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AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE NEWS
To make it easier to find information on Jennings County African Americans I am putting articles here that I have found while researching and over the years. There were also columns in the paper written by members of our African American community about what was going on among them. These will all be listed by the name of the paper and the date they appeared. All terminology used will be as it was originally written.
Written on the back of this picture - Top-Lester Staten, Prof. Craig, Bob Sadler
Bottom-_____, Archie Shelton, Buster Easton, Roy Litzy. The picture is not dated but due to the ages of the men listed it would have been taken close to 1930. From the archives at the Jennings County Public Library (it was so dark I had to do some editing to make it usable.)
Columbus Republic - March 10, 1962
To Hold Staten Services
    NORTH VERNON - Funeral services for Lester Staten, who died walking to work Friday, will be conducted at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon at the Dowd funeral home by the Rev. J. C. Brooks.
    Burial will be a Hillcrest cemetery in North Vernon. The casket will be open at the funeral home after 7 o'clock tonight.
    Mr. Staten, 49 years old, died at 6:40 o'clock Friday morning after suffering a heart attack. He was employed at the Webster Chevrolet Sales company.
    Mr. Staten, was born Aug. 15(16,) 1912, in North Vernon, the son of George and Lucy Shacklett Staten. He was a member of the North Vernon Second Methodist church.
    Surviving with his mother are six brothers, Howard Staten, Nellis Air Force base at Las Vegas, Nev., Robert Staten of Columbus and Edward, George and Anthony Staten of North Vernon.
    He is also survived by six sisters, Mrs. Louise White and Mrs. Emma Walker of Cleveland, Miss Juanita Staten of North Vernon, Miss Bessie Staten and Miss Delores Staten of Shelbyville and Mrs. Betty Brown of Warsaw, Ky.

North Vernon Sun - November 3, 1987
     Robert D. Sadler, 93, was WWI veteran, B & O retiree-Funeral at Dove & Sharp by Rev. Robert Bass. Burial in Hillcrest Cemetery. Military graveside rites.
    Mr. Sadler died at 8:35 p.m. at Jennings Community Hospital following an illness. Since 1985 he has been a resident of the Community Care Center. Prior to that time he resided with Robert & Ada Colbert of North Vernon. A native of Bedford Kentucky, January 1, 1894, he was the son of the late Hubert and Sally Sadler.
    He was a WWI veteran and retired from B & O RR. A 66-year member of the Second Methodist Church, he served on the Board of Trustees for 50 years. He was married to the former Pearl Good, who died in 1952.
    Survivors include five nieces and five nephews.
Columbus Republic - December 13, 1988
 Roy Lee Litzy
    NORTH VERNON - Roy Lee Litzy, 74, of Route 3, North Vernon, died at 7:30 a.m. Monday, at Bartholomew County Hospital following a lenghthy illness.
    He was a truck mechanic for 36 years, retiring in 1974.
    Funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday at Pickett Funeral Home, where calling will be from 3 to 8 p..m. Thursday. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in North Vernon
    Memorials may be made to Bartholomew County Area Hospice.
    Born Aug. 5, 1914, in North Vernon, Litzy was the son of Joseph and Frances Dickerson Litzy. He married Nadine Brewer in 1944 in Columbus. She survives.
    Also surviving are a son, Stuart Litzy of North Vernon; daughters, Elaine Litzy of North Vernon and Cheryl Cruz of Watertown, N.Y.;
North Vernon Plain Dealer - April 6, 1876
COMMUNICATED
    That sermon preached by Rev. A. J. Warner, at the funeral of sister Martha Bowen (colored) in the 2d M. E. church at this place, on the 28th of March last, was the best effort of the kind that I ever had the pleasure of listening to. The deceased was a Christian, and had born her long affliction with fortitude and patience; and, when death was about to call her away, she would say in broken accents that she was in the arms of Jesus. She had all her friends called around her, among whom was her aged mother who was out of Christ, and made them all promise to meet her in heaven. She told them she was ready to go, and shook off the mortal coil and launched into eternity, breathing praises to her Maker as she departed.
    The church was well filled with colored and white people. Had this funeral taken place one year ago, there would have been only enough colored people to put away the remains. The reason for the change grows out of the fact that the colored people secured the services of Rev. A. J. Warner to preach to them last year and also the present year. He has instucted his people what humanity is, and their duty to each other and their God, and elevated them in their own estimation, and improved them to much that the people often speak in his and their praise.
    The eulogies upon the christian life of sister Bowen, and the advice given her relatives and friends by brother Warner, would have done credit to a Talmage or a Beecher.
    The effect it had upon the audience was overpowering. There was not a dry eye in the house. I cannot do the subject justice. You should have heard it to have a proper conception of its application and effect. J. M. M.
___________
Mrs. Martha Bowen, (colored) died of dropsy on Sunday, the 26th day of March, at 61/2 o'clock p.m. at the residence of Merit Good. Her funeral sermon was preached by Rev. A. J. Warner on the following day at one o'clock p.m., in the Second M. E. church, after which her remains were taken to the Valentine farm on the Branch road, and there interred.

Vernon Journal - October 4, 1899
Whitecapping in Vernon
    Since the opening of the present school term dissatisfaction has been manifest with the colored school, shown by an apparent boycott. Only three scholars having attended since the beginning of the school term, vis: the children of Warren Dearth, living with him and their aunt Mrs. Brandon, on the west edge of town. The trouble culminated in what would be called a genuine case of Whitecapping. On last Friday night a bundle of savage looking switches was left at the door of Dearth and Mrs. Brandon, with a note saying that if they did not guit sending the children to school, that they, (the Whitecaps,) would wear out five times as many switches on the two as was contained in the bundle, and reminding them that the days of slavery was over. The notice was signed Whitecaps.
    The main cause of the trouble appears to be the desire of the colored people to have a teacher of their own color, as they did last year. The desire is natural but if they reflect that the white citizens have no more to say in the selection of teachers than the colored, they will see that both colors stand even. Both have to take the teachers selected by the Board of Education, and in case of dissatisfaction the remedy is to secure the appointment of satisfactory members not in boycotting or whitecaping.
    While not the largest, the colored people have the best school building in Vernon. The teacher assigned to them is well qualified-a graduate of the Vernon High School, who afterward studied a year in Franklin College. Since the close of the war their cry as a race has been for educational advantage, and "A White Man's Chance," to put it in their own words. If there is any inequalities in chances in Vernon, we are not able to see it. And finally, the colored people, as a race, have suffered so much from Kukluxisn and Whitecapping in the South during the last twenty year that it should be the last thing they would appeal in order to right a wrong, real or imaginary.
    We are not taking sides; we are not even taking into consideration the question of where the taxes are drawn from to support the public schools of the town. We only question the fact of any wrong, and the way to right the wrong if there is one.

North Vernon Plain Dealer - January 22, 1904
Colored News
    Rev. White has closed his series of meetings. He met with good results.
    Elmer Goings fell and cut his arm badly one night recently.
    Miss Jenkins, of Madison, was the guest of Miss May Staten recently.
    Geo. Staten and wife are entertaining company from Kentucky.
    Mr. and Mrs. Litzey spent Sunday at Charleston.
    The entertainment given last Saturday night was success.
    Rev. F. White preached at Vernon Sunday.
    A. M. Goode has received an offer of a position at the World's fair at St. Louis.

A Bad Accident
    Elmer Goings (colored)met with an accident one night recently that came near costing him his life. He had been spending the evening and upon leaving the house, slipped and fell. His arm struck a piece of broken crock, which was frozen fast to ground, and cut it badly. He started to go to a doctor to have it dressed but fainted on the street from loss of blood. He almost bled to death before receiving medical attention. He is still carrying his arm in a sling.

North Vernon Plain Dealer - September, 1906
Among Our Colored Friends
    Miss Adia Bolden of Indianapolis spent Sunday with her sister.
    Mrs. Ernest Johnson of Shelbyville spent last week with her parents.
    Miss Maud Hodge, of Columbus, spent last Thrusday with Miss Carrie Johnson.
    Ernest Johnson left Sunday evening after a few days visit here.
    Mrs. Brandon and friend, of Shelbyville, spent last Thursday with Mrs. Minnie Bolden.
    Mrs. Lucinda Mitchell and daughter, Minnie, went to Indianapolis Saturday on business.
    Garfield Easton went to Indianapolis Sunday evening.
    Mrs. Sallie Colbert and daughter of Milton Ky. left Monday morning after a weeks visit with her daughter.
    Mrs. W. W. Goodnight and daughter spent Sunday with her parents.

North Vernon Plain Dealer - June 30, 1910
     Mrs. Mollie Goins Reed, of Chicago, is the guest of her aunt, Mrs. R. Anderson, and friends in this city.
    Mrs. Stella Easton is visiting her mother, Mrs. Ida Bolden, at Indianapolis this week.
    There will be a July Fair given at the 2nd M. E. church, beginning the first of July and lasting one week. There will be a good program each night.
    Miss Theresa Goode, who has been visiting at Mitchell, Ind., for more than two weeks, has returned home.
    The bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Goode, are in the city at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Goode.
    Josephine Dudley who was a delegate of the Corinthian Baptist circle of Vernon, Ind., to the Women's H. F. Missionary Convention which convened in McFarland Chapel at Evansville, Ind., has returned home and reports a grand time.
    Rev. J. D. Johnson, of Indianapolis, preached an excellent sermon last Sunday at the Corinthian Baptist church at Vernon, Ind. He returned home very much indisposed.
    Everett Anderson is a visitor in this city.
    There will be a picnic given at Babbs' woods Monday, July 4th, for the benefit of the Sunday school and the B.Y.P.U. of the Corinthian Baptist church, where there will be swings and ball games. Refreshments of all kinds. Come one, come all.

North Vernon Plain Dealer - March 30, 1911
Colored News
    Mrs. Lucinda Mitchell who has been ill with muscular rheumatism is slowly improving.
    Spencer Easton and wife left Saturday to spend a few days at Indianapolis.
    Mrs. Milton Staton, who has been ill for some time, is improving.
    Mrs. George Staten and daughter spent Sunday at Coolumbus.
    Eva Bolden and Goldie Barton spent Saturday and Sunday at Columbus.
    Mrs. Dixie Bolden spent Sunday at Columbus.
    Miss Gail Smith spent Saturday with Miss Helen Dameron.
    Rev. Rollins preached his final sermon Sunday; he will leave soon to attend the annual conference at Ohio.
    Gilbert Peck, of Indianapolis, is here spending a few days with his mother and sisters.

North Vernon Plain Dealer - January 3, 1907
Obituary
    Fielden Henry Rickman, the son of Henry and Cely Rickman, formerly of Virginia, was born Dec. 8th, 1842, departed this life Dec. 5th, 1906, at his home near Benville, Ind. He was brought to this state by his parents when in his third year where he has remained the most of his days. During the year 1864 he united in marriage to Emily Francis Mason, the well known daughter of William and Charlotte Mason, formerly of North Carolina; to this union were born ten children, six daughters and four sons. With the aged mother is left three daughters and one son, two brothers and two sisters besides a host of relatives and friends to mourn his loss. He was a kind and loving father, a true and devoted husband and was liked by all who knew him. Among his traits of character he was honest and truthful; he was industrious, a kind neighbor and many friends who will be sad to learn of his death. He told his family circle that he would not be with them many more days for he was going to his beautiful home. He said it was a world of brightness and passed away as peacefully as a child. Funeral services were held at the home after which the remains were laid to rest in the Bethel cemetery.
Card of Thanks
    We extend our heartfelt thanks to our many neighbors for their kindness during the sickness and death of our beloved husband and father. EMILY-RICKMAN AND CHILDREN Find A Grave Link

North Vernon Plain Dealer - July 6, 1911
     Mrs. Emily Rickman, died at her home near Benville June 16th. The deceased was the daughter of William E. and Chaarlotte Mason, formerly of North Carolina, was born March 16th, 1844. She came to this state in early childhood where she lived the rest of her life. In the year 1864 she united in marriage to Fielding H. Rickman, the well known son of Henry and Celia Rickman formerly if Virginia. To this union ten children were born, six daughters and four sons. She leaves three daughters and one son and many relatives and friends to mourn her departure. Find A Grave Link

North Vernon Plain Dealer - September 13, 1923
COLORED NOTES

    Little Miss Minnie Peck returned Monday from an extended visit with relatives at Cincinnati. Her father and sister, Mann Peck and little daughter, Bertha, went to Cincinnati and accompanied her home.

North Vernon Plain Dealer - August 23, 1923
COLORED NOTES

    We wish to announce to the public that the corner stone will be laid at the Scond Baptist Church, on Hicks Street Sunday, August 26th at 2:30 o'clock. People of all churches and their pastors are invited to attend. J. D. Rivers, pastor.

North Vernon Plain Dealer - May 05, 1870
The Colored Celebration
    According to previous notice the colored citizens of Jennings county met at their schoolhouse in North Vernon, on Tuesday qpril 26th, 1870, for the purpose of celebrating the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, giving them protection by law. A procession was formed which marched through several of the principal streets of North Vernon, and thence to the Court House at Vernon, where they were called to order. Mr. Brandon was called to the chair and James Newby and Nathaniel Hill appointed Secretaries. Addresses were delivered by Lemuel Brandon, John Kersey, Washington Goode, Col. Vawter, Joe Pietzuch, and John Overmyer. The following resolutions were adopted by an unamious vote, after which the meeting was closed by prayer by Rev. Washington Goode.
    Whereas, The 15th Amendment to the National Constitution, which provides that "the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States, or by any State, on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude," has been ratified by more than three-fourths of the States of this Union, and officially proclaimed by the Secretary of State, as a part of the fundamental law of the land; therefore be it
    Resolved, By the colored citizens of Jennings county, in mass meeting assembled, that we thank the Great Omnipotent for working upon the hearts of the law- makers of this country, and filling them with a love for, and causing them to mete out to all men equal and exact justice.
    Resolved, that to the noble men who bore the burden in the heat of the day, and labored for the liberation and enfrancisement of our race, and fought for the repeal of oppressive laws which operated against persons of color only, we tender our unfeigned thanks, and acknowledge a debt of gratitude which never can be paid; and rejoice with them that their work is well nigh done, and that the black man now has rights which the white man is bound to respect.
    Resolved, That to the Republican party-God bless its leaders-we are indebted for the adoption of the 15th Amendment; for placing A. R. Revels in the Senate of the United States; for elevating Jonathan J. Wright to a seat upon the bench of the Supreme Court of South Carolina, and for all the politcal rights which are enjoyed by our race; and we hereby pledge ourselves to stand by the Republican party just as long as it maintains its past glorious and righteous record.
    Resolved, That General Grant, the worthy President of the United States, has endeared himself to us by the loyal manner in which he has administered the affairs of Government, and by recognizing the ability, integrity and rights of colored men, by appointing them to high and responsible civil positions.
    Resolved, That we are pleased to know that, under the Reconstruction acts of our loyal Congress, the Southern Staes have not passed into a waste, howling wilderness, as some predicted, but, as the statistics of last year show, the cotton crop, during that period, brought more wealth into the reconstrurcted States than any year anterior to the war; and, if the colored citizens are protected in all their rights-interested as they are now in the fruits of their own labor-these States bid fair, at no distant day, to constitute the garden spot of America.
    Resolved, That while we rejoice over the acquisition of our political right, and regard them as invaluable, we also believe that wealth and education wield a powerful influence, and would now, more than ever before, wnjoin upon our people the imperative necessity of acquiring property and educating their children.
    Resolved, That we have not forgotten, and can never forget, the noble men who contended heroically and fearlessly for equal rights, and fell on the field while the battle still raged; and that such names as John Brown, Abraham Lincoln, Thadeus Stevens, John A. Andrew, Joshua R. Giddings, the Lovejoys, Edwin M. Stanton, Samuel Lewis, and Gamaliel Bailey, are so indelibly stamped upon our memories that time can not efface them or course them to grow dim.
    Resolved, That John Brown's body lies moldering in the clay, but his spirit is marching on. Glory, glory, hallelujah!                 L. BRANDON, Ch'm
        JAMES NEWBY, NATHANIEL HILL} Sec's.
North Vernon Plain Dealer - February 05, 1953
News of Colored Folks
  SECOND METHODIST CHURCH
Worship Service 7:30 P.M.
    Rev. R. L. Brown pastor
Church School 2:00 P.M. P.M.
Mrs. Susie Shelton, Superintendent
Prayer and Class Wednesday 8:00
You are welcome
W.S.C.S. Thursday 2:30 P.M.
Communion will be held first Sunday each month Mrs. Mattie Brown, communion steward.
Official Board 1st Monday 7:30 PM
Rev Carroll Jeffersonville will hold quarterly meetings Feb 1 at 3:00 P.M. A cordial welcome to all.
Annual Fellowship program Sunday March 8th at 3: P.M. Miss Alice Good will sponsor a Social Friday night at the Dining Hall
Rainy Day Club will hold meeting and covered dish affair Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 P.M. All well wishers and members asked to attend.     Rev. Carroll, Jeffersonville held quarterly meeting and communion services Sunday afternoon.
CORINTIHIAN BAPTIST CHURCH
The Rev L. C. Montgomery, pastor
Services 11:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M.
Sunday School 10:00 A.M.
    Benny Cook, superintendent.
Prayer Service Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Holy Communion 1st Sunday each month.
    Mrs. Nelle Colbert, Seymour, were Saturday guest of her sister Mrs. Art Peck and family.
    Mrs. Stella Oglesby, Mrs. Margaret Taylor, Walter Taylor, Misses Mildred and Mabel Oglesby, all of Jeffersonvillle attended services Sunday evening the of the Second Methodist Church.
    Fellowship Race Relation program will be held in Vernon Court room Thursday February 12th beginning at 7:30 P.M. Speaker for the occasion are Judge John Lewis of Jackson County and Judge Fred S. Matthews of Jennings County. A program of and Jubilee songs will be rendered. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Smith Radio Gospel Singers, Seymour and others of various churches will be heard. Rev. Edgar Madox of Seymour is Fellowship president.
    The home of Mr. and Mrs. Percy Bolden Route 1, was the scene of a wedding Saturday evening when Miss Dorothy Bolden and John Cooper of Mitchell were united in marriage. They will reside in Mitchell.
    Mrs. Edna Easton surprised the Rainy Day Club members Tuesday evening by serving Angel FOod cake and peaches after the meeting.
    Miss Georgeanna Buchner of Hanover greeted friends here Saturday while enroute to Seymour.
    Race Relations Day will be observed Sunday Feb. 8th at Second Methodist Church.
    The barbecue and chitterling supper held Friday night by Miss Anne Good district stewart was well attended.
    Mrs. W. S. Ellis has joined the A.M.E. Church at Seymour.
    Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Byrd of Indianapolis called on Mr. and Mrs. Raleigh Williams Friday afternoon.
    The W.S.C.S. met Thursday with Mrs. Loretta Williams.
    Mrs. Mattie Brown will sponsor a program Sunday afternoon Feb. 14 for Rainy Day Club come render a number. Your presence appreciated.
    Friends and relatives were glad to hear of Miss Charlotte Levi, safe arrival in North Africa on Jan 16th. She left Dec. 26th accompanied by her mother Mrs. Lawrence Levi of Philadelphia. She boarded the SS Africa Glare on January 3 from Brooklyn N.Y. for the west coast. Miss Levi is a Missionary to Africa. Her father the Rev. Lawrence Levi is a cousin of Mrs. Eva Downing, of this city and Mrs. Nelle Colbert, Seymour. A bablegram was received by her parents in Muncie.
    The Arthur family, of Courtland, Rev. Eddie Sears of Scottsburg and singers, Rev. L.C. Montgomery pastor of Corinthian Baptist Church his family and group of singers and Rev. R.L. Brown of Second Methodist Church are to appear on Intrracial program at Vernon court house Feb. 12th at 7:30 P.M. No admission.
    The Wings Over Jordan program rendered at the high school auditorium Thursday night was well attended and a wonderful program.
    Several of our town folks attended the Cooper - Bolden wedding Saturday night.
    Friends are glad to know Mrs. Helen Fox Bailey of New Castle is recuperating at her home, after a serious illness. Mrs. Bailey once lived in this city and has many friends here.

North Vernon Sun - October 30, 1930
WALTER W. BARTON
    Mr. Walter W. Barton (colored) passed away at his home on Hoosier street Wednesday morning at ten-fifteen o'clock after an illness of two years.
    He was born in Rome, Tennessee, March 25, 1866, and was married to Miss Carrie Rollins August 27, 1891. Three years later he came to this city and for thirty years was a successful farmer. Following that he was employed for six years at the Reliance Shirt Factory.
    He is survived by the widow; two daughters Mrs. C. R. Price of Wichata, Kansas, and Mrs. Sallie Price of Cincinnati, Ohio; one son, William W. Barton of this city; five sisters, two brothers, and a great many friends who mourn their loss and extend their sympathy to his family.
    The funeral services will be held Saturday at two P.M. at the Second Methodist church with burial in Hillcrest. Find A Grave Link

North Vernon Plain Dealer - September 14, 1944
News of Colored People
    Second Methodist Church notes:
Morning service begins at 11:00 A.M., evening worship at 8:00 P.M.
Rev. WIlliam Ellis, pastor.
    Rev. Mrs. Susie Shelton will fill the pulpit next Sunday morning.
    Church school begins at 10:00 A.M., Lester Staten, superintendent.
    Official boardmet Monday evening with Rev. Wm. Ellis, chairman.
    Refreshments will be served at Church Hall Sunday afternoon sponsore by Stewards Club: Mrs. Ida Smith is chairman.
    Choir rehersal each Friday evening at 8:00 P.M.; Melvin Goode, president.
    Rev. and Mrs. Wm. Ellis attended the home coming Sunday afternoon at New Bethel. Rev. Ellis was the guest speaker for the occasion.
    Rev. Susie Shelton, Mr. and Mrs. Garfield Easton, accompanied Rev. and Mrs. Wm. Ellis Sunday to New Bethel, where Mrs. Easton rendered a beautiful solo, "If I Can Just Make It In."
    The Second Methodist Church choir rendered several numbers at the home coming Sunday afternoon at New Bethel.
    A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Cutchell of Indianapolis. Mrs. Cutchell is the daughter of Garfield Easton.
    Cpl. Melburn Goode of Camp Breckenridge, Ky., spent Sunday at Columbus with relatives.
    Mrs. Arthur Natts and children and Mrs. LeRoy Brown of East St. Louis, Ill., are guests of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Brown.
    Mrs. William Litzey and son, Steven, have returned home ater visiting in Cincinnati and Hamilton, Ohio.
    Mr. and Mrs. Garfield Easton were called to Indianapolis last Thursday owing to the serious illness of his daughter, Mrs. Wilbur Cutchell.
    Mr. and Mrs. Rollie Williams and daughter have returned to Cleveland, Ohio, after visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Will Colbert.
    Mrs. Paul O'Neal and daughter Dorothy, have returned from Dayton, Ohio, after spending the week end with her husband.
    Miss Dorothy Johnson of East St. Louis was the guest of her uncle Edward Brown and wife.
    Mrs. Arthur Peck and children, Mrs. James Richey and daughter, and Mrs. Fern Colbert spent Monday afternoon at Seymour.
    Mrs. Merle Coleman spent Sunday with relatives at Cincinnati.
    Mrs. Earl Bowman of Richmond was the guest of her daughter-in-law, Mrs. James Richey and daughter, Sunday.
    Mrs. Martha Brown has returned to Louisville after visiting her cousin, Mrs. Carrie Colbert and husband.
    Mr. and Mrs. Saul Downton and grand-children of Lima, Ohio, are guests of her sister, Mrs. Ollie Sadler and husband

North Vernon Plain Dealer - November 27, 1913
Colored School Notes
    The pupils of the High School joined with us in giving a reception to the parents on the evening of November seventh. There was a storm raging on that evening but the schoolroom was well filled. It was beautifully decorated with our national colors. Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Rickman let us use their organ as the one in the school is broken. The following pupils were on program: Harold, Leora, Elmer and Willard Easton, Noble, Beatrice and Lillian Dixon, Merrill and Hazel Goode, Sallie Colber, Forest Staten, Elam and Horace Waller, Ruben Turner, Louise Rickman, and Lennie King. Miss Viola Staten gave a beautiful reading. Misses Pearl Goode and Roxie Rickman sang a beautiful duet, "All Through the Night" All the pupils joined in the chorus, singing several beautiful selections with their teacher, Miss Jones at the organ. The small children had one chorus selection, in which they marched from their seats and formed a lne and sang, "The Cricket Song." Miss Jones stated the purpose of a Parents' Reception, and she also gave a beautiful reading entitled, "Their First Unpleasantness," and an encore, "Tommy." The exercises closed with our National Hymn, "The Star Spangled Banner." The public school teacher of Rushville, Miss Ramey, had visiting day, so she spent the afternoon and evening visiting our school and exercises. After the exercises Miss Ramey was called to the front by Miss Jones, and introducted to the audience, after which she made a short address. The parents seemed to be very favorably impressed and the following spoke of doing all they could for the welfare of our school. Messrs. Warren and Melvin Goode, Charles Rickman, Mesdames Ada and Theressa Good, Lou Dixon, Belle Staten, Samantha Easton. Miss Sallie Barton also made some very encouraging remarks. Messrs. Wm. Barton, Bert Rollins, Carlos Goode, Othello Taylor and Miss Viola Staten deserved much credit for their faithful work in serving on the refreshment committee also Misses Helen Goodnight and Pearl Goode. Master Elam Waller deserves much credit for the beautiful lengthy selection he rendered entitled, "When Melindy Sings," by Paul L. Dunbar. After the program ice cream and cake were served to the audience. Master Noble Dixon and his siter Beatrice are champion merit winners on deportment, for the closing of the present term. We take this privilege to extend our gratefulness to the parents, guardians and to each pupil for responding to the fee taxed for refreshments. Every one went home feeling "It was tood to have been there." One of the patrons said that it was the first time they had been within the schoolroom.

North Vernon Plain Dealer - November 22, 1923
HORACE WALLER DEAD
    Horace Waller, (colored) son of the Rev. and Mrs. Anthony Waller, died at their home in this city, Tuesday, November 20th. Funeral services were held at the Second M. E. Church, Wednesday, and the body was taken to Lexington, Ky., for burial. He was eighteen years old. Find A Grave Link

North Vernon Plain Dealer - February 12, 1904
 Colored News
    Mrs. Ada Goode has been on the sick list for some days but is improving now.
    Mrs. Cordelia Derrit, of Indianapolis, was here recently visiting relatives and friends.
    The Big Four reception and entertainment, given by Mrs. Carrie Barten, was a successful one.
    Warren Goode, who has charge of the reception and entertainment given by the B. & O. Club, is expecting a good crowd out Saturday night

North Vernon Plain Dealer - July 15, 1885
     Jesse Pettiford was married to Isabella Newby last week, Rev. T. J. Murphy officiating. The couple were colored.

North Vernon Plain Dealer - January 16, 1879
 Butlerville Column
    The suit pending between Wm. Penn, colored, and Champbell township, brought by said Penn to compell the township to admit colored children to the white schools, has been continued until the March term. The trial was commenced late in the term and the case was set for the last day. The Trustee was ready with his defense, but the court had not time to hear the case. Our township is supplied with a colored school as good in every respect as the white ones, and we do not see why this should not be satisfactory to all. We fully admit that colored people are lawfully entitled to all of the rights and privledges enjoyed by white people, and that it is right that it should be so; but we are unable to see where their rights are abridged by supplying them with a school composed of colored pupils, where they may be classed to suit their exact wants, and are supplied with as good a teacher as are the various white schools.

June 11, 1914 - North Vernon Plain Dealer
COLORED BOY DROWNED MONDAY AT DAM
Three Companions Escape-Boat Turned Over In Middle of Stream
    Herbert Staten, a colored boy, aged 19 years, lost his life while boat riding on the Muscatatuck, about one-half mile above the water station, Monday morning. Staten and three companions, Harry Scott, Henry More and Garfield Easton (all colored) procured a boat Monday morning and started to take a little pleasure trip up the creek. All where in high spirits and were talking, laughing and moving around in the boat, as they pulled up the stream. When they reached the first bend, a quick movement of one of the boys caused the although the water is not more than ten feet deep at this point, the boys were not good swimmers, and the three that escaped drowning had a hard time scrambling to the shore. Staten could not swim at all and as his companions were unable to assist him he drowned. As soon as the other three reached shore, they ran to the home of Jep Simmons and tried to tell Mrs. Simmons what had happened, but they were so frightened and weak that it was some time before they could tell the story clearly. A telephone message was sent to this city, and a party of men went to the scene immediately to try to find the body. After much diving and dragging, the body was finally located with a spike pole and then dragged to the shore with a rope and hook, about three hours after the accident had occurred. Staten is the son of Mrs. Belle Staten, and was home for a vacation, having been employed for some time on a steamboat out of Cincinnati, on the Ohio River. The funeral services were held at the Second M.E. Church at two o'clock Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W. S. Rollins. The remains were interred in the city cemetery. Find A Grave Link

January 27, 1910 - North Vernon Plain Dealer
Colored People
    George Staten Jr., spent Sunday at Madison.
    Misses Minnie Saddler and Jessie Downton, of Bedford, Ky., who have been spending the holidays here with Mr. and Mrs. Ollie Saddler returned to their home Monday.
    Herbert Staten gave a party at his home Thursday night. Those who enjoyed the affair were: Carl Mitchell, John Johnson, Bessie Mitchell, Mattie Colbert, Fern Colbert, Mr. and Mrs. James Dameron, Helen Dameron, Edward Cook and Myrtle Bolden. At a late hour lunch of ice cream and cake was served.
    Edward Cook who has been here for the past two minths returned to his home at Muncie Monday.
    Mrs. George Staten who has been visiting her parents at Madison for the past week returned home Sunday night.
    Mrs. Alverta Griggs left Tuesday for Anderson where she will make her future home.
    Mrs. Jake Mitchell is on the sick list.
    Miss Bessie Mitchell entertained at her home Sunday Misses Treacie Good, Jessie Downton, Minnie Saddler and Helen Dameron.
    Joe Good, of St. Louis, is here with his parents.

November 4, 1904 - North Vernon Plain Dealer
Colored Notes
    Mrs. Josie Dudley and Mrs. Belle Staten and daughter, Viola, spent Sunday at Elizabethtown.
    Simon Colbert who has been very ill for several weeks is improving slowly.
    The Ladies Home Missionary Society gave a supper Monday evening at the residence of Mrs. J. L. Dameron on O. & M. Ave.
    Misses Lula, Carrie and Lafe Shelton, of Milton, Ky., attended the Halloween dance given by the Glee club boys Saturday night.
    Mr. Jefferson, wife and daughter, of Seymour, spent Saturday and Sunday here with his mother and daughter.
    The Ladies Aid Society will meet at the residence of Mrs. W. W. Barton Friday evening.
    Mrs. Belle Staten gave a party at her home Thursday. A lunch was served at a late hour.
    Mrs. Gloster Taylor gave a birthday party in honor of her little 11 year old son, Othelo, Saturday afternoon. Those present were: Lucille Bolden, Pearl Good, Helen Goodnight, Viola Staten, Lottie Taylor, Louise Griffen, Carlos Good, Glennie Eaton, Frankie Satlar, Alfred Colbert, Forest Staten, Donald Taylor. After a late hour a lunch of ice cream, cake, coco, and candy was served.
    Mrs. Elmer Goins entertained a number of young folks Sunday evening.
    Miss Bessie Mitchell entertained Lafe Shelton, of Milton, Ky., Sunday.
    A number of ladies called on Mrs. Glass near Brewersville Friday.

January 27, 1910 - North Vernon Plain Dealer
Ernest Bolden returned from Muncie Monday.

April 19, 1923 - North Vernon Plain Dealer, pg 4
NEW MINISTER FOR THE SECOND M. E. CHURCH
    At the sessions of the Lexington Annual Conference, held in Simpson Chapel M. E. Church, at Indianapolis the Rev. A. P. Waller was appointed to the Second M E Church of this city. Dr L. m. Hagood the present pastor was assigned to a Shelbyville charge.
    Bishop R. E. Jones presided at the conference.
    Those from this city who attended were: Mrs. H. C. WIlliams, Mrs. Jake Mitchell, Mrs. Susan Green, Mrs. Serilla Harris, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Good, Misses Mildred Good and Alberta Ferman and Master Harry Scott. Mrs. Belle Staten was a guest of the conference. All who attended report a good time and a fine meeting.

January 1, 1904 - North Vernon Plain Dealer
News of Colored People
    George Staten and Elmer Goings spent Sunday in Madison.
    Rev. F. White and wife and Jim Booker and wife spent Christmas with Joseph Alexander, it being her 63rd birthday.
    Mrs. Jessie Butler is still on the sick list.
    Steve Litzy is on the sick list.
    Warren Good made a flying trip to Seymour recently.
    Little Flora Hill is here visiting Mrs. Samantha Easton. Mrs. Spencer Easton is also here from Indianapolis visiting her mother-in-law.
    Mrs. Annie Litzy, son and daughter-in-law are spending the holidays here.
    Theresa Goode, Ethel Mitchell and Bessie Mitchell spent Christmas in Seymour.

January 29, 1904 - North Vernon Plain Dealer
    Chas. Yager and Fred Mitchell (colored) have enlisted in the regular army.

January 24, 1907 - North Vernon Plain Dealer - Page 1
    Miss May Staten, colored, the 22 year old daughter of George Staten and wife of this city, took her own life early Tuesday morning at her hime in Newcastle, Ind. Miss Staten has been living in that city for some time. No motive was given for the girls act, as she had always seemed cheerful and to be enjoying life.
    George Staten and wife went to Newcastle Tuesday morning, returning Wednesday with the body. Funeral services were conducted Thursday afternoon at three o'clock at the M. E. church, after which the remains were interred in the city cemetery. Find A Grave Link

March 4, 1904 - North Vernon Plain Dealer
Started Something
    Clark Colbert (colored) had a quarter the other day which he lost behind a big stone step on east O. & M. avenue. He wanted "Grinny" Good to help move the stone and get it, which he refused to do. This made Colbert hot and he landed on "Grinny" and then the fun began. "Grinny was an unwilling victim but had to defend himself from his antagonist who had the proverbial razor. Colbert's sister saw the fight and fainted. People in the vicinity phoned wildly for the police and everything was in a turmoil for awhile. Marshal Suddith arrested them and Colbert was tried and found guilty and fined. $9.75. "Grinny" was acquitted.

May 6, 1904 - North Vernon Plain Dealer
    Dixie Bolden (colored) got his foot badly crushed one day recently while working at Platter's saw mill.

March 4, 1904 - North Vernon Plain Dealer
    Joe Alexander, the colored blacksmith, is said to have a patent pending for a device to prevent horses from kicking while being shod, and that he has been offered $10,000 for his right if the patent is granted.

August 3, 1922 - North Vernon Plain Dealer - Page 5
JOHN GOINS DEAD
    John Goins, colored, forty-seven, years old died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Harry Staten, on Poplar Street, Sunday, July 30th. Funeral services were held at the residence Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Chesley Holmes, of Vernon, and the burial took place in the Vernon Cemetery.
    He is survived by three sons; Frank, Raymond and Louis Goins, of Logansport, two brothers Thomas, of Indianapolis, and Grant of this city, and two sisters, Mrs. Susan Green and Mrs. Harry Staten, of this city.
CARD OF THANKS
    We wish to thank all the friends who kindly assisted us during the illness and death of our brother, John Goins. We thank Dr. McAuliffe the Rev. Holmes, Mr. Jordan, Walter Johnson, the singers, pall bearers and Ruths and Court for their offerings all who gave flowers and those who offered their cars.
Grant Goins
Susan Green
Gertrude Staten Find A Grave Link

July 19, 1906 - North Vernon Banner Plain Dealer - Page 4
Among Our Colored Friends
    Jake Mitchell is home on the sick list.
    Elmer Goins returned home Sunday from Columbus, where he had been visiting serveral days.
    Goldie Baeton, who has been on the sick list is able to be out again.
    Miss Treachie Good returned home from Mitchell Monday night after a two-weeks visit with relatives and friends.
    May Staten who is making her home at Muncie, spent Sunday with her parents.
    Mr. Phillips, of Columbus, spent Sunday with relatives and friends here and at Vernon.
    Julia Smith entertained the Jolly Lot Club last Saturday evening at the home of Mrs. Elmer Goins.
    Mrs. Wm. Goodnight, of Vernon, spent Sunday here with her parents.
    Delia Bolden spent Sunday here with her parents.
    Viola Staten returned home from Madison Sunday after a two weeks visit with friends.
    Frank Good and family, of Mitchell, are here visiting his parents.
    The Jolly Lot Club will give a grand social Saturday evening at the Second M. E. church.

September 6, 1906 - North Vernon Banner Plain Dealer - Page 4
Among Our Colored Friends
    Mrs. Gloster Taylor is on the sick list.
    George Staten spent Sunday at Milton, Ky.
    Julia Smith went to Dupont to spend a few days.
    Mrs. Bell Staten went to Richmond to visit her brother.
    Gertrude Bolden went to Indianapolis to spend a few weeks.
    Ernest Johnson of Colombus, spent Sunday here with his parents.
    Jennie Austin who has been visiting Goldie Barton for the past week returned home Sunday.
    Dixie Bolden, wife and daughter spent Sunday at Cincinnati.
    Olie Satler and wife, Louis Colbert and Milton Staten spent Sunday at Cincinnati.
    Mrs. Bertha Goodnight who has been at the bedside of her sister who has been sick at her home in Shelbyville returned home.

August 11, 1910 - North Vernon Plain Dealer - Page 4
North Vernon Colored Notes
    Oswald WarnWarren Goode, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Goode, who has been a little sufferer since his birth, passed away quietly last Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Rev. W. S. Rollins officiated, his text being "Woman why weepest thou," which was very impressive. A very sweet solo was rendered by Mrs. Mattie Dameron. The choir also sang sweetly.
    Mrs. Anna Meadows, of Greensburg, attended the funeral of little Oswald W> Goode last Sunday.
    Stephen Litsey who has been so very ill is some better.
    Miss. Cloteal Jefferson is spending a few days in Seymour.
    Mrs. Bell Staten, who was elected a delegate to Richmond to represent boththe Colanthe Cour and the Household of Ruth, has returned and reports an excellent session.
    Rev W. S. Rollins, Mrs. Ada Goode, Grace Colbert, Mattie Dameron, Rev. Fisher, Rev. Griffin, Delia Griffin, the corresponding secretary of the Home Mission conference of the state of Indiana and Mrs. Rebecca Hodge will attend the M. E. district conference which will convene at Jeffersonville, Ind.     Joseph Goode, of Mitchell, attended the funeral of Oswald Good last Sunday.
    Miss Theresa Goode was called to Seymour last week on account of the severe illness of her grandmother.
Card of Thanks
    Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Goode wish to thank the many friends for the kindness shown to them during the illness and death of their baby, also the pastor for his tender remarks, the choir who sang so sweetly, and those who kindly remembered them with those beautiful flowers.
VERNON
    The Corinthian Baptist church will have their services as usual, Sunday school 9:30 a. m. "The Lord's Supper" at 3 p. m., B.Y.P.U. at 6 o'clock and preaching by the pastor, Rev. J. D. Johnson at 7:30 p. m.
    There will be an Old Folks concert given at the Corinthian Baptist church Saturday evening, August 13, Admission 10c for adults and 5c for children. Refreshments will be served.
    Mrs. Nellie Kersey, of Dunkirk, was the guest of Mrs. Emma Staten and other relatives and friends last week.

August 25, 1910 - North Vernon Plain Dealer - Page 4
North Vernon Colored Notes
    There was quite a part of ladies and gentlemen attended the basket meeting under auspices of the M. E. church at Milton, Ky., last Sunday. Dinner was served free at least to 125 people, consisting of everything along the line of eating.
    The Superintendent, Rev. Geo. Hodge, of the 2nd M.E. Sunday school, will carry a picnic out in hay wagons to Queensville Saturday. Everybody invited to attend. There will be games, and refreshments served.
    Mr. Bishop, Mrs. Julia Hood, and Mrs. Melvin Good and children enjoyed quite a pleasant trip to Seymour last week.
    Miss Theresa Good was a visitor to Mitchell this week.
    George Staten Sr., is very ill at his home this week.
    Mrs. Chas. Speaks was called to Madison this week on account of the death of Mrs. Riceton.
    Walter Barton is some better at this writing.
    Mrs. Josephine Dudley was called to Indianapolis last week on account of the death of a friend.
    Miss Jennie Austin, of Cincinnati, is the guest of Misses Goldie and Sallie Barton this week.
    Mrs. Julia Shanon is the guest of Mrs. W. S. Rollins this week.
    Lawrence Levey, the most noted musician of Dunkirk, is in this city and is the guest of Mrs. Emma Bolden.
    Mrs. Ethel Scott has been quite ill at her home, but is much better.
    Mrs. Lucinda Mitchell is on the sick list this week.
    George Staten Jr. and wife and Toots Staten are visiting at Newcastle, Ky.
    Mrs. Gertie Staten made a flying trip to Cincinnati this week.
VERNON
    The spelling match which was to be given my Mrs. J. Dudley on next Saturday night at the Corinthian Baptist church, will be postponed and will be given in the near future.
    Mrs. M.D. Griggsby, of Indianapolis, who is corresponding secretary of the state of Indiana, and National Vice President of the Baptist Women's Home and Foreign missionary convention will talk to the missionary society Sunday afternoon at 2:30, at the Corinthian Baptist church.
    The Corinthian Baptist church will hold their services as usual Sunday, all day. The pastor, Rev. J. D. Johnson, will preach.
    Mrs. Stella Stanfield, of Columbus, was the guest of her mother, Mrs. Ophelia Nidy, last Sunday.
    Mrs. Mattie Litsey entertained Mr. and Mrs. Bolden last Sunday.
    Mrs. Fannie McCoppin entertained Milton Staten and wife last Sunday.
    Chas. Phillips had quite a severe accident last Monday morning, but is getting along nicely.

July 7, 1910 - North Vernon Plain Dealer - Page 1
NORTH VERNON COLORED NOTES
    Mrs. James Dameron came very near getting bit by a spreading adder last week near her home.
    Mrs. James Saulisbury and Miss Blanche Saulisbury, of Indianapolis, were the guests of Mrs. Samantha Easton and Mrs. Melvin Good this week
    Miss Theresa Good is quite ill this week.
    Miss Ada Good was the guest of Mrs. Ida Bolden at Indianapolis the Fourth.
    Mrs. George Staten Sr., entertained Mrs. James Saulisbury and Blanche Saulisbury, of Indianapolis, this week.
    Misses Goldie and Sallie Barton entertained Fern Colbert, Everett Anderson, Mayetta Johnson and Helen Dameron with a birthday dinner of William Barton at their residence last Sunday.
    Mrs. Sarah Lyles entertained Mayetta Johnson, Helen Dameron, Goldie and Sallie Barton Wednesday evening at her home.
    Mrs. Sadie B. Dungey, of Indianapolis, the Grand Worthy Counsellor Courts of Calanthe of Indiana, is in the city on business this week and is the guest of Mrs, Carrie Barton.
    There will be a doll baby social at the 2nd M. E. church next Saturday evening. Everyone is expected to bring a doll.
VERNON
    The picnic given in Babbs woods the 4th of July for the benefit of the Sunday school of the Corinthian Baptist church was a success.
    Rev J. D. Johnson, of Indianapolis, pastor of the Corinthian Baptist church, will be in the city Sunday and will preach Sunday morning and evening.
    The W. H. F. Missionary society will meet Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock at the church to hear the report of the delegate.
    The B. Y. P. U. will meet at 6 p.m. Sunday at the church.
    The B. Y. P. U. will give a social next Saturday evening at the Corinthian Baptist church. Everybody is invited.

August 23, 1906 - North Vernon Plain Dealer - Page 4
Among Our Colored Friends
    Quite a number of the members of the F.O.B. lodge went to Indianapolis to attend the turnout of the F.O.B., Grand Lodge.
    May Staten has returned hom from Indianapolis after a few days visit with relatives.
    Flora Hill is here visiting relatives and friends.
    Jennie Wheeler, of Cincinnati, is here visiting Goldie Barton.
    James Price, of Cincinnati, was here Sunday.
    Mrs. Wm. Goodnight was at Shelbyville on business recently.
    Mr. Colbert, who has been visiting his daughter, has returned to his home at Milton, Ky.

October 19, 1911, - North Vernon Plain Dealer - Page 1
Colored Notes     Roy Smith and Robert Mays spent Sunday at Cincinnati.
    Charles Price, of Wichita, Kas., visited Miss Goldie Barton last week while on his way to Nashville, Tenn. He is a student in the Dental Department there. (Goldie Barton & Charles Price were married Dec. 26, 1912, in Jennings County).
    The colored school is filled to an overflow this year.
    Rev. Mrs. Evans, of the Greensburg and North Vernon circuit, of the A.M.E. was here last week and preached at the Second M. E. Church last sunday. She made a favorable impression on all who heard her.
    The debate at the Second M. E. Church last Friday was quite a success. The subject was "Resolved that women are more benifit to the church than men." The affirmative won.
    Master Welby Colbert is on the sick list this week.

January 19, 1911, - North Vernon Plain Dealer - Page 1
COLORED BOY KILLED BY TRAIN
One Leg and Arm Crushed - Death Soon Follows
    Earl Hodge, colored, the 14 year old son of George Hodge, was run over by an engine and cut of cars on the B. & O. near the depot Friday morning. It is claimed by persons who witnessed the accident that the boy was playing tag with some companions and that he ran backward into the track, right in front of the train. The engingeer endeavored to stop the engine but before he could do so the train was upon the boy. One leg and one arm were cut off. He was carried into the baggage room and the boy's father was sent for, but very little could be done to relieve his sufferings. The boy was taken to his home in the western part of the city where he died in a few hours. The funeral services were held at the 2nd M. E. church Monday afternoon and the remains were interred in the City cemetery. George Hodge, the boys father, is a teamster for the Pump & Lumber Co., and the boy worked as boot-black at Zebell's barber shop. Find A Grave Link

April 13, 1911, - North Vernon Plain Dealer - Page 3
Colored Notes
    Mrs. Cinda Good and daughter, who have been spending a few weeks at Indianapolis, returned home Sunday.
    The M. E. church gave a social at Mrs. Susan Green's at Vernon Saturday night.
    Arthur Lyle, of South Dakota, is here visiting relatives for a few days.
    John Goins, of San Jacinto, spent Monday with his sister, Mrs. Walter Johnson.
    Carrie and Mayme Johnson spent Sunday with their brother, Walter Johnson and wife.
    Quite a number of our boys and girls attended the social at Vernon Saturday night and report a good time.
    Charles Good, who has been ill for some time, is reported no better.

May 18, 1911, - North Vernon Plain Dealer - Page 3
Marriage Licenses Ellard Pettiford (colored) born April 9, 1886 Vernon, Ind., to Elsie Goins (colored) born Oct. 11, 1894, Vernon, Ind.

June 15, 1911, - North Vernon Plain Dealer - Page 1
DIED
    MITCHEL-Minnie Mabel Mitchel, colored, daughter of Jake Mitchel and wife, born in this city, May 16, 1884, died at the city hospital at Indianapolis, June 11, 1911 of spinal meningits and hemorrage of the brain. Her mother gave her to Christ when but an infant of seven weeks old. She is survived by her mother and father, three sisters and one brother and a host of friends who mourn her death. Her last words were "my poor mother." The remains were brought to this city Monday evening. Funeral services were held at the residence of her parents at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon and the remains were interred in the City Cemetery. Find A Grave Link

November 23, 1916 - North Vernon Plain Dealer
DEATHS
    ANDERSON-Mrs Martha Anderson, (colored) aged 75 years, died at her home in this city, Monday, November 20th. Funeral services were conducted at the residence, Wednesday, and the remains were interred in the City Cemetery. One daughter and one son survive. Find A Grave Link

    ALEXANDER-Joseph Alexander, (colored) age 75 years, died at his home near Grammer, Wednesday November 22. The remains will be brought to this city, Friday. The funeral services will be held at the Colored M. E. Church and the remains will be interred in the City Cemetery. Find A Grave Link

August 1, 1918 - North Vernon Plain Dealer
    TAYLOR-Sarah Taylor, colored, 66 years died at her home in the western part of the city, Monday, July 29th. Funeral services will be held at the colored M. E. Church, Thursday afternoon. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Ida Good.

November 30, 1918, - North Vernon Sun
    Mrs. Lucinda Mitchell, (colored) aged about 84 years, died November 22, inst. Her rmains were deposited on the 28th. Funeral services at the house.

May 16, 1957, - North Vernon Plain Dealer
    Mesdames Pansy Lyle, Bernice Montgomery, Susie Shelton and Eugene O'neal attended the funeral Saturday of Mrs. Louise (Rickman) Mitchell at Anderson.
(From the same news column)
    Deepest sympathy is extended to bereaved family and relatives of Mrs. Louise (Rickman) Mitchell who died last Tuesday at Anderson.

February 15, 1923 - North Vernon Plain Dealer
Colored Minister Dead
The Rev. Paris Fisher, colored, eighty-four years old, died at his home in this city at nine o'clock. Thursday morning, February 8th. Funeral services were held at the Second M. E. Church, Sunday, conducted by the pastor, the Rev. L. F. Hagood. The burial took place in the City Cemetery. He is survived by two daughters and a number of grandchildren.

November 9, 1887 - North Vernon Plain Dealer
    Sharp Shields was imposing on a colored boy, Tom Staten, at Vernon on Friday, when a colored man, Smith Kersey, interfered to save the boy from a beating. At this Sheilds drew a revolver and discharged it at Kersey. He missed his aim, and Kersey fell upon him, took the pistol away and gave Mr. Shields a merited thrashing.

December 7, 1911 - North Vernon Plain Dealer
Colored Scrap
    Arthur Lyle (colored) was up before Mayor Stemm Wednesday, charged with assault with intent to kill, and was bound over to circuit court. His victim was Carl Mitchell, (also colored) "Yaller" Lyle and "Jum" Mitchell engaged in a fight on the street Tuesday night, which resulted in Lyle beating Mitchell over the head with a club. It is said that the fight started over an argument over a girl.

North Vernon Plain Dealer - March 16, 1916, Page 6
Butlerville Column
    J. W. Silver, assisted by H. A. Phillips, had charge of the Eli Rickman funeral near North Vernon, Sunday. Mr. Rickman died of Diabetes at the age of 76. The funeral services were at the home, and the burial at Vernon.

December 28, 1911 - North Vernon Plain Dealer, Page 1
Colored Notes
     Rev. D. E. Shelton, Dist. Supt. Preached his farewell sermon at the Second M. E. Church last Sunday. Rev. Shelton has been on this district for six years and has proven himself an efficient worker.
     The young people here have organized themselves under the name of the Congress Club, for social purposes and ggave a dance at Whitcomb's Hall Christmas night. Great credit is due to the president, Emmet Bolden and the floor-manager Sidney Admire.
     Rev. and Mrs. Asher celebrated their silver wedding last week. Many useful presents were received.
     Mrs. Goldie and Sallie Barton are spending the holidays with friends at Indianapolis.
     Mrs. Dora Levi, of Muncie, furnished the music for the dance Monday night. She proved herself to be a very competent musician.
     Miss Maude McPherson, of Indianapolis, was the guest of Miss Myrtle Bolden, Christmas. Mr. Ernest Bolden wore a broad smile during her stay and this may account for his recent visit to the capital city.
     Messrs. James Stewart, Roy Evans, Albert Brooks, Jack Imas and Chas. Stanfield, of Columbus, attended the dance Christmas night.
     Mr. Lafe Shelton, of Milton, Ky., was a visitor at the dance.
     Mrs. Ida Landrum of Indianapolis, was the guest of Mrs. Emma Bolden, Christmas.
     Mr. John Johnson and his bride, of Indianapolis, of here to attend the 25th anniversary of his parents' wedding, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Johnson.
     Miss Helen DeMaines, of Indianapolis, is the guest of her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Admire.
     Mr. and Mrs. Clark Colbert, of Louisville, attended the wedding of the former's sister Miss Grace Colbert.
     The A. M. E. Mission has rented a building on South State street and holds its services semi monthly. Sister Evans, the pastor will preach Sunday the 31st.
     Mrs. Ida Bolden, of Indianapolis, is the guest of relatives.
     The Second M. E. Sunday school under the leadership of Mr. Geo. Bodge gave very creditable exercises at the church Christmas night.
     The wedding bells are jingling along with the Christmas bells. Mr. Leroy Smith, the popular porter at the Metropole, was joined in the bonds of Holy Wedlock, Tuesday night, at the residence of the bride, Miss Mattie Grace Colbert. The young people are very popular in the community as was evidenced by the large attendance notwithstanding the inclement weather. Many useful presents were presented.
August 16, 1906 - North Vernon Plain Dealer, Page 4
Among Our Colored Friends
    Milton Staten and Clarence and Archie Good spent Sunday at Madison.
    Mrs. Lucinda Mitchell, who has been on the sick list, is now able to be out again.
    Mrs. Elmer Goins went to Greensburg Sunday night to attend the fair.
    Mrs. Stella Easton went to Indianapolis Sunday.
    Albert Phillips is still on the sick list from riding the lover's tub at out Fair.
    Salmon Colbert and son are visiting relatives.
    The North Vernon and Vernon people joined together last Thursday and gave a picnic at Babb's woods.
    Mrs. Addie Bolden gave a birthday party in honor of Ethel Pettiford on night recently. Those present were: Eva and Myrtle Bolden, Carrie Johnson, Daisy Henry, Alva and Della Bolden, Anna Goins and Ethel Mitchell, Carl Mitchell, John Johnson, John Henry, Albert Phillips, Roy and Ralph Pettiford, Elmer Goins and Ellard Pettiford. After a late hour all departed wishing Miss Pettiford many more such happy birthdays.

Need paper & January 1924
James Saddler Dead
    James Saddler, colored, eighty-four years old, died at the home of his son, Ollie Saddler, Thursday January 24th. The funeral services were held at the residence and the body was taken to Bedford Ky., Sunday for burial. He is survived by three sons.

October 19, 1876 - North Vernon Plain Dealer, Page 2
    Jesse Valentine, a colored citizen of this city, died on Sunday morning after a continued illness. Rev. A. J. Warner preached the funeral sermon at the 2nd M. E. Church. Find A Grave Link

North Vernon Plain Dealer - August 28, 1889, Page 3
    The colored people of 2d M. E. church of this place, with those of the Richland church, will begin a Camp Meeting on the Fair Grounds at this place on Friday of this week and will continue it until September 8th. They have made all arrangements to have the services very interesting both in the way of preaching and singing. On the two Sundays over which the Camp Meeting will be held an admission will be held an admission fee of ten cents will be charged; children under 12 years 5 cents. Rev T. L. Ferguson, L. Brandon and George Staten are the management committee, and will endeavor to make the occasion a pleasant one for all who attend.

November 4, 1869 - North Vernon Plain Dealer
The Oldest Man Gone
    On last Sunday Gregg Harper, a negro man who lived two miles south of Vernon, died from the effects of injuries received from falling in the fire a short time before. He was born in 1846, and at the time of his death was more that a hundred and twenty three years of age, He lived in the British colonies twenty-nine years before they declared themselves independent, and though not the servant of either Washington or Lafayette, as has been claimed for so many aged men of his race, he saw those men as well as others that were prominent during the war for independence. At the foundation of our government he was in the prime of his strength, and has either witnessed all its civil, political, and military struggles and triumphs. He was born to find those of his race around him held as property of others; he saw their slavery become more and more exacting until they were the worst oppressed people on earth; but he continued to live until he saw them set at liberty and protected as men.

North Vernon Sun - May 29, 1947
MRS. SUSAN GREEN CALLED BY DEATH ------
    Mrs. Susan Green, colored, 83 years old, died Saturday, May 24th at the home of her cousin, Mrs. Afa L. Good, where she had lived for the past seven yers. The body was taken to the Dowd feneral home and funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Second Methodist Church conducted by the Rev. W. D. Patton., Burial took place in Vernon Cemetery.
    She was the daughter of Frank and Mary Goins and was born in Adern, Michigan, September 18, 1864. She was united in marriage to Oliver Green, who died twenty seven years ago. She joined the methodist Church at Greensburg but after coming to North Vernon became a member of the Second Methodist Church here.
    She is survived by one brother Thomas Goins, of Indianapolis, also by five nieces, four nephews and a number of great-nieces and great nephews.

North Vernon Plain Dealer - February 24, 1881
With the Harness on
     On Thursday morning last Uncle Tommy Samuels, a faithful serving old colored man to all who have been in the habit of employing him, while sawing wood for Mr. C. F. Green, fell back and died. Uncle Tommy was almost a complete cripple from inhuman injuries inflicted on him during his slave life, but infirm as he was, and aged, he was constantly searching for work and doing it. He was quiet and peaceable, never infringing on the rights of anyone, white or black, and always to be depended on. The coroner held an inquest after the removal of the body to Uncle Tommy's former residence, and determined the death to result from heart-clot.

North Vernon Plain Dealer - July 13, 1887, Pg 3
     A colored man was arrested here on Saturday, supposed to be a party to a serious cutting affray that occurred at Milton, Ky., some days ago. While in the custody of Deputy Marshal Eckstein, the man was approached by three so-called detectives from Ripley County, who notwithstanding his defenseless condition, threatened him with three huge revolvers. While they were trying to identify him several other strange colored men, one of whom answered the description of the man wanted better, made their exit from town. The arrested party was held over here until Tuesday, then discharged.

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