Honoring the Ancestral Voters and Committing to Voting Today

Source of Image: AfroTexan

Did my ancestor's vote? I have evidence that many of them did, and so did many freed people take advantage of their ability to participate in a process denied to them for centuries.

Well, one of the treasure in researching my Bass family is that of an 1867 voting record, of Uncle Napier Bass. He is the first of many cousins bearing his name. He was taken to Texas in 1860 from Elkton Tennessee. He remained there after freedom, and made Fayette County Texas his home. His name appears on a Voter Registration document from the county that was made in 1867. His name on this record reflects the first time an ancestor's name appears on a record reflecting his having been a voter. It is therfore, fitting that on election day that I share this image.

The oldest document reflecting one of my ancestors as a registered voter.

Texas, Voter Registration Lists, 1867-1869 Fayette County

Image Source: 1867 Voter Registration Lists. Microfilm, 12 rolls.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Austin, Texas.
Accessed from Ancestry.

Having cast my ballot this morning, I feel a remarkable sense of relief. So glad that what has been an 18 month process with early televised debates, I am so happy that it is finally coming to an end. And this year's process has been remarkably disturbing with one candidate offending almost every segment of society. The candidate of hate (who shall not be named) has made this a frightening time for me and for those whom I love to be in this country, has made me fearful of the future. As a person of color the hateful tone of this election season and the support of the candidate of hate, reflects widespread support for a bigoted man. And more disturbing has been to see the support even coming from those who once had my respect, and this has been most unsettling. I know now that I might not be safe around them. I shall have to note more closely my movements and associations in the future.

Harper's Weekly, November 16, 1867 p. 1
Sketch by A. R. Waud

However today, after casting my ballot, I feel a sense of relief and calm.

The long lines this morning were comforting to see. Heavy voting suggests that the people have a voice and they are determined to see that some good things will happen and that some things will not happen. And I am grateful for those leaders of the past that made the past two elections possible.

Image from www.voterparticipation.org

As many of my friends and relatives in the south only got to vote in the 1960s, I also think of the many who were terrorized, beaten, and killed for simply trying to vote. They are honored every time that I vote, and I am humbled when I think of them.

And as a woman, I am also humbled. I think of the many who fought for voting rights for many years, and who also suffered. Women like Fannie Lou Hamer, endured beatings and who fought nevertheless for voting rights in Mississippi. She dared to tell her story to all in 1968.  Yet, many who saw her speak then, still defend their support of a hate filled candidate (who shall not be named) who wishes to go back to the "great days" that were not so great for people of color, when Fannie would be beaten for her work.

Fannie Lou Hamer at the Democratic Convention in 1968

And I think of the women also who further back in time fought and marched so that women could also vote. The women were truly souls of courage and grace, deserving our respect and honor. From the unknown suffragettes such as Hattie Redmond of Oregon to the well known Susan B. Anthony, I was truly honored to vote today.

Lesser known Hattie Redmon, suffragette in Oregon
Source of Image: Oregon Encyclopedia

And the most moving image of the day has been watching a live broadcast of people in Rochester New York, visiting the grave of Susan B. Anthony. On a day in which a woman's name is on the ballot for president, it is fitting that on a day when history is being made, to see people visiting her grave, and thanking her for her work. This has truly moved me.

Image from Live Feed of Visitors to Susan B. Anthony Grave
(Courtesy of WROC-TV. Rochester NY)

I reflect and know that recent efforts by an obstructionist Congress to suppress the 14th Amendment and the 15th Amendment have been disheartening to say the least and destructive to the country, and their efforts have instilled fear in my heart. My sense of safety and well being have been affected by such blatant racism and hatred being shown by elected leaders.

But for some reason, I now have a feeling now of optimism and that the nation has seen the evil emanating through endorsement of hate coming forth, and I pray that they will stop the descent and rise.

The long lines at the polls today told me that the suffering of the 1960s were not in vain. The long lines told me that when we speak through our vote, we shine, and we can win.

What an awesome power lies within one's ability to vote. I feel therefore inspired to share a few images from the past of people once denied, finally exercising this incredible task of voting. It is a right and a responsibility to make a nation better. And it is a responsibility to keep it from back-sliding into a era of blind intolerance, bigotry and racial superiority.

The heinousness of it all can and will be blocked by the actions of a people who will not allow it to happen.

I care, therefore I vote!

New Season, New Ideas, New Directions: Black Pro Gen

Black Pro Gen LIVE New Features

Well a new season is here, and new ideas that have been simmering are arising. So thrilled to share with everyone the new season and some new strategies to work with beginning genealogists and seasoned ones to find the ancestors and break through the challenges we call "brick walls."

Black Pro Gen is a community of African American Professional Genealogists who work together, sharing ideas and strategies. There are quite a few of us out there ready to assist others, and to share ideas with each other as well.

For the past year, there have been regular Black Pro Gen Hangouts - which are live discussions viewed by an audience listening to a fascinating dialogue about research strategies. If you missed them, you can find them on YouTube. Each Hangout session is devoted to a theme---some are focused on various states and resources, and other new features.

As Google is making changes, the Hangouts are now to be known at LIVE, and Black Pro Gen is joining the fun. But in addition to that some new features will be added to the Black Pro Gen events.

ASK MARIAH

Do you have a genealogy brick wall? Is there something that you can't figure out from your many records? Or are you looking for a suggestion on where to go next with your research? If this description fits  you, then you may get some help if you "Ask Mariah". This is a new feature that will be part of Black Pro Gen LIVE. Throughout the year, this group of researchers, gather online to discuss projects, or to explore a common topic and to offer suggestions and strategies to each other. Simply submit your questions to me@whoisnickasmith.com, or to AngelaW859@aol.com, and we will answer them on Black Pro Gen LIVE! Put Ask Mariah in the subject line.

ANCESTRY MAKERS

How can you as a regular person have your genealogy done by professionals? Well Black Pro Gen, will have your genealogy done by professionals free of charge. If you are selected, you only have to be a guest on the BlackProGen Hangout, and find out the results of their research conducted for you. Why not let the team of professional genealogists on Black Pro Gen LIVE do the work? If your project is selected, the reveal will be made to you and your family LIVE online in one of the Black Pro Gen Hangouts. If this interests you, send an email to Nicka Smith and she will follow up with you about your research interest.

Both services are offered for free.

Here are members of the BlackProGen community and where you can find their blogs and websites:

Name:                              Website

Bernice A. Bennett           Research at the National Archives and Beyond

Linda Buggs Simms         Mississippi Rooted

Toni Carrier                       Low Country Africana

Melvin Collier                   Mississippi to Africa, Roots Revealed

Vicky Daviss-Mitchell       Mariah's Zepher

Ellen Fernandez-Sacco     Babilonia Family History

George Geder                    Geder Writes

Taneya Koonce                Taneya's Genealogy Blog

True Lewis                       Notes to Myself

James Morgan III             Afr. American Fraternal and Benevolent Society History

Shelley Murphy               Family Tree Girl

Drusilla Pair                     Find Your Folks

Renate Yarborough-Sanders  Into The Light

Angela Walton-Raji         African Roots Podcast, My Ancestor's Name, African-NatAm.

Nicka Smith                     Who is Nicka Smith,  Atlas Family

Teresa Vega                      Radiant Roots, Boricua Branches

Next year promises to be an exciting year and we hope that you will join all of us!

New Season, New Ideas, New Directions: Black Pro Gen

Black Pro Gen LIVE New Features

Well a new season is here, and new ideas that have been simmering are arising. So thrilled to share with everyone the new season and some new strategies to work with beginning genealogists and seasoned ones to find the ancestors and break through the challenges we call "brick walls."

Black Pro Gen is a community of African American Professional Genealogists who work together, sharing ideas and strategies. There are quite a few of us out there ready to assist others, and to share ideas with each other as well.

For the past year, there have been regular Black Pro Gen Hangouts - which are live discussions viewed by an audience listening to a fascinating dialogue about research strategies. If you missed them, you can find them on YouTube. Each Hangout session is devoted to a theme---some are focused on various states and resources, and other new features.

As Google is making changes, the Hangouts are now to be known at LIVE, and Black Pro Gen is joining the fun. But in addition to that some new features will be added to the Black Pro Gen events.

ASK MARIAH

Do you have a genealogy brick wall? Is there something that you can't figure out from your many records? Or are you looking for a suggestion on where to go next with your research? If this description fits  you, then you may get some help if you "Ask Mariah". This is a new feature that will be part of Black Pro Gen LIVE. Throughout the year, this group of researchers, gather online to discuss projects, or to explore a common topic and to offer suggestions and strategies to each other. Simply submit your questions to me@whoisnickasmith.com, or to AngelaW859@aol.com, and we will answer them on Black Pro Gen LIVE! Put Ask Mariah in the subject line.

ANCESTRY MAKERS

How can you as a regular person have your genealogy done by professionals? Well Black Pro Gen, will have your genealogy done by professionals free of charge. If you are selected, you only have to be a guest on the BlackProGen Hangout, and find out the results of their research conducted for you. Why not let the team of professional genealogists on Black Pro Gen LIVE do the work? If your project is selected, the reveal will be made to you and your family LIVE online in one of the Black Pro Gen Hangouts. If this interests you, send an email to Nicka Smith and she will follow up with you about your research interest.

Both services are offered for free.

Here are members of the BlackProGen community and where you can find their blogs and websites:

Name:                              Website

Bernice A. Bennett           Research at the National Archives and Beyond

Linda Buggs Simms         Mississippi Rooted

Toni Carrier                       Low Country Africana

Melvin Collier                   Mississippi to Africa, Roots Revealed

Vicky Daviss-Mitchell       Mariah's Zepher

Ellen Fernandez-Sacco     Babilonia Family History

George Geder                    Geder Writes

Taneya Koonce                Taneya's Genealogy Blog

True Lewis                       Notes to Myself

James Morgan III             Afr. American Fraternal and Benevolent Society History

Shelley Murphy               Family Tree Girl

Drusilla Pair                     Find Your Folks

Angela Walton-Raji         African Roots Podcast, My Ancestor's Name, African-NatAm.

Nicka Smith                     Who is Nicka Smith,  Atlas Family

Teresa Vega                      Radiant Roots, Boricua Branches

Next year promises to be an exciting year and we hope that you will join all of us!

New Season, New Ideas, New Directions: Black Pro Gen

Black Pro Gen LIVE New Features

Well a new season is here, and new ideas that have been simmering are arising. So thrilled to share with everyone the new season and some new strategies to work with beginning genealogists and seasoned ones to find the ancestors and break through the challenges we call "brick walls."

Black Pro Gen is a community of African American Professional Genealogists who work together, sharing ideas and strategies. There are quite a few of us out there ready to assist others, and to share ideas with each other as well.

For the past year, there have been regular Black Pro Gen Hangouts - which are live discussions viewed by an audience listening to a fascinating dialogue about research strategies. If you missed them, you can find them on YouTube. Each Hangout session is devoted to a theme---some are focused on various states and resources, and other new features.

As Google is making changes, the Hangouts are now to be known at LIVE, and Black Pro Gen is joining the fun. But in addition to that some new features will be added to the Black Pro Gen events.

ASK MARIAH

Do you have a genealogy brick wall? Is there something that you can't figure out from your many records? Or are you looking for a suggestion on where to go next with your research? If this description fits  you, then you may get some help if you "Ask Mariah". This is a new feature that will be part of Black Pro Gen LIVE. Throughout the year, this group of researchers, gather online to discuss projects, or to explore a common topic and to offer suggestions and strategies to each other. Simply submit your questions to me@whoisnickasmith.com, or to AngelaW859@aol.com, and we will answer them on Black Pro Gen LIVE! Put Ask Mariah in the subject line.

ANCESTRY MAKERS

How can you as a regular person have your genealogy done by professionals? Well Black Pro Gen, will have your genealogy done by professionals free of charge. If you are selected, you only have to be a guest on the BlackProGen Hangout, and find out the results of their research conducted for you. Why not let the team of professional genealogists on Black Pro Gen LIVE do the work? If your project is selected, the reveal will be made to you and your family LIVE online in one of the Black Pro Gen Hangouts. If this interests you, send an email to Nicka Smith and she will follow up with you about your research interest.

Both services are offered for free.

Here are members of the BlackProGen community and where you can find their blogs and websites:

Name:                              Website

Bernice A. Bennett           Research at the National Archives and Beyond

Linda Buggs Simms         Mississippi Rooted

Melvin Collier                   Mississippi to Africa, Roots Revealed

Vicky Daviss-Mitchell       Mariah's Zepher

Ellen Fernandez-Sacco     Babilonia Family History

George Geder                    Geder Writes

Taneya Koonce                Taneya's Genealogy Blog

True Lewis                       Notes to Myself

James Morgan III             Afr. American Fraternal and Benevolent Society History

Shelley Murphy               Family Tree Girl

Drusilla Pair                     Find Your Folks

Angela Walton-Raji         African Roots Podcast, My Ancestor's Name, African-NatAm.

Nicka Smith                     Who is Nicka Smith,  Atlas Family

Teresa Vega                      Radiant Roots, Boricua Branches

Next year promises to be an exciting year and we hope that you will join all of us!

New Season, New Ideas, New Directions: Black Pro Gen

Black Pro Gen LIVE New Features

Well a new season is here, and new ideas that have been simmering are arising. So thrilled to share with everyone the new season and some new strategies to work with beginning genealogists and seasoned ones to find the ancestors and break through the challenges we call "brick walls."

Black Pro Gen is a community of African American Professional Genealogists who work together, sharing ideas and strategies. There are quite a few of us out there ready to assist others, and to share ideas with each other as well.

For the past year, there have been regular Black Pro Gen Hangouts - which are live discussions viewed by an audience listening to a fascinating dialogue about research strategies. If you missed them, you can find them on YouTube. Each Hangout session is devoted to a theme---some are focused on various states and resources, and other new features.

As Google is making changes, the Hangouts are now to be known at LIVE, and Black Pro Gen is joining the fun. But in addition to that some new features will be added to the Black Pro Gen events.

ASK MARIAH

Do you have a genealogy brick wall? Is there something that you can't figure out from your many records? Or are you looking for a suggestion on where to go next with your research? If this description fits  you, then you may get some help if you "Ask Mariah". This is a new feature that will be part of Black Pro Gen LIVE. Throughout the year, this group of researchers, gather online to discuss projects, or to explore a common topic and to offer suggestions and strategies to each other. Simply submit your questions to me@whoisnickasmith.com, or to AngelaW859@aol.com, and we will answer them on Black Pro Gen LIVE! Put Ask Mariah in the subject line.

ANCESTRY MAKERS

How can you as a regular person have your genealogy done by professionals? Well Black Pro Gen, will have your genealogy done by professionals free of charge. If you are selected, you only have to be a guest on the BlackProGen Hangout, and find out the results of their research conducted for you. Why not let the team of professional genealogists on Black Pro Gen LIVE do the work? If your project is selected, the reveal will be made to you and your family LIVE online in one of the Black Pro Gen Hangouts. If this interests you, send an email to Nicka Smith and she will follow up with you about your research interest.

Both services are offered for free.

Here are members of the BlackProGen community and where you can find their blogs and websites:

Name:                              Website

Bernice A. Bennett           Research at the National Archives and Beyond

Linda Buggs Simms         Mississippi Rooted

Melvin Collier                   Mississippi to Africa, Roots Revealed

Vicky Daviss-Mitchell       Mariah's Zepher

Ellen Fernandez-Sacco     Babilonia Family History

George Geder                    Geder Writes

Taneya Koonce                Taneya's Genealogy Blog

James Morgan III             Afr. American Fraternal and Benevolent Society History

Shelley Murphy               Family Tree Girl

Drusilla Pair                     Find Your Folks

Renate Sanders                Into the Light

Angela Walton-Raji         African Roots Podcast, My Ancestor's Name, African-NatAm.

Nicka Smith                     Who is Nicka Smith,  Atlas Family

Teresa Vega                      Radiant Roots, Boricua Branches

Next year promises to be an exciting year and we hope that you will join all of us!

New Season, New Ideas, New Directions: Black Pro Gen

Black Pro Gen LIVE New Features

Well a new season is here, and new ideas that have been simmering are arising. So thrilled to share with everyone the new season and some new strategies to work with beginning genealogists and seasoned ones to find the ancestors and break through the challenges we call "brick walls."

Black Pro Gen is a community of African American Professional Genealogists who work together, sharing ideas and strategies. There are quite a few of us out there ready to assist others, and to share ideas with each other as well.

For the past year, there have been regular Black Pro Gen Hangouts - which are live discussions viewed by an audience listening to a fascinating dialogue about research strategies. If you missed them, you can find them on YouTube. Each Hangout session is devoted to a theme---some are focused on various states and resources, and other new features.

As Google is making changes, the Hangouts are now to be known at LIVE, and Black Pro Gen is joining the fun. But in addition to that some new features will be added to the Black Pro Gen events.

ASK MARIAH

Do you have a genealogy brick wall? Is there something that you can't figure out from your many records? Or are you looking for a suggestion on where to go next with your research? If this description fits  you, then you may get some help if you "Ask Mariah". This is a new feature that will be part of Black Pro Gen LIVE. Throughout the year, this group of researchers, gather online to discuss projects, or to explore a common topic and to offer suggestions and strategies to each other. Simply submit your questions to me@whoisnickasmith.com, or to AngelaW859@aol.com, and we will answer them on Black Pro Gen LIVE! Put Ask Mariah in the subject line.

ANCESTRY MAKERS

How can you as a regular person have your genealogy done by professionals? Well Black Pro Gen, will have your genealogy done by professionals free of charge. If you are selected, you only have to be a guest on the BlackProGen Hangout, and find out the results of their research conducted for you. Why not let the team of professional genealogists on Black Pro Gen LIVE do the work? If your project is selected, the reveal will be made to you and your family LIVE online in one of the Black Pro Gen Hangouts. If this interests you, send an email to Nicka Smith and she will follow up with you about your research interest.

Both services are offered for free.

Here are members of the BlackProGen community and where you can find their blogs and websites:

Name:                              Website

Bernice A. Bennett           Research at the National Archives and Beyond

Linda Buggs Simms         Mississippi Rooted

Melvin Collier                  Mississippi to Africa, Roots Revealed

Vicky Daviss-Mitchell     Mariah's Zepher

Ellen Fernandez-Sacco    Babilonia Family History

George Geder                   Geder Writes

Taneya Koonce                Taneya's Genealogy Blog

James Morgan III             Afr. American Fraternal and Benevolent Society History

Shelley Murphy               Family Tree Girl

Drusilla Pair                     Find Your Folks

Angela Walton-Raji         African Roots Podcast, My Ancestor's Name, African-Native American

Nicka Smith                     Who is Nicka Smith,  Atlas Family

Teresa Vega                      Radiant Roots, Boricua Branches

Next year promises to be an exciting year and we hope that you will join all of us!

I Shall Not Forget My Ancestors' Past

Earlier today, in a recent thread on social media, a statement was made in reference to America's "peculiar institution" that we know as slavery, and it was suggested that as a nation we should simply "get over it" and move on.

Now, I normally ignore such statements that trivialize the history of people of color, and I usually ignore those who cry "get over it" their blatant dismissal of my history. They usually come from individuals whose opinions are not important to me,  I "get over" them and their dismissal of my history and move on.

However, the one I saw today came from someone whom I know, and I was compelled to respond and to share why I shall never "get over it", I responded with an explanation of how I am honored to remember what happened to those whose history I study every day. And in addition, I am obligated to teach future generations also to never "get over it" because that term suggests, that the history of an entire people should never be mentioned, and their lives should never be consider as worth remembering.

I shall never subscribe to anyone forgetting their history and definitely not a critical institution in America, such as the enslavement of Africans upon this soil. Now that does not mean walking around with a grudge, but to ask anyone to dismiss and forget and get over it trivializes something that was vital to this country. If we cannot get over it that a war was fought then end slavery then those who descend from the enslaved dare not "get over" what happened! Remembering the painful past instills even deeper respect for the ancestors and their survival for they lived within the confines of a terrible system. I then gave some thought about what that statement to just "get over it" means to me, and so, I replied.

I have since been asked to post my reply so that it can be shared. It follows below:

I shall always honor my ancestors who went through so much! No discomfort of those who are "tired of hearing it" can ever impede my honoring them, nor mentioning it. I work with records from the slavery era every day. Every single day from slave schedules to probate records, to old newspapers, to Freedmen's Bureau. That does not mean that every where I go I bring up history. But---my history lives with me, and every person carries pieces of their history with them.

Every day, when I see the post Civil War records of people begging the Bureau to retrieve their children still held in bondage, years after the war ended, I know that freedom did not come easily and Lincoln did not "fix it". I research every day.

When I see the peonage records that reflected forced labor of men and women into the 20th century---no----I shall not forget it, and it SHALL be mentioned. I would never tell anyone to "forget" their history, simply because someone unaffected by an evil system is tired of hearing about it.

You know me enough to know that I don't "wear it on my sleeve." But clearly it shall not be forgotten and as one who sees it in records every day--as a researcher---the impact of what I research and see and learn is humbling and I am honored to call the names of my enslaved ancestors. I am also not ashamed to say that they were enslaved, for their fate in life was the result of an evil system, and their ability to live in spite of it, speaks to their resilience. 

Their strength makes me stronger when life challenges me. So yes, I shall call their names, and I shall point out that these courageous people were once enslaved.

To "get over them" is the ultimate insult to those who were legislated into "nothing-ness". By my continuous remembrance of them--I become a better person, because I must still live a good life as I move through life and interact with the sons and daughters or the descendants of those who enslaved others.

I have met the descendants of those who enslaved my ancestors. I remember, and they remember and we now work together.

I stand upon the shoulders of many people---among those were enslaved men, women and children, who survived. 

And I shall always remember.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
And so----today I shall call their names:
-Irving and Nancy Bass, enslaved by John Bass of Giles County Tennessee
-Patrick Drennen, enslaved by John Drennen of Van Buren Arkansas
-Kitty Perry, enslaved y Nail Perry, Choctaw Nation
-Amanda Perry Anchatubbe enslaved by Emeline Perry, Choctaw Nation
-Jackson Perry Crow enslaved by Nail Perry, Choctaw Nation
-Sallie Perry Walton enslaved by Emeline Perry
-Mitchell Bass, enslaved by Henry C. Pride, Horatio Arkansas
-Minerva Houston, enslaved by Elizabeth Houston Millwee, Horatio Arkansas
-Georgia Ann Houston enslaved by Elizabeth Houston Millwee, Horatio Arkansas
-Martha Campbell, enslaved by Robert Campbell, Maury County Tennessee
-Amanda Campbell Young enslaved by William Tandy Young, Ripley Mississippi
-Harriet Young Martin, enslaved by William Tandy Young, Ripley Mississippi
-Berry Kirk, enslaved by William Tandy Young
-Lydia Walters Talkington, enslaved by Mary Walters, Dripping Springs Arkansas
-Samuel Walton, enslaved by Josiah Harrell, Dripping Springs Arkansas & Jim Davis Choctaw Nation

           .......and I honor those whose names are yet to be discovered as I continue my genealogical journey.

Gems from the Black Press: Remembering Western Baptist College

Today's Focus
Advertisement for Western Baptist College in Missouri
from The Missouri Messenger January 26, 1900

Source:

Ancestry.com. U.S., African American Newspapers, 1829-1947 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013.
This collection was indexed by Ancestry World Archives Project contributors.Original data: Negro Newspapers for the American Council of Learned Studies. Washington, D.C.: The Library of Congress.

One of the pleasures that I enjoy when conducting research is to explore the amazing articles and ads that I find in old publications. I am particularly attracted by the articles from the African American press that reflect many aspects of the African American Community over a century ago. I have noticed that a good way to learn about one's local community is to examine the classified section of early black newspapers for they reveal businesses, churches and schools in their early years. Some of the ads reflect activities of institutions long forgotten, while others reflect schools that have morphed into larger entities.

I decided to take a look at "The Missouri Messenger" a publication that was said to be "the organ of 35,000 Baptists". In that particular edition, I learned about an institution with which I was unfamiliar. The classifieds of a 1900 edition of the paper brought to my attention an ad reflecting Western Baptist College, a small Baptist college located in Macon, Missouri.

(Source: Same as above)

The college offered Christian education, and elementary and a normal school, with training for the ministry as well. Western Baptist was a boarding school as well as as a day school. Upon researching the history of the school, it was amazing to find out that the school still exists to this day. It is the first and only religious affiliated institution west of the Mississippi founded exclusively by African Americans.

The history of the school goes back to 1889 when a special meeting of  Baptists took place in Sedalia Missouri, and from the series of meetings in that state, it was decided to lease an old church building for 5 years for the purposes of establishing a school. After arrangements were made, the school opened in January of 1890 enrolling 14 students. Within a year's time an offer for a permanent location of the school was accepted from parties in Macon Missouri. There was immediate interest in the school and its legacy was established. Petitions for funding for the college were met and granted from multiple parties including endorsements from local white Baptist churches in the local area, as well as the Baptist Home Mission Society based in New York that donated $1200 to the school. (Source of historical information.)

The school was strongly supported by the Baptist church and it was common that members of the Church's hierarchy often visited the school. The same edition of the Missouri Messenger reflected the visit of pastors from St. Louis to the campus.

(Source: Same as link from above image)

Like many Historically Black Institutions, Western Baptist offered a preparatory school in addition to the normal college programs. The school began offering programs to both males and females, and eagerly sought assistance for the erection of a dormitory for girls on the school's grounds.

(Source: Same as above.)

For over 30 years the school thrived in Macon, and in 1920, the school moved to Kansas City Missouri. It was located at first on Woodland Avenue of the city and later Tracy Avenue in the city. Over time the focus became centered on higher education and that became the focus and continues to this day.

Today the school still operates as Western Baptist Bible College as a four year institution devoted to Christian education. The school has also expanded now to operate on several campuses throughout the states of Missouri and Kansas. In Missouri campus are located in Kansas City, and St. Louis. In Kansas campuses are now located in Topkea, Wichita, Olathe, and Junction City. College Commencement will take place this year on May 12, 2016 on the at 8th Street Baptist Church in Kansas City Missouri.

The Missouri Messenger is a unique paper reflecting not only the Baptist community that it served, but also a unique school with an interesting legacy and history. It can be viewed on Ancestry in the collection of African American newspapers.

Notes from the Colored Convention, Little Rock Arkansas 1865

Image from Colored Convention Nashville TN, Frank Leslie's Illustrated Magazine, May 6, 1876

                              We dream no more, our country wakes at last.

                              And reads wise lessons from the stormy past.

                              The spirit of the nation, proud and free

                              Might err and wander reft of memory.

                              But linked to truth, magnetic poles of yore

                              The dead sense wakens and she sins no more.

                              The drama moves, the people fill the stage

                              And virtue will restore the golden age.

~Words from the Colored Convention, 1865, Little Rock Arkansas

Throughout the south in the years after the Civil War, newly freed African people assembled in large numbers to discuss the future, share their common goals and to publicly declare their directions and hopes for the future. These gatherings were known as Colored Conventions and though they are seldom mentioned today, these were critical first steps made by the ancestors on the brink of a new direction and life course.

Such a convention took place in Arkansas in the state capitol in Little Rock in 1865. Most of the delegates were from Pulaski County, but several from other counties also participants. I was glad to see that George Sewell of "Sebastine(sic)" county was there. 

The minutes and proceedings of those meetings are left behind and as we make the effort to tell the family story--we need to incorporate the impact that such meetings may have had on the larger population.

The delegates of the Arkansas Colored Convention were:

From: Proceedings from the Convention of the Colored Citizens of Arkansas Held in Little Rock, Thursday, Friday & Saturday Nov. 30, December 1 and 2, 1865

These pages reflect notes emanating from that first Colored Convention in Arkansas. The minutes of this convention other conventions held throughout the south are found on a wonderful website called "Colored Conventions" .

www.coloredconventions.org

Although I did not recognize the names of the delegates to the convention, it is still part of the local Arkansas history and these proceedings reflect a strong step that the newly freed population took to determine its own life course, and this is a story that needs to be told.

Gems From the Black Press: Remembering Eckstein Norton University

This article is part of a series  of articles whose purpose is to share each week an interesting article from early black publications of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As previously noted,the articles found inside of these long forgotten publications contain rich history that reflect  the early years of African America life in the first decades of freedom. Some are publications of fraternal or benevolent societies, and some were more community based. All  pieces shared in this series provide a close up to history and culture of times long past.

Today's Focus

Ohio Falls Express, Louisville KentuckyJuly 11, 1891
Advertisement for Eckstein Norton University

One of the things I like about old newspapers are the classified ads. They reflect the ordinary business of the people, and from such ads, one can find out about the products used by many in the community. In addition, one can learn about the people and the services that they offered and that they were seeking. Businesses are often reflected in those publications, as well as places of worship, and educational institutions. One such institution caught my attention, and it was one of which I had never heard before. The school was Eckstein Norton University, located in Louisville, Kentucky.

Source of Image:

Ancestry.com. U.S., African American Newspapers, 1829-1947 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013. This collection was indexed by Ancestry World Archives Project contributors.Original data: Negro Newspapers for the American Council of Learned Studies. Washington, D.C.: The Library of Congress

Having worked in higher education for over 25 years, I recognize the names of many institutions including the numerous Historically Black Colleges & Universities or HBCUs as we call them. But what a surprise to see an institution that was never known to me, out of Kentucky. Eckstein Norton University based in Louisville.

An advertisement about the school appeared on the front page of the Ohio Falls Gazette on July 11,1891.

Eckstein Norton University was located at Cane Springs, in Bullitt County Kentucky. The school was founded in 1890 in a hostile community that had never accepted the concept of "colored" schools. The first schools for Freedmen established by the Freedmen's Bureau were burned and the county continued to exhibit hostility towards any institution that would aid the population of newly freed slaves. The freedmen's school in Shepherdsville was continually threatened and in 1867 the Noble school was burned. According to resources at the University of Kentucky, small schools in Black churches were also burned. But the desire of former slaves to learn was strong, and prevailed. In spite of much public resistance against freed blacks at least eight schools did manage to prevail in the extremely hostile climate.

In 1890 Eckstein Norton was opened. It was named for the president of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, who had donated funds for the school.The school was located along the Bardstown branch of the railroad, and consisted of seven buildings. The academic program offered a primary school, a normal school and a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree. degree program. (1)

In 1911 it was decided to merge Eckstein Norton University with Lincoln Institute and the school closed officially in 1912.

Only a few images remain of the school, and the exact location of the school is not state on the few sites devoted to its brief history. But the advertisement itself reveals much about the school and its location and the kind of environment that it provided for the students.

Unfortunately, Eckstein Norton University had a short history. The institution merged with Lincoln Institute in 1912 and this small institution closed it's doors.

Additional Information on Eckstein Norton University:

Bullitt Memories

Bullitt County History

Gems from the Black Press: Arkansas Weekly Mansion

This article is part of a series  of articles whose purpose is to share each week an interesting article from early black publications of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As previously noted,the articles found inside of these long forgotten publications contain rich history that reflect  the early years of African America life in the first decades of freedom. Some are publications of fraternal or benevolent societies, and some were more community based. All  pieces shared in this series provide a close up to history and culture of times long past.

Today's Focus:

Arkansas Weekly Mansion
Editor's Notes

The Arkansas Weekly Mansion was a weekly publication based in Little Rock Arkansas. Like many African American publications, news from around the country pertaining to "the race" was often presented in the weekly editions. Ancestry has , one edition of this publication digitized. The issue is from 1883, and it presents an interesting glimpse of life around the country.

I looked at the column entitled "Editor's notes" and found a fascinating list of simple news bullets from around the nation. Image from the edition is here below, followed by a transcription of the notes.

Mrs. Mary A. Shadd Cary has graduated in law from Howard University. (Afro-American)

The board of bishops A.M.E. Church meets in Chicago June 27.

Cadet Whitaker’s father died recently in Kershaw County, South Carolina.

Mr. Theodore Sterrett, father of the wife of historian George W. Williams, died recently in Minneapolis Minn. He was formerly barber at the Galt House, Louisville Kentucky.

James T. Rapier, formerly a member of Congress, died in Montgomery Alabama, May 31.

Mr. McCabe, the colored state auditor of Kansas, is conducting his office with great credit to himself and profit to the state.

Dr. Jenifer writes to the Christian Recorder, that he has cancelled the $10,000 on the Charles Street and the $666 mortgage on the old Anderson street churches.

A large mass meeting of the citizens of Louisville has endorsed the meeting of the convention in that city, and pledged a “generous Kentucky welcome” to all comers.

Chicago has two colored medical graduates this year—Messrs. D.  H. Williams, and J. W. Henderson. There is a colored section boss names Washington Turner, in the employ of the Illinois Central railroad, who has a working gang of sixty-five colored men.

Thomas F. Cassells, colored has entered on his duty as collector on the port of Memphis.

John H. Alexander, the colored youth recently appointed cadet at West Point, from Ohio, is son of an old man “Jim” Alexander formerly of Helena Ark., and well known to the citizens of the state. James M. Alexander Sr. was a member of the legislature in Clayton times.

The state teacher’s association meets at the operahouseat (sic)the capitol June 27, 28, & 29. A fine programme (sic) will be presented.  

The colored men of the Cherokee nation have protested against the recent action of the Cherokee nation in declaring that the large amount of money received from the government shall be distributed only to Cherokees by blood.

Judge Gedders, democratic candidate for governor of Ohio, held a competitive examination at Elyrea (sic) for appointment to a cadetship at West Point, which resulted (see remaining text below)

in a tie. The Judge requested that the two candidates shall be re-examined at West Point with the understanding that the winner will get the appointment. The winner, a colored student from Oberlin, named Alexander was appointed. “The world do move.”

J. S. Harris city editor of the Kansas City Enterprise is compiling a book to be entitled, “The Prominent Colored Men of the West.”

Rev. J.W. Asbury, a colored minister is nominated for registrar of state lands in Kentucky.

George Bentley, (col.), porter of the Fourth National Bank of Grand Rapids Mich., recently robbed the bank of $1500.

The richest colored man in America is Mr. Aristide Marie of New Orleans who owns several large stores opposite the custom house, and has a yearly income of $50,000. He spends (illegible text)

(partially illegible paragraph…)

…We have received a copy of (illegible)…called “Poetic Gems” by R (? Text not visible) Attorney at law, Charlotte, (illegible). It contains a number of poems, (Illegible) etc. by the author, some of decided merit.

The Grand Lodge of Colored Freemasons of Georgia, has purchased a site on Gwinnett Street, Savannah, and proposes to erect a “fine three-story temple”. The cornerstone will be laid June 25^th.

J. H. H. Longstark, of the Savannah Echo, translates the annexed from the Georgia Familiar Journal:  The present negro population of the United States is between 6,500.000 and 7,000,000. They have increased during the last decade thirty-five percent. If the white population is not increased by emigration, and the colored people keep on at this rate, the negro will have at the end of one hundred years from now a majority of 12,000,000.

Messrs. Palesser, Paleser, & Co., of Bridgeport Conn., have lately issued a sheet containing plans and specifications for a handsome modern six or eight room cottage, which is worth examining by anyone intending to build. The same firm furnishes specifications in blank for any class of residence which are of great practical value and convenience.

Hon. Wm. T. Brown formerly Superintendent of Education in Louisiana died at New Orleans May 15.

Mr. Tully Con, a great under-ground R.R. man in the olden times died in St. Francis Co., recently.

In the New York Globe, Col. Williams, the historian moves that “an American Negro Historical Society” be created. We second the motion.

As can be noticed, the editor often made his own remarks about observations that he shared from other publications. His remarks made after the small piece about the young Alexander being appointed to West Point speaks to the sentiment of the editor and the readership: "The world, do move." Following the suggestion of historian Col. Williams who suggested that a national historical society be formed, a "Negro Historical Society" again the editor voiced his own sentiment: "We second the motion."

As a researcher who also studies Oklahoma and Indian Territory history I was pleased to see an article reflecting the voices of protest expressed by Cherokee Freedmen, regarding their treatment by the Cherokee Nation by a move to exclude them from national funds, based on color. And the information about the young man who earned the appointment at West Point encourages me to pursue more details about the young man, and to see if more can be learned of his career.

Items such as these tiny snippets from the early Black press, provide a closer glimpse into the lives of our forefathers and mothers and the readers can glean a sense of pride seldom reflected in other pieces from the press in the same era.