Mr. Stewart has been a very successful practitioner, and has appeared in several important cases. He has confined himself to the civil practice, and enjoys the unusual distinction of having his efforts at the bar commended in the written and published opinions of several judges. In a decision, rendered by the Court of Appeals, which is the tribunal of final resort, the court says: "On the argument here, the accused (convicted of murder) was represented by counsel of his own race, who argued the case with courage and zeal, and a professional ability worthy of commendation" (140 N. Y., 359). In an opinion by the Surrogate's Court of the city and county of New York, the Surrogate says: "The masterly argument of counsel for the contestant greatly impressed me. His conduct of the proceeding has been so admirable that I feel it to be my duty to commend him. He has throughout the case displayed all the qualities of a safe adviser and a skilled and eloquent advocate. His appearance before me will always be welcomed, as his unusual ability, learning and industry will greatly aid me in disposing of any proceedings in which he may be employed" (5 N. Y. Sup., 23).
Mr. Stewart ranks high as an orator. He is also an author, his best-known book being "Liberia; The Americo-African Republic," and he is a frequent contributor to literary publications. He was a member of the Board of Education of the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., 1891 to 1895. Served as chairman of the Committee on Rules and Regulations, and on the Committee on Law, on Studies, and on Free Scholarships. While on the Board, he succeeded in removing the word "colored" entirely from the school system and was instrumental in having colored teachers appointed to mixed classes of white and colored children.
Since the first edition of this book was issued Mr. Stewart has given up his practice in New York and moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he is meeting with very great success in his profession.
CHAPTER XIX.
J. H. LEWIS.
J. H. LEWIS.
In this and the next chapter I shall call attention to a few prominent business men. I begin here with Mr. J. H. Lewis, the second largest merchant tailor in the State of Massachusetts, and the fourth largest merchant tailor in the United States. He is a remarkable man to say the least. His birthplace was at Heathsville, N. C. The first eighteen years of his life were spent on a farm. He went to Concord, N. H., in 1875 or '76 to learn the tailoring business. After working three or four years at the business in Concord, he moved to Boston, Mass. He started in business on a capital of $100; by close attention, he soon began to make money, and now (1896) his business is estimated at $150,000 per year. Mr. Lewis devotes his personal attention to all of his customers, and to this fact, as much as any other, is his marvelous success due. His store is at 417 Washington street, Boston, Mass.