Evidences of Progress Among Colored People

by G. F. Richings

DAVIS & ROBINSON.

Davis & Robinson, of Jacksonville, Fla., are the leading commission merchants of that city. They do both a wholesale and retail business in oranges, fruits, strawberries, northern produce, turkeys, chickens, eggs, early vegetables. They handle melons in car-load lots and keep all kinds of game in season. They also supply the large hotels there with all they need in their line. Both of these men are respected and regarded as excellent business men by the leading people.

MRS. ELLA HENDERSON.

Mrs. Ella Henderson, who is located at Natchez, Miss., has opened a very excellent millinery store, where she keeps a splendid stock of goods in that line of trade. As I have stated in other parts of this book, there are very few colored ladies engaged in the millinery business. This is to be regretted, for there is an opening for some one to do well in all towns where the colored population is large. Mrs. Henderson has taken special training to thoroughly prepare herself for the successful management of her business. She started in a small way, and has twice since she opened her store had to enlarge the room in order to meet the demands of her trade. She buys her stock from the best houses in the country. The travelling salesmen who visit the town with millinery goods call on her and give her the same attention to secure her patronage as they do the white ladies in the same business. I hope that many colored ladies who may read this short sketch will be inspired to at least try and start some kind of business.

RISHER BAKERY COMPANY.

Mr. H. T. Risher, of Jackson, Miss., who owns and operates a very large and successful bakery business, has taken a new departure in the line of business for colored people. I have only found two men engaged in that line of work. One was Mr. Jones, at Danville, Va., and Mr. Risher, of Jackson. His place of business is equipped with all the modern appliances for a first-class bake shop. Mr. Risher's trade extends to many of the towns in the State, where he supplies merchants who sell his bread. He has several delivery wagons that are used to supply his city patrons. Mr. Risher is regarded as a very excellent man, who is much interested in all that will advance the cause of his race in a business and educational way. He has been one of the leading spirits in building up Campbell College at Jackson, one of the A. M. E. schools. Mr. Risher owns splendid property and enjoys the respect of both white and colored people.

MR. F. B. COFFIN.

F. B. Coffin, of Little Rock, Ark., is a druggist by profession. He operates a very fine drug store at Little Rock for Mr. Geo. E. Jones. Mr. Coffin is a graduate from Meharry Medical College, at Nashville, Tenn. In addition to his work as a druggist he has written a book of poems, entitled "Coffin's Poems." The book has 248 pages, and contains some very interesting matter, which shows his ability as a writer. Part of his book is devoted to the question of Lynch law, and he speaks out like a true and brave man against that awful curse to this country.

MR. J. E. BUSH.

J. E. Bush was born in Moscow, Tenn., in 1856. His parents moved to Arkansas during the rebellious unpleasantness of 1862. At an early age he manifested the energy and self-reliance that has developed him into the useful prominence of a worthy and highly respected citizen. He earned his tuition at school by moulding brick. He may have made "bricks without straw," but his manliness has never allowed him to complain of the many hardships he has endured to overcome the difficulties in his experience or surmount the obstacles with which he has so often been brought into contact. Mr. Bush was educated in the schools of Little Rock, Ark. He has been successful in life and owns valuable property there. He has also held some important political positions, and was appointed in 1898 by President McKinley as Receiver of the United States Land Office at Little Rock.