I have given in this sketch but a brief outline of the noble work of Dr. Williams. I can testify to his ability as a physician, and I take great pleasure in so doing. He is one of the cultured and polished gentlemen who reflect credit on the race.
HOME FOR AGED AND INFIRM COLORED PERSONS.
The Home for Aged and Infirm Colored Persons, in West Philadelphia, Pa., is one of the best institutions of the character in the United States. The society, under whose auspices the home was founded, was organized September 28, 1864, in a private dwelling on South Front street.
The first Board of Managers and principal promoters of this most noble charity was composed of Friends and colored persons, whose circumstances gave them the confidence of and influence in the community, and was elected in the month of November, 1864, whose names are as follows: Officers; Dellwyn Parrish, President; Stephen Smith, Vice-President; Marcellus Balderson, Secretary; Samuel R. Shipley, Treasurer; William J. Alston, William Still, William H. Bacon, Abram Fields, Joshua Brown, Maurice Hall, Israel H. Johnson, Joseph M. Truman, Jr., Henry Gorden, Clayton Miller, Jacob C. White, Sr., and John S. Hills. Female members: Sarah M. Douglas, Helen Johnson, Rachel T. Jackson, Anna M. Laws, Catharine M. Shipley, Priscilla H. Heniszey, Sarah Parrish, Mary Jeanes, Eliza Harris, Alice Hudson, Grace Mapes and Mary Shaw.
[Illustration: Home for Aged and Infirm Colored Persons, Philadelphia, Pa.]
The original constitution was adopted on the 25th day of the tenth month (October), 1864, the preamble of which most clearly reveals the noble impulses and sentiments which burned upon the altar of these noble hearts, and actuated this noble band of true disciples of the blessed Christ to such splendid deeds.
The preamble reads as follows: "For the relief of that worthy class of colored persons who have endeavored through life to maintain themselves, but who from various causes are finally dependent on the charity of others, an association is hereby organized under the name of 'The Home for Aged and Infirm Colored Persons.'"
The number of persons admitted to the home within the first thirteen months, or up to the twelfth month, 1865, was (21) twenty-one, and all women, representing the States of New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, South Carolina, West Indies and far-away Africa; their ages ranging from (70) seventy to (102) one hundred and two years, which clearly indicates how nobly they had struggled on in the race of life against all odds.