Category: African-American

JOHNSON, Adolphus (d. 1879)

Adolphus JOHNSON, a colored convict from Memphis, was killed in the mine at Coal Creek, on the 28th inst., as we learn from the Knoxville Chronicle.  He went in the lead, and his lamp igniting the gas, caused it to rush first towards the back of the mine and then recoil, and then came with terrific force against Johnson, hurling him a distance of about forty feet, causing his death.  A white convict was injured slightly.

Source: Blount County democrat. (Maryville, Tenn.), 31 July 1879. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn96091617/1879-07-31/ed-1/seq-2/>

CHURCH, Robert R. – Contributes $1,000 for Confederate Veterans Reunion Entertaiment (1901)

The announcement comes from Memphis, Tenn., that Robert R. CHURCH, believed to be one of the wealthiest colored men in the South, has contributed over $1,000 for the entertainment of the Confederate Veterans at their annual reunion in that city in May next.  CHURCH was born a slave in Mississippi and spent his early days on a Mississippi steamboat , of which his master was the owner and captain,. (pg. 1)

Source: Roanoke Beacon newspaper of Plymouth, NC.  February 15, 1901.  pg. 1

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WHITE, John – (d. 1872)

A Negro Desperado -Memphis, March 17.

A desperate fight occurred on President’s Island, a few miles below this city, yesterday.  Deputy Sheriff R. RODEGAN went there for the purpose of arresting a negro, named John WHITE, who, for some time , has been the terror of the negroes living there.  RUDEGAN was met by a large body of armed negroes, who professed to want to assist in the arrest, but they stated WHITE had barricaded his cabin and would make a desparate fight.  RODEGAN approached WHITE’s cabin and demanded his surrender.  WHITE refused, saying he would be murdered by the negroes if he did.  After some further parleying one negro approached the cabin and was shot dead by WHITE, who rushed out and secured his gun. 

Source:  Cleveland Banner newspaper of Bradley County, TN; 22 Mar 1872, pg. 3

CROWLEY, Annie – Complains of Insult (1870)

Miss Annie CROWLY complained before ‘Squire NORTON yesterday that Andrew BROWN, a negro, had grossly insulted her.  ‘Squire NORTON, after hearing the case, committed BROWN to the County Jail to await trial. 

Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 12 Jan 1870, pg. 4.  Available via ChroniclingAmerica.loc.gov.