James S. Russell's an Adventure in Faith

An Adventure in Faith by James S. Russell

Published by Morehouse in 1936

St. Paul Normal and Industrial School Male Attendees who served in WWI

Camp Lee:
Theodore Brown
Joseph Bragg
John Claiborne
Albert Coleman
Harvey Coleman
Robert Cypress
Lyman Connor
Lewis Driver
Otey W. Hunter
Reps Hinton
Thomas Hayes
Talmadge Jackson
H.T. Jackson
Linwood Johnson
Arthur Lewis
John T. Lundy
Jasper Mickie
Henry Manning
Luther Mills
Lamon Ponton
Clinton Rock
William Tyler
Morris Troy
James R. Wilson
Clarence West
James L. Williams
Christopher Watts
John Coles

Camp Jackson:
John Cole
Leroy Johnson

Camp Upton:
Eugene Christian
Robert W. Fearing (Lieut.)

Camp Meade:
Robert Green
David E. Lane (Lieut.)

Camp Funston:
Ottoway Morris (Lieut.)

Camp Dix:
Herman W. Russell -
(Labor Day 1916 went to France, Returned to VA on 7/4/1919)
Charles S. Miller

Camp Sherman:
William Burke
Peter Jones
Touissaint Owens
Herbert Banks
George Gardiner

Served with the Navy:
Willie Carter
W.O. Menefield
William Fred Farrar

Chapter I
Born into Slavery
Four years before the beginning of the war which was to change me from chattel to man, I was born in a little white-washed log cabin on the Hendricks Estate, near Palmer Springs and the Roanoke River, amid the green hills of Mecklenburg County, Virginia.
On December, 1857, I unceremoniously became one more slave on the plantation of Mr. Hendrick.
Of my ancestry I have known little and a busy life has not allowed me time for genealogy tracing, but the ever present memory of my mother, father and grandmother has been sufficient to fill whatever place ancestral worship might have taken place in my life.
In Mecklenburg County however, the story has been handed down that my mothers grandmother was sold in Palmer Springs shortly after she was brought from
Africa. She had a daughter Seleah, and both of them worked in the Big House. Seleah had four
Daughters and two sons, and following the custom on most plantations, all the daughters were married under the supervision of their master. This matter of producing slaves was as important as breeding animals!
One of these, Araminta became my mother. My
Paternal parent, Solomon Russell, was slave on the Russell plantation in Warren County, North Carolina. My first seven or eight years, therefore, were spent without my knowing the companionship of a father or my experiencing the richness of a household that where husband and wife planned, worked, and prayed together. All my problems were my mothers until after the Civil war, when my parents joined each other and began To make of hut or cabin a home.
Palmer Springs in years past was a flourishing
watering place, and attracted many visitors to the
crystal mineral springs after which it was named.
Besides these, the cultivation of cotton and
Bright tobacco were the principal occupations and these
commodities, with the slaves, formed a triumvirate
by which wealth was measured. Today, the natural
beauty of the country is just as picturesque, but other
popular resorts together with improved modes of
travel, have robed it of its value as a tourist
rendezvous; the traffic in slaves is now a thing
of the past, and cotton is no longer king. In the
same way and typical of changing times, a modern steel
bridge now spans the Roanoke River and connect
Virginia wit North Carolina, where in the days
Gone by we used to cross the stream in flats. Round
About the country many of the descendents of the slaves,
And grandchildren and great grandchildren of my former
Master still make their homes: one of the descendents of Mr. Hendrick also occupies my old masters house.
My mother was poor, very poor. This poverty stood out
all the more because, following the emancipation,
we were left to fight our own battles and to manage
our own lives; we were cast upon the billowy deep to
paddle our own canoe, to what destination we
scarcely knew. One thing we soon found out; no more could
we look to our master for shelter, sustenance, care,
and direction; we had gained Freedom and with it the responsibilities-dire responsibilities, at first-of being our own masters.
All through the Civil War, my mother and the other
slaves remained on the plantation, but the news of
the strife was always around us; three of our masters
sons were away with the Confederate forces, and
concern for them also gripped the slaves. The
older slaves knew the meaning of the conflict and although they remained loyal, they hoped for freedom and would whisper such tidings as they gleaned concerning the success of the Union soldiers. When the Yankees neared Mecklenburg, my master had all his slaves and valuables taken and hid in the depths of the woods, and there they remained for weeks at a time; the slaves living in barracks and on the most meager of diets.
Mother lived in one of the log cabins near the
Big House all through 1865, and at the close of the
Year my father built a small log cabin just across
Smiths Creek in North Carolina. Here we stayed until the
close of 1867, when my parents and several other
relatives decided to return to the Virginia side.
There they built more cabins and settled down to
Two of the hardest years ever. Fishing, gunning, and
trapping had to be engaged to augment the income
that came in from the farm, but at best only a mere
existence could be eked out. Although I was young,
I, too had to help earn the daily bread, and so as a
little barefoot farm boy, a one gallus boy in
mother-made trousers, I milked the cow, sold eggs
and the butter my mother made, hoed and followed the
plough, and did a hundred and one other chores
which kept me close to the soil and which were to
influence me all the rest of my life.
My mother often told me that she named me Solomon,
Not so much because it was my fathers name, but
Because she had hoped and prayed that somehow I would be
As wise as the Solomon of the Bible about whom she
Had heard the white minister preach and the Negro
lay-reader exhort. On every occasion she would
seek advice about my schooling and ask people what they
thought of me. One of the persons who made a great
deal over me was Mr. Thomas Wade, overseer on the
Hendricks Estate. He would take me riding behind Him as he went about the farm, answering the countless questions with which I bombarded him and laying down one condition for my going: that I wear breeches, even though I was still at the age when little dresses or gowns were the order of the day.
Mr. John E. P. Wright, who was the superintendent of the white Sunday school near Palmer Springs until
he decided to help the small colored Sunday school to
get on its feet, was also one of the persons who encouraged me. The colored school was begun in the Spring of 1870 with Mr. “Mack” Dugger as
superintendent and my two cousins and myself as pupils.
Upon learning of our attempt, Mr. Wright left his own church group to assist us. The school went on successfully and grew rapidly as it was the only Sunday school for Negro children in the community. The pupils later used regular textbooks, and in 1873, despite my limited knowledge of the Scriptures, Mr. Wright recommended that I succeed him as superintendent.
Another well-wisher was Mr. Cheely, a rather distinguished educator who was employed as tutor to my master’s children.
On several occasions he would say to my mother “That boy will someday become a good preacher” and my mother always kept that prophecy with her and worked for its fulfillment.
In 1868, two years after the family had left the North Carolina side, the cabin we had lived in there was turned into a schoolhouse, and to this long prayed for place of learning, my mother sent me everyday to learn my alphabet, and little more, at the hands of a teacher who herself had gone no farther than the second grade. But I was going to school and that is what counted most with my mother and me. After about a year the economic strain and stress made it necessary for my schooling to end. I had to remain at home to help on the farm and another year had passed before I again received any formal schooling.
In 1869 my tenant-farmer parents had another moving day. This time they went nearer to Palmer Springs where they had lived before. Here the disappointment I had previously suffered when I was forced to leave school was over come, for in Palmer Springs was a private school taught by Armistead Miller, and aged white man. This I was permitted to attend. In the interim between school attendances. I had tried to read and re-read the Bible and everything else I could find in order not to forget all I had learned, and this habitual reading, such as it was, made it easier for me to resume my tasks in the classroom. Mr. Miller charged from fifty cents to one dollar a month, and before long this tuition fee became a real problem. As a way out, I would reach the schoolhouse early each morning and start the fire and sweep the floors, and, in addition, since cash was out of the question, my parents would bring butter, eggs, chickens, and other farm produce to Mr. Miller who accepted these as tuition.

To be continued…..

Letter from Rev. I. P. Daniels RE: colored people of Arkansas

This letter was in the book and it mentions a Rev. I. P. Daniels of Arkansas and a few other Arkansas people of 1917.

Episcopal Residence
1222 Scott Street
Little Rock, Arkansas

May 12, 1917.

DEAR ARCHDEACON RUSSELL-It gives me great pleasure as Bishop of Arkansas to notify you officially of your election as Suffragan Bishop of Colored Work of Arkansas in the Province of the Southwest, on the 10th instant, in St.Paul’s Church, Hope, Arkansas. Although three other names were prominently before us, you were elected on the first ballot by both clergy and laity1
The Southwest Province for some years has been interested in a racial Bishop for your people. We have carried it through the Synod and up to the General Convention. The suffragan plan was finally adopted as the solution. I am thankful that God has given us the privilege in Arkansas of taking the initial step. The choice has fallen on you. I feel that it is the work of God the Holy Ghost to whom we looked, and under whose guidance we did our work.
While as suffragan of Arkansas, with your residence, I trust, in Little Rock, I am sure that all of the colored congregations in our province will be placed under your care, and you will have the cordial cooperation of the Bishop of this Province, as well as the white and colored priests. I feel that a great opportunity has opened to you to help your needy people.
We have in Arkansas three priests and four postulants for the Holy Orders, and an empty purse! The Board of Missions gives me eighteen hundred dollars for my colored work. My Archdeacon and his son have been most faithful, loyal, and Godly, in their ministry; I have used the stipend for them. The Rev. I. P. Daniels will be removed from the non-parochial list and be placed upon your staff of clergy. By request of our whole Synod of the Southwest, the Board of Missions was asked to give the suffragan for colored work, three thousand dollars per annum. Your salary, therefore, from the Board of Missions, will be that of a Missionary Bishop of the Church. I have had no communication as yet from the Board of Missions as to any action on their part; but cannot be otherwise than compliant with the unanimous request of the Synod. I understand fully that they would take no action until a concrete case had been presented to them.
Before the election I received letters from nearly all the Bishops of our Province, and had expressions from a number of the colored clergy; and I feel sure it will gratify you some day to read the splendid sentiment expressed for you; there is no word except of high esteem. I mention this in order that you may see your way clearly to the acceptance of this high honor bestowed upon you.
We have over 400,000 colored people in this State, and our Church is greatly needed among them. Educational movements are springing up in the midst of so much religious confusion in their ranks. Your experience as teacher, guide, and friend will direct their attention to the high ideals and betterment of their condition.
Archdeacon Johnson, who would not allow himself to be placed in nomination, has been doing splendid work among his people; he spoke most beautifully of you, and has every hope in the fact of your coming. The Council appointed him delegate to wire you the fact of your election. I feel that your influence in the Church, and knowledge of conditions, will enable you to secure men for the field.
The Council also elected a white suffragan of Arkansas, the Ven. E. W. Saphore, who at one time was archdeacon in charge of colored work in this diocese, and who is with me absolutely in sympathy for your people. I moreover feel that your coming will give enthusiasm to our colored Churchmen, and more firmly establish the confidence between the white and colored people in all spiritual lines.
You will bring with you the blessing and good wishes of Virginia, which means much to me. I do not think for one moment that the work you have done at Lawrenceville can suffer, because of the trained men you have brought to the front to carry on your purposes. May I suggest to you that the Rev. D. E. Johnson has been engaged in college work among his people at Pine Bluff, being a most competent teacher of music and other studies, as one whom you may secure to help the work at Lawrenceville? He has been taking a course in manual training preparing for industrial educational work.
He has made a beautiful altar for the church at Pine Bluff. I submit his name for your consideration. He passed his examinations in Latin, Greek, theology, etc., with credit, nor did he ask to be excused from Hebrew.

I beg you to submit this matter to my beloved friend, Bishop Tucker, and knowing his breadth of view, and interest in the Church of God, you will be helped in your decision. In my own mind the call id Divine.
I would immediately make you a personal visit in Lawrenceville, except for pressing duties; but in a few weeks, if necessary in your judgment, will call in person and throw any light upon the perplexities that may be in your mind. I await your answer, however, to this suggestion.
Wishing you God’s blessing, believe me very faithfully,

James R. Winchester

Negro Landowners Early Virgina

Most of the property owners lived in Powelton District, which then, and for several years afterwards was the only section of Brunswick and Mecklenburg Counties where Negroes owned land in considerable proportions. Ephraim Gaines of Brunswick began to buy land in the early seventies when it was cheap and by 1902 had become the owner of more than one thousand acres. The next and largest land holder in the district was William Bowers of Mecklenburg, who owned one thousand acres. These were followed by Ruffin Callis, whose estate grew to include six hundred acres; James Anderson Greene, five hundred and twenty-seven acres; J. A. Travis, Sr., and Wiley Taylor. Three hundred acres each, and Osborne Wingfield, prominent figure of Reconstruction days, 250 acres. One thousand seems to be the limit to the number of acres which a Negro could safely and conveniently own.

MORE on RECONSTRUCTION ERA KEY FIGURES:

When I first came to Lawrenceville, I found no suitable quarters to which to bring a wife, so on two occasions I had the date of my prospective marriage postponed. Finally on December 20, 1882, I was married in Petersburg by the Rev. Giles B. Cooke and the Rev. Thomas Spencer, my teachers and rector, to Miss Virginia Michigan Morgan, fourth daughter of the Hon. Peter G. Morgan, of Bollingbrook Street, Petersburg, one of the outstanding figures of the Reconstruction Days. After a reception that night, my wife and I left for Lawrenceville where we took up abode in the home of Mr. Richard Stewart, an aged communicant, in the upper part (the rafters) of a little log cabin. Later we went to spend a few days in Warrenton, North Carolina, with Mr. Aaron Hendrick and other relatives, but returned in time for the Christmastide and to open our parish school on the first day of January, 1883.

Mrs. Russell was one of seven children in a highly respected and progressive family. She was a graduate of the St. Stephen’s Normal School, had been organist of St. Stephen’s Church up to the time of her marriage, and had been afforded the opportunity of broadening contacts and a home life which placed emphasis on intellectual endeavor and on service for the welfare of the race.

Her father was one of the twenty-five Negroes who were Delegates to the Constitutional Convention which was convened on December 3, 1867, in Richmond, to reestablish civil government in Virginia (eighty of the delegates were white). Later he represented Petersburg in the first General Assembly after the State’s reentry into the Union.

Mr. Morgan was one of those who fought to keep the words, "white" or "black" from appearing in the constitution, and he was a member of the committee which made the report authorizing the establishment of a system of public free schools. The convention continued its labors until it had completed a constitution for the State. Incidentally this document lasted longer than any other Southern Reconstruction Constitution, not falling a victim to changes and amendments until 1902.

On July 6, 1869, an election was held as ordered by President Grant. Gilbert Walker was elected Governor and the constitution ratified by a vote of 210,585 against 9,136. In this same election, six Negroes were elected to the State Senate and twenty-one to the House of Delegates, a total of twenty-seven Negro members of the First General Assembly following the War Between the States and the black man’s emancipation.

After Reconstruction days, Mr. Morgan settled down at this home in Petersburg and devoted his energies to the education and the moral, material, and social uplift of his people. He was a property owner and a prosperous citizen, and one of the coterie of men who helped to place Petersburg in it’s prominent position of primacy in ownership of real estate and farms. At the close of the War, there were 250 Negro property owners in the city whose houses and lots were valued at $142,030, and as far back as 1850, ninety-three Petersburg citizens were listed as owners of real property.

Mr. Morgan took a leading part in bringing about the establishment of the State College for Negroes, Petersburg, and was one of the incorporators of the St. Paul Normal and Industrial School. He died March 15, 1890, at the age of seventy-two years, leaving behind a record of a most helpful and fruitful life.

PLANTATIONS NEAR HAMPTON:

From Page 38
The St. Paul campus is full of interest, and it’s historical background reaches back into ante-bellum days, when the present site of the school was one of the four plantations in the county owned by General Cox of Powhatan County, an absentee landlord. The plantations were Arthur Creek, Rose Creek, which the school bought; Meherrin, and Pea Hill. Rose Creek was a sort of supply station for the breeding and training of slaves, from whence they were sent to other plantations as needed. The General, in his periodic visits to the county, made his headquarters at Meherrin, where he had a stone house for his residence. Rose Creek and Pea Hill had substantial log houses for the overseerers, and mud and dirt houses for the slaves.
All the plantations had these mud houses, and for many years they were the center of much attraction on our campus. Rose Creek had over a dozen and the others nearly as many, some single and some double.
Until a few years ago, the houses here were still standing in a fait state of preservation, but in the last two or three years, they have fallen to the ravages of time and the elements. Those at Pea Hill met the same fate, but the Meherrin houses are still in excellent condition and habitable.
These mud houses preserved traditions of the ancestral homes of the Negro in Africa, both in appearance and in materials. Board frames were first put up in the size of the intended house. The mud moistened, worked to the proper consistency, and mixed with straw to secure adhesives, and then poured and rammed into the chamber between the boards. The walls were allowed to dry, and the top, usually clap boards or shingles of heart pine, put on. Great care had to be taken to protect the walls at the point of structure with the roof from dripping water, which if allowed to seep through, would soften them, and soon cause decay. After the walls ha hardened sufficiently, the enclosing boards were removed. In most cases the mud walls were kept whitewashed, a and in the course of time the huts took on the appearance of a beautiful white stone structure, the illusion being most effective on moonlit nights.
On first coming into sight of Meherrin, around a turn in the road, the solid fortress-looking stone house of the owner, situated o an elevation overlooking the Meherrin River, and surrounded by what in the distance seems to be the stone houses of the retainers, suggests a feudal castle of the old days. He dirt houses on the School’s farm have crumpled into nothing-ness and they and their site are now part of a wheat field.

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