Mr. Taylor is a man who will impress you when you meet him as thoroughly in earnest. He is never idle, always with new plans, warm-hearted, generous, sympathetic and a true brother to all men who deserve the recognition of earnest, faithful workers for Christ.
In the spring of 1888, he embarked in the undertaker's business, and has met with unbounded success. He stands at the head of his profession, not only as a funeral director, but as a safe and wise business man. It is said by men competent to know, that he does the largest business of any man of his race engaged in the same business in the country. He owns and occupies the large two-story brick at 449 North Cherry street; the building is 42 × 180 feet and it is divided and furnished in the most convenient style, with reception hall, office, chapel, show rooms, supply rooms, trimming rooms, dry rooms, carpenter shop, paint shop and a morgue. In the rear stands a large stable occupied by eighteen horses, seven carriages, hearses and all kinds of vehicles used in the undertaker's business. The entire building is lighted by electricity and fitted up with electric bells. He is the only man in the city who manufactures his own goods. He works sixteen men in his establishment and often is compelled to call in extra help. He has the honor of managing the largest funeral that ever passed through the streets of Nashville. It was the three colored firemen who were killed on January 2, 1892, in a great conflagration. He built a large catafalque with his own men, which held all three of the caskets, which were drawn by six beautiful black horses, followed by sixty carriages two abreast, accompanied by all the officials of the city, the police and fire departments, the schools, the lodges and citizens by the thousands. In all his business enterprises he ascribes his marvelous success to his Heavenly Father, and he never neglects his chosen calling, the preaching of the word of God. In the last few years he has bought and built one of the handsomest and most convenient churches in the city, the Lee Avenue Christian Church, of which he is now the pastor.
Mr. W. T. Hightower started in business as a dealer in old rags and iron with a capital of 25 cents. He now owns a large brick building and a beautiful home.
Mr. Joseph Brown, who lives just outside of the city limits, operates a large nursery and hot-house. He does a very successful business among the best people of Nashville.
Mr. H. C. Gibson, a blacksmith, who started in business on a capital of $2.00, has made wonderful progress and employs quite a number of men in his shop. His bills for stock used in his shop amount to upwards of $150 per month.
Mr. Geo. W. Frazher holds a position that, for the South, is indeed unique. He is the cutter and fitter for E. Fuller & Co.'s shoeshop, where he is the only colored man employed.
Dr. Hadley has been a cripple the greater part of his life, but notwithstanding that fact, he has had great success. He owns valuable property in Nashville, and is at the head of the Immaculate Society, a society organized for the purpose of caring for the sick and burying the dead. His daughter Willa has the honor of being the first graduate in music from Fisk University.
Mr. J. C. Crawley, a successful teacher of Nashville, is another gentleman worthy of special mention. He, like many others, has, by hard work and strict economy, accumulated property and is living well.
I have left until the last to be mentioned, a man who ought to be known throughout this entire country. I refer to Lewis Winters, who is the largest egg and poultry dealer south of the Ohio River. Mr. Winters was born a slave, and has never had any educational advantages whatever. But while that is true, he has a knowledge of all the essential qualities of a successful business man. Mr. Winters has shipped goods to New York by the train load. I found him a very active worker in the A. M. E. Church.