The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-18

Memphis, the county seat of Shelby
county, TENNESSEE founded IN 1926 and
chartered as a city in 1919. called the
Bluff City, 1903 miles west of Nashville,
is one of the chief commercial cities
of the south and one of the most i'm
portant cotton markets in the United
States.
The growth of this city, both in popu-
lation and commerce has been remark
able The population has grown from
less than 5000 in 1850 to 131. Jos in 1910.
There are only five cities in the United
States that have larger negro popula-
ton than Memphis.
The last census shows negro population
in six cities as follows: Washington, D.
C., d, il6 New York, 81 ,702; New Orleans,
S9.2G2; Baltimore, s4749; Philadelphia,
81 $50; Memphis, g., Al. There are in Shell
by county, however, between $4,000 and
100000.
The new union depot which cost
5000 600, with equal aceommoda-
lions for both races, the imposing sky
scrapers, the beautifully shaded and
paved streets. the costly residences, the
1000 acres of lovely public parks, the
junction of several great railroads. the
liOiiey cars ilIthulll5 An6 astilhto III
every direction, the numerous factories,
public buildings, costly and spacious
churches, add to the charm and beauty
of this most wonderful southern city sit
uated on the great Father of Waters.
AS evidence of the material advance
ment it is interesting to note that the
value of the output of the various man.
ufacturing establishments in Memphis
has grown from a little more than
Sl.50O0o0 in 1860 to over $5O,O0O,00O in 1872,
an increase of 1000 per cents
The spirit of progress is contagious.
The coored people of this city have
caught the spirit. Many of them have
made good. They have been helped and
encouraged by their white neighbors.
This is very gratifying.
There are 800 negroes In Memphis own
ing homes valued at $1,000 and up. The
only real live negro millionaire, perhaps
in the country is Robert r.. Church, an
old resident, who attracted some atten-
ton few years ago by donating
S100G TO the Confederate Veterans
reunion. His weekly income from
his vast estate is said to be 5000. His
son Robert r. Church. Jr., is tho popular
and efficient manager of the business of
his father.
The Levy Orr estate contains 5000 acres
of fine timber and farm lands valued at
$2oo, 900 Levy Orr died about five years
ago, leaving the largest plantation In
Tennessee to his widow who lives In
Memphis.
Dave w. washington has been en-
ployed in the postoffice as letter
carrier more than 80 years. BY care
full investments and strict economy he
has accumulated property valued at
$4,000
Rev. w. j. McNIichael, a colored Bap-
list pastor, has holdings estimated at
$125,000
The johnson estate, managed by e..
y. Joyner, is valued at 100000. Joyner
himself Is worth more than $4,000.
Thomas IT, Hayes, an undertaken,
banker and large dealer in real es-
tate, has holdings in real and personal
property estimated at 100000.
Phil Nicholson owns large truck
farm near the city. His accumulations
are valued at 100000.
DR. williams of Holly Springs, Miss,
father of DR.. Guy Williams. who has
lust completed beautiful residence
on Mississippi avenue. owns property
in Memphis and Holly Springs valued
at 100000.
DIR. ID. w. Fields, dentist owns 10
houses, total value of which is $4,000,
A. e. Clouston owns the finest res
idence among the colored people of
Memphis He is worth over $4,000.
scott, Wilkerson & Scott under
takers and bankers. have holdings val
ued at 100000.
Dr. ~ II. c. Henderson owns prop
orty in Memphis and Birmingham val
ued at $4,000.
Mccoy & Joyner, undertakers. are
rated at $4,000
J. W. Settle, one of the most in
fluential lawyers in the south, with an
income of $4,000 a year, has holdings
now valued at $4,000
I'D hull
eT is rated at $4,000.
John Love has been employed in the
postoffice Is years. His property Is
valued at $4,000.
Prof. $. s. Brown. teacher In the
Kortrecht High school, one of the di-
rectors of the Fraternal Savings bank
and Trust company, and secretary OF
the National Banking association, has
a monthly income from rented prop
erty of s12J His real estate holdings
are estimated at 100000. He has also
10 city lots in Brookhaven, Miss, worth
$4,000
DIR. C. A. Terrell founder of the
Negro Baptist hospital, Cos Williams
avenue, has an income OF S5o0 per
month and an increasing practice. lie
has accumulated property valued at
$4,000
prof. G. T. Hamilton, auditor and one
of the most prominent educators in the
state. is worth in safe holdings s2O,0oO,
The ellis Brothers, enterprising fur-
niture dealers on Beale street are rated
at ST. 600.
III d. Bias owns beautiful home
aud .ge farm worth $4,000.
r. Mebane, Lucy postoiflce, owns
and ..s.rates farm worth $4,000.
Dr. H. W. Irving, Dr. i. c. craigen,
Dr. l.. g. Patterson, DR.. A. 5. Burchett'
Newton Ford. Rev. Bell, a retired Bap-
list minister, DR.. Thompson and 900
other colorel citizens own homes and
other property valued from $4,000 to
$1,000 each.
The two negro banks are doing thriv-
Ing business, teaching the race the les
sons of frugality and Economy. They
aie capitalized each at $4,000.
The Solvent Savings Bank and Trust
company J. c. Martin, president, ana
larry H. Pace. cashier established and
controlled by Robert r. Church, made
creditable showing in its thirteenth semi
annual statement at the close of business
June %, 1912. The total resources were
SIS $3.50, with deposits amounting to
s0O So5.S9.
For the same period the Fraternal Saw
ings Bank and Trust company, j. Jay
Scott, president and Alfred L. Ward,
cashier in its fifth semi-annual state
ment showed resources amounting to $lo,-
qua and deposits amounting to S4,6sl.0l.
Ihe directors of these banks are some
- The most reliable colored business men
OF Memphis The depositors ARE from
every walk OF life.
Eighty negroes are employed in the
United States custom house. 60 of whom