It may not be considered in good taste to refer to those still living, who formerly occupied prominent business positions, and by dint of misfortune or fortune, have withdrawn. Nevertheless, we shall do so, since our simple project in this hasty sketch of things, is to show that the colored people of the country have not as has been charged upon them always been dregs on the community and excrescences on the body politic, whereever they may have lived. We only desire to show that they have been, all things considered, just like other people.
Several years ago, there lived in the city of St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Berry Mechum. This gentleman was very wealthy, and had at one time, two fine steamers plying on the Mississippi, all under the command and management of white men, to whom he trusted altogether. As late as 1836, he sent two sons to Oberlin Collegiate Institute, desiring that they might become educated, in order to be able to manage his business; who although he could read and write, was not sufficiently qualified and skilled in the arts of business to vie with the crafty whites of the Valley.
But before his sons were fitted for business, though reputed very wealthy, which there is no doubt he was, his whole property was seized and taken; and as he informed the writer himself, he did not know what for, as he had no debts that he knew of, until these suits were entered. Mr. Mechum was an energetic, industrious, persevering old gentleman, a baptist clergyman, and published a small pamphlet on the condition of the colored race. And although, it evinces great deficiency of literary qualifications, yet, does credit to the good old man, for the sound thoughts therein contained.
Also in the city of St.Louis, there was a David Desara, who was a Mississippi pilot for many years. He made much money at his business, and owned at one time, a steamboat, which he piloted himself. Mr. Desara also failed, in consequence of having his business all in the hands of white men, as most of the slave state colored people have, entrusting to them entirely, without knowing anything of their own concerns.
Charles Moore, long and familiarly known as "Charley Moore the Pilot," was for many years one of the most popular pilots on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Mr. Moore made much money, and withdrew from his old business, purchasing a large tract of land in Mercer County, Ohio where he has for the last ten or twelve years been farming.
Mr.Moore was an honest man, and we believe upon him originated the purely Western phrase, "Charley Moore the fair thing;" he always in his dealings saying "Gentleman, do the fair thing."
Abner H.Francis and James Garrett were formerly extensive clothes dealers in Buffalo, N.Y. doing business to the amount of sixty thousand dollars annually. They were energetic, industrious, persevering gentlemen, commencing business under very unfavorable circumstances, in fact, commencing on but seventy five dollars as the writer has been authentically informed by the parties.
They continued successfully for years, where their paper and endorsements were good for any amount they wanted, highly repected and esteemed; Mr. Francis sitting at one time as juryman in the court of quarter sessions. These gentlemen failed in business in 1849, but since then, have nearly adjusted the claims against them. Mr. Francis has since settled in Oregon Territory, Portland City, where he is again doing a fair mercantile business. They bid fair again to rank among the "merchant princes" of the times.
Robert Banks was for many years, a highly esteemed and extensive clothes dealer, on Jefferson Avenue, in Detroit, Mich. No man was more highly respected for unswerving integrity and uprightness of purpose, than Robert Banks, of Detroit. Mr. Banks, had much enlarged his business, immediately succeeding a fire in which he was burnt out two years previous to closing, which ensued July, 1851, being the second time he had lost his store by fire. He might have, had he done as merchants usually do under such circumstances, continued his business; but instead, he made an assignment, with few prefereed creditors, rather as he expressed it, ruin his business, than willfully wrong a creditor. What speaks volumes in his behalf, every person, even his greatest creditors say, "He is an honest man;" those to whom he was indebted offered him assistance to commence business again. But this he thankfully declined preferring to take his chance with others in the land of gold, California, where he now is, than to commence again under the circumstances. Doubtless, if no special prevention ensue, Mr. Banks will be fully able to redeem his present obligations and once more be found prospering and happy.
Henry Knight of Chicago, commenced business in that city without capital; but by industry, soon gained the esteem and confidence of the public, making many friends. He fast rose in prosperity, until he became the proprietor of the most extensive livery establishment in the city, in which he had much capital invested.
Determined to be equal to the times, the growing prosperity of the city, and the demands of the increasing pride of the place, he extended his possessions, erecting costly buildings, besides increasing his stock and livery extensively. He was burnt out, a pressure came upon him, he sold out his stock, staid suits against himself; went to California, returned in a year and a half, paid off old claims, saved his property, went back; opened a California hotel, returned in less than one year with several thousand dollars, and now stands entirely clear of all debt, and all this done in the space of two and a half years. Mr. Knight is a man of business, and will hold his position with others if he have but half a chance. With such a man, there is "no such a thing as fail," he could not again, if he desired, because, his friends would not permit him.
