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History, Reconstruction, 1869-1875
Written by Mrs. Susie Marshall

“Black Democrats during the Reconstruction period in Lafayette County included Joseph Taylor, Jim Nelson, Jack Carter, William Frierson, and Newton Chilton. These followed the traditional Democratic Southern Party.Republicans included Tobe Humphries, Bob Stockard, and Alexander Phillips. Phillips was a school teacher and preacher who came to the country after the Civil War. The Republicans were associated with the Freedman’s Bureau, the Loyal League, and a garrison of federal soldiers to keep the peace. A Black militia formed in 1870 with Anderson as First Lieutenant and George Berley as Second Lieutenant.

The Loyal League was founded to instruct Blacks in voting. Loyal League leaders included the above mentioned persons, as well as Mack Avant, Jake Watson, and Add Brown. Meetings were held at black churches and in the woods.The Freedman’s Bureau was in charge of refugees, freedmen, and abandoned county lands. In addition, the Bureau worked with controversies related to Black workers and other matters. The Bureau used the soldier garrison to enforce rulings.During 1869, Jerry Fox served on the Board of Police for Lafayette County. From 1873-79 Mack Avant served on the same Board. Tobe Humphries was appointed to the Grand Jury and Bob Stockard was magistrate for College Hill.

History, page three

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