  Interview with Aunt Kitty Carr, September, 1901, in which she tells of her birth in Virginia, 1815. At six years of age, she was given by her mother to Mrs. Edmond Winston, who one year later, brought her to Tennessee. Marriage in early life to Rev. Horace Carr. She was free born; effort to deprive her of her birth right. By the assistance of kind white friends, she is enabled to legally establish her freedom. Reading of Prayer Book. Rev. Horace Carr. His birth in Spring Creek neighborhood, in 1812. Belonged to Aquilla Johnson, and was sold for a division of the estate. Bought by Mr. James Carr, of Port Royal, Montgomery county, Tenn. After master’s death, he hires himself from his mistress, and locates on a retired spot near “Horse Worship of the two races together, in antebellum times. Department in white churches for colored worshippers. Civil war brings changes, and they have churches and schools of their own. Sketch of Dr. P. F. Norfleet, of Port Royal, Tenn., who gave land on which to build Mount Zion, one of the first colored churches in Middle Tennessee. Amusing story of Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Hawkins, of Turnersville, Robertson county, Tenn. Aunt Kitty describes her vision, or dream, in which the future Mount Zion appeared to her. It takes tangible form, and Rev. Horace Carr assembles his people under a large white oak tree on the lot donated by Dr. Norfleet, and assisted by Revs. Chess Ware, and Ben Thomas, of Guthrie, Ky., organizes the church. Two buildings burned, but the faithful Christians did not lose hope. List of charter members. Younger generation following the religious footsteps of their ancestors. Mr. William Bourne gives lot for burying ground. Rev. Althens Carr. Birth and early life. Obtains education under great difficulties. An eloquent pulpit orator. Two funeral sermons heard by the writer. William, and Jack Northington, two worthy brothers. Why Uncle Arter Northington was called “Paul.” Rev. Horace Carr tells of an antebellum corn shucking on Mr. Waters’ farm. Describes great excitement in Port Royal neighborhood, the night the stars fell, November, 1833. Rev. J. W. Carr. Letter of appreciation to Port Royal friend, a short time before his death at Savannah, Georgia, August, 1907. Statistics showing great progress of the colored Baptists of United States, Georgia leading the Southern States along this line. Interview with Rev. Luke Fort (col.,) of Guthrie, Ky., in which he tells of first sermon he ever heard Rev. Horace Carr preach. Was the latter’s son-in-law nineteen years. Describes a patroler raid on a quiet meeting being held one Saturday night on the E. L. Fort plantation. Joe Gaines’ o’possum, cooked for the Port Royal merchants, turns to a house-cat, and he is made to eat same. History of Benevolent Treasure Society, No. 7. Visit to Aunt Eliza Gaines Williams. She talks pleasantly of her white people, the Norfleets, and Gaines. Describes last visit to Rev. Horace Carr. Second visit, for the purpose of taking her picture. She was eighty-two, and this was her first picture. Uncle John McGowan. His early life. Tells of a chicken fry, and what it cost him. Describes how he was sold. Passing events of his life. Tribute to the late E. L. Fort. History of Port Royal, Tennessee. Passing of four of the most prominent members of the Carr family. Sketch of Captain C. N. Carney, one of the early settlers of Montgomery county. Loyalty of his colored people, beginning first, with Uncle Isaac, the faithful blacksmith on the Carney plantation. Rev. Peter Carney (col.), Presbyterian minister, and remarkable character. Aleck Carney, a useful citizen, and church worker. Betsy Neblett, his late sister, the “Good Samaritan” of her neighborhood. Closing remarks. |
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