited a number of the lodges in this State, 
 but not all of them. We made the following visits : Lexing 
 ton, Covington, Maysville, Cincinnati, O., Bloomfield, Fair- 
 field, Taylorsville, Chaplin, Shelby ville, Lebanon, Stanford, 
 Frankfort, and our city lodges. We found the lodges, gen 
 erally, prosperous, with but little to distract and interrupt 
 their progress. We also deputized our Past Grand Officer, 
 H. P. Gaines, to visit the lodges at Flemingsburg, Paris, 
 Georgetown, and Mt. Sterling, and to establish lodges at 
 Lexington and Danville. We also deputized Bro. D. M. 
 Brown to establish a lodge at Cadiz, Ky. We also deputized 
 the Grand Secretary to visit Wilsonville Lodge, which he 
 reported in good condition. 
 
 " Letters have been received during the year from various 
 directions, in and out of the State, for information concern 
 ing the establishment of lodges, their work, etc. Such infor 
 mation has been given by letter and by a distribution of 
 minutes and constitutions, which has had the desired effect 
 
 3 
 
34 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 toward the establishment of lodges. Our State now num 
 bers fifty-six lodges, eleven of which are in the city of Louis 
 ville. 
 
 " The resolution passed by the Convention of 1875, held 
 in this city, concerning Ladies Temples for the Order, has 
 been put into successful operation. Several charters have 
 been granted, two being in the city of Louisville and one in 
 the city of Covington, and we have applications for others. 
 We highly commend this female branch of the Order as tend 
 ing to elevate our wives and daughters by bringing them 
 nearer to us in the ties and mysteries that we so highly 
 appreciate. 
 
 "A special session of the members of the Grand Council 
 and Masters of the city lodges was called on the - - day of 
 February for the reason that a spirit of insubordination was 
 exhibited by Bro. Henry Wilson, the acting Master of Hazel- 
 ton Lodge ; said brother having persistently introduced reg 
 ulations into the Order without permission from the Grand 
 Master or Grand Lodge, and in violation of section 7 of the 
 Constitution. 
 
 "At said meeting the Grand Master was sustained by the 
 Grand Council and Masters. Bro. Wilson stands suspended 
 by the Grand Master, and also by his lodge, for improper 
 conduct. Said brother also wrote a very unfair letter to the 
 St. Louis Convention against the officers and delegates of the 
 Grand Lodge, containing many falsehoods, which had a 
 tendency to hinder our progress for a while in the Conven 
 tion. We remand his case to this Grand Lodge for con 
 sideration. 
 
 Bro. St. Louis Davis, a member of our Order, who left 
 us about six years ago, to take work in the ministry, in the 
 State of Arkansas, and who was also successful in establish 
 ing lodges in that State, is among the deceased of this year. 
 We have received letters of his demise. He died in the 
 triumph of a living faith, with a wish that his brethren should 
 meet him in heaven. 
 
 "We have a communication from the Knights of the 
 United Brothers of Friendship, of Detroit, Mich., through 
 our esteemed and worthy brother, J. H. Rector, desiring our 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 35 
 
 co-operation in that direction, he having been assigned to 
 the work of establishing encampments throughout the South. 
 
 " Brethren, this has been one of the most successful years 
 of the Order. We have granted charters to nineteen lodges. 
 Eight of them were granted to Louisville. We have much 
 to be proud of. It is our fifteenth anniversary, with fifty-six 
 lodges in the State, a Grand Lodge, and a union formed with 
 eight sister States, and several others asking recognition into 
 the Brotherhood. In the language of one of old, Surely 
 God is with us, for he is turning the hearts of the young 
 men to virtuous habits, and from vice and immorality. 
 Hundreds of them are studying and learning the golden 
 rules of our Order. Young women are entering the temples, 
 that they, too, with their brethren, may learn these mys 
 teries, and inculcate them in their lives. Brethren, you 
 have a golden harvest before you, then * thrust in the 
 sickle ! 
 
 "For five years you have intrusted to my charge the 
 guidance of this Order ; you have honored me with the high 
 est honor that of Grand Master. I have endeavored to 
 fulfill the trust faithfully that you have so often reposed in 
 me, and if I have met with success, it has been by the help 
 of God and your assistance. I have erred at times, I doubt 
 not; but it is human to err. I claim not perfection, but I 
 know that to err has never been intentional during my admin 
 istration. I have striven to deal justly with the brethren, 
 yet tempered with mercy, and now that my term will expire 
 at the close of this session, I had hoped to be relieved from 
 the cares of an office for at least a year. But, behold! a 
 greater responsibility has fallen upon me by the National 
 Convention conferring upon me the office of National Grand 
 Master. Instead of looking after the interest of one State, 
 I shall have the interest of many States to which to admin 
 ister; yet in this capacity, in my new position, I earnestly 
 ask the assistance and general co-operation of the entire 
 Brotherhood. 
 
 "In conclusion, my brethren, it will devolve upon you to 
 select one from your midst to be your Grand Master. You 
 have a number of worthy brethren that no doubt will serve 
 
36 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 you faithfully and competently. Hence I leave the matter 
 in your hands, hoping that you will make a wise and judi 
 cious selection. I thank you, brethren, for your many kind 
 regards and the support that you have given me for five 
 years as Grand Master. 
 
 "WM. H. GIBSON, SR., Grand Master. 
 
 THE FIRST STATE GRAND LODGE IN KENTUCKY AFTER THE 
 ORGANIZATION OF THE NATIONAL GRAND LODGE IN ST. 
 LOUIS, MO. 
 
 It was one of interest. The actions of the National were 
 to be ratified by each State Grand Lodge. A Grand Master 
 for the State of Kentucky was to be elected and the report 
 of the former Grand Master, who had been promoted to the 
 office of National Grand Master, was to be received also. 
 
 The reports of the delegates to the National Convention 
 were to be received and adopted. 
 
 A resolution was offered, and passed unanimously, that a 
 vote of thanks be tendered Bro. W. H. Gibson, Sr., for his 
 faithful services during five years as Grand Master of the 
 State; and also that he be presented with a gold chain, the 
 presentation to take place at the Exposition building at 1 1 
 o clock P. M., August 25, 1876. 
 
 The presentation by J. H. Taylor, P. G. V. P., was per 
 formed in the presence of an immense audience. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 NATIONAL GRAND MASTER S FIRST REPORT. 
 
 LOUISVILLE, July i, 1878. 
 
 2o the National Grand Officers and Members of the United 
 
 Brothers of Friendship : 
 
 BROTHERS I take great pleasure in presenting to you the 
 following report of the financial transactions of my office 
 from July, 1876, to July, 1878, with the hope that you will 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 37 
 
 find everything satisfactory as to the discharge of the duties 
 incumbent upon me as National Grand Master. 
 
 Through the providence of God we are again permitted 
 to meet in our biennial session. Since last we met many 
 voices that joined with us in our lodge exercises have departed 
 this life, and their names are registered on the death-roll of 
 our Order, and we trust that their spirits are enjoying the re 
 pose of that better land for which we are all struggling. 
 
 Since the adjournment of the National Grand Session we 
 have endeavored to perform the responsible duties devolving 
 upon us in consequence of the high and honorable position 
 to which you have seen fit to exalt us. We entered upon 
 those duties without any written laws to govern us save such 
 usages as are customary to a National Grand Master having 
 the oversight of the whole Order throughout the States. Our 
 first business, after leaving St. Louis, Mo., was to arrange 
 for the publishing of the minutes and secret work of the 
 Grand Session, said work being delegated to us by the Con 
 vention. These duties were performed to the very best of 
 our ability, though without any means to meet expenses, 
 which amounted to a sum bordering on two hundred dollars. 
 After the work was printed and ready for delivery we noti 
 fied the proper authorities of the several States and waited 
 for remittances to meet expenses, as was agreed upon at St. 
 Louis, Mo. With but few exceptions, the reply was to send 
 the work, but, as the lodges were not able to pay or settle 
 then, they would do so hereafter. We did not feel justified 
 in doing so, hence a large portion of the work remained in 
 the printing office for one year before it was paid for and 
 distributed to the lodges. Here, let me say. that we had to 
 deviate from the course we had intended to pursue when we 
 started out, which was to have all moneys pass through the 
 hands of the National Grand Secretary and National Grand 
 Treasurer, as is customary ; but for the reason that we were 
 held responsible for the printing and the State lodges re 
 sponded so slowly or indifferently to our request to pay their 
 pro rata of expenses, we were compelled to take a different 
 course. That course was this : to use the money on appli 
 cation for charters to the liquidation of the printing bill, as 
 
38 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 the money could not be collected as provided for by the 
 National Grand Lodge at St. Louis, viz. : that each State 
 should pay for its portion of printing. 
 
 The duties of the National Grand Master, as we under 
 stand them, was to establish lodges and temples in States 
 where there were no Grand Lodges existing. This we have 
 done, and by pursuing this course we have succeeded in 
 paying off the National Grand Lodge debts and have a small 
 balance to turn over to the National Grand Treasury. 
 
 This course of procedure was somewhat out of the proper 
 channel, but it was a case of emergency, where we were 
 dunned for the printing bill, and there being no other 
 resource, we took this, hoping that when the Grand Lodge 
 assembled it would verify our acts so far as they were con 
 sistent. We informed the National Grand Secretary of our 
 course at different times and assigned the reasons for so 
 doing. Several charters granted by me failed to have the 
 Secretary s signature attached, as we were separated by many 
 miles, and it was inconvenient to have them signed without 
 incurring the expense of double postage and no treasury to 
 draw from. 
 
 These charters can be called in and others given, or his 
 signature authorized and affixed. 
 
 Another matter has given me considerable trouble, and 
 also attached to it some expense, that is, the imposition of a 
 so-called Grand Master for the State of Arkansas, in the per 
 son of one J. C. Foster, who has roamed the State of Arkan 
 sas, some portion of Tennessee, Louisiana, and Texas the 
 latter State he has swindled out of hundreds of dollars, by 
 collecting in advance money for charters, degree books, re 
 galias, pins, etc. He has represented himself as Deputy 
 National Grand Master, claiming that his authority was re 
 ceived from us as National Grand Master. He was more 
 successful in Texas than elsewhere, from the fact that the 
 State is very large, and contains a vast territory five times 
 as large as the State of New York. We had a Grand Lodge 
 in that State, and yet it appears that in the northern part of 
 the State, where he was operating, they did not know that a 
 Grand Lodge existed. About twelve lodges were organized 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 39 
 
 by him and large amounts of money gathered, with the as 
 surance that he had written to the National Grand Master 
 for charters, and that he was waiting for them. They waited 
 until their patience became threadbare; they then took mat 
 ters into their own hands, and began writing and dispatching to 
 me, relating the state of affairs, and threatening a dissolu 
 tion, and to organize into some other order. We wrote to 
 them that there was a Grand Lodge in the State of Texas, 
 and gave them the name and address of the Grand Master. 
 Their reply to me was this : That they had been deceived by 
 deputies, and that if the head of the Order would or could 
 not visit them, that they would disband. 
 
 After consultation and deliberation we concluded to risk 
 a visit to Texas, and save those brethren to our Order who 
 desired to be with us, but were ignorant of our workings. 
 
 We left Louisville October 14, 1877, for Sherman, Texas, 
 and arrived on the i7th; met the brethern and sisters tem 
 ple, lectured, and put them in working order; remained two 
 days; left on the i8th, p. M., for Dallas, Texas, in company 
 with Bro. Henry Reid, of Sherman, who rendered us very 
 efficient service; arrived at Dallas, met the lodge, gave in 
 structions, heard grievances, and set them to work; met 
 same lodge on the ipth; invited to Fort Worth, but did not 
 go; left the same night for Austin and arrived there on the 
 2oth, and met several Grand Officers of the State, with the 
 subordinate lodge of Austin a noble band of brothers who 
 received us cheerfully. 
 
 We compared our work, and such changes as we deemed 
 necessary we made; we also informed the Grand Officers of 
 the depredations of Foster, and heard the grievances of that 
 body against him, who, they asserted, had robbed them of 
 their means by imposition, and that they desired to be set 
 right and receive the proper work. We obligated them and 
 put them in possession of the work. Other lodges in the 
 northern part of the State applied and needed our attention, 
 Fort Worth, Jefferson, Texarkana, and Shreveport, about 
 one dozen lodges in all. Under the circumstances we deemed 
 it advisable to visit the southern part of the State and confer 
 with the Grand Master and officers, and acquaint them with 
 
40 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 the state of affairs. After writing and dispatching we re 
 ceived pressing invitations to visit them. Then we con 
 ceived the idea of the necessity of deputizing some one to 
 visit the lodges of the northern portion of the State and in 
 form them of our presence in the State, and also to give in 
 structions as received from us. For that purpose we selected 
 Rev. Henry Reid, of Sherman, who had urged every means 
 to have the Order set right before the people of Texas. We 
 authorized him to act as deputy over those lodges until the 
 time for the call of the Grand Lodge of Texas, and then re 
 port to that meeting. We thought this whole matter would 
 be settled, and that the northern lodges would be recognized 
 and be received under the State Grand Lodge of Texas. 
 
 Hence my visit to the southern portion of the State to 
 confer with the Grand Master and Grand Officers, and in 
 form them in person, and map out a plan for a union of the 
 legitimate and illegitimate lodges. 
 
 We granted charters to Sherman and Bonham, and obli 
 gated them at Dallas, so that they might be properly within 
 the fold. 
 
 We visited Austin, arriving there on the 2oth, and were 
 received by W. H. Mitchell and a number of the leading 
 members, also Bro. Black, Deputy Grand Master of Texas; 
 visited the lodge on the 2ist and 226. inst, lectured, revised 
 their work, and conferred with them in regard to the best 
 mode to pursue towards those northern brethren who had 
 been so basely deceived. The brethren expressed a desire 
 to see them under the control of their Grand Lodge, and 
 promised to work to that end when assembled. 
 
 We left Austin on the 22d, at 7:15 p. M., for Houston, 
 arriving there at 8:30 A. M. on the 23d inst., and met with a 
 very warm reception from Bros. F. E. Banks, Watson, Green, 
 and others ; met the lodge at night, had a happy reunion, was 
 introduced, lectured, and set matters in order generally. 
 
 On the 24th we left for Galveston, arriving at 12 M., and 
 were received by Bro. Moses Morris and S. M. Todd, Grand 
 Secretary. A very heavy storm prevented our visiting the 
 lodge until Friday, the 26th, causing us to remain three 
 days. We had a good time, this being the headquarters of 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 41 
 
 the Order, with a finely furnished lodge room. We lec 
 tured and tried to make ourselves generally useful, review 
 ing matters pertaining to the disturbances in the State, and 
 arranging with the Grand Officers on the basis mentioned 
 before. I expected to have met Grand Master Vanburen, 
 but was disappointed, as he had removed to another portion 
 of the State, and did not get my letter until I had left the 
 State. 
 
 The time of the meeting of their Grand Lodge had passed 
 without a call. We urged them to call a session as early as 
 possible in order to perfect arrangements with the northern 
 brethren of the State. The Grand Lodge assembled at the 
 time appointed, and you have their representatives and min 
 utes for reference. We learn that the matter had not been 
 amicably adjusted, as we had hoped it would be, at that ses 
 sion at Houston. It is, therefore, a matter for consideration 
 by this Grand Assembly. There are about a dozen lodges 
 claiming protection from this Grand Body. 
 
 We have also recently received a communication from 
 parties in San Antonio, Tex., claiming to be United Brothers 
 of Friendship, set up by Foster, and inquiring as to his 
 authority, and desiring to know if there is a Grand Lodge 
 in Texas. We have written to the Grand Officers in Texas 
 informing them of the matter. 
 
 Louisiana has also been imposed upon by said Foster. A 
 lodge has been organized at Shreveport, La., and we have 
 received many communications from there. We sent them 
 the charter gratis, as they claimed to have paid for one, and 
 as we expected a delegation from there we hoped that their 
 grievance would here be settled. 
 
 We visited the State of Indiana soon after the adjourn 
 ment of the National Grand Lodge. September 4, 1876, we 
 organized a temple in the city of Indianapolis in the A. M. E. 
 Church (Elder Lankford, pastor,) numbering one hundred 
 and fifteen worthy ladies. 
 
 September 6th we visited Covington, Ky., and organized 
 a temple for our State. 
 
 November 16, 1876, we organized a male lodge at Indian 
 apolis of forty members. We were assisted by Bro. W. H. 
 
42 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 Lawson, one of the original founders of the Order. On the 
 1 7th inst., we visited the temple, settled a difficulty, and left 
 them in good condition. 
 
 April 28, 1877, we organized a lodge in Indianapolis of 
 forty-one members, all apparently good material. 
 
 On April 3<Dth we organized, in the same city, a temple 
 of ladies, visited Temple No. i at night, gave them a lecture, 
 and left them in good spirits. Indianapolis is now the 
 stronghold of the U. B. F. s of Indiana. 
 
 August 20, 1877, we visited JefTersonville, Ind. , and or 
 ganized a temple there. 
 
 September 25th, organized in the same city a lodge, the 
 application for which had been made before the Grand 
 Lodge of Indiana had been organized, but we had not found 
 it convenient to do the work. We had instructed the officers 
 of the lodge to petition the Grand Lodge of Indiana, which 
 they did, but the answer was unsatisfactory and they were 
 about to disband, so in order to save them to our Order we 
 organized the lodge. 
 
 On our last visit to Indianapolis we advised them to con 
 fer with the other lodges and call a Convention and form a 
 Grand Lodge. They did so, and in July, 1877, a Grand 
 Lodge was formed with Charles Asbury, Esq., as Grand 
 Master, and the lodges and temples of the State are in a 
 prosperous condition. 
 
 We organized a lodge at New Albany - ,1877. 
 
 There are now one male lodge and two temples in that city, 
 all in good condition, as we learn from the officers. 
 
 We visited the State of Ohio. There is but one lodge 
 there, which is at Cincinnati, and in a flourishing condition. 
 We have had an application from Dayton, in that State, for 
 a lodge, but, for some cause, we have not succeeded in 
 effecting an organization. We commend it to the brethren 
 of Cincinnati to work up. 
 
 We opened communication with an order in Cincinnati 
 calling themselves United Brothers, who desired to know the 
 terms on which they could be received into our Order. We 
 furnished them with our minutes, and also met a committee. 
 The only difference seemed to be a change of regalias. This 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 43 
 
 we left with the brethren there to work up, and the future 
 will tell of their success. 
 
 . From Illinois and Iowa we have received no special com 
 munication, save from Alton, that the lodge there is in good 
 condition. 
 
 We have been in regular correspondence with the leading 
 officers in Missouri and know nothing to mar the prosperity 
 of that noble band of brothers. 
 
 We visited Arkansas in October, 1877. In the city of 
 Little Rock, where we found the Grand Master of that State, 
 Bro. A. W. Kern, there is a lodge of brothers and temple of 
 sisters, true types of their Order, who received us very kindly 
 and courteously. We lectured there on our new work, and 
 put them in possession of all that was necessary to establish 
 the Order permanently there. 
 
 We have received numerous letters from the brethren in 
 Louisiana. A lodge has been organized at Shreveport, in 
 that State, which has labored under many disadvantages. It 
 was organized by Foster, promised a charter and degree 
 books, regalias, etc., and paid for them in advance, but had 
 not received them. We deputized a brother from Texas to 
 go there and organize them properly, and sent them a charter 
 gratis. We are expecting a representation here, and that all 
 the facts in the case will be heard by this Grand Assembly. 
 A sister s temple has been organized there by Bro. Dearmay 
 and an application for a charter is now in our possession. 
 
 In the city of New Orleans a body has been organized 
 and are preparing to send for a charter. \Ve have sent them 
 a copy of minutes and a constitution. The prospects look 
 favorable in that State. 
 
 We have a lodge in the city of Memphis, Tenn., organ 
 ized by T. S. Baxter. I have received numerous letters 
 from them. They have had much trouble there. We 
 should have visited them at the same time that we made our 
 tour to Arkansas and Texas, but could get no reply from the 
 officers of the lodge. We have learned that the lodge was 
 not aware of my desire to meet them. They have since had 
 a lawsuit, and their treasury is low. They yet desire to 
 
44 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 have an official visit. We commend their case to the con 
 sideration of this Convention. 
 
 Our last visit was to Alabama, in June, 1878. At Hunts- 
 ville we have a lodge and temple. A society had been estab 
 lished in 1866, but, by bad management and dishonesty of 
 leading officers, it had dwindled down to nothing. A few 
 brethren, however, held on and endeavored to revive it. 
 They recently opened communication with us and decided 
 to send for a constitution and minutes. They resolved to 
 reorganize under our charter and receive the same work. 
 We visited them for that purpose and installed the officers of 
 a lodge and temple. The lodge is composed of about fifty 
 of as good men as we have seen at any time or place, and 
 the temple is composed of twenty-five amiable ladies, the 
 wives and relatives of the brethren. They promise, under 
 the new regime, to revolutionize the State of Alabama and 
 make the United Brothers of Friendship a power within its 
 borders. 
 
 There are other States in which our Order has not been 
 introduced as yet, but it takes time to develop and utilize 
 great institutions, and we believe we will be successful in 
 organizing and establishing ours. 
 
 The progress of the Order has been rapid since our first 
 National Convention in 1875. Tne second, held in St. Louis 
 in 1876, gave a new impetus to our growth. Truly, it may 
 be said that " In union there is strength." It was a new 
 order of a few years experience, and we have been carefully 
 feeling our way, learning our weak points, and in our Con 
 ventions correcting our errors in order that we might emerge 
 with greater energy and zeal in behalf of our beloved insti 
 tution. 
 
 One among our greatest necessities is a printing bureau, 
 or sinking fund, created for the purpose of meeting the ex 
 penses of our conventions or grand assemblies. We need the 
 proceedings of our conventions, we need degree books, con 
 stitutions, and other things pertaining to a growing order like 
 this. Minutes issued nine or twelve months after the ad 
 journment of a convention do not show business qualities. 
 Resolutions of taxation upon the membership of lodges, 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 45 
 
 with no power to enforce them, show weakness in the ad 
 ministrative power of the lodges. Standing debts from year 
 to year do not add to the influence of any individual or body 
 of indviduals. Experience has taught us this lesson, and 
 being desirous of profiting by the teaching of the school of 
 experience, we have made the following arrangements for 
 meeting the expenses of the Grand Lodge : 
 
 We called a Council of Grand Masters of States on the 
 
 day of February, 1878, in the city of Louisville, as in 
 structed by the resolutions of the National Convention of St. 
 Louis, Mo. 
 
 There were present at that Council Grand Master Chas. 
 Asbury, of Indiana; T. S. Baxter, of Kentucky; National 
 Grand Treasurer R. C. Fox, National Grand Chaplain E. P. 
 Bran nan, the Grand Council of Kentucky Grand Lodge, and 
 the National Grand Master. 
 
 We decided on the day of meeting, stated our plans for 
 raising means for defraying expenses, and deprecated the 
 strain we had labored under in raising money to defray the 
 expense of our Grand meeting. 
 
 Our plan was to sit in convention three days, and on the 
 fourth day have a grand celebration, rent a park or hall, have 
 an entertainment to raise the means, and the overplus divide 
 among the Louisville lodges, who would be invited to assist 
 in perfecting the programme. We issued our circulars, and 
 accordingly, on the 3oth of April, we called a mass-meeting 
 of the Louisville lodges, read numerous letters from Grand 
 Masters and Officers of States approving the call, and we 
 then requested the lodges to appoint a committee to co-oper 
 ate with us in carrying out this programme. 
 
 The lodges appointed their committee. After their ap 
 pointment a second meeting was held, when the joint com 
 mittee of lodges assumed entire control of the fourth day s 
 management of the affairs of the Convention, and contended 
 that this Convention had no power or control over it further 
 than they permitted, more especially the financial depart 
 ment, a department conceived by us, and intended to assist 
 in liquidating debts that might accrue against this body whilst 
 here assembled. 
 
46 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 Brethren, this portion of my address we deprecate, and 
 would prefer that it were blank, but these are facts, and I 
 desire that my acts in this particular be either approved or 
 disapproved. 
 
 As the Executive Officer of the entire Order, we hold that 
 a sub-committee from subordinate lodges have not the right 
 to interfere with arrangements made by the Grand Masters 
 and their Councils for raising means to defray the expenses 
 of the Grand body. 
 
 If the plan were offensive they should have resigned and 
 let others be appointed. We have not been notified from 
 any lodge that the provisions made were offensive, or that 
 they would not support them. Hence it must not be con 
 sidered that we are charging the lodges of Louisville with 
 discourtesy, but only the committee that has usurped all the 
 power to itself. If we have a National Grand Lodge with 
 an executive at its head, we claim that it should be respected ; 
 and it is with you to say, yea or nay. 
 
 In conclusion, my brethren, having given you in detail 
 the most important transactions of our Order for two years, 
 we submit it for your careful consideration. 
 
 Rev. E. W. S. Hammond, a member of the National 
 Grand Lodge from Covington, Ky., figured conspicuously. 
 
 This being the first National meeting after the organiza 
 tion of the National body at St. Louis, Mo., two very import 
 ant branches of the Order were to be organized, viz.: the 
 National Grand Camp and the National Grand Temple and 
 Sisters of the Mysterious Ten. 
 
 To Bro. Hammond belongs the credit of composing the 
 ritualistic work of the Grand Camp. He, being chairman, 
 wrote it, and the committee and National Grand Lodge en 
 dorsed it. He also espoused the cause of the sisters having 
 a National Grand Temple. As there was considerable oppo 
 sition to this feature of their organization, Bro. Hammond s 
 appeal in their behalf caused a majority of the delegates to 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 47 
 
 vote in favor of this very important measure. The wisdom 
 of it has been verified long since. 
 
 The closing scenes, a long and tedious work of five 
 years accomplished, much anxiety was felt for the success 
 of this meeting by the friends of the Union, for there had 
 been an effort made to defeat it, and when the Convention 
 was opened we found letters and adverse instructions against 
 our plans, but, after a fair discussion, pro and con, the ob 
 ject for which we met was accomplished. 
 
 Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, and Texas were repre 
 sented in the persons of Grand Masters, viz.: W. H. Gibson, 
 O. H. Webb, Frank Washington, and W. R. Vanburen. 
 They were soon commissioned by this National Grand Body 
 to go throughout this broad land, from ocean to ocean, from 
 the gulf to the lakes, and proclaim the birth of a Negro 
 Order, whose duty would be to gather in a portion of the 
 millions of negroes who, on account of American slavery and 
 an internecine war, were destitute of homes, uneducated, 
 and starving for those comforts that go to make up and ele 
 vate a people. By their efforts they were to build up lodges 
 and temples and widow s and orphan s homes, and assist in 
 educating them in all the avenues of life that tend to make 
 them free and happy. The blessing of God was invoked 
 upon them, and they went forth as generals leading their 
 respective armies. Time has revealed how well their labors 
 have been blessed. This is the foundation upon which this 
 structure was built. 
 
48 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 [CIRCULAR.] 
 SECOND BIENNIAL SESSION OF THE NATIONAL GRAND LODGE. 
 
 The second biennial session of the National Grand Lodge 
 will convene in the city of Indianapolis, Ind., July i, 1880, 
 at 12 o clock M. Each Grand Lodge is entitled to five dele 
 gates and subordinate lodges entitled to three. Secretaries 
 of subordinate lodges will observe Articles i and 2 in Na 
 tional Grand Lodge Constitution (page 36) in reference to 
 taxes. All delegates will appear properly accredited. By 
 order of W. H. GIBSON, N. G. M. 
 
 ED. F. HORN, Secretary. 
 
 NOTICE. 
 Ladies of the Mysterious Ten, United Sisters of Friendship : 
 
 The second session of the Sisterhood will assemble in the 
 city of Indianapolis July 2 at 3 o clock p. M. Delegates from 
 each temple will be expected to be present. Each temple 
 will be entitled to three delegates, with credentials properly 
 signed and attested. W. H. GIBSON, N. G. M. 
 
 ED. F. HORN, Secretary. 
 
 NOTICE. 
 
 A session of the Grand Camp will be held during the ses 
 sion of the Grand Lodge. On the 5th of July a grand 
 parade of the Order will take place, escorted by the Knight 
 hood. A competitive drill for a fine sword will take place. 
 Commanders of camps are expected to have their members 
 uniformed in strict conformity to the regulations. 
 
 W. H. GIBSON, N. G. K. C. 
 
 E. W. S. HAMMOND, N. G. Sr. K. C. 
 
 J. H. RECTOR, N. S. C. 
 
 J. MCLEOD, N. G. R. 
 
F. D. MORTON, 
 
 Indiana. 
 P. N. G. M. 
 

 
 F. W. GROSS, 
 
 Texas. 
 N. G. SECRETARY. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 49 
 
 INDIANAPOLIS, July i, 1880. 
 
 In pursuance to call, the National Grand Lodge convened 
 in regular biennial session at the U. B. F. Hall, corner of 
 Delaware and Court streets. 
 
 The Grand Lodge was called to order at 12 o clock M. by 
 D.N.G.M. A. W. Kern, of Little Rock, Ark. 
 
 The stations were filled as follows : T. S. Baxter, D. N. 
 G. M., pro tern; E. F. Horn, N. G. S. ; E. W. Marshall, 
 A. N. G. S. ; J. S. McLeod, 2 d A. N. G. S. ; J. W. Hill- 
 man, N. G. T. ; Fred. D. Morton, N. G. L. ; B. Gary, N. 
 G. G. ; G. Asbury and J. H. Rector, N. G. T. ; A. Walters, 
 N. G. M. ; F. Washington, R. S. ; H. W. Washington, L. 
 S. ; J. T. Amos, L S., and W. H. Warley, O. S. 
 
 Devotional exercises by Grand Chaplain. 
 
 T. P. Pool, of the Committee on Reception, delivered 
 the welcome address. 
 
 Response by Rev. Wyatt Scott, of St. Louis. Mo. 
 
 National Grand Master W. H. Gibson being detained, 
 on motion the Committee of Arrangements met him at the 
 evening train with carriages and music. 
 
 JULY 2, l88o SECOND DAY S SESSION. 
 
 National Grand Master W. H. Gibson was received with 
 the honors of the Order and proceeded to make his biennial 
 report, as follows : 
 
 ADDRESS OF THE NATIONAL GRAND MASTER. 
 
 Bretliren of the National Grand Lodge of the United Brothers 
 of Friendship : 
 
 The work of the Second Biennial Session being closed, I 
 now submit for your consideration the subjoined report; and 
 as a preliminary, allow me to say that, through the dispensa- 
 
 4 
 
50 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 tion of Divine Providence, we are permitted to meet again 
 and extend the greetings of friendship, and can say that "all 
 is well," although we can not say that " we are all here." 
 
 We have been caused to mourn the death of two familiar 
 faces; faces dear to our memory in consequence of past as 
 sociations; faces imprinted on the hearts of the Brotherhood 
 on account of their great zeal in promoting the welfare of 
 the Order. I speak of Bros. Jones, Grand Master of Mis 
 souri, and S. M. Todd, Grand Master of Texas. May we 
 sincerely say, "Brothers, rest in peace; you have fought a 
 good fight, and have been conquerors go up higher." 
 
 Now let us examine the work of the last two years and 
 carefully note the result of this labor. At the adjournment 
 of our last Grand Session we launched out upon the sea of 
 onerous duties assigned to our hands. New laws, regula- 
 lations, and degrees for both male and female were to be 
 disseminated throughout our jurisdiction. With the assist 
 ance of our several Grand Officers we have, to a reasonable 
 extent, been successful in advancing our cause. Our first 
 duty was to co-operate with the Committee on Knighthood, 
 whose chairman was Bro. E. W. S. Hammond. They 
 received the hearty approval of the Brotherhood upon the 
 completion of the great work entrusted to them. 
 
 The Committee on Second Degree work for the Ladies 
 Temple, whose chairman was J. H. Rector, performed their 
 work with that degree of perfection which reflects credit and 
 demands commendation toward its originators. 
 
 The work of these committees was printed and delivered 
 to the National Grand Secretary for distribution. 
 
 The proceeds derived from the sale of minutes, degree 
 books, rituals, etc., were to be appropriated as a special 
 fund to be used for the purpose of defraying the expenses of 
 the National Grand Lodge. 
 
 The Knighthood has been established upon a firm foun 
 dation, and bids fair to rival that of the most advanced of 
 the older secret orders, and is bringing hundreds of good 
 men to the lodges of this Brotherhood. 
 
 By persistent efforts we have succeeded, and now pre 
 sent to this Order a complete outfit. Our tactics have been 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 51 
 
 arranged according to the best methods, and are now in 
 possession of the several camps. 
 
 Our lodges and temples throughout the several States 
 have been visited officially by the Grand Masters and Grand 
 Lecturers, and they report rapid progress. Hundreds have 
 been added to the Order in its several branches, and, as a 
 result, we find necessity for more legislation upon many 
 articles in our Constitution One of the greatest needs I 
 find to be an equitable system of insurance. We expect to 
 hear a report from the Committee on Plans of Insurance a 
 a report that will meet the end sought. 
 
 The Sisterhood, a branch of our Order of which we are 
 proud, has grown to such magnitude and excellence that 
 additional and broader laws are needed to meet their require 
 ments. The ladies first and second degrees, in our opinion, 
 are sufficient for present use, and they meet all purposes. 
 We would simply recommend a change in the sign of the 
 second degree. 
 
 An organ to promulgate the interest of the Order is much 
 needed. Our worthy deceased Brother, S. M. Todd, may 
 justly be considered the pioneer of this work, and we refer 
 with pride to his effort in this direction. By his death, we 
 not only lost an efficient and active member, but an able 
 little organ in defense of the Order. 
 
 In September, 1879, tne Ohio Falls Express made its 
 debut. From the able manner in which it is edited, coupled 
 with its extensive circulation, it has at once taken the front 
 rank among colored newspapers. It is considered the paper 
 of our Order, and we are proud to say that the editors and 
 proprietors, Dr. H. Fitzbutler, F. D. Morton, T. S. Baxter, 
 and E. W. Marshall, are active members of the Order. 
 
 Our Age, first a monthly, but now a weekly, was issued 
 October, 1879, our National Grand Secretary, E. F. Horn, 
 being its editor and proprietor. We recommend that one of 
 these papers be adopted as our organ, and that this Order 
 give it their hearty support. 
 
 In October, 1877, we appointed Bro. E. W. Marshall 
 Assistant National Grand Secretary. He has distinguished 
 himself as an efficient officer, relieving the National Grand 
 
52 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 Secretary of considerable work, and he has proven a valua 
 ble acquisition as an officer. 
 
 VISITS. 
 
 August 1 6, 1878 By a special invitation we visited the 
 lodges and temples at Huntsville, Ala., the occasion being 
 their anniversary. We found them in a prosperous condi 
 tion, with many of the leading citizens names enrolled as 
 members and officers. We .addressed them, lectured, con 
 ferred degrees, and gave such instruction as was generally 
 required. The insurance system was strongly advocated, 
 and a desire generally expressed for the Grand Lodge to 
 introduce it. 
 
 September 16, 1878 Organized and installed a camp at 
 JefFersonville, Ind. , assisted by S. Kt. E. W. S. Hammond 
 and Grand Master Chas. Asbury. 
 
 October n, 1878 Visited Carthagenia Camp No. 2. 
 
 October 18, 1878 Visited Carthagenia Camp No. 2. 
 
 November 21, 1878 Organized a camp at Georgetown, 
 Ky. , assisted by V. Kt. Lewis Johnson, K. C., of No. i. 
 
 November 22, 1878 Organized a camp at Frankfort, 
 Ky., assisted by V. Kt. W. L. Johnson, K. C., of No. i. 
 
 December 31, 1878 Conference with J. H. Rector, N. J. 
 K. C., of Missouri, on the uniform of the Order. (Sample 
 copies exhibited.) 
 
 December 5, 1878 Initiated candidates for Deborah 
 Temple No. 28. 
 
 December 12, 1878 Installed officers for St. Matthews 
 Lodge. 
 
 December 18, 1878 Visited Falls City Lodge. 
 
 January 18, 1879 Installed officers for Temple No. i, 
 Louisville, Ky. 
 
 January 20, 1879 Installed officers for Friendship Lodge 
 No. i, Louisville, Ky. 
 
 January 21, 1879 Visited Carthagenia Camp No. 2, 
 Louisville, Ky. 
 
 January 28, 1879 Visited New Albany, Ind., and in 
 stalled officers for St. Luke Lodge. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 53 
 
 February 13, 1879 Visited New Albany, Ind., lectured 
 and installed officers for Temple No; i. 
 
 February 21, 1879 Visited Camps Nos. i and 2, Louis 
 ville, Ky. , and lectured on Knighthood. 
 
 March 5, 1879 Installed officers for Deborah Temple 
 No. 28, Louisville, Ky. 
 
 March 18, 1879 Visited Temple No. i, Louisville, Ky. 
 
 April 5, 1879 Visited Garrison Camp No. i. 
 
 May 1 6, 1879 Visited Chicago, 111. Organized in the 
 afternoon of that day a temple of thirty-five members, and 
 at night a lodge of twenty-five members. 
 
 May 20, 1879 Visited Carthagenia No. 50. 
 
 June 6, 1879 Visited St. Rose Temple No. 17, Louis 
 ville, Ky. 
 
 June 10, 1879 Visited Temple No. 4, Louisville, Ky. 
 
 June 1 6, 1879 Delivered an address to Temple No. 4 
 at Twelfth-street Z. A. M. E. Church; a union meeting of 
 the temples. 
 
 July 9, 1879 Visited a mass meeting of Ladies Temples. 
 
 July 10, 1879 Installed officers for temple at Nevr 
 Albany, Ind. 
 
 July 25, 1879 Visited Hannibal Camp, Jeffersonville, 
 Ind. 
 
 August n, 1879 Visited Union Anniversary of Ladies 
 Temple, Louisville, Ky. 
 
 August 12, 1979 Visited Grand Lodge of Indiana. 
 
 August 13, 1879 Visited Carthagenia Camp No. 2. 
 
 August 1 6, 1879 Attended Charity Lodge Anniversary, 
 Frankfort, Ky. 
 
 August 1 8, 1879 Called a special session of the Grand 
 Camp at Cincinnati, O. ; knighted forty-seven. 
 
 August 19, 1879 Banner presentation, Smith Lodge 
 No. i, Cincinnati, O. 
 
 August 20, 1879 Special session Grand Camp, Cincin 
 nati, O. ; Knighted thirty. 
 
 September n, 1879 Left Louisville for Shreveport, La. ; 
 arrived i5th. 
 
 September 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 1879 Remained at 
 Shreveport; assisted by Grand Master S. M. Todd, of Texas, 
 
54 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 organized a camp, conferred first, second, and third degrees, 
 lectured, attended anniversary of lodge and temple and 
 parade of the Order. 
 
 September 22, 1879 Visited St. Louis, Mo. ; met the 
 brothers and sisters in mass ; had a pleasant interchange of 
 sentiment; escorted to a grand entertainment given by the 
 G. U. O. O. F. 
 
 September 23, 1879 Visited Evansville, Ind. ; Knighted 
 twenty-three, organized and installed the officers. 
 
 September 24, 1879 Visited Covington, Ky., organized 
 David Camp No. 6, and installed the officers. 
 
 September 26, 1879 Visited Cincinnati, O., organized 
 and installed the officers of Belle Camp. 
 
 October 6, 1870 Visited Garrison No. i. 
 
 October 22, 1879 Received a dispatch of sad intelligence 
 of the death of S. M. Todd, Grand Master of Texas. 
 
 October 30, 1879 Met Committee on Camp Tactics and 
 completed the work. 
 
 November 8, 1879 Met mass meeting of U. B. F. 
 lodges, Louisville, Ky. 
 
 November 18, 1879 Visited Zion Temple No. i. 
 
 December 9, 1879 Visited Temple No. 4, Louisville, Ky. 
 
 December 10, 1879 Visited Garrison No. i. 
 
 January 5, 1880 Installed officers for St. James Lodge 
 and St. Mary s Temple, Louisville, Ky. 
 
 January 16, 1880 Installed officers for St. Peter s Lodge 
 No. 22. 
 
 January 13, 1880 Installed officers for Star of the West 
 Temple No. 13, Sister Vina Harris, Princess; presented with 
 a sword by the officers, which was the first sword made for 
 the Order of K. of F. 
 
 February 18, 1880 Visited Garrison No. i. 
 
 February 27, 1880 Visited Star of the West Temple No. 
 
 T 3- 
 
 March 3, 1880 Installed officers for Deborah Temple No. 
 28, and initiated; installed officers for Garrison Camp No. i. 
 
 March 19, 1880 Visited Chicago, 111., and organized a 
 temple of seventy-three members. 
 
 May 29, 1880 Visited Indianapolis, Ind. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 55 
 
 The closing scenes of this National Grand Lodge relieved 
 us of a series of duties that had devolved upon us for twelve 
 years or more, from secretary of a subordinate lodge to Grand 
 Master of State and National Grand Master. We were grat 
 ified to know that we had the applause of the Order, and that 
 we had been faithful in the performance of our duties ; our 
 financial affairs had been scrupulously observed, and every 
 thing accounted for in our dealings with the different depart 
 ments. In their complimentary resolutions we had conferred 
 upon us the title of Honorary Membership in the Order of 
 the United Brothers of Friendship, which shall ever be ap 
 preciated. 
 
 Though relieved of a great responsibility, we had premo 
 nitions of something greater weighing upon us. Three days 
 after adjournment, we were caused to mourn the loss of our 
 beloved companion, suddenly taken off by heart trouble. 
 Her counsel had been of the greatest service to us in matters 
 pertaining to the management of our affairs. She was one 
 of the early regalia makers, and many members patronized 
 her for her neatness and promptness in her work. We have 
 lost a loving wife and Christian mother. Six children mourn 
 her loss. Our prayer to God is that they may copy her 
 Christian example, and endeavor to meet her in that " house 
 not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." 
 
 The grand parade by the Order was witnessed by thou 
 sands of citizens and visitors from the surrounding country. 
 The first competitive drill between our Knighthood took 
 place at the Fair Grounds. Three camps, Belle, of Cincin 
 nati, O., David, of Covington, Ky., and Garrison, of Louis 
 ville, Ky., entered. The drill was contested by Belle and 
 Garrison, Belle being the winner of the prize, a sword, the 
 first ever made for a colored organization. They retained it 
 
56 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 until the sitting of the National Grand Camp at Louisville, 
 Ky. , 1892, when it was presented to the original owner, 
 P.N.G.C. W. H. Gibson, Sr., by Wm. Smith, P. G. M., 
 representing Belle Camp, Cincinnati, O. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 TEMPLE WORK. 
 
 The establishment of temples among the female portion 
 of our families and other well disposed females has worked a 
 great revolution in the communities wherever established. 
 Our first effort of organizing after we returned from St. Louis 
 was here in the city of Louisville. One of the oldest female 
 benevolent societies, after learning of our intentions, peti 
 tioned us and reorganized under our charter, Sister Polly 
 Mosby first Princess. Others soon followed, and the result 
 in our city is twelve temples, and in other portions of the 
 State equally as many. We have also established two tem 
 ples in Indianapolis, Ind. , two in New Albany, Ind., one in 
 Jeffersonville, Ind., and one in Huntsville, Ala.; and we 
 have visited and instructed others. The membership of 
 these temples are yet increasing. Some of them are pre 
 sided over by women of marked ability for government, 
 while others have shown weakness; but with the code of 
 laws put into their hands for their guidance and a council 
 for appealed cases, all things considered, it has been a suc 
 cess. Thousands of women have been gathered into the 
 folds of the society that otherwise would have been left to 
 wander unprotected through the world without a brother s 
 care. Hence, we have advised this convention of ladies of 
 the time of our National meeting so that we might become 
 acquainted as a family, and that the Brotherhood and Sister- 
 
Miss C. E. SCULL, 
 
 Texas. 
 N. G. SEC. S. M. T. 
 

 MRS. G. A. HENDERSON, 
 
 Nashville, Tenn. 
 N. G. P. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 57 
 
 hood of. the different States might be brought face to face 
 and our several wants and necessities made known more 
 successfully than by correspondence. 
 
 The code of laws governing the female part of our Order 
 was delayed and was not issued for at least six months after 
 the minutes and degree books were out. Our apology for 
 this is that we had the manuscript ready in part, but had not 
 the means to pay the printer, and as we deemed the degree 
 books of the greatest importance to the Order we attended 
 to them first. We succeeded in having them printed and 
 distributed, and but a few copies remain ; we would rec 
 ommend that the Committee on Constitution and By-laws 
 revise and have a new edition published. 
 
 The number of male members of a temple is limited to 
 three. We have carefully watched the workings of that por 
 tion of the system, and it is our opinion that three are suffi 
 cient, for the reason that we have a male department where 
 gentlemen can exercise their love for the Order without 
 intruding upon the ladies, and those three are only there for 
 a specific purpose. 
 
 THE FIRST CONVENTION OF THE TEMPLES OF THE U. B. F. 
 
 The first Convention of the Ladies Temple convened in 
 Quinn Chapel A. M. E. Church, Walnut Street, in 1878, 
 as no hall could be obtained of suitable capacity to accom 
 modate the great number of sister delegates present. 
 
 Bro. J. T. Amos, Deputy National Grand Master, called 
 the Convention to order, followed by the appointment of 
 Rev. A. Walters, of Indiana, to act as Chaplain. 
 
 Hymn "Jesus, Great Shepherd," was sung, Mrs. Mary 
 V. Smith presiding as organist. 
 
 The first chapter of Esther was selected for the scripture 
 lesson. 
 
58 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 The welcome address was delivered by W. H. Gibson, 
 National Grand Master. 
 
 Secretaries Rev. E. W. S. Hammond and Sister Mar 
 garet Finley, of Evansville, Ind. 
 
 Committee on Credentials Sisters Laura Hamilton, Ken 
 tucky; Sarah F. Hart, Indiana; P. White, Illinois; J. H. 
 
 Taylor, Tennessee; Owsley, Missouri; Patsie Waddy, 
 
 Arkansas; L. Taylor, Louisiana; O. Thomas, Texas; J. H. 
 Rector, Missouri, at large. 
 
 During the absence of the Committee the Convention 
 was addressed by the following brethren : Charles Asbury, 
 J. T. Amos, A. Walters, Sister P. Hart, Allen, Indiana ; 
 C. H. Tandy, O. H. Webb, Missouri; R. Nichols, S. M. 
 Todd, Texas; A. W. Kern, Arkansas; J. H. Taylor, Ken 
 tucky; M. Finley, White, and Rev. E. W. S. Hammond. 
 
 The Committee on Credentials returned delegates from 
 the following temples: (For names of delegates see min 
 utes). Chapman No. 19, Star of the West No. 13, Tallevate 
 No. 7, St. Martin No. 8, Esther No. 4, St. Rose No. 17, 
 Zion No. i, Zion No. 20, Temple No. 27, Deborah No. 28, 
 St. Mary No. 35, South Carrollton No. 39, Eastern Star No. 
 2i, Mary Magdalene No. 33, Queen Esther No. 24, Union No. 
 n, Good Shepherdess No. 16, Rebecca No. 31, Rutt No. 22, 
 Covington No. 6, United Sisters of Friendship No. 4, Venus 
 Star No. 37, Star No. 18, St. Mary No. 2, Olive Branch No. 
 29, Star of Esther No. 30, Star of Carthage No. 9, Adelia No. 
 36, Grace No. 42, St. Francis No. 10, Kentucky; Mexico 
 No. i, Boonville No. 2, Friendship No. 29, Elizabeth No. 
 3, Rockport No. 4, Hannibal No. 4, Scott No. 15, Missouri; 
 St. Mary s No. 2, Deborah No. 3, Golden Rule No. 4, Mt. 
 Carmel No. i, Star No. 6, St. Mary No. 7, Golden No. 5, 
 Star of Esther No. 30, Indiana; St. Paul No. i, Arkansas. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 59 
 
 SPECIAL COMMITTEE MEETING AT NINTH AND MARKET 
 STREETS, HALL OF U. B. F. 
 
 Pursuant to a call the Ladies Temples of the city of Lou 
 isville met in mass convention in the brothers hall, at 4 
 o clock P. M., W. H. Gibson, National Grand Master, pre 
 siding, J. H. Rector, Past Deputy National Grand Master, 
 and the present and past officers being present. J. S. Mc- 
 Leod was appointed Secretary. 
 
 The object of the meeting was stated by the chairman, 
 which was to instruct the sisters in the work, and confer 
 upon them the second degree, by the authority of the Na 
 tional Grand Lodge. 
 
 Sister J. H. Taylor was chosen by the National Grand 
 Master to take the chair as Most Worthy Princess, to open 
 the temple, to exemplify and make uniform the existing 
 work, in order that differences might be compared, which 
 was done, after the necessary officers were appointed. The 
 work was commended by the National Grand Master, and 
 Bro. J. H. Rector, of Missouri, was requested to give the 
 opening ceremonies of Missouri Temples, which he did, and 
 was also commended by the National Grand Master, who 
 stated that the few technical differences could be readily 
 reconciled. 
 
 Rev. E. W. S. Hammonds and F. D. Morton addressed 
 the ladies on the present condition and possible future of 
 the organization. Their remarks were very impressive and 
 well received. 
 
 Sister Vina Harris, M. W. P., of Western Star Temple; 
 Sister J. H. Taylor, M. W. P., of Temple No. 16; Sister Tal- 
 bot, M. W. P., of Temple No. 25; Sister Gaddy, of Temple 
 No. 28, made short and pointed addresses, assuring the 
 brethren of their continued sisterly confidence and regard. 
 
60 UNITED HROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 Thus closed the First Grand Session of the Sisters of the 
 Mysterious Ten (U. B. F.), with forty-six temples repre 
 sented and ninety-two delegates and visiting sisters from all 
 the city temples. 
 
 The ladies were entertained with a Kentucky hospitality 
 such as is common to Kentuckians. 
 
 Indianapolis was named for the next assembly. 
 
 The Temple Sisters gave a picnic at Central Park, and a 
 grand review was held by the National Grand Officers, which 
 was witnessed by a large concourse of citizens. 
 
 SECOND NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE SISTERS, AT INDIAN 
 APOLIS, JULY 17, 1880. 
 
 The Second Session of the Sisters of the Mysterious Ten 
 was largely attended, business of importance transacted 
 ritualistic work, conferring degrees, and lectures in the new 
 work. Sisters Hart, Finley, Robert, and Hamilton dis 
 tinguished themselves as proficients in their offices. The 
 ladies accompanied the parade in carriages. The banquet 
 at the Exposition building was tastefully prepared and the 
 guests had a very enjoyable time. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 INSURANCE OR MUTUAL AID DEPARTMENT. 
 
 The necessity of an insurance department connected with 
 the Order had been discussed at every general meeting since 
 the organization of the Kentucky State Grand Lodge, and 
 various forms had been suggested. The National Grand 
 Master had recommended it in all of his reports. At this 
 session of the National Grand Lodge Bro. F. D. Morton, of 
 the Standing Committee, offered a plan thought to be plain 
 and feasible. 
 
MRS. CELIA WRIGHT, 
 
 Cincinnati, O. 
 

 MRS. M. E. WHITLOW, 
 
 Cincinnati, O. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 6 I 
 
 On motion of J. H. Rector, of Missouri, the matter of 
 insurance was placed in the hands of a special committee, 
 composed of Bros. Morton, Lawson, Baxter, Gibson, and 
 Fitzbutler. The committee drafted a constitution, naming 
 Louisville, Ky., as its headquarters. An act of incorpora 
 tion was obtained, the incorporators being F. D. Morton, 
 Esq., W. H. Lawson, Esq., and Dr. H. Fitzbutler. 
 
 Board of Management F. D. Morton, President; W. H. 
 Lawson, Vice President; W. H. Gibson, Treasurer; Dr. H. 
 Fitzbutler, Secretary; T. S. Baxter, Assistant Secretary. 
 
 The management issued policies to the membership and 
 a very bright prospect loomed up before us for two years. 
 Our report at the Cincinnati meeting of the National Grand 
 Lodge was encouraging, but in the third year a difficulty be 
 tween the secretary and policy-holders caused consider 
 able confusion, and in consequence of this our progress 
 was somewhat impeded. A change of officers was the result 
 of this affair. For one year we were endeavoring to settle 
 the difficulty. At the National Grand Lodge at Galveston a 
 review of the matter was placed in charge of a committee 
 and properly adjusted, and the management placed in the 
 hands of the following officers: W. H. Gibson, President; 
 W. T. Peyton, Secretary; J. W. Hillman, Treasurer, with 
 power to appoint sub-committees in the several States to act 
 as agents. A new impetus was given to the Mutual Aid As 
 sociation, a number of new policies issued, and a consider 
 able sum paid to deceased members. 
 
 For four years the management of the Mutual Aid depart 
 ment was conducted by the above named officers. Their 
 biennial reports were submitted, and received the approval 
 of the Order. There were no deficiences during their term 
 of office. There was a marked improvement, new policies 
 being issued, and the assessments of old claimants met. 
 
62 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 At the session held at St. Louis, Mo., July, 1888, a new 
 management was elected as follows : Dr. Burney, of New 
 Albany, Ind., President; E. W. Marshall, of Louisville, 
 Ky., Secretary; French, of Louisville, Ky., Treasurer. 
 
 [NOTE The State Mutual Aid Insurance seems to be superseding 
 the National. They take up less territory, and are better managed. 
 The reports of several States are quite an improvement on the former 
 plan, and as soon as every member of the Order is enrolled on the 
 insurance plan, and policies obtained, the results will be such as will 
 make our Order all that the most sanguine could wish, and the relief 
 to our dependent families will be an hundred fold.] 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 ORGANIZATION OF THE GRAND AND SUBORDINATE CAMPS. 
 
 FRIDAY, July 5, 1878. 
 
 At this session of the National Grand Lodge the following 
 resolution was offered by C. H. Tandy and R. C. Fox : 
 
 Resolved, That we recommend the establishing of the 
 Knights of Friendship in all States composing the National 
 compact of the United Brothers of Friendship. 
 
 By A. Walters and Chas. Asbury, as a substitute for the 
 resolution of C. H. Tandy and R. C. Fox: 
 
 WHEREAS, As there is a Brotherhood of Knights of 
 Friendship in the city of St. Louis, recognized by said State 
 Grand Lodge as such ; and 
 
 WHEREAS, The other Grand Lodges are not aware of the 
 fact that the National Grand Lodge has not acknowledged it 
 as such ; be it 
 
 Resolved, That this Grand Lodge approve it as being of a 
 higher degree of United Brothers of Friendship, and that the 
 National Grand Lodge do recognize the Knights of Friendship 
 of Missouri as the fourth degree of United Brothers of Friend 
 ship. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 63 
 
 Resolved, That the said degree of Knight be given to the 
 Grand Master of each and every State, and that he be in 
 structed to give the same to subordinate Masters under his 
 jurisdiction. 
 
 The resolutions were tabled by a vote of fifty-one to five. 
 By Dr. H. Fitzbutler : 
 
 Resolved, That this National Grand Lodge do hereby 
 establish the degree of " Knights of Friendship" as the 
 fourth degree of the Order, and recommend the same to the 
 subordinate lodges of the United Brothers of Friendship 
 throughout the jurisdiction of this Order. 
 
 Lost by substitution. 
 
 By Thos. W. Johnson, of Ohio, as a substitute for the 
 whole : 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of one member from each 
 State here represented be appointed by the chair to compose 
 or generate the degree of Knighthood. 
 
 Adopted, and the following committee appointed : 
 
 Knights Degree Chas. Asbury, Chairman; J. H. Tay 
 lor, J. H. Jones, R. Toney, S. Johnson, A. W. Kern, S. 
 M. Todd, E. W. S. Hammond, R. Christian, J. H. Rector, 
 and F. Washington. 
 
 The degree, as composed or generated by said committee, 
 was conferred on the delegates gratis at 9 o clock p. M., 
 July 5, 1878. 
 
 TUESDAY, July 9, 1878. 
 
 A meeting of the select committee appointed by the 
 National Grand Lodge was held at the hall on the corner of 
 Ninth and Market streets for the purpose of electing officers 
 preparatory to the organization of a National Grand Camp, 
 Knights of Friendship. W. H. Gibson was elected Chair- 
 
64 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 man of the preliminary meeting with J. S. McLeod as Sec 
 retary. 
 
 Nominations for office of National Knight Commander 
 being next in order, W. H. Gibson, E. W. Hammond, and 
 J. H. Rector were nominated. W. H. Gibson was elected 
 on the third ballot, and, on motion, his election was made 
 unanimous. 
 
 The following officers were elected : E. W. S. Ham 
 mond, N. G. S. K. C. ; J. H. Rector, N. G. J. K. C. ; 
 J. S. McLeod, N. G. K. R. ; J. W. Hillman, N. G. K. W. ; S. 
 M. Todd, N. G. K. C. of G. ; R. C. Fox, ist N. G. K. G. ; 
 F. D. Morton, 2 d N. G. K. G. ; Chas. Bartlett, N. G. K. 
 D. ; J. H. Taylor, N. G. K. P. 
 
 The National Grand Camp being properly organized, the 
 officers-elect were installed and camp opened in due form 
 with a solemn and impressive ceremony. 
 
 Resolutions offered : 
 
 Resolved, That the N. G. K. C., N. G. S. K. C., and 
 N. G. J. K. C. shall be empowered to grant a warrant to 
 open a camp of Knights of Friendship to any ten members 
 of the United Brothers of Friendship having the third degree, 
 and being in good standing, on their petition and the recom 
 mendation of the Master and Secretary, with the seal of the 
 lodge affixed. 
 
 Resolved, That the aforesaid officers of the National Grand 
 Camp are hereby authorized to agree upon and have printed 
 blank warrants, with the proper emblems thereon, and the 
 fee for issuing said warrants shall be $5, which shall be paid 
 into the National Grand Treasury. 
 
 Resolved, That all past and present officers of the National 
 Grand Lodge U. B. F. shall be entitled to admission as mem 
 bers of the National Grand Camp of Knights of Friendship 
 on payment of three (3) dollars membership fee. 
 
 Resolved, That all members of this National Grand Camp, 
 while in good standing, shall be considered honorary mem- 
 
J. MONTGOMERY, 
 
 Kentucky. 
 P. N. G. C. 
 
W. H. GIBSON, JR., 
 
 Louisville, Ky. 
 P. G. SECRETARY. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 65 
 
 bers of all subordinate camps established by its authority and 
 under its jurisdiction. 
 
 The Degree of Knighthood was then conferred upon the 
 following named brethren, and they were declared to be 
 knights at large of the Order: J. Montgomery, J. T. Hud 
 son, and E. W. Marshall, of No. i; J. Gaddy, F. H. 
 Antle, and H. W. Lewis, of No. 12; W. Day and H. C. 
 Parker, of No. 21; W. H. Jones and R. Letcher, of No. 22; 
 L. L. Fox, of No. 32; W. L. Johnson, Stepney Ray, and 
 G. Murfrie, of No. 41 ; Isaac Curtis and T. Thomas, of No. 
 45; W. H. Warley and M. Green, of No. 47; J. W. Sherley 
 and Wm. Coleman, of No. 50; C. S. Jackson, of No. 52; 
 G. Hood and A. Slaughter, of No. 54. 
 
 [NOTE The introduction of this degree into the Order, with its 
 splendid uniform and drill exercises, gave to the young men of the 
 Order new vigor, life, and animation. It has added very consider 
 ably to our processions and grand street parades, and the competitive 
 drills have won the applause of the people and the press. The most 
 noted camps are Garrison, Belle, and David, of Kentucky. The Cap 
 tain General, W. Lewis Johnson, has immortalized himself as a drill 
 master. The camps under his command move like clock work, and 
 many are the trophies won from the Gulf to the Lakes.] 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 STATE GRAND MASTERS OF KENTUCKY. 
 
 L. H. Williams, elected August, 1876, at Louisville, Ky. , 
 successor to Grand Master W. H. Gibson, Sr. Grand Mas 
 ter Williams served but one term. He was a bright young 
 man and promised to advance the interests of the Order. 
 His first step was to resign his occupation (a blacksmith by 
 trade), and travel as an organizer. At the expiration of his 
 term the Grand Lodge preferred charges against him and he 
 was expelled after a trial of several days duration. He 
 
 5 
 
66 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 finally made his mark, becoming a minister of the gospel 
 and dying beloved and respected by the societies and the 
 community in which he lived. 
 
 T. S. Baxter, successor to Grand Master Williams, was 
 elected in 1877 at Mt. Sterling, Ky. Grand Master Baxter 
 ranks with the fathers of the Order. He was in the first 
 State Convention, and first Grand Secretary for Kentucky. 
 He served four successive terms and organized many lodges 
 and temples in this State and Tennessee. He has made 
 many sacrifices for the interest of the Order, and has held 
 many positions in State and National assemblies with profit 
 and credit. 
 
 W. H. Lawson, successor to Grand Master Baxter, was 
 elected in 1882 and served two terms. Grand Master Law- 
 son s fame has gone abroad as one of the fathers and organ 
 izers of the Order. He is a charter member and a gen 
 eral dispenser of U. B. F. literature. He has served in all 
 positions of importance, and, from all appearances, is des 
 tined to be of considerable service to the Order in his de 
 clining years. 
 
 J. W. Woolfolk, successor to Grand Master Lawson, was 
 elected in 1885. Grand Master Woolfork, of Frankfort, Ky., 
 
 ranks with the early and earnest workers. He served 
 
 terms and traveled extensively throughout the State, organiz 
 ing a large number of lodges and temples. His annual re 
 ports show executive ability. He stands at the head of the 
 list of legislators, as many of our laws are the production of 
 his brain. He is the author of our code of laws the Digest. 
 He has filled many important positions in the State and 
 National meetings, and seldom fails to be present. 
 
 E. W. Glass, successor to Grand Master Woolfolk. 
 Grand Master Glass administration was a clean one, as 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 67 
 
 he is noted for his business qualities. He had the support 
 of his Grand Officers. His report compares favorably with 
 his predecessors. He is popular as a politician, having been 
 elected jailer of his county. He is known as a philanthro 
 pist in his vicinity, and by his influence many have sought 
 membership in our Order. 
 
 W. A. Gains, of Kentucky, successor to Grand Master 
 Glass. Grand Master Gains ranks among the popular young 
 men of the Order. He has made a successful Grand Officer, 
 has traveled the State about as thoroughly as any of his pre 
 decessors, and has wrought the lodges and temples up to 
 great proficiency in discipline and in their financial rela 
 tions. To his effort, be it said, the success of the Orphans 
 Home, thus far, is attributed. The notes were due and no 
 money to meet them. He rallied the State, and Kentucky 
 has met the obligations, otherwise we should have failed 
 with the thousands of failures that have occurred during the 
 panic. He has force of character, and seems to know where 
 and when to strike for success. His general deportment is 
 such as to command the respect of all true brothers and 
 sisters of the Order. We should not be surprised to see him 
 occupy the National chair at some future day. His term of 
 1894-95 has been one of many perplexities, but he seems to 
 be equal to the task. 
 
 E. W. Marshall, Secretary of the State of Kentucky and 
 Past Assistant National Secretary, has been one of the most 
 conspicuous officers of the Grand Lodge for years. His un 
 tiring zeal and honesty and prompt attention to business has 
 endeared him to the entire Order. His accounts are such 
 as will always bear the closest scrutiny. His interest and 
 support to the State Grand Master in the Orphans Home 
 affairs command the admiration of the membership at large. 
 
68 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 The following eloquent speakers have addressed the Order 
 of United Brothers of Friendship, of Louisville, Ky. : Hon. 
 Peter H. Clark, Rev. Grafton H. Graham, Rev. Geo. W. 
 Bryant, Hon. Morris Chester, Rev. E. S. W. Hammond, 
 Rev. Lucket, Rev. Dr. E. Tyree, Rev. Dr. J. Abbey, Rev. 
 Anderson, Rev. J. W. Asbury. 
 
 INDIANA. 
 
 Grand Master Chas. Asbury was one of the promoters of 
 the Order in the southern portion of this State. He was be 
 loved and respected by the members of the lodges and tem 
 ples. He was elected Grand Master continuously, from 
 year to year, until his death. His loss to the Order will 
 long be felt, as his presence in the National Grand Lodge 
 was always pleasant. 
 
 TENNESSEE. 
 
 Grand Master P. F. Hill stands prominent in this State 
 as an organizer. The Order received many accessions dur 
 ing his administration. His difficulty with the National 
 Grand Master caused a division in the State, but the Chicago 
 meeting restored him, and he stands to-day a faithful worker 
 and advocate of the Order. Our progress in Mississippi, 
 Kansas, New York, and a portion of Alabama is due largely 
 to his untiring efforts. 
 
 Grand Master Wm. Porter, successor to P. F. Hill, is 
 really the hero of Tennessee. He has the force of character 
 that draws men to him. His honesty of purpose qualifies 
 him for the position of Grand Master. He has re-united the 
 scattering forces that had ceased to act under Bro. Hill s 
 supervision, and all seem now to be moving on to prosperity. 
 
 The Tenth Annual Session of the Grand Lodge of this 
 State has clothed itself with honor and credit to the entire 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 69 
 
 Order. It being the Centennial Year of the State, Grand 
 Master Hill and his aids have mapped out a plan to give the 
 United Brothers of Friendship a prestige that will immortal 
 ize the Order in Tennessee and throughout the United States 
 as a colored organization. Financial arrangements by con 
 tributions and other means instituted in order to make it a 
 success ; headquarters established in Nashville for six months, 
 also a reception headquarters for the United Brothers of 
 Friendship and Sisters of the Mysterious Ten from every 
 quarter of our domain ; a Grand Temple for the State or 
 ganized; an endowment fund established; a committee ap 
 pointed to select and purchase a Widows and Orphans 
 Home. This programme, successfully executed, will make 
 the Order in Tennessee excelsior. J. Thomas Turner, the 
 ever active Grand Secretary and Assistant National Grand 
 Knight Recorder, and Bros. Hill and Porter, form a trio 
 from which we shall look for wonderful results. 
 
 MISSOURI. 
 
 Past Grand Master Tandy, the father of the Order in 
 Missouri, is extensively known throughout our jurisdiction. 
 He has given much time and attention to the advancement 
 and building up of the Order. He has been a conspicuous 
 figure in all of her councils, both State and National, and 
 was our first Deputy National Grand Master. Missouri s 
 history is incomplete without the name of C. H. Tandy. In 
 the First National Convention of the United Brothers of 
 Friendship in 1875, ne ^ * n tne city f Louisville, Ky., he 
 represented his State and did much toward the organization 
 of the National Grand Lodge, which was fully established in 
 his own State in 1876. J. H. Rector, his colleague, was 
 also an active worker in that memorable event. 
 
70 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 Missouri has furnished a galaxy of stars in our firmament : 
 Bros. Webb, Jones, and Bartlett, the first Grand Masters, 
 were revered by the Brotherhood. Rev. T. H. Phillips, with 
 his burning eloquence, always aroused the National Grand 
 Lodge members to eulogistic praise and applause. Rev. Wyatt 
 Scott, his colleague, the impartial and urbane, is noted for 
 his parliamentary points of order. A. B. Moore, the schol 
 arly Grand Master, has left his imprint, and it will not be 
 effaced during the existence of the Order. It was under his 
 administration that the history of the Order in Missouri was 
 ordered, and codified by that very excellent Secretary, W. 
 N. Brent, whose minutes of our Grand sessions are so re 
 plete with general information. The Missouri minutes of 
 1890 should be in the hands of every Grand Officer. Through 
 Missouri our Kansas work has received much attention. 
 
 ILLINOIS. 
 
 Grand Master Bish controlled the State for several years 
 and promised favorable results, but unfortunately he became 
 involved in a law suit with Mt. Hope Temple. The case 
 was brought to the notice of the National Grand Lodge for 
 two sessions, with instructions given, but he failed to obey 
 them, and he was finally expelled at the St. Louis meeting. 
 
 Chicago is the headquarters of the Order in Illinois. 
 The Sisters of the Mysterious Ten are the most numerous. 
 The temples are composed of a very intelligent class of 
 ladies, and they are doing much good for the Order. 
 
 The male forces are not so strong, as our opposition comes 
 from the various male organizations in the State. We are in 
 want of a good male organizer for that city. Since the ac 
 cession of Drs. McGee and Jones we hope for a revival in 
 the male department. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 7 I 
 
 OHIO. 
 
 Past Grand Master Wm. Smith ranks among the leading 
 organizers of our Order. For about twenty years he has 
 faithfully represented the United Brothers of Friendship 
 from Smith Lodge No. i. The Order has grown to immense 
 proportions, until the leading cities of the State have lodges 
 and temples organized, with some of the best and most intel 
 ligent citizens. His work among the camps deserves especial 
 attention. Ohio s roster contains the names of Prof. Max 
 well, O. P. Benjamin, Dehart, Ayres, and Linthecome. 
 
 W. T. Linthecome, a member of Rising Star Lodge No. 
 6, and Knight Recorder of Belle Camp No. i, U. B. F. , is 
 one of the prominent and ardent workers of the Order. Bro. 
 Linthecome is properly the originator of the insurance or 
 endowment policy, introduced at the State Grand Lodge 
 that convened in Cincinnati, August, 1895. 
 
 In his appeal to that Grand Body for the endowment 
 policy we quote his remarks, that no doubt reached the hearts 
 of all who heard him: "To have so elaborate funerals as 
 we usually do, and then afterwards visiting the home of the 
 deceased, our eyes beholding sights most pitiable to behold, 
 and our ears arrested with the touching cry, Mamma, is 
 there no bread? and the answer comes No, from the sur 
 vivors of one who has spent his life in the Order, and his 
 interment was one of grandeur. Ah ! had part of the money 
 that was spent on his or her funeral been bequeathed to the 
 family, it would have reflected honor and credit upon that 
 brother or sister lodge, and also the Order of U. B. F." 
 
 This appeal, after a lengthy discussion, had its desired 
 effect, for it was, by resolution, 
 
72 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 Resolved, That the United Brothers of Friendship and 
 Sisters of the Mysterious Ten have and adopt an Insurance 
 or Endowment Policy. 
 
 Resolved, That said policy shall go into effect immediately 
 upon its passage at said Grand Lodge session. 
 
 The plan is plain and simple. The leading resolution is 
 as follows : 
 
 Resolved, That the Board shall pay to the deceased mem 
 ber s survivors twenty-five cents per head for every financial 
 member in the State of Ohio reported at the last quarter, 
 last third month. 
 
 The officers were elected and all the necessary equip 
 ments for this department provided. Prof. H. J. Dehart is 
 President, and the department is now running in good order, 
 with Bro. Linthecome, Secretary. 
 
 ARKANSAS. 
 
 Grand Master Robinson, a highly respected brother, has 
 worked ardently to build up the Order, and has held honor 
 able positions in the National Grand Lodge. The recent 
 sitting of the National Grand Lodge, which was held in the 
 State house, reflects credit upon him, and shows what in 
 fluence he has with the officials of his State. 
 
 LOUISIANA. 
 
 Among the early workers of the State was Bro. Dear- 
 masey, who succeeded in organizing a lodge, temple, and 
 camp at Shrevesport. Grand Master Green, deceased, was 
 an earnest worker, and established the Order in other parts 
 of the State. 
 
 COLORADO. 
 
 Sister Foster, formerly of Chicago, 111., Mount Hope Tem 
 ple, organized a temple in Denver, and threw to the breeze 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 73 
 
 of the far West our work. She represented her temple at 
 Little Rock, July, 1894. 
 
 PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 Organized under the administration of National Grand 
 Master F. D. Morton, and has been represented by the Rev. 
 Jehu Holliday, now Bishop of the A. M. E. Zion Church. 
 
 NEW YORK. 
 
 Was organized under the administration of National 
 Grand Master Collins by P. F. Hill, Organizer, and the late 
 Rev. John L. Swears ; also Canada. 
 
 WASHINGTON, D. C. 
 
 Organized under the administration of Dr. W. T. Pey 
 ton ; also Liberia, Africa. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 SKETCHES OF NATIONAL GRAND MASTERS. 
 
 The history of the work of our first National Grand 
 Master, under the organization of the Second Epoch having 
 been given, we will review his successors. 
 
 Frederick Douglass Morton, second National Grand Mas 
 ter, elected at Indianapolis, Ind., July 6, 1880. Bro. Mor 
 ton has been an earnest worker in the Order. He was the 
 leader of his delegation to the National Convention at St. 
 Louis that organized the National Grand Lodge. His telling 
 speeches in favor of a union of all the lodges was replete 
 with logical reasoning, and they had the desired effect. At 
 the first National Grand Lodge, at Louisville, in 1878, his 
 services rendered in that Grand Body convinced us that he 
 was the coming young man that would do honor to the 
 
74 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 Order if placed in the Grand Master s chair. His orations 
 at Louisville and Indianapolis were received with the highest 
 applause. He accepted the honor conferred with a firm 
 determination to add new laurels to what had been achieved 
 by his predecessor, and in order to accomplish his aim he 
 resigned a lucrative position in the public schools of Evans- 
 ville for one year in order to travel and organize lodges and 
 temples. The sacrifice proved to be a great one to him, but 
 his object was to improve the Order in all of its branches 
 and introduce it into States where it had not yet been known. 
 He was successful in that respect, and many lodges and 
 temples were received under his administration and new 
 States added to the roll. We regret that we have not his 
 biennial report, that we might quote from it some interesting 
 details of his work, which would add greatly to the historical 
 sketches of the Order. Unfortunately, after being turned 
 over to the National Grand Secretary, at Cincinnati, O., it 
 is claimed that the entire minutes of that session were lost. 
 
 Bro. Morton was elected a second term at Cincinnati, O., 
 July, 1882. It was at this session that the Order realized 
 the sacrifice that the National Grand Master had made dur 
 ing his term of office after having resigned his position at a 
 good salary. The office and labor of National Grand Master 
 did not remunerate him for the sacrifice, and he was there 
 fore loser by hundreds of dollars, consequently his second 
 term was not as brilliant as his first, for the reason that he 
 had to return to his occupation and devote less time to the 
 Order. 
 
 At this session he recommended the degrees of the Royal 
 Household for the Ladies, Junvenile Department, and Past 
 Master s Council. These departments have been organized 
 and are in good working order. The Insurance and Mutual Aid 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 75 
 
 Society was organized under his administration. The labors 
 of National Grand Master F. D. Morton will compare favor 
 ably with his cotemporaries. His second term closed at 
 Galveston, Texas ; it was a stormy, though interesting ses 
 sion. 
 
 W. H. Lawson, third National Grand Master, one of 
 the founders and charter members of the Order, the suc 
 cessor to F. D. Morton, was elected National Grand Mas 
 ter August i, 1884, at Galveston, Texas. Brother Law- 
 son has been known to the United Brothers of Friendship 
 from its organization, through the first and second epochs, 
 and now receives the exaltation of his brethren. It will 
 only be a sketch of Bro. Lawson s work that we shall write, 
 for it would take more space than we can afford in this his 
 tory. 
 
 Bro. Lawson occupied the position of artist for the Order, 
 being the regalia manufacturer, banner maker, and general 
 decorator of the Order for years. He did all the work, but 
 as the Order increased and became numerous its patron 
 age was solicited by colored and white artists ; and be it 
 known, that thousands of dollars are reaped annually from 
 our coffers. There is not a position in the Order that Bro. 
 Lawson has not filled. His ability is acknowledged by the 
 entire Brotherhood. 
 
 At the Galveston meeting one of the most important 
 duties were assigned to him, that of chairman of the ritual 
 istic work and the codifying of our laws. Without a nickel 
 he went at the work, and involved himself to the amount of 
 seven hundred dollars or more, causing him much embarrass 
 ment and loss of property. The work was approved and is 
 now the standard work of the Order. He served one term 
 as National Grand Master. It was under his administration 
 
76 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 that the Order was carried into Michigan, Kansas, and 
 Canada. Bro. Lawson s labors will ever be a standing 
 monument to his fame in the Order. 
 
 Bro. R. G. Collins, successor to W. H. Lawson, was 
 elected July 24, 1886, at Memphis, Tenn. Bro. Collins be 
 longs to that noble band of brothers from the Lone Star 
 State a State of vast resourcess a State that is only second 
 in number of lodges. This State, whose territory is so ex 
 tensive, with its large population of colored people, has con 
 tributed to the Order of United Brothers of Friendship some 
 of her most intelligent citizens, male and female, of which 
 Bro. Collins is a true type. Grand Master Collins served 
 one term, and his biennial report is replete with valuable 
 suggestions for the betterment of the Order. Financial em 
 barrassments seemed to have met him at the beginning of his 
 administration, but if his views are adopted his successor 
 may not have the same to encounter. It may be proper to 
 remark just here, that twelve years of experience with the 
 workings of this Grand Body should have, by this time, com 
 pleted a perfect system of finance ; in fact, the system 
 that we have, or the laws governing them, if enforced, would 
 produce better results. We have the ability, we have the 
 numerical strength to move mountains (so to speak), but it 
 does seem that we are deficient in executive force. We 
 agree with Grand Master Collins, that our laws must be en 
 forced more rigidly in order to be financially successful. 
 
 Dr. W. T. Peyton s election to the National Grand Master s 
 chair was another step in the advance. His position as an 
 educator gave hopes for an administration far in the lead of 
 his predecessors. His ambition for those honors and his 
 qualifications to fulfill them was a sufficient guarantee for his 
 success. His term began with the three-year system, adopted 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 77 
 
 at St. Louis, which gave him an advantage, allowing 
 time to formulate plans and become thoroughly acquainted 
 with the wants and usages of the Order. His first term 
 ended at Chicago in 1891. His reports were received and 
 adopted. He succeeded himself for another term. Under 
 his administration the Orphans Home was recommended 
 and purchased on terms that are easy, and will be, when 
 completed, an honor to the Order and to those worthy breth 
 ren in whose care the management has been intrusted. 
 
 During his second term, petitions have been received 
 from our fatherland Africa, across the sea for admission 
 to our Order; also from the West Indies communications 
 have been received. Under Dr. Peyton s administration the 
 financial department of the Order shows vast improvement, 
 the heavy debts that had accrued under several administra 
 tions having been canceled. The Widow and Orphans 
 Home property was acquired under his second term, and bids 
 fair to be a successful effort. The following are quotations 
 from his annual address : 
 
 In the early part of the administration s career, by the 
 consent of the State Grand Lodge I set forth a National 
 Thanksgiving Day. The thought seemed well founded and 
 has proven a great benefit to the Order. You must bear in 
 mind that when we last met, the cry of our creditors was 
 loud in our ears and is not yet silenced. The National 
 Grand Secretary and myself have each a financial report 
 which shows our present status. Dear brethren, we must 
 provide for a better insurance and must establish the Or 
 phans Home, so nobly introduced by my loving friend and 
 brother predecessor, R. G. Collins, of Texas. My visit to 
 Ohio, Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee, Indiana, and Chicago 
 are among the happiest periods of my life, and the many 
 acts of kindness showered upon me by the brave Texans, 
 the brilliant Buckeyes, the whole-souled Hoosiers, the Ten- 
 
78 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 nesseeans, Kentuckians, and those of Chicago, can never be 
 erased from my memory, and will be told my children, thus 
 making dear to them the names United Brothers of Friend 
 ship and Sisters of the Mysterious Ten. May 15, 1891, I 
 received and accepted, with great reluctance, the resigna 
 tion of Grand Master White, and recognized as his succes 
 sor the Deputy, Bro. W. F. Bledsoe, of Marshall, Texas. 
 By request, Bro. Isaac Curtis was appointed National Grand 
 Organizer, to fill the term. The Order has been established 
 in Kansas and strengthened in New York and Pennsylvania. 
 I recommend that the Sunday next after Easter be the legal 
 Thanksgiving Day of the Order. Further, that the National 
 Grand Master be empowered to appoint a committee of three, 
 with power to act in purchasing or erecting a National Home. 
 I present the offer of the Centralia Land Association, offering 
 a site for a home. I further recommend the publishing of a 
 hand-book of the Order, showing its true origin and designs. 
 I further recommend that the Mutual Aid Association be ap 
 plied to States not having a satisfactory Mutual Aid Associa 
 tion, in the same manner as it is conducted in the State of 
 Missouri ; that this applies to States and Territories, but only 
 to those joining the lodges after the passage of this law. 
 
 J. Chavis, of Illinois, read the following proposal for Or 
 phans Home : 
 
 WHEREAS, The contemplated Orphans Home means the 
 founding of an institution for the protection, care, and edu 
 cation of the sons and daughters of United Brothers of 
 Friendship, who have been unfortunately deprived of that 
 parental care so essential to the early training of men and 
 women for usefulness in life ; and 
 
 WHEREAS, Facilities for education and political protection 
 can best be secured in the State of Illinois; and 
 
 WHEREAS, A single member of this noble and independ 
 ent Order of ours, in the person of Walker Wilkinson, has 
 agreed to deed to this Grand Lodge, or its authorities, fifty 
 acres of Illinois freesoil, on the C. V. & C. R. R., in the 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 79 
 
 county of Alexander, and State of Illinois, for the site of 
 said institution ; therefore be it 
 
 Resolved, That the National Grand Lodge accept the 
 above proposition and select the site for the Orphans Home 
 on said fifty acres of land, in the county of Alexander, and 
 State of Illinois. 
 
 HISTORY OF PAST MASTERS COUNCIL, ROYAL HOUSEHOLD, AND 
 JUVENILE DEPARTMENT 
 
 As created by the following Compiling Committee, ap 
 pointed by the National Grand Lodge, at a meeting held in 
 the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, July 17 to 21, 1882: W. H. 
 Lawson, G. M., Ky, Chairman; J. J. Norris, Pa. ; W. A. 
 Burney, D. G. M., Ind. ; W. H. Coleman, G. M., Ohio; J. 
 E. Bish, G. S., 111.; Chas. Bartlett, G. M., Mo.; R. Law- 
 son, G. M., Ark.; A. L. Scott, Tenn. ; R. H. Day, Texas. 
 
 Revised and published by the following Ritualistic Com 
 mittee appointed by the National Grand Lodge at a meeting 
 held in the city of Galveston, Texas, July 28 to August 2, 
 1884: W. H. Lawson, W. H. Gibson, W. T. Peyton, and 
 T. S. Baxter. 
 
 The Past Masters Council, an annex to the Knighthood, 
 has added interest to the membership as a door to the 
 Knighthood and honors for services rendered. 
 
 The Royal Household adds beauty and grandeur to the 
 Ladies Temple degrees. Their Royal Court and splendid 
 equipment is the crowning point of the Mysterious Ten. 
 
 Great interest is being manifested in the Juvenile Depart 
 ment by the mothers of the Order. It fills our hearts with 
 gratitude when we behold the army of children being trained 
 for usefulness by the mothers and sisters of the temples. 
 Thousands have been gathered in since its organization. 
 
80 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 THE BIENNIAL SESSION OF THE NATIONAL GRAND LODGE, 
 HELD AT LITTLE ROCK, ARK., JULY 23, 1894. 
 
 The National Grand Lodge was called to order at 2 o clock 
 p. M., in the State House, National Grand Master W. T. Pey 
 ton in the chair. A large and respectful audience of ladies 
 and gentlemen, citizens of Little Rock, and delegations of 
 the Order filled the house. Address of welcome by Bro. 
 Bradford, of Little Rock, response by National Grand Mas 
 ter, and short addresses followed by Judge Gibbs, of Little 
 Rock; W. H. Gibson and W. H. Lawson, of Ky. ; Wm. 
 Porter, of Tenn. After a very pleasant interchange of feel 
 ing among the members, the meeting adjourned to meet at 
 9 o clock A. M. on Tuesday. 
 
 At night the Temple Sisters gave a reception to the visit 
 ing delegates at the U. B. F. Hall. It was a very enjoyable 
 feast of good things, such as revive the inner man. The 
 citizens of Little Rock vied with each other in their efforts 
 to care for us while their guest. 
 
 The business of the Grand Lodge was considerably re 
 tarded by a very unpleasant feeling that existed between the 
 delegation from Kentucky and the National Grand Master 
 in regard to the purchase of the Widows and Orphans Home. 
 Committees were appointed to investigate the whole affair, 
 and after a thorough examination the National Grand Lodge 
 referred the whole matter to the Grand Lodge of Kentucky 
 for settlement. (See National Grand Lodge minutes). 
 
 MEETING OF THE NATIONAL GRAND TEMPLE AT LITTLE ROCK, 
 ARK., JULY, 1894. 
 
 Grand Princess Mrs. Dr. Georgia Henderson called the 
 temple to order. Divine blessing was invoked by the Grand 
 
P. F. HILL, 
 
 G. M. OF TENNESSEE. 
 

 
 KiJ 
 
 C. D. PRITCHARD, 
 
 G. M. OF INDIANA. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 8 I 
 
 Chaplain. The routine business of the Grand Temple was 
 then proceeded with. 
 
 The delegation was a very large one. The ladies were 
 tastefully attired and attracted considerable attention through 
 out the community. Many wives and daughters of the male 
 members accompanied them, and the presence of the ladies 
 gave inspiration to the Grand Assembly. Mrs. Dr. Georgia 
 Henderson, the Grand Princess, was re-elected for the fifth 
 term. She seems to possess all of those qualities really 
 necessary for that exalted position. Her demeanor is of a 
 lovely bearing; she is scholarly, and withal a Christian. 
 She has won the affections of all the Temple Sisters. 
 
 The Temple Sisters of the Mysterious Ten, of Little Rock, 
 have made an impression that time will not erase. 
 
 The colored citizens of Little Rock are a business people. 
 Their enterprise attracted the attention of their visitors ; for 
 amid the tortures and distress chronicled from day to day in 
 the South, they seem to go right along as though nothing had 
 happened. Their educational facilities are fair. They have 
 good churches, and all are well attended. The colored trades 
 men are patronized, also the professions. There are many 
 farmers, who have a large proportion of colored salesmen 
 vending their products with the same tact and skill as their 
 white fellow citizens. 
 
 RECEPTION OF WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON CAMP AT CHI 
 CAGO, ILL., JULY, 1891. 
 
 William Lloyd Garrison Camp No. i, of Louisville, hav 
 ing just arrived in fatigue uniform, was introduced to the 
 Grand Lodge by W. A. Gains, Grand Master of Kentucky, 
 as follows : 
 
 l Worthy Grand Master, Past Grand Masters, Officers and 
 Delegates I have the extreme pleasure of introducing to you 
 
 6 
 
82 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 the first camp that was ever formed in defense of the grand 
 and glorious honor of this great Order, and bear in mind, if 
 you please, that it has at no time ever faltered or shrunk 
 from the performance of any duty; and we guarantee you 
 that this valiant band of Knights of Friendship is still stand 
 ing in defense of the sacred principles of our Order, and are 
 a living illustration that men of color have the capacity to 
 conceive and the ability to perpetuate a great organization 
 for the benefit of mankind, and the presence of this camp 
 here to-day is an assurance that you will be protected, if 
 necessary, at the point of the sword." 
 
 National Grand Master Peyton said : 
 
 ^Members of the National Grand Lodge You have before 
 you William Lloyd Garrison Camp, named in honor of the 
 immortal friend of freedom. In those dark days of our ex 
 perience, when there was no light ahead, when all seemed 
 gloomy for our fathers and mothers, William Lloyd Gar 
 rison went forth in the path of right and duty, amid a storm 
 of opposition, until he finally triumphed in the name of God 
 and humanity ; and so this knightly band of brothers, bear 
 ing his revered name, has raised the banner of our Order 
 in honor of his memory. It is the first of our Order that 
 trod the streets of Cincinnati, that marched through the dust 
 of Indianapolis, and walked like men of war through the 
 thoroughfares of Galveston, on the borders of the Gulf, all 
 in honor of the United Brothers of Friendship. When this 
 camp was requested to come to this city by the officers of 
 the National Grand Lodge, to demonstrate the military per 
 fection of the Order, it generously consented to pay its own 
 fare. These Knights of Friendship are here at a personal 
 cost to themselves of $600, to further the underlying prin 
 ciples of our Order Justice, Mercy, and Truth and to 
 bear aloft our banner in this great city. We ask, and we are 
 sure, that the brothers and sisters of Chicago will treat them 
 as they deserve, and in recognition of the compliment in 
 calling upon the National Grand Lodge, we will now give 
 them the grand honors." 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 83 
 
 NATIONAL KNIGHT COMMANDERS. 
 
 W. L. Johnson, Past National Knight Commander and 
 Captain General of the Valiant Knights of Friendship. This 
 division of the Order is indebted largely to V. K. Johnson 
 for the high attainments in the manual of drill, the perfec 
 tion arrived at, and eulogies expressed on every occasion 
 when brought before the public. 
 
 At the organization of Garrison Camp, when a drill mas 
 ter was to be selected, the National Commander offered Bro. 
 W. L. Johnson for the position. He had some experience 
 in the art of drilling, from the fact that he was connected 
 with the military of our city and had excellent opportunities 
 for learning. The selection proved a fitting one, so much 
 so that from Drill Master he advanced to Knight Com 
 mander, National Knight Commander, and Captain General. 
 He has been in office ever since the organization of the 
 camps. Garrison has won many prizes and trophies by his 
 skillful maneuverings. Two other camps have been organ 
 ized, getting a portion of their members from Garrison. 
 
 Commanders J. H. Rector, W. L. Johnson, Wm. 
 Porter, Jesse Montgomery, Bryant Luster. 
 
 MEETINGS OF THE NATIONAL GRAND CAMPS. 
 
 Louisville, Ky., July, 1878, organized; Cincinnati, O., 
 August, 1879, extra session for work, Knighted 77; Indian 
 apolis, Ind., July, 1880; Cincinnati, O., July, 1882; Louis 
 ville, Ky., extra session, 1883; Galveston, Tex., July, 1884; 
 Memphis, Tenn., July, 1885; Memphis, Tenn., Grand Ses- 
 sion,i886; Little Rock, Ark., July, 1887; St. Louis, Mo., 
 1888; Chicago, 111., 1891; Little Rock, Ark., 1894; St. 
 Louis, 1896. 
 
84 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 VISITS OF VALIANT KNIGHTS. 
 
 Garrison visited Indianapolis in 1880 and contested for a 
 prize with Belle, of Cincinnati, O. ; Belle, of Cincinnati, 
 O., visited Indianapolis in 1880; David, of Covington, Ky., 
 visited Indianapolis in 1880; Garrison visited St. Louis in 
 1877; Garrison visited Galveston, Tex., in 1884; Garrison 
 and Belle, of Kentucky, visited Indianapolis in 1888; Belle, 
 of Cincinnati, visited Louisville in 1888; Garrison visited 
 Chicago in 1891; Belle, of Cincinnati, visited Chicago in 
 1891; Morris Henderson, of Chicago, visited Memphis, 
 Tenn., in 1891; Garrison visited Cincinnati in 1893. 
 
 The National Grand Camp met at Louisville, Ky. , in 
 1892. The following camps were present: Winchester 
 Camp, Kentucky; Mt. Sterling Camp, Kentucky; Quinn 
 Camp, Indianapolis, Ind. ; Lexington Camp, Kentucky ; 
 Carthage Camp, Jeffersonville, Ind. ; Belle Camp, Cincin 
 nati, O. ; David Camp, Covington, Ky. ; Pride of Kentucky 
 Camp, Louisville; Belle Camp, Kentucky; Garrison Camp, 
 Kentucky, and representatives from Little Rock, Ark., and 
 Fort Worth, Texas. 
 
 The largest prize ever offered at any of our grand drills 
 was presented by the three camps of Louisville, Ky. the 
 sum of $500. Winchester Camp, Kentucky, captured the 
 first prize, $300; Logan Camp, Lexington, Ky. , second prize, 
 and Belle Camp, Cincinnati, O., third prize of $100 each. 
 
 1888 A contest a,t Winchester, Ky. , between Logan 
 Camp, of Lexington, Ky ; David Camp, of Covington, Ky. , 
 and Belle Camp, of Louisville, Ky. 
 
 1889 A contest at Maysville, Ky. , between Logan Camp, 
 of Lexington, Ky. ; Golden Eagle Camp, of Winchester, 
 Ky., and Belle Camp, of Louisville, Ky. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 85 
 
 1890 A contest at Indianapolis, Ind. National Drill- 
 between Garrison Camp, Golden Eagle Camp, Winchester, 
 Ky. ; Logan Camp, Lexington, Ky. ; Belle Camp, Cincin 
 nati, O., and Belle Camp No. 2, Louisville, Ky. 
 
 1891 A contest at Lexington, Ky., between Golden 
 Eagle Camp, Winchester, Ky. ; Belle Camp, Louisville, Ky., 
 and Maysville Camp, Maysville, Ky. 
 
 Belle Camp No. 2, K. F., of Louisville, Ky., was organ 
 ized on October 8, 1888, the following being the first elective 
 officers : Lee Mattingly, K. C. ; John Hyde, K. R. ; Elijah 
 Mitchell, S. K. ; F. W. Kittrell, Jr. K. ; Dudley Mills, Cap 
 tain Guards, and L. Hutchinson, Captain General. 
 
 The first contest, at Winchester, Ky., between Lexington, 
 Covington, and Belle camps, was won by Belle Camp, the 
 prize amounting to $50. 
 
 The next contest was at Maysville, Ky. , between Lexing 
 ton, Winchester, and Belle camps. Winchester received 
 first prize, the amount being $60, and Belle Camp second, $45. 
 
 The next contest was at Lexington, Ky. , in 1891, between 
 Winchester, Maysville, and Belle camps. First prize, $75, 
 won by Belle Camp ; second prize, by Winchester Camp, $25. 
 
 At Indianapolis, Ind., the National Drill between Cin 
 cinnati, Garrison No. i, Winchester, Lexington, Belle of 
 Cincinnati, and Belle of Louisville, took place in July, 1890. 
 First prize, $150, was won by Belle Camp No. 2, of Ken 
 tucky; Garrison second, Winchester third. 
 
 The organization began with forty-two members. The 
 following are the present officers: W. H. Smith, K. C. ; F. 
 VV. Kittrell, S. K. ; Theodore Terry, J. K. ; B. F. Hays, K. 
 R. ; Oliver Arnold, Captain Guards, and L. J. Hutchinson, 
 Captain General. Financial members at this date, thirty- 
 five. 
 
86 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 Never lost but one prize since organization in any contest 
 the camp ever entered. 
 
 Pride of Kentucky Camp. At the organization of this 
 camp Valiant Knight Nathaniel Mathews was elected Knight 
 Commander. This camp has a fine corps of members; they 
 are well drilled, and have not had the same experience as 
 Garrison and Belle camps, but with Knight Commander 
 Mathews and his strict discipline they will vie with the other 
 camps in the manual of arms. Every officer and member 
 has the confidence of the Commander, and they can not fail 
 to succeed. Valiant Knight Mathews has a large experience, 
 and he has been in the Order since the first convention, in 
 1875. A. L. Jones, Commander. 
 
 Belle Camp, of Cincinnati, O., was present at Garfield s 
 funeral, which took place at Cincinnati, O., September, 
 1 88 1. Thousands of military and civic societies participated. 
 Belle Camp, of Cincinnati, O., and David Camp, of Cov- 
 ington, Ky. , made a handsome display in their beautiful 
 regulations. They were assigned a prominent position in 
 the line, with a band in front of them. They were com 
 manded by V. K. Tom Johnson, with the following Grand 
 Camp officers in full regalia: W. H. Gibson, Sr. , N. G. C. ; 
 J. C. McLoud, G. R. ; J. W. Hillman, G. W. ; Wm. Smith, 
 G. S. B. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 REMINISCENCES TEXAS. 
 
 Our trip to Texas was fraught with forebodings, the his 
 tory of the State being so noted for cow-boys and an element 
 of outlaws that has terrified travelers from the days of San 
 Jacinto and Gen. Sam Houston to and after the Civil War, 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 87 
 
 but duty called and "we must obey." At Texarkana we 
 had our first mishap. We boarded the wrong train, through 
 the ignorance of a porter or his meanness, there being only 
 two trains on the road, morning and evening, and were 
 dumped out at a saw-mill in a forest, to remain from 9 o clock 
 A. M. to 6 o clock P. M. We had an engagement that night 
 at Sherman, but failed, of course, to meet it. The work 
 men at the saw-mill viewed us with a critic s eye, but further 
 than that they did not molest us. It was the most lonesome 
 day that we ever spent. The train arrived, and we boarded 
 it and left for our destination. We were received by Rev. 
 H. Read, visited the temple and lodge, instructed them and 
 left in company with Bro. Reed. 
 
 The scenery was grand, and the prairie afforded much 
 food for reflection. In all the places we visited there, we 
 found many thrifty colored Americans, their cabins and 
 farms showing thrift and enterprise. Some of them had 
 good churches and schools, especially at Dallas, Austin, 
 Houston, and Galveston. We visited an institution at Mar 
 shall, supported by the Episcopalians, a gentleman from the 
 West Indies being its principal. 
 
 We received the same treatment on the trains as our 
 people are accustomed to in the South ; we shared with the 
 emigrants. Our train was crowded, and at night the cries 
 of the children kept us awake. The foreign languages and 
 costumes added considerably to the novelty. We ventured 
 out to the hotels and lunch stands; at several we were 
 accommodated and at others refused. At Herne we called 
 for a cup of coffee, but the waiter must have been deaf and 
 dumb, as he never answered nor opened his mouth, so I 
 supposed he was a negro-hater, and I concluded to "let 
 Ephraim alone." 
 
88 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 At Austin we had a grand time with the brethren, lectur 
 ing and setting things right generally. We visited the Capi 
 tol, a beautiful stone building. The brethren had our pho 
 tograph taken as a token of their esteem. 
 
 At Houston we were on the track of Foster, as he was in 
 the city. A committee was sent to inform him of our ar 
 rival, and a meeting was arranged for 9 o clock. But lo ! 
 at that hour the bird had flown to San Antonio. We had a 
 grand time at Houston with the lodge and temple, and then 
 left for Galveston. 
 
 We arrived safely in Galveston, and went out in the after 
 noon with Bro. Moses Morris to view the city. A rain came 
 down upon us, and it continued from Tuesday until Thurs 
 day night. We were water-bound. The water was up to 
 the floors of the street-cars and the inhabitants were floating 
 around in skiffs. I began to think of some mode of escape, 
 but I was surrounded by the gulf and the bay and the river 
 and a three-mile trestle to cross to get to land. Friday was 
 clear, the waters had subsided, and we had a glorious time. 
 Saturday we left, delighted with our trip. 
 
 The meeting of the National Grand Lodge in Galveston 
 July, 1884, left some pleasing reminiscences which will ever 
 be remembered by the visitors to the Lone Star State, espe 
 cially those from the more northern States and the delegates 
 who had never been so far south, consequently, they were look 
 ing for strange sights. The delegations from Ohio, Indiana, 
 Kentucky, and Illinois met at Cairo, and the Tennessee and Ar 
 kansas delegation met at Milan junction. We were introduced 
 by Grand Master Hill, and soon became as one family. We 
 found the brethren kind and affable, and the ladies graceful 
 and dignified. The most elite of the Anglo-race could not 
 have displayed more refinement than this delegation. A 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 89 
 
 special conductor was appointed to accompany us the entire 
 route. Telegraphic communications were forwarded to the 
 hotels and restaurants for meals. In the State of Texas we 
 were accommodated at some hotels and at others we were 
 denied the privilege. Our train was closely scrutinized by 
 the Texans and inquiries made if we were emigrants, and 
 to what locality, etc. The trip was a lengthy one on account 
 of wrecks ahead of us. We left Louisville on Thursday and 
 arrived at Galveston on Monday night. On Sunday even 
 ing we missed connection at a junction and we camped on 
 the suburbs of a small town. We were accommodated at 
 the hotel with supper and breakfast. The landlord and his 
 family served us as though we were white. In camp we en 
 tertained ourselves with songs and speech-making. Nearly 
 all the inhabitants of the little village came out to our meet 
 ing. Late at night a few cow-boys annoyed us by shooting 
 around our camp, and caused us to put out sentinels com 
 posed of the members of Garrison Camp under Captain 
 General Johnson. We left on Monday at 10 A. M. and 
 arrived at Galveston at 9 P. M. Our arrival was greeted 
 with cheers by a waiting assembly of citizens and members 
 of the Order. We were kindly conducted to our lodgings, 
 and received the hospitality of the citizens during our stay. 
 The scenery was interesting. A view of the Gulf of Mexico, 
 the strand and bathings on the sea shore, the gathering of 
 shells by our ladies during the morning strolls, all added to 
 our pleasure. Galveston turned out in force on the day of 
 the parade. Thousands thronged the streets to witness the 
 splendid cortege. The impression made will be a lasting 
 one. All the delegates returned delighted with the trip ex 
 cept two, who lingered behind to continue the stroll longer 
 on the beach, which finally ended in a wedding in the Lone 
 
90 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 Star State between Hon. J. W. Woolfolk and a lady of 
 Frankfort, Ky. 
 
 The meeting of the Grand Temple was largely attended 
 and considerable business transacted by the ladies. A reso 
 lution passed and offered to the National Grand Lodge for ap 
 proval, asking for a united Grand Lodge, composed of male 
 and female, with the right to vote for Grand Officers, created 
 considerable debate and confusion. The resolution was 
 tabled, and a counter resolution passed to discontinue the 
 Grand Temple and the presence of ladies at our Grand 
 meetings. 
 
 The meeting adjourned, with many regrets by the friends 
 of the ladies. 
 
 At the morning session, after the reading of the minutes, 
 Father Gibson asked permission to make a few remarks, 
 which was granted. He reviewed the proceedings relating 
 to the ladies, and showed the bad effect that it would produce 
 in the Order. He reviewed the temples from their organ 
 izations and showed the good they had done. In many cities 
 they had been the forerunners in organizing, when men stood 
 aloof from us. He stated that in nearly every organization 
 in the country, State and international, females were recog 
 nized; they traveled far and near to build up the various in 
 stitutions and help raise fallen humanity. His time was up, 
 but he was permitted to proceed. After his speech the reso 
 lution was reconsidered by a very large majority, and the 
 Grand Temple has survived the gloom of that evening s pro 
 ceedings, and since then thousands of females have been 
 added to the roll of membership. 
 
 ARKANSAS. 
 
 At Little Rock we were entertained by Bro. Kern, and 
 the brethren and sisters made it very pleasant for us. We 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 91 
 
 visited schools, churches, and the various enterprises of our 
 people. We found them in business and patronizing each 
 other, also in the City Council and other departments of the 
 municipality. 
 
 LOUISIANA. 
 
 The United Brothers of Friendship banner was first un 
 furled at Shrevesport, in the northwestern part of the State. 
 Our visit to that city was received with all the honors due 
 our position in the Order. We were met at the depot by a 
 committee of brothers and sisters and escorted to Bro. John 
 son s, and royally treated for one week. We had a large 
 amount of work to perform, such as initiations in the several 
 degrees, knighthood, and temple work. We dispatched for 
 Grand Master Todd, of Galveston, Texas, to come over and 
 assist us. He came immediately, and we labored together 
 and put Louisiana in working order. We were dined by 
 the citizens of Shrevesport in a manner that we shall not 
 forget. After our labors were over, the Order had a grand 
 parade and a meeting in the hall, where speaking and music 
 enlivened the large audience. The principal business of the 
 city is the cotton trade, of which our people are largely in 
 terested. The colored representative of that district, Sena 
 tor Harper, visited us and showed great admiration for our 
 Order and its workings. 
 
 S. M. Todd, Grand Master of Texas, related some thrill 
 ing adventures while organizing lodges in his State on several 
 occasions. He was mobbed and cruelly treated by the out 
 laws that inhabit that section of country. On one occasion, 
 he went into a store to purchase a handkerchief; he asked 
 for the article that he wanted, and was told that such was for 
 white people bandanas were for negroes and said that he 
 was a northern negro putting on airs. There was a party 
 
92 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 sitting around the store, and they immediately began to twit 
 him about his clothing; his beaver hat was obnoxious to 
 them ; they swore that he was from New York and that he 
 should deliver a greenback speech. They placed a box in 
 the center of the store, made him mount it, pointed their 
 pistols at him, and then shot at his hat, several balls passing 
 through it; they also forced him to drink from a jug of 
 whisky. He was so alarmed and frightened that he fell 
 prostrate to the floor, and an old colored lady, who saw the 
 treatment, begged them not to kill him. They promised her 
 that if she would take him away they would spare him. 
 They took his satchel, ripped it open, and discovered that he 
 was a Grand Master; they taunted him, and warned him 
 never to be caught in that neighborhood again. 
 
 At another time, while holding a meeting, the lodge was 
 assailed by a klan and several were injured; some jumped 
 from the windows; others were beaten by the mob. These 
 are some of the trials incident to organizing in those districts 
 where outlaws rule the community. But amid it all, we have, 
 through the determined efforts of such men as Todd, Van- 
 buren, Collins, Mitchell, and White, made Texas one of our 
 strongholds. 
 
 Marshall, Texas, was reached on Saturday night, and our 
 train proceeded no further. We laid over all day Sunday 
 and formed some acquaintances. They had no lodge there, 
 but a few members from Jefferson, about sixteen miles dis 
 tant, upon hearing that I was there, sent Bro. Hernado, who 
 drove over in his wagon, requesting me to visit Jefferson 
 members ; but for fear of missing the train at night I did 
 not go. I attended church at n A. M., and at 3 P. M. wor 
 shiped in the court-house with an A. M. E. congregation, 
 who had no church building. I escaped the klan of which 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 93 
 
 Bro. Todd related, but I met a chinch klan that annoyed me 
 terribly on Saturday night. 
 
 ALABAMA. 
 
 Our trip to Huntsville was an interesting one, from the 
 fact that it was one of those States where negro supremacy 
 was supposed to have the ascendency at that time. On our 
 arrival we were kindly received by Bro. Roberts and the 
 members of lodge and temple. They were organized, but 
 had not the secret work. We conferred degrees and in 
 stalled officers. They had a street parade of a very creditable 
 showing, public speaking at the Fair Grounds, and for the 
 first time I had the pleasure of seeing the Juvenile Brothers 
 drill a squad of boys from the ages of twelve to sixteen 
 years, numbering about twenty-five equipped and uniformed 
 in Revolutionary style, commanded by a drill master that 
 surprised me and many others for their precision and knowl 
 edge of military tactics. They received many eulogies and 
 applauds for their movements. 
 
 The colored people of Huntsville were moving along as 
 well as could be expected, they were doing business accord 
 ing to their means, and had investments in real estate, gro 
 ceries, etc. The schools and churches were improving. We 
 formed the acquaintance of Professors Council, Goodloe, and 
 Lowery the former was principal of the public school, and 
 he was highly appreciated by the people. Prof. Lowery, 
 who has gained a wide reputation for his silk culture and ex 
 hibits throughout the United States, has a large following 
 among his people. He run for the legislature in his dis 
 trict, but was defeated by a small majority. We were highly 
 delighted with a visit to Miss Ross, the organist and pianist 
 of the Methodist Church. Miss Ross is one of the most 
 
94 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 brilliant musicians of the South, and a native Kentuckian. 
 Her father, Rev. Liberty Ross, was an intimate associate of 
 ours, and pastor of Quinn Chapel, Louisville, Ky. , during 
 the war. Sunday we visited the churches and Sunday- 
 schools, and all had large congregations. 
 
 We were indebted to Bro. Lawless for a ride upon the 
 mountains that surround Huntsville, from whose summit the 
 States of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia are seen. That 
 trip was a memorable one. We were up above the clouds, 
 apparently, and a terrible storm was raging beneath us 
 thunder roared, lightning played its antics as vivid as we have 
 ever witnessed finally we were in it and nearly drowned, 
 our wagon being filled with water and our body thoroughly 
 drenched, yet we enjoyed our visit and desired to stay longer 
 in Alabama, for our treatment was the most hospitable. 
 
 ILLINOIS. 
 
 Received in Chicago by Bros. I. Walters and Alex. Tay 
 lors. Having planted our Order firmly on the Gulf, we were 
 delighted with the idea of reaching from the Gulf on the south, 
 to the Lakes on the north. Clubs were formed for a lodge 
 and temple. Everything being prepared we organized them, 
 and unfurled the banner of the United Brothers of Friend 
 ship and Sisters of the Mysterious Ten in Chicago. A grand 
 reception was given at the close, and we were the recipients 
 of a pair of gold eye-glasses by the ladies of Mount Hope 
 Temple. 
 
 Our second visit to Chicago was equally as pleasant. 
 Another temple was organized, and composed of the younger 
 class of females, and as intelligent and promising as any that 
 we have met anywhere in our travels. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 95 
 
 INDIANA. 
 
 Sister Hart, a faithful sister of St. Mary s Temple No. 2, 
 of Louisville, located at Indianapolis, and through her in 
 fluence we were enabled to enroll and organize the banner 
 temple of the State. Through the influence of the sisters 
 we were soon called again to organize a lodge and another 
 temple. We had many friends in that city whose acquaint 
 ance we formed during the war, and they rallied to our 
 standard, and our success was all that the heart could wish. 
 Evansville, the home of the three United Brothers of Friend 
 ship giants of the State, Bros. Asbury, Morton, and Wash 
 ington, gave us a grand reception. The lodges and temples 
 there were up to the highest standard and proficiency of the 
 Order. New Albany and Jeffersonville have received many 
 visits from us, being on the border of Kentucky. We have 
 almost considered them in our bailiwick. They have three 
 temples, one camp, and two lodges there. We granted them 
 charters and set them to work. They present a fine appear 
 ance when assembled, and have an intelligent corps of 
 officers. 
 
 The Grand Lodge of Indiana is composed of good ma 
 terial, and their officers, Bros. Asbury, Morton, Washington, 
 and Birney, reinforced by Prof. C. S. Pritchard, Seymour, 
 Parks, and Harris, are competent. They have formerly met 
 in joint session, male and female, as in Ohio, but they have 
 increased in numbers and finance, so that each division can 
 meet separately. We have spent some very pleasant hours in 
 their sessions. . 
 
 Our visit to their last session in 1893 convinced us of the 
 demand for a history of our organization. The National 
 Grand Master was present and witnessed their expression in 
 
96 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 that direction. We consulted and resolved to issue one. 
 The educational facilities of the State are excellent, and we 
 have a number of the cultured of the State composing their 
 membership. 
 
 OHIO. 
 
 Cincinnati, the Queen City of the West, had a noble 
 representative in the person of Bro. Wm. Smith, of Friend 
 ship Lodge No. i, of Louisville. Having removed from our 
 city and located in Cincinnati, his desire was to see a branch 
 of the Order established in Ohio. We corresponded, and 
 soon a pro tern, lodge was in existence. Our services for 
 organizing and granting them a charter was asked and we 
 responded. Berkley Temple, our female representative, re 
 ceived its name from Sister Amanda Berkley, a very estima 
 ble lady, and the most efficient worker in the organization 
 of that temple. We granted them a charter and set them to 
 work, with a very efficient corps of officers. 
 
 At Dayton we were represented in the persons of Bro. 
 A. W. Jackson and wife, who worked so assiduously to 
 organize a pro tern, body of United Brothers of Friendship 
 and Sisters of the Mysterious Ten. They were successful, 
 and Dayton can boast of an organization second to no other 
 in the State. We visited them, and were highly delighted 
 with the composition of that body of ladies and gentlemen. 
 
 We have visited the Grand Lodge of Ohio on several oc 
 casions, and we can truly say that it is a representative body, 
 though deviating somewhat from our general rules in that 
 they meet conjointly or as a consolidated body, lodges and 
 temples doing their annual business in the same session. 
 Circumstances over which they had no control was the cause 
 of this digression. Our cause, though, has lost nothing by 
 this seeming violation ; for it is a fact, that we found in 
 
J. H. AYERS, 
 
 Cincinnati, (). 
 G. M. OF OHIO. 
 
A. j. DEHART, 
 
 Ohio. 
 PRESIDENT ENDOWMENT. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 97 
 
 organizing our Order, especially in northern cities, that the 
 females were first to receive it. Other orders had preceded 
 us and claiming connection with organizations whose founders 
 were white men and with a history antedating hundreds of 
 years. The men of those cities were slow to welcome an 
 order whose founders were Negroes, and largely of the late- 
 bondsmen. For several years our greatest support was de 
 rived from the women of Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. In 
 dianapolis, Cincinnati, and Chicago furnished the nucleus, 
 but by persistent efforts, with efficient officers, we can boast 
 of a strong organization of intelligent men and women as 
 any order extant. 
 
 The first Grand Master of Ohio, Wm. Smith, deserves 
 great credit for his untiring zeal in the interests of the Order. 
 Having never been married, he keeps a suite of parlors for 
 the accommodation of the local and visiting brothers. On 
 several occasions visiting camps have been the recipients of 
 his hospitality. The services of Grand Master Smith will 
 ever be appreciated by the U. B. F. and S. M. T. of Ohio, 
 and the entire brotherhood. Bro. Smith was ably supported 
 by Bros. T. W. Johnson, Chas. Burkley, Fitzhugh, Belle, and 
 other faithful brothers. Two among the most prominent, 
 Bros. Belle, First Knight Commander of Belle Camp, for 
 whom it was named, and Knight Commander Wood, have 
 finished their work, and have gone to reap their reward 
 in that far better land of the blest. Belle Camp mourns the 
 loss of these Valiant Knights. 
 
 This Grand Lodge has also become strong enough to 
 organize and meet in separate sessions, with a Grand Tem 
 ple, under W. T. Peyton s administration. 
 
 Rev. R. C. Benjamin, Past Grand Master of Ohio, joined 
 uider the administration of National Grand Master F. D. 
 
 7 
 
98 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 Morton. He has been a conspicuous worker in the Order 
 for the past ten years, having served as Grand National Or 
 ganizer, establishing lodges and temples in portions of Ala 
 bama, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and District 
 of Columbia. 
 
 He published The Triangle, a newspaper devoted to the 
 interest of the Order, at Birmingham, Ala., in the year 1892. 
 This paper, we believe, aroused the interest of the Order in 
 that State, notwithstanding a lodge and temple had been 
 organized at Huntsville for twenty-years, and was repre 
 sented at the first State Grand Lodge in Kentucky. 
 
 The following ode was composed by him for a Thanks 
 giving service : 
 
 ODE. 
 
 BY REV. R. C. O. BENJAMIN. 
 
 Tell who are they who ever stand 
 
 Along life s rugged way, 
 With pitying heart and helping hand 
 
 Misfortune s tear to stay; 
 
 Who from the pleadings of the poor 
 
 Ne er turn their ear aside; 
 Whose footsteps often seek the door 
 
 Where woe and want abide. 
 
 The generous band, who, hand in hand, 
 
 From grey-beard to the youth, 
 Have sworn they side by side will stand 
 
 In Justice, Mercy, Truth. 
 
 See, stretched on yonder bed of death, 
 
 A widowed mother lies 
 " My orphan babes," with struggling breath 
 And faltering voice, she cries. 
 
 "O, who your young and tender forms 
 
 From sorrow s grasp will save, 
 Or shield you from life s crushing storms 
 When I am in my grave ? " 
 
I 
 
 WM. SMITH, 
 
 P. G. M. OP OHIO. 
 

 W. T. LINTHECOME, 
 
 Cincinnati, O. 
 ORGANIZER OF THE ENDOWMENT FUND. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 99 
 
 Have peace, loved one, kind friends are nigh, 
 
 Who ll guard their tender youth, 
 And round them twine the hallowed tie 
 
 Of Justice, Mercy, Truth. 
 
 Speed on, ye S. M. T., speed on ; 
 
 And blessings with you go, 
 Still aid the widow in her need, 
 
 And soothe the orphan s woe. 
 
 Still by the heart-sick stranger s side, 
 
 With words of kindness stay, 
 And bid the deep and troubled tide 
 
 Of sorrow pass away. 
 
 And U. B. F., long may ye stand, 
 
 The grey-beard and the youth ; 
 Shoulder to shoulder, head, heart, and hand, 
 
 In Justice, Mercy, Truth. 
 
 TENNESSEE. 
 
 Memphis. One of the grandest displays ever witnessed 
 by the members of our Order was that of the Grand Temple 
 banquet and celebration during the session of 1886. Grand 
 Master Wm. Porter had proclaimed that his angels would 
 astonish the fraternity. His sayings were verified on the 
 night of the entertainment. Five hundred ladies, dressed in 
 white and formed in lines of two, marched into the park 
 which contained a large amphitheater. On the balcony was 
 seated a military band which discoursed fine music. At the 
 command of the Grand Marshal the doors were thrown open 
 and the procession marched into the hall, led by the Grand 
 Supporter, with staff in hand. They formed in front of the 
 stage, on the lower floor, being the first division. Second 
 division, Royal Household, in purple. Third division, Grand 
 Princesses, in royal robes and cro\\ms decked with jewels. 
 Fourth division, Third Degree members. Fifth division, 
 Valiant Knights. The stage was reserved for the Grand 
 
100 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 Princesses and Grand Officers. The balconies were occu 
 pied with the vast assembly. 
 
 G. W. Bryant, National Grand Orator of the occasion, 
 made an oration that excelled in brilliancy all others. His 
 logical reasoning on the future greatness and advancement 
 of the Negro race was a masterly one, and will ever be re 
 membered by those who appreciate good speaking. 
 
 Chicago s Grand Temple display was also interesting. 
 The entertainment was of a different character; it consisted 
 more of a literary display; music, of a classic style, essays, 
 fan drills by the Juvenile Misses, and a grand promenade of 
 the Grand Temple and Household in their royal robes. 
 They presented a scene that is seldom witnessed by our 
 people. Without these displays by the Grand Temple our 
 Grand Assemblage would lose much of its interest. The 
 large hall was crowded and many were turned away. The 
 Grand Temple is a great institution. 
 
 GRAND CAMP SESSION, AT LITTLE ROCK, ARK., JULY 23, 1894. 
 
 The Grand Camp was called to order at 2 o clock p. M., 
 in the U. B. F. Hall. 
 
 National Grand Commander Jesse Montgomery in the 
 chair, and all the National Grand Officers in their repective 
 stations. 
 
 The meeting was harmonious. The proceedings showed 
 considerable improvement in the work of camps, with many 
 additions. Some inconvenience was incurred by the. two 
 bodies meeting at the same time, as many of the delegates 
 to the National Grand Lodge were members of the Grand 
 Camp. This matter was discussed, and a resolution passed 
 changing the time of meeting of the Grand Camp to every 
 two years, so as not to conflict with the National Grand 
 Lodge. 
 
B. LUSTER, 
 
 Little Rock, Ark. 
 
 N. G. C. 
 
W. H. BUTLER, 
 
 Missouri. 
 N. K. R. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. i OI 
 
 Logan Camp, from Lexington, Ky., visited Little Rock, 
 and entered for the prize drill. These Valiant Knights made 
 a grand display. Their regulations were complete; their 
 drilling was perfect ; they made the highest per cent, on the 
 schedule, and won the prize. The Valiant Knights of Little 
 Rock entertained the visiting knights with a grand banquet, 
 and it was an enjoyable affair. 
 
 The grand parade was witnessed by at least five thousand 
 people, who cheered them as they passed in their knightly 
 apparel. At night the park was crowded. Knight Com 
 mander Lustre, of Little Rock, and Grand Master Robin 
 son, supported by the Temple Sisters, will ever be remem 
 bered for their hospitality. 
 
 GRAND LODGE OF KENTUCKY. 
 
 The thirty-fourth annual session was held at Covington, 
 Ky., in August, 1895. Grand Master Gains sixth term. 
 Upon being introduced, Hon. Rhinock, Mayor of the city, 
 delivered the welcome address as follows : 
 
 11 1 am pleased to welcome you to this city. You should 
 be congratulated upon such an organization, which, I am 
 informed, was organized in 1861. I believe about sixteen 
 years ago, when I was a boy running around the city of 
 Covington, you met here in this city. I am told Kentucky 
 is the birth-place of the Order and it has grown from seven 
 men to 200,000 in the United States. I am eminently 
 pleased to say a few words in commendation of your execu 
 tive officer and our worthy and esteemed citizen, W. A. 
 Gains, a man who stands high in the esteem of the citizens 
 of this city. I congratulate you upon your Orphans Home, 
 for all of your acts are charitable and benevolent, and again, 
 as Mayor of this city, I welcome you in an official capacity." 
 
 These remarks were responded to by H. S. Smith, of 
 Hopkinsville, in behalf of the Order. 
 
102 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 The session continued for three days, and was one of the 
 most interesting sessions of this Grand Body. Grand Mas 
 ter R. C. O. Benjamin, of Ohio, addressed the meeting, and 
 also presented to the Grand Lodge an original African gavel, 
 made from iron-wood, that belonged at one time to the 
 Speaker of the House of Representatives at Liberia, but 
 was brought to this country by the Colonization Society. 
 Grand Master Gains received the gavel as a memento for 
 the archives of the Order. 
 
 The report of Grand Secretary E. W. Marshall shows 
 receipts for two years, as follows: Receipts, $4,680.33; ex 
 pended, $4,647.53; balance, $32.91. Of this amount 
 $2,500 has been spent on the improvements of the Home. 
 Thirteen hundred bushels of oats were gathered by the 
 farmer this year off of seventy-five acres of land. 
 
 For other business of importance, see Grand Lodge min 
 utes. 
 
 The Grand Lodge closed with a grand parade at Coving- 
 ton, Ky., and Cincinnati, O. Ten thousand visitors from 
 nearly every town and city in Kentucky thronged Covington 
 and Cincinnati to witness the closing scene of the Grand 
 Lodge. After parading the principal streets of the two cities 
 ranks were broken and the vast concourse of people pro 
 ceeded to Price s Hill, where a grand promenade concert, 
 speeches, and a prize drill was given by the camps. The 
 procession was headed by National Grand Commander Jesse 
 Montgomery and staff, mounted on chargers; Valiant Knights 
 S. J. Franklin, W. L. Linthecombe, of Cincinnati, O., W. S. 
 Martin, and J.K.C. W. L. Johnson, P. N. C., of Louisville, 
 Ky. The present and past officers and Sisters of the Mys 
 terious Ten were in carriages. Thus ended one of the grand 
 est and most remarkable Grand Lodge sessions of the State. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 103 
 
 The following camps visited the Grand Lodge of Ken 
 tucky and formed the grand parade from Covington, Ky., to 
 Price s Hill, Cincinnati, O., August, 1895: Belle Camp, of 
 Cincinnati, O. ; Logan Camp, of Lexington, Ky. ; Gains 
 Camp, of Cynthiana, Ky. ; Belle Camp, of Louisville, Ky. ; 
 Franklin Camp, of Georgetown, Ky. ; Golden Eagle Camp, 
 of Winchester, Ky. ; David Camp, of Covington, Ky. ; De- 
 hart Camp, of Walnut Hills, O., and Juniors, of Madison- 
 ville, O. 
 
 The thirty-fifth annual session was held at Covington, 
 Ky. , in August, 1895. The instructions of the National 
 Grand Lodge were carried out or confirmed by assuming the 
 entire control of the Widow and Orphans Home property. 
 Provisions were made for meeting these notes as they be 
 came due. Assessments were made on all of the depart 
 ments of the Order, and ere the next National Grand 
 meeting, in July, 1897, the officers expect to have the entire 
 debt eliminated. The report of the State Grand Lodge of 
 1896, at Harrodsburg, is quite a luminous one, and it shows 
 wonderful tact and determination in the members of the 
 various departments to secure the Home to the grand old 
 Order, and that united they stand in this herculean effort. 
 The Secretary s report shows a financial membership of 
 lodges of 3,515, temples of 3,497, and cash receipts $2,- 
 884.01. Paid on the Orphanage since the close of the Grand 
 Lodge of 1895, $9 6 5; balance due on the Home, $2,170.88. 
 
 ORPHAN AND DEPENDENT HOME. 
 
 This house, purchased in 1891 by the Grand Lodge of 
 Kentucky, contains two hundred and thirty-four acres, at a 
 cost of six thousand dollars. It is situated on a beautiful 
 tract of land, twelve miles from the city of Louisville, on the 
 
104 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 L. & N. R. R. It has one fine dwelling-house of six rooms, 
 a smaller house, barns, stables, out-houses, and plenty of 
 good water. It contains two hundred acres of cleared land 
 and thirty-four acres of woods. 
 
 The Secretary s report for 1896 to the State Grand Lodge 
 is as follows : 
 
 Stock on farm 5 cows, i calf, 2 colts, i sow, 14 hogs, 
 35 hens, 15 roosters, 70 young chickens, 14 turkeys, 32 
 geese, 20 ducks, 3 ricks of clover, 30 acres of corn, 100 
 bushels of corn over from 1895, ^o 00 bushels of sheafed 
 oats, i trial patch of tobacco, i hay rick, i truck, and a 
 garden patch. 
 
 Amount due on the property, $2,170.88; sundries, 
 $908.13 total, $3,079.01. 
 
 The Sisters State Auxiliary Board have raised and do 
 nated this year for the Home $50 ; check to the Grand Lodge, 
 $20 total, $70. LILLIAN B. JACKSON, Sec y. 
 
 JOINT LODGE AND TEMPLE U. B. F. 
 
 A remarkable coincident attending our advancement as 
 an Order was the seeming neglect to procure real estate in 
 the city of Louisville, after having obtained a charter in 
 1868 for that purpose, and a hall to meet in exclusively our 
 own, and for the accommodation of our many lodges and 
 temples. For fifteen years the headquarters of the Order 
 was at Ninth and Market streets (Armstrong Hall). The 
 lodges and temples in the smaller cities and villages had pre 
 ceded us in this direction. Thousands of dollajs were paid 
 out for hall rent, yea, enough to have purchased a hall. 
 
 Thanks are due to a few leading sisters, who, being desir 
 ous that we should have a hall for our lodges and temples 
 whose title should be vested in the United Brothers of 
 
MRS. L. F. MARSHALL, 
 
 Kentucky. 
 N. G. T. S. M. T. 
 
Miss M. V. WEBSTER, 
 
 Kentucky. 
 SECRETARY OF JOINT LODGES AND TEMPLES. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 105 
 
 Friendship and Sisters of the Mysterious Ten, resolved to 
 make an effort and held a number of meetings for that pur 
 pose. Among those most prominent were Sisters Jane Tal- 
 bot, Jane Webster, Alice Roberts, Louisa Hedges, Florence 
 Norton, Hopkins, Emaline Lawson, Grooms, J. H. Taylor, 
 Martha Webster, and others. From these meetings was 
 organized the Joint Lodge and Temple, whose object was to 
 accumulate means to build or purchase a hall. Organized 
 March 25, 1886. 
 
 Committee on Constitution and By-laws W. H. Lawson, 
 W. H. Gibson, Mrs. Jane Webster, J. H. Kennedy, Mrs. 
 Louisa Hedges, Mrs. Jane Talbot, Mrs. Florence Norton, 
 and N. Mathews. 
 
 A Board of Managers was appointed, supported by their 
 respective lodges and temples, and a hall purchased. Each 
 lodge and temple is a stockholder, purchasing as many 
 shares at fifty dollars ($50) as they could afford. The lodges 
 and temples moved into the building as soon as the first pay 
 ment was made, paying rent to themselves and using every 
 effort to meet future notes when due. So successful have 
 their efforts proven that at a meeting held in July, 1895, ^ 
 was resolved to purchase the adjoining property at a cost of 
 four thousand dollars ($4,000). 
 
 The " Negro Problem" is being solved by our Order, 
 using the factors education, wealth, moral and Christian 
 influence. 
 
 WIDOWS AND ORPHANS HOME FURTHER ACQUISITION OF 
 PROPERTY BY THE ORDER OF UNITED BROTHERS OF 
 FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 At the National Grand Lodge meeting at Chicago, 111., 
 July, 1891, a proposition was offered by Prof. N. R. Harper 
 to donate 200 acres of land at Centralia for a Widows and 
 
106 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 Orphans Home, also a proposition by Bro. A. Chavis, of 
 Illinois, for a donation of fifty acres in Alexander County, 
 Illinois, for the same purpose. 
 
 A resolution was offered that a committee be appointed 
 to investigate those locations of lands, etc., the committee 
 to be composed of nine members of the Executive Board or 
 Council the National Grand Master being a member. 
 
 After the adjournment of the National Grand Lodge, the 
 National Grand Master proceeded to select a location in the 
 State of Kentucky, thirteen miles from Louisville, and pur 
 chased the same in the name of the National Grand Lodge 
 without the consent of the majority of the committee ap 
 pointed by the National Grand Lodge. The amount of 
 money necessary to meet the first note was not raised, and 
 he consequently had to borrow one thousand dollars from 
 the Grand Lodge of Kentucky. The second note became 
 due and he applied to the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, through 
 her Grand Master and Secretary, for the second loan of one 
 thousand dollars, as he, the representative of the National 
 Grand Lodge, had failed to raise or pay any money on the 
 property. They refused to loan the money of the Grand 
 Lodge of Kentucky unless the deed of the property was 
 transferred to that lodge, as no money was paid or raised 
 from any other source. (So represented). 
 
 The National Grand Master consented to the transfer, 
 and so announced in his circular. The money was paid, the 
 second note lifted, and the property deeded to the Grand 
 Lodge of Kentucky. 
 
 After this deal the National Grand Master recanted and 
 endeavored to hold a claim to the property in the name of 
 the National Grand Lodge. This action caused much bit 
 terness and confusion between the parties, and became a 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 107 
 
 matter of grievance before the National Grand Lodge at its 
 session at Little Rock, Ark., in July, 1894. The matter 
 was thoroughly investigated by a committee appointed by 
 said body, and they reported the following conclusions : 
 
 We, your special committee on National Orphans Home, 
 beg leave to report that we have carefully examined the Na 
 tional Grand Master s report relative to the National Or 
 phans Home and the report of the Chairman of the National 
 Orphans Home, Bro. W. A. Gains, and we find that the 
 transactions have been irregular from beginning to end, and 
 that the edicts of this most worthy National Grand Lodge 
 have been ignored, and that instead of there being purchased 
 a " Home" in the name of the National Grand Lodge their 
 action has resulted in the purchase of a home in the name of 
 the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, without the knowledge or 
 consent of the Committee on Orphans Home, thereby 
 thwarting the great fundamental principles of the Order to 
 perpetuate the name of this most worthy National Grand 
 Lodge in caring for its widows and orphans. Therefore, we 
 recommend 
 
 First That the entire amount contributed by the several 
 States and Territories to the fund known as the Orphans 
 Home Building Fund be refunded to them, except Ken 
 tucky, the National Grand Ledge issuing its papers payable 
 on demand to the several Grand Lodges and lodges and tem 
 ples, said paper to be receivable for all dues and taxes due, 
 or to become due, the National Grand Lodge in amounts 
 equal to the amount contributed ; that the Grand Lodge of 
 each State make proper adjustment with their own subordi 
 nate lodges and temples. 
 
 Second That the Home, with full title, be transferred 
 and confirmed to the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, and that 
 the State of Kentucky assume all indebtedness now out 
 standing against the Home, which might be construed as a 
 debt against the National Grand Lodge. 
 
 Signed by a committee, A. B. Moore, chairman, and ten 
 others. 
 
108 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 THE HISTORY OF THE TEMPLES AT CHICAGO, ILL. 
 
 Sister P. N. G. A. S. of S. M. T. Powell stands prominent 
 as a defender of the laws and customs of the Order. In 
 1885 and 1886, when, through mismanagement and sore op 
 pression, the female department was nearly disbanded, this 
 sister proved the heroine for the occasion, and with the 
 charter granted Mount Hope Temple in 1877, she went be 
 fore the courts and contended in a suit for the right of self- 
 government as a temple rights guaranteed by the charter. 
 She was sustained, but other technical points were sprung on 
 her, and she appealed to the National Grand Lodge for two 
 sessions for the cardinal principles of Justice, Mercy, and 
 Truth in her case and Mount Hope Temple. Her course 
 was sustained by the National Grand Lodge. This decision 
 united all the temples of that city, and the result was a united 
 front at the Chicago National Grand Lodge. The Sisters of the 
 Mysterious Ten distinguished themselves as the supporters of 
 the Order in that city, and left lasting impressions on the 
 brotherhood and visitors of their kind hospitality and Sister 
 Powell s eternal fidelity to the U. B. F. and S. M. T. 
 
 Sister Susan E. Foster, of Denver, Col., the Mother 
 Pioneer of the Order of the Sisters of the Mysterious Ten, 
 was originally a member of Mount Hope Temple No. i, of 
 Chicago, 111. She emigrated to the far West in 1887, and 
 organized a temple of S. M. T. There was no brother s 
 lodge there to assist her in the work. She organized a club, 
 set them to work, and they have sustained themselves with 
 credit to the Order which they represent. They were repre 
 sented by Sister Foster at the National Grand Temple at 
 Chicago, and at the National Grand Meeting at Little Rock, 
 Ark. 
 

 , 
 
 MRS. P. HART MAGRUDER, 
 
 Indianapolis, Ind. 
 
Miss GEORGIA NANCE, 
 Evansville, Ind. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 109 
 
 Sister Foster writes that she is now in the act of forming 
 a club of gentlemen, preparatory to establishing a male lodge 
 of United Brothers of Friendship. Her prayer is for some 
 official organizer to visit Denver and assist in this good work. 
 
 This is only one of the many instances where our sisters 
 have been the pioneers in cities and in States. We are in 
 separably joined heart and hand to go forth through the 
 world disseminating the principles of Justice, Mercy, and 
 Truth. 
 
 NATIONAL GRAND OFFICERS ELECTED AT THE BIENNIAL 
 AND TRIENNIAL SESSIONS. 
 
 1876 W. H. Gibson, Sr., Kentucky, N. G. M.; J.T. Amos, 
 Kentucky, D. N. G. M. ; E. F. Horn, Indiana, N. G. S. ; 
 R. C. Fox, Kentucky, N. G. T. ; F. Washington, Indiana, 
 N. G. T. ; W. B. Vanburen, Texas, N. G. T. ; E. P. Bran- 
 nan, Kentucky, N. G. C. ; F. D. Morton, Indiana, N. G. L. 
 
 1878 W. H. Gibson, Sr., Kentucky, N. G. M. ; A. W. 
 Kern, Arkansas, D. N. G. M. ; E. F. Horn, Indiana, N. 
 G. S. ; S. M. Todd, Texas, A. N. G. S. ; J. W. Hillman, 
 Kentucky, N. G. T. ; F. D. Morton, Indiana, N. G. L. ; 
 W. H. White, Kentucky, N. G. C. ; Alex. Walters, Indiana, 
 N. G. M. 
 
 1880 F. D. Morton, Indiana, N. G. M. ; C. H. Tandy, 
 Missouri, D. N. G. M. ; H. Fitzbutler, Kentucky, N. G. S.; 
 W. H. Mitchell, Texas, A. N. G. S. ; J. W. Hillman, Ken 
 tucky, N. G. T. ; N. S. Baxter, Kentucky, N. G. L. 
 
 1882 F. D. Morton, Indiana, N. G. M. ; C. H. Tandy, 
 Missouri, D. N. G. M. ; Dr. H. Fitzbutler, Kentucky, N. 
 G. S. (Minutes lost.) 
 
 1884 W. H. Lawson, Kentucky, N. G. M. ; C. H. 
 Tandy, Missouri, D. N. G. M. ; M. T. White, Texas, S. G.. 
 
110 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 D. ; F. C. Long, Texas, N. G. S. ; J. T. Turner, Tennes 
 see, A. N. G. S. ; Win. Porter, Tennessee, N. G. T. 
 
 1886 R. G. Collins, Texas, N. G. M. ; Dr. W. A. 
 Burney, Indiana, D. N. G. M. ; A. B. Moore, Missouri, N. 
 G. S. ; W. A. Gains, Kentucky, A. N. G. S. ; Wm. Porter, 
 Tennessee, N. G. T. 
 
 1888 W. T. Peyton, Kentucky, N. G. M. ; Wm. Porter, 
 Tennessee, D. N. G. M. ; W. N. Brent, Missouri, N. G. S. ; 
 J. T. Turner, Tennessee, A. N. G. S. ; D. A. Robinson, 
 Arkansas, N. G. T. 
 
 1891 Dr. W. T. Peyton, Kentucky, N. G. M. ; Morgan 
 T. White, Texas, D. N. G. M. ; W. N. Brent, Missouri, N. 
 G. S. ; J. T. Turner, Tennessee, A. N. G. S. ; D. A. Rob 
 inson, Arkansas, N. G. T. ; A. J. DeHart, Ohio, N. G. O. ; 
 W. O. Vance, Indiana, N. G. L. 
 
 1894 W. N. Brent, Missouri, N. G. M. ; W. H. Leon 
 ard, Kentucky, D. N. G. M. ; W. F. Gross, Texas, N. G. 
 S. ; Jordan Chavis, Illinois, A. N. G. S. ; Dr. W. A. Bur 
 ney, Indiana, N. G. T. 
 
 GRAND LODGES ORGANIZED. 
 
 State Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Ar 
 kansas, Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana. 
 
 Territorial Mississippi, Kansas, Alabama, Pennsylvania, 
 New York, Colorado, California, Indian Territory, Canada, 
 West Indies, Africa, Washington, D. C. 
 
 LIST OF CAMPS. 
 
 Kentucky. Wm. Lloyd Garrison No. i, Louisville; Belle 
 No. 2, Louisville; Douglas No. 3, Frankfort; Franklin No. 
 4, Georgetown; Israel No. 5, Henderson; David No. 6, 
 Covington; Woodfolk No. 7, Owensboro; Smith No. 8, 
 
SECOND EPOCH. Ill 
 
 Maysville ; Logan No. 9, Lexington; Golden Eagle No. n, 
 Winchester; Gains No. 17, Cynthiana; Taylor No. 18, 
 Paris; Franklin, Germantown ; Napoleon No. 19, Mt. 
 Sterling; Excelsior No. 22, Paducah ; Pride of Kentucky 
 No. 23, Louisville; Rob. B. Elliott, No. 24, Richmond; 
 Maynard, No. 28, Danville ; Morning Star, No. 29, Bowl 
 ing Green ; St. Joseph No. 30, Russellville ; Reindeer No. 
 31, Anchorage. 
 
 Arkansas. Garrison No. i, Little Rock; Good Samari 
 tan No. 2, Argenta; David No. 3, Texarkana. 
 
 Tennessee. Morris Henderson No. i, Memphis; Jackson 
 No. 2, Jackson; Hill No. 3, Nashville; Blazing Star No. 4, 
 Clarksville. 
 
 Indiana. Carthagenia No. i, Jeffersonville ; Quinn No. 
 3, Indianapolis; Pride No. 4, Indianapolis. 
 
 Missouri. St. Marks No. i, St. Louis; Evening Star 
 No. 4, Hannibal; Mound City No. 5, St. Louis. 
 
 Louisiana. Dunn No. i, Shreveport; A. Lincoln No. 2, 
 Mansfield. 
 
 Texas. Todd No. i, Galveston. 
 
 Ohio. Belle No. i, Cincinnati; Olive No. 4, Cincinnati; 
 A. J. DeHart No. 5, Cincinnati, consolidated with Olive; 
 Garfield No. 6, Madisonville. 
 
 Illinois. McCullom No. 2, Chicago; Chas. Sumner No. 
 5, Quincy. 
 
 NATIONAL GRAND CAMP OFFICERS. 
 
 Bryant Luster, N. K. C., 109 W. Fourth Street, Little 
 Rock, Ark. ; J. H. Ayres, N. K. C., Cincinnati, O. ; H. J. 
 Brent, J. K. C., Winchester, Ky. ; W. H. Butler, N. K. R., 
 3510 Cozens Avenue, St. Louis, Mo.; J. Thomas Turner, 
 N. A. K. R., Memphis, Term.; E. W. Chenault, N. K. 
 
112 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 W., Lexington, Ky. ; W. H. Brown, N. C. O. G., Mem 
 phis, Tenn. ; R. M. Hammonds. N. K. D., Little Rock, 
 Ark.; D. L. Simms, N. K. G., Louisville, Ky. ; W. H. 
 Price, ist N. G., Cincinnati, O. ; G. E. Thompson, 26. N. 
 K. G., Lexington, Ky. 
 
 Trustees W. H. Gibson, Sr., P. N. K. C., Louisville, 
 Ky. ; Wm. Porter, P. N. K. C., Memphis, Tenn. ; W. L. 
 Johnson, P. N. K. C., Louisville, Ky. 
 
 THE GOOD AND EVIL TENDENCIES OF SOCIETIES. 
 
 A great many things have been said and published about 
 the evil tendencies of societies, and we must admit that some 
 of the objections and criticisms are true, but by a careful ex 
 amination it will be seen that the good far excels the evil. 
 Let us enumerate some of the evils. The late hours of meet 
 ing is criticised because men and women are kept out too 
 late at night. Our laws specify the time of meeting and ad 
 journment. The answer in many cases to this breach of law 
 should be condoned, from the fact that our people, in many 
 instances, among the males, are teamsters and laborers of 
 various kinds, and are compelled to finish up their day s 
 work before they can return to their homes to prepare for 
 lodge meetings ; and it is a fact, that in a majority of cases, 
 the colored laborer is required to work more hours than his 
 white co-laborer. Females are under the same ban. It is 
 claimed by some that the churches are injured by our orders 
 and societies ; members fail to perform their church vows, 
 and the society is esteemed higher than the church. This 
 should not be so. The Church of God should be held and 
 appreciated above all other things of human inventions. 
 4 Pay thy vows to the most high," says the Good Book. 
 The benevolent orders receive their teachings of benevolence 
 
MRS. S. E. FOSTER, 
 
 Denver, Col. 
 
L. B. NELSON, 
 
 Huntsville, Ala. 
 
SECOND EPOCH. 113 
 
 from the church ; the church is the foundation of every good 
 work. The orders and societies receive moralists into their 
 ranks, while the church laws and canons require a spiritual 
 confession commensurate with the teachings of the gospel of 
 Christ. Our Sunday funerals are condemned and severely 
 criticised by some. We would have that part of our cere 
 monies moderated or curtailed, if possible. Our Sunday 
 funerals, attended with bands of music, draw crowds of 
 toughs and the scum of the cities following them, making 
 our sad movement to the grave a day of merriment and 
 mirth for those inconsiderate hoodlums. If we must bury 
 our deceased on Sunday, let it be done quietly and without 
 ostentation. 
 
 The good deeds of the United Brothers of Friendship 
 are enumerated as follows : 
 
 For thirty-six years they have been administering to the 
 sick and burying the dead. 
 
 For thirty-six years contributing to the wants of widows 
 and orphans. 
 
 For twenty-one years united a National and International 
 organization, gathering in thousands who heretofore were 
 destitute of the benefits that this Order confers. 
 
 For twenty-one years bringing into close alliance the in 
 telligence and superior ability of our race. 
 
 For twenty-one years acquiring real estate and homes for 
 the benefit of the Order, thereby giving it prestige and re 
 spectability among the communities wherever organized. 
 
 And lastly, contributing for the financial claims of its 
 membership several millions of dollars, a record that any 
 Negro order might will be proud of. 
 
114 UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 CLOSING REMARKS. 
 
 Having been requested to publish the history of our Order, 
 giving the origin and names of its founders, and the general 
 progress up to date, we have assumed the task which we 
 hope will be a help to those seeking this knowledge, and put 
 to rest many erroneous ideas in reference to its founders. 
 We have given a more eleborate account of Kentucky, the 
 Mother State, from the fact that we were here, and an eye 
 witness to many statements that we have made. 
 Respectfully submitted in J., M., T., 
 
 W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
SEMI-CENTENNIAL 
 
 PUBLIC CAREER 
 
 W. H. GIBSON, SR 
 
 FIFTY YEARS EXPERIENCE AND A PARTICIPANT IN THE JOYS AND 
 SORROWS OF HIS PEOPLE, 
 
 FROM THE YEAR 1847 TO 1897. 
 
 SCENES AND REMINISCENCES BEFORE THE REBELLION, AND 
 
 MANY INTERESTING AND THRILLING NARRATIVES 
 
 DURING AND SINCE THAT MEMORABLE 
 
 CONFLICT. 
 
HON. FRED. DOUGLASS. 
 

 W. II. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 Kentucky. 
 P. N. G. M. 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 OF THE 
 
 PROGRESS OF THE COLORED RACE, 
 
 IN 
 
 LOUISVILLE, KY., 
 
 AS NOTED BY THE WRITER DURING A PERIOD OF FIFTY YEARS. 
 
 Born and reared in the city of Baltimore, Md., and edu 
 cated in the select schools of those days, also receiving the 
 private instructions of the Rev. Benjamin Kurtz, D. D., a 
 Lutheran divine, and the Rt. Rev. D. A. Payne, D. D., 
 Bishop of the African Methodist Church, the writer, at an early 
 age, manifested a desire to travel West. An opportunity pre 
 sented itself in June, 1847. r l" ne Rev. James Harper, of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church, who then had charge of 
 the Fourth-street Colored Methodist Church, located on the 
 corner of Fourth Avenue and Green Street, made applica 
 tion for a teacher to come to Louisville and locate, as there 
 was a field of labor for such an one if desirous of benefiting his 
 race. After mature consideration I accepted the invitation, 
 and bade farewell to kindred and friends for "My Old 
 Kentucky Home." 
 
 I arrived at Louisville, Ky. , June 21, 1847, after one 
 week s journey across the Alleghany Mountains by the Na 
 tional Road route in stages, the forerunner of the "iron 
 horse," changing horses every ten miles., and viewing the 
 
4 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 picturesque scenery that had presented itself to the millions 
 of travelers who had gone this way before me. This scene 
 caused my imagination to reach out in wonder and amaze 
 ment at the great and stupendous work of nature, and the 
 possibility of these rocks and mountains fleeing away at the 
 final consummation of all things. 
 
 Arriving at Pittsburg, the head of navigation, I took a 
 steamer for Cincinnati, O. I was several days on the beau 
 tiful Ohio, and witnessed scenes that interested me very 
 much. The coal mines on either side of the river, and the 
 palatial steamers and barges heavily laden with products for 
 the South, were my first lessons in this panoramic view. 
 
 Upon arriving at Cincinnati I was kindly received at the 
 residence of Mr. and Mrs. Crisup, mother and father of 
 Mrs. Eliza Gordon, wife of the noted coal merchant. I 
 visited Mr. and Mrs. Clark, the former a prominent barber 
 in Cincinnati. Mrs. Clark, in later years, became the wife 
 of Bishop D. A. Payne. 
 
 Upon arriving in Louisville I was kindly received by the 
 officers and members of the Fourth-street Church, whose 
 guest I was, viz. : R. M. Lane, David Straus, Wm. Butcher, 
 Levi Evans, Frederick Myers, Anthony Frazier, Walker 
 Wade, Caleb Christopher, Nathan Hardin, and N. B. Rog 
 ers. In addition to these, the citizens, generally, gave me a 
 hearty welcome. 
 
 Robt. M. Lane taught school on East Street, between 
 Walnut and Chestnut. He was originally from Ohio. I 
 associated myself with him for six months. In January, 
 1848, I opened a school in the basement of the Fourth -street 
 M. E. Church, situated at the corner of Fourth and Green 
 streets. This move attracted considerable attention, from 
 the fact that the locality was in the heart of the city. 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 5 
 
 The theater was on the southeast corner, and the negro 
 church and day school on the opposite corner. I was ad 
 vised by some persons not to open the school there, as it 
 would be closed by the city authorities. For a few days we 
 changed front, and occupied a small church on Center 
 Street, in the rear of the Fifth-street Baptist Church. It 
 was occupied by the Presbyterians, Rev. Bowman, pastor; 
 but through the indefatigable efforts of Rev. James Harper 
 and his white friends we were permitted to teach the school 
 at the church on Fourth and Green streets, with instructions 
 to teach no slaves without a written permit from their master 
 or mistress. Of these permits we had hundreds on file ; for 
 amid the strictures of the laws and prejudices of the slave 
 holders to negroes learning to read and write, there were 
 other Christians (white) who did not object, and would give 
 those permits. 
 
 STIRRING SCENES WITH THE CONGREGATION OF THE FOURTH 
 STREET METHODIST CHURCH AND THEIR PASTOR. 
 
 The writer, being a member of said church at the time of 
 this occurrence, will give a sketch of its history. 
 
 Fourth Street Colored Methodist Church (now Asbury 
 Chapel) has a history that no other colored church, perhaps, 
 has passed through in this State. The property was pur 
 chased in 1845, at Chancery Court sale. The congregation 
 was under the immediate control of the Methodist Episco 
 pal Church South. Colored, ministers were appointed over 
 colored congregations, with white presiding elders. Trustees 
 of colored churches were white men ; also many class leaders 
 were white men. At the chancery sale a question was asked 
 the judge, if free colored men could not hold property in 
 trust for colored congregations? He answered, "Yes, if 
 
6 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 they were free." They informed him that they would prefer 
 colored trustees. He said if they would produce five col 
 ored men he would appoint them. The following names 
 were presented to the court : R. M. Lane, Wm. Butcher, 
 Levi Evans, James Harper, and David Straus. The next 
 important point was the drawing up of the deed, which was 
 peculiarly drawn. A clause read, " Deeded to the Colored 
 Methodists of Louisville, Ky. , and their successors forever;" 
 a clause that has given much trouble, both to the white wing 
 of the Methodist Church and the African M. E. Church. 
 
 After the division of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 
 1844, into North and South Methodists, on account of slavery, 
 a large number of colored members were anxious to leave 
 the Southern branch, but as their property was deeded to and 
 held by the white trustees, they could not see their way clear 
 to withdraw without leaving their property, which they did 
 not wish to do. The congregation at Fourth Street was the 
 only party prepared to enter the conflict for church freedom 
 from the slaveholding power, and the peculiarity of the deed 
 gave them this advantage. 
 
 In the fall of 1848 the African M. E. Church Conference 
 met at Madison, Indiana. 
 
 Resolutions were passed by the officers and members of 
 the Fourth-street Methodist Church to sever their connection 
 from the white Southern Methodist Church and apply for 
 membership in the African M. E. connection. A committee 
 was appointed to meet in conference, viz. : Frederick Myers, 
 Robert Lane, and Wm. Butcher, to present the resolutions 
 asking for admission. They were received by the confer 
 ence, Bishop Quinn presiding, and the officers and members 
 received into full connection. Rev. James Harper was ap 
 pointed elder in charge for the conference year. This bold 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 7 
 
 secession, by a Negro church, in the heart of slavery, in the 
 very city where the division of the North and South Church 
 took place, and only a square from the locality of that 
 memorable event of 1845, which shook the Christian de 
 nominations of this country from center to circumference, 
 was a striking coincident. 
 
 The news created a sensation in Methodist circles. The 
 white masters met and considered the matter, and then con 
 cluded that if the negroes wished to join the A. M. E. congre 
 gation that they could do so, but they would retain the prop 
 erty for those who would be willing to remain in the Church 
 South. So they preferred a charge against the leader of the 
 movement, the Rev. James Harper, for rebellion, and cited 
 him for trial. The writer was present when the summons 
 was served on him. He refused to attend, stating that he 
 was no longer a member of that church. However, they 
 proceeded with the trial and expelled him from the church. 
 
 On the following Sunday, the officers of the white South 
 ern Church met the colored congregation at 3 o clock p. M. 
 for the purpose of reorganizing with those of the congrega 
 tion who wished to remain in the Church South. 
 
 The pastor, Rev. James Harper, made a strong defense 
 against their action. An eminent judge was employed to be 
 present and witness the proceedings. He called their atten 
 tion to the clause in the deed, reading as follows: To the 
 Colored Methodists of Louisville, Ky. , and their successors 
 forever." He claimed that they had no business there, and 
 would enter suit against them for disturbing religious wor 
 ship, for they were not colored Methodists. The pulpit 
 scene was graphic. The white presiding elder ascended the 
 pulpit; also the colored elder. One seized the Bible and the 
 other the hymn-book. 
 
8 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 The colored brother read "Jesus, Great Shepherd of the 
 Sheep, to Thee for help we fly," etc., which was sung with 
 great power by the vast congregation. He prayed -such a 
 prayer as only he could pray, with responses from all the 
 members over the house. At the close, the white elder an 
 nounced his text: "Servants, be obedient to your masters." 
 The argument was unheeded, for they had concluded to 
 come out of Egypt, though Pharaoh and his host pursued 
 them. The matter was settled in the court; the decision 
 sustained the colored congregation as the legal owners of the 
 property. 
 
 This was the first victory gained in the State of Kentucky 
 by a colored congregation withdrawing and taking the prop 
 erty with them, though it has given a precedent for several 
 others in this and other States to make the effort. Several 
 have been successful in this State since the war, and the free 
 dom of the race declared. 
 
 For some time this event was a matter of rejoicing among 
 the colored people. A grand reception was given Bishop 
 Paul Quinn on his first visit after this accession to the A. M. 
 E. Church. The parsonage of the Rev. James Harper (ad 
 joining the church) was the scene of a great jubilee by the 
 clergy of the city and vicinity. 
 
 SALE OF PROPERTY AND SPLIT IN THE CONGREGATION. 
 
 The preceding events moved on smoothly until the fol 
 lowing fall. The location of the church was an enviable 
 one, in a business point of view, and was coveted by the 
 white Masonic fraternity. It was joining property on which 
 they wished to build a magnificent temple and theatre, ex 
 tending the entire block. They sent a committee to the 
 pastor and trustees with a proposition to purchase the church 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 9 
 
 property. Several conferences were held, and finally an 
 agreement was made by the trustees to sell the property. 
 The agreement read as follows: "That the Masonic fra 
 ternity agrees to purchase the property and build another 
 church in lieu of the present structure. They agreed to 
 locate the property within a certain boundary, viz.: not 
 farther east than First Street, nor farther west than Seventh 
 Street, nor farther south than Broadway, nor farther north 
 than Market. Several months elapsed before a location was 
 found, for the prejudice was so great against Negro churches 
 in white settlements that when they learned for what purpose 
 the property was wanted there would be an objection raised by 
 the entire neighborhood. Finally the committee concluded 
 to go beyond the boundary for a site. This resolution was 
 not satisfactory to all concerned; yet the trustees consented, 
 and a split or division in the church was the result. The 
 first proposition to sell was drawn up under the administra 
 tion of Rev. James Harper, but the succeeding conference 
 removed him to New Orleans, La. Rev. Hiram R. Revels 
 succeeded him, and under his administration the contract or 
 first proposition was annulled. 
 
 Harper returned to Louisville in the spring of 1849. 
 The dissatisfied parties met him and related their objections 
 to the deal. They had several interviews with him, which 
 caused the minister in charge of the congregation (Rev. H. 
 R. Revels) to charge Harper with causing a disturbance 
 in his congregation. A committee of elders was called; 
 Harper was tried, expelled from the connection, and pub 
 lished in the papers as a refractory preacher. 
 
 Harper called his forces together and established an inde 
 pendent church. Each party were renting. The building 
 was not completed during these troubles; but when it was 
 
10 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 each party claimed it. So bitter was the feeling, that when 
 the cape-stone, with the name of the building inscribed upon 
 it, was put up, the opposition took it down and broke it in 
 pieces. When the church was completed, a lawsuit was 
 entered for possession, and an injunction was granted against 
 the African M. E. Church until the court decided the right 
 of possession. The same argument was used in this case as 
 in the suit with the white Southern Methodist Church; that 
 the church belonged to the Colored Methodists of Louisville 
 and their successors, and not to the African M. E. Church. 
 The lower court so decided in favor of the Harper party. 
 An appeal was taken to the Court of Appeals at Frankfort, 
 Ky. The opinion of the lower court was sustained, so far as 
 the deed was concerned, but as the minister, officers, 
 and members had joined the A. M. E. Church under a 
 protectorate, and subjected themselves to the appointing 
 power of the Bishop, therefore the A. M. E. Church Con 
 ference had sole control of the congregation, without the 
 change of deed, and that Rev. James Harper must vacate. 
 The litigation continued for several years, and a considerable 
 amount was expended for court and lawyers fees. Harper 
 vacated, rented a vacant church on the next block, and had 
 considerable following for awhile, but the congregation be 
 came dissatisfied and he removed to Baltimore, Md. His flock 
 scattered and sought membership in the various churches of 
 the city. So ended an unfortunate occurrence in the history 
 of the A. M. E. Church in this city. 
 
 The officers and members of the A. M. E. Church took 
 possession, and Rev. Frederick Myers was appointed in 
 charge. He was succeeded by some of the ablest ministers 
 of the connection, such as Rev. B. L. Brooks, Rev. F. Car 
 ter, Rev. J. M. Brown, Rev. John Mitchell, Rev. Knight, 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. II 
 
 and others. Under their administration the church pros 
 pered. In 1872 the church was remodeled by the Rev. J. 
 C. Waters. A heavy debt accrued, the contractor sued on 
 the notes, and a long litigation ensued. During these troubles 
 the church burned down (supposed by an incendiary). It 
 was not insured and remained without a roof for many years. 
 Rev. Bartlett Taylor succeeded in rebuilding it, but for years 
 it seemed a drag on the connection, with forty years of 
 trouble and not yet released. The deed seems to be the 
 great stumbling-block in the way. The trustees give con 
 siderable trouble to the pastors, it is said, with few excep 
 tions, who are sent there by the appointing power. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE MOTHER A. M. E. CHURCH QUINN CHAPEL. 
 
 The first African Methodist Church was planted in Louis 
 ville, in the State of Kentucky, then a missionary point, in 
 1840, by that venerable centenarian, Rev. Father David 
 Smith, the members assembling from house to house, until a 
 room over a stable on Main Street was obtained, and a con 
 gregation formed to worship in the name of Bethel A. M. E. 
 Church. It has grown to be the leading church of the con 
 nection in this State, and has been pastored by the most 
 distinguished ministers in the A. M. E. connection, notable 
 among them being the Revs. M. M. Clark, Dr. W. R. 
 Revels, Hiram Revels, Dr. G. H. Graham, H. J. Young, J. 
 W. Asbury, J. Gazaway, O. P. Ross, Dr. B. F. Porter, Dr. 
 Abbey, Dr. Evans Tyree, and many others of distinction. 
 
 In the early days of its organization it was considered by 
 the community as an abolition church, which carried with it 
 a stigma to deter the slaves of this community from associa 
 tion and affiliation with its members. The idea of an aboli 
 tion church established in this city among slaves could not 
 
12 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 be tolerated by some slaveholders; hence they forbade their 
 slaves visiting that Free Negro Church (as it was styled), 
 though a few of their servants would attend. One member 
 of the family of a slave-trader joined the church and attended 
 regularly, and this trader had a pen in the city filled with 
 slaves for the Southern market. 
 
 Locations From the stable on Main Street to a frame on 
 the corner of Eighth and Green streets, from there to Ninth 
 and Walnut streets. 
 
 In 1854, from a little frame building was erected the 
 present brick. The ground was purchased by the money 
 raised by the efforts of George W. Johnson, Rev. Byrd Par 
 ker, and Rev. John A. Warren. The latter paid the last in 
 stallment and lifted the mortgage. The brick building was 
 one of the strong efforts of Willis R. Revels, who canvassed 
 Indiana, Ohio, and portions of the East to raise money to 
 meet the payments on the building. The Quaker Friends of 
 Indiana gave liberally towards the building. They were so 
 anxious to know that the money was being properly used, 
 that at times they sent a committee to investigate. The de 
 sire of the Quaker Friends for the education of our race 
 caused Dr. Revels to promise them that a school would be 
 connected with the church for educational purposes, and for 
 this reason they gave more readily. 
 
 The foundation of the new edifice was laid with some 
 forebodings. The day appointed for digging the foundation 
 was one of interest, as certain parties living on the same 
 block had declared that a negro church should not be erected 
 there a nuisance to the neighborhood but the people of 
 God prayed that the work might go on in spite of every op 
 position, and God heard their prayers. Friends among the 
 white people aided them, and the ceremonies were performed. 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 13 
 
 Rev. Levi Evans, who is yet alive, dug the first spade of dirt. 
 The brick work of Quinn Chapel was performed by colored 
 bricklayers from Lexington, Ky., Col. Bayless, a boss brick 
 layer, superintending the work. The building was covered 
 in, and the congregation worshiped in the basement for four 
 years. The basement was dedicated by the late Bishop D. 
 A. Payne (then Dr. Payne). Aaron M. Parker was the ap 
 pointed pastor. A school was opened in the basement by 
 W. H. Gibson, free and slave children taught slaves by 
 written permits. The Quaker Friends visited the school and 
 inspected the work, to see that their donations were appro 
 priately applied. In 1858, Rev. Willis Miles, of New Or 
 leans, La., was appointed. He was a very affable and lov 
 ing pastor. After his induction into the pastorate his anxiety 
 was to complete the church and move up into the auditorium. 
 He called together the officers, members, and teachers of the 
 Sunday-school, and they, with the pastor, mapped out a plan 
 for the completion of the building. The young people of 
 the church and their friends organized a literary society 
 known as the Chapel Relief, whose object was to discuss 
 questions pertaining to our interest and the general improve 
 ment of the mind. Dr. W. R. Revels was the organizer of 
 this society. Its influence was felt throughout the city, and 
 by its members a large amount was raised towards meeting the 
 large debts that had accumulated during the progress of the 
 work and the completion of the building. At the adjourn 
 ing of the Annual Conference the dedicatory services were 
 performed by Bishops Quinn and Payne, Revs. W. R. Rev 
 els, J. M. Brown, John Turner, Willis Miles, and others. 
 
 The following is the roster of Quinn Chapel, A. M. E. 
 Church, by succession : 
 
 First missionary, Rev. David Smith, the centenarian; first 
 
14 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 pastor, Rev. Geo. W. Johnson; Revs. Byrd Parker, W. R. 
 Revels, H. R. Revels, Israel Cole, John Morgan, Emanuel 
 Wilkerson, John A. Warren, Aaron M. Parker, Willis Miles, 
 John Turner, Page Tyler, Liberty Ross, Austin Woolfork, 
 B. L. Brooks, Thos. Strother, Dr. M. M. Clark, Richard 
 Bridges, H. R. Revels, Henry J. Young, Grafton H. Gra 
 ham, John Asbury, John Gazaway, T. B. Caldwell, O. P. 
 Ross, Dr. B. F. Porter, Levi Evans, Dr. J. Abbey, and Dr. 
 Evans Tyree. 
 
 CENTER-STREET CHURCH. 
 
 The Center-street Church is the oldest colored Methodist 
 Church in this city, and like all other colored Methodist 
 churches before the war was under the ecclesiastical control 
 of the Southern Methodist Episcopal Church. During the war, 
 in the sixties, the members of this church applied and was re 
 ceived into the Zion A. M. E. Church, and continued in said 
 church for several years without a change or transfer of the 
 deed of property to said Zion A. M. E. Church. An effort 
 was made to secure a change in the deed by Peter Lewis, 
 Jackson Burkes, and other officers and members of Zion A. 
 M. E. Church, but failed, from the fact that a large number 
 of its members were opposed to changing their relations to 
 the white Southern Methodist Episcopal Church. This party 
 was led by Rev. W. H. Miles and others. Miles afterwards 
 became Bishop. 
 
 On the loth of May, 1870, the Methodist Church South, 
 in a meeting of the General Conference, passed a series of 
 resolutions with reference to the religious interest of the 
 colored people, who were then under the control of that 
 church. 
 
 One resolution reads as follows : "That the action of the 
 last General Conference in reference to an ultimate organiza- 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. I 5 
 
 tion of the colored people of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
 South into a separate church is complete, and therefore no 
 additional legislation is necessary to the end intended. 
 
 "Further, That we fully approve the purpose of the Bishops, 
 as expressed in their address to this Conference, at an early 
 day to call a general conference for our colored members to 
 organize them into a separate church, as provided in the dis 
 cipline. 
 
 Further, That all trustees now holding church property 
 for the use of our colored membership be instructed to make 
 title to said property to the properly constituted trustees of 
 the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church South, according 
 to the discipline of said church when organized." 
 
 The following resolution has caused considerable litiga 
 tion among the colored bodies: 
 
 " WHEREAS, Application has been made by certain parties 
 for the transfer of the title to the property belonging to the 
 Methodist Church South to congregations who have with 
 drawn from our communion; and, whereas, we regard the 
 property conveyed to our trustees, for the use of the colored 
 congregations of our church, a sacred trust to be held for 
 them; therefore, 
 
 "Resolved, That it is the settled conviction of this body 
 that the Methodist Episcopal Church South has neither the 
 legal nor moral right to transfer any property thus held to 
 those who have withdrawn from our church. That we com 
 mend the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church South, when 
 formed, to the warmest sympathies, earnest prayers, and sup 
 port of people of the South." 
 
 The Colored Church South was organized under these 
 resolutions, and the members of Center-street Church of 
 Louisville became a part of that general organization. 
 
 9 
 
l6 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 Being inspired by these resolutions from the General Con 
 ference, the trustees, viz.: Washington Watson, Joshua Tevis, 
 Jackson Pitman, Moses Bradley, and others, of Center-street 
 Church, instituted suit March 22, 1871, against the trustees 
 of Jackson-street Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, of 
 Louisville, Ky. , for the possession of their property, claim 
 ing that it was also deeded and held in trust for those adher 
 ing to the Methodist Episcopal Church South. The suit was 
 defended by the trustees of Jackson-street Church, viz.: Joel 
 Bradshaw, Alexander Means, George Butler, Wm. Evans, 
 Green Thomas, and others. Hon. J. M. Harlan (now Judge 
 of the Supreme Court at Washington, D. C.), was counsel 
 for appellees. 
 
 Judge Harlan, in his concluding remarks, said : * That the 
 appellants do not sue in the capacity of trustees of that 
 general church organization, composed of many local so 
 cieties, but in their capacity as trustees of the Center-street 
 Church. By what authority does that particular local society 
 claim the exclusive benefit of the order of May 10, 1870? 
 There is nothing in the discipline of the Colored Church 
 South, nor has any action been taken by that organization 
 conferring upon the Center-street Church the exclusive right 
 to sue for the property in controversy. Any other local 
 society of the Colored Church South has an equal right to 
 claim the benefit of the order of May 10, 1870. 
 
 11 If, therefore, the order is valid for any purpose, the party 
 to sue is the general organization, known and described in 
 that order as The Colored Methodist Episcopal Church 
 South, and not any one of the local societies. 
 
 " Upon the whole case, this court can not hesitate to affirm 
 the decree below. "JOHN M. HARLAN, 
 
 "Attorney for Appellees, Bradshaw, et aL 
 ^LOUISVILLE, KY., Sept. i, 1874." 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 1 7 
 
 Thus ended this famous suit of three years and six months 
 in favor of the trustees of Jackson-street Church. 
 
 JACKSON-STREET CHURCH. 
 
 Like her sister Methodist churches, she, too, had her bit 
 ters with her sweets, in her early history. She was guided 
 and pastored by the Rev. George Holland and Rev. Thomas, 
 under whose Christian ministry many were added to the 
 church. After the war, in 1870, they passed through a fiery 
 ordeal, by the attempt of the trustees of the Colored Metho 
 dist Church South suing for their property, in order that 
 they might hold it in trust for those that might desire to re 
 main in said southern connection. To meet this litigation, 
 they employed an eminent jurist, Hon. Judge Harlan, who 
 defended them and gained the vexatious suit. Since then, 
 they have been pastored by some of the most eloquent 
 divines of the Methodist Episcopal Church (North), among 
 them being E. W. S. Hammond, Marshall Taylor, Dr. L. M. 
 Hagood, and J. H. Stanley. 
 
 BAPTIST CHURCHES. 
 
 The principal Baptist churches during the forties and 
 fifties were the Fifth-street Baptist Church and the Green- 
 street Baptist Church. Rev. Henry Adams, pastor of the 
 Fifth-street Baptist Church, was, in his day, a very popular 
 minister and a devout Christian. His congregation was large 
 and imposing. He was also a revivalist; for weeks, and 
 some times for months, his church was crowded with anxious 
 seekers for redemption in Christ. He pastored that church 
 for thirty-five or forty years, except for a short interval dur 
 ing the fifties he was called to Cincinnati to pastor Baker-street 
 Baptist Church, which was the leading church of that city. 
 
1 8 PUHLIC CAREER OF VV. H. GIKSON, SR. 
 
 The sentiment of that church was strongly anti-slavery, and 
 many of its members were connected with the Under-ground 
 Railroad. Politics was discussed and prayer-meetings held 
 for the liberation of the slaves. Bro. Adams was not ac 
 customed to mixing politics and religion ; hence there was a 
 divergence of opinion. He resigned and returned to his old 
 flock at Louisville. During his absence Rev. Campbell was 
 pastor of the congregation. Rev. Adams died in 1872, his 
 remains being rested in the white Baptist Church, Fourth and 
 Walnut streets a distinction that had not been tendered any 
 other colored pastor of this State. Rev. Andrew Heath, who 
 had been for several years assistant pastor to Rev. Henry 
 Adams, was elected to fill the pulpit of the Fifth-street 
 Baptist Church. A more devout Christian gentleman could 
 not have been selected for the position. He was beloved by 
 his congregation, and all who came in contact with Bro. An 
 drew Heath admired him as a minister and a gentleman. 
 We were personally acquainted with him for many years, 
 and sat up with him during his illness. He was a brother 
 Mason. 
 
 Green-Street Baptist Church In the early forties the Rev. 
 George Wells was pastor of that congregation. He was a 
 very pious man and much beloved by his congregation. After 
 his death several ministers officiated, until a regular pastor 
 was chosen. Rev. Sneathen was called to Green-street Bap 
 tist Church. He was a fearless leader among the people, 
 and a good church governor. The large brick edifice was 
 built under his administration. He increased the congrega 
 tion by his popularity. He died in the seventies, and his 
 funeral was largely attended. Dr. Gaddy, successor to Elder 
 Sneathen, is one of the leading Baptist ministers of the South, 
 and a graduate of the State University. His sermons are 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 19 
 
 always interesting, and he is beloved by his congregation. 
 He has also improved apd beautified Green-street Church 
 during his administration, and it is a very popular church 
 among the denominations. 
 
 York-street Baptist ChurcJi This church was, in early days, 
 occupied as a place of worship by the Fifth-street Congrega 
 tion, Rev. H. Adams, pastor. It was then considered in 
 the woods. After the Fifth-street Congregation moved into 
 the heart of the city it was abandoned for years, until the 
 Rev. W. W. Taylor occupied it. The Fifth-street Congrega 
 tion claimed it and there was some litigation in regard to it. 
 Rev. W. W. Taylor held possession until his death. A se 
 rious accident happened there in 1870, during a protracted 
 meeting. The lower floor and gallery being crowded, it was 
 thought that the pillars were giving away and a panic fol 
 lowed. A rush was made for the stairway, others jumped out 
 of windows, and the result was eleven persons were killed. 
 The church has been remodeled and now in charge of Rev. 
 Parrish. a very excellent and learned divine, and President 
 of the Exstein-Norton Seminary. This church is now called 
 the Calvary Baptist Church. 
 
 These churches mentioned were the old churches before 
 the war, during the dark days of slavery. Since the close 
 of the war a new era has dawned, and we have a large ad 
 dition to our church properties and congregations. 
 
 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
 
 There was a small congregation of colored Presbyterians 
 in Louisville in 1847, R CV - Jeremiah Bowman, minister. It 
 was located on Center Street, between Walnut and Chestnut. 
 It was not very prosperous. The pastor resigned and joined 
 the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Several attempts 
 
20 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 were made to establish a church of this denomination, but 
 its adherents worshiped with the white congregations, until 
 Andrew Ferguson, a wealthy colored citizen, bequeathed to 
 them a church with a complete outfit, and bore the chief ex 
 penses of the church, as the congregation was very small. 
 At his death he willed to his relatives, church, and Orphan s 
 Home, as follows : $1,000 and a city lot to each of his three 
 grandchildren; $500 to his pastor, Rev. S. W. Parr; $100 
 to St. James Old Folks Home, $100 to the Colored Orphans 
 Home, and $200 to Knox Presbyterian Church. We were 
 personally acquainted with Mr. Ferguson. He was truly a 
 Christian gentleman and a philanthropist. 
 
 CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 
 
 For years the Hancock-street Christian Church has been 
 pastored by some of the most talented ministers of that de 
 nomination, among them being Revs. Robinson and Dr. 
 Rufus Conrad, deceased. Lately a missionary branch has 
 been organized in the western part of the city by the Rev. 
 Robinson. 
 
 ST. MARK S COLORED MISSION EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
 
 This church was established in the year 1867, also a High 
 School, Feb. n, 1867, on Green Street, near Ninth. The 
 ceremonies attending the High School opening for colored 
 youths were under the auspices of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church of the Diocese of Kentucky. The school was under 
 the immediate supervision of Rev. Joseph S. Atwell, rector 
 of St. Mark s Church. He was ordained at St. Paul s Church, 
 in this city, by Bishop Smith. The teacher of the school 
 was Miss Cornelia A. Jennings, who resigned the tutorship 
 of a school in Philadelphia to take charge of this one. She 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 21 
 
 brought from the various officials of that city the very highest 
 testimonials as to her qualifications and previous success in 
 teaching. As a graduate of the Philadelphia Institute she 
 was awarded the Latin prize for the class of 1860, and had 
 since been unusually successful as the principal of a school. 
 The ceremonies were opened with religious services by the 
 rector, and speeches by distinguished friends of education 
 among our people. The Hon. James Speed, Attorney-Gen 
 eral to President Lincoln, was among them and gave words 
 of cheer. 
 
 This mission church and school continued for several 
 years. Rev. Atwell and Miss Jennings married and resigned. 
 Prof. D. A. Straker and a young lady assistant succeeded 
 them. They continued church and school for some time, 
 but finally closed and located in Washington, D. C. Another 
 location was obtained for the mission, donated by Dr. Norton, 
 on Madison Street, between Ninth and Tenth ; Rector John 
 Cook (white) had charge, under Bishop Dudley. The school 
 was taught by Miss Cornelia Roxborough and Mr. Wilson, 
 and improved in numbers. A third location was purchased, 
 through the influence of Bishop Dudley a large brick church 
 (formerly the property of the Presbyterians). In thirty years, 
 through a hard struggle, they have a large congregation. 
 Rev. Brown, of New York, is the present rector. 
 
 The friends of St. Mark s Episcopal Church being desi 
 rous of helping that mission, offered their services to Miss 
 Jennings to assist her in a concert to be given in New Al 
 bany, Ind. A hall was obtained and the date announced 
 through the papers and hand-bills. The writer was selected 
 as manager, Miss Jennings and Mrs. M. V. Smith, soloist 
 and pianist, assisted by W. H. Gibson, Jr. The audience 
 had assembled and the concert in full blast, when the sheriff 
 
22 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 of the county appeared and demanded our license. We had 
 none. We stated it was a church concert. He stated that 
 it made no difference ; we must pay or shut up. We paid 
 the license, as there seemed to be no other remedy; but it 
 left us a very small margin for the mission. Our next con 
 cert was on this side of the river, where church concerts pay 
 no license, and we had success. 
 
 COLORED ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. 
 
 This church was erected on the site of the Old Soldiers 
 Barracks and Hospital, Broadway and Fifteenth Street. By 
 the solicitation of a number of colored Catholics, Bishop 
 Spalding, who then had charge of this diocese, employed me 
 to instruct the first colored choir of jthe church at $25 per 
 month. I performed that duty until I found that it would 
 conflict with other duties in my church, then resigned. Mrs. 
 M. V. Smith and W. H. Gibson, Jr., were my successors 
 until they obtained a teacher of their own denomination. 
 The membership has increased rapidly, and they have a large 
 denominational day school attached, conducted on Catholic 
 principles. 
 
 LEADING CHURCHES AND PASTORS. 
 
 Quinn Chapel A. M. E. Church Rev. E. Tyree, M. D. 
 
 Asbury Chapel A. M. E. Church Rev. Jackson. 
 
 St. James Chapel A. M. E. Church Rev. Certain. 
 
 Young s Chapel A. M. E. Church Rev. Dent. 
 
 Twelfth-street Zion A. M. E. Church Rev. Seymour. 
 
 Fifteenth-street Zion A. M. E. Church Rev. Mason. 
 
 Jacob-street Tabernacle A. M. E. Church Rev. Jones. 
 
 Center-street C. M. E. Church Rev. Luckett. 
 
 Old Fort Missionary Chiwch 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 23 
 
 Independent Methodist Church Rev. Anderson. 
 
 Jackson-street Methodist Church Rev. Johnson. 
 
 Fifth-avenue Baptist Church Rev. J. Frank. 
 
 Green-street Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Gaddy. 
 
 Calvary Baptist Church Rev. Parrish. 
 
 Center-street Zion Church Rev. Craighead. 
 
 Gladstone Church Rev. Scott. 
 
 Ninth-street Church 
 
 Lampton-street Church Rev. Bates. 
 
 Eighth-street Church 
 
 Eleverith-street Mission (Christian) Rev. Robinson. 
 
 Hancock-street Christian Church 
 
 OUR SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORK. 
 
 This branch of the church received less opposition, from 
 a religious and literary point of view, than any other in 
 which the negro could be engaged. It was at the Sunday- 
 school gatherings that the Christians of the various white 
 congregations would come and engage in this work, teaching 
 the free and the slave to read the Bible, with Christian lec 
 tures, presentation of libraries, maps, and charts necessary 
 for ^such work. They considered this "Home Mission 1 the 
 heathen at their own door. This labor eliminated the stigma 
 of Abolitionist, and all who felt disposed could engage in this 
 noble and charitable work, in which we are proud to say 
 many Christian ladies and gentlemen of different denomina 
 tions joined in prosecuting. 
 
 The names that will be foremost in the memory of those 
 who attended these Sunday-school gatherings are Mr. and 
 Mrs. Bliss, and Mr. W. H. Bulkley and family. They spent 
 a lifetime in the interest of the colored Sunday-schools of our 
 city. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss are dead and gone to rest. Mr. 
 
24 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 Bliss died recently in Cincinnati, O. Mr. Bulkley still lives, 
 but he is too aged to work, and has retired. 
 
 SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNIONS. 
 
 In the early part of the fifties, the officers of Quinn 
 Chapel, Asbury Chapel, Center-street and Jackson-street M. 
 E. churches organized a Union Singing-school for children, 
 to alternate from church to church, every Sunday afternoon. 
 The movement had a telling effect. " Music hath charms." 
 Parents and children came from every direction, until often 
 the churches could not seat the immense crowds. The sing 
 ing was conducted by the writer, at that time the only vocal 
 teacher of music for our children. It was conducted suc 
 cessfully until the breaking out of the Rebellion of 1861, 
 when it was closed. 
 
 THE COLORED ADVISORY SCHOOL BOARD. 
 
 At the opening of the Public Schools by the State, for the 
 education of colored children, it was thought advisable by 
 the white School Board, who were elective, to appoint a 
 number of colored citizens to act as an Advisory Board, be 
 ing better acquainted with the wants and conditions of their 
 people, visit the schools, recommend suitable teachers, see 
 to the comforts and locations of buildings, etc. These duties, 
 in conjunction with the white board, worked well for a time, 
 but, unfortunately for us, we are so apt to carry our church 
 or denominational views into every general enterprise that 
 interests the whole people, that failure generally results. This 
 Advisory Board was attacked by a number of citizens meet 
 ings being called and a petition signed and addressed to the 
 white board setting forth their grievances. We quote the 
 following : 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 25 
 
 "As citizens, we do not desire to patronize denomina 
 tional schools, neither Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, or any 
 other. We desire to send our children to schools which are 
 free from the influence of any particular church or denomi 
 national influence. The remedy in this matter is quite 
 plain. If our schools are to be conducted in church interest, 
 let us have a man on the Advisory Board from each of our 
 colored churches, in both ends of the city. If they are to 
 take notice of the citizens in each ward, let us have a man 
 on the Advisory Board from each ward. If this can not be 
 done, then let the Advisory Board of the colored schools be 
 abolished, and let the white trustees, whom we helped to 
 elect, conduct the schools." 
 
 The petitioners succeeded in their efforts, and the col 
 ored board was abolished. Peace was secured by this 
 action, and our Public Schools are the pride of our citizen, 
 vicing with the best disciplined of any city in the country. 
 Profs. Maxwell, Williams, Perry, Mazeek, Taylor, McKinley, 
 Carter, and Miss L. N. Duvalle are the principals, with an 
 efficient corps of teachers. 
 
 PROMINENT LOUISVILLE MEN OF THE FORTIES AND FIFTIES, 
 AND THEIR BUSINESS. 
 
 Washington Spradling was the leading colored man in 
 business and the largest real estate holder. He was a bar 
 ber by trade, but he made his mark as a business man by 
 trading and brokerage, in connection with his shaving. His 
 mode of making money consisted in buying and leasing lots 
 in different parts of the city and building and moving frame 
 cottages upon those lots. He also built several brick busi 
 ness houses on Third Street. Mr. Spradling had many 
 peculiarities; his dress was very common, as he exhibited no 
 pride in that direction. He loved to converse on law, and, 
 though he was uneducated, was considered one of the best 
 
26 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 lawyers to plan or prepare a case for the court. He was 
 very successful, and nearly every colored person who was in 
 trouble (more or less) first consulted Washington Spradling; 
 he selected the lawyer and prepared the case. He was sel 
 dom defeated, and, if so, he was sure to take an appeal. 
 His customers were the first judges and lawyers of the State, 
 and from long and constant contact with them he seemed to 
 have acquired their inspiration. He was a Methodist by 
 profession, being a member of the Jackson-street M. E. 
 Church. In the early history of that church it was called 
 Spradling s Church. He died in the year 1867 and his body 
 was rested in the Jackson-street church, Rev. Hiram Revels, 
 ex-Senator, preached the sermon. His wealth was esti 
 mated to be one hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars, 
 which was willed to his wife, children, and grandchildren. 
 His son, \Vm. Spradling, was his successor. 
 
 David Straws, a prominent barber and an honored citi 
 zen, was conspicuous among the colored citizens. He was 
 born a slave, but purchased his freedom, and by application 
 to business acquired some very good property, one piece 
 located on Sixth Street, an annex to the Louisville Hotel. 
 He was a prominent member of the Fourth-street M. E. 
 Church, and figured very prominently in the lawsuits against 
 the white Methodist South and the Harper split against the 
 African M. E. Church. He died in 1868 and willed his 
 property to his wife, May Straws. 
 
 Peter Lewis, George Sutton, and Willis Taylor were noted 
 colored painters of their day. Peter Lewis, at one time, 
 controlled the principal jobs of the city and employed many 
 hands and apprentices. He acquired some good property, 
 but lost it by security debts. 
 
 Cain Bazil, Jackson Burks, Moses Lawson, James Tate. 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 27 
 
 and Green Stevens were engaged in merchandising, running 
 carpet and furnishing stores. They made comfortable liv 
 ings and acquired some property. James Tate is the only 
 one of this group that survives. 
 
 John and Berry Evans were noted boss carpenters. 
 
 Jesse Merriwether was a noted carpenter. He was born 
 a slave, but was freed by consenting to go to Africa, which 
 he did in 1847, remained one year, and returned and lived 
 and died here in sight of his liberators. 
 
 Bartlett Taylor was a noted butcher before the war. He 
 had a stall in one of our principal market-houses and did a 
 flourishing business. He was impressed and called to the 
 ministry, closed out business, and joined the itineracy of the 
 A. M. E. Church. He was successful in his labors and con 
 sidered the church-builder of the Kentucky Conference. He 
 is now numbered on the superannuated role, and has a com 
 fortable home. 
 
 Wm. Malone is a boss bricklayer and controls a large 
 patronage. 
 
 Adam Nichols, J. Morand, and Chas. Logan are boss 
 mechanics, blacksmiths and wagon-makers. 
 
 C. B. Clay is a noted tailor on Broadway, and receives 
 liberal patronage. 
 
 Henry Cozzens was a prominent barber in the Louisville 
 Hotel, but changed his business to that of a confectioner. 
 His confectionery and ice cream saloon was the resort of the 
 elite among his people. For years the name of Cozzens 
 Saloon was known from New Orleans to Pittsburg. He was 
 also a great church man, and was in his glory when he had 
 the clergy as his guest. 
 
 John Morris, another noted barber, was a highly esteemed 
 citizen of Louisville, and acquired considerable property. 
 
28 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 He was a very humane man and a Christian gentleman. 
 Alexander Morris, his nephew, succeeds him in business, is 
 highly respected, has held several important positions in the 
 Government service, and is chairman of the Centennial 
 Commission of the Colored Department of Kentucky at 
 Nashville, Tenn. His brothers, Shelton and Alexander, 
 were of the same profession tonsorial artists. Alexander 
 died in New Orleans, La., of yellow fever, in 1848. Shel 
 ton acquired considerable property in Louisville, but closed 
 out business and moved to Cincinnati, O., in the forties, be 
 ing accused of voting for Gen. Harrison for President; 
 from Cincinnati he moved to Xenia or Wilberforce, where 
 he engaged in farming. He died a few years ago, and left 
 a widow and several children to inherit his property. The 
 children and grandchildren occupy prominent positions in 
 society. 
 
 Theodore Sterritt and Nathan B. Rogers, for many years 
 conspicuous as barbers at the old Gait House, with the 
 notable Major Throckmorton, were quiet and Christian 
 gentlemen. Rogers acquired considerable property, and 
 bequeathed it to his wife and children at his death, in 1891. 
 
 J. C. N. Fowles and Austin Hubbard were prominent 
 barbers. Hubbard died a few years ago. 
 
 Madison Smith conducted a stove manufactory and ac 
 quired considerable wealth. He closed business, moved to 
 Indiana, and engaged in farming, where he died. His 
 wife remained there, conducting the farm. 
 
 Green Smith was a leading plasterer, and employed a 
 number of hands and apprentices. Many of the fine build 
 ings of Louisville received the finishing stroke of his trowel. 
 
 Willis Talbot and brother, John Jordan, were first-class 
 carpenters. Willis was born -a slave, but acquired his free- 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 29 
 
 dom by his genius and skilled workmanship in wood. His 
 master, Dr. Johnson, took him to New York to examine the 
 fine buildings of that city, so that he could return and build 
 him a house from the designs that they had examined. He 
 was equal to the task and obtained his freedom. The build 
 ing in that day was considered one of the finest in the city. 
 He was noted as a great stair-builder, and he worked for the 
 leading contractors, until his age retired him from labor. 
 
 The Fox Brothers, J. H. Taylor, and Wm. Watson con 
 trolled the undertaking business. It was introduced by J. H. 
 Taylor in 1867. Mrs. Fox succeeded her husband and man 
 aged the business for many years. J. H. Taylor and Wm. 
 Watson now handle the business of the various societies, 
 churches, and the colored community generally. 
 
 George Brown and Daniel Clemmons were professional 
 caterers, and their establishment, during the war, was the 
 resort of noted generals and distinguished citizens. Their 
 menu was such as the most fastidious might crave. 
 
 Frank Gray and Thornton Thompson are noted caterers, 
 and they have acquired considerable property. 
 
 William Butcher, for upwards of thirty-five years, was with 
 the firm of Bradley & Gilbert. He was connected with the 
 office when Messrs. Bradley and Gilbert were apprentices, 
 and much of the knowledge they acquired of the printing 
 business was obtained under the tutelage of Mr. Butcher. 
 He remained with them up to the time of his death. He 
 was skilled as a pressman, working on the first Adams 
 presses that were shipped west of the Alleghany Mountains. 
 He occupied a prominent position among his people a 
 devout Christian and charitable to the poor and needy. He 
 was one of the first warranted members of Mt. Moriah 
 Lodge, held many posts of honor, and died in 1892. He 
 
30 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 willed his property to his sister, at her death to be given to 
 Mt. Moriah Lodge, F. A. Masons. 
 
 SOCIETY AMONG THE FREE COLORED PEOPLE. 
 
 Among the harassing scenes that the system of slavery 
 produced, there were, at times, here and there, a few oases, 
 as it were, where the free people could assemble and rest 
 from the environments from which the peculiar situation 
 subjected them to during the forties and fifties. 
 
 The great highway between Pittsburg and New Orleans, 
 the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, on whose bosom floated the 
 palatial steamers loaded with the products of those valleys, 
 and giving employment to thousands of free colored men 
 and women, had its clouds and its sunshine. Often, when 
 arriving at New Orleans, the steward, or some one of his 
 crew, would be arrested for coming into the State in con 
 travention of the law. We have known men and women, 
 free born, who would choose some officer of the boat to act 
 as his master, in order to evade the law. At other times, for 
 a sufficient sum of money, a white woman or Creole would 
 swear before a court that you were born in the State, or that 
 she was your godmother; and when these subterfuges failed 
 the free negro was sold, until some one redeemed him from 
 the shackles of the chain-gang. 
 
 These cruel, unjust laws and punishments did not deter 
 these free men and women from contesting and contending 
 for the right to make a living on these great highways. 
 
 The same instinct that leads the white race to dangers 
 and put their lives in peril in the mines, on the sea, on 
 desert, or wherever money is found to enhance his happiness 
 and that of his family, and the same spirit of perseverance, 
 were displayed by the free men and women, at the risk of 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 31 
 
 becoming slaves. With all of these surroundings it showed 
 a spirit of indomitable courage, whose example may well be 
 copied by the present generation. 
 
 The occupation of steward was a position of rank, com 
 manding a salary of from $150 to $200 per month; second 
 stewards from $75 to $100; barbers, on a trip from Pitts- 
 burg, Cincinnati, and Louisville to New Orleans, netted from 
 $50 to $75 ; cabin boys from $40 to $50 a trip; stewardesses 
 from $50 to $100. 
 
 When in port these employes, though free and in a 
 slave country, would seek their pleasure, for many of them 
 owned their property in those ports, and on the arrival of 
 these steamers a large party or some amusement for their 
 family and friends was given. The music of violin or piano 
 would be heard until the wee hours of morning. 
 
 During the forties and fifties was the golden age of steam- 
 boating on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers among the free 
 colored men and women. Music was furnished on all the 
 steamers for the passengers, and colored musicians were 
 always in demand, as the foreigner had not monopolized 
 everything in that line as now. The colored artist of those 
 days made a respectable competency during the boating 
 seasons. Musicians from the East would come West and 
 South, as they were in demand. Among them were mem 
 bers of the celebrated Frank Johnson s Band, of Philadel 
 phia, the same that escorted Gen. William Henry Harrison 
 to the West in the forties, after his election to the Presidency. 
 Prof. Johnson also visited England about that time, played 
 before the Queen of England, and received from her a silver 
 bugle. Among the most notable of those musicians playing 
 on the boats were Prof. Anderson Lewis, George Hamlet, 
 the "Ole Bull" of his race as a violinist; Elijah Smith, the 
 
 10 
 
32 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 renowned violincello player; Edward Johnson, the clarinet 
 ist; Samuel L. White, the guitarist, and others of that cele 
 brated band. These men were also composers, as we have 
 in our library a number of pieces dedicated to the steamers 
 Eclipse, Mary Hunt, A. L. Shotwell, and Falls City, by 
 Geo. Hamlet. 
 
 The prominent stewards of our city were Wm. Rankin, 
 Salin Stephney, David Clark, T. H. Miller, Jas. Dungy, 
 Joseph Brady, David Wells, John Rankin, Conoway Barber, 
 Leonidas Cox, Dabney Page, and Sullivan Clark. These men 
 were highly respected by the citizens generally, and most of 
 them acquired property and lived comfortably in their homes. 
 The finest hotels in the country furnished no finer bills of 
 fare than these stewards did for the Ohio and Mississippi 
 steamers. This class of freemen were compelled to use dis 
 cretion in their intercourse with their slave brethren. Some 
 times close conversation or undue familiarity would cause 
 suspicion from their masters, and if one should escape to 
 Canada the freeman would probably be arrested as being 
 connected with the Underground Railroad. 
 
 A VISIT TO THE FREESOIL CONVENTION AT PITTSBURG, 
 PA., IN 1852. 
 
 Being imbued with the spirit of freedom, and living, as 
 it were, in a " Pent up Utica," we desired to see the lead 
 ers and listen to the discussions of this great question that so 
 aroused the nation from North to South, from East to West. 
 We stealthily stole away by steamer to the Smoky City, but 
 few friends knowing our destination. On arriving there, we 
 sought the Convention Hall, which was filled to its utmost 
 capacity. For the first time we saw the leaders of this great 
 political movement, which culminated in the protection of the 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 33 
 
 virgin soil against the blighting curse of slavery. For the first 
 time we saw that trio of negro leaders, Frederick Douglass, 
 William Harlan Garnett, and Dr. Martin R. Delany, asso 
 ciated with such men as Henry Wilson, W. L. Garrison, 
 Thaddeus Stevens, and others. 
 
 The subject of free and slave territory was fully and ably 
 discussed in all of its bearings; also the policy of nominating 
 candidates upon a platform that would secure to the emigrant 
 free and untrammeled liberty from the encroachment of slave 
 holders. 
 
 When Frederick Douglass arose to speak upon those mo 
 mentous subjects, he related an incident that occurred on his 
 trip to Pittsburg, he being in company with the delegation from 
 Rochester, N. Y. all white but himself. When the train 
 stopped for dinner everybody rushed to the hotel, among 
 them Mr. Douglass. The proprietor, standing at the door 
 to receive his guests, when Mr. Douglass attempted to enter, 
 remarked: "You can not enter my dining-room!" Mr. 
 Douglass, whith his massive form, straightened up, and with 
 that silver-toned voice, exclaimed from the door-way: "Is 
 there anyone who objects to Frederick Douglass entering 
 this dining-room?" The answer came immediately from 
 a hundred voices, " No ! No ! No ! " The proprietor stepped 
 aside, and Mr. Douglass was the hero of the dining-hall. 
 His speech was the ablest that we had ever heard from a 
 colored man, and we felt more than compensated for travel 
 ing five hundred miles to hear him. 
 
 It was our first visit to a National Convention, and that a 
 Freesoil Convention. The impression there made will never 
 be eradicated. We subscribed for the paper published by 
 Mr. Douglass, at Rochester, N. Y. ; one for myself, and one 
 for each of my friends, Jesse Merriwether and James Cun- 
 
34 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 ningham. We had them mailed to New Albany, Ind., in 
 the care of my friend, Wm. Harding. They were brought 
 over, read by us, and the subject-matter discussed. When 
 through with them we hid them in the top of the piano, 
 among the music, for had the authorities known of that 
 seditious sheet (as it was termed at that time) our peace and 
 happiness would have been disturbed. 
 
 THE FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW OF 1850. 
 
 This law presented to the free negroes of the United 
 States a panic. Every State north of the Mason and Dixon 
 line became a hunting-ground for the slave-owner and slave- 
 catcher for fugitive slaves. 
 
 The decision rendered by Judge Taney, of the Supreme 
 Court of the United States, "That negroes had no rights 
 that white men were bound to respect," set every negro-hater 
 wild for blood. The President of the United States, Millard 
 Fillmore, issued a proclamation for its execution, and in a 
 short time the United States Army and Navy were in hot 
 pursuit of the fleeing fugitive at the behest of his master. 
 The streets of Boston, the cradle of freedom, was desecrated 
 by the tramp of this army. 
 
 Frederick Douglass, who had escaped to the North, and 
 for years lectured and exposed the nefarious system, escaped 
 to England and there remained until his body was purchased 
 by the friends of freedom and the slave. Other noted fugi 
 tives, who had lived North for years and raised large families, 
 had to flee for their lives, for resistance was death. 
 
 This decision had its effect upon the large free population 
 in the southern cities. The legislatures enacted oppressive 
 laws, forcing them to leave the States or virtually become 
 slaves. In our own State. Kentucky, there was a bill offered 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 35 
 
 to bind out all free negro children until they were of age. 
 This bill aroused the free families, and an exodus took place. 
 Families left this city to look for other quarters of freer soil. 
 Some went to Northern Ohio, Michigan, Canada, and others 
 left in groups, prospecting for a place to settle, fearing that 
 the bill would pass. The writer was one of a party who left 
 the city and visited Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Canada. 
 Some of the party made purchases in those States and in 
 Canada. The writer and several of our citizens purchased 
 in Chatham, Windsor, and London. The bill failed to be 
 come a law; for it had many opponents and friends of the 
 free people in the legislature. A large number of the legis 
 lature were gradual Emancipationists, and hence would not 
 support the bill. 
 
 The writer was handled very roughly on one occasion du 
 ring these perilous times. Having visited the East and re 
 turning West, when arriving at Seymour, Ind., he, with other 
 colored passengers, were driven out of the passenger coach 
 by a mob into the baggage car, among the dogs of the hunts 
 men (for it was in the fall season). The mob swore that no 
 negroes should ride in the coach with white people. Such 
 was the effect of that iniquitous bill upon the condition of 
 the colored people. History seems to be repeating itself in 
 that of the separate coach laws of this day and time. 
 
 The laws inspired the slave-hunters, for large rewards 
 were offered for the return of absconding slaves. A female 
 slave of a noted family of Kentucky was traced to Cincin 
 nati, O. She was arrested, and the court under the law 
 consigned her to her master. She was a mother. She and 
 her infant were placed on board of a steamer plying be 
 tween Cincinnati and Louisville, and when a few miles from 
 shore she plunged into the river,, with her babe in her arms, 
 
36 PUBLIC CAREER OF \V. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 and was drowned before assistance could be rendered. She 
 sought a watery grave in preference to slavery and the 
 punishment that awaited her on her return. 
 
 SYSTEM OF PATROLLING, AS IT WAS CALLED, BY POLICEMEN. 
 
 It was an iniquitous system during those days of horror, 
 It was customary for three or four of those guardians of the 
 night to visit the houses of free families at midnight, search 
 their houses, uncover females in their beds, and ask for run 
 away slaves, or negroes from free States here in contraven 
 tion of the laws of the State. We have known instances, 
 when such persons were found, in which they were impris 
 oned, fined heavily, or ordered to leave the State. These 
 occurrences were immediately reported to our ministers of 
 those days, and they would console their congregations by 
 requesting fasting and prayer, especially on Fridays, for de 
 liverance. You who read this history can judge whether 
 their prayers were answered. 
 
 A MINISTER PRAYED OUT OF THE CHAIN-GANG WHILE GOING 
 THROUGH THE CANAL ON A STEAMER FOR THE SOUTH. 
 
 Frederick Cranshaw, a slave, though entitled to his free 
 dom, was kidnapped and placed in the hands of traders. 
 Passing through the canal was a slow movement for boats 
 in those days. The church people heard of the arrest it 
 was on Sunday they hurried to the canal in crowds, singing 
 and praying to God to stop the boat and deliver Bro. Fred 
 erick. The excitement grew so intense that the sheriff ar 
 rested the captain and had the matter investigated. 
 
 It was proven by the investigation that Bro. Frederick was 
 entitled to his freedom. His chains were stricken off, and a 
 great prayer-meeting held in the old Fourth-street Church, 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 37 
 
 thanking God for his deliverance. We were personally ac 
 quainted with Bro. Frederick Myers. Cranshaw was the 
 name of his owner, and he was often called by that name. 
 He was a member of the Indiana Conference A. M. E. 
 Church, and held prominent appointments in that State. He 
 was a member of the Missouri Conference when last we 
 heard of him. Frederick Myers is extensively known by the 
 older citizens of Louisville. He also had charge of Asbury 
 Chapel after the lawsuit between Harper and Strauss. 
 
 BLOODY MONDAY, AUGUST, 1855 MURDERING AND BURNING 
 THE HOUSES OF IRISH CITIZENS. 
 
 The political campaign of that year created many bloody 
 scenes in Louisville among the Irish citizens, from the fact 
 that they, with others of the foreign element, had opposed 
 the common or public school tax. The Catholics bitterly 
 opposed the system, and desired their taxes separated for de 
 nominational purposes. This gave rise to the "American" 
 or "Know-nothing Party" throughout many of the States, 
 and a severe conflict was the result at the polls, especially in 
 the large cities. One of the bloodiest scenes or tragedies 
 ever witnessed occurred at the polls in Louisville. Every 
 Irishman or foreigner who dared to approach the polls were 
 assailed by the American or Know-nothing Party and driven 
 away, clubs and guns being used in districts where the 
 Irish were largely located. The bloodiest scene occurred on 
 Twelfth and Main streets, where a whole block of buildings 
 was burned, and the inmates shot down while escaping. 
 Seven were burned in the buildings, and among them a Ro 
 man Catholic priest. The bodies were conveyed to the Court 
 house, where the inquest was held, and were viewed by 
 thousands of spectators. In the eastern portion of the city 
 
38 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 the Germans were attacked, but they did not fare so badly 
 as their Irish fellow-citizens. The negro was only a spec 
 tator to these scenes. It was a white man s fight, the ne 
 groes troubles being reserved for the near future. 
 
 THE SCHOOLS OF THE FORTIES AND FIFTIES. 
 
 Three schools were taught at that time by colored teach 
 ers, viz. : R. M. Lane, Rev. Peter Booth, and Rev. Henry 
 Adams ; but as their schools were more on the outskirts of 
 the city, they were not thought to be so objectionable. We 
 opened a school on the corner of Fourth and Green streets, 
 and trusted in God for its guidance and protection. We 
 taught there for three years, until the building was sold, in 
 1851. During our location there we had school exhibitions, 
 singing classes, night schools, and concerts, and without 
 molestation. Mrs. Hoffman and Miss Cummins taught small 
 private schools. 
 
 The greatest novelty was the first introduction of a musical 
 instrument in a colored church in this city. Our music 
 classes were led by a violin, and our concerts accompanied 
 by an orchestra, composed of colored and white musicians. 
 Prof. James Cunningham and Henry Williams employed 
 German musicians in their bands. The Germans had not 
 learned the prejudice existing against the negro in the 
 forties. The following incident I witnessed in Baltimore, 
 Md. , during a grand parade : A colored band was driven out 
 of the procession by Gen. Smith, who rode his horse over 
 them, and all because the white band refused to march with 
 them ; but the company that employed them came out of the 
 ranks also. 
 
MME. SELIKA, 
 
 QUEEN OF SONG. 
 
WIDOWS AND ORPHANS HOME, 
 Brooks Station, Ky. 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 39 
 
 THE SLAVE AUCTION-BLOCK, AS SEEN BY THE WRITER FOR 
 THE FIRST TIME JANUARY I, 1848. 
 
 Market Street was the scene of this American evil. 
 Thousands wended their way thither to witness the separa 
 tion of husband and wife, children and parents, never to 
 meet again, perhaps, in this life. On the auction block the 
 auctioneer cries, "A fine negro woman, Sallie, going at $500, 
 $600, $700. with no incumbrance." Another, "with two 
 children, can be sold together or separately;" and another, 
 "Tom, a fine farm hand, ought to bring $900 he hired out 
 last year for $300. " There were hundreds sitting on the curb 
 stone and in the market-place, with two or three children, 
 and a baby at the breast, weeping. The husband sold in 
 another direction, and mother and children crying, "don t 
 take papa;" but their entreaties were in vain with those 
 traders in human flesh. With this, our first view of the slave 
 mart, we left, praying God that we might be saved from 
 another such scene. 
 
 COLORED ARTISTS IN MUSIC AND PHOTOGRAPHY. 
 
 One among the colored artists in music was Henry Wil 
 liams, the renowned violinist. But few distinguished white 
 persons in the forties and fifties from whose parlors could not 
 be heard the sonorous strains of Henry Williams violin. 
 He was employed to teach their sons and daughters quadrilles 
 and mazourkas, and for years was the leading spirit of his pro 
 fession. James Cunningham, Sr. , successor to Henry Wil 
 liams, for many years was held in the same high esteem as a 
 musician. He was born in the West Indies and served in 
 the British Navy. He was highly cultured. He furnished 
 music for all of the stylish weddings, parties, picnics, etc. 
 
40 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 His band was composed of white and colored musicians, 
 among them Lewis Lily, H. Hicks, and William Cole. His 
 children were also adepts in the art, two sons and a daughter 
 proving to be quite proficient as musical artists. James Cun 
 ningham, Jr., is the leader of the best colored band in our 
 city. 
 
 Samuel L. White, photographer and musician, originally 
 of Philadelphia, Pa., was the finest and most accomplished 
 guitarist of those times, and also a composer. His studio 
 was the resort of the best classes of colored and white citi 
 zens. His scholars were of both sexes, white and colored. He 
 also gave private lessons in white families. All this was du 
 ring the dark days of slavery. The writer was also one of 
 his pupils, and can testify to his accomplishments. Yet, 
 with these accomplishments, he was finally compelled to 
 leave the State simply for being too refined. His residence 
 was on Jefferson Street, near the corner of Fourth Avenue. 
 The old Jefferson House was the corner building and was 
 used as a hotel. His wife was a first-class milliner. They 
 had many visitors; of course, he being such a distinguished 
 personage, it could not have been otherwise. His busi 
 ness was in the very heart of the city, but, unfortunately, 
 this Jefferson Hotel was not first-class, as its inmates, or 
 boarders, were negro-haters. The superior qualifications of 
 Samuel L. White were too much for their imaginations, so 
 they began to harass him and his family by stoning his house 
 from the rear and from the roof of the hotel. They would 
 hurl stones through the windows and break the dishes on the 
 table while he and his guests were at meals, and with other 
 mean devices they continued to harass him until it became 
 unbearable, as he had no protection. Ku-kluxing and lynch 
 ing were then unknown, but this substitution answered as 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 41 
 
 well. When he applied to the authorities for protection 
 they advised him to leave the State, as this class would be a 
 continual annoyance to him. Finally, our old friend bade 
 us adieu. He moved to Cincinnati, O., where he and his 
 wife engaged in business. They were aged and devout 
 members of the Baptist Church. They died in 1870. 
 
 FREE SOIL AND SQUATTER SOVEREIGNTY. 
 
 The great Free Soil and Squatter Sovereignty questions 
 convulsed the whole country, and Abraham Lincoln and 
 Stephen A. Douglass debated the issues of that campaign. 
 Mr. Douglass visited Louisville soon afterward and spoke to 
 immense crowds. The people were entertained by the most 
 noted and hated man in the State as an Abolitionist and 
 advocate of human rights, Cassius M. Clay. In his speech, 
 when advocating the cause of the negro, he was asked what 
 he was going to do with the negro. He replied that he 
 would first free him and then free the poor white man. His 
 speech, it is supposed, gained but few converts in this local 
 ity, as the feeling was very bitter against the advocates of the 
 Free Soil and Emancipation doctrine; in fact, it was thought 
 that he would not be allowed to speak in this city, but Cas 
 sius Clay feared no threats. The writer was present in the 
 city of Frankfort, the capital of the State, during the same 
 campaign. The Capitol door was closed against him when 
 he had an appointment to speak there. The friends of Mr. 
 Clay held the meeting in the Capitol Square, with hundreds 
 of candles to light up the grounds, that the people might see 
 and hear the great orator. The negro element was aroused 
 at the crisis that seemed impending; they discussed these 
 issues among themselves and concluded that a conflict was 
 at hand, and that it would be safer to reside north of the 
 
42 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 Mason and Dixon line, and they were not very slow in going, 
 many of them free and many slaves, the slaves taking the 
 Underground Railroad. 
 
 From 1855 to 1860 a spirit of unrest pervaded this com 
 munity among the colored citizens, yet they trusted God and 
 persevered to do the right, looking forward to some miracu 
 lous change. 
 
 FREE MASONRY. 
 
 In the year 1850 Rev. Bird Parker, minister of the 
 A. M. E. Church (now Quinn Chapel), met a number of 
 gentlemen at the house of Jesse Merriwether, on Walnut 
 Street, between Ninth and Tenth streets. The object of the 
 meeting was to consider the propriety of organizing a ma 
 sonic lodge. Several meetings were held, and finally they 
 concluded to organize. Several Masons from Cincinnati, 
 O., met with them. A question arose in the meeting, and 
 was discussed pro and con., whether it would be advisable 
 to establish a lodge in Louisville while the prejudice was so 
 strong against free negroes, as none but those could be 
 received. This question caused a split, and the majority 
 decided to locate the lodge at New Albany, Ind., for a 
 while, at least. The necessary number for institution was 
 secured and they went to Cincinnati, O., and received their 
 warrant from the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Richard H. 
 Gleaves, Grand Master of Ohio, set Mount Moriah Lodge 
 No. i to work June 12, 1850. For three years they remained 
 at New Albany, Ind. They labored under many disadvan 
 tages, such as crossing the river in skiffs at midnight, amid 
 high water and heavy drifts, at the risk of their lives, and then 
 walking five miles up to the city. They finally concluded 
 to move to Louisville, Ky. , though there was a nucleus fora 
 lodge left at New Albany with those brethren who lived in 
 that city. 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 43 
 
 Our advent into Kentucky was with many forebodings, 
 but we were not molested until the year 1859, about the time 
 of the " John Brown raid." The excitement that prevailed 
 in Virginia and all of the Southern States had extended to 
 Kentucky. All free negro assemblies were closely watched. 
 At one of our meetings the police made a raid on us and 
 marched us to jail. The writer was secretary of the lodge. 
 We were ordered to bring the books along, so that they could 
 see what we were doing. 
 
 The jailer refused to put us in the castle, but directed us 
 to the court-room. He sent for the police judge, who came 
 and interrogated us, and dismissed us until morning. He 
 took our words as our bonds to return. We returned in the 
 morning, but they refused to admit us into court or try the 
 case. So ended this farce or incarceration of negro Masons 
 in Kentucky. 
 
 The Grand Lodge of Kentucky was organized in 1866 
 under the "National Compact." 
 
 STATE SOVEREIGNTY ESTABLISHED 1875. 
 
 Rev. J. H. Sweres, with a number of others, petitioned 
 the Grand Lodge of Ohio, W. H. Parham, Most Worthy 
 Grand Master, for a dispensation to organize a body of Free 
 Masons in the city of Louisville. It was granted, but not 
 without an appeal and a stubborn resistance from the Grand 
 Lodge of Kentucky. Blue lodges, chapters, and Knight 
 Templars were established. This caused quite a rivalry in 
 Masonry and considerable bad feeling among the craft of 
 the two bodies. The old Kentucky Grand Lodge renounced 
 the National Compact and declared State sovereignty in 
 order to meet the views formerly held by Ohio, but no con 
 cession seemed to prevail, and the strife was very bitter for 
 
44 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 several years. A few brethren of cool head and pure hearts 
 believed that this difficulty could be adjusted and peace and 
 harmony be strengthened. Henry King, of Lexington, Ky., 
 being elected Grand Master of the State, he appointed a 
 committee of Past Masters of the State of Kentucky to open 
 up a correspondence with the Grand Master of Ohio, W. H. 
 Parham, to learn upon what terms a settlement could be 
 made between the two grand bodies. The following was the 
 committee : W. H. Gibson, Wm. Spradling, Austin Hub- 
 bard, Horace Morris, and Wm. Butcher. W. H. Gibson 
 conducted the correspondence and a meeting was arranged 
 to take place at Cincinnati, O. Grand Master Parham and 
 a committee from the Grand Lodge of Ohio met and dis 
 cussed the difficulty that had caused the strained relations 
 between the Grand Lodge of Kentucky and the Grand Lodge 
 of Ohio. They finally made a settlement as follows: That 
 when the lodges in Kentucky working under the Grand 
 Lodge of Ohio desired to withdraw from Ohio and attach 
 themselves to the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, Ohio would 
 grant the transfer by a proper exchange of warrants and a 
 settlement of all other claims, and that Ohio would cease to 
 make Masons in Kentucky while this amity existed. This 
 proposition was accepted by Kentucky and an amicable rela 
 tionship established between the two grand bodies. For 
 years the members of the lodges of Louisville visited the 
 lodges under Ohio s warrants, and vice versa. They sought 
 the friendship that is taught and the duties of one Mason to 
 another until finally this manner of courtship proved to be a 
 wedding. The lodges, chapters, and Knight Templars ex 
 changed warrants and became a part and parcel of the 
 Grand Lodge of Kentucky. This action caused another 
 grievance on the part of the Ohio Grand Lodge concerning 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 45 
 
 some informalities in regard to the exchange of warrants. 
 Another committee was appointed by the Grand Lodge of 
 Kentucky to meet in Cincinnati with a committee from the 
 Grand Lodge of Ohio and adjust this grievance, which was 
 accomplished by the following committee on the part of 
 Kentucky : W. H. Steward, Horace Morris, and Chas. Steel, 
 Grand Master. 
 
 ODD FELLOWS. 
 
 * 
 
 Our relation with the United Order of Odd Fellows was 
 most courteous from 1872 to 1888. I was an active member 
 of St. Luke Lodge No. 1771, and was one of the committee 
 of Union and St. Luke lodges that concluded we had paid 
 enough money to white real estate agents for rent, and that 
 it was time to assemble in our own property. Being con 
 vinced of this fact, the two lodges, Union and St. Luke, 
 joined their treasuries together, amounting to near $800, sent 
 out a committee, composed of Alonzo Black, Shelton Guest, 
 and Alex. Lily, from Union Lodge, and W. H. Gibson and 
 Charles Lewis, from St. Luke Lodge, who investigated and 
 purchased property for a hall on Green Street, between 
 Thirteenth and Fourteenth, at $2,500, with three years to 
 pay for it. It was paid for in twenty-one months. These two 
 lodges invited the other lodges, patriarchies and H. of Ruths, 
 to take stock in the building, shares $ i oo each. They accepted 
 the invitation, formed a consolidated lodge, and obtained an 
 act of incorporation from the legislature. The business was 
 conducted by a Board of Directors, with President, Vice 
 President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Everything moved on 
 harmoniously, lodges were incorporated as their shares were 
 paid up, and at the expiration of three years they had saved 
 $1,000. Another and more valuable piece of property was 
 
46 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 offered for sale for $10,000. A committee was empowered to 
 investigate, a lawyer employed to examine the deed, and the 
 property purchased at $10,000, with ten years to pay it. 
 This property was paid for in five years. The purchasing 
 of property with the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows 
 seemed to give new inspiration, and everything that they put 
 their hands to seemed to prosper. In the purchase of this 
 new hall the act of incorporation was amended, W. H. Gib 
 son and C. H. Spalding being appointed a committee to visit 
 the legislature and make the application, and all the lodges 
 were inserted in this charter. My relation as secretary of 
 the Consolidated Lodges closed September, 1888, serving a 
 period of eight successive years, and handling for them over 
 $20,000, until the property was paid for. 
 
 With this rapid and grand exhibit followed a fearful 
 calamity. On the 2yth of March, 1890, the great cyclone 
 that visited the city of Louisville demolished our splendid 
 hall, and crippled several brethren and one sister, whose 
 lives were miraculously saved. This destruction threw gloom 
 and despondency over an oppressed people, struggling for a 
 foothold in the financial circles of the fraternities. But the 
 Consolidated Board, under the administration of W. H. 
 Ward, an old and experienced Odd Fellow, it is hoped, will 
 succeed in paying for the new building erected on the old 
 site, and that the glory of the latter house may be greater 
 than that of the former. 
 
 THE SCENES OF l86l IN LOUISVILLE, KY. 
 
 When the attack on Fort Sumter was proclaimed to the 
 nation, and when Abraham Lincoln, President of the United 
 States, called to arms ! to arms ! three hundred thousand 
 men ! our Governor, Beriah Magoffin, replied : Not a man, 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 47 
 
 nor a dollar ! " It was then considered by either party of 
 politicians in the strife that it was a white man s war, and that 
 the negro was only considered as a hewer of wood and 
 drawer of water for the army. Notwithstanding this view 
 of the negro s position, many of them were eager to take 
 part in the fray. They bided their time, and the sequel is 
 known throughout the civilized world. 
 
 In the fall of 1862, we, with thousands of other colored 
 citizens, were drafted in the spade and shovel brigade, throw 
 ing up entrenchments to protect Louisville from the antici 
 pated attack of General Bragg s Army on the city. I served 
 for a time, but was released through the aid of my physician. 
 I received a dispatch from Dr. W. R. Revels to come to the 
 city of Indianapolis, Ind., and take charge of a school. I 
 immediately left for that city and engaged in teaching a 
 school, which was partly supported by the Quaker Friends 
 and partly by private subscriptions, for the Hoosier State 
 had not, at that time, provided public schools for colored 
 children. The school was largely composed of contraband 
 children, as General Butler termed them, whose parents 
 followed in the wake of the army and crossed the Ohio 
 River into Indiana. 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS CALLING FOR COLORED SOLDIERS. 
 
 At the solicitation of Dr. Revels, Sidney S. Hinton, and 
 other friends, I closed my school and accepted the commis 
 sion of recruiting sergeant, under Col. Condee, for the 55th 
 Massachusetts Colored Regiment. I went into Kentucky for 
 volunteers and had hundreds of applicants, but, through the 
 interference of the officials at headquarters, I failed t get a 
 man enrolled in Louisville. These officials were so-called 
 Union men, dressed in the livery of Uncle Sam, but oppos- 
 
 ii 
 
48 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 ing such aid as was necessary to help save the country. 
 They told me that there would be no quarters shown negro 
 soldiers by the Rebels, and that Massachusetts had no right 
 to send agents into Kentucky for recruits, and that the ne 
 gro s place was in the hospitals as nurses, attending the sick 
 and wounded. They advised me to leave the State, for the 
 feeling was so strong against us that they could not protect 
 us. With this treatment, I left my wife and children, re 
 turned to Indiana, visited Jeffersonville, New Albany, and 
 Charleston, succeeded in recruiting and enrolling about one 
 hundred men for the 55th Massachusetts Regiment, gave 
 them transportation to Camp Morton, Indianapolis, and then 
 resigned my commission, as Union soldiers at that stage of 
 the war refused to protect us. My family was so much an 
 noyed by threat, caused by my action, that I authorized my 
 wife to sell our property and come to Indianapolis. We 
 moved there and returned at the close of the war. 
 
 During our stay in the Hoosier capital we made many 
 friends, and many families moved there from Kentucky. 
 
 Our masonic relation was very pleasant while there. We 
 affiliated with the craft, and was present at the organization 
 of the Grand Chapter of Indiana, by the Most Excellent 
 Grand High Priest Wm. Darns, of Cincinnati, and Most Ex 
 cellent John G. Britton, Sidney S. Hinton, Wm. Waldon, 
 and others. 
 
 Camp Morton contained recruits for the 55th Massachu 
 setts and the 28th Indiana Colored Volunteers, with Dr. R. 
 W. Revels, examining sergeant. The boys made Indian 
 apolis lively while there in camp. One memorable inci 
 dent connected with ourselves and the boys I must relate. 
 The young musical friends of Dr. Revels church, assisted 
 by Prof. George W. Stewart, now of Fort Smith, Ark., 
 Barney Hicks, the renowned minstrel, and myself, as con- 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 49 
 
 ductor, gave a concert. It may be remembered that du 
 ring the war times it was dangerous for a man to sympathize 
 with the Rebels and the cause of the South, especially 
 among negro soldiers. Barney Hicks, in a discussion, had 
 espoused the cause of the South. The soldier boys had 
 heard of it and they visited the concert in crowds. When. 
 Barney appeared on the stage, they made a rush for him, 
 but he escaped from a rear window, jumping some ten feet 
 to the ground. A soldier with a dirk-knife in hand was after 
 him. He was so enraged at missing Hicks that he threw his 
 dirk upon the top of our rented piano and cut a large piece 
 out of it. They broke up the concert, and we were in 
 trouble on account of the piano, but through the influence 
 of Dr. Revels we were saved damages. 
 
 CRUELTIES OF THE HOME GUARDS. 
 
 The treatment of colored citizens by Home Guards was 
 very cruel in 1861. They were not allowed on the streets 
 after 8 o clock without a pass, and many were flogged for 
 being out. This treatment became unbearable, especially 
 when it was performed by Union soldiers. The writer of 
 this sketch was, at that time, a correspondent for the 
 Christian Recorder, of Philadelphia, Rev. Elisha Weaver, 
 editor. We wrote up this treatment for that paper, and it 
 was published, and copies sent to Hon. Charles Sumner, who 
 had it read in the Senate, and it created considerable ex 
 citement and debate, especially among the Kentucky repre 
 sentatives. It had ks desired effect, and there was no more 
 flogging by patrolling Union soldiers. The Congressional 
 records will verify this statement. An amusing incident oc 
 curred along with this raid of the Home Guards. Grand 
 Master of Masons, Most Worshipful Henry Spencer, of St. 
 
50 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 Louis, Mo., was on a special visit to this city and the craft, 
 As all of our meetings were suspended at the hall, we held 
 a private meeting at the writer s house. After adjournment, 
 as the brethren entered the street, this military patrol came 
 dashing along; the brethren spied them, and it was really 
 amusing and laughable to see their coat-tails standing out in 
 the breeze, while they made for the alleys and hiding-places. 
 
 OFF TO KANSAS. 
 
 In the spring of 1865 I received a call to Kansas, by my 
 esteemed friend and brother, Rev. John Turner. I located 
 at the city of Leaven worth, was employed as a teacher in 
 the public schools of that city, but partly supported by the 
 American Missionary Society, and remained there about 
 fifteen months. The Hon. Judge Brewer, now Judge of the 
 United States Supreme Court, was President of the School 
 Board. Among my associate teachers were Prof. Charles 
 Langton, Mrs. S. Douglass, wife of Capt. Ford Douglass, 
 and Mrs. Margaret Morris, sister of Prof. John MitchelL 
 My stay in Kansas was a very pleasant one, and I formed 
 the acquaintance of many excellent families, viz. : Thomas 
 Newton, Samuel Jordan, Hiram Young, Josephine Mahoney,. 
 Mr. Nesbit, Jones, Quinns, and Franklins. 
 
 VISIT TO FORT LEAVENWORTH. 
 
 The noted distinction of officer of the day was conferred 
 upon Capt. Ford Douglass and Capt. Mathews. I had the 
 pleasure of dining with these officers and their families. 
 Their menu was a very palatable one, such as was provided 
 for white officers. The scene around the fort is a picturesque 
 one, and nature seemed to have provided all the beauties of 
 the floral kingdom for its adornment. 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 51 
 
 We learned, on our introduction into Kansas society, 
 that they were not unlike the various communities that we 
 had visited. They had their piques and quarrels ; my first 
 visit to a public meeting convinced me of this fact. A diffi 
 culty, or misunderstanding, between the two churches was 
 to have been settled at this meeting. A hall was rented and 
 a large number attended. The discussion began, and, as the 
 speakers warmed up, bitter words and epithets were used. 
 Among the audience was the distinguished lady orator, Miss 
 Susan B. Anthony. She took the floor and tried to quell 
 the disturbance by her tender and persuasive remarks, but 
 to no purpose; the parties threatened to shoot; pistols, 
 swords, and chairs were drawn; pandemonium reigned. 
 The proprietor put out the lights and I made for a window, 
 but a lady held me back. I suppose a limb was saved by 
 her effort. We all got out safe and sound. 
 
 The meeting of interest was the first visit of the Hon. 
 J. M. Langston to Kansas. I had the honor of being one 
 of the committee on reception. Mr. Langston was royally 
 received by the citizens of Leavenworth. A hall was rented 
 for the delivery of an address. The subject was " The Re 
 construction Measures of President Andrew Johnson." Mr. 
 Langston bitterly Opposed the measures in his speech. 
 Friends of the President were present, who defended his 
 views of reconstruction. Quite a stormy debate ensued, 
 though Mr. Langston had the best of the discussion. I con 
 cluded that the epithet, "Fighting Kansas," was well ap 
 plied. 
 
 I received a commission from Hon. Sidney S. Hinton r 
 M. W. G. M. of Masons for the State of Indiana, to rein 
 state North Star Lodge, of Leavenworth, and set them to 
 work with Capt. Wm. Mathews, W. M. This completed, 
 my mission was ended. 
 
52 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 I left Kansas with the intention of returning, as I had 
 been selected to teach another term, but on visiting my 
 "Old Kentucky Home" friends surrounded me and pre 
 vailed on me to settle down in the old State where I had 
 labored in the dark days of slavery, and now, as it was a 
 free State, I should enjoy its blessings. After considering 
 the matter from a business and financial standpoint, I con 
 cluded to remain. I sent in my resignation to the President 
 of the School Board, Hon. Judge Brewer. It was accepted 
 with a regret and wishes that my future might be successful. 
 
 BACK TO LOUISVILLE. 
 
 We pulled up stakes at Indianapolis, moved back to 
 Louisville, bought property, and began business under very 
 favorable circumstances. 
 
 We had no public schools for colored children in 1866. 
 The schools were supported by private funds of the patrons. 
 
 The Fraedmen s Bureau schools and the (Ely) American 
 Missionary School employed teachers and educated the col 
 ored children until the State, by legislative acts, provided 
 for the education of colored children in separate schools. 
 
 Gen. Ben. Runkle, of the United States Army, established 
 bureau schools in the colored churches. They were largely 
 attended by day and night. Private schools were assisted 
 from the bureau fund. Jackson-street M. E. Church School 
 was taught by Mr. Henry Merriwether and Mrs. Julia Au 
 thor; Center-street M. E. Church School by Rev. Wm. 
 Butler; Quinn Chapel School by W. H. Gibson. The Amer 
 ican Missionary Society erected a building on the corner of 
 Broadway and Fourteenth Street. This school was con 
 ducted by a corps of white teachers from that society. 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 53 
 
 UNITED STATES CIRCUIT COURT. 
 
 The system of advancing fifty dollars in order that a case 
 might be heard in said court was a custom soon after the 
 war. Many of our people from the mountains and interior 
 part of the State were compelled to come to Louisville in 
 order to have their cases litigated, there being no United 
 States Circuit Court in their districts. The Ku-klux clans 
 were murdering them and pillaging their property, and no 
 redress could be obtained, as this large fee demanded made 
 it impossible for them to have a hearing, for they were too 
 poor to raise that amount. The citizens of Louisville called 
 public meetings in Quinn Chapel and the Green-street Bap 
 tist Church. Committees were appointed to wait on Judge 
 Ballard and the United States Attorney to protest against 
 the rule of the court as oppressive to this people. They 
 were courteously received and the matter presented. After 
 a fair and legal explanation by the court the matter was so 
 adjusted as to give all litigants a hearing, the court being sat 
 isfied that the case demanded it. 
 
 APPOINTED MAIL AGENT OF THE KNOXVILLE BRANCH L. A N. 
 R. R., BETWEEN LOUISVILLE AND MOUNT VERNON, KY. 
 
 I was appointed mail agent under President Grant s ad 
 ministration, and served for eight months under very trying 
 circumstances. The first and second day s trip was attended 
 with great excitement. As the first negro mail agent in the 
 State, I was equal to Barnum s animal show, for the people at 
 every station gathered by hundreds, and climbed upon the 
 cars to get a view of the black animal who dared to invade 
 their territory. 
 
 At the end of the route, Mount Vernon, the people 
 
54 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 turned out to hang me. They followed me to the post- 
 office and waited for me to enter the hotel across the way for 
 lodgings, but I had made other arrangements and disap 
 pointed them. 
 
 The arrangement of the mob for mob it was that if I 
 attempte d to enter the hotel the hanging would commence, 
 and it would have been accomplished with dispatch. 
 
 I engaged board with a colored farmer, Walker New- 
 comb. He was an industrious and brave man, a blacksmith 
 by trade, and a partner with his former master. The mob 
 promised that if I remained with my own people I would not 
 be disturbed ; but they did not keep their promise, for they 
 annoyed me with notes, giving me so many days to leave the 
 road, or make my peace with God, signed K. K. K. 
 
 At the expiration of eight months I was transferred to the 
 Louisville and Lexington route. The second day out we 
 were attacked by three of the clan, at a lonely station, North 
 Benson, between Frankfort and Lexington, a chosen day for 
 the murderous purpose snowing, raining, and hailing the 
 worst day of the year. 
 
 At the station, one jumped aboard of the mail coach and 
 endeavored to throw me out, beating and bruising me con 
 siderably, but failed in his attempt. His. two pals were 
 waiting on the platform, with drawn pistols, to shoot me as 
 I fell out, as they expected; but as God would have it, they 
 missed their aim, and I was saved. With three coaches of 
 passengers, conductor, and train hands, no one came to my 
 relief, and it was only the mercy of God that saved me. They 
 riddled the car with bullets, but missed me. 
 
 The authorities at Washington were notified of the attack 
 on the United States Mail Agent, and a squad of United 
 States soldiers were dispatched from the fort to accompany 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 55 
 
 me, and for three months I was escorted by the blue coats 
 of Uncle Sam while I performed my duties. Many threats 
 were made, and great excitement existed during my stay on 
 this route. On several occasions I feared a collision between 
 the military and the mob that gathered at the stations, for 
 twitting the soldiers for protecting a negro. I was convinced 
 that under the pressure some one would be killed, and also 
 the strain upon the nerves of my wife and children reasoned 
 with me that the sacrifice was greater than the occasion 
 called for. The soldiers were withdrawn from the train. 
 Promises were made by the leading authorities of the State 
 to provide protection, but I proposed to retire from the situ 
 ation when the soldiers retired, for I had but little confidence 
 in those promises, so I resigned. 
 
 FREEDMEN S BANK. 
 
 In 1865 the Freedmen s Bank was established in Louis 
 ville, with a mixed board of directors, and a white cashier. 
 I often assisted Cashier Burkholder when busy or absent 
 from the city. I had charge of the bank when he met with 
 his sad fate, of being drowned or burned up on the ill-fated 
 steamer, United States, plying between Louisville and Cin 
 cinnati, when she collided with the steamer America. He 
 had been on a trip to Ohio to see his family, but never re 
 turned to the bank. I remained in charge until the board 
 met and selected a cashier, Mr. Horace Morris. I was his 
 assistant when the bank closed. 
 
 THE MOZART SOCIETY. 
 
 The first colored musical society of Louisville was organized 
 in the school-room of the writer, Dec. 1852. The Fourth-street 
 Methodist Church Choir had given a series of concerts, con- 
 
56 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 ducted by W. H. Gibson, assisted by Prof. Henry Williams, 
 Samuel White, and several German performers (instru 
 mental). They concluded to organize a musical society for 
 their further improvement. A meeting was called and the 
 organization completed. Among those of the organization 
 were Messrs. George Thomas, Jesse Davis, Peter Hayes, 
 Benjamin Eubanks, John Jordan, John Collins, Dan Clem- 
 mons, Geo. A. Schaefer, R. M. Johnson, J. Tevis, D. Ed- 
 dington; Mesdames Jane Christopher, Letha Ellison, Lu- 
 cinda Snead, George Thomas, Julia Bullitt Author, Belle 
 Adams, Miss Thomas, and others. This society made rapid 
 improvement in music. At times they gave concerts for 
 benevolent purposes, and also improved the musical taste in 
 several of our churches. But few of this organization are 
 now living, but the spirit and love of music then manifested 
 has been inherited by their children. 
 
 The first musical instrument introduced into a colored 
 church in this city was in 1847 by the writer. The singing 
 was led by a violin. The old sisters and brothers declared 
 that the officers had admitted the devil into the church, but 
 they became used to it and seemed to admire the change. 
 At this writing there are but few churches that have not pipe 
 organs and splendid choirs. 
 
 The writer was attacked through the columns of our 
 church magazine in the year 1854 by the Rev. Thomas 
 Strother for this trespass upon the dignity and solemnity of 
 the church. Several articles were written, pro and con., 
 but the progressive age of music triumphed amid the pious 
 opposition that then assailed it. Upon the introduction of 
 the first organ in Quinn Chapel the sisters threatened to 
 throw it into the street, so we abandoned the instrument for 
 awhile. 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 57 
 
 FIRST MUSICAL FESTIVAL. 
 
 The first musical festival of the Colored Musical Associa 
 tion of Louisville, Ky., was held in May, 1880. W. H. 
 Gibson, Sr. , President; N. R. Harper, Musical Director. 
 The association was composed of about two hundred sing 
 ers from the various church choirs and public schools, sup 
 ported by an orchestra from Detroit, Mich., led by Prof. 
 Johnson. They gave ample satisfaction in the support of 
 the choruses and solo accompaniments, as they were profes 
 sional musicians. Miss Eliza Cowan, of Chicago, 111., the 
 leading soprano, came highly recommended as a vocalist. 
 She sustained her reputation as such, and left us with the 
 highest honors. Mrs. Mary V. Smith and Mrs. C. M. Bry 
 ant, organists, were excellent. Prof. N. R. Harper proved 
 an efficient leader in chorus singing. This first attempt of a 
 grand musical festival proved a financial success, and from a 
 musical standard the community expressed the highest 
 eulogies. 
 
 SECOND MUSICAL FESTIVAL. 
 
 The Musical Association of Louisville, Ky., held their 
 second song festival May 19 and 20, 1881, at Library Hall. 
 W. H. Gibson, Sr., President; N. R. Harper, Musical 
 Director. It was the desire of the president and the asso 
 ciation to make this the grandest festival yet given, and in 
 order to do so he made several visits to Cincinnati, O., for 
 the purpose of securing the assistance of the Cincinnati 
 Choral Association, then in practice, and which had, among 
 its members, some celebrities of a very high musical culture. 
 The arrangement was completed, as the following letter will 
 show: 
 
58 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 CINCINNATI, O., March 12, 1881. 
 Mr. W. H. Gibson : 
 
 DEAR SIR Your letter of the 6th duly received, and con 
 tents read before the members of the society. I am author 
 ized to say that we most cheerfully accept the invitation to 
 participate in the festival, and hope it may be generally un 
 derstood from this letter between all parties that we will be 
 present with a good delegation from this city, together with 
 their many friends. 
 
 I am, on behalf of the Q. C. C. S., yours, 
 
 THOMAS A. TRIPLETT, 
 Chairman Executive Committee. 
 
 The reputation of Miss A. L. Tilghman, of Washington, 
 D. C., as a leading soprano at the Capital City, induced 
 the association to secure her services for this occasion. Her 
 selections were of the highest order, such as "Aria The 
 Flower Girl," by Borzinini; Millard s " Inflammatus," solo, 
 and several duets. Her rendition was all that lovers of music 
 could desire. She was recalled by the audience after each 
 number. 
 
 The principal artists of the Louisville Association were as 
 follows: Mrs. M. L. Mead, Miss Jennie Wise, Miss V. M. 
 Burkes, Mrs. M. V. Smith, Miss S. G. Waters, Miss M. 
 Henry, Miss M. Robinson, Mrs. C. M. Bryant, Mrs. Belle 
 Worley, Anna and Sue Talbot, Belle Adams, Miss Lou 
 Thompson, of New Albany, Ind. ; the Gibson family W. 
 H. Gibson, Sr., W. H. Gibson, Jr., of St. Louis, Mo. ; Miss 
 Isabella, M. Jane, and Lucretia Gibson; Frank Thomas Glee 
 Club Messrs. Frank Thomas, J. Miller, P. A. Thomas, J. 
 O. Banion, N. P. Grant, and John Reynold. Prof. J. R. 
 Cunningham s celebrated orchestra furnished string and brass 
 instrumental music. 
 
MRS. DURETTA MOORE, 
 
 Dayton, O. 
 
MRS. A. F. MADISON, 
 
 Cairo, 111. 
 N. V. P. 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 59 
 
 The following were the officers of the Festival Executive 
 Committee: J. W. Dorsey, J. N. Caldwell, T. N. Bailey, H. 
 C. Weeden, G. T. Thomas, W. H. Lawson, B. J. Nichols, 
 S. Hayes, W. Adams, and N. N. Newman. 
 
 The Choral Association, of Cincinnati, O., presented the 
 cantata, " Esther, the Beautiful Queen," with the following 
 staff of officers : Musical Director, Mr. P. L. Furgurson ; 
 Assistant Musical Director, Mr. J. M. Lewis; Pianist, Mrs. 
 A. E. Baltimore; Organist, Mr. F. C. Lewis; Assistant 
 Organist, Mr. Al. Quarles; Costumer, Mrs. Julia A. Rice; 
 Stage Manager, Mr. T. J. Monroe. 
 
 Cast of Characters. 
 
 Queen Esther Miss Ella Buckner. 
 
 King Ahasuerus Mr. P. L. Furgurson. 
 
 Mordecai Mr. J. M. Lewis. 
 
 First Maid of Honor Miss Cora Watson. 
 
 With a retinue of attendants. 
 
 The following selections were introduced during the ban 
 quet scenes of the cantata: Bass solo, " Down in the Cel 
 lar s Depths," Mr. T. Small; solo, " Mandolita," Miss M. 
 Fowler; bass solo, "The Toast," W. J. Ross; solo, "Softly, 
 Softly," Miss Hattie Holmes; quintette, " Father, Guide 
 Us," from Belshazzar, Misses Barrett and Fowler, Messrs. 
 C. Henson, Small, and Quarles; "Miserere," from Trova- 
 tore, Miss Cora L. Watson and Mr. T. J. Monroe, assisted 
 by Miss Hattie Harper, Mrs. M. Williams, and Messrs. L. 
 M. Lewis, Thornton, Small, and Quarles. The artists ex 
 celled themselves in the performance of this sacred cantata. 
 Their costumes were tastefully selected, and their songs and 
 performances in the various roles were such as to attract the 
 admiration of the most technique of the theatrical assemblies. 
 
6o PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 This rare treat, brought forth by the combined efforts of the 
 musical lovers of Louisville, Cincinnati, Washington, D. C., 
 and New Albany, has been far-reaching in the development 
 of this fine art in our community. 
 
 CHURCH CHOIRS. 
 
 Fifth-street Baptist Choir The concerts and musical en 
 tertainments given by this choir have always been of the 
 highest order. We take great pleasure in making special 
 mention of this association as conducted by the late Madi 
 son Minnis, with Miss Martha Morton as organist, also de 
 ceased, supported by Mesdames M. L. Mead, Hutchinson 
 and sister, and Messrs. W. H. Stewart (successor to Mr. 
 Minnis), Samuel Jordan, J. L. Moody, Will. L. Gibson, and 
 others. During Mr. Minnis charge of this choir they made 
 a tour to Cincinnati, O., and Cleveland, O. The trip was a 
 pleasant one. and the members were the recipients of many 
 eulogies for their musical performances. 
 
 Green-street Baptist Choir This choir ranks among the 
 leading musical associations, with our old friend, George 
 Thomas, conductor (successor to Mr. Jesse Davis). They 
 have a fine and powerful organ, with Mrs. Gertie Hutchin- 
 .son, the organist, who skillfully manipulates the finger-board. 
 The visitors to that church can sit and muse upon the joyful 
 strains of these earthly choristers. 
 
 Jacob-street Tabernacle Choir This choir ranks among the 
 leading musical associations of the country. 
 
 MADAME SELEKA AND S. W. WILLIAMS. 
 
 Madame Seleka, queen of staccato, and S. W. Williams, 
 baritone, made their debut to a Louisville audience June, 
 1888. The writer, having been concerned in most all of the 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 6 1 
 
 musical enterprises of this city, and being the leader of 
 Quinn Chapel Choir for more than thirty-five years, and 
 being about to retire, felt anxious that the church of his 
 long and arduous labors should have an organ second to 
 none among our congregations. His wishes were made 
 known to the board and granted, under the administration 
 of Rev. Levi Evans. A committee, composed of Prof. W. 
 H. Perry, George Caldwell, and Miss Martha Webster, 
 visited Pilcher & Sons organ manufactory and selected an 
 instrument to cost eight hundred dollars, with the latest im 
 provements. A concert was decided upon. The leader 
 opened correspondence with Madame Seleka and husband, 
 who had recently returned from Europe, and were elec 
 trifying the country with their artistical performances. We 
 learned their terms, an agreement was entered into, and 
 a concert arranged for Louisville for the benefit of the organ. 
 They arrived, and were our guests. 
 
 The largest hall in the city was rented for the concert, 
 the citizens turned out en masse, and it was conceded to be 
 the grandest concert ever given in our city, both in numbers 
 and artistic skill. The lady was the finest and most accom 
 plished that we had ever heard in this community. Mr. Wil 
 liams baritone was complete, and as a soloist his style and 
 enunciations were pure. 
 
 A second concert was given at the church, and it was 
 crowded also. Our local talent assisted, and gave prestige 
 to the occasion. Mrs. M. L. Mead, Mrs. M. V. Smith, 
 Miss Lottie Bryant, Mrs. Gertie Hutchinson, accompanist, 
 and W. H. Gibson, conductor. Financially the concert was 
 a success, the receipts half paid for the organ, and the bal_ 
 ance was raised by the Ladies Organ Association, Mrs. Nel 
 lie Bibb, President; Mrs. Virginia Thompson, Treasurer; 
 Miss Laura Douglass, Secretary, and Rev. J. Abbey, Pastor. 
 
62 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 THE FIFTEENTH AMENDMENT. 
 
 After the passage of the fifteenth amendment to the Con 
 stitution by Congress it was in order for colored citizens of 
 Louisville to have a jubilee celebration. Mass-meetings 
 were called at several of the churches to make arrangements, 
 and committees appointed. Rev. H. J. Young was the 
 chosen orator of the day, with Miss Laura Claget as the God 
 dess of Liberty. The procession was an immense throng of col 
 ored citizens, with excursion parties from surrounding cities, 
 accompanied with bands of music and banners, with many 
 designs representing freedom and progression versus the 
 condition of slavery days. A Fifteenth Amendment song was 
 composed by W. H. Gibson, and sung at the Court Square, 
 where, for the first time, a stand was erected. Ten thous 
 and people were gathered to hear speeches and music. We 
 had seen, on past occasions, on the same square, some horri 
 ble scenes, slaves sold on the court-house steps, negroes 
 hung and burned, also the forms of ghastly Irishmen burned 
 by the Know-nothing mobs on Bloody Monday, but the con 
 trast of that day s thrilling jubilee the completion of Amer 
 ican citizenship for the negro seemed a fitting retribution 
 for the past horrors perpetrated and inflicted by the inhuman 
 monster slavery. 
 
 The following is the song composed by W. H. Gibson, 
 Sr. , which was sung by five thousand voices on the day of 
 the celebration : 
 
 Come all ye Republicans, faithful and true, 
 
 Here is a work for you : 
 The Fifteenth Amendment has fought its way through 
 
 True as the boys in blue. 
 The Democrat party its race has run, 
 
 To give way for an era that freedom has won. 
 Bring out your gun ! Bring out your gun ! 
 
 Bring them, ye brave and true. 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 63 
 
 Colored citizens, prepare ye; your manhood s complete, 
 
 God grant that " we all may have peace." 
 The ballot-box is open to all of our race, 
 
 Put in your snowy flakes; 
 For the Republican party will vote in a mass, 
 
 For they have guarded well " Thermopylae s Pass." 
 Vote for them long, vote for them strong, 
 
 Vote for the brave and true. 
 
 Songs of exultation we gladly will sing 
 
 For the twenty-eight States so true ; 
 For the Fifteenth Amendment s a mighty big thing, 
 
 The Democrats know it is true. 
 Kentucky neutrality, we can not define it, 
 
 The Fifteenth Amendment has opened a mine in it 
 And blown it sky high ! and blown it sky high! 
 
 Sing it ye brave and true. 
 
 My Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, each of them 
 
 Opposed its ratification ; 
 California, Oregon, Tennessee with them, 
 
 Kentucky makes up the seven. 
 But the twenty-eight States, yes, thirty of them, 
 
 Have put to rest the unjust seven. 
 So let them writhe ! Let them writhe ! 
 
 Writhe in their agony. 
 
 The ratification has made the great Nation 
 
 More honored, more just and good ; 
 The lowly will praise her, the great God will bless her, 
 
 Her enemies stand in awe ; 
 And if the old flag is e er torn from the mast, 
 
 Up defenders will rise as they have in the past, 
 And fly to their arms ! Fly to their arms ! 
 
 To save the dear old flag. 
 
 Our country s flag we do revere, 
 
 For we love the Constitution ; 
 The Declaration doth declare, 
 
 All men are born free and equal. 
 The Fifteenth Amendment hath abolished caste, 
 
 Servitude, color, are buried at last, 
 Never to rise ! Never to rise ! 
 
 Under the Constitution. 
 
 I 2 
 
64 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 HON. FRED. DOUGLASS VISITS LOUISVILLE. 
 
 The Independent Sons of Honor being desirous of having 
 Mr. Douglass address the colored citizens of Louisville solic 
 ited the writer to correspond with him and make such ar 
 rangements as would suit him. I opened correspondence, 
 and, after several letters had passed, the invitation was 
 accepted on terms suitable to him. The following is his let 
 ter of acceptance : 
 
 WASHINGTON, D. C., April 2, 1873. 
 Wm. H. Gibson, Esq. 
 
 MY DEAR SIR Your letter accepting my terms is at hand. 
 I will endeavor to be in Louisville on the 2oth inst., and will 
 be ready to unite with your celebration on the 2ist of April. 
 Please inform me, without delay, the name and address to 
 which you will expect me to report on the 2oth. Hoping 
 for a successful celebration of one of the grandest facts in 
 the history of our country. I am, dear sir, 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 FRED. DOUGLASS. 
 
 A committee composed of George Buckner, James Graves, 
 Vincent Helm, W. H. Gibson, Isaac Curtis, and others, 
 received Mr. Douglass at the depot with carriages and a 
 band of music. He was escorted to the residence of Mrs. 
 Lucretia Morris, on Seventh Street. There he received the 
 courtesies of the citizens of Louisville, colored and white. 
 The Hon. Judge J. M. Harlan tendered him his private car 
 riage and horses for his visit through the city. A proces 
 sion was formed of societies and citizens, and they marched 
 to the Exposition, where an immense throng of people filled 
 the building. Mr. Douglass made a fine address, such as he 
 was capable of making, and it was published in our daily 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 65 
 
 papers. He remarked that " the building was so large and 
 fhe tumult so great that it was as the roaring of Niagara." 
 His voice was inadequate to fill the building. 
 
 NEWSPAPER ENTERPRISES. 
 
 The Kentuckian was issued in the seventies, Mr. Horace 
 Morris being its editor. It was published for several months. 
 
 The Planet was published by the Planet Printing Co. 
 
 Zion s Banner was published in 1881, with H. C. Weedon 
 as its editor. 
 
 Christian Index. 
 
 The Bulletin was published by the Adams Brothers, John 
 and Cyrus. This paper was very ably edited and received a 
 large subscription. It was a paper that advocated the cause 
 of the negro and the principles of Republicanism. The pro 
 prietors moved to Chicago and the paper is yet in existence, 
 the name having been changed. An incident in relation to 
 Cyrus Adams and the study of the German language occurred 
 here during his study under a German teacher. A large 
 class of students attended, who were members of the first 
 families of the city. The teacher said that his progress was 
 rapid, and he attracted attention by the excellence of his 
 recitations. The teacher also said that he was much aston 
 ished one day about the close of the term when he informed 
 him that he was a newspaper man and one of the editors of 
 The Bulletin. So the term was closed, and of all the pupils 
 attending none of them knew that Adams was a colored man 
 except the teacher, who found it out by mere accident. Had 
 it been otherwise, the white pupils would have been horrified 
 at the idea of a colored student belonging to the class. Mr. 
 Adams made a trip to Europe, studied there, and returned 
 and taught here in our High School. 
 
66 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 The Ohio Falls Express, edited by Dr. H. Fitzbutler, is 
 one of the oldest colored papers in the State. It has been 
 suspended during the Doctor s absence in Europe. 
 
 The American Baptist, W. H. Stewart, editor, represents 
 the interests of the Baptist denomination, and is very ably 
 edited. It is in its sixteenth year. Mr. Stewart is also a 
 politician, and is always found in the advance of all questions 
 pertaining to our race. 
 
 The Informer, published by H. H. Hatcher, is a spicy 
 little sheet. 
 
 SUNDAY-SCHOOL PICNICS IN ANTE-BELLUM DAYS. 
 
 Our Sunday-school picnics were held on the Fourth of 
 July, as it was a National holiday. The slave, as well as his 
 master, had the privileges of that day. We would assemble 
 our children at the churches and march to the grove, but 
 not without one or two policemen, at two dollars a day, to 
 see that we behaved ourselves and that no incendiary 
 speeches were made. At the last picnic we held before the 
 war I took an active part, as usual, when I arrived at the 
 grove. The speakers were our ministers, teachers, and our 
 old friend, W. H. Bulkley, Presbyterian (white), but at this 
 time we had a speaker that was not on the programme a 
 brother who was a slave, belonging to a widow near Hobb s 
 Station, but was hired out in Louisville as a carpenter. He 
 was a member of my Sunday-school and desired to speak. 
 The brethren objected, and feared that he might say some 
 thing that would harm us, as the officers were there, also a 
 number of white spectators, but I insisted for them to give 
 him a chance. When his time came we gave strict atten 
 tion. He began by saying : 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 67 
 
 LITTLE CHILLEN : 
 
 We hab sembled to celebrate the Fourth ob July Inde 
 pendence Day it is called but I never could larn whar de 
 independence comes in. We are here sembled in dis grove 
 to yourselves, cept dese paderrols, who is here to watch us. 
 Now, whar is yo independence ? Little childens, dis is not 
 yo day, but you will hab a day, for de prophets say so, de pos- 
 sels say so, and God say so. You read yo Bible and it tells 
 you dat God made all men free and ecal, and he made dem all 
 ob de same blood, only one white in de face, anodder black 
 in de face, and anodder red in de face, but dey were all 
 bredden and ecal ; but man, being so wise, hab changed it, 
 and to-day we are not ecal, but de day is comin when you will 
 be as free and ecal as Gineral Washington. Den you will 
 hab a day ! But dis is not yo day, little chillen, but you will 
 hab a day. God haste it on is my prayer. Amen. 
 
 This was the speech of the day, and created more com 
 ment than all the other speeches that were made. Several 
 of the teachers hid behind the large trees, peeping out to see 
 what the white police would do if they would stop him ; but 
 they seemed to enjoy it. We met the same brother, during 
 the war, in Indianapolis. He went over with the first lot of 
 fugitives that crossed the river in the wake of the army. 
 We met him several years later and he had, by his industry, 
 acquired some property and a comfortable home. 
 
 The colored citizens of Louisville had no gala day to cel 
 ebrate save the ist of August in commemoration of the 
 West Indies Emancipation of 1834 and in order to enjoy 
 this pleasure they were compelled to seek other States whose 
 sympathy was in touch with this grand achievement. At 
 this time of the year the boating season was over, and those 
 whose privilege it was to enjoy these excursions made up 
 their parties and journeyed to Cincinnati, O., Cleveland, O., 
 or Canada. Cincinnati being the nearest point, the largest 
 
68 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 gatherings were held there. Rooms were engaged weeks in 
 advance at the Hotel Dumar, the finest and grandest hotel 
 established and conducted by colored men in this country at 
 that time. John Whets and R. H. Gleaves were the pro 
 prietors. 
 
 On the day appointed for the celebration a large grove 
 was selected, and there would be thousands in attendance. 
 Speeches were made by such orators as Messrs. John I. 
 Gains, Peter H. Clark, Ford Douglass, W. H. Day, Fred 
 erick Douglass, and others. 
 
 Xenia, O., was also noted as a pleasure resort for those 
 parties. About three miles beyond the city, on the grounds 
 nearly adjoining Wilberforce University, was another hotel, 
 kept by Mr. Anderson Lewis, a noted steward and musician. 
 Large parties and picnics were given there, and those pres 
 ent indulged in buggy-riding and such other pleasures as are 
 sought at watering-places. It was, in fact, the " Saratoga " 
 for our pleasure-seeking people. The springs yielded an 
 abundance of fine water, containing various medicinal prop 
 erties. The beautiful scenery that surrounded the locality 
 was, to those pleasure-seekers, a little paradise. Yet, with 
 all this pleasure, there was something that was not in har 
 mony with its close proximity to Wilberforce University. 
 The president, Bishop D. A. Payne, and the faculty, remon 
 strated against the balls and dances and seeming imprudence 
 of the visitors, and of the detrimental influence it might ex 
 ercise against the institution. Time and patience relieved 
 them of their forebodings, as Mr. Lewis closed his hotel and 
 pleasure-grounds, and now, to the surprise of many and the 
 delight of the faculty and Christian community, Bishop Arnet 
 occupies and owns the premises. The writer has been a 
 visitor under each proprietor, and knows whereof he speaks. 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 69 
 
 EDUCATION. 
 
 Amid the restrictions that surrounded our people during 
 the forties and fifties, there was a thirst for light, and there 
 seemed to be a glimmer of hope pervading certain classes. 
 The free men and women associated with the slaves as rela 
 tives. A free father and a slave mother, or vice versa, caused 
 an anxiety to be free; and the little private schools among 
 the free, though only by sufferance, and often by stealth, 
 caused an unrest that pervaded many communities. At 
 Lexington and Frankfort in 1859, through the solicitation of 
 friends there, we ventured to open a branch school. At 
 Lexington we taught the common branches, and at Frank 
 fort we taught a music class. Our school at Louisville was in 
 charge of my wife and Mr. George A. Schafer. Mrs. Gib 
 son taught needle-work and dress-making. Samples of her 
 work can be seen in some of the houses of the oldest citi 
 zens. Mr. George A. Schafer was for many years in the 
 postal service a letter-carrier. The political excitement of 
 those days caused us to close our efforts in this direction. 
 
 An educational convention was called in the summer of 
 1869. The friends of education, by delegations, white and 
 colored, took a very active part in the deliberations. The 
 delegates were addressed by Prof. Fairchild, J. G. Fee, Pres 
 ident of Berea College; J. M. Langston, Esq., Dr. Martin 
 R. Delany, Rev. H. J. Young, and others. At the conven 
 tion a State Board of Education was organized, for the pur 
 pose of forming the State into school districts, and furnish 
 ing teachers, under the supervision of the Freedmen s Bu 
 reau. The following officers were chosen: W. H. Gibson, 
 President; Q. B. Jones, Vice President; John Morris, Sec 
 retary and Treasurer; Isaiah Mitchell, Traveling Agent and 
 
70 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 Organizer of County and District Schools. Many schools 
 were organized and teachers employed. These schools con 
 tinued until the State provided for the education of colored 
 children under the law, in 1870. 
 
 Rev. R. G. Mortimore established a private school in 
 1858, at Asbury Chapel, for advanced classes in algebra, 
 geometry, and Latin. A class of young men from my school 
 attended, and made rapid progress. Prof. Mortimore was 
 tendered the chair of mathematics at Wilberforce University. 
 He accepted, and the following class of young men accom 
 panied him there: W. P. Annis, W. H. Gibson, Jr., Horace 
 Talbot, Henry Pope, Wm. Robinson, and Chas. Logan, 
 they being the first from our city to matriculate in that nota 
 ble institution. 
 
 The State University, located on Kentucky Street, was or 
 ganized in 1879. Prof. W. J. Simmons, the learned Baptist 
 divine, was called to take charge, after it had been opened 
 for a short time. It has done much for the educational in 
 terest of our race in this State and other States. Prof. Sim 
 mons seemed to be imbued with the necessities of his people, 
 especially in the Baptist denomination. An educated min 
 istry was one of their greatest wants. He was to his con 
 nection what the late Bishop D. H. Payne was as an educa 
 tor to the African M. E. Church. His establishment of Wil 
 berforce University has given it prestige throughout the 
 universe. Prof. Simmons did not live long after organizing 
 this work, but he has laid a foundation for future usefulness 
 which that denomination has long since realized. The 
 faculty is carefully selected from the various institutions of 
 the country. The commencement exercises are good, and 
 are always attended with large and appreciative audiences. 
 Their graduates are dispersed throughout the State, doing 
 ood work in the educational field. 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 7 1 
 
 YOUNG MEN S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. 
 
 The Young Men s Christian Association was organized 
 through the efforts of Albert Mack and Charles Morris. 
 They were influential in bringing many young men into its 
 folds, and the organization grew rapidly. Their meetings 
 were held in the churches, alternately, on Sunday afternoons. 
 Their weekly and monthly meetings were held in Quinn 
 Chapel until they had accumulated sufficient means to fit up 
 a room, which they did in a short time, as they had seem 
 ingly won the hearts of the people. They held public meet 
 ings on the street corners, and in the localities of the slums 
 of the city, and some of their hearers professed a hope in 
 Christ. The public made them a present of a good library. 
 They were finally imbued with a spirit to build a hall, Bro. 
 Mack acting as collecting agent. He used the money he 
 collected in Louisville in paying rents until the treasury was 
 exhausted. 
 
 The following prominent young men of the city were 
 among the members : Albert White, Robinson, Chas. Mor 
 ris, Warden Duson, Elder Frank, Bro. Alexander, W. H. 
 Gibson, Sr. , and others. 
 
 Bro. Mack left on a collecting tour for a hall and has 
 never returned. A number of newspaper articles have ap 
 peared against him, disapproving his course. 
 
 The society has been reorganized on a firm basis, with 
 excellent officers, and holding relation with the State and 
 National Association. It has a good location on Walnut and 
 Tenth streets. Their meetings are interesting. They have 
 lectures weekly by the best speakers and thinkers of our 
 race, and much good has resulted from this organization. 
 
72 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS AMONG THE COLORED CITIZENS OF 
 LOUISVILLE, KY. 
 
 The Colored Orphans Home, situated on Eighteenth and 
 Dumesnil streets, was organized in 1877. This institution 
 was brought about through the efforts of two of our oldest 
 citizens, Peter Lewis and Shelby Gillespie. They were sex 
 tons in the Presbyterian churches of Revs. Dr. Stewart Rob 
 inson and Dr. Humphrey. They made their desires known 
 to these two divines, who were, in their lifetime, friends to 
 the colored people. After they had matured their plans, . 
 they called together a number of colored citizens in the ves 
 try of Dr. Humphrey s church, where they had his counsel 
 and advice. They also met in the vestry of Dr. Robinson s 
 church ; and plans were devised by these clergymen and 
 financial aid promised when the society was organized. At 
 a meeting held in Dr. Humphrey s church temporary officers 
 were elected and a committee appointed to draft a constitu 
 tion, viz.: W. H. Gibson and Joseph Furgurson. Mr. Gib 
 son performed the duties of secretary until the permanent 
 officers were chosen. Meetings were held in all of the col 
 ored churches, the colored clergy assisting in the work. 
 Contributions, from time to time, were raised by them, and 
 the benevolent societies subscribed liberally toward its suste 
 nance. Our white friends gave liberally, and donated the 
 grounds and building for the Home, holding it in trust until 
 the society pays the purchase price. The American Mis 
 sionary Society donated a third of the sale of the old school 
 building toward the purchase of the Home. The Orphans 
 Home Society, during these years, has been managed by a 
 board of officers chosen from the various churches and socie 
 ties. The president has generally been selected from some 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 73 
 
 of our white friends, and the vice president from the col 
 ored citizens. Many children have been cared for during 
 these years and comfortable homes secured among responsi 
 ble families. The ladies of Louisville have taken great 
 pride in the Home, and have worked incessantly for its sup 
 port by holding dinners, suppers, festivals, etc., and every 
 imaginable means adopted that would bring money for its 
 support. The following ladies have been foremost in their 
 efforts to sustain the Home from its earliest inception : Mes- 
 dames Lucretia Morris. Isabella Belle, M. J. Gibson, Fran 
 ces McCauley, McKamy, Worley, Minnis, Murphy, Stewart, 
 Birney, Bullitt, and many others. The teachers of the pub 
 lic schools have also rendered efficient service by collections 
 from their pupils and from public dinners and suppers. Mr. 
 J. C. C. McKinley is its presiding officer at the present time 
 of writing. He is a principal in one of our public schools. 
 
 St. James Old Folks Home was organized by a number 
 of our citizens for the benefit of our old dependent citizens. 
 It did not meet with the success it merited. The officers 
 made a contract for a building in Portland, made a payment 
 on the property, occupied it for a time, but failed to meet 
 the notes, and the property was lost to them. This society 
 has been reorganized and fallen into other hands. The 
 officers are young and energetic, have purchased property on 
 Greenwood Avenue, made a partial payment, and the ladies 
 of the city have organized clubs, and propose to complete 
 the payment in a short time. They raised by public dona 
 tions on Sunday, February 28, 1897, $578.20. The prop 
 erty cost $2,750. 
 
 The Louisville Colored Cemetery Company was organized 
 in 1887 by the efforts of Bishop W. H. Miles, of the C. M. 
 E. Church, and a few of his immediate friends. Several 
 
74 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 meetings were called at the Center-street Church, and alter 
 nated at several other churches, in order to bring the matter 
 before the people, showing them the necessity of having a 
 cemetery exclusively their own. After organizing and elect 
 ing officers, a committee was appointed to visit the legisla 
 ture and obtain a charter, and it was granted. Books were 
 opened for stockholders, shares $25 each. Thirty-three 
 acres of ground were selected and purchased on Goss Avenue. 
 The company has been well patronized by the citizens. Lots 
 have been purchased, monuments erected, walks and plats 
 beautifully arranged, and it has been paid for in the course 
 of eight years, and is .now paying a dividend to the stock 
 holders. The following are the officers : A. J. Bibb, Presi 
 dent; H. C. Weeden, Secretary; Dr. Felix Fowler, Treas 
 urer. 
 
 THE TREBLE CLEF MUSICAL CLUB. 
 
 This musical association of lady artists gave an interesting 
 muiscale at the Episcopal Church of Our Merciful Saviour. 
 It was something new in musical circles. The entire 
 musical clefs were performed by ladies, as follows: First 
 and second sopranos, first and second altos, first and second 
 contraltos. Their selections consisted of numbers from 
 Lohengrin, Chopin, and Schubert, and they were well per 
 formed before a large and appreciative audience. This club 
 is composed of the best female musical talent of this city. 
 The following ladies are its officers : Miss Lucretia M. Gib 
 son, President; Miss Sophia Johnson, Secretary; Miss Sarah 
 E. Bell, Treasurer; Miss Eliza Davenport, Pianist and 
 Chorister. 
 
 THE WRITER SERVED IN THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS. 
 
 In 1854 was elected delegate to the National Compact, 
 Masonic Grand Lodge, at Cincinnati, O. 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 75 
 
 In 1859 was elected Grand Junior Warden, Grand Lodge 
 of Ohio, at Xenia. 
 
 In January, 1869, was elected by the colored citizens of 
 Louisville a delegate to the National Convention, at Wash 
 ington, 1). C. 
 
 Visited the Judiciary Committee of Congress with colored 
 delegation. 
 
 Was elected delegate to the Republican State Convention, 
 at Frankfort, Ky. 
 
 In 1870 first colored mail agent appointed from Kentucky. 
 Plot of Ku-klux to assassinate him. 
 
 September 7, 1871, appointed on secret service to visit 
 Frankfort for witnesses in the Trumbo murder case by 
 United States Attorney. 
 
 April, 1871, elected State Grand Master of the United 
 Brothers of Friendship, and served five years. 
 
 May, 1872, elected delegate to the General Conference 
 of the A. M. E. Church, at Nashville, Tenn. 
 
 June, 1872, elected delegate to the National Republican 
 Convention, at Philadelphia, Pa., from the Fifth District of 
 Kentucky. 
 
 In 1872 visited and was introduced to President Grant by 
 Gen. Benjamin Bristow. 
 
 In 1874 was appointed U. S. guager under President U. 
 S. Grant s administration. 
 
 In 1875 fi rs t National Convention United Brothers of 
 Friendship convened in Louisville, Ky. 
 
 In 1876 was elected National Grand Master United Broth 
 ers of Friendship, at St. Louis, Mo., and served four years. 
 
 In 1878 was elected National Grand Commander of 
 Knights of Friendship at the first National Grand Lodge, 
 held in Louisville, Ky. , and served four years. 
 
76 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 In 1880 was elected Secretary of Consolidated Lodge, 
 Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, and served eight 
 years. 
 
 July, 1880, received first and highest promotion for meri 
 torious service at the National Grand Lodge, held at Indian 
 apolis, Ind. an honorary membership for life. 
 
 In 1885 was a delegate to the Natio-nal Connectional and 
 Historical Society, at Nashville, Tenn. 
 
 July, 1880, appointed Treasurer of the Mutual Aid Asso 
 ciation United Brothers of Friendship, and served three 
 years. 
 
 July, 1882, married to Miss Jennie Lewis, of Louisville, 
 Ky. 
 
 In 1883 was elected President of the Mutual Aid Asso 
 ciation, and served three years. 
 
 In 1887 was elected Treasurer of the Louisville Colored 
 Cemetery Company. 
 
 In 1896 was appointed National Grand Trustee, Knights 
 of Friendship, at Grand Session, St. Louis, Mo. 
 
 In 1897, wrote and published the History of the U. B. F. 
 and S. M. T. 
 
 Served for several years as trustee of Wilberforce LTni- 
 versity. 
 
 DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS WHO HAVE ADDRESSED THE COL 
 ORED CITIZENS OF LOUISVILLE. 
 
 Hon. Frederick Douglass, Hon. Charles Raymond, Dr. 
 Martin R. Delany, Hon. H. C. P . Pinchback, Hon. Alex. 
 Barbour, Hon. J. M. Langston, Hon. O. O. Benjamin, Hon. 
 Booker Washington. 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 77 
 
 A GOSPEL ODE. 
 
 The Lord will come from Heaven, 
 
 Will you give Him your heart ? 
 To resurrect His people, 
 
 Will you give Him your heart ? 
 And execute God s judgment, 
 
 Will you give Him your heart ? 
 We don t want you to fall by the way. 
 
 He will come with a mighty shouting, 
 
 Will you give Him your heart ? 
 When He descends from Heaven, 
 
 Will you give Him your heart ? 
 And the voice of the great archangel, 
 
 Will you give Him your heart ? 
 We don t want you to fall by the way. 
 
 [NOTE This song was written on the cars coming from Boston to 
 New York, over the Falls River Line, by Elder F. A. Boyd, the first 
 army chaplain of the Kentucky Mulattoes. Elder Boyd was a brother 
 of Marshall and Geo. Taylor. We insert these lines to show that the 
 three brothers were inclined to literary pursuits. This one has always 
 been of an eccentric nature. He presented me with this composition.] 
 
 It may not be out of place for me to close this history 
 with several important events that have come under my 
 notice since I commenced it, and to contrast them with the 
 introduction of this work, for the reader will observe that 
 there is much gloom and discouragement in the early pic 
 ture drawn of the misery and distress attending the race in 
 the early forties; but in the nineties, a half century later, a 
 complete revolution has been worked, and it should convince 
 those who are so impatient and seemingly discouraged, that, 
 looking back and comparing those revolutionary changes 
 with the past, " God has led us on a way that we knew not." 
 
 The events are the Educational Convention of the Minis 
 ters of the A. M. E. Church, the State Teachers Associa 
 tion of Kentucky, and the Negro Day at the Nashville, 
 Term., Centennial. 
 
78 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 THE EDUCATIONAL CONVENTION OF MINISTERS COMPOSED OF 
 THE KENTUCKY AND WEST KENTUCKY CONFERENCES. 
 
 This body met in Asbury Chapel, June i, 2, and 3, 1897. 
 I attended a part of two sessions. The convention was pre 
 sided over by that eminent divine, Rt. Rev. Bishop Salters. 
 Papers were read and discussed by the members, the sub 
 jects being such as pertained to our interest. The discus 
 sion threw light and animation into the participants and its 
 hearers, and gave us ample opportunity to retrospect the 
 past and compare it with the present. 
 
 My semi-centennial year would seemingly be incomplete 
 without this scene, and especially as it occurred in the old 
 building where I begun my public career fifty years ago. 
 Then it was chaotic darkness, so to speak. We were feel 
 ing our way, aiming for a higher plane of civilization. 
 Could we have enjoyed the pleasure and companionship of 
 those erudite and distinguished scholars, our church in this 
 city and State would be, at this time, a leading factor in the 
 educational work of the State, and her academies and col 
 leges would have been disseminating knowledge to the masses 
 instead of just now beginning the enterprise. From the re 
 ports, however, we learn that Wayman Institute has a bright 
 future, and may yet become the seat of learning for African 
 Methodism in Kentucky. 
 
 NEGRO DAY AT THE CENTENNIAL, NASHVILLE TENN. , 
 JUNE 5, 1897. 
 
 We live in a great age, it may be truly said of the closing 
 scenes of the nineteenth century. One hundred years ago, in 
 Tennessee, the negro was reckoned but a degree higher than 
 the brute, but time has developed his superiority above the 
 brute creation. Eighteen hundred and ninety-seven finds the 
 
J. W. HILLMAN, 
 
 Kentucky. 
 P. N. G. TREASURER. 
 
GEORGE TAYLOR, 
 
 P. G. M. OF MASONS. 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 79 
 
 negro vicing with his white brother in art, science, and lit 
 erary pursuits in the "Temple of Fame." The Exposition 
 exhibits every conceivable skill and genius of the Anglo- 
 Saxon. The negro of thirty years birth climbs the ladder of 
 fame, round by round, until he is finally inspired with the 
 idea that he will reach the summit. 
 
 The exhibit in the Negro Building convinced the most 
 skeptical that the negro was not only thinking, but had put 
 his thoughts into practice. Nearly every profession is there 
 represented, and in a manner that bespeaks volumes for the 
 race. 
 
 Whatever might have been the trouble with the local 
 committees or commissions, the parade and the exhibits at 
 the Negro Building were a success, and we think that the sen 
 timent of every visitor will agree with us. We are opposed 
 to the " separate coach," but we must confess that we favored 
 the separate Negro Building at this Centennial, as the exhib 
 its, of which we are so proud, would have lost their identity 
 in the white buildings unless labeled " negro," and this would 
 have been objectionable. There have been so many great 
 and good deeds performed by the negro that never will see 
 the light of history, only as recorded in a general way in con 
 nection with the whites, that the negroes are beginning to 
 write their own histories, so that their deeds and accomplish 
 ments may not be lost to the future generations of their race. 
 For instance : I have mentioned several artists in this book 
 musicians whose compositions have been published by some 
 of the leading music houses in America. Their songs 
 were sung and played by thousands, and yet but few knew 
 that the composers were negro artists. This generation is 
 ignorant of the fact that such men ever lived. " Didst 
 Thou ever Think of Me?" a song, was arranged for the 
 
8o PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 guitar by Samuel L. White for the music house of George 
 Willig, Philadelphia, Pa. ; "The Heart That Loves Fondest 
 of Any " was arranged by S. L. White for the music house 
 of W. Peters & Son, Cincinnati, O., and Peters & Webb, 
 Louisville, Ky. ; "Falls City Polka Quadrille" was com 
 posed by George Hamlet for the music houses of Peters & 
 Webb, Louisville, Ky., W. C. Peters & Son, Cincinnati, O., 
 and Balmer & Weber, St. Louis, Mo. These negroes com 
 posed for these houses fifty years ago, but their race 
 was concealed, only their names being given, for it would 
 have been unpopular at that day and time to present sheet 
 music composed by negroes to the public. If the artist be a 
 German, a Frenchman, an Italian, or an American, his 
 nationality appears on every sheet ; hence our views, that 
 whatever the negro does commendable, preserve his identity, 
 so that future generations may know that you had been 
 along these lines. 
 
 The U. B. F. and S. M. T. Headquarters of Tennessee 
 were neatly fitted up for the reception of its visitors from the 
 interior and sister States. At night a meeting was called at 
 the U. B. F. Hall by Grand Master P. F. Hill and National 
 Grand Princess Mrs. Georgia A. Henderson. Introductions 
 and speeches were made by local members and visitors. A 
 resolution was passed as follows : 
 
 WHEREAS, The call of the National Grand Master, Willis 
 N. Brent, has not been issued for the meeting of the Na 
 tional Grand Lodge ; and 
 
 WHEREAS, The reduction in railroad fares to the Centen 
 nial from all quarters of the United States to this point is 
 reduced to such low rates, and ample time will be given for 
 the transaction of National Grand Lodge business, also time 
 to witness the display of our people at the Centennial Expo 
 sition after the business of the National Grand Lodge is 
 completed; and 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 8l 
 
 WHEREAS, The reduction of railroad fares will save to our 
 Order and delegates several thousands of dollars should the 
 meeting be held at Nashville (which money we really need) ; 
 and 
 
 WHEREAS, The time is so very short for us to make suita 
 ble arrangements or rates in other directions of the country 
 with the various railroad agents ; and 
 
 WHEREAS, We believe it would be advisable to petition 
 the National Grand Master, Willis N. Brent, to consider this 
 matter, and ask that as he has so long delayed the final call 
 to the lodges and temples that he, by the advice of the Ex 
 ecutive Committee, change the place of meeting from Wash 
 ington, D. C. , to Nashville, Tenn., as we deem it an emer 
 gent case for their consideration and the financial interest of 
 the Order; and 
 
 WHEREAS, It is the opinion of the Grand Master of Ten 
 nessee, P. F. Hill, the National Grand Princess, and the 
 Princesses, Masters, also members of the Order in Nashville, 
 that they can accommodate the National Grand Lodge meet 
 ing as cheaply and comfortably as can be afforded in Wash 
 ington, or as they have been provided for on former occa 
 sions. 
 
 Resolved, That these resolutions be forwarded to our Most 
 Worthy National Grand Master, Willis N. Brent, immedi 
 ately ; and further 
 
 Resolved, That they be drafted by Bros. J. Thomas Tur 
 ner, Grand Secretary of Tennessee, and E. W. Marshall, 
 Grand Secretary of Kentucky. 
 
 In this connection the Grand Master, Willis N. Brent, 
 issued the following circular, changing place and date, and 
 designating Nashville, Tenn., as the place of meeting of the 
 Grand Lodge : 
 
 Change of Place and Date Extensive correspondence with 
 members of the Order in Washington, and well informed 
 members elsewhere; delay in determining what was best 
 for the general interest of the Order, especially the great ex- 
 
82 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 pense for the journey and high price of living there have 
 all concurred in making the change of place and date of 
 meeting necessary. 
 
 Reduced rates on all railroads to Nashville are provided, 
 and we are assured of a hearty welcome and magnificent en 
 tertainment, with all the advantages of the Centennial Expo 
 sition when we get there. 
 
 You are hereby officially notified that the ninth session of 
 the National Grand Lodge and fourth of National Grand 
 Temple, will be held in the city of Nashville, State of Ten 
 nessee, beginning at 10 o clock A. M., Tuesday, August 24, 
 1897, and continuing in session five days. 
 
 Yours in J., M., andT., 
 
 WILLIS N. BRENT. 
 
 National Grand Master. 
 
 STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION. 
 
 This body of educators held their twentieth anniversary 
 July ist and 2d, at the Central High School, Ninth and 
 Magazine, Louisville, Ky., and night sessions were held at 
 Quinn Chapel, A. M. E. Church. The meetings were pre 
 sided over by President C. H. Parrish. Prof. J. M. Max 
 well delivered the welcome address, and Prof. C. C. Monroe, 
 of Owensboro, made a fitting response. 
 
 The following papers were read: " Tendency of Educa 
 tional System," by Prof. J. B. Winrow, of Bowling Green, 
 Ky. ; "Elementary Science," by Prof. W. C. Taylor, of Lex 
 ington; "Self Culture," by Rev. C. L. Puree; "Trustee 
 System and Condition of our Schools," by Mrs. L. V. Sneed. 
 
 At the night session Rev. Dr. Tyree invoked the divine 
 blessing. The Treble Clef Club entertained with a chorus. 
 President Parrish read his annual address, reviewing the 
 history of the association, and Prof. J. H. Jackson "How 
 to Create Educational Enthusiasm." 
 
PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 83 
 
 At the close a reception was giveji by the teachers of 
 Louisville to the visiting members. 
 
 We listened attentively to the reading of the papers and 
 the discussions which followed. They were of the highest 
 character, and carried the listener to the highest realm of 
 thought. Twenty years of application in this association 
 has truly developed many able writers and thinkers among 
 our teachers, of whom the friends of education and the State 
 officers who are training and supporting this educational 
 work should feel complimented. As an ex-teacher of the 
 "old school," my mind reverted back to fifty years ago, 
 when, in this city, four men R. M. Lane, Rev. Henry 
 Adams, Rev. Peter Booth, and myself were striving, in a 
 modest way, to teach the elementary branches of an English 
 education to those of the race who might be allowed to ma 
 triculate. The three first mentioned pioneers have passed 
 away, and I am left, by the providence of God, to witness 
 some of the wishes and desires of our hearts that our peo 
 ple might be saved educationally, and at the same time be 
 the recipients and participants in the redemption of others 
 in this great work. 
 
 Fifty years ago, in the four private schools taught by these 
 pioneers, the pupils scarcely numbered two hundred, but at 
 the expiration of a half century we have thousands in at 
 tendance in the schools of this city, over one hundred teach 
 ers, nine buildings, and a high school, turning out from 
 eighteen to twenty graduates annually. We also have a State 
 Normal School, county and district schools all over the 
 State, denominational colleges and academies, and industrial 
 schools for boys and girls. Teachers salaries average from 
 $40 to $125 per month. " Praise God from whom all bless 
 ings flow." 
 
84 PUBLIC CAREER OF W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 To the readers of my semi-centennial history : 
 
 In this narrative I have not endeavored to make any 
 literary display, but to relate only such facts as actually came 
 under my notice, and such as I participated in during the 
 dark days of slavery and of those since the dawn of free 
 dom and the enfranchisement of our race. The history of 
 our race is just being given to the rising generation by their 
 own "kith and kin." Heretofore, sufferings of the most 
 excruciating nature have been concealed; deeds of Christian 
 love and forbearance and heroic valor have been a sealed 
 book to our students. Colored writers and historians are now 
 collecting evidence from the care-worn veterans of our race 
 who survive the vicissitudes of an half century. Our white 
 historians of to-day are yet collecting the past deeds of their 
 fathers of Revolutionary fame ; their lineage is sought after 
 that their descendants may know from whose loins they 
 sprung. The story of the landing of the Pilgrims is repeated 
 every day in some school-room ; the crossing of the Delaware 
 is a story that never grows old; and the cruelty of the 
 Anderson Military Prison in the South is rehearsed at the 
 camp-fires. Shall we do less ? Is this repetition the open 
 ing of old sores, and causing wounds to bleed afresh ? No ; 
 we think not ; we want our own history ; we wish to tell it 
 in our own way, and put our children in possession of deeds 
 that would never be known concerning their forefathers 
 through the school histories of our day. In this history we 
 give you the dark cloud with its silver lining the past and 
 the present. Compare them and be wise. 
 
 With this apology, I close the fifty years history of my 
 public life. Yours, fraternally, 
 
 W. H. GIBSON, SR. 
 
INDEX 
 
 HISTORY OF U.B.F. AND S.M.T. 
 
 PREFACE 3-6 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 Biographical 1 1-14 
 
 Charter obtained 9 
 
 Founders of the Order 7 
 
 Name 1 1 
 
 Organization 7 
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 Articles of Agreement 16 
 
 Convention for the formation of a State Grand Lodge .... 1517 
 
 Labor after organization of State Grand Lodge 17-18 
 
 Quotations from Fourth Annual Report 18-20 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 First National Convention U. B. F. assembles in Louis 
 ville, Ky., July 20, 1875 20-23 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 The Missouri Convention of 1876, pursuant to call of the 
 
 National Convention of 1875 2 3~ 2 9 
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 Quotations from Proceedings of Third Annual Session at 
 
 Lexington, Ky 31 
 
 Resolutions sustaining the recommendation of the Grand 
 
 Lodge of Kentucky 30 
 
86 INDEX TO HISTORY OF U. B. F. AND S. M. T. 
 
 CHAPTER V Continued. PAGH . 
 
 First State Grand Lodge in Kentucky after organization of 
 
 National Grand Lodge in St. Louis, Mo 36 
 
 Quotations from Proceedings of Fifth Grand Session of 
 
 Kentucky 3 2 ~36 
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 
 National Grand Master s First Report 36-46 
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 Second Biennial Session of the National Grand Lodge. . . . 48-56 
 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 
 First Convention of the Temples of the U. B. F 57-5$ 
 
 Second National Convention of the Sisters, July 17, 1880, 
 
 at Indianapolis 60 
 
 Special Committee meeting in Louisville for instruction in 
 
 the Temple Work 59-6o 
 
 Temple Work $6-57 
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 Insurance or Mutual Aid Department 60-62 
 
 CHAPTER X 
 
 Organization of Grand and Subordinate Camps, July 5, 1878. 62-65 
 
 CHAPTER XI 
 
 Grand Masters of Kentucky 65-67 
 
 Grand Masters of other States, etc 68-73 
 
 CHAPTER XII 
 
 History of Past Masters Council, Royal Household, and 
 
 Juvenile Department 79 
 
 Sketches of National Grand Masters 73~79 
 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 
 Biennial Session of National Grand Lodge held at Little 
 
 Rock, Ark., July 23, 1891 80-81 
 
 National Knight Commanders 83 
 
 Reception of William Lloyd Garrison Camp, at Chicago, 
 
 111., July, 1891 81-82 
 
 Visits of Valiant Knights ; 84-86 
 
INDEX TO HISTORY OF U. B. F. AND S. M. T. 87 
 
 CHAPTER XIV PAGB . 
 
 Closing remarks 114 
 
 Good and Evil tendencies of Societies 112-113 
 
 Grand Camp Session at Little Rock, Ark., July 23, 1894. .100-101 
 
 Grand Lodge of Kentucky 101-103 
 
 Grand Lodges organized 1 10 
 
 History of the Temples at Chicago, 111 108-109 
 
 Joint Lodge and Temple U. B. F 104-105 
 
 List of Camps no-ill 
 
 National Grand Camp Officers 1 1 i-i 12 
 
 National Grand Officers elected at the Biennial and Tri 
 ennial Sessions 109-1 10 
 
 Orphan and Dependent Home 103-104 
 
 Reminiscences Alabama 93~94 
 
 Arkansas 9-9i 
 
 Illinois 94 
 
 Indiana 95~96 
 
 Louisiana 9 l ~93 
 
 Ohio 96-99 
 
 Tennessee 99-100 
 
 Texas 86-90 
 
 Widows and Orphans Home Further acquisition of 
 
 property 105-107 
 
INDEX TO HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 OF THE 
 
 PROGRESS OF THE COLORED RACE 
 
 IN LOUISVILLE, KY. 
 
 Advisory School Board (colored) 2 4~ 2 5 
 
 Artists, colored, in music and photography 39-4 1 
 
 Bloody Monday, August, 1855, murdering and burning of the 
 
 houses of Irish citizens 37~38 
 
 Churches 
 
 Baptist Churches 17-19 
 
 Center Street Church 14-16 
 
 Christian Church 20 
 
 Colored Roman Catholic Church 22 
 
 Fourth Street Methodist 
 
 Sale of property and split in the congregation 8-1 1 
 
 Stirring scenes with the congregation and its pastor. . . 5-8 
 
 Jackson Street Church 17 
 
 Leading Churches and Pastors 22-23 
 
 Presbyterian Church 19-20 
 
 Quinn Chapel 
 
 History of the mother A. M. E. Church 1 1-14 
 
 St. Mark s Colored Mission Episcopal Church 20-22 
 
 Concluding remarks 84 
 
 Departed for Kansas 50 
 
 Douglass, Hon. Frederick, visits Louisville 64-65 
 
INDEX TO HISTORICAL SKETCH. 89 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Education 69-70 
 
 Educational Convention of Ministers composed of the Kentucky 
 
 and West Kentucky Conferences 78 
 
 Efficacy of prayer a minister prayed out of a chain-gang while 
 
 on the road to the South 36-37 
 
 Fifteenth Amendment and its jubilee celebration 62-64 
 
 Fort Leavenworth, visit to 5~5 2 
 
 Freedmen s Bank 55 
 
 Freemasonry 4 2 ~45 
 
 Free-soil and Squatter Sovereignty 4i~4 2 
 
 Free-soil Convention at Pittsburg, Penn., in 1852, a visit to ... 32-34 
 
 Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 34~36 
 
 Gospel Ode 77 
 
 Home Guards, cruelties of the 49~5O 
 
 Introductory 3-5 
 
 Mail Agent on the Knoxville Branch L. & N., appointed to the 
 
 position 53-55 
 
 Massachusetts calling for colored soldiers 47~49 
 
 Musical Societies, etc. 
 
 Church Choirs 60 
 
 First Musical Festival in Louisville 57 
 
 Madame Selika and S. W. Williams 60-61 
 
 Second Musical Festival in Louisville 57~6o 
 
 The Mozart Society 55~56 
 
 The Treble Clef Musical Club 74 
 
 Negro Day at the Centennial, Nashville, Tenn., June 5, 1897. . 78-82 
 
 Newspaper enterprises 65-66 
 
 Odd Fellowship 45~46 
 
 Patrolling, system of, as it was called by policemen 36 
 
 Positions of honor held by the writer 74~76 
 
 Prominent Louisville men of the forties and fifties, and their 
 
 business 2 5~3 
 
 Public Institutions among the colored citizens of Louisville . . . 7 2 ~74 
 
 Return to Louisville 5 2 
 
 Scenes of 1861 in Louisville, Ky 46-47 
 
 Schools of the forties and fifties 38 
 
90 INDEX TO HISTORICAL SKETCH. 
 
 PAOB. 
 
 Slave auction block, as seen by the writer for the first time. ... 39 
 
 Society among the Free Colored People 30-32 
 
 Speakers of note who have addressed the colored citizens of 
 
 Louisville 76 
 
 State Teachers Association 82-83 
 
 Sunday School picnics in ante-bellum days 66-68 
 
 Sunday School Unions 24 
 
 Sunday School Work 2 3~ 2 4 
 
 United States Circuit Court 53 
 
 Young Men s Christian Association 71 
 
ENDORSEMENTS. 
 
 CINCINNATI, O. 
 
 Hon. W. H. Gibson, P. N. G. M. : 
 
 I am proud to know that you have undertaken so great 
 and noble a work for the Order, as it fills a long and wanted 
 anticipation, and I know that you are the suitable one for 
 the occasion. I can safely say that your book will not be 
 burdensome on your hands, for it will be desired in the 
 homes of every U. B. F. and S. M. T. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 W. T. LlNTHECGME, 
 
 Knight Recorder, Belle Camp. 
 
 LOUISVILLE, KY. 
 
 We feel safe in recommending the History of the United 
 Brothers of Friendship and Sisters of the Mysterious Ten to 
 the U. B. F. and S. M. T. and the general public. It is 
 written by W. H. Gibson, Sr., the first State and National 
 Grand Master of the Order. The history will consist of 
 about 200 pages. W. A. GAINS, Grand Master. 
 
 E. W. MARSHALL, Grand Sec y. 
 
 COVINGTON, KY. 
 
 Wm. H. Gibson : 
 
 DEAR SIR AND BROTHER I assure you that I appreciate 
 your request very highly, and truly hope that the undertak 
 ing will be a success. J. W. HILLMAN, 
 
 Past Grand Treasurer, 
 
11 ENDORSEMENTS. 
 
 GALVESTON, TEX. 
 
 W. H. Gibson: 
 
 DEAR SIR AND BROTHER Your History is a long-felt 
 
 need, and I am sure that not only the members, but the 
 
 world, will be proud of it. The fact that it comes from your 
 
 brain and pen will give it double interest. With best wishes, 
 
 I am, in J., M., T., 
 
 CLARA E. SCULL, 
 National Grand Secretary National Grand Temple. 
 
 AUSTIN, TEX. 
 
 W. H. Gibson : 
 
 MY VERY DEAR SIR AND BROTHER I see, through the 
 Gazette, that you are preparing an historical work of the 
 Order of United Brothers of Friendship. When the work is 
 out of press I will be more than glad to have you send me a 
 copy. Anything written by you on that subject must neces 
 sarily be good, and I am interested in all such publications. 
 I am yours, truly, 
 
 MORGAN T. WHITE. 
 
 FRANKFORT, KY. 
 
 W. H. Gibson, P. N. G. M. : 
 
 DEAR SIR AND BROTHER Yours received, and can assure 
 you that I shall be delighted to handle your book in this 
 city. I feel that our interest is mutual in this one matter, 
 the History of our Order. Yours in J., M., T., 
 
 J. W. WOOLFOLK, 
 Past Grand Master. 
 
 LEXINGTON, KY. 
 
 Bro. W. H. Gibson : 
 
 DEAR SIR I am in receipt of your letter, and just as 
 soon as your book is out I will be able to put before the peo 
 ple of Lexington about two dozen copies. I have solicited 
 nearly that number already. Respectfully, 
 
 H. A. TANDY, 
 Grand Treasurer. 
 
ENDORSEMENTS. Ill 
 
 DAYTON, O. 
 
 DEAR BROTHER Yours received. I have so often heard 
 of you, also your History of our Order, which I think is the 
 very thing for the good of the Order in this and other States, 
 for it is little known in my State. I wish you great success 
 in your undertaking. 
 
 I am yours, respectfully, in J., M., T. , 
 
 DURETTA MOORE. 
 
 BIRMINGHAM, ALA. 
 
 DEAR SIR AND BROTHER Yours received. I think the 
 History of the Order of U. B. F. and S. M. T. is a good 
 thing, and the very book that we have desired for years. I 
 shall take one myself, and advise all of our worthy members 
 to do the same. Yours in J., M., T., 
 
 H. C. MALONE, 
 N. D. D. G. M. 
 
 LEXINGTON, KY. 
 
 W. H. Gibson, Esq. : 
 
 DEAR SIR I understand that you are about to publish a 
 History of the United Brothers of Friendship. That such a 
 work is necessary no one will dare dispute, and I had con 
 templated such a work ; in fact, had begun it. I have posi 
 tively done more for the Order, in a general way, than any 
 five men within the past ten years. I suppose you will not 
 forget to mention these things, because they are a part of 
 the history. I am yours in J., M., T. , 
 
 R. C. O. BENJAMIN. 
 
 NASHVILLE, TENN. 
 
 Father W. H. Gibson : 
 
 DEAR SIR AND BROTHER Yours received. I hope you 
 will have a success with your book and have them out so 
 that we can have some on exhibition at the Centennial. Let 
 me hear from you at your earliest convenience. 
 Respectfully yours, 
 
 P. F. HILL, Grand Master. 
 
IV ENDORSEMENTS. 
 
 Dear Bro. Gibson : 
 
 Yours received. I think it grand and noble in you to 
 write the History of the Order. May success attend you. 
 
 GEORGIA A. HENDERSON, 
 
 N. G. P. S. M. T. 
 
 CHICAGO, ILL. 
 
 W. H. Gibson : 
 
 DEAR SIR AND BROTHER Yours received. When your 
 History of the Order is out, please send copies to Mount 
 Hope Temple No. i, S. M. T. 
 
 Your sister in the Order, 
 
 SALLIE ANN ADAMS. 
 
 MEMPHIS, TENN. 
 Wm. H. Gibson : 
 
 DEAR SIR AND BROTHER Received your circular. Will 
 be glad to receive the History when it is ready. 
 
 W. M. LEWIS. 
 
 INDIANAPOLIS, IND. 
 
 Dear Father Gibson : 
 
 I like your idea of handing down to those who come after 
 us something of our labor. I will gladly do what I can to 
 place the work in the hands of all members of our Order. 
 
 C. S. PRITCHARD, 
 
 Grand Master. 
 
 CAIRO, ILL. 
 W. H. Gibson: 
 
 DEAR SIR AND BROTHER Glad that you are still in the 
 work of our grand and noble Order. I think you are the 
 one, and the only one, to write up the History of our Order. 
 My best wishes for your success in the work. 
 
 ANNA F. MADISON, 
 
 N. v. P. 
 
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