MR. J. W. ADAMS.
In presenting a few words about Mr. J. W. Adams and his business I feel that I am doing the people at large a great favor to give them an opportunity to know something about this eminently successful colored business man. My attention was first called to Mr. Adams by Prof. Booker T. Washington while I was lecturing at Tuskegee. I changed my plans somewhat in order that I might visit Montgomery, Ala., and see both the man and his place of business. Mr. Adams was born in 1867. He began business for himself about 1899. But before that he picked up some knowledge of business by working for a large clothing house in Montgomery. He first went there as a porter, but in time they allowed him to sell goods. Mr. Adams always saved his money, and when he had about three hundred and fifty dollars he decided to make an effort for himself. He now operates a large store, where he sells dry goods, clothing, millinery, boots and shoes, hats, caps, trunks, notions, etc. Mr. Adams carries a stock of over twenty thousand dollars, and his store covers over four thousand square feet; but he first started in a room only 18 by 19 feet. His patrons are about evenly divided between white and colored people. He gives employment to a large number of clerks, all colored. In the millinery department I found two young ladies who had learned their trade at Tuskegee. Many of the white ladies in Montgomery buy their hats at Mr. Adams' store. I need not tell you that he is of great importance and help to the race, for we all know what a great inspiration such a man must be in stimulating a feeling among young men to at least try to build up some business interest.
MR. H. A. LOVELESS.
MR. H. A. LOVELESS.
Mr. H. A. Loveless is also a resident of Montgomery, Ala., and must be classed among the successful business men of the race. He, like Mr. Adams, began business on a small scale, and by hard work and an untiring effort he has made a showing no man need to be ashamed of. Mr. Loveless operates a coal and wood yard, where he gives employment to a large force of men. He also owns teams and does general hauling, and has nine fine carriages that are kept on the street for the benefit of the general public. Then, in addition to what I have referred, Mr. Loveless has a very large undertaker's establishment, which also gives quite a number of people employment. He owns fine town property, and is regarded by both white and colored people as a very excellent man. He takes an active part in church work, and is especially interested in every movement that will advance the colored people in the development of business interest. He along with other leading men of the race feel that industrial education, and a good business training for the young, will prove a great factor in the solution of what we call a "race problem."
PROF. R. B. HUDSON.
PROF. R. B. HUDSON.