Albany, Athens Co., School for Colored People

The Marietta Register, July 8, 1864

 Amesville, O., June 20, 1864.

Having been requested by some friends and patrons of the Albany Enterprise Academy, a school for the colored people, to visit that institution, I would hereby state that I have endeavored faithfully to perform the duty assigned to me, and that I find the effort to build up a permanent school of the kind designated, in successful progress.

The walls of the edifice, 30 by 48 feet, and two stories high, are completed, well and thoroughly built and ready for the roofing and floors. The materials for enclosing the building are nearly all on the spot and mechanics are engaged on the work. The building is well located for its purposes and when completed will be an honor to its donors, and a proud incentive, as well a great facility for the intellectual and moral elevation of the Colored People of the region. Thus far the undertaking is nearly free from debt and I doubt not has been as well and economically conducted as any similar enterprise.

There is also a school of colored persons ready to occupy the building when completed, of 49 enrolled scholars and a regular attendance of from 30 to 40 pupils. The school embraces the various ages from small children to full grown men and women, and the various hues from the most sable to those of the fairest complexions.

From a personal and particular examination on the spot, I have no doubt that the effort thus far conducted by the colored people to found an institution for their own benefit, and which shall not be liable to be wrested from them, has been as successful as the most sanguine friends of the enterprise could expect, and that is is entirely worthy of the confidence and generous cooperation of the friends of education and of the colored race. The enterprise has the confidence and cordial sympathy of the enlightened and virtuous community where it is situated, with the exception of a few individuals who object to the institution because it is under the control of people of color, and who though impotent for evil at home, may possibly injure the cause abroad.

It is earnestly to be hoped that all the means necessary to complete this very important enterprise will be generously given until the long oppressed race shall have a fair opportunity of asserting their claim to a standing among the enlightened, intelligent and cultivated mankind.

Charles Merwin

Pastor, Presbyterian Church