USA > Arkansas > Pulaski County > Little Rock > Blue book of Little Rock and Argenta, Arkansas > Part 4
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Elder Steele is the present pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, Twelfth and Hanger streets, Little Roek.
He was president of the Ministers' and Deaeons' Union ten years ago. At the present time he is a member of his district board. Rev. Steele lives in his own dwelling, 403 West Twenty-second street.
The subject is taking a course in theology at the Ar- kansas Baptist College, and he is a warm friend to the institution.
The venerable Archdeacon MeGuire, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, is in charge of the Convocation of Ar- kansas, making his headquarters in the city of Little Rock. Ile came here less than two years ago and in this short time. has succeeded in starting five new congregations and develop- ing the only one of his denomination which existed in the State prior to his coming. The archdeacon is respected by people of all religious bodies, due to the fact that narrowness has no place in his creed. He is frequently spoken of as a fit person for the episcopate when the Episcopal Church
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shall see fit to conseerate negro bishops. The following is a sketch of this gentleman's life:
George Alexander MeGnire was born March 26, 1866, in Antigua, B. W. I., and was baptized six weeks later in St. Paul's Church (Anglican). In 1884 he entered the Lady Mico College, fro mwhich he was graduated at the head of his class in June, 1886, completing a three years' course in two. Intended from birth for the sacred ministry, he early aequi- cseed in the wish of his parents. Divine sanction was clearly given, for immediately upon his gradnation, and without any solicitation on his part, Mr. MeGuire was tendered a scholarship in the Theological Seminary, Nisky, St. Thomas, D. W. I., by the Rt. Rev. George W. Westerby, Moravian bishop. This was eagerly accepted, and in July, 1886, Mr. MeGuire began his divinity course. He again distinguished himself, for although six months late in taking up his first year's studies, he was graduated with honors December, 18SS, leading his class. He entered upon his pastoral work Jan- uary, 1889, pursuing at the same time, in connection with the seminary a post-graduate course which was terminated in December, 1891, by excellent examinations. After five years of service among the Moravians, during which period he pastored two large congregations and held a temporary position as instructor in languages at the theological school, he came to the United States about the close of the year 1893. During the following year he visited many plaecs of interest, preaching in several denominational churches.
Unsuccessful efforts were made to induce Mr. MeGuire to connect himself permanently with one or another of these religious bodies, and on January 1, 1895, he identified himself with the church of his birth, being admitted a Postulant for Holy Orders by the Rt. Rev. Leighton Coleman, of Delaware. Hc immediately received employment as lay assistant to the Rev. Henry L. Phillips, rector of the Church of Crucifixion, rendering valuable service not only in the parish church, but especially in St. Angustine's Mission, now known as the Chapel of St. Simon the Syrenian.
While a candidate for Holy Orders, Mr. McGuire received simultaneously calls to work in Camden, New Jersey, and Cincinnati, Ohio. He selected the latter field, and in October, 1895, was transferred to the Diocese of Southern Ohio, where, after passing creditably the three canonical examinations,
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he was ordained by the Rt. Rev. Boyd Vincent to the diaco- nate St. Peter's Day, 1896, and to the priesthood, October 22. 1897. During his terms of service in St. Andrew's Church. Cincinnati, the membership increased fourfold. On March 1. 1899. the reverend gentleman assumed the rectorate of St. Philip's Church, Richmond, Virginia, where for the past two years he has been abundant in labors, winning uni- versal love and respect within and withont his parish. In October. 1900, he was invited to take charge of St. Augus- tine's Church. Galveston, ruined by the recent storm. He at first accepted, but so great was the pressure brought to bear upon him to remain in Richmond that he withdrew his letter of acceptance. In December, 1900, he received an invitation to become rector of St. Inke's Church, New Haven, but before he could decide upon a course of action he received a call to the vacant rectorate of the historic Church of St. Thomas, Philadelphia. After two weeks of careful consideration, Mr. McGuire declined the New Haven call, and, notwithstanding the entreaties of his parishioners as well as of the clergy and laity in Richmond, without exception as to color or denomination, resigned the parish of St. Philip's, that on March 1, 1901, he might become rector of St. Thomas'.
Mr. MeGuire was married December 20, 1892, to Miss Ada E. Roberts, daughter of the Rev. John W. Roberts. Their union has been blessed with two children, Georgette, who entered into Paradise June, 1896, and Ada May, a bright little girl of five summers.
The new rector is an advanced churchman, a strong and attractive preacher, a devout priest and an energetic worker and organizer. He is said to be a hard student, being specially fond of languages, mathematics, philosophy, church history and theology. The representatives of two denominational colleges have desired to confer upon him the degree of D. D. cansa honoris, but he is of the opinion that such a title better befits one of riper years and good works and of greater intellectuality and spirituality. The Rev. McGuire is a Mark Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of England. He has become a naturalized citizen of the United States, and cast his first vote in November, 1900, for Presi- dent William MeKinley .- From the "Philadelphia Tribune," February, 1901.
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Rev. J. W. Walker, presiding elder of Little Rock District. A. M. E. Chmureh, was born in Richmond, Virginia. June 19, 1852. Ilis parents were John P. and Mrs. Am Walker. He was educated in the public schools at Columbus.
J. W. WALKER.
Mississippi. In his earlier days he did house work for a livelihood. Preaching the Gospel of Christ has been his vocation since his conversion.
In 1874 he was ordained at Meridian, Mississippi. It 1893 Miss Dora Pearl White became his wife. Three children
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have been born to the union, Ermaline, Zenobia and Lucretia Tyree.
Rev. Walker is a trustee of Shorter College, Argenta, Arkansas, and has been its treasurer for eight years. Lodge No. 35, of Argenta, has honored him as its W. M.
Rev. Walker owns his home, at 604 Loenst street, Ar- genta. He has other property.
GEORGE W. HAYMAN.
Dr. George Washington Hayman, A. M., was born in Columbia County, Arkansas, 1865: His parents, Nelson and Mrs. Sarah Ann Hayman, were slaves. His mother died when he was three months old, leaving the subject almost wholly in the feeble hands of his grandparents. He received
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his primary education in the public schools at home. A pine knot torch was his lamp. He was licensed at seventeen to teach school almost in the district in which he had spent the whole of his boyhood days. The same fall he enrolled at Wiley University, Marshall, Texas, graduating from its literary department after five years' studying. Ile earned his first money to pay his entrance into college by school teaching and the receipts of $50.00 for a bale of cotton. llis grandparents gave him a patch on which- he grew this bale. At one time he was appointed conductor of a teachers' summer normal, on account of the high grades he had made in Leon County, Texas, examinations.
In 1899 hic entered Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, graduating from that school three years later. After removing to Little Rock and beginning the practice of his profession, he entered Philander Smith College, Little Rock, and completed the "Philosophical Course." The degree of A. M. was conferred upon him by aforesaid college three years afterwards. Dr. Hayman has the general repu- tation in the city of keeping himself well informed in the current progress of the profession.
In 1900 he matriculated at the Chicago Clinical School of Physicians and Surgeons, where, in the clinical department, he took the post-graduate course.
The subject has written several interesting articles on hygiene and physiology, which, by request, he promises to put in book form in the carly future. "After Thoughts" is the title of a book that he has about ready for the press.
The doctor lives with his family at the corner of Seven- teenth and High streets in their large and attractive two- story framc.
Rev. D. B. Gaines, A. M., M. D., was born in Greenville County, South Carolina, April 18, 1863. He is the fourth son of Rev. Wesley G. and Mrs. Harriet Gaines, who had «leven other boys and one girl. The early part of his life was spent on the farm. His principal occupation in boyhood days was hauling wood to the city of Greenville, S. C. The numerous rustic duties, such as wood hanling. corn and cotton raising, that engaged him from time to time, beginning at the sixth spring of his age and continuing until he was
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twenty-two years old, developed that muscular strength which is so essential to one in after life. IIe received this rudimentary schooling in the rural districts of Greenville County. Three months constituted the school year in those districts. He attended the Allen Graded School at the city of Greenville one month. In 1881 he, with his father's family, removed to Springfield, Arkansas, where he followed varions avocations for two years. Thence, 1885, to Little Rock. In October of 1885 he entered Philander Smith Col- lege, graduating from that institution June, 1891, being the valedictorian of his class. In the fall of the same year he was elected assistant principal of the Little Rock Union High School. Ile hell that position with credit for two years. In 1893 he was called to the pastorate of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. The Rev. Gaines had served the charge seven months when he resigned. Shortly afterwards he matriculated at Meharry Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1896, receiving the degree of M. D).
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Dr. Gaines was again the valedictorian of his class. He then returned to Little Rock and began the practice of medi- eine.
In July, 1896, Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, again, in 1901. elected him pastor, and again he accepted. Since his installation he and his faithful lieutenants and their Spartan disciples have erected a $15,000.00 brick and stone edifice.
The subject is author of "Racial Possibilities." The book itself stands somewhat in evidence of the possibilities of the negro.
In 1893 he married his very loving wife, whose wise connsel is so highly and affectionately appreciated by him. The doctor has a good practice. Ile owns an elegant resi- dence at the corner of Eighteenth and Izard streets, and pays tax on other city property. Dr. Gaines has a degree of activity and ambition for good that are given to the few only.
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The Rev. J. II. Hammond is a Georgian by nativity, and an Arkansan by choice and adoption, who first kissed the ambient sunbeams and spied Old Sol's glittering rays at Atlanta, July 10. 1865. ITis parents are Mr. Richard and
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Mrs. Lizzie Hammond. He migrated to Little Rock, pitched his tent, and in a short time returned to his native State and enrolled in the Atlanta University, where he finished the literary course in 1881. He removed more permanently to the capital of Arkansas abont 1883.
Rev. Hammond taught in the public schools of Pulaski County and other portions of the State for several years; and engaged in the grocery business for a considerable time. He is Missionary Baptist in belief, and owns his residence at 2919 West Seventeenth street, and other property. He is ( :. G. S. of the Knights and Danghters of Tabor, International Order of Twelve, of the Arkansas jurisdiction. In reverence, he deelares that his chief aim in life is to save souls for Christ.
Rev. P. A. Knowles was born in Montgomery County, N. C., February 15, 1852. Wyatt and Mrs. Hester Mont- gomery were his parents, he taking the surname of his grand- parents. The subjeet has never attended school. Ile farmed and studied at night. From 1872 to Roosevelt's cleetion he eut a swath in county and State polities. He was elceted county assessor (Pulaski) three times and counted ont three times; also to the State Senate in 1883, and counted out. He taught sneeessfully one term in the publie schools of the county, and he was a letter carrier to the Little Rock post office about three years. As an eleetor on the Harrison ticket he polled the highest vote of the State.
Rev. Knowles was baptized in 1885 and ordained elder August 12, 18SS, and served as distriet missionary three years. After which, he went into the pastoral work, and three years later he was elected moderator of the Union District, which he presides over still. The Reverend has raised his distriet to the head of all others of color in the State. IIe is moderator of the moderators of the State. president of the stockholders of the State convention, and sceretary of the National Home Mission Board, and a trustee of Arkansas Baptist College.
In 1867 he was married to Miss Susan Neol. Three chil- dren were born to them. Two are dead, James Albert being the remaining one.
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Rev. Knowles lives with his family at his residence, 415 West Twenty-first street, Argenta, Arkansas. He is estimated to be worth about $2,500.00. The divine is a steady, energetic and hard worker.
P. A. KNOWLES.
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CHAPTER VIL.
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BANKING.
C. B. King, whose unique and responsible position as cashier of the first negro bank to be started in Little Rock, Arkansas, and his being barely into the twenty-fifth autumn of his age and in three years' time gaining for, and holding, his bank in the third place among the thirty-two negro banks of the country, award him the palm. Therefore he at once achieves for himself a rare, enviable and high dis- tinction.
IIe was born in Bolivar County, Mississippi, November 27, 1882, and reared on the farm. His primary education was received in the public schools of Greenville, Mississippi. After the public school course he entered Waldron Univer- sity, Nashville, Tennessee, where he studied for one year, after which he matriculated at Wilberforce University. Early in life he decided upon a business career, hence on enrolling in Wilberforce University: he took up a special commercial course at which he spent four years, being grad- uated in 1902.
In the month of August, the same year, he removed to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he engaged in the grocery and produce business. He continued in said business until the spring of 1903, when he was offered the cashiership of the Capital City Savings Bank, and having a good business judgment he was quick to see the propitious opportunity in such an enterprise, and therefore the bright future in the banking business for the negro of the twentieth century ; hence he accepted the offer, and at a sacrifice he disposed of his stock of produce and entered upon the duties of cashier of the above mentioned bank. Thus Mr. King has the honor of being the youngest bank cashier of color within the United States of America. He has given the bank his undivided attention, and from a comparatively insignificant institution he has pushed it to the front. Furthermore, under his manage- 79.
BLUE BOOK.
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C. B. KING. .
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BANKING.
ment the working force has been steadily increased. begin- ning with one, now numbering five. That the subject is held in high esteem by the people of the city is evidenced by the guardian and administratorship which he is hokling. Mr. King's residence is located at 1315 Gaines street. Phone 3130. ITe owns mich other valable city property. la racial and fraternal cireles he is very popular and is iden- tified with all movements that have a tendency to the race's uplift.
There is not perhaps a sketch in the pages of the "Blue- book," that clieits more interest and in the meantime evolves more aggressive and courageous object lesson than that of J. 11. MeConico, who was born at Livingston, Alabama. December 25, 1877.
Mr. MeConico's parents were poor, therefore his accom- plishments in the main were obtained by his own efforts. Ilis early youth was spent at his native home. He attended the publie schools of the town and aided in defraying his expenses by driving cows to pasture, chopping wood and doing chores. And after finishing his course in the public schools of the burg, he matriculated at the State Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes. He made arrangements to work out half of his expenses and go to school only part of this time. On entering college he took np printing as his trade, every student being required to pursue some trade in connection with his college course. After one year in col- lege he had gained sufficient knowledge of printing to defray all of his expenses by working in that department every evening after school hours. In 1897 he was graduated from the department of printing and literary course in 1898. Before being graduated in 1898, he had already accepted a position as foreman on the Atlanta Appeal, Atlanta, Georgia. He filled this position with credit to himself and satisfaction to his employers from June. 1898, until February, 1899, when he vielded to the request of leading Republicans of the Sixth Congressional District of Alabama, to come to that district and edit a paper for the benefit of the party. He returned to his home town and founded "The Advance." The Repub- lican party never had a more powerful exponent and fearless champion than "The Advance." The "Black and Tan"
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J. H. McCONICO.
wing of the Republican party of Alabama today owes much of its success to the doctrine advocated by papers like "The Advance." Mr. McConico published "The Advance" about one year when Professor W. II. Council, president of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama, persuaded
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BANKING.
him to accept a position in his alma mater. Mr. McConieo in this work, as in everything else that he undertakes, put his whole soul into it, and at the end of his first year was made principal of the Department of Mechanical Arts, thereby working himself up to a membership of the college executive board. At that time he had just reached the twenty-third winter of his age.
Professor Joseph A. Booker, president of the Arkansas Baptist College, Little Rock, visited the Normal in the spring of 1901, where he especially noticed the class of work that young MeConieo was doing, and at that time he was planning to introduce the industrial feature at the institution of which he is the head; therefore, immediately after his return to Little Rock, he opened a correspondenee with this student-educator, inviting him to come to the City of Roses: and having long had a desire to visit the West, he accepted Professor Booker's invitation, and, September 20, 1901, he arrived in the town at the above mentioned school. While at the college he was one of the professor's main lieutenants. And Professor Booker will not hesitate in saying, "when it comes to push, get up and liustle, J. H. MeConieo is hard to exeel." Ile remained with the Baptist College about a year and a half when the desire to return to his first love became so dominant in his mind that he resigned his position at the college and bought half interest in the Little Rock Reporter. On this journal the subject did some of the best work of his prolific career. His wide-awake, burning and uncompromising editorials are household treasures through- ont the Southwest.
The officers of the Capital City Savings Bank, Little Roek, noting his popularity and sterling worth, tendered him a position in said bank, April, 1904, which he accepted and is now filling in the capacity of assistant eashier and teller. In August, 1906, he was elected secretary of the newly organized National Negro Bankers' Association.
In 1904, May 19, Mr. MeConieo was married to one of Little Rock's most beautiful and accomplished young women, Miss Mattie Keith. One little danghter has blessed the union. That Mr. McConico has erowded ummich work into the twenty-nine years of his life cannot be truthfully denied.
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Judge Mifflin Wistar Gibbs was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. April 17, 1823. Ile is the son of Jonathan and Mrs. Maria Gibbs. When seven years of age he was sent to what was known as the "Free School." llis father died, leaving the subject but eight years old. At the death of his father, his mother "had poor health and four children, and little laid by for a rainy day." These circumstances
M. W. GIBBS.
forced young Mifflin to quit school that he might aid in the support of his mother and her children. . His first occu- pation was driver for a doctor. As he grew older he profited by experience and close study of books, men and other things.
However, he progressed step by step from "a fatherless boy, carpenter and contractor, anti-slavery lecturer, mer- chant, railroad builder, superintendent of mine, attorney at law, county attorney, municipal judge, register of United
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BANKING.
Sates lands, receiver of public moneys for United States, United States consul to Madagascar, prominent race leader,
Judge Gibbs is president of the Capital City Savings Bank, and is generally regarded as the wealthiest citizen of color in the town. In religious belief he is a Presbyterian. Judge Gibbs' autobiography, "Shadow and Light," pub- lished in 1902, gives an elaborate history of this man of long and very rare experience, vivid imagination, subtle and wonderful memory. The book has a fascination that Harries one's eyes in a light gallop over a number of its pages before he is aware.
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II. H. GARNER.
CHAPTER VIII.
GOVERNMENT SERVICE.
II. H. Garner's practical common sense, flexibility in that, and comparatively unprejudiced mindedness, coupled with aggressiveness, make him more than an ordinarily desir- able character for our pages. Mr. Garner avows that he thus makes his debut in book print as an humble indorse- ment of an enterprise which he adjudges highly commendable. lle was born in Little Rock, August 4, 1863, from whose rity schools he was graduated in 1SS3. IIe mnade a liveli- hood as plasterer for several years. and subsequently taught public schools in different portions of the State until 1890, when he was awarded an appointment as letter carrier in the Little Rock post office. In 1902 he was promoted to a elerkship in said office, since which time he has been superintendent of letter carriers for both Little Rock and Argenta; and, as occupant of the aforesaid position, Post- master Holt says: "He has given entire satisfaction."
The subject is a member of Wesley Chapel M. E. Church, of which he is also a trustee.
Mr. Garner owns the magnificent dwelling at 1419 Gaines street, where he resides with his family, Mrs. Henri- etta Garner, and their daughter, Grace Lucile. ITe has other property of considerable valne.
Mr. S. H. Pankcy was born at Chester, South Carolina, March 29, 1856. He received his primary education from his former owners. The three years' course that he received at Shaw, now Rust, University, Holly Springs, Mississippi, was a supplement to the integration of his school training. By profession he is a school master. having taught twenty years. For a goodly number of years he was a tiller of the soil.
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The subject is a member of Bethel A. M. E. Church, and owns a block at Pulaski Heights, where he has a number one residence.
Mr. Pankey's first wife, Miss Willie Henderson, of Carterville, Georgia, being her maiden name, bore him seven children, all of whom are living and thriving. Theodore L., who has won quite a distinction as a singer and actor, who is now with Cole & Jolmson in the "Shoofly Regiment;" the others are: John Elmer, Samuel Vivian, Clara Rexcena, Caroline Lillian, Hattie Emma und Willie Oreah. The three oldest boys and danghter are married.
On September 14, 1904, he and Mrs. Josephine Harris were made one in the holy bonds of matrimony.
Mr. D. E. Fortenberry was born in Brown County, Ohio, October 27, 1864. Parents: Edward and Mrs. Cansady Fortenberry. His father died before the subject was born. HIe received his edneation principally in the public schools of his native county. Mr. Fortenberry has considerable expe- rience in farming; and has taught in the public schools of Ohio and Arkansas twenty years taken together.
In 1903, thence to Little Rock, February, 15 1907, he was appointed a letter earrier to the Little Rock post office, to which he had been a sub-carrier nine months. Ile is Mis- sionary Baptist in religious belief. and a Master Mason, holding a membership in the "Bluehouse."
In 1906 he and Miss Hattie Barris, of Batesville, Arkan- sas, were pronounced one in marriage. Willie Willis, de- ceased, and Charles Clinton have been born to the nnion.
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