davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01
Poems and Sonnets- BY
Miss BettiOla FOrstOn
the NewAfrO-American
Poetess of the Middle
West

Each awaiting for his chance
To be pulled within the ring,
And be chosen as the best
While the others loud would sing.
I would like to see Bill Evans,
Who kept his hacks up town;
And who had so many apples
That it made the neighbors frown-
For he owned the prettiest orchard
There was in old Sharp's field;
That s why they all were jealous
And at night the fruit would steal.
1 can see old Pigeon creek
Where it flows through Hopkinsville:
And the spot the lovers would seek
Near the bend at Wood mill;
1 can see the old iron bridge
Where they planned their wedding day
As the moon crept Ger the ridge
OF green hill tops far away.
Take me back to old Kentucky
Near the hills of "Walnut Grove"
Where we had our Sunday pienies
And where Eddie and I would rove:
Looking for some new adventure
AS we stood on the Indian mound;
Face to face with life's old story
While we gazed upon the ground.
/ would like to have a drink
Once more from Hoosier s spring,
Where the water flowed so cool,
And where robin hood would sing.
How 1 used to stand and dip
From that hole deep in the ground:
How my head would touch the moss
Every time would stOOp down.
Take me back to old Kentucky
Once more to see the spot
Where my mother and my father
Told tales they've both forgot:
Sitting by the old fire place
While the logs were burning bright;
Until the town clock struck of ten
Which meant time to say good night.
Take me back to old Kentucky
To the place 1 love so we'll:
Where Aunt Agnes taught me manners
And made my dresses up so swell;
And where all good things to eat
Were placed before my eyes:
Chicken, doughnuts and sweet pOtatoe pi
That s the place idolize.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01
IN OLD KENTUCKY.

Dedicated to Mr.. and Mrs. William
Evans Of Hopkinsville, KY, whom the
authoress lived with for several years
Take me back to old Kentucky
Where the tall blue grass grows;
In the state that's full Of riches,
And where everybody knows
How to treat you with respect,
How to make the liquor red,
How to sell the fastest horses
That ever stood beneath q shed.
Take me back TO old Kentucky
Where I spent my childhood days:
Playing ring a round my rosie
While the boys stood an amaze;
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01
QUO JURE7
(By What RightO

You boast of your superiority
And By What Right
God made man of dust
And placed him here to teach
Every human being to trust
Or the Heavenly goal they cannot reach
You class me as being inferior
And By What Right
We breathe the self-same air,
We have a given sense of smell,
We, too, have some ways unfair,
And here we all must dwell
You spurn and abuse my race
And By What Right
DOM you suppose the Lord made .
My brains to think as well as thinei
Don't you suppose in me He laid
The best foundation He could fndf
You place upon me a curse
And By What Right
Ny blood is Just as red
As that which flows through your veins
And for this country has been shed,
And caused many aching brains.
You insult His mighty cause
And By What Right
You, who are a Christian nation,
Who go to church from day to day,
Work for nothing but sensation
Which leads you on the downward way
You place me upon the exterior
And By What Right
Yes, and drag men to degradation
And place the bar of prejudice in theil
face.
Have you forgotten. creation
And how you came to be q raeei
You laugh because am black
And By What Right
an nOAo a. OOu Ohh CnOlceJ
He made the color Of my skin,
he gave me this my voice,
And to you made me akin.
You usurp His authority
And By What Right
You surely have forgot
That He died for us al,
Yes, even the worst lot,
And claims each alike with His call.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01
AN APPEAL BY A DESERVING
YOUNG CoLoRED WOMAN OF
Los ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

"For as oft as We have done it unto
the least of these We have done it unto
me-"
present herewith a copy of a letter
given me a few days ago by a kind
hearted lady, who, in a modest way,
is doing all she can to comfort, cheer
and assist unfortunate humanity. am
sure, that nothing may say, will give
additional force to the pathetic appeal
the following letter contains:
Los Angeles, Calf,
2SlO Old Temple Road.
July %, 1914.
Ny Dear Friend:
Miss Marion Harland has just given
me your address so write 1 have neu-
ralgia now and my head is dizzy. 1
was two years old when began taking
paralysis in my feet, legs, arms and
hands. They are ossihed and haven t
grown any flesh since 1 was a very
little girl but my body grew very large
my feet is drawn upside down, my toes
are stiff, my fingers drawn double in
the knuekle joints. When I write ]
hold my pen in my little fist and with
difficulty shove it along, this is my hand
writing. I am a poor Colored girl, my
mother died last October. Now 1 am
alone all day and miss her sadly.
can't use my hands to sew or comb my
hair, and when 1 am not reading OF
writing, time hangs heavy on my hands
1 have written a booklet called "Gold.
en- Moments" I sell it for 80 cents
my only means of helping myself.
Won't you buy one copyf Please
write often to
Lonely,
Willie Jane Sheppard,
2s1O Old Temple Road,
Los Angeles, Calf.
1t is sincerely hoped that every one
who reads this letter will send a word
of good-eheer to this unfortunate girl
as well as purchase one or more copies
of her booklet. Nature, it seems, has
loaded some with its insults, it is foI
the rest of humanity to offer apology
by way Of kind words and generous
deeds.
Walter NJ. Farmer,
1S4 West Washington,
July "a, 1914. Chicago, III.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01
ALPHA SUFFRAGE crm

The regular business meoti,.
Alpha Suffrage Club will be S.ls I,
coming Wednesday evening. Anon. :. .a'
at 3OO5 State St., s O'Clock. n H. 10
is preparing to send az DELEGATE. :. quo ~
State Federation, Miss BcttioIa r.. : ''e
and Mrs. Hattie Osborne, the presid.. o'
Mrs. Ida Wells-Barnett, being 70, |
decided whether it will boz conr... "
for her to 60. This ,lub has w. ,-'
teresting meetings and iayItes va. ="
to be present at any time aud as alo..s
time draws near, meetings are n.y..
interesting than ever.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01
SONNET

This sonnet is one of the authoress
favorite poems. She has been quoted
saying, 81 believe 1 could write a book
upon the character of DR.. Washington
but after all the fourteen lines which l
have composed would be my one
thought"
Born in the depths of slavery's night,
For the uplift of humanity's cause;
Yet spared by providence to win the
fight
Which makes other men stand and
pause;
When they see the great educator of
our race
High up on the weak ladder of fame,
Working hard to establish a place
To give the men of his race a name.
For this Booker Washington, shine on
as a star,
And prove to these men equality
For time stands not so very far;
When justice shall weight morality
And tell all the world to stop
And read with pride your name at the
top.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01
DUNBAR.

LookI at the height where Dunbar stood
Upon yonder mountain side;
And see the small, the great and good
Deeds, rise as the flowing tide.
Watch how he tottered up the hill
Dragging the cares of his race:
And motel he never stood still
But plunged on to a higher place.
Hear him call his fellowmen,
Come, although the way be marred,
We cannot help but win,
For God has never barred
His children from a treasure
That they could build upon;
For to Him it is a pleasure
To see the work 60 on.
At last, His call is all in vain
You gave him not your aid;
And he knew not your aim,
So from God he was paid.
He heard his Masters voice
And answered to His will,
And took for his own choice
A home behind the hill.
He sleeps and yet he is not dead,
His works 60 on and on
From generation to generation ever will
be read,
And to this race belong.
Although his life was short
His name is wrapped in fame,
And needs no mans support
But covers all the blame.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

Bettiola Heloise Fortson was born in
HopkinsviIle, Ky, Christian County,
December 90, 1890. She is the third
daughter of Mr.. and Mrs. James Fort
son, well known citizens Of that city.
Her early training took place in the
Public school of Hopkinsville, where
her teachers found her exceptional
ability of retaining both poetry and
prose writings of great length. At the
age of twelve she was brought to Chi
eago, ILL.,, to live with her aunt, Nine.
Toreada Mallory, who was a favorite
Soprano throughout Illinois, and who
Immediately placed her niece in the
Keith school. But learning that the
Douglas school was of higher standard
the following year moved in that dis
triet. 1t was here, while in the eighth
grade, she was appointed poet laureate
of her class; this honor being given her
for an excellent essay entitled "our
Teacher"
In May, 1905, she professed hope in
Christ at a revival held in the Bethel
Sunday School Owing to her aunt's
going abroad she was sent to her mother
the Christmas of 1905, Nho was residing
in Evansville, Ind. In Feb, 1906, she
entered the Clark High School of that
city. In April of the same year she
joined Liberty Baptist Church and be-
came a member of the choir and was
ever giving programs for the benefit
of that institution.
The first year in high school she com
posed a poem upon the surroundings of
the school and named it "The Walls
of c. II. s." During the years she spent
in high school her marks were ever Of
credible showing but always leading
in history and literature between the
average of ninety and ninety-eight. In
June, 1910, she graduated, completing
four year latin course. 1t was Aug.
of the same year when she came back
to Chicago and learned the Feather
trade from Nine. Lambert. Afterwards
went into Millinery business of her own.
At the same time she was constantly
before the public as a dramatic reader
and won favor from the Chicago critics
while taking leading role in the much
talked of drama "Tallaboo. She has
given recitals in and out of the city for
most every denomination but it was not
until Oct. 2S, 1913, did she present to
the public a recital of all original num-
bers which won for her recognition in
the poetical field.
She is an ardent suffragett and club
worker, having served as president of
the University Society Of Chicago for
the past year and a half; second vice.
president of the Alpha Suffrage Club,
and city organizer of the Chicago Fed
Grafton of Women's Clubs.
Miss Fortson has over a hundred of
original poems and is still compiling
with the hope of publishing them at
an early date.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01
THE NEGRO FELLOWSHIP LE.sn

On Sunday, August 2ri. the Lean.
will be addressed by Mr.. William \
NeighbOrs, on ''The Nero as a pa;
ness Man." Mr.. Neighbors il IN. =,
the most enterprising business mo, :
the city and is well able to handle ~,
subject. This address will not oDIv h,
full of interest, but will also ba ,
great inspiration to those who bs,, :,
The public is cordially invited. R,,,
matters taken up every sunday. Nee,
ings are held, 3OO5 Stat, s.. promr,Iv
at 400 P. NJ.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

Mr.. Jesse Binga has been confined 70
his home, 1884 Vernon avenue, for al
most two weeks with illness. But to the
great delight of his good wife, Ms
Binga, and his army of friends, be i
regaining his health again and will De
able to be at his place of business 81
36th Place and State street, the hfs'
Of the coming week.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

George R. Garner, Jr., is still on
successful concert or singing tour
through the west and last week he sent
US two beautiful souvenirs of large
red apple and big baked potato from
that section of the country.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01
HYDE PARK NEWS.

By l. W. Washington
Mrs. Matte Huston of Kansas City,
Mo-, the sister of Mr.. Robert Caval of
1925 Lake Park Ave-, who is spending
her vacation in Chicago visiting her
friends and relatives, was the guest
at luncheon Sunday at Mrs. NJ. Martin
of 5462 Kenwood Ave.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

The board Of inquiry into tne a.
press Of ireland disaster estnblisneS
new precedent in It's rspor' Tue Ui1 ,ns
for the negligence which taussu
loss of 1852 lives was not laid OD
dead man.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

Mrs. Harry Stanton Brown, 3242 Cal.
umet avenue, returned home "Wednesday
from pleasure trip to st. Paul, MIN.
While absent her sisters, Miss Hazel
Thompson, Mrs. Florence Woodward and
Mrs. Dan NJ. Jackson, kept house for
her.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

State Senator Samuel A. EttelsOn,
who is a candidate for reelection from
the Third Senatorial district and who
is a member of the big law firm Of
Schuyler, EttelsOn and Weinfeld, New
York Life Building, left last evening
for a three weeks pleasure trip through
the east.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

A Russian prince. AlexandrO W.,
AbachIdze. has been arrested 10 rD'',
bomb plot. Why should he Use At
bomb? Why not hurl his nalne
somebody and let It explode:
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

A camera which permits photosL.'t,be
to be autographed on the hIIn a. ssoa
moment the picture Is taken nAs -onB
sold for $4,000. Most OF Us 80 80.
IKE to see q photograph OF our
turs worth the price Of the paten-
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

Miss Carrie Hunter is still very sick in
the county hospital. 1t would please
her very much and help her to see the
smiling faces of her young friends
girls and boys, a few flowers with their
sweet fragrants wouldn't hurt; let your
remembrance be pleasing to her now, in
the hour of her illness. She win not
forget you while life lasts, no, never.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

The Hyde Park Women's Charity
Club met at the residence Of Mrs. Bessie
Perkins, $3.50 KenwOOd Ave. 1t was
entertained by Miss Gertrude Town
send. A good many members were pres
emit The Club is doing a grand work
for the suffering and the poor. Mrs.
Eva RaymOOre is its beloved president
and Mrs. Bessie Perkins, secretary.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

II, as an educator declares. the StuU,
Of algebra causes girls to lose tn ,',.
souls. 1t Is horrible to conteIplrr ...
what must be the effect Of caleD'U
upon them.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

Miss Ada Franklin made her bow to
the social set of Hyde Park. Her par
ents, Mr.. and Mrs. I. E. Franklin, gave
her a reception of much interest. The
young people had a very pleasant time.
Miss Franklin lives at 1896 Kenwood
Ave.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

What has become Of the old um'
statisticIan who used to figure OUT ~"
far the whea crop would reach lu.s
space II the grains were laid emu "
end2
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

According To the scientists, Drsin
work Is more exhausting than phySl'ai
labor. Perhaps this explains WY
some men never seem tired.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01
PROMOTIONS IN THE DEPART
MENT OF COMMERCE.

That the Negro is getting something
more substantial than the "hole in the
dOughnut" in the government service
is shown by three very gratifying pro-
motions of Colored men in the Depart
ment of Commerce, under Secretary
Redheld of New York. DR.. Arthur s..
Gray of Kansas, for twenty years in
the Bureau Of Foreign and Domestic
Commerce, rising by dint Of his own
efforts to the editorial stan in this i'm
port branch, a master Of English and
a close student Of international markets,
was promoted to the 81 800 grade, an
increase Of 500 per annum. Attorney
Thomas N. Dent Of Georgia went from
81, 900 to $1,000, and ]. R. Henry of
Mississippi, from $3.50 to 5000. If the
pessimists contend that these "plums"
are small, let it not be overlooked that
it is the aggregation Of small things
that make big things. Each Of the ad-
vanees was made strictly upon merit.
Richard w. Thompson, in the Free
man, indianapolis, Ind, July 25, 1914.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

Col. Archibald n. Fields states that
cat the time that DR.. Hall was elected
president of the Negro Business League
of this city, that he broke with bis
friend, Rev. DR.. A. J. Carey, and sup
ported Sandy W. Triee for president
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

Miss Pauline Dabney Owens, a school
teacher at Mounds, Illinois, Grand
Worthy Counsellor of the Knights Of
Pythias of Illinois and President Of the
Endowment Board, spent the last two
weeks in visiting with her sister in this
city, Mrs. Meeheman, 3414 Calumet ave
nue.. She win leave for her home Mon
day morning.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

Mrs. Chas. w. Bell of Cincinnati, O.,
is in the city as the guest of her
daughter, Mrs. Oliver W. Hatfield, 4522
st. Lawrence avenue. For some years
Mrs. Bell was a teacher in the old
Gaines School in that city.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

In a commercial column OF a Nes
York paper it Is said that eOHee :
weaker. According to the bOaruHs
house standard that is a lie.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

The Hyde Park A. NJ. E. Sunday
school gave a picnic outing at Lincoln
Park the oath Inst, and the children
and parents are much elated over the
trip and beautiful scenery they OBJ
served.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01
CHIPS

Joseph H. Hudlun who has had cbs,p.
of the Board of Trade Building IA,
many years, spent Sunday and MOud,v
at his farm, near AlgiOu, Mich.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

Major w. A. Plummer, Of the Sr,
battalion, second regiment Of The
Knights of Pythias of Illinois who r
sides in Cairo, ILL.,, spent the past ten
days in Chicago.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

In connection with Miss Pankhursls
proposed mo vote. no rent crusade y
will be recalled that open air sleepInS
Is said to be very healthful
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01
BROTHERS
POEMS OF
BETTIoLA HELoISE FoRTSoN

luis HONAA 10 NNAANoNNN W NAO WINE
brothers of Mississippi who lost their
lives defending the Negro Women s
Virtue in that State, Oct, 1913. 1t has
attracted much attention among many
Northerners who advised the writer to
publish the same.
In the State of Mississippi
Where the cotton blossoms bloom;
Gives a story of a mulatto
Who would soon become a groom.
For the Colored girl he had courted
Had said "In be your bride;"
But the master man of White
Took her to his poisonous side.
And threatened if she even looked
Upon men Of her own race;
He wanted her for his own use,
Thus marked her pretty face.
Weeks passed and the serpent
Stuck his fangs deeper in his prey;
And boosted of his Colored maid
Whom he had took his way.
When Fred Jones heard of this,
His blood boiled high with rage:
He asked his God to lend a hand
To bring her from that awful cage.
To hear the name Of one he loved
Harrassed, was too big a cup to drink
So secretly with his brother planned
To meet this monster upon the brink
They vowed that they would rather die
Than see virtue crushed to dust;
So they gathered all their weapons
And started out to gain the lust.
But as they drew upon the scene
The two lay side by side,
In deep slumber, they were dreaming
Faneies of this world wide.
The sight made Jones grow furious
Half blind he fred and struck the bed
And ere the smoke had cleared away
He saw both lying dead.
His brother caught him by the hand
And said, "yOu know the cost
We pay here for such a sight;
Come make haste before We are lost. y
They waited for their doom
In yonder cotton mill;
While footsteps were approaching
Behind the door each stood still.
The sheriff who led the mob
Was distinctly heard to say:
"There's where the 'Niggers' are
They've got the, price to pay"
But ere he had spoken
He reeled half bent, then fell;
While from the knothole came smoke,
Which rained down shot and shell.
Hours passed and every bullet
Penned a palefaee to the ground:
And when the bodies were all counted
Sixty-fve stone dead were found.
At last their ammunition gave out,
Calmly they waited for the test;
With locked arms they stood together
To be killed just like the rest.
The thirsty villains set on fire
The mill that they were in;
The cotton burned until morning,
o, Godl What an awful sin.
Next day, down in Mississippi,
Where the cotton blossoms bloom,
Were found the ashes of the martyrs,
The brother and the groom.
If you search the deeds Of record
Two names I'm sure you will trace;
Who died to protect the virtue
For the women of their race.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

Mrs. COrine Collins, the sister of Mr..
John Webb, is visiting the city; she is
stopping at the home of her brother,
5535 Kimbark Ave.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

Entered ~ Sec0nd-CIass Matter Aug. 10,
1909, 1t the Post once at Chicago, illinois,
under Act Of March & 1873.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

Miss Edyth Milault Of Detroit, Mich,
is in the city visiting with her friend,
Mrs. Ed Mead, 1851 EbsrhArt avenue.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

The new Afro-American poetess Of the
middle west who viii represent The
Broad Ak at the meeting Of the National
Association Of women's Clubs at VII
berforce, Ohio, August 8, 4, 5, 6.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

Mr.. Howard Paris an Mr.. Nelson
Pickett left the city with the Eighth
Illinois Regiment for the eneampment.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

Mrs. Stella Davidson of 5137 Lake
Park Ave-, has returned from her trip
to Cairo, ILL.,, her old home, which was
a business as well as a pleasure trip.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

Mr.. and Mrs. Woodward of 54s5
WOOdlawn Ave-, leaves the city August
the srd to visit their home in Phila-
delphia, Pa, to be gone two weeks.
The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1914-08-01

A very fine bazaar was given by the
St. Paul Baptist church on the 9th
and the 18th. Mr.. !. N. Jones, attorney,
was the principle speaker, and Miss
Ruth Boyd Ofaeiatsd At the piano.
The daily Alaskan., 1914-04-08

Take "PurOla" SODIUM PHOs- PLATE and give your liver a shake. For Sale by Keller BrcS. Drug Go
 Luxor" Toilet Requisites are a luxury. Keller Brotners, Skagway
The daily Alaskan., 1914-04-08

How dear to our hearts are the sad days of Springtime. when the annual house cleaning recurs to our view, when we sleep on the sofa and eat off the mantle, in an atmosphere strongly suggestive of glues: we think of the stove-pipe, the soot that came with it and sweet expressions so fluent and fine but the saddest and most bit ter of all recouectiOus is the dusty old carpet that hung on the line. Oh, that dusty old carpet, that rusty old carpet, that musty old carpet that hung on the line, We remember how, armed with a 1.-the flagelator. in the morning we. blith- ely advanced to the fray, in the muscular pride of our Leart, little dreaming that cleaning that carpet would take the whole day; we sweat and We kicked and our hand badly blistered, while the sun lent his cOuntenance, warmly benign, but the harder We pounded the more it was needed by that dusty old carpet that hung on the line, Oh, that dusty old carpet, that musty old carpet that rusty old carpet that hung on tha line!