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Fact Stranger Than Fiction.
Seventy-Five Years of a Busy Life with Reminiscences of Many Great and Good Men and Women:
Electronic Edition.

Green, John Patterson, b. 1845

Funding from the Academic Affairs Library,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill supported the electronic publication of this title.

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First edition, 2004
ca. 767K
Academic Affairs Library, UNC-CH
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
2004.

        © This work is the property of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It may be used freely by individuals for research, teaching and personal use as long as this statement of availability is included in the text.

Source Description:
(title page) Fact Stranger Than Fiction Seventy-Five Years of a Busy Life with Reminiscences of Many Great and Good Men and Women
(spine) Fact Stranger Than Fiction
John P. Green
[i]-xv, 368 p., ill.
Cleveland, O. U.S.A.
Riehl Printing Company
1920

Call number CB G797g (North Carolina Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

        The electronic edition is a part of the UNC-CH digitization project, Documenting the American South.
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[Cover Image]

        

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Compliments of the Author--
John P. Green
To Bruce Cotton Esq. of --
of
Baltimore, Md.:
Cleveland, Ohio: 7/6/23.
"Forsan et haec olim meminisse juvabit"
Virgil: Book I--Line 203.

        

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John P Green.
AT SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS OF AGE.

        

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[Title Page Image]

FACT STRANGER THAN
FICTIONSEVENTY-FIVE YEARS OF A BUSY LIFE
WITH REMINISCENCES
OF
MANY GREAT AND GOOD MEN AND WOMEN

BY

JOHN P. GREEN

1920 RIEHL PRINTING COMPANY
CLEVELAND. O.
U.S.A.

Page iii

        TO
THE GRAND, WEALTHY AND BEAUTIFUL CITY
OF CLEVELAND, OHIO,
--QUEEN OF THE GREAT LAKES--

        MY CHILDHOOD'S REFUGE AND ASYLUM FROM THE "WHIPS AND SCORNS" (?) OF SOUTHERN SLAVERY CASTE, PREJUDICE AND PROSCRIPTION; MY OWN DEAR ALMA MATER, WHERE I HAVE LIVED AND LOVED, AND BEEN ALLOWED FREE AND FULL SCOPE TO ESTABLISH MY RIGHT TO A PLACE IN THE SUNLIGHT, AMONGST MEN; A HAVEN OF REST TO THE PERSECUTED AND FORLORN; THE GLARE OF WHOSE FURNACES ILLUMINES THE WORLD; THE REVERBERATIONS OF WHOSE TRIP-HAMMERS AND THE HUM OF WHOSE SPINDLES RESOUND THROUGHOUT THE HABITABLE GLOBE; I, IN LOVE AND HUMILITY, DEDICATE THIS LITTLE BOOK.

JOHN P. GREEN.

Dec. 3d, 1919.

Page v

FOREWORD

        If gauged by the hosts of friends who recognize me, and the high esteem and kindly consideration manifested for me by my fellow citizens, of all classes and stations in life, then I feel that, I have not "strutted and fretted" my hour of life in vain.

        From this point of view, I have written the following story of my life, for two principal reasons: First, because I, alone, can certify to the truthfulness of all the statements--to the minutest details; and secondly, for the reason that, I have been well nigh importuned, by many of my personal acquaintances to write it; and because I am hoping and praying that, by the reading of it, a stimulus and inspiration may be imparted to ambitious--struggling youths of both races--especially the colored race, to put forth renewed efforts for success.

        I, myself, by the reading of the auto-biographies of such colored men as Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington, have derived great encouragement, which has, persistently, sustained me in my life efforts along that "road so narrow where one but goes abreast."

        I desire, herein, to place before the colored youth, of my class, another concrete proof of the fact that, even in the United States, where the handicap of color and former restrictions are so much in evidence, ambition, united with initiative and reasonable endeavor, will surely win success, along some worthy, honorable line.

        In the preparation of the type-written copy of this narrative, I have been placed under lasting obligations to Miss Harriet J. Willis--competent and popular court stenographer, and attorney and counsellor at law; who has, gratuitously and beautifully, prepared the same.

JOHN P. GREEN.

Page vii

CONTENTS

Page 1

CHAPTER I.

ORIGIN OF THE FAMILY GREEN--"THE SHORT AND
SIMPLE ANNALS OF THE POOR."

        John P. Green, the subject of this sketch, was born in the old town of Newberne, North Carolina, on the second day of April, 1845. His parents were John R. Green and Temperance Green, both of whom were free colored people of mixed blood, and highly respected by the people of both races in that community.

        John R. Green, the father, was the reputed son of John Stanley (spelled by him, Stanly) of North Carolina, who was the son of John Wright Stanley, of the same place, and who, during our Revolutionary War, for a long period of time, maintained a fleet of fourteen privateers, in the vicinity of the West India Islands, which preyed upon British Commerce, quite successfully, until, being attacked in its West Indian harbor of refuge, by a portion of the British Navy, it was thoroughly destroyed, and Stanley betook himself to commerce and merchandise, in the old North Carolina town, at that time, the capital of the state.

        This is the same John Wright Stanley upon whose head, with that of William Gaston,--a great Revolutionary patriot of the same state and community,--was placed a premium; by the British military authorities,

Page 2

during that war, and who, in the darkest days of the War of Independence, loaned General Nathaniel Greene the sum of forty thousand pounds, which` I may say, was never repaid to him, and when we consider the scarcity of money at that time, and that forty thousand pounds was as valuable then, as two hundred thousand pounds is now, we can form a correct estimate of the patriotism of that "Son of the Revolution."

        It may interest the reader, in passing, to know that, Gaston was murdered, by British spies, for the bounty which was offered for his head; but Stanley lived to see the end of the war and enjoy the blessings of Liberty, for many years, under our glorious Stars and Stripes.

        John Stanley, my reputed grand-father, was widely noted for his legal lore and successful practice at the Bar of North Carolina. It was said of him that, he "never lost a case," but, as to the truthfulness of this statement, I am somewhat incredulous; unless it be a fact that, he had very few cases, or that, he was so uniformly successful in practice that, it became a proverb, that, he lost no cases.

        That he was a great orator, politician and statesman, was well known,--he was, for seven consecutive sessions of the North Carolina House of Representatives, Speaker of the House, was in Congress once, and followed and sustained that great party of which Henry Clay was the famous leader, known as the Whig party, and stood for "America for Americans," and the protection of American industries.

        This John Stanley, in the early part of the last century became involved in a quarrel with Governor Richard Dobbs Speight, of North Carolina, one of the original signers of our National Constitution, and, accepting a challenge sent to him by Governor Speight, they fought a duel, in which the Governor was killed. This was a social and political calamity in the "Old North State," for a

Page 3

long time deplored, and did much to bring into hatred, scorn and contempt, a system of so-called "honor," which was finally outlawed, under a heavy penalty.

        Herein, peculiarly enough, lies the explanation of this writer's name being John Green, rather than John Stanley.

        My father's mother, Sarah Rice, a woman of African descent, had, for years, been a "good and faithful maid servant" in the home of the unfortunate Governor Speight, and had exercised over the little girls and maidens of that august southern family almost maternal care. A condition of affairs which, I suspect, few persons, in the North, East and West, can adequately conceive of, unless they lived in the South, during the slavery era, and became familiar with it, so close was the association between the Negro and mulatto nurses and their little wards, that, even down to the present day, we often hear the scions of old southern families and some of the elderly ladies, from the same section, refer to their "Old Black Mammies," with accents of love and affection. Such was the love and affection for Sarah Rice, on the part of the Speight family, that, they "set her free," manumitted--emancipated her,--giving her, at the same time, the sum of two hundred dollars, as required by the law of the State, at that time.

        Previous to this important event in the life of this favored nurse, she had been delivered of a wee boy baby, whom she had named for herself only,--Johnnie Rice, not daring to disclose his true paternity; but, subsequently, having attained her freedom, she called him Johnnie Green, for a little boy whom she had nursed; for, Johnnie, having been born when his mother was still in the bonds of slavery, followed his mother's slave condition; and, not having been manumitted with her, he was still the slave of the Speight estate; and to let it be known that he was the "natural" son of John Stanley, the fatal ball from

Page 4

whose pistol had killed the Governor, would, in all probability, have sealed his fate, adversely.

        So, Johnnie Green became, in later days, John R. (Rice) Green; and this writer, his son, has flaunted the green flag, as John P. (Patterson) Green, ever since. Sometimes, really, "fact is stranger than fiction."

        Having stated it as matter of fact that, my father, John R. Green, was the reputed son of John Stanley, a "son of the Revolution," the skeptical may demand the proof of this fact; if so, I submit the following data:

        To the best of my knowledge, the most illustrious son of my grandfather John Stanley, was the Honorable Edward Stanley, M. C., who was leader of the Whig party, in Congress, in the "Forties."

        This gentleman and scholar was, later on, the first nominee of the Republican party for governor of California; and afterwards, during the reconstruction period, subsequent to our Civil War, was appointed by President Andrew Johnson "provisional governor" of North Carolina.

        I have gone into this matter somewhat minutely, because I am proud of the fact that I can trace my descent from a family so distinguished, in both "camp and state;" and, also, because it furnishes to the student of society and social standards, in these United States, a concrete

Page 5

example of how "fearfully and wonderfully" a large percentage of the colored people here are made.

        I shall end any further consideration of the Stanley family, by submitting the following epitaph, from the pen of the late William Gaston, of North Carolina, who was the son of that William Gaston, the friend and associate of John Wright Stanley, who died a martyr in the cause of American liberty. This William Gaston, who wrote the epitaph, was noted in his day,--and down to the present, as having been one of nature's noblemen and the greatset Chief Justice and jurist his state ever produced. He was, from the first, John Stanley's close personal friend (both at the Bar and in the political arena), and well knew whereof he spoke.

        The following is the epitaph:

        "John Stanley, eldest son of John Wright-Stanley and Ann, his wife, born 1774, died August 2d, 1833. Few persons in any community have occupied a more prominent station; few have exercised a more powerful influence than this distinguished individual for many years held and exercised in our town and throughout our state. Long in the affectionate and grateful remembrance, of all, will live his genius, his learning, his courtesy, his eloquence, his virtues, his personal characteristics and his public services."

GASTON.


        My mother, Mrs. Temperance Durden Green, was a quadroon, by blood, and was a direct descendent, on both her father's and her mother's side, from those Scottish and Yorkshire Englishmen who followed the flag and fortunes of the last "Pretender,"--descendant of the unfortunate James II, of England, in 1745; and after having met disastrous defeat, at Derby, almost at the gates of London, were expatriated and in large numbers, found asylum in North Carolina,--notably, in the counties of Cumberland and Sampson, where, by thrift and

Page 6

economy, they left a numerous and wealthy progeny, as may be seen by tourists and others today.

        In the latter part of the eighteenth century, 1792, to be specific, there resided near the town of Clinton, in Sampson county, North Carolina,--about thirty miles from the city (then town) of Fayettsville, in the same state, a family, containing two beautiful daughters, of which a man, Chesnut (or Chestnutt) by name, was the head. This pater familias was a well-to-do farmer; and, with his wife and daughters, was known and respected, far and wide, by persons of his class; moreover, since his daughters were young and comely, they were, frequently favored by the calls of young gentlemen, in the vicinage, who, socially and financially, deemed themselves their superiors.

        In the course of time, the young ladies became greatly enamored of two of these young men; but, since they did not hasten to make to them proposals of marriage, they had recourse to the advice and services of a "likely" young colored man (the slave of their father), who advised them, in the premises, with the result that, ere long, each became the mother of a little colored girl; one of these baby girls was named Obedience, which was transformed to "Bede;" this one was my grand-mother, born in the same year as my father, 1793; the child of the other girl, sister of this first mother, was name Alice, but, invariably, as long as she lived, called "A-lice."

        A glance will suggest that these two babies, being the offspring of one father by two sisters, were, at once, sisters and cousins!! This condition during the womanhood of these two colored girls was doubly complicated, when each girl presented to two white brothers, severally, a child, one of whom was my mother.

        If the foregoing is proof of a low moral status amongst both white and colored persons in that portion

Page 7

of these United States, at that time, place the odium where it belongs, not at door of the poor slaves; nor should we forget that, as far back as the time of Homer, when bondsmen were of every nationality and race, it became a maxim that,


                         "Jove made it certain that, whatever day
                         Makes man a slave, takes half his worth away."
Moreover, it seems to be a natural inclination governing dominant and oppressing men, to take unjust advantages of unprotected females and others; as,--witness the Romans, under Romulus, taking, by force, the Sabine virgins and carrying them into captivity; and a more recent proof of my contention may be found in the conduct of the German warriors and the "Reds" of Russia, who have disregarded every sacred right of conjugal, maternal and virginal purity; under such conditions those damnable doctrines,--"Might makes right," and, "To the victor belongs the spoils," are an unspeakable curse.

        It may interest the reader to know that, both those colored girls lived to a "ripe old age." Bede, my grandmother, lived to be nearly ninety-seven years of age, and, had she not yielded to dread pneumonia, she would, probably, have rounded out a century; Alice was almost ninety years of age, when she died. Both left behind them a numerous projeny, thus proving the fallacy of that "scientific" dogma--that Mulattoes cannot reproduce their species; for both were mulattoes,--having white mothers and a Negro father.

        "Granny Bede," was, in her youth and young womanhood, a very strong and active woman, as the two anecdotes which follow, concerning her, will abundantly prove.

        When she was between eighteen and twenty years of age, she had, to some extent, the care of the cows and other cattle belonging to the farm on which she was reared. On one occasion, it became necessary to put a

Page 8

rope around the horns of a powerful steer, which was confined in the pen; but, this being at a time remotely anterior to the herding of cattle on our western prairies, and skillful lassoing of the same by our doughty "cow-boys." the men failed of success, and, after repeated efforts and failures, appealed to "Bede," their keeper. "Here's Bede," they said; "they know her; let her try."

        No sooner said than done; for, in a "jiffy," she vaulted over the fence of the pen, and, noose in hand, dauntlessly, approached--confronted, the steer. Lowering his head, the beast rushed at her! In this supreme moment, "Granny" did not scream and faint, but, grasping his horns, she held his nose to the ground until relieved; when, she triumphantly climbed back over the fence, the cynosure of all eyes, the heroine of the moment, and even down to the present day, in the estimation of this writer, and others.

        The other incident follows: In 1872, when she was in the seventy-ninth year of her age, I visited her on a farm in the suburbs of Bennettsville, Marlborough County, South Carolina. The little cabin in which she then resided, was on the roadside, at the edge of a fifty-acre cottonfield, and, it becoming necessary to call one of the "hands" to his dinner, she did not ring a bell or sound a horn, but with a stentorian voice, called "Lewis! O, Lewis!!" I can hear her to this day. "Come to dinner!" Needless to say, Lewis heard the gladsome summons, and, dropping his hoe in his tracks, ran, as the "crow flies" to that refreshment which his manly labor entitled him to, and which made a mere dish of "corned beef-and," more palatable to him, than any nectar brewed by a fabled god.

        My dear mother was a born Spartan, with not the slightest suspicion of African blood traceable in features or complexion, with brown eyes, auburn hair, high cheek bones, high forehead, straight nose and thin-compressed

Page 9

lips, she was a study for everyone who was introduced to her, as a colored woman; and yet, she married a colored man, not disowning her descent, and, to her death, in her eighty-first year of age, she commingled with her colored friends.

        Some conception of my mother's energy and determined spirit may be gained from the fact that, when she was about twenty years of age, she walked from Clinton, Sampson County, N. C., to Fayettsville, N. C., in less than one day, arriving in Fayettsville in a foundered condition, carrying her shoes in her hand.

        When she arrived in Cleveland, she had occasion to transact some business with Mr. Blair, who owned the extensive real estate on the south side of Prospect street, just east of Thirtieth street. Mr. Blair said to her: "Of what nationality are you?" Mother answered, "I am a colored woman." "Well," replied Mr. Blair, "I wouldn't tell it!"

        Mother could wash and iron, cook, make any article of wearing apparel, for either man or woman,--from a shirt to a "Prince Albert" coat; in addition to all this, she had been taught and thoroughly understood how to "card" wool or cotton, spin with the wheel and weave at the loom. She could gather the cotton from the stalk in the field, and with her own hands, without assistance, card, spin, weave and manufacture it into a suit of clothes. She could even knit the stockings of the family. The first kite ever flown by me was attached to a ball of twine which my mother had manufactured for me out of the "raw" cotton.

        When, she, a comely lass of twenty-four summers, married my father in 1837, he took her to a beautiful home, which was still standing in 1897, when I last visited "Old Newbern Town," and was in use as a parsonage for the Presbyterian pastor and his family.

        The interior decorations of this house, by the carpenter,

Page 10

in the "thirties" cost in cash eighteen hundred dollars, an amount which would purchase then what five thousand dollars would to-day.

        Having given a survey of the Stanley family and others of his ancestors, I will now proceed to give an outline of my father's brief but useful and remarkable life; and here and now, I dare assert, that, taking into consideration the time and place of his birth, his enslaved condition, his absolute handicap in the way of obtaining even the rudiments of an education, his was one of the most remarkable careers that stand attested, by any other colored man, of his age and generation.

        It is a peculiar and interesting fact, which I may mention, in passing, that my father and I, together, have lived in portions of three centuries--the eighteenth, the nineteenth and the twentieth centuries: Father was born, as I have said, in the year 1793; he lived until November, 1850; while this writer having been born in 1845, in the 19th century, is still living, in the 20th century. In addition to the foregoing, it may be noted, that, we each, have lived in two centuries; my father in the 18th and 19th century, and this writer in the 19th and 20th centuries.

        My father, having been born of a slave mother--before she was maumitted, his estate followed that of his unfortunate mother,--he was a slave! Ye gods! fancy the son of a Stanley in slavery! yet, stranger conditions than this have existed in the southern states of this country--the "natural" colored sons and daughters of many slave masters have been openly sold, on the auction block, and the proceeds of those sales have gone to line the pockets of their un-natural parents!!!

        Little "Johnnie Green" was of such small and delicate frame, even up to the time when he entered his "teens," that, it was somewhat of a problem, what disposition should be made of him,--a laborious occupation for

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him was "out of the question;" and as for a professional career, that was not to be thought of.

        Finally, it was determined to apprentice him to a tailor; and the resolution was no sooner adopted than executed. At the age of thirteen, in 1806, when, by reason of diminutive size, he was dubbed "Jack, the weazel," he first crossed his legs, on the "board" and commenced a career, which continued for forty-three years, when death ended it.

        Father related many instances of shameful treatment of him by some of the apprentice boys during his apprenticeship, who frequently "picked" on him; but to his last day he spoke in terms of superlative gratitude of the protection often extended to him by a Frenchman, Durand by name, whose memory I laud and magnify, to this day--who can tell the limitation of


                         "Little deeds of kindness, little words of love?"
He also, often spoke of his meager supply of food, when old Aunt Hannah, his care-taker, would, at times, prepare and serve him "Cush," a dish which I suspect few of the present generation know anything about. Having been served with the same dish in my childhood, I hereby submit the recipe for making that inexpensive and palatable dish: Take crusts and crumbs of cold cornbread; moisten them moderately, put them into a "spider," (frying-pan) containing a modicum of hot grease,--and let them fry, until all are nicely browned; then, Voila! a dish for a hungry boy. We think we are experiencing "hard times" in our day; and we are, in many instances; but, what will you say when I avow to you that, the mistress of his salve cousin, Maria, often, before sending her out into the street to perform an errand, would grease her lips in token of the fact (?) that, she had been eating meat!

Page 12

        Father, considering his direct lineal descent, was in reason,--necessarily, an apt pupil; and, in the course of a year or two, he began to earn money, by doing extra work, during his spare hours, and by occupying some of the hours allotted to him for sleep, in this way.

        At the age of twenty-one, when his apprenticeship was ended, he was the proud possessor of one thousand dollars, which he ultimately used in buying his freedom; for, he related that, after he had married a free wife, he could no longer endure the yoke of slavery.

        When he attained his liberty, he had already learned to read and write. In fact, he had, to some extent, mastered the three R's.

        No school door swung open, or even ajar for him; he learned the alphabet in some mysterious way, for it was a crime to teach a slave to read and write; in this respect, he was in a sadder plight than the great Frederick Douglass, for he, before he escaped from slavery, had some "side" instruction; but father, had no instructor, save a copy of the then, Webster's Elementary Spelling Book, which was his inseparable companion, by night and by day; and, with the assistance of a blind man, whom, at times, he led through the street, he was gradually inducted into the mystery of reading.

        The method in practice between my "Daddy" and the blind man, was as follows: Dad would call the letters of a word, and the blind man would tell him how to pronounce it; and "Jack-the-weazel," like his forebears, being naturally clever, ere long was reading, in the same little book, the monosyllabic sentences, beginning,--"No man may put off the law of God."

        It may surprise the reader to learn, that, in after years, without any additional schooling, my father kept the "single and double entry" books of accounts, used in his business; that, at the time of his death, he owned a large collection of books, amongst which I can, at this

Page 13

late day, recall, The Life and Speeches of Henry Clay, The Church Register, which contained thorough accounts of nation-wide transactions in the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States; A History of the World, by Sir Walter Raleigh; Rollin's Ancient History, and many others; in fact, so choice, and, in some instances, rare, was his collection of books, that, when, by order of my mother, they were sold at public auction, the bidding was spirited and the competition noteworthy, to obtain possession of some of them, even amongst the wealthy slave-holders who were in attendance.

        Unquestionably, my father possessed a great desire for literary attainments, and did his utmost to reach to some excellence, along that line. This talent on his part was recognized during all his life. Men of learning and discrimination sought him in his store and engaged him in conversation, to such an extent, that much of his valuable time was lost, in this way, and even the Bishops of the Episcopal Church (of which he was a member)--Bishops Ives and Atkinson, respectively, always visited and conversed with him, when they made their episcopal visits to old Christ Church, in that town. In this connection, it may not be amiss to state that, although born and reared a slave, and residing in a slave-holding community, my daddy, so deported himself as to merit and receive kind and courteous treatment, from all. He owned and occupied with his family, a pew in Christ Episcopal Church, which was the most wealthy and aristocratic congregation in that part of the state; while the other members, with two exceptions, sat in the galleries; and as proving how tenacious he was of what he conceived to be his rights, it may be stated, that, when the Reverend Doctor Buxton, (white) a clergyman of the Episcopal Church, married him and my mother in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 1837, and did not wear his clerical robe, he would not give him a bill which he carried in his vest pocket for him.

Page 14

        I may add, in passing, that, my father who never aspired to be called a poet, in any sense, yet, undoubtedly, was possessed of the afflatus, to some extent, for, he read the higher poets with avidity and had committed many excerpts to memory, which, in animated conversation, he often repeated. As an illustration, I will here record one, which I have carried in my memory for sixty-five years, and during that time, I have never seen it in print:


                         "Where are those names which set the world on fire?
                         Where does the pride of Rome and Greece retire?
                         Caesar's dread name now marks the butcher's dog;
                         While Cato saws wood and Scipio drives the hog.
                         Seek ye for Pompey?--Search the tanner's yard,
                         While Nero, you'll find your kitchen's faithful guard."

        As tending to show that father was possessed of a keen sense of humor, and could on occasion extemporize a little rhyme, I will give the following illustration:

        One Sunday afternoon, when he and some of his boon companions were promenading, one of the principal streets of the town he noticed that one of them, "Boston" by name, was wearing a coat which had been made in his tailor shop, and that it had been dyed black. Like a flash he slapped "Boston" on his shoulder, and exclaimed,


                         "This coat I know, it once was brown,
                         And shone all o'er this Newbern town;
                         But now, alas, this coat is black,
                         And shines upon poor Boston's back!"

        It is needless to remark that, this thrust drew forth much merriment, at the expense of "poor Boston;" but, since it was confined to the friendly group, it was taken for a joke, as was intended.

        The following epitaph written (composed) by my father, was engraved on the marble headstone placed by

Page 15

him at the head of his first wife's grave, in grateful and loving remembrance of her. She died beloved and even revered by the whole community, in which she was born and passed her useful and devout life.

        "Sacred to the memory of Sally Green, who departed this life March 29th, 1837, aged 45 years, 6 months.


                         A constant friend, a tender, loving wife;
                         Prudent in all the needful cares of life;
                         And when arrested by the hand of Death,
                         In faith and hope resigned her mortal breath.
                         Her soul, we trust, doth dwell with God, above,
                         And there drinks in the copious streams of love."

        In the course of father's long experience as a tailor and merchant tailor, he had many apprentices, some of whom became quite noteworthy, by reason of their attainments and mercantile successes.

        The most conspicuous of these was, the late Reverend William J. Alston, a native of Raleigh, N. C.; who, for eight years, was under my father's eye, and finished his apprenticeship--"cum magna laude".

        "William", as he was called, was, for years, bubbling over with animal spirits; he was rude, boisterous and untidy; and, more than once, had to be disciplined. It was the general opinion of William that, he was a "ne'er do well," and, that, he would come to no good end.

        On one occasion, he tied up his small wardrobe in a bandana handkerchief and shipped to "sail before the mast;" however, he was intercepted, by my father, before the departure of the schooner, taken, with his luggage, back to his home, soundly "flogged", and given some wholesome advice, for his government, in the future.

        Shortly thereafter, he was invited to participate in the exercises of a singing society, which held Sunday afternoon sessions. He accepted the invitation, became

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a regular and most interested member, and, ultimately, announced his intention to study theology, for the Episcopal ministry. This resolution having been received with marked favor, by his father, the late Oscar Alston, of Raleigh, N. C., he was, in a way, matriculated in an institution at Chapel Hill, N. C., where he was prepared for college. After that, he was graduated from Oberlin College in the later fifties; and, finally, at Gambier, Ohio, became a full fledged priest in the Episcopal Church.

        In many years, this true and tried servant of God, as Rector of both Saint Phillip's Church, New York City, and Saint Thomas' Church, Philadelphia, preached "Jesus Christ and him crucified;" and his sweet exemplary life was as a beacon light, to many who, perhaps, otherwise, would have been stranded and lost.

        The following anecdote, related by Rev. Alston, to my dear mother, in my presence, goes far to prove the almost intolerable conditions which prevailed, even in religious educational institutions, in the United States, prior to the Civil War.

        Being the only colored student in Kenyon College, prior to the abolition of slavery, Alston was the cynosure of all eyes; and, at times, not a little at a loss for companionship, and even association. To such an extent was this true, that, on one occasion, while taking a stroll, in the suburbs of the old college town, he was confronted by a cow, who honoring him with a friendly stare, turned out of his way,--gave him "gangway" (as the vulgar expression of our day would have it); delighted at the unusual recognition and courtesy shown him, by the humble brute, Alston saluted her and exclaimed,--"Good morning, Mrs. Cow!"

        It goes without saying, that, we had a hearty laugh over the incident.

        Another story, related by him, at the same time, is recalled by the former. During a summer vacation, while

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exerting himself to add to the contents of his meager purse, he shipped as a waiter on a steamer plying between Cleveland and Lake Superior ports. On arriving at Duluth, Escanaba or some one of the other "seaport towns," he left the steamer and went in search of some other remunerative employment. The older readers of this narrative will recall, that, during the later part of the "fifties," the whole country was in the grip of a most trying panic, which made it almost impossible to procure remunerative labor, at any price. "William," in that remote section, soon made this discovery; and, since the boat had gone, and funds were extremely low, he was "open" to any job that presented itself. He soon found it, in the shape of a small mountain of earth which had been formed by the excavation of a large hole, to be used as a cellar.

        The owner of this mountain offered to pay him the sum of thirty-five dollars, and furnish him with a shovel and wheel-barrow, if he would remove it. In a jiffy, he accepted the proposition, and without delay, having "peeled" of his coat, disregarding his flaccid muscles and tender hands, he bent to his task. At the end of two weeks, he had finished the undertaking and received his compensation, which he had in his pocket, when the boat returned to convey him back to Cleveland.

        Another of father's apprentices, who was graduated with honor, from his workshop, was the late Jerry Harvey, of Boston, Mass. Mr. Harvey, near the close of his apprenticeship, had the sad misfortune, while playfully, pointing a gun at a comrade, on Christmas day, to kill him, by its accidental discharge.

        In North Carolina, in the "thirties," such an occurrence was an exceedingly grave affair; for the old criminal "Comon Law" of England, with only slight modifications, was still in vogue, which made the condition of the

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offender vastly different than now, under our enlightened and merciful regime.

        However, my father went to the front for him; and, as usual, he received a respectful hearing, in behalf of the unfortunate young man; and the matter was compromised, by allowing the defendant to leave the state, not to return again. Without any delay, Mr. Harvey betook himself to Boston, where he followed the trade which had been taught him; and, being very successful, along this line, his name became well known, especially amongst colored people, in all sections of New England. At that period in the history of the South, Mr. Harvey might with propriety have paraphrased our well known school declamation, beginning.

        "Banished from Rome (Newbern)! What's banished--(but set free, From daily contact with the things I loathe!"


        My father was a man of generous, impulses; he really, at times, when pressed to bestow a favor, could not say "No," and since the homestead exemptions to heads of families, in that state, at that time, were extremely scant, the usual result followed--he was compelled to meet the defaults of others by exhausting his earnings and sacrificing his properties. Added to this was the fact that, on two several occasions his establishments were destroyed by fire. On both occasions, he was the victim of neighboring conflagrations. It is, scarcely necessary to say, that, the amount of insurance recovered by him at that time, was of slight value; hence, his was an almost total loss.

        Twice, he bought some of his relatives, when being sold at public auction, being entreated by them to save them from the speculator.


        NOTE--The "speculator was a person who traveled from one location to another, buying slaves for resale and speculation, in the cotton, cane and rice producing sections of the Gulf States.


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        The amounts thus advanced by him, it is needless to say, were never returned to him.

        Being importuned by two frail mulatto youths, apprentices of his, for whom he entertained regard and sympathy, be bought them, on their promise to repay him the money advanced, in installments: Sad to relate, both these young men died, of tuberculosis, before they had paid to him a tenth of the money advanced--one thousand dollars, for each of them; here, again, was an additional loss of two thousand dollars, which, we must not forget, was, then, worth at least, three times as much as at the present time.

        Ultimately, of course, he was stripped of all his earthly possessions, save his honor; and, broken in body, bereft of his redundant humor, good cheer and genial, whole-souled, winsome conversation, he betook himself to his bed, from which he was never to rise again.

        The sheriff came, levied on everything, save the sad and downcast widow and three forlorn children, ranging in age from eleven years to nine months. This writer being second in order, was five years of age, small and weak for the age.

        "Lift me up and let me die!" he said to our dear mother, after a lingering illness; and so died John R. Green of Newbern, North Carolina, of whom it may be said, "He loved not wisely, but too well."

        The more I reflect on the current of my father's eventful life,--of his early struggles for existence,--his social limitations--his vaulting ambitions, his consuming zeal, and his unspeakable disappointments, the more I wonder at the phenominal successes which attended his efforts.

        He was broad and cosmopolitan in his views and altho he was a colored American, in a slave state, carrying on his shoulders all that incubus of caste proscription which characterized the time and place in which he lived

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yet, he counted amongst his friends and quasi-associates, many of the wealthy as well as the poor whites, in the place of his residence.

        It was no uncommon occurence to meet in his place of business illiterate persons of the white race, who took advantage of his literary attainments, to procure "begging-petitions" and other documents, for public use; and, after his death, I was accosted frequently, by persons of both races, who would ask me,--"Whose boy are you?" I would answer, "I am the son of John R. Green." Then, invariably, the reply would be, "Well, son, you must be a good boy, for your father was a good man!"

        Father was very fond of aquatic sports. If a "vessel" was to be launched or any race rowed on the river, he was sure to be one of the spectators, and as for swimming, boating and fishing, they were the acme of his out-of-door pleasures.

        The town of Newbern, North Carolina, is located in the triangle formed by the juncture of the Neuse and Trent rivers, where they unite to form Pamlico Sound. These rivers, as well as the Sound, are well stocked with many species of most delicious seafood, not omitting oysters, clams and hard and soft-shell crabs. So fond was he of sea-food, that, when the hegira of colored people from the South to the North was at flood-tide, during the decade prior to the Civil war, and especially during the debates in Congress, about the year 1850, and he was asked, whether or not he intended to join in the procession, he answered, that he would never leave North Carolina, until he could carry the Neuse and Trent rivers with him. And, it is a notable fact, that, as long as we remained in that state, he was the only person who, knowingly, had ever walked over the frozen surface of the Trent river, at Newbern, where it is from a half to a mile wide. This feat he daringly accomplished during the winter of 1833-4, as my mother informed me.

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        As a workman, my father, was without a superior, in that section of the state. He designed and executed all styles of clothing and uniforms which the trade demanded, even going back to old continental styles and theatrical costumes.

        In closing this brief sketch of the life of my dear father, I shall, use the lines of Lord Byron, as dedicated to a poetic enthusiast of his time, White, by name, only paraphrasing a word or two to make them applicable.


                         "Unhappy soul, when life was in its spring,
                         And thy young muse just waved her joyous wing,
                         The spoiler swept thy soaring lyre away,
                         Which else, had sounded an immortal lay.
                         O, what a noble life was there undone,
                         When science's self destroyed her favorite son!
                         Yes, she too much indulged thy fond pursuit,
                         She sowed the seed, but Death has reaped the fruit.
                         'Twas thine own genius struck the fatal blow,
                         And helped to plant the wound that laid thee low.
                         Like the struck Eagle, stretched upon the plain,
                         No more through rolling clouds to soar again,
                         Viewed his own feather on the fatal dart,
                         And winged the shaft that quivered in his heart.
                         Keen were his pangs, yet keener far to feel
                         He nursed the pinion which impelled the steel,
                         While the same plumage which had warmed his nest
                         Drank the last life-drop of his bleeding breast!"

        Here begins, in an humble way, an epic, to end when and how God, in his great wisdom, power and mercy, wills it to end. We follow the little sombre hearse by twos, in the direction of Christ-Church Cemetery (now popularly known, there, as Rock Cemetery). Mother, supported on the arm of a true and tried old friend, leading the cortege, this writer clinging to the arm of his elder sister, next; a few friends following.

        The beautiful burial service of the Episcopal Church having been read, and the final, "earth to earth,--dust

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to dust," having been pronounced, forlorn and needy, we turn away, to confront and fight,--to "strut and fret," our more or less gloomy way,--widowed, and fatherless, for many years to come.

        Mother, glum, demure and determined as ever Spartan mother showed herself, turns from her palatial residence of yore, mahogany furniture, cut-glass, silver service, the ministration of maid servants and hosts of friends, and repairs, with her little brood, to a rude cottage, in an obscure section of the old town; confronted, on the opposite side of the narrow street, by the ancient "grave yard," gloomy with its "weeping" willows, funereal cypresses and moss-covered cedars; and flanked, on either side, by dwellings, tenanted by persons, the like of whom she had never known as associates; and who, on occasions, would publicly proclaim, in clarion tones, "It makes no difference how high the Eagle flies in the air, he's got ter come down ter git 'is support!!"

        As the Immortal Bard puts it:


                         O, what a falling off, my countrymen, was there!"

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CHAPTER II.

CHILDHOOD DAYS.


                         "Is the road dreary?--Patience yet;
                         Rest will be sweeter if thou are aweary;
                         Then bide a wee and dinna fret."

        In commencing the first chapter, I stated, humorously, that I was "born with a silver spoon in my mouth," and rocked in the cradle of luxury (a mahogany cradle, to be explicit). But now, all is changed, save that mother still retains a few pieces of the furniture, and broken sets of silver-ware, rescued from the flames,--grim reminders of the fact that, the besom of destruction had passed by, and the merciless hand of fate was weighing heavily upon us.

        In that sad predicament, some of her friends wondered that she, being still in comparative youth, and pleasing to look upon did not accept several offers of marriage made to her, especially, since her only means of existence, for herself and three fatherless children, was the use of the needle, which, at that time and place, was a source of very small remuneration. Her curt answer was that, she would not place her children under any step-father, to be treated in accordance with his whim or mood.

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        My domestic environment was, apparently, all that could have been wished, for a poor boy. Far better than that of Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass or Booker T. Washington, at five years of age, for, my food, tho scant at times, was sufficient to sustain life, at least. I had a feather bed, still, to sleep upon, in cold weather, and mother, by extraordinary efforts, managed to preserve for me a "Sunday suit of clothes."

        In addition to the support which we derived from the industrious use of the needle by our mother, we had, in our garden, which was intelligently cultivated, a source of much assistance. In addition to a few plum trees and a large fig tree, all of which yielded abundantly, in season, we raised fair crops of sweet corn, collards, and the medical roots and herbs which, a century ago, could be found in every well regulated truck garden.

        Southern people and those native to the soil, will recognize in the term "collard," a plant greatly resembling the cabbage, down to the time when the cabbage "heads". The collard is of a greener tint than the cabbage, and never heads, save to the size of a small orange, in the center. When the frosts come, the leaves of the collards are streaked white and, when boiled, in a big iron "pot", hung on trammels, placed in the big fire-place, with a piece of bacon, pork or corned-beef, together with the well known "corn-dodgers," they furnished the dish de resistance, placed before a half-famished boy.

        I can't see, at this writing, what on earth would have become of us, had we not been in possession of that little garden, and a few chickens, which furnished us with an occasional egg to vary the monotony of our diet.

        In order to procure a piece of "fresh beef," or a pound of liver, it was necessary to arise with the lark and hie us to the market house, which, with the Court

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House, stood at the junction of the two principal streets, and formed an imposing group.

        Let it not be imagined, however, that our dear mother was, in any sense, remiss or lax in providing for the future, for denying herself fine clothing and all the adornments of the body, so much coveted by many women, she dedicated her whole life to the support and partial education of her children. During the summer season, she would save, as best she could, a dollar now and then, for the purpose of buying a pig, for the remainder of the year, and then, when the weather was sufficiently cold, she would purchase, on the market, one of the weight of a hundred or a hundred and fifty pounds, and impose on this writer the task of wheeling it home.

        I have a very pleasant remembrance, in this connection of a friendly-generous act, performed, in my behalf, by a noble white lady, during the winter of 1855-6, which goes far to prove that, neither true gentlehood nor true womanhood is always to be found in the palace; nor must we search for them beneath "robes and furred gowns." Now listen! Miss Arete Ellis, a maiden lady of culture and refinement, was the matron of the Griffin Academy, an institution founded for the nurture and education of poor white girls, in that section of North Carolina. She was an Episcopalian by religious faith, and attended Christ Episcopal Church, at the head of her group, every Sunday morning.

        She had known my father all her life, and she had seen me and my elder sister, in our pew, invariably, every Sunday morning.

        On the occasion I am now referring to, I was wheeling, in a wheelbarrow, a dressed pig, weighing about a hundred and fifty pounds. I was ten years of age, and weighed exactly fifty pounds. Placing a fifty pound weight on one side of the old market scales, I would then stand upon the other side, and they would equally

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balance--as the slang phrase of the present day would have it--it was "fifty-fifty."

        The day to which I have referred, was one of the coldest I had ever seen or felt, and I was minus an overcoat. I had stopped at about half the distance to my destination, to rest my muscles (?) and recover my breath, when along came Miss Arete Ellis, nicely and warmly clad, carrying in her hands a few parcels which she had just purchased from one of the dry goods stores where she had been shopping.

        Slackening her gait, she beamed upon me a countenance full of sympathy and compassion. "Poor little fellow!" she exclaimed, "Are'nt you very cold?" "Yes ma'am!" I answered. "Well, take my parcels, and let me help you," was her rejoinder. Suiting the action to the word, she handed me the things, seized the handles of the wheelbarrow, and trundled it along the public street, almost to my mother's door!

        Here was, in very fact, an angel in disguise. Her name was Arete, a Greek word, which, in the original Greek signifies talent, skill, fitness, courage, etc., and surely, on this occasion, she proved that she was worthy of the name. Miss Ellis has, long since, been gathered into the bosom of her Lord and Master whom she loved and served. It has been sixty-five years since this unselfish deed was done, "Unto one of the least of these." But, her face and form and kindly act, lives and blooms perennially, in my mind and heart, never to be forgotten; and, whether there be erected monument or tablet in commemoration of her useful, virtuous and noble life, I know not; but, here and now, I pour out to her all the gratitude and esteem of an appreciative heart hoping that a knowledge of her goodness may stimulate others to "go and do likewise."

        Returning to mother and her struggles: Sometimes the "bacon" would be exhausted before the next pig

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would be purchased; at other times, work would be scarce and the purse would be almost depleted. On such occasions, the strictest economy would be required. Once in a while we would put some cornmeal into a bowl, sprinkle some salt in and upon it, pour in some hot water and stir it thoroughly. After that, we would place it on a "griddle," with live coals under it. When it browned on one side, we would turn it over and brown it on the other side. Then we would divide it into four equal parts, of which each one was given a portion, to eat or let alone, as the humor moved us.

        Judge John R. Donald, the widower of the late daughter of the former Governor Richard Dobbs Speight, of whom I have spoken, had a mansion about half a mile distant from the humble abode of my mother. Here were servants galore, and food in abundance. Several of the servants were related, by blood, to my deceased Father, and they sympathized with us, in our forlorn condition. One of the poor slave women, for whom father had done a kindness, could not endure the thought of my elder sister doing the family washing, and be it said to her everlasting honor, that she came to mother by night, and begged permission to do the washing, rather than that my sister should do it.

        Mother, in her stern, positive way, said, "No, Sarah has got to work for her living, and she may as well be learning now as later on." That ended the matter, and for years after that, while mother sewed, sister in her teens, assisted and did the washing.

        Amongst Judge Donald's maid servants, were two, one whom we denominated, "Little Auntie," and another known as Aunt Hannah. Each was domiciled on the premises, in adjoining rooms of an out-house. "Little Auntie" was a cousin of my father, and, quite reasonably, regretted the great misfortune which had befallen us, and in her poor way she told mother to send me around

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there in the night time, and she would give me some milk to carry home, and such other, little articles of food as remained over from the table of the great-house. Of course, we eagerly grasped at this opportunity of satisfying the cravings of hunger, and it became my duty to go to Judge Donald's, every night and fetch home, the bounty dispensed to us.

        This was, at times, a source of much assistance to us and we made the most of it. Indeed, so jubilant was I over the trend of affairs, that, I was wont to exclaim, in superlative glee,--"That woman that you call Little A-u-n-t-i-e, has a p-l-e-n-t-i-e!" "That woman you call Aunt Hannah has a p-l-e-n-t-i-e!" And so, these poor slave women, grateful for kindnesses which our big-hearted daddy had bestowed on them, in the day of his abundance, found now their opportunity of re-paying, almost in kind, what their true hearts had always been grateful for.

        In those days, I was little more than seven years of age, and, frequently, the streets through which I wended my way to Judge Donald's were as dark as Egypt. However, I quailed not, and when I could not see the route, I tried to feel it, as best I could.

        Sometimes, Aunt Hannah would sigh, and say, "Ah (air) Johnnie, I haven't got nothin' fer yer ter night!" On such occasions, returning home empty-handed, mother would say: "Well, go to bed and go to sleep, and you will forget your hunger!" This I did, on more than one occasion. We had our bright days though, for on Christmas, mother always secured a little turkey, and during the summer season, we more than once enjoyed a lusciops water-melon.

        As soon as I was strong enough to use a wood-saw, I was given charge of sawing and splitting the firewood. A cord of hickory, oak or ash wood would be thrown over our fence. After that, the trouble began. However,

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as I look back to those days, and the benefit which I derived from my contact with those wood piles, in the way of developing muscles and general physique, I am persuaded that, the criminal branches of our courts would have less to do, had every boy a wood pile and "buck-saw" in his back yard, over which he could preside with honor and profit.

        This recalls the fact (which I am very proud of), that, in the winter of 1858, when I was thirteen years of age and weighed just sixty pounds, I raised the money to buy me a pair of skates, by sawing and splitting and piling up three cords of wood. Two cords I sawed into three pieces, and one cord, I sawed into two pieces. It required much walking around the streets of Cleveland, in order to find the wood, and I regret to relate it, after buying the skates, I used them only a few times, before I was seized with pneumonia, and sold them for about one-half their purchase price. What limited skating I tried to do was without pleasure, for, I wore shoes, while the other boys wore boots. My shoes were too low for the proper strapping of the skates on, and my ankles would ever and anon turn over, and cause me to fall.

        Another task which I had imposed upon me, while I was yet a little boy, in Newbern, was that of turning the grind-stone, for Uncle Balaam Jones, a cooper, who would recompense me by supplying some portion of our firewood.

        Every Saturday afternoon, I would go to Flanner's cooper shot, about half a mile distant from our home, to perform this function. I was too light and weak for the work, but mother permitted us to eat no "idle bread."

        At times, when Uncle Balaam would bear down with considerable weight, the grindstone would cease revolving. Then he would "let up" for a few moments and allow me to rest a little, before proceeding again, and, when, finally, the adz, the broad-axe, the drawing

Page 30

knives, the chisels, etc., etc., were properly sharpened, I was well nigh exhausted, for, be it remembered, that I was conditioned like "hungry Jake," in the Minstrel show. The interlocutor said to him, "Brace up!" Jake answered: "How kin I brace up, when I aint got nuthin to brace up on!" Many times I went to perform the task before I had dined, (?) for mother was loth to lay her work down before she had accomplished a given task.

        The grinding being completed, then came my recompense. Uncle Balaam would select some defective ash "heading," split them to convenient sizes and fill my deep tray which I had carried there for the purpose. After this, he would assist me in placing the burden on my head. I had no little four-wheeled wagon to draw it home in. Then I would start for home, half a mile distant.

        In the course of four or five minutes, the pressure upon the top of my ten-eleven year old cranium, would cause my eyes to feel that they were beginning to bulge out; and my neck would pain me severely. In such an emergency, I would "sidle" up to the nearest fence and ease one end of my tray onto the top of it; having rested a while, I would proceed on my course, repeating the act from time to time, until I reached my home.

        On the route leading from the cooper shop to my home, resided a family by the name of Bragg,--father, mother and some seven sons and daughters. The father was a tailor by trade--carrying work to his home and performing it there, with the assistance of his good wife and other members of his family.

        Two of the boys, Cicero and Edwin, both of whom resembled white boys, seemed to "have it in" for me; and since there was no other route I could take, in returning to my home, from the cooper-shop, I was compelled to pass the residence of the Braggs where these two boys, switches in hand, invariably waited me. Both were my superiors in age and size; and there was no alternative

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for me, but to "grin" and bear the whipping, which they administered to me, as I quickened my pace, with bulging eyes and aching neck! The complaints of my mother had little effect in stopping their brutal sport, for it would ever and anon recur.

        The irony and cruelty of this torture which they imposed on me was all the more conspicuous from the fact that, my dear deceased father had, to a greater degree than anyone else in the world, been instrumental in securing Mrs. Bragg's freedom from slavery;--even advancing some portion of the purchase price, which had not been returned to him, at the time of his death.

        Here is one sequel to what I have just recited. About twenty years after the occurrences between the two Bragg boys and me, Edwin and I were both residing in the City of Cleveland, Ohio, my present home. I was a lawyer and Justice of the Peace of the Township of Cleveland, while Edwin was a barber. Edwn committed a larceny, and was indicted for a felony. He was without means, and I defended him, gratis. I put forth every effort at my command, to save him from the penitentiary, but all to no purpose.

        He was convicted of grand larceny and sentenced to serve a term in the State Prison. In sentencing him to the penitentiary the aged and learned Judge Foote complimented me on the energy and interest which I had evinced in defending the young man. I told the judge that, he was the son of one of my deceased father's friends, and the playmate of my childhood. Whereupon, the judge expressed great surprise; and animadverted on the fact that, he had fallen so low, while I had followed another course. Later on in life, his form crossed my vision; after that he was swallowed up in the human whirl, and was lost to me, entirely.

        On one occasion, while I was turning the grind-stone,

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for Uncle Balaam, an incident occurred which, to my "dying day," will haunt my memory.

        Mr. Hancock, the "town sergeant," came into the cooper-shop and exclaimed, "I want one of your men to make me a paddle!" The men, one and all, knowing the purpose of torture that the paddle would be put to, stoutly refused to make it. This they could do with safety, at that time, for they were slaves, and knew that their masters would uphold and protect them in the refusal. It is not so in the south now.

        "Well," said the official, "give me a drawing knife and a brace and bit, and I will make it myself."

        He was "as good as his word"; for in a jiffy, he had the instrument made and bored full of holes. He then took his departure, carrying the paddle with him. I followed him,--at a distance; for I was curious to learn the sequel.

        From my coign of vantage, I saw him go to a remote spot, up the shore of the Neuse river, which coursed near the location of the cooper shot, and stop under a cypress tree which reared its head in the midst of the pure white sand.

        There, stood a group of white men, with a young negro, in their midst, awaiting him. As the sergeant busied himself in removing a portion of the unfortunate Negro's clothing, tying his hands behind him and partially swinging him to one of the lower limbs of the tree, by a rope attached to his wrists, behind, I improved the opportunity in securing a position from which I could see every movement of the posse and hear the exclamations and groans of the tortured victim. "Tortured?" yes, tortured, for, if it be not obvious to the most casual observer, that, a human being, suspended by a rope attached to his wrists bound behind him, must suffer excruciating pain, then let him try it for one minute, as an experiment.

        By reason of the peculiar posture of the victim's body,

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the blows, with the perforated paddle, were administered with the utmost facility,--and with much force; which first blistered and then wounded the body, as I afterwards ascertained, by going to the spot and viewing the sand, which, at first, white, was now crimson with the blood of the poor slave,--helpless, in the hands of his tormentors.

        O, how earnestly I did plead with my dear mother, on my return home, to follow in the tracks of the Martins, the Hancocks and the Stanleys, all of whom had, recently left their native "heath?" and gone in quest of a modicum of liberty, into the great, free North, East and West! However, the time was not yet ripe for this important undertaking, and we must needs bide our time.

        The reason assigned for torturing this slave man was, that, he and another had conspired to "blow up" the dwelling house of a prominent citizen of the town. The victim of the torture had "confessed" to placing (like another Guy Fawkes), a keg of gunpowder under the residence and laying a train for its explosion, to it; but no threats or tortures could force him to incriminate anyone else. When the resounding blows of the instrument would cause more blood to flow from the wound, he would exclaim, "O, Lord!!" Nobody but me an' Jeff!!"; but who "Jeff" was, if, in very truth, "Jeff" existed, no one could find out.

        Here, perhaps, is the place to give some account of the administration of justice (?) in "The Old North State," at, that time, in the history of our country.

        In the old Court House, which was located in the heart of the business section of the town, was construed and, to some extent, applied, a modified form of the English Common Law, as it existed before the days of Peel and his co-adjutors, who pulled many of the fangs out of it.

        The Court House had been there "from that time

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whereof the memory of man ran not to the contrary;" and (with all modesty), it resembled quite closely the old Court House which we found standing in the southwest section of our Public Square, on our arrival, in 1857.

        Within this North Carolina court house, all the business of Craven county was transacted, even to the casting of ballots for all officials, from president, down to the least elective office. To this temple of justice(?) trudged (or stalked) the "grave and potent" member of the bar and the honorable Judges,--sometimes, carrying a green bag containing a volume of "legal lore,"--at other times, followed by a dark-hued slave, carrying the same.

        The court being duly opened, in a formal way, by the sheriff of the county, who, generally bearing (not the fasces, but) a rod or pole of authority, would proceed to execute the preliminary orders of the court. Sometimes, the Court would say, "Sheriff, call Milly White!" Then that august official would raise a window, (or if in the summer time, stick his head out of a window) and, in stentorian tones, call,--Milly White! Milly White! Milly White!" "O, yes! O, Yes! O, Yes! Come into Court! Come into Court!" etc. Another name which comes down to me, through the seventy years, since I heard it, is that of "Irish Jimmy! Irish Jimmy! Irish Jimmy! O, Yes! O, Yes! O, Yes! Come into Court! etc." The O, Yes, O, yes," is a corruption of the old Norman French, "Oyez, Oyez--hear ye, hear ye, which, for centuries, prevailed in English courts of Common Law, after the Conquest.

        It was my fortune or misfortune, to be in the Court room, one morning, when condign punishment was meted out to a person (white) who had been convicted of manslaughter. The sentence was, that, the prisoner should be branded in his right hand with a hot iron, bearing the letters, M. S. (signifying manslaughter); the iron not to be removed until the prisoner should exclaim, three times, "God save the State! God Save the State! God Save

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the State!" I watched, almost breathlessly, the Sheriff bind the right hand of the convict, securely to a small column which was one of the supports of the ceiling of the court room; then he drew from the stove which furnished warmth to the room, a "branding iron," which was quite hot. Without delay or more ado, the official pressed the hot iron against the thick portion of the prisoner's hand;--there was a sizzling sound,--smoke curled up into the air, and there was a smell of burning flesh, while the convict exclaimed in rapid succession, three times,--"God save the State! God save the State! God Save the State!" Immediately the iron was withdrawn; and I departed, in haste, to disclose to my mother and sisters the scene which I had witnessed.

        It was not an uncommon sight to witness, in passing the jail yard, a man standing in the stocks, with his wrists and head fastened in the holes of the same. It was fortunate for the men who were punished in the stocks, that, they were within the jail yard, which had a fence around it; for, the historians of England tell us, that, in times not so very remote, convicts, in the stocks, in the City of London, were entirely at the mercy of heartless mobs, who would often stone them, and sometimes pelt them with rotten vegetables, "over-ripe" eggs and decaying cats: to such an extent was this persecution carried, that, frequently, the victim lost his life.

        All persons convicted of capital offenses were executed upon gallows, which was erected, when needed, in an old neglected field, not so very remote from our residence. I saw a white man, John Tillman, by name, haled through the street in which our residence was located, in a tumbril or cart, which was preceded and followed by an armed guard and hosts of curious people.

        Afterwards, standing at a respectful distance from the gallows, I witnessed the "black cap" drawn down over his face, and his body "swung into eternity." The reader

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will readily infer, from what I have already written, that, there was not much "going on," in that old town, on land or on water, in those days, which I did not see. If there was to be a sale or hiring of slaves on the auction block, I was near at hand, to note every word, cry or movement; if any one was to be lashed, at the whipping-post, there was this writer, to behold it. At home, frequently, I would meet a warm reception on my return, after having neglected some domestic duty, in order to keep tab on the varied county and municipal affairs.

        Mother was, at times, quite severe in her treatment of me, and I have always entertained the opinion, that, from her lack of proper educational facilities, she was not keen to discover temperamental differences, and to differentiate in the treatment of persons. Now, mother was as cold and sangfroid of temperament as any Scotchman of the Highlands; and, as a matter of fact, she could not or did not discover that, I was a mere little bony bundle of nerves--that like my dear deceased father, I had to "do or die." To have kept either of us still, would have entailed upon us, saint-vitus dance or epileptic fits. All the boys of the town knew me--white and black. The white boys scorned me, because I was not white; and the black boys despised me, because I was not entirely black. They would "pick" quarrels with me, and I would, with either my fists or weapons, defend myself. I had no "big brother" or other person to "take my part," and it devolved upon me to "hoe my own roe," which I may add, in all truth, I proceeded to do,--to the best of my ability. On one occasion, a crowd of white boys chased me, like a pack of hounds, baying a stag (?); they did not give up until they had seen me enter my mother's door, in safety. On another occasioin, that same "Milly White," a colored woman of the town, (whose name was called by the Court crier), assaulted me, in the Academy Green, on my way homeward, carrying a tray of sweet potatoes

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on my head; it was not the first time; and happening to have a small knife open in one of my hands, I defended myself, by letting her "have it," in one of her hips. It was her last assault on me. That was the nearest I ever came to being arrested; for, she made complaint against me to the authorities, who sent the same Town Sergeant (he was our police force) to investigate; he, on hearing the statements of my mother and myself, said, the woman had received no more than she deserved, and dropped the matter. The colored women, of the lower class, seemed to be piqued at my mother, because she had never associated with them; and, even in her changed and humble condition she carried her head high, and, scorned the association of all white or black, who were not congenial or fit.

        One of these Colored Amazons, who wished to make me the "scapegoat," once upon a time, when I was about nine years of age, got me cornered in such a way that, no choice was left to me except to fight or be soundly beaten. In that emergency, I picked up a stone, closed my eyes, and, like another Macduff, "laid on." When my antagonist called a halt and ceased her struggle, I opened my eyes, to find her pretty thoroughly covered with blood.

        This struggle against great odds, on my part, was viewed by an old friend of my deceased father, who declared that, I was the "worst boy in town!" a declaration which made a lasting impression on my mind; and is still ringing in my ears. I have often debated the question,--"Did Mr. Green state a fact, or was he ignorant of conditions and biased, for some unknown reason, against me."

        What are the characteristics of a bad boy? I assert after an experience of fifty years, as an attorney-at-law, much of the time spent in defending persons indicted for, and charged with felonies and misdemeanors,-- persons ranging in age from ten years of age to old age, that, to

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be a bad boy or a bad man, one must have an evil-malicious heart; and his deeds must be the offsprings of such a heart; but if, on the contrary, a person's heart is free from "envy, hatred, malice and all uncharitableness," he is not, in any sense, "bad."

        I have known boys to lie, cheat and steal; to delight in causing pain and suffering to both man and beast. I knew a boy, once, who derived pleasure from seeing a chicken suffer, after he had cut off its feet. I saw a young southern "blood," on one occasion raise his gun and shoot to death a beautiful spaniel dog, his good friend, because he failed to obey his command, and come to him directly; and I personally knew a young fellow, who dared his companion to place his wrist on a block, in a meat market, and when the youth placed it there, with one forceful stroke of the cleaver, he severed his hand from it.

        The foregoing acts, I regard as being malicious,--bad; but, what must be said of a boy who could not look at a wound without shuddering;--and whose every fibre was shocked at the recital of acts of cruelty and tales of woe. True, this writer was a "live wire," in the slang of the day, and gloried in being conspicuous,--in leading a boisterous play, and in performing deeds which called for more or less courage; but, it is not on record, nor does the man live who can cite one instance of barbarity or destructiveness on his part: he confesses to the indictment of visiting, with another boy, his senior in age, Mr. Smallwood's vineyard, one one occasion, and then and there, without permission, indulging, quite generously, in the luscious scuppernong grapes which cumbered the vines; but, this was an extraordinary proceeding, on his part; it was an act which was not repeated; for, while the writer made a safe and speedy exit, his companion, who was less fleet of foot and expert in vaulting fences paid the penalty of being detained by a viscious dog, until a goodly portion of his trousers had been sacrificed. Hence,

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I deny the arraignment of my father's old friend,--long since gone to join him, in the great beyond.

        Of one fact, every one will bear witness,--I was patriotic to a fault, as the following anecdote will prove: On a certain Fourth of July, I arose betimes and hurried down to the "New County Wharf," to participate, by sight and by hearing, in the firing of the Day-break National Salute, only to learn that, there would be none fired; and that, the celebration of the Glorious Fourth of July would be duly consummated at Trenton, in an adjoining County,--twenty miles distant.

        Later on in the day, the monotony becoming unbearable, and having no horse and saddle-bags, like another "John Gilpin," with which to ride to Trenton, I concluded that I would walk there. Now, here is an exemplification of one of the reasons which actuated the old gentleman to dub me "the worst boy in town;" for, truly, I was the only boy, of all that town, who dared to walk to Trenton, after eight o'clock in the morning, to assist in celebrating our Nation's natal day.

        At about three o'clock in the afternoon of that day, I made my obeisance to sundry musicians, cooks and waiters, who were functioning a great, patriotic ball, being given in honor of "the day." I was tired, dusty and both hungry and thirsty. Of course, every one heard with astonishment of my adventure and the successful termination of it; but, as the procession had, long since "broken ranks" and the participants had betaken themselves to the banqueting hall and ball-room floor, my efforts to view the parade were in vain,--abortive; and I found myself in a condition closely allied to that of the King of the French, who, with "thirty thousand men, marched up the hill and then marched down again." However, the kind and sympathetic colored waiters would not allow the patriotic "hero" of the hour, to languish and to starve; for, they plied him with bits of roast-pig and other delicacies,

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not to mention a dish of ice cream, which was, at that time, somewhat of a luxury, and seldom in evidence. To express my unbounded happiness, would require a pen more facile than mine, after I had thoroughly gorged myself, and lent my ear to the dulcet strains of the orchestra, proceeding from the ball-room. Ere long, however, the "shades of night" began to fall, the merry-makers, "by twos, by fours and by sixes," began to depart for their homes; then the little speck of a cloud in the distance, which at an early hour had slightly dimmed my vision, began to draw near and hang over me in threatening form; and ever and anon, in my mind, I could see the forked flash and hear the reverberations of thunder, betokening a coming storm, on my arrival home; moreover, how was I to get home; for, the road was long, dark and dreary.

        Just here, the kindly fates came to my rescue; the orchestra, which hailed from Newbern, knew me,--knew my mother, and had known my father; and, again, with that generous, kindheartedness for which all colored people are noted, they came to my assistance, and invited me to return to my home with them,--in the "band wagon."

        "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!" I was saved! Through the sands and the intervening forests, the languid horses progressed, until far after the break of day; but, finally, they drew up in front of my mother's home;--she, standing in the door, anxious and doubtful, poor soul! not knowing whether the coming of that wagon was, for her, an omen of good or evil tidings; for, more than twenty-four hours had elapsed since she had seen or heard from me; and who could say that, I was not drowned in the Neuse or Trent river, or even had been kidnapped by vultures, for the slave market?

        "We have brought your boy home!" exclaimed the leader;" and we charge you a dollar!" "A dollar!!!" Ye gods! a dollar from my poor needy mother, in 1855!

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How could she spare a dollar, as one of the results of a silly escapade on the part of a wayward boy! "I have no dollar for you!" Mother exclaimed, in her positive way, that carried conviction to their minds and hearts. Nothing more was said. I dismounted, and the team, with a steady trot departed; but, with me, as I entered the gloomy portal of that home, the thought uppermost in my mind, was that one which has vexed the ages,--"To be or not to be!" Am I to be threshed, within an inch of my life," or am I to be the subject of maternal love, affection and forgivenness?

        The latter prevailed--the weight of fear, doubt, perplexity and grief having been removed from mother's shoulders and heart, she welcomed her erring boy, returning like another prodigal, with outstretched arms, and, gave him no blows. There was no fatted calf killed or suckling pig put upon the spit. The remains of all these were left behind at Trenton.

        It may be of interest to my readers, to know, that, in returning from Trenton, after midnight, for ten miles, we had the association of a stalwart slave man, who walked by the side of our wagon and engaged in the conversation; he had walked to Trenton, ten miles from the plantation where he was employed, to visit his slave wife; now, he was returning, walking another ten miles, so as to be able to answer the morning bell, horn, reveille, or what not. Such is fate!

        Educational opportunities for colored people, in any portion of the South were very poor, as may well be imagined, when we reflect on the fact that, it was made, by law, a felony to teach a slave how to read and write; but, North Carolina was, perhaps, the least proscriptive of all the southern states, in that behalf; for, many free colored people, especially, in the eastern cities of the state, enjoyed fair educational advantages, under the circumstances. There was a school at Newbern, of which,

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the late John Stuart Stanley was master; it was famous, all over the state, for the reason that Mr. Stanley was thoroughly equipped for his office.

        He was a son of John C. Stanley, (a barber), who, in turn, was the natural son of that John Wright Stanley, Son of the Revolution, mention of whom is made in the first chapter of this narrative, and half brother of that John Stanley from whom my father descended.

        John C. Stanley (colored) was "well to do," and gave to all his sons and daughters all the education that could be obtained for them, at that place,--"for love or money"; and John Stuart, his son, was, in all English studies, the peer and, the superior of a majority of the white men of that section. Whether or not he had any acquaintance with the "dead" languages or modern tongues, besides his vernacular, I cannot say, as I have never heard that phase of his education discussed.

        As a reader, speller and penman, he was not surpassed; and in all the studies, pertaining to a thorough English education, he was the equal of the best.

        I recall that, in 1856, when I was eleven years of age, the books of Mr. Alexander Mitchell, the leading wholesale grocer of the town got out of balance, Mr. Stanley was employed to audit them; a task which, in a reasonable time, he consummated, to the entire satisfaction of his employer; after which, he took charge of the accounts, until he left the state to take up his residence in the City of Cleveland, where he died, many years ago, leaving behind him here, a large, intelligent and prosperous family. Mr. Stanley was a grand-good man.

        Colored students came to Mr. Stanley's school from all parts of the state; and were well instructed for a very reasonable compensation.

        This writer, in his sixth and seventh years, was gradually inducted into the mysteries of Webster's Elementary

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Spelling Book, which was, at that time, in use all over the eastern part of this country, and elsewhere.

        To the best of my memory, Mr. Stanley carried me through my A, B, C's, and my ab's, even to the lesson beginning with B-a- (ba) k-e-r (ker) Baker; after that, his good wife, Mrs. Fanny Stanley, one of the most faithful and industrious of wives, and loving and affectionate of mothers that ever lived, took me in hand. She had visited Ohio, with one of her daughter (Mrs. Sarah Stanley Woodward), to place her in Oberlin Preparatory School, and on returning to her home, brought with her a set of the McGuffey school books, than which, it is difficult to imagine better; notwithstanding the numerous changes which have taken place, since their publication.

        Seated on a stool at her knees, by the side of her beautiful little daughter (Fannie), she laid the foundation of such education as I now possess, and for which, in deep gratitude, I shall always revere her name and memory.

        This branch of John C. Stanley's descendants was always conspicuous,--noteworthy; their reasoning and education, even in that old slave state, in the midst of a slave holding community, was on a par with that of the "best families" of the state; and, in many respects, the treatment accorded to them did not differentiate from that accorded to the'elite of white people; saving, only, that, they were not accorded domestic, social contact; which, I may say, the Stanleys never sought after; since our colored social circle in Newberne was satisfying and uplifting.

        There was not amongst us any of that, squeamishness with respect to the varying shades of color; all that was required of a person knocking at the door of our social circle for admittance, was--fitness; my dear father who was one of the leaders of the colored society, in the old town, always stoutly maintained that, persons seeking

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association with others should be congenial and meritorious; and this theory was acted on, until the emigration of the families composing the circle annihilated it.

        One of the well to do and most highly respected of the families which affiliated with that social circle was, Mr. Richard G. Hazle, a man of pure Negro blood, and his family. Mr. Hazle was a blacksmith by trade, and also owned a small bakery, which was managed by his worthy wife and daughters. One of his daughters was a student, and graduated from Oberlin College, during the latter years of the "fifties." Color did not make the status of that social group;--fitness,--merit, only; this, it would seem, should be the criterion, the world over.

        During the Buchanan-Fremont campaign for the presidency, in 1856, the slaveholders became greatly excited and quite fearful that, if the Republican party elected its first presidential nominee, their favorite, degrading, institution of slavery would be jeopardized; and properly so; for, despite the fact that their smart men in Congress, had wrung from the great North, East and West many concessions,--such as the Missouri Compromise,--The Fugitive Slave Law and the "Dred-Scott Decision," it was easily apparent that, the "Twin relic of barbarism" was doomed; and that with the enlisting of men, drilling of soldiers, searching of colored residencces for firearms, and cruelly whipping the owner, when an old fowling-piece" was found, a reign of terror seemed imminent.

        Thereupon, a majority of self-respecting colored families, in all parts of the South began to "sell out, pack up and get out," while, as one expressed it, "the getting was good." This was especially true as regarded the colored families, long resident in old Newbern; they "stayed not on their going," but, sold their possessions and went--some to New York, some to Philadelphia, a few to Boston and New Haven; but the majority to Cleveland and

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Oberlin, Ohio; whence, they began, without delay, to write persuasive letters, to the dear ones left behind, exhorting them to follow their example.

        My dear mother was persuaded, by the late John Patterson of Oberlin, Ohio, to sell her little home and come, with her children, to a "land of freedom."

        The fact that mother feared that I would, later on, in life, leave her there, as her elder brother, William Chestnut, had left his mother and settled in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1835, whither he had ridden "on a little clay colored mare," had much to do with influencing her to follow Mr. Patterson's advice; but, especially, the petty persecutions and insults she was constantly subjected to by her crude neighbors, fully determined her to take the step.

        As an indication of the extent to which she was subjected to these petty annoyances, I will here record the true story of the treatment of our game old rooster,--"Old Dick," which I have often related in my talks to children, as an example of "nil desperandum."--never give up--never despair.

        My mother, in addition to her helpful garden, had a few chickens, amongst them was a game rooster of the genus now denominated Rhode Island Red. We called him, "Old Dick," for, we found him on the premises when we moved in, five years prior to the incident I am about to relate. Others of our neighbors also, owned roosters, of which they were proud, and in behalf of which they were ready to contend.

        Aunt Betsy York was one of these; and, since her "bird," as ours, each, metaphorically, carried a "chip on his shoulder," and frequently contended for the mastery, but with varying success, Aunt Betsy looked with much disfavor on Old Dick, and vowed vengeance on his head or body.

        One morning, mother, in the usual trend of her maternal duties went to the door with some corn and other feed for the chickens, and began to call them up. "Chickee! Chickee!! Chickee!!! she called. All answered by putting in appearance, except Old Dick; again and again, she reiterated the call; but no Old Dick answered it, in any manner.

        "John," said mother, go look for our rooster; I am afraid something has happened to him!" "As swift as the wing of the swallow," I was out, in quest of our treasured bird, scanning his usual haunts, peeping underneath the neighboring cottages (all of which were supported by blocks--(underpinning), and making frequent inquiries of persons in the vicinity, gave no clue as to his whereabouts; finally, I looked into a tar-barrel, on the premises of Aunt Betsy, which was partially filled with pine tar, and there, to my amazement and sorrow, I found the game and courageous old rooster,--submerged as to his whole body, excepting his head and neck, and gasping for breath.

        In less time than it takes me to write this, I had extricated him and was speeding to my mother's home, a few doors distant. There, we laid him on the ground, and carefully examined him,--diagnosed his case,--which disclosed the fact that, his bill was cut off, to the quick, likewise his wing feathers and his spurs. His feathers, of course, were thoroughly saturated with the sticky tar, all of which left him in such a deplorable condition that, we despaired of his life.

        However, that Scotch, English, African blood which animated my undaunted mother's being, was equal to the emergency, "nil desperandum, never give up,--despair as to nothing--was her motto, and she immediately set to work to save the life of her truly game bird.

        His bill being severed, almost to his head, it was impossible for him to pick up corn or any other kind of chicken food; so, she made a ball of dough out of cornmeal,

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and placed it before him; he ate of it (bit it up) voraciously, until he was satiated; then, he helped himself to water, as best he could, from a pan, set before him; thus, day by day, his needs were met and supplied.

        The next question was, how to divest him of his thick coat of tar; this was done by giving him daily baths in warm "pot-liquor"--the liquor left in the pot, after boiling fat pork and collards in it--it was covered with grease, and was warm.

        "Dick" enjoyed these baths, very much; and, ere long, the bill grew out again (just as a finger nail will grow out, again), the spurs were as long, sharp and menacing as of yore, and instead of close cropped wings, old chanticleer disported himself in a new suit of feathers, all over his body, and crowed as lustily as ever. He was "on the job" for all comers, and when, a year later on, we sold him to another, he was treasured as a "fighting birds," ready to meet all.

        Another source of great annoyance to my mother, at this time, were the raids of the patrols, who were constantly visiting residence sections of the colored people, in quest of fire-arms, and "war munitions," mentioned by me in the first chapter; they were respecters of no persons of color; and had no regard for time or conditions.

        In the course of their rounds, they visited our home; late one night I answered the summons on our front door. They unceremoniously entered--


                         "Not the least obeisance made they,
                         Not a moment stopped or stayed they;"
But, unceremoniously, they began to rummage the drawers of the side-board and bureau. Their first exclamation, in beholding this writer, who wore a suit of homemade pajamas, was: "Hello! what a pretty boy! Who lives here?" I told them it was the home of Mrs. Green--the widow of the late John R. Green! "Well, come on boys!"

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one of them exclaimed; "she's all right!" and they took their departure.

        Our rest was frequently broken by the bleating of goats which wandered into the old "grave-yard," on the opposite side of the street; they would thrust their heads through the interstices of iron fences surrounding some of the burial lots, and nibble the grass which grew green on and between the graves enclosed.

        Both before and after midnight, they would make the welkin resound with their pitiful b-a-a-a!--b-a-a-a! as their "fluked" horns would prevent them from withdrawing their heads; they were thus caught and held as firmly as if they had been behind prison bars. "John!" Mother would exclaim; "I can't sleep, for that noise; get up and go into the grave-yard, and release that goat!"

        Without any hesitation, I would slip on my trousers,--run across the street, vault the board-fence and follow the sound, amongst the graves and tombs in the almost pitch darkness, until I found the animal; when, having extricated him, I would wend my way back again, safe and sound. There were slave men and women in that town, who declared, in my presence, that, not for their liberty would they perform that feat; so thoroughly, at that time and place, were they saturated with a superstitious fear of "ghosts." We should rejoice to know that, the light of reason, and educational facilities, now within the grasp of many of the children of those poor deluded people, is rapidly banishing this and kindred superstitions from their life and mind.

        The foregoing and many other annoyances to which mother was constantly subjected, finally induced her to listen to the persuasive appeals of Mr. Patterson and others of her former friends who had gone from comparative darkness into the light of liberty and justice.

        Some of her friends, of both races, endeavored to dissuade her from the act; but once having given her ear

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to the siren voice, she was determined to depart with her little ones, in search of a new home,--the land of opportunity,--not only for herself, but for her whole family. In this frame of mind, she requested "Little Auntie" to ask Judge Donald, the son-in-law, of that deceased Governor Richard Dobbs Speight, to whom my deceased father had paid the one thousand dollars, mentioned in the first chapter, for the bare privilege of "calling his life his own,"--if he would contribute a small sum, towards the expenses of our journey; he promptly answered, "No," and sent this message to my mother: "you had better remain here, amongst your friends."

        Mr. "Jim" Green and "Ben" came around and crated the household effects, which had not been "auctioned" off; the premises were sold to the trustees of the cemetery, to be included, at a later day, in the "grave-yard" when the time was ripe for its extension; and then, we were ready, without carrying the Neuse and Trent rivers with us (as my father had suggested), to exclaim in poetic phrase,


                         "My native land, good night!"

        In leaving this shelter which for seven long years had been a "snug harbor" from the sun's scorching rays and winter's stormy blasts, my dear mother was leaning on faith, and trusting in God. Her constant motto and solace was:

        "Trust in the Lord and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily be fed;" nor did she, during her long life, confide in it, in vain.

        The manner in which mother came into the possession of this rude shelter is worthy of note, and goes far towards proving, that, there are still in our midst men and women who are true and worthy of all confidence and trust.

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        When father saw the inevitable,--that the last vestige of his property would be taken from him, to satisfy the demands of his inexorable creditors, before it was too late, he deeded this little cottage to a colored friend of his, Shade Green, by name. After the deluge, while he was reposing in his grave, Shade Green, this honest, generous friend, deeded the property to my mother, and the facts in the transaction were never questioned, in court at least. Had the property been of more value an investigation, perhaps, would have taken place, and a court of equity might have annulled the two transactions (for the want of any consideration) for the benefit of creditors. However, as the sale of the premises only brought to her the sum of two hundred and twenty-five (225) dollars, including some substantial improvements which had been added to the house, it can be seen that, to the average business man, the place was well nigh negligible.

        This Shade Green was a man of means, and well reputed in the community where he lived; he possessed on his premises a well of crystal water with a pump extending into it. This water which was used, gratis, by every one, within half a mile, who thirsted for it, was, to make use of a homely expression, indulged in by one who knew,--"as cool as the polar bear." He left a numerous progeny, one of whom, Mrs. Hattie Price, has from childhood, been a resident of this city (Cleveland, Ohio), and a most excellent teacher, in our mixed schools, for many years.

        The adieus and farewells were all said, the crates and personal luggage were all safely transferred to the hold and state-room of the good ship Laura Johnson, and now, nothing, remained for us to do, save to take ship ourselves; this, in the afternoon of the twenty-fourth day of June, A. D. 1857, we did.

        The ship lay at anchor in the offing, partially loaded, for it was at "low tide;" her "yawl" boat came along-side

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of the dock and received us; and, in a few minutes, we were snugly ensconced on the single deck of the staunch schooner, casting long lingering glances back upon our former home,--by none except this writer ever perhaps, to be seen again.

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CHAPTER III.

BITTER-SWEET.


                         "Twilight and evening star, and after that, the dark,
                         And let there be no sadness of farewell, when I embark;
                         For tho from out our bourne of time and place, the tide may bear--me far,
                         I hope to see my Pilot face to face, when I have crossed the bar."

        At the time referred to, in the last chapter, 1857, no ships or other "vessels," as we called all sea-going craft, drawing more than about twelve feet, which visited Newbern, could enter our port; and, as there was a "bar" in the sound, which every ship was obliged to cross, either coming or going, it was necessary that our good schooner Laura Johnson, should be "lightered over the "bar;" that is to say, a small vessel, denominated a "lighter," carrying her deck load, should accompany her over the bar, and transfer the same (her load) to her deck. This occupied, at least, a day, at that time, and afforded such of the passengers as inclined, an opportunity of visiting some of the small rocky islands which line the coast, in that vicinity, on which very many aquatic fowls were accustomed to lay their eggs and hatch out their young.

        On this occasion, two of the vessel's crew and several of the passengers, including my elder sister, took advantage of the invitation, and went "ashore," returning, after an absence of several hours, with a goodly quantity of eggs, which the cook prepared and served for us. I am

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not certain that, at this writing, I should care to indulge in the eating of those eggs, for, I was in profound ignorance as to the kind or species of birds that laid them, or the length of time they had lain amongst the rocks, before they were gathered and served to us. Of one thing I am sure, the flavor which remained in my mouth after partaking of them, was not reassuring.

        Without wearying the reader with the details of this sea-voyage, which "skirted the coast of North Carolina and Maryland," until we sailed, serenely, up New York Bay and lay at anchor snugly in the Harbor, on the Brooklyn side, I will remark, that, at times, especially when, we were doubling Cape Hatteras, the so-called "dread of seamen," we had excitement enough for the most exacting. The monster waves (billows) piled up like Ossa on Pelion; in poetic phrase:


                         "Heav'd on Olympus tott'ring Ossa stood;
                         On Ossa, Pelion nods with all his wood."

        Since then, I have crossed the Atlantic Ocean eight times; but, nothing within my own personal experiences, has equaled what I then endured:--tumbled out of my berth, upon my head, with part of our luggage upon me!

        "Cabin'd and cribb'd, for days, within our "state room," not very stately, at that; terrified, when the billows, mountain high, threatened to engulf us; and when our little two-masted schooner, like a cockle-shell, hung trembling on the crest of a mighty wave, I, for one, imagined that my end had come; and could not, with the unhappy Moor, say:


                         "If after every tempest come such calms,
                         May the winds blow till they have waken'd death!
                         And let the labobringbahrk climb hills of seas,
                         Olympus high; and duck again as low
                         As hell's from heaven!"

        One thing interested me very much even amid the

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thundering of the billows and the strident sounds of the winds, playing amongst the rigging; that, was the captain, when, in stentorian tones, he gave his commands to the helmsman, at the wheel, which enabled our sturdy bark to dodge the dangers and weather the gale, none the worse, apparently, for her perilous voyage.

        When an extra heavy wave came thundering toward us, our captain would shout, "Right about!" and then, after the imminence of the danger had passed, his voice would ring out,--"A hard lay!" and so, time and again, he would exert his authority and skill, until, after hours, which seemed days, we were sailing,--gliding over comparatively smooth seas, toward our sure haven of rest.

        Who, now living, can vividly recall before their minds the appearance of "Little Old New York," in 1857,--sixty-three years ago? when, by the latest census, she contained within her walls, about four hundred and fifty thousand souls! A few less than half the number now credited to the great City of Cleveland! Who can picture the appearance of her forest of masts, and complexity of the spars and riggings, like the "tangles of Neaera's hair," as one surveyed her spacious harbor, in those early days? Vastly changed. I think, from their appearance in 1837, when my dear father visited that city, for the purpose of buying a stock of goods; yet, O, how different than she is today!

        It was in the early morning of July third when our ship was moored to her Brooklyn dock, near Washington street, only a few rods distant from the Brooklyn end of the first great suspension bridge. Within the present decade, I have looked down from the great bridge and seen the identical little house in which we spent our first night in that great city.

        Nor can I ever forget the following day, the first Fourth of July I had ever spent in a northern city. What we saw and what we heard, both by day and by night,

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almost startles me, even now. Imagine then, if you can, what an impression was made on my mind, when I was only twelve years of age--the first Fourth of July celebration I had enjoyed outside of my little native town, excepting only the time when I ran away from my home and walked twenty miles to the village of Trenton, to "hear the Eagle scream;" and then, neither saw nor heard him; saw and ate fat pig, instead, and heard the dulcet notes of the violin and the cornet.

        Before leaving my southern home, my dear mother gave me a half dollar!!! "John," she said, "you are a big eater; now, when we get to New York, if we are invited out to dinner, by any of our old friends, don't try to eat everything on the table; eat a reasonable amount, and if you are not satisfied, go out and buy a little something, to piece it out; but make this half dollar go as far as you can."

        I fear my dear, good mother lost sight of the fact that, I was, after all, only a patriotic little boy, as the sequel proved: for, before the glare of the rockets and Roman candles became evident, at the setting of the sun, I had invested every cent of that half dollar in a little brass pistol and suitable ammunition for it! Could I have made better use of it? Could I ever, have bought more happiness, in one day, with it? I think not; and although the error of my conduct was called, forcibly, to my attention, at times, during many succeeding years, yet, I am free to say I have never regretted my conduct, in that behalf; for, it stimulated my love for my country and her glorious flag, which is the only one which shelters and protects us, at home or abroad, by virtue of our constitution and laws.

        The next day was Sunday, if I mistake not; and my baby sister seven years of age, and I attended a Sunday school, in the neighborhood. It was the first time in the life of either of us, that we had ever been seated with

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white children! O, how happy we were! and how lustily we did sing, for the first time, those dear little nursery hymns:


                         "Little drops of water,
                         Little grains of sand," etc.
and that other one:


                         "I want to be an angel and with the angels stand;
                         A crown upon my forehead, a harp within my hand."

        This was the beginning, only, of what was to follow, in our little far away Ohio home.

        "Eye had not seen, ear had not heard," neither had it entered into our infantile hearts, the joys that were laid up for us, in the not distant future.

        The pleasure derived from our brief sojourn in New York, was greatly intensified by the association of some of our old Newbern friends, one of whom had been a fellow-member with my father, of Christ Episcopal Church, down there. He guided us through the labarynthine streets, pointed out to us objects of interest and explained them to us; and when our crated goods were released from the hold of the good ship Laura Johnson, he kindly saw that they were shipped on one of the canal boats of the Erie Canal, en route to Cleveland. His name was Mr. Richard W. Hancock, a skilled carpenter and builder, who had planned and constructed some of the most ornate buildings in our home town, before he deserted it.

        Mr. Hancock was the only tyler, of a white Masonic lodge, in a slave state, that I have ever heard of or seen, marching, with drawn sword, at the head of a white Masonic procession. Where he was made or how he won recognition in that town, twenty years before the Civil War, is more than I can explain; and what makes his treatment

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the more remarkable, lies in the fact that, though not a pure blooded Negro, yet his color was pronounced--unmistakable.

        On the afternoon of the 6th of July, 1857, accompanied and assisted by our worthy friend, Mr. Hancock, we boarded a "day car," of the Erie Railway Company, and, our adieus having been said, we were on our way to Dunkirk, the western terminus of that railroad, at that time. I say, we boarded a "day car:" yes; for, to the best of my memory and information, there were no sleeping cars in existence, at that time. That there were no Wagner, Pullman or Doubleday cars on that or any other line, I am quite certain; and persons wishing to dine accommodated themselves from the hampers which they carried with them; and as for sleeping, they were restricted to "doubling up" on a seat, or disposing their bodies in the next most convenient manner.

        We must not lose sight of the fact that, not only the Erie, but most of the other railroads in this country were, at that time, of recent or comparatively recent construction; and as a direct result of that fact, the roadbeds were very poorly ballasted, or not at all.

        On the Erie road, the riding was rough. There were sections of that thoroughfare, so rough that, one would, almost imagine himself riding in a stage coach; the rails were light, the springs were poor, and the couplings between the cars were so very loose and insecure, that, smooth, easy riding was out of the question.

        Estimated the distance between New York and Cleveland, by that route, to have been six hundred miles, we maintained an average speed of about twenty-five miles an hour; for, we were just twenty-four hours in reaching our destination.

        However, the whole trip was crammed full of pleasure, for this writer, whatever may be said as to the other members of our party: and when, at about five o'clock p.

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m. on the 7th day of July, 1857, our train drew into the first "Union depot," years before our present "Old Union Depot," was considered or planned, our joy exceeded expression. At last, thank God, we were on Ohio soil! Finally, we were in the beautiful "Forest City" of Cleveland, with its population of 36,000 souls,--its grand Public Square and its long, broad ornate streets, cool and refreshing to look upon.

        The "bluff" was high and steep, at the northern extremity of what is now West Ninth Street (then called Water Street); and, years afterwards, it took a deal of grading to reduce it to its present form. As we reached the summit of the "bluff," there were two objects quite conspicuous, which are no longer in existence. On the right, a few rods distant, stood the Government Light House, commanding a view of Lake Erie, for many miles out, while on the left hand side Bethel Church raised its spire gloriously, in the air.

        It was warm and very dusty. The lake breeze, then, as now, to some extent, was, continually in motion, and raised the dust from the unpaved streets, to the great discomfort of all pedestrians; but, even then, the young people were in numerous instances, out on the curbs sprinkling the streets, since the water works had, for a year or more been established, and was coming, gradually, into use.

        Superior Street, from the Public Square to West Ninth Street was covered with boards and on the South side of that chief business thoroughfare, from the "square" to Bank Street (W. 6th St.), the buildings were, principally, of wood. The Public Square was enclosed with a sort of fence, on all four sides, while the interior was carpeted with green lawns, and shaded by beautiful elm and maple trees.

        The south-western section of the Public Square, contained a little antiquated Court House, which reminded

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me, strongly, of the old Court House which we had left behind, in Newberne. I could go on and mention many of the structures existing in Cleveland at that time, but a mere enumeration of them would tire the reader, I fear.

        Mr. Freeman H. Morris, one of the most intelligent, conservative and genteel colored men then residing in Cleveland or elsewhere, in the United States, was the proprietor of a tailoring establishment, under the Bennet House, a hotel, subsequently enlarged and christened, the Forest City House. On the opposite corner, where now is located Marshall's Drug Store, was located Rouse Block, built and owned by "Deacon" Rouse, one of the most prominent of the pioneers of this city. Rouse Block was, for its day, large and ornamental, and was greatly admired by its owner and community, in general.

        There was one theatre in the city,--The Academy of Music, of which the late John A. Ellsler was the proprietor. He maintained a "Stock Company," of which he was the leading "star." Mrs. Effie Ellsler, his wife, and mother of the younger Effie Ellsler (who was then a baby), was the leading lady; there was a "Tragedian," of much merit, by the name of McCullough; James Lewis, inimitable comedian, and Miss Anna Dickinson (?) soubrette. It was, with other characters, a good company; and played, regularly, for the entertainment and instruction of this community.

        Occasionally, during the "season," great "stars," would visit the city and entertain the habitues and others of that theatre. I remember well, The Marble Heart, in the production of which the late J. Wilkes Booth (assassin of President Lincoln) was the star attraction; also Edwin Booth, Couldock, Sothern (father of E. H. Sothern), now prominent as our interpreter of some of Shakespeare's plays,--and many others.

        The old building, transposed, still occupies its original site, in W. 6th street, contiguous, to the old Kennard

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House--then called the Angier House. The auditorium of the theatre, was on momentous occasions, boarded over and used for balls, given in honor of distinguished personages; it was the largest public auditorium then at the command of the citizens of Cleveland.

        Melodeon Hall, was another hall, provided with a stage and scenery; it was located on the present site of Mr. Jacob B. Perkins' big building, the Wiltshire, on the north side of Superior Street, near West Third Street. It is the building, used for a post-office while the present post-office was in course of construction. There was also another hall,--a small one, in a building located on the present site of the Williamson Building, called, at one time, Garret's Hall, and another, on the top floor of a building which stood where the American Trust Building is now located, Chase Hall.

        There were no places of business on either Superior Street or Euclid Avenue, east of the Public Square; and on the north side of the Public Square, the entire space was filled with ornate residences. Prospect Street, ranked second in importance, as a residence street, and Woodland Avenue, third. There were also beautiful residences on Lake and St. Clair Avenue, up to Erie St. (now E. 9th and also on Ontario St., from the Public Square to the lake.)

        There was a pontoon-bridge spanning the river at the foot of W. 3d Street (Seneca Street), and a ferry established, to transport persons across the river, at the foot of Superior Street hill.

        The Old Stone Church stood, like a grim sentinel, where it stands today; the tall spire had, recently, been destroyed by fire; it has never been replaced. On the corner of East Fourth (Sheriff) Street and Euclid Avenue, stood Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, and in Superior Street, between the Public Square and East 6th Street (Bond Street) were located both Trinity Cathedral and

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the Second Presbyterian Church. The Second Baptist Church, now denominated, "Rockefeller's Church," was then located on the northeast corner of East Ninth Street (Erie Street) and Central Avenue (Ohio Street). To the north of Ohio Street, and on the southside of the cemetery, was a broad space of land whereon the County Fair, was held, that year. Miss Lucy Wightman, the beautiful and accomplished daughter of the late David L. Wightman, one time Sheriff of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, carried away the prize as the most skilful equestrienne of all those who contended for it.

        The Central High School building was located where the Citizen's Loan and Trust Company's building now stands, in Euclid Avenue, near E. 9th Street; while the First Baptist Church (which had formerly occupied a building at the corner of Champlain Avenue and W. 3rd Street), was then located on the present site of the Hickox Building, N. W. corner of Euclid Avenue and E. 9th Street.

        There was a pretty little park, located on the bluff overlooking the lake, at the foot of what is now E. 17th Street, called, "Clinton Park," there is now, little or no reminder of the fact that it ever existed. This was at a time, anterior to the establishment of Lake View Park, when the side of thehill between Lakeside Avenue and the railroad tracks, was covered with little "Irish shanties." It is a curious commentary on our ephemeral existence, that, both the shanties and the park, have, already yielded to the march of events.

        Much could be said of the fire department, of which we (I say we advisededly) drew to the occasional fires, with our hands, the engines and trucks, and pumped with the same power; it was a slow, laborious process, and, often, quite uncertain; but, it was better than none; as well as a source of much recreation.

        It was mid-summer, and time was winging his flight;

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it is a true saying--eternally true, that, time and tide wait for no man," and this writer, was not using it wisely; on the contrary, he was "scouring" the city and its environs, with no useful employment (not even the wood-pile) to occupy his time, at the imminent risk of getting into trouble; and, it was easily evident that, my mother must place me under the guardian care and protection of someone who would curb and restrain me, temporarily, at least.

        After mature reflection and much anxiety, she finally, determined to take me to Oberlon, Ohio, and give me to that Mr. John Patterson, for whom my father named me; and, on the following day, we found a hearty welcome in the home of that man to whom, of all other persons, were indebted for our presence in Oberlin at that time.

        After refreshment, mother "opened up" the subject foremost in her mind, and disclosed to Mr. Patterson the object of her visit to Oberlin,-- to place in his custody her only son, as an apprentice, to be taught his trade,--that of a brick-layer and plasterer.

        Now, Mr. Patterson already had, "on his hands," several husky boys, for whom he could hardly find employment; and, he frankly stated his inability to employ another boy, for any purpose. Moreover, he said, his calling required a boy in his "teens,"--strong and heavy; while I was thin and weak, for a lad of twelve years of age; for whom, he could find no employment.

        Under the circumstances, he advised my mother to go to the husband of one of her relatives, Mr. John H. Scott,--harnessmaker, saddler and trunkmaker,--who, he thought, could teach me one or more of his trades, which did not call for great size or robust strength.

        This proposition seemed quite promising to Mother, who, indeed, was grasping at any temporary straw, in that behalf; and she "stayed not on her going," but went, without delay.

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        "Cousin Celia Scott," the kindly, lovable spouse of John H. Scott, received me joyously; and, encouraged, promoted the plan of taking me into her household, enthusiastically; and, "to make a long story short," an oral agreement was made between Mr. Scott and my mother by the terms of which, I was to enter his employment, as an apprentice, and remain with him until I attained to my twenty-first year. Mr. Scott agreed to treat me as his own child,--to feed me at his own table, clothe me and give me a little education. I am not sure as to this last condition of the contract; but, since both my mother and Mr. Scott had been denied an education, I infer the intention was that I should have some opportunities, at least, along that line.

        In pursuance of this very reasonable agreement, I entered Mr. Scott's employ, and became a part of his household, all of whom, excepting Mr. Scott, were related to me, by ties of blood; and, without delay, he set me to work, making straps with buckles sewed on one end of them, and other small, preliminary work, not forgetting to teach me how to milk a cow which gave several gallons of milk, and fetch water in a bucket from a neighboring pump, for washing purposes,--and for cooling-off a great poker, which weighed between four and five hundred pounds, and suffered much, by reason of July heat.

        Another duty, which was quite pleasing to me, was to carry a basket of fruit to the rail-way station (at least once each day), and offer it for sale to passengers, en route, on the train.

        I tried to milk that cow; but, "honor bright," it was, for me, the most onerous task I had ever undertaken, not excepting that done on the "wood pile." I did not have sufficient strength in my wrists! and, try as I would, I invariably "botched" the job,--as I can now see.

        On one occasion, after I had milked several quarts into the pail, "bossie" put one of her feet into it; and on

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withdrawing it, she left in the pail a small lump of clay; which had been sticking to it. I clutched the clay and threw it out of the pail; but, not before it had been dissolved, more or less, and left a thick sediment on the bottom.

        Reason and the dictates of honesty told me to empty out of the pail that polluted milk, and finish milking; but, I was too timid and fearful of Mr. Scott, whose commanding figure and black, eagle-eyes, at that period of his life, almost made me tremble. I should have stated, at the outset, that, mother, in taking leave of me, after she had given me to Mr. Scott, said, "Mr. Scott, John is a bad boy; and, you must whip him!" A remark which to this day, sixty-three years since it was uttered, still rings in my ears!

        So, I carried the milk into the house--mud and all--. It was noticed that, I did not drink any of it; but, this did not call forth any special comment, until the bottom of the crock was reached; when, lo, and behold! a sediment of clay, unmistakable. "Ah ha!" exclaimed Mr. Scott. "Now, I know why you have not drunk any milk, today. I thought it was funny you were not drinking any milk to-day! Now, I know the reason why! Here-after, Sir, you have got to drink some of every milking!" I may add, he was "as good as his word," and during the remainder of my sojourn with him, I was required to, at least, "sample" the result of my milkings.

        And so, the time wore on. My mother's cousin, Mrs. Scott, was kind and affectionate towards me; and, at times, when her husband seemed rather severe in his dealings with me, she expostulated with him. She also, had me scrub the kitchen floor for her, occasionally; for which she, invariably, gave me a dime or fifteen cents; which, I religously saved, in order that I might accumulate a fund sufficient to pay my fare to Cleveland and return, when I made a promised visit to my mother, on

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the 15th of September, my elder sister's 19th birthday.

        In the latter part of August, there came to Oberlin a train-load of boys and girls, on a picnic excusion. They were Sunday-school pupils from that same Bethel church, of which I have spoken, heretofore. Mr. Scott permitted me to go into the grove and commingle with the children; but, of course, he expected me to return home in time to milk the cow. However, my nostalgia--homesickness, was so great that, I could not withstand the temptation to visit my people; and when the train returned to Cleveland, I was one of the youthful excursionists.

        On reaching Cleveland, I went, as the "crow flies," to my mother's home, two miles distant, at the corner of Pine and Hudson (now E 30th streets. There were no street-cars in those days, or any other means of reaching there, save walking.

        Mother and sisters were surprised and overjoyed to see me, and covered me with caresses; but mother was, quite naturally, apprehensive, that I would have trouble with Mr. Scott, on my return. As to this, she was quite right,["] for tho I stowed away in an oil closet, on a freight-train, and returned to Oberlin by midnight of the same day, he declared, he would have "tanned my hide," if I had not carried a letter to him from my mother requesting him to pardon this offense. At the same time, he warned me not to repeat the act; a warning which, had I been wise, I would have heeded.

        However, young lads, at the age of twelve years, are not, as a rule, "wise and prudent;" especially if, as in my ease, they have spent their whole life roaming amidst the "pines and sands" of North Carolina, without the friendly advice and guidance of a loving father; and, with none, or very poor examples, set before him, in his daily walk of life.

        In the course of a week or two, Henry O. Patterson, a foster son of that John Patterson for whom I was

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named,--a boy older and more experienced than I, persuaded me to "jump" a freight car with him and make a "flying" trip, to Cleveland and return; and I, having been so successful in escaping punishment in the first instance, fell an easy victim to his wiles.

        The trip outward was easily and successfully negotiated, without mishap of any sort; and we passed a very pleasant afternoon, in perambulating the marts of trade and the beautifully shaded boulevards of the Forest City. Also, we experienced no difficulty in snugly ensconcing ourselves in an oil closet of a freight car, en route to Oberlin, at midnight of the same day; but, alas! and alack! when we reached Elyria, some eight miles from our destination,--to our unspeakable surprise, we were discovered and rudely accosted, by a gruff and heartless brakeman, who flashed his light in our faces, and, in very plain English, told us to get off our perch, and leave the car.

        "What was done, what to do, a glance told us both," and we easily recognized that we were "up against a condition,"--no theory; so, without parleying, we jumped off,--into the "outer darkness;" for, it seemed to be the darkest night we had ever seen.

        Henry O., thoroughly frightened and less daring than this writer, stayed off,--walked the remainder of the distance, and put in his appearance, at home, early in the following morning: but the writer hereof, venturesome as ever, vaulted onto a platform car, piled high with lumber, reached home, and was sound asleep, in the arms of morpheus, at about one o'clock A. M.

        To my surprise and horror, at about five o'clock, in the same morning, Mr. Scott--master, entered my bedroom, carrying in his strong right hand a leather strap, resembling very closely those which I had been engaged in manufacturing;--threw back the bed-clothing, with which I was covered, and proceeded to give me one of

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those "tannings, with which he had threatened me before; for, in this instance, I did not return to him, armed with a supplicating letter, from my mother.

        Suffice it to state, that, upon the conclusion of his "tanning" process, and for several days thereafter, my tawny, hide presented an appearance more resembling that of a zebra than of a human being; and, smarting from the unmerciful cstigation I had resolved to quit Mr. Scott, forever; even tho, in attempting escape, I should imperil or even, lose my life.

        "Jacta est alia!" the die was cast; the handwriting was on the wall; and from that moment, it was absolutely beyond the power of my cruel mster to retain me in his employ; unless, indeed, he schackled, hobbled or imprisoned me; which, of course, in Oberlin, at that time, was "out of the question."

        The reader must not lose sight of the fact that, at that time. I weighed exactly fifty pounds! I am, constrained to confess, that, in my opinion, I deserved some punishment for my misconduct, in the premises; but, without brutality and heartlessness.

        During the ensuing week, never did the fates weave a web, with more precision and certainty than did I, in my determination to make my escape from Mr. Scott. The opportunity came, as I supposed, in the afternoon of the following Sunday; when, I erroniously, judged that he and his guest, (a "Mr. Smith"--fugitive slave), were conversing together in the parlor. Tying up in a handkerchief my little belongings, I made a rush, out of the back door for the garden. "John!" a voice rang in my ears, "where are you going to?" If a clap of thunder," out of a cloudless sky", had saluted me, I would not have been more surprised or shocked, than when I heard that voice. Turning and looking upwards, I beheld my bete noir, with his fugitive guest, sitting at the rear window, upstairs. Then, indeed, I "stayed not on the order of my

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going," I flew; bundle discarded, I ran with might and main, in the direction of the little cemetery, then in the heart of the town, pursued by Mr. Scott and the other person.

        Backwards and forwards and crosswise, the chase held its course, with the quarry gradually widening the space between himself and his pursuers; until, the writer, seeing the futility of running in a circle, at length, made for the track of the Lake Shore Railroad, and pitched his trend in the direction of Cleveland,--thirty-three miles away, with Elyria intervening,--eight miles distant.

        It was a hot September day, never to be forgotten, by me; my thirst was great, but my fear and excitement was greater. Mile after mile we sped, my pursuers gradually narrowing the space between us; my tongue almost, literally, hung out of my mouth, and my heart beat like that of a doe pursued and bayed by the hunter and his hounds.

        At a distance of about five miles from Oberlin, I suddenly, darted from the "direct forthright", and quickly concealed my poor dying form, amidst the underbrush. They searched for me, in vain. They could not find me. Reluctantly, they gave up the chase,--faced homeward, on the railroad track, and began their retreat. Unfortunately, inexperienced and excited as I was, I resumed my progress, on the track too, thinking that, he had abandoned the pursuit;--the space between us, now, being so great. Not so: for, turning and getting a glimpse of my form, they renewed the pursuit; and, gaining on me (for I was now afflicted with serious rectal trouble, so great had been the strain), I again concealed myself in the undergrowth of a neighboring wood.

        Again, they were thwarted in their efforts to find me; but, at the moment when they had decided to abandon the quest, the little dog which accompanied them, a pet of mine, scented me and began to bark and

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play with me. "The jig was up!" I was seized, undressed tied, as to my hands, and cruelly whipped with switches, cut in the woods, until my little, thin body was well covered with purple welts. My pockets were searched, and all the earnings which I had received from my dear cousin Celia, for scrubbing the kitchen, taken from me; so, that, as Mr. Scott declared, I could not pay my fare to my home and friends.

        Then, I was compelled to promise, that, never again would I attempt to leave his home and employ; the white fugitive slave looking on the while, but uttering no word of protest.

        Slowly,--painfully, I wended my way back to Oberlin--a forlorn,--woe-begone little boy. I wondered, could my Father look down from heaven upon his poor child, whose birth was hailed with acclaims of joy and satisfaction, as being the only son! Was this then, all the result of his strenuous life, in behalf of his family and humanity! Such is life!"

        The next day, I was lowered into a rain-water cistern, to assist in cleaning it out. The water was cold and I was sick, hardly able to stand without support; but, that same kind Providence which--


                         "Tempers the wind to the shorn lamb,"
was by my side, supporting and encouraging me. Was my spirit broken? Had the Stanley-Chestnutt blood quailed before that of another? Never! Young as I was, it was another case of--


                         "Lay on Macduff!
                         And damned be he who first cries,
                         Hold, enough!"


        NOTE--Such of my relations of African descent as I had met or heard of, were persons of mild, gentle dispositions, on the female side; the men, I did not know.


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        For a full week after this torture, I was not allowed to peddle fruit at the railway station. I was "cabin'd and cribbed," watched,--spied on, lest I should break my word and take "French leave," again. However, on one fine September afternoon, Mr. Scott said, "John: if I give you a basket of apples, do you think you can go to the station and sell 'em and come back all right?" I said, "Yes". "Well, go on," he replied, an' see to it that you behave yourself an' get back on time!"

        With the basket, filled with golden fruit, I sallied forth, to the station. Ere long, the fast express train flew in, "Thunder Bolt," they called it, and all was bustle and excitement; but, to the quiet observer there appeared the vision of a little clay-colored boy, quietly tucking himself away, beneath one of those passenger cars,--on the brake-beam, to be exact, hugging some portion of the truck, while he inclined his head forward, to escape the floor of the car, above him.

        The bell rang! the whistle gave a toot! and slowly, that great modern miracle--that locomotive puffed its way forward, drawing after it the serpentine train, filled with living, breathing human-ebeings, and,--a boy,--underneath! Remember, O reader, this was in September, 1857, sixty-three years ago, when that railroad was in swaddling clothes; when the track was new and well-nigh without ballast, and the springs were crudely made and insufficient for the strain placed upon them. Was I the first to make the venture?

        At first I was in glee, over the thought that, I had finally, eluded Mr. Scott; that no speed on his part, could now overtake me; and that, in an hour, I would be, once more, under the same roof with my mother and sisters! However, a rapid change came over my mind, and terror seized upon me, as darkness almost Egyptian enveloped me!

        Dust! Dust! Dust! in my eyes, in my nostrils and

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even my mouth, when I opened it to prevent suffocation! Upon my head, I wore a soft green felt (?) hat, which, from long use, had become peaked. I snatched it off, and, while I clung to a rod with one hand, with the other, I fanned, for dear life in the vicinity of my nose. My first thought was to try to jump from under the car; but, my judgment told me that I would be cut in two, should I attempt to do so.

        In the course of ten or fifteen minutes, the speed of the "Cannon Ball' was so swift, that, the dust was drawn through by the current of air, and no longer menaced me; but, now, another danger, as serious, perhaps, as the first, succeeded to it;--the speed of the train was, such, that the car under which I was located began to bound and rebound, threatening every instant, to fracture my skull, or at least, to stun me, which would have meant speedy and certain death. In this emergency, I bent myself almost double, in order to clear my head from the bottom of the car, in which I was successful, until the train reached Elyria; when, I crawled out and climbed into the car. The conductor who was on the platform, at the time, did not notice me until the train was in motion again; but, meanwhile, I was the cynosure of all the eyes in that car. I had the appearance of an animated statue carved out of clay.

        "Where did you come from!" exclaimed the conductor." "From under the c-a-r!" I squeaked, in return.

        "From under the car!" he repeated. "Well, I am late, or I would stop and put you off!" This time, again, the fates were with me; and I remained, huddled in a corner, until the joyful sound, "Cleveland!!" inspired me with new life and activity.

        "Send him back", Mr. Scott wrote to my mother, "and I will make a man of him!"--a feat of which he boasted in after years; but, after mature reflection, it was decided

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that I should remain at home and go to school; a fact which filled me with joy, beyond description.

        I will say here and now, that, for many years, I have entertained no hatred or malice against Mr. Scott by reason of his treatment of me. His was a hard school, and he acted according to his best lights. During the six weeks I was in his care, custody and control, he fed me well,--gave me a pair of shoes, allowed me to attend the picnic, and seated me at the table to dine with himself and family; very considerate, indeed; but he was too harsh, severe and cruel, to manage a mere child. I will add, that, in after years, Mr. Scott, was frequently, my guest, and I his; and, further, that, I wrote his obituary, after his death; which was in accordance with the Latin maxim--"De mortuo dice nil nisi bonum"--say nothing of the dead except good.

        If what I have written in the foregoing seems to imply bitterness and hatred, or a stern regret for having been apprenticed to Mr. Scott, at that time and place, let it be known that, I consider the experiences which, even at that tender age, I passed through in dear old Oberlin, out-weight, in pleasure and profit, all the disappointments, and trial which fell to my lot, and which were due, in part, to my intractable disposition.

        Had I never spent those six weeks in Oberlin in 1857 when the town was just twenty-four years of age, I would not be able to carry to my grave with me the remembrance of the great Rev. Charles Finney, as he appeared in the pulpit of the "First Church." The music of his sweet sounding, earnest voice would not now be ringing in my ears as I heard it, when, in those days, he paced that pulpit and contended for, human liberty,--women's rights, temperate Christian lives, and all that make for civilization and ultimate salvation. I would never have seen, perchance Father Keep, Professors Monroe, Shurtliff, Fairchild, Peck, Morgan, and others,

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who did so much to place Oberlin on the proud pedestal, where she stands today. I would not have met the late John Patterson, for whom I was named,--who wrote to my dear mother those persuasive letters which eventuated in bringing her with her little brood to the city of Cleveland; nor could I now, at this late day, refer back to those early days, when old Tappan hall stood, still majestic, when old Chapel was still in its glory, and the music of the board-walks added zest to the movements of the early students.

        These and many other characteristics of Oberlin, sixty-three years ago pass in pamoramic review before my mind--a rich legacy of those early times, which I would not exchange for gold or silver or precious stones.

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CHAPTER IV.

MAYFLOWER COMMON AND SUNDAY SCHOOLS
AND TROY HILL.

        "Well," said my mother, one morning, after I had been at home long enough to regain my composure, "if you will not work, you must go to school. I am not a going to allow you to run the streets!" She could not have pleased me more than she did, by that declaration; for, I had, already, become aware of the fact that, all the boys with whom I had made acquaintance, were school boys; and I long'd to be one of their number.

        So, early on one "September Morn," with face wreathed in smiles, and hopes beating high, I sallied forth, with the "gang," and, in the course of fifteen minutes, I stood in the august presence of Miss Sarah A. Nelson, teacher in the "Intermediate Department, for boys, of the Mayflower School, situated in Orange Street, nearly opposite the south end of Hudson Street, now E. 30th street.

        The principal of Mayflower School, at that time, was Mr. Edwin R. Perkins, a young gentleman, recently graduated from Dartmouth College, --to the best of my memory, for whom the fates were, even then, spinning the thread of a long and useful life, which he so richly merited. As a teacher, he was learned, enthusiastic, and ambitious; he was one of those whose very presence inspired and energised for the accomplishment of worthy

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deeds, and his long and glorious achievements along financial, commercial and social lines, attest all that I have said, in the foregoing.

        A good spanking, which he administered to me, when I was in the second year of attendance, at that now famous school, did somewhat, I believe, to open my eyes to the verities of this life, and to start me in the right way to meet them.

        Amongst the others of the teachers there, at that time, may be mentioned the widow of the late E. R. Perkins, who was his efficient assistant; also, Miss Laura C. Spellman, subsequently, Mrs. John D. Rockefeller; Miss Leonard, afterward, Mrs. Norton, Mrs. Eliza Brinsmade, a sister of the late Colonel Allen T. Brinsmade; Miss White, Miss Johnson, and last, but not least, Miss Sarah A. Nelson, subsequently, Mrs. Rude, of Calispal (?) Minn.

        I had no books, for the intermediate grade, or any other grade, for that matter. Mother told me to tell Miss Nelson that, she had no money to buy me books with; which I did, and Miss Nelson, from some source unknown to me, procured a set of used books, and gave them to me.

        That grade was, then, the next grade below the "Grammar" grade, over which the principal presided; and I was ambitious, as ever, to get passed into the grammar grade. As a result, I was a hard student and an apt pupil. Miss Nelson said to mother, "John is one of my smartest pupils, and--the worst."

        In very truth, I was the incarnation of mischief; but, as I view the condition, from this distance, it was my all consuming desire to be spectacular, which lay at the bottom of my misbehavior--for, in playing "twenty", which carried us over hill and dale and, frequently far away from the school building,--distributing bits of paper in our course, and in running, jumping and other athletic sports, it was ever my desire to be foremost;

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and, whether I accomplished it or not, I laid aside every weight, and strove, right manfully, for success. I was always anxious to perform some feat which no other boy would dare to do, so as to be talked about. In fact, it was true, as was said of me, by a distinguished gentleman later on in life, when he characterized me as, "a born actor," and I could only yield to the natural impulse to act, "show off", as my mother denominated it.

        Along this line, let this one incident be recorded: I had been misbehaving myself in some silly way,--making grimaces, passing notes, whispering, or doing some other act contrary to the rules of the school. And it was as the laws of the Medes and the Persians that, at the recess, I would come in contact with the black ebony or ligum vitae instrument of torture which our teacher was accustomed to wield in the "torture chamber." So, I watched my chance to defer the punishment, as long as possible.

        The opportunity came when Miss Nelson stepped out of the room, for some purpose; then, regardless of life or limb, and in defiance of all rules and reason, I climbed out of a second-story window, grasped the convenient lightning-rod, and slid down to the ground!

        The sequel can be imagined, when next I made my appearance in that school; for I received not only the deferred punishment; but, with compound interest: However, in one respect, I was successful; for a short period, I was the cynosure of all eyes,--the hero (?) of the hour.

        With all that the foregoing implies, it is a peculiar fact, that, when we were taking our leave for the long summer vacation, I was, apparently, the only one of all who regretted it. It was sad to take my leave from the first truly congenial company of boys that I had ever known; and many times during the space before the September term, I sighed and longed for the return of school days.

        My speech, at that time, was a sort of patoir, of the

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English language,--a southern dialect. For "carry," I said "tote;" nor could I pronounce our English (American) R: I prouounced, pretty much after the manner of "Happy Hooligan." For dirt, I said, "doit," and for "Squirt," I said, "Squoit:"

        The boys laughed at me inordinately, and constantly, joked me. However, I proved to be an apt pupil; and, ere long, I could roll the R, almost equal to a Continental.

        Time flew; and when the next vacation came around, I got my passport to the grammar grade; where, under the watchful eye of Mr. Perkins, the one spanking referred to, above, was quite sufficient to "hold" me; until I was transferred to the Hudson street school, which was in our immediate neighborhood.

        During my tutelage at the Mayflower school, I was sent, on one occasion to report to Mr. Andrew Freeze, the grand and wonderfully efficient Superintendent of the Cleveland Schools, for the reason that I had "played truant," in order that I might attend the circus, which visited Cleveland: Mr. Freeze had his headquarters in the old Central High School building,--at that time located on the lot of land where now stands The Citizens Savings and Trust Company,--in Euclid Avenue, near East Ninth street (formerly Erie Street).

        Mr. Freeze was the incarnation of the educational idea. He loved his schools, was fond of the society of boys and running over with good nature. I approached this august functionary with fear and trembling: "Well, Sir!" he exclaimed, "what brings you here?" I answered, in a whining manner, that I had been sent to him to report an infraction of the rules of the Mayflower School, in absenting myself for a day, to attend the circus.

        "Well", he replied, in a spirited manner, "Did you go to the Circus?" I answered, in the affirmative. "All right, then!" he said. "If you went in and didn't hang

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around on the outside, I'll excuse you." "You may go back to school; but, don't do it again."

        Here was a man full of "the milk of human kindness." He had been a boy himself; and, although well advanced in years, he had not forgotten the thrill of feeding nic-nacs to the elephant, watching the antics of the monkeys, listening to the jokes of the clown, and witnessing madamoiselle gracefully jump through the "baloons," while riding the "fiery and untamed steed."

        Dear, good Mr. Freeze! was there ever another like him! long will he live in the memory and the hearts of the boys and girls of the schools of Cleveland, who were, by his learning, energy and wisdom encouraged and stimulated to soar to heights which might not have been attained by them, in his absence.

        During the first winter of my attendance at the Mayflower school, the writer was perilously near the grave, for, having no overcoat, and insufficient warm underwear to protect him from the cold of this northern climate pneumonia got him in its grasp; and he was saved by the skillful treatment of a homeopathic physician, and the good nursing of his dear mother, from a premature death.

        So the years glided by, until the spring of 1859 was at hand; when, the times being "hard", and mother being now, greatly in need of my assistance, I left the Hudson Street Grammar School, and went in search of some "remunerative employment" and, as I was now increased in weight to about one hundred pounds, and evinced a redundancy of energy along other lines, it seemed but reasonable that I should, in the sweat of my face, earn my "daily bread."

        As an evidence of my masterful energy, at that time, the following true anecdote is related.

        A consuming desire to own a pair of skates seized upon me. All the other boys were upon the ice, having the

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time of their life, while I would only stand and look on. Every evening witnessed a veritable carnival, and joy reigned supreme. Of course it was useless to ask mother for money to buy skates with; for I had not even "boots" on my feet, which, in those days, nearly everyboy wore. I was glad to be possessed of warm shoes, under the circumstances.

        So, taking our "buck" or wood-saw, and a light "buck," I sallied forth, in quest of fire-wood, to saw and split; and, after much walking, I finally found a cord of hickory wood, made a bargain with its owner, and sawed, split and piled it up, before I returned to my home--seventy-five cents "to the good," as the boys say.

        On the following days, I found and sawed, split and piled two additional piles,--one of hickory and the other of oak. One of these two cords, I sawed twice, into three pieces. For this work, I received the sum of one dollar and seventy-five cents, making, in all, a total of two dollars and fifty cents. With this money, I bought my skates, and mingled with the gay crowds on the pond. After a while, having neither time nor inclination to use them longer, I sold them for one dollar, which I was glad to receive for them.

        In the summer of 1859, I was taught the process or trade of caning chairs. I was fourteen years of age, and anxious to be earning, something. The labor, incidental to the repairing of the chairs, was a mere bagatelle, in comparison with that of finding the chairs, returning them, and walking to the Chair Factory and return, then located in the town of Newburg, and said to be eight miles from Cleveland, where I purchased a bundle of cane, for the price of fifty cents.

        The only other means of reaching Newburg, was by the rail-road or by stage coach, the starting point of which was in the yard of the old wooden "Commercial Hotel," located on a lot on the South-west corner of Long

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Avenue and West Third Street, and the fare, one way, by this conveyance was twenty cents.

        About a hundred and fifty feet west of this old hotel, in the location of the present Central Police Station, was the dwelling and lot of a colored man named Davis; he was of mixed blood, and so large that, he could neither mount or dismount from his "buggy," without assistance. Mr. Davis was, for years, the city sprinkler, and moistened our dusty streets, under contract with the city.

        About the year 1858, through the courtesy of the late Miss Mary Alston, (sister of the Reverend William Alston, of whom I gave an account, in the first chapter) and her married sister, Mrs. William Sampson, who were departing for Raleign, N. C., on an extended visit. We were invited to take charge of their comfortable residence in Cedar Avenue, gratis, until their return. This residence was cozy and homelike, and we spent a year there very pleasantly.

        I am mentioning this Cedar Avenue home especially, because it first brought me in touch with one of the leading families of the whole world; and because this family contained, as a member of it, the richest man in the world (not connected with royalty in any respect, and who, in his own life time and through the fertility of his own brain, has accumulated his fortune), now living, or who has ever lived, in so far as history, ancient or modern has disclosed to us; and I may add, that, in the size and number of his gifts, while living, he has no peer. Of course, reference is made to the great and good John D. Rockefeller, whom I rejoice to call not only an acquaintance of mine, but, also a friend.

        Mr. Rockefeller was then a mere youth (in 1858) and I frequently saw him leave his home in Cedar Avenue, for his place of employment, in the morning, and also, return, in the evening. The residence of the Rockefeller

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family, at that time was on the north side of Cedar Avenue, and, the last of three similar brick houses, from Cleve (now E. 25th) Street, going west. The building is still standing, and maintains its appearance, very well.

        Mr. Frank Rockefeller, late deceased, was, at that time, a member of old Mayflower School, and generally, led the boys in their vigorous sports; but, I have no remembrance of having ever seen his august brother otherwise engaged than in going to and returning from his daily duties.

        Amongst other boys who were of our party, in athletic sports, at that time, may be mentioned, the late W. H. King, who, at one time, served a term as commissioner of this county; also James and Andrew Dall, who subsequently figured, conspicuously, as builders of large structures in Cleveland, and Andrew Dall, with Colonel McAlister, built and owned the Mohawk Building,--now known as the American Trust Building, near the "Old Court House," and the Public Square.

        Mr. George B. Christian, for a long time secretary and treasurer of the Cleveland Provision Company, was also a modest, lovable member of our "gang," and the late Frank Chandler, for many years, a wholesale dealer in provisions in the "down town" section; William Whitworth and Hugh and Henry Lowrie were also very much in evidence, as boys.

        About this time, this writer was seized with a desire to become a member of the "Shakers," so called, who were followers of "Mother Ann Lee," whose headquarters were in the state of New York. These religiously, believed in celibacy,--they were neither married nor given in marriage; and, in their communal settlements, occupied separate apartments, in the same buildings, and sat, at their meals, at separate tables.

        At the time referred to, they owned a large tract of land, in the eastern suburbs of Cleveland, and were divided

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into three, several communities--the East house was in that portion of the tract which contains the present "Shaker Lake," on Shaker Heights; where their grist mill was located, which ground the grain produced by the Shakers, the "Center was presided over by Elder James, who was the "ranking" elder of the whole sect, in that vicinity, and the other group was still further removed.

        The religious exercises consisted in silent prayer and meditation, for the most part, and communal dancing. The tables and other furniture being drawn back, the dance would begin,--the men on one side of the hall and the women on the other side, facing each other; and, at times, it was quite animated and exhiliarating. There was no violin or other musical instrument to furnish music for the participants; singing alone, giving zest to their movements, which, at times, rivaled anything in that line, that I had ever seen.

        So interested and enthused was the writer that he, during his brief sojourn there, became quite expert in their terpsichorean movements; and, to this day, remembers, two of their refrains, which he will here record, for the benefit of such as may be interested. The first was, as follows:


                         "Dancing is a sweet employ;
                         Fills the soul with heavenly joy;
                         Makes the love of union flow,
                         Round and round and round we go,
                         Lolalo! lola, lola, lola lo!
                         Lola lo! lola, lola, lola, lola lo."

        The second, as far as I can remember it, after the lapse of sixty-two years, was as follows:


                         "We have love, we have love, we hav love to give you;
                         Heavenly love, heavenly love, 'tis from your blessed Mother,
                         And now we wave it unto you, as free as we received it;
                         And we are not going to stop, until we make you feel it!"

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        At the end of the last line, the words, "feel it," were pronounced with much zest, and with an accompanying clap of the hands, as if suiting the action to the word.

        While the dancers were whirling and marching around, the palms of the hands, extended forward, were waved upwards, as if to send greeting--each side to the other. Finally, becoming wearied or satisfied, the dancing would cease, and the participants would retire, each sex to its respective quarters.

        Before being received into full fellowship, an oral examination of the candidate was made by the presiding "elder" and such other of the committee as were appointed for that function; during which, the applicant was required to make a "full and free" confession of his previous sins. This writer having complied with all the requirements, along this line, was received in full fellowship; and, thenceforward, was treated, in all respects, as an equal--not even the fact that he was a colored boy, causing any differentiation between him and the others.

        After worshiping with them, and working in the big garden,--weeding long rows of onions, and riding a plow-horse, the time came when his mother discovered his whereabouts, and her demand of his person was promptly acceded to. A fact which I deeply regretted; for, I was being furnished sumptuous repasts,--and I enjoyed the dancing very much.

        The Shakers found a ready sale for all the products of their farms, and the manufactures of their workshops, in our market, for they were strictly honest, in all their representations.

        My next escapade was to start on a tour of the world, with only a few dimes in my purse. I had read of Captain John Smith, of Pocohontas fame, who, it was said, traveled afoot over Europe, when a boy of fifteen years of age, and I longed to rival his achievement; and, with a

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companion of my own age and size, we started on our serious undertaking.

        After walking to Berea, we boarded a freight car, crawled into a threshing machine, and went to sleep; when we awoke, next morning, we found ourselves in the outskirts of Toledo; but, on attempting to penetrate into the young city, we were turned back and told to "beat it," which, we did without protest or delay, working our way homeward, until we finally reached our destination.

        On another occasion, I walked, in ten hours, from Cleveland to Painesville; there boarded a freight train, and, ere long, found myself in Buffalo. Taking another car, I rode to Niagara Falls, and after walking across the great Suspension Bridge, I barely placed my feet on Canadian soil, when I was turned back.

        Lockport, N. Y., was as far as I reached; where, half famished and foot-sore, I, like another Prodigal (tramp), repented, rode on the "bumper" between two cars, back to Buffalo,--stowed away between some sacks of coffee, on the deck of the great steamer City of Buffalo, and next morning, found myself back again in Cleveland. This was the last attempt to rival Captain John Smith; and thenceforward, I settled down to honest labor.

        Knowing that the tenure of the Alston-Sampson residence, by us was limited to the period of their absence, and that, it was necessary for her to provide a suitable home for herself and family, by the time of their return, our mother did not allow the opportunity to slip by unimproved; and, being a member of the First Baptist Church, which contained on the list of its membersship the names of persons who were, at once, both wealthy and generous, she made known to some of them her straitened condition.

        Amongst those approached, was the late James Madison Hoyt, Esquire, father of the late Rev. Wayland Hoyt, (for many years, pastor of one of the leading Baptist

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churches of the City of New York, whose learning and eloquence was noted throughout the United States), Colgate Hoyt, Esquire, well known financier of the same place, and former president of the Ohio Society of New York; James H. Hoyt, late deceased, who was the head of one of the leading law firms of Cleveland, and, one time, prominent candidate for Governor of Ohio; Mr. Elton Hoyt, successful real estate dealer, and the late Mrs. Lydia Holt Farmer, popular and influential society leader, long since deceased.

        As to the ancestry of Mr. Hoyt, I have no knowledge; but, judging him by his personal bearing, together with the high and gentle port of his family and his unselfish generous life, I can truthfully says, that, he was one of Nature's noblemen,--a typical Christian gentleman.

        Shortly prior to the time when mother interviewed him, Mr. Hoyt had opened the street, extending from Central Avenue to Woodland Avenue, and named it Laurel Street, and when she sought to contract for a lot on that street, (the present name of that street is East 29th street), he persuaded her to take one on Garden Street (now called Central Avenue), alleging as a reason that, in the not distant future, it would be much more valuable than the one on Laurel Street. Garden Street, at that time was lined, on both sides, with neat, cozy homes, shaded by attractive trees.

        Yielding to Mr. Hoyt's good judgment and friendly consideration, the contract was signed; and, thereby, the outlook for our future home was brightened. The next problem, of most difficult solution, was, the placing of a residence on the lot; but, having bought an antiquated house in the neighborhood, mother had it moved thereon,--repaired so as to render it tenantable, and immediately moved into it. So, finally, she was, once more, at home, with her orphaned children.

        Two years flew by; yet, not one cent had been paid on

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principal or interest, and when the agent demanded either or both, mother answered, "I can't pay you anything; where do you expect me to get money from?" Thereupon, "one fine day," came the mild, genial James M. Hoyt, when the following colloquy ensued: Mr. Hoyt: Now, Mrs. Green, don't be discouraged; only have faith and industriously work, and you can accomplish much!" Mother: "But, Mr. Hoyt, the interest accrues faster than I could pay it, even if I should try to buy the lot." Mr. Hoyt: "Never mind the interest, Mrs. Green; I will cancel all the interest due, down to date, if you will only try. You have a son (?) who will be able, in a year or two, to earn something and assist you. Now do try and see what you can accomplish, Mrs. Green."

        Next morning, mother, addressing this writer, said, in her earnest tone of voice, substantially, as follows: "John, you seem to be tired of going to school; so, you must go to work. Now go out and see if you can't find something to do." Never did the mother or father eagle "stir up the nest," more effectually. The "fiat" had gone forth, and I well understood what that meant.

        Day after day, I trod the streets of this city in quest of employment; but, in vain. One would say, "I want a boy, but he must be a white boy." Another would say, "No; I haven't enough work for myself;" (A far-reaching, most disastrous "panic" had seized the vitals of our industries and finances, and even a first-class mechanic was "in luck" to have a job, at one dollar for a day of twelve hours); a third said, I need a boy, but you are too small; you would not answer my purpose; and so, we reached the middle of July, without accomplishing anything.

        Then Mother, again, Spartan like, as ever, said: "John, go to the postoffice door, every evening, when gentlemen call for their mail (we had no carriers in those days), and ask everyone when he goes in or comes out, for work." I obeyed her, implicitly, and on the second

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day, a gentleman of 'the cloth' looked down upon me benignantly; heard my plea for employment, and set me to work hoeing rows of vegetables and weeding the grass from others. My employer was the Rev. Dr. Bittinger, pastor of the "Third Presbyterian Church"--the big church, which was located on the southeast corner of Euclid Avenue and Brownell Street (now East 14th Street) where the great Hanna Building now stands. His residence was hard by, east of the Church.

        Dr. Bittinger paid me well for my half day's work, and I carried the money to my mother rejoicing. I might add, in passing, that, during the previous winter, I had sold the Cleveland Leader on the streets, mornings, getting up before day and walking a mile to the office, to get them; also in the afternoons, I sold the Evening Herald, through all the lower part of the city, even down in Merwin Street, frequently going into the store where Mr. Rockefeller, in his youth, was employed.

        However, "All things come to him who only stands and waits," and, finally, a "job" came to me, or I went to it. My employer was Mr. William A. Neff, who resided in Doan Street (now East 105th Street), between Euclid and Cedar Avenues, on the east side of the street. For the consideration of four (4) dollars per month, I sawed and split all the firewood, drove the cow up on Cedar Heights to pasture and return, cared for one horse, performed all errands to and from a stone quarry upon the Heights, and to the City (Cleveland) and return, kept a very large garden free from weeds, hoed an acre of corn and potatoes, and gathered up in the streets all the "fertilizer" I could find to enrich the soil of the garden. Occasionally, I stood on the Central Market offering some of the products of the garden for sale. Of the forty (40) dollars which I received for ten months' labor, here, we paid twenty-seven and 50-100th dollars of it to Mr. Hoyt, towards the purchase price of that little home.

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        When mid-winter came, a brother of my employer was given the bed upon which I had been sleeping, and I was relegated to the floor of the same room, and given a bundle of straw upon which to sleep; the bag containing the straw being too short for me, my feet were partly exposed to the cold, with the result that I was seized with a recurrence of the pneumonia, which had afflicted me two years before; and I came within sight of the "Valley of the Shadow," at my home.

        However, notwithstanding the foregoing hardships and discouragements, "Ike" (as the brother was named) and I, being temperamentally much alike, indulged in a few pastimes, which were mutually congenial to us; one of which is, to this day, fresh in my memory, and tends to disclose the redundancy of spirits which animate the average youth, and flow on, with an abandon which not even Niagara Falls can surpass.

        It is, "as the crow flies," just five miles from Doan (E. 105th) Street, where we resided, to the Wilshire Building, where the old Melodeon Hall used to stand. Ike and I, both were burning with a desire to attend a performance of one of the famous minstrel companies, which was advertised to appear in that hall, on a cold winter's night. There were no street cars, in those days, nor any means of transportation for the average man or boy, except "shanks' mares," as was the slang for walking, then.

        So, having finished our evening meal, we sallied forth, and at the expiration of about one hour and a half, we found ourselves cozily seated in the gallery of the hall.

        The programme was long and interesting,--the singing, dancing and jokes richly repaid us for all our trouble and expense; and when, at midnight we reached our home, we were thoroughly satisfied.

        One of the jokes caused us to laugh, inordinately; and, although it is, to my knowledge, fifty-nine years old, I will venture to record it:

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        Mr. Johnson: "Bones, can you tell me what a focus is?"

        Bones: "Ha! Ha! Ha! Can I tell what a focus is!!! Why, of course I kin; anybody knows dat!"

        Mr. Johnson: "Well, since you are so sure, what is a focus?"

        Bones: "A focus is a place where dey raises pigs!"

        The Whole Troupe: Shaking with laughter and scorn, "Where they raise pigs! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

        Bones: "Well den, sense you all know so much about it, what is a focus?"

        Mr. Johnson: "Well, sir, a focus is a place where the rays meet."

        Bones: "Well, aint pigs meat!!!", with startling effect upon all present.

        When the spring flowers began to bloom, in 1861, and the call of the birds was enchanting, I sallied forth again; and, in a few days, found myself in the employ of the late Robert Hanna, Esq., brother of the late Doctor Hanna, who was the father of that noble group of sons, of whom the late Marcus A. Hanna, great promoter, merchant, manufacturer, banker, senator and president-maker, and L. C. Hanna, Esq., late deceased, big-hearted munificent and successful captain of industry, were the most conspicuous.

        I must add here, that, it will, perhaps, never be known to what a great extent Senator M. A. Hanna,--and through him, our martyred President McKinley and the general public, were indebted to the business sagacity, energy and strenuous application of the late L. C. Hanna, in caring for the growth and success of the great M. A Hanna Co., during Senator Hanna's political activities and protracted absence from Ohio; thereby contributing towards the grand success of the McKinley administration,--which blessed us all.

        I remained with Mr. Robert Hanna until the summer

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of 1862; when, getting "above my business," I left his employ and took service with Mr. A. H. Harvey, the stepfather of the wife of the late Fayette Brown, Esq., and mother of Harvey Brown, Esq., who conducted a large saw-mill on a small island in the Allegheny river, between Pittsburgh and Allegheny City (now a part of the City of Pittsburgh.

        Mr. Harvey had a lovely home on the summit of Troy Hill, now denominated, Mount Troy, I think. Fruit trees, strawberries and beautiful flowers, in abundance, featured the place. By working industriously through the day, I found some hours for recreation which were turned to good use. My pay was five dollars per month, deducting ten (10) dollars which I paid for a ticket to Pittsburgh and return, which left me an average of, about, four (4) dollars per month.

        My Christmas present from Mrs. Harvey was a red bandanna handkerchief, while Mr. Harvey gave me a quarter of a dollar.

        Contiguous to the lot of Mr. Harvey, was that occupied by the family of Mr. Dewhurst, consisting of several members, one of whom, a noble son, was at "the front," fighting for the life of this glorious Union and Liberty; he gave his life, which proved his love and patriotism, and, thereby, immortalized his name. A daughter, fair, refined and generous, Miss Anna by name, graced their household, and lent warmth and cheer to all the surroundings. She was ever on the alert to detect and relieve want and misery; and the sunshine of her smile and the music of her cheery voice, lifted up many a downcast, unhappy heart.

        Miss Anna's keen eye readily noticed that, this writer was (in his "cabin'd and cribbed" condition, in that remote Troy Hill home, with no companion save the big dog), lonely and, somewhat, forlorn.

        Without hesitating, she advised him to occupy his

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spare moments in reading and studying, for the improvement of his mind; and, in order to show her interest in that behalf, she furnished him with sundry school books, for the purpose. During the remainder of my sojourn on Troy Hill, and the ensuing four years, I did not fail to devote all my spare time, assiduously, to the study of such school books as came within my reach, without the assistance of a teacher; a fact which I have never found cause to regret.

        There was another source of inspiration which I have cause to be grateful for, and can never forget. I refer to the late Samuel H. Baird,--a young gentleman and scholar, whose home, at that time, was Dequesne Borough, at the foot of the hill on which we resided, along the shore of Allegheny River. Mr. Baird was the nephew of Reverend Walter Lowry, a faithful missionary to China, who, in the middle of the last century, was drowned in the Yellow Sea, by Chinese pirates, while, working in the course of his duties. He was tall and slender of form, with fair hair, blue eyes and finely chiseled features. It was easily seen that, he was not framed to combat the storms and buffets of this world; and, even in my inexperienced youth, I feared the worst for him. He was so gentle, sympathetic and kindly in his dealings with me, that, for once, and only once, I felt that, in him, I had a brother. It was he who first opened my eyes to the rich mine and beauties of the ancient classics; and, in showing me a copy of Xenophons Anabasis, in the original Greek, he lighted a flame in my brain and heart never to be extinguished. He and Miss Dewhurst (the latter now, and for many years, Mrs. Jehu Haworth, of Edgworth, Pa., a suburb of Pittsburgh) were both devoted teachers in the Mission Sunday-school, on The Hill, where they could be found engaged in their work of love, every Sunday. One of the most helpful little books which could be placed in the hands of an ambitious youth, was given me, as a

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Christmas present, on Christmas Day, 1862, by Miss Anna; the book is entitled. The Improvement of the Mind, by Isaac Watts, D. D. I have it now, before me, Christmas, 1919,--fifty-seven years, subsequent to the day on which it was given to me. and still the truths and valuable precepts contained in it are as fresh and vital as on the day when I received it.

        My friend, Mr. Baird, went to his reward a generation ago; but, the good lady, a vigorous octogenarian, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, bides her time, in the full assurance of a rich reward when the Master gathers in his ripened sheaves.

        "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again, with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."--PSALM CXXVI:6.


        Upon mature consideration, I have concluded, that my employment on Troy Hill was the most fortunate event for me, during my boyhood days; and coming, as it did, when I was just in the dawn of youth,--a period when the mind and character are in the formative process, and when I needed the warm sympathy and cordial advice which was lavished upon me, by Miss Dewhurst and Mr. Baird, without any hope of reward, but solely, "In His Name," it was a veritable God-send to me; and, probabbly, "saved my soul alive."

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CHAPTER V.

HOME AGAIN.

        Returning to Cleveland, from Troy Hill, in the summer of 1862, I found employment with the East Cleveland Street Railway Company, in its barn, located at Euclid and Wilson avenues, now East 55th street; my specific duties were to wash, comb, rub-down and harness nine street-car horses; but, for the reason that, I feared the effect of the constant dust on my lungs, I did not remain there longer than a week or two.

        To please my mother, who desired that I should follow in the footsteps of my father, and learn the tailor's trade, I went into the employ of Mr. Henry Cardozo, a merchant tailor, in Prospect Avenue, near its junction with Bolivar Road. Mr. Cardozo was affable and kind, and used his best endeavors to induct me into the mysteries of his useful trade; but alas! I soon discovered that his efforts, in that behalf, were all to no purpose; for, although I proved an apt pupil, during the three months which I spent in his employ,--learned to make ordinary "pants and vests," yet, so stiffened had my joints become, by reason of the protracted labor which I had performed, that, I could not "bend the suple hinges of my knees," and squat on the work-board, when I was sewing; and in my efforts to do so, the strain was so severe, on both knees and back, that, I sewed in continual pain.

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        The result is easily seen. I quit the services of Mr. Cardozo, and, quite easily, betook myself to the calling of a hotel waiter. My dear mother protested against this action on my part; but, as we both well knew that the payments must be kept up on the little home, it was no time for the drawing of nice distinctions; and so, I entered, the old "Angier House," now, the Kennard House, and donned my white jacket and apron, the pure symbols of my occupation.

        I was a novice at the work; and since, in those days, that hotel took first rank amongst the other hostelries of the growing city, the menus were in French,--a language with which I was not, in the least, familiar. The headwaiter, at that time, was, Mr. Enoch Gray, who resembled a white man; he understood all the duties pertaining to his responsible position, and was a veritable Martinet, in enforcing the execution of all his rules.

        I suspect, it was my scrutinizing of Mr. Gray which caused me to slip and spill the consomme, which I was serving guests, on the floor of the richly frescoed dining-room, to say nothing of my extreme chagrin at being sprawled on the same.

        It was frequently necessary for a waiter, during the rush hour, to memorize the French orders of six and seven guests, at one time. I did it; but, how in the world I ever accomplished it, is beyond my ken, at this late day. The other boys did it, and I had to follow their example or--quit;--which was not to be considered, for a moment.

        In due course of time, I found myself, performing the same functions, at the Weddell house;--but, for increased pay; and later on, during the troubulous days of the Civil War, I strove, right manfully, in the labors of feeding the "boys in blue", on the way to the front, at the call of "Father Abraham," (whom God had raised up for this work), in the dining room of the first Union

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Depot, which gave way to the remnant of the present "Union Depot," about the year 1865.

        There were stirring scenes witnessed in that old depot, in those trying times. During all hours of the day, and frequently at night, long serpentine trains would find their way into that shelter house, with their thousands of hungry and thirsty "boys in blue," who had left all that the word "home" means to us, in order to help to save our glorious Union.


                         "Theirs not to reason why,
                         Theirs but to do and die,"
and, like brave men, they did it. It was one of my duties to sound the big Chinese gong, upon the arrival of trains; which I did with a will. Sometimes the "racket" was so great that a soldier would order me to cease it; sometimes, I must say, while being held up, by the nape of my neck, by a stalwart soldier.

        At other times, there would be taken from an incoming train over the "Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati Railroad," boxes, containing the remains of brave boys who had given their all, for the dear old flag. Such was the case when the remains of Colonels Creighton and Crane were brought back, to lie in state, in the council chamber of the old City Hall, when it was located in a building, still standing, in the southwestern corner of the Public Square. Afterwards, they were laid to rest, with full military honors.

        At other times, there would alight, from these trains the "halt, the lame and the blind," victims of what General Sherman not improperly denominated "hell." Another class were the almost skeletons of Union prisoners, released from horrid prison pens of the "Southern Confederacy." Some of these victims were so nearly starved to death and emaciated, that, they could not walk alone.

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In later years, while visiting North Baltimore, Ohio, for the purpose of making a "Decoration Day" speech, I conversed with one of these victims, who survived; and he told me, that, before being confined in the Andersonville Prison-pen, he weighed one hundred and eighty-five pounds; but, that, when he was released therefrom, a ladies bracelet could have been passed over his right arm, from his wrist to his shoulder, with the elbow joint left out.

        The dining-room was owned by Messrs. Wheeler and Russell. Mr. Wheeler was in immediate charge of it, while Mr. Russell presided over the one owned by them in Crestline, Ohio. There were, at that time, also, two "coffee houses," in one of which the late W. J. Akers, then a boy, was employed.

        Among the colored men, generally known in Cleveland, for many years, and employed in and about the depot and dining room, may be mentioned the late George Vosburgh. Mr. Vosbburgh, tho, a colored man, was, for many years one of the most respected men in the city. He owned valuable property in Chestnut and Oregon Streets, and was a leading member of the Wesleyan Congregation, which, in those days, worshipped in a church located in Euclid Avenue, near Sheriff (E 4th) Street.

        The late Thorp Holmes, colored, was head waiter in the dining room. He had under him a force of about twenty men, all of whom admired and respected him. This writer will always honor and revere his memory, on account of kindnesses extended to him, by Mr. Holmes, which enabled him to prosecute his studies, during the intervals between the trains, without interruption. On many occasions, he would call a man who was "killing time," by playing "seven up," picking on a banjo, or "cutting the pigeon wing," (as the dance was called), and send him on an errand, rather than interrupt the writer in the pursuit of his studies.

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        In casting a retrispective glance over those by-gone days, it is a sad commentary on the course pursued by that large group of colored men, that, this writer was the only one of them who systematically studied text-books or even read history; and, sad to relate--the only one of them all who changed his career.

        Stimulated, as I have stated in the last chapter, by kind friends to study for the improvement of my mind, I constantly perused the "three R's,"--studied English, Latin annd French grammars, as best I could, without a teacher, and, thereby rapidly gained the good will of all who knew me. My slight knowledge of the Latin language was, on a very important occasion, a source of much pleasure to me, and information to a numerous group of persons who surrounded me.

        It was in this way: The remains of the late Abraham Lincoln, were lying in state, upon a catafalque, near the center of our Public Square; and over the top of the catafalque was stretched a banner bearing the following inscription, in Latin: "Extinctus amabitur idem." All were anxious to know the meaning of those words; and, ever and anon, they would stop some important appearing man, passing by, and exclaim: "Say, Mister! tell us what that means, will you!" Thereupon the gentleman would stop, read the words and acknowledge his inability to translate the sentence. This was repeated several times; until, finally, I looked up from the grass, upon which I was reclining, and said: "That's Latin, I can tell you what it means!"

        "Who, you?" some one sarcastically growled: "Yes:" I answered:

        "Well, what does it mean?" was the reply.

        "It means," I said, "Tho, dead, he will be loved the same!' "

        Then, for a moment, I was the object of all eyes, and I felt that, in the single act of translating that sentiment

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for the group, I had been richly repaid for all the study and self-denial I had endured in order to be able to do it.

        It was customary with me, during this period of my life, to write an occasional essay, on some subject,--abstract, concrete, moral, religious or what not; any subject that came within the scope of my young, untutored mind claimed my attention and occupied my time. One of the contributing reasons for this was the fact that, in those days, large and attentive audiences of my own people, were ready and willing to listen to the reading of them, and manifested an enthusiasm which both astonished and inspired me.

        My revered and kind friend the Reverend John R. Warren, stood "in loco parentis," to me; and his was the only fatherly voice that counseled me, and hand that led me through those days of mingled labors, conflicts, hopes deferred and, at times, well nigh despair. My temperament was then, as now, too nervous. I was willing to work, incessantly, to "burn the midnight oil," aye, to burn the candle at both ends," if need be, in my feverish quest after knowledge. But, I can see plainly, now, that I lacked a preceptor, some one who would, like Philip of old, expound to me the meaning of many things which I blindly followed, but did not understand.

        I did not know, really, what books to select to read. And for the lack of a well-informed, educated mentor, I wasted much time in "poring over" "books and languages" which I was not then qualified to properly read and mentally digest. However, my dear friend, Elder Warren, who was then, the elder in charge of this district and of Saint John's African Methodist Church, but, who, like me, had enjoyed only limited opportunities of gaining an education, by his high regard for me and admiration for my efforts along that line, greatly encouraged and aided me.

        It was he, who advised me to read Rollins Ancient

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History, which I had not previously heard of, and which opened to my eyes so many of the mysteries of the past; and the same fatherly regard for me, induced him to open wide for me the doors of his church, where I read my labored essays, on occasions when there were gatherings of the young therein. Had my father lived to rear me and advise me in respect of these matters, I would not, to-day be limping along the highway to knowledge, when I should be running and leaping.

        As an illustration of the interest taken in me by one of the boys who waited by my side in the old dining-room, I will here relate an incident which I shall ever hold in grateful remembrance; since it was the outflowing of a heart full of fraternal love and sympathy.

        Mr. Joseph H. Ricks, the youthful heir of a recently deceased father, had in possession the sum of one thousand dollars, which he had received as his portion of his father's estate; and, feeling that he had no present use for the money, he generously and unselfishly came to me, and tried to persuade me to accept the same, as a loan and without any security, or interest, whatever, to be used by me in forwarding my neglected education. To say that I was greatly surprised at this manifestation of unadulterated friendship, only partly expresses my feeling, at that time; and I have never ceased to wonder at the whole-souled magnamimity of this big-hearted country boy. Would that there were more of his kind, to make the "whole world kin," and add to our mutual helpfulness and happiness!

        At length, after nearly seven years of yearning and toil, we saw the last payment made on our humble home, the deed executed and delivered, and the mortgage burned. Now, dear mother was assured of a comfortable home, during the remainder of her life; and I was left free to "shift for myself."

        During all the years, while I had been working for

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the purchase of this property, my energetic, honorable sisters, Miss Sarah Rice Green (now Skeene) and Miss Kittie Stanley Green, were industriously engaged in supporting my mother and keeping up the home; the one working at her trade of a dress-maker, both at home and in the families of the "well to do," and the other diligently occupying her time at home, in whatever her hands could find to do.

        Mother, too, "ate no idle bread;" for, what with the transacting of her domestic affairs and sewing on children's clothes, for some of her patrons, satan could find no mischief for her hands to do; and so, she lived cozily and, for the most part, happily, in that unpretentious home, for twenty-seven more years, until she was in her eighty-first year of age, when she went to rest in the blessed hope of an immortal life.


                         "Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord!"

        It is but fair that I should record it here, that, my dear sister, Mrs. Sarah Rice Green (Skeene), after the home was fully paid for, added five or six hundred dollars of her individual earnings to a hundred and thirty-five dollars which I contributed, and enhanced the convenience, space and comfort of the old house, where they all lived in love and harmony, for many years.

        One of my employers, while I was working for the house, was the late Captain J. M. Richards, who, with a gentleman, long since deceased, by the name of Coleman, owned and conducted a combined restaurant, saloon, billiard-room and cigar and confectionery stand, located on the corner where now stands the American Trust Building.

        This place was a resort for the best class of men in the city, and did a flourishing business. During the year 1864, I worked in the dining room and "stalls," for a while, quite to my advantage, and, on one occasion, a

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humorous incident occurred in which I figured, which was not entirely to my credit,--as I now view it.

        One of the guests of the restaurant section of the place, ordered a cocktail. I went into the bar-room (Captain Richards presiding behind the bar) and ordered two cocktails. The captain made them (as only he could make them), and gave them to me, and, going into the restaurant, I gave the guest one and I drank the other. When the captain scrutinized the checks, he noticed that I had turned in a check for one cocktail, only. Coming into the room, he said to me, "John! what did you do with that other cocktail?" I frankly, answered him, "I drank it!" Raising his hands in astonishment, he exclaimed,--"Well by G-d!! and walked away.

        From Captain Richards' place I took employment with J. H. DeWitt & Co., who carried a dual stock of dry goods and ready-made clothing, etc., etc. My business was that of janitor; and, in that capacity, it was not only my duty to look after the heating of the store, but also to keep it clean, including several hundred square feet of window glass.

        My desire, even here, to study was so great that I was accustomed to arise at three-thirty and four o'clock a. m. in order to "make time" for my books. I had added to my studies, now, osteology, hoping and expecting, some day, to be a physician. A friendly doctor had given me the skull of a little child, another had contributed the "transverse" section of an adult skull; and in addition to these trophies, I had obtained, by various means, almost an entire human skeleton.

        On one occasion, when I was deeply absorbed in my studies, during the hour which I had made, by sacrificing my sleep, a message was delivered to me to the effect that, I must deliver a bundle somewhere in Prospect street. I replied that it was not in the line of my employment, and that I would not deliver it. Thereupon, I was

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summoned to the office of Mr. DeWitt, the senior member of the company. "John," he said, "you will deliver that bundle, or else, go to the cashier and get what is due you!" I said, "All right, Mr. DeWitt, I will take my money and quit, then!"

        As I left the store, Mr. DeWitt raised his voice and said to me, "Well! I suppose, after a while, you will want to have an office, and sit in it and read!" This was a correct prophecy; for, it was uttered in the summer of 1865 and in the fall of 1870 (September) I sat in my own office in Marlboro County, South Carolina, recognized as a member of the Bar of that State.

        Following my discharge from the employment of The J. H. DeWitt Co., I entered the office of Dr. J. W. Sykes, of Pittsburgh, Pa., as a compounder of his medicines, for chronic diseases, with the privilege of studying, between the period of my employment, with the occasional assistance of the good doctor, in my Latin studies.

        Dr. Sykes, too, was a "self-made" man, with a heart over-flowing with sympathy for every struggling Child of God. I say, "Child of God;" yes, for Doctor Sykes was a member of the Presbyterian Church, in good standing; and judging him by what I saw of his daily conduct, during the six months I was in his employ, he was striving to "glorify God, and enjoy him forever," which is one of the teachings of the Westminister Catechism.

        Dr. Sykes, when a student at Hamilton College, Rochester, N. Y., "worked his way through; and, paradoxical as it may seem, the lower he stooped, in sawing wood, making fires, polishing shoes and performing any and all menial labor which his hands found to do, the more honored and admired he was; until, attaining his cherished goal, he was crowned "victor," by his fellow-students and all who had watched his efforts.

        I soon found, in the employ of Dr. Sykes, that, my education was not such as the studying of medicine required;

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and this was especially true as regarded my knowledge of Latin; and the doctor, having been many years out of college, was not, then qualified to instruct me therein; so, we shook hands, expressed for each other gratitude and mutual respect, and separated.

        Returning to Cleveland, I entered, for a brief space, the employ of the Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati Railroad Company, as a keeper of the castings and other materials used in the manufacture and repair of its locomotives and cars. Taking occasion, once in a while, to make trips between Cleveland and Cincinnati, on a Doubleday sleeping car (this was before the advent of the Pullman car) in 1865. The distance from Cleveland and Cincinnati, in those days, was given as two hundred and fifty miles, and it required twelve hours to make the trip, one way. But, still, dissatisfied with my lot, I left this employment, in search of a better one. I turned my job over to the late L. A. Wilson, Esq., afteryards a distinguished member of the Ohio Bar, in Cleveland.

        I now began to cast about for the means of prosecuting a course of studies, under competent teachers; fully determined to persevere, until I had secured a thorough education, for I had no trade or other definite means of living, although I had reached the twenty-second year of my age.

        I conceived the idea of having printed, in pamphlet form, some of the essays of which I have spoken; but, as I was entirely without financial means, it was necessary to find a "friend in need," or else spend more precious time in, laboriously, earning some.

        I was well acquainted with one man, who was both wealthy and benevolent, a true and tried friend of the youthful; and I decided that to him I would go, and make known my dilemma, fully persuaded that, my appeal would not be in vain.

        To have lived in Cleveland, during the second half of

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the last century, and not to have been personally acquainted with the late Truman P. Handy, would have been a distinctive loss to anyone, especially to a youth in search of a stimulous along moral, esthetic or even financial lines; for, Mr. Handy was, above all things, the friend and promoter of "boys" and young men.

        I first met Mr. Handy in the Mayflower Sunday school located in Orange Street, in the City of Cleveland, almost contiguous to the "day school" of the same name, in the fall of 1857, when he was in the fifty-first year of his age; and from that time until his death, in the winter of 1898, I knew him to love and respect him. I can see him, to this day, and hear his cheery voice when, as superintendent of that Sunday School, he would mount the platform and exclaim, "Boys! what is heaven's first law?" "Order!" was the unanimous response, from the mouths of about two hundred and fifty boys, who were about as disorderly as they could be. The girls, of course, were always orderly. "Well then," retorted Mr. Handy, "let us have order," and, immediately thereafter, there was a delightful calm,--order, if you please.

        One glance at Mr. Handy gave assurance that he was a Christian gentleman, after the "old school." That is to say, his toilet left nothing to be added to it; his dress was made to fit, and of the most approved style; his demeanor and general bearing was that of a man unselfish, altruistic. He was easily approachable by the humblest boy or girl; he wasted no words, but gave a full hearing and thorough consideration to the one addressing him; and, in proper cases, afforded ready assistance.

        He was a deacon in the Second Presbyterian Church, of which the Rev. James Eells was the pastor; loved God, and always walked uprightly. He was born in Paris, Oneida County, New York in March, 1807; and, during almost the whole of his life time, was a banker, acting in some important capacity; and he owned large interests in other enterprises.

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        At the time of Mr. Handy's death, in January, 1898, he was ninety-one years of age, and was a director of the Merchants' National Bank, which was located on the northeast corner of Superior and West 6th Streets, Cleveland, he having resigned the presidency of that bank, because of increasing age and failing health. He resided and transacted business in Cleveland from 1832 until 1898--sixty-six years. I may state, in passing, that, for ten years, Mr. Handy was a member of the Cleveland Board of Education and did much towards establishing a High School for the city; and that, along all educational lines, from Western Reserve University down to the humblest common school he was a constant, earnest supporter, financially and otherwise.

        A few years before the death of Mr. Handy, Mr. John D. Rockefeller was visited at his home, Forest Hill, in East Cleveland, by a number of the foremost capitalists and men of business of Cleveland, who sought that method of manifesting to him their unbounded admiration and respect for him, as a man and promoter of great financial affairs. Mr. Rockefeller, in replying to the address tendered to him, took occasion, in his reminiscences, to mention the name and laudable-generous charactersitics of Mr. Handy, saying, amongst other things, that, at a time, in his early career as an oil dealer, he found himself sorely in need of the sum of two thousand dollars; and, after seeking, in vain, to secure the loan of that amount, he finally, approached Mr. Handy, who loaned it to him. This action on the part of the aged banker was entirely characteristic of him, and was readily understood by all present[.]

        Quite naturally, my mind turned to Mr. Handy, in my quest of a person at once willing and able to assist me in my attempt to have my essays published.

        Gaining access to him, in his private office, in the rear of the Bank, he recognized me at once, as "one of

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his boys;" although, he had not seen me for several years. I related to him briefly, what I had been doing during the seven years previous, and received his commendation; then, I unfolded to him my scheme for raising money to "systematize," what education I had secured,--inasmuch as, I had no trade or other definite means of making a living.

        He gave my plan his hearty approval, provided, the essays were worthy of publication; and advised me to carry them to the late Professor J. H. Thome, at that time, acting in the dual capacity of Professor in Oberlin College, and pastor of Pilgrim Congregational Church, in this city. Paradoxical as it may seem, Professor Thome, while, in stature, he was a small man, was, yet, a very large man; it is difficult to express an opinion as to, whether his brain or his heart were the larger; of one fact I am certain, however --he was the friend of the poor and needy of every race, for, he was truly cosmopolitan in his thought and action.

        "Read one of your essays!" exclaimed the professor; then, bracing himself in his easy chair, he listened attentively, while I read, with all the elocutionary ability at my command, an essay entitled, "We Are Never Alone." "Bravo! Bravo!" he almost shouted, when I had concluded the reading. "That will do." Then he wrote and handed to me a note addressed to Mr. Handy, in which he said, amongst other things, "They are well worthy of publication." (I immediately delivered the note to Mr. Handy, and he, in turn, wrote and handed me a statement, on a paper containing the letterhead of his bank, which ran, somewhat, as follows:

        "The bearer of this, is an ex-member of the Mayflower Sunday School; I have known him from boyhood, and, have full confidence in him; he is trying to collect the means of publishing some essays which he has written,

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in order that, by the sale of them, he may secure money to assist him towards obtaining an education.


        "Now," he said, "go to Mr. Dan P. Ells, and others of the Sunday School, and, perhaps, they will also subscribe;" and, turning to his desk, he gave his attention to his business; while I, filled with delight, went out into the world to see how many others would do likewise.

        I would that I could recall the names of all the kind-hearted men who signed that paper and subscribed sums, varying from five to ten dollars. I can recall that, a very elderly banker, whose hand shook like "an aspen," and last name was Otis, (I think the full name was -W. A. Otis) subscribed ten dollars; A. S. Gardner, a crockery merchant, and E. I. Baldwin, large dry goods merchant, each subscribed ten dollars; the others, I cannot now recall. A total of some sixty or seventy dollars was, in this way raised by me; then, I went to Nevin, a "job printer," of standing, at that time, and had the pamphlets printed. They were of thirty-eight pages, fine print, on cheap paper, with red, and yellow covers; and had the title of them printed on one side--"Essays on Misccellaneous Subjects," By a Self-Educated Colored Youth. These essays, I offered for sale in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia,--with vary success; receiving for single copies of them, from five cents to five dollars.

        I had two experiences in the City of Philadelphia, during my tour, in selling my pamphlet, which were of more than ordinary interest and a lasting benefit to me.

        The first was that of meeting the Reverend Benjamin F. Tanner, a minister of the A. M. E. Church, who, at that time, was editor of the Christian Recorder, and had his residence over the A. M. E. Book-store, at 631

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Pine Street. This was in the summer of 1866, when that reverend gentleman was in "the flower of his youth," and was winning golden laurels by his oratory, in the pulpit, and his facile, trenchant pen, in his "sanctum." Since then, he has reared and educated his brood of children, and grown to a ripe age, as a bishop, in that church.

        Rev. Tanner was greatly interested in me and my mission; he spoke encouraging words to me, and treated me, in all respects, as a brother. One mutual bond which held us together was, that he was very much interested in the Vulgate edition of the Scriptures; while I, too, was a student of Latin, in a humble way. Rev. Tanner opened the doors of Old Allen Temple, which stood on the site of the Blacksmith Shop, in which the revered Richard Allen organized the first A. M. E. Church, and scheduled a lecture for me, on the subject, "There's Always Room Enough Upstairs."

        The lecture room, which was large, overflowed; and many could not gain entrance to hear my lecture; which enabled me, at its conclusion, to sell a large number of pamphlets.

        The reverend gentleman also, gave me a letter of introduction to whom it concerned, amongst the A. M. E. clergy, requesting them to aid and encourage me, in my efforts to sell my pamphlet, and to lecture; this was the "open sesame" to numerous churches, and aided me very much. Tanner, the great artist, whose canvases hang in art galleries in Europe and America, is a son of Bishop Tanner; and, I doubt not, he derived his afflatus, his genius, largely from his revered and honored father.

        The other incident was meeting, for the first time, Reverend Doctor Hawes, of the First Congregational Church of Philadelphia, and Mr. Theodore Bliss, brother of the late George Bliss of New York City, merchant, philanthropist and one time partner of the Governor Levi P. Morton, of New York.

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        I called on the reverend gentleman at his home, and he granted me an interview, in which I disclosed to him my plans for the future, and the relation of my mission to them. He did what every true child of God does,--every "great big man,"--he took my hand,--gave expression to words of encouragement and bade me God speed; he did more; he mentioned me and my mission, in his sermon, on the following day, and invited me to meet him in his Sunday School, in the afternoon.

        The boys and girls accepted the invitation, and nearly filled the Sunday School room, listening to my plea for assistance, in my chosen way, for the future; and I had the pleasure of selling a large number of my little books, at the conclusion of the address,--some thirty-five dollars, if I mistake not, was the aggregate amount received. At the conclusion of my address, which ended with a thrilling peoration(at least, that was the effect intended), a large gentleman, of noble mein, arose and, in clear tones, said:

        "Mr. Superintendent, will you ask that young gentleman to tell us, what he thinks of Jesus!" This came with great surprise; for I had not intended to "preach," but, simply to make an "unvarnished" statement of my plans and hope and--expectations; nevertheless, I was equal to the emergency. I arose again, and answered, briefly but forcibly, that, neither education, money nor social place could avail a person, if he were not imbued with the spirit of Jesus Christ, as manifested in his daily life. This seemed to satisfy every one, and I left the Church highly elated.

        The most important result, for me, growing out of this meeting, however, was my introduction to Mr. Theodore Bliss, as I have stated above. I was invited to meet him at his office, then in a building in Fourth Street, where he carried on the business of a publisher; indeed, I hold in my hand now a little Greek Testament from the

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press of Theodore Bliss & Co., which I have owned ever since 1865.

        Mr. Theodore Bliss was what we commonly call a self-made man. He was sent out into the world at an early age, to shift for himself, and that rich, puritan blood which coursed in his arteries carried him through, to the end. He was large of stature, with a high, broad forehead and firmly set jaws; which proved him to be a man of high purpose, fixed resolution and great good judgment and energy. His eyes looking out from under heavy brows, were clear and penetrating; marking him as a man, at once, judicious and practical.

        Mr. Bliss said to me, in substance: "Go home, settle down; find some useful, remunerative employment, to engage your intervals between the terms; and, if, by following my advice, you find yourself in need of the necessities of life, write to me and I will help you." I thanked him and took my departure.

        Later on in life, while attending school, I once in a while, found my toes peeping out from my "boots," and Jack Frost, "Through each crack and crevice creeping;" upon two or three occasions like this, I notified my friend, and the returning mail invariably brought me a ten-dollar bill, the exact cost price of a pair of new boots.

        There was another good friend in Philadelphia, whose acquaintance I made, through the courtesy and kindness of the Rev. William Alston, Episcopal priest, of whom I have spoken at length, in the first chapter. I refer to a large dealer in wooden and willow ware, whose warehouse was located down-town, in Market Street, by the name of Jacobus, if, I mistake not. This gentleman, who was largely interested in the Pennsylvania Railroad, at that time, extended to me an invitation to take a theological course, for the Episcopal ministry, but I declined, with thanks. I have suspected, since then, that I made a mistake, for, I fear, I spoilt a good preacher (as well as a

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good doctor) in making a poor lawyer; subsequently, this same gentleman procured for me a "clergyman's" railroad ticket, from Philadelphia to my Cleveland home.

        Arriving home, I gave my dear mother one hundred and thirty-five ($135.00) dollars, of the money received in my wanderings; and then began to scan the field to discover a school into which I could matriculate, in order to do the "systematizing," of which I spoke to Mr. Handy. I had a consuming desire to enter a class in the Central High School; but, how could a waiter-boy coming directly from the dining room, where he had been for six or seven years, expect to pass examination and enter that famous school? I say "famous," yes, and advisedly, for then, the chairs were occupied by such ripe scholars as the following: Dr. Theodore Sterling, principal; Professor Sidney A. Norton; Miss Mary E. Ingersall; Miss Emma G. Barriss, subsequently, Mrs. Colonel McAlister, Miss White, Professor Carl Kruger, Professor Theodore Hopkins, and others. And amongst the students were such as Chas. F. Brush, Horace Andrews, Samuel Mather, Dr. John Lowman, W. E. Cushing, Harvey D. Goulder, Joseph Outhwaite, Clarence Stilson, Solomon Schwab, the late Mr. C. O. Bassett, afterwards, well known and appreciated by me, as the president of the great Forman Bassett Co.; of Cleveland, Ohio, who by his great business ability, sterling integrity and great good humor, put his house at the head of all similar organizations in Ohio; and a number of ambitious, successful young ladies. In those days, Mr. Mather's sterling qualities as a student were already quite noticeable; and, even then, his generous impulses, as manifested during his intercourse amongst his fellow-students, forecasted his future life of usefulness and broad humanitarianism.

        I saw more of Mr. Mather in the Virgil Class than elsewhere; and it was then, easily evident to my mind, that, his superior quality of intellect and his deep touch

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of nature were destined to stamp him as one of our nation's greatest and most useful men. I never see Mr. Mather, even at this late day, without recalling the manly port and dignified bearing of his distinguished father.

        The late deceased William E. Cushing, was also, one of the Class of 1869, who, in after years, became conspicuous, because of his sterling manhood and professional ability. "Will" Cushing, frequently invited me to visit him at the home of his late father, Dr. H. K. Cushing, in Euclid Avenue, near the Public Square, where we strove with varying success, to unravel the mysteries of Virgil, together. I mourn his loss.

        My old maxim was, "Naught venture, naught have." or, as we sometimes say, "Nothing venture, nothing win." So, straight to the school I went, and, at a convenient time, I stood in the august presence of Doctor Sterling, who questioned me, as to the nature and extent of the studies which I had prosecuted, and accepted one of my pamphlets, which I offered him; and closed the conference between us, by inviting me to visit him at his home, the evening of that day, for a further interview.

        At his home, in the evening, Dr. Sterling said to me, in substance; "Green, you have done well in your studies without an instructor, as I have gleaned from a hurried perusal of your little book; but, your studies have not been systematically persued, and I am certain you could not pass an examination to enter the high-school; but, I will give you a list of books which you will need, and you may obtain them and come to the school, tomorrow forenoon and I will see where I can place you."

        I did as directed, and on the following day, in the month of October, I think, I found myself duly installed, in the sophomore class of the Cleveland Central High School, which was still located in Euclid Avenue, near East 9th Street, where the great Citizen's Savings and Trust Company is now located.

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        In this class, which was composed of the sons and daughters of some of the foremost citizens of Cleveland, I was the only colored pupil; but my color, evidently, was not considered, in any way. Dr. Sterling and every member of his learned corps of instructors, were "color blind" and the only watchword recognized by them was merit.

        The studies which the class was engaged in, as nearly as I can recall, were Cornelius Nepos, in Latin, Algebra, Geometry, English History, English Composition, Physical Geography, Calesthenics and Rhetoricals. Later on in the course we had (I had) Chemestry, Physics and Greek,--Xenophon's Anabysis, and one thousand lines of Homer's Iliad.

        It took me from October 1866 to July 1869, to devour the four year's course; and, it was said, I stood at the "finish", well near the head of the class, which contained some names which have, since become famous, but, I have never felt that I was as thoroughly grounded in my studies as the other members of the class were; for, I entered the class late; I was not properly prepared for the courses which I studied; I did not have adequate time in which to prepare my lessons; and above all, I felt then and still believe, that some of the students were my intellectual superiors.

        While I attended the High School, Dr. Sterling permitted me to leave the room ten minutes before the others were dismissed, at noon, in order that I might reach the hotel and earn my dinner, in the dining room, as a waiter; and during the time I was studying Greek, I slept in a garret, sharing the bed of a man who had a terribly diseased scalp, in order to obtain a free lodging, and husband my small means. I regularly arose at three (3) o'clock a. m. and by the uncertain light of a small pearshaped oil lamp with one round wick, I studied my Greek lessons, in order that I might be ready to serv e in the dining room, for my breakfast, at the sound of the bell.

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        During the first year of my attendance, in the High School, I worked a second time, in the old Union Depot dining room, for my board. I waited on sixteen (16) depot officials and clerks every morning, and when I suggested that, since I received my board only for all this work, I ought to be allowed to sweeten my cup of coffee with white, granulated sugar, the head waiter (not Thorp Holmes) forbade me to use it, restricting me to some very dark-brown sugar. I appealed to Mr. Wheeler. He sustained the decision of the head waiter, and I quit him and went to the old Birch House, then located on the east side of West 9th street, near the corner of Frankfort street and presided over by Mr. and Mrs. Gillett, kind and generous people, who, I fear, have long since gone to their rich reward.

        Mrs. Gillett's father, "Father Birch" was very old and feeble. I had the honor and pleasure of watching over him the whole of one night and, hourly administering to him his prescribed medicine. In his youth, Father Birch had been personally acquainted with Chancellor Kent, whose voluminous and learned commentaries were familiar to all students of law, a generation ago.

        Mr. Byron Hunt, a handsome, good natured speciman of manhood, later on, when I was a husband and father, loaned me five dollars, after all other "friends" had failed me. In gratitude, I shall carry the memory of his kindness to my grave with me.

        During all the time of my High School experiences, I devoted a number of my nights to waiting on parties and weddings. I shall never forget, that, when the late Senator M. A. Hanna and his beautiful bride, the daughter of the late Dan P. Rhodes, were married, I was one of those who, in the dining room, ministered to their wants; the same is true as regards the wedding of Col. Harris of the United States Army and a lovely daughter of the late Stilman Witt, a sister, I think, of Mrs. Dan P. Eells, of

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this city. By the way, when I was graduated and had floral offerings literally rained down on me (37), I wore one of the late Dan P. Eells' discarded coats, given to me by Mrs. Eells. It was a dark brown broadcloth coat.

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CHAPTER VI.

SOJOURNING IN DIXIE LAND.

        On the day following my graduation, I found myself acclaimed in the daily newspapers and by my friends, generally, as being little less than a hero, for my address on the night previous, had been on the subject "The True Hero", and, by all classes of our citizens, without regard to race or color, I was congratulated and praised for such success as I had attained to. There had been a tendency on the part of persons who were friendly to the interests of the Freedmen, to encourage my efforts during my course at the High School, and, if I had not succeeded, it would not have been for the lack of sympathy and good will.

        A rather humorous incident occurred on an occasion when I was the invited guest of some of the colored people of Akron, Ohio, as their speaker, in 1867 when the late General Bierce was mayor of that, now large, populous and wealthy city.

        When the hall was well filled and the time was opportune, Mr. Morgan, one of Akron's foremost colored citizens, arose and said, in substance, that he was happy to have present with them, a young man who was making a manful struggle to secure an education, after having, first bought a home for his widowed mother. "A true hero!" shouted Mr. Morgan; then, extending his right

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hand and waving it, in an inviting way, he exclaimed: "Hero, Come Forth!!"

        Since then, I have been introduced to many audiences but none that I can now recall, carried with it the fervor and admiration of Mr. Morgan's.

        In very truth, I did not feel, on the day "after graduation" that I had accomplished much; and, for the first time, the true significance of the term, "commencement" as applied to the graduating exercises of High Schools, and Colleges, dawned on me, for, it is the commencement of a course in a college, or of the studying of a profession, for the future, and the individual who, graduating from an institution of learning, imagines that he has finished, is grievously mistaken, for he has only commenced.

        My old and esteemed friend, the late Andrew J. Rickoff, Esquire, for many years, superintendent of the schools of Cleveland, came to me and advised me to study law; "It will be just the thing for you," he said. Also, came the late Judge Jesse P. Bishop, successful and wealthy lawyer, and deacon in the First Baptist church, who extended to me an invitation to occupy a desk in his office, under the immediate supervision of the late Captain Seymour F. Adams; a gentleman and scolar, for the purpose of studying law. Had I known then what, I know now, that no man need expect to be a successful attorney at the bar, in the full significance of that term, who has no social intercourse with the business world, I would have declined the kind offer, with thanks, and betaken myself to the study of medicine or theology, but, being ignorant, in the premises, I "jumped at the offer," entered his office, and, thereby, I suspect, I "spoiled a good doctor or preacher, in making a poor lawyer."

        I literally, devoured Blackstone, Kent, Bishop, Byles, Stephen, Parsons, and other great commentaries on the English and American law, during the ensuing four months, reading, as I truly believe, by day and by night,

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well nigh as much as the average reader would cover in a year.

        One fine day, in stalked a man, who from his personal appearance, proved himself to be "facile princeps"--easily first, amongst civilized men. He was tall and of commanding stature, with a frontal and cranial development which might have turned even Webster green with envy. The remainder of the hair surrounding his bald dome, was thin and fair; while above his classic features, peering forth from shaggy brows, were his deep set eyes, penetrating and knowing. Meet the Honorable (General) John Crowell, lawyer, ex-congressman--then president and factotum of the Union Law College, located in Rouse's block, top story, northwest corner of Superior Avenue and the Public Square!

        "Young man!" he said, "what are you doing?" I answered, "I am reading law." "Why don't you come up to the college?" he replied. "Because, I have no money;" I rejoined. Thereupon, he quite generously extended to me an invitation to become one of his class. "And," he added, "when you get into the practice, you can pay me."

        Needless to say, I took advantage of his kind offer, without delay. I joined his class, in which I found already entered a number of fine young men, amongst whom, I can now recall, Cullen Coats, late a justice of the peace and lawyer of Cleveland Township: Hon. J. T. Garver, now presiding judge of the Sandusky-Fremont district; Augustus Zehring, successful lawyer and the late R. L. Holden, who died in ministerial orders, in C. W.

        Fifty-one years have elapsed since those halcyon days glided by, but, I can never forget the great pleasure and profit which I derived from the fraternal intercourse which I found in the midst of those big-hearted, kindly disposed young men. They seemed anxious and willing to aid me in every way. I love the memory of them.

        I am reminded of a humorous anecdote which, in those

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days, was related, once in a while, with the approval of General Crowell, which I will, here, insert; for great and learned as was "Prexy", he was not "thin skinned." It was in this wise:

        "Once upon a time," when the general was a candidate for Congress, he was anxious to secure the friendly co-operation of an old acquaintance, who was not aiding him, in any respect; so, he gave a dinner, to which was invited as many of the "independents" as he could persuade to attend.

        The piece de resistance, on the well-filled table, was a "suckling pig," of which the luke-warm friend ate quite ravenously. At this point, the auditors were wont to ask: "General, did he vote for you?" To which the General replied: "D--n him! He voted against me with my pig in his belly!"

        Judge Garver, who was elected because of his merit, as displayed at the bar, and as prosecuting attorney of his county, has proven that the electors made no mistake in elevating him to that distinguished and useful position.

        When I visited Fremont, some years ago, he met me at the station, and, in his own private conveyance, "showed me the town," so to speak. A rare treat, indeed. Afterwards, he conducted me to his own home, assigned me to his guest chamber, seated me at his dining table with the other members of his family, and made me, in other respects, quite comfortable and happy.

        Just fifty years subsequent to our school days at the Union Law College, Judge Garver was assigned by a justice of our State Supreme Court, to preside over one of the branches of our Common Pleas Court in Cleveland, to assist in "cleaning up" our over-crowded docket. When becoming aware of his presence, in my home town, I entended to him, and our beloved Hon. Willis Vickery, one of the judges of our Court of Appeals, an invitation to

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visit us at our home and dine with us and several others of our intimate friends.

        To our very great gratification, both gentlemen accepted the invitation, and we were all, honored by their presence and society during the greater portion of one pleasant summer afternoon. To say that we were all elated--highly pleased, only partially expresses our feelings on that occasion.

        Speaking for the colored members of the Cuyahoga County Bar, I think I make no mistake in saying that, at all times since Judge Vickery's promotion to a judicial position, he has manifested for us a friendliness which has won from us for him, not only profound respect, but feelings of gratitude bordering on love and affection; for he has generously thrown into our hands thousands of dollars, which were needed, and save for his action, would never have come within our grasp.

        In the course of a few fleeting months, our course completed, we received our diplomas, duly signed by all the members of the faculty, and carrying the seal of the college on it; and, almost like Milton's description of the eviction of Adam and Eve, from the Garden of Eden, we took our leave of the General and his College:


                         "The world was all before us where to choose
                         Our place of rest, and Providence our guide;
                         We, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow,
                         Through Cleveland took our solitary way."

        During the time I attended the law college and read in Judge Bishop's office, I supported myself by working in the restaurant and confectionery of N. Heisel & Son, underneath the judge's law offices; and also, by doing the janitor work, for the late W. C. McFarland, in his law office. A portion of the time I slept on a couch in the bank of the late George W. Wright, banker, broker, etc.

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        Now, I had two diplomas; but, as yet, no "visible means" of support, other than that of waiting on table.

        I almost blush (?) to tell it; but truth is great, etc. I married when I was in my twenty-fifth year of age, and with only three (3) dollars at my command; and the happy bride was the fortunate possessor of the sum of three and 50-100 dollars; but, she, like me, had a place of useful employment; and we were happy and hopeful, in the love and confidence of each other.

        Before long, a dear cousin of mine, residing in the "Palmetto State", South Carolina, having heard of my varied successes, but being ignorant of my marriage, wrote to me, extending an invitation to me, to come and be his guest, until I could select one of three places of employment, then vacant, and awaiting my arrival; and elated by the prospect of entering upon speedy and remunerative employment, my little wife and I began to prepare to exchange our residence, temporarily, for that of the mild and sunny south.

        Some of my old school-mates and well wishers, of both races, hearing of our proposed removal, tendered us a reception, in a hall, near the Public Square; and, in return for music and oratorical pyrotechnics, contributed a snug little sum, which we used for the purchase of tickets, as far on our route as Wilmington, N. C.

        I shall never forget the impression which the white sand made on my mind, when, in the gentle moon-light, our train stopped, in the suburbs of Wilmington, on one January eve, 1870. We both thought it was snow, although in the car, we were quite comfortable; but, imagine our surprise, when on alighting, we discovered it was beautiful white sand, instead. As we were being driven to the residence of our hospitable friends,--the Sampsons, long time residents of Wilmington and intelligent and wealthy, withal, we preceived that, instead of

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being frigid, as we felt it, twenty-four hours before, in Cleveland, the atmosphere was delightfully balmy.

        These good people, former friends and associates of my deceased father and my mother, tendered us a royal reception; which put us perfectly at our ease, and persuaded us to believe that the longer we remained their guests the better they would be pleased; thus manifesting the proverbial hospitality of the southern people of both races.

        The late Mr. James Sampson, founder of the family, was a colored man who was held in high repute and respect, even by the slave-holders, before the emancipation; and they not only permitted him to walk the streets of the city after the "curfew bell," but, respected passes signed by him for other colored persons. He was a builder, by trade and profession, and himself occupied with his family, one of the most comfortable residences there, which I am informed, is still standing.

        One of his sons, the late Professor Benjamin Kellog Sampson, who was graduated from Oberlin College, in the latter "fifties," was a scholar and an orator of note; for several years in the "sixties," he was principal of Avery Institute, located in Pittsburgh, Pa. Subsequently, he took charge of the colored schools of Memphis, Tenn., where, after many years of faithful service, he died regretted and mourned by all.

        John P. Sampson, another son, was a minister of the Gospel, and served faithfully, many years, with honor and success, at Orange, N. J. Then, there were Joseph, who was recorder of deeds, of Wilmington, during the reconstruction period; and James, George and Nathan, all worthy men; also, Susie, Fannie, Mary and Minerva, all well and happily married.

        Upon the whole, the Sampsons were one of the most honorable, successful and conspicuous families that existed

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in any of our "slave states" before, during and subsequent to the Civil War.

        Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Holmes, were very dear friends while we remained in Wilmington, and did all that big-hearted, generous people could do, to make our visit both comfortable and pleasant. There was a gentleman, long since deceased, William Kellogg, by name (the father of Mr. John Kellogg), for many years, trustee and chorister in Mount Zion Congregational church, of Cleveland, Ohio, who was elected one of the aldermen of the city of Wilmington, which we all considered an honor: for to be one of the city "fathers," is an honor conferred on any man.

        Now, Mr. Kellog (a colored man) had, for years, been in the employ of O. G. Parsley & Co., merchants, in some subordinate capacity; and when, after his election, Mr. Parsley addressed him as plain "William," he took exception saying, "My name, now is Mr. Kellogg." "Well then," replied his employer, "if your name is 'Mr. Kellogg' you can get out of my place; for I don't want any 'Mister' doing the work which you are employed to do!" and Mr. Kellogg, thereupon, left the store of his old employer.

        We colored friends, considered Mr. Parsley's treatment of Mr. Kellogg, unjust and uncalled for. But, I suppose, when one considers that, the knell of the "Southern Confederacy" had, so recently, been sounded, the slaves manumitted, and, in some instances, placed in official stations, the conduct of that gentleman was quite natural.

        On invitation of two former associates, Messers Robert and Cicero Harris, who had gone from Cleveland to Fayetteville, N. C., where they founded the State Normal School, I sailed up the Cape Fear River, to that old and noted city. Fayetteville was doubly endeared to me by the dual facts that, my dear parents, were married there in

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1837 and there were a host of good people, residing there, to whom I was related, by ties of blood.

        The reception tendered me, by everyone who knew me, was more cordial than I had anticipated; which is saying much, and the memory of it will always remain green.

        When I appeared on the platform, in the church where my lecture was delivered, at a signal from Mr. Robert Harris, the principal, the large audience, consisting, in great part, of the students of the school, began to sing, lustily:


                         "Johnnie Green has come to town!
                         "Johnnie Green has come to town!
                         Ho! Ho! for Johnnie Green!"

        By this manifestation of regard and sympathy, I was greatly pleased; and considered myself highly honored and the result of the collection which was "lifted," enabled me to pay our fare the remaining distance to our South Carolina destination. Mr. Robert Harris, the principal of that noted school married a beautiful little lady, an ex-member of the school, whose name was Mary Green. I regret to state that, he died in the flower of his manhood, while he was engaged in the performance of his truly valuable educational duties, so essential, at that time, for the welfare of the colored people of that state; his brother and assistant, Mr. Cicero Harris, subsequently, became a minister of the Gospel; and, by reason of his extraordinary intelligence and conspicuous piety, was ordained a bishop of the A. M. E. Zion church; which position he held and actively served, until his recent death.

        Those who knew Bishop Harris best, who were most closely related to him in his life work, declared that, they had never heard escape from his lips a word which would have offended the ears of the most refined lady or gentleman. This was the testimony of Mr. Charles W. Chesnutt,

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the famous author, who, in his boyhood and youth was under the daily instruction of the two brothers; and, who, ultimately, succeeded to the principalship of the school; and, also, of this writer, who knew and associated with them both, when they resided in Ohio.

        Returning to Wilmington, after my delightful visit to Fayetteville, we speedily packed our trunk (it was not large), and bade farewell to all our friends, who had cared for us, so unselfishly and, I might say, lovingly. We left them with genuine regret; some of them never to behold again. We were fortunate, while in Wilmington, in being of the invited guests, at the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Sampson. Mr. Sampson is now and for sixty-two years has been a useful and respected resident of the city of Cleveland, Ohio, where he and his wife have reared and educated two sons and a daughter. The eldest is Professor George W. Sampson, Jr., an alumnus of the Western Reserve University, located in Cleveland; and, for many years, principal of important educational institutions in Ohio and Florida. Mr. Fred Sampson, engaged in useful employment on one of our great "trunk" railroads; and Mrs. Hattie Sampson Dale, the beloved wife of Doctor Ellis A. Dale, one of the skilled and useful physicians of Cleveland.

        A slow, jolting ride of one hundred miles, carried us to the station of Laurinburg, N C., the only excuse for the existence of which, is, so far as I could see, at that time, was that, it afforded a watering place for locomotives and a shipping and receiving station for the farmers in the neighboring territory.

        Here we were met by two of our numerous cousins; Mr. William R. Brewington, long since deceased, presided over a horse and buggy, while his brother, James Brewington, in his employ, "curbed and restrained" the mule team attached to a wagon. William R. Brewington was,

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in some respects, a unique personage; for, since I was born, although I have come in touch with many quaint and curious people, yet, have I never seen his "double," either physically or temperamentally.

        William, when a mere child, had been "bound out," as the expression was, "down south." in those days, to a carpenter and builder, ostensibly, to be taught the trade of his master, but, practically to fill the position of a "factotum"--a do all.

        My dear mother, who knew of his hardships and adversities, through the eight trying years of his apprenticeship, before he reached his "majority," used to tell us children of the lack of proper and sufficient clothing during the cold winter days; the cravings of hunger which every half-fed boy experiences; the undeserved floggings inflicted on him by his cruel task-master; and much else, until even before we ever saw him, we grieved for him, through sheer sympathy. And now here he stood in our very presence, the master of his trade, a resepected contractor and builder, the owner of broad acres, as well as a residence, a little grocery store, a horse and a mule team; to say nothing of a pretty wife and several interesting children.

        Yes, here he stood; his "arms outstretched, as he would fly, to grasp in the comer," and his countenance beaming with smiles, welcoming us to Laurinburg, the gate-way from North Carolina to South Carolina, Bennettsville, Marlboro County, South Carolina, twenty miles distant, and reached from that place, by traversing a "blazed-way," through a dense forest and thick sands.

        Soon mounted, my little wife in the buggy by the side of our "dear" cousin, and I, on the crest of a pile of bags and boxes, in the wagon we rode into the town of Bennettsville, where, along the main (only) business street, the inhabitants, few in number, seemed to be on the qui

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vive, to behold Mr. Brewington's "Cousin John," whose coming had been heralded, and his little wife, whose coming was a genuine surprise to all.

        Finally, we halted in front of a rudely constructed frame residence, which stood on a corner of the main street and another, which gradually merged into a country road, leading to and passing by the "Village Blacksmith shop and the "swimming hole." Beyond these, was the imposing residence of the late "J. W. Weatherley," a retired "speculator" (in slaves), built by my "Cousin William," under contract. Opposite the Brewington residence, was a field, which ere long, was gorgeous in its garb of beautiful cotton blooms, and later on, glistened in its crop of snow-white cotton. On another corner, was the spacious field, in the center of which stood the cozy home of the late Charles McCall, who, in an emergency, would shoot and sell to us a nice chicken. And on a third side, was the humble residence of "old" Mr. Whaley, the watch and jewelry repairer, who, even then, tremulously, stood with one foot on the edge of the grave.

        On entering it, we discovered that our future, temporary home, was neither lathed nor plastered. The frame of the building was "weatherboarded" and this protected us from the wind and rain. Later on, during a light snow storm, remarkable for that locality, the snow filtered through the cracks and crevices of the shingled roof, and lay lightly on the spread which covered us. However, we were young, and a "little thing" like that, did not discourage us. On the contrary, it was to us a source of much merriment.

        "Cousin Mollie," the wife and mother, greeted us in a kindly way, and made conditions as comfortable for us as she could; while little Nellie and Lula, were a never-failing source of pleasure to us both.

        On the following day, I was informed by my dear

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"cousin," that two of the three remunerative positions, which he had guaranteed me, upon my arrival in Bennetsville, had already been filled; to wit. The school to teach and the post-mastership, in the little Post Office, the former by a competent young lady, a protege of Mr. Henry J. Maxwell, the state senator, representing that district, and the latter by a young freedman, at once ambitious and capable, Cato J. Stuart, by name. Under the circumstances, the only position left vacant for me, was that of clerk in "cousin's little 12×16, grocery store where he and "Mollie" had been accustomed to barter, sparingly, domestic provisions for "seed-cotton"; that is to say, cotton from which the seeds had not been removed some of which, I am bound to say, came "in de dark ob de moon!"

        Imagine this writer, then in those surroundings, in the center of a cotton producing district, removed from even a railroad station, the nearest one being at Society Hill, fourteen miles distant; "not a piccayune to spend," in his pocket; fresh from the social and educational walks of the beautiful city of Cleveland, and the business and hustle of such cities as Pittsburgh, Washington, Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia and New York!!!

        Was I discouraged? No. I was not discouraged. I was surprised, more or less shocked! As for myself, I did not care "a fig," by the help of God and my determined efforts, I had won my way from hunger and want down to that moment, and I was "armed," not to suffer, but to conquer. The little fair-haired wife, by my side, leaning upon me for support and encouragement; she it was, whose very patience and resignation to endure all things, to live or die, confiding in and cheering her husband, stimulated me and nerved me to toil on and hope on, until the "silver lining" of the cloud whilch enveloped us became visible.

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        No pay was given to me for my services in the "grocery," save our keep, which consisted of a fireless attic to sleep in, and salt mackerel, salt pork, bacon, fried or boiled, once in a while, with "collards" and corn "dodgers," black coffee, sweetened, generally, with dark brown sugar or molasses.

        There was, at that time no market in the town, and cotton being the principal product of the farms in that locality, it was extremely difficult to procure vegetables, poultry or eggs, even had I possessed the financial means of buying the same. Later on, in that year, 1870, a little baby boy came to our home, and when the mother plead for some chicken broth, I could not, in any way procure the coveted luxury for her. Finally, I walked down the road, past the swimming hole, a mile from the village, to the home of that same ex-slave "speculator," of whom I have spoken, Mr. Weatherley, and, being received courteously by him, I pleaded with him to sell me one small chicken for my sick wife. Without hesitation, he ordered one of his servants to catch a chicken for me. He presented the bird to me, and scorned payment for it. Whatever else he may have been, his conduct on this occasion, the only time he and I ever met, "face to face," was that of a kindly disposed gentleman, and I shall ever remember him, in gratitude.

        We could not buy a morsel of "fresh beef" in that little town, save and except on rare occasions, when some country-man would drive in with the carcas of a little butchered bullock covered with green branches, to protect it from the sun's rays and the flies.

        On one occasion, beef in this manner was brought into the village; but before we became aware of its presence it was all sold!!! The little baby boy had not yet arrived and my loved one craved a piece of that beef. "Cousin" William was the proud (happy) possessor of a good-sized "chunk" of it but neither he nor "Cousin" Mollie would

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give or sell me a piece. (We were not their guests, then). So, disconsolate, but not cast down, I went to the home of one of the white citizens, who, I was informed, had bought a piece of the beef, and laid my condition before him. His dwelling occupied a commanding position well back in the yard, from the sidewalk, and was guarded at night, by a large, fierce dog, which was generally kept chained in the day time.

        I, unsuspectingly and fearlessly, entered upon the premises, when, to my amazement and horror, that savage brute came bounding directly towards and up to me. What defence could I make, what could I do? I had no weapon, I was "empty handed." Looking the dog straight in his eyes, I snapped my fingers at him and spoke kindly words to him, when he to my great relief, wagged his tail and trotted along by my side, until I was accosted and met, by his master.

        With every manifestation of true gentility, this southern man, "to the manor born," as the current phrase was at that time, cut off from his portion, a nice large piece of that beef, and presented it to me gratis. I carried it to my wife, and had the pleasure of seeing tears of gratitude standing in her beautiful eyes, by reason of that man's unselfish generosity. I am sorry I cannot recall his name; it was fifty years ago, and memory fails me.

        On another occasion, we needed a little tea, black or green tea, it mattered not which. In order to procure it, I was compelled to send to Wilmington, N. C. for it; and, needing a dentist, later on, when I had come into the possession of a little money, I was compelled to travel hundred and thirty or forty miles, and place myself under the skillful treatment of the late Doctor Rodrigue, of the old regime, in Charleston, in order to repair the damage done to me by a "native dentist," one who did the best he knew how to do, but who after seven ineffectual attempts

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to draw a wisdom tooth, merely broke it off, and exposed the nerve.

        When the fall approached and the cotton crop was "laid by," cousin William suddenly discovered that my services, in the little "grocery" store were no longer needed, that he and Mollie could attend to it, until after picking time. This condition left me and my family, substantially homeless, for we could not remain there, pensioners on their bounty (?) and I was not in a financial condition to go elsewhere.

        There was a man in that county, John G. Grant, by name. He was the Probate Judge of Marlboro County, and since his term of office was nearly ended, he was seeking the Republican nomination for re-election; and, knowing that I was active within the ranks of that party he sought my friendship and assistance, in that behalf.

        "Green," he said to me, "why don't you rent Brewington's corner room, and open a grocery for yourself in it?" I told him, I had no money to rent the room with, and least of all to stock it with groceries. "Well," he replied, "I have seven barrels of spirits of turpentine, which is quite valuable. I will ship it to Adrian and Vollers, large dealers in Wilmington, N. C., and you can go there and invest the proceeds of that spirits in groceries, and start your store.

        A drowning man will grasp at a straw; and I hurried to avail myself of this opportunity; altho, one of the conditions was that, he should be a "silent" partner, and receive one-half of the net profits of the business.

        This was on Friday, the next day being the day of the Republican Convention, by which he was duly nominated for a second term, I assisting, as best I could.

        The next day, Sunday, after attending Divine services and superintending the Sunday School, I began to collect money to pay my fare to Wilmington, in order to collect for the spirits of turpentine, buy the groceries and ship

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them to Laurinburgh. It was not an easy matter to borrow nine or ten dollars. I had three dollars, belonging to the Sunday School. I appropriated that, with a proviso; and I returned it out of my first earnings, later on. Senator Henry J. Maxwell loaned me three other dollars and I reckoned on borrowing three others from another cousin of mine, Mr[.]John Brewington, on reaching the station, which as I have said, was twenty long miles distant

        At half past seven, on that Sunday evening, as the "shades of night were falling fast," and while the bell of a neighboring church was sweetly inviting sinners--and others to "come," fondly embracing my well-nigh disconsolate wife, who stood in the door, holding "little Johnnie" in her arms (she weighed ninety-five pounds), I started on my "hike" to Laurinburgh.

        The intervening seven miles, before reaching the forest, was through thick sand, and, since I wore a pair of boots, given me, before leaving Cleveland, by the late Frank Judd, which were "snug'" on my feet, to say the least, they began to pain me to an uncomfortable degree, but I gave, no heed to that; that last image of my wife and little one, standing in that door dependent and forlorn, and the expectancy of securing the means of making them comfortable and happy, stimulated me to such a degree, that, I literally devoured space; and sooner than I expected, I found myself at the beginning of the "blazedway," on the edge of the forest.

        It was now, quite dark, save as the moon and stars, ever and anon, peeped through the foliage and revealed to me the ruts made by the wagons, which traversed that route, and some familiar objects which I had seen before. The occasional hooting of an owl and the quaint noises made by other tenants of the forest, lent a wierd charm to all the surroundings. Mile after mile, ' "reeled off;" never wearying, not once complaining; altho, by this time, my heels and toes were blistered and my gate was

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somewhat, halt and lame. To add to the seriousness of my plight, the sky was now overcast with heavy clouds and some big drops of rain began to fall as the rumbling of ominous thunder began to be heard in the distance. Under these conditions, I failed to discern my "landmarks," and I found myself out of the direct route, and was compelled to retrace fully a mile of the distance.

        'The night is long that never finds the day," says one poet, while a profound philosopher, more prosaic, carries the same idea when he says, "It's a long lane that has no turn!" And so, I found in this instance, for at half past eleven o'clock (exactly four hours from the time of starting), I knocked at the door of Mr. John Brewington, at the end of my first "lap," and was welcomed, foot-sore and weary, with mingled feelings of joy and surprise.

        After answering many questions, hurriedly asked of me, I laid myself on a rough counter, with an empty raisin-box for a pillow. In the morning, when I attempted to pull on my boots, I found that my feet were too swolen to admit of success, but, as time was precious, I put a little soft soap on the side of the heels, and so, succeeded in pulling them on, splitting the inner side of one boot leg, however, in doing so. The blisters on my heels and toes, the swolen condition of my feet, and a pronounced pain in one hip, caused me to limp along in a very ungainly way from the house to the train, en route to Wilmington.

        I must not forget to state, that, "Cousin John" loaned me three dollars, and thereby, assured me the means of returning from Wilmington.

        Arrived, in a few hours, in the city of Wilmington, I went "as the crow flies," to the wholesale house of Adrian & Vollers, and, immediately introduced myself to Mr. Vollers, a quiet appearing man, of very few words, who had before that day, neither seen me nor heard my voice,

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and for aught that I know, to that day, had never even heard tell of me.

        In a few moments, he made me aware of the fact, that, on his part, he had neither seen nor heard of the seven barrels of spirits of turpentine! Thereupon, I said to him, "Mr. Vollers, I have spent my last cent, for tickets to this city, from Bennettsville, S. C. and return. I left behind me a frail wife with a baby in her arms, and I dare not return there without this bill of goods. I am the cousin of William Brewington, with whom you are acquainted. Can't you let me have the goods on credit?"

        Mr. Vollers looked me straight in the eyes. "How much do you want?" he dryly inquired. "Here is the list," I replied. In a few minutes he had made an estimate of the cost of the goods. One hundred and ten dollars, was the amount. "You may have them," he said. "But, Mr. Vollers!" I exclaimed. "I have not a dollar with which to pay the freight on them.' "Well," he said, "we will pay that for you."

        If an angel of light had spoken to me, I could not have been made more happy. Truly God was with me! Truly, as a reward of merit, in return for some kindnesses, on the part of my dear deceased father or some one closely related to me, God was blessing me, and I silently lifted up my heart in thanksgiving to Him, from whom all blessings flow. The goods were placed on the same train which carried me back to Laurinburg, on the next day, and a few hours later, I again found myself on that same platform, with a pile of merchandise, and Bennettsville--twenty miles away!"


                         "What was done, what to do,
                         A glance told me both!"
So, says the poet Reed, when describing Sheridan's famous ride, to Winchester "twenty miles away." But

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in the case of the writer, a glance did not suffice; for, I was in a semi-hostile country, a stranger to every one and without the means of employing friends or foe to transport my merchandise for me.

        Let no youthful reader of this narrative forget that time honored maxim. "Where there is a will, there is a way." I love and confide in those old maxims, for, generally, they have come thundering down the ages" and contain great truths, for our guidance and encouragement, in many of the perplexities of life.

        Inquiring of sundry persons whom I met in the one business street, I was finally directed to the home of Mr. Edward Roper--a youthful, hard-fisted, good-natured, kind-hearted Negro man, of family. A "freedman," so called, who had spent the greater part of his life in bondage, until the immortal Abraham Lincoln issued the Proclamation, which broke his bonds asunder.

        Fortunately, Mr. Roper was at home; and gave me a right hearty welcome. His good wife and little ones joining him. An invitation to eat followed, which was accepted; and then, after listening to my "tale of woe," he hitched his mule team to his wagon, loaded my goods into it, invited me to sit on the seat beside him, and set me, with my goods, down at my door, in that far away Bennettsville, and all this, without exacting from me any money whatsoever; but, simply relying on my individual oral promise to pay him, when able to do so!

        Whatever may be said detrimental to the Negro race by persons who, for one reason and another, do not admire it, I, a person in whose arteries flows a modicum of that self-same blood, here and now, record my "knowledge and belief," that, for love and filial affections, sympathy and generosity, patriotism and martial heroism, industry and a philosophic, hopeful, poetic temperament, it is not surpassed by any race of people on the face of this habitable globe. And "Ed" Roper was one whose

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blood had never been "tainted" by an admixture with that of any other race.

        During my absence, Ed Sawyer, * a friendly carpenter, had procured some lumber, and, in a sort of Wild West way, built me a counter and a meat-stand, and placed some shelving in the corner room, referred to in the foregoing, where, on the first day of my experience as proprietor, I sold out nearly everything except my scales, knives and "fixtures;" and sent a "rush" order for supplies to Wilmington, together with a money order for the payment of my original order.


        NOTE--This Ed. Sawyer was the father of Edward J. Sawyer, Esq., of Bennettsville, S. C., who, at the time referred to, here, was a youth of some seventeen summers. Since then he has been admitted to practice law in S. C.; has reared and educated a numerous family; has become possessed of a thousand or more acres of land in Marlborough County, and in other ways attained to a very high standing in the estimation of everyone.


        In explanation of my rapid sale of all my small stock of groceries, I will state, that, it was one of the results of a hanging which took place on that day; and which attracted a large crowd of people to that town (the county seat), to witness it. This was a legal hanging, however, in accordance with the required forms of the law.

        The name of the unfortunate victim was Berry McIntyre, a young and good-looking colored man, who, in an evil moment, had decoyed his wife to a lonely place near a gloomy pond, and after killing her, had thrown the body into the pond. For some reason that could not be explained, one of the arms of the victim was missing, and although the defendant, finally, made a full confession of the crime, yet, he, to the end, denied the dismemberment of the body.

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        The gallows was erected in the "public square" of the village, without any attempt to screen it from public view; and numbers of the on-lookers, stood near the "foot" of the scene. When the "trap" was "sprung," the body plunged downward, breaking the neck of the victim, I suppose; for when an attempt was made to shorten the rope and clear his feet from the ground, it was limp and unconscious. I do not believe the man knew what killed him. After the execution, the crowd thronged the groceries, and their patronage was welcome and beneficial.

        In the course of a few months, my income from the grocery was such that I bought a lot on a hillside, fronting on the south side of the little square and erected thereon a humble residence and storeroom combined. Long piles, from the bodies of pine trees supporting the rear of the house, which was raised about ten feet from the slant of the hill, while the front rested on low sills near the brow of the same. The depression between the sill of the house and the "main land," was planked over. Here, owing to my political activities and social endeavors, my business grew rapidly, and in the course of a year, I was well established.

        In the month of September, 1870 (the 20th day of September, to be exact), I made application to be admitted to the bar of South Carolina. Judge J. M. Rutland (a carpetbagger) presiding over the Court of Common Pleas of that District.

        There were two other applications filed on the same day, by two promising white young gentlemen, residents of that town--J. Knox Livingston and H. Hope Newton--both of whom were admitted during the course of that day. But in my case, a committee of three lawyers, consisting of Colonel J. L. Hudson, Duncan D. McColl and Charles Townsend.

        By order of the committee, I visited the office of Judge Townsend, "after early tea," which proved to be

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at seven-thirty P. M., and was orally examined by those gentlemen, in turn, until eleven-thirty o'clock, of the same evening. I am pleased to record the fact that, I answered satisfactorily, every question asked of me, save one; and that related to "marine" law; which, to us in Bennettsville, was not of much interest, inasmuch as the nearest body of water to the town was the stagnant swamp at the foot of the hill, in the rear of my little home; and the only running stream, which I can now recall, was the creek tributary to it, which in its course, furnished our swimming hole.

        In making their report to the Court, on the following day, the committee said, in part, "we find your applicant John P. Green, not only qualified, but well qualified." I took the examination there, instead of going to the State Capital, and being admitted on motion, because I craved the respect and professional assistance of the members of the Marlboro Bar; which I cheerfully say, was accorded to me, as long as I practiced there.

        During the year and a half and more, given to the practice there, I saved two lives, the third John J. McQuaig (white), indicted for murder (they had no varied degrees only murder and manslaughter), made his escape from prison, plunged into the "dismal swamp," in the rear of the jail, and, to my knowledge, was never heard of again.

        One of my fortunate clients was, Irene McRae, a colored girl, not yet seventeen years of age, who, one hot July day, gave birth to a child--cut its head off, and then got into a tub of cold water. Since she had no money, and the other lawyers did not care for the case, she became my client; and, adopting the defense of puerperal mania, I secured a verdict of "not guilty." Some mention of this defense was made in one of the Harper periodicals of that day.

        When we were empaneling the jury for the trial of that case, old Peter McColl, clerk of the court, who was

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nearly a hundred years of age, and shook in his voice and his hands, almost like an aspen, proceeded, as follows: "John W. Crossland," he called. To the front came a "southern gentleman," owner of much land, and erst-while owner of numerous slaves, who tilled the soil for him. "P-r-i-s-o-n-e-r," said the aged clerk, l-o-o-k o-n t-h-e j-u-r-o-r; j-u-r-o-r, l-o-o-k o-n t-h-e p-r-i-s-o-n-e-r!" Then we both looked. "W-h-a-t s-a-y y-o-u?" he asked. Now, I was in a quandary, as to whether I should say, 'swear him," or "excused;" for, Crossland bore the reputation of having been a very cruel driver of his slaves, and it was reported that any one of his ex-slaves could be distinguished by the white patches of hair on his head, where wounds had previously been inflicted; and I feared, lest he should show prejudice against this colored girl, in the deliberations of the jury. On the other hand, I knew that in weighing professional and scientific questions, relating to the case, he was just the man, of all, needed. So, I said, "swear him!" He was made foreman of that jury; and by his elucidations of the technical questions growing out of the defense, brought us safely through.

        The other case was that of a colored man, who, in a drunken brawl, severed the femoral artery of another. I was one of the three who defended Frank Cook. He was duly convicted of murder, and sentenced to be hung. After the gallows was erected, at the earnest plea of his wife, who was soon to become a mother. I went to Columbus and by a political bargain, persuaded the late Governor Scott, (of Henry Co., Ohio, who was then Governor of S. C., and was afterwards tried in Henry Co., Ohio, for murder and acquitted) to commute his sentence to life imprisonment. He was subsequently, pardoned, after I left the state; and, for aught that I know, is still living with that wife and his children.

        In the year 1903, after having finished a term of nine years' service in the employ of the United States, at

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Washington (of which, more, later on), I applied for admission to the bar of the District of Columbia, and, in order to evade the requirement of a formal examination, I wrote to the late Duncan D. McColl, Esq., of Bennettsville, requesting him to send me a copy of the Journal entry of my admission to the bar of South Carolina in 1870. His letter breathes such a spirit of friendliness that, I shall record it; not more as one of the incidents of my career in South Carolina, in my youth, than as a testimonial of my high esteem and grateful remembrance of a southern gentleman, scholar and man of affairs, who, recognized merit in all men, regardless of color or previous condition, and he lived a long and useful life.

        The letter follows:

BANK OF MARLBOROBennettsville, S. C., May 2d, 1903.

Hon. J. P. Green,
Washington, D. C.

My Dear Sir:--

        Your favor of the 29th ult. read. Am certainly glad to hear from you. Went to Clerk's office and found the date of your admission, to practice law, entered on the minutes of the court. Had no trouble, owing to your good recollection of date, etc. I enclose your certificate, from the clerk of the court, under seal, showing you to be an attorney at law, in this state, in good standing, etc., and copied in the certificate, the order of the court, admitting you. I hope it will answer your purpose and be all you desire.

        I paid him 50 c for the Certificate, but do not pay back to me, as I hope, some time or other to get even, in some other way.

        If you will notice, you were admitted to practice, on my motion; and I am proud to say, that, while you practiced at this bar, you did great credit to yourself and the profession.

        I recall, distinctly, although it has been thirty years (32 years, is exact--J. P. G.), your defence of Alford (Frank Cook--J. P. G.), charged with murder.

        This was a case of infanticide (the writer now refers to the Irene McRae case, mentioned above--J. P. G.), and your great

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skill and knowledge in successfully establishing the defence of puerperal mania.

        Hope you are well and doing well,

Yours truly,

D. D. McCALL.


        State Senator Henry J. Maxwell, now deceased, treated me, at first, with almost contempt. He was about fifteen years my senior, in age, a brick layer, by trade, and a politician by profession. He was a South Carolinan, by birth, and was evidently proud of the fact.

        The colored people of the county, who were all active members of the Republican party, almost blindly followed his leadership, and he dictated the policies pursued in the county, which were implicitely obeyed by them. In the Senate, at Columbia, he was, facetiously, denominated, "the Duke of Marlborough;" and he commanded attention and exerted influence.

        I paid little attention to him, at first; but, when the fall campaign came on, and he was a candidate for re-election, we became well nigh "chummy", and not only visited each other, but, sat on the same platforms, and addressed the same political gatherings. Here is yet, another of those wise old "saws," of which I spoke, in a former chapter, and which, as a rule, are eternally true:


                         "Politics make strange bed-fellows."
This was literally verified, eventually, when he and I, in Columbia, S. C., actually, slept in the same bed, together.

        During my brief political experience in and near Bennettsville, I faced three separate contingencies in which, I suspect, my life was endangered, the first was, when on one pretty July afternoon, in a grove near the village, I was delivering a political harangue, in which I censured some of the methods resorted to by the Democratic party, a large man John W. Harrington, by name,

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who was made fierce looking by bushy whiskers, rushed at me with an ugly looking knife, and attempted to cut me with it. He was intercepted, however, by several of my auditors and disarmed. They, too, had big, sharp knives.

        My second jeopardy was, on the Fourth day of July, 1871, when I, as "orator of the day," was literally, making the eagle scream, on a platform erected on our little Public Square, in Bennettsville, when Harris Covington, Esq., Democratic nominee for Congress, rushed forward, grasped me by one of my legs, and attempted to pull me down from the rostrum. Mr. Covington narrowly escaped being run through the body by a sword, in the hands of a colored by-stander; and a riot was prevented by the counsels of judicious persons, present.

        The third jeopardy was self-made; and from this point of view, I can see that, my conduct was ill-advised and silly. The "Greely Democrats," of the County had just adjourned a large meeting which they had held on the public square, and, with several of their Negro employes, were preparing to return to their homes. I, thereupon, in the absence of Senator Maxwell, constituted myself Republican leader, and declared that, I would mount the vacant platform, and answer the statements which had been made to the colored men, in attendance, by the speakers.

        Sheriff Joel Easterling, the long-whiskered-patriarchal Republican official, said to me: "Green, don't you do it! They will kill you! If you persist, I, as sheriff of this county, will not guarantee you protection!" Yet, I mounted that platform; and for forty minutes, preached a pure, unadulterated, Abraham Lincoln republicanism.

        They did not touch me; but, in the next issue of the local paper, there was a statement, that, after the adjournment of the Democratic meeting, "a fellow by the name of Green, who came from nobody knows where, and

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lives on nobody knows what, got up on the stand and harangued the Negroes."

        Occasionally, we would awake to find "Ku-Klux-Klan" literature strewn near our front doors or tacked on the trunks of the large pine trees in the public square. I have never known whether the dodgers, which carried at the top the death-head and cross-bones, of the Ku-Klux-Klan, were a mere hoax or a dire threat and menace. Of one fact I am certain; they caused us all to be quite apprehensive; and, on many nights, Maxwell, William Brewington, John Brewington, this writer and others, "armed to the teeth," took turns in patrolling the streets, in the vicinity of our homes, in order to prevent a surprised assault; and my own doors were locked, barred and propped, as a source of protection.

        On one "first Monday" (the day of the month when the sheriff sold lands and effects, by order of court), a half drunken fellow, McQuaig by name, started in pursuit of me--to "kill me," as he said; I heard of it; and, arming myself with a long, sharp knife, pursued him. He dodged me, and that ended the fiasco.

        Early in 1872, I was elected delegate to the Republican State Convention, which held its sessions at Columbia, the capital of the state. There were present, in the elegant hall of the House of Representatives, which had been furnished at a cost of sixty thousand dollars (and contained cuspidors at a cost of fifteen dollars each), not only delegates from all parts of South Carolina, but, many members of Congress, judges, public officials and the Governor of the state.

        During the deliberations of the committee on credentials--on motion of Captain Robert Smalls (of the steam-boat "Planter" fame), I was, unanimously invited to address the convention. It came to me like the proverbial "clap of thunder". However, I did not shrink, but,

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on the contrary, "grasped" the opportunity, Thomas Carlyle says.


                         "Occasion, God-like, rushes storming on swift--perilous,
                         Like a whirlwind--like a swift, lightning steed;
                         Manfully, thou shalt grasp him by the mane,
                         And vault into thy seat on him;
                         And ride and guide there thou!"
I took his advice. For nearly an hour, I addressed that august assemblage, paying no more attention to the personel of the assemblage or the coign of advantage, from which I spoke, than if I had been speaking to a jury in the Court House.

        The portion of my address which attracted most attention and which was widely criticised by politicians, was that, wherein I declared that, the people should select as public servants, men known to be intelligent and honest; that, unless this policy were speedily adopted they would be reading the "handwriting on the wall;" that, the reconstruction (carpet-bag) governments of the southern states could exist no longer than they were sustained by the public opinion of the North; and that, failing in respect of that support, they would fall, to rise no more.

        Coming down from the rostrum (the speakers stand), Senator Allen, of Greenville, grasped my hand, and said: "Mr. Green, you have made just the speech which I have desired to make, all this session; but, from policy sake, have not dared to do."

        I soon found that Senator Allen was correct; for, on returning to Bennettsville, I ascertained that a garbled report of my address had out-run me. It was reported and current, that I had said, that, none, save "college-bred men," should be elected to office, and since there were no men of that class amongst the Republican voters

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of that county, I readily deciphered the handwriting on the wall, for me. My political name was henceforth 'Dennis!'

        This convention, elected me an alternate to the Philadelphia National Convention, which re-nominated President Grant, for President, I represented the First Congressional District of South Carolina, and it was my first appearance, in National politics.

        The swamp, in the rear of my little home, at the foot of the hill, breathing forth poisonous miasmata, during the summer season, having impaired my health, and threatened the life of both my wife and our baby-boy, I suddenly concluded that I would, "pull up my stakes," and return to Cleveland; there, "for better or for worse," to try the fates as a member of the Ohio bar.

        In less time than it takes to record these facts, I had run over to the office of Colonel C. W. Dudley, the Nestor of the town, surrendered to him my deed and all claim on the hill-side lot of land; giving to cousin William Brewington, the horse which I was buying, and for the full payment of which he was surety; sold to him, in bulk, the contents of the little grocery; distributed gratis some and crated others of our meagre household effects, and were enroute towards Fayetteville, N. C.

        No tongue can ever express the joy of my wife, when she clearly understood that she, "really and trully" was leaving Bennettsville, to return no more. Her gratitude to God and her husband, knew no bounds, and she referred to the event during the remainder of her life.

        We had some true and tried friends there, of both races, who regretted to see us leave; even Colonel Dudley, who generally represented the sentiment of the white people of the county, said to me, "If you had permitted the white people to take you up and fight Maxwell, you could have succeeded politically and otherwise." However, that policy was out of the question. I was colored, and I

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was a black--Abraham Lincoln, John Brown, Frederick Douglass Republican, and everybody knew it. How then, could I, with Democrats of that day, join hands and fight Maxwell and his hosts; many of whom walked from Red Bank, twenty miles distant, to vote for Ulysses S. Grant, as against Horace Greeley!

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CHAPTER VII.

BACK TO CLEVELAND.

        In the city of Fayetteville, we found ourselves in the midst of many relatives and warm hearted friends, two of whom, most highly prized by us, were Mr. A. J. Chesnutt, father of Charles W. Chesnutt, Esquire, author and scholar, whose name I have mentioned heretofore; and the other was, the late Mrs. Sophia Carter, a sister of Mr. A. J. Chesnutt, who temporarily, in a motherly way, received my dear wife, and made her comfortable and happy, as long as we remained there. We left, with Mrs. Carter, a cook stove (rara vis, in that part of the country), conditioned that, when convenient, she should remit to us the sum of fifteen dollars, the purchase price of the same. Of this transaction more anon.

        Arriving in Cleveland, after spending a month as the guest of my dear mother and sisters, we rented a suite of two rooms, on the second floor of a frame dwelling house (still standing) in Brownell street, (now E. 14th), furnished it at an expense of twenty-seven dollars, and moved into it. It was now near winter, and the remainder of cash, which I had brought with me from Bennettsville had dwindled down to a negligible amount; and, as I was not known in Cleveland, as a lawyer, I began to have visions of the "gaunt finger of want."

        Under these conditions, the late R. L. Holden and I

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planned and executed a tour of some of the prominent cities of the east, including some of those which I had visited in my school days, when I sold my little book, and lectured. During this tour, we acted in a dual capacity; I lecturing first, and Holden following, with some "side-splitting" stories. We were well treated, and received enough money to defray all expenses; but, little more, and on my return to my wife and two babies, now, I found myself in the most dire strait, financially, I had ever been in before, even more so than when I took that midnight trip to Laurinburg, for, then, I had no rent to pay, on the spot; and I had only one baby to care for; moreover, I could see flitting around and past me youths and men of my acquaintance, who had never orated in public, and whose names had never been blazed forth as an orator, hero, lawyer, and what not; yet, sleek and well clad, still acting in the role of waiters and menials, while I was, almost, "hungry and naked."

        I was out of coal, with the mercury at almost zero; my rent was in arrears, with no prospect of payment; and the larder was well nigh empty. In this plight, Mr. Cicero M. Richardson, one of the foremost and well to do citizens of color, kindly sent me a few bushels of coal; and none too soon; another dear good friend, Mr. James Thompson, a Roman Catholic, small of stature and very dark, visited me, and gave me of his advice and assistance; a favor which, later on I repaid, in kind, of which he never knew.

        I went out into the city amongst several of my erst-while colored friends and tried to persuade them to loan me the sum of five dollars; but, in vain. I regret to say, they proved to be in a worse financial condition that I myself was; provided, they told me the truth. I then went to Mr. Byron Hunt, a white man, clerk at the old Birch House, where I worked, for my meals, during a part of

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my school days; he loaned it to me, without hesitation; and, I afterwards returned it to him.

        I went to a grocery store, around the corner of East 14th street (Brownell) and Prospect street, and filled my basket with groceries, one morning; but, not having money sufficient to pay the bill in full, I handed him back the butter. Arriving at home, we ate our bread without butter, which I had often done before.

        Frequently, I attended the police court, hoping against fate, that, somebody, of all would retain me to defend him; but in vain. What knowledge had they of my legal ability or the contrary? None at all. Some of them perchance had heard of me as being an apt and successful school boy, and that, I had been graduated from the Law College, but, the report of my signal success, at the South Carolina Bar had not reached them, and, when the life, liberty or property of a man is at stake, he wants the best and most influential lawyer he can obtain. But--


                         "Let Hercules do as he may;
                         The cat will mew, and the dog will have his day!"
and my day finally came, when, a young colored man, J. A. Hawkins, by name (long since deceased), who was unjustly accused of an offense, seeing me in the court room, came to me and gave me a retainer of twenty-five dollars, to defend him! To say I was pleased, only mildly expresses the sensation which nearly overwhelmed me; not more by reason of the retainer, than because it would give me an opportunity of being seen and heard in that legal arena, where I was destined, for so many long years, to "strut and fret," and contend, as an advocate of justice between man and man, and "The State of Ohio and the defendant, at the Bar."

        Mr. Hawkins was speedily aquitted; and went from the presence of the court, "without delay," to blazon

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forth my merits as a lawyer; and thereby, assist me in securing my "daily bread",--butter or no butter.

        It was a pecular coincidence that, just before Mr. Hawkins retained me, when I was, once more "dead broke," I received a letter from that dear Mrs. Sophia Carter enclosing three five dollar bills, in payment of the little cookstove, which we had placed in her possession on leaving Fayetteville. Truly, for us, I could say with Romeo,


                         "Night's candles are burnt out, and jocund day
                         Stands tip-toe on the misty mountain tops."

        We had now, forty dollars, in cash, at our disposal; and I was determined to make the most of it, and from that time down to the present day, we have been above sheer want; and, at times, able to cast a little bread on the waters.

        The advent of the municipal election, drew near, a mayor was to be elected, and various and sundry municipal afficials, including a number of justices of the peace, to serve the township and city of Cleveland, during the ensuing three years. In that contingency, to my great surprise and gratification, up rose Pard B. Smith, sheriff of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, William T. Clark, Esq., attorney at law (in whose office I had my desk) and "Johnnie" Francisco, highly esteemed veteran of the Civil war; and, in the convention they wrought so manfully and successfully that, I received the nomination, for justice of the peace, at the hands of the Republican party. At the same time, John Huntington, Esq., was nominated for mayor.

        When the votes were counted on the night of the first Monday in April, 1873, the results proved that Mr. Huntington was defeated by more than twelve hundred; while this writer was elected, by more than three thousand majority.

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        This was the first instance within my memory, of the election of a colored man to any office, in the state of Ohio; and, to the best of my knowledge, the first time a colored man was elected to a judicial office, in the great, North, East and West. In the former slave states, where the colored voters, assisted by a few white men, were in the majority, and members of the race, who could neither read nor write, were, in some instances, elected even to the law making branch, it was different. When I attended a state convention in Columbia, South Carolino, I met and associated with Justice Wright, a pure Negro, who was an associate justice of the Supreme Court of that august state; the home of the Rhetts, the Barnwells, and of John C. Calhoun, of senatorial fame.

        I rented the office and succeeded to the judicial functions of the late "General" David L. Wood; and, thereafter, for nine consecutive years, by re-elections, I remained one of the justices of the peace of this populous wealthy and intelligent city of Cleveland, Ohio.

        In order that the significance of my promotion may be fully appreciated, it may be recorded, that the bond required of a justice, was five thousand dollars (which would be equal to ten thousand dollars now). My bond was signed on the several occasions by the late W. C. McFarland, the same attorney whose office I cared for, when I was in the Law College, in 1869. An able, kind and generous man was Mr. McFarland and in his death, the Cleveland Bar sustained a real loss.

        Justices of the peace, at that time had, in civil cases, jurrisdiction to the amount of three hundred dollars. Exclusive jurisdiction in Forcible Entry and Forcible Entry and Detainer cases; and examining powers in all felonies and misdemeanors, from murder down. Which made the court of justice of the peace of more importance than that of Municipal Judge in Washington, D. C., or elsewhere at that time. Moreover, it was an elective office

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by a majority of the votes of the people; which I have always considered, the most honorable way of obtaining office, no matter of what importance.

        Amongst the conspicuous lawyers who appeared in my court and transacted legal business, may be mentioned, ex-senator Theodore E. Burton, who informed me, when he was a notable candidate for the Presidency, that, he tried his first case in my court. Mr. Andrew Squire, who, at that time was a youthful practitioner, also tried cases before me, as did the late Virgil P. Kline, R. E. Mix, C. W. Noble, and Mr. John G. White, now famous as a jurist.

        Thomas J. Carran, John J. Carran and Mr. William Heisley, all able attorneys, gave me business and appeared in my justice's court. A long list would be required to contain all the names of those attorneys, living and dead, who honored me with their business and presence. The Honorable Myron T. Herrick, ex-governor of Ohio, and ex-U. S. Ambassador to France, says to me, in a postscript to a nice letter, "I recall that you were one of my first friends when, as a young man, I was admitted to the Bar."

        Johnnie McGraw, C. R. Heller and James Sweeney, (the first and third of Irish descent), were two of my constables; while Parker Hare, L. W. Turner and J. H. Washington, all colored men, were, at times, in my office. Parker Hare, for five consecutive years.

        While I was serving my second term, as justice of the peace, in 1877, I was nominated, by the Republican party of Cuyahoga County, for the lower branch of the General Assembly of Ohio. The canvass was long and, at times, exciting. I "stumped" the whole county, and tried to meet the objections of a colored man, now deceased, Madison Telley, by name, residing in the Hay market district, who was favoring the Democratic ticket, and boasted that he would defeat me. There was another

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man (white), Wilson Treat, by name, who resided in the "old Eleventh" ward, on the West side of the river, who quite effectively, opposed me; because, when he was in his "cups", he squeezed one of my hands until small beads of blood oozed from the roots of two of my finger nails; and I then and there, "insulted" him by telling him what I thought of him; which was not flattering, by any means.

        The next morning after the election, I was declared elected, by sixty-two majority over the late John C. Covert, at that time, one of the editors of the Cleveland Leader. The late Edwin Cowles, who, with the late Joseph Medill of the Chicago Tribune founded the Leader, and for many years, made it a great power for the abolition of slavery,--the preservation of our glorious Union and a true wholesome Americanism, was Emeritus, then, while young men were at the helm. My election was blazoned forth with big head lines in all the daily papers.

        Great was the consternation of the friends and supporters of Mr. Covert; they had "run" him as a champion of the demand that all church property should be taxed thereby, to inflict a telling if not mortal blow, on the Roman Catholic Church, in Ohio.

        Another night passed, when an alleged recount of the ballots cast for me was had, in "old ward No. Four", which had its headquarters in the engine house, still standing, in East 18th street, (then Huntington Street), near Central avenue; the result of the recount, as announced, on the following morning, was that, they had thrown out eighty-four votes, previously counted for me,--because they could not determine whether they were intended for me or for F. W. Green, one of the nominees on the Democratic ticket!

        Thus, they declared me defeated; and John C. Covert was declared elected, by a small majority; and he was subsequently, re-elected, and served four years as a law maker of the great State of Ohio; but, as far as I can see

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the taxation of church property, belonging to the protestant or Catholic congregations, remains as it was at and before the time of Mr. Covert's "election."

        Ex-Mayor R. R. Herrick and Colonel Louis Smithnight, were the "bosses" of that ward, at that time. I am not sure that they were cognizant of the recount which was made, in the absence of myself and my political friends.

        I was advised, by many voters, of all races, to go to Columbus and contest the election (?) of Mr. Covert; but, I had neither time nor money to do so; and I let it drop, awaiting another opportunity to win promotion.

        During the nine years of my service, as justice of the peace, I also, practiced law, principally in the criminal branch of the Court of Common Pleas; and, in that sphere of action, it was my good fortune to be confronted by some courteous and able attorneys, who prosecuted for the State of Ohio. Amongst these were the late Homer B. DeWolf, William Robinson, S. M. Eddy. Peter H. Kaiser, Alex Hadden, Edward P. Slade; and last, but not least, our present Judge W. B. Neff, who, for so many years, has presided with learning and dignity, in our Court of Common Pleas.

        The first "murder case," in which I defended, in Cleveland, was that of the State of Ohio vs. Stephen Hood, charged with murder in the first degree, in the premeditated killing of his foster son, "Green." It was charged that, early one spring morning, Hood took his two boys Fred and "Green" to the camping grounds, from which a circus had just departed, ostensibly, to search for lost money and other things of value; and that, after searching for a short time, he went into a neighboring wood, accompanied by "Green," and pounded his head almost into jelly, and left the corpse there, to be discovered, later on, by searchers for him.

        Hood professed innocence; and that, he had no recollection of committing the deed; and the fact, which was

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not disputed, that Hood had adopted the boy, had always been kind to him, and even protected him when his wife would chastize him, left us all in doubt, as to whether or not, if he did commit the act, he did it when in a rational condition.

        I adopted the defense of insanity, and proved, as I thought, that Hood was subject to hallucinations, when, his mind was unbalanced; and argued that, if he did kill the boy, it was done when he was under the influence of one of these spells. William T. Clark, Esq., then a young attorney, by my request, came into the case to assist me; and very ably aided me in the entire defense. The late Judge R. F. Paine presided and conducted the case with his well known judicial ability, fairness and honor; while Mr. Homer B. De Wolf, young, energetic learned and able prosecuted, for the State.

        The trial lasted a number of days, and the court room was filled to the doors. Finally, the court having charged the jury, it retired in the afternoon and remained out, all night. On the following morning, the foreman handed in a sealed verdict of guilty of murder in the first degree. No sooner had the verdict been read and the jury polled, than, it became known that, the jury, in its deliberations, during the previous night, had made use of some law books, which had been negligently, left in the jury room; and that, one of the jurors had assumed the role of Judge, mounted the platform, and, from the Judge's Bench, had expounded the law. I should have said, before, that the jury was locked up in the Court room, to deliberate.

        We obtained the affidavits of several of the jurors, establishing these facts; but, owing to a decision rendered by our Supreme Court, to the effect, that, the oath of a juror will not be received to impeach the verdict of his fellow jurors, the verdict was not set aside by Judge Paine. We took the case, on error, to the Supreme Court:

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but, met with the same refusal, and that is the law of of Ohio, to this day.

        Failing to get any relief from any legal source, I went to Chilicothe, Ohio, where resided Governor Allen, sometimes called "Fog Horn" Bill Allen, in token of his stentorean voice, which waked the echoes amongst the hills of southern Ohio, when he spoke at political gatherings, many-many years ago. The governor had retired from active political life; but the exegencies of the Democratic party had called him forth from his beautiful and peaceful country home, "Fruit Hill," which was nestled in the suburbs of Ohio's former capital, to do valiant service and once more reinstate his party and himself in power.

        The Governor, a gentleman of the type and character of the days of Calhoun and Clay and Stanley, received me with all the indications of good breeding and gentility; and, after thoroughly discussing the merits of the case, launched out into a sea of reminiscences of his congressional career, and did me the honor to state, that he served in Congress and was well acquainted with the late Edward Stanley (mentioned in the first chapter) one of my reputed uncles. Upon the whole, my hour and a half was spent with pleasure and profit, in the home of this distinguished statesman; and I left him, the wiser for my visit to him, but, without profit to my client.

        Hood had to die. I advised him and tried to nerve him for that horrid ordeal; and, had the satisfaction of seeing him firm in step and every movement, as he mounted and stood upon the "Trap" of the gallows, before he was launched into eternity. After the fall, a few shrugs and tremors of the swaying body, were the only indications that it had any life in it, and, in a few minutes, the doctors pronounced him dead.

        I could never get from him a confession of the deed, And I still believe, that, when he killed that unfortunate boy, he was non composmentis, not of sound mind.

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        Many other men and women, indicted for murder in the first, and second degree, I defended, while I served as justice of the peace, but, to even mention the cases briefly, would tire the reader of this narative, so, I will desist; later on, it may be necessary to make reference to one or more of my experiences, in order to bring to the front some of the public actors in the dramas; but, until then, let the foregoing suffice.

        While engaged as justice of the peace, it was my pleasure and, indirectly, my profit, to make the acquaintance of a number of young gentlemen connected with the daily Press of Cleveland, who, afterwards become noted and, in two instances, at least, famous as journalists. The first of these was the renouned Frank G. Carpenter, who has, since, under the patronage, more or less, of Presidents and other high officials of the United States, and of Royalty, in Europe and Asia, traveled over the whole civilized world; and, as a correspondent of syndicated newspapers and other publications, contributed much towards the enlightenment of mankind.

        I recall Mr. Carpenter, as a frecklefaced, diminnuitive young gentleman, with an abundance of ruddy hair. He was, then, connected with the news department of the Cleveland Daily Leader, and in his quest of news items for his paper, was the soul of energy and persistency. I, for a long time, looked forward to his daily calls, and did my "bit" in securing and furnishing to him whatever of interest I thought would be of value to him; and, on more than one occasion, he reciprocated the favor by making notice of me and my office in the Leader in a way that was of substantial benefit to me.

        Another young gentleman with whom I became much more familiarly acquainted, was Mr. R. F. Paine, Jr., son of Judge R. F. Paine, the learned jurist who presided on the bench, during the trial of Stephen Hood, of whose unfortunate ending, I have just spoken. Mr. Paine represented

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one of the departments of the "Penny Press," as the Cleveland Press was then denominated, and it was largely through his indefatigable energy and skill, that the Press changed its name and became one of the great and influential papers of Northern Ohio.

        He too, in the commencement of his journalistic career came regularly to my office, in search of news items; and we all, justice, clerk and constables, were pleased to accommodate him, when practicable. In return for these, alleged favors, Mr. Paine did us many favors in the way of advertising the office, which of course, meant, financial profit to us.

        I can never forget the large heartedness of this gentleman when, years afterwards, as the managing editor of the Press, he ran a conspicuous portrait of this writer, on the front page of the Press, gratis; which contributed, substantially, towards the election of the writer to a much higher and more honorable office than the one then held by him; and again, after my return from a trip in Ireliand, he published a lengthy letter, written by me, descriptive of my tour, in the Press, and paid me, handsomely, for it.

        I may be excused for recording an interesting event, connected with the Penny Press, at the inception of its publication in Cleveland; which, I think, was the indirect cause of Mr. Paine's connection with that paper.

        There was a young man, since deceased, by the name of Maurice Perkins, who was connected with the news department of that paper, from its inception here. Mr. Perkins was energy personified; and he could write a story which every one would stop to read. In one of the early editions, appeared an article, quite readable, which greatly displeased a member of a great business firm of the city. A day or so, later on, in pursuance of an invitation extended to him, Mr. Perkins visited the place of business of the aforesaid young gentleman; and, while

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in there alone, he received such treatment, (in which tar played a conspicuous part,) that he subsequently was confined to his bed, and his health was seriously impaired. I think it was about this time that Judge Paine was retained by the paper, and his talented son became one of its reportorial staff.

        Mention has already been made, in the foregoing, of a number of prominent attorneys at law, who practiced, occasionally, in my office; but they were, for the most part, persons who were young in the profession, at that time; attention will now be called to several of riper years, who were conspicuous for their learning and success; and, as that Nestor of our Bar, W. S. Kerruish, Esq., was in the same hall, where my office was located, and only about fifteen feet removed from it, I will first mention him. Mr. Kerruish, then a man of middle age, and residing with his large and interesting family, in Woodland Avenue, which was then a beautiful residence street, was a very active practitioner. He spoke the German language, fairly well, and by reason of this fact, brought into his office a clientel, largely German.

        In the same hall, occupying an office contiguous to mine, was George A. Kolbe, Esq., a justice of the peace, of many years' experience, who, with a noble band of associates had, literally escaped from Germany after the collapse of their attempted revolution, finding asylum and protection here in the United States. At the same time, came Carl Schurz, Franz Siegel, Jacob Mueller, August Thieme, J. W. Schmidt, Esquire Boehne, Edward Bohm and many others. I think they are all deceased now; but, in their day, they were all politically influential and did much to stimulate the study of the German language in our schools, and to foster the love of their fatherland, which during the world war, made so much inconvenience and trouble for some of their successors.

        Squire Kolbe was very fond of Mr. Kerruish, for the

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reason that he spoke German; and exerted himself to add to the number of his clients in every practical way. I suspect, also, that, there was a reciprocal feeling for the squire on the part of the able lawyer.

        Mr. Kerruish was cosmopolitan in his feelings and conduct; he was generous and liberal, and conceded to every man the right to the same enjoyment of all the constitutional rights which he and his enjoyed, without regard to race or color.

        I recall, an anecdote which he has related to me on seferal occasions, during the past forty-seven years of our acquaintance, which proved plainly, the characteristics of the youth, as developed in the man. He with some of his classmates, who were students at Western Reserve College, when it was located at Hudson, Ohio, in the early Fifties extended an invitation to Frederick Douglass, who was then famous, throughout the land, for his eloquence and the strenuous fight he was making for the abolition of slavery, in the United States, to address them in the big tent, in the Campus in Hudson, on the annual occasion. The President and Faculty demurred; and endeavored to persuade them to cancel the invitation; but they were abdurate, would not yield; as a consequence, at the appointed time, Mr. Douglass, made his appearance; and, in his own telling way, addressed an immense throng, which completely filled the big tent. In answering an argument (?) which was frequently put forth, by the slave holders and their Northern friends, that one of the proofs of the Negro's inferiority was that, he had a "weak voice", Mr. Kerruish says, that, when he uttered that phraze "weak voice", he used the power of Gargantua, or roared like one of the bulls of Bashan. Mr. Kerruish derives great pleasure, from the telling of this anecdote of his school days.

        During my official career, as justice of the peace, an incident occurred which very forcibly displayed this

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characteristic of love of fair play, as developed in Mr. Kerruish, which I will here, record.

        Not feeling in the best of health, I went to the restaurant of the late Captain J. M. Richards, on the site of the present American Trust Building (of which I have already spoken), and was refused service of a meal, because the enclosed "stalls" were occupied. I suggested to the usher, that, I was willing to eat at the outer table, where I saw numbers of young lawyers, and others, eating. The usher ("Harm," I think they called him), said, O, I can't seat a colored man at that table; the Captain would raise the d--l if I should do that!"

        So, with my heart "bowed down" and my stomach empty, I left the place and betook me to the office of that grand old patriarch, Probate Judge, Danniel R. Tilden, who, for more than thirty years, was not only Probate Judge of Cuyahoga County, but, was also a father to the fatherless, and a very kind friend in need to those who called on him.

        I found sitting with him, that John Marshall of our Ohio Constitution, of 1851, the late Judge Rufus P. Ranney, who, as a member of the Supreme Court of Ohio, had made his name famous, for all time, for his legal learning, as seen in the constructions placed by him on that important document.

        I related to them my experience in the restaurant of Captain Richards; which greatly surprised and chagrined them both. "Why, did J-o-e do that?" said Judge Ranney. "Is that a fact?" asked Judge Tilden. "Why Dan," said Judge Ranney, "Green and my Charlie used to go to school together!" From these good men. I went to Kerruish. "Green," he said, tomorrow, we will go to that place; and if they refuse to seat and serve you, we will kick the table over, get arrested, and let the whole thing go before the people, that a justice of the peace of Cleveland cannot buy a meal in an ordinary restaurant!!"

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        On the following day, at noon, Kerruish and I went, side by side, to the same restaurant; fully determined to overturn the table, if the "justice" were not served. When we entered, "Harm" (?) the usher looked at us, drew a chair for each of us, and we both were politely and satisfactorily served, according to our orders. My pleasure and relief were inexpressible; for, as an officer of the "peace", I was loth to be arrested and fined, for breaking the peace. Long live W. S. Kerruish! May his posterity practice his virtues and emulate his example.

        Judge Stevenson Burke, was another of the fearless frank practitioners at the Cleveland Bar. The judge was well along in years and his professional career, when he came to Cleveland. In the Lorain district, he had been elected Judge, on his merits, as an honorable man and good lawyer. He was serving on the Bench, during the exciting times, precipitated by the Wellington Rescue, when a large number of persons, citizens of Oberlin, including ministers of the Gospel, professors in the college, lawyers, merchants, mechanics, and ordinary laborers, rushed to Wellington, eight miles distant, forcibly took a fugitive slave from the custody of a United States Marshal, and set him at liberty.

        They were arrested, brought to Cleveland, incarcerated, temporarily, indicted, and ultimately, brought to trial and convicted; several of them being ably defended by the late A. G. Riddle, Esq., good lawyer, M. C. and author.

        Then it was that, the Grand Jury of Lorain County, under the charge of Judge Burke, indicted the owner of the fugitive for kidnapping; when, becoming aware of the fact, the owner returned to his Kentucky home, and the prosecutions, on both sides, were abandoned. Such was Judge Burke, and much more; for, during the remainder of his long life, after he came to Cleveland, he proved himself to be a great lawyer, in the important

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affairs of "big-business;" his name became associated with those of the great Captains of Industry and commerce, of his day. He lived in princely style, on our leading avenue; and, dying, left a generous competancy to his sorrowing family.

        The late Edwin P. Slade, Esquire, one time, prosecutor of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, is recalled with "mingled feeling of joy and regret. Mr. Slade (brother of the late Albert T. Slade, who was noted for his legal and literary attainments), was naturally, a noteworthy man; but, by reason of the fascination the "cup" had over him, he was his own worst enemy. The name of his friends was legion, not more for the reason that, at times he would make a valorous fight to withstand the temptation, than because of his high social and professional standing.

        As a final and last resort to help him to overcome his one seductive fault, he was elected prosecuting attorney of this populous and wealthy county. And, paradoxical as it may seem, he prosecuted its criminal cases and conducted its business affairs in a sober, intelligent, praiseworthy manner; but, once again, out of office, he rapidly degenerated to his former condition.

        "Staggering into my office, occasionally, he would exclaim, "O, Brother Green; Brother Green!" Then, lapsing into silence for a few seconds, he would mumble out, those well known words of Cassius; "Drunk? and speak parrot? and squabble? swagger? swear? and discourse fustian with one's own shadow? O thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call thee--devil!" Then, as if to add emphasis to the last four words, he would wag his head, up and down, sorrowfully, pitifully. Ere long his flickering light went out; we all sighed over his bier; but, submissively, bowed to the decree of Providence.

        Judge W. A. Babcock not so long deceased, was a conspicuous example of what a man, naturally endowed

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with an active capacious brain, and educationally trained for activities in the higher walk of life can do and be, if he wills to conquer.

        I met the judge when he was plain, W. A. Babcock; an alumnus, "fresh" from Hiram College, the very name of which linked with that of the lamented J. A. Garfield, should be an inspiration to any man. The "bright lights" and seductive influences of the big city, seemed, at first, to seal the fate of the young man; who, really, deserved a warmer reception and more wholesome environment than fell to his lot. If only some kindly, hand had been stretched out for "Will" Babcock, which would have led him up on to the mount of vision, where he could have beheld the honors which the future held in store for him, how different the first years of his career, on this stage of action, might have been!

        However, some of the greatest names that grace the pages of human endeavor have been, like him, "tried as by fire;" and, like him, have come through victorious. Judge Babcock, upon the whole, made an able and efficient judge. He was a voracious reader and a careful student of law and his decisions carried weight with them, wherever they were reviewed. The judge was also in almost, constant demand for speeches and addresses, which were not only instructive, but entertaining, as well.

        I met the Judge near the middle of the Public Square on one occasion. He halted me, and said, abruptly, "Green what is that quotation which you used in an argument, the other day. I want to use it in an address, tonight; something about making a 'scare-crow of the Law' ". "O yes, Judge," I answered; "I runs like this:


                         "We must not make a scare-crow of the Law,
                         Setting it up to fear the birds of prey,
                         And let it keep one shape, till custom make it
                         Their perch, and not their terror."
                         --Measure for Measure, Act II, Scene I.

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        "Ah yes!" he exclaimed: "Where is that found?" I told him; and he thanked me. Judge Babcock was an open minded, "free hearted" man. He had his failings, some of them quite glaring, but, what human being is perfect?

        Once, after I had finished defending a man, indicted for murder in the first degree, as soon as the jury retired, Judge Babcock leaned forward and said to me, in open court and the presence of many persons: "Green, the argument you made in this case, today, is the ablest I have listened to during the eight years I have been on the Bench!" Surely, this was praise, and the stimulous it imparted to me, still impels me onward and--upward, I trust.

        In the foregoing, special mention has been made of the constabulary force, connected with my office, but, this sketch would be noticibly deficient were not the clerical force gratefully acknowledged.

        On succeeding and taking possession of the office furniture, dockets and notorial seal of (General) David L. Wood, I found in possession, awaiting my advent, a very efficient clerk, in the person of Mr. George Menger who, for years, had faithfully served my predecessor, in that capacity. I was pleased to learn, from him, that he was ready and willing to retain the same position and discharge the same functions as under D. L. Wood. For it must not be forgotten that, when elected, in 1873, I had little or no experience in practicing civil law, before justices of the peace or in any other courts, and, since Mr. Menger was expert in the technicalities of the business, it was in the nature of a God-send that he came to me.

        Mr. Menger was a German by birth, about twenty-five years of age, and quite "festive" in his proclivities, by which term, I suppose, I am fairly well understood. In the office of Esquire George A. Kolbe, there were two young men, of German birth, also, August Kiel and Edward

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Beltz, by name, respectively; and they, with Mr. Menger, formed a trio, which in social festivities, was hard to beat.

        Mr. Kiel was rather proud of his record of having drunk, in one day, thirty-five glasses of beer; while the two others were endeavoring to emulate his example. Tho, I must state, that, of the three, Mr. Beltz was, at all times, comparatively, conservative.

        One fine evening, this writer joined them in a jolly meeting, at the home of Mr. Menger's uncle, in Marion Street; and, after the feast and flow, we repaired to the street; and, in our meanderings, ultimately found ourselves at the intersection of Erie (now East 9th) and Ohio (now Central Ave) streets. It was past midnight and we were quite hilarious, tho not intoxicated, and we were at a loss as to how we could pass the remainder of the time agreeably; as there was an old horse strayed in the street, we took turns in mounting and riding him, "bare back", for a block or two and back again.

        At length, in the "wee sma" hours, we repaired to our several homes; where we, for a few short hours, became oblivious of the past and careless as to the future. Mr. Edward Beltz was a gentleman of culture and industry. Under the instruction of Esquire Kolbe, he entered upon the copying of records, in the County-Recorders office, pertaining to real-estate, and continued in one phase and another of that business until he had laid the foundation of a great abstract company, which I consider the most fitting monument to his industry and skill, during his long life.

        The other men died in comparative youth, and, today, I am the only one of that nocturnal quartet left to tell the tale.

        Mr. Linden C. White, a genial, efficient young man, succeeded to the duties of Mr. Menger. Mr. White's health was poor, which necessitated frequent absences

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from his desk. On such occasions Mr. Louis W. Turner a gentleman of color, very ably filled the interim. Mr. Turner was subsequently elected one of the constables of Cleveland Township, which position he ably filled, in my office and that of others. Mr. White died in his youth sincerely mourned by many friends.

        The last clerk whom it was my good fortune to employ was Mr. George P. Phibbs, a native of Ireland, who had been "discovered" by my colored constable, Mr. Parker Hare. Mr. Phibbs gave up the business of barkeeper, for a man by the name of Connor or Connors, whose establishment was located on the northeast corner of Michigan avenue and West Third street. His writing was like "copper plate", and his spelling and diction gave evidence of the fact that, he had enjoyed reasonable education facilities.

        After acting as an assistant to Mr. Hare, for some few months, he consented to enter my employ, as clerk, and from that time on for about ten years, we were almost inseperable. He was, truly my Fidus Achates; and by his industry, and influence amongst the Irish people, especially, along business and political lines, he added very materially to my official and political successes. On one occasion (when I apprehended defeat at the polls), by his untiring energy and influence, he caused me to run ahead of the ticket, in two democratic wards, the "bloody Fifth," and the "Rock bound" Eighth; although, I was denominated a "Black Republican."

        After I ceased to perform the functions of Justice of the Peace, Mr. Phibbs and I became partners in the practising of law. He having (on my certificate) been admitted to the Bar.

        Mr. Phibbs and I inducted "Squire" Wm. R. Ryan (subsequently sheriff of Cuyahoga County, Ohio) into the mysteries of his office when he was elected justice of the peace of Cleveland Township, and a little later on in life,

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he stood as God-father to ex-sheriff W. G. Smith of the same county, when an infant, he was christened.

        On one occasion, while still in the employ of my office he visited his old home, Ireland; on returning, he brought and presented to me a beautiful black-thorn cane, and, in return for the favor, later on, in one of my European trips, I made a detour, and visited the "ould sod", and even kissed the Blarney stone, through the courtesy of some tourists, who held me head downwards, from the parapet, until I performed the osculatory feat.

        From Cleveland, Mr. Phibbs went to Pomona, California; removing from there to Los Angeles, where for a time, he was assistant county or city prosecutor. Later on, he became interested in the manufacture of a cereal breakfast food, and became wealthy. He died a decade ago; and, I have left only the delightful memory of a man whom I considered my best friend, next to my dear mother, sisters and my family.

        Speaking of my Irish friend, brings to my mind the fact that Mr. Michael Gallagher, a giant in stature, and one time marshall of the city or town of Cleveland, used often to honor us with presence; and, occasionally, served writs for us. "Mike" Gallagher was a genial whole-souled fellow full of reminiscences of the early days of the city, and withal, companionable and helpful. He too, has crossed the "great divide."

        Looking backwards over my career as a Justice of the Peace, I think the most humorous episode that occurred in my office was the following:

        Mr. DeScott Evans, who for many years, was noted as being perhaps, the most skillful portrait painter in this section of the United States, and who, with his beautiful and talented daughter, were lost in mid ocean, when a great French liner foundered, on their return trip from Paris, where he had spent some time in perfecting himself

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in the art of delineating laces and draperies. He was also something of a wag, as well.

        On one occasion, seeing a picturesque little colored "newsie", on the avenue, whose appearance attracted his notice, he offered to compensate him, if he would come into his studio and, not "pose," but, submit to some decoration. The boy consented, and once in the studio, Mr. Evans painted his nose a bright vermilion hue, streaked his forehead and cheeks more or less, with the same, and sent him into an adjoining room, tenanted by a lady, lover of art, to deliver to her a note which, appropos, the artist had written and given to him.

        The note ran, somewhat, as follows: "Dear Miss:--knowing you to be fond of natural subjects, I send you, herewith, one on foot. He has a pedigree", etc, etc, etc. The boy, instead of delivering the note, as he was paid to do, carried it home, to his mother, who, being strongly saturated with Indian blood, went "on the war-path," so to speak, which led to the office of the late J. B. McLaughlin, Esq., an attorney at law, who, immediately came to my office and sued the artist for three hundred dollars damages, sustained by the boy, by reason of the "malicious" decorations which he had inflicted on him.

        Mr. Evans, being duly summoned, appeared in court with his lawyer, John J. Carran, Esq., and demanded a trial by jury; which being granted, the case was, in due course, formally tried.

        Strange to relate, the jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff, in the sum of one hundred dollars. The defendant, of course, was both surprised and shocked at the result; and gave notice of appeal; but, before the lapse of the ten days' limit, for appeal, the parties settled the case, by defendant paying to plaintiff the sum of twenty-five dollars and the costs of suit; all amounting to about forty dollars. In the absence of more important news to print, many papers, in the United States carried a story

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of this case--even beyond the Mississippi river; one of them finishing its account as follows: "Lawyer McLaughlin, in arguing the case, created a profound sensation in court, by the startling definition he gave to the term "pedigree!"

        Another case, which I have never forgotten, was one of embezzlement, brought by the Wilson Sewing Machine Company, in which, the complainant, "Muck Bunnell," by name, was declared to have appropriated to his own use the sum of five hundred dollars, belonging to his employer.

        This case lasted two days. Henry C. White, Esq., subsequently probate judge of the county, represented the defendant. Fourteen witnesses, for the state, testified to the identity of the defendant; and he was bound over, to await the action of the grand jury; but, it was subsequently ascertained, that, the defendant was not "Muck Bunnell!" and the company settled with him, for his wrongful arrest, imprisonment and prosecution, by paying him five hundred dollars in cash.

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CHAPTER VIII.

MAKING LAW AND PRACTICING LAW.

        In the fall of 1881, I was again nominated for the lower branch of the General Assembly of Ohio. This time my majority was so large that, I succeeded in getting my certificate; and in the early part of the month of January, following, I was sworn in and took my seat. My desk was immediately in the rear of a group composed of some very conspicuous and able members; amongst whowere, Dr. Scott, ex-consul to Honolulu, from Warren county; Mr. Hathaway, learned lawyer and very high "Masonic," from Chardon, Geauga county; Mr. Jones, able attorney and ex-member of Congress, from Delaware county, and Mr. Freeman Thorpe, a courteous and dignified gentleman, a portrait painter, from Ashtabula county; all of whom treated me without discrimination, and with marked consideration. I may say, here, that, without exception, during the entire sessions of the General Assembly, I had nothing to complain of, in this direction.

        This fact would seem somewhat remarkable, from the fact that, some years theretofore, when a member of the "House" invited the late John Mercer Langston, famous for his learning, eloquence and general utility, to sit by his side, on the floor of that body, serious objection was raised, on the ground that Mr. Langston was a colored man; although his father was a wealthy white Virginian,

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who had given him a college education, and a financial competency, in addition thereto; and I may add, Mr. Langston, a few years later could add, after his name, the significant letters, M. C.

        The Speaker of the House was the Hon. Orlando J. Hodge, a noted parliamentarian, who had seen much service in legislative bodies, municipal and state, and had been a member of the Senate of Connecticut, his native state. In making his assignments for committees, he put me on corporations other than municipal, library and insane asylums; of the latter, he made me chairman; and on various occasions he honored me by calling me to the chair, and allowing me to preside over that august body.

        I was now acting in a dual capacity, being justice of the peace of the township of Cleveland, and a member of the General Assembly, from Cuyahoga county, which included the city of Cleveland and also a number of towns and villages in the suburbs of Cleveland. Of course, I could attend to my magisterial duties only when at home; and since I received no salary in that office, no valid complaint could be made--by reason of my frequent absence from my office. This dual condition ceased to exist, however, after the lapse of one year, when my term as justice expired, after a tenure of nine consecutive years.

        During the existence of this assembly, I performed a mass of work, in committee and on the floor of the house; but I shall notice here only two matters, which the press took notice of, as being of special interest.

        The first, was my strenuous opposition to the enactment of the so-called, "Scott Liquor Taxation Law," fathered by Dr. Scott, of whom I have spoken, and opposed by many people throughout the state, on the ground that it was, essentially, a license law; while the constitution of the state provided substantially, that no law to license the sale of intoxicating liquors should ever be enacted.

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        I, with many others, contended that, permitting the sale of such liquors, on the payment of a "tax," was, substantially, a license; and, therefore, such a law would be unconstitutional and void. The contentions pro and con were strenuous and, at times bitter; but, the "pros" were in the majority, and ultimately, won--the bill becoming a law.

        The validity of the "law" was speedily tested; and the Supreme Court of the state declared it unconstitutional and void. Thereupon, commenced some strategic political work--"log-rolling," during the interim, between that sixty-fifth and the following sixty-sixth General Assembly, the like of which I did not suspect could be consummated--for, I was young and inexperienced in legislative procedure; and, was quite surprised.

        By the time that the constitutionality of the next liquor-taxation-law came before our Supreme Court to be tested, the personnel of that august tribunal had undergone a radical change; and a new governor was in the chair. As a matter of course, the law was upheld; and from that time down to the beginning of our present era of prohibition, saloons were maintained and liquor was sold, without any hindrance, upon the payment of the "tax" license.

        During the first session of that General Assembly (the 65th), Speaker Hodge received a letter from Hon. Oliver G. Cope, of Cadiz, Ohio, who was collecting data as to the Commercial status of the city of Cleveland, and the reasons underlying its rapid growth. I was both surprised and pleased, when he handed the letter to me, and requested me to answer it. In a humble way, I attempted to comply with his request; but, since I was limited in the number of words my answer was to contain, I will here present a copy of my answer for the inspection and criticism of such as may care to read it.

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Columbus, Ohio, February 21, 1882.

Honorable Oliver G. Cope,
Cadiz, Ohio.

My dear sir:--

        Through the courtesy of Hon. Orlando J. Hodge, speaker of the House of Representatives, the pleasing task of submitting to you my "opinion" as to the leading interests or occupations "which have caused the great influx of population into the City of Cleveland," is delegated to me. Permit me, then, to state, in brief, the following:

        First--As to our iron industries, including smelting and the manufacture of bar, rail and other irons, as well as steel.

        The superior qualities pertaining to Lake Superior Iron Ore, have long been known; and, during the last decade and a half, the iron masters of the country, acting upon that knowledge, have located extensive works in Cleveland, for the manufacture of the same; and, obeying a well-known law of political economy, the workers in furnaces and rolling mills, have flocked here, followed by their army of dependents.

        The close proximity of Cleveland to the Massillon-Brier Hill and other coal and coke districts and vast limestone deposits, has added materially, to the desirableness of Cleveland as a suitable place for the manufacture of iron and steel on an extended scale.

        Second--Closely allied to our iron and steel industries, and largely dependent upon them, are the manufactories of stoves, hollow-ware and machinery, of various kinds; to mention one or more of them, where there are so many, would be invidious. Suffice it to say, their name is legion, and they are rapidly increasing in number.

        Third--May be mentioned the oil-refining industries and those collateral industries dependent on them, such as the manufaccture of acids and other chemicals, parafine, etc.; all of which are handled on an immense and increasing scale, as the mere statement of the fact, that, the Standard Oil Company alone possesses facilities for turning out 10,000 barrels of refined oil, daily, will prove.

        Fourth--Cleveland is the grand distributing port of the north-western lumber trade, for this section of the United States; our marine and railroad facilities being such as to make the transportation of lumber and its products, not only practical, but, phenominally, cheap.

        Collaterally, with this industry, have sprung into existence all those industries which depend upon the lumber trade, such as

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the manufacture of barrels and kegs, on a gigantic scale; and also, woodenware manufacturing, on a large scale.

        Fifth--Pork-packing should not escape our notice. Years ago, Cincinnati claimed, and justly was acknowledged, to be the "Porkopolis" of America; but, it is the proud boast of Cleveland, today, that she is not only in the line of competition, but, at our present rate of progress, is destined in the near future, to outstrip her fair sister in the race. See, Statistics, for 1881.

        Sixth--Ship-building must not be ignored, in taking a cursory glance at our leading industrial enterprises. This interest, as managed in Cleveland, has acquired deserved fame throughout the lake regions; and the skill of our shipbuilders is proverbial. We have recently launched an elegant and commodious steel ship, the product of one of our great ship-building companies, which is attracting the attention of our nautical men, everywhere; and is prophetic of increased activity in this line, in the near future. This ship is of 3,000 tons burthen, and floats like a swan, upon the waters.

        To attempt a statement of all our principal industries would be useless, as they are numerous and complicated. I may state, in addition, however, that, thousands are also engaged in the manufacturing of beer, cigars, tobacco and clothing; to say nothing of the myriads of mechanics and artisans who are engaged in the construction of the commodious and elegant blocks and private residences in this city. Nor can we deny that the location of our beautiful city with her miles of shaded streets and avenues; her abundance of pure water; and her unexcelled church and school facilities, have contributed largely towards "this great influx of population." And, last, but not least, an able and intelligent press has exerted a wonderful influence, in this direction, by acquainting the people with our peculiar adaptation for commercial and manufacturing enterprises."


        During the session, there was a junket to Washington, by the members of the house. I do not know who managed it; but, of one fact, I am certain; I received no invitation to join the company. So, I did not have the opportunity of seeing or interviewing Giteau, the assassin of the great James A. Garfield, before he was executed.

        Perhaps, it was just as well. For, had I accompanied them, we would have been compelled to part company, in

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Washington, by reason of the caste, which, then and now, excludes persons of color from hotels and dining rooms--except as menials.

        An incident occurred, in the House, during that session, which enabled me to aid the late Tom L. Johnson in obtaining a sure and firm foothold, as a resident and citizen of Cleveland; and since this fact has played so important a part in the recent history of Cleveland, and, indirectly, given to the nation our great and efficient secretary of war, the Hon. Newton D. Baker. I shall record it in this place.

        When Mr. Johnson first came to Cleveland, directly from Indianapolis, where he had some experiences in the line of street railway affairs, he found all the main avenues, extending from the public square to the eastern suburbs of the city, "preempted," occupied by "existing companies"--Broadway, Woodland avenue, Central avenue, Cedar avenue, Prospect street, Euclid avenue, Superior street and St. Clair avenue, were established and, beyond his reach.

        He offered to pave Scovill Avenue, which was, at times little more than a quagmire, if the denizens of that thoroughfare would concede to him a franchise to build and operate a street railroad through it. The offer was quickly accepted; but shortly, Mr. Johnson became aware of the fact that, as conditions then existed, he would be unable to run his cars beyond Scovill avenue to the "square," unless he could, in some way, secure an easement over at least, one of the old lines, which permission was refused him, by the offcials of each line. At that time, each car line had a separate president and board of trustees.

        Then, there was introduced in the General Assembly, a bill known as the Weitzel Bill; by Mr. Weitzel of Cincinnati, which provided, amongst other things, that, no new company should operate its cars over the tracks of

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an existing company a greater distance than one-eighth of a mile.

        Immediately, the City Council of Cleveland, unanimously adopted a resolution, requesting the senators and representatives from this county to oppose that bill; for the reason that, if enacted, it would prevent any competition in the street-railway business, and create a monopoly in Cleveland, in favor of the old companies.

        When this bill was put on its passage, in the House, I alone, of the whole delegation, opposed it. I read the resolution of our City Council, and made the fact as clear as possible that, the bill was inimical to the best interests of the car-riders of Cleveland; that, the present management of the street-railroads was not for the convenience of their patrons, but, for the profit of stockholders, of the same.

        The result, to the surprise of the friends of the bill, was, that, it failed of passage! Mr. Bruner of Wyandotte county, who had some interest conserved by other provisions of the bill, moved that, it be referred to a "select committee" of one, which was himself--this course was adopted; and, in the course of the session, he reported it back to the House; when it was passed, with the objectionable clause eliminated.

        Thereupon, Mr. Tom L. Johnson, through the Council, or by agreement with one of the old companies, obtained permission to run his cars over other lines, down to the square; and also, to and over the viaduct, to the West Side; and from that time forward, he became an honored and useful citizen of Cleveland; serving her in Congress and as Mayor. Likewise, he was here to welcome Mr. Newton D. Baker, who, for years, collaborated with him and others, and succeeded him as Mayor of Cleveland; also, Mr. Baker, by virtue of his connection with Mr. Johnson, as well as by his extraordinary ability, displayed in every position to which he was called, ultimately,

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headed the delegation to the Baltimore National Democratic convention, which nominated Woodrow Wilson, in the first instance, for President; where, he showed great ability and "masterly activity," in contributing towards Wilson's nomination, which fact paved the way for his appointment to his present august position. To what extent was this writer contributory thereto? After the defeat of the bill, L. A. Russell, Esq., who was the able and efficient attorney of Mr. Tom L. Johnson, came to me and thanked me, for the successful fight I had made, for the people of Cleveland, as well as Mr. Johnson."

        Some criticism of my failure to introduce and secure the passage of a bill to repeal the so-called "black laws," which were still standing on the statute books of Ohio, has been made. They were, like the clause of our State Constitution, which restricts the electoral to "white male citizens," relicts of the old slave regime, a menace to and abridgement of our rights as citizens of the state of Ohio, and diametrically opposed to the Fourteenth and Fifteenth amendments of the Constitution of the United States.

        There were several reasons why I did not prepare and introduce such a bill during that term of the assembly, which I shall now explain.

        In the first place, there was considerable opposition to the passage of such a law, which was manifested, when I mentioned the subject, in a general way to some of the members, who were quite influential, and were of that "lily white" faction of the Republican party, who were led by the late Congressman C. H. Grosvenor, of the Athens district, whose influence was still felt in the counsels of the state. During the Sixty-fourth General Assembly when the general statutes of the state were revised, and an effort was made to eliminate the "Black Laws," from the code, General Grosvenor, personally objected; saying, that the colored people of Ohio had not petitioned for their repeal; and that, they did not desire it. This argument

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was, of course, specious; but, it answered the purpose of defeating action, and they were included in the revised edition.

        Now, this condition of affairs prevailed, when I was in the assembly; and to prevent the same objection being raised again, I endeavored to secure the assistance of my colored constituents, at home, in having petitions signed by colored voters, asking for the repeal of those unjust-prejudicial laws; but, without success.

        Time and again, I called attention to this necessary action; but, without avail; and when the Assembly adjourned, not one petition had been formulated and signed; and the matter was postponed, until a later day.

        Another reason, why I did not then act, was, that the late Senator George S. Ely, who was elected from the Cleveland district, notified me that, he had a bill, in his pocket, for the repeal of those laws, which had been given to him by some of the voters of Cleveland; and that, he too, as myself, was waiting for a petition, numerously signed by colored people, to file, before introducing the bill. The petition never was delivered to him; and the Assembly adjourning he postponed action to its next meeting, which I am sorry to say, never came; for, the next Assembly was Democratic, on account of the antisaloon legislation of the Sixty-fifth Assembly, and George Hoadly, a "Greely Democrat," was elected Governor. I was inclined to defer to the wishes of Senator Ely, because he was a grand good man, high in financial and political circles, and I, quite naturally, believed that the bill would be more liberally and successfully supported under his leadership, than under mine, without any home support.

        The late Bishop B. W. Arnett (colored), a member from Greene County, fell heir to the Ely bill, and carried it in his pocket until a clamor for its introduction was heard all over the State, amongst the colored voters and others.

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It was said by some, that, as a condition to his election, he had pledged himself to the voters of Greene county, not to introduce a bill of that purport; and that, he could not break his word. Whether that was true or not, I have never ascertained; but, it is a matter of history, that, during the latter part of the session the bill was introduced, and the repeal effected, by a Democratic Assembly aided and abetted by George Hoadly, an old free soil abolitionist, who went wrong under the leadership of Horace Greeley.

        Subsequent to the defeat of the "Weitzel" bill, and before the adjournment of the General Assembly, a group of four gentlemen, each of whom was the president of one of the street railroad systems of Cleveland, came into my office, in Superior Street, and tried to persuade me to agree to support that bill, when reported back to the House, by the "select committee" of one, in whose hands it still rested. After much talk (arguments) and mutual explanations, I wearied of it; and, to cut off further discussion, I exclaimed: "Gentlemen, I would not vote for that bill if you would give me ten thousand dollars!" One of them answered: "Well, you are very positive, to say the least!" Another remarked: "Well, there is one paper in Cleveland, that will support you, if you will support that bill!!"

        Failing to swerve me from my determination to stand by the car-riders of Cleveland, they finally left, in a disappointed mood. In justice to those gentlemen, all of whom it is necessary to say, were the soul of honesty, I will here state, that, during the whole controversy, from beginning to the end, no one of them, nor all combined, offered me any money or anything of value, to secure my support of that or any other measure.

        That my entire course, in the Sixty-fifth General Assembly was endorsed by the Republican party, goes without saying; and if any proof of this statement be lacking,

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I will here state, that, I was renominated for a second term, by acclamation, no one dissenting; but, in the next general election, we not only lost the Governor and Assembly, to the Democratic party, but, we also failed to elect a United States senator--the Honorable Henry B. Payne, of Cleveland--an "old line" Democrat, being elected to that high office.

        In those days, the liquor interests were tried and faithful allies of the Democratic party, and to suggest or support any legislation which could be construed as hostile to their interests, brought down, speedily, condign punishment; Query. In the light of the Nation-wide abolition of the liquor manufacture and traffic, by Mr. Wilson's Democratic administration, what do they think now? And what course will they pursue to enforce their maledictions against those who have destroyed their business and in some instances, confiscated their property and imprisoned them?

        Being a candidate, again, for the same position, I was met, in the Republican convention, by those four, street-railroad presidents; and, to my great surprise and dismay, they worked intelligently, persistently and ably, to compass my defeat. Success crowned their efforts. They defeated me, by securing the nomination of another colored man, a carpenter and joiner and mail carrier, the late Mr. Jere A. Brown. He served through the 67th and 68th Assemblies. After that, he filled several clerical positions, in Columbus, Washington and Cleveland, during the remainder of his life.

        During the six years which elapsed between the 65th and the 69th Assemblies, I was engaged in the practice of my profession, which enabled me to buy a home and get my family comfortably settled, and I, probably would have eschewed politics for all time, had not the Convention plan of nominating candidates been discontinued, and the "Australian" or "popular vote" plan been substituted

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for it. By this token, I knew that, the influence of the "bosses," so called, would not be so potent as on the convention floor; and I determined to "pick my flint" and try again.

        The dry details of professional practice, whether it be along the lines of theology, medicine or law, are of little interest to the average reader; but, perhaps, some reference to a few of a humorous nature, will not be amiss.

        During the years between 1885 and 1897, the prosecuting attorneys of Cuyahoga County were, far above the average, in both learning and effort, although, Messrs. Homer B. DeWolf, "Sam" Eddy, Alexander Hadden, Peter H. Kaiser and William Robinson, who antedated them, were all gentlemen of liberal education and high professional standing.

        Between the dates mentioned, there were a large number of murder cases tried, and it so happened that, this writer was defending, in a number of them. In those days attorneys were not restricted in time; on both sides, they were allowed to discuss all the evidence, ad libitum, especially, in felony cases, and, frequently, the argumenst, in homicide cases, occupied a day or more, on both sides.

        I recall a case of murder in the first degree, which carried with a conviction a life penalty, in which my argument for the defendant had run over into the second day; and, it being then near noon, William B. Neff, Esq. (Now Judge Neff), was nervously pacing the floor. What the condition of the jurors was, "depondent saith not."

        Some one said, "Neff, when are you going to make your argument?" to which, Mr. Neff answered: "God only, knows; if Green does not finish soon, my administrator will have to make it!" However, before the recess, I resumed my seat, and Prosecutor Neff began his reply.

        In his gentle-suave manner, he began: "Now, gentlemen

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of the jury, don't you be swerved from the path of rectitude by Mr. Green's tears. Gentlemen, Mr. Green is a born actor, and his proper sphere of duty is on the stage--not at the bar. Why, gentlemen, recently, after one of those copious flows of tears, I went to the trouble and expense of having one of them analyzed by a competent chemist; and, when that chemist reached the last analysis of that tear, what do you think he found?--Simply a dollar mark--for revenue only!!"

        The jurors and onlookers who had been absorbed for the instant, gave loose rein to their feelings--and laughed audibly. Such was one of the tactics of that eloquent and able gentleman.

        There was another case tried during that decade, which caused considerable comment, and added to my reputation, as a "criminal attorney;" although, if the amount involved is not considered, my civil practice far exceeded my practice in the criminal branch. The case, now referred to, was that of Ohio vs. Clark, one of two men indicted for the murder of a poor youth who was on his way to catch a train, for his school, at Hudson, Ohio.

        There was another "first degree" indictment, in that case; it was that of a man by the name of Dempsey; who was ably defended by the late Harrison J. Ewing, Esq., who was assisted therein, by this writer. Mr. Ewing also assisted me in the trial of the Clark case. We were engaged, from first to last, about thirty days, in the trial of these two cases; and the outcome was, that, both defendants were found guilty of murder in the second degree; and received a life sentence in the penitentiary. Mr. Clark, who was tuberulous, died, after a few years incarceration; but, Mr. Dempsey, after the lapse of seven or eight years, was pardoned; and, being married, he is now living the life of an industrious, respected citizen.

        In defending Clark, this writer and others (including the late Judge Carlos M. Stone, who presided), shed a few

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more of those tears, to which reference has been made, during the delivery of my argument for the defense; whereupon, Prosecutor Theodore L. Strimple (now Judge Strimple) exclaimed: "Well, you have shed tears, now, you had better offer up a prayer!" Taking him at his word, this writer immediately knelt and "offered up" a prayer, for wisdom, strength and success in his undertaking.

        This was a decided innovation in the method of trying a law-suit; and it attracted universal attention, on the part of both the bar and the public. The newspapers contained accounts of the incident; and one of them sent a representative to interview lawyers and others, as to the propriety, first, of a lawyer crying, in the course of his argument; and, second, with reference to the prayer that was offered.

        The attorneys gave various answers, as to the first; but, fortunately, for me, the Supreme Court of Tennessee, had, just at that time, handed down a decision which involved this identical question--of tears; in that decision, the court said, in substance, that, a lawyer may weep, in the midst of his argument, if he is moved, by the merits of his case, to do so; and, doubt is expressed as to whether or not the attorney has performed his whole duty, if he feels like crying and refrains from doing so. This was all in my favor; but, as to the question relating to the prayer; they shook their heads and remained silent.

        So, the time flew by, for weeks and months; until, on one fair day, I met W. S. Kerruish, Esq., hereinbefore mentioned--lawyer, scholar, antiquarian, who stopped me, in the street.

        "Green!" he exclaimed: "I have a precedent for your praying in court!" "Indeed," I answered. "Please give it to me." "When Lord Brougham defended Queen Caroline," he said, measuredly, "he got down on his marrow-bones and prayed, in open court!"

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        Here, then, was a real precedent; and coming from that illustrious source, I was vindicated, beyond all question; and, thenceforward, the matter was allowed to sleep.

        There was another case, of a civil nature, which attracted considerable attention during that period of time, the interregnum, as I have occasionally termed it. It was the well known case of Florine A. Combes vs. Dr. J. B. Fox; and was predicated on a claim of seven hundred and fifty dollars, which plaintiff alleged was due her from the defendant for board and lodging and services rendered for him, at his request.

        This case was tried before the late Judge Henry McKinney and a jury, I appearing for plaintiff, and W. S. Kerruish, Esq., the late Judge Henry C. White and Jeff M. Stewart, Esq., all representing the defendant, Dr. Fox; who, metaphorically, exclaimed, "millions for defence; not one cent for tribute!"

        This case was desperately contested by the numerous and able attorneys for the defendant; but, all to no purpose; the jury found for my client--Mrs. Combes, for the full amount, with interest.

        Defendant's attorneys carried the case to the Circuit Court (now Court of Appeals), where the defendant was represented by the late L. C. Ford, Esq., who, by the way, had taught me Greek, when I was a student, under him in the old High School; and, being defeated there, it was taken to the Supreme Court, at Columbus, where, I regret to state, it slumbered during several years; and was finally decided in favor of the plaintiff. The attorney for Dr. Fox, in the Supreme Court, was Solomon A. Schwab, Esq., who was one of my classmates in the same old Central High School, 1866-69.

        I had the pleasure of turning over to Mrs. Combes, after a litigation of seven (7) years, the entire amount of her claim, together with interest.

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CHAPTER IX.

SECOND TERM IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY--
"DADDY OF LABOR DAY."

        At the primaries, in the fall of 1889, I was, again, nominated for the General Assembly; and my majority exceeded, by six hundred and forty-two (642) votes, that of all others, on the Republican ticket; being, to that number, in excess of the vote cast for Hon. Orlando J. Hodge, ex-speaker of the lower branch of the 65th General Assembly; and, since there were eleven candidates on that ticket, my signal success was taken as a substantial vindication of my previous record.

        At the general election, I was, duly elected, by a majority of about three thousand votes; and in due time, took my seat in the Sixty-ninth General Assembly.

        I shall mention only a few of the measures which received my special attention, during the sessions of this Assembly, lest I weary the patience of the reader.

        The first was, a bill to modify the school law of Ohio, introduced by Mr. McDermott of Muskingum County; which provided, in substance, that, whenever twenty-five parents of colored pupils in the schools of any district petitioned for a separate school, for their children, it should be granted to them.

        I fought this measure, desperately, every time it came before the House, for the reason that, such an amendment of the law would have been only an "entering

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wedge," for the system of separate schools; which, in my opinion, would be calamitous to the colored children of Ohio. The bill was, finally, defeated; and our schools are still intact.

        The second was the attempt on the part of the Ohio State University, under the leadership of the late ex-President Rutherford B. Hayes, to "hog" the agricultural scrip, which was given to Ohio (and other states), to promote higher education.

        This movement was ably and persistently opposed by the late Prof. Mitchell, President of Wilberforce University, for which institution he desired to secure a minor portion of that fund. Conferences were held on the floors of both houses; and, on one occasion, one of the chambers was given up for a general discussion of the matter, in the presence of many members of both branches of the General Assembly.

        The entire amount was, ultimately, given to the Ohio State University, although, in urging the claims and necessities of Wilberforce University, President Mitchell demonstrated his wisdom, courage and industry to a marked degree; and, evoked, even from his opponents, many enconiums. Had a less able and influential man than ex-President Hayes been opposed to Pres. Mitchell, he probably would have won his point.

        On the day following the discomfiture of Pres. Mitchell, I spoke, before the House, in open session, for an increase in the tentative appropriation for the State Normal and Industrial department of Wilberforce; and my interest and energy was such that, my argument covered a space of five hours; and the proposed appropriation, which was six thousand dollars, then printed in the Appropriation Bill, was changed to sixteen (16) thousand dollars; and the bill, as passed, carried that amount.

        This was the first large appropriation which was given to the Normal and Industrial; and the school was

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so stimulated and enthused, by reason of it, that a steady growth set in, which has culminated in the large, handsome and useful plant which is at Wilberforce today. As a token of regard for the interest displayed by me, for the school, as well as for the speech which I delivered on the floor of the House, in behalf of the increased appropriation, the Faculty of the University bestowed on me the degree of LL. D., the diploma being signed by every member.

        The third bill was drawn and introduced by myself entitled (as I now recall it) "A Bill to Create Labor Day, in the State of Ohio. The law was enacted April 28th, 1890, and, from that date, the first Monday in September, has been a legal holiday, in Ohio.

        There were marchings and counter-marchings, in various states, before the enactment of that law; but, closely following the legalizing of the day in Ohio, Congress took up the matter, and made it national in its scope, as it remains, to this day. If there was any legislation concerning Labor's Holiday, before I drew and secured the passage of that bill, I have yet to be informed of the fact; but, as to Ohio, I am positive, there was not.

        On the first Monday in September, following the creation of the day, I was the guest of the Amalgamated Trades of Cincinnati, Ohio. I was received at the depot by a committee of the Trades Union, and escorted to headquarters, and when the great procession moved, I was in a carriage, at the head of the procession, with some of the leading officials of the organization.

        In the evening of same day, a banquet was given upon one of the high hills which look down on a portion of the city; and I was feted, as I had never been before; nor have I been since. Champagne and other wines, and beer, flowed freely, as I was hailed by those honest work-men, "The daddy of the day!" The Cincinnati Enquirer, and other papers gave full reports of the proceedings; nor

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did I hear or read then, that, the day had been legalized before my bill was enacted.

        On the following Labor Day, 1891, I was again the invited guest of the same organization; and, arriving in the early morning, I was escorted to the Gibson House, a hostelry which, in those days, was regarded as amongst the first of that city.

        At the breakfast table, I was received and served as a gentleman; but, when I presented my hat to the usher, at the dining-room door, at the dinner hour, he informed me that, he had orders not to receive it; for the reason that, I was a colored man. At the office I was insulted by an offer made to me, that they would serve me in the "ordinary,"--a place reserved for the use of servants and children. This offer I promptly refused; and immediately accepted the offer of a reporter of one of the daily papers, to escort me to another hotel.

        Arriving at the Burnet House, a larger and better appointed place than the Gibson House, I was received as a gentleman, assigned to a front room, with a bath-room attachment; and served in the dining room, in all respects, as any other American citizen.

        During the course of the day, I was honored by ex-Governor Joseph B. Foraker, who paid me a formal call; and also by ex-Congressman McKinley (afterwarls Governoor of Ohio, and President of the United States), who refused to be a guest of the Gibson House, after he was informed of my treatment there by the management.

        On a third occasion, we went to a suburban resort and celebrated the day pic-nic-ing. Governor Campbell, then Governor of Ohio, headed the list of speakers; but, he sent his secretary, Claude Meeker, in his stead.

        McKinley did not wish to precede Meeker; thereupon, I offered to see the managers of the day and have the order changed; which I did. McKinley following Meeker, as he desired. This writer was also one of the speakers;

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of which fact he was very proud--under the circumstances. Since that date, I have not been the guest of any labor organization; but, their friendship for, and fidelity to me, have been manifested, in business as well as in politics.

        At a later day, when Governor James Campbell of Ohio, addressed a vast throng of working men, at Goodale Park, Columbus, I was honored by being on the programme, as one of the speakers. The Governor, who was not only eloquent but, also, humorous, on this occasion, said, in the midst of his speech, referring to laboring men, that, there was one position which he had always coveted, but had never attained to; then, glancing at me--sitting near him, he exclaimed, "that position is porter on a Pullman car!" Loud laughter greeted this essay of wit and humor.

        However, my opportunity finally came; when glancing at the Governor, I said: "Gentlemen, I am more than than surprised to hear the Governor of the great state of Ohio, declare that, he does now or ever has aspired to the position of porter on a Pullman car. Why, gentlemen, nearly thirty years ago, I was a porter on a sleeping car, which ran from Cleveland to Cincinnati; and I labored and studied to attain to a higher position; and here I am, today, sitting and speaking by the side of the Governor of Ohio--the guest of a great Labor organization of the State of Ohio!"

        The effect of this retort can be better imagined than described; but, from the noise the crowd made, I imagined I had given him my "Rowland for his Oliver."

        Another bill which I drew, when in the 69th General Assembly was one to exempt from garnishee process, the wages due to a person who is the "sole support of a widowed mother." It remains to this day in the statute books of Ohio, and is frequently invoked to protect poor widows from want.

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        I ought to say, perhaps, that, during the sessions of this 69th General Assembly, I drew, introduced and secured the passage of a bill, which added one thousand dollars to the salaries of our under-paid common pleas judges. In addition to this, I led the fight for the addition of a fraction of a mill to our tax assessments, to create a fund which paid for the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, on our Public Square. This I did in compliance with the wishes of the late Levi T. Schofield, Esq., a grand, good, talented man, who was the architect and soul of the whole movement. And I also made special effort for legislation fathered by Councilman Curtiss of Cleveland, for the construction of our Central viaduct. The foregoing, with a mass of routine legislation, too numerous to mention, called for much energy and effort, until the close of that session.

        Having now served four eventful sessions of the General Assembly, to the neglect of my professional business, I began to tire of it; for, in very truth, my only reason for neglecting my law office, and spending my winters and springs in Columbus, came from a desire, on my part, to blaze the way for others of my class; who, I believed, would follow me; and now, that the road was open and clear, I was ready to retire to my private duties.

        Thereupon, numerous of my friends, of both races, began to advise me to stand for the senatorial "toga," which, I must confess, found in me a ready and willing listener; not more because the term "senator," was music in my ears, than for the reason that, the fact of representing such a populous, wealthy and intelligent constituency as inhabited the great city of Cleveland and her environs--the first city of the great State of Ohio, would be an additional honor which few men would decline.

        So, I yielded; and, thereforward, was recognized as a candidate for senatorial honors. The convention, in due time was called to order; and the contests for the place

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were "hotly" waged. At one time, I considered that I had been defeated; and I went "'way back" and sat down. The fact that the Honorable William H. Clifford, a colored man, was on the floor of the convention, distributing his tickets and soliciting support for the lower house, did not aid my cause in the least; for, I was certain that, with only about one colored vote in a hundred, at that time, the colored people would not be given a member in each branch of the Assembly; and then too, those who were contesting my candidacy for the Senate, pointed to the fact, that, the colored voters were not united--one faction demanding representation in the House, and another seeking a footing in the Senate.

        Finally the late Charles W. Snider, Esq., who, for five consecutive years, had a desk in my office, and on my certificate, took his examination for the Ohio bar, came to me and said, that, if I would promise to support John Sherman's re-election to the United States Senate, he could secure for me the votes of two wards. I readily accepted the proposition, because John Sherman, was my choice, in any event; and, another ballot being taken, I was nominated by a safe plurality, amidst loud acclamation on the part of my friends. One of my most earnest and energetic supporters, amongst the colored people, was The Honorable Harry C. Smith, then and now editor of the Gazette, the militant and unswerving advocate of the rights of the colored Americans.

        At the general election I was duly elected by a plurality of several thousand votes; and, for the first and only time, thus far, Ohio had elected a colored man Senator; a fact which I could scarcely realize. I had declared before being elected to the Senate, that, if elected, I I would never be a candidate for any other representative office. I have, thus far, kept my word, and expect to in the future.

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CHAPTER X.

IN THE SENATE; SUNSHINE AND SHADOW.

        When the Senate of the 70th General Assembly was organized I was duly sworn in, and took my allotted seat, which was near the center aisle, in the outer rim of the semi-circle. My nearest neighbors being the senators from Hamilton county.

        Of course, I was, easily, the cynosure of all eyes; but, that fact was not to be wondered at; for, it was an historical event, which marked, in an unmistakable way, the steady, onward trend of a great people, whose ancestors, for the most part, had scarcely emerged from a barbaric despotism.

        True it is, that prior to this time, two different colored men had been elected to the Senate of the United States; and had been sworn in, as members of the same; and served their term; but, these men were not elected by popular vote. They were elected by members of legislatures, in two of the "Gulf States," during the "Reconstruction" period; at a time when their respective states were dominated by the votes of the Freedmen, and some of the legislators could neither read nor write.

        The relative strength of the respective classes, white and colored, in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, at the time of my election, was, about, as one or, perhaps two, to a hundred; and all the functions, social, political and

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educational, were in the hands and under the control of "white male citizens," which constituted a marked contrast, between elections of colored men in Ohio and those in the lower tier of southern states. As an indication of the view taken of my election, by white in Ohio, the following anecdote will be enlightening:

        I was sitting at my desk, on the floor of the Senate, when a white gentleman, visitor, approached me, and the following colloquy ensued: Gentleman: "I beg pardon; but, are you a member of this Senate?"

        The writer: "Yes, sir, I am a member of this body."

        Gentleman, with apparent surprise: "Where are you from?"

        The Writer: "I am from the 25th--the Cleveland district."

        Gentleman, still more surprised: "How, on earth, did you ever get here?"

        I answered him by saying, that the people were not only just, but, generous; and that they had sent me to the Senate, partly, out of compliment to the colored residents of the district; and, partly, as a reward of merit for my long years of fidelity and labor in behalf of the Republican party, and, at the local bar. Then followed a long conversation between him and me, in which he showed his great surprise at the extraordinary progress made by the colored people, since emancipation, under discouraging handicaps.

        The presiding officers of this senate were the late Andrew L. Harris, President of the Senate, and Elbert L. Lampson, president pro tem; both learned and able men. Mr. Harris, subsequently, became Governor of Ohio, and Mr. Lampson, was, for years, the honored and efficient reading clerk of the House of Representatives, at Washington.

        On an auspicious occasion, President Lampson called me to preside over the Senate of Ohio; and I gladly and

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eagerly availed myself of the opportunity; for, although my active experience as a parliamentarian was exceedingly limited, yet, here was Opportunity knocking at my door, and I dared not let it pass me by.

        During the half hour or more which elapsed, while I occupied the chair, the Hon. James E. Campbell, ex-Governor of Ohio, entered the Senate Chamber, and I had the superlative pleasure of introducing him to the Senators, who stood, to receive him.

        It is, also, worthy of note, I think, that, during the same period of time, I was the defacto Lieutenant-Governor of the State of Ohio.

        Later on, I will include a list of all the bills which I actively supported, while a member of the Senate; but, at present, I shall confine myself to mentioning a few, to which I gave especial and energetic effort.

        First, the Street-car Vestibule Bill, which made it obligatory on the part of the owners and operators of street-cars, to annex to them enclosed "vestibules," for the protection of motormen and conductors from the rigors of winter and inclement weather.

        Prior to that time, both of those employes, were compelled to protect themselves from the weather, as best they could, without any other than that of their wearing apparel, and, since their motor power was horses, the opportunities of warming themselves were few, and quite inadequate.

        The bill came over to the Senate from the House; but, the lobby in opposition to it, in the upper house, was so strong and influential, that it found, at first, little or no favor. Here, I found an opportunity of repaying, to some extent, the many favors which the laboring men had conferred on me; and I lost no time in going to "the front," in support of this bill. I builded more wisely than I anticipated; and ere long had the satisfaction of seeing the bill enacted into a law--still existing, which resulted

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in the placing of vestibules on the front and rear of every railway passenger car.

        It was argued that the glass windows in the front of the proposed vestibules, would become frosted and covered with snow, so as to obscure the vision of the motorman, thereby increasing fatalities and other accidents; but, down to this date, the prophecy has not been fulfilled, nor does it seem likely to be in the future.

        Another bill which I took under my wing--metaphorically speaking, was the one which provided that the coal miners of the state should be paid "by the run of the mine," instead of "by the screen," which was then in vogue. Now there were annually, many thousands of tons of fine coal which passed through the screen and sold at a good price, in the market, for the mining of which, the miners received no pay; and it seemed only reasonable and fair, that, they should be recompensed for all that went into the market.

        This bill was bitterly--stubbornly opposed by the mine owners, throughout the State; and the arguments and other efforts to secure its defeat, were numerous, and, at times, interesting. I, as in the case of the Vestibule Bill, espoused the cause of the laborers; but, as my memory now serves me, the bill could muster the support of only six (6) votes, amongst the entire membership of the Senate--and failed of passage. However, it is still a source of great satisfaction to me, to know that, I strenuously supported our idea, which ultimately, prevailed, and that, for many years, the hard workers--"down in the coal mines, underneath the ground," have been receiving their just reward, in this respect; whatever else may be said, apropos of other contentions.

        A humorous sequel arising out of this contention over the "Anti-Screen Bill," will bear repeating, here, I think; and, I will add, I did not become fully informed, in the

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premises, until after the lapse of a decade or more of years; so well had my informant kept the secret.

        At a time when the contest was at its topmost height, a senator came to me and said: "Senator, the -- Coal Co. has a "book" of abstracts of coal lands, which they desire to have examined by an expert; and I have referred them to you. They will pay you well for your work; and, I hope you can accept the offer." I thanked him, and lost no time in coming in touch with the company, and receiving from them a "book" of about thirty abstracts of title, to coal lands, in the heart of the coal producing section.

        I carried the "book" to my lodgings and, from five o'clock a. m., until the breakfast bell rang, for several days, I scrutinized those abstracts, until the work was finished; when I returned it to the office in Cleveland, duly certified, in accordance with my instructions. The gentleman who received it, asked me my charge; when I promptly replied, "twenty-five dollars," I shall never forget the blank stare which he directed at me; but, he said nothing. Going to his desk, he drew a check and handed it to me. I accepted it, gratefully, and took my departure.

        As the years passed by, the transaction passed out of my mind; until, one fine day, a personal friend of mine, said, "Senator, I have a joke on you, which I have kept for ten years; but, I guess, I can tell it to you now." I, of course, became curious to know the purport of it; and said to him, in substance:


                         "Let me see what in thereat is,
                         And this mystery explore."

        Then he made known to me the fact that, the employing of me to examine the abstracts, was one way of winning my vote against the "run of the mine" bill; by giving me an opportunity of collecting from the corporation

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the sum of five hundred dollars--more or less. I collected less; hence the "blank stare," when I presented my bill for twenty-five dollars.

        The establishment of a system of Parks and Boulevards was a subject which at this time was claiming much attention in Cleveland. The munificent gift of Mr. J. H. Wade, Mr. J. W. Gordon and Mr. Jacob B. Perkins had made this possible; but, all three of the gifts being predicated, to some extent on the future development and upkeep of the system, it became necessary to finance the undertaking, in order to preserve them, and initiate the much-needed improvements.

        To that end, a bill was drawn, having as its object the bestowal upon the City of Cleveland, through the designated authorities, power to issue and sell bonds, in the sum of one million dollars, for the purpose of carrying out the conditions of the several grants, and to render them, to some extent, adaptable to the needs of the people.

        This bill was placed in the hands of Senator Wilbur Parker; but, after it came from the committee, on his motion, it was referred to a "select committee of one" (himself), and for some reason which I have never known, he carried it in his "pocket," for several weeks; and notwithstanding the importunities of the Cleveland friends of the bill, he failed to report it back to the Senate.

        Finally, one day, when he appeared on the floor of the Senate, after a long absence, I moved that, "the select committee of one, to whom was referred Senate Bill No.--, be discharged from further consideration of the same;" and, the motion carrying, the bill came, once more, before the Senate, for consideration. Thereupon, at the instigation of Senator Parker, a motion was made for the re-consideration of the motion just adopted; and a "battle royal" ensued between the friends and foes of the bill, led by this writer, which threatened, at times to eventuate in the loss of the bill; for the adjournment of the Senate

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was near at hand, and the present opportunity was "golden."

        The motion to re-consider was lost, and the law was enacted, which placed on a firm foundation our present elaborate, extensive and beautiful system of parks and boulevards; which is a source of so much pleasure and healthfulness to all classes of our people.

        About this time, a bill which had passed the House of which the late Senator William T. Clark was the author, came over to the Senate and was put on its passage. It was a bill which provided that the firemen of Cleveland should be allowed a few hours off duty every week (since at that time they had no time off at all, for any purpose whatever.) In consonance with the policy which, during my entire legislative career had characterized my conduct, I supported the bill--in fact, took charge of it; and had the satisfaction of seeing it become a law.

        When the passage of this bill became known in Cleveland, there was an immediate outburst of anger, on the part of some interested persons; an indignation meeting was called and held; and Mr. Clark and I were soundly berated; for, it was said, the granting of a few hours of recreation to each fireman, would require an addition to the number of firemen, and, thereby entail an extra expense, which the tax-payers would have to pay.

        I came from Columbus and confronted that boiling-bubbling meeting, and demanded to be heard. After much pounding of the stand with his gavel, the chairman secured a hearing for me, and before I took my seat, my utterances were loudly applauded; but the general trend seemed to be averse to allowing the firemen any time off; and, within a few days, the Hon. Joseph C. Bloch (now ex-Judge Bloch) introduced a bill to repeal the abnoxious legislation; and it was eliminated from the statues of that General Assembly. The sequel to all this "tempest in a tea-pot," is, that within a year or two, there was a law

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enacted granting to the firemen more "time off" than the Clark Bill" provided for; and, today, they have still more time allowed them." "Truth (justice) crushed to earth, will rise again!" I recall my connection with that illfated bill as one of the proudest transactions of my life; and, I enjoy telling about it.

        It is generally known that, we have on the pages of our statute books a law known as the Civil Rights Law, which was fathered by The Honorable Harry C. Smith, who, for three terms, represented the County of Cuyahoga (Cleveland) in the House of the General Assembly. This law is far-reaching in its scope, and includes, amongst other public services, barber shops; tho it is, as regards them, a dead letter; since there are few men who have the nerve to compel by law, an unwilling hostile barber to shave them.

        During the 70th General Assembly the Honorable George H. Jackson, of Cincinnati, who was the colored member of the House from Hamilton County, introduced a bill to repeal that portion of the law relating to barber shops; and supported it on the floor of the House with much eloquence and force; so that it passed without a dissenting vote, as I now recall the transaction.

        The question now was, how to pass it in the Senate, Mr. Green's opposition to it, non obstante; for it was well known that I was fundamentally opposed to turning Revolutions backwards; on the contrary, it was easily apparent to all the friends of the colored race in the state, that, what the law stood most in need of was, not the elimination of any of its provisions, but more thorough enforcement.

        It was thought that, if Mr. Jackson could make his great speech before the Senate, the bill would pass that body, no matter whether this writer opposed it or not. So, a little strategy was adopted in order to enable Mr. Jackson to address the Senate; and since, by the rules

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of the Senate, he could not be permitted to address that body, as such, it was resolved into a committee of the whole Senate; and the author of the bill was permitted to make his argument for it, before that body sitting as a committee.

        This trick seemed to be a success, until after the committee rose and went back into its legitimate form of a Senate; when, this writer arose, at his desk, and characterized the whole procedure in anything but a complimentary way; and, with clenched fist, which hammered the desk before him, dared the Senators to eliminate any portion of that law; and he threatened, if the bill passed the Senate, to go to the colored voters of the State and denounce their action.

        On the roll call, the bill failed to receive the required number of votes to pass it; and from that day until the present, no other effort by white or colored, has been made to repeal or emasculate the law.

        About the year 1892, The Cleveland Railway Company, which was composed of all the street railway companies in the city of Cleveland, save and except the interest represented by Mr. Tom L. Johnson, began to consider, seriously the necessity of disposing of its horses and adopting electricity as a motor power; and this made necessary an entire change in the way of trackage, rolling stock, power plants, and employes; to say nothing of the vast outlay necessitated in the erecting of poles, stringing of costly wires, and the acquiring in some instances, of additional rights of way and sites for the location, of enlarged and costly buildings.

        The late Senator M. A. Hanna, upon whose broad shoulders rested, principally, the responsibility and burden of financing these very costly projects, decided that, it would be necessary to sell the "paper" of the company in New York, in order to compass success, in this behalf; and, that they might get a fair consideration for the

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same, it was equally essential to make a showing of a franchise adequate for the proffered security.

        For the foregoing reasons and as a first move towards the accomplishment of these designs, a bill was prepared, commonly known as the "ninety-nine-year franchise bill," and given to the late Senator Frank O. Spencer, who introduced it in the Senate; and it was, thereafter known of record, as "Senate Bill No. 50."

        The bill provided, in substance, that the trustees (Councilmen) of any city or township should be empowered to grant to any railway corporation within its limits, a franchise, not to exceed ninety-nine years in duration; provided the trustees or directors of the company should agree to pay to the city or township a percentage of the gross earnings of the road, to be fixed by and between the respective parties at the time of the granting of the franchise. At that time, the only financial benefit Cleveland was receiving from the said companies was a tax of ten dollars on each car in use; while a percentage of their earnings by the provisions of the "Spencer Bill," would, even then, have amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars; and, at the present day, the city's income from that source would be, perhaps, a million or more annually, provided, however, that the trustees of the city were honest and business-like, and withheld the franchise until an adequate percentage of the earnings was secured by the terms of the contract.

        This bill was favored by some of the leading financiers and politicians of Ohio; and it had behind it, in the lobby, the influence and professional services of one of the greatest law firms in this state. Moreover, the governor of the state, in the person of the late President McKinley, favored it and permitted the use of his office, in which to caucus, with reference to it.

        "Dan" Ryan, Secretary of State, favored it; and lent his great influence to secure its passage. The Toledo

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Blade, Ohio State Journal and Cleveland World, all influential newspapers, spoke of it in commending terms; and the entire sentiment in and about the State House, in so far as I could discover, favored its passage.

        This narrator, too, was of opinion that a contract, between the city of Cleveland and the street railway lines, could be framed, by the terms of which the city would derive a substantial income; whereas, under the then existing conditions (and down to the present time)--little or nothing was going into our treasury.

        Under the circumstances, I determined to obtain the opinion of the great daily papers of Cleveland; and, with that object in view, I mailed to The Cleveland Plain Dealer. The Cleveland Leader, The Cleveland Press and The Cleveland World, respectively, a copy of the bill, and enclosed with it a written request, signed by me, that they publish the same and comment on its merits or demerits, editorially. The World was the only one of the quartette which complied with my request, in any manner; and its editorial comment was favorable.

        However, the fact remains, that, prior to its passage, in the Senate, it had never been published in any paper that had come under my notice; and the people of Cleveland, to this day, have never read the bill.

        The parties interested in the passage of the bill, in the Senate, insisted that I should explain and champion it, on the floor of the Senate; for the reason, they said, that I was "more practiced as an attorney, and fluent and eloquent" than was its author.

        I objected strenuously; for the reason that the Cleveland newspapers, with one exception, had remained noncommittal; but, day after day, time and again, I was compelled to listen to arguments by its friends, and have cited to me the fact of its support by the eminent and influential men and papers, outside of Cleveland, mentioned above. Finally, word came to me, "ex cathedra," if I may

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use the expression in a political sense, that I had better stand by my friends; and knowing who those "friends" were and forecasting the wonderful part some of them were to play in the great world drama of the near future--


                         "Swearing I would ne'er consent--consented."

        I explained the bill, spoke in favor of it, and, almost unaided, in so far as it was apparent to the casual observer, secured its passage through that body.

        Then, the Cleveland newspapers "spoke out," and with no uncertain sound. To read the papers alone, see the names of Senator Spencer and myself at the head of the editorial column of the Cleveland Leader, in mourning, and have no other information, in the premises, one would have thought that some great outrage had been perpetrated on the state; yet, those same papers, only a week before, with a copy of that identical bill in their hands, had remained mute.

        Later on, however, after an indignation meeting, at which I was present and explained the merits of the bill, and drew from the large audience, in the Council Chamber, encores of applause, popular sentiment was molified and modified; and another Assembly actually enacted a fifty-year franchise law, without evoking an indignation meeting or the anathemas of the press.

        The men who originated and procured the passage of the first bill, through the Senate, were subsequently highly honored by the State and Country; and properly so, for, they were of nature's noblemen, and dedicated their whole life to the public welfare, whether negotiating along private or public lines; all of which the community, when adequately informed and free from blind passion, readily saw and appreciated.

        The following certificate, mailed to me by Hon. Alex.

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C. Caine, after I had ceased to be a member of the Senate gives a detailed statement of work done by me, in the Senate, in addition to what I have already mentioned in the foregoing:

        I hereby certify that Hon. John P. Green supported all the following named bills in behalf of labor while a member of the Senate of the 70th General Assembly.

A. C. CAINE, Clerk of the Senate.

        Mr. Greene is also author of the Labor Day Law.


        One of the most agreeable episodes of my life occurred about this time, in connection with a grand banquet tendered to Governor McKinley, by the Protective Tariff League of Canton, Ohio. Quite unexpectedly, to me, I received an invitation to this notable function, together with an invitation to respond to the following toast: "America--the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave."

        At the appointed time, I appeared in Canton; and was received in a kindly, gracious way, by the distinguished

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committee, which was made up of some of the leading gentlemen of the city. I was escorted to the first hotel; where I registered and was, for a day, one of its guests.

        At the banquet, I was seated at the head of the table, on the left of Governor McKinley; while at his right, sat James R. Garfield, a son of ex-President James A. Garfield.

        My response to the toast assigned to me, met with a very enthusiastic reception; and, at the close of the exercises, I was heartily commended, by many of those present. It has often occurred to me that the climax of my political honors was reached on that occasion; when I, an ex-waiter, boot-black, janitor and fac-totum, in general, now a member of the Senate of Ohio, from the most famous district in the state, an invited guest at that very notable function, sat beside the Governor of the State, then destined, soon, to be President of the United States, and responded to that significant toast!

        O, ye humble, struggling, ambitious, American youth, both white and black! Reflect on these facts--ponder over them; take courage; and persistently, press onward and upward.

        About this time, also, when the session of the Senate was nearing its close, I had an experience, the relating of which may prove of interest to the readers of this biographical story.

        During the banquet, Governor McKinley became aware of the fact, that I had an increasing desire to visit parts of Europe, including Great Britain, France, Italy, Spain and Vienna, in Austria. Coming to me, he said, "Senator; I think I can be of some service to you, in forwarding your desire to make a tour of Europe!" I said, "Indeed, Governor! I am more pleased than I can express to you, to hear you say so!" "Yes," he replied: "I am going to New York, in the near future, and while

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there I shall meet Colonel Eliott F. Shepherd, a friend of mine; and I shall tell him of you and your plan. He is the owner of the Mail and Express, which employs correspondents in parts of Europe, and perhaps, he will give you employment along that line, which will enable you to pay your expenses, while you make your tour." I thanked him, profusely, my heart swelling with joy and gratitude; for I had learned to know that, whatever McKinley espoused, was well nigh certain of success.

        After the lapse of about two weeks, the Governor's messenger came to my desk and said, "Senator, the Governor wishes your presence, at your leisure." I thanked him; and "stayed not on the order of my going;" but--went.

        The Governor informed me that, he had just returned from New York; where he met Colonel Shepherd; to whom, he made known my cherished desire. "And," he said, "the Colonel will wire you to meet him there, in a few days!" True to the expectation, in a day or two, I received a telegram from Colonel Shepherd, inviting me to meet him at his home, located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Fifty-third (?) Street, in the great metropolis--New York.

        When I arrived in front of the palatial residence of the son-in-law of the late W. K. Vanderbilt, Sr., it was all aglow with light, and liveried coachmen and footmen were in attendance upon the numerous equipages which bordered the curb in the vicinage; nevertheless, not one whit embarrassed by the fact, I pressed the button of the "Big Front Door," and, my card having been delivered to the distinguished host, I was immediately ushered into the elaborate library, where, ere long, I met a high born instinctive gentleman, Colonel Eliot F. Shepherd.

        "Senator Green," he said, grasping my hand, "Governor McKinley has been telling me about you and your plan to visit Europe." I have considered the matter; and

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I have concluded to offer you the sum of fifty dollars a letter; and you may mail the Mail and Express one letter every week." I answered, that such an arrangement would be entirely satisfactory to me; and thanked him for it. Then I said to him, "Colonel, when shall I begin to write the letters?" "At once," he answered, "if you wish."

        Seeing that his residence was gradually filling with the elite of social New York, he noticed my apparent surprise, and remarked, "Senator, this is the anniversary of my silver wedding, and the invited guests are arriving. I am sorry that I cannot be with you longer."

        Just then, two gentlemen entered the library: "Senator," he said, "Meet my brother;" and, turning to the younger one, he said, "Senator Green, this my only son. My son, meet Senator Green of Ohio." Then I took my departure, highly elated by my success; for, now, I considered that my tourning venture was predicated on a sound financial basis; and that I could cast all worry on that score behind me.

        As an addition to the good words which Governor McKinley had spoken of and for me, I placed in Colonel Shepherd's hand a laudatory editorial which I had clipped from the Cleveland Leader, referring to the fact that I had risen from a very humble sphere in life. The Colonel did not approve of the reference to my former humble station in life. This surprised me greatly.

        The following week, I mailed to the Mail and Express an article, one column in length, on the growth of Cleveland, as affected by the Protective Tariff. It was received and published; and, in a few days, I received a check for fifty dollars. The following week, in return for a second letter, which had been published I received another check, for the same amount. Then, a day or two later, I read in a newspaper, that Colonel Shepherd had died on an operating table, under the influence of an anesthetic,

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while undergoing an examination, for a minor trouble!

        I cannot say, whether my surprise exceeded my grief. I could not truthfully say:


                         "Oh, ever thus, from childhood's hour,
                         I[']ve seen my fondest hopes decay;"
For, in very truth, my grief was not so much because of my individual loss, as for the fact that, a noble, kind-hearted, generous man had been, so suddenly, cut off in the "flower" of his manhood, without any notice or opportunity to take his leave of all whom he held most dear on this earth.


                         "Be good, my friend, and let who will be clever;
                         Do noble things, not dream them, all day long;
                         And so, make life, death, and that vast forever,
                         One grand sweet song."
                         --Charles Kingsley in "A Farewell."

        The sequel to this narrative will come, in the next chapter. Suffice it to state here, other steps had to be taken--other plans formulated and consummated, before the contemplated journey could be taken; but, in the language of one of Milton's creations:


                         "What though the field be lost?
                         All is not lost; th' unconouerable will, * * * * * * * * *
                         And courage never to submit or yield."

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CHAPTER XI.

JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER.

        I am writing this short sketch, embracing some of my personal reminiscences of Mr. Rockefeller and members of his family, for several reasons; but, principally, because I have always admired his sterling manhood, his exemplary life, his democratic affiliations amongst the people, of his acquaintance, and his unexampled, unselfish generosity. With all his wealth and social and financial influence, Mr. Rockefeller has come very near to leading the plain "simple" life; and tho I have met him frequently, in this, his home city, during the past sixty-three years, yet, I have never discovered in him or his family, anything of the supercilious--"highbrow" characteristic which is so often in evidence, on the part of persons who are "rich in this world's goods."

        He has always, worn his heart upon his sleeve, to be read of all men, whether in the church--the Sunday School, in the varied avenues of commercial life or elsewhere. Even the poor, despised Negro, both in the north and the southland, has basked in the light of his countenance, and found in him a true, open-handed friend; hence, I not only admire him and wonder at his unheard of financial conquests, but, I hold him up, to the whole world, as an example of true manhood and unadulterated Americanism.

        Many years ago, I noticed and was "struck" with the fact, that, whenever, as a "captain" of industry, Mr.

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Rockefeller absorbed collateral branches of his own gigantic business, it was to the advantage of the other party; it always took on new life, which led to overwhelming success; so that, in no sense, even along the lines of competative commercial transactions, can he be stigmatized as a "business vampire."

        I have, already, mentioned the fact of seeing Mr. Rockefeller, as a young man, in 1858, when the family lived in Cedar Avenue, in Cleveland, at which time I paid no special attention to him; for the reason, principally, that. I was his junior, associating with a class of boys younger than he, of whom his late brother, Frank Rockefeller, was one; and for the additional reason that I could not then, foresee what the fates held in store for him, in the not distant future.

        Subsequently, in 1859, when I was a student in the Hudson Street School (now Sterling School), over which Mr. Eaton, afterwards, during the Civil War, General Eaton, was principal, I met a mild mannered, quiet little lady, who taught the class of which I was a member, English Grammar. This young lady was none other than Miss Laura C. Spellman, the late lamented wife of the subject of this sketch; and the daughter of the Honorable H. B. Spellman, ex-member of the Ohio General Assembly, if I mistake not; a gentleman who, for his social and business attainments, stood high in the esteem of all Cleveland.

        The fact that Miss Spellman and Mr. Rockefeller later on became husband and wife, more than any other cause, kept him in the eye of some of us school boys; for, we regretted the loss of that estimable lady, from the faculty so keenly, that, we followed her, in the future, with undiminished interest.

        Aside from this casual acquaintance with Mr. Rockefeller, I had no knowledge of him or his growing business, other than as I heard members of his Sunday School

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Class, speak of him, or read of his successful transactions in the daily newspapers.

        The years glided (or flew) onward; and my subject "waxed fat"--became immensely rich, in the eyes of the world; and through competition, and, in some instances, jealousy, was frequently unjustly criticized; until, one day, during a session of the 69th General Assembly, if I mistake not, a member, without any apparent reason for it, disgressed from the line of his argument to brutally and falsely make a verbal assault upon Mr. Rockefeller, in the matter of his business transactions.

        When he resumed his seat, I waited, for a short space, to see whether any member would challenge his statements; and the silence not being broken, I arose and gave expression to my views of Mr. Rockefeller, predicated on my knowledge of him from my boyhood days, in no uncertain manner; and, least of all, complimentary, to the member.

        Colonel Louis Smithnight was present during the whole transaction; and when the applause, following my short speech, had subsided, he came up and congratulated me on my effort; and commended the spirit which moved me. All knew that Mr. Rockefeller did not need any apologist or champion; yet, under any circumstances, it is difficult to remain silent, when uncalled for and unmerited abuse is heaped upon one's friend, especially in a legislative hall.

        A year or two after the incident which I have just recorded, while passing through lower Euclid Avenue in Cleveland, I was confronted by a gentleman whose personal appearance and mein stamped him as being "facile princeps,"--first amongst men. I knew at a glance, that he was a Rockefeller; but so much time had elapsed since I had last seen him, that, I could not positively identify him; to my great surprise, he stopped and addressed me, calling me by name. I reciprocated the courtesy, and

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said. "Mr. Rockefeller--I believe!" "Yes;" he answered. "Which one?" I querried? "John," he replied. "How is Mrs. Rockefeller?" I ventured to ask. "She is quite well," he rejoined. Then, he added: "Mrs. Rockefeller and I have noted your political successes with much pleasure; and she often speaks of some of her former pupils." To which I expressed much pleasure; whereupon, he said: "By the way! We have a cozy home, in the East End. We would be pleased to have you and Mrs. Green come out and visit us, sometime." I inquired as to a convenient time for them; and he suggested that we notify them, and they would send the family carriage to the terminus of the street railway line (at Lake View Cemetery), to transport us the remainder of the distance--to Forest Hill--the "cozy home."

        We then separated, each going his respective way--he conscious, I dare say, of having stooped--socially, at least, to lift up and encourage a fellowman; and I, radiant with pleasure and expectation, by reason of the unexpected invitation.

        In due time, a notice of our coming was mailed to Forest Hill; and, at the designated hour on the appointed day, we--Mrs. Green, our daughter Clara and our niece, Miss Kittie Skeene, together with this writer, alighted at the terminus of the street railway, and mounted into the carriage of John D. Rockefeller; and, in a few minutes, having passed the porter's lodge, we found ouselves upon the broad veranda of the Rockefeller mansion, the subjects of a genial and cordial welcome, on the part of Mrs. Rockefeller, her aged mother, her honorable sister and two winsome daughters.

        Mr. Rockefeller, we were informed, was in conference with gentlemen, who had come all the way from New York, for that purpose.

        During the half hour, while the ladies were engaged in conversation, I was, comparatively, mute; for, under

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existing circumstances, I felt that, like the "Moor of Venice," I could truthfully say:


                         "Rude am I in my speech.
                         And little blessed with the set phrase of peace:"
and, accordingly, I maintained that "golden silence," which, at times, is most becoming.

        Ere long, the touring carriage was driven up to the porte cochere; and, at the suggestion of Mrs. Rockefeller, we all entered it, for a drive through the spacious and beautiful park, surrounding the residence; and, at the end of one hour and a quarter, without repeating any of the route, we declared it to have been the most enjoyable of our existence.

        At one point, on our route, our hostess invited us to dismount; and while the driver waited for us on the opposite side of a shaded grove, we meandered through it, engaged in reminiscent conversation and in gathering vari-colored mosses and sweet wild flowers.

        Then it was that Mrs. Rockefeller (whose friendship and generosity for me as one of her former pupils, became apparent), addressed herself to me, and called up the past; as if it were a real pleasure to live over again her girlhood days; forgetful that she was now, the wife of one whose name, alone, attracts attention, wherever it is mentioned throughout the civilized world.

        She spoke of her late father, affectionately, and remarked that, her husband had named Spellman Institute at Atlanta, Georgia, for him. She further informed me, that Mr. Rockefeller was, metaphorically, carrying it, "under his arm"; and that during that same year, he had given it Fifty Thousand Dollars.

        Further, she said, that her father was a man of kindly impulses; and, invariably, favored the "under-dog". As for herself, she said, when teaching in the

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schools of Cleveland, she had no "pets"; but, that, her sympathies, invariably, went out to the one who needed help.

        It was during this conversation that I made known to her my increasing desire to make a tour of the principal states of Europe; when, she with her characteristic generosity, suggested that, I notify her when the time was ripe for my departure; and, to anticipate, by a few months. I will here record the fact, that, upon that notification, her great husband sent me his check for half enough money to defray all the expenses of my trip. It was a gratuity, pure and simple; for, I had never had the opportunity of serving either of them in any practical way, during my life time.

        As we neared the edge of the grove, where the carriage was in waiting for us, Mrs. Rockefeller, with her own hands, pinned on the bosom of my wife the tuft of pretty moss and the sweet wild flowers which she had gathered in the wood. A very gracious act, I must say, considering the relative social standing of the hostess and her guest. How thoroughly the act was appreciated may be known from the fact, that, until her "dying day" my dear deceased wife recalled the act; and spoke in terms of admiration and gratitude of it.

        Returning to the residence, we were joined by Mr. Rockefeller, who, being released from the conference, now commanded his time. A light luncheon was, there-upon served on the veranda, of which all partook.

        My feelings, on that occasion can be more easily imagined than described, for, who was I, a poor colored man, dependent upon my daily toil for a very livelihood, and with no social recognition that I could boast of, aside from persons of my own caste (a strange word for America), that I should be sitting at luncheon with the financial leader of the whole world, and his family!

        I recall that, I had said to Mrs. Rockefeller, during

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our stroll through the wood, somewhat as follows: "Mrs. Rockefeller, one of my most intelligent associates, maintains, that, social recognition of the colored man, in the United States, will begin at the top of society and progress downward, paradoxical as it may seem!" "Why so?" she ask'd. "Because," I replied, "persons of unlimited means and fixed social status, can, with impunity, afford to associate with persons of good moral character, without losing their social standing, while others, of small or no financial standing, and who, themselves are struggling for social recognition, dare not take the risk."

        "Well," she said: "I had not thought of it in that light before; it seems reasonable, and may be a fact."

        The time of our departure was at hand, the carriage with the waiting coachman was standing in the porte cochere; the adieus were pronounced; when Mr. Rockefeller, and addressing himself to this writer, said, "Mr. Green, I spend most of my time in New York, and I am seldom here to make use of these grounds. If, at any time, you wish to drive in them, with your family or friends, you are welcome to do so." I heard him with amazement, thanked him, and we were whirled away by the well groomed steeds. I have never, to this day, availed myself of his magnanimous offer, to make use of his ample and beautiful grounds; tho his kindly offer is graven up on the "tablets of my heart", never to be erased.

        Some notice of our reception at the Rockefeller mansion found its way into the columns of the news papers; after which, I was approached by sundry needy persons, who tried to persuade me to use my "influence" with Mr. Rockefeller, in their behalf; which, of course I could not do.

        On another occasion, one of our best singers, who was arranging for a public concert, procured me to inquire of Mrs. Rockefeller whether her name might be used as a "patroness" Mrs. Rockefeller answered, by inviting Mrs.

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Green and me to call, a second time, and bring the singer with us, which we did. Again, we were driven through some portion of the grounds; this time, a slight shower of rain having previously fallen, and Mr. Rockefeller desiring to keep his drives in good condition, he mounted his bicycle, and "piloted" the carriage some portion of the way. When we reached a knoll which overlooks the lake and the neighboring country, the driver, in attempting to make a short turn, nearly overturned the carriage; and I suspect, that, this writer prevented our hostess from falling out.

        On returning to the mansion, the sweet singer sang very beautifully for Mr. Rockefeller and his family, being accompanied, on the piano, by Miss Edith,--now Mrs. McCormick of Chicago, who translated the difficult music at sight, to the astonishment of the singer and all others. I recall that Mr. Rockefeller remarked that, in his youth, he took lessons on the violin, and, for a while, practiced six hours a day. Was not this prophetic of future success in any vocation in which he might embark; for, whoever has the nerve and persistency to apply himself to a violin or any other musical instrument six hours a day, will, in the end, say, "I came, I saw, I conquered."

        It was on this occasion, that we saw and were introduced to Mr. Rockefeller, Sr. He was a large well built man of ruddy complexion; and the resemblance of the two sons, whom I had met, was so striking as to cause remark. When we were in the act of leaving, Mrs. Rockefeller invited us to attend a church social of the Second Baptist Church, which was scheduled to meet at their home, the following week. And Mr. Rockefeller drew, from one of his vest pockets, a little "bunch" of bank notes, with which he consoled the singer, for Mrs. Rockefeller's refusal to lend her name as a "patroness."

        We attended the church social, of course; and had seated at the table with us several members of the family,

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in addition to a very wealthy and prominent lady friend of theirs. On every occasion, we were transported to and from the mansion in the carriage of our host and hostess; and altho, since then, we have been entertained, both at home and abroad, by some very distinguished people, yet, I have concluded that, in the courtesies and kindnesses, showered upon us by Mr. and Mrs. Rockefeller, as I have related in the foregoing, we reached the zenith of our social preferment; just as at the Canton banquet, I attained to the top-most height of my political aspirations.

        I have searched in vain to ascertain the underlying reason for the unusual and liberal courtesies bestowed upon me and mine, by these august personages; whether it was to gratify the desire of his great and good wife, who was always fond of her old pupils, or whether Mr. Rockefeller had heard of my conduct in the House when a member attempted to assail his business integrity; or was it the simple out-flowing of two great, big hearts, bent on scattering sunshine in the path-way of two humble beings, yearning for recognition and encouragement, I shall never know perhaps; but, of one fact we are certain; it was a substantial uplift; not only for us, but for others of our class; the good effects of which, like the ripples on the ocean or the waves in the air, go onward and onward, until they reach the bosom of Almighty God.

        During the first McKinley campaign for the Presidency, I had "stump'd" for the Republican party in Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri. In addition to the foregoing, I had written a manifest for the use of southern colored voters, which Mr. Hanna and "Major" Dick denominated my "special literature." And, subject to their orders, I, with the assistance of two of my sons, had mailed fourteen thousand copies to places, in that section, designated by them.

        After the President had been inaugurated, I circulated,

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in Cleveland a petition amongst the leading politicians and business men, requesting the President to appoint me to an office in Washington, at once "honorable and lucrative." This petition was signed by great industrial heads, bankers and railroad presidents.

        Having obtained the signatures of a goodly number of such men, who, collectively, were said to represent more than Two hundred millions of capital, I mailed the list to Mr. Rockefeller, with a request that he also sign it. I may add, that, I had drawn a line through the center of the page from top to bottom; and all, who had theretofore received it had signed the name to the left of the line, and the occupation to the right, but, when Mr. Rockefeller signed it, he wrote clear across the "legal cap" page, in bold characters--John D. Rockefeller.

        I am regretting to this day, that I released that document to be filed in the Interior Department, in Washington; for, in fact, I valued it more than I did the little office which I secured; and tho I made frequent inquiry and earnest effort to regain possession of it, no one had been able to locate it for me. Later on in life, I received another communication from him, which contains his autograph; but, I mourn the loss of the first, for, it carried with it, in the very freedom and form of the writing of it, an intimation of the good will which inspired it.

        When I was in the employ of the United States Government, in Washington, I had occasion to write to Mrs. Rockefeller, in behalf of a poor, forlorn person, who was struggling against fate; and I asked for "an alms" for her. She sent the money, small in amount, together with a beautiful letter, still in my possession, of which, the following is a copy:

My Dear Mr. Green:

        Enclosed, please find check for the amount desired in your letter of the 4th, to aid in lifting the debt from the distressed family, who find in you a friend.

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        The case is unique and sadly pathetic--and how many such there are! The wrongs of crushed humanity cry aloud from the ground.

        I recall, with no small pleasure, my teaching days, and many of the pupils still stand before me with distinctness, and not a few with distinction. Among these are yourself, who has conquered untold obstacles; and standing for God and for truth, is helping the upward progress of race and the world.

        Mr. Rockefeller joins in kind regards for you and your family.

Very sincerly yours,

MRS. JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER.

Golf House, Lakewood, N. J. March 7, 1904.

        On another occasion, I enclosed, to Mrs. Rockefeller a clipping from a newspaper, which complimented me, in no uncertain terms. The following is a copy of the letter which she sent to me, acknowledging the receipt of the same. I still retain the original.

Golf House, Lakewood, N. J.

My Dear Mr. Green:--

        I am pleased that you decided to send me the clipping that your letter of the 3rd enclosed. And I am glad to be kept in touch with one of my pupils in the public school, forty or more years ago. (Note: It had been just fifty-two years.--J. P. G.) The time does not seem so long to me since you sat behind the desk, with Abner Griffin not far removed, and the Alstons and Richardsons in the same school.

        I am as proud and grateful as you and your family can be, of the record you have made. It is a quiet but decisive victory against fearful odds, which still beset the path of your race.

        I remember the pleasant call of Mrs. Green and yourself, several years ago, at Forest Hill.

        Mr. Rockefeller joins me in kindest regardsc to you both.

Very sincerely,

LAURA S. ROCKEFELLER.

April 11, 1911.

        Following the death of my beloved wife, I received the following telegram:

Tarrtown, N. Y. 2-6-12.

Mr. John P. Green:--

        Letter, Feby. 3rd rec'd; the first we knew of the death of Mrs. Green. Be assured of our sympathy for you and yours, in your great bereavement.

JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER.


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        There are other communications and transactions which I might record herein; but, what I have written is sufficient, I trow, to prove that, in my gradual rise from penury and want, I had gained the countenance and association of some of the greatest and most powerful of God's children; and were it possible for me to close my biographical story right here, it would spell a career at once, unique, if not romantic, and, at least bordering on the successful.

        That Mr. Rockefeller may live to see the full fruition of his wonderful benefactions, is my humble prayer.

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CHAPTER XII.

GREAT BRITAIN.

        My senatorial term being ended, I declined to stand as a candidate for another election, on the ground that it entailed too great a financial loss on me; and also, that my professional business was slowly but, surely diminishing; for, I had already found out that, when a business man has a legal affair to be looked after, he is apt to select a lawyer and not a politician to attend to it; and besides the loss of time from my practice, and the outlay of cash, incidental to political campaigns, my keep at Columbus, and incidentals, such as the demands of charity and being a "good fellow", amounted to more than I could continue to sacrifice. The following table will prove my contention, in this behalf.

        
5 Legislative campaigns, at $300 each $1,500
24 months at Columbus, lost to my business at $200 per month 4,800
24 months Board at Columbus at $25 per month 600
Charity and Good-fellowship money $100 per year 100
Loss to business, indirect by neglect (?) 1,200
Total $8,700
Rects. from salary 6 yrs. at $600 per year 3,600
Total loss $5,100

        The foregoing is an under rather than over estimate of my loss, during the twenty-four months, I served in the general Assembly; for, the sessions were held in the

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winter and early spring, when all the courts were in session; and my professional loss was almost total; moreover, during that time, I lost many good--valuable clients whose patronage I never recovered; and over and above all, some of my clients became offended, by reason of the active part I took in opposition to their party and friends, and dropped me. But, enough of this, statistics are dry. Complaints are unpleasant.

        My "grip" was duly packed, for my European tour, the au revoirs were all said; the steam was up and the sails inflated, and I was on my way not for Mandalay, but, for sights and scenes which, from my childhood, had been, for me, pleasant dreams; now to be realized.

        Does the reader wish to know whence I derived the means of defraying the expenses incidental to this protracted trip, after the collapse of my arrangement with Colonel Shepherd, due to his death? Well, I will let him into the secret.

        When I was fighting for the bill to finance the improvement of our system of Parks and Boulevards, the argument most persistently pressed against the passage of it was, that parks and boulevards were for the rich not for the poor. That it would be the unjust appropriation of the people's money to foster the pride and pleasure of the rich.

        To which, I answered, in substance; that, the rich, like Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. Gordon, Mr. Wade and others had parks of their own; and many wealthy people spent their summers at sea-side and mountain resorts, and their winters at Palm Beach and in California, and, therefore, could get along without these, so called, luxuries, at home, if necessary. While the poor were constrained to remain at home, the year around; and of all the inhabitants of Cleveland, most needed the few "luxuries."

        Well, the law having been enacted, and the system

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now assured, some of our leading citizens said: "Now, Mr. Green, your fight secured the passage of our Park Bill; and, since your contract with Colonel Shepherd must be abandoned, we will pay a part of your expenses, if you will visit the parks in different parts of Europe, and write a series of letters to the news papers, here, regarding the classes of people who most use and seem to derive the greatest pleasure from frequenting them.

        I readily agreed to this suggestion; thereupon, they contributed each a generous amount; which, with the check sent to me by Mrs. Rockefeller, through her great husband, easily made me comfortable during the whole trip.

        The stanch and swift Cunard ship Umbria, made the run to Liverpool in seven days; and, after landing, I went "as the crow flies", to the Adelphi Hotel, the leading hotel in Liverpool, at that time. I registered and was installed in a cozy room where, temporarily, I was at home. In the dining room, I was treated far differently than at the Gibson House, in Cincinnati, as the guest of the Amalgamated Trades. Not only was my (silk) hat taken, at the door, but, the waiter in his "dress" suit, served me in a genteel way; and when I went into the barber shop I was shaved without objection. In short, I immediately forgot that, I was a colored American citizen, and when the United States consul called on me--presto, I had changed to a full fledged citizen--abroad, still under the Aegis of my dear native land.

        I have made four visits to Europe; and, on each occasion, saw and experienced many things which I am sure, will be of interest to the reader; I shall not attempt a detailed narative of them, but, will review the principal features in a general way, beginning with Great Britain and following the trend of my travels into other lands.

        The late Dr. Adnette, who had been the traveling companion of the late John Huntington, when he made a

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tour of Europe, very kindly had provided me with letters of introduction to sundry persons of distinction, in London and its suburbs, amongst whom were Werner, of the Tower of London, a distinguished man, by the way, who, at the close of the Franco Prussian war, in 1870, had been the bearer of dispatches for the Prime Minister of Great Britain, which were closely connected with the final settlement of the peace proceedings. This letter gave us the entre into the Tower, and the opportunity of seeing much and of hearing some of the traditionary lore which, otherwise, we could not have enjoyed.

        My late friend, Mr. Fred J. Loudin, had also given us letters of introduction to some of his former friends and acquaintances, which opened doors for us, which, otherwise, we, probably, would never have entered.

        In addition to Werner, we met many other persons of social place and distinction; of whom may be mentioned, The Lord Bishop of London, Cannon Farrar of West Minister Abbey, Rev. Dr. Joseph Parker, of the City Temple, Rev. John Clifford, D. D., L. L. D.; L. Mentzendorff, of Idol Lane, large exporter. S. J. Celestin Edwards, scholar, organizer and lecturer on the universal Brotherhood of Man, Mr[.]and Mrs. L. G. Sharpe, high in musical circles, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel, Coleride Taylor great musicians, Mrs. Eliza Leech, of No. 4 Kensington Palace Garden, and many others.

        Amongst the objects of especial interest to us, may be mentioned, Westminster Abbey, The British Museum Saint Paul's Cathedral, The Tower of London, London Bridge, Crystal Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the Horse Guards, Westminister Hall and numerous parks; great amongst which, Hyde Park and Kensington Park were conspicuous. Then, there were Trafalgar Square, The National Museum of Art, The Nelson Monument, with its heroic lions conchant; to say nothing of the Law Courts, The Bank of England, the ancient and famous

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sites of past and present theatres, with Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, the Marble Arch and "Old Curiosity Shop" made famous by Charles Dickens.

        Indeed, London is such a little cosmopolitan world within itself, that the mere mention of a few of its most important personages and objects of interest would fill the pages of a little book.

        As an illustration of the manner in which even old residents are, at times, surprised by new discoveries of old institutions, I will relate the following: One day, Mrs. Green and I, strolling down Oxford Street, made a detour, when we were near High Holborn, just following our noses, when to our surprise, we found ourselves in Lincoln's Inn Fields, of historic fame; where, if I mistake not, at one time, numerous executions took place; and some other affairs, of more worthy note, were transacted. Quite unexpectedly, we found ourselves in front of the residence of the late Sir John Soane wherein is now kept, on exhibition, a museum of paintings, statuary and Egyption and Oriental relics which cannot be duplicated. To mention only two, will tend to enlighten the reader. There is an alabaster sarcophagus, 9 feet 4 inches in length, 3 feet, 8 inches in width, 2 feet 8 inches in depth, and 2 1-2 inches in thickness; the alabaster is of such purity, that a lighted lamp being placed on the inside shines through the sides of the casket.

        Another curio is the original paintings by Hogarth, of the "Rake's Progress," showing the slow but sure decline of a handsome, promising youth, through dissipation, from good health to disease and death! We spent the remainder of our day in that one little museum, of which a few hours before, we had no knowledge, whatsoever.

        Another incident, quite surprising to me, was that of the discovery of an old Arcade, near the heart of West London, by my friend Mr. L. G. Sharpe, who, just prior to the World War, was the World agent of Paderewski,

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the unapproachable pianist. We were going down into the City, from Wandsworth Common, when we ran upon this mart of trade all unknown to or forgotten by this world treveled man.

        I have four men in mind now, of whom I am sure my readers will be pleased to hear something. And I will speak briefly of them: The first is the Lord Bishop of London; of whose unselfish and persistent labors for the uplifting of the poor and needy in the slums of London, the whole civilized world has heard; even in Wall street, in the city of New York, during his visit to this country, some years ago his voice was heard in support of the Golden Rule.

        I had never met the Lord Bishop before; and, my good fortune in meeting him on this occasion, was due entirely to the kindly inerposition of my good and helpful friend--The Rt. Rev. W. A. Leonard, Bishop of Ohio, who mailed to me, while I was in London, a letter of which the following is a true copy:

Rt. Hon. A. F. Winnington, Ingram,
Lord Bishop of London.

My dear Lord Bishop:--

        It gives me great pleasure to hand this letter of personal introduction to you of the Honorable J. P. Green, formerly Senator from this city, in our legislature, and for a number of years identified with public interests. He is one of our most highly esteemed citizens and represents his race with dignity and satisfaction. He is a communicant of the church and one of the vestry of St. Andrew's Parish in this city, which is our only congregation amongst the colored people of Cleveland.

        He will greatly esteem the honor of meeting your Lordship, and I will be glad to have him get the inspiration from you which we all do.

        With cordial good wishes for this New Year upon which we have entered, I am, with respect,

Faithfully yours,

WILLIAM A. LEONARD.

3054 Euclid Avenue,
Cleveland, Ohio, U. S. A.
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        As soon as I had received the Bishop's letter, I mailed it to London House, S. James's Square S. W. London and in due course of the mails, I received the following answer:

John P. Green, Esq.,
42 Walterton Road,
Paddington, W.

        Dear Sir: The Bishop of London will be pleased to see you here at 11:30 on Saturday, the 20th.

Yours faithfully,

K. G. EVERETT,
Private Secretary.


        On time, on the appointed day, I was duly received by the great and worthy bishop, and unceremoniously, ushered into his cozy "workshop", as he was pleased to term his office.

        There was no sign of affectation in the demeanor of this great man. No patronizing air or lifting of the brows by this well bred English Lord; but, grasping my hand, he bade me be seated, and the conversation began, as tho two old friends had cordially met.

        "Well now" he said, "tell me about your people, in the United States. When I attended the Council, in Richmond Virginia, I heard one phaze of the subject, but, I would like to hear your side of it." I thanked him, and did my "possible" as the French would say, to enlighten him, as regarded the "Negro question", from the standpoint of a colored--American. And was highly rewarded to discover that, his views, largely coincided with mine; and that, he too, like many another great man let his sympathies go out, in favor of the "underdog."

        I intimated my fear that I was taking up too much of his time, to which he replied that, he had no other engagement, for the forenoon, until his Eminence Bishop Mathews, the Catholic Bishop of London, should call; and requested me to be quite at ease, until that time.

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        "By the way!" he exclaimed, in the course of our conversation, "what shall I do with this beautiful letter?" holding in his hand the letter of introduction from Bishop Leonard. "I may lose it, in the confusion of my office, and since it is of such personal concern to you, would you not like to have it?"

        I assured him that, I would be most pleased to receive it, and he gave it to me. This accounts for the fact that, I am able to give to my readers a true copy of it, as recorded, in the foregoing.

        I discovered that the Lord Bishop has a vein of humor pervading his system; for, he took occasion to refer to a humorous incident, which owed its origin to the word Ohio, during the sessions of the Ecumenical Council in Richmond. Virginia, in the first decade of the present century.

        It was in this wise; quite a large percentage of the clergy, attending the Council, used the "continental i-- pronounced e-- thus, pronounced Ohio--Oheo--and drew a smile from our dear Bishop Leonard, when they referred to him as "The Bishop of Ohio!"

        When the presence of the Catholic Bishop was announced, he was seated in an adjoining room, while he wrote for me and my wife two passes to Saint Paul's Cathedral to be used on Easter Sunday, 1909, saying, "here Senator Green, if you will present these to one of the Vergers, in St. Paul's Cathedral, on Easter morning, he will show you and Mrs. Green to reserved seats, near the Chancel; and you will see that in England, we make no such discriminations as you have experienced in your South land." He also, gave me a pass which entitled me to a seat in the visitors' gallery, in the House of Commons, which, as the others, was duly used. Grasping my hand and thanking me for the call, we separated. I, full of pleasure an