Joseph Baysmore, b. 1823
Joseph Baysmore was born a slave in Bertie County, N.C. in 1823. He was baptized in 1851 in Halifax County, N.C. Baysmore began his religious career as a licensed minister and temporary pastor until 1866, when he received his ordination to the ministry. Rev. Joseph Baysmore led the first African-American Baptist church in Weldon, N.C. from 1865 through 1879.
Karen Ruffle