aed eh FARES be dete ey eis: fl i fey ee AAP FE : ean ALAS olin 2 an) ?, Hien de ee tet a,’ : wy f ydaih Oe! . ’ or 7 Tek Je “ ee we eT - * y See pe Soo ae =o Se Ss = eS 4 ae + hk ge ws begat dew: IT EUs aie st jaa OULU, hag | (UN, 7006 SEPO4 20% MAR 10 201 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2022 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign https://archive.org/details/afroamericanpresOOpenn_1 ‘THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS, AND ITS EDITORS By I. GARLAND PENN, PRINCIPAL IN LYNCHBURG, VA.|; SCHOOLS, AND EX-EDITOR LYNCH- BURG, VA., LABORER, WITH CONTRIBUTIONS BY Hon. Frederick Douglass, Hon. John R. Lynch, Hon. J. T. Settle, Hon. D. A. Straker, Hon. Jere A. Brown, Hon. T. Thomas Fortune, Hon. John Mercer Langston, Hon. P. B. S. Pinchback. Prof. W. 8S. Scarborough. Prof. J. H. Lawson, Prof. Booker T. Washington, Prof. George E. Stephens. Prof, Frank Trigg, Bishop B. W. Arnett, D. D., Rev. J.C Price, D. D., Rev. T. G. Stewart, D. D., Rey. A. A. Burleigh, Rev..L. J. Coppin, D. D., James T. Still, M. D., William H. Johnson, M.D., and Mrs. N. F. Mossell. Souls dwell in printer’s type.—Joseph Ames. Ink is the blood of the printing Press.— Milton. Hostile newspapers are more to be feared than bayonets.—Napoleon. I am myself a gentleman of the press and need no other escutcheon. — Beaconsfield. In the long fierce struggle for freedom the press, like the church, counted its martyrs by thousands.—President Garfield. SPRINGFIELD, MASS. WILLEY & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1891. Entered according to Act of Congress in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C.,in the Years 1890 and 1891, by I. Garland Penn. All rights reserved. Sold only by subscription. CLARK W. BRYAN & CO., PRINTERS, SPRINGFIELD, MASS CHARLES VAN VLACK, ELECTROTYPER. Perea eed i ae Sy ar _ : » Ri ce y ; ae ae Co ae sla sie. tae Nay US CS el ae . . *! Ge pees Lu i ‘ : ty > ee bey i A eee ee | IMVERSITY | R EMOTE STORAGE Ve RAC eile OFFICE TO THE UNCONQUERABLE HOST OF AFRO-AMERICANS WHO ARE LAYING THEIR SACRIFICES UPON THE EDITORIAL ALTAR FOR THEIR RACH, THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. 108497 INTRODUCTION. “ We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths ; In feelings, not in figures on a dial; We should count time by heart throbs ; he most lives Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best.” Having been requested by Mr. Penn to write a brief introduc- tion to his book, I cheerfully consented to do so from several considerations. In the first place, I admire the manly energy, venture, and intellectual power displayed by him in undertaking to chronicle facts concerning Colored American journalism. Then again, I heartily love to encourage intellectual and moral efforts of young Colored American men and women. For the last ten years, I have endeavored to do this as a teacher, associate, and friend. Suidas relates that Thucydides, when a boy, listened with delight to Herodotus as he recited publicly his famous history at the great Olympic festival, and that he was so deeply moved that he sned tears. Thucydides was so inspired by the occasion that he finally became a more distinguished historian than Herodotus himself. Itis possible that a perusal of this unpreten- tious sketch may so energize and inspire some boy or girl, young man or woman, that he or she will determine to perform for the race a greater service than Mr. Penn has rendered. lp HIS (BIRTHAANDSEARLYGERAINING Irvine Garland Penn was born in the year 1867, in New Glasgow, a small village in Amherst County, Virginia. His father and mother, Isham Penn and Mariah Penn, were fully aware of the superior advantages of a public school training to their children, and moved to the city of Lynchburg when Irvine was five years old. He passed with success through the primary and grammar grades of the schools, and in 1882 entered the junior class of the high school. Circumstances, over which he had no control, prevented him from attending school during the INTRODUCTION. succeeding school year, and, in consequence, he taught a school in Bedford County, Virginia. After teaching for one school year, he decided to re-enter the high school, from which he graduated in 1886. Before he graduated, he accepted a position on the editorial staff of Zhe Lynchburg Laborer. Il. AS AN EDUCATOR. The subject of our sketch has had almost five years experience as a teacher, and has successfu'ly managed county and city schools. During 1883-4, he taught with credit to himself, and satisfaction to his superintendent and patrons, a school in Bedford County, Virginia. During the school year 1886-7, he superin- tended a school in Amherst County, Virginia. In 1887 he was elected as a teacher in the public schools of Lynchburg, and, in a short time, arose to the position of principal. Though he is young, his executive ability enables him to discharge well the duties of his responsible post. Mr. Penn seeks to inform himself on the principles and methods of education. He aims to keep abreast of the times by purchasing and studying the works of leading writers on educa- tional methods. He is in deep sympathy with The New Educa- tion, which has so materially changed in the last eight years our educational modes and systems. Nor is he insensible to the merits and excellencies of leading Colored American educators, but aims to learn from all that he may make his own school the more excellent. He has attended several institutes for teachers, and exhibited earnestness and industry in class recitations. As an educator, he takes as his motto—“Labor et perseverentia omnia vincunt.” (Labor and persevarence conquer all things.) Hi; AS AN EDITOR AND WRITER. The subject of our sketch accepted a position upon the editorial staff of The Lynchburg Laborer before his graduation. In 1886 Messrs. Penn and Johnson purchased it, and Mr. Penn took control of the editorial department. The paper was not properly supported, and its publication was suspended. As editor of this paper, Mr. Penn proved himself a skilled and forcible writer. Though he was only about twenty years of age, he evinced a good acquaintance with practical life and the needs of the race. He freely and frequently discussed questions relating to the material, INTRODUCTION. intellectual, moral, and religious welfare of his people and state. The unusual ability displayed by this youthful editor won for him laudable encomiums, even from several white editors in Virginia. The Spirit of the Valley, edited by D. Sheffey Lewis, said: “We have received Zhe Lynchburg Virginia Laborer, edited by I. Garland Penn. It is edited with dignity and ability. Zhe Lynch- burg Daily Advance gave this testimony: “We most cheer- fully commend Zhe Lynchburg Virginia Laborer to all the sons of toil.” Our subject ardently loves newspaper work. He was once a pleasing and trenchant writer for Zhe Richmond Planet and The Virginia Lancet. He is at present a correspondent for 7he Knoxville Negro World and The New York Age. He seems to observe closely, and he expresses his ideas with great clearness and strength. No one needs to read a sentence of Addison or Washington Irving twice to understand it. This may with truth be said of the young man whose life we are now considering. IVeeASVAGSREARICR. Mr. Penn is an easy, fluent speaker. Though he has on several occasions been requested to make’ political speeches in the Old Dominion, he prefers to confine his speech-making to educational subjects. He has frequently delivered discourses to Sunday- Schools, and has been, in several instances, invited to speak on prominent public occasions. At the annual conference of the Colored M. E. Church which met in Charlottesville in July, 1889, Mr. Penn delivered a convincing address, advocating the estab- lishment of a Theological and Normal School within Virginia. Vi-vHISoREPUTATION: It may be readily affirmed from what has been said, that Mr. Penn is one of the few young men of our state who enjoys national recognition. He has on several occasions been honored by some of our leading men. On March 16, 1889, a fine cut and well- written sketch of him appeared in 7he Freeman of Indianapolis. Creditable sketches of him have also adorned the brilliant columns of Zhe Cleveland Gazette and The Negro World of Knoxville. His publication of his intention to write a history of Colored American journalism has brought him into closer contact with the foremost men of our race, and caused him to receive numerous complimentary notices. INTRODUCTION. He has been repeatedly honored, too, by the people of his own state. He was twice appointed commissioner at Lynchburg for the Petersburg Industrial Association. Heis Recording Steward of the Jackson Street M. E. Church and Superintendent of the Sunday-School. The business tact of our subject was fully recognized in his election as Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Lynchburg Real Estate Loan and Trust Company. Mr. Penn is a member of the Colored M. E. Church, and a man of good moral character. He respects himself, and is respected by his friends and acquaintances. Vio eHISSPRESENT WORK. The work for which this introduction is prepared will be of no little benefit tothe race. It will serve as a cyclopedia of informa- tion on a power which has exerted an untold influence on our progress. ‘Afro-American Journalism and its editors’ must of necessity cover a broad field. Its conception is grand, and the labor and culture essential to its accomplishment are great and varied. It may be thought by some that Mr. Penn is too young for the undertaking. The fallacy of such an idea is apparent from the fact, that the world’s literature is greatly indebted to young men and women. Thomas Sackville wrote, at the age of twenty-three, ‘““A Mirror for Magistrates,” and “ Rare Ben Johnson,” at the same age, produced “Every Man in his Humor.” “The Fall of Robes- pierre” was finished by Samuel Taylor Coleridge before he was twenty-two, and “Hours of Idleness’” was completed by Lord Byron, at the age of twenty. Amelie Rives conceived and brought forth ‘“‘ The Quick and the Dead,” before she was twenty- one, and Phillis Wheatley issued a volume of poems before she was twenty. ‘Pleasures of Hope,” “Essay on Criticism,” “Asa Man and Nota Man,” were produced, respectively, by Thomas Campbell, Alexander Pope, and A. A. Whitman, when each was about twenty. How remarkable it is that Euripides penned a laudable tragedy and William Cullen Bryant wrote “ Thanatopsis,” when they were each eighteen; that Aristophanes, at the age of seventeen, exhibited his first comedy; and that Robert Burns and Hannah More produced, respectively, “Handsome Nell” and “The Search after Happiness,” when each was about sixteen. INTRODUCTION. And what shall we say of that wonderful instance of precocious mentality, Thomas Chatterton, who, at the age of eleven, wrote excellent verses, and who, before he was eighteen, successfully forged descriptions, names, and poems from the antiquated coffer of Canyuge, in the church at Bristol? An investigation of Colored American literature reveals the fact, that most of our literature was produced before our authors were thirty-five years of age. This is certainly true of the works of B. T. Tanner; W. S. Scarborough; R. C. O. Benjamin; Phillis Wheatley; A. A. Whitman; T. T. Fortune; E. A. Randolph; J. J. Coles; C. W. B. Gordon; and others whom I might mention. It may not be inappropriate for me to state, at this juncture, that “‘The Negro Race, a Pioneer in Civilization,” was penned when I was almost twenty-two; ‘The Life and Times of Paul,” at twenty-four ; “Science, Art, and Methods of Teaching,” at twenty- six; and ‘Freedom and Progress” is now ready for press. In the light of these historic facts, let no one think or say that Mr. Penn is too young and inexperienced for the compilation of his valuable work. Let us be thankful that among us are young men and women who are able to think and pen thoughts worthy of themselves and race. Let us encourage, by word and deed, every intellectual and moral effort put forth by our young men and women for the enlightenment and advancement of our people- This grand work should illumine with its light every home of our beloved state, and every fireside of the Colored Americans of our country. Its many principles and precepts; its record of struggles and conflicts, born of contending forces; its narration of the lives and deeds of energetic, intelligent men and women are well calculated to impart useful knowledge, beget lofty aspira- tions, and direct the life to high, manly, womanly achievements. Its every sentence is pregnant with wholesome instruction, and its every page admonishes us to exert our best endeavors to prevent and allay racial antagonism and estrangement, and to labor for the time when white and colored citizens alike will vie with each other in making Virginia the foremost state in the Nation. DANIEL B. WILLIAMS. Professor of Ancient Languages, and Instructor in Methods of Teaching in the V.N.& C, I., Ettrick P. O., Va. November 7, 1889, PREFACE. In preparing this work on the Afro-American Press, I am not unmindful of the fact, that while I pursue somewhat of a beaten road I deal with a work which has proven a power in the promotion of truth, justice and equal rights for an oppressed people. The reader cannot fail to recognize some achievement won by that people, the measure of whose rights is yet being questioned, and will readily see that the social, moral, political and educational ills of the Afro-American have been fittingly championed by these Afro-American journals and their editors. Certainly, the importance and magnitude of the work done by the Afro-American Press, the scope of its influence, and the beneficent results accruing from its labors, cannot fail of appreciation. In seeking the information contained in this volume, great pains have been taken, and expense incurred to insure its truth and accuracy. The aid of those of experienced years, of both races, has been secured. The information has been carefully given and the facts culled and put together with the utmost care and thought. Believing that credit is at all times due those who merit it, I am pleased to announce the names of some friends to whom I shall be ever grateful, and for whose kindness I shall always be ready to say words expressive of my thankfulness : Mr. Jno. J. Zuille, an Afro-American printer of abolition times; P. W. Ray, M. D.; Prof. R. T. Greener; Miss Florence Ray; Mr. Robert H. Hamilton; Editors: A. M. Hodges, T. Thos. Fortune; R. H. Hamilton; Dr. Alex. Crummell; Hon. Frederick Douglass; Dr. William H. Johnson; Mr. John H. Deyo; Prof. Joseph E. Jones, D. D.; Bishop Benj. W. Arnett; Hon. J. J. Spellman, and others. These gentlemen and ladies I greatly thank for the loan of books, papers, periodicals, and for their kindness for gratuitous information. I also remember the aid of Hon. E. E. Cooper, editor of The Freeman, for the loan of some cuts, andthe New South, at Beaufort, S. C., and other papers, for gratuitous editorial mention. Above all, I can not forget the aidvof friendly interest as well as the great honor my PREFACE. distinguished friend and brother, Prof. D. B. Williams, A. M., of the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute does me in the association of his name with this poor effort. As the reader will note, Prof. Williams has written the introductory sketch, for which I am under great obligations to him. The object in putting forth this feeble effort is not for the praise of men or for the reaping of money, but to promote the future welfare of Afro-American journalism by telling to its constituents the story of its heroic labors in their behalf. As I have said in my circular to editors, January Ist, 1890, so say I now: “I believe that the greatest reason why our papers are not better supported is because the Afro-Americans do not sufficiently comprehend the responsibilities and magnitude of the work.” If the eyes of my people shall be opened to see the Afro-American Press as it is, and as it labors with the greatest sacrifice, I shall feel that Providence has blessed my work and that I have been amply rewarded. This volume may find its way to the cottage of the lowly and humble, the home of the scholar and the hands of the critic. I would invite its earnest perusal by each and all, and, at the same time, pray your most lenient criticism of its make-up, construction and thought. I would ask you to speak a good word for it, not in the hope of placing honor upon my head or the dime in my pocket, but in the hope of forming a favorable sentiment and creating an able and constant support for the Afro-American editor whose labor unites with all in building up and furthering the interest of our common country, Lynchburg, Va., 1890. 7 P. S. To the hundreds of men and women laboring in journalism, the author owes an apology for not making personal mention of all of our papers now published, and their editors; also, the numerous corre- spondents and great phalanx of our brave and ambitious women who have espoused the cause. Many of you are able and efficient, and all of you deserve particular mention, but you will agree that it would take ten volumes, yea, more, to make satisfactory personal mention in this work of the many laboring for the race and for humanity. + ale . CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. First AFRo-AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS—FREEDOM’S JOUR- NAL AND RIGHTS OF ALL—1827-30, New York, . 25—31 CHAPTER IL. WEEKLY ADVOCATE, 1837, New York, : ‘ : . 82—34 CHAPTER III. COLORED AMERICAN, 1837-42, New York, ‘ : . Bo—47 CHAPTER IV. ELEVATOR, 1842, Albany, N. Y., : : A : . 48—51 CHAPTER V. NATIONAL WATCHMAN AND THE CLARION, 1842-45, Troy, Mark. : : Tt Neat ; : . . 52—54 CHAPTER VI. PEOPLE’S PRESS AND THE MYSTERY, 1843-47, New York, and Pittsburg, Pa., . . : é ; . d9—5T CHAPTER VII. GENIUS oF FREEDOM, 1845-47, New York, : ; . 58—60 CHAPTER VILL. RAm’s Horn, 1847-48, New York, : ; : F . 61—65 ¢ 16 CONTENTS. CHAPTER IX. Nortu STAR, 1847-65, Rochester, N. Y., . 5 : . 66—70 CHAPTER X. CONTEMPORARIES OF THE NORTH STAR, 1848-65, Syracuse, N. Y.; New York; Cleveland, O.; San Francisco, Cal., and Philadelphia, Pa., . : : : 5 . T1—sl CHAPTER XI. THE ANGLO-AFRICAN, 1859-65, New York, . : : . 83—88 CHAPTER XII. CONTEMPORARIES OF THE ANGLO-AFRICAN, 1861-69, Cin- cinnati, O., and San Francisco, Cal., . : : . 90—99 CHAPTERS. II: THE COLORED AMERICAN, first newspaper published in the South, 1865-67, Augusta, Ga., . ; : ; 100—104 CHAPTER XIV. CONTEMPORARIES OF THE COLORED AMERICAN, 1865-66, Baltimore, Md. ; Pak Cli, eas ‘ ; ; 105—106 CHAPTER XV. A GENERAL VIEW OF AFRO-AMERICAN JOURNALISM, 1870-90, . < : ; ; ; : : ; 107—115 CHAPTER XVI, AFRO-AMERICAN MAGAZINES, 1833-90, New York; Phila- delphia, Pa.; Evanston, Il.; Harrisburg, Pa., and Salisbury, N.C., . : ; é : : 4 116—126 CHAPTER XVII, THE DAILy AFRO-AMERICAN JOURNALS, 1882-91, Cairo, Ill.; Baltimore, Md.; Columbus, Ga,, and Knoxville, Tenn, 9 e . . e ° . ° . . 127—130 CONTENTS. oA ae Ree © © CHAPTER XVIII. 17 SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS, 133—332 Trmotuy THoMAS ForTUNE, editor New York Age, : Cox. WILLIAM MURRELL, editor New Jersey Trumpet, Rey. J. ALEXANDER HOLMES, editor Central Methodist, Staunton, Va., ‘ 4 ; ; : ° : , S. N. Hitu and WitiiaAmM H. DEwey, editors People’s Advocate and Golden Rule, New Berne, N. C., Rev. G. W. GAYLES, editor Baptist Sigual, Natchez, Miss., CHRISTOPHER J. Perry, editor Tribune, Philadelphia, Pa., Revs. R. C. RANsom, WILLIAM S. Lowky, DANIEL S. BENTLEY and WILLIAM F. Brooks, Afro-American Spokesman, Pittsburg, Pa ‘ : : Macnus L. Roprnson, editor National Leader, Washing- cOns DOs : ; ; JOHN WESTLEY CROMWELL, editor People’s Advocate, Washington, D. C., : : : : WitiiaAM H. ANDERSON, BENJAMIN B. PELHAM, W. H. StowrErRsS and ROBERT PELHAM Jr., Detroit Plain- dealer, Detroit, Mich., . 5 ; : ; . s Pror. J. E. Jones, D. D., editor African Missions, Rich- mond, Va., ; : : , : : Hon. M. M. Lewey, editor Florida Sentinel, Gainesville, 5 ou Eee . 5 i : . : : : Cou. J. T. Witson, editor Industrial Day, Richmond, Va., Hon. J. H. WiLuiaAmMson, editor North Carolina Gazette, Raleigh, N. C., : : : ‘ ; JOHN MITCHELL, JR., editor Planet, Richmond, Va., Hon. C. H. J. TAytor, Southern Appeal, Atlanta, Ga., Hon. Joun L. WALLER, ex-editor Western Recorder and American Citizen, Topeka, Kan., Rev. C. B. W. Gorpon, editor National Pilot, Peters- burg, Va., : Hon. JoHNn C. DANCY, editor § Star of Zion, Salisbury, WN. C., 133 138 140 141 142 145 148 150 18 CONAEEIWES: WILLIAM E. KiNG, editor Fair Play, Meridian, Miss., Rev. W. H. Mixon, ex-editor Dallas Post, Selma, Ala., Tuomas T. Henry, ex-editor Enterprise, South Boston, WV aa ae : ; : ; ‘ : ; ; : Hon. S. J. BAMPFIELD, G. W. ANDERSON and I. RAn- DALL RreIp; New South, Beaufort, 8. C., : Pror. E. H. LipscomBe, Mountain ae Asheville, NC : ‘ ; ‘ ‘ WILLIAM F, Simpson and ABEL P. CALDWELL; ae Echo, Philadelphia, Pa., ; REv. W. J. WHITE, editor déanas Baptist, ee Ga., Levi E. Curisry, editor Caen mae World, pers lis;sind;: REv. A. E. P, ALBERT, D. D., ae Southwestern Chris- tian Advocate, New Orleans: La., ; 4 ‘ REV. MARSHALL W. TAy.Lor, D. D., ex-editor Southwest- ern Christian Advocate, ‘ : : : : hk. D. LItrTLesJoHN and D. A. aie New Light, Columbus, Miss., : 4 : J. DALLAS BOWSER, editor Gate City Press, Kansas City, Mo., Hon. JAMES J. SPELLMAN, editor Baptist Messenger, Jackson, Miss., : : : : : : : Rev. W. B. Jounson, D. D., editor aes Alumni Journal, Washineton BD: C., : ‘ JOHN Q. ADAmMs, editor Western Appeal, St. Paul, Minn., Pror. J. T. BAILey, editor Little Rock Sun, Little Rock, Ark., : 3 ; : : P DaAvip C. CARTER, ex-editor Virginia Critic, Staunton, Va., Wma. Burorp, editor Kansas Dispatch, Little Rock, Ark., Rev. W. H. ANDERSON, ex-editor ee Watch Tower, Evansville, Ind., ; : : ; : Rev. C. C. Stumm, D. D., editor Christian Banner, Phila- delphia, Pa., ; ; Rev. E. W. S. Peck, D. D., ex-editor Conference pes Baltimore, Md., é S. B. TURNER, ee State Capital, Spr ingfield, T11., CONTENTS. 19 REV. JosrepyH A. Booker, A. B., editor ae ean Little Rock, Ark., , : : : 258 Rev. R. DE BAPTISTE, D. D., ex-editor eae. Ghicsen 262 REV. T. W. Corres, editor Vindicator, Eufala, Ala., 266 REv. S. D. RuSsELL, editor wee Tae Fort Worth, Tex., 267 W. C. SMITH, anes ohare Meeonee: Charlotte, N. C. 270 Hon. Ricuarp NELSON, editor Freeman’s Journal, Gal- veston, Tex., : , : : : : : 274 REV. F. M. HAMILTON, editor Christian Index, Nashville, Tenn., 278 Hon. H.C. SMITH, dita: ces aland Gazette, ane Of 280 Hon. CHAS. HENDLEY, editor Gazette, Huntsville, Ala., 28A WILLIAM CALVIN CHASE, editor Washington Bee, Wash- ington, D. C., 287 AvucGustus M. Tron: aaa Sentinel: Beoniier N. Y. 5 291 R. A. Jonzs, editor Cleveland Globe, Cleveland, O., : 292 J. T. Morris, associate editor Cleveland Globe, Cleveland, Oe : : ; ; ; : : : : ; 295 Rev. D.J.SAUNDERS, editor Afro-American REN Netto Wilmington, N. C., 299 Rev. A. N. McEwen, editor Baptist reaage Montgomery, Ala., 300 REV. ‘sie S. aS a B., Bot Baptist Pilot, Win. ton, N. C., , ; : : ; : : 805 REV. GEORGE W. Cuinton, A. B., editor Afro-American Spokesman, Pittsburg, Pa., : ‘ 809 WILLIAM B. TOWNSEND, ie Leavenworth Bev asate 312 HENRY FITZBUTLER, M. D., editor Ohio Falls Express, 314 R. C. O. BENJAMIN, editor San Francisco Sentinel, 320 Dr. E. A. WILLIAMS, editor Journal of the Lodge, 326 Pror. D. W. Davis, editor Young Man’s Friend, 326 REv. M. W. Clair, editor Methodist Banner, 330 CHAPTER XIX. ILLUSTRATED AFRO-AMERICAN JOURNALISM, . : 334—339 Hon. Epwarp E. Coorrr, editor The Freeman, Indian- 334 apolis,Ind., . 20 CONTENTS: CHAPTER XX. PROMINENT AFRO-AMERICAN CORRESPONDENTS, CONTRIB- UTORS AND REPORTERS, : : ; : 340—366 ProF. DANIEL BARCLAY WILLIAMS, Patent! Witte, 5 ties 340 J. E. Bruce (Bruce Grit), Washington, D.C., . : , 344 Rev. W. H. FRANKLIN, Rogersville, Tenn., : : : 347 JOHN GORDON STREET, Boston, Mass., ; 302 Rev. Be. Henry McNEAL TuRNER, D. D., LL. D., At lanta, Ga., 4 ; : : ; : : : ; 356 ROBERT T. TEAMOH, Boston, Mass., . : : : : 360 W. ALLISON SWEENEY, Indianapolis, Ind , : : : 364 CHAPTER XXI. AFRO-AMERICAN WOMEN IN JOURNALISM, . ; : 367—427 Pror. MAry V. Cook (Grace Ermine), Louisville, Ky., . 367 Mrs. W. E. Matruews ( Victoria Earle), New York, : 375 Lucy W. Smita, Louisville, Ky., . ; : : 376 LILLIAN A. Lewis (Bert Islew), Boston, Mass, . ‘ ; 381 LucrETIA N. COLEMAN, Minneapolis, Minn., ; ; 384 GEORGIA MABEL DE BAPTISTE, Galesburg, II1., : ‘ 386 KATE D. CHAPMAN, Yankton, Dak., . : ‘ ; 388 Mrs. JOSEPHINE T. WASHINGTON, Birmingham, re ; 393 ALICE E. McEweEn, Montgomery, Ala., ; 5 ; ; 396 Mrs. C. C. Stumm, Philadelphia, Pa., . ; : ‘ : 400 Miss A. L. TILGHMAN, Washington, D.C., . : : : 401 Mrs. N. F. Mossext, Philadelphia, Pa, : ; 2 ‘ 405 IpA B. WELLS (Iola), Memphis, Tenn , ‘ : : : 407 IoNE E. Woop, Louisville, Ky., . 5 : > ; 5 410 LAVINIA B, SNEED, Louisville, Ky., . : . : : 413 Mary E. Brirron, Lexington, Ky., ; : : ; , 415 META PELHAM, Detroit, Mich., 3 A K 419 Mrs. FRANCES E. W. HARPER, Philadelphia, P2., ; ‘ 420 Mrs. AMELIA E. Jounson, Baltimore, Md., ; : : 422 CHAPTER XXII. OPINIONS OF EMINENT MEN ON THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS, : : ‘ : F ; j F : 428—477 CONTENTS. 21 AUTHOR’S INTRODUCTION TO OPINIONS, , : 428 Pror. W. S. ScarBorouGH, LL. D., Wilberforce Univer- sity, O., : ‘ . , : ‘ 431 Hon. JoHN MERCER LANGSTON, LL. D., Petersburg, Va., 434 Hon. Joun R. Lynceu, Washington, D. C., 438 Dr. WILLIAM H. JouHnson, Albany, N. Y., . 439 PROF. FRANK TrRieG, Lynchburg, Va., 442 Hon. D. A. STRAKER, LL. B., Detroit, Mich., 444 PrRoF. BOOKER T. WASHINGTON, Tuskeegee, Ala., 446 Hon. FREDERICK DovuGLass, Washington, D. C., 448 Rev. A. A. BURLEIGH, Springfield, IIL, 450 JAMES T. STILL, M. D., Boston, Mass., 452 Hon. P. B.S. PINCHBACK, New Orleans, La., : 454 BisHop BENJAMIN W. ARNETT, D. D., Wilberforce, Ohio, 456 REv. J. C. Prick, D. D., Salisbury, N. C., 459 Pror. GEORGE E. STEPHENS, Lynchburg, Va., 460 Hon. Jos1aH T. SETTLE, LL. B., Memphis, Tenn, . 463 Hon. JERE A. Brown, Cleveland,O., . . ey A ie 467 Rev. T. G. Stewart, D. D., Baltimore, Md.. 471 Pror. J. H. LAwson, L.L. B., Louisville, Ky., . : ‘ 475 CHAPTER XXIII. THE AFRO-AMERICAN EDITOR’S MISSION, BY EMINENT JOURNALISTS, . : : : : ’ ; ; 478—491 AUTHOR’S INTRODUCTION, 478 T. THOMAS FORTUNE, ; : ; ; : ; 479 Rev. L. J. CoprPin, D. D., : : : : : : 483 Mrs. N. F. MossE.t, : 487 CHAPTER XXIV. Tur ANGLO-SAXON AND THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS, 492—513 CHAPTER XXV. RECOGNITION OF THE AFRO-AMERICAN AS A CONTRIB- UTOR TO ANGLO-SAXON JOURNALS, é : : 514—518 22 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXVI. Tur FREEDOM OF THE PRESS, . f : ‘ : 519—523 CHAPTER XXVII, THE AFRO-AMERICAN LEAGUE, . p A e : 524— 537 CHAPTER XXVIII, THE ASSOCIATED CORRESPONDENTS OF RACE NEws- PAPERS . 2 : : . : 588—549 BINDERY: FOLDING ROOM, » RUSSWURM. JOHN B CHAPTER TI. THE FIRST AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS. ROM the very first time the Afro-American had a right to exercise his freedom in this country, his course with regard to church, state and society, has been followed with more than ordinary zeal, and his progress in the various pursuits undertaken by him have been noted with an exacting eye, characteristic of the most watchful. Why he has been watch- ed in this peculiar way is not hard to be seen when the cir- cumstances surrounding his hfe has been taken into consider- ation. When one remembers that he was brought from Africa only two centuries ago, an uncivilized and barbarous creature, and settled in a country where he was deprived the privileges of becoming even properly civilized; when one remembers that during this aforesaid period he had not one iota of opportunity to understand the most unpretentious business act in state or church; when one remembers that he was not allowed, (if he desired,) to think of a business tran- saction in any of its ramifications, were they ever so small, | a when it is remembered that the whole world was closed | against him for centuries, save that of labor in the field of his owner; and when it is remembered that he faced the 25 26 FIRST AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS. world as freeman, laborer, mechanic, student, scholar, lawyer, doctor, engineer, business man, journalist, etc., under the most - embarrassing circumstances, the desire of mind and heart for a complete knowledge of his development grows into a moun- tain of curiosity. Thus it can be said that he is to-day the cynosure of all nations. If the above be true, (which every one in fairness will ad- mit,) the next thought that would likely present itself is: Has the Afro-American made any commendable progress amid the multiplicity of disadvantages which have beset him? We freely assert that he has; and it is with this thought in mind that we propose to deal with the facts of his journalistic ca- reer of sixty-three years, dating from the first paper published in New York City, March 30, 1827, to the present auspicious year of 1890. And from our observations we predict that the Nineteenth Century will close with a halo of journalistic sun- shine about his head, and the Twentieth Century open with succeeding new events indicative of his triumphant success. Between the years of 1827 and 1830, there were published in New York City by an Afro-American two papers known as Freedom's Journal and. Aughts of All. These two papers were both edited by Mr, John B. Russwurm. They both seem to have been one and the same paper, only during publication the names were changed; thus the two names, There is some conflict of opinion among those few who now live and remember anything about the matter, as to whether The Freedom's Journal or The Rights of All was the name of Mr. Russwurm’s paper. Be this as it may, the decision of those who were most intimately acquainted with Mr. Rosso- worm, and upon whose breadth of intelligence and scope of memory we feel safely secure, 18 that The Freedom's Journal was the first publication by Afro-Americans, It was issued, Vol. I, No. 1, March 30, 1827.) Of course, any paper estab- lished by Nie Americans at that time and for the succeeding THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. 27 forty years, would have fought absolutely in the interest of abolition of slavery. “As a matter of fact, this publication by Mr. Russwurm met with more and greater obstacles than did any other paper ever published upon the continent. Besides having to fight for a cause which then had but few advocates, it could see in the popular mind no indication of support.. The Afro-Americans in the North that would patronize the journal were few, while the Abolitionists numbered no great throng at that time.’ The Journal was a medium-sized weekly, presenting a very neat appearance, while the composition was as good as some journals of to-day. Mr. Russwurm had a most excellent es- timate as to how an Afro-American journal should be con- ducted, particularly at that time, and for the people in whose interests it was published. There are few men who have lived who knew more about the business, or whose editorial pen could battle with such force against a volcano of sin and oppression, like unto that of American slavery. It devolved upon him and his journal to create sentiment, and to prove the interest which the free Afro-American of the North had in his oppressed brethren in the South. At this time there appeared a mighty question involving hfe, the chastity of our women, the property, home and happiness of the freedmen of the South, to which the best efforts ot Afro- American journalism must be directed yet it was not half so great as that of American slavery. Now the journalist contends for our rights as citizens; then he contended for our freedom from bondage, or our deliverance from a human curse which then seemed riveted about us with a most tenacious grip. It was for this, Mr. Russwurm caused The Journal to open its way and contend through discouragement and embarrassment for rights. He was a man of positive journalistic ability, singleness of purpose and strong character. It is said he entered the fo- rum of debate for the Abolition cause doing what he could with 28 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. ~ “ a heartiness and zeal only equalled by the martyrs of abolition, The North had not fully waked up to the abolition cause, Many, who hated the Afro-American, published papers attack- ing the free Afro-American as well as the poor slave. It was on this account, too, that the leading Afro-Americans of New York City met, formulated plans and encouraged, to the best of their ability, the efforts of Mr. Russwurm. There was a local paper published in New York City in 1827 and 1828 by an Afro-American-hating Jew, which made the vilest attacks upon the Afro-Americans. It encouraged slavery and deplored the thought of freedom for the slave. It seems to have been a power in that direction. Against this Zhe Journal was directed, and it did heavy cannonading against this perpetrator of evil, Mr. Russwurm had associated with him in the publication of The Journal Rev. Samuel E. Cornish, and possibly others whose names are not editorially mentioned, since the inception of Zhe Journal was the result of a meeting of Messrs. Russ- wurm, Cornish and others at the house of M. Bostin Crummell (Rev. Dr. Crummell’s father,) in New York, called to consider the attacks of the local paper mentioned above. Rev. Cornish also did editorial work upon The Journal. He was a man of wonderful intellectual parts, having keen perception and a mind full of thought and judgment. He was very probably the most thoughtful and reliable, certainly the most popular and conversant, editor of his time. This is seen in the fact that in all his succeeding journalistic efforts, ranging through a course of twenty years, he was actively connected with some paper as editor or associate editor. A gentleman writing to the author says: “He was a most successful journalist.” Another, writing about Rey. Cornish, says: ‘He was an old and indefatigable journalist.” An- other says: ‘“ Undoubtedly he was the greatest wielder of the pen in a quarter of a century of Afro-American journalism.” THE FIRST AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS. 29 The following editorial which appeared in the Colored American, a paper since edited by him, will serve, we are sure, to justify the reader in accepting the above comments. THE IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURAL PURSOITS. America in many respects is a glorious country. She rivals boasted England in the excellence of her agriculture. The whole length and breadth of her land might, by proper culture, be converted into one universal and fertile garden, pouring forth her riches in exuberant abundance. Thus, blessed by the smiles, and watered by the showers of a bountiful Heaven, she may well and justly call forth loud and hearty praises of her sons. In a land then, like this, characterized by its geniality of climate, and great fertility of soil, many are the induce- ments held out to the sober and industrious; and morally culpable is he who can “eat the bread of idleness,’’ or who can, with health and strength, sit down surrounded by pinching misery and want. On the subject of agricultural pursuits, our people are too indiffer- ent. Itis a subject, however, of immense importance to colored inter- est, both individual and general, and cannot be treated of too fre- quently or earnestly, by journals which advocate our cause. _ IZfwe would have more men among us in comfortable circumstances» we must turn our attention to farming. If we would have men who might exert a powerful influence in different communities, we must have the sturdy cultivators of the soil. It is beyond a doubt, that the influence which our farmers exert is great and extensive; and itis evident, that wherever there may be lo- cated respectable. intelligent, and wealthy colored agriculturists, there they will be respected, and soon rise into power and influence. Want of necessary capital may be urged by many, as the great difficulty in the way of our people on this subject. One might venture to say that the great portion of our most able farmers commenced their labors with far less capital than many of our colored citizens can lay claim to. Many have risen to their present affluence, who had at first scarcely as much money as would enable them to till a garden of cabbages. They struggled with difficulties apparently insuperable; but by their fixed determination and firm resolves, they removed all bar- riers, Overcame all obstacles, conquered the soil, and finaliy became the independent masters of it. If we would be the “‘lords of the soil” we must go and do likewise, There is too great a disposition among our men of capital to congre gate in large cities, where their influence is, in a measure, entirely lost. To be sure, the advantages accruing to some, from a city settlement, are infinitely greater than a country one; but in many cases the indi- vidual, and the community at large, would be vastly benefited by the residence of our capitalists in different parts of our country. 30 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. It is highly important, therefore, I conceive, that this subject be duly and attentively considered by our people generally. We must gain some influence in our own country. At present, we have none. In our large cities, we are passed by as not at all incorporated in the body politic. Let us then resort to those measures, and pursue that course, which will be of the most advantage to us and will cause a colored American’s influence to be weighed and valued. Rev. Cornish retired from the publication of The Freedom's Journal, Mr. Russwurm assuming sole editorial control, with the issue of September 4, 1827, Vol. I, No. 27. The Journal was continued the year out. With the issue of March 21, 1828, the name of the paper was changed to Rights of Ail. Mr. Russwurm continued to follow, with unabating interest, the line of policy prescribed by The Freedom's Journal. It fought for Afro-American freedom and Afro-American citizenship. Mr. Russwurm’s two pub- lications were made more powerful, and the sentiment of the two more respected, because of its large list of agents and contributors, who were remarkable men, either for their work in behalf of the Afro-American or as the fathers of public-spirited descendants. The following are some of them as found upon the paper: David Walker, (Author of Walker's Appeal) Reuben Portland, Me; Rev. Thomas Paul, Boston; Francis Webb, Boston; Stephen Smith, Columbia, Penn. ; John Lemond, Salem, Mass,; Hezekiah Grice, Baltimore, Md.; Rev. Nathaniel Paul, Albany, N. Y.; Rev. Theodore 8. Wright, Princeton, N. Y.; M. De Baptist, Fredericksburg, Va.; B. F. Hughes, Newark, N. J.; John W. Print, Washington, D. C.; Austin Stewart, Rochester, N. Y.; Rev. R. Vaughn, Richmond, Va.; George De Grave, Brooklyn, N. Y.; Seth Henhaws, Post-Master, New Salem; John C. Stanley, New Berne; Lewis Sheridan, Eliza- bethtown, N. C.; Joseph Hughes, Richmond, Va.; and others. The Faghts of All suspended publication in 18380, it having been conducted under more opposing circumstances than Zhe Freedom's Journal, owing, possibly, to the great amount of THE FIRST AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS. 31 good it was doing for the cause of Abolition. The exact date of its suspension it seems impossible to ascertain. Mr. Russwurm’s career as an Afro-American journalist, was soon cut short after the suspension of his paper. He was captured by the Colonization Society and sent to Africa. Many notices and comments on Mr. Russwurm’s work and upon him as a man, appeared in Zhe Colomzation Journal of 1839. CHAPTER II. THE WEEKLY ADVOCATE. FRO-AMERICANS North began now to feel the need Ne an exponent of sentiment and thought. The road had been opened, if any one by dint of sacrifice and strength of effort would lay all on the altar in the publica- tion of another journal. Phillip A. Bell, the Nestor of Afro-American journalism, came forward and put upon the uncertain wings of journal- istic time a paper, which battled with unrelenting vigor for the right. In January, 1837, appeared the first issue of the second journal edited by Afro-Americans under the name of The Weekly Advocate, the editor being Rev. Samuel E. Cornish, and the proprietor Mr. Phillip A. Bell. It was published by Mr. Robert Sears, of Toronto, Canada, a warm friend to the race, “After two months it was thought best,” so informs Mr. Sears, to change the name of this paper to the Colored American; therefore March 4, 1837, it appeared under the last mentioned name. The means to aid in its publication were largely contri- 32 THE FIRST AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS. 83 buted by Anti-Slavery Advocates, prominent among whom must be noticed that fearless and generous defender, Mr.Tap- pan. In “The Life of Mr. Tappan” occurs this passage:‘‘ The paper was intended to be the organ of the colored Americans.” Its columns were filled with excellently selected and original matter It ably advocated the emancipation of the enslaved and the elevation of the free colored people; and to this end it urged on the whites the abolition of caste and on their own people a thorough education. - Gifted men among the people of New York and elsewhere, (and there were not a few of them,) had an opportunity that was well worth improving of addressing their people and the public at large, through the columns of this excellent paper. The proprietor, Mr. Bell, was known and respected for the work he did for the race in the newspaper field. He was one of those men who not only gave his literary ability to the cause but his money also, and died in destitute circumstances, after fifty years of earnest and persistent work for his race. At the time of his death he was more experienced, older, and abler, than any of his associates. He longed to see Afro-American journalism a fixed thing in this country, and he did not die without the sight. | Wm. Welles Brown, in his “Rising Sun,” says, “ Mr. Bell’s enthusiastic admirers regarded him as the Napoleon of the Afro-American Press. The person of Mr. Bell, as described by Mr. Brown in his volume, is as follows: ‘‘ He is medium in size, dark complexion, pleasing countenance, and very gentle- manly in his manners.” After the retirement of Mr. Cornish, Mr. Bell had as co- editor, Dr. James McCune Smith, of whom much has been said as a writer and contributor. Wm. Welles Brown, in chroni- cling the success of Dr, Smith as a writer, says: ‘The Doctor has contributed many papers to different journals published by colored men in the last quarter of the century. The New 3 34 THE WEEKLY ADVOCATE. York dailies have also received aid from him during the same period. History, antiquity, biography, translation, criticism, political economy, statistics, and almost every department of knowledge, received attention from his able, ready, versatile and unwearied pen. The emancipator of the slave, and of the elevation of the free colored people, has been the greatest slave of his time as a writer. Dr. Smith was born and raised in New York City, but educated at Edinburgh. During the years 1838-49, he had some memorable newspaper controversies; prominent among them was the fight with Bishop Hughes and, later on, with one Grant. A lecture of his on the “ Destiny of the People of Color,” delivered before the Philomathean Society and the Hamilton Society in January, 1841, and published by request, received flattering comments. He was one of the most logical and scientific writers the world ever knew. Besides this eminent’ gentleman, Mr. Bell had an able corps of correspondents, which made The Colored American felt as a power in the land. Mr. Bell severed his connection with The American in 1839; but did not leave the work, for which it seems the Maker had intended him. We shall have cause to notice him later on in this volume, ae CB APT eRe Ll. THE COLORED AMERICAN. ——_—___ N April, 1837, while Mr. Bell was yet proprietor and editorial writer of the American, Mr. Charles Bennett Ray became associated with Zhe Colored American, as general agent. In this capacity, he travelled extensively, writing letters to the paper which embodied the result of his labors and reflections on the progress of the race in different parts of the country. He also lectured successfully in many cities, Hast and West, to bring before the people the interests of the paper and the noble aims to which it was devoted, never neglecting, meanwhile, to speak in behalf-of the slave, whose welfare lay always near his heart. In 1838, he became one of the proprietors of the paper: and in 1839, on the retirement*of Mr. Bell, he assumed the position of editor. Under his charge, as before, Zhe Colored American continued to be ably conducted, and strong in its advocacy of the principles underlying humanity and Justice. He retained the editorial management until 1842, when 35 36 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. education was received at the schools and academy of his native town. His theological training was obtained at the Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, Mass. Later on, he studied at the Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn. In addition to his life as a useful journalist, should be recorded his life as a minister. He served as pastor of the Bethesda Congregational church in New York, and was its faithful shepherd for twenty years or more. During the greater part of Mr. Ray’s activity, slavery was at its highest state of agitation. The times were perilous, great deeds being enacted everywhere by noble champions of freedom, roused to action by an unquenchable love of justice and the resolve that all men should be free. He entered with eager earnestness into the contest to secure freedom for a down-trodden race, and proved his fidelity to the sacred cause of liberty, and his zeal in furthering the overthrow of slavery, by rendering practical aid. It often became neces- sary, therefore, to interest those whose hearts not only beat in unison with the movement but whose means could be made available. In co-operation with Lewis Tappan, and others whose purse-strings were wont to be loosed at the call of humanity, he assisted in enabling many a slave to see the hight of treedom. | Mr. Ray always manifested a keen interest in the affairs of the government, and was-a staunch republican, entering heartily into all things affecting the welfare of the govern- ment. When the great right of suffrage was accorded to his race, none rejoiced more than he that now the Afro-American citizen was truly a man, under the law; and, thenceforth, he uniformly endeavored to impart the knowledge of an intelli- gent use of the franchise to those whose limited experience in such matters might cause them to err in judgment. He never ceased to give earnest support to any great measure designed to elevate his race; and not only in this THE COLORED AMERICAN. 37 way did he serve the people, but private matters were often brought to him for adjustment,—his natural grasp of the legal points of the subject enabling him to reach the solution of many a seemingly entangled situation. He lived to see his race enjoying the blessings of that freedom to which he had consecrated his best days, and passed to the blessed fulfillment of a better world, on Sunday morning, August 15, 1886. A general idea of The Colored American, which was Mr. Ray’s greatest work for the race, issued, as it was, a half a ceatury ago, in the interests of the Afro-American, under the editorial management of one of the race, will be obtained through the following extracts, embodying the plan and scope of the paper, and showing the rank it held among the leading journals of that time. It cannot fail of proper interest. They are taken from “In Memoriam,” compiled by the family of the late Rev. Chas. B. Ray, March 7, 1840. “Terms of the paper: The Colored American is published weekly by Charles B. Ray, at No. 9 Spruce Street, New York, at two dollars per annum, in advance, excepting where a local agent will be responsible to collect the balance, when one-half may be received in advance. No subscription received for a less term than six months. No paper will be considered discontinued until arrearages are paid, except at the discretion of the publisher. Four copies will be sent to one address for six dollars,— 2. €. & person wishing the paper, by obtaining three sub- scribers, with the money in full, shall have his own paper. Local agents shall be allowed one-fourth, in all cases, on all money raised from subscribers. Traveling agents shall be allowed one-third on all new subscribers, and one-fourth for collecting from old ones. Postmasters, and all ministers of the gospel, friendly to our 38 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. object, are requested to act as agents for us; also, students in seminaries. Addresses, in all cases, (post paid), on all business pertain- ing to the paper: ‘Charles B. Ray, Publisher of Zhe Colored American.” Philadelphia depositories, where this paper can be had: 136 Lombard Sreet, and No. 2 Acorn Alley. 8S. H. Glouces- ter and J. J. G. Bias, Agents. Prospectus of Zhe Colored American, Volume II: The Second Volume, New Series, of Zhe Colored American, will be issued on the first Saturday in March, 1841. This is the only paper in the United States, published and ~ edited by a colored man, and expressly for the colored people. Its objects are, more directly, the moral, socal and poltical elevation and improvement of the free colored people; and the peaceful emancipation of the enslaved. It will, therefore, advocate all lawful, as well as moral measures, to accomplish those objects. The editor being a colored man, necessarily feels an interest in the welfare of the colored people, wherever found. The paper, therefore, will not be regardless of the welfare of the colored people of other countries. The editor, also being a Man, ‘“ whatever interests man, interests him.” The paper, therefore, will not pass by, in silence, the reforms of the age, and whatever relates to our common humanity. As the paper is devoted primarily to the interests of the colored population, and ought to be in every family, the editor intends to make it a first-rate family paper, devoting a. column to the instruction of children, giving the general news of the day, as far as practicable, etc.; and nothing of an immoral tendency can find a place in its columns. The paper ought to be patronized by the white community, to aid them in becoming better acquainted with the condition THE COLORED AMERICAN, 39 and claims of their fellow-citizens, and on account of the influence it will exert among the latter, and in their behalf. The colored population ought to patronize it, because it belongs to them, and for the sake of its success. Price, Two Dollars per annum, always in advance. No subscription received for a less term than six months. CHARLES B. Ray, Editor and Proprietor, No. 9 Spruce Street, New York. The sentiments of the press are here given concerning the re-appearance of The Colored American, after a short term of suspension. Says The American,—‘ We insert, once for all, the sentiments of the press in relation to our re-appearance among them; and our readers must not attribute to us motives of vanity in doing so,—for better things move us than a vain show. We intend to keep self where it should be, out of sight. In combating the prejudices of the strong, on the one hand, and in defending the character of the weak, on the other; in advocating an unpopular cause, and coming in contact with such a variety of mind and of taste, and in bearing up under our present duties and responsibilities, in such times as these, such sentiments from an enlightened and judicious corps-editorial are encouraging, and furnish us with additional testimony that we are not ill-timed and out of place but needful, and deserve a place among the mouth- pieces of different sects, parties and classes now existing. We presume our readers, who do not see these expressions of opinion as we do, will be glad to know what the press has said about us; and we think such sentiments will both encourage and stimulate them to be vigilant in giving us aid as they incite us to labor to show ourselves worthy to be sustained.” ‘“ The Colored American, we are glad to see, has re-appeared in the field, under the conduct of our enterprising and 40 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. talented Brother Ray. It will maintain a very handsome rank among the anti-slavery periodicals, and we hope will be well sustained and kept up by both colored and uncolored patronage. It must be a matter of pride to our colored friends, as it is to us, that they are already able to vindicate the claims our enterprise has always made in their behalf,—to an equal intellectual rank in this heterogeneous, (but ‘‘ homogeneous’’) community. It is no longer necessary for abolitionists to contend against the blunder of pro-slavery,—that the colored people are inferior to the whites; for these people are practically demon- strating its falseness. They have men enough in action now, to maintain the anti-slavery enterprise, and to win their hberty, and that of their enslaved brethren,—if every white abolitionist were drawn from the field: McCune Smith, and Cornish, and Wright, and Ray, and a host of others,—not to mention our eloquent brother, Remond, of Maine, and Brother Lewis who is the stay and staff of field anti-slavery in New Hampshire. The people of such men as these cannot be held in slavery. They have got their pens drawn, and tried their voices, and and they are seen to be the pens and voices of human genius; and they will neither lay down the one, nor will they hush the other, till their brethren are free. The Calhouns and Clays may display their vain oratory and metaphysics, but they tremble when they behold the colored man is in the intellectual field. The time is at hand, when this terrible denunciation shall thunder in their own race.— Herald of Freedom, Concord, N. H.” The Colored American. The Colored American after a suspension of three months has started afresh, under the charge of our friend, Charles B. Ray, as sole editor and proprietor. If among the four THE COLORED AMERICAN. 41 hundred thousand free colored people in this country,—to say nothing of the white population from whom it ought to receive a strong support, a living patronage for this paper can not be obtained, it will be greatly to their reproach. In their present condition, a special organ of their own conducted by one of their own number, ought to be regarded by them as an object of great importance. True, it does not follow that becanse the paper is called Zhe Colored American, and is edited by a colored man, therefore the colored popula- tion are under obligation to support it; for if it be not in itself a faithful and useful journal, it cannot claim support, on any other grounds. But we have confidence in the ability, perseverance, and integrity of Mr. Ray, and we doubt not that he will make The American an interesting sheet. If any persons, white or colored, in this city, desire to become subscribers to it, we will forward their names with great pleasure. The names of several persons are published who have severally pledged five, ten, twenty, and twenty-five dollars, in aid of The American. This looks lke being in earnest. In the midst of the present unhappy divisions in our ranks, we trust our friend Ray will be enabled to distinguish by intuition the true from the spurious, the right from the wrong, and to utter his convictions in a true and fearless spirit.’— Laberator. “ The Colored American. Returning from the country, we are glad to find upon our table several copies of this excellent paper, which has waked up with renewed strength and beauty. It is now under the exclusive control of Charles B. Ray, a gentleman in every manner competent to the duties devolving upon him in the station he occupies. Our colored friends generally, and all those who can do so, would bestow their patronage worthily by giving it to The Colored American.” —Christian Witness. 42 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. “Tn the days when The Colored American found its way into many homes, bearing the weight of influence ever exerted by the press, some of the vital questions claiming public attention did not differ materially from those that serve to interest the thinking community of to-day, as will be evidenced by the following editorials : Prejudice. “Prejudice,” said a noble man, “is an aristocratic hatred of humble life.” Prejudice, of every character, and existing against whom it may, is hatred. It is a fruit of our corrupt nature, and has its being in the depravity of the human heart. It is sin. To hate a man, for any consideration whatever, is murder- ous; and to hate him, in any degree, is, in the same degree murderous; and to hate a man for no cause whatever, magni- fies the evil. ‘ Whosoever'hateth his brother is a murderer,” ‘says Holy Writ. There is a kind of aristocracy in our country, as in nearly all others,—a looking down with disdain upon humble life and a disregard of it. Still, we hear httle about prejudice against any class among us, excepting against color, or against the colored population of this Union, which so monopolizes this state of feeling in our country that we hear less of it in its operations upon others, than in other countries. It is the only sense in which there is equality; here, the democratic principle is adopted, and all come together as equals, and unite the rich and the poor, the high and the low, in an equal right to hate the colored man; and its operations upon the mind and character are cruel and disastrous, as it is murder- ous and wicked in itself. One needs to feel it, and to wither under its effects, to know it; and the colored men of the United States, wherever found, and in whatever circum- stances, are living epistles, which may be read by all men in THE COLORED AMERICAN. 43 voroof of all that is paralyzing to enterprise, destructive to ambition, ruinous to character, crushing to mind, and painful to the soul, in the monster, Prejudice. For it is found equally malignant, active, and strong,—associated with the mechanical arts, in the work-shop, in the mercantile house, in the commercial affairs of the country, in the halls of learning in the temple of God, and in the highways and hedges. It almost possesses ubiquity; it is everywhere, doing its dele- terious work wherever one of the proscribed class lives and moves. Yet prejudice against color, prevalent as it isin the minds of one class of our community against another, is unnatural, though habitual. If it were natural, children would mani- fest it with the first signs of consciousness; but with them, all are alike affectionate and beloved. They have not the feel- ing, because it is a creature of education and habit. While we write, there are now playing at our right, a few steps away, a colored and a white child, with all the affection and harmony of feeling, as though prejudice had always been unknown. Prejudice overlooks all that is noble and grand in man’s being. It forgets that, housed in a dark complexion is, equally and alike, with the white, all that is lofty in mind and noble in soul; that there les an equal immortality. It teaches to grade mind and soul, either by the texture of the hair, or the form otf the features, or the color ot the skin. This is an education fostered by prejudice; consequently, an education almost universally prevalent in our country; an education, too, subverting the principles of our humanity, and turning away the dictates of our noble being from what is important, to meaner things.” This Country, our only Home. “When we say, “our home,” we refer to the colored community. When we say, “our only home,” we speak in a 44 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. general sense, and do not suppose but in individual cases some may, and will, take up a residence under another government, and perhaps in some other quarter of the globe. We are disposed to say something upon this subject now, in refutation of certain positions that have been assumed by a class of men, as the American people are too well aware, and to the reproach of the Christian church and the Christian religion, too, viz.: that we never can rise here, and that no power whatsoever is sufficient to correct the American spirit, and equalize the laws in reference to our people, so as to give them power and influence in this country. If we cannot be an elevated people here, in a country the resort of almost all nations to improve their condition; a country of which we are native, constituent members; our native home, (as we shall attempt to show) and where there are more means available to bring people into power and influence, and more territory to extend to them than in any other country ; also the spirit and genius of whose institution we so well understand, being completely Americanized, as it will be found most of our people are,—we say, if we can not be raised up in this country, we are at great loss to know where, all things considered, we can be. If the Colored Americans are citizens of this country, it follows, of course, that, in the broadest sense, this country is our home. If we are not citizens of this country, then we cannot see of what country we are, or can be, citizens; for Blackstone, who is quoted, we believe, as the standard of civil law, tells us that the strongest claim to citizenship is birthplace. We understand him to say, that in whatever country or place you may be born, of that country or place you are, in the highest sense, a citizen; in fine, this appears to us to be too self-evident to require argument to prove it. Now, probably three-fourths of the present colored people are American born, and therefore American citizens. THE COLORED AMERICAN. 45 Suppose we should remove to some other country, and claim a foothold there, could we not be rejected on the ground that we were not of them, because not born among them? Even in Africa, identity of complexion would be nothing neither would it weigh anything because our ancestry were of that country; the fact of our not having been born there would be sufficient ground for any civil power to refuse us citizenship. If this principle were carried out, it would be seen that we could not be even a cosmopolite, but must be of nowhere, and of no section of the globe. This is so absurd, that it is as clear as day that we must revert to the country which gave us birth, as being, in the highest sense, citizens of it. These points, it appears to us, are true, indisputably true. We are satisfied as to our claims as citizeus here, and as to this being the virtual and destined home of colored Americans. We reflect upon this subject now, on account of the frequent agitations, introduced among us, in reference to our emigrating to some other country, each of which embodies more or less of the colonizing principle, and all of which are of bad tendency, thowing our people into an unsettled state; and turning away our attention from vital matters which involve our attention in this country, to uncertain things under another government, and evidently putting us back. All such agitations introduced among us, with a view to our emigrating, ought to be frowned upon by us, and we ought to teach the people that they may as well come here and agitate the emigration of the Jays, the Rings, the Adamses, the Otises, the Hancocks, e¢ a/, as to agitate our removal. We are all alike constituents of the same government, and members of the same rising family. Although we come up much more slowly, our rise is to be none the less sure, This subject is pressed upon us, because we not unfrequently meet some of our brethren in this unsettled state of mind, 46 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. who, though by no means colonizationists, yet adopt the colonization motto, and say they can not see how or when we are going to rise here. Perhaps, if we looked only to the selfishness of man, and to him as absolute, we should think so, too. But while we know that God lives and governs, and always will; that He is just, and has declared that righteous- ness shall prevail; and that one day with Him is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day; we believe that, despite all corruption and caste, we shall yet*be elevated with the American people here. | It appears to us most conclusive, that our destinies in this country are for the better, not for the worse, in view of the many schemes introduced to our notice for emigrating to other countries having failed; thus teaching us that our rights, hopes, and prospects, are in this country ; and it is a waste of time and of power to look for them under another government; and also, that God, in His providence, is instructing us to remain at home, where are all our interests and claims, and to adopt proper measures and pursue them, and we yet shall participate in all the immunities and privi- leges the American nation holds out to her citizens, and be happy. We are also strongly American in our character and disposition. We believe, therefore, in view of all the facts, that it is our duty and privilege to claim an equal place among the American people; to identify ourselves with American interests, and to exert all the power and influence we have, to break down all the disabilities under which we labor, and thus look to become a happy people in this extensive country.” Thus Editor Ray was no dupe in the editorial fight that he made for his race. He successfully made The American a paper that will be known for ages as a bold and uncompro- mising fighter for freedom. THE COLORED AMERICAN. 47 We will not invite the reader to any comment of ours upon the character and ability of Mr. Ray as a journalist, or upon the influence and magnitude of the work done by his paper. Any remarks would be lost in the ocean of comments by others, some of which are here quoted. We give what recognized historians say of Mr. Ray: ‘In the year of 1839, he became the editor of Zhe Colored American, a paper which he conducted with signal ability. Zhe Colored American was well conducted, had the confidence of the public, and was distinguished for the ability shown in its editorials, as well as in its correspondence.’ In another place Mr. Brown says: “All, however, who remember as far back as thirty-five years, will bear testimony to the efficient work done by The Colored American, and to the honor that is due to its noble founder.” He is an original and subtile writer, having fine powers to analyze, and often flings the sparkling rays of a vivid imagination over the productions of his pen. His articles are usually of a practical nature, always trying to remove evils, working for the moral, social, and political elevation of his race. He was always true to the cause of the Southern slave, and the elevation of the black man, everywhere.” Another writer says: ‘Dr. Ray is a terse and vigorous writer, well informed upon all subjects of the day.” The American suspended publication, in the early part of 1842, having made a brilliant record and opened a compara- tively easy road for future efforts in Afro-American journalism. OH APORE Pu Ve THE ELEVATOR. HE time for decisive, urgent, and unceasing fight for free- dom and citizenship, from 1838 on, seems to have taken firm root in the mind and heart of every leading Afro- American, whose intelligence and practical knowledge enabled him to engage in the contest in anything like an effectual ~ way. This is seen in the ways and means established, through which they could express themselves. New York state ap- pears to have been the great fighting-ground of the Afro- American abolitionists. Not onlyin New York, but through- out the whole section of New York state, papers were established, here and there, for the purpose of agitating Afro- American freedom and citizenship. A small but bright and newsy sheet, under the title of The Elevator, was established at Albany, N. Y.,in 1842. This journal, as were the others, was devoted to the Anti- Slavery cause and to the interests and progress of the Afro- Americans. It was published by Stephen Myers, whose efforts made it a strong advocate of everything looking to the advancement and up-building of the Afro-American, THE ELEVATOR. 49 Mr. Myers was born at Hoosic Four Corners, Rensselaer County, N. Y.,in 1800. He was a slave of Gen. Warren, of Revolutionary fame, and made free by him, in the city of Albany, at the age of eighteen. He was a man of very limited education, but of great natural gifts. He was both an orator and a writer. In the publication of his paper and the make-up of subject- matter, he was greatly aided by his wife, who was a lady of education and refinement. Before marriage, she was a Miss Harriet Johnson, the daughter of Capt. Abram Johnson. She aided her husband in the preparation of all his editorials, she, too, having caught the Abolition spirit. In the publica- tion of his journal, Mr. Myers was backed by Horace Greeley, Gerrit Smith, Erastus Corning of Albany, N. Y., Henry J. Raymond, Hugh Hastings, Thurlow Weed, William Cassidy, and Peter Cagger. Mr. Myers conducted his paper purely in the interest of the abolition of slavery and in the interest of his race, and never for the purpose of making money. The above-named gentlemen, and many others, aided him with contributions from time to time; and they were largely instrumental in enabling him to circulate his journal throughout the country, Although it did not appear regularly, nevertheless it was a -potent factor in aiding him to make his work effective. The cause of Abolition was supported by many able men and influential newspapers; but by none with more earnest- ness and self-sacrificing devotion than that which character- ized the life of Stephen Myers. The Elevator, ike many other journals of its class, proved a powerful lever in diverting public opinion, public sympathy, and public support, towards the liberation of the slave. It seems almost incredible that Mr. Myers, with no education, could have accomplished so great a work. Nothing but unceasing Jabor and unwavering vigilance could have made him so 4 50 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. successful. Impressed by these qualifications, those at whose hands he sought and obtained assistance were ever ready to respond to his appeals. ‘True, there were many other men like Mr. Myers engaged in the same glorious work; but he seems to have had more than ordinary success in accom- plishing anything he attempted, to strengthen the mission to which he consecrated his life. Wherever and whenever he attended Anti-slavery gather- ings, he was an effective and even powerful speaker; and no one could listen to him without becoming a warm supporter of his cause. Meanwhile, Zhe Elevator found its way into the homes of several thousands of patriotic citizens of all races, molding Anti-slavery sentiments in its ceaseless efforts to arouse the American people to a sense of their duty to exterminate from our land a condition of affairs wholly inconsistent with the sublime principles of a republican form of government. Happily, Mr. Myers lived to see slavery abolished, the Union restored, the Fifteenth Amendment attached to the Constitution of the Nation, and, best of all, the barriers of prejudice gradually weaken their hold upon commercial and professional circles. He was also permitted to see the Afro-American, the shackled and despised being whom “man’s inhumanity to man” had made a chattel, take his initial step in the pathway of ideal American citizenship, unfettered and free; while the cloud of darkness which had enveloped him for two centuries, gave way to the sunshine of education, with oppor- tunities to reach any point in the path of success which nature intended for him. The last days of Mr. Myers were a fitting end to a life that future generations can but be pleased to admit was crown- ed with glory and splendor, by his magnificent achievements in behalf of his fellow-men; and connected with his name will OO a a - THE ELEVATOR. 51 always be a lustre and a sanctity, which is the certain reward of an honorable, upright life. ‘Press on! press on! nor doubt nor fear, From age to age this voice shall cheer— Whate’er may die, and be forgot, Work done for Freedom dieth not.” CHAPTER V. THE NATIONAL WATCHMAN AND CLARION. HE state of New York still gave evidence of her Afro- American sons’ interest in the Abolition cause. Still another messenger of warfare was issued from another portion of the state, under the title of Zhe National Watchman. This paper was first published in Troy, in the latter part of 1842, having as its publisher and editor, Mr. Wilham G, Allen, assisted by Henry Highland Garnett. His paper had but a very brief existence; however, it contended manfully for what its projectors hoped to see, and for what their soulsdesired. Mr. Allen was among the few men of his time who could be looked upon as a highly educated gentleman. Into his paper he put all the intellectual strength his mighty brain could master, which made it no less able as an advocate than any of its contemporaries. In this brief period, he conduct- ed his publication with journalistic tact and energy. In his editorial work he was assisted by one of the brainiest and most successful black men in the country. Mr. Garnett, after his connection with the Watchman, and while he was pastor of the Liberty-Street Presbyterian Church 52 HENRY HIGHLAND GARNETT. 53 54 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. of Troy, published The Clarion. This paper, while not fail- ing to treat the most momentous of _questions—American Slavery—with weighty argument and skillful debate, was run, we are informed, mostly in the interest of the religious and moral improvement of his race, to whose wellfare he was wedded. As one puts it,—‘‘ Mr. Garnett was a remarkable man.” He was as telling a speaker, as he was a writer. A gentle- man of ability and worth sums him up in the following man- ner: ‘He has gained the reputation of being a courteous and accomplished man, an able and eloquent debater, and a good writer.” GHAPTER VI, THE PEOPLE'S PRESS AND THE MYSTERY. HE Clarion was followed next by an effort at journalism it in the publication of Zhe People's Press, by Thomas Hamilton and John Dias, about 1843. This publication, jike many succeeding ones, lasted only a few months. Mr. Hamilton was book-keeper in the office of The Evan- geist, at the time when a desire to be an editor first took control of him, which desire resulted in the publication of The Press. There is a belief among some that this paper, for a while before its suspension, was known as The Anglo- African, but this must not in any way be connected with the later publi- cation of “ Hamilton’s Magazine,” and a paper known also as Anglo- African. Further mention will be made of Mr. Ham- ilton in a succeeding chapter. The Afro-Americans, at this stage, evidently caught inspi- ration, wherever settled in the North, as to the duty of the hour. Those who were able, intellectually, found it their imperative duty to agitate through the medium of the Press, for but little could be accomplished by means of speech, even at the North. 55 56 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Not only was New York the garden-spot for journalistic fruit, but Pennsylvania also occupies a place on that record- In 1843, when the interest of every man at the North had been stirred up on the slave question, the Afro-Americans of Pittsburgh, not unlike their friends in New York, desired and sought to publish letters in their behalf, but could find no means of expression. Their pleas to the white publishers of papers were not heeded. This prompted Major Martin R. Delaney to publish a weekly sheet in the early part of the year, under the title of Zhe Mystery, which was devoted solely to the interest of his race. As we have seen in preceding chapters, and as is generally the case at this writing, Afro-American papers were always lacking support. ‘The most pretentious newspapers, run strictly on business principles, would be hardly able to live upon the support the race offers. While Mr. Delaney put ability, money and business spirit into his paper, yet it survived as personal. property only nine months, when it was transferred to a joint-stock company of six gentlemen, he being retained as editor. Mr. Delaney was an editor of attractive power. His friends who now live are loud in their praises of his editorial ability. A writer says—‘The editorials of his journal elicited praises from even his enemies, and were frequently transferred to their columns.” To his editorial influence is due the originating of the Avery fund. He was the only editor from 1827 to '70, to our knowledge, who was ever arrested for what his enemies would term libel; certainly he was the first. A verdict of guilty was rendered in the suit for libel, and he was fined. Mr. Delaney stood well with his newspaper friends. They were loud in praises of him and his editorial work; and upon the occasion of the suit for bel, this was fully exemplified; for as soon as they found out the court had fined him, they +t SS AGar lager aaa THE PEOPLES PRESS AND THE MYSTERY. 57 proceeded immediately to start a subscription paper to pay the fine. Happily, it had been remitted and the money was not needed. Mr. Delaney was a physician of great skill. He was among the first Afro-Americans to graduate from Harvard College. He championed the cause of the Afro-Americans for four years through The Mystery, which suspended publi- cation in 1847. ‘This connection with The Mystery, was his first appearance in public life. : Mr. Brown, in his “Lives of Representative Men and Women,” says—‘ His journal was faithful in its advocacy of the rights of man, and had the reputation of being a well-con- ducted sheet.” Dr. Delaney died January 24, 1885, after living a useful life seventy odd years. Femme Ao & m4 pe Caw, CHAPTER VII. THE GENIUS OF FREEDOM. HORTLY after this, another effort at Afro-American journalism was made in the publication of Zhe Genius of Freedom, issued some time between 1845 and 1847, with Mr. David Ruggles as editor and publisher. The exact date of the commencement of this paper is not known, the writer having exhausted all resources to find out. Ruggles also published contemporaneously with Zhe Colored American a quarterly magazine, under the style and title of “The Mirror of Liberty,’ which we shall notice in another chapter. It is safe to conclude that Zhe Genius of Freedom was not published until after the suspension of Mr. Ruggles’ Maga- zine in 1841, and prior to the establishment of Zhe North Star, at Rochester, N. Y., in 1847. This paper, while edited for the interest of the Afro-American, did not survive a long life. It was soon gathered into its projectors’ arms, however, with the knowledge of its having done something for an op- pressed people. Thus, little is known of it by any one save the most careful observer of men, times and events. Mr. Ruggles was a highly educated gentleman, refined in 58 THE GENIUS OF FREEDOM. 59 manners. He was one of the first promoters of the Under- ground Railread, and was one who stood by it in times of peril. He was a terror to the Southerner; but a friend to his brethren in the South. He labored for his people with unfal- tering trust. He was the most logical writer of his time; indeed, there are few now of the craft who can excel our subject in the editorial field where logic and argument have most power. He was a quick and ready writer, his articles being of that nature befitting the time and occasion. Wm. Welles Brown, in his “Rising Sun,” says,—‘ The first thing ever read, coming from the pen of a colored man, was D. M. Reese, M. D., used up by David Ruggles, a man of color. Dr. Reese was a noted colonizationist, and had written a work, in which he advocated the expatriation of the blacks from the American continent. Mr. Ruggles’ work was a reply to it. In this argument, the Afro-American proved too much for the Anglo-Saxon, and exhibited in Mr. Ruggles those qualities of keen perception, deep thought, and originality, that mark the critic and the man of letters. Mr. Ruggles was an editor of the indomitable stamp. He was respected by all of his constituents, as an able and fear- less advocate. Hon. Frederick Douglass says of Mr. Ruggles,—‘ He was not only an intelligent man, but one of the bravest and bold- est spirits of the times. John J. Zuille of New York, says, _— He was a man of profound ability and force of character. During most of his active public life, he was the soul of the Under-ground Railroad in New York City, respected as an editor, and in the courts of New York for his intimate knowl- edge of law in slave cases.’ Another says,—‘ He was a keen and witty writer, sending his arrows directly at his opponent.” The most striking characteristic of Mr. Ruggles, with re- gard to his work and his time, is that he was of unmixed 60 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. blood, which clearly showed the possibilities of a race of people, some of whom were slaves and others free but with- out the right of franchisement, and with no means of eleva- tion. The Genius of Freedom, as has been said, was short-lived. However, Mr. Ruggles’ journalistic career numbered through several years, the rest of which will be noted in a succeeding chapter. It is highly probable that his life, in this respect, would have been longer, had he not been overtaken with blindness. He died in 1849, highly respected and esteemed and with a popularity which not many of his race enjoy to-day. "See CHAPTER VIII. THE RAM’S HORN. N New York, before the war, there was embodied in the Constitution of that state a clause relating to the voting qualifications of the Afro-American, which was called the “Colored Clause.” It was to the effect, that no Afro-Ameri- can could have the right of suffrage who was not actually worth two hundred and fifty dollars of real estate, accurately rated and taxes paid thereon; while any white man of twenty years, without a foot of land, could vote. The fact of such a law existing, many intelligent and level-headed Afro-Ameri- cans were deprived of a just right; while his white brother, in many cases not so capable as the other, was allowed it. As the Afro-Americans became more and more intelligent and able to see and discern events of a public nature, and capable to sit in judgment upon matters of public concern to them, sentiment among their fellows with regard to this injustice arose to such a height, that the more thoughtful and efficient of the race met in New York city, sometime between 1845 and ’47, to take into consideration this special feature of injustice. The result was a unanimous decision to petition the legislature to eliminate the word ‘color,’ and 61 62. THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. have every man to vote on the same terms and conditions. The legislature, after some fighting, decided to leave the matter with the voters, who were to vote Yes or No, on the question. Now was the most favorable opportunity for the publication of an Afro-American journal; but there was not one then issued in the land. About this time, Mr. Willis A. Hodges, a man full of zeal and devotion for his race, enthused by utterances from the editorial columns of The New York Sun calling on, the voters to vote “No,” prepared an article in answer to these utterances, and sought space for the same in The Sun’s col- umns. be Mr. Hodges’ article was published for a fifteen-dollar consideration; but its sentiment was modified, and it was published in the advertising columns. Mr. Hodges upon inquiry relative to the alteration of his article and the manner -of its publication, was told— The Sun shines for all white men, and not for colored men.” He was also told if he wished the Afro-American cause advocated, he would have to publish a paper himself for the purpose. Right here, Mr. Hodges, as was the case of all his friends with whom he consulted, saw the irreparable loss his people had sustained by the suspension of Afro-American newspapers, formerly published in New York. As has been said, there was not a paper published by an Afro-American, at this time, in the Union. Mr. Hodges, being a man of energy, public-spirited and to the manor born, hastily came to the conclusion that one should be published in New York city by Afro-Americans. He consulted with leading Afro-Americans who had been interested in former publications, only to be discouraged. All seemed to be seek- ing personal ends, and not what, at this time, demanded the closest attention of their leading minds. Finally, Mr. Hodges met with an old friend, Thomas Van THE RAM’S HORN. 63 Rensselaer, with whom he formed a co-partnership. This was done in October, 1846, at which meeting they also decided upon Zhe Ram's Horn, as a title for the paper. There was no money in hand to make the first issue. It was agreed that Mr. Hodges should furnish the finances and contribute editorially, while Mr. Van Rensselaer was to be the business manager. It is amusing, as well as interesting, to recall what Mr, Hodges himself has to say about it: ‘I had not one dollar of my own for the paper; but as white-washing was a good business in New York, I went to work at it, and in two months I had nearly all the money that was necessary to get out the first number; and I can truly say that I furnished every dollar that started The Ram’s Horn, and wrote the first article that was published in its columns.” To the surprise of many, on the first day of January, 1847, three thousand copies of Zhe Ram's Horn were gotten out, with the significant motto.—‘ We are men, and therefore interested in whatever concerns men.’ It was published in the second story of 141 Fulton Street, the price of subscription being $1.50 to persons living in New York, and $1.00 to those who received it by mail. The paper was well received, though it met with some opposition on the part of Afro-Americans in the Metropolis, and was published until dissension arose among its projectors. It was edited by Messrs. Hodges and Van Rensselaer, assisted by Frederick Douglass. Mr. Douglass, while he did httle writing for The Ram’s Horn, was then so highly popular, that no paper was considered of much importance without the name of Douglass connected with it. He was probably to Afro-American journalism of that day, what Bill Nye and Bret Harte are to the journalism of their day. The Ram’s Horn was well distributed. At one time it had upon its books two thousand five hundred subscribers. Of course, 64 } THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. these were enough to support several journals of its size, but few of them represented fully paid subscriptions. The Ram's Horn was greatly aided in living by such men as John Brown, who was a supporter and contributor, and whose sympathy was gained by the publication of Mr. Hodges treatment in Virginia. The Ram's Horn was as neatly printed, and presented as pleasing a journalistic look, as any paper published at that time. It was a five-column folio, printed on both sides with original matter, and was full in every issue with anti-slavery sentiment from the editors, as well as from able contributors. The writer of this, especially, was attracted by the clean- cut logic of an editorial, written by Mr. Hodges on one occasion, entitled,—* The South Land Again.” We put Mr. Hodges down as a man of prolific brain, good practical sense, and sound reasoning faculties. In fact, the articles of The Ram’s Horn, in general, were noted for their readableness and force of character. Vol. I, No. 48, Nevember 5, 1847, which we have before us, contains a reply of a correspondent to the following clause of a circular sent out by Rev. Alexander Crummell, dated April 19, 1846: “The rising anti-slavery feeling of the North confines itself almost entirely to the interests and rights of the white race, with an almost utter disregard of the Afro-Americans; which tendency is dangerous to us and should be changed.” It also contained other interesting articles, which space forbids us to mention here. | After The Ram's Horn had been published eighteen months, a dissension arose which resulted in Mr. Hodges retiring from the paper, leaving Mr. Van Rensselaer as editor and owner. It is due Mr. Hodges to say he left Zhe Ram’s Horn free of debt. Hodges, while crude in his English, was one of the most a a THE RAM’S HORN. 65 sagacious and practical men of his time. He was the soul of The Ram's Horn, though little credit has been given him by some who comment on Atro-American journalism. He now resides at Norfolk, Va., a trusted citizen. The Ram’s Horn appeared only once with Mr. Van Rens- selaer as editor and owner, when it fell asleep in June, 1848. It, however, had done good work for the race, in whose special interests if Was run. Mr. Van Rensselaer, while a very indiscreet man, was a brave and undaunted advocate of the equal rights of the Afro-American in the United States. T, T, Fortune, in writ- ing an article on Afro-American journalism for the holiday number of Zhe New York Journalist, takes his subject “ From The Ram's Horn,” We comments on The Ram's Horn as follows: ‘ Before the war, few newspapers were published by Afro-Americans, Here and there, a man more intelligent, more venturesome, more affluent than his fellows, turned to journalism as the most effective means of pleading for the abolition of slavery ; but his funds would be soon wasted and the issue of his paper would be stopped,” It was thus with Zhe Ram's Horn, and its service must not be forgotten. ° E+ DR. JAMES McCUNE SMITH. 66 ° CHAPTER IX. THE NORTH STAR. HE suspension of Zhe Ham's Horn did not leave the Afro-Americans entirely without an organ, Vol. I, No. 43, of The Ram's Horn contained the following pro- spectus for an anti-slavery organ at Rochester, N. Y.: ‘ Pro- spectus for an Anti-slavery paper, to be entitled —‘ The North Star : Frederick Douglass proposes to publish in Rochester, New York, a weekly anti-slavery paper with the above title. ~The object of The North Star will be to attack slavery in all its forms and aspects; advocate Universal Emancipation; exact the standard of public morality; promote the moral and intellectual improvement of the colored people; and to hasten the day of freedom to our three million enslaved fellow-coun- trymen, The paper will be printed on a double medium sheet, at $2.00 per annum, if paid in advance, and $2.50 if payment be delayed over six months. The names of subscribers can be sent to. the following persons, and should be forwarded, as far as practicable, by the first of November, proximo. 67 68 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. The following are the agents: Frederick Douglass, Lynn, Mass, ; Samuel B. , Salem, Ohio; M, R, Delaney, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Val Nicholson, Harrisburg, Ohio; Mr, Wal- cott, Boston, Mass.; J. P, Davis, Economy, Indiana; Christian Donaldson, Cincinnati, Ohio; J. M. M. Rinn, Philadelphia, Pa,; Amaraney Paine, Providence, R. I.; Mr. Gay, New Of Ke The North Star was issued the first day of November, 1847. It and Zhe Ram's Horn were contemporaries. The editor of The Star being head and shoulders above many of his colleagues, his paper was readily accepted as one of the most formidable enemies to American Slavery. Its aims and purposes, as set forth in the prospectus, drew to it good support from those of the whites who favored Abolition. The North Star was conducted on a much higher plane than any of the preceding publications. Mr. Doudiaes had, by his eloquent appeals in behalf of the Abolition cause, created a wide-spread sentiment, and he was known as an orator, While much of his time was spent on the rostrum in behalf of Abolition, yet many say his best and most effective work for freedom was as editor, in the publication of Zhe Star at Rochester, New York. Mr, Douglass was what is hard to find in any one man,— a good speaker, as well as an effective, able, and logical writer. There is no man to-day who is a Douglass with the quill and upon the rostrum. Previous to this publication, Mr. Douglass was not known as a writer; but he was afterward recognized as a aes man in more than one sphere. No writer ever expressed truth in better and more fitting language than did the man who said—“His (Mr. Doug- lass’) boldness and superior journalistic ability won for him a world-wide reputation.” His power as a writer was large, while his ready and THE NORTH STAR. 69 . vigorous use of the English language was always effective and good. We clip the following from Zhe Rising Sun: “ Frederick Douglass’ ability as an editor and publisher has done more for the freedom and elevation of his race than all his platform appeals.” The commencement of the publication of Zhe North Star was the beginning of a new era in the black-man’s literature. Mr. Douglass’ great fame gave his paper at once a place among the first journals of the country; and he drew around him a corps of contributors and correspondents from Europe, as well as from all parts of America and the West Indies, that made his columns rich with the current literature of the . world. While Zhe North Star became a welcome visitor to the homes of the whites who had never before read a paper edited by an Afro-American, its proprietor became still more popular as a speaker in every state in the Union where Abolitionism was tolerated, Of all his labors, we regard Mr. Douglass’ efforts as pub- lisher and editor the most useful to his race. For sixteen years, against much opposition, single-handed and alone, he demonstrated the fact that the Afro-American was equal to the white man in conducting a useful and popular journal. The paper was continued under the title of Zhe North Star until, in 1850, its name was changed, and it was afterwards known as “ Frederick Douglass’ Paper.” But there was only a change in name; for the same prin- ciples; the same ability, and fight for Abolition, characterized its every movement. In the publication and work incident to the paper, Mr. Douglass was assisted by his sons, This accounts, in a great measure, for their love of newspapers at this writing, and their 70 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. connection, from time to time, with many different journals. Fred Douglass’ Paper continued to be published until it was able to chronicle the emancipation of the slaves, It was then gathered into the arms of its promoters, having triumphed in the cause for which it so vigorously fought. eS Pies eterna CHAPTER X. CONTEMPORARIES OF THE NORTH STAR. ee Americans took a higher stand, and was of a more ele- vated plane than that previous to 1847. About this time, the Abolition cause began to wax warm, and the fight was a vigorous one. In this condition of affairs the Afro-American could not have less interest than those among the other race who made many sacrifices for the sake of Abolition. Upon the rostrum could be heard, all over the North, the voices of the abolitionists for the emancipation of the slave. In this, the Afro-Americans enlisted. The matchless ora- tory of Frederick Douglass, John Remond, and others, was listened to in almost every section of the North, pleading for their brethren’s freedom from oppression. This was seen to have been a necessary means of agitation. It was also necessary that the press should be conducted by able and fearless advocates. It is true, Douglass had his Star, at Rochester ; but other papers were needed to make the press heard in the hum of battle, in union with the musical voice of the orator; therefore, the Star should have its contem- eee’ with The North Star, journalism among A fro- poraries. 71 12 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Of these, some were of short and others were of long duration. The first of them was The Jmpartial Citizen, at Syracuse, N. Y., in 1848, published by Samuel Ward. Mr. Ward was a very intelligent and sober man, and conducted his journal on a very lofty plane. He was as able as any other journalist since that time, and his publication was managed with as much shrewdness and. practical ability as any of his day. By many he was regarded as an abler speaker than writer. The principles for which the paper fought are indicated by itsname. It clamored particularly for Afro-American citizen- ship at the North, and the freedom of the slave at the South. Mr. Douglass, an able man himself, says—‘To my mind, Mr. Ward was the ablest black man the country has ever produced.” It follows that Mr. Ward must have been an able man. The Citizen advocated, with convincing logic, political action against slavery. ‘Though the paper had unfortunately but a brief existence, it gained for itself the reputation of being a spirited sheet. The editor of Zhe North Star, which was a contemporary of The Citizen, says—‘ Mr. Ward was an edu- cated man, and his paper was ably edited.” This was an excellent effort at journalism. There was now no Afro-American journal published in New York City. Zhe Ram’s Horn having been suspended in 1848, left the Afro-Americans in that city without any organ. While journals, backed by men of brains, were springing up in other parts of the North, New York City contained, probably, a greater number of able black men, both speakers and writers than could be found elsewhere. Mr. Louis H. Putman, a man identified with all the Afro- American interests, began the publication of Zhe Colored Man's Journal, in New York City. It was backed by a man of some financial strength, and therefore survived many a ¢ eb vabaws: 73 74 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. shock to which it must otherwise have succumbed. It was issued in 1851, and continued to be published during a period of ten years of stormy agitation, until the outbreak of the civil war. 3 As a writer, Mr. Putman was known very well. He, however, did little work as a speaker, save in his native town on matters of local interest. His main efforts were made through his paper. He was what might be termed a practical man, full of common sense, which he used abundantly in conducting his journal. No paper up to this time, save The Star, survived the existence of The Journal. There is one feature about Mr. Putman’s hfe as a writer which is very flattering. He never fought for anything he did not conceive to be right. He had his faults, as all men have; but he looked far and thought soberly before acting. A friend speaks thus of him: ‘Mr, Putman was a man full of historical facts, and possessed keen perceptive powers; and he was a good writer.’ His paper was neat in appear- ance, and exhibited, in its mechanical make-up, a knowledge of the higher order of journalism. The next effort at journalism among the early contempora- ries of The North Star was The Alenated American, edited by Prof. W. H. H, Day, which he published at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1852, in the interest of Abolition, immediately after he graduated from Oberlin, in 1847. The American was decid- edly one of the best journals ever published, supported by a well-trained man, as well as of recognized ability. This paper was wholly devoted to the cause for which it was every Afro-American’s pleasure to fight,—that of freedom, A man eminently able and thoughtful, says—‘It rendered timely and efficient service in the cause of freedom and the elevation of the colored people in the state,” Mr. Day was a scholarly writer, of as much ability as any of that day; and since he still lives, with years of experience CONTEMPORARIES OF THE NORTH STAR. 75 upon his head, it is safe to say there are very few now who are his equals at the editorial desk, To judge from historical accounts of Mr. Day and his journalistic life, it is indeed safe to say that then there were only a few in that department of life’s work who could attain to his measure, He is spoken of in Zhe fusing Sun, as follows: “As a writer, Mr. Day is far above newspaper editors generally, exhibiting much care and thought in many of his articles. As a speaker and writer, he has done much for his race.” He is admitted to be among the few who, with Douglass, may justly claim the distinction of being a prolific writer, The great secret of Mr, Day’s success and triumphant ability as a writer is, that he had a finely stored memory, from which he could draw at will. Zhe American was a paper that could be regarded as a creditable publication, and it realized a good support. It was the first paper that had ever been published in Ohio by an Afro-American for his race; and it is a matter of fact that an enthusiastic and hearty support was at once created for it, The American suspended publication, for a while, before Mr. Day sailed for England, in 1856 and '57. There, he was recognized for his worth and scholarly training, his manner of deportment, and for his genuine eloquence in his preaching and lecturing, Some time after he returned, he embarked again in journalism, which we shall have occasion to refer to later on, Mr. Day lives at Harrisburg, Pa., where he is yet engaged in toiling for his people. He is a preacher in the A. M. EH. Zion church, and one of its best and brainiest men. In 1887, Livingstone College, Rev. J. O. Price, President, gave him the degree of “D. D.” The honor has never been conferred on one more worthy. Truly he has helped to make the history of journalism bright and shining by his having been in it. 76 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. It must seem to the reader that now the Afro-Americans were of some consequence, for we see them rising on all sides, whenever allowed any freedom at all, aiming at the one great evil of slavery. The work, as the reader will note, was not now confined to the state of New York or Pennsylvania, but was reaching into the far West and there getting foothold for a crusade fcr the right. Another contemporary of Zhe North Star was The Murror of the Times, of which Hon. Mifflin W. Gibbs was one of the proprietors and editors. It was published in San Francisco, Cal., in 1855. That The Mirror of the Times did much good work can not be denied by any one. It could not have been otherwise with the name of Judge Gibbs attached to it. ~ This journal was published for seven years, and nobly defended the race and fought for the common cause of Abolition, until, in 1862, it was merged into Zhe Pacific Appeal. The Times did excellent work, and the Afro-Americans of to-day feel proud of its efforts. Judge Gibbs is at present Receiver of Public Moneys, at Little Rock, Ark. Another excellent contemporary of Zhe North Star was The Herald of Freedom, published in 1855 by Mr. Peter H. Clark. It was one of the best advocates of Abolition among the Afro-Americans, for the reason that it had an editor of good sense and vast knowledge, both natural and acquired. Mr. Clark was born in 1827. There are possibly few men of our race who have lived, and now live, better known as of literary and intelligent worth than Mr. Clark, every person of importance giving him the credit of being an acute thinker. His journal had a very short existence, but it, no doubt, ? OSs XN CLARK. ° PETER 77 18 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. helped on the fight for a just principle, which was after- wards maintained. Its name indicated a long-looked-for desire. It joined in the fight with a vim, and went to rest, doubtless, with the feeling that it had accomplished something. After the suspension of The Herald of Freedom, in Ohio, Mr. Clark was associated with Mr. Douglass in the publica- tion of Zhe North Star. Upon the editorial staff of this paper he labored zealously. The Star had already been actively battling for Abolition for some years, and with Mr. Clark’s vigorous and pricking pen, its aims and purposes for triumph were greatly strength- ened. Respecting his contributions to Zhe Star, a writer to the author quotes William Welles Brown as expressing his senti- ment: ‘His articles were fresh, vigorous and telling.” Mr. Clark is one of the bright Afro-American minds, and the world has been made brighter and more attractive for his having lived in it. | Up to this time there had been no part taken by the Afro-American churches in the interest of Abolition, save, here and there, a few individual attempts. There seems to have been no organized effort among the churches; and noth- ing of a tangible nature was done to battle against the wrong. This the members saw; and the A. M. E. Church, having had some years of existence, now made a very interesting and permanent stand in the North. The principles of the church, as taught by Richard Allen, were laid down with much power and strength. The Press, an indispensable factor, was seen to be neces- sary here; and it was about this time (1856) that The Christian feecorder was established in Philadelphia, with Rev. Jabez Campbell, now Bishop Campbell, as editor. It is hardly necessary for us to comment here upon the CONTEMPORARIES OF THE NORTH STAR. 79 work of Zhe Recorder, or to attempt to tell its history; for to every churchman The Christian Recorder is a familar periodical. It was established as the official organ of the A. M. E. Church, and has manfully fought the fight. Its heroic efforts REV. RICHARD ALLEN, First Bishop of The African M. E. Church. in the days of slavery for Abolition, are well known to the Afro-American student of times and events, Rev. Campbell brought its editorial work to a high stand- ard, which was carried even higher by succeeding editors. Rev. Campbell resigned his position after a few years’ Service, and was succeeded by Rey. John M. Brown, who afterward became Bishop. 80 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Mr. Brown kept up the high order of editorial work attained by Mr. Campbell. By these two gentlemen the standard was fixed, and the foundation laid for a more glorious service in the time of absolute freedom. This brings us to 1868, when Rev. Benjamin F. Tanner took the editorial chair, which he occupied for sixteen years, during which time he made Zhe fecorder an assured publica- tion, giving it that distinction and prominence which it well deserved under his management. In 1870, after Rev. Tanner had had control of The Recorder only two years, a man of eminence and high intellectual ability speaks thus of him and his paper: ‘As editor of The Recorder, he has written many witty, pithy, and brilliant sentiments. There isa tinge of opulent fancy running through his editorials, which always refreshes one. The wide repu- tation of his journal, outside of his own denomination, is probably the best test of his ability as a newspaper con- ductor.” This can be said of his whole career. Upon the establishment of a church magazine in 1884, Rev. Tanner was chosen editor, whereupon he resigned the editorship of The Hecorder, when Rev. Dr. Lee was chosen as his successor. or As is known, Dr. Lee is one of the greatest Afro-American writers upon the continent of America, and with entire satis- faction to his race and his church he fills the responsible editorial chair of The Recorder. He is one of those who had to toil by the sweat of his brow for an education. It is highly interesting to think of Dr. Lee as once having been the stable-man upon the Wilberforce University grounds, and of his return, after a few years, to be its President. The divine injunction that the first shall be last and the last shall be first, is fully illustrated in this case. There is nothing harsh about Editor Lee’s productions. He is rather an easy, mellifluous writer, and fully conversant CONTEMPORARIES OF THE NORTH STAR. 81 with his church polity. It may safely be said that he is one of the most distinguished men of his race and church. f Z 4 3 Nig RSS SAY SS BLACK HARRY—‘ The Preacher.” Bishop Coke’s servant, and said by Dr. Rush, Bishop Asbury and others, to have been the greatest orator in America. LY, 4, utigeg "4% sa geg: UTVAPA \\N WY WILLIS A. HODGES. STEPHEN MYERS. CHAPTER XI, THE ANGLO-AFRICAN. HE next marked effort in this field was in New York p City, and was opportunely made. Mr. Thomas Hamilton, of The People’s Press fame, again dares to brave the storm in another publication, This time it was a decided success, reflecting credit upon his journalistic experience and his active brain. It was called The Anglo- African, and was one of the most powerful journals, irrespect- ive of the color of the publisher, in the Abolition cause. Published a few years before the war, it entered upon a heated period, which demanded fight,—fight to the bitter end. : Mr. Hamilton put every thing serviceable into his paper. He decided it should be a creditable and effective sheet, and to accomplish this he made many sacrifices, and flung to the breeze the first number of Zhe African, (Vol. 1., No. 1.) July 23,1859. It started with a high order of journalism, and occupied that elevated plane of Afro-American press work, inaugurated by Zhe North Siar. Mr. Hamilton was, at this time, sole owner of the paper; but his brother Robert was associated with him in the tet 84 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. editorial department. The Anglo-African was a most worthy paper. The publishers were men of great intellectual, as well as journalistic ability. ‘The opinion of Mr. Douglass is—‘“It had more promise, and more journalistic ability about it, than any of the other papers.” It was a large sheet of four pages, with seven columns to a page, These were larger than ordinary newspaper columns. It had at their head the following : The Weekly Anglo-African is published every Saturday by Thomas Hamilton, 43 Beekman Street, New York. Terms of subscription: Two dollars per year, or four cents per copy. Thus it went forth, and made a noble fight for the Abolition cause. Papers published at this time were watched with a criti- cising eye by almost every man among the white people. The editorial backing was closely observed, as well as the journalistic look of the paper. This ordeal The Anglo-African was able to meet. When- ever weighed in the journalistic balances, it was not found wanting. Mr. Thomas Hamilton, like his brother, was a man of superior ability, and of much experience in his profession. He was on The Lvangehst for a long while, and had been one of the proprietors of The People’s Press. Many are of the opinion that The Anglo-Afriean was the better publica- tion of the two. We will not venture the opinion that it was the best paper published, but we will say it was the largest. The great feature of The Anglo-African was, that it did not seek to make itself a paper whose matter should originate in the Hamilton family alone; and some of its contributors were known to embrace the best Afro-American talent of those days; the result being a genuine Afro-American news- paper. SHS RSS A AS M. R. DELANEY, 86 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Hamilton was devoted to journalistic efforts, and proved eminently successful therein. The motto of Zhe Anglo-African was as significant as that of any paper ever published. It was—‘‘ Man must be free; if not through the law, then above the law.” With this motto, it manfully contended for Afro-American freedom and citizenship, Mr. Thomas Hamilton continued to be the owner and editor of Zhe Anglo-African until it was bought by Mr. James Redpath, one of the old and substantial Abolition- ists,—the object of his purchase being the advocating of the Haytian Emigration Movement; a project that seemed then to be the only hope for the Afro-Americans. This occurred in the early part of 1860. After its purchase by Mr. Redpath, the paper was known as The Weekly Anglo-African, for a short time, when the following notice appeared in Vol. II, No. 13, May 11, 1861: The Anglo-African will appear next week under a new name — The Pine and Palm. What does it mean? Wait and you will see.” GEORGE LAWRENCE, JR., Publisher. While Mr. Redpath was owner, Mr. Lawrence seems to have done the work for him, and carried out his wishes with respect to the Haytian Emigration Movement. This Move- ment was pressed with earnestness by Mr. Redpath and by his representative, Mr, Lawrence, through The African, as well as The Pine and Palm. The Anglo-African of March 28, 1861, Vol. II, No. 86, contained a full outline of the Movement, and some very pertinent and interesting articles on the feasibility of it. Mr. Redpath, the General Agent; resided in Boston, and used The African, afterwards The Pine and Palm, as the surest medium through which the Afro-American could be reached. THE ANGLO-AFRICAN. 87 The issue spoken of above also contained circulars setting forth the advantages of the Movement, signed by Mr. Red- path, We would insert them verbatim et lteratim, as they appear in The African, but for the great consumption of space it would require. It kept up to the old landmark of journalistic enterprise, during the year it was published, About August or Septembur of 1861, Mr. Redpath having resigned the position of Emigration Agent of the Haytian Movement, the paper reverted to the hands of one of the Hamiltons, this time being owned and edited by Mr. Robert Hamilton, Mr. Thomas Hamilton having died. It also resumed its original name, Anglo-African. Mr. Hamilton was assisted in the editorial work by Rev. Henry Highland Garnett, who appears in the paper as “Editor of the Southern Department ;” and who was inter- ested in every good enterprise started during this perilous time in the interest of American Slavery. Under Mr. Robert Hamilton’s management the paper increased in size, and the editorial dash of its columns was perceptibly quickened, ; Mr. Garnett was a man of affairs, and contributed in a magnificent way to the brilliancy of the paper. It was published at 50 Beekman Street, a part of the time, and then at 184 Church Street, New York City. Much of the services of Zhe Anglo-African, in these later days of its publication, was due to Mr. William G. Hamilton, son of the former owner and editor, who acted in the capacity of business manager. Mr. Robert Hamilton was known throughout New York state, and, in fact, the Union, as an able writer; and his paper was recognized as an unflinching advocate of Repubh- canism, which he regarded the best friend of the slave. While an untiring advocate of Republican principles, he watched party actions with a vigilant eye, in order to detect any traitorous measure it might attempt to support. 88 THE ANGLO-AFRICAN. ‘ The African also looked with a piercing eye to the educa- tional interests of the freedmen in the South—Vol, V, No. 5, September 9th, 1865, immediately after the Surrender, con- tains a most potent and well-timed article on the kind of education the freedmen should have, and the way in which he should be taught. The editorial was headed: ‘The South- ern Field and the proper agents.” The following are the introductory words of the article: ‘We notice an increasing solicitude among the whites, as to the influence likely to be exerted upon the freed brethren of those talented colored men who are now going South. This is quite natural, The whites are conscious of the fact that heretofore they have had the field all to themselves; that for patronage and perquisites they have taught what and how they pleased.” ‘Tt is reasonable and proper that colored men should feel that it is their mission now to enter this field and educate and elevate their freed brethren, This field is naturally ours, and is the only fair one we ever had for usefulness before. Moreover, the race to be educated and elevated is ours; therefore we are deeply interested in the poe of heen it receives, etc.” The Anglo-African lived to see the Afro-American a freed- man, and to enjoy the awarded—‘ Well done, good and faithful servant,” in the Abolition fight. It lived to see the Afro-American on the march to an intellectual position and to civil citizenship; and with this consciousness it died peacefully in the arms of its promoters. The Hamiltons will be known as long as the cause for which men fought, mentally and physically, is remembered by their countrymen. Their names will be treasured in the archives of history in connection with that of Phillips, Garrison, and a phalanx of others, whose arms are stacked by the Jordan of eternal rest. i { Wy NG? ' i) a ODL rat mad Hy Wi TM SAMPSON, D. Y Wi 4 ff} y / / if LEAL LY YM KY 5 f / / LOTS f2P8h /) . ie ity} REV. J. P. Wastes 89 OHAPT ER exit CONTEMPORARIES OF THE ANGLO-AFRICAN. HE only paper we have heard of that was published by one of our race during the war, or that began publica- tion during that period, was Zhe Colored Citizen, at Cincin- nati, by Mr. John P. Sampson. It was issued in the interest of the black soldiers, then fighting in the Civil War. The Citizen was the only Afro-American war-policy paper published. It was generally known as the ‘Soldiers’ Organ.” Many humane Christians at the North aided in the publi- cation of this paper, and circulated thousands of copies of it among the Afro-American soldiers. It was a successfully conducted sheet, having the tone of a journal whose mission was a high and lofty one. Mr. Sampson was a man of eminent learning, having been sent North from his home in North Carolina to obtain an ed- ucation, which he received in the schools of Boston. He began work as a teacher in the public schools of New York, and so endeared himself to the hearts of his people and won the esteem of the nation, that when he entered upon this mission he gave a prestige to his paper which made it an ever-welcome visitor to many homes. THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. 91 Mr. Welles Brown, who possibly knew more about the ability and work of the men of his times than most people, says— Mr. Sampson was an able writer, etc.,” which com- pliment speaks well for him. John P, Sampson was as well known for his good deeds, and for his arduous work as editor in war and reconstruction times, as any man who ever espoused the Abolition cause. He was an enterprising editor; which is much to say of a colored man of his profession at that time, for, usually, those so disposed were not suffered to exercise their ability in that direction. His journal was an authority, owing to the fact that Mr, Sampson was a rehable man. He might be termed an im- pressive writer,—one whose thoughts in print would leave their lessons deeply stamped upon the reader’s mind. His services as an editor and correspondent were largely sought. In addition to his duties in connection with The Citizen, he edited, through the mail, for a brief period, a paper at Louisville, Ky., which was owned by a joint-stock company. We have been unable to find out the name of this paper. Zhe Citizen suspended publication in the latter part of 1865, having done great service in the West for the colored people. The year 1862 brings us to the period when The Mirror of the Times, previously spoken of, changed hands, and was published as Zhe Pacific Appeal, the proprietor being Mr. William H. Carter. It was because of this paper that Mr. Philip A. Bell left for the Pacific Coast to become its associate editor. The Appeal was also one of The Anglo-African’s contemporaries. It was regarded as the official organ of the Afro-Amerieans on the Pacific Slope, at this time. The following, which was found weekly in its columns as an advertisement of its aims and purposes, as well as a delineation of the principles for which it fought, will doubtless enlighten the reader as to its stand: 92 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. “ The Pacific Appeal, established in 1862, is the immediate successor of The Mirror of the Times, which was established by colored men in San Francisco, in 1855. The Pacific Appeal has always been regarded on the Pacific Coast, also in the Eastern states, as a reliable index of the doings of the colored citizens of the Pacific states and adjacent territories. Every important political, or other movement, made by the citizens of the Pacific coast, is promptly detailed by correspondents. The Pacific Appeal is independent in thought and in action, Its columns are open to all parties for the logical discussion of every question pertaining to the welfare and progress of the people, without regard to race, color, or condition, ete.” With these characteristics, viz.: its political attitude, ex- tensive influence, and wide circulation, it was regarded by the intelligent of all classes as the most desirable and readable newspaper ever published by Afro-Americans on the Pacific Slope; and as the equal of any by Afro-Americans in the Atlantic States. During Mr. Bell’s connection with this paper, he exercised all of his journalistic zeal, for which he was so well and favorably known, and this, as a matter of fact, did its part towards enabling it to stand. It was a sprightly-looking sheet, a six-column folio, and attractively printed. Its edito- rials were of a sober and sound character, which always indicated the power and make-up of the paper. As was the practice of every Afro-American journal, Zhe Pacific Appeal had a motto: ‘He who would be free, him- self must strike the blow;”’ which it adhered to as best it could, under existing circumstances. This, it would seem, was the vital principle underlying the contest this paper intended to make, in view of what was a common fight,— that of Abolition, or freedom to the enslaved, aed PHILLIP A. BELL. 93 94 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. The Appeal was permitted to witness the accomplishment of this, and the bondman become a freeman and a citizen; and lived for several years afterwards to see him develop his citizenship. Mr. Philip A. Bell, one of the very earliest editors of which mention was made in a preceding chapter, having moved to the Pacific Slope with the desire to continue the good work of editorial fighting for his race, began, April 18, 1865, to issue The Elevator, The following is the prospectus, as it appeared in The Anglo-African: “Prospectus :— The Hlevator,—a weekly journal of progress, published every Friday. ? Office, Phoenix Building, corner of Sampson and Jackson Streets, San Francisco, Cal., Room No. 9. Terms :—Per year, $5.00; six months, $2.50; three months, $1.25; one month, 50 cents; single copies, 15 cents. This paper is the organ of the Executive Committee, and will advocate the largest political and civil liberty to all American citizens, irrespective of creed or color. Such are our general principles and objects; but we shall have, in addition thereto, a special mission to fulfill: We shall labor for the civil and political enfranchisement of the colored people,—not as a distinct and separate race, but as American citizens. We solicit the patronage of all classes, as we intend to make The Elevator a real, ive paper, and an evidence of the progress of the age. As an advertising column for retail business, we offer peculiar advantages, as our circulation will principally be among persons who patronize such establishments. To make our advertising columns accessible to all, we have established the following low rates of advertising :—One square, six lines or less, one insertion, 60 cents; each subsequent insertion, 25 cents. CONTEMPORARIES OF THE ANGLO-AFRICAN, 95 A liberal discount will be made to those who wish to contract for advertising quarterly or by the year, P. A. Bett, Editor. Publishing Committee: William H. Yates, James R. Star- key, R. A, Hall, James P. Dyer and F. G. Barbadoes.” Mr. Bell, having had up to this time twenty-five years of experience in editorial work, of course started The Elevator without any trouble whatever, either as to journalistic finish or business enterprise, It was a neatly printed paper, of four pages, with seven columns to a page. Its motto was “Equality before the law;” for which it fought with might and main, It was devoted to the literary culture of his race on the Pacific Slope, and though a contemporary of The Pacific Appeal, it claimed to be the organ of the Afro- Americans in California, The place of publication was 615 Battery Street, San Francisco, Cal. While an earnest and efficient writer himself, in these his last days of journalism, he had an able corresponding editor in the person of Mr, Wilham'J. Powell. The Elevator was known as a journal of progress, devoted to Science, Art and Literature, and also to the Drama. As in the other publications of Mr. Bell, he had about him an able class of correspondents, and a willing force of agents. Very often, during the publication of Zhe Elevator, Mr. Bell was in very straitened circumstances, but he managed to continue the publication of his journal, and it was always readable. Unfortunately, he died April 24, 1889, in destitute circumstances, but his paper still lives, Mr. Bell having given it an impetus that will make it flourish for a long time. How he was estimated as a journalist can best be told by those who knew him, and loved him for his noble deeds and generosity of heart. The following is the tribute from Zhe Gate City Press, of Kansas City, Mo.: “Philip A. Bell, the octogenarian journalist is dead. In 96 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. his death the Negro race loses the oldest and one of the ablest of American editors. Fifty-two years ago, in New York, he flung to the breeze as a menace to the slave owner and slave hunter, Zhe Colored American. A quarter of a century ago, he removed to San Francisco, where The Pacific Appeal was started. In 1865 Mr. Bell launched The Elevator, a spicy weekly, which continues to this day the oldest secular Negro newspaper. Educated, original, capable of fine powers of analysis, he flung the sparkling rays of his imagination over the productions of his pen, and came to be regarded as the Napoleon of the Colored press. For some years he had been too feeble to engage in newspaper work. Wednesday, April 24, at the age of 81, his spirit fled to his Maker. He died in the poor-house. And this is the end of a great historic character. Peace to his ashes!” Below is the tribute paid to him by a writer in Zhe New York Age: “Philip Alexander Bell has closed his eyes in death, in his 81st year. To all New Yorkers the fact opens a history of the past that is not only interesting but profitable to consider. It brings up precious names; it calls to mind when New York City would call her roll of fifty and more of big-hearted, self-sacrificing men who publicly distinguished themselves and served the cause of their race not selfishly but for justice sake; men upon whom each other could safely rely; sensible, considerate men; stirring, energetic men; who were not simply active in efforts to free and enfranchise their brethren in bonds, but who were actively interested to forward the cause of morality generally, of education, of refinement and of the general weal. They were men of inflexible character when a principle was at stake.” *K *k “k *k *K *k * *K *k “All of these, and more besides, are worthy of a place in the heart of every lover of liberty, and especially in the 97 98 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. memory of the colored race. It is but seldom we hear men- tioned the name of any of the above, though they all labored faithfully to bring about what is to-day enjoyed throughout the land by millions of their race, They were giants in efforts; they were heroes in devotion and in sacrifice, If you would be informed of the labors of Philip A. Bell, seek the files of The Colored American, the Negro’s pioneer paper. He started this journal in 1837, in New York City. There was associated with him the Rev. Samuel E. Cornish, one of the ablest colored men of his day, ranking with Hamilton, Simpkins and Williams. Ata later date Dr. James McCune Smith was one of its editors. Dr. Smith, it will be remembered, graduated with high honors from Glasgow Uni- versity, Scotland. About 1857 Mr. Bell went to California, where he wrote vigorously as an associate editor for The Pacific Appeal. He, with Frederick G. Barbadoes, did nobly in manufacturing a liberal sentiment in California, favorable to the colored people. In 1865 he gave to San Francisco and to the country Zhe Elevator, which paper had his name at its head as editor and proprietor until his spirit from bondage was set free on the 25th ult. Mr. Bell was a strong, vigorous but chaste writer, quite poetic; in fact he was fond of the poets, many of whom he could quote readily. He was well versed in history and belles-lettres and was a fine dramatic critic. He wrote several articles for the California daily papers, criticising Keene, Macready, Forrest and others. *k *k * *K *K * * * * “To be restless and aggressive, is the lesson his life presents _ to the individuals of this day; to those who have the manliness to feel that their talents, character, and citizenship are not . properly respected. He was tall and prepossessing in appear- ance and manners; he had a fine address, was quick, impul- sive and brave, with a keen sensibility as to honor and those CONTEMPORARIES OF THE ANGLO-AFRICAN. 99 other amenities that mark a gentleman and refined society. He was open-hearted and generous. Philip A. Bell has left behind but a very few of those old New Yorkers who labored with him nearly a half-century ago.” ee NCE SO Ke Sai CHAPTER XIII. THE COLORED AMERICAN, Afro-American, mark an entirely new phase in journal- istic pursuit, as in all other interests. The South, the main place of abode for our people, is vastly in need of a press, not only as a defender of our rights but as a popular educator; for as one of eminence has said o the Afro-American journals—‘ They would be, for a long time, the popular educator of the masses.” Afro-American papers educate the masses of the Afro- American people. These papers would seem to be not so much a defender as teachers of the masses, leading them to see the course they should pursue as freedmen in educating and elevating themselves as a people. The keenest and most far-seeing Afro-Americans were the ones, too, whose labors were in demand. With these facts in view, the Afro-Americans were not long in stretching themselves out. becoming editors and putting their Sane ey well mapped out and carefully arranged, on the “sek page, before the public, The prospectus of the first paper published in the South, dhe close of the war, and an epoch of freedom for the THE COLORED AMERICAN. 101 appeared in Zhe Anglo-African, Vol. 5, No.6. The following is the prospectus, as it appeared: The Colored American Prospectus : “The undersigned propose to establish in Georgia, in Au- gusta, a Weekly Newspaper, to be entitled Zhe Colored American. It is designed to be a vehicle for the diffusion of Religious, Political and General Intelligence, It will be devoted to the promotion of harmony and good-will between the whites and colored people of the South, and untiring in its advocacy of Industry and Education among all classes; but particularly the class most in need of our agency. It will steadfastly oppose all forms of vice that prey upon society, and give that counsel that tends to virtue, peace, prosperity and happiness. Accepting, at all times, the decision of the public sentiment and Legislative Assemblies, and bowing to the majesty of law, it will fearlessly remonstrate against legal and constitu- tional proscription by appeal to the public sense of justice, This paper will be conducted in a kind, conciliatory, and candid spirit, never countenancing that which serves to engen- der hostility. Its greatest aims shall be to keep before the minds of our race the duties and responsibilities of freedom ; and to call attention to the wants and grievances of the colored people. We earnestly ask the patronage of the colored people of Georgia, who must see the importance of such an organ. We earnestly ask the cordial support of our white friends at the South, who are striving to bring about an “era of good feeling’ and prosperity, and who believe that the colored race can materially aid in developing the resources of this section. We earnestly ask aid from our Northern friends, of all classes, who can be kept posted on all the affairs of the colored people, through our journal, 102 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. The Colored American will be issued in the latter part of October next. It will be of medium size, good type, and in all respects a good journal, and a very live one. Terms $4.00 per annum, in advance. Send in donations or subscriptions to Rev. James Lynch, 84 Edward Street, Baltimore, Md., or to J. T. Shuften, Augusta, Ga. Before proceding to comment respecting the work of The Colored American, it may be interesting to know the cause of the establishment of Zhe American by the two gentlemen who signed the Prospectus: In May, 1865, when the United States Commissioner was sent South to the freedmen, Mr. Shuften, then a very young man, was chosen to deliver the address of welcome. He did so and acquitted himself nicely. He was followed by Rev. Dr. Lynch of Baltimore, one of the leading lghts of the Afro-American race. Mr. Shuften saw the necessity of newspapers as the herald and sentiment of the Afro-American, in connection with the work of elevating his people. Being a young man of no great influence,—certainly not enough to give that prestige to a publication necessary to draw about it a support, he succeeded in securing the aid of Dr. Lynch. In September, 1865, he purchased type from a Mr. Singer and issued the above Prospectus for a publication in October. The first week of that month marked the issue of The American, the first Afro- American newspaper published in the South, after the war. It was received with great favor, by both white and black citizens; and heartily endorsed by the people of Augusta for its good and timely counsels, under the new order of things. It had no politics to advocate at that time; for its advent was before the enfranchisement of the Afro-American, or the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment. It therefore had nothing to promote but the intellectual and moral advance- SHUFTEN, J. T, 103 104 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. ment of its constituents, which it did to no little extent. The American had but one exchange upon its file ,—that of The Colored Citizen, published at Cincinnati, O. The American had but a brief existence. Mr. Shuften having consented to form a joint-stock company for the purpose of placing the paper upon a more permanent basis, he was forced, in February, 1866, through the bad faith of the stockholders, to abandon the enterprise to its creditors. It was purchased by Mr. J. E. Bryant and afterwards ap- peared under the name of The Loyal Georgian. The American, during its career, received valuable support and encouragement from Bishop H. M. Turner and Rey, Dr. James Lynch. In fact, Mr. Lynch did a vast deal of good by writing for the paper, which made 1t a journal of interest- ing matter. He was not only a man of great experience but of vast learning, and was a ready writer. Says an eminent man: “Lynch's articles were always care- fully prepared, thoughtful, argumentative, and convincing; and they performed a good work wherever read.” Another says: ‘Mr. Shuften was a writer of natural ability.” He has issued several pamphlets, and, at present, has a work of fiction prepared for the press, which is entirely original. Zhe New York World and Churchman credits Mr. Shuften as the author of the best article yet published on the “Negro Question.” He was born in 1840, in Augusta, Ga., and at present is a successful, practicing lawyer, at the bar of Orlando, Florida. CHAPTER XIV. CONTEMPORARIES OF THE COLORED AMERICAN. ONTEMPORANEOUS with The American was published The Colored Tenneseean, in the state of Tennessee, (the second Afro-American journal published in the South) and The True Communicator, at Baltimore, Md. These were journals of much ability and influence. Though all were of very brief existence, they aided Zhe American in its great work of advising the race. The Anglo-African of Nov. 11, 1865, says of these papers: “The True Commumeator is edited with much spirit, and shows that the gentlemen having it in charge fully compre- hend their duties, and are thoroughly alive on all the questions of the hour. We hope that great success will attend the efforts of the publishers, In speaking of Zhe Tennescean, the same paper says :— “This paper, which we have heretofore mentioned with much pleasure, has been enlarged, and our friend Waring of Ohio has joined the editorial corps. The people of Ten- nessee and the adjoining states appear to be coming up to the support of this sterling paper; and we hope that the publishers are meeting a just reward for their zeal and faithfulness in our cause, 106 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Thus we see that these two papers, published in ’65 and 66, did excellent work as contemporaries of Zhe Colored American. CHAPTER XV. GENERAL IDEA OF AFRO-AMERICAN JOUR- NALISM. HE establishment of Zhe Communicator and The Tenne- Tr seean opened the way for the introduction of like papers all over the South. From the year 1866 on, Afro-American newspapers were being founded in almost every state, some of which died an early death, while others survived many years. Some dropped their original name, and, under another, exist to-day. These papers were started by some of the ablest men of the race at that time. They were men whose loyalty to their people could not be questioned, and whose efforts for race development could not fail to win appreciation. They labored at a time when the Afro-American, just out of slavery, did not engage to any great extent in literary efforts; and consequently a support for their journals was obtained by the hardest efforts only. While the South did not accept defeat with any great magnanimity of soul, and consequently was not interested in the Afro-American’s development,—in fact, did not, as a whole, wish to see it, yet there were a few whose love of principles and a desire to do what is right in the sight of 108 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. God led them to receive properly the great result of the war, and at once unite with the Christian people of the North in helping the freedmen. Wherever an Afro-American was found with brain sufficient to establish a hterary effort, he was aided by these people. These journals were, in many respects, of more importance as advocates than we find the average Afro-American journals now. Why? The answer is plain, when we remember that only the ablest men of the race engaged in these under- takings then. In 1866 The American was a thing of the past, yet Zhe Loyal Georgian was, in a measure, doing its work. The Sunbeam, at Brooklyn, edited by Rev. Rufus L. Perry, (now D. D. and Ph. D.), and The Zon Standara and Weekly Review, edited by Rev. S. T. Jones, (mow Bishop Jones) assisted by Prof. W. Howard Day, (now a D. D.,) were all marching to the front and early demonstrating the capabilities of this people, once oppressed. These were supplemented in their efforts by neater and more substantial publications. In 1868, Rev. R. H. Cain, later a member of Congress, and Bishop in the A. M. E. Church, established Zhe Charleston Leader, at Charleston, S.C. He afterwards made it the organ of his church, when it was known as Zhe Missionary Record. Rev. Mr. Cain, as is known, is a very able man, and of course much of his brilhancy was manifest in his paper. It was continued many years under the editorial management of Hon. R. Brown Elliott; but when he was elected a member of Congress, it suspended. There were still papers rising here and there, advocating Afro-American advancement. The year 1870 opened glo- riously for the Afro-Americans, in the field of journalism. The People’s Journal, a juvenile paper, (which had 10,000 subscribers) was now being issued by Dr. R. L. Perry, as was also Lhe National Monitor, BISHOP RICHARD HARVEY CAIN, D. D. 110 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Not one among the many Afro-American journalists has been more progressive and aggressive in journalistic work than Rey. Dr. R. L. Perry. Rev. Perry was born in Smith County, Tenn. He is a highly educated man, having, as has been previously stated, two honorary degrees at the present time. He has an excellent idea of journalism, as one may see by a glance at The Monitor. He is a writer of vast learning and experience. The Monitor has survived many shocks in these twenty years of labor. A writer says of our subject: ‘His pen has never in all these years failed to warn the race of dangers ahead, He always puts God first, and the race next.” Concerning the first paper he edited, in 1866, Zhe Brook- lyn Daily Unwn says: “It is edited by an intelligent, active, clear-headed colored man. It is temperate, sensible, and manly,” This is the true estimate of his Monztor, to this day. Mr. Jas. J. Spellman, now Special U. 8. Lumber Agent, and Mr. John R. Lynch, now Fourth Auditor U. 8. Treasury, began in this year, Zhe Colored Citizen, in Mississippi. They were among the few able leaders in Mississippi, and their journal was creditably gotten up. December 25th of that year, Mr. P. B. 8. Pinchback started The New Orleans Lowisianian, which was the first semi- weekly paper published by Afro-Americans. It was pub- lished in this way for three years, when it was issued weekly. This paper was a noteworthy effort, and a champion of the race. Its editor put into it all of the zeal and fire for which he is noted. In this year W. Howard Day also published at Wilmington, Del., Our National Progress, which he edited with his accus- tomed vigor. It was a very good effort in this line, but eked out only a short existence, All during this time the intel- AFRO-AMERICAN JOURNALISM. 111 lectual state of the Afro-American was being improved, and his love for newspapers was daily increasing. In August, 1861, John J. Freeman issued The Progressive American, in New York City, which ran from August 15, 1871, to February, 1887. It would not then have been suspended, but for the failing health of Mr. Freeman, who was advised by his physician to retire from the business. No publication, save Zhe Recorder, Elevator, and North Star, had so long an existence as this paper; and there is no exaggeration when the assertion is made, that none did more good. ‘There was bitter prejudice to Afro-American journals, when The American made its appearance in New York; but it successfully combated every obstacle, and came out con- queror. Many things profitable to the race that The American fought*for were gained. Notably among these was the fight made for Afro-American teachers in the public schools of New York, the result being there are now twenty-three such teachers in said schools. Zhe American also fought many an evil of the race, while advocating many good measures. Mr. Freeman was a man of good journalistic ability, and excelled in press work. In journalism his was a rough road to travel; but all was laid upon the altar as his contribution to elevate the race. His editorials exhibited more than ordinary tact and talent, and were always on the side of right, morality, and the elevation of man. Willam Welles Brown, in writing on the merits of Zhe American, says: ‘That spicy and spirited weekly, Zhe Pro- gresswe American, is edited by the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. By his natural genius, untiring industry, and scholarly attainments, he has created, and kept alive, a newspaper that is a welcome guest in New York and the county around,” 112 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Mr. Freeman is worthy of a more extended notice, but it must be withheld for want of space. The author would like to mention many things which he succeeded in obtaining through his editorial efforts, but must forbear. The Progresswe American was followed by The Commoner, and others equally as prominent. Prof. P. H. Murray pub- lished Zhe Colored Citizen, at Washington, D.C. Mr. Murray is the present editor of The St. Lows Advance, and his editorials are always fresh, vigorous, far-seeing, and bristling with argument backed with facts, From this time to 1880, journals were continually being started, which would require several volumes to mention, Many of them survived but a short time. This period was one of great political excitement for the Afro-American. The ballot had just been given to him, with which it became possible to place his brother*in the Congressional Halls. Publications were started in various localities for the achievement of a certain political end, which having been accomphshed, their career would then terminate. This decade was, however, a successful period for Afro-Ameri- can journalism, which made a great stride, though not equal to that from 1880 to 1890. In 1870 there were but ten journals published by Afro- Americans in the United States, and in 1880 there were thirty; therefore we perceive there was a gain of twenty in ten years,—the most of these having been started after 1875. This is a good and notable increase, when we remember the lack of literary culture of the Afro-American, his limited knowledge of newspapers, and his want of desire for enlight- enmént then, and his support of newspapers now. The following list does not, by any means, comprise the exact number of newspapers published by our people, for some were known only in the immediate vicinity of their publication, AFRO-AMERICAN JOURNALISM. 11 2 Oo The following is a complete list of Afro-American journals Leader, Christian Recorder, Conservator, Lousiaman, National Tribune, Progressive Amerwan, Virgia Star, People’s Advocate, Co- Operator, Western Sentinel, National Momtor, Freeman's Journal, Advance, People’s Jour hore Spectator, Journal of ier ‘'Y, Observer, Concor iB ae Colored Citrzen, : Golden Enterprise, Eastern Review, Hlevator, Afro-American P: esby eee 2an, Independent Pilot, African Expositor, Star of Zion, Educator and Reformer, People's Journal, People’s Watchman, The Argus, that were published when the year 1880 was ushered in: Indianapolis, Ind. Philadelphia, Pa. Chicago, Ill. New Orleans, La. St. Louis, Mo. New York City. Richmond, Va. Washington, D.C. Boston, Mass. Kansas City, Mo, Brooklyn, N. Y. St, Louis, Mo. Montgomery, Ala. Jackson, Miss. Galveston, Tex. Raleigh, N. C, New Orleans, La. Vidalia, La. Topeka, Kan. Baltimore, Md. Providence, R. I. San Francisco, Cal. Wilmington, N. C. Concord, N. C, Raleigh, N. C. New Berne, N. C. Nashville, Tenn, New Orleans, La, Charleston, 8. C, Washington, D. C. These papers were held in high regard ae their journal- national reputation as istic tact and worth, and for their 114 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. reliable journals. ‘To our mind, the greatest stride made in Afro-American journalism, was in the decade which ends with the present year, 1890. Let us note the advance in the comparative estimates of 1880 and 1890. For con- venience, we will do so by states: | STATES. 1880. ssn | 180. 1890. GAIN. Texas, 1 16 15 Pennsylvania, 1 10 9 Virginia, 1 10 9 Tennessee, 1 9 8 Ohio, 6 6 Arkansas, 7 7 Louisiana, 4d 7 3 Georgia, 10 10 Illinois, 1 6 5 Missouri, 3 6 3 Kentucky, a) 5 Alabama, | 1 10 | 9 Dist. of Columbia, 2 + | 2 New York, | 2 4 | 2 South Carolina, 1 4 3 Indiana, 1 2 1 Maryland, 1 5 4 Mississippi, 1 t | 3 Florida, 3 3 Colorado, 2 2 North Carolina, 5 11 6 California, 2 3 1 Kansas, 1 2 1 Michigan, 1 i Minnesota, 1 1 West Virginia, 2 2 New Jersey, 2 2 | Massachusetts, it 1 | Connecticut, il | Rhode Island, i Total, 31 154 1238 = <== a S= = fe This period begins with a year when the Afro-American is seeking to advance in the educational field, and to be AFRO-AMERICAN JOURNALISM. 115 thirsting for knowledge. It begins with a time when Afro- American journalism is deeply interwoven in the fabric of the nation, and is seen to be an indispensable factor in the improvement of our race. Some of the states not mentioned have had Afro-American ‘papers, but they were short-lived. This increase of jour- nalism in these last years indicates as plainly as anything can the triumphant progress of the race. Since the begin- ning of 1890, there has been a marked gain in Afro-Ameri- can journals over the last decade. The typographical appearance and the editorial standard of these papers are their noticeable characteristics. They assume greater propor- tions, and seem more comprehensive in their editorial dealings. In summing up this chapter, we can readily conclude that the increase in our journalistic efforts is a fair measure of our literary ability, which has been so developed within a quarter of a century. Onward! fellow-craftsmen, is the watchword, CHAPTER XVI. AFRO-AMERICAN MAGAZINES. HAT the measure of a people's lterary qualifications is its press facilities has been accepted, we think, as a fact; yet a people's literary worth is not to be estimated solely by the number of its newspapers, magazines and periodi- cals; for a hundred of them united may not possess as much merit as one other journal in point of editorial excellence. Therefore, we deduce this from careful study: that press facilities may be a measure of a people’s literary worth, only insomuch as the press is able, practical, and efficient; and so far as it expresses itself clearly and produces sentiment in accordance with the principles of right, truth and justice. ~ What kind of press work goes to make up this measure, is the question for each of us to consider. What kind of press work has aided in demonstrating the Afro-American’s literary worth, is another question for solution. We believe all nations consider the magazine the best exponent of its literary worth. This being so, it is fair to conclude that such is the case with the Afro-American. There is found in the magazine not only the purest and best thought of the editor but also the richest and best AFRO-AMERICAN MAGAZINES. say thought of the leaders and representatives of his race; made so by culture, experience, and pure Christian character. It, then, a race possess any number of these magazines, which are well contributed to and sustained by its own people, it becomes a self-evident fact that they are growing in literary merit. The Afro-Americans early began this work. Those at the North, even while their brethren were enslaved in the South, and they themselves were not enjoying many of the blessings of freedom, and while their elevation was retarded, saw in this branch of journalism a timely and effective means of advocacy for the abolition of slavery in the South, and the improvement of the black man at the North. As early as the 30’s an Afro-American was at the head of a popular monthly magazine, Mr. William Whipper having editorial control of The National Reformer in 1838, which was the property of the American Moral Reform Society. This magazine was exceedingly popular, and was, as a matter of fact, read by more whites than blacks. It was published in the interest of the Abolition Movement, and of the moral, educational, and social reform of the people, irre- spective of color. It therefore occupied a position, in which the Afro-American editor had to strive bravely to reach a high standard. Mr. Whipper was a man of fine editorial powers; and the magazine under his control was, in most respects, the equal of its former literary managers. A leader of the race, familiar with Mr. Whipper’s editorial work for reform, pays him this tribute: ‘Mr. Whipper’s editorials were couched in chaste and plain language; but they were bold and out-spoken in the advocacy of truth.” It was in 1833 that Mr. Whipper sent to the world these favorable and suggestive words through The Reformer, rela- tive to moral reform. Said he: ‘Our country is rich with 118 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. means for resuscitating her from moral degeneracy. She possesses all the elements for her redemption, She has but to will it, and she is free.” If '33 presented this glorious aspect for moral reform, how much greater should this day offer ! This magazine we have just been considering, while in every respect Afro-American by having an Afro-American as editor, was not owned by a black man. It, however, demon- strated the Afro-American’s capacity for the editorial work of a magazine. But it was not long before the Afro-American was sole owner of a magazine, as well as editor of it. With the year 1837 came the publication of The Mirror of TLnberty, a quarterly magazine, (taking Wiliam Welles Brown as au- thority), published by David Ruggles, whom we have noticed in a preceding chapter. Mr. Ruggles was much interested in the moral, social, and political elevation of the free Afro- Americans in the North, and for this he labored zealously through the columns of his magazine for many years. He- was not so interested in the Abolition Movement. when editing The Mirror of Inberty. The magazine had an able corps of writers and was a credit to the race. Between the years 1840 and 1850, there is no record that tells us of any publication of the nature we have been considering. Not until 59 do we hear of another Afro- American magazine. True to the spirit of the Afro-American, unhindered, this time his effort for a magazine was greater than ever, resulting in one the journalistic neatness of which was worthy of that of the most pretentious. It was called The Anglo-African Magazine, and was an outcome of The Anglo- African paper, both being owned and edited by Mr. Hamilton. Vol. 1, No. 1, appeared January, 1859. It was a monthly magazine of thirty-two pages. The title page had the following: “Et nigri Memnonis arma.” January lst, AFRO-AMERICAN MAGAZINES. 119 1856. Published by Thomas Hamilton, 48 Beekman Street, New York. This magazine adhered closely to the outline of policy given in the prospectus, 1t being devoted to Literature, Science, Statistics, and the advancement of the cause of human freedom. ‘The name of Thomas Hamilton as editor was a guarantee for its editorial matter. Its contributors, who were men of unimpeachable character and ability, kept its columns constantly teeming with light. They always presented a clear and concise statement of the race’s condition at that time, both free and enslaved. The objects mentioned below, set forth in the prospectus, were faithfully adhered to and worked for. They were as follows: ‘To chronicle the population and movements of the colored people. To present reliable statements of their religious, as well as their moral and economic standing. To present statements of their educational condition and movements, and of their legal status in the several states, To examine the basis on which rest their claims for citizen- ship in the several states and of the United States. To give an elaborate account of the various books, pam- phlets, and newspapers, written or edited by colored men. To present the biographies of noteworthy colored men throughout the world.” The price of subscription to this magazine was $1.00. It had fifty correspondents. Upon the death of Mr. Hamliton, in 1861, its publication was suspended; but it was resur- rected in 1864 by his son, Wilham G. Hamilton, then bookkeeper in the office of Zhe Weekly Anglo-African, pub- lished by his uncle; it lived, however, but a short time, to serve as a reminder of what had been. The period intervening before we hear of another magazine, is a very long one,—freedom and citizenship having come 120 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. to the Afro-American, meanwhile. True, there were maga- zines and periodicals published in the Afro-American schools; but we speak of such as were for the Afro-American people at large. The A. M. E. Church Review, an organ of the General Conference of the A. M. E. Church at Baltimore, next claims our attention. The first number appeared in July, 1884. It was a quarterly of never less than one hundred and twenty- five pages. Its journalistic finish is pleasing to the eye, while its literary contributions are of high order. In the beginning it was edited by Rev. B. T. Tanner, now Bishop Tanner; but at present its editorial head is Dr. L. J. Coppin, a writer of acknowledged ability. The Review has a circulation of 1500, which is daily increasing. It goes to all points of the United States, Africa, Europe, Hayti, etc. As a writer says: ‘Itis an example of race enterprise and superior ability.” The price of sub- scription is $1.50, and it is fully worth it.” After The A, M. E. Church Review, came the magazine published at Louisville, Ky., known as “Our Women and Children,’ with Dr. William J. Simmons, editor. This maga- zine was established in 1888. Its purpose was the uplifting of the race, particularly our Afro-American women and children. Being devoted to this kind of work, it has done more than all the Afro-American papers together in bringing to the front the latent talent of our lady writers. Its columns have been open, from time to time, to all our women, for articles on the particular questions which affect home, the mother and children. By the efforts of its editor it has thus given ta the world a bright array of female writers, upon different questions hitherto unknown to the literary world. Its editor, Rev. William J. Simmons, D. D., is recognized by the nation as an educator, both with respect to the ~~" q Bi) R, rl 4 WILLIAM WHI1PPE BENJAMIN T. TANNER. 12] 122 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. school-room and the newspaper. He occupies a prominent place in the affairs of his church and his people. At present he is the honored Secretary of the Southern District of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, President of the National Press Convention, and President of the State Uni- versity, Louisville, Ky. He has edited, in his time, several newspapers,—a prominent one being Zhe American Baptist. Dr. Simmons’ capacity for thought is an unusual one. His literary efforts are such, we feel that the world of journalism is becoming so great a power through him, that men yet unborn will regard him as of superior mind. We clip two tributes to Dr. Simmons as a writer, and leave the reader to think about the man: “As an editorial writer he has obtained a national reputation for a pungent and aggressive style, He is an unremitting champion of right as against wrong of any kind, and has a bluff straight- forward way of expressing himself on all occasions, that is as refreshing as it is startling at times.”—Jnd. Freeman. A writer in the North pays the following: “Rev, Wm. J. Simmons, D. D., President of the State University of Louisville, Ky., and the chief Baptist scholar on this con- tinent, is one of the race's big coming men. He has seen much of the world and men, and is a versatile, luminous thinker and writer. His chief work, ‘Men of Mark,’ brought him into immediate and famous notice, and is a book of price- less value to all who desire to know and learn of the magnates, ‘chief scribes’ and orators of the Negro race. He is President of the Colored Press Association and has always been looked upon as a Nestor in its different councils.” Howard's Negro American, published at Harrisburg, Pa., is another creditable feature of magazine literature among the Afro-Americans. It is an octavo of at least sixty pages of reading matter of the best kind. The first number was issued by its proprietor, Jas. H. W. Howard, July Ist, 1889, It Melo D.; ty, Louisville, Ky. SIMMONS J President of State Un W. REV iversi 124 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. is neat and tasty in its typographical arrangement, and has, at this writing, an excellent circulation. Its editor, Mr. Howard, is a man of thrift, born, in 1856, at Hamilton, and was educated in the schools of Buttalo, N. Y. He is a writer of ability and long experience, having edited the State Jour- nal from 1881 to ’86, in Harrisburg, Pa, The next magazine we find is fariiney west, and is called The Afro-American Budget. It is published monthly at Evanston, Ill., with Rev. J. 8. Woods as editor and proprietor, and Rev, W. H. Twiggs as Corresponding Editor, This mag- azine, in many respects, is a very praiseworthy production, particularly because of its bright journalistic touch. Its editor, aman highly educated in letters and in theology, and with natural editorial capacity, makes Zhe Budget a gem, editori- ally, It is devoted to the practical problems of the Afro- American race, and always contains contributions from many of the excellent writers among our people. It is of thirty-two pages, carefully arranged, and is sold at the low price of seventy-five cents per year. As we conclude this chapter we are greeted by the finest and fairest publication yet, Zhe Southland, a monthly maga- zine, founded by Rev. J.C. Price, D. D., of Livingstone College, Salisbury, N. C., and edited by Prof. 8. G. Atkins of that school. It is truly the Forum of the Afro-American press. Words too commendable of The Southland cannot be said. The high mission it comes to fulfill must indeed be carried out to the letter; and in order to do this it demands the support of the race, There is no more worthy magazine than this. The first number was issued in February, 1890, and received great encomiums from the press generally, The founder, as well as the editor, needs no introduction at our hands: one, the leading educator of our race; the other, a writer of supreme excellence, The Southland is the fac-simile of Zhe Forum in its BEV. CAPRiCh< Da D. 126 126 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. typographical arrangement. It is published more particu- larly as an exponent of the leaders’ opinions of the situation in the South, It is bound to “hoe its row” through the intellectual field. There are other magazines and periodicals published in the Afro-American educational institutions South, but they are issued more with reference to these institutions than to the broad discussion of the race question. CHAE TER: & VL: THE DAILY AFRO-AMERICAN JOURNALS. ——— ns HE Afro-American has not lost any time in learning the it advantage of a daily paper, with respect to the good it may do ina community. He has made efforts in this line that have been somewhat successful. But there are many obstacles attending publications of this sort among the Afro-Americans. The prejudices existing prevent his connection with any united or Associated Press organization; which debars’ him from the privilege of receiv- ing telegraphic communications at the cheap rates accorded the members of such a body. Then it is our opinion that while the race is prepared for daily papers, yet the support now given our weeklies argues that no great number of dailies among us would be supported. The history of Afro-Ameri- can dailies thus far, proves to us that where they have been published the patronage was, in the main, white; and in order to obtain and hold this, it would not answer to have the papers too deeply “colored ;” but if regard were paid to this, it would offend the Afro-American. These are only a few of the many reasons for the lack of daily Afro-American journals, 128 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. But, for all this, it is our pleasure to record some efforts in this line which have met, and now seem to be meeting, with success, though attended with many difficulties. The first attempt made to establish a daily publication was at Cairo, Ill., where Hon. W. 8, Scott, then publishing a weekly, started a daily in connection with it. It was known as The Cairo Gazette, Mr. Scott being owner and editor. He bought a complete outfit, at a cost of $2000, which enabled him very successfully to put his paper into operation, Vol. = 1, No, 1, of the daily es eN issue, came out April | i 23, 1882, as an in- ee a 7 dependent publica- | Bl Pan a G} tion, in the interest | “$2 ‘we of the race.. Mr. Scott ‘Seat Ay was a prominent man, and as popular with the whites as with the blacks ; a proof of the fact being that his job office did all the city’s printing. Four-fifths of the circulation of his paper was among the whites. It was a readable sheet, all original matter, and had a good force of reporters. Mr. Scott’s politics do not meet the approval of many; but his ability is never questioned. The Daily Gazette was issued six months, when it was destroyed by fire, The next effort at a daily issue was The Columbus Messen- ger, at Columbus, Ga. It was started June 20, 1887, as a weekly paper, and published for a year and a half as such, when it became a semi-weekly, and finally a daily. It was edited with much spirit and fitness by Mr. B. T, Harvey, a B. T. HARVEY. es, wt SNS, . \S SCOTT. HON. W. §, 130 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. graduate of the Tuskeegee Normal School. We have his word for the fact that, as a daily, it had a good circulation, or, in other words, a paying circulation, and its receipts were clearly satisfactory to him. Its size was 12 by 20 inches, and full of reading matter. The Daily Messenger would not have suspended publica- tion, but the editor having accepted a position in the Railway Mail Service, he was necessarily compelled to close up his business enterprise for a time. As we have said, the paper, as a daily, met with the success Mr. Harvey anticipated, which will be seen in a part of a per- sonal letter to us, which we insert: ‘‘ Let me add, that, with my experience in newspaper work, I am confident the colored press could be made more confidential and powerful, if more would attempt daily issues. They can be made a success.” The Knoxville Negro World, Patteson Bros. & Co., publish- ers, Knoxville, Tenn., was issued daily for two weeks, but more as an advertiser than a regular daily medium of news. As we close this chapter we learn of a daily publication in Baltimore, known as The Pubhe Ledger. It is edited by Mr. Wesley Adams. Zhe Public Ledger is having great success, we are informed, and our wish is that its efforts may be so appreciated as to warrant its continued publication. TAYLOR. MARSHALL W 132 CHAPTER XVIII. SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. —. TimotHy THomAs Fortung, Epiror New York AGEs, HE most noted man in Afro-American journalism is ale T. Thomas Fortune of New York, He was born of slave parents in the town of Marianna, Jackson County, Florida, October 3, 1856. His parents were Sarah Jane and Emanuel Fortune,—the former of whom died in 1869; the latter, who was a conspicuous character in the Reconstruction period of Florida politics, is now a well-to-do and respected citizen of Jacksonville. It is evident that young Fortune was destined to be a power in journalism. While a mere lad he haunted news- paper offices, soon after the war, making himself useful around the office of Zhe Marianna Courier; and later, when his parents moved to Hast Florida, he entered, first the com- posing room of The Jacksonville Courer, then The Union, where he gathered a fair knowledge of the “art preserva- tive,’ He then attended the Stanton school at Jacksonville for a while, and afterward entered the Jacksonville post-office as office-boy. He was soon promoted to the position of letter 134 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. stamper and paper clerk. The Postmaster and he failing to agree in a small matter, Mr. Fortune threw up his position and returned to the “case.” While “sticking type’”’ he received an appointment in 1874 as mail-route agent between Jacksonville and Chattahoochee. He resigned this position in 1875, and was appointed Special Inspector of Customs for the Eastern District of Delaware by Sec. B. H. Bristow, at the instance of his unwavering friend, Congressman William J. Purnam of the First Congressional District of Florida. He resigned this position in the fall of 1875 and entered the Normal Department of Howard Uni- versity at Washington, where he remained two school years. He then entered the composing-room of 7he People’s Advocate, at Washington, and while there he was married to Miss Carrie C. Smiley. Soon after this he returned to Florida, and spent a year teaching county schools. In 1879 Mr. Fortune went to New York City, and entered the composing-room of The Weekly Witness. In 1880 he made his bow asa journalist, as editor of Zhe Rumor, Geo. Parker and William Walter Samp- son being partners in the publication, the name of which was soon changed to Zhe New York Globe. The Globe wielded a powerful influence for the right. The author well remembers the frequent references made to The Globe and its editor. At that time few Afro-American journals were published whose columns were as reliable and newsy as those of Zhe Globe. Owing to a disagreement in the partnership, Zhe Globe suspended in November, 1884. In speaking of our subject, at the time of the suspension of The Globe, a writer in Dr. Simmons’ “ Men of Mark” has the following to say: ‘‘ The suspension of The Globe did not discourage its editor. He had commenced his work with a well-defined plan in view, and he was determined to continue it. He felt the need of a journal to contend for the just rights of his race, and thought that much good might be done “s WS MWC \ T. THOMAS FORTUNE. 136 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. through such an agency. He maintained that for a paper to be a power for good among his people, it must be fearless in its tone; that its editor should not fail to speak his just con- victions; that he should hold himself aloof from parties, and maintain his position untrammelled by parties and party bosses.” Adhering to the principles in the above he re-entered his chosen field as publisher of Zhe New York Freeman, Novem- ber 22, 1884. This was only a week after the suspension of The Globe, of which Mr, Fortune was editor and proprietor. The Freeman was decidedly the most popular paper pub- lished among Afro-American journals, for several reasons, the most prominent being these: In typographical make-up it resembled the best journals of the whites, and contained all the most important news about the Afro-American, sent by trustworthy and brilliant correspondents. Having such a corps of writers the paper contained such news, and carried with it such influence, as did no other. In this respect it pleased the masses. Another good reason for its success was Mr. Fortune’s ability as an editorial writer. He declares himself boldly, and by many is regarded as the ablest among the many Afro-Americans who wield the “goose quill.’ W. Allison Sweeney, a reputable writer, speaks of him in The Jndian- apohs Freeman, as follows: ‘“T. Thomas Fortune, the well-known newspaper man, although, comparatively speak- ing, a young man, came near going to the front amongst the big literary men of the race, at one jump. Coming into notice first, a few years since, as editor of The Globe, pub- lished in New York City, he has since then, through his editorship of Zhe Freeman, published in the same city, made his name nearly a household word throughout the land. As a brilliant, pointed, aggressive editorial writer, Mr. Fortune deserves all the fame he has garnered to himself. It is not AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 137 indulging the least in hyperbole to say that he is considered by many the leading editorial writer and all-around news- paper man of his race. He also ranks as an essayist of no mean order, and in the language of Pollok, occasionally ‘touches his harp’; and if ‘nations’ do not ‘hear entranced,’ they may some day, for the ‘fine frenzy’ of the poet is largely developed in his mental organism. Seriously, Mr. Fortune has given fugitive verses to the world, at different times, that burned and sparkled with true poetic fire.” The Freeman had a most encouraging career, and Mr. Fortune, no doubt, would have remained its editor, had he not accepted a position upon the editorial staff of The New York Evening Sun, one of the wealthiest papers in the Metropolis. He is one of the few young men who have held @ position upon the editorial staff of a leading white daily. The Freeman having been transferred to Messrs, Fortune and Peterson, its name was changed to The New York. Age, under which caption it is now published. Our subject is an editorial contributor to The Age, at present. Frequent refer- ences are made to his articles, which are always able and forcible’ Hon. Jno. C. Dancy, in The Star of Zion, speaks of him, in reference to his contributions to The Age, as the “watchful paragrapher.” One thing about Fortune’s articles is, that he never writes unless he makes somebody wince. When he goes for a thing in his editorials, he generally comes back victorious. He is an adherent to the idea of industrial and elementary edu- cation for the Afro-Americans of the South, since, in his judgment, they stand most in need of that kind of an edu- cation. In politics Mr. Fortune has maintained a stand in his writings that few Afro-Americans can afford to take. He has been fierce in his condemnation of corrupting principles, in both the Democratic and Republican parties, but a pleasing 138 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. and earnest advocate of every good principle in each. In other words, Mr. Fortune stands as an independent thinker in politics, as in other matters of public interest. His political writings as editor of Zhe Freeman, during President Cleveland’s Administration, were watched with interest by thousands of intelligent Afro-Americans, and by a large portion of whites, who were constant readers of his paper. Asan editor of The Freeman, he was the first to suggest and further the National League idea, to prevent mob violence and intimidation of his people at the South. Mr. Fortune’s book, entitled “ Black and White,” is a credit to him and the race. It is generally looked upon as being a fine work. He is also author of “The Negro in. Politics.” It can be truly said that Mr. Fortune is an ex- cellent specimen of what the Afro-American may do in journalism, and what he will do. He is surely the “ Prince of Journalists,” and his writings have won for him a life-long reputation as “editor, author, pamphleteer and agitator.” For aman so young, who has already climbed so many rounds in the hard ladder of journalism and authorship, who will say he may not reach the top before the allotted years of man have run into the minutes and seconds of a ripe and honored old age? Cot. WituIiAM MurRReELL, Epiton New JERSEY TRUMPET. Colonel William Murrell, whose life is full of interesting events, and whose labor in journalism has been of a lengthy period, was born a slave in the state of Georgia. He was in the war as valet to Confederate General Longstreet, and after the latter's death he enlisted as a soldier in the 44th Regi- ment Virginia and South Carolina troops. After the war he moved to Louisiana, where he served in the State Legislature either as door-keeper or representative for nine COL. WILLIAM MURRELL. 139 140 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. years. He was on the staff of Gov. W. P. Kellogg, with the rank of major, and was afterward promoted to be colonel, and was assigned to the command of the Louisiana State National Guards. He now occupies an important position in the Interior Department, to which he was appointed by Secretary Noble. His life as an Afro-American journalist began while resid- ing in Louisiana, where he edited at Delta, Madison Parish, The Madison Vindicator. Upon going to Washington, D. C., he edited The Baltumore Vindicator, then published at Balti- more, Md. He went to New Jersey in 1883, and established The Trumpet, of which he is now editor and proprietor. The Colonel is ably assisted in the management of his paper by his amiable wife, Mrs. Louisiana Murrell. His past success but predicts what a future there is in store for him, in regard to the ennobling work of journalism. Rev. J. ALEXANDER Houmes, Ex-Epitor CENTRAL METHODIST. The life of Mr. Holmes began in the city of Lexington, Va., December 11, 1848. Having some love for books and letters, he took advantage of the early school training which was offered the negro; after which he matriculated at the Storer College, Harper’s Ferry, where he graduated in 1872. For a while he taught school, subsequently entering the ministry in March, 1874. He steadily pursued his studies during his ministerial connection with the Washington An- nual Conference of the M. EH. Church, which seems to have been a course marked out with a successful end in view. He has lived conspicuously, having held some of the best charges in that Conference, and has several times represented it in the General Conference. His editorial’ life of two years’ duration began in 1887, when appointed editor of The AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 141 Central Methodist. It did a multiplicity of good works in religious and educational fields. He is quiet and, unassum- ing, has the affection and respect of all who know him, and particularly of those privileged to an intimate acquaintance with him. His writings speak effectively for the welfare of the race. Messrzs. 8. N. Hint anp Wintuiam H, Dewey, Epitors, RESPECTIVELY, OF THE PEOPLE'S ADVOCATE AND THE GOLDEN RULE, Mr. Hill first saw the light in New Berne, in 1859, and settled at 14 years of age in Wilson, N, C., where he graduated from the St. Augustine Normal and Collegiate Institute, in 1880. He at once began the newspaper busi- ness, in connection with Prof, E. Moore, in the publication of The Wilson News. This was a strong paper, aud was the staunchest advocate for the calling of a convention of Afro- Americans in North Carolina, with the view of having their people recognized on the juries of the courts of that state. Mr. Hill was next upon Zhe Banner, at Raleigh, N. C., the organ of the Industrial Association of that state. Upon retiring from Zhe Banner, he returned home and began the publication of Zhe People's Advocate, which he moved to Wilmington. While published at this place, it became one of the leading journals of the state, being frequently referred to by the local white papers, and by the leading New York dailies. He returned home with The Advocate, prior to this last campaign, as the organ of the Republican party of the 22d Congressional district, It did remarkable service for the party. As a writer, Mr. Hill is bold, fearless and consistent. We are prepared to say his future will be bright as the leading editor of the free press, 142 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Mr. Dewey, like Mr. Hill, was born at New Berne, N. C., September 13, 1858. Having to earn his own living, his means for the acquisition of books were very limited. He is prominently connected with the G. U. O. O. F., in the state of North Carolina. He owned and edited The People’s Advocate, in 1886, which did good work in the interest of the Republican party. In 1887, this paper was merged into The Golden Rule, through which the solidity and harmony of the party in Craven County has more than once been accomplished. Zhe Golden fule is well edited, having for its object the amelioration of the race, and the advancement of the Afro-American, financially, educationally and morally, - Rev. G. W. Gayuzs, Eprtor Baptist SIGNAL. Possibly no man connected with Afro-American journal- ism has had a brighter and more honored career than the above subject. He was born in the county of Wilkinson, Miss., January 29, 1844, of slave parents, Perry and Rebecca Gayles. Young Gayles, being one of his master’s house-servants enjoyed a privilege that was accorded only those who were similarly situated at that time. As house-servant, he was taught the alphabet by a lady who was employed as private tutor in Mrs. Nancy Barron’s family. This was done on account of his diligence. He soon became able to read the Bible and his hymn book, which he gave his greatest atten- tion. Though so interested in these, he earnestly pursued the studies requisite for a good education, until he finally became well adapted intellectually for the duties of life which lay so brilliantly before him. Called to the ministry in November, 1867, he has since, by vigorous work, been of great credit to his race as an “ex- pounder of the Word,” Shortly after he was ordained oobi eatay Sees e ee ; Begs vaaiveta™ REY. G. W. GAYLES. 148 144 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. minister, came his appointments to some of the most prominent places in Mississippi. Before pointing the reader to his career in journalism, we will name these positions: In 1869, he was appointed by Geo. A. Ames of the United States Army a member of the board of police for the Third District of Bolivar County. In 1870, he became a Justice of Peace for the Fifth District of Bolivar County, through Gov. J. L. Alcom. In August, 1870, he was appointed supervisor for the Fifth District. He was also elected to the State Legis- lature for four consecutive years, and was returned in 1877 as State Senator for the Twenty-eighth Senatorial District. He has since held the position by re-election. He was Corresponding Secretary for the Missionary State Convention, and has since been unanimously elected and re-elected to the position of president. ‘Thus we see that his wide experience in religious, political and general affairs, has served to make . him a grand force in journalism. The Convention of which he was president founded The Baptist Signal in 1880, and elected our subject to-be its editor. As an editorial writer, Rev. Mr. Gayles ranks high among those of the “pencil-shoving” class. He is a dignified and practical writer, believing in laying before his readers that which will be of solid benefit to them in their progress through life. The Signal, a six-column paper, issues monthly one thousand copies, and always contains matter of a helpful nature. Asa religious journal and an exponent of religious ideas, it ranks among the first. Through his great personal influence and that of his paper, the Baptist State Convention feels proud to own a college in Natchez, Miss., costing six thousand dollars. In presenting Mr. Gayles in this work, we score another success in the pioneer labors of Afro-American journalism, for it must be conceded he has achieved much with his pen, AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 145 Mr. CHRISTOPHER J. Perry, Epiror WEEKLY TRIBUNE. In noting the journalistic efforts of the Afro-American, The Philadelphia Tribune, of which the above subject is editor, falls into the category of the most conspicuous. The Tribune began publication in 1884, with Mr. Perry as pro- prietor and editor, Perry's life in the journalistic work had been of some duration before this effort. Born at Baltimore, Md., of free parents, September 11, 1854, he availed himself of the school facilities provided for the colored children of that city, which were very meager. Going to Philadelphia, his present home, quite young, and having the desire to be educationally a free man, he diligently applied himself to books, attending the night schools of that city. He earned his support by work in private houses, and could be often seen examining the volumes in the libraries of these homes. As early as 1867, he began writing for newspapers, his letters being always newsy and pleasing. He has an excel- lent style, and prominent men complimented him highly for his letters at this early period in his journalistic life. In November, 1881, he began writing for a Northern daily, and later on became the editor of the Colored Department in The Sunday Mereury This led to the establishment of The Tribune, in 1884, which he has conducted since with editorial skill and newspaper tact. A writer says: ‘The Tribune, under his guidance, has become one of the leading Afro- American journals of this country.” The same paper says: “Tt is a staunch advocate of the rights of the negro, and is a credit to Editor Perry’s managing skill.” Mr. Perry has an excellent idea of his mission as an Afro-American editor, as will be seen from the fol- lowing editorial, published when The Tribune began its fourth year. That the reader may rightly estimate art CHRISTOPHER J, PERRY. 146 AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 147 the independent, energetic spirit of the man, we ‘insert it entire : Our Fourth Anniversary. “So busy were we fighting in our earnest though humble way for Harrison and protection, that we actually forgot our birthday. It is a fact of which we are truly proud, that Zhe Tribune is the only colored journal north of Mason and Dixon's line, which has never wavered in its fidelity to Republicanism. In the face of very appealing temptations from our friends, the enemy, we have been true and steadfast. It was this party enthusiasm which led us to forget that on Saturday last we were just four years old. “The retrospect is very gratifying. No other venture of this kind ever started in the face of more appalling diffi- culties; but from the beginning our progress has been persistent and steady. Envy has raised its foul-tongued voice against us. Self-satisfied, self-constituted Phariseeism has persistently criticised us, But onward we have steadily pursued our way, supported and encouraged by the growing confidence of our patrons. Our circulation has increased every week, our advertising columns crowd out news every issue, and they stand—as compared with those of other colored journals throughout the country—a weekly tribute to our facilities for reaching the eyes of purchasers. “The reason for this is simple. Zhe Tribune is a paper of the people and for the people. It is the organ of no clique or class. As its name indicates, its purpose is to lead the masses to appreciate their best interests and to suggest the best means for attaining deserved ends. We have no sympa- thy with the spirit of many colored editors, who complain that their race does not support their ventures. We have been admirably supported. Our past year has been a complete success. We believe that it has been due to our effort to please our patrons and to be worthy of their 148 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. confidence. It shall be our purpose in the future, as it has been in the past, to maintain Zhe Tribune's reputation for consistency, reliability and news enterprise.” Noticing the past career of The Tribune, we can readily account for the success attending its efforts, Revs. R. C. Ransom, W. 8S. Lowry, Daniet 8. BENTLEY, WiuuiAm F, Brooxs: AssocraTtE Epitor, BusINEss MANAGER, PRESIDENT AND TREASURER, RESPECTIVELY, OF THE AFRO- AMERICAN SPOKESMAN. These men compose the back-bone of The Afro-American Spokesman. If brains and money will push Zhe Spokes- man to success, we can look confidently to the accomplishment of it, with such men at its head. Rey. Mr. Ransom was born at Flushing, Ohio, January 4, 1861,—the only child of George and Hattie Ransom. He graduated from the Wilberforce University in 1886, with the degree of Bachelor of Divinity. As a writer, he is vigorous, possessing a somewhat caustic style. Aside from the associate editorship of Zhe Spokesman, he is a large contributor to various publications on quite a variety of themes. Rev. W. 8. Lowry, the business manager, was born in Allegheny County, Pa., December 5, 1848. Having served in the war, his opportunities for early education were con- siderably hmited. He felt deeply moved to enter the ministry in 1868, and in 1870 attended the Wilberforce University for three terms, in order to prepare himself for his life-work. Since commencing it, he has held responsible positions, now being pastor of one of the best churches in the Pittsburg Conference, viz.: that of Brown Chapel, Allegheny City, Pa. Conceiving the idea of the need of such an organ as Zhe REV. W. S. LOWRY. 149 150 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Spokesman, Rev. Mr. Lowry, with Rev. R. C. Ransom and D. 8S. Bentley, decided upon a way by which such a paper could be established, and accordingly pushed it to success. Through his skilful financiering he is putting the paper in every home, and making for it a sure support. As a writer, his style is graceful, rich and pure, He is an occasional con- tributor to the city papers. Rev. Daniel 8S. Bentley, president of the company, and pastor of the Wylie Ave. A. M. E. church, was born in Madison county, Ky., and is now thirty-eight years old. His fitness for his life-work was acquired in Berea College. He is a trusted leader in the A. M. E. church, and a man highly esteemed by the Bishopric of his church. His first writings gave descriptive accounts of his people’s religious and general improvement, in the early part of his ministry. Most of his productions have found ready entrance to The Christian Recorder. Upon the organization of the Spokesman Stock Company, he was unanimously elected its president. Rev. Wm. F. Brooks, the treasurer, and the pastor of the Grace Memorial Presbyterian church, is a man of most excel- lent parts, intellectually and otherwise. He is a graduate of the famous Lincoln University, and may yet occupy a professor’s chair in that institution. He is doing good work for The Spokesman. ~ Maanus L. Ropirnson, Epitror NationaL LEADER. Magnus L. Robinson, the managing editor and one of the proprietors of The Washington National Leader, was born at Alexandria, Va., November 21, 1852. His parents gave him a good private school education. Being naturally of an industrious mind, he served an apprenticeship for four years in a bakery, and for several years thereafter fol- lowed the vocation of a baker. In 1868, he entered the == — : i} BENTLEY. REY. DANIEL 8 151 152 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. law department of the Howard University, at Washington, D. C., from which he earnestly endeavored to graduate, ‘but was forced to give up his studies on account of ill health. He next turned his attention to teaching, and passed an examination for a position in the public schools of his native state. In due time he procured a school and taught success- fully for nine months, beginning in 1879. Before recounting Mr. Robinson’s journalistic career, we would call the attention of the reader to his popularity in the community where he lives, and to his circumstances. He is a bright mulatto, rather diminutive in size, with extremely affable manners. He owns the property in Alexandria where he resides. He married young and is blessed with a devoted wife, loving children, and a host of friends by whom he is highly respected. He stands high in society, and is president of the Frederick Douglass Library Asso- ciation, the most prominent literary and Wee social organization at his home. He isa true and faithful-friend; and being a shrewd politician, is easily the leader of the Afro-American people of Alexan- dria, who always consult him on questions of public moment and general welfare. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Colored National Press Convention, and delivered an address at the National Press Convention which ° met in the Metropolitan A. M. E. church, Washington, D. C., March 5, 1889, his subject being “ Representative Negroes.” During the time he taught school he became interested in journalism and politics, to which he has given much study and attention, Being a close student of human nature and a good judge of men and measures, he has contributed to the press many thoughtful, able, and logical articles upon -M. L. ROBINSON. AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 153 important and current topics of the day, which were highly acceptable to such papers as Zhe Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Amerwan, and The Lynchburg Daily News. The subject-matter of these productions was always highly appreciated by the reading public. He did such good work in the journalistic line, as to give him a considerable reputa- tion among the professionals, and he was the first Afro- American to be regularly employed on a white journal in Baltimore, Md., having been assigned to duty as reporter on The Baltumore Daily Bee, which was re-established in 1876. He subsequently removed to Harrisonburg, Va., and with his brother, Robert B. Robinson, he established The Virginia Post, which he ably edited for three years at that place, During this time, he was steadily growing into popular fayor, and was chosen to fill many political offices, which he eraced with signal ability, Among his honors may be mentioned the fact that he was the first Afro-American to hold the office of secretary of the Republican Committee of Rockingham County, Va., to which he was chosen in 1880, He was also elected secretary of the Charlottesville, Va., Congressional Convention, which nominated Hon. John Paul for Congress in 1880. In 1881, he represented Rockingham County, in the Colored State Convention, held at Petersburg ; and in the same year, having removed to his native home at Alexandria, he was nominated for magistrate in that city, and received a very flattering vote. Afterward, his time was devoted to teaching, and holding other positions of trust and honor in his state. On January 12, 1888, he established The National Leader at Washington, D. C., and hoisted the name of James G. Blaine for president, in his first publication. His was the first negro journal to raise the Harrison and Morton ensign at the National Capital. His paper met with phenomenal success, and did great service for the Republican party in 154 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. New York among the Afro-Americans, where it had a circulation of over 5000 copies during the campaign of 1888. It is very radical in its policy, and is endorsed by the Hon. Fred Douglass as the most staunch Republican journal now published in this country. On the 26th of April, 1890, Mr, Robinson removed his paper to Alexandria, his native city, since when it has been regularly issued every Saturday as Zhe Weekly Leader. Myr. Robinson is the oldest editor in the state, in point of service, having entered upon the work of journalism in 1880 as editor of The Virquua Post. In conclusion, it is well to refer to some of the later honors conferred upon Mr. Robinson. On the 16th of October, 1889, he was chief marshal of the largest and most imposing Odd Fellows’ parade that ever marched through the streets of Washington, D. C. He was the Republican candidate for alderman in his city in 1889, but was defeated. He was also a prominent candidate for the legislature that year. He was president of the 8th Virginia District convention of colored men, held in Alexandria, May 15, 1890, at Odd Fellows’ hall, which was called for the betterment of the intellectual - and industrial interests of the race. Thus, as is seen, when his people desire a leader they turn instinctively to him to represent them; and if his days are prolonged, his future career, it is safe to predict, will be of greater distinction than that of the past. : Hon. Jno. W. Cromweuu, Eprror PEopLE’s ADVOCATE. Mr. Cromwell, the well-known editor of The People’s Advocate, was born in Portsmouth, Va., September 5, 1845, being the youngest child of Willis and Elizabeth Carney Cromwell. When but a few years old his parents moved to Philadelphia, and he was sent to the public schools, after a ss as HON . JNO .W. CROMWELL 155 a“ 156 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. which he was admitted to the institute for colored youth, whose principal was the learned Prof. E. D, Bassett. Our subject graduated in 1864, after which he began what proved to be a most successful career as a pedagogue. He is regarded as one of the finest English scholars in the Union. He was an active worker in the Reconstruction period, labor- ing for his people at the risk of his own life, He has held excellent government positions, some of them highly honor- ary, to which we cannot further refer, as we desire to dwell more particularly upon his journalistic career. He graduated from the Law Department of Howard Uni- versity in 1874, and was admitted to the bar. He has not done much as a lawyer, though he has been almost invariably successful in the few cases intrusted to him. His success as senior counsel in the cases against the Georgia Railroad, under the Inter-State Commerce Act, is very flattering to his ability. He and his associate, Mr, W. C. Martin, are the only Afro- American lawyers that have appeared before that Commission. When Hon. Grover Cleveland assumed the Chief Magistracy of the nation, he was removed from the government service for ‘‘offensive partisanship,’ which consisted in the publica-_ tion of a Republican newspaper, The People's Advocate, which, by the way, is Mr. Cromwell’s most conspicuous public service. The Advocate was first thrown to the breeze at Alexandria, Virginia, April 16, 1876. After a spirited fight against it during Mr. Cromwell's absence, it received the commendation and endorsement of the Republican Convention, assembled at Lynchburg to select delegates to the Chicago Convention. T, B. Pinn was publisher, R. D. Beckley business manager, and John W. Cromwell editor. A few weeks after its publication, it absorbed Zhe Sumner Tribune, irregularly published at Culpepper Court House, and afterwards at Alexandria, by Hon. A. W. Harris. The connection of AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 157 Messrs. Pinn and Beckley with Zhe Advocate was brief, and so was that of Mr. Harris, leaving Mr. Cromwell the sole proprietor before it had been in existence more than three months, Then came the question: What shall be done with it? which was solved by a determination to continue it as a permanent enterprise, though the month of December showed receipts amounting to but sixty-six cents. The persistent advice of his wife Lucy not to give up, proved the turning point. In June, 1887, he bought a second-hand outfit, and published his first “all-at-home” sheet June 29, in the city of Washington, Mr. T. T. Fortune supervising its mechanical work. The Advocate has been published ever since, with varying fortunes; and it has never missed but one issue. Among its editors at different times, besides its proprietor, may be named the late Charles N. Otey, George H. Richard- son, and Rev. S. P. Smith, who were its regular contributors and correspondents at different periods, as were also well- known journalists, now in other fields of labor. Young men who learned to stick type on The Advocate have found em- ployment at the government printing-office, and with Zhe Christian Fecorder, The New York Age, The Conservator, and doubtless other journals. Mr. Cromwell’s specialty is in the collection of facts, which he presents with such clearness and force as to command universal attention. His ‘Negro in Business,” prepared for a syndicate of Northern newspapers, received editorial notice in The Forum, and in one form and another was published widely throughout the country. Having had several years of experience as a teacher, his editorials on educational topics, race organizations, etc., reveal his trained bent of mind and unselfish ambitions. A writer in Dr. William J. Simmons’ “Men of Mark,” speaks gloriously of our subject’s work in this field. He says: ‘All praise and honor should be 158 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. given him. None have worked more faithfully or unremit- tingly in this field than Mr, Cromwell, and none is held higher in the esteem of the colored press. * * * * % Mr. Cromwell has kept his paper going through these trying years, and has succeeded in business, laying by some money for a rainy day. As a writer, Cromwell is specific, close, logical and compre- hensive. His paper is pure, and is of the sort that can be put into the hands of the virtuous, and will rather lead them to a higher life, than in any way degrade them. As would be expected, his English is plain and forcible and his style not at all bombastic.” Concerning the make-up and appearance of the paper, the same writer says: ‘Its weekly issue is looked for with considerable interest, as it discusses thoroughly all questions which may arise in the District of Columbia, and concerning which he expresses himself. The paper is especially notable for its typographical make-up and its excellent proof-reading.” We can not say more’of The Advocate and its learned editor than is here quoted. Messrs. WitLIAM H. AnpERsSoN, BEensJaAmMIN B. PELHAM, W. H. Stowers, anp R. PELHAM, JR., EDITORS AND PROPRIETORS PLAINDEALER. Afro-American journalism is attended with many difficulties in the way to success, that are not met by other people in the same kind of work; yet there are journals published by the members of the race to-day, which show that with the proper business capacity and editorial ability, the work can be made most emphatically a success. Such a paper is Zhe Detroit Plaindealer, with the gentle- men as editors and proprietors whose names appear at the head of this article. The origin of this now-famed news- Vv 160 ~ THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. paper was under very adverse circumstances. Its first number, “(May 19, 1883,) was a seven-column folio, with three col- umns of advertising matter. At its anniversary issue, May, 1888, it had twenty pages, with fifty-four columns of adver- tising matter. In reading the history of The Plaindealer, as found in the anniversary issue of May, 1888, one can see that the glorious achievements which have attended the efforts of this ideal newspaper were due to its lofty conception of such work, The Plaindealer saw, at the very beginning, that there was more in Afro-American journalism than the desire for financial success, for it says: “But Afro-American newspapers have for their rasson d'etre other motives higher than money-making or notoriety, seeking which make their success or failure of more moment and of much more interest to those who appreciate their necessity. The failure of an Afro-American journal, 7. ¢., a good one, means not simply that the people are supporting some other in its place, but that they are not inclined to support any. It does not mean simply a transfer of patron- age, but a lack of it. It does not mean that the desire is elsewhere gratified, but that there is no desire. It is an index of the tendencies of a people and, to a certain extent, a measure of their progress.’ After citing this, Zhe Plain- dealer then says its mission was and is “ To overcome distrust; to demonstrate that Zhe Plaindealer is an impartial advocate of everything for the welfare of Afro-Americans; to set an example that there is no field of labor which cannot be successfully explored and cultivated by the Afro-American who is energetic and painstaking; to provide a medium for the encouragement of literary work, for the creation of a distinctive and favorable Afro-American sentiment, for the dislodgment of prejudice and for the encouragement of patriotism.” These objects, it must be admitted, Zhe Plaindealer has AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 161 endeavored, with all the life and power of the free press, to demonstrate and carry out; and it may be added that the right conception of its mission among a class of emancipated freemen has been the secret of its success. Its history has been made eventful, useful and authoritative, by its numerons representative and versatile contributors. The leading men of the race, as Douglass, Lynch, Bruce, and others, have been upon its staff of contributors, Its editors and proprie- tors, men of push and men of the hour, are Messrs. William H. Anderson, Benjamin B. Pelham, William H. Stowers, and Robert Pelham, Jr., a brief sketch of whom we now give, William H. Anderson, one of the four original members of The Plaindealer Company, first saw the light in Sandusky, O., August 13th, 1857. He attended the common schools there until he came to Detroit with his parents at 16. On graduat- ing from the High School in ’75, he commenced as parcel boy with Newcomb, Endicott & Company, and steadily rose to the position of bookkeeper. He is now one of their most trusted employes, beside doing his editorial work upon The Plaindealer. His first newspaper experience was with The Detroit Free Press. Ue then corresponded with The New York Globe, and since his connection with The Ptaindealer conducted the series of articles that attracted such wide mention, “ Our Relation to Labor.” Benjamin B. Pelham was born in Detroit, February 7, 1862. He began his school life at the’age of nine years at the Everett School, and was a member of the first class which graduated from that school to the Detroit High School. At the termination of his course in the High School, he accepted a position with the Detroit Post and Tribune Company, His first experience in journalism began with the publication of The Venture, an amateur paper, which he edited three years. He has been connected with The Tribune in various capacities for fifteen years, during a portion of which time 162 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. he also held a clerkship in the Revenue Office under Collector Stone, but was decapitated because Cleveland believed a public office a public trust and correctly surmised that dyed- in-the-wool Republicans could not be depended on to do Democratic missionary work. His early connection with Zhe Venture was an excellent school of preparation for his after labors on Zhe Plaindealer, and much of the early success of the paper is due to his terse, witty and well-written articles. William H, Stowers was born February 7th, 1859, in Canada, where his parents had fled to escape the persecution of slavery. His parents returned to Michigan when he was seven years of age. He attended the county schools until. 17; then came to the city to attend the High School, which he did under difficulties, having to walk eight miles each way in hot and cold, wet and dry weather. He graduated in ’79. He then became Receiving Clerk for Root, Stone & Co., which position he held for seven years. Mr. Stowers has had some experience in amateur journalism, having been associated with Mr. B. B. Pelham in issuing Zhe Venture, an amateur sheet, He has a practical knowledge of stenography, having taken a course at the Detroit Business College. He has been Deputy Sheriff since ’86. With all his other duties he has ably held up his end as one of The Plaindealer editors. It is safe to add that there is no more able or forcible writer in Afro-American journalism than he. Robert Pelham, Jr.—our hustler—was born J anuary 4th, 1859, in Petersburg, Va. At an early age his parents came to Detroit. He attended the public schools, graduating from the High School in 77. He commenced his labors with The Detroit Tribune at 10 years of age, as carrier boy. By faith- ful, energetic service he has risen in their employ, and now has control of its mailing and subscription department and gives employment to a number of Afro-American youths. Last year he was made Deputy Oil Inspector. Ever since AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 1638 its inception he has been business manager of Zhe Plain- dealer, and much of its success has been due to his untiring zeal and labors in its behalf. The crowning results of their efforts is seen in every issue of Zhe Plundealer, Full of news, and its columns teeming with bright editorials, it will always be a welcome visitor to the home of every Afro-American. A writer in Zhe Beau- mont (Texas) fecorder expresses our sentiment in the follow- ing lines: “Another good paper is Zhe Detroit Plaindealer. This paper is just what its name indicates. It does not mince matters, but it calls a spade a spade every time, And what is most interesting about it is, it is making money and enjoys a good circulation throughout the country. The Messrs. Pelham seem to know what they are about.” The exact truth as to the consistency of Southern editors found in the editorial columns of Zhe Plaindealer cannot fail to command attention, as well as prove true all that has been said of them respecting their editorial capacity. Says Zhe Plaindealer : ‘Consistency is a jewel little prized by Southern editors. One issue of their papers teems with tirades against Northern agents who entice Afro-American labor from the South, and the next declares ‘the negro a detriment’. rather than aid to that section, and clamors -for his speedy departure or annihi- lation. He is said at one time to be utterly devoid of ambition, contented and happy in the state which Southern brutality has placed him, and at another berated because he aspires to social equality with his former master. He is regarded as an arrant coward; but one single specimen, unarmed and alone, is sufficient to cause a ‘Negro riot’ and warrant the calling out of the ‘militia.’ He is said to be utterly devoid of moral sense, yet is expected to display qualities of forbearance, patience and generosity, which are 164 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. only possible to types of humanity, inherently pertaining to the whites. * * * * * * Ji St. Peter springs the ‘Negro’ question on the average American at the gates of Paradise, the a. A. will be in a trying position, for he will find in Heaven a numerous host of black men who have come up ‘through tribulation; and if he elects to try the warmer climes of Hades to escape contamination, it is reasonably sure that he'll find a few there.” Thus we close the career of a representative newspaper, with the Afro-American as its trustworthy and faithful promoter. Pror. J. E. Jones, Epiror AFrican Missions. Among Virginia’s proud and noble Afro-American sons, there is none more worthy than the above subject, who was born in the Rome of Virginia, October 15th, 1850, of slave parents, and was himself a slave until the Surrender. During the war our subject’s mother was impressed with the idea that her son should possess, at least, the ability to read and write, and she accordingly sought the aid of a fellow-slave to instruct her boy several nights in the week. This was continued until 1864, when matters became quite heated, and the teacher began to doubt whether he could continue the instruction of this youth. However, after some consideration it was decided that he should be taught between the hours of ten and twelve, on Sunday mornings, during the absence of the people, who were at that time attending divine services. The master, discovering that the tutor of young Jones could read and write, sold him; but the mother was so moved to have her son educated, she secured the services of a sick Confederate soldier, which were soon terminated by the surrender of Lee. A private school was opened soon after the war, the lamented R. A. Perkins of PROF. J. E. JONES. 165 - 166 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Lynchburg being teacher. To this our subject was sent. Not having considered, heretofore, the advantages a good education would afford, he was now led to see how unsatis- factory his present attainments were, and became eager to improve. Afterward, on entering the school of James M. Gregory, now dean of the College Department of Howard University, he began to recognize more fully what it was to be learned in the science of letters; therefore he made rapid progress, and was regarded as one of the best pupils in the school. In the spring of 1868 he was baptized, and connected himself with the Court Street Baptist church of his city. In October of 68 he entered the Richmond Institute, at Rich- mond, Va., for the purpose of pursuing a theological course, having a desire to propagate Scriptural truth. He completed the academic and theological course in three years; after which, he left Virginia, and entered the Madison University at Hamilton, New York, in 1871. In 1876 he graduated from the collegiate department. The same year he was appointed by the American Baptist Home Missionary Society to a professorship in the Richmond Institute, now Richmond Theological Seminary, which position he still holds, filling the chairs of Homiletics and Greek. The degrees of A. M. and D. D, have been conferred upon him by his Alma Mater, and by Selma (Ala.) University, respectively. It can thus be readily seen, that as a student of theology and science he is eminently qualified for the trusts committed to him. No one has been more active in securing for his people, by word and pen, their rights, than Prof. Jones. While his journalistic life has not been as extensive as that of training the Afro-American for ‘ Theologs,” he has had a wonderful career in this field, which should by no means be overlooked. His career in newspaperdom begins with his editorial work as a member upon the staff of The Baptist Companion. This AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS, 167 journal, the organ of the Virginia Baptists, was conspicuous for its many brillant editions; and as for the subsequent writings of Prof. Jones, we know that not one upon the staff contributed more to Zhe Companon’s high reputation than he. In 1883 he was elected corresponding secretary of the Baptist Foreign Mission Convention of the United States, and by virtue of this position he edits the organ of the Conven- tion, known as African Missions. To deviate a little from his journalistic career, we wish to call the reader's attention to what The Religious Herald, organ of the white Baptists of Virginia, said about him when elected to this responsible position : ‘Prof. Jones is one of the most gifted colored men in America, Besides being a Professor in Richmond Theological Seminary, he is corresponding secretary of the Baptist For- eign Mission Convention. He has the ear and heart of his people, and fills with distinction the high position to which his brethren, North and South, have called him,” Now let us return to Prof. Jones’ journalistic hfe, inas- much as this work should especially inform the reader upon that. Though The Companon suspended publication, Prof. Jones continued his labors as a writer. He is known over the country for possessing a quick and ready pen. He once held a newspaper controversy with the learned Roman Cath- olic Bishop Keane of Richmond, Va., which created wide- spread interest. Dr. Cathcart, in the Baptist Encyclopedia, speaks of the controversy thus: ‘Prof. Jones is an efficient teacher and a forcible writer. In 1878, he held a contro- versy with Bishop Keane, in which, according to the decision of many of the most competent judges, the bishop was worsted,’ If we said no more, this Afro-American’s ability as a writer must be fully demonstrated. As a “pusher of the pen,” he never fails to elicit the interest of all, Our subject, in writing the Introductory Sketch of Rev, A. 168 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Binga, Jr., D, D., in “Binga’s Sermons,” discusses, in his preliminary to the life of Dr. Binga, the progress of the Afro-American, in a most pleasing and soul-cheering manner. Says he: ‘At the end of every revolution in a country, there can be observed an effort to throw off the old and take ona newer and higher civilization. This has been peculiarly true of the negro race. The race is moving forward in the face of great obstacles, and is rising from the low and depressing depths of degradation, to which the system of American slavery has reduced it. If the character of this progress be scrutinized, it will be found that the forces which propel in the direction of improvement. and the ideas we form of the nature of that improvement will be the same forces and ideas that propel other races and society in general, Im- provement in a race is an indication that the race is alive; for progress is but the movements of hfe to attain worthy and noble objects. The manhood and ability of a race command the attention of the public. Attention is com- manded wherever power is possessed. Power is possessed by a race when it makes progress along those lines that indicate general development, etc.” Thus our subject proceeds until he shows the Afro-American to actually be on the progressive. Prof. Jones, in his writings, editorially or otherwise, is - known for the calm, deliberate and conservative way in which he deals with things, as will be seen in an editorial in the April issue of Zhe African Missions. After having been invited into a religious meeting of white Baptists to take a seat on the main floor, one Sunday night, he was approached by an usher who requested him to repair to the gallery. He quietly left the house, and later on, in a cool and most deliberate manner, writes editorially about the affair: “We went into a meeting, in this city, last Sunday night, to hear a sermon from a gentleman who is conducting a revival. The meeting was had for men exclusively. The AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 169 usher invited us to walk in and take a seat. We did so, but pretty soon he came to us and said: ‘You will have to go to the gallery. I made a mistake; you cannot remain here,’ We were puzzled. We could not see the reason for such conduct upon the part of those having the meeting in hand. “We have attended the political meetings held at different times, in different parts of the city, by the respective parties, but have never had any one invite us to the gallery. Why such a thing should be done in a religious meeting, we cannot understand. It does seem to us that there should be as much charity in a meeting of this character as there is in a political meeting, but there was not. It was exceed- ingly painful to us to receive such unchristian-like treatment from our denomination. We fail to see the relation between this sort of treatment and religion. There may be some practical morality in it, but according to our Judgment it does not harmonize with the teaching of the New Testament. The Negro may be wrong, in many respects, as to what constitutes the ideal Christian, but he certainly will not get much light on the subject from the men who cannot keep their prejudice in abeyance through one religious service. We suggest that our white friends write over the doors of the places in which they hold religious services, Wo negroes need apply. We wish only whate persons to be saved. If it were a fact that the Negro had no better conceptions of the religious life than stated by his critics, it would be in keeping with his early training, both from precept and example.” With this manner of dealing with religious and _ social ostracism, the recognition of the Afro-American is an assured fact, The Caucasian must be reasoned with, not bulldozed. This Prof. Jones understands, as is evident by the way he has expressed himself above, and which no fair-minded white man can read without emphatic approval. 170 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Hon. M. M. Lewey, Epitor Fioripa SENTINEL. Matthew M. Lewey, son of John W. and Eliza Lewey, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, 1845. Up to the age of fifteen he had received no schooling, except the little that was afforded by the private schools of that slave state. At sixteen his parents sent him to New York, where his aunt, Mrs.. Emeline Carter, and grandfather, Rev. William McFarlin, lived. There he attended the well-known school on Mulberry street, Rev. John Petterson, principal. When Governor _ John A. Andrew of Massachusetts was about to organize the colored 54th and 55th regiments of volunteers, the subject of this sketch dropped his school books and joined the 55th regiment, although but eighteen years of age. He had fully caught and recognized the sentiment of President Lincoln’s. proclamation. His regiment took part in several hard-fought engagements, among which were the siege of Fort Wagfier, the battle of James Island, and the fearful, horrible slaughter of Honey Hill, 8. C. In this latter engagement he was shot three times while bearing the colors of his regiment, and finally fell badly wounded. After a period of several months in the hospital at David’s Island, New York, being totally disabled, he was honorably discharged in the summer of 1865. In the fall and winter of that year, he pursued his studies under the instruction of Rev. William T. Carr, then pastor of the Madison Street Presbyterian church, Baltimore. In the fall of 1867 he entered the preparatory department of Lincoln University at Oxford, and graduated from the collegiate department with full honors in the spring of "72. The following year he entered the law department of Howard University, under the deanship of Hon, John M. Langston, in the class with Josiah Settle, H. B. Fry, Robert Peel Brooks, and others. Before completing the full course he removed AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 171 to Florida and began teaching school at Newmansville. In ‘74, Governor M. L. Sterns commissioned him justice of the peace for his county. From this time till '77 he held the offices of mayor of Newmansville and postmaster of the town. In 1878, after admission to the bar, he began the practice of law in the 5th Judicial circuit of his adopted state. In ’82, he was elected to the legislature, in which capacity he accomplished some good work in the interest of education, among his race. In the same year he was married to Miss Bessie H. Chestnut, of Gainesville, Florida, where he has lived ever since, pursuing the practice of his profession, In 1887 he founded The Florida Sentinel, a weekly journal published at Gainesville, Florida, in the interest of his people. Before the close of the year the paper grew to exceptional popularity throughout the state. Zhe Sentinel is warmly Republican in politics, but not so hide-bound in partisan proclivities that it forgets to resent an insult to the race from a Republican, whether black or white. The Sentinel has developed within two years to an extent that will compare favorably with any negro journal of the South. M. M. Lewey is sole editor and proprietor, and owns an outfit worth $3000, all new material. He runs a No. 2 Campbell’s improved power-press, capable of 800 impressions per hour. His job department is complete with a quarter medium favorite job press, and is doing his full share of work among all classes of people, notwithstanding there are two daily papers in the city, with job offices connected. Filling the columns of Zhe Sentinel with news is not all of Mr. Lewey’s ambition in the field of journalistic pursuits, for when the reader scans the editorials of that paper, he is at once struck with the ability displayed, and the very practical way in which the editor deals with questions affecting the educational and political interests of his race. The author 172 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. was never more fired to a realization of the political condition of the colored men under the present administration, than was he while reading an editorial in Zhe Sentinel, under the caption of “Colored Men, Don’t.” After citing many reasons for the Afro-American’s failure to attain influential offices under the Republican administration commensurate with his numerical strength, the editor cites as another reason the following, which in its entirety is the most telling reason we have yet seen given: | “Another trouble negro Republicans get into, which appears almost like premeditated design to commit political death, is that they go into convention, and permit a few men, with no political influence at home, to get control of the party organization, carry it to Washington City, and have their men appointed to office, with the negro left out. Worse still; after experiencing these sad disappointments some colored men will cringe and apologize for having aspired to positions of influence and trust, for the purpose of securing a subor- dinate place, This is political cowardice, and unmanly in the extreme.” Not only is Mr. Lewey level-headed in this, but as editor of The Sentinel, we find him, in a most considerate manner, endeavoring to inspire the race with a desire to be a self respecting and a self-assisting people—not content to live in the atmosphere of dependency. In an editorial, “ Brains will Tell,” Mr. Lewey clearly proves the Afro-American press responsible for an abstract mixture of the so-called race problem, which has led our people, says he, ‘‘into a wonder of mysteries as to their relationship to this government, and what must be done to command personal respect and civil recognition from the white men, not only in the South but the North, likewise.” The plucky editor then says: “Douglass, Langdon and Bruce, have obtained recognition among white men, Democrats as well as Republicans, North AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 173 and South, by reason of their indomitable self-perseverance in their pecuhar field of labor; and other colored men, through pluck and energy, will obtain similar respect and recognition in their peculiar fields of labor, no matter what this labor is, whether it be in the cotton fields, work-shop, school-room, or the grocery store. The sooner we rely entirely upon ourselves in the development of manly char- acter, aspire to excel in everything, work hard day and night, get money, educate our children, don’t beg but depend upon our own brain and muscles,—in the very nature of things, white men will soon recognize seven millions of Douglasses, Langdons and Bruces.” He then backs his assertions by that of The New York Herald, whose stand, in this instance, is to be commended. Says Zhe Herald: ‘ But the patent facts are that it is not, and never can be, exclusively a white man’s government. The seven millions of negroes constitute one-ninth of our population. They have the same rights, the same privileges, that the rest of us enjoy. “ As for putting negroes into office, why that depends on the negroes, not on us. If a black man shows the ability to use power, he will probably acquire it. He must make himself, and we cannot unmake him. If he is satisfied to always remain a field-hand, that is his business; and the race question settles itself. But if he develops executive talent, business capacity, political astuteness and skill, he will gravitate to his place, whether it is the counting-room or the rostrum. This is not, after all, a question of prejudice, but a question of brains. Brains will solve the problem.” If The Sentinel continues to grow in the future, as it has in the past, Florida can well afford to claim, in this journal, one of the best colored newspapers published in the South. With such dignified utterances as are found in his quoted editorial, his influence over the race to which he belongs can but be uplifting, and of the most helpful nature. 174 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Cou. JosepH T. Wiuson, Epitor Inpustriau Day. Amid the roar of cannon and in the smoke of battle, the first Republican newspaper published in Virgimia made its appearance in the little town of Hampton, in March, 1865. Its editor, Col. D. B. White, had served as colonel of the 88th Regiment New York Volunteers, then serving before Richmond, in Gen. Butler's army of the James. At that time Hampton contained among its ruins and ashes about 5000 people,—contrabands, refugees and soldiers, nearly all of whom were negroes. The advent of Zhe True Southerner (the name of the new venture) was attended with great success. The names of more than three thousand persons, paying ten dollars in advance, made up its list of subscribers; and Colonel White's pen enlightened them on the movements of Grant's and Lee’s armies, as they advanced upon or retreated from the belea- guered city, Richmond, the rebel’s capital. It was published weekly, printed on a Franklin hand-press in a building often rocked by the heavy ordnance at Fortress Monroe, three miles away. In 1855, Col. Joseph T, Wilson, the subject of this sketch, whose connection with The True Southerner we shall hereafter mention, was graduated from the schools of New Bedford, Mass. After graduating, he went in August of the same year, as steersman on board the ship Seconet, of Mattapoisett, for a three year’s whaling voyage in the Pacific Ocean. His stay was prolonged, and mixed with thrilling events until 1862. While building a trestle on the Valparaiso and Santiago railroad, he heard of the Rebellion, and immediately took passage on the Bio-Bio, arriving in New York the following August, and sailed thence in the bark Indian Belle for New Orleans, La., with government stores. At New Orleans he COL. JOSEPH T. WILSON. 175 176 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. joined the army, entering the Second Regiment Louisiana Native Guard Volunteers as a private. He served in several positions in this regiment, which so distinguished itself during the siege of Port Hudson, in 1868. He continued in the army until 1864, when he was furloughed from the Hilton Head South Carolina hospital. After spending a few weeks with friends in New Bedford, he entered the Massachusetts General Hospital at Boston, from which he was discharged from the army. He returned to Norfolk, Virginia, in September, and entered the secret service of the Government, operating with his squad on the Elizabeth and James rivers, and in front of Richmond with the army of the James. In December of the same year he took part in the battles of Fort Fisher and Petersburg, becoming so disabled by wounds as to leave the service entirely. In March of the following year he had charge of the Government supply store, at Norfolk, Va. After the Surrender he began the mercantile business, and managed a large fruit store. In the meantime, with the fall of Richmond and the disbanding of the Army of the James, The True Southerner was moved to Norfolk, where the local columns of the paper were placed under the editorship of Col. Wilson, through whose energy the paper acquired a large circulation. The following September, Col. White, its pub- lisher, gave him full charge of the journal, with its six thousand and two hundred subscribers, which he continued to edit until a mob, in 1866, broke in and destroyed the office and its contents. In August, 1867, he was placed in charge of The Union Republhcan office at Petersburg. These papers were owned entirely by white men, many of whom became prominent office holders in the State and Federal Govern- ments. ‘Wilson had assumed a very important position in 1867, in the organization of the Republican party, and is remembered AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 177 now for his speeches in favor of confiscation, in the con- ventions of those days. He entered the Internal Revenue Service in 1869 as the first gauger in the state. In 1870, he was transferred to the Customs Department as an Inspector at Norfolk. In 1880 he established The American Sentinel, and supported Garfield and Arthur. He was a warm and enthusiastic admirer of General Grant; was in attendance at the convention when he was defeated for the third term, He was presidential elector in 1876, on the Hayes and Wheeler ticket, and was defeated in the convention by Hon, Joseph Segar the same year when candidate for Congress. The American Sentinel was a strong Republican weekly, to whose influence Mr. John Goode attributed his defeat when candidate for Congress on the Democratic ticket, and the Hon. John F,. Dezendorf was elected. Mr. Goode had held the position for four years, having defeated Hon, James H. Platt, Jr. Zhe American Sentinel ceased to appear in the latter part of 1881, Wilson being unable to attend to it on account of his business as Inspector. In 1882 Wilson led the Republicans against the Mahone Re-adjuster party, in the colored convention at Petersburg, and was elected chairman of the convention. A struggle ensued for the mastery of the proceedings, which lasted for hours. The mayor, W. E. Cameron, afterwards re-adjuster governor of the state, with his police took charge, and seated the re-adjuster Afro-Americans. In August of the same year, he attended as a delegate the state Republican convention, at Lynchburg. It was at this convention that a number of Republicans sided with the re-adjusters, and held an opposing convention at the same time, in the same city. Wilson remained with the Republi- cans, was elected chairman of the convention and conducted its proceedings so satisfactorily, that he was nominated by acclamation as its candidate for governor, the motion having 178 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. been made by Rev. M. C. Young, and the vote declared by Hon. John F. Dezendorf. He declined the nomination, however, on account of the division in the party ranks and retired from active service in politics until the next fall, when, by his influence, Judge Spaulding was nominated for Congress, in the Second District. Spaulding withdrew before the election, and Harry Libby was nominated. Wilson can- vased the district with Mr. Libby, and was credited with having saved it to the Republicans, In March, 1888, he was appointed one of a corps of thirty-five Special Internal Revenue agents, and was stationed at Cincinnati, Ohio. At his request, he was transferred to Virginia in July, with headquarters at Richmond. In July, 1884, Congress reduced the number of agents one-half, and Wilson was one of those retired. In March, 1885, he began the publication of Zhe Right Way, at Norfolk. In a few months, however, his terse articles caused him to incur the hatred of William Lamb, mayor of the city, and the enmity of George E. Bowden, then Collector of the port, and since the representative in Congress from that district. By questionable legal proceed- ings these men got control of the printing material, and in order to stop the publication of the paper, gave it away. Thus The Fight Way ceased to appear, expiring in September of that year. Wilson removed to Richmond in 1885, and organized the Galilean Fisherman’s Insurance Company, which he managed with sagacity and success. In 1888, he was elected a member of the colored committee of the Virginia Agricul- tural, Mechanical and Tobacco Exposition, and subsequently became its secretary. He met with great success in securing exhibits for the Colored department. In October, under the auspices of the Fisherman's organiza- tion, he bee the publication of The Industrial Day, a AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 179 thirty-two page monthly; and in January, 1889, commenced to issne it weekly. This publication he devoted to the industrial idea, as a means of assisting to solve what is termed the race problem. In 1881, Col, Wilson published a volume of his poems, the entire edition of which (1000) was sold in sixty days, and the proceeds devoted to his post of the Grand Army of the Republic at Norfolk. In 1882, his work on Emancipa- tion was published at the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. In 1888, “The Black Phalanx,” written by him, was published by the American Publishing Company, of Hartford, Conn. This work needs no commendation here. Its sale surpasses that of any other work written by an Afro-American. Wilson has contributed to the press con- stantly, and there are few papers published by Afro-Americans whose pages have not been adorned and its readers enlight- ened by his articles upon the living issues and questions of the hour. He has written several articles concerning the work and duties of the Afro-American press. We reproduce a portion of one of these written by Wilson for Zhe Planet. After citing the pioneer work of the Caucasian press, and what it had to do in reaching its present position, this veteran says: ‘What was true of the whites 1s now true of the negro race. Twenty-five years ago you could count on the fingers of one hand all the newspapers published by negroes in the United States, and as easily count the books written by negro men and women; but to-day more than one hundred and thirty- five newspapers are printed every week, and not less than twenty-five issued monthly, not including two or three magazines. These, hke the white press of fifty years ago, are the pioneers of the race's literature, and are read by two hundred thousand negroes who accept their teaching as readily as does a school child that of the teacher, with, 180 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. perhaps, one exception.” We see that he has the mnght conception of the relation of our press to the people. Col. Wilson is the oldest Afro-American newspaper man now living in Virginia, and his writings, full of sound judgment and precious experience, ought to be well accepted by the youth of our race. Our subject makes use of thie following words in Zhe Day, which plainly show the severe troubles the Afro-American. press has been, and is now, subjected to. “The Negro press, with a few exceptions, has for quite a period been under fire—a galling fire, such as no press, not excepting the press of Old Ireland, has had to confront.”’ The Colonel is active and aggressive, a bold writer, an astute thinker, and an ornament to Virginia's journalism. Hon. Joun H. WitutAmson, Epitorn NortH CAROLINA GAZETTE. John H. Williamson first saw the light of day, October 8, 1844, at Covington, Ga., his parents being James and ~_— Williamson, the property of Gen. John N. William- son. Upon the death of their master, his parents moved with their mistress to Louisburg, N. C., this now being the home of our subject. At an early period he longed to be able to read, and so began to study, To prevent him from learning, his mistress hired him out. The white people said in those days, as they say now, sometimes—‘It is a dangerous thing for a negro to read.” He succeeded, however, in his effort, He held responsible positions during the Reconstruction period, He has spent most of his time in legislative halls and atthe editorial desk, contributing to the success of the race, both by word and pen. In 1867 he was appointed register for Franklin County by Gen. Sickles, and was elected Lys i? HON. JOHN H. WLLLIAMSON. 181 182 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. the same year to the Constitutional convention to frame a new constitution, under an act of Congress, His legislative career begins with 1866—'68. He has since served in that capacity from 68 to ‘72,’ 76 to '78, and ‘86 to ‘88. He was defeated in '74 and '78, and 88, owing to party differences each time. He was a justice of the peace in his state tor years, a position of considerable responsibility in North Carolina. For ten years he was a member of the county board of education, and a school committeeman of his school district. He was also a delegate to the National Republican conventions of "72, ’84, and ‘88. In 1881, he was elected secretary of the North Carolina Industrial Association, holding that position for seven years, managing its affairs with ability and success. His course in journalism has been of an extensive nature, and is worthy of mention. It begins with the founding of The Banner, April 14, 1881,—of which he was editor and proprietor. It was the organ of the Industrial Association, and as such it was devoted mainly to educational and industrial pursuits. The Banner met with great favor throughout the state, its circulation running up in a brief period to two thousand, the majority of subscribers being laborers. While the paper was devoted mainly to the industrial interests of the race, it did not fail to speak boldly upon all questions where the rights of the Afro-American were involved. In 1888, to promote its interests and accomplish more good, believing in the maxim—‘ In union is strength,’— Zhe Banner united with The Goldsboro Enterprise, controlled by George A. Mebane, and E, E. Smith, now minister to Liberia. This paper assumed the name of The Banner Enterprise, and was published at Raleigh, N.C. It was devoted to politics, and other matters pertaining to the race, and had a most successtul career for quite a while, a powerful influence being —— AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 183 exerted by the efforts of George A. Mebane, and E. E. Smith and John H. Williamson, who were well known as editors. When a difference of opinion arose upon the matter of publication, Mr. Wilhamson sold his interest to George A. Mebane, and retired from the paper, leaving Mr. Mebane sole editor and proprietor, Mr Smith having also retired. Mr. Williamson’s journalistic career did not end here. In August, 1884, he commenced the publication of The North Carolina Gazette, a weekly paper, which was devoted, in accordance with his bent of mind, to education, industry and politics, among the Afro-Americans, As with his former papers, so with Zhe Gazette, a large circulation was secured, it reaching two thousand or more. Many of the able lady writers of the old North State contributed to its columns, among whom were Misses L. T. Jackson, Annie C. Mitchell, and Jane E. Thomas. These made the paper very popular with their own sex, and it was eagerly sought for. The advertisements came largely from the white business men of Raleigh, Zhe Gazette truly did much good, and we regret, with scores of Afro-Americans of the state, that the editor’s other duties prevented his continuing the publication of his paper. JOHN MITCHELL, JR., EpiIton RicHMoND PLANET. The New York World, in its issue of February 22, 1887, said: ‘One of the most daring and vigorous negro editors is John Mitchell, Jr., editor of Zhe Richmond Planet. The fact that he is a negro, and lives in Richmond, does not prevent him from being courageous, almost to a fault.” Without one more word, these lines from the greatest daily of the nation set forth the character and aim of the man and paper who heads this sketch. He entered into life July 11, 1863, amid the roar of cannon and the smoke of eee THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. battle, in Henrico County, where his parents lived, his father being a coachman and his mother a seamstress. In Rich- mond, Va., he first attended school, through the push of his mother, his instructor being Rev. A. Binga, D. D., now pastor of the First Baptist church of Manchester. Under this teacher he advanced rapidly, until in 1876 he entered the Richmond normal school, graduating from the same some years afterward. He is regarded as a natural born artist. His work has been highly commended by Senator William Mahone, Hon. B. K. Bruce, Senator John A, Logan and Hon. Frederick Douglass, His desire for the newspaper life, which has been his most prominent public service, seems to have begun when he cried Zhe State Journal upon the streets of Richmond as a newsboy. In 1883 he was the Richmond correspondent of The New York Freeman, and December 5th, 1884, The Planet was placed under his editorial survey, which he has kept revolving until this day. The Planet was in a very precarious condition when Mr. Mitchell took charge. Since that time he has made it an indispensable possession to the people of Virginia. He has so perfected his plans, that Zhe Planet may continue its revolutions without undue shock or disturbance. Since he has had control he has put in a Campbell cylinder press, which is run by an electric motor; also job presses, and the office is lighted by electricity. This is all due to Mr, Mitchell’s energy and power to manage. He has the reputation of being the gamest Afro-American editor upon the continent. His forte as an editor is to battle against the outrages perpetrated upon his people in the South, In doing this he has encountered many dangerous obstacles and undergone many daring risks. His efforts as a newspaper man caused his election to the Richmond city council in May, 1888. He is also vice-president of the \ Yi KISS tet Sas: ss Sens Steet Oh \ Si AYA east ipa ‘Re, SLE. ZL LLL Yj y ify Y Yf UV YY UY Yi, YY yyy“ MMA Y, Md MM UY yj Uj, UY, WE, “yj Yi UL ZZ awww ee a a a a a a LM dd Vf, Up mp Wy YY Uj Y i= "2 JR. JOHN MITCHELL, 188 186 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. National Press Association. He secured the pardon of Thomas Hewlett, and the reprieve of Simon Walker, who was sentenced to be hung. At this writing he is working for a commutation of his sentence. As a writer, ‘Men of Mark” says: ‘Mr. Mitchell is a bold and fearless writer, carrying out to the letter all he says he will.” The Afro-American Presbyterian, published at Wil- mington, N. C., says the following of Zhe Planet: ‘Some of our secular exchanges, as The Freeman of Indianapolis, and The Planet of Richmond, are doing some splendid work, in the interest of the negro race, Their urgent advocacy of the right is bound to create a stronger sentiment against the oppressor.” At the National Press Convention in Washing- ton, March 5, 1888, Editor Mitchell addressed the convention upon “Southern Outrages.” ‘ola,” the great lady writer and secretary of the convention, writes to The Detroit Plain- dealer the following complimentary remarks of our subject: “Any one listening to the burning words and earnest delivery of John Mitchell, Jr., the man who has devoted himself to this particular phase of the ‘Negro Question,” must feel some throes of indignation and bitter feeling rise within him. My eyes filled with tears and my heart with unspeakable pity, as I thought of Zhe Richmond Planet's list of unfortunates who had met such a fearful fate. No requiem, save the night wind, had been sung over their dea: bodies; no memorial service to bemoan their sad and horrible tate had before been held in their memory, and no record of the time and place of their taking off, save this, is extant; and like many a brave Union soldier their bodies he in many an unknown and unhonored spot.” “All honor, then, to John Mitchell for his memorial service —tfor his record, if only to the few! May his life be spared to continue the great work he has set for himself. May his personal bravery and courage be an incentive to others!” AFRO-AMERIGAN EDITORS. 187 As to the mission of Zhe Planet, “Bert Islew,”’ in The Boston Advocate, clearly enunciates it when she says: “The Planet devotes its space in condemnation of the wrongs and atrocities committed upon the colored men and women, in the section of the country from which it is issued.” The future is bright before Mr. Mitchell. He enjoys the confidence, esteem and support of his fellow-citizens, which bespeak for Zhe Planet undisturbed revolutions. Hon. C. H. J. Taytor, Epitor SourHERN APPEAL. By virtue of his political life, the Hon. Mr. Taylor is known far and near as an Afro-American editor of daring traits and excellent ability. He first saw the light in a town of Alabama, the 2lst of April, 1856. At an early age he began to fit himself for what afterwards proved to be a brilhant career in law, politics, and journalism. His taste for newspapers was seen early in his efforts as a newsboy about Savannah, Georgia. His training was had under a private tutor, at his home at Beach Institute, one of the American missionary schools, and at Ann Arbor college, where he finished a literary and legal course of study. He immediately began the practice of law, and in various places he held eminent positions. He is now located at Atlanta, Georgia, where he enjoys a lucrative practice, his fees amount- ing to four or five thousand dollars a year. His political life has been a most popular one, in that he had the courage and manhood to espouse the cause of Democracy and work as speaker and editor for the perpetuity of a Democratic form of government. As a recognition of his services along this line, he was remembered by President Cleveland in the portfolio of Minister Resident and Consul General to the Republic of Liberia. His editorial life was brilliant and fittingly serviceable to 188 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. the party with which he claims identity. He was publisher and editor, previous to his departure to Liberia, of The World, published at Kansas City. After his return to America, he edited The Public Hducator, which was in the interest of the Democrats in the national contest of 1888. Huis paper did great service, and the party will yet recognize Mr. Taylor's labors. We cannot say more of him as an editor than Prof. L. M. Hershaw, principal of a school in Gate City, Atlanta, Georgia, says: “Mr. Taylor is also very well known as an editor, His efforts in this line of work are characterized by his usual energy, enthusiasm and ability. Huis editorials are strong, pointed and forcible. In replying to an adversary, he is cutting and caustic. However, as the law is Mr. Taylor’s first love, no other pursuit has been able to lure him for any considerable time from its practice. Therefore, his history as an editor is short, but exceedingly interesting.” While in his law practice at Atlanta, his time is limited for newspaper work; yet he finds time to write as a special correspondent to Zhe Kansas City Times. While the major- ity of Afro-American editors do not indorse or countenance Mr. Taylor’s editorial fight for Democratic supremacy, yet they all vie in recognizing his ability and worth, in what some may regard as a peculiar field for the Afro-American editor. Mr. Taylor is at present connected with Zhe Southern Appeal, supposed to be his organ. Hon. Jonn L. Water, Ex-Epiror Western REcoRDER, AND AMERICAN CITIZEN. The hfe of this eminent young man is fraught with achievements as a lawyer, politician and journalist. He was a slave, having been born of slave parents in New Madrid County, Missouri, January 12, 1850. Entering his first SZ, \ WS 4 \ . wee BR EAAN eee wee ~ SAR SS ‘ See ANN RS ‘ ‘ ~ HON. JOHN L. ~ WALLER, 189 190 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. school in 1863, he diligently studied until he graduated trom the Toledo, Iowa, high school. Concerning his first intimation of the study of law, Zhe Capital Commonwealth, (white) of Topeka, Kansas, says: “In 1874, Judge N. M. Hubbard, who had been watching the career of young Waller, and who sympathized with a plucky, struggling youth, sent for John, who had no acquaint- ance with him, to come to his office. John was astonished, for he could not conceive what so eminent a man and jurist as Judge Hubbard wanted with him; but he called as requested. After being closely interrogated by the judge on several important literary subjects, he threw back the large folding-doors of his commodious office and pointed John to his immense legal library and offered him its free use, of which he availed himself for three years, when he was admitted to the bar in October, 1877. “Mr. Waller came to Kansas May 1, 1878, and was admitted to practice in Judge Robert Crozier’s court in the First judicial district in September, 1878, since which time the people of Kansas have known him.” Mr. Waller is an acknowledged leader in the Republican party and has held many prominent positions in that party. He was placed at the head of the Republican electoral ticket in Kansas, at the last presidential election,—an honor never before accorded an Afro-American in this country. Suffice to say, there were numbers of whites who were crazy for the honor. At the election Mr. Waller carried every county, save two, in his state. During the campaign there was a greater demand for his services than for those of any other man in the state, as the fact that he delivered fifty-one speeches for the state and national ticket will demonstrate. Mr. Waller established Zhe Western Recorder, March 10, 1882, and published it for three years. The first few issues AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 194, were but a little larger than a sheet of foolscap; but before the paper had been published three months, the editor, Mr. Waller, enlarged it to six columns, and in August, 1883, it became a seven-column folio, Zhe Recorder soon took rank among many of the leading weekly journals of the state, and had a large circulation all over the South-west. In many of the Southern states this paper could be found. It was republican in politics, and was bold and outspoken upon all public questions. Mr. Waller and his wife labored hard, night and day, to make Zhe Recorder a success, Upon one occasion, the day before the issue of his paper, the typos, who were white, struck for higher wages. The editor, hard pressed, was about to succumb to the demand of his workmen, when Mrs. Waller said: ‘No, my husband, we cannot afford it. I will get the paper out. Let the typos go.” Mr. Waller took her at her word. She seized a stick, mounted the printer's stool, and got the paper cut only two days behind time. She continued to “set up” the paper more than five months, and until the typos, who sought to take advantage of them in their weakness, were almost on the verge of begging bread in the streets. During the three years’ existence of Zhe Recorder, Mr. Waller was both traveling agent and editor, while Mrs. Waller was typo and local editor; but the unceasing labor incident to the successful operation of a negro journal at that time, soon wore the editor out, and on account of ill-health, he was compelled to sell The Western Recorder to Mr. H. H. Johnson of Kansas City, Mo., in February, 1885. As editor of The Recorder, Mr. Waller attended the Press Convention at St. Louis, in 18838, and took an active part in its delibera- tions, As early as 1883, Mr. Waller placed at. the mast-head of The Recorder the following national ticket; For President, 192 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Hon. John A. Logan of Illinois; for Vice-President, Hon. John M. Langston. This ticket drew fire from the opponents of the two men named, from all over the country; but Mr. Waller gallantly supported these candidates, so eminent as statesmen, until the result of the Chicago Convention, in 1884, when he hoisted the names of Blaine and Logan. It has been alleged that Mr. Waller’s first venture in Afro-American journalism came out of the unlawful hanging of a colored man at Lawrence, Kansas. The man in question was one Peter Vinegar, who was suspected as being “ parti- ceps criminis”’ to a crime committed by two Afro-Americans, King and Robinson. Vinegar was out of the city when the crime was committed; therefore could have had nothing to do with it, but was hanged, nevertheless. Our subject was employed in the defence of Vinegar, which shortly resulted in the launching of The. Western Recorder. It was called by many ‘‘the fearless and staunch friend of the Afro-American and the paralyzer of mob violence.” In February, 1888, Mr. Waller, in company with his cousin, Anthony Morton, established The American Citizen, at Topeka, Mr, Waller being editor and remaining at the head of the paper until July, 1888, at which time, he sold his interest to Mr. Morton. Those who read Zhe Citizen durmmg the canvass for the nomination of president, are famihar with the fact that Mr. Waller hoisted the name of John Sherman of Ohio, for the presidency, early in March, 1888, and kept it flying there until the nomination of Gen.. Benjamin Harrison, when he substituted his name. As a journalist, Mr, Waller is fearless, yet courteous, and earnest and decided. As a faithful exponent and defender of his race, the columns of the two papers to which he devoted so much time and hard labor, speak volumes, and clearly show the earnest and anxious solicitude with which the editor labored for the advancement of the people. His editorial, AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 1938 after the defeat of the Republican party in Ohio, in 1888, and his warning concerning the probable defeat of the national ticket, (which proved to be a defeat,) proves that our subject is a far-seeing journalist. He says: “ For Ohio to go Democratic upon the eve of a great national election, is fraught with much cause for alarm on the part of Repub- licans. It strikes us that the leaders of the party will be compelled to change their base of operation, and in the future lodk carefully to the men who are to be nominated. “Tt is an undeniable fact, that the majority of the colored men in the Buckeye State supported the Democratic ticket. The Afro-American, the most influential colored paper in the state, gave all its support to the Democratic ticket. The Republican nominee for governor, a few years since, reflected upon the character of a very worthy colored woman, against whom he was prosecuting a “civil rights’ case in court; and more—it is alleged that Mr. Foraker abused the colored race shamefully in his argument before the jury and the court, and that he was nominated over the protest of the colored people of Ohio, who loudly clamored for the nomina- tion of Senator Sherman, who would, as a matter of course, have swept the state. “There are eighteen thousand colored voters in Ohio, and it is to be regretted that their admonition was not heeded. We very much regret the result in Ohio, but it need not become general,—the defeat there need not become a rout. If the Republicans of the country will be cautious and discreet in their future nominations, the broken places in our ranks will receive the necessary reinforcements to. save us from defeat in 1884. The colored men of Ohio are not Democrats ; they only meant to chastise Judge Foraker for the insult offered the race in a court of justice. The Ger- mans or Irish would have done a similar thing. The colored men who are to the front in political affairs now, are they 194 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. who were children during the late war, and thousands of them have been born since 1861. These men view politics as do white men. We desire to see Ohio reclaimed, and in our next issue we will try to set forth how we think it can be reclaimed. It must be borne in mind, that this is the second sweeping defeat the Republicans have suffered there inside of two years. ‘The reasons for alarm for Republican success in 1884 are well founded.” Such is Mr. Waller as a man and a journalist. Rev. CHarues B. W. Gorpon, Eprror NationaAL PILot. The mills of the theological schools grind slowly with us as a race, yet when they turn out men, in most instances they are highly capable, and have always made their mark in the religious world. Such was the case with our subject. There is probably no young man irrespective of color, whose success in ministering to the saints and wielding the editorial pen has been greater than Rev. Mr. Gordon's. Born of humble parentage, in the state of North Carolina, November 1, 1861, he has, by prayerful attention to word and deed, made his influence felt all over the country, being familarly known as ‘the young eloquent divine.” His early life in school was spent under the guidance of Mr. Thomas “Mixon, on Roanoke Island. From a boy, he has been known as a good declaimer. A writer, speaking of his early career in this respect, says: ‘Friday afternoon being set apart by the teacher for “ piece speaking,” or speech making, the first time that Charles appeared on the programme was an event in the history of the school and an epoch in his life. “He grew so exceedingly eloquent, that he held his audi- ence charmed and spell-bound. From that day it became known that he possessed great oratorical powers.” From this, he made rapid progress as an orator. ie COTES HME E A leawaea ag Ge age sea. Sevacasbees wee, eon orate 196 THE AFRO-AMEBICAN PRESS. Having professed faith in Christ, he determined to enter the Richmond theological seminary, at Richmond, Va., in 1881, Completing a course of three years, he was, to his surprise, called to the pastorate of a large church in Peters- burg, Va. His labors at this church have been highly successful. He published, in 1884, a book of sermons, preached at various times. It is a volume of four hundred and twenty pages, and is replete with evidence of his ability as a theologian. His journalistic career began with the launching of Zhe Pilot, a monthly religious sheet, May 16, 1888, of which he was the founder, proprietor and editor. It was at once made the organ of the Virginia Baptist State Convention. After the suspension of The Baptist Companion, at Ports- mouth, the Baptists had no organ through which they could speak, until the founding of The Pilot, which afforded them a mouth-piece. The Pilot became popular at once, and in demand. After having experienced the “troubles” of journalistic life one year, Mr. Gordon became so pleased with its success that in May, 1889, it was issued weekly. It can be said of this weekly sheet, as can be said of few others, that it is sustained by the Baptists of the state. Virginia is proud of The National Pilot, and proud of this young divine, In closing this sketch of Rev. Mr. Gordon, we could not say more of his present and future career than is said by a writer in The Indianapolis Freeman of March 80, 1889, which we here quote: “To write a full and elaborate estimate of the brilliant and growing subject of this sketch, would be impossible in an ordinary newspaper article; therefore, suffice it to say, that as an author, orator, poet, essayist and divine, the negro race in this country has hardly produced his equal, at his age, 28." AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. Loy Hon. Joun C. Dancy, Epitor Star oF Zion. The Star of Zion, published at Salisbury, N. C., is one of the ablest church organs the Afro-American can claim. Its editor, John C. Dancy, was born in slavery at Tarboro, N. C., May 8, 1857. He early exhibited a thirst for knowledge, and accordingly was put into school after the Surrender, and kept there until 1873. He then entered the printing-office of Zhe Tarboro Southerner, where he first learned the printer’s trade, and afterward became very proficient as a typo. Upon leaving the office of The Southerner, he entered Howard University, and while there was afflicted by the death of his mother. He has held many positions of public trust. He was clerk in the Treasury Department in Washington; also Register of Deeds for Edgecombe County. Being prominent in politics, he has held the most conspicuous places in his party’s organization. He was delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1884 and 1888. At the Convention in 1884, he attracted wide attention by a speech he made, in seconding the nomination of Hon. John A. Logan. Dr. William J. | Simmons’ “Men of Mark,” says: ‘ His eloquent and capital effort was greeted with a volley of hand-claps, and round after round of applause” He was secretary of the convention of Afro-Americans at Raleigh, N, C., in 1887; and president of the one at Goldsboro in 1881. He went abroad as a delegate of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of Good Templars, in 1879. Concerning his efforts upon this occasion and his actions abroad, Zhe Jndianapohs Freeman says: “He spoke at the great Hengle’s Cirque in Liverpool, with Joseph Malins, the well-known temperance advocate, and Rey. George Gladstone, of Scotland, nephew of the great English statesman, to about 5,000 people, and at Crystal palace in London, where 40,000 people were assembled. 198 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Palace in London to about 40,000. He lectured extensively in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. As a political speaker he is widely known, having taken an active part in National and State campaigns, under the direction of the National Committee. Mr. Dancy delivered an Emancipation address at New Bedford, Mass. The speech was published entire in The Daily Mercury of New Bedford. The Virginia Lancet, commenting on the speech and the man, says: “Hon, John C. Dancy, of Salisbury, N. C., editor of The Star of Zion, delivered the oration at the Emancipation celebration at New Bedford, Mass., on August Ist. We have read the report of the oration, as published in Zhe New Bedford Daily Mercury, and feel justified in pronouncing 1t a splendid, scholarly effort. His magnificent periods, excel- lent rhetoric and practical illustrations, were truly wonderful. He is one of the best thinkers of the race, and his progress- iveness and intelligence will surely bring him to the top.” His brilliant career as a journalist begins with the editor- ship of The North Carolina Sentinel, at Tarboro, N. C., which he managed and edited for three years. This was only a forecast of what his journalistic career has since been. Being a prominent layman in the A. M. E. Z. church, he was chosen by the Board of Bishops, in 1885, as editor of their organ, Zhe Star of Laon. This paper, under the management of Dancy, has become a powerful and self- sustaining light in the Convention. The office is well equipped ; so also is the man; hence nothing can be expected but a well-prepared paper. “Men of Mark” says of it: ‘Under his management, the paper has increased wonderfully in subscription and circulation, and is now considered the equal, in ability and news, of any religious paper published by the race in America.” | CY HON. JOHN C. DAN 199 200 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS.- Our subject is a reader, and, it follows, can be nothing less than a writer. He reads the best literature and newspapers. The Star of Zon is authority for any news it publishes con- cerning the race. It is frequently quoted by our leading papers, as well as by those of the whites. As a popular educator in the religious and moral sphere of our people, it has successfully served as leaven, and will continue to until we shall rise in light and power. The Freeman of August 17, 1889, said: “The Star of Zon is one of the most liberal and progressive denomina- tional colored newspapers in the country. It has a good word for every creed, and its editorials are alway spicy and pointed.” We welcome Zhe Star as one, bright and fixed in the planetary system of Afro-American journalism. Wituram E. Kine, Epitor. Farr Puay. This brilliant young man, the editor of a paper whose name indicates its purpose, was born in Noxumbee County, Mississippi, June 7th, 1865, his parents being Richmond and Margaret King. Though he was free-born, his parents had been slaves. Young King was very studious in his youth, and received a good English education in the public schools of his county, and also acquired considerable knowledge of Latin. He engaged in teaching from 1881 to 1888, when he began what has been his most conspicuous public service, journalism. In 1888, Mr. King, at the earnest request of the managers, went to Helena, Arkansas, and became business manager and contributing editor of the Jacob's Friend, which position he filled with satisfaction to his employes, and with much credit to himself. In February, 1889, in company with Mr. 8. 8. Jones, a prominent young man of Enterprise, Mississippi, Mr, King AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 201 began the publication of a paper bearing the significant name of Fair Play, which he himself selected. It was printed upon the press of Zhe Meridian (Miss.) Daily News. For certain reasons, The News failed to continue printing the paper, when Mr, King showed a most heroic spirit in cutting the paper from a six-column folio, to one of four columns, and printed it upon his job press. The trouble between the two papers was, however, amicably settled, and The News resumed the printing. The Far Play is now an eight- column folio. Their job outfit is worth over five hundred dollars, and they do a large job business. Mr. King is a fluent and fearless writer. Whatever he conceives to be right, he gives utterance to, regardless of the opinions or wishes of others. This is an essential character- istic ofa good editor. His chief object in life is the elevation of his race, and he delights to write and converse on that subject. He is wedded to his people, and is an example for young men in morals and religion, being a consistent member of the Baptist church. Rev. W. H. Mixon, Ex-Epitor Datnas Post. Rev. Mr. Mixon, who was born in Dallas County, near Selma, April 25th, 1859, (his parents being Andrew J. and Maria A. Mixon,) was one of the first men to engage in Afro-American journalism in Alabama. His education, which is, by the way, a good one, was acquired in his state, of private tutors, to whom his father constantly sent him. His theological training was greatly supplemented by a course he took in the Selma University. He is now a conspicuous clergyman in the A. M. E. church, having joined the Alabama Conference, under Bishop J. Campbell, in 1879, and ordained deacon and elder by Bishop A. W. Wayman, before he was twenty-one years of age. He 202 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. has been a pedagogue in Alabama, having last served as ~ principal of the high school at Decatur, with the irrepress- ible R. C. O. Benjamin as his assistant, With credit to himself, he has served several churches of the Alabama Conference, now being Presiding Elder of the - Selma District, comprising a field four hundred miles in length. To him is accredited the completion of the Payne University, at Selma, Ala. Asa journalist, he did much to foster and encourage the work in his state. He is a strong supporter of The Southern Christian fecorder, by pen and word. He is the author of ‘The Moth of Ignorance Must be Destroyed.” His associates on The Dallas Post are well-known gentle- men, now active members of the craft, viz.: Mr. Jno. M. Gee and Rev. M. E. Bryant. They attest that he is a sharp-pointed and ready writer. Our subject loves his God first, then his people. Such a man is bound to be of service to the country. | THomas T. Henry, Esq., Ex-Epitror HAuirax ENTERPRISE. In the early part of October of 1886 a conference, composed of gentlemen representing the Banister Baptist Association and the Sunday School Union of Halifax County, met at the First Baptist church of South Boston, for the purpose of considering the advisability of establishing a newspaper. It was decided it should be done; whereupon Mr. Henry was chosen as editor, and Rev. J. Russell, Jr., business manager, with instructions to prepare a prospectus, at the earliest day, (setting forth the moral, educational and financial necessities of the race, and the line of policy the paper should pursuey It was also decided that it should be known as The Halifax Lnterprise, and that it should be published in the town of South Boston. Se, os aA eX a 204 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. The prospectus was well received, and was closely followed by 500 copies of Zhe Enterprise, which greeted an anxious public with the characteristic motto: ‘ We will from no duty shrink.” On its lst of subscribers were soon some of the most prominent whites, as well as colored men, of the county, with some of the best business houses of Danville, North Carolina, and of Richmond, as advertisers. Many compli- mentary and substantial messages of appreciation poured into the editor’s sanctum, We here insert one from T. E. Barks- dale, the very efficient superintendent of schools of Halifax: “Upon my return home I found the first and second numbers of your paper. This commendable effort speaks well for the advance of your people in the last fifteen years. A strict adherence to the design of the paper, as set forth in your prospectus—the educational and religious improvement of your race—will, in my humble judgment, crown The Enter- prise with success. Please find enclosed subscription for one year.” Mr. Henry, who was born in Richmond in 1852, received his education in the public schools of that city, including the high school. He afterwards*read law, and was admitted to the bar in 1882, having as his associate in the practice the lamented R. Peel Brooks. | As a keen and magnificent writer, he proved himself equal to the task in the editorship of The Enterprise. For six months he stuck in a most tenacious manner to the following text, which stood at the head of its editorial columns. It bespeaks volumes for its mission, We here present it: “Educate your children; economize your earnings; acquire property; become part owners of the soil of your country. We have nailed our flag to this mast, and he who would attempt to haul it down, is an enemy to the best interests of the negro.” Mr, Henry resigned the editorship when an attempt was AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 205 made to make it a political paper, whereupon Mr. J. C. Carter assumed the position. Under Mr, Carter’s manage- ment it survived four weeks, when a suspension became necessary. Hon. 8. J. BAMPFIELD, G. W. ANDERSON, AND J, RANDALL Reip: Manaaine Epiror, AND AssocIATE EpitTors, RESPECTIVELY, OF THE NrEw Sourtu. The above gentlemen compose the staff of Zhe Mew South, a journal of high repute, published at Beaufort, 8. C. The managing editor was born in Charleston, the fifth day of September, 1849, and is now clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions for the county of Beaufort. Mr. Anderson, the senior associate editor, was born in New London, Pa., December 2, 1856; while Mr. Reid, the junior member of the staff, was born in Beaufort, during the latter part of the Rebellion. Mr. Anderson is at present a teacher in the Beaufort Normal and Industrial Academy; and Mr. Reid, Deputy Sheriff of Beaufort. The early training of these gentlemen was acquired in their respective localities; later on, at different periods, they entered Lincoln University, where each graduated with honors. Mr. Bampfield pursued a course of law, until the law department of Lincoln University was abolished ; after which he continued to study law under the lamented Judge Pierce L. Wiggan, and was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of South Carolina, in 1874, They wield considerable influence in the community in which they live. The New South, of which these gentlemen compose the staff, is a Republican journal, devoted to education, politics, literature and religion, and published weekly at Beaufort, Beaufort County, 8. C., by the New South Publishing Com- pany, composed solely of colored young men of that county. 206 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. It is issued, primarily, in the interest of the negro race, but as well for the vital principles of the{Republican party and the work of building up and strengthening the material resources of its town and section It is also an advocate of the rights of all races smarting under the rod of oppression. The absence of a journal in Beaufort, owned and controlled by an Afro-American, and conducted with these purposes in view, brought The New South into the field. Its editors and publishers realize that it has meta long-felt want, and in that view they are strengthened by a liberal support from the better element of their people, and that growing class of whites who sincerely desire to see the Afro-American rise in the scale of humanity, and show himself worthy of the great boon of freedom that has been conferred upon him by the recent amendments to the Constitution. The paper is published from its own plant, at its office on Port Republic street, Beaufort, S. C. This plant is valued at $1500, and is entirely free from debt and all encumbrances of every character whatever. It includes a complete job outfit, and the company is prepared to do neat job work at short notice. ° The foreman of the office, and all the help, are Afro-Americans, The type and press are of the best quality, and capable of doing first-class work. It is a seven- column weekly, 24 by 36 inches, issued every Thursday morning, at two dollars a year or one dollar for six months. Its motto is in the words of the martyred Lincolh— With malice toward none; with charity for all.” It is in this spirit that it has entered the field of journalism, to labor unselfishly for the object stated above, and it is upon that line it proposes to fight it out, “if it takes all summer.” It recognizes honest differences of opinion, in all fields of labor and among all classes of laborers, and therefore regards it the duty of the true laborers to lay aside all malice and exercise charity in all things. ANDERSON, G. W 207 208 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. The future of the Afro-American in this country will depend infinitely more upon his own exertions than upon any other agency now at work in his behalf. The real and substantial work, therefore, must be done among the race, and by members of it, and the true Afro-American journalist will play no unimportant part in that work. The deeper and more intensely that impresses itself upon his mind, the better will he be prepared for the work and the more marked and certain will be the results in the near future. The first issue of Zhe Mew South appeared on the 23d of May, and it has been issued regularly each week since, gradually improving alike in mechanical extension and edito- rial management, and with a constantly increasing subscription list. ‘ The appearance of The New South created no little amount of comment. Its salutatory was telegraphed to The New York Herald, and published by that great paper under the caption—‘ The Negro must Help Himself.” In that article the following sensible words appeared. After citing the fact of Afro-American advancement, it says: ‘These are familiar truths; and yet it is a fact too well known to him, that he is denied the actual enjoyment of many rights under the Constitution and laws that are accorded to others. Indeed, under the laws of certain sections of the country, he is almost. anything but a free man,—a pariah in his own country. Whatever else may have conspired to produce such a condi- tion of things, every intelligent, self-respecting negro knows, and freely admits, that the main cause is as an unfortunate moral, material, and intellectual condition—a legacy of more than two hundred and fifty years of slavery. Until that condition is materially changed, no proper recognition of the race can reasonably be expected, etc.” This but serves to show the spirit of the editor in his editorial advice to his race constituents. Zhe South believes RANDALL REID. L 209 210 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. in a peaceable way to settle the negro problem. The idea advanced by many of the North, in advocacy of racial protec- tion by an organized force system, is dealt a blow by The South in a scathing editorial on—‘‘ Who will Bell the Cat?” These are the closing lines of the editorial, which will commend itself to all intelligent and sober-thinking people: “Tt seems to us that the history of every effort on the part of the colored people of the South to organize for self-protec- tion, is of itself sufficient to satisfy every intelligent mind of the utter helplessness of such an undertaking. It has never yet proved effective, and, so far as we can see, never will be effective for such a purpose. If for these troubles there can be no other remedy suggested by these gentlemen, then we are of all races the most miserable, indeed.” These extracts prove the editorial ability of Zhe New South. Its managing editor, with but little previous journal- istic training, is a good writer. Pror. E. H. Lipscomprt, Ex-Epiror Mountain GLEANER, This cultured gentleman and well-known writer was born in the famous tobacco town, Durham, N. C., September 29, 1858. His editorial career began while he was a student at Shaw University, of which he is a graduate. He became associated with Dr. H. M. Tupper (president of that institu- tion) and Prof. N. F. Roberts, in the publication of The African Expositor, which was then the organ of the North Carolina Baptists, as well as that of the University. Though the junior member of the staff, he is accredited with having been the most classic writer upon The Expositor. The secret of his success with the paper was due to the fact that all of his articles upon religion, education, temperance, and, occasionally, politics, were prepared with the utmost care and study, and were said to be of a nervous, concise and LIPSCOMBE. H E. PROF 211 212 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. lucid style, which fact always insured him many admiring readers. Those of Zhe Expositor always wanted to see what Lipscombe had to say; this being especially true of the younger class of men, who admired him for the fearless, fiery dash, the convincing logic and the captivating rhetoric of his writings. His contributions to The Expositor were certainly of that nature that furthered its prospects for a successful existence. At one time he had special charge of the temper- ance department, and being a hearty worker for prohibition, he threw many hot shots into the camp of the anti-prohibi- tionists. In 1882, he was elected by the North Carolina Baptist State Convention as one of the editors of Zhe Baptist Stan- dard. In company with other gentlemen he established Zhe LInght House, in 1884, being its editor-in-chief. In 1885, the paper was moved to Asheville, when it became Zhe Mountain Gleaner, he still remaining editor-in-chief, in which position he greatly distinguished himself. The paper ranked among the ablest edited of the country, though by no means the largest. The Gleaner worked zealously for the betterment of the Afro-American’s condition, and likewise took a part in everything looking to the development of North Carolina, particularly the city in which it was published. KEditor Lipscombe was always invited to the public meetings, regard- less of the color of those who called them, and freely expressed his sentiments upon the matters at issue. These invitations were the result of the ability and influence of his paper. Though editor of a publication whose voice was never smothered in political battle, or silent when matters of public interest were discussed, he was elected to his present position, that of principal of the graded school No. 1, in Asheville. In his work as publisher and journalist, he owes a debt of gratitude to his white brethren of the journalistic turn, AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 213 whose kindness can never be forgotten by him. The prin- cipal of these are the Rev. Dr. 0. J. Bailey of The Biblical ftecorder, Raleigh, N. C., Mr. Theodore Hobgood of Zhe Asheville Advance, and Mr. R. M. Furman of Zhe Asheville Citizen. These gentlemen, while fully according him the right» to hold opinions different from their own, notably in politics, have nevertheless aided him in standing upon his feet, when, without the assistance of strong men, he could not have done so. Though holding a situation under a Demo- cratic school board, his fair and conservative expressions of opinion have given him a right to declare himself upon the stump, as to his political preferences. In his paper, Zhe Gleaner, he made a manly fight for J. C. Matthews as Recorder of Deeds, whose appointment was made by President Cleveland, and was pending confirma- tion in a Republican Senate. His editorials upon the subject were read far and wide, and clipped by Washington papers. A republican, on reading one of his editorials, is said to have remarked: This is fair and manly, and should remind us that however good republicans the colored men may nat- urally be, no policy of political coercion can be applied to them with success.” Messrs. Wittiam F. Simpson, Secret Socrety Epriror, AND ABEL P. CALDWELL, Business MANAGER, oF THE MontHiy EcHo. Mr. Simpson was born March 15, 1842, in Philadelphia, Pa., his parents being Charles and Delphine Simpson. He is the Secret Society editor of The Monthly Echo, He was sent to the public schools of Philadelphia until the Friends opened a school called The Institute for Colored Youths, under the principalship of Prof. E. D. Bassett, where he was then placed. He here continued. his studies with a view to 214 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. graduation in 1858, but for some cause he was not permitted to do so, While in school he acquired the trade of boot and shoe maker, also that of a barber, in which he is now engaged. He is a great Society promoter. His career as editor of the Secret Society department of The Echo dates from 1883, which he has filled with credit and ability. He has proved a most valuable accession to the editorial staff of Zhe Echo, and being well informed as to the workings of various secret orders, he is good authority in matters of that kind. The Echo regards him as essential to its existence. Abel P. Caldwell, the business manager of Zhe Echo, was born in Chapel Hill, N. C., January 1, 1865. His training was had through many difficulties, at the North, as well as South. He is a young man of fine sense and business ability. While managing editor of Zhe Echo, he was selected by the U.S. Director General of the American Exhibition, held in London, England, to represent the young Afro-Americans, which he did with credit. Responding to an inclination to do something to his hking, with three others, he began the publication of Zhe Echo in 1882. It was then a small quarter-sheet, with Charles W. Simpson as editor, while Mr. Caldwell became business manager. Thus Zhe Hecho commenced what has proved, after more than seven years’ experience, a staunch champion of the rights and privileges of the Afro-Americans, Mr. Cald- well assumed control as editor and proprietor, with his brother, in 1884. Dr. B. T. Tanner, formerly editor of The Christian Recorder, and now Bishop Tanner, says: ‘In more ways than one, Zhe /cho is a model which larger and more pre- tentious journals of our people could imitate to their advan- tage. With the motto—‘To preserve an equable mind,’ —it pursues the even tenor of its ways, as though it came to stay.” 215 216 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. The National Baptist said of The Echo,—‘ It is evidently well edited for an amateur paper, and we are glad to see that it contains nothing trashy and sensational.” The Echo warmly endorsed the Industrial School project of Mrs. F. M. Coppin. In recognition of The Echo's services in behalf of this institution, Mrs. Coppin addressed a letter to the editors, thanking them for the interest taken in the enterprise. Itreads as follows: “I am very much obliged to you for your excellent editorial on Industrial Education, in your last issue. It is impossible to calculate how much good is done by a newspaper, in enlightening the minds of the people upon great subjects, and, surely, an education in the use of tools is of first importance in a civilized country. Virgil says: ‘I sing arms and the hero.’ Carlyle says: ‘Tools and the man are a far wider kind of epic.’ “Young men, like yourselves, Messrs. Editors, are just the ones to speak upon this subject. The man that the shoe pinches is the one to hollow. The mechanical toe of ours is very decidedly cramped ‘and pinched by lack of opportunities for growth and improvement.” With a view to enlarging the influence and scope of The Echo, the editors constituted themselves a stock company in 1888, with Dr. L. J. Coppin and William F. Simpson editors, and Abel P. Caldwell business manager. This led to an increase in the size of the paper, and also in the circulation, and to-day, under the management of an able corps of editors, it enjoys a rapidly increasing subscription list, Rev. W. J. Wuirse, Eprrorn Grorera Baptist. At a meeting of the Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, in May, 1880, at Macon, Ga. it was decided that the Convention should establish a newspaper, and it OPPIN REV. L. J. C 217 218 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. accordingly appointed a committee of three to perfect the requisite arrangements. ‘These decided that the publication should be known as The Georgia Baptist, and designated Rev. W. J, White as corresponding secretary and general manager, with power to issue the paper. The Convention having appropriated nothing for the ven- ture, Mr. White organized a stock company, and bought an outfit for the paper and job office, at an expenditure of $2000. Soon he became proprietor and editor, which positions he still holds. The religious conventions, associations, etc., adopted it as their organ, and for nine years it has defended them in their creed and doctrine. The first issue, October 28, 1880, consisted of one thousand copies, which have gradually increased until the average for the succeeding three months, ending January 1, 1889, was three thousand two hundred and forty. This paper goes all over the country and is circulated more extensively in remote sections of the state than any other journal. It goes also to England and Africa. The Baptist is not, like some other Afro-American journals, a tri-weekly, but a weekly, and has not missed an issue from the beginning. It has never used a patent outside, nor does it use any plate matter. This is of course due to Mr. White’s exalted idea of journalism. The paper has never changed hands, he having been editor and business manager nine years. Mr, White was born in Elbert county, Ga., December 25, 1831, and is accordingly, at this writing, fifty-seven years old. His education in the schools was acquired when he was quite young, but he is ever a constant student of men and measures. He served as an apprentice under W. H. Goodrich, an extensive house builder, and he worked at the carpenter’s trade for seven years, after which he learned cabinet making AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 219 under the Platt Brothers, for whom he worked until January, 1867. In the early part of 1866 the Republicans of Augusta started a newspaper called Zhe Colored American, which was the first colored paper ever published in Georgia. John T. Shuften was its editor and proprietor, but W. J. White assisted him in getting it out. After a few issues were published, a stock company was organized and the name of the paper changed to Zhe Loyal Georgian. W. J. White was elected secretary of this company, and took active part in the publication of this paper for about two years, the time it was published. Another company was now organized and The Loyal Georgian merged into The Georgia Republican. W.J. White was its correspondent and canvasser as long as published. After the suspension of Zhe Loyal Georgian he acted as correspondent for The Atlanta Republican and occasionally for other papers. Since Zhe Georgia Baptist has been in existence he has confined himself solely to its publication, the editorials being written exclusively by him. Mr. White is pastor of Harmony Baptist church, Augusta, Ga., and treasurer of the Shiloh Baptist Association. His pastorate of this church has been continuous since May 10, - 1868, when the church was organized. He is trustee of the Atlanta University, at Atlanta, Ga., and for eighteen years has taken an active part in its management. He is trustee for the Atlanta Baptist Seminary, a theological school for young men of Atlanta, Ga. He is a trustee of Spelman Seminary and vice-president of the board. This is a school for the training of young ladies at Atlanta, Ga. Mr. White is a strong prohibitionist and has taken an active part in the prohibition contests that have arisen in his own and adjoining states. From January, 1867, to January, 1869, he was an agent for the Freedmen’s Bureau 220 - THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. and was assigned to the duty of organizing schools in all parts of Georgia for the colored children, He encountered many dangers in the prosecution of the duties pertaining to this office. In the spring of 1869 Mr. White was appointed assistant assessor in the Internal Revenue service by Captain Edwin Belcher, the first Afro-American assessor appointed by Presi- dent Grant. When the assessors’ and collectors’ offices were united by a change in the law, Mr. White was appointed by Col. Isham 8. Farnin deputy collector, with headquarters at the collector’s office, a position that gave him charge of all revenue matters connected with distilleries and tobacco factories. For three years he had charge of a large division, with headquarters at Milledgeville, Ga. He served under Col. Farnin, Col. E. C, Wade and Col. W. H. Johnson, as deputy collector, and resigned voluntarily, January lst, 1880. He has taken an active part in public affairs and has been closely identified with the Republican party ever since the war. The Afro-Americans of Georgia have, during the last ten years, held conventions that were intended solely for the advancement of their interests in state affairs. The first of these met at Macon, Ga., the second at Atlanta, and the third at Macon. These conventions have been productive of much good to the Afro-Americans of Georgia. Mr. White was president of them all. The last convention met January 25, 1888, and among other things of importance done was the organization of the Union Brotherhood for the unifying of the Afro-American voters of Georgia for better state government. He is president of this organization. He was chosen by the Republicans of his state as delegate from the state at large to the last National Republican Convention, and was the only delegate-at-large from Georgia that went over to Benjamin Harrison before his nomination. AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 221 Coming back to our subject’s journalistic life, we ascertain that nothing was more lucrative and more helpful to him in the business than a job office, in connection with the publica- tion of Zhe Baptist. Mr, White saw this at the very beginning, and determined that it should be a first-class one. He also determined to employ colored printers, as far as possible. This was a hard task, because of the scarcity of such, He was fortunate enough to secure the services of Mr. George W. Gardner, now editor of The Philadelphia Sentinel, whom he made foreman of the office, Prof, A. R. Johnson, one of Georgia’s best young men, to whom he was deeply devoted, rendered him invaluable aid in keeping his books. John T., George D., Lucian H., and W. J. White, Jr., four sons of W. J. White, were put in the office to learn type-setting. John L. Blocker, Esq., who has since moved to Texas and engaged in the newspaper business, was also employed by Mr. White as canvasser and general helper. Gabriel B. Maddox, Esq., who has since been foreman of the printing department at the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial school, Tuskegee, Ala. and, later, associate editor of Zhe Columbus (Ga.) Messenger, was first devil, with W. J. White, Jr., as a good second. Overcoming many difficulties Mr. White has persevered until The Georgia Baptist job office has taken a place in the front rank. A large amount of pamphlet work is turned out; and in addition to the force of eight to ten men in the building, four to six ladies are employed at Mr. White’s house, of whom Mrs. White has the oversight. Three of his daughters, Mary B., Claudia T., and Emily Josephine, have learned to bind and stitch pamphlets. The entire plant has cost about three thousand dollars, and the capital employed in the business is about six thou- sand. Thus it is seen that The Georgia Baptist and its editor have had a most prosperous career. 222 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. The Indianapolis Freeman says, in regard to The Baptist : ‘From ten to fifteen hands are employed upon it continually, the pay-roll reaching from one hundred to one hundred and fifty dollars a week. Take it for all in all, Zhe Georma Baptist is one of the positively successful newspaper prop- erties in the country, owned by colored men.” Levi E. Curisty, Eprror INDIANAPOLIS WORLD. One of the leading spirits of Indiana journalism is Levi E. Christy, editor and senior proprietor of Zhe Jndianapols World. He was born at Salem, Ind., 1851, but became a resident of Xenia, O.,in 1865, leaving Salem on account of the gross mistreatment by the whites of the colored people there. After spending some time in the public schools of Xenia, he went to Indianapolis, when he immediately entered the employ of General, now President Harrison. Young Christy, knowing fully the value of an education, attended a night school, and afterwards took private lessons, paying as high as $1 per lesson. His industry and perseverance were not without reward, for so well had he advanced that in 1870 he was appointed principal of one of the leading public schools in Indianapolis. After teaching some years at this place, he accepted a good school in Arkansas, intending to complete a special line of study to which he had devoted himself. He finally returned to Ohio and became a student at Wilberforce University. In 1872, Mr. Christy was married to Miss Ella M. Roberts, a cultured and handsome young lady of Xenia, O., and again he went to Arkansas and began teaching. He took an active part in Grant’s second campaign, and evinced considerable talent as a speaker. Returning to Indianapolis, he was appointed principal of a school, and held the position AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 223 until 1885, when he retired from that profession, and has since given his entire time to Zhe World, which passed to his control five years ago. ; After fifteen years in the confines of a school-room, the active and, invigorating life of a newspaper man was a welcome change. At that time Afro-American journalism, was, to a great extent, an experiment; but Mr. Christy had unbounded faith in its ultimate success, and devoted himself to his new labor with all the zest of his enthusiastic nature. Under his guidance, though at the cost of many sacrifices and much personal discomfort, Zhe World has become a firmly established enterprise, and ranks with the best in the land. All its mechanical work is done by Afro-American hands, and besides being a leader in the intellectual arena, it furnishes an avenue for the employment and training of colored men and women as printers. It has introduced more new Afro-American writers to the reading public than any other journal published by our people. As an editor, Mr. Christy is cool and conservative, and demands for the Afro-American the same chances and oppor- tunities accorded to other American citizens. He appeals to the reason and better judgment, rather than to the passions or emotions, The World is enjoying a season of unprecedented success, and is an illustration of what can be accomplished by patience and industry, supplemented by confidence and a strict adherence to the best business principles. Rev. A. EK. P. Ausert, D. D., Epitor SourH-WEsTERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE. Rey. Dr. A. E. P. Albert, the subject of this sketch, a writer of national reputation upon religious subjects, is of French descent, his father being Pierre Albert, of Bordeaux, France, 224 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. and his mother a slave, the property of a Frenchman. When the Union army captured New Orleans, our subject ran away from home, reaching the Union lines safely. He was then but poorly able to speak English; so he entered a private school, taught by Mr. William Barner. After gaining some knowledge of English, he attended the Freedman’s Bureau school, the public schools of Atlanta, the Congrega- tional Theological school, and Clark University. Entering the Straight Congregational University at New Orleans, he graduated as Bachelor of Divinity in 1881. Four years afterwards the honorary title of D. D. was conferred upon him by the alma mater, and by the Rust Methodist Episcopal University of Holly Springs, Miss. At present, Dr. Albert is president of the board of trustees of New Orleans University, chairman of the executive committee, and lecturer on theology in the same institution. He is also secretary of the Louisiana Conference Board of Church Extension and statistical secretary of the Louisiana Conference. He was for a number of years District Dept. Worthy Grand Templar for Louisiana, I. O. G. 'T.; was a member of the book commit- tee of the M. E. Church; secretary for Eastern Section for four years; a member of the General Conference and secretary of committee on the state of the church, at the General Conference held in Philadelphia in 1884, and also chairman of the colored delegation to the same body. After Dr. Taylor’s declination, he was desired by the majority of the board of bishops to go as bishop to Africa. At the last meeting of the bishops, he was appointed fraternal delegate to the General Conference of the A. M. E. Zion Church, Like many other subjects treated in this work, his life in © journalism has not been as extensive as in that of the ministry. It begins with an appointment as assistant editor to Drs. Hartzell and Cushman, from 1882 to 1884, At the ae; D ALBERT, REY. A. E. P PALO 226 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. General Conference in 1884 he received one hundred and seventeen votes for the position of editor. Upon the death of Dr. Marshall W. Taylor, Dr. Albert was chosen to fill the unexpired term. This he did with so much credit, that at the General Conference in 1888 he was elected editor without an opposing vote. Concerning the power and force of Zhe South- Western Advocate, The Freeman says: ‘“ The South- Western Christian Advocate, of which Dr. Albert is now editor, is a great and powerful church organ, having the largest circulation of any paper in New Orleans.” The honor. of being editor of such a powerful religious journal, owned by the General Conference of the M. E. Church, is one that no other Afro-American has the pleasure to possess; and no one is more able than he to wear the honor befittingly. Dr, Albert is a reliable, pointed, and pleasing writer. The editorial columns of Zhe Advocate are always bright and cogent. His ready acquaintance with all questions makes him able to write in the most inviting way upon any subject he may see fit to tackle. The best thing about his success in life is, that, personally, he had to earn everything with — which to educate and make himself a man. Learned in the Bible, as the lawyer is in the law, he is able to present Scripture truths unto a dying generation, with that ready vehemence and force that none could do who were less well informed. With his practical knowledge and the memory of the treatment he was subjected to in his onward march to success, he can, in a most prepossessing manner, advise his fellow-men what to do in meeting the difficulties incident to their religious, moral and social life. Since his journal represents thousands of white Methodists, as well as thou- sands of Afro-American Methodists, it is read by the whites more than is any other Afro-American journal in the Union. While he is ready, at all times, to picture the Afro-American’s AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 227 success in the most vivid and enchanting manner, yet he points out the many snares and dangers along the paths of life, which, if a race fall into, proves fatal to its existence. In every way Dr. Albert has proven himself duly qualified to honor the race as a knight of the quill, and his journal deserves the most hearty support at the hands of a liberty- loving and free people. In noticing The South- Western Christian Advocate and its present editor, its history would be manifestly incomplete if we failed to allude to Rev. Marshall W. Taylor, D. I, a former editor, who is acknowledged to have been one of the most gifted writers and eloquent speakers the race has yet produced, especially in the M. E. Church. Dr. Taylor has - been connected with some journalistic work ever since his service as a preacher began. In 1872, while pastor of Coke Chapel, Louisville, Ky., he edited Zhe Kentucky Methodist, which was looked upon as an able sheet. He was honored with the degree of D. D. by the Central Tennessee College. In 1879 and in 1880 he was elected editor of The South- Western Christian Advocate, a position never before held by an Afro-American. He is author of several works, viz.: “Universal Reign of Jesus,” ‘Life of Donney,”’ “ The Negro Evangelist,” ‘ Plantation Melodies,” and “Life of Mrs. Amanda Smith, the Missionary.’ As one says: ‘He was famous as an eloquent preacher, a safe teacher, ready speaker, and an earnest writer; and we will add, a polished writer. Few, if any, can peruse his books without being impressed with the deep earnestness of the man, and his evident desire to lift his readers to a higher plane. He presents his matter in such a way, that none can lay his books aside without the consciousness of having been helped by them. Previous to his death at Indianapolis, in June, 1888, he was mentioned for the bishopric of the M. E. Church. Dr. Albert justly holds high the mark set by this worthy man. 228 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Messrs. R. D. Lirrnesjonn anp D. A. Wiuurams, Epitors oF THE New LiauHrt. In Warren County, North Carolina, July, 1855, was born Richard D. Littlejohn, whose work in Afro-American journal- ism has been marked by many sacrifices, and much diligent application. He is well educated, having spent considerable time in these universities: Lincoln, in Oxford, Pa.; Fisk, in Nashville, Tenn.; and Oberlin, in Ohio. He has since taught in Mississippi. For eight years he has been a member of the teachers’ examining board for his county. He is also promi- nent in society circles, particularly among the Odd Fellows and Free Masons. Mr. Littlejohn has often made use of the expression: ‘The destiny of the negro race in the South rests in secrecy and brotherly love.” When Messrs. Littlejohn and Williams began the publica- tion of Zhe Mew Light in 1886, the community said that it could not continue longer than two or three months, the assertion being based on the fact that so many papers had been commenced by our people, which seemed to flourish a short while, only to die. Many, who really sympathized with the new and enterprising project, subscribed for only three or four months. The paper proved to be a burden to the publishers for two years, their disbursements for that time reaching $1160, and the receipts $489. But things have changed since, and now the monthly receipts exceed the expenditures. Zhe New Lnght has passed its crisis, and the dawn of a prosperous day has come. During all its trying and perplexing times, when it seemed that both courage and perseverance would inevitably fail, Mr. Littlejohn held up the flag with untiring fortitude. All the responsibility rested upon him, but he never shrank from duty, nor did he labor in suspense; for, encouraged by the R. D. LITTLEJOHN. 229 230 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. maxim that temperance, justice, and fortitude conquer uf things, he fought to the end, The New Inght is now three years old, and is a noble reflector of Afro-American sentiments, being the only paper published in Mississippi in an office the outfit of which is owned by Afro-Americans. Mr. Littlejohn was associated with the lamented Rev. Dr. Williams in the editorship. of Zhe New ILnght, to whose popularity and influence the success of the paper is greatly due. Dr. Williams was born in Virginia, February 3, 1839, and lived until a few months since, when he fell triumphant in the arms of the blessed Savior, having fought in war and in peace, first for God and then for his race. He published and edited The People’s Adviser, in Jackson, Miss., which was a religious and an educational journal. It was a strong advocate of temperance and prohibition. In 1885 he and Editor Littlejohn associated themselves together in the publication of Zhe New Lnght, to the success of which Dr. Williams never failed to contribute, until called from labor to reward. He was widely known in the M. E. church, to which he belonged. J. DALLAS Bowser, Epitor GATE City Press. Among the many weekly journals published in the West, none carries with it such great influence, and none ig so powerful in the maintenance of right principles, as The Gate City Press, published at Kansas City, Mo. It is one of the largest sheets published by the Afro-American, and one of the most substantial. Papers may come and go, but Zhe Gate City Press seems “to have come to stay.” Its editor is J. Dallas Bowser, who was born in the Tar Heel State, (North Carolina,) at Weldon, February 15, 1846. AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS, 231 His career as a good citizen, educator, and particularly as a journalist, has been marvelous. He early enjoyed the benefits of an excellent public school training, which his parents were enabled to afford him by moving to Ohio. Remaining there in the schools, he grew up well-educated and well-fitted for practical life, and as an upright citizen. He moved to Kansas City when quite young, possibly 22, succeeding Hon. J. Milton Turner as principal of the largest school in that city. He held this position for ten years, until 1881 finds him a mail-route agent, which place he filled until President Cleveland's policy “to turn the rascals out’ reached him, and out he went. In 1887 he was sealer of weights and measures for Kansas City. These positions he filled with credit. Mr, Bowser is now a journalist. He has been successful in all of his journalistic work, and can be relied upon as being the hardest newspaper worker in Missouri, among the Afro- Americans. He has been constantly engaged thus for nine years, contributing largely to the success which now attends Afro-American journalism. In 1880 H. H. Johnson founded The Free Press in Kansas City. Before the second number was issued, Mr. Johnson came to Mr. Bowser, whom he knew to be a wide-awake, vigilant writer and business man, and stated that he was in lack of means to continue the publication of The Press. Mr. Bowser, disliking to see the effort fail, immediately took hold, and in a few weeks he had organized a substantial stock company, which took control of the paper, changing it to its present name, Zhe Gate City Press. This paper, under Mr. Bowser’s editorial management, has become a household word in the West, and its columns are quoted from by the leading journals of the land. Mr. Bowser is an editor whose writings command the most careful consideration. He is a fierce antagonist of quacks, 232 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. humbugs, and political mountebanks. A writer, speaking of The Press, says: ‘“ The Gate City Press is one of the strongest papers in the United States.” The same writer, in referring to its editor, says: ‘‘ His paper thoroughly reflects the man.” Mr. Bowser pursues a line of duty in his writings as editor which he regards as right, without fear or favor. Another thing that has tended to make his paper a successful sheet is, the polished writers and astute thinkers who are with him upon its staff. Such men as Profs. W. W. Yates and G. N.Gresham,so well known in the literary world, are his associate editors. ; Mr. Bowser’s editorials always betray him as a defender of true Republican principles. The author regards his paper as one of the most successful efforts in the pioneer work of Afro-American journalism, Having amassed a little fortune, he is enabled to “soap” his Press, which is a mighty lever in the work. Not only is Mr. Bowser an able writer, but he is an orator as well. In addition to his journalistic business, he is a large coal and grain dealer. Hon. JAmses J. SpeuMAN, Epitor Baptist MESSENGER. Mr. Spelman was born in Norwich, Conn., January 18, 1841, and was educated in the public schools of Connecticut. He entered upon newspaper work in 1858, in New York City, by opening a newspaper depot on Thompson street, near Amity, now West Third street, A year later he became a contributor to The Anglo-African, published by the Hamilton Brothers, and afterwards to The Pine and Palm, its successor, edited by James Redpath. He was a frequent contributor to the New York daily press, through the influence of Horace Greeley, George Alfred Townsend, Charles Fulton, Charles G, Halpin, William Caldwell, and his partner, Mr. Whitney. 234 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. During this time, he was also a regular correspondent ot The Elevator of San Francisco, over the nom de plume ot Private L. Overture; of Zhe Colored Citizen of Cincinnati, edited by Prof. John Corbin, now of Arkansas; and of The Zion's Standard and Weekly Review of New York, edited by Prof. Howard Day, having with the last-mentioned paper the nom de plume of Paul Pickwick. On going to Mississippi in 1868, he became the special correspondent of Zhe New York Tribune, and wrote to other papers in the North during the period of Reconstruction. His letters to Zhe Tribune afterwards attracted considerable attention, and were frequently copied into the columns of other papers. Mr. Greeley, on his way to Texas, stopped over at Canton, Miss., especially to pay Mr. Spelman a visit; but, unfortunately, he was not at home, and he never after- wards saw his benefactor alive. In 1870, he was elected vice-president of the Republican Press Association, the only colored man who was a member; and subsequently he became its president. He has been connected, as editor and proprietor, with the following papers in Mississippi: People’s Journal, The Messenger and The Mississippi Repubhcan. He was associated with the late Hon. James Lynch in the publication of Zhe Colored Citizen and The Jackson Tribune; and with the Baptist denomination in the publishing of Zhe Baptst Signal and The Baptist Messenger, of which papers he was editor. At the National Republican Convention of 1884, Mr. Spelman was the special correspondent of The Evening Post, a Democratic daily paper published in Vicksburg, Miss. He is still a frequent telegraph contributor to the press, for which he is daily compensated. He contributes an occasional letter to the Afro-American press, on matters pertaining to the race in the South. Mr. Spelman’s connection with the press has been of a AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 235 nature to secure compensation rather than to gain promi- nence, and in this he has succeeded admirably. His work has been constant, unceasing, and quietly done. He has brought dignity and position to Afro-American journalism by his efforts. He has occupied excellent political positions, being now in the service of the government as special Lumber Agent of the General Land Office. Rev. Wm. B. Jounson, D. D., Epiron WayLtanp ALUMNI JOURNAL. Dr. William B. Johnson, the editor of Zhe Wayland Alumm Journal, was born in the city of Toronto, December 11, 1856. He spent the major portion of his youthful days in the schools of Buffalo, New York, and in the city of his birth, subsequently attending Wayland Seminary, where he graduated with honors in the class of 1879. In 1872 he was converted, and was baptized by the Rev. J. W. Mitchell, pastor of the Queen Street Baptist church, Toronto. In 1875, fired by a desire to work for God, he entered the ministry, choosing the South as his place of labor. Upon graduating from the Wayland Seminary, fully equipped as an expounder of divine truth, he was called to the pastorate of the First Baptist church of Frederick, Md. After serving the church successfully, and building a fine edifice, he left it, beloved by all who knew him, especially by this congregation. Immediately, he was appointed by the American Baptist Home Mission Society to be general mis- sionary for the states of Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. While young Johnson had a very good education on leaving the seminary, his ambition led him to continue his studies, and to a special course in mathematics, metaphysics, 236 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. and the languages, under Prof. Rhoan of the Columbian University, which resulted in his election to the chair of mathematics and science of government in Wayland Semi- nary, where he now is, having the esteem of the faculty and the students for his ability and worth. Thus, he stands as a remarkable pillar in the Baptist Convention. Dr. Johnson has, in his time, read some of the ablest papers before deliberative bodies it has been our pleasure to hear, When the Baptist State Convention was in session at Lynchburg, Va., in 1887, we heard with untiring interest his paper on the “ Religious Status of the Negro,” which so forcibly impressed the convention that it was ordered to be published. The paper proved his high qualifications and and worth as a journalist, and his ready ability to present matters as they are,—to condemn or defend the race as circumstances might require. In 1889, upon the retirement of the editor of Zhe Baptast Companion, the organ of the Afro-American Baptists in Virginia, he was chosen as his successor. His management of The Companon showed considerate tact and newspapaper strategy, and undoubtedly he would have made that journal one of the best religious newspapers, had it not been destroyed by fire. This was his first experience as a writer, which was acknowledged by the fraternity to have been productive of good fruit. Recognizing his merit as a “quill man,” Dr, Johnson was chosen by the alumni of Wayland Seminary editor of their journal, which was known as Zhe Wayland Alumni Journal, which, under his editorial survey, has done much for the seminary. The State University of Kentucky has conferred upon him the honorary degree of D. D., making him the youngest man in our country with such a title. As a preacher, student and writer, “he is able, diligent and AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 237 forcible.” Says Zhe American Baptist: ‘ His services are in constant demand at home, in the interest of every good work.” The Journal and its editor have done much in battling for the race, and will continue to supply the yearning of many a thirsty mind for editorial literature. JOHN Q. ApAms, Esq., EpitroR WESTERN APPEAL. Louisville, blessed in its many worthy sons, is the birth- place of a man whose prominence in Afro-American journalism is familar to all—John Q. Adams, who has stood through the blasts of forty winters and the heat of as many summers. He acquired an early training in the private schools of Fon-du-lac, Wis,, and Yellow Springs, O., finishing at Oberlin, Not unlike many Afro-American graduates, he entered the pedagogic profession, remaining in it until 1873, when he was elected engrossing clerk of the Arkansas Senate, and, later on, assistant superintendent of Public Instruction. Shortly after this he served as deputy commissioner of Public Works. So great has been the journalistic career of this gentleman, and so eager are we to direct the attention of the reader to it, that we will make no further comment on the success attending his service in these positions than to say it was great. In 1879, he and his younger brother launched The Bulletin, a weekly paper, to battle on the sea of journalism with the turbulent waves that might come against it. Zhe Bulletin continued to sail, making a successful run until 1885, when it was disposed of to The American Baptist. Our subject was wielding the political ax in the quiet during the life of Zhe Bulletin, resulting in the occupancy of a responsible position under the Garfield-Arthur adminis- tration,—that of United States storekeeper. 238 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Upon going to St. Paul, Minn., in 1886, Mr. Adams accepted the position of editor of Zhe Western Appeal, which was then in a very weak condition. A writer says this of The Appeal: ‘‘ Under his management the paper has thrived, and has become a power in the country.” In 1888, Mr. Adams moved the headquarters of Zhe Appeal to Chicago, where, as one says, it has had “phenomenal success.” Zhe Indianapohs Freeman says this of The Appeal, which ex- presses our own sentiment, and cannot be bettered: “From a circulation of thirty-eight copies, it has, in twelve months, increased to over two thousand.” Zhe Appeal is published simultaneously in Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Louis- ville. Mr. Adams has been continuously engaged is journalism since 1879, and unless lightning should strike him under the present Republican administration, he will, in all probability, for years to come, be counted among the ‘pencil pushers’ of the country.” Mr. Adams’s journalistic turn of mind led to the calling of the first Colored National Press Convention, and he was honored as its first president. But what of his reputation as a writer? The success which has attended his efforts would very probably suggest this inquiry. By way of reply, we produce a clipping from the editorial columns of Zhe Appeal, which, while it shows his style, manifests, also, his spirit in defence of the race. He refutes, in no uncertain tones, the insult daily put upon the colored people in classifying them with the vile -and degraded. “If a colored man steals a hog, commits a rape or murder, or engages in a riot, he at once takes a conspicu- ous position in the eyes of the white community and is regarded with great interest. The court house is thronged when he is tried, and even when he passes along the street in custody of an officer, there is great curiosity to know what he has been doing. Thus the white community is constantly | ADAMS. JOHN Q ey) oD N Z 240 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. being brought in contact with offcasts and outcasts of the colored people, and, naturally enough, forms its conceptions of all from the bad conduct of a few. But the refined and pleasant homes, the thousands of benevolent and Christian enterprises that are in constant operation among colored people, the well-conducted churches, schools, colleges, socie- ties, and other civilizing and humanizing instrumentalties, attract almost no attention from the whites, and, consequently, exert almost no influence upon their idea of their progress, It is a misfortune to both races, that the white people are so constantly forced to witness and learn of the bad conduct of the saloon-loafers and criminals of the colored race, and that they take such pains to keep themselves from witnessing the decent and creditable performances of the intelligent, virtuous. and industrious ones.” The truth of the above is unmistakable; and with such’ presentation of facts, the Afro-American editor may live to do great good, and the world will be the better for the influence he exerts. Pror. JuniAN Taupot Barney, Epiror Lirtte Rock Sun. Prof. Julian T. Bailey, widely known as a journalist, was born March 22, 1859, in Warren County, Georgia. His parents were Pierce and Adeline Bailey of Georgia and Virginia, respectively. His sister and father having died when he was a lad, he was left with his mother alone, who, knowing Julian’s desire for an education, promptly resolved that she would do what she could to enable him to obtain it. In due time he was placed in the common schools of his county, and having completed the prescribed courses in these, he was sent to the Atlanta University, and entering the college preparatory class, he graduated from the institution with first honors, at the age of seventeen. He then went PROF. JULIAN TALBOT BAILEY 241 242 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. to Howard University, where he completed the college course. Since leaving school, he has been an earnest student, and few can equal him in the sciences, mathematics, and lan- guages, He is known asa scholar and teacher of the ablest kind. He never fails to instill into his pupils the highest principles, with pureness of character. He has been actively engaged in the school-room during his career. He has had the degree of Master of Arts conferred upon him by Howard University. Soon after leaving college, he accepted the principalship of the Roanoke Normal and Collegiate Institute, in North Carolina. He has since been professor of natural sciences and belles-lettres in the Philander Smith University of Little Rock, He has been professor of higher mathematics and astronomy in the Mississippi State Normal College and presi- dent of Bethel University of Little Rock. In speaking of his political life, a writer in Zhe Mew York Freeman had the following to say: ‘In politics he is an independent thinker and actor, and as such holds a free, strong, and independent political position. He has always labored to make apparent the folly of the present inclination in politics, and has advocated free, independent, thoughtful action. He bends to no party, and bows to no apparent kindness; but stands concientiously upon principle and fitness to accomplish the highest good. “Prof. Bailey has always taken an active part in the politics of his adopted states. As a speaker, he is pleasing, interest- ing, and eloquent. He is a man of strong convictions, tender sympathies, great firmness and decision of purpose, with high personal character. He possesses severe earnestness, pluck, manly courage; aims high, is ambitious and far-reaching, with great self-reliance and self-respect.” Since leaving the school-room, Prof. Bailey has been ac- tively engaged in the practice of law, in addition to his AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 248 editorial duties, He is-one of the few of his race who have been admitted to practice before the Supreme and United States Courts in his state. He has a large and growing practice. | While Prof. Bailey has been wonderfully successful as a lawyer, yet his career and experience have been so large and varied in the journalistic field, one might think, to look at his work in this direction, that he had no time for any other. He has been marvelously progressive in journalism. Certainly, few writers have been associated with as many papers, at different intervals, as Mr. Bailey, and filled such positions so acceptably. As to his course in journalism before the publication of The Sun, we call attention to a clipping from Zhe Indiun- apols Freeman of February 2d, 1889: ‘Soon after leaving college he went to North Carolina, where he was principal, for some time, of a school known as the Roanoke Normal and Collegiate Institute. He also published and edited Zhe National Enquirer, in the same state, until the spring of 1884, when he was offered the editorial chair of Zhe Arkansas Herald. Considering Arkansas a more inviting field, he accepted the offer. His editorial management of The Herald was marked by signal ability and success, in consequence of which he at once received encomiums from the leading men and papers, both white and colored, throughout ihe state. Such was the effect of his ability upon Arkansas as a journalist, that scarcely had he edited Zhe Herald a month before it was decided by the members of the Arkansas Herald and Mansion publishing companies, to consolidate the papers. He was then elected editor of the consolidated paper, which was at once regarded as one of the leading negro journals ‘of the country. He continued to edit The Herala-dansion until the fall of 1884, when he was elected professor of natural science and belles-lettres in the Philander Smith 244 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. University of Little Rock. This position he fills with great credit to himself, as well as to the institution employing him. As expressed by the author, as well as by our most eminent men in their opinions in this work, there is little pecuniary benefit to be reaped from Afro-American journals, in the earlier stage of their existence. This Prof. Bailey knew, and so he accepted a professorship in a college, in addition to his labors as editor of The Lnttle Rock Sun. Thus he is enabled to support himself comfortably, and have at his command increased means for the publication of his - journal. The Sun began publication in 1885, an independent paper, with Prof. Bailey as editor. This independent stand it has since maintained, and it is noted for its out-spoken senti- ments in advocacy of the rights of the race. On January lst, 1889, it entered upon its fifth volume. Since September 1st, 1888, Prof. Bailey has published two other papers, Zhe Hot Springs Sun and The Texarkana Sun, (Texas,) three separate and distinct papers, the combined weekly ‘bona fide” circulation of which is over six thousand. The Little Rock Sun has as large a circulation as any other Afro-American journal in the country, and it is doubtless safe to assert that it outranks all others in the number of its readers and the weight of its influence. Prof. Bailey is a newspaper man, ‘to the manor born.” His success in the work is due, first, to his ability, and, second, to his energy and great zeal. As a journalist, a writer sums him up thus: ‘He has shown from childhood an insatiable thirst for knowledge and an immeasurable ability for grasping and retaining the most profound truths, While at college he distinguished himself as a linguist and mathematician. As a literary man, many know him. His clear, logical, conclusive, unique, though graceful style, is well known to most publishers and readers of the leading AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 245 papers of the day. His articles are sought eagerly, and are published and read with both pleasure and benefit.” The question with the fraternity 1s now—‘‘ Where can another Bailey be found ?” DAvip C. CARTER, Ex-HpITOoR VIRGINIA CRITIC. The Critic wielded such an influence, and strove so hard to extend justice and fair play to both the people it represented and to others, that we would not fail to give it space in this volume. The subject of this article was born in Staunton, October 25, 1862, and was educated in the public and private schools of that city, and is to-day a trusted teacher in one of the Staunton public schools, His connection with The Critic began in 1884, and was continued for four years as managing editor. His paper was regarded as one of the most telling sheets ever published in Virginia by the Afro-American. Since its suspension, he has been writing constantly for Anglo-Saxon papers, as well as for various Afro-American journals. His articles, and especially his editorials, were often found in the columus of other journals, either quoted in full or in part. Mr, Fortune, in his “Negro in Politics,” clips from the editorial columns of The Critic. The people of Virginia lost an able and progressive medium, when Zhe Critic failed to criticise the faults of the Afro-American or laud his good deeds. “Witt1AM Burorp, Epitror ARKANSAS DISPATCH. The editor of Zhe Dispatch dates his entrance into the world September 10, 1855, his parents being George and Clara A. Buford of Pulaski County, Arkansas. When he was eight years old, his father died, leaving him DAG THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. dependent upon a poor mother. They, however, survived the hardships to which they were subject, and Wilham received a good, practical education in the schools of Arkansas. He taught in the public schools of the state for years, always meeting with marked success, as shown at the examinations, Retiring from the service of a pedagogue in 1884, he became editor of Zhe Herald-Manswn, published in Little Rock. This is known to have been the first Afro-American journal published in Arkansas; which makes him a pioneer in the newspaper field, in that state. He served as editor of that journal for two years, when a dissolution of Zhe Herald and Mansion was effected, the paper, though, continu- ing, under the name and style of Zhe A/unsion, and he as its editor and manager. The company publishing Zhe Mansion sold, in 1887, all the good will and material to Editor Buford, and he then launched upon the journalistic sea Zhe Arkansas Dispatch. In politics, Zhe Dispatch is Republican. It is a six-column folio, with the motto: “ Hew to the line, let the chips fall where they may.’ Rev. W. H. AnpErson, D. D., Ex-Epitor Baptist WatcuH- TOWER. The race, the pulpit, and the press, vie in their respect for the above gentleman, who was born in Lash Creek Settlement, Vigo County, Indiana, May 8, 1848. His life, which has reached forty-one years, has been marked with hardships and achievements, which occur in the experience of every one who attains to any degree of eminence in the world. He is the possessor of a good English educa- tion, obtained by persistent attention to books without the aid of an instructor, the foundation having been laid in a REV. W. H, ANDERSON, D. D. 247 248 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. school which he attended in his own state. He is now pastor of McFarland Chapel, of Evansville, Ind. His prominence in political circles has won for him world- renowned fame. The press, both white and black, have given him the palm for his speeches in behalf of the green- back party, whose cause he espoused. He was several times delegate to the convention of that party. Relative to an address delivered at Kansas City once, in the interest of his party, the press of that city said: ‘He handled his subject in a calm, dignified, and logical manner. Keep him on the stump; he will do good.” Zhe Standard of Leavenworth, Kan., says: ‘He is a man of considerable ability, and a fluent talker.” Concerning his ability as a preacher, The Terra Haute Express says: ‘ His delivery is good, his pronunciation is distinct, and remarkably accurate.’ ‘“ He is also a writer,” says one. This fact was evinced by his editorship of the Indiana Baptist Watch-Zower, published at Evansville, Ind,, under the auspices of the Baptist Association. This paper, being well edited, took high rank among the best journals of the race. The faculty of the State University of Louisville, Ky., gave him the degree of D. D., at its commencement in 1889. Both in speaking and in writing, Dr. Anderson is seen as a man of quick, keen perceptions, and broad views. He is deeply concerned in all movements having for their object the development of a higher and a nobler civilization among his people. Rev. ©. C. Srumm, Epitor PHILADELPHIA DEPARTMENT oF THE BrooxLtyn NationaL Monrror. The subject of this sketch was born at Airdrie, near Paradise, on Green River, Muhlenburg County, Ky., April 11, 1848. His early life was spent in Ohio County, on a farm, where the only education one could get was what he REV. C. C. STUMM, D. D. 249 250 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. learned on rainy days and winter evenings, and in what was called a subscription school. After the training as such facilities afforded he entered school at Grenville, where he spent three terms. He then went to a white school. ‘This aroused such bitter opposition, he soon had to withdraw from the school, and receive private instruction. After this he entered Berea College, Madison County, Ky., in the spring of 1871, where he continued but one year, when he went to the Baptist Theological Institute, Nashville, Tenn.; but ill-health compelled him to leave school for a few years. In the meantime, however, he continued to study under private instruction. After his health was restored he returned to Nashville, Tenn. The Baptist Theological Institute had undergone a change in the interval of his absence and was now called the Roger Williams University. Things were all new when he re-entered the university, but he was soon installed again in his classes, with the expectation of completing the regular course. Other hindrances, however, unfortunately arose to prevent this, though he was in the higher classes, and making rapid progress. Again was he compelled to avail himself of private instruction, receiving lessons in Latin, Greek and Hebrew, which were given by some of the best teachers of Boston, such as Profs. Perkins, Mitchell and Harper. Mr. Stumm assumed charge of his first school in the spring of 1869, at the age of 20, in Christian County, Ky. He continued to teach, at intervals, for fifteen years, in private and public schools in Tennessee and Kentucky. The people of Hartsville and Lebanon, Tenn., knew him well as a teacher. The superintendent of schools of Trousdale County, Tenn., had such confidence in Mr. Stumm, he looked to him to furnish teachers for the colored schools of the county, and received much valuable aid from him by so doing. AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 251 A school was successfully taught by Mr. Stumm at Chap- laintown, Ky., in the fall and winter of 1870. He and his wife conducted a successful school at Elizabethtown, Hardin County, Ky., in the fall and winter of 1877 and 1878. In January, 1881, he was selected as president of the Bowling Green academy, with Prof. C. R. McDowell, Miss M. V. Cook, Miss A. M. Stepp, and Mrs. C. C. Stumm, as assistants. Prof. C. R. McDowell has since entered the ministry, and is the successful pastor of a Baptist church at Hartford, Ky. Miss M. V. Cook is now Prof. Mary V. Cook, at the State University at Louisville, Ky. Mrs. C. C. Stumm has since taught, and has been the matron, at the Hearne academy, Hearne, Texas, and is at present connected with Zhe National Monitor of Brooklyn, N. Y., having the management of its business at Philadelphia. This closes Mr. Stumm’s career as a teacher, with the exception of his instructing a few young men privately, who are preparing for the ministry, whom he attends to each winter, While we are directing our readers more particularly to Rey. Mr. Stumm’s journalistic career, we would not omit mention of his experience as a pastor. His success in this useful department of life’s work has been glorious and grand. Beginning with the care of small churches, he worked untiringly for the Master, until October 4, 1885. He then became pastor of the Union Baptist church at Philadelphia, one of the largest churches in the city, To show how the people looked upon him as a preacher, we reproduce a portion of an article concerning him which _we have clipped, calling the attention of our readers more particularly to what Dr. H. L. Wayland, editor of The National Baptist, says of him: ‘The ability and high stand- ing of Rev. C. C. Stumm caused him to be selected to preach a sermon to the Odd Fellows of this city, which elicited much favorable comment both from the press and from 252 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. prominent individuals. He preached one of the re-opening sermons at Shiloh, and also at the First African Baptist church. He has frequently spoken at the Baptist Ministers’ Conference, which is composed of the leading white ministers of the denomination, The paper he read before this body, entitled ‘The Mission of the Negro Baptists,’ received the highest praise from the Conference and the press, On May 10, 1889, Dr. H. L. Wayland, editor of Zhe National Baptist, says: ‘I take great pleasure in introducing to all members of the Baptist denomination, and to other friends of a good cause, the Rev. C. C. Stumm, pastor of the Union Baptist church in this city. Mr. Stumm studied at Roger Williams University, at Nashville, and, more recently, at Boston, Mass. He is a highly esteemed member of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference, and is a faithful and wise pastor and a good preacher of the Word. The Conference has com- mended him and his church, in their present enterprise of building, to all our brethren. I sincerely hope that his appeal for aid will meet with a favorable response.’ He was several times president of Baptist conventions and associa- tions, and has always acted promptly and well on these occasions, Mr, Stumm’s success in the ministry has not interfered at all with his progress in the glorious work of journalism, as will be seen in the following account we give of it: His career as an editor was begun in 1878, while he was a student at Nashville, Tenn. Pursuant to an adjournment, the Baptist Convention met with the First Baptist church of that city, and an editor of one of the papers asked the pastor, Rev. N. G. Merry, to have some one appointed as reporter, and the choice fell on Mr. Stumm, who accepted the position with some diffidence, but succeeded in reporting the proceedings of the meeting, though not in the most satisfactory way to all. Subsequently, he became a writer for Zhe Standard, a HON CH. J. TAY LOR. 253 254 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. paper published by Elder N. G. Merry; for The Baptist Herald, published at Paducah, Ky., by Rev. G. W. Dupee; The Pilot, published at Nashville, Tenn.; Zhe American Baptist, Louisville, Ky.; Zhe Tribune, a Republican paper, published at Danville, Ky.; and for Zhe Baptist Companion, published, at first, at Knoxville, Tenn., by Rev. J. M. Armstead, and then moved to Portsmouth, Va. The children’s column of Zhe American Baptist was edited by him for a while, in which he was known as “Uncle Charles.” A column for the colored people was conducted by him in Zhe Bowling-Green Democrat, until some of the Bourbons got behind the editor and caused him to discontinue it. Zhe Bowling-Green Watchman was originated by Messrs. Stumm and C. R. McDowell, and successfully published by them for a few years. In June, 1887, he was engaged by the board of managers of the New England Convention as editor-in-chief of. Zhe Baptist Monitor, and held the place until the paper was sold to Dr. R. L. Perry., after which he became associate editor, a position he still occupies. As a matter-of-fact writer, Mr. Stumm ranks high. He has, with hundreds of others, endeavored in every possible way to prevent the banner of Afro-American journalism from trailing. He is an earnest pastor and teacher, and a vigorous wielder of the pen, in any one of which positions he exerts a commanding influence. The Christian Banner, a four-column, eight-page, religious home journal, was commenced by Rev. and Mrs. OC. OC. Stumm, January 2, 1890, the former being editor and the latter its business manager. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon “Mr. Stumm May 13, 1890, by the State University of Louisville, Ky., Rev. Wm. J. Simmons, A. M., D. D., LL. D., presi- dent, AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 255 Rev. E. W. 8. Prcx, D. D., Ex-Eprror ConrerEencr JOURNAL AND CONTRIBUTOR TO PROMINENT JOURNALS. Dr. Peck, a Christian minister of high repute, and a writer of good standing, was born of devout parents, Rev. Nathaniel and Lydia Peck, in Baltimore, October 31, 1843. He received his educational training in the public schools of Baltimore, Ashmore Institute, (now Lincoln University) and under the private tuition of Rey. B. F. Crary, D. D., in St. Louis. He puts his intellectual training to excellent use, and is to-day one of the foremost scholars in the land. New Orleans University conferred the honorary title of D. D. upon this worthy divine. From 1865, he served some of the most learned and conspicuous congregations of the M. E. Church in the Missouri and Washington Conferences. At this writing, he leads the Washington Conference in point of popularity, intellectual ability, and knowledge of Christian ethics. He has been secretary of the same Conference for five years; was its representative in several General Conferences, and went abroad as its delegate to the Ecumenical Conference, which met in London, in 1881. During his stay in the Old World, he traveled extensively in England, France and Ireland. In all the walks of life, he has rendered invaluable service to his church and race. In journalism he has been a success. While in St. Louis filling a pastorate in 1870, he edited a local paper called The Welcome Friend, in behalf of the religious and educational interests of his people. It had a good circulation and was warmly received. The Washington Annual Conference having established an organ in 1886, unanimously elected him editor, with Revs. Benj. Brown and Griffin, associates. The organ was known as The Washington Conference Journal. Its columns, week after week, teemed with live, original, and 256 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. instructive articles; while its editorials were apt, able, progressive, and full of the mind and heart of its editors. The Journal is no more, but its editor, whose work still goes on, reminds us that a serviceable publication was gathered into the arms of its projectors. Mr. S. B. Turner, Epitor State CAPITAL. The Capital has become one of the most reliable papers edited by the Afro-American, which is largely due, finan- cially and editorially, to the management of him whose career we now present. Adhering to the motto—‘ We advocate justice to all; On this principle we stand or fall,” it has been successful in being a welcome visitor to the homes of the masses of Afro-American citizens in and around the capital of Illinois. The editor, Mr. S. B, Turner, was born July 12, 1854, at West Feliciana, La. At the age of fourteen, he was master of the rudimentary English branches, having given close and diligent study to his books. He worked as an apprentice in a confectionery shop at the age of which we speak, but afterward became a baker, and a very excellent one. He has worked at his trade with considerable success. For years he conducted a wood and coal yard, as well as being a trusted worker in the office of the secretary of state, Hon, H. D. Dement, at Chicago. At this place he entered a business college, completing the course of study, which has led to his financial success in journalism. Few men make journalism a success, financially. When at Springfield he took an active part in politics, and received recognition at the hands of his party for faithful service. It was on this account he was induced to enter the journalistic field, and in 1886, though under adverse circum- stances, to establish Zhe State Capital, said to be the leading PECK, D. D. E. W. §8. REV 257 i. 258 . THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. organ of the race, west of the Ohio river. It is the recog- nized organ of the Afro-Americans of Illinois, and wields a potent influence in politics. Three Afro-American journals have been started at Spring- field, but with ill success. Mr. Turner has succeeded, because, as he himself states: ‘‘ Energy, perseverance and individual attention to the enterprise, will eventuate in success. Any man with good business habits, a fair education, and pleasing address, who will not subordinate his advertising columns to trashy local news, can bring to his support a reasonable share of business patronage, which always pays well. Short edito- rials, brief correspondence from other cities and towns, a high moral tone, condemning wrong, defending right, urging the payment of subscriptions due, dropping from the list the always-promising and never-paying subscribers, will insure success.” Mr. Turner resides with his family at Springfield, where he is known for his strict business integrity ; the best evidence of which is, his word commands any sum of money desired in the management of his business enterprise. About the Afro-American in politics and in business, Editor Turner says truthfully: ‘When the negro in America begins busi- ness for himself, and accumulates wealth and intelligence, the race problem then will be solved. Business must be first and politics last.” Rey. JosepH A. Booxsrr, A. B., Eprtor Baptist VANGUARD. The subject of this sketch was born near the little hamlet of Portland, Ashley County, Arkansas, December 26, 1859. His mother died when he was only one year old. Two years afterward, his father, having some knowledge of books, was whipped to death for teaching and “spoiling the good niggers,” S. B. TURNER. 209 260 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Upon the death of his father, he was placed in the hands of his maternal grandmother, who carefully nurtured him and looked after his educational interests with true motherly zeal, When the free school system was inaugurated, she saw that Joseph was one of the first pupils to be enrolled. Remaining at school until seventeen, he then became a teacher, afterward entering the branch Normal School of the University at Pine Bluff, Ark., under Prof. J. C. Corbin, the linguist. He also attended Roger Willams University. Having been licensed to preach, he here attempted a theo- logical course, but relinquished it after one year, and continued the regular college course until graduation, which occurred May 26, 1886, when he received the degree of A. B. On returning home from school, he was appointed state missionary of Arkansas, under the joint commission of the State Mission Board and the Executive Board of the Ameri- can Baptist Home Mission Society. He was engaged in this only twelve months before he was appointed president of Arkansas Baptist College. As the Convention Board had already decided to have a denominational organ in the school, (which would be an advantage to the paper and the school alike) this brought Mr. Booker in direct connection with the paper, in the fall of 1887. He was at once made its managing editor. This position he filled creditably, and with profit to the paper, notwithstanding the overburden of work the young school necessitated, with its very small corps of teachers. The paper was at first known as Zhe Arkansas Baptist; but the white Baptists of the state presuming to name their paper The Arkansas Baptist, brought on a business collision between the two, and in March, 1889, Zhe Arkansas Baptist (colored) changed its name to Zhe Baptist Vanguard. Under this new title it continued to advance and flourish, gaining in popularity and material work. TOTIRS 261 262 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. The Vanguard is issued bi-weekly, first as a general religious journal, and then as a denominational organ; but, at the same time, it isa strong advocate of education, Christian, industrial, and general. Notwithstanding its religious char- acter, it does not scruple to discuss such political issues as are likely to enhance the welfare of its race or the general progress of the country. It has a large circulation, there being no other paper of its kind in the state to compete with it. It gives special attention to inquiries made for lost kinsfolk, separated from their families in slavery days. It is the highest ambition of Rev. Joseph A. Booker to make The Vanguard one of the best papers in the South-west. Rev. RichHArD Dr BaptistzE, Ex-EpiIToR CoNSERVATOR AND CorREsPonDING Eprror Brooktyn Monitror. The Conservator, now published at Chicago, with Mr. Barnett as editor, began its existence the first of 1878. It changed hands about the latter part of that year, when Rev. R. De Baptiste assumed editorial control, being then pastor of the Mt. Olivet church. Rev. Mr. Boothe was associate editor. It was at that time one of the representative journals edited by the Afro-American, both for news and editorial ability. Mr. De Baptiste is from Old Virginia stock, born and educated in the Old Dominion, and has proved a valuable acquisition to the paper in pushing it into the houses of the masses and in satisfying the thirsty intellects of the intelli- gent Afro-Americans. When he assumed control of Zhe Conservator, he said of the paper: ‘It will discuss in a fair and liberal spirit those questions that agitate and cause an honest difference of opinion among citizens, whose aims are alike patriotic; but will give special prominence to such matters as appertain REV. RICHARD DE BAPTISTE, 263 264 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. to the intellectual, moral, and social development and business prosperity of the colored’ people, and, at the same time, keep its columns open to a fair and courteous discussion of all important subjects. ‘Progress in all right directions,’ shall be its motto.” With this in view, Rev. De Baptiste labored zealously for the principles he had enunciated. As pastor, editor and citizen, he did a work in Chicago that will long be felt. He has now the pastoral charge of _ the church at Galesburg. He is also statistical secretary of the National Baptist Association. The State University con- ferred “D. D.” upon him at its commencement, 1887. Some of his best editorials while editor of Zhe Conservator are: “The Negro in Debt; but who owes him?” “Colored voters and the Republican Party ;” “The Emigration Ques- tion; and “Social Equality.” Upon these questions, he wrote in that style peculiar to the true, able and vigorous writer. After withdrawing from Zhe Conservator, September, 1884, he began the publication of Zhe Western Herald, a religious journal, which ran until December, 1885. After this he was for several years upon the editorial staff of Zhe Brooklyn Morator with Dr. R. L. Perry. Among the ablest articles appearing in Zhe Monitor from his pen, are: ‘Are we Doing our Duty?” having reference to Christians; and “Christian Co-operation.” He is a jour- nalist whom the race admire and love. The influence he has been able to exert through the medium of his pen has been uplifting and highly spiritual. The inspiration to a better life has been imparted to many a soul by a perusal of his writings, and many a one cheered and comforted thereby, His work in this direction is missed. Unlke many, Rev. Dr, De Baptiste possesses the power to write and talk. He has three children, one of whom partakes of the father’s journalistic nature. REY..T4 W. COFFE: 265 266 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Rev. T. W. CoFFrez, EpITtoR VINDICATOR. The subject of this sketch first saw the light on the 4th day of July, 1853, in Lauderdale County, Alabama. His mother was a slave, and the fetters of bondage held him during the first eleven years of his life; but so great was his horror of servitude, that he ran away twice before he attained the age of twelve. Cruel treatment and his ex- treme hatred of slavery caused him to renew his efforts to obtain freedom, and in 1864 he succeeded in finding refuge with his father and mother. At the age of thirteen he became an orphan, and grew up under the most adverse circumstances, with few advantages, being in one of the most benighted regions of the state. At the age of twenty this child of misfortuue was unable to write his name; but, with the strong determination “to find a way or make one,” he, by the assistance of a paid instructor, soon learned to write legibly. In course of time he entered Le Moyne Institute, at Memphis, Tenn., and by close application was, in a short time, enabled to pass a creditable examination. He began teaching, which calling he followed for several years, with great benefit to his pupils, as well as credit to himself and to his profession. In 1878, he joined the A. M. E. Conference, and has had some of the best appointments in Alabama. His first journalistic effort was as editor of The Christian Hra, in 1887. Though occupying the position of associate editor of the paper, he was regarded by many as being the actual editor-in-chief. Zhe Hra was first published exclu- sively as a religious journal; but owing to the failure of other Afro-American papers to discuss boldly the issues of the day, Mr. Coffee entered the arena of controversy, and his keen and polished shafts of logic and sarcasm arrested the attention of the leading dailies of the state. After a time AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 267 the name of his paper was changed from Zhe Christian Era to The Birmingham Era. In 1888, Mr. Coffee was appointed pastor of a church in Mobile, where he commenced the publication of a sheet known as Zhe Methodist Vindicator, which, as the name indicated, was a religious paper, but i+ did not fail, on occasion, to give voice to those great race issues which were and are now agitating the public mind, The publication of this paper was suspended on account of the great demand upon the editor’s time by urgent church business, and by his subsequent removal to Hufala. As soon as he became settled in the latter city, he commenced the publication of a sheet known as Zhe Vindicator, an unsectarian paper devoted to news and the general interests of the Afro-American race. As a writer, Mr. Coffee is caustic and fearless, though dis- creet. He knows the right, and dares to maintain it. He is destined to become one of the most brilliant journalistic lights of the country, and is a man of whom his race has reason to be proud, especially in his vocation as a journalist. Rev. 8. D. RusseLt, Epitor TorcHuicot APPEAL. The motto, “Find a way or make one,” seems to have been the principle instilled into Rev. 8. D. Russell, the brillant young editor of the only religious paper published at present in Texas. Born in the city of Natchez. Miss., August 3, 1862, of pious parents, he was early imbued with the idea of doing work for the Master. After his conversion he identified himself with the A, M. E. church, in which connec- tion he grew up well educated, and is at present a minister of high standing in that denomination. But we are to speak of him more particularly as a jour- nalist. In this sphere he is making rapid headway. He believes, as do most Afro-Americans in like positions, that 268 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. he cannot afford simply to labor in the pulpit for his race, but must be an editorial agitator, also; which is well, since in this capacity he is an acknowledged power. He began a career as journalist in 1885, when he published a ‘red hot’ semi-monthly paper, called Zhe Herald of Truth. This he edited with untiring zeal for two years. As editor of this paper, he never wavered in contending for the truth and right, which are priceless to his people. Having been pro- moted to the presiding-eldership of his church, the name of the paper was changed and became The College Journal of Paul Quinn College. The editorship of The Southern Guide, a progressive and live sheet, in Texas, has been tendered Mr. Russell, at a fair salary. Whether he has accepted the position the author is unable at this writing to say. He is now editor of Zhe Torchlight Appeal, which is the only paper published in the state by an Afro-American, with Confederate sympathies. It was started in 1888 a very minute sheet, but under the journalistic management of Mr. Russell, it is now a four- column, eight-page quarto, being one of the popular religious journals published by an Afro-American. Mr. Russell is a journalist whose plans are all original, and when set into action they take well. As a writer, he can hold his own by the side of the best. He has published a treatise on Infant Baptism and has a lecture——Why the negro is black; which are highly commended by his people. The journalistic fraternity is proud of him as a fearless editorial writer, and an energetic paper-man who is deter- mined to further the cause, and at the same time contend for the rights of his people. His ready courage in seeking to do this endears him to all. N. B. Since the above was written, Rev. Mr. Russell has removed to Denison, Texas, where he now edits Zhe Texas feformer, RUSSELL. . D REV. S. 269 270 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. W. C. Smitu, Epitorn CHARLOTTE MESSENGER. William Caswell Smith was born in Cumberland County, N. C,, February 12, 1856, his parents being Alexander and Violet Smith, both slaves of unmixed negro blood. Alex- ander, or Sandy, as he was called, was coachman for a wealthy family, and thereby had more privileges, and saw more of the world, than the ordinary slave. He was also known as the neighborhood fiddler. He was very proud, and was popular with the females. William was the youngest of three children. He entered a public school in 1866, and learned very rapidly, standing at the head in nearly all of his classes. His school training was limited to about five years,—a part of this time being spent in school and a part on the farm. Nevertheless, what opportunities he had to learn were so well improved, he was afterward able to teach, and was thus employed in the public schools of his own and adjoining counties. In 1873 he entered the printing-office of Zhe Statesman, where he learned to set type. He learned the trade rapidly, and at the end of the first year he took charge of the office, having learned to ‘make up forms” and do any other work about the office. He was one of the founders of Zhe Fayetteville Educator, the first newspaper edited and published by colored men in North Carolina. This paper was published by Waddell & Smith one year, they doing their own type-setting, writing, and everything about the office, Smith acting foreman. After publishing this paper fifty-two consecutive weeks, it was suspended, and Mr. Smith was employed on The Memphis (Tenn.) Planet several months, but disliking the West he returned to Washington City, where he was employed as compositor on The People’s Advocate. In 1879, he returned to North Carolina and was put in charge of Zhe Star of Zion W. C. SMITH 271 272 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. printing-office, the second in the state run by one of our race. He did the mechanical work on this paper in Charlotte, N. C., under the editorship of Rev. J. A. Tyler; also in Concord, under A. S. Richardson, Esq. In 1882 he established in Charlotte, N. C., Zhe Charlotte Messenger, which has met with fair success, though by hard fighting against intemperance, immorality, and all other evils coming in its way. Zhe Messenger is very popular with the better class of our people and a terror to evil doers. It has experienced some very heavy tilts with contemporaries, preachers and others, but has carried off the palm in every instance, Among the most prominent of the controversies in which its editor has been engaged was one with the late Prof. Robert Harris of Fayetteville on Sunday excursions, which he condemned. Another was on secret societies, which he condemned also, and engaged in a lengthy and bitter controversy with Rey. C. 8. Brown of the Good Samaritan order. Brown was driven to the wall, also. Another was the fight he made for a college for the colored youth, sup- ported by the state. Another was the strong and memorable fight he made, and is still making, for a female seminary for his church. In this fight he completely demolished the brilliant Dancy and all others who dared oppose it. The heaviest fight, and the most signal victory this editor boasts of, was the controversy between Bishop S. T, Jones and himself. He dared to criticise certain remarks in a sermon delivered by the Bishop, which he regarded as calculated to injure his race and church. The Bishop called him to account, at some length, in his usual sarcastic way; but after this he will inform himself as to the size of the game before he makes another attack on a Smith. Mr. Smith is a conscientious man, and means to be honest in all things. He tries to take the right side of every AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 273 question, no matter how unpopular it is, He is strictly temperate, having signed a pledge in his youth against the use of intoxicating drinks and tobacco, and has kept it to this day. He is always on the side of temperance, and an advocate of prohibition, local option, or anything that aims at the destruction of the rum traffic. He has used the columns of his paper against the practice of Sunday excursions, and the holding of camp-meetings and festivals, and endeavors to impress upon his people the importance of improving their morals, educating their chil- dren, and of the ownership of land. Mr. Smith is a member of the Methodist church, and while not much of a society man, he has held prominent offices in the State Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows and Good Templars. _ He took an active part in politics in 1888, and represented his county in the district and state Republican conventions. He was elected by acclamation in the state convention as alternate delegate-at-large to the Republican National Con- vention at Chicago, in 1888. For several years Mr. Smith was the only negro printer in the state, during which time he started many colored boys in the trade he was following. In 1880, he adopted Char- lotte, N. C., as his home, after having spent a few years in traveling, At the beginning of 1890 he gave up Zhe Charlotte Messenger he was then publishing, and accepted a position in the government printing-office at Washington, where he is now employed, Mr. Smith may be regarded as a pioneer journalist of the ‘Tar Heel” state, and is certain to do credit to himself and to his race in any position he may assume, for, once taken, he will work conscientiously and diligently to discharge acceptably the duties of his office. He is a man to be depended on, at all times and in all places. 18 274 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Hon. RicHarp Neruson, EpiToR FREEMAN'S JOURNAL. The above gentleman, who is editor of the most influential paper published in Texas, was born at Key West, Fla., June 16, 1842. He obtained his education in the schools of Key West, Fla. He moved to Atlanta in 1850, and to Texas in 1859, where he has since resided. Settling in Galveston in 1866, he went into business, and here it was that his active mind and great energy soon brought him conspicuously before his own people, and the public generally, on the question of Reconstruction. His life has been one of-prominence in politics, as a speaker and writer. Mr. Nelson has held important positions in political life, such as justice of peace and notary public for Galveston; postmaster at Highland Station, in Galveston County; and inspector of customs for the district of Galveston. He was prominently mentioned as a Republican candidate for Congress in 1871, and ran on an independent ticket for Congress in 1884. Mr. Nelson is a public speaker of wide reputation, and a writer of well-earned repute. He is a race man every inch. Concerning his life in this respect, Flake’s Bulletin says of him: ‘ His highest ambition is the elevation of his race from their former despondency and degradation, to high attain- ments in education and the proper discharge of their duties of citizenship in this great and free republic.” He was several times delegate to the state and national conventions of his party. | His experience in journalism has been long and effective. In 1878, he began the publication of Zhe Weekly Spectator, being sole proprietor and editor. The Spectator must have wielded considerable influence, Ex-Goy. E. J. Dana speaks of it as a leading Republican paper in the state, HON, RICHARD NELSON. 275 276 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. The Freeman's Journal took the place of Zhe Spectator, March 19, 1887. It is recognized as the leading Republican newspaper in the state. Mr. Edwin Smith, a reputable citizen of Texas, writes about Zhe Journal as follows: ‘Temperate in tone and conservative in politics, it has gained for the colored people of this state a consideration for their wants and a recognition of their rights, on the part of their white fellow-citizens, that were never before accorded.” ‘Trained by experience, he is enabled to make such a wise use of his abilities as to render his paper a recognized power for good among all classes. His editorial writings, as possibly may be the case with a few other Afro-American editors, are commented on fre- quently by the leading white organs of the state. There appeared in Zhe Journal, shortly after the beginning of the present administration, an editorial on— The Administration and the Colored Man. Merit and Worth before Political Jugelery.” This editorial created a stir all over the country, both white and black papers commenting and criticising the editor, favorably or unfavorably. A portion of the editorial we publish below, which was freely commented on, as the reader will see, by Zhe San Antonio Express, San Antonio Lnght, and The Fort Worth Gazette, all white papers of Texas. Editor Nelson writes thus: ‘The negro must learn one great fundamental truth and act upon it, that his color or previous condition is not a recommendation to office; that when the great Republican party knocked the shackles from his limbs, raised him to citizenship and made him the equal of the white man under the Constitution, and threw around him the full protection of law, its functions ceased, because it could do no more; and it expected him to work out his own salvation the same as the white man, and to expect no special legislation or favors to his race that were not accorded the white race.” AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 277 Concerning the editorial in full, Zhe Fort Worth Gazette says: ‘“ The utterance of Zhe Freeman's Journal of Gal- veston on the relation of the negro to the Federal offices, as telegraphed Zhe Gazette of yesterday, is worthy the hearty approval of those who sincerely wish for a solution of the negro problem. The Journal, as its name indicates, is an organ of the colored people. Coming from such a publication, the following is full of significance:” (Here Zhe Gazette inserts the editorial we have alluded to.) The San Antonio Inght says: ‘An amendment to the Constitution emancipated the negroes from physical bondage, but left them in a condition of social and political tutelage and dependence, where they will remain until they emanci- pate themselves by accepting the truth and acting upon the Wise suggestion contained in the following sentences from The Journal's editorial:” Here The Laght introduces the editorial and comments further by saying: “These words are words of wisdom, by whomsoever uttered. It were well for white and colored alike to heed them. The colored man is made the political equal of the white man under the law; his place as an office-holder he must make good for himself.” The San Antomo Eapress says: “The telegraphic columns of The Express yesterday contained the text of an editorial which appears to-day in The Freeman’s Journal. This paper is published in Galveston and is regarded as one of the most ‘influential journals of the state, devoted to the interests of the negro race.’ Then The Express quotes the editorial, and wisely adds the following words of approval: “The only political or social recognition which the negro deserves, or will ever get, is that to which his own worth as a man entitles him.” Other prominent papers have commented on Editor Nelson’s writings, notably Zhe St. Lowis Globe-Democrat; which, for lack of space, we cannot publish. If we say no more, the 278 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. editorial and its valuable comments will suffice to prove our subject a terse, able, and thoughtful writer. He is an honored member of the journalistic corps. Rev. F. M. Hamiuton, Epitor CHRISTIAN INDEX. The most prominent man, exclusive of the bishops of the O. M. E. church, is Rev. Mr. Hamilton. He was born near Washington, Arkansas, September 8, 1858. He attended the schools of his state, private and public, and afterwards spent sixteen months in the Theological Institute at Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was licensed to preach Noy. 9, 1878. He has served in several of the most prominent positions in his denomination, among which has been that of Presiding Elder of the Washington district. He had contemplated the practice of medicine, and to this end devoted two years’ study to fit himself for it, but gave it up to accept the positions he now holds,—editor of Zhe Christian Index and agent of the book department of his church. To these he was elected in May, 1886, at the General Conference, which met at Augusta, Ga. His prominence in church circles has been the cause of his being its representative in many of its conspicuous gatherings. The Index, of which he is now editor, was the origin of the C. M. E. Church. He has issued two books, with reference to the church of which he is a member, viz.: ‘‘ Conversations on the C. M. E. Church,” and, ‘A Plain Account of the C. M. EB. Church.” When he took charge of The Jndex, it was issued monthly, while the outfit for its publication was very limited, the entire material being worth but seventy-five dollars. Since assuming control, and managing the business for three years or more, he has put in one thousand dollars’ worth of material, and established a job department, in which the entire work is done by Afro-Americans, . HAMILTON. REV. F. M 279 280 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Mr, Hamilton uses Zhe Jndex office in fitting young men to become printers. At this writing he has five apprentices, whose work is very neatly done. His paper has the reputa- tion of being one of the best edited and neatly printed of our religious journals. It contends for the religious rights of its people, while forgetting not their civil and political rights. Mr. Hamilton possesses great aptitude for business; and being a quick thinker and a ready writer, he always expresses himself in a style that has drawn to The Index a large number of readers. H. C. Smitu, Epitorn CLEVELAND GAZETTE. One of the best Afro-American papers published in Ohio, and one of the best edited in the United States, is Zhe Cleveland Gazette, whose success has been achieved by the persistent efforts of the subject of this sketch, whom we are proud to record as its editor and proprietor. Mr. Smith was born at Clarksburg, West Va., January 7 28, 1863, and is therefore now a very young man. He was taken to Cleveland in 1865, where he attended the schools, finishing his course successfully in 1882. The next year he devoted his efforts to the study of band and orchestral music. His diligent efforts in the direction of journalism and music have gained for him the place he occupies to-day, “facile princeps”’ (as a writer says) among the first colored citizens of Ohio. He is now leader and musical director of the Excelsior cornet band. His musical compositions have found ready sale, especially his song ake chorus—‘ Be True, Bright Eyes.” His life since 1880 has been spent mostly in journalism. In connection with three others he launched The Cleveland Gazette, in August, 1883,—and afterward became sole pro- prietor. Few Afro-American journals have proved absolutely ‘Oy K aw, Uf/) \ 281 2382 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. a success, but it can be said that this one has been so from its very beginning, until now its power and influence are recognized by all. This success is not so much due to the abundance of news- matter in the paper, as to the vigorous and able editorial writings of Mr. Smith. He is known among the white and black press as a fearless and brilliant writer. His paper, Republican to the core, always defends Republican principles. To impress our readers as we desire in regard to Mr. Smith’s editorial career in politics, we will insert what the Hon. Fred Douglass wrote to him in commendation of his course. Said Mr. Douglass: “In the midst of hurried preparations for a long tour in Europe, I snatch my pen, and spend a few moments in telling you how completely I sympathize with you in your political attitude. I do exhort your readers to stand by you in your effort to lead the colored citizens of Ohio to wise political action,” About our subject’s: course in politics and other matters, another representative scholar and tlinker, Prof. W. 8. Scarborough, says: ‘Though at times Mr. Smith has been severely criticised, he has never varied from what he considered his duty, He beheves that the Republican party conserves best the interests of the negro, and thereupon he becomes its able and active defender. He believes that mixed schools are the best for all concerned, and especially for the negro—as separate schools imply race prejudice and race inferiority—and therefore he becomes the relentless enemy to the color line in schools. His articles are read with both pleasure and profit, to which fact is largely due the increased and increasing circulation of The Gazette.” Judge J. B. Foraker, it is said, owed his first election as governor of Ohio more to The Gazette than to any other newspaper, white or colored. As evidence of the gov- ernor’s recognition of Mr. Smith’s work, he secured him an AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 983 appointment as deputy state oil inspector, the first case of the kind North. A bond of $5000 being required, this was quickly furnished, three colored men signing it. He has discharged with credit the functions of this office for four years,—two terms, One of the youngest editors of the country, he is probably the only Afro-American who has been a member of a white press association. All the Afro-American members of the Ohio Legislature have been his ardent supporters, and rely absolutely upon Zhe Gazette for information on matters of special import to them. In January, 1888, when Hon, Mr. McGregor, Democratic representative in the Ohio Legislature from Muskingum County, introduced a bill to re-enact Section 4008, which replaced upon the Ohio statutes a portion of the “black laws,’ Hon. Jere A. Brown wrote Mr. Smith as follows: A bill was introduced this forenoon by McGregor, of Muskin- gum county, a Democrat, to re-enact Section 4008. Sound the alarm! Let the friends of equality for all, know that again the enemy seeks to re-enact obnoxious, discriminating and unjust laws. When the time comes, I propose, with the aid of our friends, to oppose it to the death. I write hastily, so that our friends may be aroused through our race advocate, The Gazette.” Editor Smith sownded the alarm, which rang out all over the “ Buck-eye State.” Said he, commenting on the letter: “The above was received as we were going to press. It tells every race-loving colored man his duty, Let every Afro- American in the state of Ohio who values his rights as an American citizen, write the Senator and Representatives of his county, if he cannot see them personally, and importune them to fight this McGregor bill to the death. We cannot afford to lose a particle of the ground gained by the wiping out of Ohio’s infernal ‘black laws,’ Let us fight as a unit 284 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. the effort of this Democrat to re-enact any portion of the infamous laws wiped from the statute books by the last Assembly, Now is the time, and here is the opportunity, for every colored man (and woman) in Ohio to show his loyalty to the race and himself. Eternal vigilance, and good hard work, is to be the price of our hberty and freedom as American citizens.” The Virginia Lancet, edited by Hon. W. W. Evans of Petersburg, Va., pays a glowing tribute to Mr, Smith, which we cannot fail to insert: ‘ Zhe Washington Bee of last week contained the portrait of Mr. H. C. Smith, the very able editor of The Cleveland Gazette. Mr. Smith has shown himself to be an unselfish leader of his people. His editorials are among the brightest and most sensible that come to our sanctum. If he desires anything under the present adminis- tration he should have it.” The author remembers having received a copy of The Gazette shortly after the first issue, and having noticed its progress, is prepared to say that it is highly deserving of the continued support of the Afro-American. We cannot better close this article upon Editor Smith and The. Gazette than by quoting what Rev. J. W. Gazaway, D. D., pastor of Allen Temple, Cincinnati, O., says about them: ‘The most healthful signs of life and a highly useful career are indicated in the existence of The Cleveland Gazette. That it is a paper of brain and culture can not be doubted, when the fact is remembered that in its columns are found communications from the wisest and best minds of our race. It is a paper for the people it represents, and can be relied upon as a friend of every colored man, though his face may be of ebony hue. Zhe Gazette is a practical demonstration of what can be done by the young men of our race. The editor is a young man who, by dint of industry and economy and fair dealing, has succeeded in giving to the colored en SONS ae" CH COG UHH WZ, EZ Xe ENDLEY HON. CHAS. H 289 286 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. people of Ohio and the country a paper worthy the patronage of all, Having been a reader of Zhe Gazette since its first appearance, and having watched its course, I feel that in justice to the paper, the editor, and the race, I should urge upon the people generally to support the paper that is practically identtfied with the colored people, and is in harmony with the interests and success of all, without regard to complexion.” Hon. CHas. HenpiLEy, Epitror HUNTSVILLE GAZETTE. The subject of this sketch is among the foremost gentle- men who are now engaged in the editorial work; and in various ways has labored untiringly for the intellectual and moral good of his people. Born in December, 1855, the youngest child of Charles and Polly Hendley, his education was derived in the schools about Huntsville and at the Rust Institute. He began to teach in the common schools, and finally became principal of the graded school in Huntsville, where he remained until President Harrison appointed him receiver of public moneys. He is a mason, and occupies a high position in that fraternal order, As a journalist, he enjoys the reputation of being the editor of the oldest journal now published in the South. In 1879 the Huntsville newspaper company was organized, and Charles Hendley selected as editor and manager of The Huntsville Gazette, a weekly Republican newspaper, estab- lished by the company. It has been a successful venture from the first, its continued success being due to Mr. Hendley’s able management and editorial skill. Zhe Gazette has a rapidly increasing circulation. It has no hot-headed editorials. The editor is a vivid and soul-stirring writer, and is among the few stars on the journalistic stage. AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 287 WILLIAM CALVIN CHASE, Esq., EpIToR WASHINGTON BEE. “What is there in a name,” one asks. Observing the matter closely, we are sometimes compelled to say there is something, after all, in a name. Zhe Bee and its editor, in that respect, are fair illustrations. Nothing stings Washington City, and in fact, the Bourbons of the South, as Zhe Bee. William Calvin Chase, the alert, progressive editor of Zhe Bee was born in the city of Washington, February 2, 1854. His father, William H. Chase, having died when he was quite young, the burden of his mother’s support partly fell upon the son, who took, as means to aid her, the selling of newspapers, This he continued to do successfully, until he came to be a popular crier of the news. From this he seems to have got a journalistic inspiration; for it was not long after, before we find him upon the editorial stool. His educational privileges were furnished him by the private school of John F. Cook and by Howard University of Washington City. During his youth he was a resident of Methuen, Mass., for a while, where he learned the printer’s trade. Mr. Chase, at this early age, was strongly inclined to the use of the quill. He became very proficient in the printing business, and was accordingly appointed to a position in the govern- ment printing-office at Washington, just about the time he was to enter the college department of Howard University. He has held other important positions in the public service, in office of recorder of deeds, under Hon. Fred Douglass, resigning the position to accept a better place in the War Department, at the instance of Ex-Senator B. K. Bruce. Mr. Chase is a prominent lawyer, having been admitted to the bar of Virginia to practice, July 23, 1889, His life-work, which appears to be that of a literary character, begins with the position of reporter and society 288 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. editor of The Washington Plaindealer, published by Dr. King. In this position he was considered a valuable acquisition. He resigned, however, not being satisfied with the policy of the paper. His next journalistic move was his acceptance of the editorship of Zhe Argus, at Washington, to succeed Mr. Charles N. Otey. About Mr. Chase's course in this new field, a writer says: ‘He changed the name of the paper to Zhe free Lance. This change of name excited great feeling among the people, as they knew of the vindictiveness and — determination of Mr. Chase to expose a fraud, and get even with those whom he considered enemies,” Nor did he disappoint them. His first attack was made on Senator John Sherman, then Secretary of the Treasury. The schools and the police force received attention from his pen, as did also the National Republican committee for taking so little notice of colored men in the presidential campaign. So great was the feeling of the Republicans against him, that the board of directors, who were all office-holders, not daring to remove him, sold out the paper to L. H. Douglass, H. Johnson, M. M. Holland and others, who were likewise office-holders, and regarded by Mr. Chase as his enemies. He next assumed the publication of Zhe Washington Bee, of which he is the present editor and proprietor, Many of Mr. Chase’s friends have regarded him as occasionally being very indiscreet; but as Burns says, “for a’ that” he has never failed to expose, in the most condemnatory manner, any fraud, unjust attack or evil, that caught his vigilant eye. Men are not all alike, and whether we approve or disap- prove of Mr. Chase’s idea of the mission of the Afro-American editor, we commend and admire him for his boldness of thought and fearlessness of speech. The Bee is read by all, and can be found in nearly every house in Washington, from the Executive Mansion to the si lat n) yy Mi “ x wie Ree RAS Se — WILLIAM CALVIN CHASE. i9 289 290 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. most humble hut. It is related, that on one occasion when Mr. Chase called on President Cleveland, he showed him a copy of The Bee, in which he (Chase) ‘had said that in consideration of the number of outrages perpetrated in the South upon the Afro-Americans by the whites, it would cost the lives of millions to inaugurate Grover Cleveland, 7 elected. Mr. Chase did not deny being the author of the article. Although Cleveland was elected and inaugurated without any bloodshed, and Chase supported in a measure his administration, yet he received his discharge a few weeks afterward, at the instance of the president and Secretary of War Endicott, from the position he held in the government printing-office. | He has since given his whole time to The Bee, which stings in no uncertain manner. His fearless statements have more than once brought him into the courts of justice, having been five times indicted for lbel, and acquitted in every case except one, in which ‘he was fined fifty dollars. In these experiences he has a record not held by any one else of the fraternity. Mr, Chase delights in newspaper controversies, and seldom, if ever, comes out of one worsted. His See is known by every Afro-American editor, correspondent, or writer, and while many do not agree with him, they all admire the steadfastness with which he holds to what he thinks is right. One has said of Mr. Chase: ‘“ He will never give up, as long as there is a fighting chance.” He has read several papers at the various press conventions, the most noted of which was the one on Southern Outrages, which was favorably commented upon by the Philadelphia Press. He is now historian of the National Press Convention. It is our hope that Zhe Bee will live long, and its editor continue to be honored as a true specimen of the Afro- American journalist, Sis OY, HATES = ~ Sa > HODG AUGUSTUS M 291 292 * THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Aueustus M. Hopass, Epitor Brookiyn SENTINEL. Augustus M. Hodges is the son of Willis A. Hodges, one of the early pioneer Afro-American journalists, and evidently inherits his father’s journalistic taste. He was born in Wilhamsburg, Va., March 18, 1854, and attended the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, from which he graduated in 1874. Mr. Hodges is one of the prominent young men of the race. He has few superiors in the journalistic field. He was a trusted and ready writer on The New York Globe, and, more recently, on Zhe Indianapolis Freeman. Lately, he has issued a journal of his own, called Zhe Brooklyn Sentinel, which is meeting with much favor. Zhe New York Press of September 15, 1889, pays him this tribute: “He was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1876, but was counted out by the Democrats. He was connected with The New York Globe a few years later, and is at present upon the staff of The Indianapolis Freeman, the leading colored paper of the United States, He was a candidate for the position of minister to Hayti, receiving the indorsement of 509 leading Republicans of the United States, He is a French student, a poet, and writer. He stands head and shoulders above many colored men who have received more reward, As a political leader, he has few equals; as a colored journalist, none,”’ R. A. JonEs, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR CLEVELAND GLOBE. Richard A. Jones was born July 16, 1847, in Randolph County, Georgia. At the age of twelve he was taken to Rochester, Minnesota, and being very apt with books, was sent to the public school at Rochester, where he received a 293 994 - THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. good, thorough training. While at Rochester, he was taken into the family of Hon. O. P. Whitcomb and wife, who cared for him until he was able to provide for himself. He came to Cleveland in 1878, after having traveled extensively through the South and West. Mr. Jones is a thoroughly self-made man, and exact and shrewd in his business relations,. The thoughtful precision and self-reliance with which he is possessed, indicate that perseverance and push were his chief instructors. He figures prominently, not only in political but in the social and literary circles of Cleveland, and is well known throughout the state of Ohio as an earnest and intelligent advocate of race principles, He became a mason in Pioneer Lodge, No. 5, St. Paul, Minn.; was made a royal arch mason in 1877, in Cleveland, by St. John’s Chapter; and in the same year was dubbed and created a knight templar in the Kzekial Commandery. He afterward withdrew from the Ezekial Commandery and entered the Red Cross, where he has proved a faithful member, giving good counsel on all questions of material interest in the lodge. He has held nearly all the important positions in these bodies, with which he has been connected, and is now a member of the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter of Ohio, in which he has been very active and prominent. Mr. Jones was tendered by President Cleveland the office of minister to Liberia, but owing to his urgent duties at home, he was forced to decline the honor. Some time atterward he was appointed United States deputy marshal for the Northern District of Ohio, which position he filled with much ability and credit. Mr. Jones is a self-made man, possessed of a strong deter- mination to pursue to the very end anything he undertakes in the interest of his race. He is the father of the Forest City Afro-American League of Cleveland, O., which has a AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 298 membership of abont one hundred, and which he represented in State League Convention at Columbus, O., in 1890, He is now vice-president of Ohio State League, and is one of the organizers for the state, and acknowledged to be one of the most prominent negroes in Ohio; and before him les a brilliant career. He was one of the founders of the St. Andrews Episcopal church of Cleveland, O., and has made faithful effort through the columns of Zhe Globe, of which he is editor and sole proprietor, to further the cause of Christian principles and right. He now publishes Zhe Cleveland Globe, and has, by his pen, done much to bring about the civil and _ political rights of the negro in Ohio. He has made for Zhe Globe an everlasting reputation as a strong defender of law, rights, and Christianity. JoHN T. Morris, M. A., Associate Epirorn CLEVELAND GLOBE. The subject of this sketch, born at Marietta, Ohio, January 19, 1863, was the son of Thomas J. and Susan Morris, whose parents were among the earlier settlers of Ohio. Young Morris attended the public school of Marietta, and becoming possessed of a desire for a liberal education, at the age of twelve he entered Marietta College, the oldest and most thorough college in the state. His studies were soon somewhat impeded by the sudden death of his father, which threw much of the care of the family upon his shoulders. He was about to give up the idea of continuing his collegiate course, when the corporation came to his aid and furnished him with a scholarship, which did away with many obstacles. By the aid of his mother, and by his own efforts, he was reinstated in his class, and completed the whole collegiate course, graduating with the class of 1883, with honor to his 296 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. mother, himself, and to his race, He was the only negro student in the college at that time, and the third negro graduate. After graduation, he went to Washington, D. C., and at once secured a position in the office of the register of wills, remaining there until a change of administration. He always exhibited a fondness for lterary work, espe- cially for newspapers. Besides contributing frequently to his home papers, he was Washington correspondent for Zhe Kentucky Republican, of Lexington, Ky. His articles were much sought after by the negroes of the South. Leaving Washington he went to Alabama, where he taught for several sessions until his health became impaired. He went to Cleveland in 1887, and was immediately given a position on the editorial staff of The Cleveland Globe. Finding his duties on The Globe could be properly attended to without the expenditure of much time, he secured a good position in the office of The Brightman Furnace Company of Cleveland as draughtsman and stenographer, which he now holds with great credit to himself and his race. Young Morris has contributed much to the daily papers of Cleveland and elsewhere, and has written for several magazines. As a reward for his earnest efforts in behalf of himself and race, his alma mater has conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts. He is one of Ohio’s successful young men, and is very popular throughout the state. He represented the Cleveland constituency in the National Afro-American Convention, held at Chicago, January, 1890, and filled the position satisfactorily. Aside from his other duties, he still holds his relations as associate editor of Zhe Cleveland Globe, and is now corre- sponding secretary of the Ohio State Afro-American League. He is also corresponding secretary and executive committeeman of the local Forest City Afro-American League, Cleveland, O., and has figured prominently as one of the founders of the 109 RE CO) ie AO IDS He fic DK 297 & 298 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. St. Andrews Episcopalian church in the city of Cleveland. Mr. Morris may well be regarded as one of the most popular men of Ohio. THE CLEVELAND GLOBE. The Cleveland Globe came into existence April 4, 1884, with R. A. Jones as editor and proprietor. During the political controversies that were going on in Ohio over the mixed schools and other questions of great importance to the negro, The Globe was always for the highest interests of the race, and as a firm defender of right and justice has been successful throughout its whole career. The Globe has never been pledged to any particular party, — and has never sacrificed any of the principles with which it — so boldly began its career. Nothing could induce it to divert from the path of usefulness and right and go blindly into issues for mere financial gain. It has stood firmly for the race; has waged bitter warfare against Southern outrages, murders, and bulldozing, and has done this in a strictly non-partisan manner. During the short interval in which Mr. Jones withdrew from The Globe, owing to the severe illness of his wife wlio subsequently died, its management fell into the hands o! tei different parties who made complete failures, when he again assumed charge of it. He now became its editor and sole proprietor, and it has ever since been under his supervision. It has been the advocate of everything that looked to the success and prosperity of the race. It is well known in Ohio for its non-partisan cast, it always placing race before party. It is the official organ of the Forest City Afro-American League of Cleveland, and also of the State League, which numbers about twenty thousand members. It is the only AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 299 paper in Cleveland that is thoroughly identified with the various negro churches, and in good standing with them. It supports all literary and social organizations, and does what it can to aid the efforts of the young people. Itis a general referee in matters pertaining to race interests. The Globe is the oldest negro journal in Ohio, and _ has worked itself into popularity -by its own dilgent efforts, fair dealing and generosity, It has a larger circulation in Cleveland than any race paper published. It advocates the principles it has set forth, and is heartily supported by such men of the race as Bruce, Douglass, Langston, Alexander Clark, McCabe, John P, Green, Fortune, Price, C. H. J. Taylor, Geo. Fields, O. A. Cottrill, H, A. Clark and a host of others, Zhe Globe goes to Europe, Asia, Africa, and Italy, as well as all over the United States. It was one of the first to favor the formation of a National Afro-American League, and has ever since been pushing its cause. Rev. D. J. Saunpers, Epitorn AFRo-AMERICAN PREsBY- TERIAN. The Afro-American Presbyterian is a weekly religious sheet published at Wilmington, N. ©., with Rev. D. J. Saunders as its editor. The subscription list reaches nearly two thousand, with a daily increasing patronage. Mr. Saunders was born in Winnsboro, 8. C., February 15, 1847, and educated in the Brainerd Institute at Chester, S. C., and in the Western Theological Seminary, Allegheny City, Pa., graduating therefrom April 24, 1874. From May, 1877, to January, 1879, he was the associate editor of The Southern Evangelist. He founded The Afro- American Presbyterian, January 1, 1879. It has been pub- lished weekly since, and steadily grown in favor, The editor is a bright, cool, and level-headed writer, 300 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Upon the race question he very wisely says: ‘“ We are of that number who don’t beheve that God will permit the Negro Question in this country to be settled wrong. The great majority of the Christian and right-thinking people will soon see clearly what is now beginning to dawn upon many minds, namely: that anything short of Christian educa- tion, in the broadest and best sense of the term, and the exercise of justice and loving-mercy, only tends to increase the evil which it would destroy. Let this policy be substi- tuted for that of repression, now so generally resorted to, and the era of brighter days will begin, and the race question, now so universally annoying, will be shorn of many of its harassing features, and its final solution will soon be reached.” Rev. A. N. McEwen, Enitor Baptist LEADER. Rev. A. N. McEwen, editor of Zhe Baptist Leader, the official organ of the colored Baptists of Alabama, was born in LaFayette County, Miss., April 29, 1849. Although he has no alma mater, having picked up his education here and there, he is an acknowledged leader of his race. He is a Baptist missionary preacher. He left Mississippi in the fall of 1866, and went to Nashville, Tenn., where he met Miss Lizzie Harvel, to whom he was married in Novem- ber, 1869. In 1870, while attending a revival at Mt. Zion church, he was brought to feel the need of a Savior. After his conversion he united with the Mt. Zion church, and was baptized by Rev. J. Bransford. Feeling that he was called to preach the gospel, he petitioned his church for the privilege to labor among the common people of the city. This he did with such success, he finally received a license to preach, and was called to the charge of a church at Tullahoma, Tenn. It was during his pastorate here that his ability as a minister began to manifest itself, REY. A. N. McEWEN. 301 302 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. He was a lover of books, and an earnest student. He has preached several annual sermons before school associations, state conventions, and various societies. He is a natural orator, and never fails to capture his audience, He is witty and humorous, almost to a fault. It is his aim in speaking to tell the truth, and thereby touch the hearts of his hearers. Although a busy journalist, he is now pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist church, whose members are among the most refined people of the state, his congregation being largely composed of the business men of the city, as well as of lawyers, doctors, school teachers, and merchants. The church edifice, one of the finest in the South, was four years in building, and cost over $50,000. Mr. McEwen is a member of the board of trustees of Selma University, and chairman of the state mission board. In politics, he is a Republican, and isa member of the state executive board of the Republican party. As a journalist, he stands well with both the white and the colored people. In 1886, he began editing Zhe Mont- gomery Herald, after the Duke trouble, and restored peace between the whites and the blacks. At the request of his friends, he resigned the editorial control of The Herald, and in the latter part of 1887 took charge of The Baptist Leader, in the interest of 150,000 Baptists of the state. This paper has a wide circulation, and ranks among the best journals of the day. Editor McEwen is distinguished as a peace-making jour- nalist, and did excellent service when the whites were so excited over articles regarded as incendiary, published by Mr. Duke, then editor of The Montgomery Herald. There is nothing of a fiery nature about his writings. He is always eool and deliberate, and a firm defender of race rights and race principles. Zhe Baptist Leader, of which he is now editor, in make-up and appearance shows progress upon the AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 308 part of the Baptists of Alabama; while the editorial columns tell the world that a man learned in the editorial art graces the chair. Rey. Mr. McEwen’s ability and deliberate judgment as an editor are fully illustrated in his comment on Zhe Mont- gomery Advertiser's account of Senator Morgan's address before the Howard College students. It is found in Zhe Leader of May 2, 1889, We reproduce for the reader the squib from The Advertiser, and Mr. McEwen’s comment upon it: “‘If language means anything, then the concluding sentences of Senator Morgan's address to the Howard College students last Tuesday are tantamonnt to a declaration that, sooner or later, the 15th amendment will be eliminated from the Federal Constitution. Speed the day when it is so,’ “We clip the above from Zhe Montgomery Advertiser of May. In the same issue is a comment on a harangue delivered by Senator Morgan before the students of Howard College. The senator should not forget to tell the students that it will cost the same to eliminate the 15th amendment that it cost to make it, and the negro will be there with every foot up. “ The Advertiser again, in a complimentary way, endorsed the ideas of ex-Senator Alcorn of Mississippi, who says that the negro is incapacitated to govern. That idea is absolute, and no sensible man doubts the negro’s ability to rule; for to rule well, means to rule right. We believe that if the intelligent negro were in power and had the administering of the law in his hands, he would see that every negro who killed a white or colored man unlawfully, was brought to justice and punished according to law, He would also see that every man’s vote was counted as voted, and that the man elected held the office.” Editor McEwen, still fired by the article appearing in The Advertiser, and urged on by a question asked by The 504 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Independent— Should. the negro be disfranchised?” takes up the Afro-American aud his relation to this country, in the issue of May 9, and discusses him thus: “ The Independent came to us this week, asking the question ‘Should the negro be disfranchised?? There is as_ much absurdity in thinking of his disfranchisement, as there is in thinking of placing the United States in the center of Africa, There have been some curious exaggerations prevailing concerning the negro, and many have been the controversies relating to him; but if he is examined with the view of discovering his noble qualities, he will be found a being made in the image of God, placed in the United States there to stay. This is a very broad assertion, but never- theless true, and will be fully demonstrated by his not. leaving. The negro is not confined to one locality, but his home or resting-place will be wherever the white man is found. The South is the place for the negro. It is his home; and as long as one gram of corn is found there, so long will the negro be found. “The charge brought against the negro that he has not property, and can be gobbled up by the lower class of whites, is true of a very few. There are as true, noble-hearted men in the negro race as can be found in the white. There is no ~ disfranchisement for the negro. He, as the white man, or one of any nation, has his aim in life, and he intends to reach it. If honesty is equally practiced by the white race, as well as by the negro, there will be no need to disfranchise either party. But bear in mind, that if the white man doesn’t tire of the South, the negro will not. He is going to stay, and ere long the many wrongs done him will be turned into justice. The negro (the upper class I speak of, for the lower class of her sister race has never done anything, and, I think, never will) is not waiting for his power to bring it. Justice is what the negro calls for, Give him that, AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 805 and he will prove as true a citizen as anybody. Wealth has nothing to do with a man’s voting. If he can’t buy a resting-place in the grave-yard, if he is a citizen of the United States he has as much right to vote as a millionaire.” We reproduce these deliberate and well-chosen comments to prove Mr. McEwen’s journalistic ability. We class him— “A bright star in the journalistic crown.” Rev. Carvin 8. Brown, Epitor Baptist Pinot. At Salisbury, N. C., was born Editor Brown, March 23, 1859, his parents being Henry and Flora Brown. He was put into school at the age of five years, remaining there without intermission until he was seventeen, when his father died, which necessitated his beginning to work for the maintenance of a widowed mother, three sisters, and one brother. ‘This he did by teaching school. Some time afterward, he entered Shaw University, with the view of fitting himself for the ministry. Entering the college department of that University, he graduated from that and the theological department as valedictorian of his class. After graduation, he was called to the pastorate of a large country church at Winton. Since then he has been called to three others, making him pastor of four churches with a total membership exceeding fifteen hundred. These churches he has ministered to with signal ability. He is now secretary of several of the prominent Baptist Assocta- tions of ius state. His work as a journalist began as editor of Zhe Samaritan Journal, organ of the Samaritan Society of North Carolina. From this, he entered into journalistic work in the interest of his church, in which he has done credit to himself and denomination. When he assumed his charge in Eastern Carolina—the pastorate of four churches—he was induced to 20 306 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. undertake the erection of an institution of learning at Winton, it being a most desirable locality for such an enterprise. To enlist the sympathy and help of the people, he began to issue monthly a paper known as Zhe Chowan Pilot, by aid of which, within less than eighteen months, a two-story school- building, 60 by 30, was completed and paid for. So brilliant was this brief record of his as a journalist, that in the summer of 1887, at the time of the establishment of Zhe Pilot by the North Carona Ministerial Union, he was unanimously chosen editor-in-chief of the paper. After some solicitation, he accepted this responsibility, and consented to consolidate Zhe Chowan Pilot with this new enterprise. He then took immediate steps toward purchasing a printing- press, and to open an office under his own supervision. In less than a month everything was in readiness for operation. Remarkable to say, he began to issue a bi-weekly paper, according to agreement, without any previous training in the art of type-setting. He not only filled the position of editor, but also compositor. Since its establishment, Zhe Pilot has appeared regularly, and has rapidly grown in public favor. It is the only paper published in the town of Winton, and it is read by a majority of the white citizens, such being bona fide subscribers, It is a neatly printed, twenty-column paper, devoted chiefly to the denomination from which it derives its name; but in almost every issue are to be found strong articles affecting the race problem of America. The editor believes that the press, in the hands of the negro, may be made greatly instrumental in his advancement, The success of The Pilot is better told by those who have ~ visited the office, than by the author. Prof. S. M. Vass of Shaw University, upon a visit to Zhe Pilot office at Winton, writes thus to The North Carolina Baptist: “It is my pleasant privilege to be able to sit in the office of The Baptist Pilot and write this short article for the Baptists of North REV. CALVIN S. BROWN. 308 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS, Carolina to read. I had long cherished a desire to visit the printing department of Zhe Pilot to learn how Bro. Brown could send out such an excellent paper, at such a small subscription price—only seventy-five cents a year. Now I understand. Of course, the Ministerial Union owns the press. That much is safe. Bro. Brown just raises enough money to . buy the paper. He does all the type-setting himself, assisted by a noble and talented young lady, about fifteen or sixteen years old, Miss Anmie W. Walden, to whom he taught the art. And, by the way, who taught him? No one. He purchased the press, without the least knowledge of how to use it; but by bringing to bear his inborn talent for such work, and his iron will, he mastered the effort in a few days, It is, to say the least, a tedious work to sit and handle type. - But the toughest part of all is the process of carrying the paper through the press. It makes a man sweat and show his strength, and ruins all his clothes with the ink and grease and—what not. It takes two persons one whole day to do the printing after the type is all set, which consumes quite a while—several days. Well, who edits the paper? Brother Brown; he is the man, Several brethren promised to assist him; but the whole work falls upon him.” As to the support that has been gathered to The Pilot, it is interesting to read what its editor has to sav about it: “Tt is gratifying to observe the tide which is sweeping the state in favor of Zhe Pilot. From every quarter, from hundreds of staunch Baptists whose hearts long for the prosperity of the denomination, come strong and enthusiastic expressions assuring us that the enterprise shall be sustained.” With Editor Brown's continued persistence in the work, we are forced to believe that the future prospects for The Pilot are bright for a race organ, which will prove to be of great benefit to it, AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 309 Rev. GreorcE W. Cuinron, Epiror AFRo-AMERICAN SPOKESMAN, Rev. Mr. Clinton, who holds the editorial reins of Zhe Afro-American Spokesman, was born in Cedar Creek township, Lancaster County, 8. C., March 28, 1859, with, as it has proved, many days before him for journalistic usefulness, as well as that of a dispenser of divine truths. Mr. Clinton had a little knowledge of letters before the war closed, his father having been his tutor. A desire upon the part of his mother to have her boy fitted for the gospel ministry, induced her to keep him in school, which she did by hard labor, He prepared himself for college, entering the State University in 1874, and remained until it was closed against the black man in 1877. He then began to teach school, with a first-grade certificate, continuing in that work for twelve years. While teaching, he read law in the office of Allison & Connors for six months. During this time he followed the advice of Blackstone, and read the Bible in connection with his law books. This resulted in a deeper interest in the Bible than for law, and accordingly, after assisting in one case (the papers of which were prepared by himself) he began a diligent study of Scriptural truth. He was licensed as a local preacher in the A. M, E. Zion church in 1879, and admitted to the Travelling Association, November 21, 1881. . He has had some of the best appointments in the Confer- ence, and held some of the most honorable positions in the Conference. He was fraternal delegate from the South Carolina Conference to the New England Conference, Hart- ford, Conn.; was delegate to the General Conference, at New York City, and one of its trusted secretaries; was also a ministerial delegate to the General Conference at New Berne, N. C., and general secretary of the same, Bishop Charles Q, 310 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Petty being absent a while after the Conference had convened. He has served in other prominent positions in church councils, He was transferred, in November, 1888, from the 8. C. Conference to the Allegheny Conference, and is now serving as pastor of the John Wesley A. M. E. Zion church in Pitts- burg, Pa. His career as a public writer began in 1877. Among his first contributions to Zhe Star of Zion was a poem, entitled “In Memoriam of C. D, Stewart,” who was a fellow college- mate. ‘The poem was dedicated" to Miss Julia Eagles, the young lady to whom Mr. Stewart was aflianced. His active career as an editor began with his service of seven years upon the editorial staff of Zhe Star of Zion. He has written for such Anglo-Saxon journals as Zhe New York Weekly Witness, The Centenary, The Charleston Sun, News and Courver, and others equally prominent. His article to The A. M. E. Review on “The Pulpit and School-room” was very highly commended. The Afro-American Spokesman, of which he is now editor, is the only paper published among the Afro-Americans of Pittsburg and Allegheny City. It is supported by a stock company, composed principally of the ministers of the city. It began operations on the 80th of May without a subscriber or helper, except those of the stock company with their capital shares. Mr. Clinton, as a writer, is clean, with great simplicity of style. He uses his descriptive powers to much advantage. If he continues in journalism, he is destined to be one of the foremost writers of his race. In entering upon his work as editor of Zhe Spokesman, Mr. Clinton says: ‘“ While we shall devote adequate space to the religious doings of our people and give church work its due recognition, we shall consider ourselves at liberty, and to be in keeping with the aim and purpose of the paper, to give a reason of the faith CLINTON. REV. GEORGE W $11 312 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. we acknowledge, and express our opinion upon all questions that pertain to our people and country. We promise the public a paper worthy of their patronage, and our people one that will be ever vigilant in their defence when their rights, privileges and opportunities are trammelled, We shall be no less active in speaking our opinion ccncerning any faults, short-comings, and indiscretions of our own people. What we desire is to represent the race before the public as it is, and see that it has fair play; and by counsel and encouragement stimulate it to move forward till it has attained the highest possibilities of American citizenship.” The Spokesman, keeping to the line indicated above, will ever conserve the best interests of the race, as it under- stands them. Wiu~ut1AM BonpEN TowNsEND, EDITOR AND PUBLISHER LEAVENWORTH ADVOCATE. William B. Townsend first saw the light near Huntsville, Ala., about the year 1854. Samuel, the grandfather, as well as master of the subject of this sketch, was originally a Virginian, but returned to Alabama in the early days of the slavery agitation, and became a prominent citizen of that state. Young Townsend having been sold several times was finally bought by his grandfather, and he and his mother were emancipated during the year 1857. After remaining in Alabama some three years, they went to Kansas in the spring of 1860. Here he was given a chance for schooling, and he applied himself so diligently that in a few years he developed those traits of character which have since distinguished him as one of the foremost advocates of the rights of his race. After finishing a course of study in the common schools of his adopted state, he went to Mississippi as a teacher, but WILLIAM BOLDEN TOWNSEND. 313 314 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. finding the treatment of his people so inhuman, and himself meeting many hardships, he again sought the fair and fertile fields of Kansas, where he entered upon a career of usefulness which has been almost phenomenal. In 1876 he became correspondent for Zhe Colored Citizen, a paper published at Fort Scott, Kansas. In 1878 we find him an associate editor of Zhe Radical, which, as well as The Colored Citizen, was published in the interest of his race. He has held several appointive offices, both in the county and state in which he lives, and always with credit to himself and honor to his race. At the Repubhcan conven- tion in 1882 he made the nominating speech, and succeeded in having the Hon. E. P. McCable selected as candidate for auditor. At the recent convention of colored men held at Salina, and composed of two hundred delegates, he was elected chairman, and through his influence the Hon. J. L. Waller was made the choice of the convention as the candidate of the colored people for auditor on the Republican ticket. He was employed for ten consecutive years as letter-carrier in Leavenworth, and only resigned the position for the purpose of studying law. He has been one year at the State University, and hopes to graduate in 1892. Always devoted to the interests of his people, Mr. Town- send is destined to-take rank as one of the foremost leaders of his race in this country. Henry Fitzputuer, M. D. The following extract from a pamphlet published in Louisville, Ky., containing sketches of colored men in that state, will introduce Dr. H. Fitzbutler: “Perhaps the most remarkable man identified with the CO HENRY FITZBUTLER, M. D. 315 316 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. colored race, who has been added to the citizenship of Louisville, is Dr. Henry Fitzbutler. Born December 22, 1842, he graduated at the Michigan University, in March, 1872, from the department of medicine and surgery, and came to Louisville in July of the same year. Dr. Fitzbutler attracted much attention at once, he being the first regular physician of the colored race to enter upon the practice of medicine in the state of Kentucky. “At that time the colored people of Louisville were peculiarly under the influences which followed the ante-bellum prejudices. There was an admitted guardianship, comprising perhaps eight or ten men, who dictated public affairs for the colored people in a manner agreeable to the prejudices of the white people, and but few colored people sought business or notable positions without consulting these ‘intermediators.’ “The subject of this sketch was recognized by the medical profession in Louisville, and commended as being scientific and proficient in medicine and surgery; but having neglected to consult the colored ‘intermediators,’ they prophesied a short stay for him, and went to work to fulfill the words of their divination. However, as Providence and progress would have it, eight years have elapsed, and this independent business man and philanthropist is still here, and with many admirers is beholding the dying prejudices that would bar the progress of colored citizenship. “Dr. Fitzbutler has not lived a selfish life, but of his means from his medical business has contributed largely to the literary and political necessities of the colored race. When a state convention was called in Louisville, about February, 1873, to consider the educational interests of the colored people of Kentucky, many of the old citizens stood aghast, seeming to fear extermination if found participating; therefore, no one aspired to the chairmanship of such a convention, yet, by request, and to meet the unpopular AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 317 emergency, Dr. Fitzbutler accepted and filled the position fearlessly in the Louisville circuit court room. “The resolutions passed in this convention demanded equal school privileges for colored school children in Kentucky, and became the basis of the agitation in and out of the legislature, which resulted in greatly improving the educa- tional facilities in this state. Subsequently, he was the chief opponent to a resolution advocating separate schools as the will of the colored people, and the best course for all. This convention was in Covington, Ky., about 1874. And he was a notable member of the State Educational Convention, which met in the State House, at Frankfort, in 1888, taking such a part in the work as to attract the attention of all classes of citizens throughout the state. Here, too, he was not ashamed to advocate the cause of his race, being appointed on permanent organization. He succeeded in getting an able colored man appointed as one of the secretaries, and another well-qualified colored man a member of an important com- mittee. And through all incidental work Dr. Fitzbutler has been an active and reliable physician, receiving a revenue which he has never failed to use to the honor of the colored race, being himself the chief support of Zhe Ohio Fulls Express, which has been published regularly for nearly ten years, known and felt as one of the most fearless advocates of equal human rights. But his ambition has long been the establishment of a medical school, with doors open to colored medical students as well as white; and many now rejoice to see that design consummated. ‘The legislature of Kentucky, at the session of 1888, granted a charter to Doctors H. Fitzbutler, W. A, Burney and R. Conrad to conduct, in Kentucky, the Louisville National Medical College, and that charter was signed by the governor, April 22, 1888. The school is now in operation, with some of the best talent to pe found in the country as students.” 318 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Dr. Fitzbutler began journalistic work in the publication of The Planet, of which he was editor, and, at the same time, the chief financial manager,—Alfred Froman being its origi- nator, it having been published in Louisville about three years, the first copy appearing in December, 1842. The Planet was a fearless advocate of equal rights, and was devoted to the educational interests of the colored people as well. The publication of The Ohio Falls Express has been his chief journalistic effort, and has, at all times, and under all circumstances, exhibited an intrepidity and discretion, indi- cated in the prospectus: “The Ohio Falls Express will make its debut Saturday, September 20, 1879; and although the country may seem flooded with newspapers and other literary periodicals, yet we have no other apology to offer than that there is not sufficient space found within their numberless columns for unprejudiced representation of all races of men; and in the opinion of humble thinkers, the cause of the less favored will faster gain respect by a continuous, honest, earnest and amicable effort on their part. “The xpress does not presume to be a leader nor a dictator, and is not one of those who regard public sentiment aud established prejudices as light things that can be changed in a moment, yet realizes the importance of unswerving advocacy in the establishment of justice and true moral worth; but does presume to avoid the /Molian encomiums sounding in the wake of success, regardless of right or wrong. “The editorial staff will lead off neither as a coup de grace nor coup de main, nor open with one grand fusilade upon whatever is not in accord with their embryonic judgment; but hope, by adhering to fixed data of reasoning, to have some effective artillery at command and bring it to bear in accord with times aud events, AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 319 “The Express has no selfish battles to fight, no unmerited commendation to bestow; but will be an advocate in the acquisition of wealth, learning, and moral principles.” The Ohw Falls Express is the first successful newspaper effort under the management of colored men in Kentucky, all other previous efforts having failed, Zhe Express, though Republican in sentiment, has not depended upon political vicissitudes for existence, but advocating the same principles through different adntinistrations of government has relied upon its own resources in a business-like manner. It has been published weekly, without intermission and without change of editor, since September 20, 1879. The following are editorial clippings from the successful pioneer of colored papers in Kentucky: “The speculation concerning the danger of imbibing the elements contributory to disease from the Johnstown bodies in the Ohio River water, is not a matter to bring much terror to thinking people. The vastness of the body of water renders the contamination insignificant. Then the changes are very brief; the greater portion of man being water, when free trom the body of which it was a constituent, is again as good to form part of another animal body, as any other water. Then the other elements composing the tissues of an animal body, when free in water, soon become what they were originally in relation to the earth, Thus the chloride of sodium, phosphate of lime, carbon in man, when freed in water that has ample connection with the earth, soon become inoffensive, and exist in matter-form as compatible to re-construct a new body as when originally taken into the bodies of Adam and Eve.” Vital statistics furnish interesting problems, not only to the political economist, but to the philanthropist and the Christian. In Nashville careful and fairly accurate reports for the last thirteen years have been kept. The death-rate 320 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. among the colored people has ranged from about 50 per thousand in 1875 to 23.50 per thousand during the past year, while the death-rate among the whites for the same period has been only a little more than one-half as great. During the past three years, out of a colored population estimated at twenty-three thousand, 951 births and 1,758 deaths have been reported. Among the white population, which is about twice as great, there have been 1,478 births and 1,600 deaths. Itis possible that all of the births among the colored people have not been reported. If they have, it would indicate that while the birth-rates are about equal, the death-rate is twice as great. The causes are numerous, and may be classified under four general heads,—poverty, ignorance of the laws of health, superstition, and lack of proper medical attention. RoBERT CHARLES O’HArRRA BENJAMIN, EpiTor SAN FRAN- cIscoO SENTINEL. R. C. O. Benjamin was born in the Island of St. Kitts, Wes@ Indies, March 81, 1855. He was educated at Oxford University, England, and after graduation he traveled extensively in Sumatra, Java, and other islands in the East Indies. Upon returning to England, he took passage on a ship going to the West Indies, and visited Jamaica, Antigua, and Barbadoes, coming to America by way of Venezuela, Curacoa, and Demerara. Soon after lis arrival in New York he began taking an active part in public affairs, which brought him in close association with such prominent men as Dr. Henry Highland Garnett, Cornelius Van Cott, and Joe Howard, Jr, The latter, then editor of Zhe New York Star, employed him as a soliciting agent, and when not at this work he was assigned to office duty. In the course of a few months, business led 21 R. C, O, BENJAMIN. 821 822 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. him to the acquaintanceship of John J. Freeman, editor of The Progressiwe American, who made him city editor of his paper. Since then Mr. Benjamin has owned and edited several newspapers: Zhe Colored Oitizen, in Pittsburg, Penn; Zhe Chronicle, at Evansville, Ind.; and Zhe Negro American. At Birmingham, Ala., he is now editing Zhe San Francisco (California) Sentinel, The following clippings will give an idea of the esteem in which Mr. Benjamin is held by the press of the country: “Among the most brilliant exchanges that come to our sanctum is Zhe (California) Sentinel, edited by our old friend, Hon. R. C. O. Benjamin. This paper is taking the Pacific Coast hke wild-fire, and rapidly gaining a national reputation, But this could not be otherwise, because Mr. Benjamin is one of the most able of the negro writers, lecturers and orators in this country. Others may have a bigger name, but when it comes to real talent, versatility, and innate ability, Benja- min can swallow the majority of them at a gulp.” “R. C. O. Benjamin, Esq., editor of The San Francisco Sentinel, is getting out one of the liveliest and best negro journals in the country. We wish Mr. Benjamin all possible success financially with his Sentenel—Pine Biuff (Ark.) Licho.”’ “R. 0. O. Benjamin is running a great paper in San Fran- cisco. R. C. O. will be remembered as the editor of Zhe Negro- American in this city about four years ago. Benjamin is a born journalist Burmingham (Ala.) Bulletin.” “R. C. O, Benjamin, the colored lawyer, author and politi- clan, is now editor of Zhe San Francisco Sentinel. Brother Benjamin wields a vigorous pen, and is making a good paper. —So. Cal. Informant, San Diego.” “Mr. Benjamin is a ready newspaper man, and we doubt not that Zhe Sentenel will thrive under his editorial man- agement.—JVew Orleans (La.) Pelican.” AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 323 “We welcome to our desk Zhe San Francisco Sentinel. This is one of the brightest papers published in the West. We are glad, always, to receive such exchanges. ‘There is plenty of room for good papers. We wish Zhe Sentinel a long and prosperous voyage, for we recognize in it a strong and fearless defender of the race. May Zhe Sentinel be a power on the Coast, and always the sentry of the race rights.” —The Advocate, Leavenworth, Kan, “This week our table holds The San Francisco Sentinel, Vol. I, No. 1, with the gifted R. C. O. Benjamin, formerly at the head of The Negro American of Birmingham, as editor, The editor of Fa Play, and many others of this city, are well acquainted with Mr. Benjamin and rejoice to know that he again drives the quill. Long live The Sentinel to help in the great work of obtaining equal rights and fair play in the race of life for every American citizen, without regard to race or color.’—Far Play, Meridian, Miss. As a newspaper man. Mr. Benjamin has been a marked success. He is fearless in his editorial expression; and the fact that he is a negro does not lead him to withhold his opinions upon the live issues of the day, but to give them in a courageous manner. His motto is: ‘“ My race first, and my best friends next.’ Any one reading his paper will find that his race has an able champion in him, and one who will never fail them. His strictures on the murders and outrages of his race in the South, and his demand for an equal chance in the race of life for his people, show true manliness. Mr. Benjamin is widely known to the newspaper fraternity by the nom de plume of “Cicero,” a cognomen he adopted while corresponding editor of Zhe Nashville (Tenn.) Free Lance. He was for some time the local editor of The Daily Sun, a prominent white paper, published at Los Angeles, Cal., and is the first colored man to hold such a position on a white journal, 324 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. In the midst of his journalistic work he has found time to write several very interesting books, among the most prominent of which are “The Boy Doctor,” “ History of the British West Indies,” “Future of the American Negro,” “The Southland,” “ Africa, the Hope of the Negro,” “ Life of Toussaint L’ Overture;” besides publishing “An Historical Chart of the Colored Race,’ and a volume of poems which has passed through several editions, He is a fluent conversationalist, in both the French and Spanish languages. He has the credit of being one of the finest platform orators of his race in America, and takes an active part on the stump in state and national campaigns. In 1886 he made a tour through the principal cities of Canada, and lectured to large white audiences. Mr. Benjamin is also a lawyer, having been admitted to the bar in Memphis, Tenn., in January, 1880. His experi- ence as a practitioner has been varied, and the territory over which his legal services-have been extended aggregate twelve different states. In California he is very highly esteemed by both whites and blacks. The Californra Conference of the A. M. E. church, has elected him Presiding Elder, his jurisdiction comprising the states of California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada. He is also General Financial Agent and Superin- tendent of the Connection’s Sabbath-school on the Coast. At the same time, the bench, the bar, the county and city officials of San Francisco, Los Angeles and all Southern California recommended him to the Congressional delega- tion, who, in turn, did so to President Harrison, for the position of consul to Antigua, West Indies. It being impossible to give him this particular appointment, the president offered him the consulship to Aux Cayes, Hayti, which he declined, preferring to remain at the editorial helm of his paper, Zhe Sentinel. 3 E. A, WILLIAMS. O20 326 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Dr. E. A. WiuuiaMs, Epitor JOURNAL OF THE LODGE. The Journal of the Lodge is the offiaal organ of the (colored) Supreme Lodge of the Knights of Pythias of North America, South America, Kurope, Asia, and Africa, and has been adopted as the official organ of the Grand Lodge of Masons of the state of Louisiana, It is edited by Dr. E. A, Williams, the Supreme Chancellor of the order, and Grand Secretary and Grand Recorder of Masonry and Knights Templar of Louisiana. Its columns are devoted exclusively to secret societies, and it is especially the organ for which it was founded. Its circulation is now over three thousand. Its first issue by Dr. Williams was under adverse circum- stances. It has just entered upon its third volume, and is now upon a solid basis, with sufficient capital to make it a permanent journal. Pror. DANIEL WessteR Davis, Epitor Youna MeEn’s FRIEND. When the history of the country and the present achieve- ments of the Afro-American are written, it will be seen that the young men identified with this race have not been inactive. It will be observed that they have performed the part assigned them in the race of hfe with courage and fidelity. Upon the shoulders of the young Afro-American, man or woman, devolves the solving of the question, com- monly called the Negro (Afro-American) Problem. In any walk of life, the young man or woman striving to do his part in making the race a respected one, must necessarily meet with trials and discouragements. It will be the man or woman who surmounts them and contends for intellectual, moral, and social preferment, that must be great, Are there any thus contending? if so, let history record his name and 327 td 828 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. work. Prof. Davisis of thisnumber, His life is one that must meet the general recommendation of men. He was born in Caroline county, Va., March 25, 1862. Going to Richmond, Va., he was educated in her public schools, receiving medals from his instructors on two occasions, for proficiency in his studies. He served as an apprentice in a shoe shop, and became a first-class workman there. He was elected to teach in the city schools of Richmond in 1880, where he has been since, having attained a good record as an instructor of youth. He was selected as professor of mathematics and civil government in the summer institutes of Lynchburg, Staunton, and Lexington, Va., by the state superintendent of public instruction. His ability manifested in these institutes, combined with his genial and lovable qualities, did much to hold intact the many teachers who attended them. Mr. Davis has held many honorary positions. He was president of the Y. M. C. A., of Richmond, Va., and is now associate to the general secretary. For years he was president of the Richmond normal school alumni, and the Garrison and Langston lyceum. He is at present chairman of the executive board of the Virginia teachers’ reading circle; also of the executive board of the Virginia Baptist Sunday-school Convention, and is otherwise very prominent in the church and Sunday-school circles of his city. He is also conspicuous in masonic circles, serving at one time as Most Worshipful Master of Social Lodge, No, 6, A. F. & A. Masons. He was Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Alabama, with rank of Past Grand Senior Warden, and was also Special Deputy of Grand Lodge of Virginia. He is likewise prominent among the Odd Fellows, as well as in other societies. He was a director of the Building and Loan Association of Richmond City, and a member of the executive committee of the late national emancipation celebration. Prof. Davis is a great musician, playing on four different se AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 3829 instruments. He appears to be a natural poet. His poems have been published in the newspapers, and read on various occasions, Among the most important of these productions is—‘‘ De Nigger ’s Got to Go,’—written for Zhe Planet of Richmond, Va., and another for the late emancipation celebration, which was very pleasantly commented on by The Liuchmond Dispatch. Mr. Davis has delivered more choice orations on great occasions than any other young man, within the recollection of the author. ‘This of itself bespeaks volumes for his oratorical ability. Upon the following occasions he has delivered orations, which drew from his auditors rapturous applause and laudatory comments: At the memorial exercises of Gen. Grant; graduating class of Richmond high school; alumni association, Lynchburg, Va. ; Y. M.C. A. of Petersburg, Va., of Lynchburg, Va., and of Norfolk, Va.; the laying of the corner stone of the Gloucester high school; the unveiling of Capt. Emmett Scott's monu- ment; the soldiers’ re-union at Richmond; and before the masonic fraternity of Richmond, Mr. Davis is a live, vigorous and happy speaker, full of eloquence and oratory. He is daily called upon to speak on an occasion of some interest; for which he is always ready, especially if he sees in the movement a rising purpose on the part of his race. : Few of our young men have done much more in the journalistic calling than has Mr. Davis. He began this work as correspondent for The Baptist Compamon, the organ of the Afro-American Baptists of Virginia; also, for Zhe Boston (Mass.) Advocate. In lke capacity, he has served admirably The Richmond Planet, The Lynchburg, (Va.) Laborer, The Masone Herald of Philadelphia, Zhe Masone Visitor of Petersburg, Va.; and also Zhe Young Men's Friend, before he assumed the editorship. The Young Men's Friend is the organ of the colored 330 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Young Men’s Christian Association of Richmond City. The purpose of this periodical is to supplement the work of the association in promoting the educational, moral, and religious endeavor of the young men. Its motto—‘ Young Men for Christ,” is indicative of its aim and purpose. ‘To edit this organ, no young man better fitted as a Christian and an educated gentleman could have been selected out of the association than Mr. Davis. He is a quiet, God-fearing young man, who is of the opinion that all our success comes from God, and for the ultimate salvation of the race we must rely upon Him. Such a man we must all concede to be the proper editorial director of the young men. Mr. Davis is a man of brilliant thought and correct judgment, and what he thinks he says in choice, expressive English. His career promises great things for the Afro- American press. Believing as he does in the enlightenment of his country and the salvation of his race, coupled with the entire Christianization of the masses, he will wield a facile and vigorous pen for its accomplishment. The subscription of Zhe Friend has already increased under the editorial management of Mr. Davis, and a bright future is predicted for it. Long may it live for God and humanity. Rev. MattHEw WESLEY CLAIR, EpitorR METHODIST BANNER. This gentleman is one of the young men connected with the Washington Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, whose outlook is for a profitable life in the ministry and as an editorial dispenser of religious, moral, and social truths. He began life in Monroe county, W. Va., where he was born of humble parentage October 21, 1865. He secured what rudimentary knowledge he could possibly attain in the AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS. 331 schools of his county. He was converted in 1880, and joined the M. kK. church, which marked a turning epoch in his Hfe. Having been moved by the Spirit to begin the work of a teacher of divine truth, he applied for an exhorter’s license and received it at the hands of Rev. S. A. Lewis, and subsequently was the recipient of orders as a local preacher from Presiding Elder Samuel G. Griffin. Having the good sense to know that a man, in these days, who enters the ministry, must be trained for the position, he applied for admission at Morgan College, one of the schools controlled by the Freedman’s Aid and Southern Evangelical Society, located at Baltimore, Md., and was received there. His attendance at this institution was under some great sacrifices, and therefore he could spare no time for idleness. He at once took a prominent place among the bright students with whom he was associated, and won the G. V. Leech prize for excellence in theology in 1884, and received the Baldwin prize for English oratory in 1887. He is a graduate of the normal, classical, and theological departments of that college. He was examined and admitted to the Traveling Connection of the Washington Conference of the M. E. church, in March, 1889, and was stationed at Harpers’ Ferry, W. Va., and was sent back in March, 1890. He is one of the best pulpit orators among the young men of that Conference. He is winning in his manner, and at the same time he impresses upon his hearers the divine teachings of the Master with force and power. For some time before Mr. Clair entered the Washington Annual Conference, it was a great question with the members whether a local organ could not be established and maintained » by that portion of Methodism. Several attempts to do this were made, among which were The Conference Journal and The Central Methodist, noted in other chapters. The Banner is only a resurrection of Zhe Central Methodist, after a year’s 332 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. suspension. It is published as a local religious paper by the members of the Conference, who are known as a typographical association. It is officered as follows: Rev. W. T. Harris, president; Rev. W. P. Ryder, vice-president; Rev. S. A. Lewis, secretary; Rev. I. L. Thomas, treasurer. At a meeting of the association in Frederick City, Md., in March, 1890, Rev. M. W. Clair was elected editor, and C, L. Harris business manager of The Banner. The present is the third volume of The Banner, and though yet in its infancy it is a newsy and well-edited paper. The aim of its projectors is best understood as they have expressed it. Says the-editor: ‘“ Zhe Banner is now in its infancy, but it is hoped that it may be waved in every home.and its news cheer the hearts of thousands,” Mr. Clair is a good practical writer. His editorials are read for the good advice and sound common sense to be found in them. Much can be done for the race, if The Banner continues to wave on the present pinnacle of moral and religious endeavor. Mrs. F. M. W. Clair, the beloved wife of Rev. Mr. Clair, does much to assist him in his editorial labors. Her contributions to the editorial columns share alike with his the commendation of a reading public. She was born, and reared mostly in Baltimore, Md., being the youngest living daughter of Rev, Perry G., and Mrs. Mary E. Walker. She was educated at Morgan College, and is a graduate of its normal department. Until she assumed the duties of a wife, she was a teacher in the schools of Maryland, and, lastly, an instructor in the Baltimore City Academy. She is well known as an essayist, and as an associate upon the editorial staff of The Banner. She has the following to say of the press: “The object of the press is to elevate humanity. It is one of the greatest means of bringing our people to the level of those who have had centuries of privileges.” .M.W. CAIR ee) ce = CHAPTER XIX. ILLUSTRATED AFRO-AMERICAN JOURNALISM. HE illustrated paper, among all classes and conditions, ‘p has met the most cordial reception. To read of an occur- rence, or ubout a fixed thing, and to observe the same illustrated, tends to fix-in the mind of the reader the facts more impressively ; 1t also better enables him to grasp the situ- ation as intended. He also is enabled to see the purpose sought; and he sees without effort the picture the article intends to have the imagination form. The necessity of such a phase of journalism among any people admits of no argument. With this idea in view, Edward Elder Cooper of Indianapolis, Ind., issued The Indianapohs Freeman, (the first and only illustrated journal of the Afro-American race,) con- sisting of eight pages, July 14, 1888. To say that this was a most commendable step upon the part of Mr. Cooper, is to say the least of it. While the Afro-American seems hardly prepared for a very high plane of journalism, from a money or intellectual consideration, and certainly not from experience, yet in this, as in other phases of the work, he has shown his ' possibilities, and maintains his stand. The journalist of color finds it a matter of some thought when he first launches his R COOPER. LDE EDWARD E 330 336 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. paper as to whether such support will gather about it as the enterprise deserves. This may have been so with Zhe Freeman, yet it was sent forth in the belief that the race would accept a good, worthy, ideal paper, when presented to it; and there was no disappointment in this case, for Zhe freeman at once drew for itself a hearty, enthusiastic, and lasting support. The race owes a debt to the man whose experience, money, self-sacrifice, brain and brawn, keep alive this sheet, which is one of the brightest stars in the unrecorded history of Afro-American freedom. A world of thinkers and readers concede its relative superiority. Success with it has been simply phenomenal. The meed of authority as a newspaper has been freely accorded it by its contemporaries and indi- viduals, all over the Union. The white journals of the country, without hesitation, term it the leading paper of the race. In proof of this fact it has upon its exchange list a class of papers and periodicals that no other colored paper has. Among the many can be found the leading white papers of Chicago, Baltimore, New York, Boston, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Cincinnati. Besides this honor accorded to The Freeman because of its worth and ability, it has also been the recipient of flattering notices from acknowledged white organs, as well as from its race contemporaries. Zhe Indianapols Journal, the most popular Anglo-Saxon journal of Indianapolis, says: “So far as we are acquainted with colored journalism, the best paper published in the interests of the colored people is Lhe Freeman of this city. No other- paper is doing as good work in the special field indicated. Its advocacy of the interests of the colored people is able and dignified, and its illustrated sketches of the colored literary men and women are exceedingly well conceived and executed.” The Cinein- nat. Commercial Gazette, Murat Halstead, editor, says: “ Zhe ILLUSTRATED JOURNALISM. 337 Freeman is by far the best and ablest newspaper the colored people have ever had.” Zhe Advocate of Leavenworth, Kan., contributes the following to Zhe Freeman's glory: ‘The illustrated Freeman of Indianapolis, Ind., is to the colored people what Prank Leslie is to the mites. The National Leader remarks: ( The Freeman of Indianapolis, Ind., E, E. Cooper, manager, is the only colored pictorial Reb HeNeG in the country. Though in its infancy, it has taken front rank in illustrated newspaperdom. We consider it the Harper's Weekly of the colored race.” | Admitting the advance of the Afro-American in this great pursuit of life, another says: “Tt is a credit, too, and shows the progress the colored race is making in journalism.” It will be interesting for one to note the particular charac- teristics of this journal in question: As a news paper, it gives a complete review of the doings of the Afro-Americans everywhere. As a political paper, it is independent, com- mending the good and condemning the bad in both parties. As an historical paper, 1t devotes unceasing research to the hitherto unpublished history of the Afro-American, and from time to time it prints and illustrates the legends and romances of the Afro-American, written by Afro-American authors. As a literary paper, it keeps pace with the educa- tional and literary progress of the race. As an illustrated paper, it portrays the Afro-American as he is, and not as so often represented by many of our white journals. As a general newspaper, it is the peer of any in the land. Where he came from; how he has reached his present eminent position in life; what he has done for his race and how he is honored by them; his future service to his people; are the points to which we shall be pleased to call the attention of the reader, in dealing with the life of Mr. Cooper. This done, without exaggeration or embellishment, we shall stop, feeling that then there is much more to be said. 22 338 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. As is true of the great majority of our really eminent Afro-Americans, Mr. Cooper is a southern product; but early in life, without money or friends, yet full of pluck and ambition, he selected the North for his future home and field of operations. From the South, he went to Philadelphia; and from thence he turned his attention to the setting sun, selecting Indianapolis, the Hoosier metropolis, as his perma- nent home. Here he entered school and graduated first in a class of sixty-five, all being white, save himself, In 1882 we find him in the United States railway mail service, soon becoming one of the most efficient men in that difficult and exacting branch of government work, having gone from class 5 to 1, at the time of his retirement from the service. In 1886 he had full charge of his car, being the only Afro-American that ever had a corps of white clerks under him. In the spring of 1883, though still in the government service, he, in connection with Edwin F. Horn and others, began the publication of Zhe Colored World, issued at Indian- apolis. The venture was a success from the beginning, but owing to a change of “runs,” Mr. Cooper was compelled to sever his connection with the paper, and a stock-company then took hold and ran it, Leaving the government service in 1886, he once more connected himself with Zhe World, then, as now, known as Lhe Indianapolis World, and from a puny weakling, head over heels in debt, run without system or method, with a half-paid circulation of less than five hundred, within six months he booked a bana fide circulation of two thousand, on a solid and paying basis. One year later, selling out his interest, he left it one of the best equipped, best paying, more widely read and clipped newspaper, than any other that had been published in the Union by colored men up to this time, He then began the publication of Zhe Freeman. ILLUSTRATED JOURNALISM. 339 As an all-around newspaper man,—that is, in all that pertains to the conducting, preparing, printing, and publishing of a newspaper, we pronounce him America’s greatest A fro- American journalist. There are men, perhaps, who, in certain specific fields, may equal or surpass him; but there is not one who has begun to get near him in the possession of all the forces that go to make up the newspaper man of the very first class, | Mr. Cooper is a remarkable and striking character. One is taken with his affableness in a short time after meeting him, for he is always pleasant and agreeable. He believes in system and order, and transacts business with a dispatch, known only of the shrewdest business characters. A glance at his editorial desk reveals the kind of man who sits upon the bench. He has been, and is to-day, a great but careful reader. A profound classical student, he is also a master of the English language, and perhaps the best grammarian of the negro press. As a writer, he is pointed, terse, clear. As a talker, he draws from a well-stored mind, and is always interesting and instructive. In politics, he is independent ; as some one has put it, a negrowump, placing his race above his party. In closing a sketch of our subject in The New York Age, W. Allison Sweeney, his friend and neighbor, very eloquently says: ‘For my part, I am glad that Edward Elder Cooper belongs to the negro race. His glory shall be my glory; his achievements, my achievements. A personal friend that is forgotten now, Such as he, belongs to the whole race, not to the clique, or to the few. He is not coming; he is here. Let us arise and go to him,” CHAPTER XX, PROMINENT AFRO-AMERICAN CORRESPONDENTS, CONTRIBUTORS AND REPORTERS, Pror. DANIEL BArcLAY WiuutiAms, A. M. “« 4 LL is the gift of industry; whate’er exalts, embellishes and renders life delightful.” Prof. Wilhams, by far one of the most polished and ready writers of which the race can boast, was born in Richmond, Va., November 22, 1861. Huis mother, a woman of marked industry, early recognizing the capabilities of her son, gave him the advantage of the public school training to be had in that city. He graduated from the Richmond Normal School in 1877 ; then entered the Worcester Academy, Worcester, Mass., in the fall of 1877, through the influence of Prof. R. H. Manly, and Miss M. E. Knowles. He graduated from this school in 1880, and in the same year matriculated in Brown University. He was, however, unable to remain there to finish, but subsequently pursued, and privately com- pleted, the course. He then began the life of an educator, filling the most responsible and creditable positions of that nature in his native city and county, until, in 1885, he was elected to the chair of Ancient Languages and Instructor in mice it 341 342 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. methods of teaching and school management in the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute at Petersburg, Va., which position he still holds. The professor has had ten years’ experience as an educator, and few can be found who equal him. He possesses executive ability of a high order, and his decisions may be generally relied upon. He is a popular linguist, reading with ease German, French, Hebrew, Latin and Greek. Our subject has a wide reputation as a brilliant orator and conversationalist. His services in this respect have been constantly in demand for ten years. He is one of the best known men in his state, and has a national reputation as well, and has been frequently honored as a distinguished leader of his people. Zhe New York Sun of May 15, 1887, presented an excellent cut and sketch of him, with those of Frederick Douglass, Dr. A. Straker and others, The same adorned the columns of The Cleveland Gazette; and his is given in Dr. Wilham J, Simmons’ book as that of “a man of mark,” One of Virginia’s noblest sons, we have given but the briefest record of his life thus far. We now point the reader to a brilliant picture of his hterary and journalistic career. The writer regards this as the brightest part of his record. His career in this respect began in 1883 and 1884, when he contributed a series of articles to The Industrial Herald and Richmond Planet on “The Latin Language,’ and “The Education of the Negro.” In 1884 he contributed another series to The Baptist Companion, on “ Why we are Baptists,” Their range of history and philosophy, and pleasing and attractive style, added much to the popularity of the paper. He has, at different times, contributed to different papers on miscellaneous subjects. He now corresponds with Zhe National Pilot, The Home Mission Monthly, The Freeman, and The A. M. E. Church Revew. He is also editor of the department of Theory and Practice of Teaching in Zhe CORRESPONDENTS AND REPORTERS. 343 Progressive Educator, of Raleigh, N.C. He is one of our few successful Afro-American authors. In 1883 he published his “Negro Race, a Pioneer in Civilization.” In 1885 he sent from the press his “Life and Times of Capt. R. A. Paul,’ and ‘““Why we are Baptists.” These works had a good circulation, In 1886 he wrote “The Theory of Rev. John Jasper concerning the Sun,” in “The Life of Jasper.” We here quote the following words of Prof. R. W. Whiting, in regard to his “Science, Art, and Methods of Teaching,” published in 1887: “The crowning act of his life, and the brightest star of hope for the future negro author, is the success of his work, ‘Science, Art, and Methods of Teaching.’ This work is the rose of English literature and the standard work on the subject among our people.” Another of his works “Freedom and Progress,” is now in press. Prof. Willams is a strong, versatile writer. Having a massive brain, from which thought after thought freely emanates, he is enabled so to attract a reader as to receive from him the palm of being a brilliant author. He has a style wholly his own, easy and mellifluous. Then his thoughts are original, and are expressed with clearness and force, and in language rich and mellow. Nothing in the least objection- able to the most refined mind can be seen in his writings. Articles from Prof. Willams are eagerly sought. The Progressiwwe Educator has been made a most popular publica- tion among pedagogues by Prof. Williams’ contribution on “Theory and Practice of Teaching.” If he should espouse the calling of an active journalist, the race would have in him an advocate not surpassed by any other people. In our years of friendship with him, we have watched his upward flight, have read his pithy and convincing writings, have heard his eloquence, and listened to his instructive utterances, and now, in amazement, we pause for words to express our admiration of one who has overcome such 344 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. apparently insurmountable obstacles, and attained to the eminence he occupies. In conclusion, we are led to exclaim: ‘Fis lite is gentle, and the elements so mixed in him, that Nature might stand up and say to all the world—‘ This was a man!’ JOHN Epwarp Bruce, (Bruce Grit). February 22, 1885, in the town of Piscataway, Md., the above all-around newspaper man was born of slave parents. When but four years old, he moved with his mother to Washington, his present residence, where he attended the private school of Miss Smith, and also the Free Library school. In 1872, while Gen. O. O. Howard was president of Howard University, he took a course of three months at that institution, and, after this, some private instruction from Mrs. B. A. Lockwood, once the female candidate for president, on the equal rights ticket. At an early age, he developed a taste for journalism, receiving his first lessons in 1874, in the office of L. L. Crouse, an associate editor of Zhe New York Times. In the same year he became special correspondent for Zhe Pro- gresswe American, published by John J. Freeman, a pioneer journalist. His first contribution to Zhe American, was under the caption, “ Distillation of Coal Tar,” which evoked many complimentary expressions, From this he began a career as a general news-man, which has hardly been surpassed by any of his race. Under the nom de plume of “The Rising Sun,” he wrote Washington letters for Zhe Richmond (Va.) Star, and over his own signature sent letters to Zhe Mreeman's Journal of St. Louis, The World of Indianapolis, and The St, Louis Tribune. To these papers he wrote from 1877 to 1880. Having now gotten fully into the work, young Bruce became special JOHN EDWARD BRUCE. 345 346 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Washington correspondent of Zhe Chicago (1ll.) Conservator, The North Carolina Republican. The Enterprise, of Fayette- ville, N. C., The New York Freeman, The Reed City Clarion, (white), Zhe Detroit Plaindealer, The Christian Index, and The Cherokee Advocate; the latter being published in English and Cherokee, by the Cherokee nation. Mr. Bruce may be called, with due propriety, the prince of Afro-American correspondents. He is not only sought for by our race journals as a news-gatherer, but by those of the Anglo-Saxon, also. He has, at times, contributed special articles to The New York Herald, Times, World, Mail and Express. Not only has he been a, correspondent for other journals, but has actually established several journals himself, whose editorial management was brilliant. He published The Argus, at Washington City in 1879, with C. M, Otey, A. M., editor, which he published nearly two years, when it was turned over to a stock-company, and finally died. Zhe Sunday Item, established in 1880 by J. E. Bruce and §. S. Lacy, was the first Sunday paper ever published by Afro- Americans, and was fairly successful as a newspaper venture. It, like many other of our journals, lacked capital to put it properly on its feet, and hence had to “die the death of the righteous.” The Washington Grit was founded by Mr. Bruce, in 1884, as a campaign sheet, he being the editor and proprietor. This sheet, like all others established by him, was a staunch Republican paper, not hesitating to speak out in advocacy of Republican principles. It was quietly gathered unto its projector’s arms in the latter part of 1884, conscious of the fact that it had done all at could for the election of the Republican ticket. He also established, at Baltimore, The Commonwealth, which survived six months; but the principles for which it contended triumphed, viz., the obliteration of CORRESPONDENTS AND REPORTERS. 347 the word “white” from the constitution of the state, the repeal of the Bastardy law, and. the modification of the odious distraint law. Our subject, at various times, has been upon the editorial stafls of Zhe Hxodus of Washington, (in 1880), Zhe Maryland Director, and The Bee and Leader, of Washington, D.C. He now writes for Zhe Gazette of Cleveland, and The New York Age, as “ Bruce Grit.” He is a successful gatherer of what- ever news is afloat; more so than most of the Afro-American reporters, in that he can more readily get an interview with noted men, such as senators and representatives at Washington, He distinguished himself, some time since, by an expression he got from Senator Hoar, relative to an assertion accredited to him. It was heralded through the country in many papers, complimenting Mr. Bruce on his shrewdness in getting the sentiment from Senator Hoar. One describes him as “vigilant, shrewd, active, progressive, and always on the alert for the messenger news.” His expression in The Bee, relative to the Payne and Derrick controversy, was full of suggestive thoughts. He is always square upon a matter at issue. ‘Bruce Grit” never flinches from what he regards a just and frank opinion. Rev. W. H. FRANKLIN, SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR TO THE New York AGE AND KNOXVILLE (TENN.) Nearo WoRLD. In our efforts to give the history of a work so wide and comprehensive as that of Afro-American journalism, the special correspondent of Zhe New York Age and Negro World comes in for a place. His letters have been racy and of interest to the many readers of those papers. This gentle man, whose writings measure well, in every respect, with the Afro-American editor, was born at Knoxville, April 16, 1852, 348 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. His father died in 1868, or when he was but 16 years of age, but his mother is still living. His education was received in the schools of Knoxville and at Maryville College, he being the first Afro-American to graduate from that institution, which event occurred in 1880. His theological training was had at the Lane Theo- logical Seminary, Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 1883. The Cincinnati Commercial Gazette and The Afro- American, edited by Prof. Peter H. Clark, paid high tributes to the scholarship and oratory of young Franklin. He is at present pastor of the Presbyterian church at Rogersville, Tenn,, and principal of the Swift Memorial Seminary, a school of high grade. Beginning to write for newspapers when quite young, his experience and ever-increasing knowledge made him promi- nent as a correspondent, and his articles are read by all. He began his newspaper work in 1878, when he became correspondent of The Knoaville Exanuner, W. F. Yardley, Esq., editor, He has also given articles to Zhe Star, of Tennessee, Herald Presbyter, Critic, and other papers. He now writes for Zhe New York Age, and The Knoxville Negro World, two representative Afro-American journals. Rey. Mr, Franklin is one of the most conversant corre- spondents that now write for the press. His articles are always fresh and well received, and demand careful thought. He is logical, argumentative and free from abrupt phrases. We wish to reproduce a few extracts from articles of his, which have appeared in various issues of Zhe Age and World. In one in Zhe Age, Mr. Franklin fears that the present administration will mistake the difference in the Afro- American of four years past and the Afro-American of to-day. He very fittingly writes: “If the present administration thinks that it has returned to power, and found us where it left us when it went out of power, it makes a great mistake, i 024 Z Sip ue SS Woes = REV. W. H. FRANKLIN. 349 350 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. If it thinks that we have been at a stand-still, it errs. The negro, fresh, anxious and ambitious, has been exerting himself, wherever opportunity has offered, to improve his mind and to prepare himself for the complicated duties imposed upon him in consequence of his citizenship. The great mass, it is true, have not made very much progress. It will require a long period, under the most favorable circumstances, for light, intelligence, and culture to leaven the whole mass, Education and intelligence have not reached every individual in the most favored parts of our Union. But it can be truthfully said that even the mass of negroes are not what they were four years ago, ‘They have learned something and made some progress. Much more can be said of individuals in every community. These individuals may be divided into two classes; One consists of the politi- clans and leaders who were active in former times; the other consists of young men who had reached their majority and who had been, and have been, qualifying themselves for usefulness and leadership. The Reconstruction period, the sudden enfranchisement of the negro, the pressing demand for persons to fill responsible positions, developed many incompetent and unworthy leaders; a very natural thing, and one which has happened many times before. The incompetent and the unworthy were not acceptable to the more respectable and thoughtful of the race. Many of them were as creditable and capable as their neighbors. In view of all the circum- stances they did well, notwithstanding the strong indictment of Mr. Hampton to the contrary.” He then reaches the main and vital point, which every one will admit is a serious matter for consideration. Says he: “There are also a number of deserving young men. Some of them were born just before the struggle; some of them in the midst of the struggle; and some of them Just after the struggle, which gave birth to their freedom. They found their way early CORRESPONDENTS AND REPORTERS. 351 into the school-room, provided by generous friends of the North and finally by the states. They studied hard in school and out of school. They have been forced to be students of public affairs and public men. Their opportunities, their studies, and their training, have given them both character and position in. their respective communities, They are universally recognized as men of ability and worth. They are editing our newspapers, teaching our schools, filling our pulpits, pleading our causes, healing our diseases, advocating our rights, handing us out goods, building our houses; indeed, filling every, vocation in our busy and complicated life. They have sprung up everywhere, and are capable, energetic, and aspiring. Iam writing from knowledge and observation. I see about me what I have written. I have traveled in other sections, and seen and noted the same. If our party and our friends are to know what we are and where we are, they cannot afford to ignore these facts. If they are to deal with us justly and fairly, they must neither shut their eyes to the truth nor suffer themselves to be deceived by a perversion of the truth. I have often been surprised at the ignorance which prevails at the North, in regard to the political, material, social, and religious condition of the negro. It does not seem possible for people who live so near us to have such mistaken views, and yet it is true. Our condition is bad enough, without exaggeration. We have burdens enough to bear, without suffering from the mistaken views of those who ought to help and encourage us,” Mr. Franklin discusses the famous Dortch bill, introduced in the Teunessee Legislature, and does it from the most encouraging stand-point, claiming that the bill will redound to the intellectual benefit of the race. In another issue he comments in a vigorous way upon the opinions in Zhe New York Independent on Dr. A. G. Haygood’s answer to Senator Eutice’s letter in Zhe Forwm, expressing himself in this wise 852 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. on the matter of social equality: ‘We are not troubled about social equality, but we are concerned about a fair vote, an impartial trial, equal public accommodations and courteous treatment. Our inalienable rights must not be denied, suppressed or abridged. We shall insist upon being treated as friends, not as aliens; as brothers, not as strangers.” Shortly after this we find him advising the Afro-American as to the best way he can survive in this country. ‘“ We ought to cultivate business principles and business matters. They will help us to retain what we have, and aid us in accumu- lating a great deal more. The success of our well-to-do and wealthy men is due to the careful observance of the principles and methods enumerated above. If we adopt their principles and follow their methods, we shall not lose anything, and the probability is that we shall gain something.” Mr. Franklin, while doing able service as a correspondent, would make a wise advocate in the editorial chair. Mr. J. GorDON STREET, REPORTER Boston HERALD, AND GENERAL CORRESPONDENT AFRO-AMERICAN PREsgs. “J. Gordon Street,” said T. Thomas Fortune to Dan A. Rudd of The American Catholic Tribune, in a conversation the two had, some time ago, in Boston, Mass., “is one of the best newspaper correspondents in the country.” Mr. Street is a West Indian by birth, and first saw the light May 25, 1856, in Kingston, Jamaica. His journalistic career began in the fall of 1884, as the Boston correspondent of The Detroit Plaindealer. . At the time of his taking charge of that paper it was little known in Boston. He did his best to push it, and very soon it was found in the homes of the leading colored people of Boston. The most prominent white Republicans in Massachusetts had the paper placed in their hands, He kept with Zhe Plaindealer several months. GORDON STREET J 309 23 B54 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. In November of the same year a very excellent offer was made him by the proprietor of Zhe New York Globe to take the Boston correspondence of that paper, which was accepted. Shortly after, Zhe Mew York Globe suspended publication, and when T. Thomas Fortune established The Mew York Freeman, Mr. Street was requested by him to act in the same capacity for Zhe Freeman in Boston as he had done for The Globe, and he did so from November, 1884, to March, 1888, when he gave it up to go to Zion Wesley College, Salisbury, N. C., to take charge of the agricultural depart- ment, which the faculty had decided to institute. Returning to Boston in the summer of 1885, he was engaged by thé editor of Zhe Boston Beacon, the leading white society paper, to furnish it matter. The proprietors, on finding that a black man was employed in such a position, objected to it, and of course he had to go. Though feeling keenly the prejudice with which he had to contend, he was not disheartened, but rather resolved not to give up the contest for a fair and equal chance in the race of life. Accordingly, in about five or six weeks, he went to The Boston Evening Record and asked if they would like to buy whatever news he might have. The city editor said “Yes,” and the colored news-gatherer went to work to collect the matter. Every man in the office was white; in fact, it might be said right here that there was not a colored man on any of the Boston dailies, at that time, and it was supposed by all that he was connected with Zhe Boston Record, Item after item was brought in, accepted and published. One day Street went to the Boston museum of fine arts to possess himself of some news which none of the other papers had learned of. In making inquiries about it, one of the authorities of the institution asked him for what paper he sought the information; the reply was, Zhe Boston Record, and the official cheerfully furnished the facts, so that a CORRESPONDENTS AND REPORTERS. 355 valuable item was obtained. It was learned by the city editor that Street had used Zhe Record’s name in securing this bit of news, and so he was summoned to appear before that gentleman. He went, and the following is the colloquy that ensued: City Editor—‘ Did you go to the museum of fine arts and represent that you were connected with Zhe Record?” Street—‘I did, Sir. I supposed I had a right to say, when questioned by persons for what journal I desired any information I might ask for, that it was for Zhe Record.” City editor—‘ You had no right to state you were connected with Zhe Record. We do not consider you are; and, further- more, we do not care to have you here any longer.” Very well, Sir,” was the answer made by Mr. Street. About three months after, he secured a position on Zhe Boston Herald's reportorial staff, where he has remained until the present time. In October, 1885, he again became the Boston correspondent of The Freeman, and continued as such until the paper changed hands and name, in 1887. In May, 1888, he took hold of Zhe Philadelphia Sentinel, then almost unknown to Boston people. How well he has done with that journal, the circulation of the paper at the present time tells more conclu- sively than anything that could be said here. Mr. Street is also the Boston correspondent of The Indianapolis Freeman and of Zhe Colored Illustrated Weekly. That he is a man of unusual push is made evident by his ceaseless activity. Not content with the accomplishment of what most men would feel satisfied with, he is ever on the alert for other openings for the exercise of his hand and brain. It was this sleepless desire to be doing something for the good of his fellow-man, especially for the advancement of his Afro-American brother, that led him to establish Zhe Boston Courant, of which he is both editor and proprietor. It needs no prophetic eye to state, that if Mr. Street’s days are prolonged he wil] win for 356 ‘TIE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. himself a name not soon to be forgotten; and those of his race who are anxious to see their people attain soon to that position they believe their Creator has designed for them, must feel that he is to be an honored instrument in bringing it about. BisHop Henry McNeau Turner, D. D., LL. D., Ex- Epiron SourHERN RECORDER, AND WELL-KNOWN CoNTRIBUTOR TO THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. For us to give an elaborate history of this Afro-American in all of his connections in life, would be to devote an entire volume to him. Assuming that the public generally know of his fidelity to the race, and his labors in the church and state for their welfare, we will devote the most of our sketch to his work for the Afro-American press. Mr. Turner was born near Newberry Court House, 8. C., February 1, 1833, being the oldest child of Howard and Sarah Turner. As one says: ‘“ His life is full of most important events. He is a man of great nerve, strong character and deep convictions. He was admitted to the Missouri Conference of the A. M. E. church in 1858, having been licensed to preach by Rev. Dr. Boyd in 1858, and has served, in his course, from the humble circuit rider to the bench of bishops, to which he was elected May 30, 1880. In 1872 the University of Pennsylvania conferred the honorary title of LL. D., upon him, and Wilberforce that of D. D., in 1873. He has held, all along, most responsible positions in his church, as well as under the various Republican administra- tions. In 1876, he was elected by the General Conference of the A, M. E. church as manager of the publication department, located in Philadelphia, Penn. While at the head of that - \ SS Yy WS BISHOP HENRY McNEAL TURNER, D. D., LL. D. 357 358 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. department, he wrote much for Zhe Christian Recorder, and became noted for his forcible and weighty sentences. But few men in the United States have ever equaled him in that capacity. Being a man of great nerve and strong character, the missiles he would throw from his pen would rarely ever fail of their mark, and through his wisdom he directed and wrote much Sabbath-school lterature, which was circulated all through the United States and fell into the hands of many indolent persons, acting upon them as an incentive for future endeavors, which demonstrated the fact that the press, in the hands of the Afro-American, was, and’ will ever be, a mighty power. After serving the time allotted him by the Convention, he compiled a hymn book for the A. M. E. church. He also wrote a standard work, entitled ‘““The Methodist Policy,” defining the duties of the officers of the Conference and the functionaries of the church. This work he has revised recently, and it will soon re-appear, more instructive than when it was first introduced. In 1886, he became convinced that the church needed an organ in the Southland, through which its ardent laborers could express themselves that many might be edified, which could not otherwise be accomplished. Consequently, he caused to appear on the 25th day of September, 1886, a neat sheet, known as The Southern Recorder. This paper, from the time of its appearance to that of its becoming a church organ proper, he so managed as to quicken the dormant faculties of many, which resulted in so great a demand for space that he was compelled to enlarge his sheet, long before it was a year old. Daily its subscription list increased, until, at the expiration of a year, thousands were blessed with the privilege of its columns—aits editorial columns especially—in which could be found witty and wise expressions, coming W. ALLISON SWEENEY. 860 THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. from the pens of learned divines. Never tiring of his task, he continued to cause The Recorder to appear until May, 1888, at which time, the General Conference made it an official organ, Through the whole course of his life Bishop Turner has proved a success, ever and anon giving something to the world to inspire those who were willing to make something of themselves to an effort to do so; and this he has done by untiring industry, ever remembering that “ Height, by great men reached and kept, Were not attained by single flight; But they, while their companions slept, Were toiling upward in the night.” Mr. Ropert T. TeEAmMon, Reporter Boston GuLoBE. Among the rising young journalists is one who, for the past year and a half, has been engaged in work upon one of the leading dailies in Boston,—Mr. Robert T. Teamoh, whose experience in newspaper work has been wide and varied. He was born and educated in Boston, having been a pupil in the Boston Latin school. In 1879 he took a diploma from the industrial drawing school of that city, after which he entered the photographie profession, and, later on, went into photo engraving. He opened up a business in this craft in New London, Ct., and met with much success, applying himself to his work steadily for four years. ) Spey NN ay) her) H || ie: iii 4) Hf Hf H REV. J. ALEXANDER HOLMES. (See Page 140.) (Note. These portraits inserted have been received too late for insertion in connection with the text concerning them.) SAMUEL A. RUDD. BISHOP JABEZ PITT CAMPBELL, D. D., L.L.D. N \ \Y N \ N y BISHOP JOHN M. BROWN, D. D., D.C.L, ALEXANDER CRUMMELL. REV. BENJAMIN F. LEE, D. D., L.L.D. i i i ella HON, MIFFLIN W, GIBBS. ONS BD} >.< A. Adams, John Q., editor Western Ap- _peal, 237. portrait of, 239. Adams, Lucinda B., Mrs, 404. Adams, Wesley J., ‘editor Public Ledg- er, 130 Advocate, the Weekly begun, 32. changed to Colored American, 33. African Expositor, T he. sel African M. 8. Church. 7 African Mission Herald, ore 388. African Missions, 164 Afro-American Budget, 124-427. Afro-American, contributors to white journals, 514. Afro-American journalism, general idea of. 107. journalism. progress of, 179. journals, daily, 129. journals, in 1880, list of, 113. journals, 1880 to 1890, by states, 114. Afro-American League, 524. its constitution, 528 its by-laws, 529. the signers, 530. local leagues, 531. the Chicago meeting of 1890, 582. journalistic indorsements, 534. its humanitarian work, 535. Afro-American Magazines, 116. newspaper, the first, 26. aero Presbyterian, Afro-American Spokesman, The, 309. Albert. A. E. P., D.D., responsible positions, 224. portrait of, 225. ed. S. W. Christian Advocate, 226. qualities as a writer, 226. Alienated American, The, 74 Allen, Richard, portrait of, 79. Allen, William G., publisher of Watch- man, 52. American Baptist, The, of Louisville, 122. 253. 378, 380, 385. aie ieep Baptist, The, of New York, its origin, The, American Catholic Tribune, The, 416. 418. American Citizen, The, 192, A. M. E. Church Review, 120. American Sentinel, The, 177. Anderson, G. W., associate editor New South, 205. portrait of, ue Anderson, W. H., editor Detroit Plain- dealer, 158. portrait of. 159. Anderson, W. H., D. D., editor Baptist Watchman, 246. portra t of, 247. Anglo-African, The, begun, 83. “ its character, 84. changed to Pine and Palm, 86. advocacy of education, 87. contemporaries of, 90. Anglo-African Magazine, The, 118. } its objects, 119. Anglo-Saxon and Afro-Am. press: support contrasted, 492. demands upon the press, 494. poearee attitudes of A. S. papers, friendly words, Indianapolis Jour- nal, 497. Chicago Inter Ocean, 497. San Antonio Express, 500. Natchez Democrat, 500. Chattanooga Times, 500. Raleigh News and Observer, 500. Mohonk Conference, 501. Bishop C. H. Fowler, 503. Bishop Whipple, 503. Rey. M. Burnham, 508. Mayor Carroll, 504. Hon. George Raines, 504. Hon. Joseph E. Brown, 505, Hon. G. J. Orr, 506. Bishop A. G. Haygood, 506. L. H. Blair, Esq., 506. Half-friendly editors, 510. unfriendly editors, 510. the danger from illiteracy, 511. eee. of Afro-Am. by A. 8., 1 ny not proportionally recognized 516. examples of journalistic success, 516. Argus, The, 288, 346. Arkansas Baptist. The, 260. Arkansas Dispatch, The, 245. Arkansas Herald, The, 248. Armstead, J. M., Rev., 253. 558 RN, B. W., Rev., D. D., opinion of, “associated correspondents, 538. Atkins, S. G., Prof., editor of South- land, 124, Atlanta Republican, The, 219. Atlanta University, 219 Author’s introduction to opinions of eminent men, 428. circular addressed to eminent men, 480. ry eben to editor’s mission, Avery Sead The, 56. B. Bailey, J. T., Prof., editor Little Rock Sun, 240. portrait of, 241. as scholar and teacher, 242. as a lawyer, 243. as a newspaper man, 244. _ Baltimore Baptist, The, 424. -® Baltimore Vindicator, The, 140. ~~ Bamfield, S. J.. managing ‘editor New South, 205. Banner, The, 141, 182. Banner Enterprise, The, 182. Bappint Companion, The, 166, 286, 253, Baptist Headlight, The, 388. Baptist Herald, The, 253, 388. Baptist Journal, The, 37 Baptist Leader, The, 300, 396; Baptist Messenger, The, 232, 234, 426. Baptist Monitor, The, 253. Baptist Pilot, The, 305. Baptist Signal, The. 144, 234. Baptist Standard, The, 812 Baptist Vanguard, The, 258. Baptist Watchover, The, 245. Barbadoes, F. G., Hon., work in Cali- fornia, 98. Barnett, Mr., editor Wat cab hel ie 262. Bassett, E. Ds Prof., Beckley, R. Dp. Re oe manager People’s ‘Advocate, 156. Bee and Leader, The, 346. Bell. P. A.. publisher. Advocate, 32. character and ability, 33. associate editor, Pacific Appeal, 91. portrait of, 93. publisher of Elevator, 94. tribute of Gate City Press, 95. tribute of New York Age, 96. Benjamin, R. C. O., editor San Fran- cisco Sentinel, 320. portrait of, 321. newspaper testimonials, 323. his published books, 324. rate Sy and political connections, Bentley, D. S., Rev., president Spokes- man Company, 1 portrait of 151. Birmingham, Eva, 267. “Black and White,” 188. INDEX. Black Harry, 81. Black phalanx, The. 179. Blair, L. H., Esq,, friendly words, 506. Blocker, John L., 221. Booker, J. A., Rev., editor Baptist Van- guard, 258, portrait of, 261. Boothe Mr.. associate editor Cc. servator, 262. ate Advocate, The, 329, 361, 3°¢ Boston Beacon, The, 354, 364. Boston Courant, The, 355. Boston Evening Record, The, 354. Boston Globe, T Boston Herald, othe 352. Boston Leader, The, 360. Bowling Green Democrat, The, 253. Bowling Green Watchman, The, 253. pees J. D., editor Gate City Press, qualities as a writer, 231. Bragg, Caroline W., Miss. 426. Britton, Mary E.. Miss, 415. portrait of, 417. Brooklyn Sentinel, The, 292. Brooklyn Union, The, 292. Brooks, William F., Rev., treasurer Spokesman Company, 150. Broussard, Augustus, 366. Brown, Benjamin, Rev., 253. Brown. C. S., Rev., editor Baptist Pilot, 305. portrait of, 307. a self-taught printer, 308. Brown, James E., Hon., friendly words, 505. Brown. Jere A., Hon., opinion, 467. portrait of, ‘469 ay vide John, aid to the Ram’s Horn. Brown. John M., Bishop, editor Chris- tian Recorder, 79. Brown, William Welles, opinions, 78, 91, 111, 118. | Bruce, J. Edward, 344. portrait of, 345. ‘Bruce Grit, BeOn Ka Bruce, B K., Hon., 287%, Bryant, J. E., publisher Loyal Georg- ian, 104. Bryant, M. E., Rev., 202. Buford, William, editor Arkansas Dis- patch, 245. Bulletin, The, 237, Burleigh, A. A., Rev., opinion of, 450. portrait ar "451, Burnham, M., Rev., friendly words, 503 Cc. Cain, R. H., eae publisher Charles- ton Leader, 10 portrait of, 109. Cairo Gazette, “the first daily, 128. Caldwell, A P., business manager of the Echo, 214: portrait of, 215, INDEX. Campbell, Jabez, Bishop, editor of Re- corder, 78. Carroll Mayor, friendly words, 504. Carter, D. C., ex-editor Virginia Critic, 240. wiyottaet J. C., editor of the Enterprise, 205. Carter, William H., publisher of Pa- cific Appeal, 91. Central Methodist, The, 140, 331. Chapman, Kate D., Miss, 388. portrait of, 389. poem of, 390. Charleston Leader, The, 108. Charlotte Messenger, The, 272. Chase W. C, editor of Washington Bee, 287. portrait of, 289. **the sting’ of the Bee,’’ 290. Chattanooga * Times, The, 500. Chicago Conservator, The, 346. Chicago Inter Ocean, The, 499. Christian Banner, The, 253. Christian Era, The, 266. Christian Index, The, 278, 346. Christian Recorder, The, 78, 150, 405. Christy, Levi E., editor Indianapolis World, 222. Chowan ‘Pilot, The, 306. Chronicle, The, 322. Cincinnati Commercial, 415 ‘ Clair, M. W., Rey., editor “Methodist Banner, 330. Clair, F. M. W., Mrs. 332. portraits of both, 3383. Clanton, Miss, 427 Clarion, The, 54. Clark, P. ee Prof., editor Herald of Freedom, 76. portrait of 77. associate editor North Star, 78. Cleveland Gazette, The, 280, 292. Cleveland Globe, The, 298. Clinton, George W., editor Afro- American Spokesman, 309. portrait of, 311. Coffee, T. W., Rev., portrait of, 265. editor of Vindicator, 266. Coleman. Lucretia N., Mrs., 384. Coles, R. H., Rev., 378 College Journal of Paul Quinn col- lege, 268 Colonization J ournal, The, 31. Colored American, The, of 1837, 82. plan and scope of, 37. endorsed by other papers, 39. samples of editorials, 42. Colored American, The, of 1865, 100. its prospectus, 101. cause of establishment, 102. changed to Loyal Georgian 104. contemporaries of, 105 Colored Citizen, The, 90, 110, Tiled, Mende 314. “ Colored clause,’ defined, 61, _ Colored Illustrated Weekly, The, 855. Colored Man’‘s Journal, 7 Colored Tennessean, Tho. 105. 559 Colored World, The, 338. Columbus Messenger, The, 128, 221. Commoner, The, 112. Commonwealth, The, 346. Conference Journal, The, 255. Conservator. The, 262. Cook, Mary V., Prof.,'portrait of, 369, as teacher, 371. as public speaker, 372. as journalist, 373 Cooper, A. G., Mrs , 427. Cooper, E. E., publisher Indianapolis Freeman, 3834. portrait of, 335. eminence as a journalist, 339. Coppin, L. J.. Dr., editor of A. M. E. Church Review, 120 connection with the Echo, 216 portrait of, 217. opinion of Editor’s Mission, 483. Coppin, F. J , Mrs., 316, 427 Cornish, Samuel, Rey., editor Jour- nal, 28 sample of editorials, 29. editor of Advocate, 32 editor Colored American, 98, Dae ae contributors, 340. Courant, The, 4 Crary, B. ES D D, 255 Crary, M. S., Mrs., "427. Critic, The, 348, Crummell, Boston, 28. Er awell John W., Hon., early life, portrait of, 155. editor People’s Advocate. 156. quality of literary work, 157. D. Daily Afro-American journals, 127. Daily Sun, The, 323. Dallas Post, The, 201. Dene: John C., Hon., public services, editor of Star ot Zion, 198. ortrait of, 199. Davis, D. Webster, editor Young Man’s Friend, 326. ortrait of, 327. onorary positions, 328. as an orator, 329. Day, W. H. H., Prof., editortof Alien- ated American, 74. subsequent life, 76. Day, W. Howard, editor Zion's Stand- ard, 108. editor aitlern Progress, 110. De Baptiste, M., De Baptiste, R., een ex-editor Con- servator, 262. portrait of, 263. De Baptiste, Georgia M., 386. portrait of, 387. De Grave, George, 30. Delaney, M. R., publisher of Mystery, 56. his libel suit, 56. 560 Delaney, M. R., publisher of Mystery, and libel suit, "D6. asa physician, 57, Porat of, 85. Dement, H. D., Hon., 256. Detroit Plaindealer, The, 158, 346, 420. Dewey, W.H. editor Golden Rule, 142. Dias, John, pub’ r People’s Press, 55. Douglass, Frederick, Hon., contribu- tor to the Ram’s Horn, 63. editor of North Star, 67. as speaker and writer, 69. endorsement of H. C. Smith, 282. opinion of, 448. portrait of, 449, Dupee, G. W., Rev., 253. Durham, John, portrait of, 362. Dyer, James P., 95. Echo, The, 214. Editors, Afro- American, sketches, 133. Editor’s Mission, Afro- -American, 478. Elevator, The, established, 48. its purpose, 49. Elevator, The, of San Francisco, 94. 234, 366. Elliott, R. B., Hon., Record, 108. Enterprise, The, 346. Evangelist, The, 84. Evening Bulletin, eis te 366. Evening Post, The, 864 Exodus, The, 347. editor Missionary Fair ia 200. Fay, C. W., editor of People’s Ad- vocate, 157. Fayetteville Educator, 270. - First Afro-American Newspapers, 25. Fisk University Herald, 410. Fitzbutler, Henry, 314. portrait of, 315. as physician, 316. founder of medical school, 317, Ohio Falls Express, 318. Florida Sentinel, The, ‘170. Foraker, J. B , 282. Fortune, T. T., sketch of early life, 133. editor of the Globe, 134. portrait of, 135. editor of Freeman. 136. connection with N. Y. Evening Sun, 137. editor and contributor to Ne LY. Age, 137. published works, 183, opinion of Editor’s Mission, 479. Fowler, Bishop, fy words, 508. Franklin, W.#H., 347. extracts non articles, 348. portrait of, 349. Freedom of the press ; defined, 519. unlimited in this country, 521, the press the measure of nation’s progress, 522. evils of abuse of freedom, 523. INDEX. Freedom’s Journal, 26. contributors to, 30. Free Lance, The, 288, 322. Freeman, Jno. J., editor Progressive American, 111. Freeman's J ournal, The, 276, 344. Free Press, The, 231. G. Gardner, Geo. W., editor Philadelphia Sentinel, 221. Garnett, H. H. ,editor National Watch- man, 52. pastor, 52. portrait of, 53. publisher of The Clarion, 54. asst. editor of Anglo- -African, 87. Gate City Press, history of, 230. eee G. W., editor Baptist Signal, portrait of, 148. political services, 144. Gee, John M., 202. Genius of Freedom, The, 58. ‘Georgia Baptist, The, 218 Georgia Republican, The, 219. Gibbs. M. W., editor Mirror of the Times, 76. portrait of, 558. Golden Rule, The, 141. Goldsboro Enterprise, The, 182. Gordon, C. B. W., editor National Pilot, 194. portrait of, es Greener, R. 1'., Gresham. G. N., Prof. 232. Grice, Hezekiah, 30. Griffin, Mr., 258. Grimcke, Frank, Mrs. 427. Grincke, A. H., 364. H. Halifax Enterprise, 202. Hall, R. A., 95. Hamilton, F. M., Index, 278. portrait of, 279. Hamilton, Robert, editor Anglo-Afri- can, 87. Hamilton R H., 364. portrait of, 366. Hamilton, Thomas, Press, 55. ed. Anglo-African, 84. Anglo- African Magazine, 118. Hamilton, William, Harper, Frances E. W., Mrs., 420. portrait of, 421. es A. W., editor Sumner Tribune, Harris, C. L., 382. Harris, W. T , 382. Harvey, B. T., editor Columbus Mes- senger, 128. portrait of, 128. Haygood, A. G., friendly words, 506, editor Christian editor People’s INDEX. Haytian Emigration Movement, 86. Hendley, Chas , portrait of, 285. editor Huntsville Gazette, 286. Henhaws, Seth, 30. Henry, Thomas T., editor Halifax En- terprise, 202. Herald-Mansion, The, 246. Herald of Freedom, The, 76. Herald-Presbyter, The, 348. Herald of Truth, 268. Hershaw, L. M , 188. a S. N., editor People’s Advocate, Hodges, Augustus M., portrait of, 291. editor Brooklyn Sentinel, 292. Hodges, Willis A., N. Y. Sun, 62. editor Ram’s Horn, 63. quality of writings, 64. portrait of, 82. Holmes, J. A., editor Central Metho- dist, 140. portrait of, 531. oo Edward F., pub. Colored World, Hot Springs Sun, 244. Howard, Jas. H., and The Negro Amer- ican, 122. Hub and Advocate, The, 400. Hughes, B. F., 30. Hughes, Joseph, 80. Huntsville Gazette, The, 286. I. Illustrated Afro-Am. journalism, 334, Impartial Citizen, The, 72. Indianapolis Freeman, purpose of founding, 334. standing among white papers, 336. quotations from 222, 226, 238, 243, 292, 364, 385, 407. Indianapolis Journal, The, 425, 497. Indianapolis World, The, 222, 338 Industrial Day, The, 174. Industrial Herald, The, 394. ** Tola,’? 407, Ivy, The, 416. J. Jasper, John, 343. J porgiee A.E., Mrs., editor of The Joy, portrait of, 423. abner from Anglo-Saxon papers, > tributes from Anglo-African pa- pers, 426. Johnson, A. R., 221. Johnson, C. A., sec. associated corres- pondents, 542. portrait of, 543. Johnson, H. H., pub. Western Re- corder, 191. Johnson, William B., editor Wayland Alumni Journal, 235. Johnson, Wm. J., opinion of, 439. portrait of, 441. 561 Jones, J. E., manner of education, 164. portrait of, 165. eminence as a scholar, 166. editor African Missions, 167. controversy with Bp. Keane, 167. quality of writings, 167. Jones, Richard A., editor Cleveland Globe, 292. portrait of, 293. social position, 294. eer S. T., editor Zion’s Standard, Journalist, The, 378. Journal of the Lodge, 326. Joy, The, 422. K. King, Dr., 288. King, Wm. E., editor Fair Play, 200, Knoxville Examiner, 348. Knoxville Negro World, 130, 347. L. Lambert, M. E. Mrs., 427. Lane, C. E., mgr. associated corres- pondents, 548. Langston, J. M., opinion of, 434. portrait of, 435. Lawrence, Geo., Jr., pub. Pine and Palm, 86. Lawson, J. H., opinion of, 475. portrait of, 476. Leavenworth Advocate, The, 312. an B. T., editor Christian Recorder, 0 portrait of, 557. Lemond, John, 30. Lewey, M. M., army service, 170. founded Florida Sentinel, 171. courage and steadiness, 172. Lewis, Lillian A , 381. portrait of, 383. Lewis, S. H., 332. Lewis, Miss, of Philadelphia, 427. Lexington Herald, The, 415, 418. Lighthouse, The, 212. Lipscombe, E. H., ed. Expositor, 210. portrait of, 211. editor Mountain Gleanor, 212. Littlejohn, R. D., editor New Light, 228, portrait of, 229. Little Rock Sun, 240. Living Way, The, 407. Lowry, W.S., asso. editor Spokesman, 48 portrait of, 149. Loyal Georgian, The, 104, 219. Lynch, Jas., contrib. to Colored Amer- ican, 102. Lynch, Jas., 234. ° Lynch, John R., portrait of, 37. ee of, 438. Lynchburg Laborer, The, 329, 366. 562 M. Martin, W. C., 156. McDowell, C. R., 251. Mop oe: ASN, editor Baptist Leader, portrait of, 301. as speaker and writer, 302. sample of editorials, 303. McEwen, Alice E., asso. ‘editor Baptist Leader, 396. portrait of, 397. Maddox, Gabriel B., 221. Madison Vindicator, The, 140. Magazines, Afro-American, 115. Maryland Director, The, 347. Mason, Miss. 427. Masonic Visitor, The, 229. Mathews, W. E., Mrs., 375. portrait of, 377. Mebane, George, editor Banner-Enter- prise, 182. Memphis Free Speech, 408 Merry, N. G., 252, Messenger, The, 234. Methodist Banner, The, 330. Methodist Vindicator, The. 266. Mirror of Liberty, The, 58, 118. Mirror of the Times. The, 76. changed to Pacific Appeal, 91. Missionary Record. The, 108. Mississippi Republican, The, 234, Mitchell, Anna C., 188. Mitchell. John J r. ., editor Richmond Planet, 183. portrait of, 185. power as writer and speaker, 186. Mixon, W. H., editor Dallas Post, 201. portrait of, 208. Mohonk Conference, 501. Montgomery Herald, The, 3802, 396. Morris, John T., asso. editor Cleveland Globe, 295. portrait of, 297. Morton, Anthony, 192. Mossell. N. F. Mrs.. opinions of per- sons. 380, 394. her newspaper work, 405. opinion of editor’s mission, 487. portrait of, 489. Mountain Gleaner, The, 210. aie P. H., editor Colored Citizen, Murrell, Wm., life and services, 1388. portrait of, 139. ed. N. J. Trumpet, 140. Murrell, Louisiana Mrs., 140. Musical Messenger, The, 402, Myers, Stephen, pub. of the Elevator, personal history, 49. portrait of, 82. Mystery, The, 56 N. Natchez Democrat, The, 500. ational Baptist, The, 424. INDEX. National Leader, The, 153. National Monitor, The, 108, 248, 51 426. National Pilot, The, 194. National Watchman, The, 52. Negro American, The, 322, Negro in Business, 157. Negro in Politics, The, 138. Nelson Richard, editor Freeman’s Journal, 274. portrait of, 21D. tributes from white papers, 276. New Jersey Trumpet, 138. New Light, The, 228 New Orleans Crusader, 366. New Orleans Louisianian, 110. Newsboy, The, portrait of, 28. New South, The, 205. A pide Age, 96, 187, 347, 861, 184, New York Freeman, The, 405, 525. New York Globe, 134, 292, 354. New York Weekly, 376. North Carolina Gazette, 180. North Carolina Republican, 346. North Carolina Sentinel, 198. North Star, The, begun, 67. changed to Frederick Douglass’ paper, 69. contemporaries of, 71. oO. Observer, The, 359. Ohio Falls Express, 317. Opinions of eminent men, 428. Orr, Gustavus J., friendly words, 506. Otey, Charles N., editor Argus, 288. Our National Progress, 110. Our Women and Children, 120. 374, 376, 886, 405, 408, 410. Pacific Appeal, The, 91. rank among Afro-Am. papers, 92. Patterson Bros. & Co., pubs., Knox- ville World, 130. Paul, Nathaniel, 30. Paul, Thomas, 30. © Payne University, 202. Fee E. W. S., Conference Journal, portrait of, 257. Pelham, B. B., portrait of, 159. editor Detroit Plaindealer, 161. Pelham, Meta E, 419 Pelham, Robert, PEs portrait of, 159. editor Detroit Plaindealer, 162. Penn, I. Garland, portrait of, Frontis- piece. People’s Adviser, The, 230. People’s Advocate, The, of Wilming- ton, 142. People’s Advocate, The, of Alexan- dria, 134, 1 People’s J at The, 108, 110, 232. People’s Press, The, 55. INDEX. People’s Protector, The, 366. Perry, Christopher Ake editor Weekly Tribune, 145. portrait: of, 146. editorial, 147. Perry. R. L., editor Sunbeam, ae editor Monitor, 110. Philadelphia Echo, The, 405. Philadelphia Sentinel, 221, 355. Philadelphia Tribune, The, 145. Pilot, The, 253 Pinchback, P ‘B. S., pub. N. O. Louis- jlanian, 110. opinion of, 454. portrait of, 455. Pineand Palm, The, 232. gi i Be pub. People’ s Advocate, Planet, The, 318. Powell, Wm. J., asso. editor Elevator, Powell, Mr., editor Boston Advocate, Price, J. C., founder of Southland, portrait of, 125. opinion of, 459. Print, John W., 30. Progressive American, The, 111, 322, , 306. Progressive Educator, The, 348. Provincial Freeman, The, 427. Public Educator, The, 188. Public Ledger, The, 180. Putnam, Louis H., editor Colored Man’s Journal, 72. as a writer, 74. R. Radical, The, 314. Raines, George, friendly words, 504, Raleigh News, The, 500 Ram’s Horn, The, 63. Ransom, R. C., editor Spokesman, 148. Ray, Chas. B., editor Colored Ameri- can, 35 reputation as a journalist, 47. portrait of, 97. Raymond, R. J., treas. associated cor- respondents, 548. Ln James, pub. Anglo-African, 6 raytian emigration movement, 86. editor Pine and Palm, 232. Reed City Clarion, The, 346. Reid, I. R., asso. editor New South, 205. portrait of, 207. Reese, D. M., colonizationist, 59° Religious Herald, The, 1 Remond, John, 71. Richardson, Geo. H., editor People’s Advocate, 157. Richmond Planet, The, 183. Richmond Rankin Institute, 405, Richmond Star, The, 344. 563 Right Way, The, 178. Rights of All. 26. Rising Sun, The, 33, 75. Roberts N. F.. 210 Robinson, eae early life, 150. portrait of. 152. social position, 152. established Virginia Post, 153. established National Leader, 153. later honors, 154. Rose, R. W.., portrait of, 363. editor Industrial Day, 366. Rudd, Daniel A., 352. portr ait of, 553. Ruggles, David, editor Genius of Free- dom, 58. reply to D. M. Reese, 59. editor Mirror of Liberty, 118. Rumor, The, 134, Russell, J., JY. , 202. Russell, S. De ” editor Torchlight Ap- peal, 267. portrait of, 269. Russwurm, J. B , portrait of, 24. editor Freedom’s Journal, 26. sent to Africa, 31. Ryder, W. P., 282. Ss. St. Louis Tribuue, 344. St. Matthew’s Lyceum Gazette, 427. Samaritan Journal, The, 305. Sampson, J. P., portrait of, 89. editor Colored Citizen, 90. San Antonio Express, The, 500. San Francisco Sentinel, The, 320. Saunders, D. J., editor Afro-American Presbyterian, 299. Scarborough, W. S., 282. opinion of, 431. portrait of 433. pauate of Indianapolis J ournal Scott, Ww. S., pe Cario Gazette, 128. portrait. of, 129. Sears, Robert, ‘pub. Advocate, 32. Settle, ae opinion of, 463. portrait of, 465. eae J.T., pub. Colored American, 2, 219 portrait of, 103, eminence as a writer, 104, Simmons, Wm. J. editor Our Women and Children, 120. tributes to ability, 122. portrait of, 123. Simpson, Chas. W., 214. Simpson, Wm. F., editor Echo, 213. Smith, E. E., 182. Smith, Hs om editor Cleveland Gazette, 2 portrait of, 281. Smith, H. L.,managing editor Boston Leader, 360. Smith, James McCune, editor Ameri- can, 33, portrait of, 65. ° 564 Smith, Lucy W., 376. portrait of, 379, Smith, S. P., editor People’s Advocate, 157. Smith, Stephen, 30. Smith, W. C., editor Charlotte Mes- senger, 270 portrait of, 271. Snead, Lavinia B , Mrs., 4138. portrait of, 414. South Carolina Tribune, 373. Southern Appeal, The, 187 Southern Christian Recorder, The, 358. Southern Evangelist, The, 299. Southern Guide, The, 268. Southland, The, 124. 427. SRL ae Christian Advocate, 3 Sower and Reaper, The, 424 Spelman. Jas. J., editor Colored Citi- zen. 110. editor Baptist Messenger, 232. ortrait of, 233. Spelman Seminary, 219. Spokesman, The, 148. Spokesman, The, of Ironton, 542. Standard, The, 252. Stanley, John C., 30. Star, The, 348. ~ Star of Zion, The, 137, 197. Starkey, Jas. R.., 95. State Capital, The, 256. Stephens, Geo. E., opinion of, 460. portrait of, 461. Stepp, A. M., Miss, 251. Stewart, Austin, 30. en Gede C. C., 2d y. p. associated cor. portrait of, 545. Stewart, T. G., opinion of, 471. portrait of, 473. Still, J. T., opinion of, 452, portrait of, 453 Stowers, Wm. H., editor Detroit Plain- dealer, 162. portrait of, 159. Straker, D. A., opinion of, 444. portrait of, 445. Street, J. Gordon, 352. portrait of, 353. Stumm, C. C., editor Baptist Monitor, 248. portrait of, 249. career as a teacher, 250. as pastor and preacher, 251. Stumm, C. C. Mrs., portrait of, 399, sketch of life, 400. Sumner Tribune, The, 156. Sunbeam, The, 108. Sunday Item, The, 346. Sunday, Mirror, The, 145. Sweeney, W. A., portrait of, 359. Abe Tanner, Bishop, editor A. M. E. Church Review, 120. portrait of, 121. INDEX. Tappan, Lewis, aid to Colored Ameri- can, 33. Taylor, Adah M., 427. Taylor, C. H. Jd., 197. ortrait of, 353. Taylor, Marshall W.., portrait of, 182. services as writer and speaker, 227. pea R. T., reporter Boston Globe, portrait of, 548. Texarkana Sun, The, 204. Texas Reformer, The, 268. Thomas, I. £., 332. Thomas, Jane E., 183. Thornton, E. L., pres. associated cor- respondents, 539. ortrait of, 541. a man, A. M., musical messenger, portrait of, 403. Torchlight Appeal, The, 267. Tourgee, A. W., Townsend, W. ~* uiltor Leavenworth Advocate, 312. portrait of, 313. Trigg, Francis. opinion of, 442, portrait of. 443, True Southerner, The, 174. Tupper, H. M., 210. Turner, Diehén editor Southern Re- corder, 356. portrait of, 357. The Southern Record, 358. Cee 8S. B., editor State Capital, portrait of, 259. Twiggs, W. H., cor. editor Afro-Amer- ican Budget, 124. U. Underground Railroad, The, 422. Union Republican at Petersburg, 176. Vv. Van Rensselaer, Thomas, manager Ram’s Horn, 63 Vaughn, R.., 30. Venture, The, 161. ‘** Victoria Earle,”’ 375. Vindicator, The. 267. Virginia Critic, The, 245. Virginia Lancet. The, 426. Virginia Post, The, 153. Virginia Star, The, 393. Vase, S. M., 306. Ww. Walker, David, 30. Waller, ‘John L., portrait of, 189. founded Western Recorder, 190. as a journalist, 192. extract from editorial, 193. Me Samuel, pub. Impartial Citizen, deerme of, 73. Washington Bee, The, 287. INDEX. Washington, B. T., opinion of, 446. portrait of, 447. Washington ek a oy she 255. Washington Grit, The, 34 Washington, J osephine t., Mrs., 393. portrait of, 395. Washington National Leader, The, 150, Washington Plaindealer, The, 288. Wayland Alumni J ournal, 235. Wayland H. L 251. Waverly Magazine, The, 376. Webb, Francis, 30. Weekly Advocate, The, 32. Weekly Spectator, The, 274. Weekly Witness, The 134. Welcome Friend, The, 255. Wells, Ida B., 407. portrait of, 409. Western Appeal, The, 237. Western Herald. The, 262. Western Recorder, The, 192. Whipper, Wm., editor National Re- former, 117. portrait of, 121 Whipple Bishop friendly words, 503. ye. W.J., editor Georgia Baptist, ae ee of trust, 219. Whitney. B. C., cor. sec. associated correspondents, 546. Whiting, John G., portrait of, 365. sketch of, 366. Williams, D. A., editor New Light, 230. 565 Williams, D. B., 340. portrait of, 341. qualities as a writer, 343. Williams, E A., portrait of. 325. editor Journal of the Lodge, 326. atlas J. H., legislative career, oot of, 181. Banner- -Enterprise, 182, The N. C Gazette, 183 Wilson, J. T.. military services, 174. portrait of, 175. political life, 177. pub. The Right Way, 178. founded Industrial Day, 178. Wilson News, The, 141. Me Afro-American, in journalism, 367. Wood, Ione E., 410, portrait of, 411. Woods, J. S, editor Afro-American Budget, 124. World, The, 188, 344. Wright, Theodore S., 30. Y. Yardley, W. F., editor Knoxville Ex- aminer, 348 Yates, W. W.. 282. Young Men’s Friend, The, 329. Zs, Zion’s Standard, 108. Borer HIN Dae Rev. T. J. Smit, Joun M. Ciark, anp A. C. Denpuy, A. B. oF THE ‘ BRroap AXE,” PittTsBuRG, PA. Rev. T. J. Smith, better known as Broad-Axe Smith, was born at Sandy Lake, Mercer County, Pa., on the 29th, of December, 1838. He entered the ministry at the age of seventeen, and was connected with the Underground Rail Road. He embarked on the sea of Journalism with twenty- five cents in cash, borrowed money, in 1881. He first published the “ Colored Citizen” and as itseemed the Colored Citizen had no rights which its subscribers were pecuniarly bound to respect, it went to the bottom of the sea. Shortly afterward he started the daily Wasp but got stung so badly that he had to hew it to death with a Broad-Axe. The Lroad-Aze still lives, hewing to the line, letting the chips fall where they may, John M. Clark, one of the proprietors and publishers of the Broad- Axe, was born at Drummonsyille, Ontario, May, 1850. He started life as a butcher, and afterward went into the horseshoeing business. He is now a contractor and one ct the editors of the Broad-Ave. J.C. Delphy, A. B. was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., on July 14,1857. Shortly after graduating from Howard University, Washington, D. C. in 1881, he became correspondent for the THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. Cleveland Gazette. In 1882, associated with E. A. Knox, J. A. Strickland and R. Day Jr., he edited the Pittsburgh Commoner. Since 1884 he has been associate editor of the Broad- Axe. Rev. C. H, Payne, D. D. oF THE “ PIONEER,’ Huntineton, ae Christopher H. Payne was born near the Red Sulphur Springs, Monroe County, Virginia, since West Virginia, September 7, 1848. His father was free born and mother was set free by her owner. ‘The subject of this sketch was their only child. He was left fatherless when about three years old. His mother, haying received the rudiments ofan English education from her master, became the anxious teacher of her little son. He learned rapidly and had read through the New Testament when he was but ten years old, While quite young, he married Miss Ann Hargo, a lady who has clung to him in adversity as well as honored him in prosperity. They have born to them two girls and four boys, all of whom they are striving to educate. They own a comfortable home in Hinton, W. V. Mr. Payne’s first lessons in school were learned ina night school in Charleston, W. V. From this place, he returned to his home where he engaged in farming. He often plowed with his arithmetic between the plow handles and would commit a rule to memory while his horse was resting. He would sometimes walk two or three miles at night, to get some one to solve a problem for him. In a short time; he began to teach in the public schools of Mercer, Monroe and Summers counties, CHRISTOPHER H. PAYNE. He became a Christian in 1875, was licensed to preach in 1876, and fully ordained to the gospel ministry in 1877. In September of the same year, he entered the Richmond Institute, now the Richmond Theological Seminary. Here by dilligent study and Christian deportment, he won the implicit confidence and universal respect of students and teachers. He graduated from this school in 1883. He belongs to the Baptist denomination and has, more than once, been appointed to address the national assemblies of white Baptists in their annual meetings. The church at Coal Valley of which he has been pastor six years is one of the most flourishing in the State of W. Va, In 1885, he established the West Virginia Enterprise, at that time the only weekly negro journal in the state. While editor of this paper, he did much toward creating a sentiment in favor of negro equality before the law and in arousing in many an ambition to buy land, build homes and educate themselves. | He had been correspondent to the Virgunia Star, the Rich- mond Planet and to several other negro as well as to white journals. In 1884, he was alternate to the national republical conven- tion that met at Chicago, and in 1888, he represented the Third Congressional District of West Va. in the convention that nominated Hon, Benjamin Harrison for President of the United States, He has been tendered the nomination for the state legisla- lature and has been a member of the congressional committee for six years. He exerted such an influence in the politics of W. Va. in 1888, that Gen. Goff and other leading men in the state, credit him largely with success of the republican party in that year. THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS. The Republican executive committee the entire state ticket and many other prominent men, in the state and out, en- dorsed him for minister to Liberia in 1889. In 1890, the State University of Ky. conferred upon him the degree of D. D. In the same year he was appointed deputy collector of internal revenue, with his office in the custom house, Charleston. It was solely thought the efforts of Dr. Payne and Prof. Byrd Prillerman that, in 1891, the legislature of W. Va. established the Mechanical and Agricultural College in Kanawha County for the benefit of the negro youth of the state. It was in this year that he became one of the proprietors of the Pioneer, a weekly journal printed in Huntington with Rey. I. V. Bryant editor in chief. Asa preacher and an orator he is dignified and eloquent. Asa writer, he is polemic, his diction pure, and his style graceful. He is unquestionably, the most representative negro in the state of W. Va., both in religion and politics. Read What is Said of It. Historically accurate, and clear and pleasing in style.—C. A. Simms, Chan- cellor Syracuse University. No good Methodist should be without a copy.—Ira D. Sankey. The reader never tires as he is led on over the sparkling pages.--C A. Payne, Sec’y Board of Education M. E. Church, Histories we have had, but the Story has never before been told. It will be read eagerly by the family around the fireside.—Prof. Chas. W. Bennett, North- western University. Fuli of interesting matter, in very read- able shape.— Bishop Fowler. A delight- ful story.—Frances E. Willard. I can safely commendit to all.— Bishop Vincent. Heaven speed this book and bless its author.—Bishop Mallalieu. It ought to be in every Methodist home.—Bishop Bowman. As fascinating as a romance yet true as history.—Bishop Harris. Not a dull page.—Bishop Warren. Will not be set aside asa story that has been told.— Bishop Merrill. Interesting ard valua- ble.— Bishop Andrews. Merits a place in every home.—Bishop Walden. May its sales reach the million line.-Pres. Warren, Boston Univ. Itis grand. I read nothing else until I had gone through it with care. —Bishop Wm. Taylor. An interesting story for all our people.— Wm. Nast, D.D. The perusal of it affords me both pleasure NEW EDITION, FROM NEW PLATES ON SUPER-CALENDERED and profit. I am deeply affected with the PAPER; REVISED AND ENLARGED, NEARLY 900 PP. candor with which you write of Free AND 600 FINE PORTRAITS AND PICTURES. Methodism.—Bishop B. T. Roberts. I have read it with satisfaction and profit—H. A. Buttz, Pres. Drew Theol. Seminary. To it Dr. Hyde has brought the lore of a life-time and the study of fifty years.—David H. Moore, Ed. Chicago Christian Advocate. A wonderful Story, simply and graphically told.—Wm. Rice, Librarian, Springfield, Mass. I am in full spmpathy with it.—S. G, Nelles, Chancellor Victoria University, Cobourg, Canada The engraving, printing and binding are up to the timesand subject.— Bishop McTyeire. ‘Entertaining, instructive and impartial.—Bishop Keener. In every Methcdist family it should have a place on the center-table —Bishop Granbery. Interesting, instructive and useful.—Bishop Duncan. Admirable; every true Methodist will want it —Bishop Key. Impartial and candid.—L. C. Garland, Chancellor Vanderbilt Univ. My own children, eight and ten years old, are delighted with it. I have read some parts twice. --Gross Alexander. Prof, in Vanderbilt Univ. It is veritable history with all the fasci- nation of a story.—Bishop Fitzgera'd. Lively and graphic. A valuable addition to our historic literature —W. E Cunnyngham, S. S. Ed. M. E Ch., South Charming, not dull, nor tedious nor partisan, but fair to all.—Atticus G. Haygood Admirable.— Charles F Deems. Is distinguished by freshness and recent investigation.---Christian Advocate, New York City. A wonderful story. A rich means of grace.—-Zions Herald. Without a rival for his- torical compactness and illustrations.—N. W.C. Advocate. This marvelous story 1s told with freshness and vigor and wonderful condensation ——Canadian Methodist Maga- zine. Itis like music to the soul.—Buffalo Christian Advocate. It covers all Metho- dist history and brings it down to the present day.—Pittsburg Christian Advocate It treats with equal fairness al! branches of Methodism.—Methedist Protestant, Baltimore. He is the fairest of any Northern author we have ever read.—The Episcopal Methodist. Baltimore. This narrative is pleasing tothe mind and the mechanical execution pleasing to the eye. Heaven speed it.--Christian Advocate M. E. Ch. South, Nashville. It can be used to vest on while working.—Alabama Christian Advocate. To all who want a compact, true history of the whole Methodist Church we say buy Hyde's Story of Meth- odism.- Southern Christian Advocate. Eureka! It is happiest embodiment of at- tractions b: th for young and aged we have ever seen.— The Holston Methodist. Will be delivered free in the various styles of elegant binding: (D) Full Seal Grain Morocco, gilt side and back, rolled gold border, gilt edges, $5.75 (H) Half Seal Grain Morocco, gilt back, with plain side title, marble edges. 4.75 (E) a Cloth, silk finish, gilt back and side, Gu'f Stream design, gilt — edges, : ; : A : : ‘ - ad (F) English Cloth, silk finish, gilt back, Gulf Stream design, sprinkled edges, tee (G) English Cloth, ink back, plain side plain edges, printed on lighter paper, no steel plates, - - AGENTS WANTED. WILLEY & CO., Publishers, Springfield, Mass 2.75 HAVE YOU SEEN THE FREEMAN? \ Ain Ah Well, you ought to see it. It is a na- tional newspaper and the only illustrated colored journal published. Itis beautifully illustrated and is brimful of portraits and sketches of representative colored men and women. Its cartoons and sketches are original and unique and its subscription price is $2.40 per year, $1.35 per six months, invariably in advance. Send for sample copies and our extraor- dinary inducements to agents. Address THE FREEMAN, EDWARD E. COOPER, Publisher, Indianapolis, Ind. THE BAPTIST VANGUARD. IS PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY — ATT Dee ARKANSAS BAPTIST COLLEGE. IT 1S THE ORGAN OF THE COLORED BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION OF ARKANSAS, REPRE- SENTING 500 COLLEGE STUDENTS AND 50,000 CHURCH MEMBERS. HENCE ID AS EAL Best Paper For Advertisers. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $1 A YEAR. ADDRESS JOS. A. BOOKER, Editor. J. P. ROBINSON, Business Manager. Cor. Seventeenth and High Sts., LITTLE ROCK, x : ARK. THE APPEAL: S22 Pouiwille Bt louis ee (Minneapolis LEADING ae AFRO- AMERICAN 55 eee JOURNAL IN AMERICA. IT LEADS ALL IN CIRCULATION===== =—====|T LEADS ALL IN NEWS MATTER IT HAS ATTRACTED ATTENTION .. . Throughout the country by its persistent and fearless attacks on the abuses to which Afro-Americans are subjected. IT HAS ACHIEVED UNIVERSAL RESPECT . . Through its reliability in gathering news and its inde- dependent opinions upon the topics of the day. IT HAS BECOME AGREAT SUCCESS ... By its untiring enterprise. TERMS, $2.00 PER YEAR, INVARIABLY IN ADVANCE. Sample Copies Free. Agents Wanted. MBs ao San Francisco Sentinel. The Representative Weekly Newspaper, Levoted to the Moral, Social, Intellectual, In- dustrial and Political Interests of the Afro-Americans. abun, Gre Oe) ciety “ acitoz. A FAMILY NEWSPAPER. Will endeavor to make itself a welcome as well as a use- ful visitor to the family circle, to young and old alike, and by diffusing general information on topics of social in- terest, fulfill its functions. The SENTINEL as An Advertising Medium Has more than ordinary advantages, going as it does into the homes of a large number of consumers, who cannot be reached through any other source. The Sentinel is the Only Representative Repub- lican Newspaper published in the interest of the Afro-Americans west of the Rocky Mountains. Write to us for our most Liberal Commission to Agents. SENTINEL PUBLISHING COMPANY, 502 Montgomery St., San Francisco, Cal. Southwestern Christian Advocate, A. E. P. ALBERT, D. D., Editor. Official Organ of the Methodist Episcopal Church. MARGESD CIRCULALION OF ANY. RELIGIOUS NEWSPAPER IN NEW ORLEANS. HUNT & EATON, Publishers, 150 Fifth Ave., New York. CHAS. C. MORSE, Manager, 139 Poydras Street, New Orleans, La. The A. M.E. Church Review, Published quarterly at 631 Pine Street, Philadelphia, Pa. New volume beginning with July number of each year. A literary journal devoted to religious, moral, scientific and social questions. ‘The object of the REVIEW is to pre- sent to the world the best results of Negro scholarship. The columns are open to writers of every religious per- suasion ; but no sectarian controversy will be allowed. The circulation is 3,150, and extends to all parts of the United States, to Canada, Nova Scotia, Bermuda, St. Croix, St. Thomas, British Guiana, Hayti, Santo Do- mingo, Europe, Asia and Africa. Subscription Price, $1.50 a year, in advance. Single Copy, 40 Cents. Address L. J. COPPIN, D. D., Editor, P. O. Box 1032. PHILADELPHIA, PA Africa and America REV. ALEX. CRUMMELL, A. B., D. D., Pastor St. Luke’s Church, Washington, D. C. Author of ‘‘The Future of Africa,” ‘‘ The Greatness of Christ,” etc., etc. Note some of the Contents : Our National Mistakes and The Remedy for Them. The Responsibility of the First Fathers of a Country for its Future Life and Character. The Regeneration of Africa. The Black Woman of the South. The Race Problem in America. Defense of the Negro Race in America. The Need of New Ideas and New Aims fora New Era. The Discipline of Freedom. This great work is now in press and will be ready for delivery June 15th, 1891. It will contain a fine portrait of author, will be crown octavo of over 400 pages, and will be sent postpaid on receipt of price, $1.50. AGENTS WANTED, WILLEY & CO., Springfield, Mass..