A Window On The Past:
African-American Life in Howard County from the Civil War to 1890

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African-American Community from the Civil War to 1890

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Shot in the Head. "Aunt Becky," a colored woman was shot in the head at the Junction Hotel in this place last week, the bullet dividing, a part of it passing clear through the brain. She is still alive. The pistol was in the hands of a man recently arrived there as a help, and the firing is reported to have been accidental. [HT-29 Oct 1863/p3/c1] "Aunt Becky" / Junction Hotel (Kokomo) / Shootings (accidental) Indiana is just beginning to wake up on the subject of colored recruits. If it had not been for the existence of an insane prejudice on the subject, we might have had credit for large numbers who now swell the ranks of regiments formed in some of our more wide-awake sister States. But now the work goes rapidly on, and not even the Copperheads can withdraw their rapidly glazing eyes from the dreadful draft long enough to look an objection to this method of disposing of "free Americans of African descent." -New Castle Courier [HT-07 Jan 1864/p1/c7] Colored Recruits / Civil War / Draft Four hundred men are recruited for the colored regiment rendezvousing at Indianapolis. -- We saw a couple of them from Ervin township, on the streets here yesterday. They looked well and wore their soldier clothes with grace but without any permosity [sic]. [HT-14 Jan 1864/p2/c4] Colored Recruits / Civil War / Ervin Township / Colored Regiment

Colored Volunteers Colored persons will be enlisted and accepted as recruits for the 28th regiment United States Colored Volunteers or any other regiment of colored volunteers in the service, and will be entitled to the same bounty and pay as other United States soldiers. [HT- 04 Aug 1864/p1/c6] 28th Regiment / Colored soldiers / Civil War Weekly Letter List No. 51 [among others] Bassit-Mrs. Ann [HT-14 Dec 1865/p3/c3] BASSIT, Ann / Letters #66003 Colored Regiments. Congress provided for only four regiments of colored soldiers. The number should have been forty. [HT-02 Aug 1866/p2/c4] Colored Regiments / Civil War Among the large number of cases recently decided by the Supremes Court, two were from this county: Jones et. ux vs. Bassett C.P. - affirmed; Krah vs. Anderson, C.P. - reversed. [HT- 17 Jan 1867/p3/c1] Court Cases / BASSETT / ANDERSON / Supreme Court

 

Advertised Letters, No 5. [among others] Artis, Martha [HT-21 Feb 1867/p3/c4] ARTIS, Martha / Letters Robert Dunlap, colored, raised a muss with the colored girls, was drunk and misbehaved generally. The fun cost him $8.70 which he cheerfully paid. The night of this disturbance, the cry of "murder" by the girls, raised the Marshal and 'Squire Wherrett who both went rapidly to the scene. On the way, the ground being very slippery, the Marshal fell, the back of his head striking first and the 'Squire fell sprawling into a ditch. But they arrived on time to prevent Bob from using a big club which he had drawn over his lady love whom he accuses of not being true to him. [HT-5 Mar 1868/p3/c2] Dunlap, Robert / Social Disturbances (drunkenness) / Fines

Lecture. Solomon Day a young (colored) student of law from Ohio will deliver a free public lecture to the citizens of Kokomo, at Armstrong's Hall Wednesday evening, April 21, 1869. Subject "Claims of the Negro to Suffrage." Mr. Day was educated at Oberlin Ohio, recently commenced the study of law with Judge Blackman, of Lebanon, Ohio, and is now delivering public lectures to aid the cause of Equal Rights before the law for all men without distinction of race or color, and to procure means to aid him in completing his study. He has lectured in various places in this State and Ohio to large audiences, and is spoken will of by those who have heard him. Lecture to commence at 7 1/2 o'clock. All are invited to attend. [HT-22 Apr 1869/p3/c2] Social Activities / Lectures / Day, Solomon / Armstrong's Hall

 

Colored Settlements. Besides the scattering colored people of this county, there are two small settlements. One is about six miles west and contains eight or ten families; the other, three miles further west and includes about twenty families all in fine circumstances, with large farms, food buildings, orchards, ornamental trees &c. Only a few days ago, Richard Bassett, a colored man, was offered twelve thousand dollars for his farm of two hundred and forty acres, and others are in similar circumstances. We shall be right glad is see these thrifty citizens vote. [HT-3 Mar 1870/p5/c2] Colored Settlements / Bassett, Richard / Land Records Town Talk. The colored folks of this city are going to organize a Brass Band for the coming campaign. [HT-24 Mar 1870/p3/c2] Social Activities / Brass Band Town Talk. The colored folks have organized their brass band. [HT-12 Apr 1870/p1/c4] Fifteenth Amendments out in Procession The Fifteenth amendment was celebrated here last Tuesday. - The eloquence of the occasion was done by our neighbor Wildman, of the Tribune. Col. Charles Murray and an African from Indianapolis. The hour for the Democrat to go to press was too early to give an extended notice of colored doings. Later - The colored folks formed in line with banners, trappings and all the pomp and circumstance of glorious war at half past ten and proceeded to "march to the e'er piercing life and soul stirring drum." An [rest of article to dark to make out] [Dem- 25 May 1870/p3/c1] Fifteenth Amendment / Colored Celebration / Social Events Fifteenth Amendment Celebrated - The Mokes Jubilate. At an early hour on Tuesday morning the flitting forms of Americanized Africans thronging the streets, with the word "Business" written on their physiognomies, reminded us of the fact that this was the day set apart for a general kicking up of heels, in honor of the wise (?) And patriotic (?) measure, the Fifteenth Amendment. The children of the aforesaid Amendment, inhabiting divers portions of the county began to come in quite early, and it was but a short time until a raid was made on ginger bread, which seemed to be the emblem selected by the newly made citizens to do honor to their benefactors. By 10 o'clock a sufficient number had arrived for them to begin to form their procession, which they proceeded to do, at the corner of Sycamore and Washington street. Then business began. It was difficult to tell who was marshal, as nearly every moke wore an elaborate blue sash, and at least fifty were giving orders on to the manner of forming the procession. Our doubts as to the marshal were quickly dispelled, however, by the appearance of CONSTABLE HANCE AND DOCTOR NICHOLS Hance was mounted on a beautiful bay horse, wore a blue sash that put all other sashes to shame, and wore a sabr [sic] by his side - we suppose to preserve order and to hew down "de white trash" that might transcend the bounds of colored propriety. Dr. Nichols was dressed in a magnificent suit of black, with a huge Revolutionary broadsword swung at his hip, a big grin illuminating that countenance of his, throwing shadows of a dark hue all about him. Minor, by the way is a first rate darkey. He attends to his own business, is scrupulously honest and by dint of hard labor has succeeded in amassing considerable property; an example that other mokes would profit to follow. Finally, they succeeded in forming THE PROCESSION First came a big wagon, filled with general assortment of coons and piccaninnies, all conglomerated together in one dark mass. In the centre of this cart, we discovered a fat, buxom

Africaness [sic], as black as the Devil, gaily caparisoned in a long, white veil and green kid gloves, representing (ye Gods!) The Goddess of Liberty. We would have suggested that Jake Steward be clad in a robe and placed beside her, to represent an angel of light. Immediately after the wagon, came the Kokomo Brass Band, trudging after the mokes. Immediately following the band, came the male coons on foot, about every fifth man holding a "banner with some strange device." We give the following as samples: "We are free, and Ireland Aught to be." "We are down on social equality." After the men came the wenches on foot, with picanninnies in arms, marching two and two, the most of whom looked as though when the time for action came they would make red hot Women's Right men. There were several wagons following the crowd, the rear being brought up by Horace Johnson, the gentlemanly barber under the Clinton House, who kindly invited us to take a seat in his buggy, while we took notes of passing events. Horace is one of the best behaved boys we ever knew, either black or white, and we shall be pleased to reciprocate the favors he has shown us. The procession thus formed moved to the ground, north of Dr. James', where a stand had been erected, seats prepared, and arrangements generally made for the comfort and accommodation of these once down trodden but now exalted and intelligent creatures. The first speaker, we believe was, H.P. SMITH, THE PHRENOLOGIST. This gentleman is a portly fellow, of about sixty summers, with a head betokening immense mental power, a face beaming with benevolent philanthropy, and a stomach demonstrating the wondrous effect of pork and beans. He is an extraordinary man, as one reading his poetry and his out-burstings about Phrenological developments will readily observe. We would mention right here that he taught the school at Tampico last winter and as a pedagogist is a successist. (?). Mr. Smith spoke. He orated. He waxed enthusiastically eloquent. He perfumed the air about him with odors of loyalty. But we will not attempt to "do" his speech. We couldn't do the old "cod" justice. After this "man and brother" had subsided, apparently much to the relief of his brethren of a darker hue, the meetings adjourned for DINNER The dinner being in baskets was unstored and placed on the ground and [can not read] hungry mokes went for their grub as though they really liked it. We only noticed four whites eating with them - all Republicans - two from Ervin township, and the other two residents of Center. The coons dished out the grub sparingly to them and looked as though they had a slight opinion of "de po white trash" that were disposed to sponge off of their "cullud bredren."[sic] Dinner passed off quietly and to those partaking, was the most satisfactory part of the programme. [sic] Indeed, it was the only part that most of the mokes seemed to take any interest in at all. After dinner the crowd again assembled around the stand picking the meal out of their teeth and chewing it over again, case they liked it. The ball was opened by the REV. DAVID RUSH He is the finest looking African of them all, and we think has more real good sense than any person speaking the entire day - not excepting the irrepressible Smith. Rush stated that the fust thing in order would be the taking up ob a collection. That while the brass band sang a tune. Dr. Nichols would pass around the hat at the same time interesting the

Doctor in the art of politeness by telling him to make a tremendious delightsome and lovely bow to those who contributed." The beaming countenance of Minor soon made its appearance and the hat was passed. - Philips, Dr. Henderson, and your reporter contributed [hard to read] in the aggregate; first having estimated the cost of refreshments after the show. THE CHOIR composed of about twenty interesting male and female descendants of Ham, struck up a very pretty song which tune is this way: Me, Fa, Sol, Do, Ra, &c. Philips mechanically kept time to the music with his foot - thought there was dyrned(?) fine sentiment in the song. REV. WILLIAMS was announced as the cut and dried orator of the 'casiom. He is a rather good looking moke, of some fifty summers and in the line of hair bears a striking resemblance to Philips. He was attired rather neatly, wears a paper collar, and was about the only coon on the ground but that wore a blue sash. He commenced his speech by giving a history of the Puritanical element in New England and by instructing them in the early history of the United States. His ideas were entirely original, being taken seriatim from Quaker Child's History of the United States. He is however, a darkey or more than ordinary ability, and will, we presume, make his mark in the council of the mokes. After divers remarks by sundry obscure individuals, that no one paid any attention to, the crowd began to disperse and the coons who by this time were hungry again, rushed frantically up town with their Dutchness made a rush on Duke, whose sales of gingerbread were enormous. This ended the celebration . Old mokes went stupidly home while doting mothers carried their sleeping piccanninnies off the field. All felt that it was good for them to be there, and we really expect the coons enjoyed MONTGOMERY OF THE JOURNAL, would have had a big time but a damper fell on his ardor early in the day. Aleck Morgan, who tightly slight [can not read] when S. T. ran up and excitedly ordered him off his horse. The moke slid gently off and showed signs of fight when the champion of Temperance hurriedly subsided. He left the scene of conflict and went out the [sic] the youthful and daring Pershing who flitted hither and yon among his brethren, taking items and looking as if he smelled the battle afar off. [Dem- 1 Jun 1870/p2/c6-7] Emancipation Celebration / Fifteenth Amendment / Social Activities Aleck MORGAN / Rev. WILLIAMS / Constable HANCE / Dr. Minor NICHOLS / Rev. David RUSH / Horace JOHNSON / Colored Choir Colored Festival. We were so unwell as to be unable to attend this "gathering in" of the colored folks, on Wednesday evening last, but understand from those present that they had a good time. There are some real clever colored boys in Kokomo, who are quiet and courteous, and mind their business more closely that a great many of a lighter hue. [Dem- 27 Jul 1870/p1/c7] Social Activities / Colored Festivals Edwin Roberts, Grand Master of the Colored Lodge of Masons, was in town on Tuesday. The Colored Lodge of Free Masons will be moved from New London to this place in a short time. [KTW-4 Aug 1870/p3/c2] Social Activities / Colored Lodge of Free Masons / Roberts, Edwin / New London Notice I have a son by the name of Lafayette Nicholas (colored) in Indianapolis from Mississippi. Any information of his whereabouts will be very acceptable. Minor Nicholas, Kokomo, Ind. (Indianapolis papers please copy.) [Dem- 09 Mar 1871/p3/c1] Minor NICHOLAS / Lafayette NICHOLAS / Minor NICHOLS / Comings and Goings

 

Dr. Minor Nichols Arrested He is Fined $9.95. Probably a Great Outrage. In the heart of this city Mr. A. B. Walker owns an acre of ground on which are quite a number of apple trees full of fruit. He is now in Iowa on a visit, but before going sold the fruit to a colored man by the name of Wynbarn. On Friday morning, he and Dr. Nichols, another colored man, went into the orchard together. Wynburn got into a tree and shook down apples. Both gathered what they wanted when Minor offered him a silver quarter .Wynburn said he preferred paper, asked that it might be handed him again, came down town, got out a warrant, had Minor arrested and brought before Justice Moon. He had no consular and by some means he was fined and costed to the amount of 9,95. It took us by surprise when we heard Minor had been arrested for stealing apples for he is a pillar of the church, and sings "I'm right down glad" and other songs with great unction. We did not believe the story and so took pains in the evening to find out the facts and put a lawyer on the track of the business to see if Minor's $9.95 could not be recovered and somebody else fined for malicious prosecution. The colored folks of this city are not behaving well. They have many disagreements and quarrels and jealousies among themselves and they will never amount to much or gain any respect until they leave off all they sort of spirit. Yesterday the new trial was had before Justice Moon. Wynburn reinforced by securing Col. Murray to aid the Prosecutor. Mr. Stringer - John W. Kern conducted the defense. The Court decided that the State failed to make a case. So Minor was discharged and the rest felt "right down glad." [KTW-19 Sept 1871/p3/c2] Crimes Committed / Fines Charged / Wynburn / Nichols, Dr. Minor / Arrests Fire in Ervin Township. On last Tuesday night the house of Philip Bricken, a colored man residing in Ervin township was burned. The family was barely saved. All clothing was lost. Mr. Bricken was a widower and had six children, all small. Richard Bassett was in town on Saturday soliciting aid for the relief of the family. [KTW-13 Feb 1872/p2/c5] Accidents (fire) / Ervin Township / Bricken, Philip / Bassett, Richard Colored Festival. The colored ladies of this city and county gave a festival at Armstrong's hall, last Tuesday evening. We dropped in upon them about 10 o'clock, and found a large number of the colored population of this city together with a large delegation from New London, and another from the settlement west of the city. The gross receipts as reported were $66, 80 cents. Expenses $8.80 Net receipts $59.00 Which we learn is to be dedicated to a fund for the erection of a church in this city. Among the many prominent features of the festival was the voting, first for the most popular young lady, and Miss Bell Anderson, and Miss Bell Roberts, were named. The votes were 10 cts. Each, and resulted as follows, Miss Anderson, 66 Miss Roberts, 49 The next was the two most popular married ladies, and Mrs. Emma Nickelson and Mattie Bird were named with the following result, Bird, 21 Nickelson, 17 The next was the most popular barber, and Mr. J. A. Brayboy and Mr. William Gaskins were named, with the following result, Brayboy, 11 Gaskins, 8 The colored people are on better terms with each other than they were a year ago, but Dr. Minor Nickols is just as excitable as ever, and when he makes haste, always loses time. Among the incidents at the festival, was that of Paul Dorsch attempting to find Sam Stern, and failed, declaring that since Sam got mixed up with the colored population, he was not able to pick him out. Paul's eyes mush have been under an eclipse. The next item of interest was Sam Jones' attempt to eat an entire chicken, and from the labor it appeared to require to disjoint it, we were lead to conclude it was the identical one that gave the alarm, a short time after Peter smote off the High Priest's ear. The entire festival was a pleasant and profitable affair, but Ad. Armstrong did them a little dirt by removing the carpet, they having to take the bare floor. [HCR-22 Mar 1872/p3/c4] Social Activities / Festivals / Anderson, Miss Bell / Roberts, Miss Bell / Nickelson, Mrs. Emma / Bird, Mattie / Brayboy, Mr. J. A. / Gaskins, Mr. William / Nickols, Dr. Minor / New Church Fund Rape Case. We learn the indictment returned last term against Reuben Griggs (colored) for rape upon the person of a little girl, was dismissed, and a new indictment returned by the present Grand Jury for the same offense, there being some defeat in the former indictment. If the facts are as have been related to us, by David Rush, Mr. Hall and others, we know of no degree of punishment too severe for the defendant to undergo. We forbear publishing statements as they are too revolting for print. [HCR-24 May 1872/p3/c1] Crimes (Rape) / Griggs, Reuben / Rush, David / Hall, Mr. Mistaken Identity. - On Monday morning "Doc" Stephens, a colored barber of this city, stepped into the Howard House bar room, and on offering his hand to a supposed acquaintance he was rebuked with epithets not at all complimentary to the dusky son of Ham, whereupon "Doc" commenced a vigorous attack with his cane, but parties interferred, [sic] and with the exception of a slight flow of claret, no injury was sustained by either party. Cause of the row: mental aberration resulting from a too frequent use of stimulants. [Kdem 27 Jun 1872/p3/c2] "Doc" Stephens / barbers / Social Disturbances "Afore God I Bus' You, ALECK!" -- Minor Nichols is in trouble again. It seems that Minor has a colored boy living with him a shade darker than copper. Said colored boy came near being the cause of a bloody encounter between Mr. Nichols and Aleck Morgan, also a "gemmen ob color," a few degrees blacker than a black cat in a gloomy cellar in a dark night. Aleck met Minor in front of Jim Clayburn's and accused him of appropriating funds belonging to the copper-colored boy, at which remark, Minor's wool began to rise. He jumped into the middle of the street, cracked is brawny fists and remarked "Afore God I bus you Aleck! I'se dun live har good while and dat's de fust time Ise bin 'cused ob propriating money dat wus anudder pussons." At this juncture, Alex stepped back to a brick pile on the edge of the sidewalk and was in the act of picking up a brick, when Minor said, "Now Aleck, don't you pick up dat brick, Ef you do you is my meat sure. I jist run mi seff clean frough you an den go to de Mayor's an' pay for you; Ise Minor Nichols, dat's who I is." This plain talk had its effect, and Alex "walked off on his ear," congratulating himself on escaping with sound limbs. [Kdem- 27 Jun 1872/p3/c2] Minor NICHOLS / Aleck (Alex) MORGAN / Social Disturbances

On Sunday evening, Tom Byrd and Ed. Richardson, both barbers of this city, went to the woods to make a swing. They had not been engaged long before an altercation arose, which resulted in Richardson knocking Tom down. It seems that Tom had an ax in his hand at the time, and when struck, let it fall on Richardson's foot, inflicting a very severe wound. Tom "left" the scene of conflict and ended the affray. [Kdem- 04 Jul 1872/p3/c1] Tom BYRD / Social Disturbances / Barbers Last Saturday night, Alex Morgan being found slightly inebriated, Marshal Hutto started with him to a place of quiet and meditation. When they had proceeded a short distance Alex, concluding not to go, gave a vigorous stroke at Hutto, whereupon he returned the compliment with a well-timed blow of his macc [sic], which took effect on the head of Alex, sending him to grass in a hurry. Alex now carries a Dolly Varden head. Moral - Do not attack an officer in the legitimate discharge of his duty. [Kdem- 04 July 1872/p3/c1] Alex MORGAN / Social Disturbances Colored Celebration. The colored citizens of this and adjoining counties will celebrate the adoption of the 15th Amendment, on Thursday, August 1st, in this city, - All are invited to participate. J. S. Hinton, of Indianapolis, C. S. Hance, of Kokomo, Wm. Ellis and other speakers will be in attendance. The place for holding the celebration is not yet fully agreed upon, but it will be in some grove close to the city, due notice of which will be given by posters. Mr. Hinton is one of the contingent electors for the State at large. [KTW-16 July 1872/p3/c1] Social Activities (15th Amendment Commemoration Celebration) / Hance, C. S. / Ellis, William / Hinton, J. S. Grand Mass Meeting. There will be a mass meeting of the colored citizens of Howard and adjoining counties, commemorating the enfranchisement of the colored Americans, August 1st, 1872, at the city of Kokomo. The procession will form at the corner of Walnut and Washington streets, at 8 o'clock A. M., under the immediate direction of Wm. Burnett, marshal of the day. The procession will march through the principal streets, accompanied by good music, after which they will repair to Judge Brouse's grove where they will be entertained by M. S. Hinton, of Indianapolis, colored contingent presidential elector, and likewise there will be a member of other eminent speakers. There will be a good dinner and other refreshments on the grounds: the dinner will be one dollar a couple. The sale of any intoxicating liquors will be strictly forbidden on or near the grounds. After the exercises in the grove there will be speaking at the court house at 6 o'clock P. M. Committee of Arrangements. Milton Nicholson, Horace Johnson, M. W. Winburn, Charles Lewis, Bryant Brooks. Marshal, William Burnett Assistant Marshals, Wilson Harden, London Wm. Ellis, Bass Settlement Wm. Hardiman, Deer Creek [HCT-19 July 1872] Social Activities / Emancipation Celebration / Hinton, M. S. / Nicholson, Milton / Johnson, Horace / Winburn, M. W. / Lewis, Charles / Brooks, Bryant / Burnett, William / Harden, Wilson / Ellis, William / Hardiman, William The War Path. - Alex Morgan again the victim. It all happened in this wise: "Bob" Griffin, the muscle champion of Kokomo, had been boarding in Morgan's family for some time, and at the special request of Alex's better half, had been paying his board bill to her. Alex desired a change in the financial affairs of the house and notified "Bob" accordingly. But "Bob" deemed it polite to transfer his treasury to Mrs. M., who did the work and could save the money, a faculty altogether wanting in Alex. Last Monday, when "Bob" went to dinner, he found Alex in a terrible rage and cursing everybody and everything in a manner "that was painful and frequent and free." Whereupon "Bob" enquired if he was included in the bugget [sic] of abuse, and upon receiving an affirmative answer began his "work" on Alex's cranium, and did not cease until he had administered him a severe drubbing, Alex complained to the authorities and "Bob" arranged the matter satisfactorily by parting with $9.70. This is the third attempt for Alex, and yet success does not attend him. Truly, "the way of the transgressor is hard." [Kdem- 25 Jul 1872/p3/c2] Alex MORGAN / "Bob" GRIFFIN / Mrs. MORGAN / Social Disturbances The XV th Amendment. Celebration on Thursday. The colored people of this county will have a celebration on Thursday of this week. A procession will be organized in the forenoon and after marching through the principal streets will proceed to the Fair Grounds. At 2 o'clock P. M., Mr. J. S. Hinton, colored, contingent elector for the State at large on the Republican ticket, will speak. He is said to be a first-rate speaker. All are cordially invited to be present. [KTW-30 July 1872/p3/c4] Social Activities (15th Amendment Commemoration Celebration) / Hinton, J. S. / Fair Grounds Messrs Hinton, Ellis, Hance and Nicholson were the colored speakers at the celebration on the 1st. Their speeches were all to the point and will do good. [HCR-9 Aug 1872/p3/c1] Social Activities / Emancipation Celebration / Hinton, M. S. / Hance / Ellis, William / Nicholson, Milton A Live Ku Klux. - On Saturday night last, a Fifteenth Amendment by the name of Taylor, run against a stone that slipped violently from the hand of a young man by the name of Schwartz cutting his lip through and causing an unusual flow of claret. [Kdem- 12 Sep 1872/p3/c3] TAYLOR / Social Disturbances / Crimes Rev. Minor Nichols, a stakeholder at the Fair races is a success. [KTW-24 Sept 1872/p3/c1] Nichols, Rev. Minor / Fair races The colored folks had a "big time" at Charley Lewis', last Monday night. The mazy waltz, the lightning jig and the "you bet" walk a-round, was done up in an artistic style. [Kdem- 26 Sept 1872/p3/c2] Social Activities / Colored celebrations / Charley LEWIS

 

Row at the Colored Festival Affidavits were filed against Perry Stewart and William Duke, Saturday morning, charging them with having disturbed the colored festival last Friday night. William Duke had his trial before Esquire Moon, Saturday and was found guilty. John W. Kern, his attorney, appealed the case to the September term of the Circuit Court. At this writing (Monday morning) Stewart has not had his trial. The origin of the difficulty, as charged by the colored people, is substantially as follows: Stewart and two other boys, whose names we have not learned, kept following some girls around the room, making remarks and stating that they were going home with them. The girls informed John Byrd (colored) of their conduct, and he took them to task about it. Stewart drew a chair and Byrd threw off his coat. At this a general tumult arose, and all rushed around to see the fight. Duke then, it is charged, seized a chair, stating that he would see fair play. The colored men then forcibly ejected the young men from the hall. Several stones were thrown and several window panes were broken. The festival was very uproarous [sic], but good feeling prevailed until late in the evening. David McCool and another man, both white, had a little alteration and, we believe, blows were passed, but neither were put out of the hall, as they should have been. Since difficulties have occurred with the whites at almost every festival they have held, we think that it would be the best policy for them in the future to exclude whites altogether. [Kdem- 07 Aug 1873/p3/c2] Social events / Colored festivals / Social disturbances / BYRD, John The "cuss" who cut Minor Nichols' harness evidently intended to make two sets out of the one, but by some mishap cut too fine. [Kdem- 23 Dec 1873/p3/c1] NICHOLS, Minor / Social Disturbances / Crimes "Bobby," the colored man, whose vociferous snoring has been the cause of so much "spirit groaning" at "The Bull's Eye," has been compelled to abandon his apartments, because he could not pay the "rint." [Kdem- 23 Dec 1873/p3/c1] "Bobby" / Social Disturbances Last Friday morning, a negro boy by the name of Burnett accidentally shot his companion Gibson while riding in a wagon about five miles west of this city. The pistol was fired accidentally, while in his pocket, and the ball entered Gibson's side and lodged against a rib, inflicting a severe but not dangerous wound. Burnett was arrested and fined $25.00 for carrying concealed weapons. [Kdem- 03 Jul, 1873/p3/c5] BURNETT / GIBSON / Accidents / Shootings / Social Disturbances / Arrests

We learn that Minor Nichols, "dat's who," and Hartwood, the other "coon," are contemplating settling their disputes by a ring fight. [Kdem- 03 Jul 1873/p3/c1] NICHOLS, Minor / HARTWOOD / Social Disturbances Black Deeds By A Black Man The loveliest coon in our lovely burgh. Many night has Sam Young been seen meandering across the "yallar" bridge in Bucktown, Indianapolis, in quest of Dinah, brown and black. Sam is not as dark as four black cats in a cellar at twelve o'clock on a moonless night, yet he is a shade darker then blackened boots before the gloss is put on, and glories in his color. Sam. is a "ladies' man," so to speak, and wanders in good "harness" when in search of lovely creatures. Sam. has broken the heart of many a colored gal, and has "busted the bugle" of numerous "mokes" for interfering in his "love affairs" This dark individual recently removed to Kokomo, (now he's a Koko-moke,) and as is his want, he shied among the "brown beauties" at a "Loose gait." Sam. never did admire a "half nigger" - banana colored, with straight hair. But then he likes to leave his race and beaux a mulatto, or octoroon, or anything, just to pass away the time, you know. Sam. got in trouble a few weeks since, because he took a "yallar" gal away from a "copper-colored brother, and later he became involved in a fight with one Dare, a blacksmith, who dared to call him a "dirty nigger." Sam. is not a "dirty nigger" - he's simply a "cullud in-di-wud-u-al." Sam. don't like the word "nigger," and objected in a pugillistic and oratorical manner. Said he: "Massa Dare, ise no nigga'; ob cose ise black, but den ise not so black but dat I cood be blacker. But, 'cordin' to de jerrymanderin' ob the Jummel will case, and de ebliterasun ob de Tichbourne constootional trial, and de passage ob de late currency bill, I shall hab to promiscuously 'fend my dignity!" With this Sam. struck Dare and paid a small fine for the fun. Sam. is now the "buck" of the "coons," and although he may not have as much of the "ready" as Dr. Minor Nichols, or the oratorial powers of Mr. Hance, yet he travels on his beauty and smiles at all the "yallar" gals that chance to meet him. "Oh, I'm not yallar, but ise black, As all de gals can see; Oh, I kiss de beauties wid a smack, When dey waltz around wid me." [Kdem- 25 Sep 1873/p3/c4] YOUNG, Sam / NICHOLS, Minor / HANCE, Mr. / Comings and Goings

 

A colored woman in the employ of Judge Linsday gave a magnificent supper and dance at his residence on Friday night. Almost the entire colored population of the city was present. The occasion was one of mirth and gastronomic satisfaction. The Judge graced the affair with his presence and contributed to the enjoyment of all. [Kdem- 01 Jan 1874/p3/c1] Occupations / Social events / Colored celebration   The colored people of this county did not celebrate January 1st, the anniversary day the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect. [Kdem- 08 Jan 1874/p3/c1] Social Activities / Colored Celebration / Emancipation Proclamation   The colored brass band of Peru arrived in the city Tuesday to attend the colored festival. It made very creditable music. [Kdem- 15 Jan 1874/p3/c1] Social Events / Colored Festivals / Peru colored band A young gentleman in this city who talked furiously about young men who would attend the dance of the ungodly "whites" at the band room, attended the colored festival on Tuesday night and was seen about ten o'clock on the street hugging a "darkey" girl. [KTW- 20 Jan 1874/p3/c1] Colored festivals / Social Activities Mr. McCary, colored, a Route Agent on the I.P. & C.R.R. was recently removed. His successor took the work on Monday, of last week. We learn that the cause of his removal was intemperance. This news astonished us. We have known Mr. McC for a long time but we only knew him as a fine-looking, large, intelligent, gentlemanly man and preacher. At first we supposed the charge was trumped up without any foundation but we are now convinced that it was true. We also learn that Mc. had heretofore been guilty in that direction, that he drinks seldom but gets very full when the paroxysm comes on. If so, he is one of those persons to be pitied. Of course, with such a fault, he should not be trusted with the mails but we are sincerely sorry to hear of it. Mc. always appeared to us a gentleman free from any of the common vices. [KTW- 10 Mar 1874/p1/c8] Mr. MCCARY / Occupations / Social Disturbances / Intoxication   One evening last week a lemon-colored mulatto of this city became drunk. Now, there is nothing very remarkable in the simple fact that a mulatto of this particular color should get drunk occasionally, but this mulatto wanted to fight somebody. He pulled off his coat and hung it on a nail in the wall and turned to find the object of his wrath, but he had just stepped out, as the boys say. However, this lemon-colored "coon" saw the coat and thought it was his man. He braced up and struck out from his shoulder. He was surprised when they picked him up, and it was several minutes before they could convince him that the back part of his head was not as large as a barrel. [Kdem- 30 Apr 1874/p3/c2] Social disturbances / Intoxication   Tom Byrd (colored) was last Saturday arrested on the charge of committing a rape on a colored grandchild of Rev. Mr. Beverly (colored). This colored case with all its colored details, incidents, and particulars will have a hearing before Judge Pollard at the next term of court. [Kdem- 07 May 1874/p3/c3] BYRD, Tom / BEVERLY, Rev. Mr. / Crimes / Court cases   Hart's Colored Minstrels will be at the Opera House, to-morrow night. We have never witnessed this troupe of burnt cork, but from the notices they are receiving by the press wherever they have been, we presume it is a good show. At any rate we shall visit the hall, and will be more able to tell of the merits of the colored boys after seeing them. [Kdem- 28 May 1874/p3/c3] Social Events / Entertainment / Hart's Colored Minstrels [...]That Henry Hart's Colored Minstrels gave a good performance, last Friday evening [...] [Kdem- 04 Jun 1874/p3/c2] Social Events / Entertainment / Hart's Colored Minstrels   Henry Hart's original colored minstrels gave the best entertainment of the kind last Friday night ever put on the boards in this city. Their representation of the Southern plantation negro's is without precedent. To the lovers of "burnt cork" everywhere we would say, there is nothing of vulgarity or low slang in the performances of this troupe to give offence to the most fastidious of refined society. [Kdem- 04 Jun 1874/p3/c1] Social Events / Entertainment / Hart's Colored Minstrels What our people are saying. [...] That Annie Foster, inclined to be dark, was the cause of Sam Young, inclined to be black, and John Byrd, inclined to be the color of poplar sawdust, making themselves ridiculous, on Railroad street last week - and it was all because they both wanted to "spark" Annie [...] [Kdem- 02 Jul 1874/p3/c4] FOSTER, Annie / YOUNG, Sam / BYRD, John   A brown colored lady, Mrs. Brown by name, writes from Chicago to Capt. Hanser of the Howard House, to ascertain whether her husband, who is also a brown Brown, and rejoices in the patriarchal prenomen of Abraham, is yet cooking at his hotel, run off with another woman, cheated justice by jumping the town, or securely rendezvoused in the Northern prison at Michigan city. Brown should answer. [Kdem- 20 Aug 1874/p3/c2] BROWN, Abraham / Comings and Goings / Howard House "De Cussed Civil Customs." Mose peek at Bunker Hill - the ice-water - the beer - the bronzed Dinah - what effect a moke's head has on a beer glass - the civil rights bill practically tested.   Yesterday, two weeks ago, the brightest of darkies and blackest of "coons" held a festival at Peru, the home of Salary Grab Tyner, retired. A great many "gemmen ob cullah" went from the intellectual sprinkle of Kokomo's dark population. There were Mose Peek, Sambo, Dinah and lots of other "shades" that boarded the P. & I. train that day. But somehow or other Mose and Dinah, in company with others, "Stopped off" at Bunker Hill. Mose, 'tis said, was riled with "crashed corn," whatever that may be, and his lust for beer was immense; his water tank had run down to such a degree that the thinnest thread of a spider web would have been "fat"

compared with Mose's "stomach basket." If "corn juice." by simply drinking one glass, would have the "glory- halla- lugerum effect on a man during his existence, what a terrible effect it would have on the United States Internal Revenue Department. 'Tis sad, but true, that after a certain length of time, whisky will die in a man's abdomen, so to speak. The whisky died in Mose's abdomen. It was g-l-o-r-i-o-u-s during life, but then it finally died, and Mose repaired to Billy Breckinridge's to recuperate. Mose, in company with Pomp Brown, a cook, who is blacker than the ace of spades (by the way, Mose is two shades darker than Sam Young and Pomp Brown put together, and they do say that lamp black spread on his face would almost whitewash him,) called for a glass of beer. Breckinridge told him "Nixey," and Mose swore by the emancipation proclamation that he would have it. Said he: "In de name ob Thad Stephens and de storming ob de breast works at Chickamauga, I swear before Miss Dinah dat ise gwine to hab dat beer." With this he picked up Pomp Brown's glass and drank it down. Mr. Breckinridge in a very gentlemanly manner picked up a beer glass and throwed it at Mose. It struck its mark - the head - and broke the glass, but it didn't stagger the coon. Then Dinah stepped in and explained the matter. She said she had sent Mose after a glass of icewater, and thought "de white race war degenerating in consequence ob de infatuation ob de crusading manipulation," and "dat it war funny dat de fair sex ob de noblest race dis side ob de Atlantic Ocean couldn't git a glass ob water wid out being insulted by de white trash." Dinah finally got Mose away, and he mustered as he left: Dinah (hic) dis am (hic) pretty biz (hic) ness dat a fine Ko (hic) ko (hic) mo gemmen like I is can't (hic) get a glass of (hic) beer." Then they all jumped on the train bround for Peru singing: "Oh Mose, O, Mose Dat dark-red nose Will make you foes Where ever you goes." [Kdem- 03 Sep 1874/p1/c2] Colored Festival / PEEK, Mose / "Miss Dinah" / BRECKINRIDGE, Billy / BROWN, Pomp / YOUNG, Sam / Intoxication / Social Disturbances   The case of the State against Sam. Young, colored, for carrying concealed weapons, was dismissed, the chief prosecuting witness having died on the day prior to the time set for trial. Sam. rejoices and is exceeding glad that providence moves in such a mysterious way. [Kdem- 22 Oct 1874/p3/c3] YOUNG, Sam. / Court Cases / Crimes   Sam Young, colored, knocked down a drunken unknown, white, last Saturday night. [Kdem- 29 Oct 1874/p3/c1] YOUNG, Sam / Social disturbances "One little, two little nigger boys" were sentenced to the House of Correction last week, by Judge Pollard, for "going through" a gentleman's garden with destructive latent and malice aforethought. [Kdem- 29 Oct 1874/p3/c1] Social disturbances / Crimes / House of Correction A Colored Fraud   Dr. James A. Hunt, the negro who lectured at the M. E. Church on Sunday night, loves whisky not wisely and entirely too much. During the day he and a sorry specimen of the "poor white trash," who acted as his spirituous adviser, were thoroughly soaked with inferior whisky. When the hour for the lecture arrived Rev. Doctor Hunt, late of Liberia, put in his appearance. Report has it that he was under the influence of a very worldly spirit, so worldly in fact that the Doctor made a botch of his lecture. While he may be, and doubtless is, a negro of more than ordinary intellectuality, there remains behind him a painful apprehension that he is very clever fraud who loves bad whisky better than the close of christian civilization in dusky Africa. [Kdem- 26 Nov 1874/p3/c2] HUNT, Dr James A. / Social disturbance / Intoxication / Social events / lectures "Gwine to Off-bar' Hogs."   One of Kokomo's "cullud gemmen" departs for Indianapolis - He dishes it up in rhyme and a democrat reporter "gobbles it." One of Africa's nobility has left us. He has gone to Indianapolis to seek the effluvia of a slaughter house. These are his parting words, written to a bosom companion: "Farewell! Dis burly Kokomoke, Is gwine to haste hensely: Farewell, all saddle-cullud coons; Dose dat always war immensely. 'Alas! Farewell to ebery one, Good-by to William Nick, Jis' one remark afore I goes: Dat Steward am a brick."   "To you'ens all I wants to'splain a few Cannibal conwalshions afore I dictate to de conductor dat I'se gwine off:   May de sun fotch de fattest grease from de brownest spot in de possession ob de writer ob dis yer document if I does'nt weep 'cause I hast to leab you. In de language ob our ancestors, de tears flows from de cataract ob my constitusion and I hast to bellow like Charely Creel's Alderney bull. My garments dey war all clean and my whisky bottles dey war all empty afore I resigned myself to leff you. De powers ob de famous orator, William Nick, or dem ob Dr. Nichols, can't furnish de thoughts dat I would like to 'spress. I'se gwine to Indianapolis to manipulate de deceased carcasses ob de pork-upine from de flat on de back position to dat ob de perpendiculah: For fear dat de ignorant coons doesn't understand de language ob an edicated cullud gemmen', I will jist explain dat I'se gwine to off-bar hogs in de slaughtah house. Oh! I'll waltz across de yallah bridge, In company wid my Dinah And if de police cotch me den, Day'll make me pay a fine-ah   Wid a ear in my eye, and my collah box in my hand, I bids you all farewell." [Kdem- 03 Dec 1874/p1/c5] NICK, William / NICHOLS, Dr. / "Dinah" / Comings and Goings That was a lively fight between Tom Byrd and Tom Gilmore, at Byrd's barber shop, on last Monday morning. Gilmore was an employee and a disagreement arose. Bottles, cups, chairs and stools were hurled around until the floor was covered with broken glass and all sorts of fragments. [KSET- 05 Dec 1874/p3/c1] BYRD, Tom / GILMORE, Tom / Barbers / Social disruptions   A colored gentleman, named Johnson, a divine from the settlement, recently drank a pint of coal oil at Osborne's grocery, mistaking it for cider. He declared it made him awful sick, which we believe was true, as he was quite pale for several days after. [Kdem- 31 Dec 1874/p1/c6] JOHNSON / Illnesses / (?) Settlement

 

The "cullud" boy, Ame Gibson, and little Johnny McAllister had a regular set-to one night last week. The cullud troops fought nobly. The combatants ceased to breathe for a while. The atmosphere became thick. Blood flowed in copious streams. A Mr. Bowers "scooted" the cullud boy out, and all was quiet. [K Dem-28 Jan 1875/p1/c6] About People / Gibson, Ame "And, Don't You Forget It." One evening last week the boys at the Howard House had a great deal of fun at the expense of a colored gentleman who shall be nameless. By persistent coaxing they induced him to hold a prayer meeting in the bar room, pretending that they needed prayer and spiritual communion. They kept the credulous old colored man praying from ten to three o'clock at night. While he would be praying the boys would solemnly yell out, "cheese it Lord," and other expressions which the colored gentleman thought to be hifalutin' language used by white folks. The closing prayer, as related to us, was something as follows: "We blef de Lamb dat we am agin permitted to meet in his house ob God, but dis isn't de house ob God, dis am de Howard House in Kokomo. O, God, ef you jes' come down heah an' cotch dese white sinners by de hearts, you can do lots ob good - an' don't you forget it." The boys could not repress their laughter longer and when they gave way the colored gentleman "cotch de idea" and the prayer meeting was over. [K Dem-25 Feb 1875/p3/c2] About People / Prayer in Public Places / Howard house The colored citizens of this city have organized a Literary Society at their School House. It meets every Monday night. The entertainment consists of dialogues, compositions and debates. It is well attended. It was organized with J. A. Braboy President, Finley Brown Sec. Last Monday night's meeting was conducted with great credit to the society. The question was: Resolved, That persons can learn more by traveling than reading. J. A. Braboy affirmed, Finley Brown denied. The affirmative won the laurels. Thornton Parker presided and the Judges were Miss Susan Gaskins, Miss Bundy and Miss Roberts. Seats free. Visitors welcome. [KSET- 13 Mar 1875/p3/c4] Social Activities / BRABOY, J. A. / BROWN, Finley / GASKINS, Susan / BUNDY, Miss / Colored Literary Society The Junction. The colored folks' debating club is a new feature in our era. We with them success. [K Dem-18 Mar 1875/p1/c5] Social Activities (Debating Society) The first example of a colored man availing himself of the Civil Rights Law in Kokomo occurred at the Opera House, Tuesday night. A colored man and his lady promenaded down the center aisle and took reserved seats in the parquet, amidst a deafening applause from the boys in the gallery. [K Dem-25 Mar 1875/p3/c1] Social Activities (Opera House) / Civil Rights Law Junction Notes. The colored folks debating society is opening a channel through which they can do a great deal of good if they persevere. [K Dem-25 Mar 1875/p3/c3] Social Activities (Debating Society) Mrs. Harper, of Philadelphia, a colored lady, delivered a lecture at the M. E. Church, on last Tuesday evening, to a large audience. Her subject was "Life Among the Lowly" and was a defence of her race. The lecture is spoken of quite highly and gave general satisfaction. [KSET-03 Apr 1875/p3/c2] Social Activities / Lectures The colored men have organized a brass band. The majority of the members residing in the East End. [K Dem-15 Apr 1875/p1/c5] Social Activities (Brass Band) Mr. Wm. McCarthy, baggage smasher and assistant at the I. P. & C. depot, preserved a lot of apples from freezing with less than half the dirt usually used, by using a large quantity of straw and manure. [K Dem - 6 May 1875/p1/c6] About people / McCarthy, William / Railroad depot The colored debating society of Ervin township, has challenged the Hintonian Club of this city for a debate. The challenge has been accepted and the debate will take place on Monday evening at their school house in the Second Ward. The public are invited to be present. [KSET- 15 May 1875/p3/c2] Social Activities / Colored Debating Society of Ervin Township The colored folks had another debate Tuesday night. The Bass settlement were victors this time. [K Dem-20 May 1875/p3/c1] Social Activities (Debating Society) / Bass Settlement The Ervin Township Colored Debating Society were declared the victors at the debate held in the Second Ward School House, in this city on Monday evening. [KSET- 22 May 1875/p3/c1] Social Activities / Colored Debating Society of Ervin Township J. A. Brayboy is the champion tonsorialist [sic] of the state. [K Dem-10 June 1875/p1/c5] Social Activities (Contests) / Brayboy, Joseph A. / State Hair-Cutting Match The colored people have a neat, cozy corner of the city in the Second Ward. The Second Ward is becoming quite populous, being that part of the city east of Main and north of Walnut streets. [K Dem - 10 June 1875/p1/c5] County Land records / Second Ward "De little colored band" is a success. By perseverance they will reflect credit on their race. [K Dem - 10 June 1875/p1/c5] Social Activities (bands) The Colored Scandal. We are informed by the "other side" in regard to the scandal about Rev. J. Bundy, which we published last week, that said Bundy has never received an offer to compromise the libel suit which he has now pending. The "other side" will be pleased to meet Mr. Bundy in court at any time, as they inform us. Regarding -- but we have already written too much of so small a matter. [KSET- 26 Jun 1875/p3/c2] BUNDY, Rev. J. / Crimes / Ministers J. A. Brayboy is a prominent member of the Hintonian society. [K Dem-8 July 1875/p1/c4] Brayboy, J. A. / Social Activities (Hintonian Society) Petersburg, Ervin Township       Oct 19th., 1875 [...]If everything is true about Richard Bassett, as published in the Democrat, he is certainly a curious specimen of humanity. [KSET-23 Oct 1875/p2/c3] BASSETT, Richard / Ervin Township / Petersburg Ervin.       Oct 21st., 1875 [...]Three new houses are being erected in the Bassett settlement [...] [KSET- 23 Oct 1875/p2/c4] Bassett settlement / Ervin township

Dr. Minor Nichols will give a lecture, at the Opera House on Tuesday evening, Nov. 23. Subject" "Women, Whisky and Tobacco." Admission: 25 cents; Women and Children, 15 cents. [KSET- 20 Nov 1875/p3/c2] NICHOLS, Dr. Minor / Social Activities / Lectures Rev. Jason Bundy, of Jeffersonville, was in town this week. [KSET- 20 Nov 1875/p3/c2] BUNDY, Rev. Jason / Ministers / Comings and Goings Dr. Minor Nichols, our friend and brother of African descent, failed to deliver his lecture, "Wine, Women and Tobacco," at the Opera House, Tuesday night, as per announcement by handbills. Manager Winslow demanded his rent foe and Minor didn't put up, hence the failure. This was a sore disappointment to the public in general and the boot-blacks in particular. [KW Dem-25 Nov 1875/p3/c1] Social Activities (lectures) / Opera House / Nichols, Dr. Minor For reasons over which he has no control, Dr. Miner Nichols was prevented from delivering his lecture "Women, Whisky and Tobacco," on last Tuesday night. Quite a good audience would have been present had the doors not been closed [can't read] them. The Doctor was temporarily embarrassed but he avowed his [can't read] tion to yet deliver that lecture [can't read] the heavens fall. And on this [can't read] tion, in the language of the Doctor, we would say, "you can bet your sweet life - and don't you fo'git. [KSET- 27 Nov 1875[suppliment]/p2/c4] NICHOLS, Dr. Minor / Social Activities / Lectures "Women, Tobacco, and Whisky." Dr. Minor Nichols at the Opera House, Saturday Night. The Greatest Hit of the Season ~ Two Hours of Convulsed Laughter. The Doctor Proves Himself the Greatest Humorist of the Age -- and a Fortune is Within his Reach - His first Lecture a Failure. Pecuriarily , But Otherwise a Grand Success. There is hardly a man, woman or child in Kokomo who has not heard of Dr. Minor Nichols, R. D. (Root doctor). Born in the State of Mississippi, of a woman, he passed the first thirty-five or forty years of his sublunary existence in the bonds of ignorance and slavery. Liberated by the Emancipation Proclamation, he served, a valiant soldier, in the Union army, through the remainder of the Rebellion, and, at the close of that bloody conflict, came directly to Kokomo, where he has, in the incredible short period of ten years, worked his way up to one of the most coveted rounds on the ladder of worldly glory. For the first five or six years he devoted himself most assiduously to his favorite profession, (white-washing) when, having laid up sufficient of this world's goods to run him for several years to come, he commenced the study and practice of medicine, styling himself a root doctor, and guaranteeing a cure or no pay. But as the cures were very scarce, (owing, doubtless, to the incredulity of his patients, as well as to their limited number,) the pay came in so slow that the doctor was compelled, no matter how unwillingly, to turn the powers of his intellect into another channel. He fell back on his never failing white-wash, devoting his spare moments to the cultivation of his oratorical powers, with the noble aspiration of becoming a benefactor of the human race as a public lecturer. How well he has succeeded the following sketch of his first attempt last Saturday night, will show. The lecture, financially, was a failure, but the doctor is to be congratulated on his wonderful success otherwise. The small audience that greeted him may be accounted for from the fact that it was his first appearance; and, besides, he was not sufficiently advertised, and the weather was not propitious. As it was, the parquette was comfortably filled with the most eager and appreciative audience we have ever seen congregated upon any occasion. As a part of the lecture was to be directed, especially, to women, the doctor waited in vain till half past eight o'clock, before commencing; and when he stepped out on stage, shining all over with glory, and with his silk plug poised on his head in the most approved style, before uttering a word, he took the house by storm, and a deafening applause prevented his introduction for several minutes. When, at last, he had been formally introduced, he removed his hat, took a chew of tobacco, and spoke, substantially, as follows: "Gemman an' ladies: Dah is somefin dat I wants to talk about dat is bery empo'tent, but as de crowd am not yet all heah, 'specely de ladies. I will leabe dat subjeck till de las'. Ef I say anything dat is not rite and accoddin' to grammah, dis evenin' I do hope dat you will fo'gib me fo' I is noffin but a o' ignorn't nigah dat was be'n and raised a slabe. Wimmen is de cornah stone ob de wuld. She am fo' a fac'. [applause] Jes' take her out ob de wuld an' dah would be no moah wuld jes as dah is now. [great applause] Dat is, de wuld would die ef it was not fo' wimmen. *** Now'y is it dat men lub wimmen moah dan money? It's cos dey is de cornah stone -- de foundation ob de whole wuld. Men lub money, dat's a fac', shuah, but dey lub wimmen fust. *** Eberything dat is, is made fo' de glory ob de wimmen. Look at youah fine houses heah in Kokomo, -- dey was built fo' youah wimmen; ef it had not a been fo' dem, dey would nevah been built fo' dem to look at. O, a beautiful woman am de grandes' objec' dat evah was created. I lub dem as I lub my own self [applause]. A lady wid a nice, clean ress draws a man to her like de lode-stone de needles. [deafening cheers, and cries of "that's so," "go on," "hear him," etc.] Look how many t'ousands ob dollahs is t'rowed away on wimmen! Men will work in de coldes' weddah fo' wimmen. W'at will dey not dodat platform. Dah is some in dis house dat is on day fo' wimmen? O. dey is so lubly! And dey makes us lubely too. [uproarous applause] God put on earf fo' us, an' we ought to lub dem jes' as He intended. *** Now wimmen is good in one place, bad in annodah. [a deathly silence] But dah is moah good in one place dan in annodah. [ a loud yell bursts forth like a volley of artillery ] Wen a woman comes to die, den we see how we lub her. Sometimes I t'inks I wants to die an' go to glory, but den w'en I t'inks ob de wimmen! After dat I doesn't want to die. De wimmen is bettah dan money, whiskey, or tobacco. I stands on dat platform. Dah is some in dis house dat is on dat platform, too. [ a universal smile of gilt ripples over the audience] Not a thousand years ago I was payin attentions to a certain woman. I did not lub her at first--I was jes' a feedin' lub, dat is, cultivatin' it, but it come at las' an' I tole her so, and asked her ef she would be my wife. She smiled consent. Well, de next day, I told a friend ob mine dat I was gwian to be married to dis woman, an' he said, "don't yo' do it." "'Y not," sais I. "Come tonight to a cewtain place and hide yo'seff dah till I come," said he, "an' you will see." I dun it. An' w'at I seen! Dat put me out. I almos' made me t'ink dat wimmen was not, aftah all, de conah stone ob de wuld. *** [We see we shall be compelled for want of space, to leave out the major part of this splendid discourse. But that, however, is of little consequence; the speech being on e of those kink that, to be appreciated, must be heard. Such a speech as the one we are now trying to report, can't be put down on paper. The remainder of the doctor's great effort is neccessarily condensed withing the smallest possible bounds.]

"Dah am one shuah sign dat you kin always tell de Christun by: A Christun always pays his debts. You kin judge by dis ef I is a Christun. *** Now I's gwian to told you 'y de w'ite folks gits along bettah dan de culled. W'en a niggah, dat is, one ob my cullah as you see me now, gets down, all de oder niggahs puts day feet on him and tries to keep him down. De s'ite people dey don't do dat way; dey helps one anoder--yes, dey even helps de culllud people moah dan de cullud people helps demselves. De w'te man sometimes try to raise de cullud man, w'en de cullud man won't raise. It am a fac' dat you can not make suffin' out ob nothin'. May de Laud hab mercy on dis nigga's po' soul, an' gin me strength to speak to dis congregation; accordin' to de spirit dat is in me. All de people in dis town knows me, an' dey knows I's dah friend, as dey is my griend. I do lub de s'ite folks cause dey's my best friend. W'e n I falls into de water dey takes me by de dan' an' pulls me out. *** W'en my wife was a libin' dat is, befoah she died, -- [cries of "faster," "go on," "chesse that,', "take another subject," etc.] Fo' God men don't hurry me, come to di t'ing you wants afteh while-- "more woman!" "Tobacco," "whiskey." De church--["shoot the church!"] Ef it was not fo' tobacco--["herbs" "women"] Yes, dat's so but---["the root"] I isn't got my edication. I wish I'd had the opportunity dat you dab had, --but den I t'ink sometimes it's a good t'ing dat I am ignon't fo' I would not e befoah you heah tonight ef I was edicated, an' den I might miss heaven ef I was as smart as many ob you is. Aldough I's not edicated, I tank God I's got some modder--wit, and sense enough to go to heaven w'en I die. I kaint talk, kaint t'ink, but I knows God. Now fo' tobacco! [great commotion] Be patient frien's; I inten's to keep yo' heah only 'bout two howahs, ef God is willin'. [ "hurry up, talk faster" ] I takes de ground dat we shows moah lub fo' tobacco, dan fo' our own familiies. Didn't you ebah notice one man walk up to annodah ad say, "gib me a crumb ob tobacco," an' de odah man would go down into his pocket and gib him de last crumg he had? Dat shows pure lub--moah dan dat man had fo' his wife, fo' his family, or fo' his God. [ "take up the next subject" ] I'l do doat w'en de time comes. I's now on tobacco an' I mus' finish dat subjec' fust. De tobacco chewers lub one annodah bettah dan de chuch people--an' datis as it should be, fo' we mus' lube lubin in de sight ob God. "Bacco is, fo' a fac', next to de wimmen in dis wuld, -- den comes whisky. We ought to lub our sistahs jes' de same as we lub o tobacco an' w'isky. [ "louder" ] I'l loudah. [applause, lone continued} W'at is de time by yo' watch? [ "go on, we'll stay with you if it takes all night" ] Now fo' whisky an'den I' s done! Many pussons lub whisky, but I doesn't. [applause] Some men spend moah money fo' whisky dan dey do on dire families--ef dey hab any. W'isky can be used in a good or a bad way: Fo' emample, ef it makes us happy den it's all right; ef it makes us mean an' cross to our families, den it's bad. Ef a man goes home drunk and don't jug his wife, den liquor is bad fo' dat man. A man ought nebah to get drunk on Saturday, fo' de Lord hab promised to be wid us on de six day. [a great shuffling of feet] Gents, don't git uneasy, I's hurring along as fast as I can. Now I's gwian to work on de w'ites. *** [ The whites commence working on the lecturer with torpedoes] I's been all frough de late war, an' hab been shotat heah dis ebenin' seben times, an' I's not dead et. I's nothin' but a black, culluc man as I sands befoah yo' dis present time--[pop! Pop! Pop! A dozen or more torpedoes burst at the speaker's feet, causing him to jump backwards something less than ten feet, when he suddenly bethinks him of the trap door in the rear of the stage floor and takes a more forward position.] My cullud brethren amnot heah tonight. 'Y? Cose I's been a slave. Dey t'inks I ought to always be a slabe. *** De w'ite folks lub me moah dan my own cullah. I do b'lieb yo' do lub me. Yo' showes it to me all de time. [The speaker steps one side to expectorate, and a volley of torpedoes bursts all around him] Now dat's not right to sturb me in dat way. I wants to speak to yo', but I kaint unless you keeps audah. Yo' gentlemen -- [bang!] W'isky an' tobacco has ruined many a man -- [ding dong! Dong! The bell is tolled behind the scenes for fallen drunkards, the gas flickers and nearly goes out, and the speaker becomes frightened as though apprehensive of impending danger; and when the gas is again turned on his countenance presents an ashy pale hue, and he continues his speech haltingly.] Once--upon a time--an ole blind preache---[ "what's he got to do with this lecture?" ] He couldn't tell norf from souf, nor one root from annodah, he was so blind---[ "roots!"] Ef you'l jes' keep cool I'l come to dat subjec' soon, [ "women!" ] I's already spoke on dat---[ "tobacco!" ] An' dat too--- [ "whisky!" ] I's now on dat. [spits and takes another chew] Yo' all remembers Mistah Bunday ---[ "yes go on," "give it to him." Here the confusion was so great for a quarter of an hour that our reporter failed to get the Doctor's remarks down in a tangible shape. ] As I said befoah--[ "needn't repeat anything, you only have half an hour left!" ] Yo' all seem satisfied an' well pleased wid my lecture. I'm glad to see yo' injoy it cause --- ["don't stop to give the reason; go on" ] I is gwain on. I I was bo'on in Mississippi, -- not Kalamazoo, Michigan, dis State ---- [thundering applause] an' I's glad I was bo'n dah I's glad I was bo'n at all, else I'd not a bin heah to-night, bless God. Ef yo' isn't glad yo' was bo'n, an ef you doesn't enjoy livin' yo' might as well be dead. In my--- [pop! ] In my --- [pop!] In my --- [pop!] I kaint speak wen dey keeps shootin' at me dat way. *** I hab stuffin' new an' 'portant to tell you --- ["shoot him!"] No don't do dat. I knows I's a fool, an' I's glad ob it. Ef I was not, I would not hab de pleasuah of yo' company dis night. I t'ank God I is a fool. *** W'en we is laid in de groun' den we will all be on a lebel. Cose I's standin' up heah above yo' I doesn't t'ink I's above yo', jes' fo' dat. *** [exploding torpedoes drown his voice] God knows I wants to finish my lectuah. ["Go on, we don't care for a little shooting. There are several who have just come in, who want to hear you on the subject of women!] Is dat so! An' dey still keeps comin' in! Well den, as I said at de start, a woman am de grandes' t'ing into de world. Ef it had not been for her, we, you, me, nobody would not a bin en de wuld-eben de wuld would not bin itself ef it had not a bin fo' her---[the bell rings behind the scenes--thunder roars over head--the hall is rent with yells--the curtain drops, shutting the speaker off from his audience--lights are extinguished, and the last scene of all that ends this momentous event is a picture of the lecturer feeling his way through the darkness out of the hall.] [KW Dem-9 Dec 1875/p3/col2-3] Social Activities (lectures) / Nichols, Dr. Minor / Opera House / Dialect Sample Dr. Minor Nichols lectured to a small but appreciative audience, at the Opera House on last Saturday night, choosing for his subject 'Women, Whisky and Tobacco.' The main point of the lecture was that 'woman is de coner stone ob de world,' and Minor commanded the attention of his hearers for about half an hour until a bombardment was commenced on him by the boys throwing torpedoes from the gallery and at last the gas was suddenly turned off and as the lights winked out, a stage bell commenced to peal forth, and soon the drop curtain fell obscuring the lecturer from sight, when the crowd departed. Minor promises to soon repeat his lecture and the boys are already purchasing ammunition. [KSET- 11 Dec 1875/p3/c2] NICHOLS, Dr. Minor / Social Activities / Lectures A Lodge of colored Masons was instituted in this city on Monday evening. [KW Dem - 16 Dec 1875/p3/c1] Social Activities (Lodges) There will be a festival and public installation of officers of St. Mark Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M., colored, in their hall over Styer's book store, on Monday evening, Dec. 27. The installation ceremonies will be conducted by Past Deputy Grand Master C. A. Roberts, of Noblesville. All are invited. [KW Dem-16 Dec 1875/p3/c5] Social Activities (Lodges-St. Mark's) / Styer's book store / Roberts, C. A. / festivals The Colored Lodge of Masons. There formerly existed at New London the St. Mark's Lodge, No. 15, F. and A. M., colored. This lodge was moved to this city, and on last Monday night was formally founded by a public installation of officers, followed by a festival which was largely attended by the colored people of this county. The installation was conducted by C. A. Roberts, Past Deputy Grand Master, of Noblesville, assisted by D. Roberts, of Arcadia. The following officers were installed : Wm. Ellis, Worshipful Master; Wilson Hardin, Senior Warder; A. H. Brown, Junior Warden; Wm. Hardiman, Treasurer; F. Roberts, Secretary; Wm. Rickman, Senior Deacon; Osbern Bond, Junior Deacon; Wm, Carey and J. A. Braboy, Stewards; T. J. Woods, Tyler. The festival netted $86, which will be applied to the lodge expenses. The DEMOCRAT congratulates the colored people upon the extablishment of this lodge and trusts that its teachings will be observed and rightfully appplied. [KW Dem-30 Dec 1875/p3/c1] Social Activities (colored lodge of free masons) / Roberts, C. A. / Roberts, D. / Ellis, William / Hardin, Wilson / Brown, A. H. / Hardiman, William / Rickman, William / Bond, Osbern / Carey, William / Bra(y)boy, Joseph A. / Woods, T. J.

 
A colored religious meeting was held in Ervin township last Sabbath.

[KWD-10 Aug 1876/p3/c1]

Social activities (religious meetings) / Ervin township

Minor Nichols still tries to propound the gospel at the junction. As a preacher Minor is not a success.

[KWD-17 Aug 1876/p3/c5]

Nichols, Minor / Junction news

Personal. (Among others) Dr. Minor Nichols has forever retired forever from the lecture field.
J. T. Johnson, a gentleman of colored extraction, is one of the most useful men in our city. He is a capital waiter at a ball, wedding, or evening reception, is one of the best snare-drum players in the county, and is a tonsorial artist of the highest order.

[KWD-7 Sept 1876/p3/c3]

Nichols, Minor / Johnson, J.T.

On last Tuesday night week a Hayes and Wheeler club was organized at Basset's school house in the colored settlement with thirty members. The following are the officers elect: W. Ellis, President S. Jones, Vice President Britton Basset, Secretary Oren Ellis, Treasurer Philip Brickins, Marshal.

[KST- 09 Sep 1876/p1/c3]

Social Activities / Hayes and Wheeler Club / Bassett School House / Bassett Settlement / ELLIS, W. / JONES, S. / BASSETT, Britton / ELLIS, Oren / BRICKINS, Philip

#76050 The colored people will soon give a public entertainment at the Opera House, composed of home talent. It will be composed principally of slave cabin melodies.

[KWD-19 Oct 1876/p3/c1]

Social activities (concerts) / Opera House

The following are the officers of St. Mark Lodge of F. & A. M., as installed at their public installation and festival on Wednesday evening last. Wm. Ellis, W. M.; Wm. Hardiman, J. W.; A. Brown, S. W.; Wm. Richmond, Secretary; J. A. Braboy, Treasurer; F. J. Roberts, S. D.; Jefferson Woods, T.

[KST- 30 Dec 1876/p5/c2] Social Activities / Lodges / St. Marks Lodge / ELLIS, Wm. / HARDIMAN, Wm. / BROWN, A. / RICHMOND, Wm. / BRABOY, J. A. / ROBERTS, F. J. / WOODS, Jefferson

Minor Nichols
The Logansport Pharos, of yesterday, had a half-column article about Minor Nichols getting a whipping in this city. There was a very little truth and a great deal of falsehood in the article. Nichols desired to make calls at a house in this city, with a view, probably, to matrimony. The visits were not desired by the brother of the woman and, it is said the female also objected to his coming. At any rate, he was put out of the house and so assaulted as to make a case in law and the assailant, Mr. Joseph Braboy, was fined. This is about all there is in the case as we hear it. A word now about "Dr." Minor Nichols: He is, or was, an inoffensive, quiet colored man with a good many eccentricities and spent much of his life in slavery. A number of persons got him up to lecture on "Women, Whiskey and Tobacco." These persons and several newspapers, especially the Kokomo Dispatch and Logansport Pharos, have written column after column puffing the lecture, all, of course as a burlesque. In our opinion, a citizen or a newspaper that can enjoy such amusement, has a strange order of talent. It is positively wicked, as well as mean, to confuse the mind of such a person by fun-making. Nichols now pretends to preach at the junction every Sunday. If any friend of his can spare the time he ought to try to quiet Minor and get him back into his industrious habits. Minor is a widower but we don't know that he is any more frisky than widowers usually are. He ought to be let alone. He has a good deal of native sense and is in every way the equal of any man who tries to use him for the amusement of boys, boys of small and large growth. Again, we say, it is time this nonsense should be stopped.

[KST- 19 Aug 1876/p5/c3]

NICHOLS, Minor / Social Disturbances / BRABOY, Mr. Joseph / Biography

Lodge of Colored Masons. On Monday and Tuesday of this week there was an unusual number of colored persons in town. All of the were wearing their store clothes and it was readily known that something more than usual was going on. It was the occasion of establishing a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons which business was perfected on Monday night by the installation of the officers as follows: Wm. Ellis, W.M. W. Hardin, S. W. A. H. Brown, J. W. Wm. Rickman, S. D. O. Bond, J. D. Wm. Hardiman, Treas. F. Roberts, Sec. T. J. Woods, Tyler. J. A. Braboy, Steward. Wm. Cary, Steward. Past Deputy Grand Master Roberts, of Noblesville, officiated and he was assisted by D. Roberts of Acadia.-- Success to St. Mark's Lodge: may the colored brethren more closely and religiously observe the grand principles of Masonry than do their white brethren. [KST- 01 Jan 1876/p4/c5] Social Activities / Lodges / St. Mark's Lodge / ELLIS, Wm. / HARDIN, W. / BROWN,A.H. / RICKMAN, Wm. / BOND, O. / HARDIMAN, Wm. / ROBERTS, F. / WOODS, T. J. / BRABOY, J. A. / CARY, Wm. ERVIN       Jan. 13, 1876 John Burnett, a colored citizen of Ervin Township was arrested last week and taken to the Logansport jail on the charge of forging an order on M. Morris, of Young America, for a suit of clothes. John will be furnished a suit of striped clothes by the State... [KST- 15 Jan 1876/p1/c6] BURNETT, John / Social Disturbances / Arrests and Crimes / Ervin Township Dr. Minor Nichols has abandoned the lecture field. [KST- 15 Jan 1876/p7/c2] NICHOLS, Dr. Minor / Occupations An interesting social meeting of friends occurred at the residence of Mr. J. A. Braboy, on last Wednesday night. A large number of colored friends were present including several from Indianapolis. [KST- 05 Feb 1876/p1/c2] BRABOY, Mr. J. A. / Social Activities / Comings and Goings Dr. Minor Nichols is to take in the rural towns in this county, with his theme, "Why I don't lecture any more in Kokomo." [KST- 19 Feb 1876/p8/c1] NICHOLS, Dr. Minor / Lectures / Social Activities St. Mark's Lodge. No. 15, (colored) F. & A. M. This Lodge was established at New London, this county, March 19 1866. The following are the names of the first officers: Wilson Harden, W. M. William Duged, S. W. Abraham Brown, S. D. John Dugged, J. D. Thomas Kirkman, Secretary. William Woods, Tyler. The lodge was removed from New London to this city on the 13th day of December, 1875. Below will be found the names of the present officers: William Ellis, W. M. Abraham Brown, S. W. Willis Harden, J. W. O. S. Bond, S. D. William Hickman, J. D. Flavius Roberts, Sec. Wm. J. Woods, Tyler. St. Marks Lodge now has a membership of nineteen and is composed of intelligent, energetic persons who will make the lodge prosper more in the future than it has in the past. They have a nice lodge room and their night of meeting is before the full of the moon in each month. [KST- 04 Mar 1876/p6/c4] Social Activities / Lodges / St. Marks Lodge / New London / HARDEN; Wilson, Willis / BOND, O. S. / DUGGED; William, John / BROWN, Abraham / KIRKMAN, Thomas / WOODS; William, Wm. J. / ELLIS, William / HICKMAN, William / ROBERTS, Flavius The colored brass band has been disorganized -- by its creditors. [KWD-23 Mar 1876/p3/c1] Social activities / brass band A number of the young colored people of this city have organized an amateur dramatic company--a variety troupe more properly speaking. They will give a public entertainment shortly. Come on McDuff, let him be damned that first cries, hold (my nose) enough. [KWD-23 Mar 1876/p3/c1] Social activities / dramatic company

The Garr Murder Case. [...] Following are the names of the Jury: [among others] Richard Bassett... [KST 08 Apr 1876/p1/c6] Court Cases / Jurors / BASSETT, Richard Dr. Minor Nichols, c. r. d., (colored root doctor) will deliver his celebrated lecture on "Women, whisky, and tobacco," at Greentown, on next Saturday evening. A committee on torpedoes has been appointed to received him. [KWD-27 Apr 1876/p3/c2] Social activities (lectures) / Nichols, Minor Echoes form the outskirts. Greentown. The lecture of Dr. Minor Nichols, c. r. d. on last Saturday evening was a grand entertainment, there being scarcely standing room unoccupied. After the crowd had pretty largely assembled the band played a piece of two after which the Dr. was introduced. He acquitted himself in such a way as to convince all that he was master of his subject. He made himself many friends in Greentown especially among the ladies. [KWD-4 May 1876/p2/c4] Social activities (lectures) / Nichols, Minor Dr. Minor Nichols will deliver his celebrated lecture on "Whisky, Women, and Tobacco," in Frankfort, shortly. [KWD-18 May 1876/p3/c1] Social activities (lectures) / Nichols, Minor The Rev. Minor Nichols was announced to preach at the Y.M.C.A. rooms at the Junction Sunday at 2 o'clock. He failed to make his appearance but sent Bill Nick to deliver an excuse and proclaim the glad tidings that Bro. Nichols would preach next Sunday at three o'clock. All are invited. A large crowd and time of refreshing is anticipated. [KWD-8 Jun 1876/p3/c5] Social activities (preaching) / Nichols, Minor / Junction news / Nick, Bill The Junction. Minor Nichols did not preach at the Junction as reported in the Tribune. [KWD-22 Jun 1876/p3/c4] Social activities (preaching) / Nichols, Minor / Junction news Terrific Fall. On Thursday, about 11 o'clock, a colored girl, who makes her home at Mr. Turner's, fell from a third story window of the Clinton House to the hard stone pavement. At first it was thought she was killed but she recovered consciousness. She fell upon her side, breaking an arm and horribly mangling her face. At this writing it is believed she will recover. Her name is Lethia Shilling. [KST- 24 Jun 1876/p5/c4] SHILLING, Lethia / Accidents / TURNER, Mr. / Clinton House The colored girl who fell from a third-story window of the Clinton House, last week, alighting on a solid stone pavement, is getting along nicely and will be out soon, as we are informed by Dr. Cole, who attends her. Her arm was broken at the wrist and her jaw was shattered. She struck on her head and that is what saved her. [KST- 01 Jul 1876/p1/c6] SHILLING, Lethia / Accidents / Clinton House Dr. Minor Nichols, of this city, delivered his celebrated lecture entitled "Women, Whisky and Tobacco," on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, of this week at Logansport. The press of that city speak very highly (?) of this lecture, yet they think his talents could be put to a better advantage -- whitewashing. [KST- 08 Jul 1876/p4/c5] NICHOLS, Dr. Minor / Lectures / Social Activities Dr. Minor Nichols, r. d. and white-washer, is making Logansport burst its belly-band with laughter by his famous lecture,"Women, Whisky, and Tobacco." Minor is a thorn in the side of the colored population of this city, whom he never fails "to give away" on every possible occasion. He ought to be suppressed -- we mean the root doctor. [KWD-13 July 1876/p3/c2] Social activities (lectures) / Nichols, Dr. Minor The colored folks had a splendid picnic on Tuesday, at the Fair Grounds. A great many came over from Peru and Logansport. There were speeches, plays, base ball, &c. Among them were some very stylish looking persons. The weakest brother among them is too smart to be a Democrat. Whatever else may be said of the colored man and brother, he isn't fool enough to be for Tilden. [KST- 29 Jul 1876/p5/c2] Social Activities / Colored Picnic / Politics

Mose Peak, a colored man, was hurt quite seriously on his return from the picnic on Tuesday. He was thrown out of a buggy and his leg was crushed. [KST- 29 Jul 1876/p8/c1] PEAK, Mose / Accidents On next Tuesday week, the colored people of this county propose to hold a reform mass meeting in this city. -- Thorton Parker will be one of the speakers. [KWD-3 Aug 1876/p3/c5] Social activities (meetings) / Parker, Thorton

 

Interesting to the Colored Population. A prominent citizen and a good man called on us yesterday at noon, and asked us to say that in a conversation with a Doctor, of this city, not one of the old school, the latter made this broad and terrible remark: "I believe there is not a nigger that is a not a liar and a thief nor a wench that is not a harlot." If our informant were not a gentleman of high character in a moral business and religious sense, we could hardly believe that any person out of a lunatic asylum had ever made such an outrageous remark. But it is no affair of ours. We are asked by a customer and friend to publish the statement and are authorized to say that whoever wants further information about the base slander can obtain it by calling at the boot and shoe store of John Steward, on the east side of the square, where two persons can be seen who heard it. [KST- 24 Feb 1877/p5/c3] Social Disturbances / Editorials "Interesting to Colored People." Under this caption, last week by the authority of a citizen who called at this office, this paper charged that a Doctor, whose name was not mentioned, had used these words: "I believe there is not a nigger that is not a liar or a thief nor a wench that is not a harlot." The person alluded was Dr. E. W. Sawyer, who has called at this office and stated substantialy the following which he authorizes us to publish: "I did use the words under great provocation and at a moment of intense anger. I did not entertain the sentiment and now deeply regret that I used the harsh words. I am sorry and withdraw them as a heated expression not worthy of myself -- an expression I could not have made at a moment of deliberation." This statement was read to the Doctor and by him endorsed. In a further conversation with him, he assured us that he made this statement freely, to satisfy his own conscience and not to appease the wrath, just as it might be, of those who felt aggrieved. With this statement, repeated by the Doctor to all interested parties who called on him, The Tribune counsels the one right course, to drop the subject. "For if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Now let by-gones be by-gones and let us have peace. [KST- 03 Mar 1877/p8/c2] Social Disturbances / Editorials

Our colored base-ball club was badly worsted by the "Fairplays." of Indianapolis, on Tuesday. The game was closed at the end of the fourth inning, the score standing 20 to 4 in favor of the Indianapolis club. [KST- 28 Jul 1877/p5/c4] Social Activities / Colored Baseball Club Basket Meeting A basket meeting will be given by the colored people at Haskett's grove, on to-morrow, Sunday, September 2. Rev H. H. Thompson and other ministers will be present. This is the last basket meeting to be given by the colored folks this season, and it is hoped a large attendance will be present. [KST- 01 Sep 1877/p8/c3] Social Activities / Colored Basket Meeting / THOMPSON, Rev. H. H. / Haskett's Grove The Bassett-Artis shooting affair came up for trial before Justice Hawkins on last Monday, when Artis was bound over to the circuit court in the sum of $500. Oran Ellis was his bondsman. Mrs. Artis has sued for a divorce, and the case will no doubt come up at the next term of circuit court. [KST- 01 Dec 1877/p1/c5] Court Cases / BASSETT / ARTIS / ARTIS, Mrs. / ELLIS, Oran (Oren/Orien) / Vital Records / Divorces SHOT IN THE LEG A Colored Baptist Preacher Was Down in one of the colored settlements live Richard Bassett and Tomas Artis. Both are persons quite well advanced in years. The former has long been a resident at the settlement. The latter came there from Canada a few years ago. There also lived in that settlement a Widow Hall. Before Artis arrived it was noticed that Bassett and Mrs. Hall had kindly feeling for each other but this was attributed to their warm natures and not to any criminal desires. This could not be, for Bassett sometimes preached to his Baptist brethren and sisters, one of whom was the Widow Hall. When Artis came to the settlement, being a widower, he was naturally attracted by the charms of the charming widow. The course of true love ran smooth enough for a time and the Artis heart and the widow's heart were made to beat as one. But they didn't beat in that way long.- Brother Bassett was around so much that the green-eyed monster took possession of Brother Artis . How ridiculous this was, may be known from the fact that all

three of the parties have grand-children. It is impossible that grandfathers and grandmothers can be carnal. But things didn't work. The house of the Artises was tumultuous. After a time, Mrs. Artis, remembering how lovely it was in the days of her peaceful widow-hood, decided that she would be a widow again. She sought an attorney and made application for divorce. Brother Bassett had a team and every now and then, is in the habit of coming to town. Now it so happened that Mrs. Artis generally had business at town the same day and came with him. Artis got tired of this and proceeded to tell Bassett that he must not, at the peril of his life, take Mrs. Artis to town any more. Bassett permited that order to pass in at his left ear and to go immediately out at the right. On last Saturday he again brought Mrs. Artis to this city. When the husband learned the fact, he decided to act promptly. He loaded his Navy revolver with a steady hand. He saddled a horse and mounted. He came toward this city. Five miles out, he met the parties returning. Fire was in his eye. Bassett saw it and attempted to increase the speed of his horse to get out of the way. But it was no go.- Artis drew his revolver, while riding at the side of the wagon and fired twice. One ball missed but the other entered Bassett's leg, at the thigh and passed down toward the knee. On that evening Bassett returned to this city and employed a surgeon to take out the ball. Artis waits the action of the courts of justice. He believes that if the court is not in a condition similar to that of the Goddess, who is described by a lady writer, in this paper, he will be permitted to go on his way, if not rejoicing at least to do the best he can in the matter of dictating the sort of company his wife shall keep. Our advice is as follows: Brother and Sister Artis, kiss and make up. Brother Bassett, attend more strictly to preaching and baptizing. Officers of the law, give the parties a lecture on the importance of agricultural pursuits, the necessity of each one attending to his own business and wife, and send them back to the settlement reconciled and, if weaker in the leg, stouter in the head. [KST- 24 Nov 1877/p1/c6] Social Disturbances / Shootings / Court Cases / Crimes / ARTIS, Thomas / ARTIS, Mrs. / HALL, Widow / BASSETT, Richard / Bassett Settlement / Ministers

 

Court Items. The following divorce cases are pending at this term of Court [among others] Charity Artis vs. Thomas Artis. The latter also files a cross-complaint. [...] Thomas Artis vs. Richard Bassett. This is a crim con case and will be heard in court next Tuesday. The State of Indiana vs. Artis, for shooting Bassett, will also be heard at this term. Both cases promise to be interesting and a large number of witnesses will attend, from the colored settlement. [KST- 05 Jan 1878/p1/c6] Court Cases / BASSETT, Richard / ARTIS, Thomas / ARTIS, Charity / Vital Records / Divorces The colored brethren have compromised their difficulties and are now resolved from this time on to dwell together in unity. Tom Artis was fined $ 25 00 for shooting Rev. Bassett, and all the other cases were dismissed. [KWD 17 Jan 1878/p3/T/c7] Social Disturbances / ARTIS, Tom / BASSETT, Rev. / Fines payed Court Notes [...] The Bassett-Artis troubles have been settled amicably, and all the cases are out of court. Artis plead guilty to the charge of assault, and battery on Bassett, and was fined $25 and costs. The Artis divorce case was dismissed by h plaintiff, and the crim. con. case, Artis vs. Bassett was compromised, the latter paying all costs. It is also rumored that Bassett paid a liberal fee to Artis for the fun he has had, at the expense of the latter's "honah." [KST- 19 Jan 1878/p7/c4] Court Cases / ARTIS / BASSETT / Fines payed Letter List, No. 11 [among others] Bassett, Miss Mattie [KWD- 21 Mar 1878/p3/B/c6] Letters, BASSETT, Miss Mattie Our Colored People. Mr. James Smith gave a party recently to a large [?] of friends. The supper and social was a pleasant affair. Mr. Charley Knight and Miss Addara Knight spent last week in the city, the guest of their sister, Maggie Knight. Miss Addara will soon graduate in the high school at Muncie. Miss Lucinda Roberts, a charming young lady of Hamilton county, spent a few days in the city last week. Her brother Sylvester, paid us a short visit, also. They were the guests of Misses Mattie and Sadie Brown. The masquerade party was a grand success. The net proceeds were $47.00 which was paid to Hunt Brothers at one. The literary entertainment was splendid. The essay by Miss Maggie Knight was the gem of the evening. Too much love for the same girl is like two locomotives passing on the same track, it always produces bad results. It was experienced in this city last week. The result was a badly lacerated nose, a demolished finger, a doctor's bill, and a broken hearted young lady. [KWD- 04 Apr 1878/p2/T/c4] Comings and Goings / KNIGHT, Miss Maggie / BROWN, Miss Sadie / BROWN, Miss Mattie / Social Activities / SMITH, James Debating Contest. The Colored Debating Societies of Kokomo and Peru will meet in contest at the Colored Church in this city on Tuesday evening the 30th inst. Questions: "Resolved, that capital punishment should be inflicted for capital crime." Messrs. Braboy, Hance, and Parker will represent Kokomo. Admission, 10 cents. Proceeds to go to the church fund. Everybody invited. [KWD- 18 Apr 1878/p3/T/c2] Social Activities / Debating Society / BRABOY, Mr. / HANCE, Mr. / PARKER, Mr. / Church benefits Joseph Vaughn, a saddle colored gentleman from "de Settlement," plead guilty to carrying concealed "weepons" and Judge Pollard mercifully said $2 00 and costs, which Joseph liquidated and departed in peace. [KWD- 20 Jun 1878/p3/B/c3] VAUGHN, Joseph / Settlements / Social disturbances / Fines payed Colored Picnic The colored people will have a picnic at the fair grounds on the 31st of July. There will be good music on the grounds, a vocal contest for a prize between several choirs, and a base ball match. The Commandery of Knight Templars, from Indianapolis, will be present and drill. Speeches will be delivered by some of the intelligent colored men of the State, of all political parties. Everybody invited. [KST- 13 Jul 1878/p5/c3] Social Activites / Colored Picnics Colored Pic-Nic. On next Wednesday the colored lodges of F. and A. M., of Indiana, will hold a grand pic-nic at this city. Extra trains will be run on all the railroads. A big time is expected. [KWD- 25 July 1878/p3/B/c5] Social Activities / Lodges / F. & A.M. / Colored Picnics Masonic Picnic St. Marks Lodge of colored Masons of this city, will give a Masonic picnic and reunion at the fair grounds, south of town, on Wednesday next, (31st inst.) Gethesemane Commandery, Knight Templars, of Indianapolis, and other lodges from that city, Fort Wayne and Marion will be present. The exercises of the day will be a welcome address by Mayor Richmond, response by Elder Jones, of Indianapolis, base ball match, and Knight Templar drill. The evening exercises will be a vocal contest at Dayhuff & Sharp's hall, between the several choirs present. [KST- 27 Jul 1878/p5/c2] Social Activites / Colored Picnics / Lodges / St. Marks Lodge Colored Pic-nic. A Grand Gala-day and Good Time Generally Yesterday was a field day for the colored people. It was the grandest gala day they have ever seen in this county. The occasion was a Masonic pic-nic and re-union, and fully one thousand people were in attendance. Five coaches came from Indianapolis and the delegations from neighboring cities were quite large.

The procession formed in the following order, marshaled by A. Roberts, of this city: Capital city band, Gethsemane Commandery K. T. Blues Lodges, Central and Trinity Lodges of Indianapolis, Marion Band, St. Mark's Lodge of Kokomo, carriages and footmen. After the parade the procession was conducted to the Fair grounds, when the following exercises occupied the day: Music by Marion Band; Address of welcome by M. Garrigus (Mayor Richmond bing absent); Response by elder Daniel Jones, of Indianapolis, a very fine effort; Music by Capitol City Band; Knights Templar drill -- a truly grand performance. At night a musical soiree was given at Sharp & Dayhuff's Hall to a delighted and crowded house. the entertainment consisted of vocal selections by the Indianapolis Quartette club, under the leadership of Prof. prim, and the Kokomo Choir. If space permitted we would be pleased to give the pic-nic and concert the notice their excelience merits, but we are compelled to forego the pleasure. the colored people should feel proud of the day. Mr. J. A. Braboy, of this city deserves especial mention for his giant efforts to make the occasion a success. [KWD- 01 Aug 1878/p3/T/c5] Social A