Jack Yates

The Jack Yates House, originally in the Fourth Ward and now residing in Sam Houston Park

John Henry "Jack" Yates (July 11, 1828 – December 22, 1897) was an African-American slave and later minister who became influential in the African-American community in Houston, Texas.[1] Yates was born in Gloucester County, Virginia on July 11, 1828.[1] Yates and his family moved to Houston in 1865. He later purchased an area in the Freedmen's Town area of the Fourth Ward. Yates became the pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, in 1868.[2] The church was Houston's first African-American Baptist church. Yates established Houston Academy, a school for African-American children. He died on December 22, 1897. Yates High School in Houston was named after Yates.[1]

The house Yates occupied in the Fourth Ward was later moved to Sam Houston Park in Downtown Houston, and it was opened to the public on Wednesday December 11, 1996.[3]

According to the church, the original pews, made by hand, are still used.[4]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "YATES, JOHN HENRY." Handbook of Texas Online.
  2. ↑ Snyder, Mike. "With its rich history, Fourth Ward is strong in symbolism." Houston Chronicle. Sunday January 9, 2000. A24. Retrieved on July 28, 2012.
  3. ↑ Staff. "Yates House now open." Houston Chronicle. Wednesday May 11, 1996. A30. Retrieved on July 1, 2011.
  4. ↑ Connelly, Richard. "The Eight Most Beautiful Churches in Houston." Houston Press. Wednesday November 9, 2011. 1. Retrieved on November 12, 2011.

Further reading


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