🔗Brother James L. Cain🔗
Cain was born in 1874 in the Fort Motte section of Orangeburg County. He was the son of Edward J. and Mitie Cain. Edward was elected the first black sheriff of Orangeburg County. He served two terms as sheriff from 1872-1876.
The story of his accomplishments was written in The Teachers’ Bulletin that was published by the Palmetto State Teachers’ Association on April 7, 1944. In this edition, Professor J. L. Cain and the great works that he conducted were featured.
The article stated, “Professor J. L. Cain was a graduate of Claflin University and S.C.A.M. and Polytechnic School, June 1892, with an A. B. degree.
“From 1892-1900, he was the principal of Bennettsville Grade School. He built the school from a two teacher to a four teacher school and laid plans for a school building. “In 1900, he came to the principalship of the #MayoGradedSchool, which was at that time a five-teacher school with an enrollment of 275. During the 43 years of his principalship the school has grown to be a 24 teacher school with an enrollment of 1500 pupils.He was one of the five educators who organized the first #NegroStateTeachersAssoc, during the #CharlestonExposition. He was thrice elected President of the Association and it grew strong rapidly in membership and influence under his leadership.He became known as Dean of the Teaching Profession in South Carolina—a safe leader, deep and philosophic, having convictions and the courage of his convictions—a parliamentarian with few equals. His opponents as well as his friends respected his sound judgement and decisions.
“Not only was his efficient ability directed toward his Educational Profession, but he was effectively active in Church, Civic and #Fraternal institutions. As a result of his leadership in the local #GrandUnitedOrderofOddFellows Lodge in #Darlington, the substantial #OddFellows Hall at the corner of Jessamine and Pine Streets stands as a monument.
As a fitting cap to a successful career as an educator, #ClaflinCollege, his Alma Mater, in 1941 conferred on him the honorary degree LL.D.” — Taken from School Paper, “The Mayoite.”