The late Benjamin Thornton, of Indianapolis, established for himself a great reputation as a first-class detective. He stood alone in this respect as a colored man. He has often been sent for to work up large cases in some of our leading cities where large amounts of money and jewels have been stolen. Mr. Thornton was quite a public-spirited man, and has done a great deal to help others secure homes, and well thought of by both white and colored.
The city can boast of two magnificent barber shops owned by colored men. One at the Hotel Dennison is owned by Messrs. Moore and Lanear, costing about $6,000. The other one is owned by Geo. L. Knox at the Bates House. Some twenty men are employed there, and several ladies in the ladies' hairdressing department. This shop is said to have cost $10,000. Mr. Knox is also the publisher of the Freeman, which is mentioned in another part of my book.
Mr. Baptist, of Indianapolis, is a very successful contractor, and in 1893 built for John C. New a $10,000 residence. There were quite a number of white contractors competing for the work.
Mr. Puryear, of Indianapolis, does a large express business, giving employment to quite a number of men. Mr. Puryear was at one time, and perhaps is yet, a member of the city council.
H. L. SANDERS.
Mr. H. L. Sanders, of Indianapolis, is the only colored man in the country doing the kind of work he is engaged in. In 1889 he began in a small way to make jackets for butchers, waiters' and cooks' outfits, also barbers' coats for shop wear. At first he did not have work enough to keep one woman busy, but now he has several at work all the time, and his sewing machines are operated by steam. And aside from his manufacturing he carries a splendid line of gents' furnishing goods.
CHAPTER XVII.
FINE PENMEN.