J. C. NAPIER.
Another interesting character in Nashville is Mr. J. C. Napier, attorney-at-law, who has a large practice, and has also accumulated quite a bit of valuable property. Mr. Napier owns one building that was of special interest to me. He calls it "Napier Court." The building is divided into offices. Every room is occupied by a colored professional man. I think there are nine offices in the upper part of the building. I have never found in any other city buildings owned by colored men where each room was rented to colored men. I am pleased to note that Mr. Napier has been selected as the head of the colored people's exhibit for the Centennial to be held in Nashville in 1897, but has since resigned.
After Mr. Napier came out of school he was for several years active in politics, and has held several government positions. His home is without doubt one of the most attractive it has ever been my pleasure to visit. Mrs. Napier, who is a daughter of the Hon. John Mercer Langston, is indeed a most charming lady.
While I am referring to lawyers, I must not forget to mention the firm of Crostwait & Young, who also have a good practice.
In 1884 I met, for the first time, Mr. S. A. McElwee, who was then keeping a small grocery store at Brownsville, Tenn. Since that time I have watched his progress with much pleasure. He has served two terms in the Legislature and finished his course in law at Fisk University. He, like Dr. Boyd, began his practice where he received his education. His success has been almost phenomenal.
I have visited his office a great many times and each time I found quite a number of white and colored people waiting to consult him in regard to legal matters.
He owns a very neat little home that is furnished in a most exquisite manner, and is just opposite Central Tennessee College.
Among the business men of the city, I wish to mention the firm of Harris & Barbour, furniture dealers. These men make a specialty of dealing in antique furniture. Many an old piece of household furniture has been bought by these enterprising men, fixed up, advertised, and often sold in New York and Boston at high prices.
REV. PRESTON TAYLOR.