40 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 



bj this great champion, but pious women began 

 to multiply through the auxiliary conventions. 

 Each of them had their monthly meetings, in- 

 stead of annual meetings as contemplated in the 

 State Convention; and as funds were sent up 

 from time to time the soul of the founder was 

 touched with gratitude and praises to God. 



While other denominations have contributed 

 from time to time, it can be truthfully said that 

 the Baptists are the sole cause of the existence 

 of the asylum, and for several years it was called 

 the Baptist Asylum. That the appeal might be 

 more extensive and effective, the name was 

 changed to the Grant Asylum. It was then de- 

 cided to appeal to the State Legislature, and the 

 name was then changed to that of the Colored 

 Oi^han Asylum of Oxford. While its name has 

 been changed to meet the demand, the Baptists 

 have been by far the gi-eatest contributors among 

 the religious denominations. 



Kev. W. A. Patillo was the first superintend- 

 ent, with Dr. Shepard president of the Board 

 of Trustees. It was the day of "small things" 

 while he remained at its head; many sacrifices 

 were imperatively necessary, but he proved equal 

 to the task; and while others have still built 



