1884’s “Albany Hand-book” takes an encyclopedic approach to describing the city, listing topics such as “Academy of Music” or “Anti-Rentism,” and following them with a brief description. Here’s what the author, Henry P. Phelps, had to say on the topic of:
African Race.–By the census of 1880, there were 1056 negroes in Albany. Many are employed as waiters at the hotels and on steamboats, etc.; some are well-to-do, and they have their representatives in the learned professions. Following are the institutions peculiarly their own:
Israel A.M.E. Church, 365 Hamilton St. Organized with 12 members in 1831, Rev. Mr. Candish, pastor. Since then it has been ministered to by about 25 different clergymen. The first edifice was burned down in 1844; the present one was erected ten years later and was remodeled in 1881. Present pastor, Rev. Horace Talbot.
Jepthah Lodge, No. 13, F.&A.M. was constituted under a warrant emanating from the M.W.G. Lodge, of this state, Dec. 26, 1860. The officers are W.M., C.E. Lewis; S.W., S.H. Mando; J.W., S. Branch; sec. J.J. Buright; treas., J.H. Deyo. 35 active members.
Philomathean Lodge, I.O.O.F.–Organized in 1844; 45 members. Meet at No. 5 North Pearl st. Present officers: N.G., William Waters; V.G., Henry Pinckney; N.F., L.H. Rhoden; P.N.F., Henry Cross; chaplain, H. Hyson; treas., C.C. Oatfield; sec., John Caldwell.
Charles Sumner Benevolent Association.— Founded Dec. 13, 1875; incorporated Nov. 30, 1878. Members are provided for when sick, if the illness is not the result of immoral conduct. Number of members, 50. John H. Deyo, pres.; Wm. H. Brent, vice-pres.; Thos. L. Jackson, treas.; Geo. W. Clark, rec. sec.; J.A. Douge, fin. sec.; Wm.H. Anthony, chap.; H. Rose, marshal; Thos. Elkins, M.D., physician; trustees, J.R. Chapman, Heuson Jones, L.W. Johnson, Wm. H. Gaynor, Samuel Green.
Female Lundy Society–Founded June 19, 1833. Has 40 members, and is supported by monthly dues. Assists its own members. Mrs. Susan Douge, pres.; Mrs. Sarah Usher, vice-pres; Mrs. Mary Williams, sec.; Mrs. Adeline Douge, cor. sec.; Mrs. Sarah Smith, treas.
Female Lovejoy Society.–Mrs. Anna Bell, pres.; Mrs. Leah Stewart, vice-pres.; Mrs. Sarah Freeman, sec.; Mrs. Ruth Lippitt, treas.
The Carltons (social society.)–Pres. J.A. Smith; vice-pres., Mrs. C. Newman; sec., A. Blake Platto; cor. sec., Miss A.M. Chapman; treas, Edward Robinson.
Burdett Coutts Benevolent Association.–Has about 20 charter members. Pres., T.H.S. Pennington; vice-pres., John H. Deyo; treas., Benj. McIntyre; rec. sec., R.F. McIntyre, cor. sec., C.B. Miller.