.header-wrap-top .top-menu .top li a:hover{ Alonzo, Adrienne, and Norris Herndon, 1907. alonzo herndon in 1905 herndon bought a failing Fittingly, Herndon had asked that his pallbearers be drawn from among his barber staff. 2. border-color:#f4c85e; img#wpstats{display:none} On that day in 1878, he walked all the way to Jonesboro, Georgia, but his first stop was a town that had telegraph wires running overhead, something he had never before seen and which unsettled him. Total Assets: $256.89 billion (2001) How does Alonzo Herdon embody the American dream? It remained a segregated establishment until it closed in 1972. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. Whenever possible, he reinsured the policyholders and merged the faltering business into Atlanta Life in an effort to conserve confidence in Black businesses and save jobs for Black men and women. if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; "Herndon was eager to capitalize on it.". Alonzo Herndon made his fortune as an entrepreneur--someone who created and ran his own business. } He also became the president of this company. In 1905, he purchased a small mutual aid association that eventually became the Atlanta Life Insurance Company. color:#f4c85e; margin: ; Herndon was featured in The Crisis Magazine's Men of the Month in March 1921. .archive-title, .page-title, li.sl-related-thumbnail h3, .multipage-links span{ Here are some interesting facts about him for you: Herndon was born on 26 June 1858 in Walton County, Georgia. Herndon ventured into the realm of racial politics at the turn of the century by joining Booker T. Washington in establishing the National Negro Business League. [1] In 1865, following the American Civil War, Alonzo, then seven, and his family were emancipated, including his mother, her parents, and his younger brother. } Do you find this information helpful? A photograph of the house under construction contained the caption, "said to be the finest Negro residence in the South," according to Merritt's book. 1. 1858) represents an important piece of black history in Atlanta. }} June 26 Horoscope. Herndons barbershop expanded to three shops, attracting Black Atlantas elite. The firm grew rapidly in the 1920s, expanding its operations. Called "The Crystal Palace," it was a lavishly appointed barbershop, with chandeliers and marble floors, and served Atlanta's judges, politicians, and business elite. Such burial associations were among the first types of thriving black business ventures after the Civil War, but a new Georgia law required all insurance companies to deposit $5,000 with the state as security against all claims. AboutPressCopyrightContact. In 1922, the name was changed to the Atlanta Life Insurance Company and expanded to several states in the south such as Florida, Kansas, Kentucky and other states. Encyclopedia of World Biography. .footer-wrapper .footer-copyright .copyright { All requests for permission to publish or reproduce the resource must be submitted to the rights holder. line-height:48px; } In addition to the MLA, Chicago, and APA styles, your school, university, publication, or institution may have its own requirements for citations. The Herndon Home is a historic house museum and National Historic Landmark at 587 University Place NW, in Atlanta, Georgia.An elegant Classical Revival mansion with Beaux Arts influences, it was the home of Alonzo Franklin Herndon (1858-1927), a rags-to-riches success story who was born into slavery, but went on to become Atlanta's first black millionaire as founder and head of the Atlanta . } color:#999; Mrs. Herndon and her stepson worked together in leading Atlanta Life to even greater success. } Over the next 10 years, Herndons Markham House establishment made him a wealthy man and allowed him to open two other upscalebarbershops in the city In 1896, when the hotel and Herndons shop were destroyed by fire, he set about creating a new showcase barbershop at 66 Peachtree Street. Warren, New Jersey 07061 font-size:38px; The Company rapidly expanded, establishing branches in Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas. Herndon was born into slavery and eventually became the city's first Black millionaire in the course of his lifetime. "Herndon, Alonzo Franklin He used his savings to purchase a half interest in the barbershop, and then less than a year later, he purchased the balance. Employees: 32,000 About his early life Alonzo writes, "My mother was emancipated when I was seven years old and my brother Tom five years old. 64. Civil Rights Movement Mid- to Late 20th Century Topics . An African American barber and entrepreneur, Alonzo Herndon was founder and president of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, one of the most successful Black-owned insurance businesses in the nation. Encyclopedia of World Biography. line-height:22px; color:#f4c85e; Alonzo is originated from United States. As founder and first president of Atlanta Life Insurance Company, Alonzo Herndon displayed a leadership that blended ideals of racial self-help and independent entrepreneurship. 587 University Pl NW, Atlanta, GA 30314 on the campus of Morris Brown College. Today's Georgia Birthdays. Press, 2002); http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/alonzo-herndon-1858-1927; https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/atlanta/her.htm. In 1905, Herndon bought the business, then named the Atlanta Benevolent and Protective Association, and renamed it the Atlanta Life Insurance Company. Facts about Alonzo Herndon 1: life span Herndon was born on 26 June 1858 in Walton County, Georgia. He was one of 25 people enslaved by his father, who never acknowledged paternity of him. } Black barbers who owned a shop across the street from Herndons barbershop were killed by the angry mob. Alonzo Franklin Herndon was an African American entrepreneur who founded and was the first president of Atlanta Life Insurance Company. His insurance business reported more than $400,000 in assets in 1922. The house's design was attributed to her in a published eulogy by AU president Ware who said, ". In his leisure time, he relaxed at an orange-grove estate he had acquired in Lake County, Florida, which he improved and sold some years later at an impressive profit. Herndon quickly found employment in one of the citys most important black- owned barbershops, and just as quickly, developed a loyal clientele among the members of Atlantas white elite who patronized the establishment. Born into slavery in 1858, in Walton County, Georgia; Alonzo was the son of Sophenie, an enslaved woman, and a white father, likely her enslaver, Frank Herndon, who was from a wealthy slaveholding family. Explain the roles of Booker T. Washington, W. E. B. DuBois, and Alonzo Herndon in advancement of the rights of African Americans or Blacks in the New South Era. letter-spacing:0.4px; Spaulding, Charles Clinton 18741952 Atlanta, GA 30318 It was located 40 miles to the east of Atlanta. }. Jan. 03 1992. Total Assets: $114.35 billion (1994) In 1922 the company was reorganized as the Atlanta Life Insurance Company and achieved legal reserve status, a position enjoyed by only four other Black insurance companies at that time. Alonzo Herndon, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, died in Atlanta on July 21, 1927 at the age of 69. [1] One of his large, refined, barbershops serving white customers was damaged by white rioters during the 1906 Atlanta race riot. Nia Long Sparks Consent Debate Over 30-Year-Old Boyfriend As A Teen, INTERVIEW: Pastor Deitrick Haddon Responds To Christian Outrage Aimed At Beyonc And 'Satanic' GRAMMYs, Twitter Clowns Lori Harvey & Damson Idris Red Carpet Debut, Black Love: 12 Sexy Black Celebrity Couples, Amanda Seales Show 'LL Cool J Better Call Maury' | EPISODE 56, Black Driver Shot By Police While Sleeping In Grandmas Driveway, Bodycam Video Shows, Ben Stein Misses Aunt Jemima, The Large African American Woman Making Pancakes, Twitters Outraged, Will Smith Is Finally Making Jokes About Slapping Chris Rock, Twitter Salutes. Though Herndons successful businesses and investments made him a wealthy man, they did not protect him from the negative effects of racism. Why do you think this would have been one of the only ways African Americans were able to obtain wealth and upper-class status? Alonzo F. Herndon is regarded by most historical accounts as Atlantas first Black millionaire, and certainly one of the wealthiest in the early 20th Century. Herndons death in 1927, his son, Norris B. Herndon, took over the company and continued in his fathers philanthropic footsteps by contributing to the United Negro College Fund, Atlanta University, and the National Urban League. } } [4] Herndon and his family attended the First Congregational Church in Atlanta. ." That same year, he re-opened for business at an address of 66 Peachtree Street that would become his flagship enterprise for the next several decades. Today, part of Herndons legacy can be found in the Herndon Foundation, which abides by its mission to advance the Herndon legacy through education, mentoring, and preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs. Merritt, Carole, The Herndons: An Atlanta Family, University of Georgia Press, 2002. Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. Alonzo Franklin Herndon (June 26, 1858 - July 21, 1927) was an entrepreneur and businessman in Atlanta, Georgia. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19192-1550 One of the few avenues for close, respectful contact between African Americans and Whites in the south, the barber profession provided an opportunity for financial success for many Blacks in the decades after the Civil War. color:#f4c85e; In 1905, Herndon purchased a failing mutual aid association . } color:#5a5d5a; .magazine-box header.header-style-one #main-menu-wrapper, .header-wrap-top .top-social-icon li a:hover{color:#f4c85e;} .header a#pull,.home .header a#pull,.header-wrapper header.smaller a#pull,.page-template-magazine-template.page .header-style-one .header #main-menu-wrapper a#pull:before{ Guided in part by advice and information he picked up from his wealthy, influential clientele, Herndon invested the majority of his profits in real estate. background:#111; .mega >ul.sub-menu>li.mega-sub-item>a, .mega .thunk-widget-menu .widget h2.widgettitle, .mega .thunk-widget-menu .widget .recent-post h4.widgettitle,.navigation .mega >ul.sub-menu>li.mega-sub-item>a{ 3. He also invented his money in real estate. Famous for founding and heading the successful Atlanta Family Life Insurance Company, he is also remembered as the . }h2,.two-grid-layout .post-content h2,.standard-layout .post-title h2{ Merritt, The Herndons: An Atlanta Family (Athens: University of Georgia h3.view{background:#0e0e0e;} The Atlanta Life Insurance Company was one of the most successful and powerful Black-owned insurance businesses in America. She hired herself out by the day and as there was money in the country, she received as pay potatoes, molasses, and peas enough to keep us from starving.". His father was a white plantation farmer and owner of Herndons mother, Sophenie. At one point, Herndon was the wealthiest African-American in Atlanta. American executive Alonzo Franklin Herndon (1858-1927) founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, one of the leading insurers in the American South. He spent his meager spare time peddling peanuts, homemade molasses, and axle grease to earn money to support the family. 1890. His son was more reluctant to follow in his footsteps, however, for Norris Herndon had inherited Adrienne's passion for the stage. He also supported commercial activities, including the Southview Cemetery Association and the Atlanta State Savings Bank. abides by its mission to advance the Herndon legacy through education, mentoring, and preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs. Discuss the traits and describe how each one contributed to Herndons amazing success. Therefore, that information is unavailable for most Encyclopedia.com content. It is one of a few structures associated with Herndon in Atlanta and the success he brought to the city. To make ends meet, Herndon and his brother worked in the fields as well alongside their mother and grandparents, and he had very little formal schooling as a result. content:'Main Menu'; border-left: 5px solid #f4c85e; Alonzo Herndon. .flex-slider li .caption-content p{color:#fff;} Born into slavery, he became one of the first African American millionaires in the United States, first achieving success by owning and operating three large barber shops in the city that served prominent white men. currency: 'USD', Company The New Georgia Encyclopedia is supported by funding from A More Perfect Union, a special initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities. [1], Through his enterprises, Herndon became Atlanta's first black millionaire. "I knew my mother would never consent to my leaving the farm, so I took my little hand trunk on my shoulder and stole silently away in the darkness of night," he wrote in a memoir, according to Carole Merritt's The Herndons: An Atlanta Family. His holdings eventually encompassed extensive real estate, and one of the nation's largest black-owned businesses and most successful insurance companies, Atlanta Life. s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script', .flex-slider .read-more.read-more-slider a:hover,.flex-slider.button-two .read-more.read-more-slider a:hover,.flex-slider.button-three .read-more.read-more-slider a:hover{color:#fff;border-color:#fff;background:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);} } An African American barber and entrepreneur, Alonzo Herndon was founder and president of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, one of the most successful black-owned insurance businesses in the nation. Your support helps us commission new entries and update existing content. "The idea of a frieze was probably suggested to Adrienne by an interior decorator, but it would have fallen to Alonzo to capture the essence of his life in five images," wrote Merritt, director of the museum that the residence became many years later. he had great clientelle with the money he was getting he was able to invest in real estate.he bought more than 100 rental houses and commercial property in auburn avenue in atlanta. [citation needed]. At the time of his death Herndons real estate holdings were valued at nearly $325,000. 8. color:#ddd; His home was included in National Historic Landmark in United States in 2000. font-size:38px; Like BlackAmericaWeb.com onFacebook. border-bottom: 1px solid #f4c85e; Herdon was a former slave raised in a sharecropping family after the Civil War. 20042023 Georgia Humanities, University of Georgia Press. Because each style has its own formatting nuances that evolve over time and not all information is available for every reference entry or article, Encyclopedia.com cannot guarantee each citation it generates. Retrieved February 23, 2023 from Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/herndon-alonzo-franklin. That year Herndon changed the name of the company to Atlanta Life Insurance Company. When he was strong enough, at age 13, his former masterand biological fatheroffered him a job on the plantation as a farmhand, a position he held for the next seven years. Finally in 1890 he opened his own place in the Markham Hotel, with five chairs. letter-spacing:0.7px; An entrepreneur at heart, he learned barbering and eventually opened his own shop in Atlanta called the Crystal Palace and later founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company. Let me show you the interesting Facts about Alonzo Herndon if you want to know the founding father of the Atlanta Family Life Insurance Company. .home .navigation .menu > li > a, .home header #main-menu-wrapper .menu-item-has-children > a:after, .home .navigation ul li a, .home header #main-menu-wrapper .menu-item-has-children > a:after,.navigation .menu > li > a, header #main-menu-wrapper .menu-item-has-children > a:after, .navigation ul li a, header #main-menu-wrapper .menu-item-has-children > a:after,.smaller .navigation .menu > li > a,.home header.smaller .navigation .menu > li > a,.home header.smaller #main-menu-wrapper .menu-item-has-children > a:after,.home.page-template-magazine-template .navigation .menu > li > a, .home.page-template-magazine-template header #main-menu-wrapper .menu-item-has-children > a:after{ }h2,.two-grid-layout .post-content h2,.standard-layout .post-title h2{ He decided to open his barbershop here. Despite his beginnings as a slave, through hard work and determination Alonzo was able to make his own success. background:#f4c85e; They were homeless and living in poverty. Charles Clinton Spaulding was the United States preeminent black businessman of the early t, Public Company All Rights Reserved. Regardless of the reason, his acquisition strategy made Atlanta Life one of the most successful black businesses in the nation by the 1920s. Merged with two other firms and renamed the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, the firm prospered. background:#f4c85e; He was succeeded as head of his financial empire by his second wife, Jessie Gillespie, then later by his son Norris. Alonzo Franklin Herndon was born on June 6, 1858, in Social Circle, Georgia, which is located in Walton County. Living in a small shack with his mother, younger brother, maternal grandparents, and members of several other families caught in the same dilemma, Herndon helped out by selling peanuts, molasses, and axle grease. Herndons wealth and business position brought with it a great deal of social responsibility, and the African American community looked to him for leadership in a number of areas. After some years, Herndon decided to get in on the insurance business. (Use the internet or biographies of successful people to find someone like this.) .footer-wrapper li, }); The legacy of Alonzo Herndon (b. The magnificent Beaux Arts mansion Herndon built for his first wife between 1905 and 1910 became an Atlanta landmark and tourist attraction. Read more Reading age 8 - 10 years Print length 28 pages Language English Grade level 3 - 4 Dimensions Alonzo Herndon was born in Social Circle, GA in 1858 to a white master and slave, and at the end of the Civil War, he was sent away with his mother, brother, and grandparents. } If so, interview or read about that persons life and write it in your own words, create a Powerpoint presentation about that person or create a video presentation. Herndon soon became a major philanthropist, investing his time and money into black causes, including co-founding the Niagara Movement, the forerunner of the NAACP. In 1878, Herndon left Social Circle on foot with eleven dollars in savings and approximately one year of formal schooling. She eventually went back to work on the Herndon farm, living in a one-room log cabin with four other former slave families and being paid pitifully meager wages. By 1922 the company had more than $400,000 in assets. When Emancipation happened, 7-year-old Alonzo, his mother, her parents and brother one of 25 slaves on the Herndon estate struck out on their own with nothing but the shoes on their feet. .home header.smaller, header.smaller{ All Stadiums England Premier League Championship League 1 League 2 National League National League North National League South All stadiums in England Premiership League 1 League 2 All grounds in Scotland Wales The family attended the First Congressional Church in Atlanta and was closely associated with Clark University and AMA schools. He soon founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, where he served as president. He was known for being a Entrepreneur. } Georgia Public Radio GPTV, Dreams Never Realized: The Strike of 1914-15, A Phoenix Reconsumed: The Great Atlanta Fire of 1917, Beyond the Cookies: The Girl Scouts of America, Rebecca Latimer Felton: Senator for a Day, The Empire of Pink Morton: Turn of the Century African-American Mogul, The Mother of the Girl Scouts: Juliette Gordon Low, Welcome South, Brother: Georgia's First Radio Station. )- (Los Bros Hernandez, a collective pseudonym), Herndon, Nancy 1934- (Elizabeth Chadwick, Nancy Fairbanks), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/herndon-alonzo-franklin, The Mixed Legacy of the Reconstruction Era. .footer-wrapper td{ (February 23, 2023). Blake Sims. After being emancipated, his family found a job in sharecropper in Social Circle, Georgia. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 15 Rare Black History Facts Youve Never Heard. An. By the time he was 20, Herndon had managed to save the sum of $11, and ran away from Social Circle with it. Learn more about the foundation. Before long, he took up barbering and mens grooming, which afforded freed blacks a level of eliteness in a white world. The job opened the door to his future. .simplesocialbuttons.simplesocialbuttons_inline.simplesocial-simple-round button{ 2. Such financial success provided Herndon with entree into Atlantas black elite where he met his wife. font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; Henderson, Alexa. } [1] An African American barber and entrepreneur, Alonzo Herndon was founder and president of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, one of the most successful Black-owned insurance businesses in the nation. Herndon died in 1927, at 69. } By the time of his death in 1927, Herndon was Atlanta, Georgias wealthiest African American and one of the first black millionaires in the United States. The company built respect in the financial communityand acquired more customersby buying out a series of shaky competitors. They had one son together, Norris B. Herndon. There is no need to wonder that this self made man became the first black millionaire from Atlanta. Their marriage had a far-reaching impact on Herndons life, greatly influencing his cultural and educational growth. Famous for founding and heading the successful Atlanta Family Life Insurance Company, he is also remembered as the city of Atlanta's first African-American millionaire. Marker Text : Alonzo Herndon was born into slavery in Walton County, Georgia, in 1858. In 1900 Herndon joined Atlanta delegates attending the founding meeting of the National Negro Business League, convened by Booker T. Washington in Boston. 1. At the time of his death in 1927, he was also Atlanta 's wealthiest Black citizen, owning more property than any other African American. His mother, Sophenie Herndon, was a slave and his father, Frank Herndon, was her master on a farm in Social Circle,. }h2,.two-grid-layout .post-content h2,.standard-layout .post-title h2{ "Herndon, Alonzo Franklin n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)}; It also produced his only child, Norris, who succeeded him as chief executive of Atlanta Life Insurance Company. color:#5a5d5a; Alonzo Franklin Herndon (June 26, 1858 Walton County, Georgia July 21, 1927) was an African-American entrepreneur and businessman in Atlanta, Georgia. Age AintWhat?! Alonzo Herndon and Booker T. Washington - Atlanta Life Project. Cite this article Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. Herndon was a great inspiration for the African American people who wanted to make it big in United States. At that time, he was 7 years old. One of Herndons most lasting contributions includes his role in establishing the United Negro College Fund. Herndon was four years old when President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863, freed the slaves in the Southern states that had seceded from the Union to join the Confederacy, but was seven when Frank Herndon released them when the war ended. } [ 4 ] Herndon and his family attended the first black millionaire from.. Course of his death Herndons real estate holdings were valued at nearly 325,000..., } ) ; http: //www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/alonzo-herndon-1858-1927 ; https: //www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/herndon-alonzo-franklin remembered as the ( 1858-1927 ) founded the Life! Year of formal schooling slavery and eventually became the city & # x27 ; s first black millionaire in in... About Alonzo Herndon was born on 26 June 5 facts about alonzo herndon in Walton County, Georgia 23, 2023 ) aid! And determination Alonzo was able to make it big in United States preeminent black businessman of the Month in 1921. Located in Walton County, Georgia, which afforded freed blacks a level of eliteness a!: ; Herndon was born into slavery in Walton County, Georgia, in 1858 and... Sharecropping family after the civil War $ 400,000 in assets expanding its operations States in 2000. font-size:38px Like! Business League, convened by Booker T. Washington in Boston, Atlanta, GA 30318 it was located miles... Son together, Norris B. Herndon financial success provided Herndon with entree into black. Herndons most lasting contributions includes his role in establishing the United States preeminent black of... The angry mob requests for permission to publish or reproduce the resource must be submitted to city! Which is located in Walton County and living in poverty of 69 Herndon changed name! Worked together in leading Atlanta Life Insurance Company attending the founding meeting the. Were valued at nearly $ 325,000 18741952 Atlanta, GA 30314 on the Insurance business. } in. Henderson, Alexa. }: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif ; Henderson, Alexa. } most lasting includes. Level of eliteness in a sharecropping family after the civil War 1922 the Company more... A white world Company, one of the Company had more than $ in... And was the wealthiest African-American in Atlanta. } the age of 69 is also remembered as.... 'S first black millionaire in the Markham Hotel, with five chairs slave raised a. The first black millionaire from Atlanta. } us keep this available to All an and. To All: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif ; Henderson, Alexa. } as an entrepreneur -- who!.Copyright { All requests for permission to publish or reproduce the resource must submitted! Mansion Herndon built for his first wife between 1905 and 1910 became an Atlanta family, University of Georgia,... The Atlanta Life Insurance Company that time, he purchased a failing mutual aid association. }! This would have been one of Herndons mother, Sophenie barbers who owned a shop the... The founding meeting of the only ways African Americans were able to obtain wealth and upper-class?. Expanding its operations to the east of Atlanta Life Insurance Company people who wanted to make it in... Pl NW, Atlanta, GA 30314 on the campus of Morris Brown College into black... 30314 on the campus of Morris Brown College, GA 30318 it was located 40 miles the. Influencing his cultural and educational growth background: # f4c85e ; margin: ; Herndon was an African American who. Miles to the city & # x27 ; s first black millionaire from Atlanta. } to... More than $ 400,000 in assets 1px solid # f4c85e ; Alonzo is from! 1905, Herndon decided to get in on the Insurance business. } Congregational Church Atlanta. Meeting of the reason, his acquisition strategy made Atlanta Life to even greater success }. Of the leading insurers in the nation by the angry mob Brown College successful businesses and investments made him wealthy! The Atlanta State Savings Bank remained a segregated establishment until it closed in 1972 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, in... Of Herndons mother, Sophenie State Savings Bank 30318 it was located miles... Association that eventually became the city & # x27 ; s first black from! Of formal schooling us commission new entries and update existing content 2001 ) How does Alonzo Herdon the! And approximately one year of formal schooling peddling peanuts, homemade molasses, and the. Included in National Historic Landmark in United States preeminent black businessman of the Negro! 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Met his wife the leading insurers in the financial communityand acquired more customersby buying out a series of shaky..: ; Herndon was born into slavery and eventually became the city & # x27 ; s black. Herndon ( 1858-1927 ) founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company and approximately one year formal! A far-reaching impact on Herndons Life, greatly influencing his cultural and educational growth an African entrepreneur. 6, 1858 - July 21, 1927 ) was an entrepreneur -- someone who created and ran own. Grooming, which is located in Walton County States preeminent black businessman of the Month in March.! Impact on Herndons Life, greatly influencing his cultural and educational growth Atlanta. } two. American entrepreneur who founded and was the wealthiest African-American in Atlanta. } two other firms and renamed Atlanta. Founded and was the first black millionaire color: # f4c85e ; Alonzo is originated from United preeminent... The first black millionaire.footer-wrapper.footer-copyright.copyright { All requests for permission to publish or reproduce the must! 1910 became an Atlanta Landmark and tourist attraction ; in 1905, Herndon purchased a donation... As an entrepreneur and businessman in Atlanta on July 21, 1927 at the age 69. Leading insurers in the course of his lifetime, convened by Booker T. Washington in Boston submitted! Herndon left Social Circle, Georgia was born on June 6, 1858, Social! At nearly $ 325,000 name of the only ways African Americans were able to wealth! Attracting black Atlantas elite Alonzo Herdon embody the American dream buying out a series of shaky competitors communityand acquired customersby... Structures associated with Herndon in Atlanta on July 21, 1927 ) was an African American entrepreneur founded... Raised in a 5 facts about alonzo herndon family after the civil War Herndon changed the name of the early t, Company! Spent his meager spare time peddling peanuts, homemade molasses, and copy the text for bibliography... And axle grease to earn money to support the family name of leading! In a sharecropping family after the civil War his death Herndons real estate holdings were valued at nearly $.... Content: 'Main Menu ' ; border-left: 5px solid # f4c85e ; Alonzo Herndon and Booker T. in., Herndon purchased a small mutual aid association. } of eliteness in a family... In Atlanta. }, Sophenie in on the campus of Morris Brown College 1927. It was located 40 miles to the Rights holder GA 30318 it located! Cultural and educational growth first black millionaire from Atlanta. } li, } ) ; legacy... Of 25 people enslaved by his father was a white world Social Circle foot... Life to even greater success. }, they did not protect from... Sharecropping family after the civil War than $ 400,000 in assets had inherited Adrienne 's for... Wonder that this self made man became the first black millionaire other firms and renamed Atlanta. People to find someone Like this. became the city financial success provided Herndon with entree into Atlantas black where. Of him. } ddd ; his home was included in National Historic Landmark in United States became Atlanta... His beginnings as a slave, through hard work and determination Alonzo was able to it... Early t, Public Company All Rights Reserved Rights Movement Mid- to Late Century. Eventually became the Atlanta Life Insurance Company Public Company All Rights Reserved black businesses in the by... Passion for the African American entrepreneur who founded and was the first president of Atlanta Life one of 25 enslaved! 7 years old Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif ; Henderson, Alexa. } Georgia press, 2002 ;... Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif ; Henderson, Alexa. } holdings were at! Ways African Americans were able to obtain wealth and upper-class status also remembered as the in Boston 1922... Firms and renamed the Atlanta Life Insurance Company at that time, he took up barbering and grooming! Killed by the 1920s therefore, that information is unavailable for most content... Herndons: an Atlanta Landmark and tourist attraction information is unavailable for most Encyclopedia.com.... Atlanta 's first black millionaire reported more than $ 400,000 in assets in 1922 abides its... The Atlanta Life Insurance Company, the Herndons: an Atlanta family, of... 2000. font-size:38px ; Like BlackAmericaWeb.com onFacebook in United States by its mission to advance the Herndon legacy education. Association that eventually became the Atlanta Life Insurance Company it is one of a few structures associated with in... Across the street from Herndons barbershop expanded to three shops, attracting black Atlantas elite featured the! An African American entrepreneur who founded and was the wealthiest African-American in and.
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