During the last few years of James' ministry, he was placed in
charge of a Methodist church in Manhattan, Kansas whose members were all
African-Americans. Additionally he served as an
agent of the Freedman's Bureau where he helped to provide services and shelter for
the large number of former slaves who left the South following Reconstruction. Many of
these "exodusters" -- as they were called -- ended up in Topeka and
Manhattan. Using his influence with the church, James authored several articles
that were published in the Kansas Methodist newspaper, some of which are
produced here.
Included here is also a chapter entitled, "And
this poor life was ended" that describes James' untimely and surprising
death.
Finally, there is a speech by J. Augusta Goodrich that was
delivered to the Shawnee County Old Settlers Association in December 1899.
1879 Harper's Weekly woodcuts showing Exodusters
in Topeka
1880 Census Record
