labama,
Dr. W. R. Pettiford ranks very high, having but few, if any,
superiors. As a business man he is unexcelled. Twelve years
of unremitting toil and unbroken success in the banking
business demonstrate the truth of this assertion.

In presenting this sketch we could not do better than quote
from the Cyclopedia of the Colored Baptist of Alabama, by
Rev. C. O. Boothe, D. D.:

Rev. W. R. Pettiford, D. D., son of William and Matilda
Pettiford, was born in Granville county, North Carolina,
January 20th, 1849. He was, when a boy, of an industrious
turn of mind, working faithfully at whatever his hands found
to do. At one time he was with the tanner, and at another
time he was running his father's farm.

At the age of 21 years he united with the Baptist Church of
Rocksboro, Person county, North Carolina, and was immersed
by the Rev. Ezekiel Horton of Salisbury. While he was
serving this church as clerk he told his mother the secret,
which he greatly desired that she would not reveal, that he
felt called to the gospel ministry. Brother Horton often put
up at their home, hence soon got possession of the secret.

Dr. Pettiford now says: "When I was called into an examining
council and learned that my secret was out, I was very much
frightened, but the advice given upon this day has ever been
helpful to me."

At the commencement of Selma University, 1877-78, he joined
Brother Woodsmall, becoming a member of the pioneer faculty
of the school. It was here that he was seen as the patient,
studious, industrious man--loved by tender youth and trusted
by those of riper years.

He was called to ordination by the Berean Baptist Church,
Marion, Ala., and dedicating hands were laid upon his head
in Marion, Ala., in the midst of the Conventional Session
held there in November, 1880. After this he severed his
connection with Selma University to enter the pastorate in
Union Springs.

As teacher and financial agent he made such a record that
unprecedented prestige was given to his work at Union
Springs, where for two years, by his labor of love and
sacrifice, he laid the foundation for permanent Christian
work that shall stand throughout all time.

For a brief period Dr. Pettiford worked under joint
appointment of the Ame