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76.7
GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
F 3 1833 00064 0752 E
Gc 976.7 W86B WOODS, ELIAS McSAILS, 1854- BLUE BOOK OF LITTLE ROCK AND ARGENTA, ARKANSAS
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BLUE BOOK
OF
LITTLE ROCK AND ARGENTA ARKANSAS
BY E. M. WOODS
Author "Gospel of Civility" and "The Negro in Etiquette"
"He who defers this work from day to day, Doex on a river's bank expecting stay, Till the whole stream that stopped him shall be gone, - Which runs, and, as it runs, forever shall run on."
1907 CENTRAL PRINTING CO. Little Rock. Ark.
LIBRARY TEXAS TECH UNII LUBBOCK, TEXAS
192235
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS L.BranY
Alon County Public Library Ft. Wayne, Indiana
your obedient Servant, E. K. Words.
Copyright, 1907, by E. M. Woods
:
F
419 L7
W 8
List of Illustrations
Page
Alexander, B. W.
66
Alexamler, William
135
Booker, Joseph A
25
Bush, J. E.
115
Burton, J. W.
107
Buch, C. E ...
120
Markwell, M. II
46
Building, Taborian
110
College, Arkansas Baptist.
21
Cox, .J. M.
67
Dubisou, D. J.
130
Dubison, C. E.
129
Delany, A. D.
2.9
Foster, W. O
104
Futrell, L. W.
2+
Guruer, H. HI.
86
(i11, J. A.
43
Gibbs, M. W
84
Gibson, Spencer
126
Harris, C. G .....
139
lnymnun, George W
it
lemlerson, J. E.
12g
Hirkman, J. Otis.
68
Henderson, M. H.
89
11il, A. IL.
49
Ich, T. R.
27
Jones, Scipio
58
Jeffries, M. E.
40
Jordan, Toney. 97
Jackson, B. W 134
Jordan, Scipio A. 111
Johnem, Katheryn 1
Jones, R. J. 13:
King, C. B.
Knowies, P. A ...
78
Imckett. William
94 100
Lathan. J.
Laundry, Hand. 30
MeConico, I. H.
82
Meaddongh, R. J.
60
Nichols, Nelson 11.
55
Oates, Walter T.
124
l'ettus, D. A. 108
Porter, L. N
92
Paterson, F. A
45
Patton, R. C ..
119
Rock, Little.
12
Robinson, J. P.
63
Rowell, Mrs. Fannic.
30
Stone. J. S.
22
Safpho, C. P.
118
Stewart, Willie E.
53
Singfield, W. A.
102
Smith, C. A.
69
Smith, J. T.
42
Tweed, R. L. S.
50
Tillar, John.
38
Thornton, J. G ..
62
Washington, M. G.
91
Wilson, J. L.
57
Walker, J. W
73
Wells, D. M.
1
116
Willis, Robert T.
12:
Contents
Chapter
Page
1.
Housewifery
17
IT. Pedagogy
19
111. Laundering
37
IV. Contractors and Builders
39
.
v.
Restaurateurs
1.4
VI. The Learned Professions.
46
VII. Banking
79
VIIl. Government Service.
87
IX. Mercantile.
95
X. Pharmacy
104
XI. Shoemaking
105
XIl. Tailoring
107
XIII. Fraternities
111
XIV. Printing
117
XV. Journalism
121
XXVI. Jewelry
123
XVII. Playright
126
XVIII. Sundry Pursuits.
127
Appendix
141
Dedication
To the perpetual growth, development and achievement of the State and National Negro Business Leagues, this book is dedicated.
THE AUTHOR.
£
:
Introduction
In writing the Blue Book of Little Rock and Argenta, Arkansas, it is the aim of the author to give the reading publie somewhat of a record of the principal, energetic, talented or thrifty Negroes, whose advancement along the industrial, educational or professional lines may prove a potent auxiliary in inspiring the faint-hearted to emulation and stimulating the conrageous to greater efforts and achieve- ments.
Now, as to the need and the utility of such a record, it is left for each individual reader to decide for himself. How- ever, the Blue Book of Little Rock and Argenta, in its general import and object, is decidedly an innovation, which puts it at variance with the official Blue Book of England, that of the high society Briton, the official Blue Book of the United States, or that of the fashionable American.
Therefore, by reason of its novelty, it will have to run through the erneible of public criticism, in the main, alone and upon its own merit.
As a rule, it deals with the industrial business and pro fessional classes-not the social. For one to even attemp to classify social society in this wise, would be the mos presumptive ignorance and the height of folly. It is quit an easy task to list the names of fashionable address, bu it would be diametrically the opposite to list sneh names an addresses, discriminating character and reputation. Fo indeed, a man may have a low character and at the san time a high reputation, or vice versa. The one is, what 1 really is; the other, what is said of him.
The author claims that the Bhic Book forms a bett local acquaintance among the strennons, and introduces stranger in a novel and fascinating manner to a very lar per cent of the most intelligent, enterprising, aggressive a successful people of the twin cities and vicinities. It si fices, in a sense, as a long promiscuous letter to send a frie
BLUE BOOK.
or relative, whom you have not seen for a considerable time, and who wishes to know something of how things are going in " prosperity city." Little Rock, you remember, is so desig- nated in commercial circles.
Individuals are sketched between the lids of this volume, who lay no apparent claim to distinction; yet, they con- tributed their mites of biography in order to assist in making up one grand whole, conducive to the race's uplift.
Therefore, if the Blue Book, as a whole, conduces to the uplift of the Negro, then the sketches of the aforesaid individuals are also conducive to the welfare of the race. Furthermore, take, for instance, the J. M. Coxes, A. D. De- lanys, J. L. Wilsons, George Alexander MeGuires, J. M. Conners, Joseph A. Bookers, J. E. Bushes, and M. W. Gibbses, who, as scholars, thinkers and orators, educators, politicians and diplomats, can easily hold their own among leaders of : the race on either side of Mason and Dixon's line.
The statistical part of the work, more especially that which appertains to comparative births and mortality of the two races, are given as hints only, since a hint to the wise is sufficient.
To all who contributed to the realization and success of -the Blue Book, either by moral support or otherwise, the anthor herein acknowledges his very grateful appreciation and high esteem; and more especially to Mr. George R. Brown, secretary of Board of Trade; Nelson II. Nichols, Esq .; Mr. F. M. Oliver, city clerk ; Joe Asher, county clerk; IIon. J. E. Bush, reciver of public moneys for the United States, Little Rock, Arkansas; H. H. Garner, superintendent of Little Rock letter carriers; Mr. J. E. Henderson, jeweler and watch-maker; Dr. J. D. Wilson, pastor Wesley Chapel, M. E. Church ; II. F. Alciatore, section director, local office, Weather Burean, Little Rock; W. S. Holt, postmaster; Dr. J. M. Cox, president Philander Smith College; M. II. Black- well, M. D., Argenta; Professor L. W. Entrell, principal Grammar School Department, Philander Smith College; J. HI. Allsopp, stationer ; Rev. Dr. Benjamin Cox, pastor First Bap- tist Church ; George W. Hayman, M. D .; Professor Joseph A. Booker, president Arkansas Baptist College; Professor A. D. Delany, professor of languages and science, Shorter College; Mrs. Ellen Williams, housewife; Mr. J. H. MeConico, paying
10
INTRODUCTION
teller and assistant cashier Capital City Savings Bank : John Barrow, Esq .; Dr. Andrew Henry Ilill, president Shorter College, Argenta; and Rev. Willie E. Stewart, pastor Bul- locks Chapel, C. M. E. Church.
Going still further, the Blue Book gives the Northern brother in black a somewhat supplemental bird's-eye view of his urban fellows' great opportunity in Sunny Dixie to work, to educate his progeny, and become a financial factor in the community in which he lives, worth reckoning with.
In the appendix appear strong and well written articles upon several live and vital questions of the hour, thus demou- strating the fact that the Negro has not lost sight of the spiritual side of life, in the hot chase after the material.
However, before leaving the subject with the reader, the author begs the indulgence to say, should, perchance, the big fellow look around and find a little fellow perambulating within these pages, and he feel a little surprised or jarred at the latter's presence, he might ask himself this pertinent question : Did the Almighty stud the heavens with stars all of the same magnitude ?
"A perfect judge will read each word of wit,
With the same spirit that its author writ."
The sincere and prayerful hope of the anthor is, whether or not the book "now sent forth" is read by a perfeet or an imperfeet judge, that if it does not do any good, it may not do any evil.
Little Rock, Arkansas, September, 1907.
11
1
LITTLE ROCK.
Little Rock History
Little Rock, capital and metropolis of Arkansas, is in latitude 30° 45' north, longitude 92° 6' west, and 300 or 400 feet above sea level. It is situated on a bluff on the south side of the Arkansas, a navigable river, and also on the dividing line between the alluvial land which reaches cast to the Mississippi River; and Ozark Mountains, extending west to the Indian Territory and north to Missouri, tapering off to the southwest. Its name was originally Petite Roche, given by the early French settlers, to distinguish it from Grand Roche, one mile above the city, and the site of Fort Logan II. Roots.
The rock after which it is named is serving today as a pier of a railroad bridge at the foot of Rock street. It is the first rock from the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi River to this city. Distance to month of Arkansas River, 175 miles; to New Orleans, 789, and to the Gulf, 889.
"Earliest deeds recorded refer to it as 'Little Rock.' In 1722, Sieur Bernard de la Harpe, hunting for an emerald mountain, discovered 'Big Rock' (one mile above Little Rock), and named it Le Rocher Francais. Site of Little Roek was occupied by Quapaw Indians when the country was discovered by the French in 1682, passed to Spain by Treaty of Paris in 1763, back to France again by deal with Bonaparte in Secret Treaty of 1801, and sold to the United States by Louisiana Purchase in 1803."
The Little Rock Board of Trade sends out through its general correspondence for the current year, the following item regarding the Negro:
"About 25 per cent of the population is colored, and as a rule they are hard working, thrifty and well-to-do, having a bank, stores, sehools, etc., for their own race. They own property worth upward of $1,000,000.00 on Ninth street.
13
BLUE BOOK
BLUE BOOK
CHAPTER I.
-
HOUSEWIFERY.
Mrs. Ellen Williams was born near Good Hope, Missis- sippi, in the year 1860. Her parents removed to Louisiana when she was a child, where they remained for a number of years; after which they returned to their native State, locat- ing at Vicksburg. Little Ellen at this place developed into the flower of life, where 'her hand was sought and at- tained in matrimony the first time. At which place their nuptial relations were severed by death.
Finally she came to Little Rock on a visit to friends, where the acquaintance of Mr. Lewis Williams, a tonsorial- ist. was formed; and, after a brief courtship, they were joined in holy wedlock. The union has been a happy one for fourteen years. Mrs. Williams is a lay member of Journey Truth Court, Pythian, No. 2. She is also identified with the laity of the Household of Ruth No. 98. She and her husband, working in unison, the one at the wash tub, the other at the barber's chair, have accumulated a sufficient sum to buy a neat and commodious five room cottage, 3001 Chester street.
Mrs. Elizabeth Bryant comes to Little Rock, Arkansas, from Summerville, Tennessee, where she was born in 1856. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Evaline Jackson.
17
BLUE BOOK.
Iler mother's principal occupation in antebellum days was traveling with her mistress, who, Mrs. Bryant says, treated her kindly. Mrs. Bryant's father was a body servant to his master; and more partienlarly when the master was "on the go." As a token of his master's appreciation he sent her father to Ohio that he might be free. The subject's school days were brief.
In 1893 she and Mr. Wallace Bryant were made one in wedlock. As they grow older they become more devoted to each other. She does private laundering, while her hus- band parsnes carpentry and general house cleaning, etc. The wife is a Missionary Baptist, the husband an A. M. E. Zion. Their home, 3007 Cross street, is paid for, which is valued at $2,000.00.
Mrs. J. F. Taper was born April 6, 184S, at Fort Smith, Arkansas. Mr. George and Mrs. Celia Stagner were the- names of her father and mother. The mother was liberated when the subject was but an infant. She was reared an orphan. During and a short while after the reconstruction period, she conducted the most popular and commodious boarding house of color in Little Rock.
In 1903 she was wedded to Mr. J. H. Taper with whom she is making life happy. She was the widow of the well- known W. A. Rector, who, at one time, gave a $100,000.00 bond as city collcetor; and who had the honor of being city marshal; and the mother of Prof. J. K. Rector, now de- ceased; the anthor of the chart, "The New Negro for the New Century." She is a member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Taper has raised $250.00 in a sin- gle church rally. Her home is 511 West Ninth street.
Madam Taper owns other valuable property.
18
CIIAPTER II.
PEDAGOGY.
The next topic for the reader's consideration in our course of object lessons is Miss Katheryn - Johnson, whose gentleness, didactic and thoughtful admiration of "the unde-
KATHERYN JOHNSON.
veloped initiatives of good things to come," perforee place her in the "Bluebook;" henee, in line and accord with the race van. Miss Johnson is an Ohioan by nativity, having
19
BLUE BOOK.
been born in Dark County, Ohio, near Greenville, December 15, 1878. Mr. Walter Johnson was her father's name and Mrs. Lucinda Jane Johnson, her mother's name.
Iler father departed this life when she was four months old. leaving her mother with eight children. When little Katheryn had about entered into the second winter of her age her mother removed to New Paris, Ohio, where she attended public and high school, being graduated from the latter in 1895. In 1897 she matriculated at Wilberforce Uni- versity, where she completed the normal course, after which she taught three years in the public schools of her native State and Indiana.
At this point she returned to Wilberforce University and finished the scientific course in 1902. And in 1903 she was elected principal of the public schools of the town of her alma mater. In 1904 she occupied the chair of English in the State Normal School, Elizabeth City, North Carolina. In 1905 the subject remained at New Paris, Ohio, on account of the siekness and death of her mother. She is lady principal and instructress of French, German and Science at Shorter College, Argenta, Arkansas. She is a Christian and a mem- ber of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She is genial and single.
Philander Smith College, Rev. J. M. Cox, D. D., Presi- dent, Eleventh and Izard streets-This college owes its exist ence chiefly to the generosity of the family whose name it bears-Philander Smith, of Oak Park, Illinois-who gave the first $10,000.00 toward the present main building. This gift was made in the carly part of 1883, in the sixth year of the history of the school. The first class was graduated in 1888, Sinee that time 200 young men and women have received diplomas from the regular literary departments of the col- lege. These graduates, however, represent only a small portion of the work done by the institution, for of the 1,600 colored teachers in the public schools of Arkansas a very large per cent owe their training to this college.
The college offers exceptional advantages and at terms most reasonable. The courses of study are broad and liberal, and embrace every requirement of modern education, refine-
20
PEDAGOGY.
ment and enlture. The faenlty is composed of instructors especially qualified in theory and practice to teach, and one of the many good features connected with the work of the school is the attention bestowed upon the individual educa- tion of the pupils.
The buildings ocenpied are large and commodions, mod- ern in construction and equipment, and every facility and convenience is provided for the pupil. In fact, the entire tone and influence, moral, social, religions, edireational and physical, are all that can be asked for by any parent solicit- ons for the welfare of his child.
The Arkansas Baptist College, Sixteenth and High streets, was founded by the Negroes of Arkansas for the edneation of their youth and professional leaders of the race ; is now in its twenty-third year ; enrolls from 300 to 400 pupils
ARKANSAS BAPTIST COLLEGE.
every year; offers special inducements to ministers and teachers.
There are now nearly. 100 graduates of the Arkansas Baptist College in different parts of the State, in other States and abroad, who are making great success as servants and
21
BLUE BOOK.
J S. STONE.
22
-
PEDAGOGY.
leaders of the people. They are a success because the "spirit" more than the "letter" of education is put into them by this institution, and they go out, "not to be minis- tered unto, but to minister," and to give their lives for the uplift of the people, in society, religion, business and the industrial world.
Such an institution is laying elaims upon the charity and philanthropy of the whole race; offering them in return a larger manhood, a purer and more enlightened womanhood, and a self-respecting, self-asserting and self-supporting race-Joseph A. Booker, President.
J. S. Stonc, B. S., was born at Moorseville, Tennessee, October 21, 1878. His primary education was received at Stephens, Arkansas. In 1898 he matrienlated at Shorter College, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and was graduated there- from in the month of May, 1905, at Argenta, receiving the degree "B. S."
(In the interim, the college was removed from the former to the latter place.]
Immediately after his graduation, his benign mother elected him a teacher; and in 1906 she reëlceted him; and in the meantime he was given in addition the seeretaryship of the trustce board. Revertively, in the summer of 1906, the subject went to Detroit, Michigan, where he . accom- plished a special course at the Detroit Commercial College. He is a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Professor Stone is a modest single man, who seemingly would prefer musing in the tents of taeiturnity to expatiat- ing in the halls of loquacity.
Professor L. W. Futrell, A. M., was born in Senatobia, Tate County, Mississippi, July 20, 1868. Parents were Calvin and Mrs. Lney Futrell. ITis education began in the public schools of the town of his nativity. Ile studied five years at Rust University, Holly Springs, Mississippi. In 1888 he removed to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he matriculated at Philander Smith College, where, after prosecuting a course of study three years, he was graduated in June, 1891. Having
23
BLUE BOOK.
L. W. FUTRELL.
concluded at the above institution, he was elected principal of Clow Seminary, located at the town of the same name in Hempstead County, Arkansas. The professor discharged the duties of said position creditably for eight years; when in 1894 his alma mater elected him one of her teachers. The professor is a follower of the Lowly Nazarene, and worships in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
He has purchased a number one home at Thirty-third and Arch streets, and five good town lots at Clow, Arkansas. In 1897 he and Miss Tena Gertrude Kidd were joined in holy matrimony. They have three children, Bertha Lucretia, Leona Gertrude, and Ethel Ora Lee.
24
PEDAGOGY.
JOSEPH A. BOOKER.
The subject of this sketch was born of slave parents in Ashley County, Arkansas, near the little village of "Old l'ortland," December 26, 1859.
Ilis parents died, his mother when he was one year old, the father when he was three years old. He was reared by his anaternal grandmother, and schooled by her in the com- mon schools of Arkansas till he was advanced far enongh to attend a high school.
During his early life in the common schools he lived on the farm and learned the rich lessons of nature by actual contact with nature. IIe learned to commune with nature in her "visible form" and to him she spoke "her varions languages." IIe was converted at the age of sixteen years,
25
BLUE BOOK.
and pretty soon thereafter he was licensed by his church to "exercise his gift" as a young minister. At the same time he began his career as a public school teacher. His ambition was as a teacher paralleled with his ambition for the ministry, and in all his course of life he strove to satisfy them both.
At the age of nineteen, in the year 1878, Joseph A Booker left the farm and home people to enter Branch Nor- mal College at Pine Bluff, Arkansas. There a new horizon presented itself to him. There he got a larger view of educa- tion. For, while he left home, as he told his people, to "review his education," and while he supposed it would take him "six months to review," he soon found that he had no education to "review." His teacher, Professor Joseph C. Corbin, who was then principal of the Branch Normal College, soon created in him a thirst for deep and intricate learning. He spent three years under this teacher and in this school.
In the fall of 1881 Joseph A. Booker entered Nashville Institute (now Roger Williams University) and remained there in and out for five school years, at the end of which (May 26, 1SS6) he was graduated from the classical course, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
Since then, one year excepted, he has been president of the Arkansas Baptist College and editor of the Baptist Vanguard. As to how well he has succeeded in both these enterprises the history and present status of his work can well answer.
Professor T. R. Ish was born in Eastern Tennessee, Blount County, in 1859. Parents were David and Mrs. Beth- ena Ish. He received his common school education in Louis- ville, Tennessee, and completed the normal course at the Freedman's Institute, Maryville, Tennessee. Then he began teaching in the public schools of Georgia, remaining there in the work six years, when, in 1889, he resigned to accept the principalship of the State Blind School for Colored, Little Rock, Arkansas. IIence, he came immediately to the capital, whereat the obligations and responsibilities of train- ing the colored State blind, were formally placed upon his
26
.
PEDAGOGY.
shoulders. The professor is his own successor and a member of the Congregational Church.
In 1886 the subject and Miss Jeney Johnson, his devoted assistant, were united in holy matrimony. They have not. bern favored with any offspring.
T. R. ISH.
The subject owns a beautiful dwelling at 1801 Summit avenue.
The gravity of the professor's calling seems to be deeply at heart ; and his excellent discipline and splendid govern- ment of the school well in hand.
27
...
BLUE BOOK.
Professor John Arthur Hibbler was born at Como Mississippi, January 1, 1880. Sydney H. and Mrs. Malinda Hibbler are the names of his parents. They removed to Brinkley, Arkansas, a number of years ago. He completed the public school course at. Brinkley and studied at the Brinkley Academy several years. In 1895 he entered the Arkansas Baptist College and was gradnated in 1905, with Bachelor of Arts honors. After which he was elected prin- cipal of Biscoe (Arkansas) High School; thereupon, in cons sideration of his par excellence, he was regularly appointed deputy examiner of teachers for Prairie County, which posi- tion he held for two years with mueh credit.
In 1904 he and Miss Fannie Bell, of Curtis, Arkansas were made one in marriage; and a girl and a boy have been born to them, Fannie Bell and John A. Mrs. Hibbler was the professor's first and untiring assistant during his incum- beney at the academy. Mrs. Hibbler was educated in the main at the Arkansas Baptist College.
In 1906 the subject was elected a member of the faculty of the Arkansas Baptist College and secretary of the insti- tution ; and he has been unanimously reeleeted for the next school year (1908). He lives in his own inviting and com modions cottage, with telephone, at 1313 West Fifteenth street.
Professor Alexander Dumas Delany, A. M., the sey- enth child and fourth son of the late Major Martin R. and Mrs. Catherine A. Delany, née Richards, is a native of l'ittsburg, Pennsylvania. His first school days were passed in the public schools of Catham, Ontario, Canada. ITis father removed to Xenia, Ohio, in order to give his children the advantages of an education at Wilberforce University.
The subject has a sister and three brothers. At the age of nineteen he completed the elassie conrse at Wilberforce University, Ohio. Theneeforth, he has been engaged in teaching. The repeal of the "Black Laws" of Ohio, in 1887, was the cause of his coming to Sunny Dixie. In September of that year he accepted the presideney of Bethel University now Shorter College, Argenta, Arkansas. He resigned the presideney, however, after three years' incumbency, when,
28
PEDAGOGY.
A. D. DELANY.
in 1897, he was elected to its principalship. This position he filled for several years, honorably to himself and with general satisfaction to the management, when he tendered his resignation to accept work in the public schools elsewhere. In 1905 the same institution elected him to the chair of science. The following year he was transferred to the chair of lan- guages, and in 1907 he was made vice president of the college, in addition. The professor's gratitude, fidelity and devotion to his parents, who had sacrificed so much peenniarily for their children's education, prompted him to decide to remain relibate for ten years after his graduation, in order to at least partially remunerate them for their saintly endeavor.
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