Finding aid for M822

Texas Assistant Commissioners and Field Office Staff List from Freedmen’s Bureau Transcription Project at the Smithsonian (but use with caution—Kiddoo not listed, e.g.)

M803, Roll 31

U.S. Freedmen’s Bureau Records, 1865-1878, Superintendent of Education, Monthly and Other School Reports, Texas, Dec. 1865-June 1870

Image numbers refer to frames on Ancestry.com digitized version.

E. M. Gregory to O. O. Howard, December 1, 1865, Image 16: Reports that 16 schools (6 day and 10 night) under 10 teachers have been established in Texas, with 1041 students, adults and children. (Increased to 100 by June 1866 per later report of Wheelock, a few frames past.)

Monthly Report of Freedmen’s Schools in the State of Texas, for the Month Ending August 31, 1866, Image 25: 3 day schools and 1 night school in Houston, with 3 white teachers and 106 pupils

Report … Ending November 1866, Image 32: 5 day schools and 2 night schools, with 3 white teachers and 2 “colored” teachers, teaching 125 students

These schools had been sustained by paid tuition.

E. W. Wheelock to J. W. Alvord, February 20, 1866, Image 38: In December Kiddoo has announced that freedmen’s schools in Houston and Galveston will be free, which resulted in a large increase in attendance. Then, In January Kiddoo was superseded by Griffin, who abolished “the free schools,” set reduced rates of tuition, and paid teachers a salary of $40 a month.

E. W. Wheelock to J. W. Alvord, October 31, 1866, Image 255: “Prior to the surrender of this state in June 1865, a colored school was an unknown thing in the wide domain of Texas. As soon as the occupation by the national forces took place, and emancipation became a realized fact, the colored people began to buy slates and primers, and to importune for schools.” Freedpeople paid a monthly tuition of one dollar and a half to maintain the teachers, but there is needed some additional funds “to defray the tuition of those who are too poor to pay the stipulated fee.” “Every where in Texas, those who are striving to impart the elements of knowledge and religion to the recently liberated slave, are made to drink unsparingly of the cup of social reproach.” “The greatest hindrance to growth has been the lack of school buildings.” “All of our labors are facilitated by the desire of the negro to learn.”

E. W. Wheelock to J. W. Alvord, April 4, 1867, Image 44: Reports 52 teachers (29 white), 64 day, night, and Sunday schools, with 3,850 pupils. “The tone and temper of the people, especially since the passage of the Military Bill, has been moderating with revolutionary rapidity; and now that the right of suffrage has been gained for the colored people, and all parties are bidding for their votes, the time cannot be far distant when Texas will, of herself, establish a Common School System, and provide for the instruction of all classes and castes of her people.”

American Missionary Association listed as operator of some schools, sometimes together with the Bureau, e.g. in Statistical Report for May 1868. But many of the AMA teachers returned north at the end of June, “and the schools [were] thrown upon the resources of the Freedmen.” Hope placed in reconstruction of the state and creation of a public school system.

Joseph Welch to J. W. Alvord, August 28, 1868, Image 102: “Our principal difficulty, is to procure a supply of competent teachers; as, owing to our distance from the offices of the Missionary Societies, and the disturbed and uncertain condition of the state, I do not feel warranted, in applying for teachers from the North. Our schools are now supplied by those who are permanently located here, an increasing proportion, as you may notice, being colored persons.” (His next letter, after Grant’s election, is more optimistic.)

Bouts of sickness and demand for labor in picking cotton interfere throughout with attendance.

Report of Teachers and Buildings for October 1868, Image 283: In Houston, the teacher is H. G. Madison in a building owned by the Baptist Church; and W. Reynolds in building owned by Wm. Reynolds, both schools operated by the Bureau.

Report of Teachers and Buildings for November 1868, Image 287: In Houston, J. Foster and E. Dayton teach in a building owned by M. E. Church, AMA is occupant; Eunice Knapp teaches in a building owned by Baptist Church, AMA is occupant; Henry G. Madison teaches in building owned by Baptist Church, Bureau occupant. (Same in December)

Monthly Report of Schools, … State of Texas, Month of January, 1869, Image 296: In Houston, two schools; one run by Foster and Dayton, AMA, in M. E. Church; the other run by Eunice Knapp, AMA, in Baptist Church—two buildings and a total of 165 pupils.

Joseph Welch to J. W. Alvord, April 22, 1869, Austin, Image 235: “In several instances our schools were closed in consequence of terrorism exercised by disorderly parties whom it was impracticable to punish. Since the presidential election, we have been interfered with less than before.” “Nothing but a practically ‘free school system’ will reach the great body of the people for a long time to come, and it is very uncertain how soon such a system can be put in operation. The peculiar political situation renders the temporary aid of the Bureau, and the limited assistance of the Missionary Association, of almost unlimited value, as being the only sources from which any aid whatever is received in preparing the Freedmen for their new position.”

Joseph Welch to J. W. Alvord, July 15, 1869, Image 240: Reports from newspaper excerpts that public opinion is improving towards the schools. “The Freedmen are realizing by the hard but sure teaching of experience, that the best protection against the imposition practiced upon them heretofore, is in the ability to understand the laws and usages of business and to demand and enforce the administration of justice; they are learning that ‘Knowledge is power’ in its truest sense.” Recent crop failures and historic floods along the Brazos and Colorado have washed away many plantations and made schools difficult. School houses have been contracted for and are being built in Galveston, Houston, elsewhere.

Report of School Buildings … in the State of Texas, Month of July, 1869, Image 321: Reports one “wood” building in Houston, owned by Freedmen, 40X50 feet and worth $2400. (Same in September)

Report of School Buildings … in the State of Texas, Month of November, 1869, Image 339: In Houston, one Brick school house, 32 x 55, worth $7500, owned by Bureau, as well as the wooden one on previous reports. (Same in January 1870.)

Report of School Buildings … in the State of Texas, Months Ending February 28, 1870, Image 353: Bureau still owns the brick building in Houston; in addition, the Bureau rents a wooden building owened by Sandy Parker for $30, another one owned by Frank Vance; another one owned by G. B. Mitchell for $67; another one owned by Johnson Rice, paying rent for $39, and also J.T. Zeely; and another oned by J. L. Stevenson for $135. Are these rents to the landowners for Gregory, or for individual buildings? No buildings listed next to their names.

Joseph Welch to J. W. Alvord, January 6, 1870, Image 252: Brick school houses have been erected since his last report in “Galveston, Houston, and Brownsville.” San Antonio is the only city or municipality that has been supporting a school by itself. “The election appointed by the President for the reconstruction of the state has been held and it is hoped that Texas will soon have a well organized free school system as the provision made by the new constitution is abundantly ample if faithfully administered. While this is being definitely settled and established, it will be necessary for the General Government to continue its oversight and aid of the Freedmen’s schools in order to secure to them the benefit of what has already been done by it.” Reports an outrage on a teacher, a Hungarian, in Gonzales.

Joseph Welch to J. W. Alvord, February 3, 1870, Image 275: Forwards list of teachers for January 1870. In Houston they are Warren Norton, Julia B. Norton, Eunice Knapp, and Nellie Nickerson, as well as Martha E. Green in Harrisburg..

Louis W. Stevenson to J. W. Alvord, June 30, 1870, ends Image 273: Praises the AMA teachers, in particular the “Misses Nickerson & Knapp of the ‘Gregory Institute,’ Houston … their work will challenge comparison with any in the State.” Also praises “two colored teachers, also under the auspicesof the AMA, Mr. Jones at Brazoria and Mr. J. H. Washington at Navasota.” Reports some localities it is not safe for him to visit; he hopes the new milita bill will correct this. “The State system of education is not yet developed. The first Act of the Senate was to reject the Governor’s nominee for superintendant. This was done, as is supposed, partly on account of Rail Road influences, and partly because he was understood to be in favor of mixed schools. No doubt but that strong efforts will be made to establish a ‘separate system,’ though it will be met with strenuous opposition. The colored members only ask that nothing shall be said in the law on the subject; they justly regard a ‘separate system’ as a violation of the Constitutional rights, both National and State.” Says the state should have plenty of funds to support schools, were it not for the legislature’s inclination to grant “immense subsidies to Rail Roads,” which will ruin the state’s credit.

M822, Roll 1

“United States, Freedmen’s Bureau, Records of the Superintendent of Education and of the Division of Education, 1865-1872,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9TH-FFND?cc=2427894&wc=31SB-W3K%3A1556264002%2C1556350629 : 9 March 2015), Texas > Roll 1, Letters and endorsements sent, vol 2, Apr 1869-Dec 1870. Image numbers refer to images on FamilySearch.

Joseph Welch to O. O. Howard, July 1, 1869, Image 91, likely referring to Gregory Institute:

I have the honor to forward and recommend for approval a contract for the erection of a school house in the city by C. H. Bering for $6400.

The lot was purchased by the freedmen and is deeded to a board of trustees for educational purposes …

Joseph Welch to C. H. Bering, July 19, 1869, Letter 150, Image 99: “Contract approved. Push the work forward.”

Joseph Welch to C. H. Bering, July 22, 1869, Letter 159, Image 101: “I enclose the contract for building the school house approved, with plan and specifications. … Push the work rapidly as can be with safety. Employ some of the freedmen if you can in the work somewhere.”

Joseph Welch to Louis W. Stevenson, July 30, 1869, Letter 182, Image 108:

You will call together the Board of Trustees of the school house lot at Houston and present to them for consideration the letter herewith transmitted. You will explain to them that the Government advertising for that section of the state is limited to Flake’s Bulletin, and that no discretion is allowed the Superintendent. If from personal pique, or other influence, they will not allow the contractor to commence work, you will take steps to secure another location, and proceed at once in building.

Joseph Welch to L. W. Stevenson, August 19, 1869, Letter 225, Image 125:

Inclosed you will find letter of Allen on subject of contracts. I wish you would inform me promptly when the contractors are nearly ready for the several payments provided for in the contracts so that I may be as nearly ready as possible.

If you can accomplish it I would like the trustees to vacate Allen’s place and let the people elect some good man in his place, say Frank Vance.

Letter 323, Image 154: Some confusion about whether to continue paying Sandy Parker rent for his house. Connected with construction of brick building?

Letter 340, image 160: Letter to Warren Norton explaining how vouchers should be filled out and signed, mentioning one for Richard Allen. Explains that whether the Bureau rents halls, churches, or buildings, it still describes them as “houses” in its reports. So perhaps Sandy Parker house could be a church.

Letter 423, image 183: No rent will be paid Johnson Rice or Frank Vance after December 1869, presumably because school house is built.

L. W. Stevenson to O. O. Howard, June 22, 1870, Letter 623, Image 244: Requests appropriation of two hundred dollars for gutters and a fence around “‘Gregory Institute’ at Houston. I should have asked this long ago as it is a necessity, but thought the people would have done it, an effort having been made but yet unsuccessful. Time does not permit of effecting a contract or getting an exact estimate. The deeds of course are unnecessary, the Bureau having built the buildings.”

L. W. Stevenson to J. W. Alvord, June 28, 1870, Letter 631, Image 247: “In reply to your favor of the 3d inst. I have the honor to state that there are no normal schools, colleges or universities in Texas for freedmen. There are three graded schools as follows, viz., ‘Barnes Institute,’ Galveston, ‘Gregory Institute,’ Houston, Austin School, Austin. They are all supported in part by the Bureau, ‘A.M.A.,’ and the people.” 370 pupils and 4 teachers then in Gregory, the largest of the three schools. All buildings constructed of brick. Gregory 32 x 55, cost $7500, lot $400.

E. C. Bartholomew to Richard Allen, October 31, 1870, Letter 736, Image 282: Concerns a letter from Allen discussing how to pay for lumber to build the fence. Bartholomew says there is money in the account for the Gregory Institute to be used for this purpose, but apparently local lumber agents don’t trust the Bureau to be good for purchases. ECB suggests that Allen and the Trustees buy it, and he will then reimburse them, and says they should certainly be willing to get credit from lumber men given the value of the property itself. ECB says “Houston is a different place from any other I have known,” though it’s unclear if he means this is because the lumber men won’t trust the Government, or because they might trust the Trustees. More on this in a letter to William Reynolds in Letter 742, explaining how to make the transaction work.

E. C. Bartholomew to Richard Allen, November 11, 1870, Letter 750, Image 290: Allen wishes to use the balance appropriated for the Institute in paying laborers, instead of for lumber. Bartholomew approves.

See also Bartholomew to Allen, Letter 757, enclosing check to pay Bering & Bros., and instructing him to have the firm endorse it to Allen if Allen has already paid the account. Also Letter 757.

M822, Roll 3

A letter from C. W. Bryant (Charles W. Bryant) care of Rev. W. R. Fayle to the Freedmen’s Bureau reporting that there is a need for schools and a house that would suit on the Buckhorne plantation. Written in Houston, March 19, 1867. Bryant later a delegate to the state Constitutional convention. Link on FamilySearch.

Image 288 - Letter C-4 - Lizzie Clay to Wheelock, December 7, 1866, Houston. She is discouraged about possibility of getting a supporting school in Houston. “I think to expend money for rent and stove at that church is entirely useless, for the children who come to me will all go to the other schools if I close mine, and the increase will not crowd them.” She doesn’t want a plantation school unless the place is run by “a gentleman and a unionist.” She heard from a “colored man” that a spot was opening in Austin, “but ’tis only a colored mans story and I put no reliance on it whatever.” “This I know that tis useless for a teacher to try to teach in the Mount Zion church at present.” Her parents and friends are urging her to come home. “My philanthropy is wasting away to a mere shaddow [sic] and I am affraid [sic] will vanish like a weird spectre leaving naught but terror and vacancy behind.”

Image 292 - Letter C-6 - Lizzie Clay to Wheelock, December 26, 1866, Houston. She has decided not to accept post at Richmond. “I am weary of teaching rather, and have other plans for the future just now. My parents are very anxious that I should come home immediately.”

Image 448 - Letter D-2 - J. C. De Gress (SAC) to Wheelock, December 10, 1866, Houston: “Enclosed please find school report of M. O’Regan and two freedmen. I would respectfully suggest, that Mr. O’Regan be appointed Supt of schools at this point, and that the schools of these two freedmen be broken up, as they do more harm than good.”

Image 469 - Letter D-10 - Hattie C. Daggett to Wheelock, April 23, 1867, Houston, apologizing for leaving night school section blank on her recent report, “instead of making it out for the signature of Miss White and Miss Wilder. I have now filed it out and trust it will be satisfactory.”

Image 631 - list of parents who promise to send students to school in Marlin, November 1867.

M822, Roll 4

Image 304 - Letter O-1, M. O’Regan to Wheelock, November 6, 1866, Houston: “I wrote to you a few days after I arrived here. The Trustees of the Church had a consultation last Sunday a week ago. I found them extremely suspicious:—This is in consequence of Mr. Stewart’s operations;—It was agreed to allow me the use of the church as a school room for the present. The church is not finished, but they intend to finish it as soon as possible, and when that is done, it can not be used as a school room. This is owing to the fact that the children have injured and abused the seats windows &c. to a considerable degree. It has not been yet decided what rent I will have to pay for the use of the house; some of them spoke of charging $20 a month, but I said that that amount was more than you expected to pay. I can not use the house in the evening; nor can I get the Baptist church: Both houses are used every evening in the week.” He has concluded that previous teaching in the city has been very superficial. He asks for materials including a large map. “Some of the people here think the Government will build School Houses, and they told me to ask you if any thing will be done in that direction?”

Image 308 - Letter O-2, M. O’Regan to Wheelock, October 27, 1866, reporting his arrival in Houston. He found four schools in operation: Miss Garrison, Miss Clay, and Miss Watson, and “one conducted by a colored man, whose name is Mr. Riden, but this is a very small school. … 25 or 30 pupils attend each of the other schools. The operations of Mr. Stewart have done an incalculable amount of mischief. The people whose confidence he won and abused now regard every teacher, and even the entire arrangement of the schools, with suspicion and mistrust. They think the only object of the teacher is to get all the money they can into their pockets, and then leave.”

Image 310 - Letter O-3, M. O’Regan to Wheelock, December 8, 1866, Houston: “Enclosed please find my school report for November; also a report of Henderson Bonner: I wrote the figures as he told me. The remarks are in his own hand. I examined him, and found him not at all qualified for the business he has undertaken.” He still hasn’t heard from trustees about rent. He reports that some pupils have quit, and he “expelled one boy” from among “the old ones.”

Image 312 - Letter O-4, M. O’Regan to Wheelock, December 11, 1866, Houston: trustees have agreed to let the church as a school room for $20 per month. “They are preparing to finish the house, and would like to get the money without delay; and they requested me to say that if you can give any thing for the time Miss Watson had the house, it will be very acceptable.”

Image 314 - Letter O-5, M. O’Regan to Wheelock, December 22, 1866, Houston: needs more forms.

Image 318 - Letter O-6, O’Regan to Wheelock, January 14, 1867: says that Miss Watson recently passed through, discouraged about her Bastrop experience. He requests that she be assigned as his assistant. He had no school first week fo the year because of repairs being done to the church.

Image 319 - Letter O-7, O’Regan to Wheelock, January 31, 1867: he requests money to cover expenses, including his having purchased firewood for day school and rented a building for a night school. “The Trustees of the Church would like to have the rent paid. They have not said anything about it of late, but I know they want, and would like to get the money. They expect rent at the rate of $20 per mo. from the 1st of August, or September last.” Watson now assisting him and has rented a room near the school house.

Image 394 - W. B. Pease to Kirkman, March 5, 1867, transmitting school reports from Houston for M. O’Regan, Thirza R. Garrison, Jennie R. Foster (Mary Wilder asst.) and Hattie E. Daggett (Fannie L. White asst.)

Image 404 - Pease to Kirkman, April 4, 1867, Houston. Reports lower enrollment due to the breaking up of two schools here, “one on account of the burning of the church in which it had been held, the other by the dismissal of Mr. M. O’Regan, a former teacher, who carried with him to a private school a large number of pupils. A school was opened in the same building in which he had taught but comparatively few of his old scholars attended it.” Also credits the decline to “the changing from free to pay schools. The schools however are in a flourishing condition. As soon as possible I will consolidate two of the schools into one in the building which has recently been rented for school purposes, and will form a graded school.”

Image 408 - Pease to Kirkman, April 1, 1867, Houston. Giving official report on Education in the city but similar data to the April 4 letter. Doesn’t say where the building he has rented is. White people in the city still totally uninterested in support of freedpeople’s education.

Image 416 - Pease to Kirkman enclosing May reports on Houston schools. Notes that Garrison tendered her resignation effective April 30. “Mr. Allen Asst. Supt. of school shas told me that Miss Garrison will continue teaching another month.”

Image 419 - Pease to Kirkman, May 27, 1867, says “Nathan Boyle a freedman has made application to me for an appointment as school teacher. He represents that he has taught before and I think he is capable of teaching the rudiments. If you think best to reopen the school lately taught by Miss Garrison before the summer vacation, I would recommend his appointment.” But he doesn’t favor reopening the school until after vacation.

Image 422 - Pease to Kirkman, May 31, 1867, identifies the building he is renting as belonging to “J. W. Johnson,” for $35 per month, from March 1, 1867 for a year. “Another building in Houston, a church, for which the Bureau does not pay rent, was repaired and seated at an expense of $48.60.”

Image 446 - A brochure for the Houston Academy, with Hutchins, Ennis, Gray, Rice, House and others listed as trustees, and B. A. Shepherd listed as president of the board. It is followed by an August 7, 1867, letter from E. Pettit, who was in charge of the academy before the war. He inquires about opening a manual labor school, and shares some of his backstory. Came to Texas in 1843, a Unionist all along, kept out of the war. He is now in the planting business but expresses frustration with the freedmen he is cropping with, who refuse to raise cotton. “I am acquainted in Houston as you will see by the accompanying advertisement. I left Houston in 1860 because I saw the storm coming and finally got back in the middle of Texas. Though I had no negroes to lose, most of my property money was loaned out upon Negro Security; hence most part was lost.”

Lots of letters from William Reynolds about Harrisburg school beginning at Image 469. One on January 13, 1867, reporting that freedpeople are reluctant to send children to him in expectation that a free school will soon be established. On February 25, 1867,, a group of parents at his school met to pass a series of resolutions vouching for Reynolds and asking that Griffin’s tuition and pay rates outlined in a recent circular be applied to his school. There follows some dispute about his salary, after which he resigns his post on April 14, 1867, and declares his intention to start a private school supported by the parents at a per pupil rate and “under their own jurisdiction.” He would have accepted $20 per month even though Griffin’s circular promised $40 per month, but he has only gotten $15 per month. On June 25, 1867,, he writes to request that he be paid some rent because he teaches the school in his own home, suggesting he is still operating government school. Need to look for letters sent him to see how the salary issue was resolved, though it may not have been: he is still writing on July 5 about not having received his pay for May and June despite signing vouchers of receipt. An October letter says he received his May salary and his July rent, but not the $25 he is owed for June.

Image 539 - A letter from “the trustees of the colored people” in the Richmond vicinity write to Kirkman in May 1867 about their having purchased a lot and beginning to erect a school house. It is accompanied by a note from the SAC saying the title deed is clear.

Image 603 - Efforts of freedmen in San Antonio to buy a lot and build a school.

M822, Roll 5

Image 166, Letter A-56, September 30, 1870 - Richard Allen writes to say he has contracted for building of cistern and fence at Gregory Institute and desires balance of money from Bureau.

Image 168 - Letter A-57, October 26, 1870 - from Richard Allen to Bartholomew relating to balance of money to be spent on Gregory Institute. Tried to get lumber on the terms proposed by bureau and could not; can’t pay hands at the price proposed.

Image 171 - Letter A-58, November 15, 1870 - concerning lumber for the fence at Gregory Institute

Image 335 - Letter B-52, [August 2,] 1869. C. H. Bering, the contractor for the Gregory Institute, writes to Welch: “The Freedmen are very angry & say the [sic] will stopp [sic] the Building are very Contrary. What shall I do? Come down & write at ones [sic]. Bricks are on the Plais [sic] & foundation half done.”

Image 347 - Letter B-58 - C. H. Bering writes to Welch that foundation is ready. “Send money.”

Image 381 - Bering writes on August 30, 1869, that second story of Institute is nearly up and wants to know why the money has not been sent for first payment on contract. He later acknowledges receipt of $900 check on September 3 and $1500 check on September 19. He acknowledges final payout of $3000 on January 22, 1870.

Image 784 - M. E. Davis to Welch, September 1, 1868. “The church you wished Mr. Henry Maddison assigned to is now occupied by one De Gaultie a German who has rented the Church of ‘Tobin’ the owner and started a school for colored children. De Gaultie is not doing very well, has but few scholars, still does not like to give up the church.” Tobin is willing to rent the building to the government at $8 per month because De Gaultie doesn’t pay promptly; Davis asks for authority to do so. “Mr. Madison is of the opinion that nothing but a free school can prosper here at the present time. The freed people are so poor that they think it impossible for them to pay one dollar per month for education of their children.”

Image 790 - On September 22, 1868, DeGaultie asks for assistance starting a school in Houston. He has taught in the Union Church for four months in Houston “and all my desire is to instruct the colored children.” He wishes to receive government support and was advised by Judge Fayle to write to Joseph Welch.

Image 796 - M. E. Davis reports on October 15, 1868, about arrival of Jennie R. Foster and Emma Dayton in Houston. They wish to be assigned in the Methodist Church. “I would respectfully state that the Methodist Church will be in Repair in about two weeks and that all the colored people are very anxious to have these teachers remain and teach in this church.” (Wrapper indicates application granted.)

Image 803 - Davis writes Capt. Roberts on November 16, 1868, enclosing specs for a proposed schoolhouse. “Should this meet with the approval of the Asst. Commr. the parties making this estimate wish the amount paid in two installments.” He says they have failed to raise the money for the plat of ground mentioned in his last message but thinks they have found another. The builder who figured the plan is an H. C. Moring [sp?] or A. C. Morin. Detailed bid follows.

Image 1046 - Jennie R. Foster to Welch, June 3, 1869, Houston, saying that Mr. [G. B.] Mitchell has received payment for rent for April but not for March. Postscript in margin asks: “What about our new school house—when is it to be commenced? Soon I hope?” Followed by a letter on June 8 repeating the question about the “seeming delay” around the schoolhouse. “You of course are aware how much it is needed, but perhaps do not appreciate the need as much as we who have tried teaching so many pupils in one room. Please urge it forward.”

M822, Roll 7

Image 96 - Warren Norton writes on February 15, 1870 about Gregory Institute: “We have about 200 scholars enrolled. The largest school in the state I suspect. Last Sabbath 108 were present in S. School.”

Image 102 - Warren Norton writes March 8, 1870 to Stevenson about their difficulty finding a boarding house in Bryan, where he and his wife have moved: “We thought we had a good boarding house near the school but when the lady of the house came to think, she decided she couldn’t keep us, because we were engaged teaching Freedmen. She regretted the necessity &c. Then we found a house at Mrs Thurman’s boarding for two days, but this morning one of her young men boarders warned her that they would six of them would leave if we remained and so we had to move again. But we had already engaged a room of a colored family and so had the start of things. We rent a room for $10.00 per month. Wouldn’t it be a good plan for the Bureau to pay that $10.00 for us? … We are called upon to endure something for Christ here, to feel a little the hatred of these people which seems like old times.” By the end of the month he and his wife have left for Bryan and aren’t going back to Houston. A letter from Norton’s wife suggests that a conflict with Nellie Nickerson was at the root of their leaving. A March 26 letter from Nickerson suggests she is now in charge.¹

Image 992 - Johnson Rice acknowledges receipt of check for rent paid for house.

M822, Roll 6

Image 737 - Letter from Eunice Knapp to L. W. Stevenson, March 4, 1870, reporting on her visit to school of Mr. Righton as he requested. It sounds like Stevenson wanted to place him at a different country station, but Righton is frequently debilitated by rheumatism, and while he was able to teach his small school in town even when doing poorly in health, he would have more difficulty with a large school and would be blamed when he was too sick to teach. “I saw at once the force of his reasoning. Beside he has a nice little place of his own, which by the way he has bought and paid for since freedom, during which time he has not been able to do anything except a little cobbling beside teaching. Has now 15 scholars, could, I suppose teach 25 if they should come. … Both he and his wife appear like very nice people. Should the Bureau see fit to employ him, it would help him very much, help him to furnish his school room better, get maps &c. I shall use my influence to have parents send their children to him. Our school is doing finely. Miss Nickerson is doing double duty … is teaching not only Mr. Norton’s scholars but those who were formerly hers & goes first to one room then the other, has perfect order in both.” She also explains the classes she teaches and in which rooms, as well as Miss Stewart. “Mr. and Mrs. Norton left today for Bryan.”

Image 1106 - Evidence that F. Mohl rented a room or building to the Bureau in summer of 1870.

M822, Roll 7

Image 1045 - Evidence that David Righton (who signs voucher) received Bureau payment for rent in April and May 1870.

M822, Roll 8

“United States, Freedmen’s Bureau, Records of the Superintendent of Education and of the Division of Education, 1865-1872,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9TH-F9BY-2?cc=2427894&wc=31SB-DPD%3A1556264002%2C1556268901 : 9 March 2015), Texas > Roll 8, Letters received, S, 1868-1870 > image 353 of 857; citing multiple NARA microfilm publications (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1969-1978).

S. 84, Image 231 - Foster reports she has not yet received March 1869 rent for the “House” in Houston rented from G. B. Mitchell.

S. 128, Image 353 - Bartholomew confrontation with Gregory Institute Board, written August 8, 1869.

S. 166, Image 461 - Bartholomew to Welch about Bering’s proposal for slight change to building plan for Gregory Institute, dated September 17, 1869.

S. 178, Image 562 - Stevenson writes to Bartholomew on October 8, 1869, to report that “Sandy Parker says he has not received the last two months rent for the Houston church. Can you explain?”

M822, Roll 9

Image 187 - One of a series of images at this point that show Frank Vance acknowledging receipt of checks for rent of a house. This one includes “his mark.”

M822, Roll 10

Only jumped to letters of relevant names mentioned in index, then looked at all the non-indexed letters from 1869-1870 and undated at end.

Image 299 - A May 27, 1866, report from George W. Honey to E. M. Wheelock about T. R. Garrison; she was recently dismissed from a plantation school in Hockley owing to an alleged scandal, but upon investigation, Honey found no grounds at all for her dismissal and considered it a “malicious, virulent, and cowardly attack upon a most amiable virtuous and innocent lady.” The letter is followed by the plantation owner Clarke to Garrison, who has stopped in Houston, also saying he saw no reason for her dismissal.

Image 304 - Garrison writes to Wheelock from Houston on April 26, 1866, expressing no desire to return to Hockley and asking permission to remain in Houston. She describes the rumored scandals as nothing but “a pretext for breaking up the school.” She says that “Miss Clay’s school here is increasing and she urges me to stay here and Capt. Porter thinks I might do so profitably.”

Image 310 - Garrison writes to Wheelock from Houston on June 30, 1866: she did not send in a monthly report because any teaching she did for the month was as assistant to Miss Clay. But if she receives an appointment or instructions to send more reports, she would be happy to.

Image 610 - Copy of a November 6, 1866, letter from M. O’Regan to Wheelock reporting on his difficulty securing a school house; church trustees are suspicious of renting due to Henry W. Stuart scandals and damage to building by pupils. He is unable to get the Baptist church.

Image 667 - Letter from A. W. Rogers at Houston to Wheelock, dated June 30, 1866, reporting that “Miss Watson has not been teaching for 6 weeks. I called on her yesterday she has promised to take the School at Bastrop.”

Image 679 - A letter dated September 19, 1866, from William Reynolds, teacher at Harrisburg and himself a freedman, to Wheelock about his difficulty getting enrollment, parents unable to pay, debts he has incurred, etc. A follow-up letter the next month indicates he is staying after freedpeople in the area have told them they will support the school, though he still hears complains about high costs, particularly of books.

Image 899 - Letter from Ellen Watson to Wheelock, dated July [7?], 1866, Houston. Her health has been bad since resigning position at Chenango. “Last week I had a visit here from Mr. Stuart. He informed me that he was going to take some rest for about two months and wished me to take charge of his school until he returned, which I consented to do. But I have heard since that Mr. Stuart has gone away, with the intention of returning no more. Therefore if it pleases or suits you to let me remain in the school I would like to have an appointment or papers to that effect.” Otherwise, she would like a school in the country.

Image 902 - Letter from Watson to Wheelock, dated July 20, 1866. She has received his letter dated July 10. “I have been teaching in Mr. Stuart’s school, but the attendance at present is very small. The people here are very anxious to have a gentleman teacher in the school, and as I am informed have one appointed to take charge of the school on Monday. The gentleman goes to Galveston this evening to see you about affairs. He has been to see me, but I could not say anything until he had seen you. Lieut I cannot possibly give up the school at present, and I am certain there is not enough scholars to support two teachers at present.” She has only been in the city three weeks but has no funds, and while she would prefer a spot in the country, she cannot cover expenses. She believes Porter is writing with more details. (Which he does the next day. See Henry W. Stuart.)

Image 904 - Interesting account of expenses paid for a July 4 barbecue hosted for the freedmen in Brenham.

Image 940 - Ellen Watson writes to Wheelock, October 24, 1866, Houston: “I accept the school at Bastrop, though I regret a little giving up this school at present, for the school is increasing every week. Have at present 31 pay scholars on the list. Have been trying to open night school, but have not yet succeeded. If any of the churches can get to teach school at night, a very good night school may be organized. … Mr. O’Regan will take charge as soon as I receive my appointment.”

Image 1176 - Letter from O’Regan to Wheelock, February 9, 1867, Houston, refuting charges made against him by Ellen Watson about his mismanagement and disorder at the school. “The Free School System had been in operation just 14 days when Miss W. came to the school, (Monday January 28th). There were about 120 schollars at school that day. But what sort of schollars were they? They were beyond all manner of question the rudest, roughest, wildest, noisiest, most unruly, unmanageable, and untamable crowd that perhaps were ever congregated within a schoolhouse.” Mentions them as playing marbles and spinning tops with idle white boys in Houston. “Intoxicated with their new found liberty, the real value, or use of which they do not understand, they think its essence consists in doing just what they please. … Some of them had even the impudence to light matches and use cigars in school.” He goes on at length about behavior. “I told Mr. Allen, more than once, that I wanted, and ought to have an assistant.” He notes that “the matter of drinking water” has been a problem: “There is neither well nor cistern near the school house.” Contra Ms. Watson, he doesn’t expect his students “to sit all day as if they were about to have their daguerreotypes taken … I like to see them quiet and studious, but I like to see them run, and jump, and shout, and laugh too.” “From Miss Watson’s letter, I appeal to the progress the children are making in their studies, to the parents of the children, to Mr. Dibble the preacher in charge of the church, to Mr. Vance, and others, who, I think ought to know what I have been doing since I came here.” He also mentioned that when she visited, some of the “3rd reader class” came to him and said they would not remain at school if she was to teach them. He concludes, “The Mount Zion Church, Miss Fosters School house, was burned down yesterday morning (Friday) between 12 and 1 o’clock. No doubt but that it was done intentionally.”

Image 1254 - Letter dated February 23, 1867, about conditions of schools in Houston: “On my return to Houston I found the colored people embarrassed and confused by the course pursued by Mr. Oregan, having refused to comply with the order to proceed to Richmond, and stated publicly that Mr. Allen had acted without authority. While this has temporally [sic] closed the school against the teacher sent to relieve him, I think it may be arranged to secure the confidence & cooperation of the people.”

Image 1350 - Letter from July 1869 noting that Bureau does not have authority to purchase furniture for the Gregory Institute; that expense has to be included in the agreement with contractor.

Image 1361 - July 1, 1869, Joseph Welch sends bids for construction of Gregory Institute and requests authority to accept the one from Bering, which is lowest of the four at $6,400: “The lot was purchased by the Freedmen, and is deeded, to a Board of Trustees for Educational purposes.” This item is surrounded by similar contracts for school construction in other places, with land usually deeded to freedmen and a board of trustees for school purposes.

Image 1376 - Welch seems to refer on July 19, 1869, to the three-volume record of crimes in Texas that has been sent to Washington, but he asks that it be retained in Texas.

Image 1404 - Welch requests that a board of military officers be sent to inspect the walls of the Gregory Institute as erected by Bering and to “report the result of such inspection to this office.”

Image 1451 - Welch writes about a school in Brenham in May 1870. On the advice of Matthew Gaines and others, he thinks money should not be spent on it because it was started just before the election “by political enemies of the Republican party & for, I am told, political purposes.”

Image 1499 - J. O. Stevenson writes to Howard on June 23, 1870, requesting approval of repairs to Gregory Institute, which will be defaced during vacation if not surrounded by fences and gutters. Rain running off roof will ruin foundation. He has not been able to raise enough money from private donations or “aid from the colored churches” to do it. This is followed several images later on by Howard saying more money can’t be expended on Texas beyond what is already on hand because uncertainty about longevity of Bureau at this point.

Image 1534 - undated letter from Honey to Wheelock about Henry W. Stuart and his suspicious behavior.

Image 1536 - a list of parents names who are sending children to a freedmen’s school to be instituted at Beaumont, Texas, undated.

M822, Roll 11

Reviewed whole roll.

December 1, 1865 - Letter to Gregory from Henry W. Stuart reporting on his successful establishment of a school in Houston and reporting that the community is willing to pay school fees of $1.50 per month. “In Houston the fact is clearly established that the Freedmen are able and most determined to support the school, and to shew that they really deserved their freedom.”

January 17, 1866 - Letter to Wheelock from Henry W. Stuart with reports on attendance.

March 21, 1866 - Letter to Wheelock from Henry W. Stuart with monthly report.

April 26, 1866 - Letter from Lizzie Clay to Wheelock with school report.

May, 26, 1866 - Monthly report from Clay

June 9, 1866 - Report to Wheelock from Henry W. Stuart “for the month my school has been opened since the removal of the church.”

June 1866 - Report from Clay about closure of her night school and reasons why.

June 1866 - Report from Garrison about her school.

July 1866 - Monthly Report from Clay, with no night school figures.

July 1866 - Monthly Report from Garrison

August 10, 1866 - Watson is operating a Houston school in a church, but she cannot presently use the building at night for a night school, though the trustees have said they may be able to provide her with the building four nights a week soon. Church unspecified.

August 1866 - Monthly report from Garrison

August 31, 1866 - Monthly report from Clay, still no night school.

September 10, 1866 - Monthly report from Watson, including a letter reporting on parents’ complaints about the school and its rates. Mentions three schools competing with hers and Clay’s, including a large one run by Henry Hurds.

September 30, 1866 - Monthly report from Garrison, including additional report underlining that few fees have been paid.

September 1866 - Report from Clay

October 1866 - Report from G. T. Ruby in Galveston that also responds to printed questions about other schools in the area not reporting to Bureau.

October 10, 1866 - Report from Watson

October 31, 1866 - Report from Garrison

October 31, 1866 - Report from Clay

November 30, 1866 - Report from Clay

November 30, 1866 - Report from Garrison

November 1866 - Report from Henderson Bournes, “col’d”, about a new Houston school, with difficult-to-read postscript

November 1866 - Report from M. O’Regan about a new Houston school, mentions Henderson Bonner and David Righton as Black teachers running schools not reporting to Bureau. Mentions the school house as being “not in the most favorable situation, and rainy weather interferes very much with the attendance.”

November 1866 - Report from David Righton

December 1866 - Report from M. O’Regan

December 1866 - Report from Garrison

December 1866 - Report from Clay

December 1866 - Report from David Righton

January 1867 - Report from M. O’Regan

January 1867 - Report from Garrison

January 1867 - Report from Jennie Foster, who replaces Clay

January 1867 - Report from Hattie Daggett about a new school in Houston

February 1867 - Report from J. Foster marked as “Mt. Zion School.” Mentions that school was only in session 4 days because “School house burned Feb. 7th.”

February 1867 - Report from Garrison

February 1867 - Report from M. O’Regan

February 1867 - Report from Daggett marked as “Kiddoo School.”

March 1867 - Report from J. Foster now marked as “Meth. School Houston.” She mentions that she had had a “Union S. S.” until the previous Sabbath, when she and her assistant “Miss Dayton” moved to the Methodist Church: “The colored people had been trying to sustain one there but not very successfully.” Refers to all the teachers at the “Home,” except “Miss Daggett,” are engaged in Night School.

March 1867 - Report from Garrison

March 1867 - Report from Daggett still referred to as “Kiddoo School” and describes the home where it is held. “The room we use for a kitchen being large it made quite a convenient school room.”

April 1867 - Report from Garrison that she closed school on April 28 by resigning appointment.

April 1867 - Report from Daggett

April 1867 - Report from Foster

M822, Roll 12

Reviewed whole roll.

May 1867 - Report from Daggett

May 1867 - Report from Foster

June 1867 - Report from Foster and Dayton now described as “Methodist school”

June 1867 - Report from Daggett described as “Kiddoo school”

February 1868 - W. B. Pease’s SAC Report on all Harris County schools, including those by Jennie R. Foster, Emma Dayton, Jennie Dunlavy, Mary E. Wilder, L P. Wheeler, M. O’Regan, and D. Righton, listing five total schools in city of Houston and 1 in Harrisburg (W. Reynolds). “Three of the schools are in churches, (2 hired by the Bureau) the other three are in private rooms hired by the teachers. The 3 churches are in comparative good condition, and can accommodate 300 pupils. Private schools are quite small.” In answer to a question about schools for white children, he reports that there may be some interest in a school for white students, but they won’t go to an integrated school.

M822, Roll 13

Reviewed entire roll.

April 1868 - Report about Mt. Zion school, now taught by Louran [sp?] P. Wheeler.

April 1868 - Report from Kiddoo school, now taught by Jennie N. Dunlavy and Mary E. Wilder.

April 1868 - Report from Bayou School at Houston, taught by Foster and Dayton

May 1868 - Report from Kiddoo School, with only Wilder signing.

May 1868 - Report from Bayou School taught by Foster and Dayton: “Our pupils have made good progress but a school building, and suitable accommodations are very much needed.”

May 1868 - Report from Mt. Zion school taught by Wheeler.

June 1868 - Report from Bayou School

June 1868 - Report from Kiddoo School taught by Dunlavy and Wilder.

June 1868 - Report from Mt. Zion School, taught by Wheeler.

August 1868 - Report on the school in Millican closing: “since the difficulty in July last the freedmen say they are afraid to send their scholars.”

August 1868 - Report for Harrisburg school now signed by Jack Whitaker instead of Reynolds, though it is followed by one from Reynolds. These are accompanied by a letter from M. E. Davis saying that Whitaker will close his school soon, and also adding that he does not have reports from two private schools in Houston: “There are two other private schools for freed children kept in Houston one by Oreagan and the other by De Gaultie. Both of these teachers have been asked by me to send in their reports but have failed to do so.”²

No reports from Houston schools in July or August.

September 1868 - M. E. Davis offers SAC Report on Schools in Harris County - there are now four schools listed in Houston, taught by Henry Maddison, W. Reynolds, M. O’Regan, and A. DeGaultie. There are six school houses listed: “All [or M.?] Churches Owned by Col. People. Baptist Church hired by Bureau.” Pessimistic report overall, and no mention of the AMA teachers. Followed by reports by Reynolds, Madison.

M822, Roll 14

Went through whole roll.

October 1868 - M. E. Davis writes SAC Report on Schools in Harris County. Same four teachers mentioned previous month, “2 White, 2 Colored.” In answer to the question of how long the Bureau schools will need northern charitable aid, Davis replies, “Until the State is Thoroughly Reconstructed.” Followed by reports from Reynolds (14 total pupils), and Madison (37 total).

November 1868 - M. E. Davis report, listing four schools: “One School Methodist Church Col., one school Baptist Church, Col., one school Tobin’s Church north side White Oak Bayou, one Private House, W. Reynolds.” Whole number of teachers: “3 White, 2 Colored.” They are now listed as Henry Madison, Wm. Reynolds, Jennie R. Foster, Emma Dayton, Eunice Knapp. These are followed by reports from Madison, Reynolds, Jennie Foster (“Bayou School”), Knapp (“Union School,” a new venture it seems).

December 1868 - Report from Knapp: “I taught two weeks last month in the school called ‘Union,’ but that school is now discontinued and I am teaching the Kiddoo school.”

December 1868 - Report from Bayou School taught by Foster

January 1869 - Report from Bayou School taught by Foster and Dayton: “We have a S. S. outside our regular school at ‘Mt. Zion’ church numbering about 60, should judge 25 children the remainder adults. Teachers are Miss Dayton, Knapp, Foster. Our day school has been greatly broken in upon by the rain & mud.”

January 1869 - Report from Knapp

January 1869 - Report from new teacher at Harrisburg school, John McMahon.

February 1869 - tabular report for Second District, showing Kiddoo School, Bayou School, and Harrisburg, among others, all taught by white teachers.

February 1869 - Report from Knapp about Kiddoo School. See also this one, which includes more remarks, again mentioning mud and water from recent storms. The pupils have to wade through them to get to school building, which was then unbearably cold. “I hope next year the ‘New School House’ will be completed then teacher and scholars will not have that difficulty to encounter.” She mentions their rapid progress: “they get along just as well as white children.”

February 1869 - Report from Foster about Bayou School.

March 1869 - Tabular report of Second District

March 1869 - Report on Kiddoo School by Knapp mentions owner of the building as Freedmen’s Bap. Soc.

March 1869 - REport on Bayou School by Foster mentions owner of building as “Freedmen of Meth. Soc.”

March 1869 - Report from Harrisburg mentions owner of building as Bureau. Mentions strong resistance from “the rebel element” in the area.

May 1869 - Report from Bayou School

May 1869 - Report from Kiddoo School

M822, Roll 15

Went through full roll.

June 1869 - Report from Bayou School

June 1869 - Report from Kiddoo School. “As you will see by the report, there has been a great falling off during the last month. Many have ’hired out,” some were sick, &c."

July 1869 - Report from a school in Harrisburg meeting in the “Baptist Church” there?

September 1869 - Report from a school in Houston taught by James M. Windgow; owner of building: “Mr. Phail, Houston, presiding eld.” He is located in the Fifth Ward and wishes a commission.

October 1869 - Report for Kiddoo & Foster Schools filed by Warren Norton: “We began our two schools in the African Methodist and Baptist Churches on the 11th and 13th inst. respectively. Our schools are not yet large. Scholars are waiting for the new Academy which will be completed in a few weeks.”

November 1869 - Report for Gregory School, Knapp, Nickerson, and Nortons.

December 1869 - Report from Foster School, submitted by Warren Norton. Says that “Heavy rain and Christmas have kept scholars away. Can’t you furnish us with a boat?”

January 1870 - Report from Knapp and from Norton, reporting opening of the “Academy” (Gregory Institute). There is a second report from Norton: “We like the ‘Institute’ much better than the old churches to teach in. Blessed by the man who invented good school rooms, we say.”

February 1870 - Report from Gregory Institute - several provided, from the Nortons

March 1870 - Report from David Righton

March 1870 - Report from Nickerson about Gregory Institute, followed by one from Knapp

April 1870 -Report from Nickerson about Gregory

April 1870 - Report from Righton

M822, Roll 16

Roll starts with narrative reports from state superintendent of education (Wheelock) but then gives way to monthly tabular reporting of data, often with rosters of teachers too.

Image 4 - Wheelock update on schools to Gregory, dated January 31, 1866: “The churches of the colored people are generally used as schoolhouses.”

Image 8 - Wheelock to Gregory, dated March 1, 1866: “Our schoolhouses are either the colroed churches, or temporary structures, designed to be gradually superceded by something better.”

Image 14 - Wheelock to Gregory, April 30, 1866. Many teachers coming from Louisiana.

Image 17 - Wheelock to Kiddoo, May 31, 1866. Mentions the drawback of the schools having had to be self-sustaining so far: poorest families cannot afford tuition. “The greatest hindrance to the growth of our work is the lack of schoolhouses. The colored churches are few in number. It is impossible to rent suitable buildings, & in no way could a few thousand dollars be invested to produce such prompt & large results, as in the erection of fifty school buildings.”

Image 23 - The first tabular summary of schools in all of Texas, dated August 1866, shows Houston with the largest number of schools (4), school buildings owned by freedmen (3), and teachers (3) of any post in the state, though enrollments were surpassed by others. Different results in October, which showed Houston surpassed, and in November, which listed 7 schools in Houston and 5 buildings owned by freedmen.

Image 34 shows start of “free school” system in January 1867, with huge jumps in Sabbath School enrollment in Houston. Houston still leads in number of buildings owned by freedmen. But sudden change in February.

Image 39 shows roster of teachers as of March 1867, with William Reynolds making $10 less than all other teachers in Houston area, but with Ruby making $15 more.

Image 79 - July 1868 shows 0 pupils in Houston, indicating suspension of the schools. Houston not even listed on a row for the August report. Only two schools in Houston, taught by Black teachers, in September 1868 report and in October (Madison at Baptist Church, Reynolds in Harrisburg). Only in November do AMA teachers return (Foster and Dayton at M.E., Knapp and Madison at Baptist churches). Just two schools by January 1869. Those two remained through July, followed apparently by summer vacation. Upon their resumption in fall, there is a third day school, though by November it is back to 2. In January 1870, all schools reduced to the 1 day school, presumably in Gregory Institute. Final report in May 1870.

M822, Roll 17

U.S. Freedmen’s Bureau Records, 1865-1878, Monthly Reports of Schools Buildings July 1869-April 1870, and Monthly Reports of Persons and Articles Hired, May 1869-June 1870, Texas

Report of School Buildings … in the State of Texas, Month of October, 1869, Image 29: First report of a brick school house in Houston.

Descriptive List of Persons and Articles Employed, and Hired in the Bureau … April 30, 1869, Image 60: Houses owned by Sandy Parker, Frank Vance, and J. B. Mitchell at Houston are rented to the Bureau for use as school houses. (Same in May, and in June, but note reading that Vance and Parker contract are discharged at end of month. Stevenson continues.)

… October 31, 1869, Image 80: J. L. Stevenson, Johnson Rice, and Frank Vance renting houses for schoolhouses in Houston; Warren Norton, Julia A. Norton, Eunice Knapp, and Nellie A. Nickerson being paid as teachers in Houston. C. H. Bering paid $3000 for the construction of school house at Houston.

… December 31, 1869, Image 86: J. T. Zealy added renting a house for Schoolhouse in Houston (he’s the only one so listed the next month and for February for Houston).

… March 31, 1870, Image 98: Warren and Julia Norton discharged at end of month as teachers in Houston; Knapp and Nickerson remain. Mary P. Stewart joins them in May report, and Julia Keelan in June.

M822, Roll 18

School Record, Oct 1865-November 1867

• Garrison appointment: March 15, 1866, to April 30, 1867
• Watson appointment: April 1 (first at Sharpe’s), 1866, to October 31, 1866

Chronological order of white Bureau teachers in Houston:

1. Stuart
2. Stuart and Clay
3. Clay and Garrison (June 1866)
4. Watson and Clay and Garrison (July 1866 - October 1866)
5. O’Regan and Garrison and Clay (November 1866 - December 1866)
6. O’Regan and Garrison and Foster and Daggett (January 1867 - February 1867)
7. Garrison and Foster and Daggett (March 1867 -

M1912, Roll 21, vol. 4

Houston, Texas Office

“Texas, Freedmen’s Bureau Field Office Records, 1865-1870,” images, FamilySearch, Houston > Roll 21, Letters sent, vol 4 (103), Nov 1867-Aug 1868 > image 11 of 92; citing NARA microfilm publication M1912 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

Image 11: In October 1867 term, Jack Noble f. m. c. indicted for murder, but on motion of state’s attorney “Dismissed.” In same term, Dick Rogers, f. m. c., and William Sessums, f.m.c., indicted for theft and sentenced to two years in penitentiary.

Image 12: Report from November 1867. “Disposition and Feeling of the White People towards the freedpeople. In my opinion considerable kind feeling is sohwn by the freed-people, when anything can be done by so doing, but as citizens with equal rights as such. I believe considerable hostility exists towards them, judging from remarks I occasionally hear. Education. I have but little upon the subject of education, of the Freedpeople nor do I think any steps will be taken at present worthy of mention towards their education other than what is done by the government and by themselves.” Mentions a school with 125 students meeting at Methodist Church on Travis Street, teachers not paid by Bureau.

Contrast this with the claims made by the 1866 City Directory, p. 114, about public opinion being favorable towards freedpeople’s education.

Image 13: In November 1867, James Porter f. m. [sic] accused of criminal act against the “Cold Congregation of Mount Zion Church” for “swindling by obtaining money to be applied to use of ‘Zion Church’ and using the same for his personal use, and not giving satisfactory account of same.” See also the Register of Complaints about this case.

Image 25: December 1867 report on disposition and feelings: “There is but little real good feeling toward the freedpeople, which is shown more clearly when they claim what they consider their rights. At present I think the presence of the military keeps peace between the races.”

Image 31: On January 27, 1868, agent W. B. Pease recommends the rental of Black Methodist and Black Baptist church in the city for freedmen’s schools, at $15 per month each. The Baptist church asked for repairs to the building and the purchase of a stove, but the bureau agent recommended simply that rent be paid.

Image 35: Report of civil actions in January 1868 shows 72 cases for debt by freedmen against whites, and 84 cases between freedpeople for “debts and quarrel among themselves.” Disposition report: “There is no perceptable [sic] change in this. An unquestionable condition of direct antagonism exists between the majority of the white people and the freedmen. And this is apparently imbittered [sic] by political complications, and the influence upon the blacks of secret political organizations, and the dread thereof on the part of the whites.”

Image 36: Troops report. “The freedpeople would not in my opinion be secure, and I doubt if they would get even handed justice from the civil authorities if the troops were removed.”

Image 38: “To Whom it May Concern” letter about John Sessums, dated February 20, 1868: “John Sessums FM being according to the testimony of Eliza Morris his former owner twenty one years of age is free to seek employment for himself without [illegible] or hindrance from any person or persons whatsoever. His reputed father John Sessums is forbidden to interfere with him or molest him in any manner whatsoever except upon further orders from this office.”

Image 42: Reports the murder conviction of Sam Johnson and his sentencing by hanging to be done first Friday in April 1868. Verdict sustained by Supreme Court. Opposing page has some Montgomery County cases reported, starting from January 1867.

Image 49: Checks involving L.S. Bearce and Sandy Parker.

Image 50: A new agent, W. M. Van Horne, reports differently on disposition circa April 1868: “The better part of the whites are kindly disposed towards the blacks and they are imposed upon by only the lower and ignorant classes. Education. There is very little disposition on the part of the whites to assist the freedpeople in education and without some assistance they will make very little progress. … I believe the civil authority will have considerable trouble in protecting both whites and blacks when the troops are withdrawn from this post. … As the troops are on the eve of their departure from this place I would repectfully suggest that two men from the Post of Galveston be sent to this office as orderlies.”

Image 52: Mention of a check to Frank Vance.

Image 53: List of criminal cases in April Term of Harris County lists George Noble’s indicment for murder and dismissal. Also adds that now, as of May 8, “There are no troops at this Post. … The troops have been absent so short a time that it is impossible to state whether the freedpeople will be less secure than before. I believe that most of the civil officers will give them full protection.”

Image 55: Notices to Henry Brazier and A. B. Hall (sheriff) that they are not supposed to be adjudicating cases between freedpeople.

Image 61: New Sub. Asst. Comm., M. E. Davis, put in place right in the middle of June 1868? [This one suggests the changeover took place at start of June.]

Image 65: Criminal cases for June 1868.

Image 66: No explicit mention of what the papers reported about a near riot. M. E. Davis notes there are no troops, but they are desperately needed. “There is an intensely embittered feeling and deadly hatred manifested by a large majority of the white ex-rebels against freedpeople. The hostile disposition is expressed in both words and actions. This class of whites treat the blacks with the utmost contempt, insulting them by vile and abusive epithets and often-times threatening their lives and in many instances assaulting their persons. The same hostile feeling extends also to white unionists on account of their political sentiments.”

M1912, Roll 21, vol 5.

“Texas, Freedmen’s Bureau Field Office Records, 1865-1870,” images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89MX-Q94T-X?cc=1989155&wc=94K7-SPP%3A266078501%2C266089001 : 22 May 2014), Houston > Roll 21, Letters sent, vol 5 (104), Aug-Dec 1868 > image 25 of 57; citing NARA microfilm publication M1912 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

Image 25: letter from M. E. Davis to Welch, superintendent of schools, September 10, 1868.

I have the honor to inform you that the trustees of the Methodist Church Col. have concluded to repair their building and for that Reason it will be impossible to open a school there until the building is completed. I was not informed of this until a day or two ago.

I have visited Mount Zion Church and find it in a very bad condition. There is not a window in it. A portion of the benches and door broken. It will cost at least $100 Dollars to repair the building. I do not think it advisable for the Govt. to repair the church as the affairs of the society are in a very bad condition. They have not even a lease of the land the building stands on and have never paid for the building [illegible] or lumber used in building it. Sheriff Hall informs me that he furnished the lumber for the building and was never able to get a cent. [illegible] finally he got authority from Col. Pease then Sub. Asst. Commr. to pull the building down and will do so unless the society makes some arrangement for the payment of his claim.

The Baptist Church being the only house in repair I have given Mr. Madison permission to start a school there until I hear from you again.

Image 36: A check made out to Sandy Parker stolen from Davis’s office

Image 37: Reference to George Noble escorting an arrested man, Ben Johnson, to the recorder’s court.

Image 38: References to repair of Methodist Church for a schoolhouse and eagerness of community to have it open.

Image 40: Letter from M. E. Davis reporting on a meeting clearly about the beginnings of Gregory Institute:

…On the evening of September 28, 1868, I called a meeting of the colored people of the City of Houston and after explaining to them the object of the meeting had a board of trustees appointed and informed them that as soon as a suitable plot of ground could be obtained and deeded to them to be held and occupied for school purposes forever, the Govt would erect thereon a substantial school building. Within the past week the location has been decided upon a lot 270 feet wide by 500 feet long and fifteen hundred dollars in gold raised. The price of the lot is $3000 Three Thousand Dollars and think the whole amount will be raised within two weeks. The probable number of pupils to be provided for will be between 800 and 1000. The white people are taking a great interest in this school. Most of the money raised has been donated by them. The question has often been asked whether the building was to be of wood or brick and the trustees inform me that if it is the intention of the Govt to put up a frame building that they will try to raise the money to pay the difference between the wood and brick and put up a brick building. I am giving the matter my personal attention and as soon as it is possible to obtain it will forward copy of deed. The monied men here would subscribe more readily did they know that a brick building was to be erected and they are our sole [dependants?] in the matter.

Image 43: Report for month of October 1868 reports some influential white citizens finally taking some interest in assisting freedpeople, including in purchase of land on which the government will build a school.

Image 44: several indictments of white defendants for assault or murder dismissed or found not guilty, including Frank Gooch and Sam Gooch and James Wills. Jim Jackson (FMC) had been acquitted by civil authorities of murder but was arrested by M. E. Davis and retried, sent ot penitentiary.

Image 47: Letter dated Nov. 16. Plans for the school building. Failure to buy the lot previously mentioned, but “have another in view and think we will get the deed in a day or two.”

Image 51: Letter dated Dec. 4 about deed for Gregory Institute land:

I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of deed of land from Malissa Ammerman to Richard Allen, Sandy Parker, Elias Dibble, William Waff and Peter Noble also copy of deed of the same land from Richard Allen, Sandy Parker, and [several?] individuals to [illegible] as a board of colored school trustees to be held and used for school purposes alone. I would respectfully state that the reason of the deed being made in this way was for the reason that Mrs. Ammerman would nto deed the land to a board of trustees for a colored school and in order to avoid further delay I made them in this way. We have met with many disappointments in getting a location for a school house. At first the white people seemed to take some interest in the matter and subscribed the amount reported in my communication of Oct. 26 1868 but one of the trustees lost the subscription list when only about one hundred dollars had been collected. After that was lost parties who had put down their names for $500 stated to me that they only subscribed conditionally provided the house was put in such a place and built according to their ideas or plans. They would [illegible]. Some informed me that they were to pay what they had subscribed when the building was completed. This is the reason for the long delay [illegible]. I think the location very good and the title to the land all right.

Image 53: In light of the problems securing subscriptions for the school land, Davis revises his earlier report on the disposition and feelings of whites towards education: “After subscribing money for school purposes nine tenths of them refused to pay and some of them have used their influence to prevent a school house being put up here by the government for the education of the colored people.”

M1912, Roll 22

Houston Office.

“Texas, Freedmen’s Bureau Field Office Records, 1865-1870,” images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9MX-Q9DY-P?cc=1989155&wc=94K7-3TY%3A266078501%2C266091501 : 22 May 2014), Houston > Roll 22, Registers of complaints, vol 2 (108), June 1867-Sep 1868 > image 103 of 109; citing NARA microfilm publication M1912 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

Image 64: May 12, 1868. John Sessum F.M.C. vs. John Brady. “Claims $280.00 val due on labor performed in 1866.” Spent day of May 15th investigating the case.

Image 65: Henry Robertson FMC vs. Geo. Nobles FMC for assault. Result: “Lent [or sent?] for ordered to have the watch fixed. Fined $10.”

Image 67: June 8, 1868: Bob Stevison (sp?) FMC vs. Mr. Henlein, “Case of Assault with intent to kill.” Referred to judge. Henlien or Herlein “not found.”

Image 69: June 22, 1868. James Porter FMC vs. Peter Gabel. “Claims that Gabel is imposing upon and swindling him.” Settled.

Image 76: July 22, 1868: Jack Yates vs. Charles Schmidt. Debt for $35.

Image 98: September 11, 1868. Jack Yates FMC vs. William Russell. Debt for $100.