Evidences of Progress Among Colored PeopleRichings, G. F.
History
Evidences of Progress Among Colored People
Richings, G. F.
African Americans
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.
[Illustration: 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.
W. Q. ATWOOD.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account