Rhode Island African American Data   OCCRAMER MARYCOO OR NEWPORT GARDNER The subject of this sketch was brought to Newport in 1760. He was at that time about 14 years of age. He was purchased by Caleb Gardner, a prominent merchant of that day. His mental alertness soon attracted attention. Caleb Gardner's wife and others taught him to read. In after years he was taught music and singing by a Professor Law, who made frequent trips to Newport from Boston. After six months' teaching Professor Law pronounced him his brightest pupil. Aside from music, he studied and mastered French. With the consent of his master, he opened a singing school which he conducted for many years, having scholars at various times from some of the leading families. The proceeds from his singing school he used to purchase his freedom and that of his family. Such other monies as he acquired he used to better the condition of his less fortunate brethren. Newport Gardner early fell under the influence of Dr. Hopkins and became a menvber of the old First Congregational Church. This contact broadened his vision and increased his usefulness to his people. He was foremost in every good work that sought to improve the condition of the free, as well as those still held in bondage. He early conceived the idea of returning to Africa and carrying the gospel to his brothers in darkness. In this he was encouraged by Dr. Hopkins, who had largely been instrumental in sending John Quamine and Bristol Yamma, two young African slaves, to Princeton College to be educated as missionaries. The Revolution interupted this plan, as Quamine was killed in the first Naval engagement of the War, April 10, 1776. Yamma died in 1793. As a further aid to his long cherished desire to return to his mother Newport Gardner kept up a knowledge of his native language and at the age of 80 he could speak it fluently. By the time he was fifty years of age he had composed several anthems and set them to music. His "Promise" anthem was published in Boston and was much used by colored churches a hundred years ago. This advertisement appeared in the Boston Recorder and Telegraph January 13th, 1826: "Promise Anthem for Sale at No. 90 Washington St. The music composed by Dea. Newport Gardner, a native of Africa." The concluding words of this anthem are as follows: "Hear the words of the Lord, O ye African race; hear the words of Promise. But it is not meet to take the children's bread and cast it to the dogs. Truth, Lord, yet the dogs eat of the crumbs that fall from their master's table. 0, African, trust in the Lord: Amen. Hallelujah. Praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. Hallelujah. Amen." The only known copy of this Anthem now in existence is now in the possession of the widow of Dr. M. Alonzo Van Horne. After years of patient toil, Newport Gardner left Newport in December, 1825, for Boston, to join a colony of the American Colonization Society. They arrived in the Hub December 18th. December28th the old Park Street meeting house was organized into a church and Salmar Nubia and Newport Gardner were chosen Deacons. A record audience attended the service and a large collection was lifted. Many books, tools, food, and even a printing press were donated to the expedition. They sailed from Boston on the brig Vine, January 4th, 1826 and arrived in Liberia February 6th, being welcomed by the citizens with a display of artillery. This pilgrim band, led by the aged Gardner, soon fell victims of African fever and in less than a year more than half the number had been wiped out. Newport Gardner's dream had been realized. He had not died in a land where men were held as slaves. He had established a Church and financed a School for the benefit of his people. He had at the age of 80 led an expedition back to his native Africa, and according to his oft expressed desire, had been buried beneath her soil. No small accomplishments for a slave. For the benefit of our readers we are furnishing a list of the gallant band that left Newport on that fateful voyage under the guidance of Deacon Gardner: Names of the Martyrs John Chavers, Sr. Rosanna Fitch Sarah Chavers Ahema Gardner John Chavers, Jr. Andrew Harris Samuel Chavers Dianna Harris James Chavers Harriet Mowatt Sarah Chavers George Johnson Aaron Chavers Sarah Moore Henry Clark Susan Moore Charlotte Clark Salmar Nubia Francis Clarke John Wainwood Thomas Clark Mary Wainwood Elizabeth Clark   Source: Negroes of Rhode Island, by Charles A. Battle, 1932 - Transcribed by C. Anthony