Evidences of Progress Among Colored PeopleRichings, G. F.
History
Evidences of Progress Among Colored People
Richings, G. F.
African Americans
Still broadening itself, heavy draught and lumber-hauling were added,
which required more teams and men to do the work, until now this branch
of the business, which belongs to Mr. Webb individually, amounts to
$10,000 per year.
All radical changes in the life of a city bring about changes in
established business, and cause new ventures to spring up. In 1887,
natural gas having been discovered near Indianapolis, all was
excitement. The general topic in the papers and at the fireside was
cheap fuel, which of course meant death or a meagre existence to the
coal and wood dealers.
Whenever natural gas was mentioned the brow of the coal and wood
dealers became clouded, but this could not remove the difficulty.
About this time J. W. Davis & Co., one of the oldest house and safe
moving firms in the city, desired to retire from business, and here the
light began to shine.
The opportunity was presented and accepted to purchase the outfit of
tools and appliances commonly used in that branch of business.
The outfit as stated together with the good will and name of the firm
were purchased for $1,000. The company at that time consisted of C. A.
Webb, Walter Jameson and Samuel Smith. The firm as such did not have a
dollar to start with. Mr. Webb, who had been long in business, and had
broad acquaintance, assumed the debt and according to contract, within
eighteen months after the firm began under the name of Webb, Jameson
& Co., they were able to settle the debt besides living off the net
earnings of the business at the same time.
Messrs. Jameson and Smith were practical movers, having worked at the
business for the same firm whom they united in buying out. Mr. Jameson
having been employed in the capacity of foreman.
In the organization of the firm, Mr. Webb had charge of all
financial matters and the making of contracts; Mr. Jameson general
superintendent of the work and Mr. Smith assistant.
The firm proceeded in this way, declaring weekly dividends from May 28,
1889, the time of its organization, until May 1, 1892.
The business increased so from the start that it was considered
unnecessary to use the name of the old firm in operating the business.
By judicious advertising and skilful management, the firm under the
name of Webb, Jameson & Co. became well known at home and throughout
the State.
The reputation of the firm having been established for their
reliability, honesty and responsibility, always fulfilling their
contracts to the letter, was often able to secure better prices than
other contractors.
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