John S. Trower, as a successful business man, ranks among the leading men of this country. He was born in the State of Virginia. When a young man, in 1870, he moved to Philadelphia, Pa. He found employment in various lines of work, until ambition led him to commence an enterprise of his own. He started and conducted for fifteen years on Chelten avenue a catering business. By much economy and a strict adherence to his work, he soon found his project assuming much larger proportions than he had ever hoped for, and in 1887 he purchased the old Germantown Savings Bank for $25,000. This building has been put in good shape, with all the modern improvements, with telephone, and all that goes to make up a first-class business house. His business office is presided over by three competent clerks, all of whom are colored. On the second floor he has a magnificent parlor with every evidence of culture and comfort. Mr. Trower has won high distinction in his business. C. H. SMILEY. I know of but few others who are doing what might be regarded as a very large business in that line; one is Mr. C. H. Smiley, of Chicago. He went there some years ago from Philadelphia and started out in 1880 as a waiter. His first experience as a caterer was in a very small way. But his success has been something phenomenal. I had the pleasure, while in Chicago attending the World's Fair in 1893, of going through his establishment. At that time he was giving employment to twenty people and owned the building in which he carried on his enterprise. In fact he was then getting ready to build a larger building more suited to his purpose. His patrons were only among the very best people, and he thought nothing of serving banquets or weddings, when his bill alone would run as high as one or more thousand dollars. I found him a most generous man. On one occasion I went to him, asking aid for a department of church and educational work I had been commissioned to raise funds for. I had hardly stated my case, when he handed me a $100 bill. I am told that he has given many such gifts to churches and other Christian societies. Many who have attended my illustrated lectures will remember a picture of Mr. Smiley. I regret that I am unable to produce it in this book. E. I. MASTERSON. [Illustration: E. I. MASTERSON.]