Chapter V.
(O. J. Page)
Page 40-41
When organized as a county, 1843, there were about 250 votes, near 1,500 people, composed for the most part of emigrants from Southern States, and a few free negroes, others serving by indenture.
A gradual though almost imperceptible flow of Eastern and Northern elements has changed to a certain extent the character of the people, not distinctly racial as the Germans and colored. The census of 1890 gave Massac county "11,313, chiefly of American birth, including colored." An addition of 33 1-3 per cent will give us 15,084 under the census of this year, 1900. It may be less or it may be more.
Of this number fully one third are of German blood, while strictly demonstrating their heredity-many born in Germany-they are positively Americanized, exceedingly law abiding, industrious, frugal, honest, intelligent and control a lion's share of the wealth of the county. They support six churches and two parochial schools, although they are not exclusive, but sociable and fraternal. Not only are they engaged in tilling many of the best farms, but they comprise many of our leading business men, hold bank stock, wield a strong political influence and are a valuable factor in the peace, progress and prosperity of Massac county.
Another large element are of various extractions, among them a hardy Scotch element, immigrants from Tennessee, Kentucky, the Carolinas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maine and other places. From this element come most of our professional men, teachers, lawyers and physicians. There is not a single German practicing law in Massac county, only a small per cent of the physicians and a very small per cent of the teachers. Instead their tastes run in other directions, while the varied elements of our society to a great measure supply these professions, and are to be found among the best citizens of the county.
The colored race came to the river counties among the first people in hopes of securing their freedom. The Yanceys
and Chavises were early families-the former always free. There are about 530 colored votes in the county, and 2,500
colored citizens, located principally in Metropolis, Brooklyn, the Black Bottoms and in the lower end of the county.
They are above the average of their race, and support two Methodist, one Presbyterian, one Christian, and two Baptist
churches. Plenty of teachers are supported-who are intelligent and well educated at Carbondale, Ill. and Wilberforce,
Ohio, to instruct the children. Aside from a floating element, they are industrious and law-abiding, and represent
considerable capital.
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Transcribed by Debbie Woolard
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