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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStories From Long Ago Volume 1STORIES FROM LONG AGO volume 1 African American National Heritage Museum STORIES FROM LONG AGO compiled by Bill Page volume 1 African American National Heritage Society Bryan, Texas 2003 s i The cover photograph depicts Rev. Elias Mayes, who represented Brazos County in the Texas Legislature in the 1870s and 1880s. Proceeds from the sale of this publication will be used to support the activities of the African American National Heritage Society. AANHS Publication Number 1 second printing copyright ©2003 African American National Heritage Society 804 Waco Bryan, TX 7780 2 Introduction Although much has been written about the history of Brazos County, there is no book that adequately documents the lives of local African Americans during the last 150 years. Materials concerning the 19`" Century are especially difficult to locate. The African American National Heritage Society is committed to gathering all such materials and to making them available to all interested persons. This booklet reproduces a sampling of newspaper articles concerning African American pioneers in Brazos County. Unfortunately, space does not permit the inclusion of all the known articles from this time period, and, of course, many sources other than newspapers exist which contain important information. Those shortcomings will be remedied as additional volumes in this series are published in the future. An additional problem is that local newspapers do not survive prior to 1889, so this work depends to a large degree on papers published in other towns. Information has been extracted from over 25 publications. Amore serious problem is that most of the articles come from white newspapers. Speaking bluntly, those papers reflected all the biases common to that time and incorporated the distorted views of the authors. The question of which articles to include was troubling. On the one hand, there is a clear and continuing need to highlight the mostly forgotten contributions of African Americans who lived in this area so many years ago. Recollections of the businesses, churches and schools that were organized in the years after emancipation have faded with the passage of time. Because no person now living has first hand memories of these people and institutions, the written record is of great significance. On the other hand, it seems equally important to give some sense of the challenges these men, women and children faced in their daily lives. Covering up the hardships they endured would be an insult to their memories. Their strength, courage and faith in the face of overwhelming odds serve as an example to later generations. Even a cursory examination of these sources quickly reveals concepts and language which modern readers will find both alien and offensive. The original language appearing in the articles has been left unchanged, however, so that readers can get some feel for the culture that the early residents had to endure. The question of which articles to include is further complicated because often negative clippings are the only source of otherwise positive information, such as descriptions of businesses, political leaders, or churches. In addition, family historians may be interested in any article documenting a relative's death, even when the tale is told in a negative manner. For these reasons, readers will find articles on such topics as slavery, lynchings and discrimination reproduced within this booklet, in addition to more uplifting stories. Modern readers must make an extra effort to pick out the important details buried within each article. The attempt to balance the conflicting needs of documenting the positive contributions made by local citizens with the necessity of recording the hardships they faced perhaps means that this volume will not satisfy anyone completely. Despite the obvious shortcomings of this initial effort, these articles shed new light on a past that is shrouded in mystery and misinformation. If this work succeeds in nothing else, the hope is that readers will have an increased interest in and appreciation of the history of local African Americans. Perhaps some readers will be motivated to do additional research and will publish the fruits of their labor. That is a goal greatly to be desired. Much work remains to be done before we can rest, confident that we have given due honor to those who came before. '~ _ , 4 Stories from Long Ago A Negro Taken Up On the night of the 5th inst., at the house of John Millican, on the east side of the Brazos, 10 miles above Washington. Says his name is Luke, and his master, Eli Bordlow, lives in Louisiana, on the east side of Red River, seven miles above Campty: he is about 40 years old, 5 feet 10 inches high, nose short and thick, brow high, hair mixed with grey, complexion common; he has a scar over the right eye about 3 inches long, caused by a blow with a stick from a mulatto; a little impediment in his speech; states that he has now none of the clothes he wore when starting, which may have been in the latter part of May. Washington County, Sept. 10, 1837. Telegraph and Texas Register, 30 September 1837, p.3. Runaway Negro Taken up by J.T. Conway in Brazos Co., a slave named Oliver, formerly belonged to T.A. Johnson, now belongs to Mr. Martin of Chappell Hi11 and was hired to Mr. McArthur of Grimes Co. Washington American, 25 June 1856, p.3. Slave Drowned A Negro boy and horse, belonging to John Millican, Esgr., were drowned in the Brazos, a little below the mouth of the Navasota, on Saturday evening last. The water at the ford is scarce three feet deep, but the boy becoming frightened, it seems, forced the horse out of the track and into the channel. Washington American, 14 April 1857, p.2 Enterprising Slave Bastrop, Texas, May 28, 1863 -Editor Telegraph: There is a pretty good story going the rounds at Millican's Station, on the C.R.R., where it seems that a Negro boy lived, who was in the habit of buying all the market stuff, and selling the same to the good people in and around Millican's. One day this Negro boy was accosted by a merchant, with "I say, you d-----d rascal, if you don't stop buying up all the lard, butter and eggs, and speculating the people, I will have you sent before a justice of the peace and whipped. Do you hear me, sir?" "O no, master, you can't do that, for, `fo God, the Government to'd me to buy `em. I is buying them for the Government." I send you this for publication in hopes that, since the Negroes have claimed to be Government agents, it may put a stop to a set of men (or dog-faced sharks, rather) that have been going all over Texas, purporting to be Government agents and had no more right to the name than "coon skin and gizzard face" had. (Houston) Tri-Weekly Telegraph, 18 June 1863, p.l 5 $50 Reward! Runaway, from the subscriber living near this place, my Negro boy Abe; about five feet two or three inches high, weighs about 125 pounds, 26 years old, black complexion, voice very fine and effeminate, Abe can wear no. 5 fine boots. He carried with him $40 or $50 of money; was at Millican's depot June 25th, trying to make his escape to Galveston with my other Negroes. If he did not get on the cars there, he will try other depots, or he may still be around Millican... John EWING, Brazos Bottom Postoffice, July 1st, 1863 (Houston) Tri-Weekly Telegraph, 14 July 1863, p.2. $100 Reward Runaway from Sand Prairie, Madison County, about the 20th of July last, my Negro man Primos, about 23 years old, five feet eight or ten inches high, weighs about 175 or 180 lbs., his front teeth turned outward, quiet spoken and sprightly in his movements, black complexion. The above reward will be paid for the delivery of the Negro to the undersigned, or to L.F. Fletcher, Millican, or his lodgment in jail where he can get him. S.M. Childress, Millican Post Office. Galveston Tri-Weekly News, 28 October 1863, p.2 Committed to Jail Committed to jail at Tarrant County, January 16, 1865, a boy Allen, and that he belongs to J.C. Johnson, Brazos County, Texas. Age about 34, 5' S" or 6" high, 1601bs Mulatto or copper color; scar above right eye. Texas State Gazette, 15 March 1865 Texas Churches Letter from Texas ... Galveston, May 2d, 1866 ... Dear Brother ... I have formed [Methodist] societies in Columbus, Richmond, Millican and Harrisburg ... [signed] J. Welch. New Orleans Advocate, 19 May 1866, p.l, co1.6. A Crazy Freedwoman The Millican News-Letter, of the 2d, contains the following: A crazy freedwoman was arrested on our streets a few days since and committed to jail. One of the strange features in the late war and its effects on the African, our former slaves, is that where an instance of a Negro's going crazy was hardly ever recorded, we now have hundreds of them raving mad. We suppose that the excessive enjoyment consequent to freedom is too much for their strong minds to endure. (Marshall) Texas Republican, 16 March 1867, p.2 6 Seeking Information Sally Harvey, concerning her son James who was owned by Jackson Bobo, who took James from Bastrop to Ellis County, Texas, in 1862, and Mrs. Bobo, took him from there to Millican on Brazos River. Any information may be sent to his mother, care of Rev. J.R. Fenner, Monroe, La., also about her son Thomas who was in the Union Army, and in 1862 passed through,Bastrop -write to her in care of Rev. J.R. Fenner, Monroe, La. New Orleans Advocate, 25 May 1867 Texas Conference Minutes .... Who remains on trial? ... George E. Brooks ... [statistical report] ... Millican: 229 members, 43 probationer"s, 4 local preachers, 11 adults baptized, 10 children baptized, 1 church, value -$800, 75 scholars ... Appointments ... Millican G.E. Brooks...." New Orleans Advocate, 11 January 1868, p.3, cols.l-2. Politics at Millican A report of the proceedings of a meeting of the citizens of Brazos County, held recently at Millican, was sent us by the secretary, Mr. A.P. Edwards. Notice of the meeting was given and all citizens, irrespective of color, class, or former condition, were invited. At the time appointed the white citizens assembled, and on learning that the Negroes were gathering at the Freedmen's church, the whites repaired to that place, and no objection being made, took their seats. Jim Meeks, a colored man, was called to the chair. Col. McLendon was then called on to explain the object of the meeting which he did by saying that it was to unite all, white and black, in considering the important step now being taken for reconstruction of the state, and for giving peace and protection to all classes of citizens. Col. R.C. Myers offered a resolution to the same effect, recognizing the common interest of all classes in the subject of reconstruction, and holding forth strict obedience to the laws as the highest duty of the citizen. The last resolution of the series presented several questions to be answered by candidates to the convention, as follows: "Do you or not favor the right of all free citizens of Texas, who are required by law to pay taxes, to take up arms in her defense, to have representation in her counsels by benefit of the ballot?" "Are you in favor of the intelligence of the country governing it, whether possessed by the white or black citizen?" "Are you in favor of legislating for one class or color to the exclusion of the other?" "Are you not in favor of laws that will equally protect all alike in the right of property?" "Will you faithfully represent us in the support of such laws as are in strict accordance with the spirit of free government?" Col. Myers supported his resolution, in a genial and temperate speech, urging on the whites and blacks to extend to each other the hand of fellowship and warning them against party lines and class divisions, which, he believed, would prevent the reconstruction of the State, on the basis of peace and common protection. Alfred Venable, a colored man, replied at length in a speech, the substance of which was, that the blacks needed no council or advice from the whites, neither Southerners or Yankees; that they obtained it at the hands of the Almighty God; and though they were ignorant, the same benign Providence that gave them liberty would inspire them with wisdom to govern themselves loose from the whites, who, he said, were all a pack of swindlers; exhorted the Negroes to establish banks and stores of their own, and never to buy or sell with the whites, and concluded by calling on his black hearers to subscribe two dollars each to establish a store in Millican for their own benefit and accommodation. We give these proceedings as evidence that the whites are anxious to harmonize with the blacks, and as showing that the latter, unfortunately, have imbibed from some source very high ideas of their own importance, leading directly to the effort to make themselves independent of the whites and to the attempt to inaugurate Negro supremacy. Galveston Daily News, 2Q February 1868, p. l Soldiers Fight Civilians Col. Evans from Bryan, has favored us with a call. He left Bryan City a day or two after the fight between some eight or ten federal soldiers, and quite a number of Negroes, in the vicinity of Bryan last week. Col. Evans informs us that three of the soldiers were wounded, two of them not expected to recover. One of the Negroes was slightly wounded. It appears that most of the soldiers stationed at Bryan had been recently removed to another post, but that the few engaged in this fight had remained behind from some cause. It was the report that these soldiers had been drinking and had given provocation to the Negroes in what is called Freeman's town, some mile distant from Bryan city. The Negroes resented the supposed insult offered them and commenced the attack with shot guns and rifles. The soldiers returned the fire, and the firing continued near an hour, with the above result. Col. Evans left soon after and can give no further particulars. Galveston Daily News, 24 April 1868, p. l . Riotous Conduct The Navasota Ranger reports the arrest of two men named Frank and John Berry, for riotous conduct, on the road between that place and Millican. Among other things, "they stripped themselves and went to Negro cabins with pistols in hand." They were from the West, and were in jail at Anderson. Galveston Daily News, 2 June 1868, p.2 Millican Riot We learn from a telegraphic dispatch received in town yesterday, that rebellion has broken out afresh in Millican, Texas, that some twenty-five have been already killed, and that for mutual protection the Union men have fortified themselves about three miles from town, numbering some 500 -- mostly Negroes, and that U.S. troops have been sent for to subdue it; there being only about twenty soldiers in the neighborhood. We suppose the rebel press will call this the "war of races." Well, according to their say so, we have had one war of races, as the whole rebel press in the South need to say the "Yankee nation" was a different race during the late "unpleasantness." It can't be possible the Negroes had any cause for fortifying, to protect themselves! Oh no, it was done just for fun -- they have always been ~in the habit of fortifying, and starting a war of races! Everybody knows that! We think these vindictive Negro haters will yet learn that even a snake, one of the lower grades of animal life, will not bear killing without squirming, and it is barely possible that even the Negro race may object to being killed by the time they get fairly used to it. Since writing the above, we have seen the dispatch alluded to in full, and firmly believe it to be another New Orleans massacre. Twenty-five Negroes killed -- no whites -- for Heavens sake, what had the Negroes been doing that it was necessary to murder twenty-five of them. Why nothing; only like these same rebels on Lincoln's first election, they were afraid they "might do something," so they, the chivalry, turn in to murdering them, and for safety these poor men, without firing a single shot, go out of town. Does this look like wanting to kill or to destroy -- no, they did not commit one single depredation. Went away to avoid trouble, but their persecutors must needs follow them and continue their diabolical work, and so it thus far reads "Negro insurrection." Twenty-five Negroes killed and no whites. Such "insurrections" are too ridiculous, and as sure as there is a just God in Heaven, who has already made use of the passions of the slave-holders to free the slave, just so sure will these murders be avenged upon their authors. San Antonio Express, 19 July 1868, p.2 The Millican Riot We believe that we have learned the particulars of the Millican massacre. A large number of colored men have been killed. During last summer, when the yellow fever was raging, these colored men stood around the bedside of the sick and dying of these white men, who have been murdering them in return. Mr. Brooks, a faithful servant, was one of the main nurses, who proved worthy of his occupation. What few of these poor, abused, and wronged people remain in that little city will not forget this wickedness and inhumanity which has been returned for their faithfulness. [signed] A Colored Man. Daily Austin Republican128 July 1868, p.2 The Millican Massacre 9 We give below the version of the Millican Massacre as published in the colored people's paper at Austin the Free Man's Press. We have learned the particulars of the Millican Massacre from a gentleman who arrived in this city from the scene of the massacre on Wednesday last. It seems that a colored man, a member of the loyal league at Millican, was missed, and a report got afloat, that he had been hung in the Brazos bottom, near the house of a white man named Holliday, and that this man Holliday had threatened to hang this colored man previous to this time. 46 colored men went in search of the missing man. While passing the house of Holiday he came out and cursed them, but they went on by. Not finding the missing man hung at the place they had been told of, they broke up and went home, in parties of 8 or 12. One party of 12 while quietly on their way back to Millican were met by Holiday and some 25 white men who fired into them, killing 3 of the colored men; the rest fled. Holiday then returned to Millican and put the entire place in alarm, he also seized a hand car and went to Navasota, and spread the report that the colored men had gathered in a large force and threatened to murder the whites and burn the town of Millican. Holliday got a large body of white men to go back with him, and as the news spread in all directions, by the day following the first attack on the colored men which was on Wednesday the 15th of this month, several hundred white men armed and equipped for murder had congregated in and about Millican. The Bureau Agent gave the white men liberty to do as they pleased, and it is said that between 50 or 60 inoffensive colored men were massacred in different parts of the county, wherever they were met by the blood-thirsty white rebels. It is certain that the report of the colored men having gathered in a large body and threatening to hang or kill any one is false. Lieut. Green arrived in Millican on Thursday with a squad of soldiers, but left again the next day, leaving a half dozen soldiers and a sergeant to keep the peace. How many have been killed is not known for certain as the colored people fled in consternation, not daring to go near the bodies of their dead friends for fear of being picked off by hidden enemies. All the white men engaged in this affair were rebels, and no doubt members of rebel secret societies. And it proves that a new rebellion is already organized in our State. We council no bloodshed, no violence, we simply call upon the colored men everywhere to remember, that they are men, made in the image of God. That you have been endowed with courage for the purpose to defend yourselves, and make up your minds to do it like men. It is one of your rights as a citizen to defend your life, your liberty, your families, your property. Make no attack. Do not become the aggressors but keep together and be ready to defend yourselves. San Antonio Express, 29 July 1868, p. l Our First Martyr A Methodist Preacher Hung Rev. Anthony Bewley has a companion in martyrdom. In the "Lone Star" State, another Methodist preacher has been hung. Texas claims the proto-martyr of our Church since its reorganization in the Southwest. In the winter of 1865, an intelligent, courageous, powerfully built colored man, twenty-five years old, entered the Thomson Biblical Institute, to prepare for the Christian ministry. He was Edwin Brooks. A machinist by trade, he commanded four dollars per day; but he left all to follow Christ. A faithful student, he advanced rapidly in his studies, and after a year's tuition, joined the 10 Texas Conference, and was sent by Bishop Simpson to Millican, Texas, and at the succeeding Conference.. was reappointed by Bishop Ames. He soon became a leading man among his people, who looked up to him for religious advice and political counsel. In August last a white man entered the cabin of a freedman and threatened his life; but the man fled to the woods -the old place of refuge. From this incident occurred what was called the "Millican riot," which resulted so fatally to the blacks. In the troubles that followed, Rev. Edwin Brooks was the recognized leader of his brethren. After the excitement had subsided, Brooks was ordered to Austin to report to General Reynolds. On his way he found himself pursued by a band of armed men, from whom he fled and took refuge in the "Brazos river bottoms." But the blood-hounds were soon upon his path and uncovered his retreat to his bloody pursuers. Having secured their victim, they demanded that he should disclose the object of his mission to Austin, and that he should recant his Republican principles. Refusing to do either, they began to torture him in the most cruel manner. They stripped the flesh from his body, but he refused to recant; they broke his legs, but he declined to foreswear his honor and his faith; they then hung him by the neck till he died a martyr for his Church and country. After the horrid murder, the colored people were permitted to take the body of their pastor down and give it a decent burial. Thus a former student and fellow laborer, ended a life in which he had suffered as a slave, fought as a Union soldier, and which he crowned with martyrdom. New Orleans Advocate, 24 October 1868, p.5, col. l Political Meeting The News-Letter tells us of a radical meeting being held at Bryan, composed of blacks principally. Little Eddie Quick, of the Union, and a blatant lawyer by the name of Thurmond, recently located at Bryan, harangued the darkies. The speech of Thurmond, according to the News-Letter, was of a seditious or peace disturbing character. He told the darkies that they would be re-inslaved unless they went with the radicals; that when the Central road should be completed to Kansas, a great many Northern men would come down to protect Mr. Nigger, and that when they did come there would be plenty of powder and lead on hand for use. He promised the Negroes fine horses and carriages in which to ride at the expense of southern rebels. -The News-Letter says nothing about little Eddie Quick's speech. Houston Daily Times, 13 April 1869, p. 1. Texas Constitutional Convention There were nine freedmen in the Texas Constitutional Convention, representing all sections of the state. All of them could read and write, and all were property holders. The oldest, a man of sixty years, learned to read after the ballot was given him, being incited thereto -- his own statement -- by his acquired right to vote; thus demonstrating the truth of another of Mr. Phillip's sayings about "the ballot being an educator." This freed gentleman, who represented Brazos County, in Middle Texas, writes a small and legible. hand. His progress in learning is a wonder to his friends. (New York) National Anti-Slavery Standard, 1 May 1869. Two Negro Policemen Bryan has two Negro policemen, whose duty it is to arrest offenders of their own color. One of them, Geo. Green, has engaged in severe cruelty on several occasions, while making arrests, cursing, abusing and striking prisoners over the head with a pistol. The News-Letter thinks George needs a plaster, in the shape of a black jack application, applied to the back to draw the brute from him. (Hempstead) Texas Countryman, 2 July 1869, p.l col.l The Radico-Negro Convention at Bryan Bryan, August 3, 1869 The convention met this morning at 10 o'clock, in the New Theatre, which was speedily filled with blacks and whites -- principally blacks. "The Hon." G.T. Ruby occupied the chair, and the Rev. George Washington Honey acted as temporary secretary. The chairman having explained the object of the convention, Mr. J.G. Tracy, of the Houston Union moved that a committee of three be appointed to examine the credentials of the delegates. The chair then appointed the following persons on said committee: J.G. Tracy, of Harris, Dr. S.M. Haslea, of Brazos, Matt Bullock, of Washington. Mr. Nathan Patton, of McLennan, then moved that a committee of five be appointed on permanent organization. The chair appointed on this committee, Nathan Patton, of McLennan; A. Hanson, of Navarro, J.N. Rhinehart, of Grimes; S. Hardwell, of Brazoria; Richard Allen, of Harris. On motion of Mr. Patton, of McLennan, the convention adjourned until 2 o'clock P.M. 2 o'clock P.M. The convention assembled pursuant to adjournment and was called to order by the chairman pro tem. The Committee on Credentials submitted the following report, which was unanimously adopted: Your committee on credentials find the following named gentlemen entitled to seats in this convention: Twelfth Senatorial District -comprising the counties of Galveston, Brazoria and Matagorda: G.T. Ruby, G.P. Douglass, S. Hardwell. Alternates - D.G. Scott, G.W. Honey, W.H. Mann, Johnson Reed, S. Paschall, H. Baldinger, W. Marshall, R. Nelson. Thirteenth District -Comprising the counties of Fort Bend, Wharton and Austin: W.E. Horne, Henry Phelps, A. Gillem. Fourteenth District -Comprising Harris and Montgomery: J.G. Tracy, A.B. Hall, R. All, John Keppard. Alternates - E. Carter, A.K. Taylor. Fifteenth District -Grimes, Madison, Walker, G.W. Mason, J.N. Rheinhardt, Benj. Fisk, Madison Reese. Alternates - A. Terrel, D.W. Walker, S. Rowan, R. Smith, A. Pankey, P. Lee, C. Shanks, E. Dorsey, D. Walker, J. Harpshear, J.M. Perry, C. Nolan, W. Richardson, William Smith, G. Crump, C. Books, W. Harrison. Sixteenth District -Washington, M. Bullock, H. Johnson, A. Grand. Alternates - J.J. Stockbridge, M. Grimes, W.M. Thompson. Seventeenth District - Brazos, Burleson, Milam: W.A. Saylor, R.N. Mills, S. Curtis, John Adkinson. Alternates -Claiborne Overstreet, E. Jefferson, Wyatt Butler, Johnson Stafford, T. Jefferson, A. Berges [Burgess]. Eighteenth District -Robertson, Leon, Freestone: Dr. S.M. Haslea, P.W. Hall, Calvin Anderson, Peter Hurley. Nineteenth District - McLennan, Limestone, Falls: N. Patton, D.F. Davis, S. Mullins. Twentieth District - 12 Hill, Navarro, Bosque: A. Hanson, L.B. Lippard, J.G. Tracy, S.B. Hasten, M. Bullock. The Committee on Credentials brought in the following nominations for officers of the Convention: G.T. Ruby, of Galveston, President; Vice Presidents, A. Hanson, Navarro; W.E. Horne, Fort Bend; J.R. Rhinehardt, Grimes. Secretaries, G.W. Honey, Galveston; Johnson Reed, Galveston. Sergeants- at-arms, S. Curtis, Brazos; Alfred Smith, Brazos. A. Hanson, Chairman. G.T. Ruby declined the nomination, upon the ground that he could better serve the Convention out of the chair than in it. He then nominated Mr. Patton of McLennan, which nomination was accepted, and the report of the committee adopted. On motion of Mr. J.G. Tracy, a committee of five was appointed to draft resolutions, who, after a brief absence, returned with the following: Resolved, That as Republicans of the 3d Congressional District of Texas, in convention assembled, we do most heartily endorse the platform of the late Republican State Convention, which assembled at Houston on the 7th of June last. Resolved, That we acknowledge the living infallible truth, that every man is entitled to the right of suffrage, and we pledge our every effort to accomplish that desired end. Resolved, That we look with disfavor upon the efforts of persons, claiming to be Republicans, to destroy and disintegrate the party; and that we here pronounce the principle, that every man who is not with us in active efforts is against us. Resolved, further, That we pledge our united support to the nominee of this Convention. During the absence of the committee on resolutions, Dr. W.H. Farner, proprietor of the News-Letter addressed the convention in advocation of the claims of Gen. W.T. Clarke for the Congressional nomination. Dr. Farner stated that the News Letter had changed its political character on Saturday last. He stated that he had been a surgeon in Sibley's Brigade (Confederate) during the late war, but that his sympathies were now entirely with the Republican Party. The Doctor was frequently interrupted with hisses, but professed to enjoy the "goosin~." Mr. Tracy then nominated Gen. Clarke as the Republican candidate to represent the 3` Congressional District, speaking in the most laudatory terms of the gentleman, both as regards his private character and his military career during the late war. Capt. Douglass of Galveston, seconded Mr. Tracy's nomination and proceeded to get off a set speech in the course of which he asserted that Gen. Clarke, possessing the confidence of the administration and inspired by an unusual degree of energy, was just the man for Texas - he would build her railroads and deepen the harbor at Galveston. [From this we were led to the inference that the General is superior to the Osgood dredging machine, and as such should be engaged by the Ship Channel Company, right away.] Mr. Ruby next rose to his feet and spoke in behalf of Gen. Clarke. He intimated that Gen. Clarke was the unanimous choice of the Convention, and that they had merely assembled to nominate him. A gentleman, color unknown, in the back part of the room, withdrew the name of Dr. R.K. Smith. Ruby thought the withdrawal uncalled for, as the irrepressible Doctor's name had never been mentioned or thought o£ He then moved that Gen. Clarke be nominated by acclamation. The motion having been seconded, the chairman called for the "ayes," and let the "nays" slide. Gen. Clarke was then declared unanimously nominated. Ruby moved to proceed to elect him by Senatorial Districts, when thirty-four votes were cast for Gen. Clarke, being the whole number represented in the convention. A member then moved that the convention rise to their feet and give three cheers for Gen. Clarke. The convention accordingly rose to their feet and gave three cheers for Gen. Clarke. The convention then adjourned, and the long agony was ended, of course. [signed] Dandy Pat. 13 Houston Daily Times, 5 August 1869, p.2. Picking Cotton The Bryan Appeal of the 11th inst. says: Since the election excitement is subsided and the colored patriots are again in the fields, at what they ought to be, King Cotton is rolling in pretty freely. Buyers are running busily, pulling out their little wads, drawing out the staple and classing and bidding according to their notion, buying a little here and an little there, to make up the car loads that leave us daily for the great markets of the east and Europe. Galveston Daily News, 14 December 1869, p.3, co1.5 Fifteenth Amendment Ratification at Bryan, Texas, April 15, 1870 Pursuant to a call by public notice and circular, published by order of C.F. Moore, chairman of the Seventeenth Senatorial District, comprising the counties of Brazos, Milam and Burleson, a meeting of the Republicans of said district was held at Bryan on the 16th inst., and organized by appointing Hon. Wm. Haveman, chairman; Dr. W.H. Farner, secretary; Hon. John Mitchell, of Burleson, Hon. John Wilson, of Milam, Hon. Stephen Curtis, Revs. Chas. B. Foster, Warren Norton and Willis Van Hook, vice- presidents. It was doubtless the largest and most enthusiastic meeting ever held in the district, and one that will tell at all future elections, each county having large delegations. Dr. Farner briefly stated to the auditory the object of the meeting, after which Judge J.M. Thurmond addressed the meeting at length, in one of his happy efforts, hurling back all the foul imprecations that had been cast against the Republican party by its insidious foe. After the close of the Judge's speech, the following preamble and resolutions were offered by Dr. R.N. Mills, chairman of the Committee on Resolutions: Whereas, The required number of States have, in their majesty, ratified the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, Congress agreeing to the same, and the President having issued his proclamation announcing to the world its adoption, feeling its justness, and the impress it will make on our national destiny, we offer the following resolutions: Resolved, that we hail with joy the adoption of the Fifteenth Amendment. 2. That the restoration of the Lone Star State to the Union, one of the last of the prodigal daughters returning to the bosom of its mother, meets our cordial approval. 14 3. That we recommend Hon. J.M. Thurmond as chairman of committee for Seventeenth Senatorial district (wherefore he was elected without a dissenting vote). 4. That we regard the Hon. J.M. Thurmond as a true and faithful exponent of the Republican cause, and recommend that he be added to the Republican Executive Committee. 5. That we, the Republicans of the Seventeenth Senatorial District, unanimously recommend Hon. J.M. Thurmond, as Judge of the Judicial District, of which Brazos County may form a part. 6. That we earnestly solicit his nomination to the Honorable Senate of the State of Texas by his excellency, E.J. Davis, Governor, as our Judge, being our first, last, and only choice. 7. That we recognize in him the courteous gentleman, the able lawyer, the true and unswerving Republican, and, with gratitude, we gladly announce to the Republican party that Judge Thurmond took the stump for our ticket and did effective service for the good cause, and no one contributed more to our success in the late election. 8. That Senator Saylor, Representatives Haswell and Mitchell, have our utmost confidence. 9. That we recognize in the Houston Union, State Journal and San Antonio Express, able exponents of the Republican party, and tender to the editors our heartfelt thanks for their earnest zeal and ability in the promulgation of the principles of "equal rights to all men." 10. On motion of W.A. Farner, Dr. R.N. Mills was unanimously elected secretary of the Seventeenth Senatorial Committee. 11. That the secretary of this meeting be requested to furnish a copy of the proceedings of this meeting to the Houston Union, State Journal and San Antonio Express, and request the publication of the same. Meeting adjourned with three cheers for the Republican Party, three for the constitutional amendment, and three for the union of hearts and the union of States. Wm. Haveman, President W.H. Farner, Sr., Secretary (Austin) Daily State Journal, 23 April 1870, p.4, col.2 From Millican A white man married a Negro woman at Millican three or four weeks ago, and the ceremony was performed by the Rev. J.W. Tays, who has been elected chaplain of the 15 radical Senate at Austin. For this offense against decency many of his flock at Bryan refused to hear him preach. Times (Houston), 12 May 1870 A Whipping The Bryan Eagle learns that a party of men whipped a freedman living near Millican, a few nights ago, until he divulged the whereabouts of some $300 in his possession, which they carried off. This is an outrageous proceeding, and we hope its perpetrators may get their just punishment. Galveston Daily News, 10 August 1870, p.3 Methodist Meeting The Bryan Eagle says the Texas Conference of the African M.E. Church met there on the 14th, Bishop Shorter presiding. The number of elders is 7; deacons 12. Rev. Johnson Reed was the secretary. The African M.E. Church is an independent organization, founded in 1816. It has 21 conferences, a University at Xenia, Ohio, and a book concern at Philadelphia. It has 7 bishops and a membership of 300,000. Galveston Daily News, 24 December 1870 Col. Myers Murdered Col. R.C. Myers, a Justice of the Peace at Millican, was assassinated on the evening of the 27th ult., on his way home, by a man named John E. Millican, whom the deceased had caused to be arrested for an aggravated assault on a colored man in his saloon, and bound over to appear at the District Court in the sum of two hundred dollars. (Corpus Christi) Nueces Valley, 17 June 1871, p.l Two Men Lynched Bryan, April 1 -- On the night of the 30`" ult., a mob of about ten Negroes went to and demanded entrance into the store of Mr. Leak, about six miles of this place. Mr. Leak admitted them, they priced several articles, and seeing a gun behind the counter, one of them said that he wanted to buy it. When the gun was handed him he pointed it at Mr. Leak's head, saying "now give up," and firing at the same time, but Mr. Leak threw up his arm, the load went into the wall above his head, upon which they fired at him from all sides, one shot taking effect in his breast and one in his thigh. They, thinking him dead, took what goods they needed and threw the balance out of the house. Not being satisfied with what they had done, they took his wife out of her room and brutally outraged her several times before Mr. Leak's eyes. Four Negroes were arrested the next morning, two of whom were identified by Mr. and Mrs. Leak as being implicated in the horrible deed. Last night a mob of white men called on the Sheriff and demanded the jail keys, but his jailer had them and could not be found. They then went to the jail and opened it by force, took out the four Negroes and took them about a quarter of a mile and hung two of them, whose names were Brown and Higgins. They confessed to being two 16 of the party, and said the other two were innocent; they were taken back to jail. It is also reported that four more.. were hung in the Brazos bottom. A party of white men are still in search of the others, who will share the same fate if captured. Mr. Leak is mortally wounded and not expected to live. The two Negroes were hanged in the incorporated limits, and their bodies brought to town to-day. Waco Daily Examiner, 2 April 1874, p.2, co1.5 From Bryan Judge Lynch's Vengeance A Terrible Retribution! Six of the Fiends Hung A mob of white men last night called on the Sheriff and demanded the jail keys, but the jailor happened to have them, and could not be found; whereupon they went to the jail and broke it open by force, and took out four of the Negroes who had been arrested on the charge of being implicated in the Leak outrage, and took them about a quarter of a mile from town and hung two of them named Higgins and Brown to a tree. They both confessed that they were guilty, and said that the other two were innocent of the crime, and also told the whereabouts of the others. Brown and Higgins were also identified by Mr. and Mrs. Leak as being two of the party. It is reported that four more were hung in the Brazos Bottom last night. Eight or ten Negroes are implicated in the horrible deed. Men are in search of the balance, and if found they will all have the pleasure of joining in the fate of their dead friends. Galveston Daily News, 2 April 1874, p. l A Negro Burglar A Negro burglar who had been confined in the jail at Bryan, Tex., was found on the 13th hanging from a tree there. Whether he was taken out and hung, or walked out and did it himself, the keeper don't know. Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 22 June 1874, p.2 Wolf Attack On Martin's place, five miles north of Millican, a gray wolf snatched a Negro baby sitting in the door of a cabin, and was in the act of running off with it, when the mother picked up a rifle and shot the brute dead. Infant Africa rolled over with the wolf as he took his death tumble, but was rescued without damage. Galveston Daily News, 15 August 1876, p.2 Shooting at Millican Mr. H. Hardy, a white man, owning a farm near town, to-day ordered a Negro, Henry Sycamore, to secure a mule, so that it could not injure his corn. The Negro refused, and Mr. H. was trying to enforce his orders, when the Negro shot him with a 17 shot-gun -- two small shot striking him in the left side. He is not seriously hurt, and will be about again in a few.days. Mr. H.'s son Wash, a boy of 15, seeing the Negro in the act of shooting his father, drew a derringer and shot the Negro in the bowels, inflicting, it is thought, a serious wound. The Negro has not been arrested yet, but parties are in pursuit of him. Cotton is coming in briskly and selling for 9 to 11 cents. Corn is 20 cents per bushel. Weather dry and warm. Galveston Daily News, 2 September 1876, p.l Navasota Texas District Quarterly meetings will be held as follows: Millican, Jan.6tn, 7ch Red Top, March 3d & 4th ... Bryan, March 16th, 17 ... The First District Conference will be held at Bryan, March 15th, 16th, 17. Rev. E.D. Lee will preach the Missionary Sermon. Southwestern Christian Advocate, 11 January 1877 Gallant Rescue Two drunken rowdies, residents of Bryan, grossly insulted Maud and Jennie Wallace, on their way to the Opera House, during their recent performance at Bryan. A colored porter came to the rescue of the two sisters. Galveston Daily News, 13 January 1877, p.2 Store-Keeper Shot A Negro store-keeper named Sam Frenchman, was shot in Brazos bottom on Monday night, by Mr. R.A. Motley, who also keeps a store in the bottom. Mr. Motley is known to be a quiet and orderly citizen, while the Negro had the reputation of being a very quarrelsome person. He was in Bryan Monday and was arrested under indictment by the grand jury for carrying a pistol. He was tried injustice court and fined. It is supposed that the difficulty resulting in his death grew out of this indictment, as Mr. Motley was on the jury. Frenchman was not dead Tuesday evening, but was not expected to live through the night. He was shot in the abdomen with a load of squirrel shot from a double-barreled shot-gun. Frenchman shot at Motley three times, twice with a gun and once with asix-shooter, before the latter returned the fire. Galveston Daily News, 18 March 1877, p.2, co1.2 District Conference Meets The District Conference of the Navasota District met at Bryan, Texas, the 15th of March. Presiding Elder Cole presided, and Rev. E. Lee was Secretary. We hope to have from this Secretary a full account of the proceedings. Southwestern Christian Advocate, 29 March 1877 Millican News 18 I t The young grasshoppers are doing great damage in this community to the gardens and what small grain has come up. These are destroying everything and seem to be increasing instead of diminishing in quantity as well as size. King Rucker, an old Negro resident of this place, was found in his house last Wednesday morning, dead. He was very old, and had been sick for several days. Business is very dull. Coon hunting is a favorite sport among the young men. Galveston Daily News, 31 March 1877, p. l Notice The Navasota (Texas) District Conference passed a resolution requiring the preachers to settle all accounts yet due for the minutes of 1876, on the third Sunday in June. The stewards are directed to aid in this matter. V.M. Cole, P.E. O. Watrous, Sec'y Bryan, March 18, `77 Southwestern Christian Advocate, 19 April 1877 Southern Methodism Rev. Edward Lee, Bryan, Texas, says: "We have been greatly blessed of the Lord during this conference year. There have been 37 accessions to the Church and 17 adult conversions; eight men and nine women. Our Sunday-school has been organized into a Missionary Society, and is doing effective work." Southwestern Christian Advocate, 10 May 1877 Our Southern Methodism Rev. Enoch Jefferson [of Millican], Brazos Circuit, Texas, says: "We are blessed with a very gracious revival. So far there have been forty accessions to the church, and twenty-seven baptisms. Our Sunday schools share in the blessing." Southwestern Christian Advocate, 21 June 1877 Lost Friends I desire information concerning my father, Sam Morgan. I was separated from him in 1861, leaving him in Richmond, Virginia. Address Peter Morgan, Millican, Texas. Southwestern Christian Advocate, 21 June 1877 A Colored Grange The Bryan Pilot announces the presence of a white scoundrel who is there endeavoring to organize a colored grange and putting mischief in the heads of the Negroes and money in his own pocket. After raising about $100 the rascal left for other pastures. 19 Brenham Daily Banner, 21 August 1877, p.l, col.l Our Southern Methodism Rev. Edward Lee, Bryan, Texas, says: "Our camp meeting was continued for eighteen days. Forty persons were converted and fifty added to the church. The power of the Spirit in moving upon t$e hearts of the people was very strikingly manifested. Some of the persons under conviction fasted for two and three days, abstaining from eating or drinking. And the evidence given by those whose faith laid hold of the promises given us in the atoning blood of the Lamb was generally of the clearest and most satisfactory character." Southwestern Christian Advocate, 27 September 1877 ` Methodist Conference Bryan -The African Methodist Conference has been in session here for several days, Bishop Ward presiding. This evening temperance and prohibition were discussed, and the conference was unanimous in advising their colored brethren everywhere to vote for prohibition whenever they had an opportunity to do so. The conference was addressed on the subject by several prominent white citizens of this place. Galveston Daily News, 20 December 1877, p.l, col.3 Candidate for Office Bryan -Jim Russell, a colored drayman of this place, made a speech today in the courthouse to about thirty of his brethren, announcing himself as a candidate for representative, and advised his people to vote for men of their own party or color when any were in the field. Galveston Daily News, 19 May 1878 Homicide Near the State College Bryan, May 24 -- Near the Agricultural and Mechanical College, this morning, a Negro named Austin Gandy was shot and killed by another Negro named Stewart. Gandy made the first shot the ball going through Stewart's shirt, but not hurting him. Stewart is now in jail. Galveston Daily News, 25 May 1878 Barbecue at Millican The colored people of our town, assisted by the whites, had a large and well conducted barbecue to-day, which, of course, caused office-seekers to come out in full force, regardless of race or creed. About five hundred people were in attendance. Several candidates for county offices were down from Bryan gathering votes. Circulars have been distributed in this end of the county giving reasons why the county convention was dissolved, and calling for another convention to be held on the 25th. 20 Galveston Daily News, 20 June 1878. Barbecue and School Examination To the Editors of the Brazos Pilot: I had the pleasure of being present at the barbecue and celebration given by the colored people, at Motley's Store, in the Brazos bottom, on the 19`" inst., and witnessing the closing exercises of Prof. Adam' colored school. The examination of the pupils of this school was very satisfactory indeed, highly creditable alike to pupils and teachers. I must confess that I was agreeably surprised at the proficiency of the different classes examined, many of the little children who did not know their letters when commencing school last February, being able now to spell and read with great accuracy. Different classes were examined in reading, spelling, geography, arithmetic, grammar and composition, and all acquitted themselves well. The day being the 13`h Anniversary of their emancipation, was celebrated by the colored people in the bottom by an examination of the pupils of this school, and let me say right here, Messrs. Editors, that in my opinion, nothing could have been more appropriate for the occasion. Thirteen years ago this people were set free, and turned loose upon the country, ignorant, without property, and in a great measure houeless and homeless. To-day look at the improvement, and the great change in their conditions. Many of them have good little homes, some property, and comparatively well fixed, while all seem happy and contented. Churches being built, and they seem to desire to improve themselves, so as to obtain the respect and good will of their white neighbors and friends. Their improvement as a race for the past 13 years, has been great, and nothing gives greater evidence of such improvement, and their continued desire to advance and improve, than the school exhibition on the 19t" inst. I believe, Messrs. Editors, that it is a duty which we owe to ourselves and our country to encourage the colored race, in their efforts at improvement and advancement, in order that in the time to come, they may reach that standard of intelligence and advancement, that will reflect credit and honor upon themselves, and be an aid and an advantage to the country. [signed] Visitor. Brazos Pilot, June 28, 1878. Our Southern Methodism Rev. Edward Lee, Bryan, Texas: "There have been fifteen recent accessions to the church, seven conversions and three backsliders reclaimed; then baptisms, seven adult and three infant. There will be a union campmeeting of the Bryan and Brazos circuits held near this place, commencing on the second Thursday of August." Southwestern Christian Advocate, 4 July 1878 A Church Concert The African M.E. Church of Bryan had a concert one day last week, from which they realized $50 over and above expenses. .Denison Daily Herald, 15 August 1878, p.2, co1.3 Death from Whiskey 21 In Millican, yesterday evening, at 4 o'clock, a Negro said he could drink, at one time, a quart of whisky if some one would pay for it, whereupon a candidate for an office, or something worse, furnished the suds. The Negro drank the whisky on the spot, and at 11 o'clock last night took his departure for a place where people are not supposed to have anything to say in running the governmental machinery. Only one vote lost. Galveston Daily News, 31 August 1878, p. l . Temperance Movement The Negroes at Bryan are somewhat in advance of their brethren elsewhere. They have inaugurated a temperance movement and already some eighty names have been enrolled. Denison Daily Herald, 6 October 1878, p.3, col.3 New Farm Hands Bryan Pilot: Col. Higganson arrived a few days ago from Mississippi with a number of colored farm hands for Brazos bottom plantations. Brenham Banner, 5 February 1879, p.2, col.l Church Cornerstone Laid Bryan -The cornerstone of the African M.E. Church will be laid on Saturday next at 2 o'clock p.m. by the colored Odd Fellow's lodge of this city. Galveston Daily News, 16 February 1879, p.3, col.l Presiding Elder Work in Texas Mr. Editor: I went from Anderson, where I wrote last, to Millican and spent about five days. Bro. Jefferson, the present pastor, met me at the depot, and gave me a cordial welcome. Our people at Millican have been struggling for years against opposition, which long since would have overcome a less energetic people. I want to give honor here to whom honor is due. God has given our church in this place open, noble women who have carried the cross, and amidst the most trying circumstances, and when, perhaps, the brethren would have given up in despair, their faith failed not. They said that if the old church goes down we will go down with her, all shall perish together. God bless those noble souls. Bro. Jefferson is a good man, and he is doing all he can for the Master and the Church. We had about thirty mourners on Sunday night, and the church was greatly blessed. On Monday night we had the best love feast held by me during the round. Bro. Jefferson intends to build a new church this year; he says they have about $175 on hand, and with a little help from the Church Ex. Society they can build a good church. Thursday went from Millican to Bryan where the last conference was held, you were there, and will remember how well we were taken care of. Bro. Lee was here three years and commenced with no house and but very few members. He has left a beautiful church and quite a large membership, and this against terrible opposition. Bro. Brown, the new 22 pastor, was waiting for us at the depot, and certainly did all in his power to make me pleasant. If you did nQt know Bro. Brown before one glance would convince you that he was a Methodist preacher. His people love him very much, they say the Bishop took one good man away, but gave them another. Preached five times for them while there and attended to all the duties of a presiding elder except holding love feast. We had a glorious meeting. The church was blessed and a large number of sinners came forward and said pray for us. Was gone from home this trip a little over two months, preached about fifty times, held all my love feasts except one and remained after preaching, and labored with mourners sometimes until late at night. We had a number of conversions, and many united with the church. Revivals are going on still at nearly all the churches. Bro. Lee at Hempstead writes me his meeting is still going on, and several have been converted. Bro. Guest at Courtney is still having revival meetings. [signed] W.L. Molloy, Sherman, March.6. Southwestern Christian Advocate, 20 March 1879, p.2, co1.7 Our Southern Methodism Jos. Skeete, Bryan: "Conference could not have sent an abler man than Rev. Brown to suit the place. He is commanding with system." Southwestern Christian Advocate, 27 March 1879, p.2, co1.7 Delegate to Colored Convention Bryan, Apri128 -- The Negroes held a mass meeting at the court house today and elected Elias Mays, colored member of the legislature for this county, a delegate to the colored emigration convention at Memphis, Tennessee. Galveston Daily News, 29 April 1879, p. l Letter from Bryan Bryan, Texas, June 9, 1879 Dear Editor: Since my last letter from Courtney, I have held six quarterly conferences. I went from Courtney to Anderson and spent some five days in that work. It is a circuit with four appointments -three in the country and one in town. The Lord met with us at the first coming together and the interest never grew less unto the end. We went into the country and hunted up the lost sheep of the house of Israel, preached to them the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ which made them feel happy, and when we left they said: "Come again, you have done us good." Went from Anderson to Red Top circuit: preached once, held quarterly conference and administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. We have a good people here and I was favorably impressed with the members of the quarterly conference. The people turned out by hundreds to hear us preach at night and the Lord came down in our midst. Where He is His people always have a good time. Bros. Bookman and Coleman are the preachers: they are good men and are doing all they can for our cause. My next meeting was at Navasota, where we spent a week preaching, holding meetings and visiting house to house, praying with the 23 families. The Lord was with us in mighty power, the church was greatly blessed and from the evidence sinners gave us we believe many were convicted and we pray that it may end in their salvation. Bro. McKenzie, the pastor, is a faithful man and giving himself to the work. We have a good people at Navasota, but there are some old difficulties, which have been in the way of success for years. We are now working at them and by God's help we intend to get them out of the way. Then we will look for a glorious revival and not until then. God will not bless a church until puts away filth and sin. Millican was the next point visited by us. Here we met a cordial welcome from pastor and people: they said, "we are glad you have come" and proved it by opening their houses to us. I had so many invitations to dine and sup that I could not comply with them all. While I have been kindly cared for at all the appointments, Millican is the only place where the people have manifested a universal desire to have the presiding elder visit them and pray with their families. I was reminded of the old days of Methodism, when a preacher was required to visit and pray with families. From Millican I went to Bryan. Bro. Brown met me at the depot, gave me a warm shake of his hand, seemed glad to see me and invited me to his house for dinner. Sister Brown met me at the door, welcomed me to her house and seemed to take delight in making my visit pleasant. I want to say that she is the better of the two halves. Here.I found brother J.B. Mayes, from the North, who is teaching school in our church. He is a man of good morals and fine sense, the people are well pleased with him, and he will be a great help to us at this point. When he learns that the people go wild, like horses, in Texas and he gets used to it, he will be better satisfied. We have had a good meeting; God came down with great power -sometimes it was almost more than we could stand. Our love feast Monday night was grand - a wave of salvation rolled over the congregation, and one not accustomed to this people would have though they were going wild. Bro. Mayes says he has not for years seen anything like it in the North. Let me add here that I look upon Bryan as one of the best appointments in the Navasota district, and second to none in the conference. It is true some appointments in the conference have more members and more money, but none have a stronger will to do and none do more than they, in proportion to wealth and members. Bryan is one of the prettiest little cities between Houston and Dallas. It is outgrowing any place in the State. Signs of improvement are seen everywhere. It is going to be the centre and headquarters of education and intelligence in this part of Texas. The city has taken hold of the matter and promises nine months schooling for both white and black next year. The location of Bryan is beautiful. The soil is sandy - no mud; rolling country; good water, to be had anywhere within from 25 to 40 feet. If I was going to seek a home for life I know of no place in which I would sooner buy. [signed] W.L. Molloy Southwestern Christian Advocate, 26 June 1879, p.l, co1.3 Lost Friends Dear Editor: I wish to get some information on my aunt. Her name is Juliet. She belonged to Lewis May in Louisiana, and he sold to a man by the name of Phillip. I can only think of some of her children's names: Sigh, May, Green, Myand, Charley. Elias is here with me. My father's name was Bill May, and my name was May, but I go by the name of: Wade Hamilton, Bryan, Texas 24 Southwestern Christian Advocate, 1 May 1879, p.4, co1.2 Our Southern Methodism Rev. Abner Thomas, Bryan: "Thirty in sabbath-school. Sister Patty Jefferson is the leading teacher. Southwestern Christian Advocate, 12 June 1879, p.2, col.4 Bound for Kansas Bryan -The colored people have meetings and elected delegates to the Houston exodus convention; some of them seem bound for the happy land of Kansas. Galveston Daily News, 2 July 1879, p.l, col.l Lost Friends Dear Editor - I desire information of my sister. Her name is Florence Henry. Her mother's name is Kell Carter. Last heard from she wasrn Bryan. Any information concerning her whereabouts will be thankfully received. Address me in care of Rev. A.M. Gregory, Waco, Texas. [signed] B.J. Henry Southwestern Christian Advocate, 3 July 1879, p.4, co1.2 Lost Friends Dear Editor - I have a lost daughter named Edna Jewett. She went away with Dr. J. Robinson the last year of the war. When last heard from she was in Brownsville, Jackson Co., Ala. Her father's name is Jerry Chalmers. When she went off I belonged to the same family of Jerretts. I went off with Dr. Jerome Summerfield Jewett. He married one Miss Lydia Casing. I then lived seven miles from Holly Springs, Marshall County, Miss. My daughter had sisters, Alice and Henrietta. All lived with the same family. Their grandmother's name was Nelly Jewett. The father of these Jewetts was a Methodist preacher. I came to Texas before the close of the war. [signed] Darthulia Minor, Bryan, Brazos Co., Texas. Southwestern Christian Advocate, 3 July 1879, p.4, co1.2 Lost Friends Dear Editor: I wish to inquire about some of my lost relatives. I have two brothers and two sisters. My brothers are named Madison Lord and James Alvest Lord. When last heard from they were living in Bayou Sara, La. My oldest sister, Eliza Elizabeth Lord, when last heard from was somewhere in Alabama. My other sister, Ellen Mahoney Lord, when last heard from was living in South Carolina. My father's name is Sam Brown; my mother's Betty Brown. My mother and all the children belonged to one Wm. Lord, and I have a number of relatives living in Holly Springs, Miss. I have an uncle named Affellow Monroe. When last heard from he was living in Philadelphia. 25 Any information of any or all of them will be gladly received. Address me at Bryan, Brazos Co., Texas. [signed] Rebecca Lord. Southwestern Christian Advocate, 24 July 1879, p.4, co1.2 Lost Friends Dear Editor: I wish,to inquire through you for brothers, sisters and relatives. My mother's name was Matilda Earhart and father's Dan Earhart. I had a sister, Vickey, and a brother, Jim, that I remember. I left my mother and sister in the state of Georgia with old man Earhart. My father, my brother and a woman by the name of Sarah was brought to Texas about 20 years ago by Dr. George Earhart. My father died some time ago. The last I heard from brother, he was in Taylor, Smith Co., Texas. I remember of having struck one of my sisters on the head with an axe but I was too young to remember much about it. Any information will be gladly received. Address me at Bryan, Texas, in care of Rev. W.W. Brown. [signed] Charley Shelton. Southwestern Christian Advocate, 14 August 1879, p.4, co1.2 Institute for Ministers Bryan -Rev. S.W. Marston, D.D., of St. Louis, superintendent of missions for freedmen, is holding an institute for colored ministers here. He is assisted by Drs. Hardwicke & Law. [Hardwicke & Law were white Baptist ministers] Galveston Daily News, 26 August 1879, p.l . Third Round -Navasota Dist. Sherman, Texas, Sept. 17, 1879 Dear Editor - I closed my third round at Bryan and Brewers Hill on the 14`h, and had pleasant meetings at both places. I consider that the church in Bryan is in a better condition, spiritually, than any part of the district. A fine revival influence prevails there; souls are being converted and sinners are deeply impressed ... I witnessed at Bryan, last week, a scene that I hope never to witness again. I was at the home of Mr. Brandon, now of Bryan, but formerly of Mississippi, whose wife has a little colored blood in her. She is the daughter of a wealthy planter of Memphis, and was raised well. Mr. Brandon was her father's overseer during the war, took this girl for a wife and had several children by her. After the war they moved to Texas. She was converted, and said to him that she would not live with him unless he married her. This he did four years ago. Last week the grand jury found a true bill against them for being unlawfully married, and they are on trial now. They will perhaps be sent to the penitentiary for five or ten years for doing what the law of God and man requires. They have four beautiful children and were trying to raise them up to fear God and make good citizens; but their hopes are suddenly blasted. How long, O God, how long! Mr. Editor, where are we drifting to? In a land said to be home of the down-trodden and oppressed, families are broken up and imprisoned for no other crime than being lawfully married. It is no crime to live in adultery with a colored woman, but the sin is in making her your lawful wife. [signed] W.L. Molloy Southwestern Christian Advocate, 2 October 1879, p.l, col. 26 Why a~Freedwoman of Texas Favors the Exodus The following letter to the editor, in the simple language of a freedwoman of Texas, explains some of the exodus feeling prevailing in that State. Mixing the races never became a crime until the Negro was enfranchised. It is no crime in the sight of God, or by any reasonable exposition of justice. The law is defied, citizen rights are denied, families torn asunder to gratify a revengeful spirit of manufactured race hatred: Bryan, Texas, Sept.15, 1879 Dear Friend -Ito-night take the privilege to write you a few lines to let you know of the distress I saw to-day at the courthouse in this city. Two white men that had married colored ladies and had three or four children apiece, and one white woman that had married a colored man were locked up in jail because they had mixed. They were crying, and their children-were standing around them, and their mothers were sitting around the courthouse full of sorrow. All the cry of the white men is this -the Negro and the white shan't mix. They say they will send them to the State Prison if they can but they say they ought to be hung. The jail is full of colored prisoners. The way they justify us in this State, all that steal hogs is convicted, and them-that kill a Negro is let loose. We have no show in this State, therefore we want to go North. If we old ones all die save us our children. We don't want our children to suffer like we have. We and thousands more have fatherless children here, for the white men in this State have killed our husbands and left us alone, so we want to go North. We want to go now, but we have not the money. [signed] Mattie Wilson. Southwestern Christian Advocate, 13 November 1879, p.2, co1.6 Attempted Escape Bryan, Dec. 1 -- While the sheriff and Mr. Charles Helwig, his assistant, were ministering to the jail birds yesterday evening, five prisoners, all Negroes, attacked them and a lively tussle ensued. Two got out but were promptly retaken. Sheriff Forman has a sable eye, and the darkies and extra bump or so upon their craniums, but nothing serious. Galveston Daily News, 2 December 1879 Letter from Bryan Bryan, Texas, Nov. 26, 1879 Dear Editor - When I wrote a few weeks ago to the Southwestern, stating that the Kansas fever had broken out along the entire line of the Central Railroad, I state facts; but I never dreamed that it would assume the proportions that it has -and so soon. There is a settled purpose deep down in the hearts of all, both men and women, to go. They say they must get out of this country - it is not their home. Large communities are moving off every day, either going by wagons or taking the cars; and some are so bent upon going that they start on foot. One woman and her daughter has walked through, and written back to her friends to come on. She says, "Make the attempt, if you die on the road." The white people are very much excited, and charge all their misfortunes to the 27 I~ 4 white presiding elders in the South. Bro. Philpott, the pastor of the M.E. Church South at Bryan, says we all ought to be hung. I suppose he would pray for the boys who would do the work. God has a hand in this great movement. He is going to give these poor people a rest after hundreds of years of bondage, and show these land lords that he has something to do in shaping their destiny ....[signed] W.L. Molloy Southwestern Christian Advocate, 4 December 1879, p.2, co1.6 Lost Friends John F. Friend, now in Morgan City, La., desires information of his father, Rev. Solomon Friend, a Methodist; last heard from in Brazos County, Texas, twelve years ago. Southwestern Christian Advocate, 18 December 1879, p.4, col.2 Laborers Wanted Bryan, Dec. 30 -The demand for farm hands can not be supplied. Owners of fine Brazos bottom lands find it difficult to procure necessary labor. The trouble will probably be temporary, however, as the Negroes who left some weeks ago are returning to the homes they occupied last year. Galveston Daily News, 1 January 1880, p.8, co1.3 Our South'n Methodism E. Jefferson, Millican: "Sunday school prospers, with seven teachers. The people are much stirred up about the Kansas fever. Some are going from here every day. We are trying to build a church." Southwestern Christian Advocate, 22 January 1880, p.2. Our South'n Methodism W.W. Brown, Bryan: "We are sorry to hear of the loss of great leader. The church is much troubled about Bishop Haven. I hope to see him again. Pray for us." Southwestern Christian Advocate, 19 February 1880, p.2, co1.6 Lost Friends Mr. Editor - My father was Glasco Borgas, mother Fereba Mivens. I had three brothers -Elbert, Edmond and Solomon -and sisters Martha and Hannah. We all belonged to Mivers. Martha and myself were sold to Bill Wood and Hannah and Solomon were sold to Eph. Yann. All lived in Barnwell, South Carolina. Address me in care of Jordon Bonner, at Bryan, Texas. [signed] Mevier Gittro Southwestern Christian Advocate, 25 March 1880, p.4, co1.2 Our Southern Work 28 J.D. Dalton, Bryan: "The Bryan Circuit is in a prosperous condition. About 25 attended first quarterly ,meeting. We were sorry to hear of the death of Elder Moore's child." Southwestern Christian Advocate, 20 May 1880, p.2, col.6 Navasota District Conference We have had revival"meetings and some success on the Navasota circuit. At Millican, the brethren bought a nice lot and have put up a neat church. It is almost completed, with Church Extension help and without any debt. May 8 9th was our quarterly meeting. Our elder, F.C. Moore, was with us. On Sabbath the new church was well filled with an as attentive congregation as I ever saw. They have a flourishing Sunday-school. On Sabbath 12 were baptized, 17 taken into the church and 100 partook of the sacrament. About 30 mourners desired the prayers of the church. One or two were soundly converted during the meeting. At Navasota we have now some revival interest. We are looking for a shower of Divine grace upon us, and the conversion of many souls. [signed] John Guess. Southwestern Christian Advocate, 27 May 1880, p.3, col. l . Our Southern Work J.D. Dalton, Bryan circuit: "A protracted meeting in St. John Chapel added 19 to the church. Sunday-school numbers 33 pupils." Southwestern Christian Advocate, 17 June 1880, p.2, co1.6 Greenback Club A greenback club was organized at the courthouse in Bryan last Saturday night. A number of freedmen and a white man -- about forty in all, joined. Bren/iam Banner, 22 July 1880, p.2, co1.3 Spirit of the German Press The Late Lynching [From the Texas (Galveston) Post -- translated for the News]. Whatever may have been the causes that led to the recent lynching of the Negro Talliaferro near Millican, there is no excuse for the outrage. Under any and all circumstances, whether it has been caused by a dread of executive interference, or owing to the imperfections of the Texas system of jurisprudence, the blame falls upon the dominant party of the state. The democrats have been manipulating and tinkering on the laws, the provisions of which are calculated to protect the criminal class from just punishment. The Democrats have put judges in office who encourage the weak-minded old governor in following his nose instead of the law, and strengthen him in his delusion as to his wisdom and power. They are the ones who encourage lynch law, inasmuch as in no instance have the perpetrators of lynch law been called to account for their taking the law into their own hands. If the criminal statistics of Texas were the only just reproach that could be brought against the 29 administration, it would be sufficient to damn it throughout all eternity. When in the middle of the state, in its most populated portion, in counties where the courts are, or should be, in perfect working order, when, under these surroundings, two cases of lynchings occur inside of a month, it may be put down as complete evidence that our state government is unable or unwilling to carry out the duties the state owes the citizens. The party that seeks to perpetuate such incompetence for two years is an accomplice of the criminals who seek to keep up the saturnalia of crime. Galveston Daily News, 9 September 1880, p.2, co1.3 Lost Friends Mr. Editor - I wish to enquire about my brother Anthony. He belonged to Elias Hodges, of Barber County, Alabama. He was with a lawyer named Seals, in Clayton, Barber County, Alabama, the•last time I saw him -about 20 years ago. I do not know what name he goes by now.. His mother's name was Jennie: she belonged to Green Neeley. I belonged to Elias Hodges and was called Little Berry, as there were two Berrys on the place. Sister was sold to Jno. D. Johnson as well as I remember; she also belonged to Green Neeley, and was sold with her husband, Phillip Johnson -her name was Matilda. I will pay for any information that can be given me of my brother or sister. My address is Millican, Texas. [signed] Berry Newton Southwestern Christian Advocate, 9 September 1880, p.4, co1.6 Lost Friends Mr. Editor - I desire to inquire for my husband and two children, a boy and a girl. Husband's name James McBride; the girl's name is Georgia, and the boy's Cornelius McBride. I have not seen them for four years, and cannot hear anything of them. Please address me at Millican, Brazos County, Texas, in care of Mrs. M.E. Marshall. [signed] Mary McBride Southwestern Christian Advocate, 16 September 1880, p.4, co1.6 School Opens The Bryan graded school began to-day. One hundred and sixty-five scholars attended the white school and twenty were enrolled at the colored school. The faculty are: Superintendent Percy V. Pennybacker, with Miss Mary Oberien, first assistant; Miss Anna Hardwicke, second assistant; third assistant, Miss Laura English; fourth assistant, Mrs. S.G.G. Yates. Teachers of the colored school: Professors Johnson and Taylor. Galveston Daily News, 5 October 1880, p. 1. Texas John Guess, Millican: "Our church is in a flourishing condition; our protracted meeting has just closed, lasting four weeks. We have added to the church 35; 10 on probation, 6 in full membership, 4 reclaimed. On Sunday last 10 were baptized, after which a collection was taken up for the preacher in charge, amounting to $14. Our 30 church had her wing drooping, but the good Lord has revived us again. We have torn down our old church and rebuilt it. Pray for us, that the Millican church may move on to the glory and honor of God." Southwestern Christian Advocate, 14 October 1880, p.2, co1.5 Deaths Frances Pollard departed this life May 20, 1880. Several sons and daughters mourn her loss. A faithful member. Sister Susan Pace died May 26 in full triumph of faith. A husband and two children mourn her loss. Theresa Owens died, a faithful member of the church, and giving good testimony. [signed] Wade Hamilton, Bryan, Texas Southwestern Christian Advocate, 14 October 1880, p.3, col. l Lost Friends Dear Editor - I wish to make inquiry for my grandfather. His name is Jacob Scheley, and my mother left him when a child in Nashville, Tenn. They belonged to George McClaren, and were sold to Robert McClaren, and brought to middle Tennessee. My mother's name was Eliza Silvester McClaren but now is Eliza Johnson. Her mother's name was Julia Ann McClaren but she died when my mother was an infant. Any information please address to me at Bryan, Brazos County, Texas, Eliza Johnson, in care of Sarah Bonner. Southwestern C/Zristian Advocate, 4 November 1880, p.4, co1.5 Died from Injuries Guthrie McDougal, Michael Kavenaugh and Bob Thornton (colored), injured in the explosion at the oil mill, are dead. These with Jerry Nichols, make four deaths. Jack Clampton is not expected to recover. Galveston Daily News, 10 November 1880, p.l, co1.4. New Farm Hands Bryan -About fifty good hands and fifty or twenty children (colored) arrived at this place from Alabama on Christmas day, and have settled on plantations in the Brazos bottom. Galveston Weekly News, 6 January 1881, p.6 A Bishop Visits Rev. R.H. Cain, bishop of the A.M.E. Church for Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas, has left Bryan, after a visit of a week. Galveston Daily News, 18 January 1881, p.l 31 End of School Year Bryan's public schools will close on the 10th of June when a nine months session will have been completed. Bryan now has a fine school house for the white and a good house for the colored children. The schools have given entire satisfaction. Brenham Banner, 26 May 1881, p. 2. Emancipation Day Bryan -The freedmen of this and adjoining counties celebrated the emancipation proclamation here to-day. They have had a pleasant time, a good dinner and some sensible speeches by orators chosen for the occasion. Galveston Daily News, 19 June 1881, p.l Gregory Rifles Bryan -The Gregory Rifles (colored), of this city, under command of Captain J.D. Jackson, had an eight hour drill to-day and target practice. Third sergeant J.W. Wood took the prize. Galveston Daily News, 19 August 1881 Bill Roundtop Was Killed Bill Roundtop, a freedman living on the farm of Mr. Newson, on the Brazos River, was killed to-day. An ox-team ran away with him and dragged him on the ground by a rope with which he was holding the animals. His tracks, where he was found showed that he had thrown himself back, in the attempt to stop or hold the team, and it is supposed that the jerk or shock broke a blood vessel, causing death. No bruises were discovered on the body. Galveston Daily News, 7 October 1881, p.l, co1.7 Emigrants from Back East Millican - J.F. Bridges and C.D. Taylor arrived on last night's train, and bring with them 150 Negro emigrants from Georgia and South Carolina. These hands will be worked on the Brazos bottom plantations of John D. Rogers and D.C. Jarrell. Galveston Daily News, 27 December 1881, p.l Shooting Affray Millican - A shooting affray occurred here this evening between Moses Steptoe and Houston Ross, both colored, which resulted in the former receiving a wound above the left eye. Some old feud was the cause of the difficulty. Ross escaped. Officers are in hot pursuit. The late rains have been very disheartening to bottom farmers. Now the 32 weather bids fair, and plowing will be general next week. Some cotton is coming in. Receipts to date, 2075 bales. Galveston Daily News, 19 February 1882, p. 1 Brutal Murder Millican -Perry Haines, an old freedman, while on his way home last night, was brutally murdered by parties unknown. Justice Peyton, with a jury, held an inquest this morning, and they have as yet found no clew to the assassins. The continuous rain is very discouraging to farmers, though there has been considerable plowing in some sections between showers. Galveston Daily News, 28 February 1882, p.l Drowning Millican -Taylor Willis, colored, while attempting to cross Big Creek last night, about 6 miles below here, was drowned. The verdict of the coroner's jury of inquest was in accordance with these facts. The Navasota and Brazo-s rivers are swelling very rapidly. Some little cotton is coming in. Galveston Daily News, 11 March 1882, p. 1 Colored Lawyer Bryan - J.N. Johnson, a colored school teacher, not being satisfied with a refusal last court, has again petitioned for license to practice law. If admitted, he expects to settle in Houston and there astonish the natives. Galveston Daily News, 4 April 1882, p. 1. School Starting Soon The Bryan Public Graded Schools will open on Monday, September 18th. A preliminary examination of pupils not examined in June will be held as follows: The white pupils will be examined on the 11th and 12th, commencing at 9 a.m.; the colored pupils, on the 13th, at the same hour. The teachers of the white schools are notified to meet at the office of the Superintendent, on Friday, the 15th at 9 a.m.; the teachers of the colored schools, on Saturday, the 16th. P.G. Halyburton. Weekly Brazos Pilot, 1 September 1882, p. 3. Bryan Shooting Bryan -Chas. Lovell, a desperate Negro, was wounded in three different places by Policeman Dickerson, in resisting arrest, to-day. Lovell had gone to the residence of Mrs. Page, and abused her and cursed her in an outrageous manner for hiring his wife as a cook. The policeman was called in to arrest Lovell, who resisted, and at last drew his pistol on Dickerson, whereupon Dickerson shot him three times before the Negro would 33 succumb. Lovell is now in jail, and the feeling here is very bitter for his conduct toward the lady. Galveston Daily News, 30 December 1882, p.l, co1.6 James Russell Died Bryan -The old patriotic freedman, Jas. Russell, died yesterday and was buried by the town. Old Jim made it his duty to always celebrate Emancipation day by displaying the flag from his dray at each anniversary of the event. Galveston Daily News, 11 February 1883 Charged with Malpractice Millican - A Negro calling himself Dr. Millican was the other day arraigned before Justice Peyton charged with malpractice. He was bound over. Dallas Weekly Herald, 24 May 1883, p. l6 Emancipation Day Bryan -The freedmen have made great preparations for the celebration of Emancipation day tomorrow, and the festivities will be largely attended by visitors from abroad. Galveston Daily News, 19 June 1883, p.1, co1.7 Baptist Convention Millican -Delegates to the Colored Baptist convention are pouring in every day, on both north and south bound trains, representing 158 churches. The association was called to order this day by J.S. Campbell, chairman, and J.H. Washington, secretary, both of Galveston. Galveston Daily News, 5 July 1883, p.l Association Meeting Millican -The Colored Baptist association was to-day called to order by J.S. Campbell, chairman, and J.H. Washington, secretary, both of Galveston. Delegates and visitors are pouring in on every train from all parts of the state, representing one hundred churches. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 5 July 1883, p.l Colored Baptists Meet Millican -For four days our town has been one living mass of delegates and visitors attending the Colored Baptist association, representing 180 churches instead of 100, as reported. Delegates in attendance number 250, and visitors 200. After electing 34 officers the association adjourned to-day to meet at Mount Zion church in Houston in 1884. The following afficers were elected: J.S. Campbell, moderator; Elder H. Stewart, vice-moderator; H. Washington, secretary; S.B. Somerville, assistant secretary; R. Allen, treasurer. Several hundred dollars was appropriated for educational purposes, and $ 500 for missionary purposes. The delegates return thanks to the citizens, both white and black, for the generosity shown them while here. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 8 July 1883 Prostitute Convicted Bryan -The Mayor's Court was well represented this morning with offenses. Anna Smith, a Negress and a prostitute, was fined and hired out. Galveston Daily News, 21 August 1883, p.l, co1.8 Cotton Gin Fire The gin house of Bob Turk, a Negro, living near Cartwheel Prairie, Brazos County, was destroyed by fire last week. Two Negro boys, aged respectively 11 and 13, were arrested for setting it on fire; they plead guilty and say that a gentleman living on the prairie hired them to burn it. Brenham Daily Banner, 2 September 1883 Now on Trial Bryan -The case of J. and R. Jefferson, colored, against the Houston and Texas Central Railroad Company, for damages in the sum of $4000, for refusal to allow them to ride in the first class ladies coach, is now on trial. Galveston Daily News, 13 September 1883, p.4 Suit Against Railroads Bryan -The cases for damages against the Houston and Texas Central Railroad for the refusal of the company to allow colored persons to ride in the same car, or ladies coach, was decided in favor of the defendants. Attorney Johnson brought the suit for the plaintiffs, R. Jefferson and Rev. J.R. Bryan. Judge Goldthwaite was equal to the occasion. The charges of J.W. Collard in these cases were able and contained a full exposition of the law. Galveston Daily News, 14 September 1883, p.4 Rev. J.R. Bryan Hearne, Sept. 14 -- Rev. J.R. Bryan, colored, was to-day fined $5 and costs for an assault upon Conductor Couple, on August 15. Bryan tried to force his entrance into the ladies' car, but failed. He filed suit in the district court for $50,000 damages. He lost the case, and was arrested and returned here for trial and was confined all night in the city calaboose. He paid the fine and was remanded to Brazos County for carrying a pistol. 35 Bryan made a strong appeal to the court there for mercy, and said this had been an unintentional offense, and it was the first time he had ever looked through the bars. Galveston Daily News, 15 September 1883, p.4 Civil Rights Suits The Bryan Pilot says: The decision of the civil rights suits brought by the freedmen Jefferson and Bryan against the Central Railroad did not surprise anybody very much. White people are not willing to have the races occupy the same car, and no jury could be found in this county that would render a verdict which would in effect permit such intermixture. We are glad to learn that the freedmen are resorting to friendly methods to secure proper accommodations from the railroads. Galveston Daily News, 24 September 1883, p.2 Colored Woman's Death Bryan, January 8 - Rhett Robertson, a colored woman, died here last night in childbirth. She gave birth to twins, but, having no one tp attend her and being wholly neglected, died. The twins also died. Galveston Daily News, 9 January 1884 Bad Negro Killed Sam Daniels, a bad Negro, was killed by Mr. J.T. Norman on the Rogers plantation, near Allenfarm, last week. Brenham Daily Banner, 16 March 1884, p.2 Emancipation Day Bryan -Emancipation day was celebrated here by a picnic and addresses. There was a large gathering of colored people from all parts of the county. Professor J.N. Johnson and Rev. J.H. Jackson delivered addresses, where were well tempered and full of good, sound, practical advice to their race. Galveston Daily News, 20 June 1884, p. 3. Two Celebrations Held Millican -There were two celebrations of the 19`h here -- one held by the Methodists and one by the Baptists. Many outside the church stayed at home and worked their crops. Barbecued meat was in abundance, and nothing occurred to mar the pleasure seekers but along-wished-for rain, which however, knocked the starch out of the dresses, but saved the corn crops. The night was enjoyed by the elite of the town in the dizzy mazes. Several were in attendance from Navasota and Benchley, and enjoyed themselves to the wee sma' hours. Galveston Daily News, 21 June 1884, p.3, co1.3 36 A Drowning Millican -Oscar Fontaine, a colored boy, working on the plantation of Mr. Millican, and formerly from Navasota was accidentally drowned this evening while swimming in Peach Creek. Parties are out now searching for his body. Galveston Daily News, 6 July 1884, p.3 Dropped Dead Bryan, July 7 - A Negro named Mallom Mathews dropped dead yesterday from heart disease. Galveston Daily News, 8 July 1884, p.3, co1.2. Courthouse Speech Bryan - Dr. R.F. Boyd, professor of physiology in Meharry Medical College, at Nashville, delivered a lecture at the Court-House tonight in the interest of his race and their needs. Dr. Boyd is a colored man, thoroughly educated, and calculated to do much good for his people. Galveston Daily News, 29 November 1884, p.l, co1.4 The Colored People and the Situation How to Make the Best of It Advice of an Intelligent Colored Man Bryan, Tex., November 26, 1884 -Seeing it frequently reported in your columns that some of my race apprehend Cleveland's election to be a triumph of a party who will now proceed to reinslave them, I ask space in your columns to say something upon that and other matters affecting the colored people. I do not appear for the purpose of attempting to quiet supposed fears on the part of the colored people, for if I did I fear my action would be a sad reflection upon their intelligence, by assuming them to be ignorant enough to believe this foolishness of reinslavement. But to be liberal, I suppose that one colored person in ten thousand believes their reinslavement both possible and desirable, while the rest know it to be both impossible and undesirable under the circumstances. The small proportion who are apprehensive constitute those who are incapable of understanding the situation in whatever stage it might be presented. I do not believe Republican leaders have taught these things to our people. The colored people as a mass would not submit to the insult of an appeal to them based on a fear of re-enslavement. I know that the colored people's devotion to the Republican Party hitherto was maintained by a stronger tie than the blasted theory that Democratic accession to power meant slavery. Hence, there is now no more a necessity to fear violence at the hands of colored people excited by a belief that the Democrats will now proceed to re-enslave them, than there was when it was charged against us last fall, when the civil rights law was overthrown. Let me say to your readers that the colored people have a great deal more common sense than they sometimes get credit for. The News has my acknowledgements 37 for its worthy efforts in quieting apprehensions supposed to exist among us to an alarming extent; and Governor Ireland has our gratitude in an equal degree, and his assurances of protection to the rights of the colored people will be looked forward to with much anticipation. That the colored man has occupied a peculiar position in the politics of the country since enfranchisement can not be denied. The Democratic party in the South has long since driven the Republican party from power in the States and left the colored man with his usual devotion struggling and waging a relentless warfare against the inevitable; and now the national Democratic party have triumphed by means of the aid of the Republican party (the colored man's party) in the State of New York. Where does it leave the colored man to-day? In an isolated position, free to act in such a manner as best subserves his own interests, just as white men do. Is there a single plank in the platform of either party that determines the colored man's course of action? There is none. Then what does determine his course? Answer: His personal interest, in like manner as it does that of a white man. Democracy has triumphed: let us, as sensible men, abide the great verdict by getting all out of it that is possible for our good. Let us hope that the great South will, by a wise, judicious and humane course of action, heal up the wounds caused by race conflicts and race oppressions. Laying aside the question of recognized social inequality, let there be legal equality, and let that legal equality be made available and speedily practical. Mr. Editor, I knave my talk will be condemned and my position misconstrued, but it is influenced by a desire to see my people extracted from the storm of wind, hail, rain and blood, as it were, in which they have so long been mercilessly exposed. I am for eleting [sic] and protecting my own race, knowing other races amply take care of themselves, politics or no politics. Let me ask your readers to consider the propriety of changing the jury law, so as to require the assessor to designate all qualified jurors, without designating race; let the list be numbered and numbered ballots (stiff paper, inch square) corresponding to number on jury list, be drawn out one- by-one, and the names corresponding to numbers drawn be summoned, as jurors, let them be white or black. This will more evenly distribute jury duty; will stop the charge of unfairness in general, will obviate employment of the professional juror, who believes he must convict, guilty or not guilty, to draw his pay. Let our colored branch university be put in operation in a short time; re-establish the agricultural and mechanical branch at Prairie View; establish two reform schools -one for white juvenile offenders, one for colored, white under management of white supervisors, colored under colored supervisors. Let us have better laws regulating hiring of county convicts, and laws for enforcing observance of penitentiary rules at state convict camps on farms. [signed] J.N. Johnson Galveston Daily News, 30 November 1884, p.4. Prominent Freedman Died Bryan, November 28 -- Haywood Calhoun, a prominent freedman of Brazos County, was buried yesterday. Calhoun was one of the leaders of the colored people in this county, and exerted more influence politically than any one of his color. Galveston Daily News, 29 November 1884, p.l, co1.5 Wagon Accident 38 Millican - A Negro here attempted to drive a loaded wagon across the railroad track in front of an incoming freight. The engineer seeing the danger called for the brakes, but was too late. The wagon was mashed into atoms, but the horses and driver escaped unhurt. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 8 February 1885, p.5 Charged with Forging School Vouchers Bryan -Nathan Smiley, a colored school teacher, was indicted at the March term of our District Court for forging school vouchers, but Nathan, hearing that he was wanted, took to the woods. Sheriff Dawson, hearing he was in the county, laid a trap for him, and successfully took him late last night. Galveston Daily News, 10 April 1885, p. 2. College Students Bryan -Hon. W.R. Cavitt has appointed Horace South as state student to the Sam Houston Normal School. He also has appointed, after a competitive examination, Alexander Newton and Loula Jackson, of Brazos County, and R.H. Scott, of Hearne, Robertson County, as state students to the Prairie View Colored Normal School at Hempstead, for the ensuing scholastic. Galveston Daily News, 29 August 1885, p. 3. Teacher Killed Bryan -The examining trial of Judge Collard for the murder of M.A. Robertson, a colored school teacher, was held before Justice Thomas Rowan. The facts and testimony showed that it was a clear case of self- defense. The defendant was admitted to bail in the sum of $500, which was promptly given. Some six or eight of the best men in the county giving defendant's bond. Galveston Daily News, 14 November 1885, p. 5. Emancipation Day Bryan -Emancipation day was celebrated in various portions of the county by the freedmen. The largest gathering was in Bryan. Addresses were delivered by several emancipation orators, among the number Professor A.H. Colwell. Mr. Scott, who killed George M. Wall at Mudville at the emancipation celebration, came in and gave himself up to sheriff Dawson. Galveston Daily News, 21 June 1886, p. 1, col.l . Near Miss Millican - A Negro boy about 10 years of age narrowly escaped being crushed to death by the cars here yesterday. As No. 10 freight was running by the depot, the boy, 39 thinking he could catch on like Mr. Brakey, was thrown between the track and wharf. Fortunately, he was balanced the right way and fell against the wharf. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 11 July 1886, p.4 Escaped Convicts Wellborn -The constable of the precinct, assisted by Mr. Ed Farquhar, caught two escaped Negro convicts near here Sunday morning. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 28 July 1886, p.5, col.3 Woman Assaulted Bryan -John Harris, colored, was arrested and jailed in our county jail to-day, charged with assault and attempt to kill a colored woman known as Pearl, with whom he had been living. She came to town this morning crying and bleeding from aflesh-wound on the head and bloody from head to foot, and made complaint. This same Negro killed his wife here last year, but for want of evidence he was released. He will have his trial tomorrow. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 7 August 1886, p.4, co1.5 A Cutting Scrape Millican - A cutting scrape occurred at Player's gin, this place, today. About noon a Negro boy named Henry Scott, eighteen years of age, and some small white boys were quarreling about some trivial matter. One of the white boys threw a stick at Scott, and he cracked his whip at the boys, but never struck them, when Mr. Cauthon, father of the boys, ran up behind the Negro and stabbed him in the back, making a dangerous, if not fatal, wound. Cauthon was placed under $ 500 bond for his appearance for examining trial Monday. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 22 August 1886, p. 4. Killed by a Train Millican -Last night as the 9 o'clock freight train bound south passed this place, John Cowles, colored, attempted to jump off and was caught and dragged some distance, and 10 minutes after the train had passed he was found between the track and wharf dead and badly mangled. No blame is attached to the train men. Deceased had over $30 in his pocket, and lot his life trying to save 60 cents fare. The coroner's jury rendered a verdict in accordance with the above. Houston Daily Post, 24 December 1886, p.4 Accidental Death Millican - A Negro child of Peter Knox, while assisting her mother washing on Saturday, got too close to the fire and her clothes caught and burned her so badly that she soon died. 40 Galveston Daily News, 1 March 1887 Charged with Horse Stealing Bryan -The. Turner, alias Russell, a freedman, was brought in yesterday and lodged in jail by Levi Neal, charged with horse stealing. Galveston Daily News, 3 March 1887, p.3, col.3 Sent to Prison Bryan - In the Criminal Court this week Chas. Reed, colored, was found guilty of misappropriating amule, in consequence of which he was given seven years in the state prison. J.O. Patterson, colored, was also found guilty of stealing a horse and he was allowed to atone for it by serving the state for seven years. Galveston Daily News, 24 March 1887, p.2, co1.4 House Fire Millican - J.M. Hicks, an industrious colored man living near this place, had his home destroyed by fire this evening. It is supposed some children, while playing about the house, set fire to it. The whites as well as the blacks donated generously to the unfortunate man. Temple Weekly Times, 9 April 1887 Emancipation Day Bryan -The colored population of this town and surrounding counties turned out en masse and celebrated Emancipation Day. They were addressed at the grounds, two miles from town, by Dr. Cochran of Dallas and a number of colored orators on the prohibition question, besides other exercises usual on such occasions. Galveston Daily News, 21 June 1887, p.2, co1.4 Anti-Prohibition Speech Bryan, Tex. -The Negroes had a good crowd at the Court-House last night and were addressed by Akers from the anti point of view. The prohibitionists claim that a division of time was refused their colored speaker. The speech of Rainey, the colored prohibitionist, at the emancipation celebration yesterday, is said to have been of a highly incendiary nature. Galveston Daily News, 22 June 1887, p.2, co1.4. Death from Hydrophobia Bryan, Texas, March 16 -Robert Elliott, a barber, died yesterday of hydrophobia. He was bitten by a mad dog three weeks ago, but did not know at the time that the dog 41 was mad. Three days ago he began complaining of the arm on which he was bitten hurting him. The pain increased until he was compelled to take to his bed. New York Times, 17 March 1888, p.3 Republican Meeting Calvert, Tex., September 3 -- The result of the Republican judicial convention held here yesterday was the nomination of Captain F.M. Adams of Cameron for district judge and John L. Johnson, a colored lawyer of Bryan, for district attorney. Part of the convention bolted, as stated yesterday, and the remaining delegates went ahead and made the nominations. Galveston Daily News, 9 September 1888, p.2, co1.5 Fight at Church Millican - At a Negro church festival last night James Williams and George James had an altercation in which George James shot and seriously wounded Williams. Williams had an overcharge of red rye and James objected. James surrendered himself and is now in jail here. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 1 October 1888, p.5 Elias Mays Elected Elias Mays, colored, will represent Brazos County in the next legislature and there will probably be two colored commissioners Galveston Daily News, 9 November 1888, p.5, co1.2 Lost While Hunting Wellborn - Afive-year-old Negro boy from near here got lost while rabbit hunting yesterday morning and was found dead this morning. His three dogs were still with him. He probably died from exposure, being out all night in the cold rain. Fort Worth Daily Gazette, 31 December 1888, p.l Elias Mays Philadelphia Record: From the county of Brazos, Tex., an intelligent colored man named Elias Mays is sitting in the state legislature for his second term. The Democrats have a slight majority in the county and they would have no difficulty preventing such a result if they had been guilty of the crimes against suffrage which Northern sectionalists attribute to them. Mays says that in Brazos, "between colored people and the whites the relations are quite friendly." Brenham Daily Banner, 14 March 1889 Charged with Rape 42 Millican -George Bell, a Negro boy 16 years of age, was lodged in jail here last night, charged with outraging a little white girl, three years old, daughter of Jesse McFerrin. It is not known what evidence will be produced at the trial, but parties report seeing the little girl in apparent good health this morning. The crime is alleged to have been committed last Tuesday. It was rumored that he would be taken out and lynched last night, and a strong guard was placed at the jail and will be repeated to-night. He will have his examining trial to-morrow. The boy denies his guilt. Galveston Daily News, 14 May 1889, p. l Killing at Millican Millican -About 2 o'clock last night some parties came to the jail here and shot and killed the Negro boy conJ'ined for outraging the little white girl, as reported in to- day's News. They shot him through the grates in the window. The killing is generally condemned by the citizens, as it is said the evidence against the boy was very weak. The boy was only 15 years of age, and very small for his age. The coroner's inquest failed to throw any light on the matter, though suspicion rests pretty heavy on two parties who were seen around the jail the night before, when there were guards on duty. Galveston Daily News, 15 May 1889, p.5 Kicked by His Horse Millican -Henderson Sewell, an old colored man living near here, left home late last evening to get his horse out of the field. Not returning last night, search was instituted for him. They were not long in finding his dead body where his horse had been staked out. There was a bruise on his forehead, indicative of a heavy blow, supposed to have been kicked by his horse. Galveston Daily News, 16 May 1889, p. 1. After 16 Years A middle aged colored woman, who lives on John Newsom's place, ten miles south of Bryan, came to town on Monday, with her husband, and was at J.W. Johnson's store trading. It was here first visit to Bryan in sixteen years. Her name is Katharine, wife of Berry Nicholson. Mr. Johnson made her a present of a handsome dress. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 26 December 1889, p.5, co1.3. More Farmers Another trainload of Negro farmers and their families, from North Carolina, arrived last Sunday. They have been located on the Brazos bottom plantations of J.S. Fowlkes and Wm. Koppe. The expense of bringing them out was about four thousand dollars. Others, for the Messrs. Batte, Col. Sims, and other planters, are expected to arrive soon. This means, of course, more cotton and more trade for old Bryan. Bryan Eagle, 2 January 1890 43 Wellborn Three influential Negroes purchased lots from Capt. Orr, and in the near future the colored people anticipate having a village of their own in the west part of Wellborn. Bryan Eagle, January 2, 1890 White Man's Party Brazos County has a colored representative, two colored commissioners, a colored justice of the peace and a colored constable. A strong effort will be made this fall to elect a straight democratic ticket. (Brenham Banner) (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 3 April 1890, p.l, col.l Dan Stevenson Dan Stevenson, a Negro who has for years resided on Dave Hardy's place near White's Switch, was taken ill Thursday and died Saturday. Nearly everyone in the county knew "Old Dan" especially the "electioneering bosses," and I suppose will regret to learn of his sudden demise. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 2 January 1890, p.l, col.3 Millican Matters Harriet Polk, colored, wife of Alfred Polk, living on W.L. Steele's farm, was arrested, tried and convicted last Tuesday in Justice Dunlap's court on a charge of stealing clothes from Alfred Young's wife. The fine assessed was $1, and costs amounting to $13.00, making a grand total of $14.00 (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 27 March 1890, p.8 School Notice The Bryan colored free schools will observe the following programme of exercises during next week, the closing one of the session of 1889-1890. Sunday, May 25 -Educational sermon at the Shiloh Baptist Church. Prof. Wesley Robinson, or Rev. E.K. Bryan of Navasota. Short crispy talks on educational topics, by Messrs. J.B. Williams, Geo. W. Turner, H.C. Allen, and others. Monday, May 26, to Thursday, May 29, inclusive -Written examination in all the grades, on the subjects prescribed in the curriculum. Friday afternoon -Penmanship by Prof. Allen's class, and oral exercises. 44 Friday, 2 p.m. sharp -Exhibition of the primary and grammar grades at the A.M.E. church. (Time,tables will be posted at the church). Friday night -A.M.E. Church 8 sharp. Graduating Exercises. Prof. J.O. Landry, graduate of Straight University, New Orleans, will preside at the organ. The public is cordially invited to all the exercises. A.H. Colwell, Principal Wesley Robinson, H.B. McIntosh, Mary C. Minor, Teachers. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 22 May 1890, p.l, co1.3 12eplaced as Census Taker Colwell, the freedman appointed to take the census in this precinct outside the city limits, has been removed, or has declined to undertake the work, and a white man has been appointed in his stead. The change is, doubtless, a fortunate one for the Negro. What changes may over the face of this fair land, or what revolutions over the temper and understanding of its people, lie buried in the deep bosom of the future. But sure it is, that the white people of the South are not now prepared to tolerate anything that savors of social or political fraternization with the African race; and this is a stubborn fact that should sink deep into the heart and mind of every man who desires the peace and happiness of our country. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 5 June 1890, p.4, col.2 A Card to the Public Editor Eagle: As you and the public know that there was considerable feeling on the part of the white people of the county over the appointment of A.H. Colwell as enumerator of census for precinct No.4, and as an advantage was taken of me by parties stating on the morning of the election at Wellborn, Bethel, Henry Grange, and Bryan, and probably other boxes, that I had commended him to the supervisor, I desire in vindication of myself and in justice to friends who supported me, and in refutation of the falsehood to the public generally, to publish enclosed correspondence. Yours truly, J.J. Adams Bryan, Tex., Aug.6th, 1890 Dr. Thos. A. Pope, Sup. of Cen., Cameron, Tex. Dear Sir: During the late primary election in this county, it was used against me that I had recommended to you for appointment, one A.H. Colwell, a colored man of this county. I knew such was not the case and have given it the lie, but to satisfy all parties and in justice to my friends I will be obliged to you if you will write me, stating whether or not I 45 ever commended him to you by petition, letter or otherwise, for appointment as enumerator, for this or any other precinct. Yours truly, J.J. Adams Cameron, Tex., Aug.7, 1890 J.J. Adams, Esq., Bryan, Texas Sir: In reply to your letter herewith returned, I would respectfully state that you did not by word or letter or in any manner indorse A.H. Colwell or ask that he be appointed. I never had any correspondence of any kind with you and never heard your name until I was in Bryan about ten days ago. Respectfully, Thomas H. Pope (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 14 August 1890, p.l, co1.2 Republican Convention Bryan, Texas, Aug. 21, 1890 The Republicans of Brazos County are hereby called to meet in mass convention in the city of Bryan on the 13th day of Sept. 1890, to consider the propriety of nominating a Republican ticket. N.A. Alberson, ch'mn. ex. com. W.B. Moore, secretary (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 4 September 1890, p.l, co1.3 No Cotton Pickers' Strike Bryan, Texas, September 12 -- There is no demonstration of any strike here among the cotton pickers. Our darkies are either owners of land or renters, and do not pay any attention to set days for something they know they can't get. A few of the town bums and loafers are grouped about the corners, but to no effect. Monday is the day cotton pickers' contracts are made. Houston Daily Post, 13 September 1891, p.l. An Accidental Pistol Shot Bryan, Tex. -Last night at about 2 o'clock Gus Julian, a Negro brickmason at work upon the new barracks at College, shot himself accidentally while removing a pistol from his pocket, the ball passing through his lower bowels and coming out near his spine. He died shortly afterward and was removed to Houston for burial by the colored Odd Fellows, of which order he was a member. Galveston Daily News, 21 October 1891, p.3, col.4 Won't Have It Bryan, Texas, February 19 -The opera house management have a telegram from the Uncle Tom's Cabin Company that they will not cancel their engagement in Bryan and 46 will be here on time to show. Manager Schwarz says they can not place in his house, and there is a determined air about some of our citizens which indicates that they will have a lively reception. Our people say they are getting along amicably and peacefully with the Negroes and that these sores are just healing up and are being relegated to the past, and they don't care to have anything occur that will renew or reopen bygones. This is a political year, and Brazos County is very evenly divided between the Negroes and the whites, and only by the most careful and judicious management are the whites enabled to hold the county government: We have this year, for the first time in many years, a white representative in the legislature. Good citizens say positively that their amicable relation with the Negroes shall not be disturbed by any such abolitionist trash. Houston Post, 20 February 1892, p.2, co1.2 Bryan Local Notes "Uncle Tom's Cabin" company are here and their car is sidetracked on the Houston and Central Texas railway. They are anxious to play Bryan, if they can get the opera house, which has been denied them. So far no satisfactory arrangements have been made. Houston Post, 21 February 1892, p.2, col.l Bryan Locals The "Uncle Tom's Cabin" company played at the Academy of Music last night, the management of the Grand Opera house declining them that building. It was not ti115 p.m. that the management of the company decided to play, as they did not care to play and risk any trouble. They had a fair sized audience of white people and many Negroes. The car left for Navasota last night. Houston Post, 22 February 1892, p.6, col.6 To Colored Ministers College Station, Texas, February 20 - I feel authorized, in behalf of my people - the colored people of the Brazos Valley - to ask that preachers come to this section and labor in the cause of the Savior. The young men are going astray and the labor put here will do an amount of good which can hardly be calculated. A column could be written, but it is hoped the request for help is all that is needed. Yours truly, R.R. Foster. Houston Post, 24 February 1892, p.2, co1.4 Colored Teachers' Association Bryan, Texas -The Central Texas Teachers' Association (colored) met in Bryan yesterday. There was a good sized attendance from other points and the programme was quite interesting, which consisted of addresses, reading of papers, interspersed with music. Houston Daily Post, 28 March 1892, p.2, co1.4 47 Colored Normal Bryan, Tex. - To the News: The summer normal for colored teachers opened here Monday, the 4`h instant, with bright prospects of a successful session. The normal is conducted by Prof. J.R. Gibson, principle of the colored high school at Galveston, assisted by Profs. H.G. Williams and W. D. Donnell. Instruction will be given in the methods of teaching of those subjects required for a first grade summer normal certificate and attention will also be given to the discussion of the educational topics which have recently come into prominence. Dallas Morning News, 8 July 1892, p.6, col. l Colored Normal in Progress Bryan, Texas, July 9 -The colored state normal now in progress at this place has an attendance of about forty pupils, all progressing smoothly under and able corps of teachers. The number of pupils is expected to increase to at least eighty or one hundred by the beginning of next week. Houstou Post, 10 July 1892, p.16, co1.6 Bryan's First Bale Bryan's first bale of cotton has been received and the first bale "chestnut" is passed to the next point. It was raised by a colored man, Hilliard Jones, on his own farm near Bryan, was ginned by G.S. Parker, weighed and handled at the Bryan Brick warehouse by J.M. Gates, sold to James O. Chance for 10 cents a pound, weighed 525 pounds and classed strict middling. Messrs. James O. Chance and James Gates gave Hilliard a purse of $11.40. Houstou Daily Post, 31 July 1892, pt.2, p.15, co1.2 Colored Normal Closes The Bryan colored normal, after a four weeks' session, conducted by Professor J.R. Nelson of Galveston, assisted by H.G. Williams and W.D. Donnell, closed its season today. During the session sixty teachers were enrolled, of whom forty-six stood the examinations which took place the past three days. Houstou Daily Post, 31 July 1892, pt.2, p.15, co1.2 Arrest of Popular Negro for Theft Bryan, Texas - V.H. McCall, a Negro drayman of this place, was arrested this morning by Marshall Nall for burglarizing the home of Mr. W.A. Reed last night. Flour, meal and sugar stolen from Reed were found in McCall's possession, besides a large quantity of other articles of food and clothing, both ladies' and gentlemen's wear, of fine quality, stolen from different people the past few months, were found in his possession. McCall is an exceptionally intelligent Negro, a hard worker and a favorite among people having delivery work done, as he was quick, able and willing. He did a thriving business, 48 and is said to have a $1000 bank account. Besides, he has a very comfortable home, several rent houses, several horses and wagons, and is well fixed. He served a term in the penitentiary about ten years ago for forging a school voucher in Grimes County while teaching school there, on which he obtained $450, which he hid and recovered after coming out of the pen. He has the past two years paid many fines in both city and county courts for all kinds of offenses, committed mostly among his own race, but is really a constitutional thief, as is now proven. Houston Daily Post," 1 August 1892, p.2, co1.2 The Colored Troops Depart The Bryan Light f~uard (colored) left today for Austin with about thirty-two men in all, in command of Captain Lewis Johnson, for the State encampment. The depot was thronged with Negroes today'to say good-bye, and their sponsor stacked up immense. Houston Daily Post, 24 August 1892, p.2, co1.2 Attempted Shooting with an Empty Pistol Bryan, Texas - A Negro woman named Jessie Williams attempted to shoot a Negro man with a pistol in front of the court house about 1 o'clock this afternoon. The pistol, when knocked from her hand, was found to be empty. She was at once taken in charge by the officers. The trouble grew out of school matters, both parties being teachers. Houston Daily Post, 25 August 1892, p.2, col.2 Republican Primary Bryan, Texas -The Republicans of this precinct held their precinct conventions here this afternoon to elect delegates to the county convention. Welsey Robinson was their chairman and was elected for two years hence. S.H. Hasbery was secretary of the meeting. The following were the delegates appointed to the county convention: Charles Vincent, B. Bowen, E.W. Thomas, H.H. Hall, J.A. Myers, W. Robinson, S. McLain, R. S. Louis, A.R. Wilson, Will Colham, E.W. Knox, Levy Neal, Jack Nichols, C.A. Sandell, S.H. Hawley, R.B. Goosby. Houston Daily Post, 26 August 1892, p.6, co1.5 Bryan's Colored Clark Club Bryan, Texas - A Bryan colored Clark club was organized here Monday night with E.W. Knox as president and John A. Freeman secretary. Sixty-three members were enrolled. Rousing speeches were made for Clark by Prof. A.H. Coldwell and John A. Freeman. N.W. Cuney was strongly indorsed in every part of the proceedings. Galveston Daily News, 13 October 1892, p.l, co1.6 Brazos County Republicans 49 The Republican county convention of Brazos County was called to order at 4 p.m. yesterday and H.H. Hail was chosen chairman and W.B. More secretary. A tame fight was put up by a few Negroes espousing Governor Hogg, who, failing in everything else, tried to break up the meeting by rowdyism. This was put down and the convention got down to business. The resolutions adopted were of a sterling character and indorsed the National Republican ticket headed by Harrison and Reid; also indorsed the National and State platforms and ratified the State convention's action indorsing Hon. George Clark for governor and I.N. Barber, third party candidate for congress. This was done amidst great enthusiasm. Professor A.H. Coldwell delivered a rousing Clark speech and the convention adjourned. Houston Daily Post, 17 October 1892, p.2, co1.2 Political Matters Bryan, Texas -The Republicans of this county have on hand a big rally for next Saturday at Ella. Professors Coldwell and Freeman will address the crowd. Houston Daily Post, 21 October 1892, p.2, co1.4 Negro Hogg Club Bryan, Texas - A colored Hogg club was organized in Bryan yesterday by S.J. Jenkins, "a limb of the law" hailing from Brenham. Eloquence and enthusiasm made up for what was lacking in numbers; for but few Negroes took part. The great bulk of Negro voters are for Clark. Houston Daily Post, 24 October 1892, p.3, co1.6 Republican Meeting Called Bryan, Texas -All Republicans of Brazos County are requested to meet in mass at Bryan, Texas, on the 2d day of November for the purpose of making nominations of candidates for county offices. E.W. Knox, Republican Chairman Houston Daily Post, 29 October 1892, p.6, co1.4 Died After Amputation Bryan, Texas - A colored man, who cooks for Mr. Thomas Boyett, shot himself accidentally some days since while seeking game for the pot. A Negro doctor amputated his arm which was wounded and death resulted soon after. Houston Daily Post, 15 April 1893, p.3, co1.2 Charged with Arson Bryan, Texas, May 1 -- R.S. Lewis, colored, whose house was reported as having been burned by the explosion of a lamp recently, is undergoing an examining trial for burning the property. 50 Galveston Daily News, 2 May 1893, p.3 Lewis Acquitted Bryan -- The Negro, Rumsey Lewis, who was on trial yesterday for the burning of his home recently, was acquitted, there being no evidence to sustain the charge. Galveston Daily News, 3 May 1893, p.3 Emancipation Day At Bryan Bryan -Emancipation day for the colored population is being thoroughly observed in Bryan. The streets are as well crowded as is usual on Saturdays, and a goodly crowd went from here to Navasota to spend the day. Galveston Daily News, 20 June 1893, p.4. At Bryan The Negroes are celebrating Emancipation day with a barbecue near town. Galveston Daily News, 20 June 1894, p.4. Colored Odd Fellows Meet Bryan -The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, colored, convened here to-day with about 118 delegates, and will be in session until Friday. Mayor Adams was on the programme for the address of welcome. The response was made by C.M. Ferguson of Paris. R.S. Lewis delivered the address of welcome in behalf of the Rose of Sharon lodge, response by David Abner of Seguin. The officers are: David Abner of Seguin, district grand master; H.J. McAdoo of Brenham, deputy district grand master; C.M. Ferguson of Paris, district grand secretary; J.R. Nelson of Terrell, district grand treasurer; H.C. Bell of Athens, T.B. Harris of Belton and J.W. Ray of Dallas, executive committee. Galveston Daily News, 8 August 1894 Colored Odd Fellows Grand Parade, Followed by Addresses at the Park Bryan, Brazos Co., Tex., Aug. 10 -The grand lodge of United Odd Fellows is still in session. A general parade was given this afternoon, the delegates and officers appearing in full regalia, led by a colored brass band, which came down for the occasion from Waco. The procession passed up Main Street and out to the park, where addresses were made. The grand annual banquet is in progress to-night. The delegates will leave to-morrow. Everybody seems exhausted after the grand demonstration here yesterday. The News was in great demand to-day on account of the comprehensiveness of its report. Galveston Daily News, 11 August 1894, p.5 Colored I.O.O.F. Lodge 51 Adjourn to Meet at Palestine Next Year. The Officers Elected -Reports Made. Bryan, Brazos Co., Tex., Aug. 11 -The last two days of the district grand lodge, United Order of Odd Fellows, were the most interesting of the session. A telegram was received from San Antonio conveying the information that ex-Director James Martin, Jr. was no more. Speeches eulogizing the deceased brother were made by District Master David Abner, Jr., Deputy District Master H.J. McAdoo, H.G. Goree, T.H. Jones, C.M. Ferguson and S.S. Irving. L. M. Terrell of lodge no. 2144 moved that the grand master be authorized to tender the sympathy of the grand lodge to the widow of the deceased brother. Carried. Some important amendments were made to the laws of the relief fund bureau, the endowment department of the order. The report of the committee on insurance showed that the property owned by the Odd Fellows of the state is covered by an insurance of $19,500, which is a trifle less than one-fifth of the whole value of the property in the state. The district grand master made his annual report; which was listened to with marked attention. It showed the lodges generally to be in a prosperous condition and teemed with many timely suggestions, evidencing the fact that the grand master has been alert to the interest of the order, and as a result more men have joined this year than any six previous years. The report was well received, and referred to the committee on executive officers' reports. The deputy district grand master next submitted his annual report. The report was referred to the proper committee. The district grand secretary submitted his annual report, and, upon motion, it was received and referred to the proper committee. The report showed that $459.25 has been collected on taxes to grand lodge this year, which is in excess of last year to the amount of $43.77. The election of annual officers resulted as follows: District grand master, D. Abner, Seguin; deputy district grand master, H.C. Bell, Athens; district grand secretary, C.M. Ferguson; Paris: district grand treasurer, J.R. Nelson, Terrell; district grand warden, H.G. Goree, Atlanta; district grand chaplain, J.R. Gilliland, Milford; district grand marshal, F.T. Thompson, Chappell Hill; D.W. Walton, Denison: member of executive committee: also, T.B. Harris, Belton, Thos. H. Jones, Houston. Palestine was elected as the next place of meeting. The grand officers were installed at night at the high school building. The B.M.C., the general congress of the order, convenes at Boston, Mass., on the first Tuesday in October next. W.H. Hubert of Houston was chosen chairman of the transportation committee. The parade yesterday was a fine affair. There were about 200 Odd Fellows in the procession on foot and about thirty in carriages. The Waco cornet band headed the procession. The outlook for the Odd Fellows in Texas was never so bright as now. The district grand order adjourned to meet at Palestine on the first Tuesday in August, 1895. Galveston Daily News, 12 August 1894, p.7 52 Political Fight Bryan -Elder Watson and Policeman Levy Neal, both colored, got into a heated political discussion this afternoon. The lie was passed and Neal struck the preacher. Both were arrested. Galveston Daily News, 1 November 1894, p.4, co1.5 Constable Powell Harvey Constable Powell Harvey of the Brazos bottom, left Sunday for Palestine in answer to a telegram announcing the arrest of a Negro supposed to be Prof. Ward who buncoed Winnie Spurling out of $600 in the Brazos bottom recently. Harvey was accompanied by a man named Spurling who will identify Ward. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 7 February 1895, p.3, co1.2 Reese Banner Reese Banner, the popular and well-known colored barber who has made his home in Bryan for a quarter of a century, died suddenly at his home in this city after about two week's illness. He sat up and ate quite heartily shortly before his death, which was an unexpected shock to his large circle of friends, numbering many white as well as colored people. Reese was born ,in Washington County, and came to Bryan twenty-five years ago, and has worked as a barber nearly all the time. Lately he has been studying for the ministry and began preaching a short time ago. He had considerable influence among his people and was held in esteem as an unusually good Negro by all who knew him. He leaves a wife and several children. His funeral was conducted by Elder D.H. Shivers and S.M. Holmes, and was attended by four or five hundred people, many of them white. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 28 February 1895, p.6, co1.3 Estray Notice Brazos County -Lost, strayed or stone from Levi Neal, one brown horse, 7 years old, branded L cross on shoulder and hip. Liberal reward will be paid for recovery. T.C. Nunn, sheriff Brazos County. Galveston Daily News, 11 April 1895 Attempted Hold Up A Negro employed at College came into town at breakneck speed one night last week and reported that three men attempted to hold him up at the bridge on the college road. Reports of this kind have been frequent of late and some persons have become quite nervous about that part of the road. We trust, however, there is little foundation for this fear. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 13 June 1895, p.3, co1.2 53 Coming Home from Africa Readers of the Eagle who remember the emigration of a prosperous colored Brazos County farmer, Wiley Walton, to Liberia, Africa, a few months ago described in a letter from him published recently, will be surprised to learn that a telegram was received from him yesterday morning to Hedry Johnson, also colored, dated Effingham, Ill., and stating that Walton will be home in a few days. Also that Olin Walton had died of what is called American fever. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 13 June 1895, p.3, co1.3 Returned from Liberia Wiley Walton, a prosperous colored Brazos County farmer, who, with his family, emigrated to Liberia, Africa, three months ago, as mentioned in The News at that time, has returned to Brazos County, having spent much of his substance on the trip, which was full of disappointment and mistakes, and also lost a child from the ravages of a disease known as American fever. This incident has wet-blanketed the African fever in these parts. Galveston Daily News, 15 June 1895, p.7, co1.2 Returned from Africa Wiley Walton reached home last week from Africa. He left much of his personal property there, among other things an "Old Hickory" wagon, bought at Saunders and Johnson, which he sold for $20 in gold. This is the only American wagon to be found in that part of the dark continent which he visited. Walton's talk regarding Liberia is full of novel and interesting things. He says if a young man he would go back again and remain. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 20 June 1895, p.3, co1.3. Brazos Light Guards The Brazos Light Guards, Company B, First Regiment, Captain Jeff Young with thirteen men in the company returned Thursday from the colored state drill at Galveston, having won the first prize of $50. The members are kicking muchly because the prize was only half the amount promised by the committee. There were only three companies at the drill. The fact that the Bryan company won with thirteen men gives a black eye to the popular superstition regarding that number, but some folks will say it was "Negro luck." All the same, we are glad the Bryan company got it. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 20 June 1895, p.6, co1.5 Emancipation Day Yesterday was emancipation day and the colored folks enjoyed it as much as they could considering the rain. A match game of ball was played between the Navasota and Bryan teams. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 20 June 1895, p.3, col.4 54 Gambling in the Courthouse Marshal Shelburne got onto the fact that some Negroes were gambling in a room on the third floor of the courthouse, and last night he pulled the whole outfit, numbering eleven, and they were fined $14.75 each in the mayor's court this morning. Those in attendance were Dick Randle, Levy Murphy, Ed Talley, Jim Houston, Alex Watson, Willis Williams, Robert Andrews, John Graves, Fred Houston, Alex Daniels and Jerry Shaw. Dick Randles has been courthouse janitor for some time, but has lost his job on account of this episode, which shows an amount of gall that is perfectly sublime. Bryan Daily Eagle, 24 December 1895 New Newspaper Bryan has a new colored man's paper the Republican, published by Parson Holmes, who formerly published the Watchword. Bryan Daily Eagle, 8 January 1896, p.l, co1.3 Bryan Republican The Bryan Republican was established in January last by Rev. R.M. Holmes as publisher and Dr. W.T. Greene, editor. The Republican is owned and published by colored men and is asix-column folio. Galveston Daily News, 16 March 1896, p.6, col.7 Shooting Affray at Bryan In an altercation between Dr. W.F. Green and Dr. J.S. Reed, both colored, Green was shot this afternoon. The two met in the postoffice about 2 p.m. Both parties drew their pistols and commenced firing, resulting in Dr. Green receiving a fatal shot in the left breast and Dr. Reed a slight wound in the left arm. Reed was arrested and landed in jail, and in an interview says that the shooting was an outcome of an article printed in a local colored paper, and that he did the shooting in self-defense. Green is not expected to recover. Galveston Daily News, 31 May 1896 Emancipation Celebrations We are informed that emancipation celebrations will be held today at the following places: Bryan, Boonville, Walker settlement, Benchley, Canaan church on the Little Brazos, Millican, Peach Creek, Salem Church near Mudville, near Myers and Tunis and at Cartwheel and on Wickson. Bryan Daily Eagle, 19 June 1896, p.4, col. l Yesterdays Celebration 55 The colored people celebrated emancipation yesterday near town and at various places in the county. Barbecued meats, music and a good time generally was had. So far as we have heard everything passed off quietly. Bryan Daily Eagle, 20 June 1896, p.4, col, l At Allen Springs The colored community barbecue given at Allen Springs, near Kit Davis' place, eight miles northwest of Bryan on the Mumford road, on last Friday was a great success. There was plenty of barbecued meats on hand, and manager S.D. Dorsey handled everything satisfactorily. Bryan Daily Eagle, 21 June 1896, p.4, col. l A House Fire The residence of Elder D.H. Shivers, colored, was burned at an early hour yesterday morning, the loss including most of the household goods. An organ was saved. The fire appears to have started from some unknown cause in the roof. Loss on house and furniture, a thousand or twelve hundred dollars. Insurance on both, $800. Bryan Daily Eagle, 18 July 1896, p.4 Broke His Leg A 17-year-old son of Sol Holstein, colored, had his right leg broken Thursday. A yoke of steers ran away with him. Bryan Daily Eagle, 18 July 1896, p.4 Died from the Heat Charlie Cook, a colored cook at the mess hall at College, was found dead there yesterday morning. He showed no marks of violence and evidently died from heat. Justice Charles Gainer was summoned and held an inquest. The Negro was apparently all right and performed his duties as usual the day previous to his death. Bryan Daily Eagle, 21 August 1896, p.4, co1.2 Annual Conference of A.M.E. Church Bryan, Tex., Nov. 11 -The Texas Annual Conference of the A.M.E. Church assembled at Bryan in Allen Chapel November 11 at 9 o'clock a.m. to hold its thirty-first annual session. The conference was opened with Bishop J.H. Armstrong in the chair. The annual sermon was preached by Rev. F.W. Johnson. Rev. J.W. Rankins and Rev. G.E. Taylor were elected secretaries. The bishop called for the transfers and they were by him introduced to the conference, after which the conference took a recess for five minutes to prepare reports. The Houston and Palestine districts reported, showing 56 considerable falling off when compared with last year's reports. The conference adjourned by benediction until 2 o'clock p.m. Bryan, Tex., Nov. 12 -The second day's session of the thirty-first annual Texas conference of the A.M.E. church opened this morning at 8:30 o'clock with Bishop Armstrong presiding. A prayer and praise service was conducted by Rev. S. Vaughn. The conference was then formally opened. Upon request of the Bishop W.C. Cole of Oakwoods circuit continued the opening services with the singing of a hymn after which he addressed the throne of grace in a fervent and earnest prayer, and closed by reading the Twenty-third Psalm. The bishop then asked the conference to join in singing "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross," which was rendered. Rev. J.S. Jenkins, presiding elder of the San Antonio district, west Texas conference, was requested to. come forward and was introduced to the audience by the bishop, after which the roll was called and corrected. The minutes of the previous session were read and adopted. The bishop then delivered some timely instructions on the duty of preachers toward each other. Report of committee on circuits and stations was received and adopted. A class of five candidates for the ministry came forward, and after the usual disciplinary examination, were admitted. The conference then adjourned unti12:30 this afternoon, when a missionary sermon was delivered by Rev. J.C. Hamilton. Galveston Daily News, 13 November 1896, p.5, co1.4 Colored Methodists Bryan, Tex., Nov.14 -The usual devotional exercises were gone through at the meeting of the Texas conference of colored Methodists this morning, followed by roll call, after which a collection of $38 was taken for educational purposes. Rev. J.G. Grimes of Palestine preached from Matt. xxv. 46. Eighteen persons came forward for prayer and joined the church at the close of the service, and a collection of $4.90 was taken. At the afternoon meeting Rev. L.D. Hornaday preached the educational sermon. Galveston Daily News, 14 November 1896 Allen Chapel Bryan -The African Methodist Episcopal Church annual Texas conference closed its meeting here to-night, and the delegates have departed for their respective homes. The session has accomplished a great amount of work in all the departments and has been highly satisfactory to those in attendance. Galveston Daily News, 16 November 1896, p.2, co1.6 John White Died John White, a well known old Negro, died and was buried here Sunday. Bryan Daily Eagle, 15 December 1896, p.4, col.2 57 School Burned The old colored school house at Boonville was burned Tuesday night about nine o'clock. The origin of the fire is not known. Many persons here saw the light of the flames. Bryan Daily Eagle,_31 December 1896, p.4, col.2 Runaway Horse A horse ran away with a Negro at Allenfarm Thursday, and threw him against a tree, breaking both jawbones and otherwise bruising him up badly. The Negro's name is Tom Scott. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 3 February 1897, p.3, col.4 Estray Notice Taken up by Ned Peterson, and estrayed before T.J. Jones, Justice of the Peace of Precinct No.7, Brazos County, Texas, one sorrel mare 12 hands high, 6 or 7 years old, branded on the shoulder with scissors brand. Appraised by J.B. Nulley and Evan Williams at $10. Witness my hand this 15th day of January, 1897. G.W. McMichael, Clerk Co. Court, Brazos Co., Texas. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 3 February 1897, p.7, co1.2. 110 Years Old Malinda Whitehead, a colored woman said to be 110 years old, died here Tuesday night. She had lived in Bryan many years, and leaves several generations of descendents. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 3 February 1897, p.3, col.1. Sam Brazile Died Sam Brazile, an old Negro, died and was buried here yesterday. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 15 April 1897, p.6, co1.5 Meeting at Shiloh Baptist Church An educational convention of colored Baptists met at Shiloh Baptist Church in this city last night. The delegates are from Brazos and adjoining counties and the session will last three days. The object of the convention is to raise funds for educational purposes. C.L. McPherson of Navasota is the presiding officer. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 13 May 1897, p.6, co1.3 Seventy-Five Baptized 58 II . There were seventy-five accessions by baptism to Shiloh colored Baptist church Sunday afternoon. A colored evangelist has been conducting a revival at this church the past two weeks and it is announced the meeting will continue another week. '(weekly) Bryan Eagle, 17 June 1897, p.6, co1.5 Barber's Brother Passes W.M. Todd, the colored barber, was called to Houston yesterday by the death of his brother Felix Todd, who was shot three times and killed at Houston Heights Sunday morning. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 24 June 1897, p.6, co1.5 Methodist Fundraiser The Wiley Jubilee Troupe, colored, of Wiley University of Marshall will give an entertainment here at the colored Methodist church Monday night for the benefit of their school. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 24 June 1897, p.6 Emancipation Day Celebration Edmond Thomas has respectfully requested the Eagle to say for him that the colored people attempted to have their emancipation celebration Tuesday without asking for assistance from the white people who have been helping them for thirty years, and that as a result the celebration was not so successful as usual. This experience, he thinks, proves that the colored people are not able to walk alone yet, and hereafter they will call on the white people as usual. In this connection the Eagle wishes to commend the colored people on the good order which prevailed at the celebration here. We have heard no reports of difficulties or disorder, such as characterized the celebrations at many other points, according to press dispatches. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 24 June 1897, p.6, col.l [this appears in the 2°d Eagle issue on the microfilm dated 24 June 1897] Ned McGregor Mr. J.H. McGregor of Wellborn, one of Brazos County's oldest and best citizens, brings to the Eagle a request from numerous citizens of Wellborn and vicinity that the death of Ned McGregor, colored, be appropriately mentioned in view of the sincere regard for the deceased Negro's worth entertained by those who knew him. Ned McGregor was born March 5, 1830, and died Sept. 30, 1897. Mr. B. McGregor brought him to this state in 1843. He was a good servant until he was freed, when Mr. McGregor gave him a home. For 25 years he was a member of the Methodist Church, and he was all his life a good honest citizen, respected by white and colored people. Those whom he had served so faithfully administered to his wants in his last illness, and many attended his funeral. He leaves a wife and four children. 59 (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 7 October 1897, p.3, co1.2 Bob McQueen Passed Away Bob McQueen, colored, a son of Shade McQueen, died Friday and was buried yesterday. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 13 January 1898, p.6, co1.4 Elected President of Teachers Group L.A. Nash who teaches the Silver Valley school in the Brazos bottom, has been elected president of the Burleson County colored teacher association which numbers some forty members. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 13 January 1898, p.6, co1.4 Central Texas Colored Teachers to Meet The eighth annual session of the Central Texas colored teachers association has been called to meet in Marlin April 15 and 16, by the president, A.H. Colwell. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 3 March 1898, p.6, co1.5 Brazos County Teachers Institute The colored teachers institute of Brazos County is holding a two days session here with good attendance. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 18 March 1898, p.6, co1.2 Jake McIntosh Died Jake McIntosh, a Negro who has driven a dray here for the past twenty years, died Sunday. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 31 March 1898, p.10, co1.5 Negro Educational Conference A large number of representative Negroes from various parts of Texas and from other states are here attending the "Negro Educational Convention." The convention was called to order yesterday morning at 10 o'clock with Rev. J.F. Thompson of Jonesville, as chairman pro tem, and Ref. F.G. Davis of McKinney, as temporary secretary. The convention is harmonious and much effective work will be doubtless be accomplished. Some of those in attendance say they expect this to be one of the best meetings of the denomination for 1896. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 9 June 1898, p.6, co1.4 Baptist Educational Association 60 The Negro Baptist educational association held at Shiloh Baptist Church has adjourned. The purpose of the association is to foster the three Negro Baptist schools in Texas, Bishop College at Marshall, Hearne Academy at Hearne, and Houston Academy at Houston. To this end an executive committee of fifteen was appointed, in addition to the election of permanent officers of the convention which will meet in Navasota in September. The executive committee will in turn elect a general educational agent. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 9 June 1898, p.6, co1.4 Baptism at Carter's Creek Nineteen colored people united with the Baptist Church by baptism on Carter's Creek Sunday afternoon. Bryan Daily Eagle, 9~ August 1898, p.3, co1.2 Kurten Meeting At the precinct meeting held this evening, A.W. ,Shealey presided and B.F. Bullock acted as secretary. Quite a number were preserit. The following list of delegates were elected to attend the county convention: W.W. Jones, A.W. Shealey, Davis Shirly, B.F. Bullock, J.M. Zimmerman, W.A. Stewart, L.L. Edge, R.J. Stripling, W.H. Byers, W.R. Thompson, W.R. Gallatin, R. Hudspeth, J.S. Francis, A.A. Dean, John Merka, Gus Stevener, Jacob Powell, J.W. Cloud, J.C. Lloyd, M.B. Eastus, J.T. McGee, John Wiley. Colored -John Loar, Jake Gibbs, Charley McMahan, Dan Jarvis, Wiley Walton, Gabe Irins, Wiley Bass, Henry Sterling, Nick Fields. The following resolution was passed: Resolved, That it is the sense of those present that we heartily condemn the action of certain gentlemen in trying to take the whole matter of naming a county ticket in their own hands. [signed] Committee. Bryan Daily Eagle, 11 August 1898, p.2, col.3. A Card To the editor of the Bryan Eagle: Will you please publish iri your valuable paper the following notice: To the public and organizers of the non-partisan move in Brazos County, Texas -- Iwish to state that I cannot accept any precinct chairmanship or other office with the non- partisans, as I only affiliate with the republicans, so you will please substitute some other name for mine. Very respectfully, Elias Mays. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, I 1 August 1898, p. 2, col. 2 Republican Call 61 The republican delegates of the 55th representative district, are hereby called to meet at the court house.. in the city of Bryan, on Saturday, August 27th, 1898, for the purpose of transacting such business as may probably come before the convention. Respectfully, Elias Mays, Chairman. J.F. Burn, Secretary. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 25 August 1898, p.3, col.3 Alligator Captured A Negro was here yesterday who lately captured an alligator 10 1/2 feet long in Judge Henderson's pasture near the Brazos River. The alligator will be exhibited here. Bryan Daily Eagle, 31 August 1898, p.3, col.l Baptism in Brazos River It is stated that 52 Negroes were baptized on the Brazos River Sunday, the crowd in attendance being very large. Bryan Daily Eagle, 4 October 1898, p.3, col.3 Railroad Accident A colored man named Al Hall, employed at the compress, had one hand lacerated and the thumb mashed off while coupling cars that were being pushed by hand while loading cotton Saturday. Bryan Daily Eagle, 4 October 1898, p.3, co1.3 Insurance Payment The wife of Jake McIntosh, (col.) deceased, has received $1000 insurance on the life of her husband from the Mutual Reserve represented by Joe B. Reed. Bryan Daily Eagle, 12 October 1898, p.3, co1.2 Colored Odd Fellows The colored Odd Fellows held a meeting Wednesday night and gave Mrs. Will Calhoun $100 endowment on the life of her husband. Bryan Daily Eagle, 14 October 1898, p.3, co1.3 Shiloh Baptist A fair is in progress at Shiloh colored Baptist Church, under the management of W.R. Ford, and will continue every night this week. Bryan Daily Eagle, 16 November 1898, p.3, co1.2 62 House Fire The house of Ed Knox, colored, burned last night between 11 and 12 o'clock. The family was absent at an entertainment and the loss was total, estimated at probably $800 with $250 insurance on the house and some insurance on the furniture. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 5 January 1899, p.8, co1.3 Colored Masonic Grand Lodge The twenty-fourth annual meeting of the colored Masonic grand lodge of Texas will be held here from June 13 to 17 inclusive, under the auspices of Social Tie Lodge No. 56. The programme on the several days includes music, addresses, memorial services, a grand parade, installation exercises and the annual banquet. A series of entertainments will be conducted each night at the Masonic hall under the auspices of the Eastern Star, and music will be furnished by the Hearne band. C.L. Versea is chairman of the committee on arrangements and C.C. Carter chairman of reception committee. Excursion rates of one and one-third fare are announced, J.W. McKinney, M.W.G.M.; W. H. Mitchel, G.S., Chas. C. Carter, W.M. Social Tie Lodge No. 56; S.L. Alberson, Secretary. Bryan Eagle, 1 June 1899 Baseball The colored ball team of Mexia will play the colored team of Bryan two championship games here the first at 3:30 this afternoon and the next tomorrow. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 8 June 1899, p.7, col. l Barbecues in the Brazos Bottoms Barbecues were given yesterday in the Brazos bottom on the plantations of Messrs. James O. Chance and A.D. McConnico, both of whom entertained some of their white friends and gave the Negroes on their places a fine barbecue dinner. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 22 June 1899, p.7, col.3 Bryan vs. Calvert The game of ball between the colored teams of Bryan and Calvert yesterday resulted in a score of 27 to 4 in favor of Bryan. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 22 June 1899, p.6, co1.3 A Drowning Jule Chapman, a well known Negro, was drowned in the Little Brazos at the Sandy Point Road crossing on Thursday, trying to get to his family. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 6 July 1899, p.2, co1.3 63 Escaped the Flood Scott Howard and family, colored on C.P. Jones' place in the bottom, were rescued from trees with boats improvised from a horse trough. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 6 July 1899, p.2, co1.3. Lodge Met The W.W. Club, Lodge No. 14, M.N., colored, yesterday notified Mayor Adams that 160 garments, eight pairs of shoes, three bonnets, two caps and one sheet had been collected for the flood sufferers. The notification was signed by Effie Young, president, Hallie O. Houston, secretary, Beulah G. Nicholas, treasurer, and A.S. Keatts, grand president. The mayor appointed the first three named to distribute the clothing. Bryan Daily Eagle, 21 July 1899, p.3, co1.3 Relief for a Flood Sufferer "Uncle Ned" Newman, an old Negro from the Brazos bottom who wrote a long letter last week to Mr. Charles Davis of El Paso, yesterday received through Mr. J.W. Johnson a letter from Mr. Davis enclosing a check for fifty dollars for the faithful old Negro. Bryan Daily Eagle, 22 July 1899, p.3, co1.2 Republican Meeting A meeting of Republicans held here yesterday afternoon pursuant to call of R.B. Goosby, Republican chairman of the Seventh Congressional district, passed resolutions against the appointment of any other than a Republican as census supervisor in this district. Bryan Daily Eagle, 23 August 1899, p.3, co1.2 Millican News "Aunt Net" Scott, an aged. colored woman, who has been very sick for several weeks passed peacefully away Thursday morning at 4 o'clock. "Aunt Net" was one of the landmarks of our town, and will be greatly missed. She was faithful in all things and liked by every one. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 31 August 1899, p.3, col.3 School Burned A colored school house recently built six or seven miles north of town, was burned-early Sunday morning, and two Negroes have been lodged in jail here for alleged connection with burning which will be investigated by the authorities. 64 Bryan Daily Eagle, 12 September 1899, p.3, co1.3 House Fire The house occupied by Henry Reed, a colored teacher, burned yesterday afternoon. A small Negro boy was seriously burned on hands, arms and face. Bryan Daily Eagle, 29 September 1899, p.3, co1.2 Quarterly Conference Meeting The fourth quarterly conference of the colored A.M.E. Church, is in session. Rev. R. Deal, P.E., will preach at 1 o'clock a.m., and Miss Hattie McKee, the girl preacher, will deliver a sermon at 3 o'clock. At 8 p.m. the Sacrament will be administered. D.B. Stovall, pastor. Bryan Daily Eagle, 22 October 1899, p.2, col. l Colored Teachers The Colored Teachers Institute of Brazos County met at the court house here Friday and Saturday, the following being the program of the meeting. U.S. History, Discoveries - L. Alberson Why Should We Teach Habits of Neatness ? - H.H. Hall Paper; Habits of Study - L.B. Alberson Paper, Why We Should Know Psychology - E.A. Kemp Value of Observational Geography - A.R. Wilson Paper, Benefits of Moral Science -Miss I.A. Sims School Gymnastics -Miss M.C.D. Minor Chart Benefits are Derived from the Punctuality of the Teacher - E. W. Knox The above papers are subject to discussion. W.R. Ford, sec. Bryan Eagle, 30 November 1899 Neal Jackson Dead Neal Jackson, the colored drayman known to everybody in this section, died from exposure at an early hour Thursday morning in the southwest part of town. It appears he wandered away and got down some time during the night, and there alone fought out the struggle of life and death, with the chilling wind and rain, and lost. Neal was a good old Negro, popular with everybody. He was trusted and esteemed by the white people, and expressions of deep regret at his untimely death were heard on all sides yesterday. Had his peril been known there are many who would have gone to his relief. There were those who had played upon his dray as boys, whom he had served as men, who gladly would have given him relief, and when he was beyond the reach of human aid, when the hand of death had forever stilled the beating of his faithful old heart, they gave of their means to bury him with a liberality which attested the esteem in which he was held. A too great 65 fondness for "the cup that cheers" was the old darkey's greatest fault, and probably led to his unhappy end. An inquest held yesterday confirmed the manner of his death. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 28 December 1899, p.l, col.l Christmas Party There was a Christmas tree given by the colored people at Stone City Saturday night. A number of persons"were interested in getting it up, and it was greatly enjoyed. Bryan Daily Eagle, 29 December 1899, p.3, co1.2 Negro Policeman Killed at Bryan Bryan, Texas -Levi Neal, colored, for twenty years on the police force, was shot in the breast while making an arrest at 9:15 o'clock tonight, dying instantly. Dennis Calhoun, colored, was lodged in jail. Houston Daily Post, 25 February 1900, p.6, co1.3 Levi Neal Buried. Levi Neal was buried Sunday and his funeral was largely attended by the colored people. Levi was a vigilant officer. He knew his duty and his place and kept within the bounds of both to an extent that was gratifying and helpful to the officers over him. His tragic and sudden death has been a matter of much regret. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 1 March 1900, p.2, co1.4 Dennis Calhoun Examining Trial The examining trial of Dennis Calhoun, charged with the murder of Levi Neal, was commenced before Justice Minkert yesterday and the entire day was consumed in taking testimony. Late in the afternoon Calhoun was remanded to jail without bail. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 1 March 1900, p.2, co1.4 Teachers' Meeting The colored teachers institute of Brazos County held a two days meeting here embracing yesterday and Friday. The attendance was good, and a profitable discussion of various topics- relating to school work was held. A.R. Wilson is president of the institute. The next meeting will be held March 23 and 24. It was decide by vote to hold a colored teachers institute here during the summer with C.C. Carter of Hearne as conductor. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 1 March 1900, p.2, co1.3 Calhoun Convicted 66 The jury in the case of Dennis Calhoun, charged with the murder of Levi Neal, returned a verdict of murder in the first degree yesterday afternoon and assessed Calhoun's punishment at life imprisonment in the penitentiary. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 29 March 1900, p.6, col.l A Shooting at Millican Millican, Texas, May 9 - In an altercation here last night two Negroes were shot. Sam Penson was shot in the neck. Buster Steptoe, a bystander, caught the first bullet in the arm. J.C. Williams was to-day arrested charged with the shooting. He was immediately released on bond. Williams is a young white man prominently connected in the county. -Galveston News. Bryan Morning Eagle, 11 May 1900, p.2 Ed Nolan Died Ed Nolan, colored, died Thursday night at the home of his father in this city, aged about 35 years. He was a son of Mack Nolan, born and raised in Bryan. He was quiet, industrious and enjoyed the confidence of both white and- colored people. For many years he was night watchman at the depot and performed his duties faithfully and acceptably. The funeral will take place from the A.M.E. Church today at 11 a.m., under the auspices of Social Tie Lodge. Elder Shivers will conduct the service. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 17 May 1900, p.6, co1.2 Public school The closing exercises of the colored public school took place yesterday. There were no graduates. Bryan Morning Eagle, 19 May 1900, p.3 Holligan School House Henry Thompson, a highly respected and prosperous colored man, died Sunday night and was buried at Wickson Monday. Bryan Morning Eagle, 23 May 1900, p.2 Acquitted in Trial Grant O'Neal was tried in the justice court a few days since on a charge of disturbing the peace and the case resulted in a mis-trial. Yesterday O'Neal had a hearing before Justice Minkert on a charge of assault. Both cases grew out of factional contention in a local colored church. The hearing yesterday afternoon resulted in O'Neal being acquitted. Bryan Daily Eagle, 3 July 1900, p.2, co1.3 67 Tied the Knot H.T. Haynes of Bryan, and one of the assistant teachers in the colored summer normal, and Mrs. J.F. Kone, one of the teachers in the Navasota colored school, were married here Monday night. Parson J.A. Featherston tied the knot and it was a big social event among Navasota's colored "400." -Navasota Examiner Bryan Morning Eagle, 8 July 1900, p.3 Killed by Lightning News was received here yesterday morning that a Negro was killed by lightning below College Monday afternoon. The Negro and a white man were near a stove which was struck by lightning, the Negro being killed and the white man badly shocked. Another Negro was rendered insensible on Jim Dunn's place from a stroke of lightning. He subsequently recovered. Bryan Morning Eagle, 11 July 1900, p.3 Old Liza Died Old Liza," a mule driven to a dray here for eighteen years past by Sam Johnson, colored, died on Saturday. Sam was greatly distressed by the loss of the faithful old animal. The "Old Liza" dray line was named in honor of the old mule, who in her time has hauled many thousands of dollars worth of cotton and merchandise. Bryan Daily Eagle, 17 July 1900, p.3, co1.3 Disturbing the Peace George Clark, colored, charged with disturbing the peace, was fined a dollar and costs before Judge Minkert yesterday. Bryan Morning Eagle, 20 August 1900, p.3 Relief Work D.B. Stovall, pastor of the A.M.E. church here yesterday reported that he had collected and had ready for shipment 150 articles of clothing for distribution among the colored storm sufferers of Galveston. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 20 September 1900, p.6, co1.2 Election Results At Batt's Store for commission Felix Phillips got 147 votes, Dennis Ballard 203, T.S. Woodfin 7 and Paul Merka 88. Mat. Eaton received 240 votes for justice, for constable Powell Harvey got 265 votes, Abner Beese 92 and Will Pitts 86. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 7 November 1900, p.2, col.l 68 The African American National Heritage Society 804 Waco Street, Bryan, TX 77803 Mission Statement The Mission of the African=American National Heritage Society is to explore, develop, preserve, and present the cultural history and heritage of African-Americans. Vision Statement That schools, families, and educators visit the society and use the archival records. The Society will promote individual and community understanding, pride, and respect for the contributions African Americans historically made and presently make to the American experience. Goals The Society will: * Gather, organize, analyze, and assemble artifacts, letters, documents, and oral histories and make these materials available to all interested persons and organizations. *Cultivate a climate and awareness that promotes an understanding of the values ofAfrican-Americans. * Acquire and manage the archival records of the society. Membership Membership in the African-American National Heritage Society is open to all individuals regardless of race, creed or color. For More Information Contact Mell Pruitt, Chair 804 Waco St. Bryan, Texas 77803 (979) 822-0469 69 Society Members Anderson, Edna Jones Jackson, Khryscynna Asberry, Linda Johnson, Chris Ayers, Dale Johnson, Deidra Ayers, Tanya Johnson, Glenda Berry, Noel Laws, Faye Hall Blackmon, W.E. Madison, Paul Blackshear, Charles Magee, Billy Bradley, Bobbie Malone, Wanda Broussard, Albert, Dr. Matthews, Christine Broussard, Mary Maurice, Rusleen Carter, Mattie McGee, Donna H. Clark, Jean Walton ~ Meta, Golden Chambers, Carol Mosley, James C. Chambers, Shirley Mounce, Clara Curry, Freddy Newton, Joyce Ellis Curry, Lazell Ngozi, Thabiti Davis, Wendell, Dr. Owens, Brenda billion, Ray John Page, Bill Donovan, Elle Patitu, Carol Eaton, Nadine Patitu, Tony Edmondson, Gregg Payton, Shirley Ellis, Robert Perry, Effie Ellis, Ruby Peterson, Hayward Farnsworth, Charles C. Pickett, Carmelita Feronberg, Heather Pruitt, Mell Foster, Roslyn Pruitt, Willie Gaye, Lang Rayford, Madison Gray, Agnes Rice, Donna Green, Sylvia Robinson, Chet, Dr. Grossman, Ray Robinson, Gwen Hankins, Rebecca Robinson, Kathryn Hanks, Betty Sadberry, Lonnie Hanks, Melvin Smith, Betty Hanks, Roshunda Smith, Odessa Hanks, Tanisha Stephney, Annette Hanks, Tashara Suseberry, Ora Hawkins, James Trier, Jill Hawkins, Laverne, Dr. Turner, Callie Hedge, Janette Vaden, Linda Hickman, Donna Vaults, George Higgs, G.E. Walker, J. Marvin Higgs, Olivette Walker, Ruby Holmes, Onie Walton, Agnes Jackson, Janice Watkins, Halycon S. Watson, Bessie White, Carolyn Thomas Williams, Eleanor Wentrcek, Ginger Young, Lucille 70