COLEMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY, AN ORGANIZATION CHARTERED UNDER THE LAWS
OF NORTH CAROLINA, TO DO BUSINESS OF ALL KINDS OF MANUFACTURING.
Can the negro race successfully own and operate cotton mills? This
question, so long in doubt, is about to be answered, and we believe in
the affirmative. The first great stride in that direction was taken
when, on the 8th of February, 1898, was laid with Masonic honors the
corner-stone of the handsome three-story brick building, 80 × 120 feet
in dimensions, of the Coleman cotton mill. It was indeed a marked
epoch in the history of the negro race, and pronounced by all present
an entire success. Noted speakers from all over the United States
were invited, and the railroads gave reduced rates from all points.
Following the laying of the corner-stone was the annual election of
old officers, who are as follows: R. B. Fitzgerald, of Durham, N.
C., president; E. A. Johnson, of Raleigh, N. C., vice-president;
and W. C. Coleman, of Concord, N. C., secretary and treasurer. The
following gentlemen constitute the Board of Directors: Rev. S. C.
Thompson, Camden, S. C.; L. P. Berry, Statesville, N. C.; John C.
Dancy, Salisbury, N. C.; Prof. S. B. Pride, Charlotte, N. C.; Prof.
C. F. Meserve, Raleigh, N. C.; and Robert McRee, Concord, N. C. Among
these are some of the highest lights of the negro race, and under
their careful direction we have no doubts as to the final results of
the enterprise. The promoter of this enterprise, W. C. Coleman, is the
wealthiest negro in the State, and he has rallied around him not only
the leaders of his race, but has the endorsement of many of the most
successful financiers among our white citizens throughout the State.
[Illustration: WARREN C. COLEMAN.]
The mill is to have from 7,000 to 10,000 spindles, and from 100 to
250 looms, and, by their charter, will be allowed to spin, weave,
manufacture, finish, and sell warps, yarns, cloth, prints, or other
fabrics made of cotton, wool, or other material. They own at present,
in connection with the plant, about 100 acres of land on the main line
of the Southern Railway, and near the site of the mill. The mill and
machinery with all the fixtures complete will represent an outlay of
nearly $66,000, and will give employment to a number of hands. The
building is now completed and ready for machinery.
Let us add that Concord has reason to and does feel proud of the fact
that she has the only cotton mill in the world owned, conducted, and
operated by the negro race.
At a meeting of the directors recently the capital stock was increased
$50,000, and those wishing a good safe investment should secure some of
this stock. The mill will be under good and safe management, and will,
no doubt, be a paying institution.
Special inducements will be offered to any party or parties who desire
to establish enterprises that colored labor may be employed. Full
particulars can be obtained from the secretary and treasurer, W. C.
Coleman, Concord, N. C.
When the Coleman Manufacturing Company demonstrates to the world, as it
will, that colored girls can weave cloth, and that this enterprise is a
paying one, there will be other men who will start similar institutions
throughout the South. I am sure that my readers will read this article
with more race pride than they have ever felt before when they realize
that, while they read it, cloth is being woven by colored girls. This
cotton mill, which is the result of Mr. Coleman's push and energy, will
give the colored man a standing in the business world he has never had
before, and will be, indeed, helpful.
[Illustration: COLEMAN COTTON MILL.]
Warren C. Coleman is a most remarkable man, starting as he did from
slavery, without money or education; in fact, he only had one term
of schooling in Howard University, Washington, D. C. Mr. Coleman has
for years operated a successful grocery store. He has met with heavy
losses, caused by fire, to the amount of several thousand dollars. Many
a man would have given up with the idea that fate was against him.
Mr. Coleman is one of the largest owners of real estate in Concord.
He also operates several farms in that county. He has educated out of
his resources a number of young colored men and women. Mr. Coleman is
doubtless one of the richest colored men in the United States.
The _Southern Age_, of Atlanta, Ga., on February 6, 1897, among other
things, says of W. C. Coleman: "The greatness of the man appears
particularly in the way he makes obstacles and difficulties helps and
not hindrances. He will rank with Abraham Lincoln as their practical
friend and benefactor. One gave them freedom--the other will give them
an industrial position."