My Facination With Ragtime And Plantation Music

The Rivermen Researcher Presents

My Facination with Ragtime and Plantation Music

                Joseph Lamb: A Grand Ragtime Composer 

 

    Wood's

Minstrels Are Coming

Wood' s Minstrels are to perform in Galt on Monday and Tuesday next. In all the large towns of the Province they have been received with the highest applause and their performances have never failed to to give the utmost satisfaction. We have no doubt they they will expect a full house next week in Galt.

The Galt Reported and Waterloo County Advertiser 1862

Rag time music in it's primitive form, had been compared to “Coon Music” or otherwise known as “Tin-Pan-Alley”. This form of music was performed by numerous musicians with blackened faces or were actually of African decent. They constantly travelled through the southern states. At other times troops like ” Wood's Minstrels “ would travel as far north as Buffalo or into Canada. “Wood's Minstrels were known to be very popular where they were scheduled to arrive. In this case they were to appear in my home town, Galt, during the 1862 touring season.

However, this music was not always welcomed by all! For some people, it was ill received and considered to be brash at best. Perhaps it was due to the venues where the performances were held. Especially in saloons, sporting houses,and burlesque halls. The 1890's brought a new level of segregation in the United States, and the venues for black musicians were changing. Now they were forced to accept even more unfavourable opportunities, when it came to venues to perform. They began to transform themselves, and also their music styles.

During this era, Scott Joplin had become integrated amongst a group of pianists and musicians who invested themselves with the status, and entitled themselves to be named “Professors”. Together they were devising a new form of musical composition. They began tickling the ivories in a new and splendid way. They composed in a method known as syncopation. This style rests on accentuating the melody with the right hand and maintaining a slow and steady movement with the left hand. According to Scott Joplin's publisher John Stark , Scott was pure genius. He was extremely talented and was as he developed this style of piano music. This was not Jazz, but a new combination of and highly technical adaptations of early forms on Negro folk, and Plantation Melodies made popular by Stephen Collins Foster.


I

Scott Joplin, at that time was engaged, in composing a number of Ragtime scores. The finest score and most popular was his “Maple Leaf Rag”. This tune was published while  he was living in Missouri, where he met John for the first time. Here the two had a chance meeting as Stark was tuning the pianos prior to a competition amongst numerous Professors. It was held, at the Maple Leaf Club. Stark was also a judge for this event. He was impressed with Scott's performance and genius. So much so, that Stark offered to publish, and sell the scores. Despite attempts to kill the popularity of Ragtime, it flourished, and the proof of this was the mass of sheet music produced. It was sold, as fast as it could be printed.

The society in which Joseph Lamb was raised was anything but conducive, to the development of a rag time player. Also this music was anything but acceptable to James and Julia, were strict adherent of the Catholic church. In New Jersey, James and Julia Lamb were making ends meet, a carpenter by trade , in his leisure he found immense listening to Joseph as he played the piano.

James felt that this skill should be reserved for the church and performances amongst his companions within the Knights of Columbus. When James had succumbed to a devastating injury on the job site, he had died. Shortly after Julia, uprooted the family and they departed for New York City. Many forms of music were evolving in the city of New York. For Julia, she was fearful that Joseph was falling prey to bad influence which seemed to surround them Fearful that Joseph was beginning to adapt to this troubling environment due to the music scene, where the influences were plentiful, Coon-Music, Tin Pan-Alley, Ragtime and Jazz plentiful. Other fears that must have plagued Julia's mind about New York City, is that the city was rapidly evolving into a new Sodom and Gomorrah. There was a large population of Afro-Americans to be found, and they frequented many of the brothels and disrespectful dens of iniquities located near by. There were other non-religious tripe being played, along with many other opportunities for Joseph to find trouble. Therefore, Julia decided remove him from the city's influences.

As Ragtime was expanding in popularity, the publishing houses moved into New York City. And musicians, such as, Scott followed. The large cities, became the new centres for Ragtime music. John Stark was one of many publishers who decidedly moved, his publishing company from Sadelia, Missouri. It appears that Joseph had already taken an interest in Scott Joplin's music. After this it was but a short time before Joseph was getting into trouble. So Julia she sent him off to Berlin.

Whoa! Why Berlin. What possessed her to send him to Canada? There must have been other choices, after all! The United state must have some good schools, why not choose one of them? The provocation for this decision must have been on her mind for some time. There was another subversive influence at work. A stronger influence, an facet within this era, I call,. “The “AGE OF THE ORATOR” It was the age when great people of intellect, spoke candidly, and shared information on any number of subjects from Agriculture to Phrenology to Religion and Education . 

Samuel Langhorn Clemmens was among the top Orators of the 19th Century

Many orator of note, beginning with “Mark Twain”, “Charles Dickens”, worked the theatres and society halls while others continued throughout the 19^th Century and into the 20th to lecture in church halls and Fraternal halls on any number of particular subjects. These touring orators, were mostly specialized for entertaining, however, other employed themselves to raise money for their numerous organizations, which had been expounding their special need for support. Perhaps! this was the time that St. Jerome's sent it's evangelistic angel bearing “Gabrielle’s horn”, summoning Julia onward to Berlin.

This query came to me, as I gleaned Berlin’s social history, event calenders, and other small bits school history located at St. Jerome's College. According to Mrs. Dirk “ librarian and curator of the college” the information she provided, directed me to small village in my county called St. Agatha. Here a small orphanage was located. A Jesuit order of teaching priests organized a small school went about educating these boys to enter the priesthood. The school grew, and the time came for both the relocation to a large town, and for the construction to enlarge the number of students who could attend. As success increased, even more room was needed. They found space at the church rectory, however the out grew this building also.

Berlin was growing and so did the college's ability to accommodate the students arriving, therefore a building fund was created, However, With the addition of operating both St. Mary's Church, and St. Jerome's simultaneously, fuelled construction costs and expansion expenses. This exhausted their finances.

In order to retire this debt, Rev. Father Funken decided in 1869 that he should engaged his time in creating a speaking tour. The “|Good Father” would visit some of the largest cities throughout, Canada and the Northern America. This tour began in Chicago, Illinois. By reviewing the student list, you can see that the lecture tour was successful. Students enrolled from Michigan, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Success was his ! It was like hitting a Grand Slam for God and the school. Based on this itinerary, Julia Lamb had some knowledge of St. Jerome’s educational successes. Therefore, she decided it would be expedient, to enrol Joseph in a Commercial Course, as soon as it would be possible at Berlin.

Comparatively, Scott Joplin was also fatherless, However, (not orphaned). The big difference was, Scott's father had abandoned the entire family to search for work. Intended or not, this placed Scott and his siblings in an orphan like state. His mother desperately searched for work. However, instead of committing Scott into a life of hard labour, Scott's mother searched for opportunities for him to learn the piano. As a house-keeper, she attempted to find employers whose houses were equipped with pianos. She made arrangements with her employers to allow Scott the privilege of using these instruments for practice.

The irony here, is that many of the elements that Julia had tried so to avoid, were subtlety imposing themselves here! Stephen Collin Foster's “ Plantation Songs, “Woods Minstrel Shows”, Jim Crow”, Tin-Pan-Alley, Rag-Time music had already permeated Canadian society. With Berlin being chiefly a German community, the appeal entertainment was prioritized, and any lively entertainment was preferred and could be found.

On the corner of King and Queen Street in Berlin town centre, was the Walper House, It was within close proximity of St. Jerome's and had the reputation as being the liveliest, and most diversified venue in this city block.

The history of this hostelry began as a stopping place for stage coaches on their way to Stratford. It stabled horses, and provided services for the teams and coaches en-route to other larger towns and settlement. The inn always had maintained good food, accommodation, and amusement for their guests. It's originally began in 1833. |This hamlet had a few buildings. which served as a blacksmith shop, and accommodation.

By the time St. Jerome's had relocated from St. Agatha, the Walper had been developed as one of the most important Railway Hotel's in Waterloo, County. By 1900, it even had it's own music hall, where opera was performed regularly. Music was the biggest draw to the hotel, just short of hard liquor, and beer. It could entice “anyone” or any youngster with a degree of stealth; to slide in, to see any of these entertainers perform. Entertainers contracted with it's manager, included the minstrel shows. Mr. Moyer, (a Waterloo County historian ) stated that the minstrels were still performing at the Walper as late as 1900. This is not to say they discontinued performing in other towns until a later date. Jazz and Rag-time began around this time. So it was possible for Ragtime to be performed later.

The Walper Hotel continued to be as lively as a bee hive when it was related to the ever consuming activity which frequented there, and young James Lamb must have been justly inspired to write a Ragtime composition and name it “The Walper House Rag”. It was written in Berlin during 1903; the last year of his school-hood days, and it was the initial marker of his success as a composer. and his “Ragtime” experience in this county. However, he would make the periodic visit.

Looking in hind sight, we need to remember that Julia Lamb was sold on a preparing a controlled environment. She based her decision on the belief that the school was supposed to be maintain rigid standards. She expected that Joe would be far removed from the influence of loose religious standards. Therefore, if the truth had become public of Josephs involvement in Ragtime, she would have horrified to know he was writing ragtime. This style of music was openly performed in a speak-easy, sporting house, or even a brothel.

Therefore, it appears that Joe was leading a double life. In St. Jerome's; he was appeasing his mothers wishes, while appeasing his own need for Ragtime music. He exhibited, and clearly showed himself to be the epitome of self-control. While at school, he demonstrated to the clergy and the community that he was a roll-model, thereby, excelling in his obligatory subjects,which consisted of , mathematics, book-keeping, and business communications. His attendance, as well as his punctuality, were exceptional.

The Walper House Rag was composed in 1903 while attending St.Jermes's College.

He was self motivated and he always maintained his involvement in various social activities with his peers and church societies. He was athletic, however, team sports were not high on his agenda, or his list of priorities. Joe excelled in his selection of track and field events. Throughout, his expected devotions and religious requirements, he found ways to extract the time he needed to experiment with his compositions or to rehearse them.

Joe became a member of the “St. Aloysius Society”. Here he drew a number of class mates around him, and they became close friends. They include Louis Walsh, Frank Zinger, Oscar Wernet, Magnus Schumacher, Paul and Chas Meyer, Edmund Bricks, Padden, and Oliver Galligan. While participating in the he honed his skills, in debating, and rhetoric. The only subject not included in the “Bee”, (a school publication), was Joseph's involvement in musical studies, orchestra membership, or even secret music. There appears there was no choral society or any involvement what so ever. It appears on the surface that music was not included in St. Jerome’s curriculum. It is a wonder with all the daunting school rules, he succeeded in creating “The Walper House Rag”in 1903.

Before returning to New York he had found a publisher for his scores in Toronto. Mr. Harry Sparks Publishing Company began to publish not only “The Walper House Rag”, but published “ The Florentine Valse”, “The Lilliputian Bazaar”, and the “Celestine Waltz”.

What remains unknown to this day, is whether or not Frank Zinger or other classmates, had ever, invited Joesph to engage in water sports, picnics, fishing, boating on the river or other recreational activities. After all we write or compose from inspiration, imagination, Many of our creations flow out of our wonderful memories , into our imagination. It appears that life in this German community may have provided every thing he needed to be creative. For many of us who were raised in close proximity to a creek, pond, or river, it would be inconceivable not to become and share such enjoyable events.

When Joseph arrived back in New York City, he returned expressly to visit Stark's in search of any Joplin scores. He also tried to market his own compositions. Joseph had no knowledge of Scotts progressing ailments. Was he still composing new works? It was during one such visit, and purchasing expeditions, a remarkable co-incidence occurred. Joe opined, “ I enquired of Mrs. Stark if Scott had written anything new. She then spoke to me and said, No he hasn't. There was a man in the store sitting on the opposite bench bench from us. His appearance was dishevelled and his leg was bandaged. It was as if he suffered from Gout. Lamb related to Mrs. Stark some of his personal desires, which included, meeting Scott Joplin some day.” At times this man continued to insert a comment, but for most of the time, Joplin remained quietly seated. “Mrs Stark. said “turn around, here’s your man!” Scott Joseph became quiet for a moment in amazement. There was Scott Joplin, who had been crippled by disease, and there was little that distinguished him as a man of importance. Joseph did not recognizes Scott at all. Joplin provided Joseph with some suggestions which could assist him in composing. They instantaneously warmed towards each other and shook hands.

Joe told Scott Joplin, how pleased he was to finally to meet. The two left Stark's store walking up 23^rd Street and into Madison Park. where they took a seat on a nearby bench. After conversing for a while, Scott invited me to visit him at his home.

The Upright  Grand Piano located in the residence of Scott Joplin.

I accepted this invitation, and after arriving at Joplin's home, I was escorted into the inner sanctum, Around me a number of Scott's close friends sat nearby. I was requested to play one of my own compositions. I began to play the “The Sensation Rag”. After I finished, the room became quiet. Joplin approached me enquiring about the Rag, and then complimented me.

"He said that this is a real negro Rag, played in a real negro way, by a white man who plays with the feeling of the Negro "Scott Joplin

At this point, Scott Joplin was convinced that I had real skill, and agreed to have a talk with John Stark on my behalf. Joplin attached his name with Lamb's and this finally convinced John Stark, to publicize his compositions. Between 1908 and 1919, there were some significant melodies to be published with in America. Stark had remarked at one point, that Lamb had the gift of melody and the genius of harmony unsurpassed by any writer of popular music.

Even-though, Lamb had no intention to perform, he continued to compose. Joseph found employment in the fabric trade and seldom left the states but on occasion he returned to Berlin (now Kitchener) and Toronto in Canada.

This 1949 photograph was taken at St. Jerome’s School It was sent to me by Pat Conn (Joseph's daughter). Here Joseph is sharing a few fleeting moments playing piano next to his close school chum. 

Friends unite around the church piano at St. Jeromes. 

(This Priest is identified by St. Jerome's archivist Mrs. Dirk , (St. Jerome's College Librarian and Archivistas - Father Simon Winter) He also remembers the location of his old desk at the back of the room. Joe had made several trips to Ontario, to visit he friend, Bob Darch and other friends. Joseph was not a man for performing in clubs or concerts. His first love is writing music. He found comfort playing amongst friends such as occasioned at Bob Darch's Club 76' in Toronto. In one momentous gesture, On May 4, 1962, a memorial concert was organized for Joseph Lamb at Massey Hall in Toronto with Robert Darch and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, with more than 2,500 persons in attendance.

However, according to Pat Conn, “ My father was not a man to entertain large crowds, but enjoys company in smaller crowd or travel frequently”. I am uncertain as to the number of times he made return visits, to Berlin (Kitchener) or into Toronto.

For many years, I had been familiar with the career of Scott Joplin, James Scott, and a few others like John Arpin. Then one afternoon, I was listening to CBC Radio, when I heard Mark Miller being interviewed. He was introducing his new book, “Such Melodious Racket”. This was my first introduction to Joe Lamb. Living my life in Waterloo County, I wanted to learn more. So I set out to ferret  out what ever history I could find..

I am in contact with St. Jerome's periodically( located on the campus of Waterloo University). I was kindly escorted through the library while Mrs. Dirken searched for some documents. She provided with a number of School histories that included Jame's involvement in school related activities. All of this information has been used for two objectives . The first a memorial concert at the Walper Terrace Hotel, which unfortunately fell through, in the later stages of the plan. Also following this disappointing task. The news paper which featured the “Rivermen Series” had been sold and was to close down. I decided at this point to shelve the idea, in hope that a new opportunity would present it's self. Interesting enough the first opportunity for me to enjoy Joseph Lamb was through the talented pianist named Marcy aboard the Delta Queen, an authentic stern wheeled riverboat. Her performance of “ American Beauty Rag and Sensation Rag” had me imaging that I was sitting amongst friends, visiting in Scott Joplin's home. I could hear Joseph play “Sensation Rag”.

I am still searching for someone to record the “Walper House Rag”. I couldn't help feeling that within the name of this rag there must be the feeling of gaiety and frivolity of the hotel intertwined. I hopeful, with a degree of anticipation that this opportunity, in time. will present itself. My most infinite and unfortunate regret is that I deserted my piano lessons. I had neither the discipline nor the foresight to learn piano Ragtime as a young boy. If I had, perhaps, I would be unlocking the secrets of the “Walper House Rag” myself not searching for someone willing to share this experience. So now I have a keyboard, I suppose I need to find a teacher.

With the use of YouTube, I have currently enjoyed their performances of James Lamb. On audio cassets sent to me from Patricia Conn, (Joe's daughter) I hhave the enjoyment to broaden my appreciation.  Since 2001 I have communicated with Sue Keller, She has been of assistance to my columns.

However, YouTube has enhanced this experience with visual performances, Cory Hall, John Arpin, and other video clips continue to appease my Ragtime experience. I hope see, hear, and read more ragtime. Since we all “can not” play Ragtime, I can at least appreciate those musician who can play them confidently. I will continue to write, in this way people can be enlightened. My articles will periodically appear.

To date, they are found as part of “The Rivermen Researcher” as independent contributions. 

You may also want to read “ Broadhorn:- King of the River", "William Dickson:- The Sherbrooke Lands” Port Maitland on the Grand  Published with the assistance of the Port Maitland Historical Societie “The :- "Dispatch” or on my Blog “The Rivermen Researcher” for various excerpts of my continuing research. On this site I will post some of my pre-published articles from the “Rivermen Series”. I will continue to write and share my experiences up with my articles, travel experiences through photographic and acrylic illustrations, along with other interesting features.

The enjoyment involved in creating this article will contribute to more research and updates. 

I am dedicating this article is to Joseph Lamb, his daughter Patrica Conn, Sue Keller, Phyllis Devine “my Aunt” and others associated in producing this article. Thank you! To anyone unmentioned. You are appreciated for your assistance.

Joe left Waterloo County and our country, but he leaves me rich memories as I researched this man of Rag-time.

A man Named (Judge) James Thompson

The 
Rivermen Researcher 

A Man Named
James Thompson 

Life for James Thompson began on a Virginia Plantation. He was the son of a white Virginian and planter. James was among one of thousands of children who were birthed by slave-mothers and their plantation masters . At the time of James birth in 1788, negro servitude in Virginia was less severe.

1769 marked the period of the Charter Plantation Era, a time of transitioning. The planters were positioning their loyalties in advance of the Revolutionary War. For a short period there came a time of emancipation. Some slave holders commenced to cull their holdings. When it came to slaves, they opted to allow numerous slaves to purchase their own freedom, or they could opt to use a portion of their incomes to buy their emancipation. As some slaveholders reached their expiration, they could will their slaves manumission papers out-right giving them emancipation. 

This was the case for James Thompson. However, by the time of the Civil War the slave trade had escalated by “Leaps and £.s”, as the value of a slaves grew, due to volatility in the slave market. Slaves were being recaptured from Canada, the northern states or imported. 

Over400,000 were imported from Africa. Slave catchers were again locating, and in some cases abductinf Blacks from any free states they could. This was the situation for Solomon Northrup. His story has recently become a popular movie titled “12 Years a Slave”

Thompson's appearance in this world was one of mixed procreation. His complexion was that of Negro and Caucasian, which is known as mulatto.

Dr. John Crozier Author of  "My Inner Life"

Theses features were described by Dr. John Crozier in his Autobiography, “My Inner Life :- He was blessed with a forehead that rose above his dusky eyes; steep as a mountain cliff, that frowned o'er it's base like a great  sea wall. He grew tall, and by those who knew him; he was described in this manner. He is as a huge mulatto, who was conspicuous among those who frequented his barber shop. His demeanour is courteous, pensive, spiritual, and generous. He was intelligent and could converse on numerous current events, and debate on many important political issues. So flattered was he by admiration and sweet complements, in which peers heaped upon him, that as he looked down upon the meaner heads of the customers, he was manipulating, he would curl his lip in scorn, and draw to our attention privately to the marked contrast between his own head and theirs, would look over at us and wink most knowingly!”.

Crosier Cottage Galt, Ontario

According to Niagara Regional Archives, he settled in Newark, where he had been a barber. Residing there until the "Great Mosbey Riot". The two had become friends and had come to Solomon Moseby's aid after he heard that his Mosebey's master was planning on extraditing him to Kentucky, The reason, being is he had stole a horse during the escape from the states. The extradition was to be carried out at Newark..

In another extradition case they ruled in favour of the defendant. Therefore, Moseby should have released the horse on the American shore. In the extradition case James Anderson was awarded his freedom because he had left his masters horse on the American side of the Niagara River. Therefore the authorities had no way to save Moseby from extradition. Therefore, James Thompson and a group of negro conspirators devised a plan to assist Solomon Mosbey with an opportunity of escape. In a news report it was recorded that James was amongs't those suspected of being ring leaders It appears that he took an active part inorganizing the uprise. Solomon Moseby's escape was reported far and wide.

This event rapidly spread by word of mouth as far as Balls Falls. Unlike the initial organizers of the event they were not as well published. Eventually, they were listed but no warrant for their arrest was issued.

List of Organizing participants: Harry Garrett, William Primus, Alex Struthers, James Johnson, John Bright, Andrew Jackson, Hope Bullet, William Freeman, William Riley James Munroe, Leonard Hicks, Charles Green, George Washington, John Richardson, Mills, James Thompson (a Barber).

Janet Carnochan Scrap Book Niagara Historical Society Museum :-Notes by Nancy Butler

   Note there was a small Baptist Church attached to the Negro Cemetery in a small area known as Nigger Town  within (Niagara on The Lake)

After Moseby fled Newark, James Thompson, waited several weeks, then arrived in Galt.. He laid low for a time, and when he felt safe he set up a barbershop, within the commercial building built for Absalom Shade on the corner of Main and Water Street. He had kept clear of danger for over 20 years, and when he was confident, he set about organizing a congregation. By this time the negro community had accumulated enough to have enough money to obtain assistance to build a chapel for themselves This was to become the first group of people to form a Baptist Church in Galt.

Their initial building would be constructed of lath and plaster with wooden beams and planks, There were plain glass windows and a central doorway to enter the building. This small frame building was constructed about 20 years after his arrival to Galt. It sat on a small lot about facing the village common just northeast of Shade's Commercial Building. He becomes the residing lay minister and ruling elder. Crozier continues to describe his gleaming intellect “James was a very singular man, and was remarkable, considering his limited education, for his knowledge of the scriptures, for his independence, truth and honesty”.

However, Elder Thompson was not exempt to well timed flares of hostility, especially when it came to the protection of his flock, from pranksters. We were near the chapel where we occasionally sought out what trouble we could get our selves into. Crozier continues, “This event occurred one summer night, as we were hiding behind some stumps. From this vantage point we could observe and listen to the congregation as they singing and praising, with a boisterous gaiety. Their voices lifted and rang throughout the village. as the notes of their Favorited negro spirituals permeated in the night air . From this vantage point we found an opportunity for a little mischief. At the front of the church doors were a couple round ceder logs purposely placed to fashion a make-shift stairway. We decided it would be fun to remove the logs prior to the end of service. As they always exited the building singing a hymn.

As we imagined this would have caused a real ruckus! So we waited to see what would happen. The congregation began to sing,

'When we cross the River to Jordan,

Happy! Happy!

When we cross the River of Jordan

Happy in the Lord!'

At this point in time the congregation began to make there way towards the door. As they stepped over the threshold of the front door, the missing logs were overlooked, and their voices  became muffled, suddenly they stopped singing abruptly, as fell over each another one by one.

After hearing this disturbance, Elder Thompson hurried towards the doorway in search of the pranksters. Yelling as loud as he could, he swore that this outrage would be reported. However, nothing became of the incident ”. Over time, John Crozier and James Thompson would share a special bond of friendship and spirituality.

James had become a close friend to many of the town's leader, businessmen, and the residents. Most everyone remembered him! His name became a household memory for many years to come. He was 75 years old at the time of passing. I was introduced to James while searching throughout early reporter articles then expanded my search. to find his obituary to find he died in his home as he succumed to illness.

I continue to concentrate my research to include more information on James and other interesting people who assisted James in making the Grand River home. Contributions made by other people who enriched social aspects to our cultural, musical or to our navigation history will be highlighted.

Perhaps in time, I will soon include the exact locations of their homes to the  south.

Footnote:
Plantation Charter slaves were predominately from West Virginia and Kentucky. 

The states of Kentucky and West Virginia, had at one point been annexed from original state boundaries of Virginia.

Slaves had been used as common laborers in mining gold, salt, and coal. They also worked in the forestry trades; first as lumber men and and producers of turpentine. Within the states of Carolina, and Georgia., they planted and harvested cotton indigo, sugar, sorghum, , and tobacco,. 

In 1834, the owners of Richmond's Tredgar Iron Works, shifted from free white labour to slave labour. The textile trade all depended on black industrial labour.

Slavers also depended slaves to become Artisans working as Carpenter , Coopers, Black and Silver- Smiths.. The slave trade also took advantage of their inherent navigation skill first inherited along African waterways.

William Wells Brown Black Jack brought many run-a-ways from Buffalo across Lake Erieto Canadian "Ports of Call"

The term “ Black Jack” (colored sailors) identified worked the Mississippi River and it's tributaries. Therefore there is little doubt that they worked on Canadian waterways. The difficulties identifying those who workered from caucasian labour is that they arrived, alias identities were used. They took on new identities to avoid re-capture, There are instances were the census records indicate colored citizens.

Men like William Wells Brown worked aboard steam vessels on the Mississippi River. He was given a generous measure of liberty.  This lasted until his owner discovered he was planning to escape in the company of his mother to Canada. He eventully made his escape, leaveing his family behind. He found employment aboard Canada bound steamboats with numerous Stow-A-Way nestled in and around boilers.   This is but another story destiuned for " The Rivermen Researcher" 

Introduction And Invitation to " The Rivermen Researcher" 2017

Welcome to the Rivermen Researcher 2017

Larry Devine  "The Rivermen Researcher"

TO ALL READERS

Currently my wife is back at home convalescing, and I am back updating "The Rivermen Researcher". I will have be editing and trying to improve the structure of the site. 

I have completed " A Glimpse of Sacred Harp along the Grand River". In this article there will be ongoing edits.
My first and most recent inclusion is Casey Rules permission to include "Idumea - I Was Born to Die by Charles Wesley. I am looking forward to more conversation with him.
And most recently, I have spotted this article submitted to the Presbyterian Record. Thanks! for the submission. However, please let me know when you would like to publish.

Periodically, I will  be adding more pre-published articles from the "Rivermen Series" this year!

_________________

All content has been heavily researched, edited, and compiled. Images used in all "Rivermen Researcher" are created by myself or borrowed until suitable samples replace them, or can be recreated, by the myself in association with others who wish to contribute.

This author  wishes to collaborate, with others  and asks for assistance were possible.

My musical abilities are limited, but I will acquire assistance in orchestrating background music to give my creations a classic touch.   In time I will compose my own scores and use them it to accurately tell the story in new and unique manner.=

Language used within each article is used to reflect the language used during another era. In no way, is it intended to maligns to injure sensibilities, nor be insensitive towards any individual or political association. 

The Rivermen Researcher is merely a vessel of it's creator used to share various educational perspectives and amassed personal experiences.

I have just updated "A Glimpse into Sacred Harp Music Along the Grand River"I now includes new  information and clips.

My publishing activity for the "Rivermen Researcher 2017" includes:

Articles :- Sacred Harp, 2016 and 2017, the Rivermen Series, Conspirator or Savior:-  A Different view of  Elder James Thompson

'A Glimpse into Sacred Harp Music Along the Grand River"  

Is Now Being Republished :- it includes Musical Interludes and Video clips! -

January 2017

For those who have enjoyed my work so far,  I invite your continued participation and support by providing me with  research leads or any personal comments you wish to share on this blog " The Rivermen Researcher".

"The Rivermen Researcher" is a feature of this blog.  It reflects my interests, my  personal experiences, and my  inter-relationships between people while vying the many rivers I have travelled and the friendships I have developed, during my research for " The Rivermen Series" and " Life along the Inland Waterways"

Broadhorns - King of the River : Cambridge Reporter Rivermen Series



An Ark (also known as a Broadhorns )  travels along Little Pine Creek enroute to Williamsport on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River


 New articles  are currently being developed, from both past and ongoing research. They include articles from  my earlier newspaper columns entitled the "Rivermen  Series" There are also new articles being developed. They are  dedicated to a man I have come to admire. James Thompson is this man! A man of humble beginnings.


"A man named James Thompson (Barber)"  is  written in honour of a citizen from the town of Galt, Ontario. He received his freedom  after the death of his father, a Virginia planter near Richmond Virginia.  His mother, a slave, birthed a mulatto son. This was a common practice amongst slave-holding planters. In time would earn a level of respect and trust seldom achieved between a negro and white settlers within Upper Canadian Society. 

This is an on-going story of his experiences, and his outlook on society in general. 
James was deeply spiritual, moral, and intellectual. In this group of articles we will look into issues surrounding his life as a leader, and the character who used his intellect to set into motion plans to release "Solomon Moseby" from extradition.

James Thompson would eventually organize a congregation of negro Primitive Baptists. The first meetings were held in private homes until the construction of a frame building within the "Village of Galt" near the Grand River.  A religious domination which has deep ties to the history of  Virginia near the James River, and "Sacred Harp" a musical tradition, associated with the Primitive (White and Black) Baptist Church families. 
Currently, these articles include "A Man Named James Thompson (Barber), A Glimpse of the Sacred Harp along the Grand River" and " The Conspirator or Savior:|- of Upper Canada" which currently  awaiting it's completion.

I  have been looking into the  navigation history along the James River of Virginia, for a number of years now. I'm interested in the development of trade and navigation and the way it has provided pioneers with political prowess to act on the opportunities found and those who position themselves amongst the  initiate of high society. The established families of Britain's financial,  mercantile, labour, were successful carving out settlements and plantations along the James and other tributaries. 

The family of James Thompson  established themselves in close proximity to Richmond in Henrico  County along with family relations located in nearby Louisa County; and in Surrey, North Carolina. This is where the Little River Primitive Baptist Church can be located today. 

Comments regarding the spiritual values, indicate the family maintained membership   in the " Primitive Baptist Church"  of which the Primitive (Black)  Congregation had its formation.

James was born in Virginia 1788 and died at Galt.  He arrived in Newark prior to 1837 and maintained a barbershop in the village of Galt about 1837 and settled there until his death. I am continuing to research other occurrences and experiences, in respect to other work related activities, while on his journey northward to Upper Canada. 

Prior to his father's death, it would have become possible for James to gain other types of work experience, which he could have used along the James River. I ask because I would like to think he brought other skills moving closer to the Grand River,  than barbering alone. Although it was common practice to lease a slave to another business,  I often wonder whether or not the children of planters, were used in the same manner. 


I am learning as much as possible about the James River during  the Post-Revolutionary Plantation Charter period 1760. I look forward to blogging with individuals who  share my interest and enjoy researching and/or writing history. This is my initial attempt in creating a forum to communicate, amongst those who practice the art of blogging. It is my hope to attract researchers in Virginia with similar interests. 

After you read this article, I hope you will assist me. I welcome any images, maps, articles, dealing with Virginia's  James River Region, or the Appalachian Region.  I am interested to obtain more music ,   Please! forward this request for any navigational related materials to other historians. Perhaps!  you could mention this request to friends, in related association or others with similar interest.  

Those who have information on the history  in church history are encouraged to work with me.  I would like to converse with them regarding  The Primitive Baptists of the South.

My last area of which I have been researching is the James River and it's navigation activities.  Black Jacks " were negro navigators ( one such steam boatman was William Wells Brown) who worked many rivers guiding freedom seekers along the Underground. He stowed the slaves out of slavery to freedom  hidden aboard Riverboats on the Ohio River and the Great Lakes. There were many fugitives hidden aboard steamers.

 While on  the run they needed employment to purchase their necessities  to survive. As slaves they were hired out to steamboat owners  (Slave-holders or otherwise). These laborers were known as "Black Jacks" and would have developed numerous skills.  I am searching for any mention of James Thompson working between Virginia!

I have to believe that his barbering trade would have become valuable, on both Great Lake vessels, and north and south bound steam packets. They were most likely set up as a contract type services.

Is it possible that James (affectionately called) Judge Thompson set up barbering shops on a number of steamers plying Lake Erie and  it's adjoining rivers ? I am attempting to pin-point sources where records are kept about such services aboard Canadian  and American steamers. 

Just a week ago, I received this  interesting piece of river history. I was reviewing some copies of my magazines published by the "Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen " called "The Reflector"  Within,  I found an article about Flatboats. I have been researching all forms of flatboats, their monikers inclusive names being  the "Ark" of the Susquehanna River, the "Broadhorn", The  "Kentucky-Boat", and The "New Orleans-Boat"  

This was a brief synopses about the voyage of the Adventure 3. This was a recreation of a successful voyage.  Thankyou! goes to the Son's and Daughters .

The Adventurer 3



It was on page 27. “the caption read” the flatboat was passing “Rabbit Hash”. Where ever this is? I would like to find it's location on a map. This vessel is similar to Absalom Shade's Arks, ( a moniker to describe this type of vessel, which is also named a Broadhorn)

Reading  further, I discovered,  that the projects founder, was a gentleman by the name of Vaughn Wendland. He had desired for years to commemorate a project that would dedicate the efforts of early pioneers to navigate the rivers. So he decided to build a flatboat and float through the river currents from Pittsburgh to New Orleans. Adding in some well publicised stops. The voyage succeeded.   The construction crew, pilots, and other project members were tutored by “Captain Jim Coomer”.

I have been writing for years about the Arks/Broadhorns of Absalom Shade. He employed the Susquehanna Ark for the shipping his yearly trade down a Upper Canadian River then known as the Ouse and renamed the Grand River. I had put a proposal together for a Millennium Project. But felt I was short of know how. I wanted to include that such projects were beneficial communities.  

I had not heard of this project at that time and I am inspired with new hope that it may be possible to resurrect this flatboat project, providing ,I can find the assistance from either Vaughn's records or from other similar projects launched since? Are any of these participants still alive and would be able to pass on their knowledge to me?

I would like to contact these gentlemen. Regarding their personal experience carrying this epic dream into reality.

Therefore, the next step is to continue the search for mentors which could help me gain more experience. 
I hope to employ my latent experiences in the effort to commemorate the Ark on the Grand River.  There are historical benefits so important important to impart and the  knowledge  is worth passing on to American  and Canadian children!

So help me keep this effort alive by what ever means possible.

Larry R. Devine

Other Articles and Presentations :

The following: Wiil appear from the Rivermen Series from fromer years:

• William Dickson:- Aquires Sherbrook Township  RMS    Appeared in the Grand Dispatch  Summer 2014 Published by; Port Maitland on the Grand Historical Society.
• Rivers Help Create Wild Stories: The Cambridge Reporter Galt, Cambridge RMS

      

This was the residence of Larry and his wife Enika.  It's the small white house the far side of the Grand River. It once had these mills in front of these two Wood Mills. 

Once Again! I look forward in communicating with other river who enjoy learning about river history along with other articles on this subject. Please add all comments or other types of media  in the Comments section of this blog or email me to " therivermenresearcher@gmail.com ". I will appreciate whatever contribution you have to offer!

   
 

The American Queen    My Cruise between Memphis Tennessee and Greenseville , Mississippi