Rev. Merry Writes to the Nashville Union & American

Chicago Tribune
18 Aug 1874
pg. 4

[My Note: the A.G. Merry in the article is in fact, Nelson Grover (N.G.) Merry.]

The editor of the Christian Advocate will probably not attempt a defense of the Rev. J.W. Alword because he is colored. It may not irritate him to learn that a colored minister has been accused of roguery. The charge is brought by another colored clergyman, the Rev. A.G. Merry, pastor of the First Colored Baptist Church of Nashville. The latter minister writes some vigorous English to the Nashville Union and American, explaining the manner in which the Nashville branch of the Freedman’s Bank was conducted. The branch was established in 1865; several colored ministers were placed on the Advisory Board; the parent bank at Washington was in the habit of sending agents to the Southern cities to hold public meetings in aid of the bank; these meetings were called by the colored clergymen, and the poor colored people urged by them to deposit in the Freedman’s Bank. This was the mode of advertising adopted. Mr. Alvord, one of these ministerial agents, says Mr. Merry, used his pulpit to tell the Nashville colored people that every dollar of the bank was invested in United States bonds. The writer says:

“Mr. Alvord is a preacher, and I am one also. I want the world and all mankind to know that I have now found out that the Rev. J. W. Alword stood up in my pulpit and told a lie, thereby fooling many, and increasing the confidence of all present in the bank. Unless he repents of this sin (which is a great sin), hell will be his home.

Whether the last sentence interests anybody or not is not material, except to the Advocate, but another conclusion reached by Mr. Merry is more deserving of consideration. He says:

“I have long since consoled myself with the idea and conviction that the former slaveholder will give us good advice and come as near doing the right as any one else, and that in many instances he will do more.

The italics are his own. It is the fault of Mr. Merry, in common with others, that this doctrine has grown out of fashion among the colored people.

Deadly Encounter

Nashville Glove
1 Mar 1907

Sometime ago there was something said in this paper of the killing of each other by a class of our people in this community, which seems to be periodically epidemic.

Last week the public had dished out to it an account of one young Negro woman cutting to death another over a nasty love affair between them and a white man. Both of these women had come up together from childhood being reared by the same woman who was the mother of one of them. But environments and evil associations tore asunder the bond of friendship which had been formed during the earlier years of their home-life and constant companionship.

This week the public has another sensational killing. This time the parties to the tragedy are two young Negro men.

Wednesday morning, February 27, in the brickyard lodging to W.G. Bush & Co., Sam MABRY was killed by Newton Smith. Smith claims it is said, that the difficulty was brought on by MABRY. He said that during the morning he got into MABRY’s way and the latter cursed him, whereupon he got a brick and throwing it, struck MABRY whom he killed. No claims that he had no intention of committing murder, but to our thinking, that will be much harder to prove than it is to say.

Smith claims that MABRY was the aggressor, but the statements made by those who saw the whole affair are rather damaging and do not boar him out in his claims. He is said to have thrown the brick at MABRY which the latter was upon a ladder.

It is not the purpose of this “write-up” to pass upon the credibility of the statements of those who witnessed the difficulty, that lies wholly within the province of the Criminal Court; but its purpose is to give an account of what is a fact: The death or killing of Sam MABRY by Nowton Smith.

Note: This is not the full article. If you want to know more please contact me.

Another Old Veteran Dead

Nashville Globe
1 Mar 1907

Mr. George Hooper, Old and Well-Known Porter, Passes Away. — Mr. Geo. HOOPER, who has been confined to his bed for three years, his body wrecked with pain and suffering, died at the home of Mrs. Anna T. JACKSON on Eighteenth avenue, North, at an early hour Tuesday morning.

This announcement will not come to a surprise to those who had known of the patient’s long illness and sufferings, and who had expected his death at any moment during the past three years, but still it will bring a sense of sadness to many who had respected Mr. HOOPER. His long life of usefulness, his ever courteous manner and his high sense of integrity had won for him in his official capacity as head porter of the Maxwell House for thirty-two years.

Three years ago Mr. HOOPER, while in the active discharge of his duties, was suddenly seized with an attack of paralysis, which completely incapacitated him for further duty and he had practically been to his bed since. He had during those long years of illness, days of quiet and peace, but most of the time he suffered intensely and every day found him growing gradually weaker and weaker. When the end came he met it with resignation and sank greatly to rest.

During his long career as porter Mr. HOOPER accumulated at one time considerable property, but he trusted the investment of his earnings to his white friends and they were unfortunate in their investments, and all during his illness he was wholly dependent upon the liberality of friends and Mrs. Anna T. JACKSON, to whose house he was taken when first attacked with paralysis. This woman was no relation, but bound by ties of friendship opened her house to the afflicted man and for three years administered to his wants with an unselfishness rarely equaled.

Mr. HOOPER was born of slave parents in February, 1836, and was seventy-one years old when he died.

After Mr. HOOPER attained his freedom he began his career as hotel porter, first serving in that capacity for the old City Hotel, located on the public Square just south of the Methodist Publishing House block. He in turn, then served in the same capacity at the old St. Cloud Hotel on Fifth avenue, then located on the present site of the older Caster-Knol building.

In 1869, when the Maxwell House was completed and opened, Mr. HOOKER was appointed head porter under Mr. McKENN, the first manager. He continued with I.H. FALTOn and Co., of which firm Mr. John OVERTON, owner of the hotel properly, was a partner and took an active part in the management. He continued as head porter with succeeding

Had Wide Acquaintance. Mr. HOOPER perhaps knew more prominent men than any other in the South. The drummers who were

Mr. HOOKER was a member of St. Johns’s A.M.E. Curch and his liberality went far towards helping this church in past years. He was and Odd Fellow and belonged to several other secret orders, but it was for the church when he did most of service, and the congregation of St. John’s has reason to honor and revere his memory.

The funeral took place at 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon, with services at St. Johns’s Church. Dr. Halglor officlals Spring. Talyr & Co.. Good call. o the three i’d probably join 1.o firstt!

Tyree Camp Fifth Anniversary

Nashville Globe
1 Mar 1908

Residence of Mrs. E.G. Coffey Scene of Gala Meeting. Spacious Parlors Crowded to Their Utmost - Members and Friends Listen to Addresses and Reports with Keen Interest - Much Good Accomplished.

Tyree Camp, a branch of an organization of societies of the St. John A.M.E. Church, celebrated its fifth anniversary at the residence of Mrs. E.G. COFFEY on Thirteenth avenue North, last Friday evening. A large number of friends had been invited, and when Mrs. Sara ROSE called the meeting to order the parlors were crowded with the Camp members and the guests. Mrs. RHODES stated the purpose of the meeting, and announced the first number on program which was an instrumental selection by Miss Brucie Mai EWING, the talented organist of the St. John A.M.E. Church. Miss EWING was equal to the occasion, rendering her selection with grace and ease. Prayer was offered by Rev. C.E. ALEXANDER, pastor of the Hubbard Chapel M.E. Church. Miss Mattie E. ALEXANDER, daughter of the Rev. ALEXANDER rendered an instrumental solo which was highly enjoyed by all.

Mrs. E.C. COFFEY, president of the Tyree Camp, was then introduced. She gave a brief history of the camp, noting its accomplishments during the five years it had been in existence. She told of the efforts put forth, and how friends of other churches had helped them in the struggle.

Miss Lizzie DICKERSON was the next to speak. Miss DICKERSON is secretary of all the several camps working in the interest of the church. She gave the statistics of money collected and how the same had been expended. Her statement showed that the camps have raised nearly $2,599 and had paid the whole, less expenses, on the church debt. Mrs. Lula ALLEN, who was one of the first to join in the Camp work, spoke words of praise and encouragement. Dr. M.J. GREGG, D.D., of Jacksonville, Fla., who is the corresponding secretary of the Allen Christian Endeavor Department of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was the next speaker He said the twentieth century promised to be the woman’s age. The coming of Christ brought her emancipation, and in this age she has ceased to be considered as a beast of burden, but as truly man’s companion and helper. He spoke in glowing terms of the great accomplishments by the women of the St. John. A.M.E. Church and wished for them continued success.

Miss Vera L. MOORE, a member of the faculty at Walden University, rendered an instrumental solo. Miss MOORE’s rendition was above the average and brought forth great applause.

Bishop E. TYREE, for whom the Camp is named, was the next speaker. He said he had watched the work of the Camps with much interest and was proud to have his name identified with them. Bishop TYREE said since the time he received a telegram from Dr. WATSON, the secretary of the Church’s Extension Board to represent at the sale of the church, several years ago, and to save the property he had received many for acting as he did; but he considered the telegram from the Church Extension Secretary to mean what it contained and he acted. However, all were compelled to admit now that it was the best investment that had been made by the board during its history. He said the fact that the Baptists and other friends had helped the Camp members to save St. John A.M.E. Church was as it ought to be and it should be so in every struggle the race has. The dominant race has taken everything from us but the churches and school houses, and when one of them is in peril every Negro, irrespective of creed, should put his shoulder to the wheel and help push.

Dr. T.W. HAIGLER, pastor of the church for which the camp is working, was the last speaker. He said he has been given the new name of fussy pastor, but as long as the dollars continued to roll in he would continue fussing. He said he was very much concerned about the “something else” he had heard mentioned and would not be lengthy in his remarks, but would get out of the way for the “something else.”

Miss Vera L. MOORE rendered another of her choice selections and the exercises were brought to a close. The guests were invited to the dining hall where all were served to the sumptuous repast served in buffet style in courses, after which the fifth anniversary of Tyree Camp celebration passed into history.

Visit to West Tennessee in Interest of Roger William

Nashville Globe
1 Mar 1907

Rev. Wm. Haynes, General Manager of the Roger Williams University Fund, has just returned from a week’s trip in and about Memphis, Tenn., in the interest of the institution. Speaking of his trip, he said “Considering the weather I did very well, I was kiindly greeted by the Memphis brethren, who spoke very encouragingly concerning the rebuilding of Roger Williams University. I spoke and preached at several churches to the work as follows:

• Jackson Ave. Baptist Church, Rev. Bell, pastor ……………………. $95
• Salem Baptist Church, Rev. Thomas, pastor………………………… $2
• Metropolitan Baptist Church, Rev. Searcy, pastor………………….$15.45
• First Baptist Church, Cholein Ref. Hord, pastor…………………………………………………..$26.00
• St. Paul Baptist Church, Rev. Woods, pastor (2OO*)………………………………………………$20.00
• Canaan Baptist Church, Covington, Rev. Holloway, pastor….$10
• First Baptist Church - Brownsville, with Rev. Townsend pastor………………..$10:00

Pianoforte Lecture

Nashville Globe
1 Mar 1907

Recital at Blind School by Miss Elizabeth S. Wells – The visitors, teachers and students of the Tennessee School for the Blind were highly entertained by a pianoforte lecture-recital given by Miss Elizabeth S. Wells in the chapel of that Institution last Wednesday afternoon at five o’clock. Miss Wells, who is so successfully teaching vocal and instrumental music at the school, is student of Fisk University. She possesses the characteristics of the Fisk musicians in that she delivers her numbers with skill and precision. She carefully explained each number of her program, making it even more interesting to the students as well as the . Misses Grass and Hukill, of Fisk, were present.

The programs were written upon cards the corners of which were draped with royal gold and blue and read as follows:

Polish Dance - Op. 3, No. 1……X. Scharwonka
Octave Study….A. Kullak
Nocturne in F-sharp, Op. 15, No. 2….. F. Chopin
Sonato No. 11… J. Hayden

Dangerous Car Conductor

Nashville Globe
1 Mar 1907

A week or so ago the attention of the public was called to an impatient conductor on the West Nashville line by a Globe reporter who witnessed the proceedings. That this car line is becoming notorious was plainly apparent last Sunday afternoon when a conductor by the name of Mann shot Mr. George Marshall through the arm on on Church street near Fifteenth avenue. Fortunately his injuries were slight. The ball entered his left arm, passing through the shoulder and lodging in his back. Dr. Coles, whose office is near the scene of the affray, attended to the wounded man, who, with his brother, was subsequently arrested, the charge being disorderly conduct. Both made bond. Mann was arrested at the transfer station on a charge of carrying a pistol with intent to commit murder.

Mr. Marshall states that he and his brother had some words with the conductor, who drew his pistol and ordered them from the car. After they got off the conductor shot at them. Mann says the brothers threatened him and he shot in self-defense. The trial was set for last Monday, but owing to Mr. Marshall’s condition it was continued until Wednesday, whom Mann was bound over to the criminal court.

Davidson County Teachers

Nashville Globe
1 Mar 1907

The Davidson County teachers held quite an interesting session February 9, 1907. The subject of Hodge’s Nature studies was discussed by Prof. W.R. Davis. A solo was sung by Miss Helene Lowe, daughter of Prof. C.B. Lowe. Many visitors were present, Prof. Wright of Buena Vista School gave a valuable talk to the teachers.

Fatal Accident

Nashville Globe
1 Mar 1907

Last Monday morning Carrie Cleveland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland of Salem and Albion streets, was playing near a stove when the dress of the little child caught fire and before the flumes could be extinguished she was so badly burned that there were no hopes of saving her lift.  The little sufferer lingered until just after last nightfall when death put an end to her aflictions.  The funeral services were solemnized Tuesday and a large number of friends were present.

Negroes Purchase Land in New Fisk University Place

From the Nashville Globe
1 Mar 1907

Over Forty-Two Thousand Dollars Worth of Real Estate Changes Hands - Record-Breaking of Beautiful Home Sites - Company Looking For Other Tracts — One of the greatest real estate sales recorded in the history of Nashville took place last Friday between 12 and 1 o’clock and what is known as the Fisk University Place, a new and beautiful tract of land opened by thrown upon the market by the Abraham Lincoln Land Company, whose office is 71 Arcade, upstairs.  It was the intention of the movers of the new suburb addition to Nashville, to open a strictly first-class colored sub-division.  Not however, with any intent at discrimination, or jim crowism, but for the purchase of giving every Negro in Nashville an opportunity to become a property owner at prices within reach and on such terms as would not embarras their financial condition regardless of how small their salary is.  The $1.00 cash payment enable the most humble of the race to secure a home.  Every one should have a place called home.  Grant efforts had been put forth advertising this sale through different papers and ere the dial on the clock pointed to 12, fully 3,000 people had gathered on the grounds, which lie west of Fisk University, occupying one of the most beautiful sites about Nashville.

This sale was not to begin until one o’clock, but the crown had grown so large and impatient until the management decided that it would be best to open the sale one hour earlier.  It was almost like opening public lands in the far West.  Each group of people could be seen here and there selecting their future homes.  Truly, the Negroes have decided to get some of this world’s goods, and judging from the hundreds of youn, able-bodied, well-thinking members of the race who invested on Washington’s birthday, it will not be long before the tax list in Nashville will show that every male member of the race who has attained his majority will appear thereon.  It is learned that fully $42,000 worth of real estate changed from the Abraham Lincoln Land Company to individual owners on this day.  Not more than two lots were sold to any one person.  The lots rage in prices from $175 to $300.  Thus, it can be seen that a large number of lots was disposed of.  It is already learned that some of the purchasers will begin the erection of their homes in the near future and will stop rent as soon as possible.  The demand has been so great that this same Company has decided to purchase additional lands in the same vicinity, as ther is another desireable tract of land just adjoining Fisk University Place, which would increase the size.  Rumors are wild already that the Nashville Street Hallway Company will extend Jefferson street car line, allowing it to pass Fisk University Place, making a loop and coming back into Jefferson street.  If this is done, it will bring the place within ten minute’s ride of the Square.  This seems to be the only rival of West Nashville ever opened, and with the wide alloys to the property and excellent streets that will be out, there will be nothing left to make this now sub-division all that is expected of it.

Only about seventy or one hundred lots remain unsold, it is learned that applications for there are homes made almost daily.  The Company has already opened offices on the grounds and will answer in person, inquiries made at the place or by phone or otherwise inquiries made in the Arcade office down town.