Rev. Henry Bynum, of Leighton, Ala., was born in Baltimore, Md., January 1820.
In 1851, in Colbert County, Ala., he was led to exercise faith in Christ by the humble conversation and pious life of a fellow-slave by the name of Isaac. As his master did not believe in the Bible and its Christianity, his baptism was delayed till 1854.
First wife and family sold from him
In 1867 he was set apart to the office of the gospel ministry by two white ministers, one of whom was Dr. Joseph Shackelford, of Trinity, Ala. He and Rev. Steven Coleman were the first ordained colored preachers in northern Alabama.
He was married the first time in 1857, but his family was soon taken from him and he has never seen them since.
His present wife is a most excellent lady and affords him that help which only a good woman can bestow. He has good property, and he and his wife keep one of the most hospitable homes in northern Alabama. Bro. Bynum was the first colored minister in this section to administer the rite of baptism. He is now awaiting his change with triumphant hope and still enjoys fair health.
WHERE TO FIND – on-line resources, experienced genealogists will not be aware of many of these.
COURT RESEARCH – how to do courthouse research, where to find birth, death, social security records free on-line.
EIGHTY – ONE QUESTIONS – you should ask your elderly loved ones before it’s too late.
TIPS ON BREAKING DOWN THE WALL – Everyone faces some difficulties in research, often called a ‘brick wall’ but WHERE DO I START? provides suggestions for overcoming them.
![An ex-slave lived to the age of 121 in Alabama and died in 1976 [photographs of ex-slaves]](https://www.alabamapioneers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Uncle-Charlie.jpg "An ex-slave lived to the age of 121 in Alabama and died in 1976 [photographs of ex-slaves]")
