Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-03-13

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that any of the subjects OF these
sketches should feel themselves toe
highly elated or pulled up with any
false pride over these sketches, as Of
times this lie the very time when some
persons maliciously inclined, will
sieze this golden opportunity of vent
ing their spleen. If these sketches
W II be the means OF inspiring other
young men, who are spending their
time in frivolity q c., we will feel that
our efforts have been rewarded
W. G. sTNssEToN, GROCER
The subject OF this sketch Was born
in Htnrico County. Va, October IA,
1888 At very early age he was en-
rolled as scholar of the Woodville
Public School, where under the eff
cient training OF the lste, A. p Fleet.
and through the influence of the
above named gentleman secured for
MIN position as clerk with the late
C. q. Mitchell, who was at that time
the leading coloTed grocer in this city.
Here, young Singleton developed all
OF the qualities of business man and
during the sickness Of his Employer,
managed the entire business Upon
the d .ath OF Mr. Mitchell in 1888, he
purchased the business and as since
cond ucted the business very success
fully. His business tact and common
sense has built up or rat her increase q
the trade 20 wonderful proportions, SO
that at this time. he enjoyes the dis
tincti0n of being the leading grocer OF
color i'm the city. His trade among
the white people is AT extensive one,
and the store is situated at number
1925 East Franklin street, and is con-
veDient to all classes.
IN POLITICS.
At the age of 81 he was elected 9
member OF the County Republican
committee and served the party in
this capacity with great ability. His
sound judgement as we'll as the deter
mined manner in which he fought tc
uphold the principles of his party
won for him the confidence of his sup.
errors. He served on this COMMITTEES
until at the opening of the c. mpaigu
against free silver, he was elected q
member of the Third Congressional
District Committee, and now holds the
position as q member OF the State
Committee
He enjoyes the honor OF being Z
member and trustee OF Planet Lodge
number 23, Knights OF Pythias, and al
the last election was chosen a repre-
sentative 10 the Grand Lodge, which
meets in May.
His business tact is so we'll recog.
nized that in the formation of tbs
Workingmen' Aid and Beneficial As.
ISOLATION last year by many other
young men. whose aim was TO estab.
fish an insurance company on Church
Hill; ne was made president. He il
also Past Right Worthy Grand Chief
of the Independent Order OF st. Luke
trustee of the Asbury NJ. L. Church
and holds many other minor positions
LOUIS II HERBERT.
Graduate from the Richmond Nor
NAL School, was born January 9. 1877
He en- ere1 the East-End Public
School in 1879. being the second schol
ar enrolled on the books at the open
ing of that school in 1879 The thirst
for knowledge at such an age as wei
as the eager manner in which he
drank it in, gained for him the com
mendation and good will of the teach
ers and friends.
Passing a satisfactory examination
in 1885 he entered the Richmond Nor
NAL school where the same desire fol
thoroughness in lessons which he ex
hibited in his earlier days character
ICED him here. He graduated will
high honors in 1889.
In the spring of 1888, he embraced
religion and Joined the Fifth Stree
Church where he attended Sunday
School and held many important posi-
tions.
He passed br; liant examinations be
fore the Board of Supervisors of Hen
rico county in 1890 90, and at eacl
was declared capable of teaching Flo,
scholastic ability he received two med
ais: which are in his possession now
In the summer of 1894 he withdrew hi
letter from the Fifth Street Baptis
Church and Joined the Fountain Bap
fist Church, corner Stat 0 streets. Tn,
above named church at that time wa
encountering terrible opposition Tn,
Sunday School poorly attended, ant
the church itself experiencing hard
| chips and trials, it was with wonde
and surprise that he should cast hi
lot with this little church. But throw
ing himself into the breach, he lahore,
as no other young man to build up tn
school and church He has held tn
position of Secretary of that schoo
since 1894.
IN SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.
In the same year he was elected del
egate tn the Sunday School Union. 1
1895 he was made assistant secretar
and secretary for 1897 He is a fore
bic deDater, ready talker and has
keen liking for all things of literar
character and aside from his abilit
as an orat p and debator, he is treu
chant wielder OF the pen, as many VIII
have felt the terrible blows throup
the columns of the Virginia Baptist
can well testify. His contribution
each week under the caption of Churc
Hill Notes shows that he is one of tn
best read young men on Church Hill
He has held many positions in variou
societies
To Prof. J Andrew Bowler do W
owe great credit for having done 5
much il fitting this young man t
fight his way through opposition a
we'll as making him a stalwart defend
er Of his race.
LAWYER JOSEPH R. POLLARD.
The eyes OF the subject of this sketc
first opened to the light June z. 1877
in HenricO county, Va At a very ear
/ ~ age he was sent to the Publ
Schools of that county and finished tn
prescribed course under the efficien
w. b. +. Thompson A. M now Of tn
v. N. @. 1. Petersburg. Va. Afte
leaving school, he worked at his trad
of shoe-making (Which he learDe
while attending schooD for thre
years. In the summer of 1894 he al
tended the Teachers examination he'll
at Ashland, Va. and out OF 40 april
cants representing every school in tn