USA > Louisiana > History of Louisiana Negro Baptists : from 1804 to 1914 > Part 6
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He entered the public school in St. Louis, where he received an academic education. In 1871 through recommendation of Mr. W. H. Red- mond, Bishop A. R. Blunt sent to St. Louis for Prof. Green to come and begin school work in the Pelican State. He reached Natchitoches, La., November 26, 1871, and was appointed to a school in Campti, where he lias lived and labored suc- cessfully ever since. The first Negro Baptist Sunday-school, perhaps, in this part of the state was organized by him in the St. Peter Baptist Church, December 11, 1871.
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In 1880 he succeeded Prof. John G. Lewis as Secretary of the Second Regular Baptist Asso- ciation of the Twelfth District. He has held this position continuously until now, save his five years' residence in his native city. Upon his re- turn in 1886 this body promptly re-elected him. He fills the office with credit to himself and de- nomination.
He is among that class of teachers to whom the race is ESPECIALLY indebted. He is an hon- ored pioneer teacher and as such endured hard- ness, teaching in log houses and perhaps on dirt
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floors that the present-day Negro teacher might teach in his two and three-story brick building. Under the circumstances he has wrought well, and made for himself an imperishable record which will live on surviving the ravages of time after his body will have gone back to mother earth.
JOHN MILTON SMITH, SR., TEACHER, FARMER AND EX-U. S. POSTAL CLERK.
Of our many young Baptist laymen, none have climbed higher in teaching, farming and United States Postal Clerk circles than Mr. J. M. Smith, Sr. He was born October 28, 1872, at Furrh, La. His parents, Mr. William and Mrs. Ida Smith, being financially weak when he reached school age, failed to carry him all the way through but did what they could under the circumstances.
Being blessed with sufficient iron in his blood and hustle in his bones, the subject of our sketch started upward like a rising star. After attend- ing the rural public school, the Providence Academy, Shreveport, La., under the late lament- ed and scholarly Dr. A. M. Newman, and Bishop College a short while, he passed first grade Texas examinations and won his place among college graduate teachers in the big state of Texas and often outclassed them.
After teaching seven years in Harrison County, he passed a Civil Service examination and en- tered the Railway Mail Service June 2, 1903, which position he held and honorably filled to the delight and satisfaction of the United States Government until 1912, when he of his own ac- cord resigned much to the regret of "Uncle Sam." One of his reasons for leaving this lucrative po-
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sition was to go back to the farm where he could more successfully save and rear his children. Brother Smith wisely put the value of his children above a big salary and the privilege of living in Mississippi's metropolis. He reached the high- est round in the ladder of service on the mail car, i. e., Clerk in Charge.
His career thus far has been one of unbroken success. His motto-"A Consistent Christian, a Loyal Baptist, One and Inseparable Now and For- ever"-is the secret of his success. He was con- verted August, 1891, and baptized into the mem- bership of Republican Baptist Church by Bishop L. W. Canfield. He married Miss Crenzia Patsy Hicks, March 13, 1898. Eight children bless their union. Brother Smith's marked success has helped him to get closer to, not further from, the Lord. While doing well financially in the mail service, during his stay in Meridian, Miss., he always found time to work in El Bethel Baptist Sunday-School and superintend a division of the Negro Boy's Improvement Association, a con- structive movement for the good of the boys.
He is comparatively young and has a great future before him. His achievements say he will still succeed.
THOMAS LEE WELCH, M. D., PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON.
In the town of Houma, La., there was born of Mrs. Saraphine and Bishop T. L. Welch the young doctor of whom we now write. He became a student at an early age. After finishing his course in Houma Academy, he began the study of medicine at Flint Medical College, New Orleans,
La., and at the early age of 25 years graduated M. D. with honors in 1907.
Dr. Welch sought and found the Lord early in 1898, and was baptized into membership of the New Zion Baptist Church, Houma, La. Al- though he had the unstinted support of a good father, yet he proved his pluck by hustling part of his way through school and working during his vacations at the United States Custom House, New Orleans, La. Notwithstanding he has only been pacticing the short period of four years (at this writing), he has held his own in the science of Medicine at New Iberia, La., where he is ad- ministering and healing the sick.
Dr. Welch is both a physician and lecturer. The writer was privileged to enjoy one of his great lectures on Tuberculosis delivered before the Louisiana Baptist State Convention in ses- sion at Shreveport La.
The Baptists of the state are justly proud of this young man, and although the greater part of his medical road lies before him, from work al- ready well done, it is easy to predict that success will be his as he shall count more mile stones in medicine.
MISS ELIZABETH NORRINGTON, NOTED SCHOLAR AND TEACHER.
The lady whose biography wo now pen is the daughter of Mr. Emanuel and Mrs. Eliza Nor- rington. She was born in the town of Minden, La., 1865. It was evident earl . in life that she was endowed with a bright intellect. Her parents, though slaves, were firm bellevers in, and ardent supporters of Christian education. Though they had but little of this world's good,
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DR. H. C. COTTON.
they set themselves to the task of educating their little daughter. After removing to New Orleans they first sent her to the Clio Public School. Hav- ing accomplished much here, they removed again to Shreveport, La., where Miss Elizabeth imme- diately entered school. Her: she distinguished herself by showing that she had laid deep and broad a foundation for higher education. Ac- cordingly her father sent her to Oberlin College, Oberlin, O. Here she was studious and indus- trious, being loved by her teachers and school- inates. She often led in her examinations.
After preparation for her life work, here at Oberlin, she came south and began teaching. As a teacher she has been and is a success, having won for herself not only a state-wide, but a coun- try-wide reputation. She has held the follow- ing positions: First Assistant in Providence Academy, Shreveport. La .; First Assistant in Antoine or Mt. Zion Public School, Shreveport, La., where she now '1914) labors to the satis- faction of the School Board and the patrons and to the delight of the children. Miss Norring- ton has served repeatedly in Summer Normal School Faculties as Model Teacher. She is Trus- tee and one of the Supervisors of The Heart's Ease Industrial Orphanage. This is one of the most accomplished women in the state, well read, a consistent Christian, model housekeeper and an exemplary teacher.
N. H. C. HENDERSON, M. D., PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON.
This young man is the son of Mr. H. C. and Mrs. Pheobe Henderson. He is one of Louisi- ana's most successful physicians. Longwood.
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La., is his birthplace. Being blessed with a pa- rents who were intensely interested in Christian education, he had fairly smooth sailing as to get- ting through school. Reaching school age he was sent to the country public school. Later he en- tered Bishop College, Marshall, Texas, where he spent several years. During his vacations he studied Latin and other subjects under the writer at a Summer School near Furrh, La. After- wards he entered the College and Medical De- partment of the University of West Tennessee, and graduated M. D. 1908.
Dr. Henderson located in Memphis, Tenn., in 1909, after passing the State Medical Board of Tennessee. Ile has been elected president of the Alumni Association of West Tennessee Univer- sity, and also Professor of Chemical Medicine.
He was converted at the early age of 14, and baptized into the membership of the Republican Baptist Church, Furrh, La., by Bishop L. W. Canfield. This young man has a bright future in the field of medical endeavor.
ISAAC CORNELIUS CHAPTMAN, M. D., LL. B., PHYSICIAN AND LAWYER.
The subject of this sketch was born in La- fayette, La., 1861. Mr. Isaac and Mrs. Malina Chaptman were his parents. Dr. Chaptman was deprived of early school training. He worked on the farm with his father until he was of age. The writer has heard him say that on the day he was 21 his father called him in the field, and reminding him of his age told him he might go, and (so to speak) enter life's battle to win or lose. With a good supply of nerve and iron in his blood he started out. His first job was on
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a farm at $12 per month. The work was hard but he stayed on his job until the crop was gathered. Next he succeeded in getting work as a common laborer in the U. S. Custom House, New Orleans, La., under Hon. William Pitt Kel- logg. He worked here two years at $50 per month, saving about $600 during this time. Lending this money out amiss made it almost impossible for him to begin the work of self- education. However he succeeded in entering Leland University with a small sum of money, and practically no education at all after he was 22 years old. After spending some years here at Leland, doing a deal of literary work, he en- tered New Orleans University, where he was a hard student, and where he accomplished much. Following he took up the study of medicine at. Flint Medical College and graduated M. D., with honors, being among its first graduates, He again graduated from the Intercontinental. School of Law.
Starting out on his medical career practically penniless, his only money to start with being a graduating present of $10, given by Mrs. Frances White, and $1 by Prof. Jonas Henderson, he began at once to demonstrate his curative powers as a physician at New Orleans, La., Crowley, La .. Orange, Texas, Lake Charles, La., and Lafayette, La., where he now (1912) labors.
He was converted and baptized in the mem- bership of the Good Hope Baptist Church, El- der C. Noah, buried him in baptism. Dr. Chapt- man is pushful, enterprising and progressive. He is largely a "self-made inan"-pure and sim- ple. What he has accomplished bespeaks for him continued success in the medical profession.
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PROF. R. P. PLAYER, NOTED TEACHER.
March 11, 1876, this young man was born near Alden Bridge, La., of Mr. Samuel and Mrs. Mag- gie Player. At the age of eight his parents sent him to school at Cotton Grove (near Alden Bridge) to a Mr. Russell (white) as the public schools at that time were being taught by a very few colored teachers. So marked was young Player's interest in his books, and so studious did he become that he began to hold the "head of his class."
At this early age he started up to take his place among the intellectual stars of Louisiana. He spent four years in public schools of his parish, and after studying "farmology" eight years he entered the Thirteenth District Normal and Col- legiate Institute under Professor Wm. Hicks. Here he studied hard and graduated from the Normal Course with honors. He speaks as fol- lows of his school life: "Although Rev. Hicks re- signed before I finished, I confess that I owe much of the character building and general in- formation needed to carry one over life's sea to him." After finishing the prescribed course of study here at this Institution, he was elected As- sistant Principal of his Alma Mater, but soon resigned and accepted the principalship of the Butler Hill Public School, Shreveport, La.
He began this work with only about 50 pupils in one rented room. But because of the large amount of hustle in his bones, and his indomita- ble will, he was willing to go up against adverse conditions, belleving that with God on his side no night would get too dark, no road too muddy, and no hill too high, He got down to business and in a short while, by the assistance of God,
MISS ELIZABETH NORRINGTON.
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white and colored friends, his 50 pupils grew in numbers to 450, and his little rented room gave way to a large two-story frame structure with six modernly equipped recitation rooms and a large auditorium. He is now (1914) the popu- lar principal of this school, enjoying the confi- dence of his corps of teachers, hundreds of stu- dents, friends and the public school authorities of both parish and state.
Prof. Player was converted at the age of 17 years, but owing to a continual "sending back to the wilderness," which was in vogue in those days, among the pioneer preachers (and which is much needed to be revived in these days), it was a year hence before he was baptized. Bishop 1. S. Whitaker baptized him into the membership of the Evergreen Baptist Church, Alden Bridge, La. His pleasing manner and Christian deport- ment commended him to his church. He was elected clerk and annually represented his church in the Thirteenth District Association. The As- sociation being favorably impressed, elected him Corresponding Secretary. During this time he was also appointed School Secretary. He is at this writing Auditor of the Thirteenth District Association of Churches and Secretary of the As- sociation of Sunday-schools.
Four years he owned and operated the Search- light Printing Office. In 1908 he married Miss Pearline Bailey. Two boys bless their union. Prof. Player's pleasing manner, upright charac- ter and religious sentiment predict for him fu- ture success.
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PROF. M. J. FOSTER, B. A., TEACHER AND SCHOOL BUILDER.
The light of day was first seen by Professor Foster in 1875 in the parish of St. Martin, La. He is the son of Mr. Albert and Mrs. Cora Foster. Being proud of their boy they doubtless prayed early and earnestly that God would some day make of him a great man. It is gratifying to say that their prayers have been answered. They helped God to answer their prayers by starting their boy out to school as soon as he reached school age.
Having a bright intellect, he successfully made his way through the course of study at Howe Institute, New Iberia, La. He attended Atlanta Baptist College, Atlanta, Ga., and afterwards en- tered Leland University, New Orleans, La., where he applied himself as a hard student, winning and holding the confidence of the President, fac- ulty and student body; and graduated twice with honors: first from the College Preparatory Course and then from the B. A. degree Course May 17, 1905.
On leaving Leland he was called to the princi- palship of the Tenth District High School, Mon- roe, La., which position he now holds with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the Tenth District brethren, having graduated from the Teacher-Training Course in connection with his Normal and College Course. This school is in a prosperous condition with an enrollment of 208. Domestic Science, Sewing and thorough work in literary branches up to the Ninth Grade are taught. Plans and specifications for another building three stories high with a seating ca-
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pacity of 500 have recently been approved by the principal.
After his conversion in 1892, Elder J. B. Liv- ingston baptized him into the membership of the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, New Iberia, La. In 1905 he was united in holy wedlock to Miss Ottie Alberta Wright. Two sons bless their union --- Madison W. and Leland F. Prof. Foster has put himself on record as an efficient teacher, school and home builder.
PROF. IRA A. HENDERSON, TEACHER AND U. S. R. R. POSTAL CLERK.
None of Louisiana's young men are more in- dustrious and more religiously inclined than Ira A. Henderson. His birth place was Longwood, La. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Howell Hender- son, have always been loyal supporters of Chris- tian education, and he received from them every school advantage they were able to give.
It became evident early in life that his was a bright intellect. He was started to school at an early age, and after making good in the public school of his parish and also in a private school taught by the writer and other teachers, he enter- ed the famous Tuskegee Institute, Oct., 1902, and graduated from the Academic Course, May, 1904. On leaving school he accepted the principalship of the public school at Emma, La. In 1907 he was appointed postmaster at Sojourner, La. He served "Uncle Sam" for some time satisfactorily in this capacity; later he climbed higher into the United States' Mail Service, which position he now (1912) holds with credit to himself and race.
Mr. Henderson was converted in 1893 and bap-
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tized into the membership of the Republican Bap- tist Church, Furrh, La., by Bishop L. W. Can- field. His economic ability is evidenced by the fact that in a short while he has acquired prop- erty in Texarkana, Tex., Shreveport, La., and is also a stockholder in the Caddo Pharmacy, Shreveport, La. The push, energy, will-power and determination possessed by this young man say that he will win more victories.
BISHOP J. H. FLEMINGS, NOTED PIONEER PREACHER.
No man in the state has done more for our Baptist Zion than Elder John H. Flemings. He was born in St. Landry Parish in 1852. In 1872 he was converted at the early age of 20 years. This pioneer came along when intellectual. dark- ness hung like a pall over his pathway, but being made of the proper kind of metal with plenty of push and energy he pushed his way to the front. Although deprived of early training he seized every opportunity freedom brought him to im- prove, and very soon he was able to read the "King's English" and God's Holy Word. In 1882 he passed a very creditable examination and was ordained to the gospel ministry. His first pastorate was Good Hope Baptist Church, Al- giers, La. Following he pastored successfully Mt. Olive and Mt. Carmel Baptist Churches. He was the honored pastor twenty-nine years of the first church to which he was called, serving until he left for Heaven. For more than twenty-three years he stood at his post, weathering many storms as Moderator of the First District Asso- ciation. During these years this body has done a work that mortal tongue will never tell fully.
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The District fosters and maintains an Old Folks Home which has done much in soothing the sor- rows and alleviating the sufferings of our poor old mothers. Bishop Flemings now rest from his labors and his good works do follow him. "Servant of God, well done, Rest from thy loved employ, The battle fought, the victory won, Enter thy Master's joy."
DR. H. C. COTTON, A GREAT PREACHER AND COMMUNITY BUILDER.
Some of our brethren throughout the state have accomplished much in preaching the gos- pel, building church houses, school houses and communities, but none have reached a higher mark in these endeavors than Bishop H. C. Cot- ton. He was born at Bayou Sara, La., August, 1852. At the close of the Civil War he attended the private and public schools of his town, where he completed the English Course. In 1884 he entered Leland University, where he found him- self surrounded by many disadvantages. These obstacles, together with the responsibility of a family and the oversight of a large church, com- pelled .him to give up further study at the Uni- versity and arrange for private study at home. Ilis progress proved his success as a private stu- dent. Manifest educational attainments pos- sessed by him, and the educational training that came to others through his instrumentality placed him among the men of thought and action of his day.
Elder Cotton was converted at Bayou Sara, La., and baptized into the membership of the In- dependent Missionary Baptist Church, May 10,
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1871. In 1875 he was licensed to preach and in 1879 he was ordained by the following Bishops: Daniel Dorsey, Samuel Tucker, Henry Hewlet, Eli Perkins and Anderson Hogan.
One of the first acts of his public life was the organization of East and West Feliciana and Point Coupee Baptist Association. This associ- ation was instrumental in collecting the few scat- tered churches for future service. It began the work of organizing churches, ordaining preach- ers and disseminating Baptist doctrine until the year 1885. Then the .State Convention (as will be observed elsewhere in this volume) for the conveniences of the churches re-districted the state into 13 associational districts. It was then that this body organized by Dr. Cotton became the Fourth District Baptist Association. The following brethren assisted in the organization of the East and West Feliciana and Point Coupee Baptist Association : Daniel Dorsey, George Dent, Henry Hewlet, Archie Hulbert, Nathaniel Ratliff, John Clark, Wash Carter, Moses Overton, Rufin Thornton and many others whose names are not preserved.
Bishop Cotton served nearly four years as State and District Missionary and has pastored twenty-seven years, during which time he bap- tized more than a thousand souls, assisted in or- ganizing many churches, helped in the ordina- tion of a large number of young ministers. Three church edifices have been constructed and re- modeled under his wise leadership. This same leader of men with others organized and founded the Houma Academy, Houma, La., and the Israel Academy, Bell Alliance, La. Both of these schools have creditably constructed buildings
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with modern improvements. Their value is more than $2,000 each.
For more than twenty consecutive years Dr. Cotton served as Moderator of the Fifth District Association, and was three times elected Presi- dent of the Louisiana Baptist State Convention, the highest honor that could be bestowed by his brethren. His brethren were satisfied and de- lighted with his service while he presided over the Convention. He was called to the Israel Bap- tist Church in 1885, which is one of our largest and most influential churches. During the 28 years of pastoral work with these good people, he has more than doubled the membership and increased the material value from $5,000 to $10,000, having remodeled the church edifice and made it modern in every respect. Israel Acade- my which was fostered by him and his great church is a large two-story frame structure 45x- 30x22, completed throughout. Israel Baptist Church put this school up at a cost of $2,556.20, and paid for it in six months and one day.
Through the teaching and influence of this great man the majority of his members own homes.
Leland University has signally honored him by conferring upon him the honorary degree, D. D., and also elected him as one of its trustees. Dr. Cotton enjoyed the esteem and confidence not only of the people of Bell Alliance, but of all who knew him. He did great good while he lived, blessing every life that came in contact with his.
"Soldier of Christ, well done, Praise be thy new employ,
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And, while eternal ages run, Rest in thy Savior's joy."
ELDER GEORGE W. WALKER, PIONEER PREACHER OF ABILITY.
The great work of this noted man accomplished in the city of New Orleans caused his name to become a household word almost throughout the state of Louisiana. The veteran whose life and deeds we attempt to depict was known for his sterling qualities beyond the confines of his state. He was a skilled mechanic and held the position of engineer at the shipper's Cotton Press, New Orleans, La.
After his conversion he united with the First African Baptist Church, New Orleans, La., un- der the pastorate of Elder Nelson Sanders. In the year of 1819 he was born at Pulaski, Tenn., and at the time of his death, December, 1892, was 73 years old. The greater part of these years was spent in unselfish service to God and humanity.
Soon after his conversion he felt divinely called to preach the Gospel of Christ, and after relat- ing his call was ordained to the ministry by Bishop Nelson Sanders and others. In almost middle life and about the time of his entrance into the work of the ministry, he married Miss Martha Jane Wright, of Norfolk, Va., who was a great source of inspiration to him in his Di- . vinely appointed profession. While working at his trade as an engineer he gathered together a faithful band of followers and began worship- ping God at a little church within the confines of the old Delechaise Brick Yard. His effective-
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ness as a gospel preacher and his ability to at- tract and hold men became so pronounced that the congregation outgrew its small house and he was compelled to purchase larger quarters on Austerlitz street, upon which was erected a com- modious building. Hundreds of souls were born of the Spirit through the plain but effective Gos- pel which was preached from the sacred desk of the new church edifice. Soon this structure be- came too small to accommodate the large and in- creasing membership and congregation that would gather to hear this gifted gospel preacher.
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