From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Vinegar, Alexander Campbell "Peter"
(born: 1842 - died: 1905)Peter Vinegar is believed to have been born free in Midway, KY. He came to Lexington, KY after the Civil War and was made pastor of the Main Street Colored Baptist Church, where he remained for 20 years before leaving to preach in other locations.
In later years he had no church but would preach every Sunday in the Lexington courthouse yard, in front of the Phoenix Hotel, or in other parts of town. Huge crowds of both whites and blacks would gather to hear him speak. He also held revivals in surrounding counties.
Vinegar was remembered for his sermons: "When Gabriel Blow Dat Ho'n," "Kill Old Speck," "Hold Dat Tiger," "Down Where de Columbine Twineth, and de Whangdoodle Moaneth for Its Mate."
Peter Vinegar is buried in the 7th Street Colored Cemetery No. 2 [African Cemetery No. 2] in Lexington.
For more see P. B. Estes,"The Reverend Peter Vinegar, Southern Folklore Quarterly, vol. 23, issue 4, pp. 239-252; and "A Colored Sam Jones. Rev. Peter Vinegar Is an Orignal and Effective Pulpit Orator," Merced Sun-Star," Vol. 17, No. 24, 11/19/1896, at the Center for Bibliographical Studes and Research website.
