Isaac Johnson, Manufacturer and Dealer in Florida Curiosities, Jewelry, Novelties, Live and Stuffed Alligators, Chameleons, Shells, Palmetto Fans, Fly Brushes and all kinds of Alligator Tooth Jewelry--such is the wording of the billhead handed me by Mr. Johnson, the only colored man in the country who owns a store where all kinds of curiosities are made and sold. His store is in Jacksonville, Florida, and when walking down Hogan street your attention is frequently attracted to large crowds gathered on the left-hand side of the street. This is the great curio establishment sometimes known as the "Alligator Store," and is owned and operated by Mr. Isaac Johnson. Mr. Johnson, when a boy, was employed on the very spot where he is now proprietor to assist around the store. He showed great ability, and as time went on this boy began to take hold of the work and manifested a deep interest in all curiosities. And from stuffing alligators he began to make very many pretty designs from different parts of this animal, thus showing his ability in various directions, which was soon recognized by those who employed him. [Illustration: ISAAC JOHNSON.] He not only displayed his ability, but he took special training, thus fitting himself for the work, which is one of an expert nature. Before very many years went by Mr. Johnson, by his honesty, thrift and diligence, not only acquired and mastered the trade, but was able when the opportunity presented itself to buy out the business, and to-day he is doing a large trade and is able to help others of his race. HOWARD BROTHERS. [Illustration: E. E. HOWARD.] P. W. & E. E. Howard, of Jackson, Miss., are engaged in the mercantile business on quite a large scale. They handle a general line of dry goods and groceries. I have mentioned several men who are engaged in the same line of business, in different parts of the country, and some who own larger stores, but when we take into consideration the age of these young men their effort becomes a thing of great interest to the public at large. Mr. E. E. Howard, whose cut appears in connection with this sketch, is only about 21 years of age, while his brother, P. W. Howard, is only 24. These young men both attended Rust University, at Holly Springs, Miss., and there and at the public schools prepared themselves for their life's work. The money they have invested in their business is entirely their own earnings--from boyhood they have been saving what they could earn with a view of some time going into some line of business. I have no doubt but what a large number of young men who have lived only to enjoy life will read this sketch with a degree of sadness when they look over their past life and think how different things might have gone for them had they followed in the footsteps of such energetic and progressive young men as the Howard Brothers. MR. E. E. FLUKER. [Illustration: MR. E. E. FLUKER.]