Newman’s Life

The Emancipation Proclamation formally freed all previously enslaved people. While this did not directly do anything to Newman, as he was born free, it would shape the landscape that he grew up in. This was a defining political act that rocked the South, enfranchising Black people across the nation.

“Dear Brother Samuel, I received your kind and most truly welcome missive last Monday. I was very glad to hear from you, but I have been dilatory about answering your missive. Your missive found me well and also all of ‘wes’ family. And I hope this will find you the same. All send love to you. I was up home Easter and they were all well there at that time except father, he seemed more poorly than usual.

I saw some dog fun up there Easter Monday night Made a short satiate with all the ladies your Miss Lulie in reference. Oh I can chat a girl crazy now. I hope you will get along with your girl. Tell Lige I will write to him shortly. Give my best brotherly love to Annie, Richard, and Elias. Regards to all inquiring friends. You may talk of raring but gentleman I certainly can rare in Winchester. I want to go to Long Beach but I can’t go until the latter part of June. I think I shall go if I have to go by myself either to Long Branch or some other seaport. Dick talks of going June 13th. Are you and Lige going? I thought you would have left Palmer’s before this. Dick is flying. Angie is still in Allegheny City, Pa. James Walker is as dead as ever but he rared right smart the other night. I believe Lulie is all the little fest you do need to look for. I am still getting along very well with the ____ school, but I am getting dreadfully tired of those lonesome hills

Please write me a long letter next time you write. Send me word when you expect to start for the Branch if you are going. Farewell, Your Brother (Sir Geo A. Newman) P.S. I am dying Katrin. Dying ____ what was fading now gone, I am dying Katrin dying, Angels I shall see tonight, I am dying Katrina Dying, And I feel a heavenly splash, I am dying Katrin, Dying I am dying my moustache. (Sir Geo. A. Newman)

Address to Linden Station, Warren Co. Virginia (P2. I enclose a letter for Dick give it to him as soon as you can” (Toliver 43-45)

“Leaves have their time to fall, And flowers to scatter at the N wind’s breath, And stars to set—but all— Thou has all seasons for thine own, oh Death!

Oh, cease my wandering soul, On restless wings to soar; This wide old earth, from pole to pole, Has not for thee a home. Behold the ark of God, Behold the open door. Enter into that blest abode, And roam, my soul, no more.

Fate wound him up for three score years— Yet proudly ran he on some winters more, Till like a clock worn out with eating time The wheels of weary life at last stood still.” (Toliver 45)

Dear friends, I’m sorry to relate

It’s known both near and far,

In Tennessee, that grand old State,

They use the Jim Crow Car;

And every colored citizen,

No matter what his fame,

Must ride inside that special den;

I tell you, it’s a shame.

Chorus:-

The Jim Crow Car of Tennessee

Is not the car for me,

And if I only had a chance I’d make the Legislature dance.

 

The Jim Crow Car has seats for all

Who bear the fateful mark,

And, though you tower e-er so tall,

Get in: your skin is dark!

Your first-class fare is no defence,

Your ticket’s but a lie;

A sham, an insult, a pretence;

This fact you’ll not deny.

 

Chorus:-

We know not where to take our case

To get ourselves relieved.

As Uncle Sam’s no in the race

When Afric’s Sons are grieved;

So we must rise in self defence.

 

Though humble we may be.

And show, by using common sense,

That we will still be free.

 

Chorus:-

No more excursions for our race

To this place and to that,

Let us presume it a disgrace,

And sit down on them flat.

Then, when they see we have the grit

To boycott, near and far,

They’ll change the law, and let us sit

In any proper car.

 

Final Chorus:-

The Jim Crow Car of Tennessee

Don’t give us a fair show,

And, sure as Negros were made free,

The hateful Jim Crow Car must go.”

(Tolvier 50-51)