Page:The Afro-American Press.djvu/106

98 memory of the colored race. It is but seldom we hear mentioned the name of any of the above, though they all labored faithfully to bring about what is to-day enjoyed throughout the land by millions of their race. They were giants in efforts; they were heroes in devotion and in sacrifice.

If you would be informed of the labors of Philip A. Bell, seek the files of The Colored American, the Negro's pioneer paper. He started this journal in 1837, in New York City. There was associated with him the Rev. Samuel E. Cornish, one of the ablest colored men of his day, ranking with Hamilton, Simpkins and Williams. At a later date Dr. James McCune Smith was one of its editors. Dr. Smith, it will be remembered, graduated with high honors from Glasgow University, Scotland. About 1857 Mr. Bell went to California, where he wrote vigorously as an associate editor for The Pacific Appeal. He, with Frederick G. Barbadoes, did nobly in manufacturing a liberal sentiment in California, favorable to the colored people. In 1865 he gave to San Francisco and to the country The Elevator, which paper had his name at its head as editor and proprietor until his spirit from bondage was set free on the 25th ult.

Mr. Bell was a strong, vigorous but chaste writer, quite poetic; in fact he was fond of the poets, many of whom he could quote readily. He was well versed in history and belles-lettres and was a fine dramatic critic. He wrote several articles for the California daily papers, criticising Keene, Macready, Forrest and others.

"To be restless and aggressive, is the lesson his life presents to the individuals of this day; to those who have the manliness to feel that their talents, character, and citizenship are not properly respected. He was tall and prepossessing in appearance and manners; he had a fine address, was quick, impulsive and brave, with a keen sensibility as to honor and those