Competing Visions of Postwar African American Identity
Newly freed African Americans had different expectations for emancipation and postwar freedom than their former slaveholders. Yet, they created new lives and identities as noted in the below documents.
Document 1: Robert Jemison's Proclamation to Former Slaves, circa 1865
In the wake of emancipation, this former enslaver attempts to establish new relationships with freedpeople living on his his plantation.
Original transcription note on this typescript: The following is a copy of the first draft of a proclamation which Mr. Jemison issued to his slaves before the surrender. It was found in the back of an old account book which was apparently used also for memoranda.
I have been by the Yankees stripped of the meat intended for your support. They have taken all the good mules and horses and left us without the means of carrying on the farm as heretofore. Under these circumstances it is impossible to feed you as you should be and as I would wish. If what corn we have is not taken from us, you will have an ample allowance of bread with a very small allowance of meat. By proper industry and attention to business you can make bread for another year and a moderate supply of meat if the hogs do not die up with disease, or are not killed to supply the present scarcity of meat.
You have been told by the Yankees and others that you are free. This may be so! I do not doubt that you will be freed in a few years. But the terms and the time of your ultimate freedom are not yet fully and definitely settled. Neither you nor I know what is to be the final result. Amid this uncertainty we can neither of us tell what is best to be done. Heretofore I have endeavored to do a good part by you in feeding and clothing you properly and otherwise making your situation as comfortable as a condition of slavery would allow. And I still feel an interest in your welfare through the former relation of master and slave is to be dissolved.
Some of you have left with the enemy. One of these that left (Nathan) was captured by the Confederates and hanged. Another (Emanuel) has been shot we learn by the Yankees. The others are yet out - some with the enemy, some in the woods. Those who have left me to go with the enemy have their lot chosen, and must abide by it. They will not be permitted to return to those of you who have not left. I submit the following proposition, to-wit:
1. Each you who wish to go to Yankees may do so. Those of you who have families must take them with you. Those who leave will never be permitted to return. All relations between us will be forever dissolved and all intercourse between those who go and those who remain must be at an end. I make this requirement for the good of all concerned, not in any spirit of hostility or ill will.
2. To those who desire to remain I will give the use of the plantation stock, etc., left, so far as necessary to carry on the farm this year, on the following terms.
They shall return to me the plantation and tools in as good condition as received. They shall return the same amount and kind of forage and provision consumed during the year. They shall pay all expenses of the plantation of every kind, including wages of the overseer. The hogs, after the pork is killed, shall be equal in number and value as when the pork was killed at last season. The cattle and sheep shall be properly taken care of as well as the stock of the very kind and delivered up with its increase at the end of the year. For the rent of the plantation there will be no charge except the small grain crop harvested and to be harvested and the putting (in of) this crop of the small grain crop next Fall. The wheat, rye and oats shall all be properly taken care of and thrashed so far as needed. After the fore-going allowances to me all the remaining product of the farm shall be divided amongst (you) according to services rendered and merit.
3. That the amount of services of each may be known, the overseers will keep an account of all lost time and the manner that each does his work, and of his general conduct, all of which shall be taken into consideration in the division amongst you.
If anyone shall before the end of the year without my consent leave, he or she shall forfeit all interest in the crop, of if anyone is so idle or inattentive as not to be worth a support, he or she may be required to leave and will not be permitted without my consent for any purpose and under pretext to afterward come on the place.
Each and every one of you pledge yourselves to be industrious, attentive and regular to your business, and to conform in all respects to the hours of labor and the other rules and regulations of the place as heretofore.
This agreement shall be binding for the year whether you are immediately freed or not. If at the end of the year the terms of your freedom be more definitely and clearly defined and settled, and you still desire to remain with me, I shall be disposed to do as well by you as any other person, or at the rate as well as I can do in justice to myself and family.
Source: "Proclamation to Robert Jemison, Jr.'s slaves, circa 1865," Robert Jemison, Jr. Papers, W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, University of Alabama, accessed in ACUMEN, http://purl.lib.ua.edu/25260.
Original transcription note on this typescript: The following is a copy of the first draft of a proclamation which Mr. Jemison issued to his slaves before the surrender. It was found in the back of an old account book which was apparently used also for memoranda.
I have been by the Yankees stripped of the meat intended for your support. They have taken all the good mules and horses and left us without the means of carrying on the farm as heretofore. Under these circumstances it is impossible to feed you as you should be and as I would wish. If what corn we have is not taken from us, you will have an ample allowance of bread with a very small allowance of meat. By proper industry and attention to business you can make bread for another year and a moderate supply of meat if the hogs do not die up with disease, or are not killed to supply the present scarcity of meat.
You have been told by the Yankees and others that you are free. This may be so! I do not doubt that you will be freed in a few years. But the terms and the time of your ultimate freedom are not yet fully and definitely settled. Neither you nor I know what is to be the final result. Amid this uncertainty we can neither of us tell what is best to be done. Heretofore I have endeavored to do a good part by you in feeding and clothing you properly and otherwise making your situation as comfortable as a condition of slavery would allow. And I still feel an interest in your welfare through the former relation of master and slave is to be dissolved.
Some of you have left with the enemy. One of these that left (Nathan) was captured by the Confederates and hanged. Another (Emanuel) has been shot we learn by the Yankees. The others are yet out - some with the enemy, some in the woods. Those who have left me to go with the enemy have their lot chosen, and must abide by it. They will not be permitted to return to those of you who have not left. I submit the following proposition, to-wit:
1. Each you who wish to go to Yankees may do so. Those of you who have families must take them with you. Those who leave will never be permitted to return. All relations between us will be forever dissolved and all intercourse between those who go and those who remain must be at an end. I make this requirement for the good of all concerned, not in any spirit of hostility or ill will.
2. To those who desire to remain I will give the use of the plantation stock, etc., left, so far as necessary to carry on the farm this year, on the following terms.
They shall return to me the plantation and tools in as good condition as received. They shall return the same amount and kind of forage and provision consumed during the year. They shall pay all expenses of the plantation of every kind, including wages of the overseer. The hogs, after the pork is killed, shall be equal in number and value as when the pork was killed at last season. The cattle and sheep shall be properly taken care of as well as the stock of the very kind and delivered up with its increase at the end of the year. For the rent of the plantation there will be no charge except the small grain crop harvested and to be harvested and the putting (in of) this crop of the small grain crop next Fall. The wheat, rye and oats shall all be properly taken care of and thrashed so far as needed. After the fore-going allowances to me all the remaining product of the farm shall be divided amongst (you) according to services rendered and merit.
3. That the amount of services of each may be known, the overseers will keep an account of all lost time and the manner that each does his work, and of his general conduct, all of which shall be taken into consideration in the division amongst you.
If anyone shall before the end of the year without my consent leave, he or she shall forfeit all interest in the crop, of if anyone is so idle or inattentive as not to be worth a support, he or she may be required to leave and will not be permitted without my consent for any purpose and under pretext to afterward come on the place.
Each and every one of you pledge yourselves to be industrious, attentive and regular to your business, and to conform in all respects to the hours of labor and the other rules and regulations of the place as heretofore.
This agreement shall be binding for the year whether you are immediately freed or not. If at the end of the year the terms of your freedom be more definitely and clearly defined and settled, and you still desire to remain with me, I shall be disposed to do as well by you as any other person, or at the rate as well as I can do in justice to myself and family.
Source: "Proclamation to Robert Jemison, Jr.'s slaves, circa 1865," Robert Jemison, Jr. Papers, W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, University of Alabama, accessed in ACUMEN, http://purl.lib.ua.edu/25260.
Document 2: T.J.B.'s Third Annual Parade, 1875
African Americans employed parades and other public displays to remind the community of their rights of citizenship and freedom. Music and organized routes are mainstays of these celebrations.
The “T.J.B’s” will meet at the Court House, on Christmas morning, at 9 o’clk, from whence the Parade will commence, at precisely 10. Up on the left side Greensboro Street to C.C. Seed’s; countermarch on right side to Freidman’s; thence via Jno. S. Kennedy’s Baptist College; up Main to Methodist College, and back to place of meeting via Leftwich’s.
Let all ages, sexes and color, turn out to this grand Parade, surpassing, in magnificence and grandeur, any “turn out” ever heretofore seen in this venerable “City of Oaks” – old John Robinson’s “Big Show” not expected.
Prof. Claib Garland’s Independent University Brass Band, has been engaged for the occasion, and will discourse their most stirring strains [emphasis original].
Source: “Third Annual Parade of the T.J.B’s!!” Tuscaloosa Weekly Times, December 22, 1875, 3.
The “T.J.B’s” will meet at the Court House, on Christmas morning, at 9 o’clk, from whence the Parade will commence, at precisely 10. Up on the left side Greensboro Street to C.C. Seed’s; countermarch on right side to Freidman’s; thence via Jno. S. Kennedy’s Baptist College; up Main to Methodist College, and back to place of meeting via Leftwich’s.
Let all ages, sexes and color, turn out to this grand Parade, surpassing, in magnificence and grandeur, any “turn out” ever heretofore seen in this venerable “City of Oaks” – old John Robinson’s “Big Show” not expected.
Prof. Claib Garland’s Independent University Brass Band, has been engaged for the occasion, and will discourse their most stirring strains [emphasis original].
Source: “Third Annual Parade of the T.J.B’s!!” Tuscaloosa Weekly Times, December 22, 1875, 3.
Document 3: T.J.B.'s Christmas Parade, 1875
African Americans employed parades and other public displays to remind the community of their rights of citizenship and freedom. Music and organized routes are mainstays of these celebrations.
The “T. J. B.’s” after having secluded themselves from the sight of the admiring public for years, will reappear in renewed magnificence and glory. Arrayed in their varied costumes (costing, we are confidently assured) some thousands of dollars, they will assemble at the Court-House, at 9 o’clock, Christmas morning. At 10 o’clock, proceeded by Prof. Claib. Garland’s Independent University Brass Band, they will parade down Greensboro Street to C. C. Seed’s; countermarch on the right side of the street, to Friedman’s, via Jno S. Kennedy’s to Baptist College; up Main street to Methodist College; thence, via Leftwich’s to place of meeting, where they will disband.
We are told that they have accepted several invitations to appear at private residences during the Holidays.
This mysterious brotherhood was organized three years since, and every occasion of their Parade has been more brilliant than its predecessor. Composed of the “crème la crème” of our little city, their object being to form a protecting brotherhood, and to celebrate, in their own jovial manner, their annual “turnouts.”
Let one and all witness their Parade.
Source: “Hurrah for Christmas,” Tuskaloosa Gazette, December 23, 1875, 2.
The “T. J. B.’s” after having secluded themselves from the sight of the admiring public for years, will reappear in renewed magnificence and glory. Arrayed in their varied costumes (costing, we are confidently assured) some thousands of dollars, they will assemble at the Court-House, at 9 o’clock, Christmas morning. At 10 o’clock, proceeded by Prof. Claib. Garland’s Independent University Brass Band, they will parade down Greensboro Street to C. C. Seed’s; countermarch on the right side of the street, to Friedman’s, via Jno S. Kennedy’s to Baptist College; up Main street to Methodist College; thence, via Leftwich’s to place of meeting, where they will disband.
We are told that they have accepted several invitations to appear at private residences during the Holidays.
This mysterious brotherhood was organized three years since, and every occasion of their Parade has been more brilliant than its predecessor. Composed of the “crème la crème” of our little city, their object being to form a protecting brotherhood, and to celebrate, in their own jovial manner, their annual “turnouts.”
Let one and all witness their Parade.
Source: “Hurrah for Christmas,” Tuskaloosa Gazette, December 23, 1875, 2.
Document 4: Death Notice of Elisha Williams, 1881
Obituaries are important sources for understanding the post-emancipation lives of African Americans. In white newspapers, published obituaries often noted the name of the former enslaver.
We regret to record the death of this influential colored man. From what we can learn he was honest, enterprising and earnest in promoting the educational and general advancement of his race. He was a man of prominence and influence among them; was a republican and was alternate delegate to the Chicago Convention, but earnestly supported the State Democratic ticket last year. He often co-operated with the whites in movements of general welfare. We suppose 500 of his people attended his burial on last Sunday evening. He was about 48 years of age. Was raised by Col. Rob’t Jemison.
Source: “Elisha Williams,” Tuscaloosa News, July 14, 1881, 3.
We regret to record the death of this influential colored man. From what we can learn he was honest, enterprising and earnest in promoting the educational and general advancement of his race. He was a man of prominence and influence among them; was a republican and was alternate delegate to the Chicago Convention, but earnestly supported the State Democratic ticket last year. He often co-operated with the whites in movements of general welfare. We suppose 500 of his people attended his burial on last Sunday evening. He was about 48 years of age. Was raised by Col. Rob’t Jemison.
Source: “Elisha Williams,” Tuscaloosa News, July 14, 1881, 3.
Document 5: Lost Friends Ad, 1883
Published in an African American newspaper, this Lost Friends advertisement notes the effort of African Americans to reunite their families.
Mr. Editor:
I wish to inquire for my wife and children left in Alabama, Tuscaloosa county, 1860. The names of them are John Calvin, Joshua and Wine. My wife’s oldest child was Linzy, and their mother Annie. Our owner’s name was Pinkney Frisom. My name was Caesar Dent. The last time I heard of them they were at the Maples, in Marengo county, Alabama, 70 miles from where I left them. I am a traveling preacher, and have retired on account of weak lungs, aged 55 years. I should be glad to hear from my friends before I die. My name is now CAESAR KING.
Georgetown, Texas.
Source: “Lost Friends,” Southwestern Christian Advocate (New Orleans, LA), June 14, 1883.
Mr. Editor:
I wish to inquire for my wife and children left in Alabama, Tuscaloosa county, 1860. The names of them are John Calvin, Joshua and Wine. My wife’s oldest child was Linzy, and their mother Annie. Our owner’s name was Pinkney Frisom. My name was Caesar Dent. The last time I heard of them they were at the Maples, in Marengo county, Alabama, 70 miles from where I left them. I am a traveling preacher, and have retired on account of weak lungs, aged 55 years. I should be glad to hear from my friends before I die. My name is now CAESAR KING.
Georgetown, Texas.
Source: “Lost Friends,” Southwestern Christian Advocate (New Orleans, LA), June 14, 1883.
Document 6: Death Notice of Claiborne Garland (Tuskaloosa Gazette), 1891
Even in this death notice, the Tuscaloosa Gazette continues to use the shortened name instead of the full name of Claiborne Garland. As a former enslaved University laborer, the editors reminds its readers, white and black, of his status in the postwar racial hierarchy after emancipation. The laudatory Lost Cause nature of the death notice also marks a departure from a 1874 Tuskaloosa Gazette article decrying his involvement in local politics (see politics section).
Clabe Garland, an old and highly respected negro man, who has been employed at the University for a great number of years died suddenly at his home last Wednesday night of heart disease. He was a faithful, honest old man and there are many people throughout the state who will be sorry to hear of his death. His burial took place yesterday afternoon and was largely attended.
Source: “Clabe Garland Dead,” Tuskaloosa Gazette, July 9, 1891, 1.
Clabe Garland, an old and highly respected negro man, who has been employed at the University for a great number of years died suddenly at his home last Wednesday night of heart disease. He was a faithful, honest old man and there are many people throughout the state who will be sorry to hear of his death. His burial took place yesterday afternoon and was largely attended.
Source: “Clabe Garland Dead,” Tuskaloosa Gazette, July 9, 1891, 1.
Document 7: Death Notice of Claiborne Garland (Tuscaloosa Times Weekly), 1891
Though using the shortened name of Claiborne Garland, this death notice is a sharp contrast with the other local newspaper’s account (Document 6).
Clabe Garland, one of the best known and most highly respected of Tuscaloosa’s colored citizens, died at his home near the University last night, of heart disease.
He had been quite unwell for several months and during the most of that time was unable to attend to his duties at the University, of which institution he had been a faithful employee for many years, his connection with it dating back before the war.
In recognition of his faithful services, the officials of the University granted him many privileges during his long sickness.
Clabe did much for the cause of education among his race in Tuscaloosa.
He was the founder of the colored normal school here and always contributed very liberally to its support.
He was much thought of by the whites of this city who always regarded him with the kindliest feelings.
Source: “Clabe Garland, A Respected Colored Citizen, Departed for that Undiscovered Country,” Tuscaloosa Times Weekly, July 9, 1891, 1.
Clabe Garland, one of the best known and most highly respected of Tuscaloosa’s colored citizens, died at his home near the University last night, of heart disease.
He had been quite unwell for several months and during the most of that time was unable to attend to his duties at the University, of which institution he had been a faithful employee for many years, his connection with it dating back before the war.
In recognition of his faithful services, the officials of the University granted him many privileges during his long sickness.
Clabe did much for the cause of education among his race in Tuscaloosa.
He was the founder of the colored normal school here and always contributed very liberally to its support.
He was much thought of by the whites of this city who always regarded him with the kindliest feelings.
Source: “Clabe Garland, A Respected Colored Citizen, Departed for that Undiscovered Country,” Tuscaloosa Times Weekly, July 9, 1891, 1.
Document 8: Death Notice of Nancy Gould, 1889
Published in a local newspaper, this death notice sheds light on the postwar life and experiences of Nancy Gould.
Aunt Nancy Gould, one of colored landmarks died yesterday morning. She had been suffering several years with cancer and has been gradually weakening up to the end. She was about sixty years old and one of the most respected colored people in our city, and had the confidence and esteem of all who knew her. She was a firm member of the colored Presbyterian church and a devoted Christian. There are many of our citizens who will regret to hear of her death.
Source: “Death of an Old Landmark,” Tuscaloosa Weekly Times, May 15, 1889, 2.
Aunt Nancy Gould, one of colored landmarks died yesterday morning. She had been suffering several years with cancer and has been gradually weakening up to the end. She was about sixty years old and one of the most respected colored people in our city, and had the confidence and esteem of all who knew her. She was a firm member of the colored Presbyterian church and a devoted Christian. There are many of our citizens who will regret to hear of her death.
Source: “Death of an Old Landmark,” Tuscaloosa Weekly Times, May 15, 1889, 2.
Document 9: Death Notice of Lilah Owen, 1901
Published in a local newspaper, this death notice sheds light on the postwar life and experiences of Lilah Owen.
There died on September 5th a remarkable negro woman. This was Aunt Lilah Owen who lived with her son, Frank Owen, on the Cherokee Settlement about five miles from Tuskaloosa. Aunt Lilah, it is said, was 115 years old, and up to her last illness, which lasted two weeks, had displayed a remarkable amount of vigor. She could get around with the aid of a stick and her eyesight was remarkably good. At a recent grave yard cleaning in her neighborhood, she walked two and a half miles to be there and look after her husband’s grave.
She belonged to Dr. John Owen, one of the pioneers of Tuskaloosa from whom has descended many of the noted men and women of Alabam. When Aunt Lilah came to Tuscaloosa there was only one house here.
She was probably the oldest resident of the county, in fact it is doubtless if there are a half a dozen persons in the United States who have reached such an age. It is also a good thing to know that Aunt Lilah lived a consistent Christian life for 87 years out of 115 allotted to her. She was a member of the Methodist Church.
Source: “115 Years Old,” Tuskaloosa Gazette, September 15, 1901, 4.
There died on September 5th a remarkable negro woman. This was Aunt Lilah Owen who lived with her son, Frank Owen, on the Cherokee Settlement about five miles from Tuskaloosa. Aunt Lilah, it is said, was 115 years old, and up to her last illness, which lasted two weeks, had displayed a remarkable amount of vigor. She could get around with the aid of a stick and her eyesight was remarkably good. At a recent grave yard cleaning in her neighborhood, she walked two and a half miles to be there and look after her husband’s grave.
She belonged to Dr. John Owen, one of the pioneers of Tuskaloosa from whom has descended many of the noted men and women of Alabam. When Aunt Lilah came to Tuscaloosa there was only one house here.
She was probably the oldest resident of the county, in fact it is doubtless if there are a half a dozen persons in the United States who have reached such an age. It is also a good thing to know that Aunt Lilah lived a consistent Christian life for 87 years out of 115 allotted to her. She was a member of the Methodist Church.
Source: “115 Years Old,” Tuskaloosa Gazette, September 15, 1901, 4.
Document 10: Death Notice of Richard Coley, 1905
Published in an Indiana newspaper, this death notice demonstrates the postwar movement of African Americans from Alabama to other parts in the nation. Richard Coley embodies the Emancipation Diaspora discussed by Leslie Schwalm and other scholars.
Richard Coley, one of the oldest colored residents of the city, is dead at his home, 334 West Tenth street. He was ill but one week. He came to the city in the charge of Union soldiers near the close of the war, they having rescued him from the Confederate army, with which he had been compelled to serve as an attendant during the war. He was made to enter the Confederate service while a slave at Tuscaloosa, Ala. Since coming to the city he had worked at carpentering and had built his home in which he had lived for thirty-three years. He leaves a widow, two daughters and a son. His funeral will be held at the Second Baptist church tomorrow at 2 o’clock.
Source: “Aged Colored Man Dies,” Indianapolis News, August 8, 1905, 15.
Richard Coley, one of the oldest colored residents of the city, is dead at his home, 334 West Tenth street. He was ill but one week. He came to the city in the charge of Union soldiers near the close of the war, they having rescued him from the Confederate army, with which he had been compelled to serve as an attendant during the war. He was made to enter the Confederate service while a slave at Tuscaloosa, Ala. Since coming to the city he had worked at carpentering and had built his home in which he had lived for thirty-three years. He leaves a widow, two daughters and a son. His funeral will be held at the Second Baptist church tomorrow at 2 o’clock.
Source: “Aged Colored Man Dies,” Indianapolis News, August 8, 1905, 15.
Document: 11 Death of Jeremiah Barnes’s Son and Response
As a former enslaved person and African American leader, local media covered the life and experiences of Jeremiah Barnes. The death of his son drew sympathy from white and black residents.
The funeral of Jesse Barnes, the son of Prof. Jeremiah Barnes, whose death occurred in Birmingham on Thursday, will occur from the Colored Baptist Church this afternoon at two o’clock. The deceased was a member of the Baptist Church. His father and his family have many friends both among the white people as well as the colored and they regret to know of Jesse’s death and sympathize with the bereaved ones.
Response:
I wish to return thanks to all the friends – both white and colored, who presented floral designs, and expressed in other ways their sympathy, for the way that my son Jesse Ryland Barnes came to his untimely death on the 9th of June. I say that the blessings of God attend them through this life the remainder of their days.
Jeremiah Barnes
Sources: “Funeral of Jesse Barnes,” The Tuscaloosa News, June 12, 1910, 8 and “A Card of Thanks,” The Tuscaloosa News, June 15, 1910, 5.
The funeral of Jesse Barnes, the son of Prof. Jeremiah Barnes, whose death occurred in Birmingham on Thursday, will occur from the Colored Baptist Church this afternoon at two o’clock. The deceased was a member of the Baptist Church. His father and his family have many friends both among the white people as well as the colored and they regret to know of Jesse’s death and sympathize with the bereaved ones.
Response:
I wish to return thanks to all the friends – both white and colored, who presented floral designs, and expressed in other ways their sympathy, for the way that my son Jesse Ryland Barnes came to his untimely death on the 9th of June. I say that the blessings of God attend them through this life the remainder of their days.
Jeremiah Barnes
Sources: “Funeral of Jesse Barnes,” The Tuscaloosa News, June 12, 1910, 8 and “A Card of Thanks,” The Tuscaloosa News, June 15, 1910, 5.
Document 12: Jeremiah Barnes Celebrates 50th Wedding Anniversary, 1915
Following emancipation, African Americans legalized their marriages. At the 50th anniversary of the emancipation, many couples celebrated golden wedding anniversaries. The local newspaper noted one such anniversary.
Jeremiah Barnes and his wife celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage today by a family reunion.
On the 23rd of June, 1865, Jeremiah Barnes, who formerly belonged to Judge Washington Moody, and Dema, his wife who was nurse and house keeper for Mr. and Mrs. John L. Cobbs, were married at the home of Mr. Cobbs, in the house now occupied by Mr. Henry Leland.
The marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. R. D. Nevins, then Rector of Christ (Episcopal) Church, in the presence of a few invited guests. The worthy couple have lived here faithfully together ever since. They have six children and five grandchildren living. Their son Benjamin, assist his father in his school and another son, Henry, teaches school in the Black Belt. All the children went to school to their father and were graduated at Tuskegee.
Jeremiah Barnes has taught school in Tuscaloosa continuously these forty years and is highly respected by all, both white and black, and he has done much good among his people. Today they have the good wishes of the best people of our city.
Source: “Golden Wedding is Celebrated by Darkies,” The Tuscaloosa News, June 23, 1915, 1.
Jeremiah Barnes and his wife celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage today by a family reunion.
On the 23rd of June, 1865, Jeremiah Barnes, who formerly belonged to Judge Washington Moody, and Dema, his wife who was nurse and house keeper for Mr. and Mrs. John L. Cobbs, were married at the home of Mr. Cobbs, in the house now occupied by Mr. Henry Leland.
The marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. R. D. Nevins, then Rector of Christ (Episcopal) Church, in the presence of a few invited guests. The worthy couple have lived here faithfully together ever since. They have six children and five grandchildren living. Their son Benjamin, assist his father in his school and another son, Henry, teaches school in the Black Belt. All the children went to school to their father and were graduated at Tuskegee.
Jeremiah Barnes has taught school in Tuscaloosa continuously these forty years and is highly respected by all, both white and black, and he has done much good among his people. Today they have the good wishes of the best people of our city.
Source: “Golden Wedding is Celebrated by Darkies,” The Tuscaloosa News, June 23, 1915, 1.
Document 13: Emancipation Day Celebration, 1917
Although not always covered by mainstream newspapers, the African American commemorative calendar included the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln. This tradition continued well into the twentieth century in Tuscaloosa.
The colored people of Tuscaloosa will celebrate the 53rd year of their freedom and the Emancipation Proclamation.
The orator of the occasion this year will be Rev. Henry E. Jones, D.D., pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist church, Anniston, Alabama.
The authorities consider it a rare fortune in having been able to have Dr. Jones speak as he is rated as a star of the first magnitude in oratory and patriotism, in fact, when patriotic meetings were being held all over the south, Dr. Jones was one of the orators of the day at Anniston. One of the Anniston dailies, in commenting on the speech stated that it was easily the greatest speech ever heard in Anniston inspite of the fact that Congressman Blackmon and other speakers of note had been heard there.
The colored people of Tuscaloosa are planning to turn out in large numbers to hear this orator and patriot at First African Baptist church, January 1st, 1918 at 11 o’clock a.m.
Our white friends have seemed puzzled over the amount of patriotism shown by the negro and we hereby extend them a cordial invitation to come out and hear one man of the many men, who is keeping negro patriotism at high water mark.
Held under the auspices of the local Negro Business League. Music for this occasion will be furnished by the Union Choral Club.
Source: “Emancipation Celebration and Patriotic Meeting,” Tuscaloosa News, December 28, 1917, 6.
The colored people of Tuscaloosa will celebrate the 53rd year of their freedom and the Emancipation Proclamation.
The orator of the occasion this year will be Rev. Henry E. Jones, D.D., pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist church, Anniston, Alabama.
The authorities consider it a rare fortune in having been able to have Dr. Jones speak as he is rated as a star of the first magnitude in oratory and patriotism, in fact, when patriotic meetings were being held all over the south, Dr. Jones was one of the orators of the day at Anniston. One of the Anniston dailies, in commenting on the speech stated that it was easily the greatest speech ever heard in Anniston inspite of the fact that Congressman Blackmon and other speakers of note had been heard there.
The colored people of Tuscaloosa are planning to turn out in large numbers to hear this orator and patriot at First African Baptist church, January 1st, 1918 at 11 o’clock a.m.
Our white friends have seemed puzzled over the amount of patriotism shown by the negro and we hereby extend them a cordial invitation to come out and hear one man of the many men, who is keeping negro patriotism at high water mark.
Held under the auspices of the local Negro Business League. Music for this occasion will be furnished by the Union Choral Club.
Source: “Emancipation Celebration and Patriotic Meeting,” Tuscaloosa News, December 28, 1917, 6.
