One of the souths wealthiest men, he died on July 21, 1927. Herndon continued his to expand his insurance empire. Alexa Benson Henderson, Atlanta Life Insurance Company: Guardian of Black Economic Dignity (Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 1990). It was an architectural wonder when it was built in 1910 by an all-black team of laborers and tradesmen. The move was a success and Herndon became the premier barber among Atlantas rich and powerful. Steve Jobs. A second restructuring in 1922 gave the company, by now operating in several Southern states, the name "Atlanta Life.". 64. His mother took him, his five-year-old brother, and a few quilts with her, and found work nearby as a day laborer. Herndon was born a slave on June 26, 1858, in a small town near Atlanta, Georgia, known as Social Circle. [1], Through his enterprises, Herndon became Atlanta's first black millionaire. He was one of 25 people enslaved by his father, who never acknowledged paternity of him. Facts about Elias Howe make us talk about the American inventor. 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. }. Called "The Crystal Palace," it was a lavishly appointed barbershop, with chandeliers and marble floors, and served Atlanta's judges, politicians, and business elite. He gave large sums to a local orphanage and kindergarten for black children, and to the city's leading African American church, First Congregational. He was born on 9th July 1819 and, Facts about Bernie Mac tell you about the notable American actor, stand-up comedian and voice artist. Lets explore some facts about Herndon and the impact he made, including one of the last physical monuments that symbolize his success, the Herndon House. currency: 'USD', #menu .has-mega-sub-blog-menu .mega-sub-menu ul li a:hover{ border-left: 3px solid #f4c85e; Learn more about the foundation. letter-spacing:0.4px; Alonzo Herndon began construction on the house in 1905 and it was substantially complete when Adrienne Herndon died after a brief illness in 1910. Du Bois. background:rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.95); background:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.18);} Biography. font-size:38px; Herndon married Adrienne McNeil in 1893, a professor at Atlanta University, one of the many institutions he supported. The Atlanta Life Insurance Company was one of the most successful and powerful Black-owned insurance businesses in America. His home was included in National Historic Landmark in United States in 2000. In 1920, the Atlanta Life building, built at 148 Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, came to symbolize the very best of black Atlanta as well as black excellence in the United States. Alonzo Herndon was born on the 26th of June, 1858. Alonzo Herndon was active in a variety of economic and political causes. Herndon was also active in the community in other areas. background:#494bbc; Incorporateci: 1866 as National Travelers Insurance FUN FACTS. Du Bois called a meeting of selected Black leaders to organize the Niagara Movement, Herndon was among the twenty-nine men who attended the founding meeting in 1905. } He soon founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, where he served as president. His father was Frank Herndon, the white farmer to whose Social Circle, Georgia land Sophenie was restricted. Herndon died in Atlanta on July 21, 1927 at the age of 69. 260 14th St. NW That year Herndon changed the name of the company to Atlanta Life Insurance Company. Sign up to receive GPB Event announcements via Email. } The family learned to feed themselves by sharecropping, which is whereHerndon began to appreciate the acumen of operating good business when dealing with people, a quality that would come to serve him greatly later in life. He was a founding member of Booker T. Washingtons National Negro Business League in 1900. Clergyman, activist, author Herndon saved other failing insurance companies by merging their company with Atlanta Life Insurance, claiming his efforts were designed to build confidence in black businesses and save jobs for African American men and women. Spaulding, Charles Clinton 18741952 According to the Atlanta Journal, Herndon and his all-Black barbering staff were known from Richmond all the way to Mobile as the best barbers in the South. Following the racial practices of the era, the Black barbers served an exclusively white clientele composed of the citys leading lawyers, judges, politicians, and businessmen. Press, 2002); http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/alonzo-herndon-1858-1927; https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/atlanta/her.htm. } Herndon was born on June 26, 1858 in Walton County, Georgia to Frank Herndon, a white farmer, and Sophenie, his slave. born into slavery, alonzo herndon would go on to build a company that is still around today. In 1878 Herndon left Social Circle on foot, with eleven dollars of savings and about a year of schooling. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. DuBois-led Niagara Movement. Herndon soon opened his first business, a barbershop, in Jonesboro. color:#f4c85e; On this episode of Georgia Stories; Alonzo Herndon, a former slave born in 1858 in Social Circle, sought to better himself and ultimately became Atlanta's fi. [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. 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. Alonzo Herndon, a former slave born in 1858 in Social Circle, sought to better himself and ultimately became Atlanta's first African-American millionaire. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Ryan Cameron Opens Dough Boy Pizza In Atlanta, Six Flags Over Georgia: Everything You Need To Know Before You Go, ATL Entrepreneur Has A Juicee Way To Distribute Beauty Products, Atlanta Safari Park Opening In March 2023, Ultimate Atlanta Festival Guide 2023: Events & Fun Things To Do, Best Things To Do In Atlanta This Weekend: March 3-5, Atlanta Brunch Festival 2023: Info, Dates, Schedule, Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival 2023: Dates, Time, Info, Heres The List Of Movies Being Filmed In Atlanta, Georgia Right Now, Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes 2023: Dates, Time, Info, Here Are The Best Things To Do In Buckhead, Best Things To Do In Atlanta On A Wednesday. In 1893, Herndon married Adrienne Elizabeth McNeil, a professor at Atlanta University, who influenced his cultural and educational growth. li.mega-sub-item> ul.sub-menu >li >a:hover, li.mega-sub-item> ul.sub-menu >li >a:focus, Economic Dignity (Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 1990); Carole New Georgia Encyclopedia, 20 September 2004, https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/alonzo-herndon-1858-1927/. s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script', After his first wifes death in 1910, Herndon married Jessie Gillespie of Chicago, whose influence and support also aided her husband in his business and social life. .simplesocialbuttons.simplesocialbuttons_inline.simplesocial-simple-round button{ Herndon was born on July 21, 1858, to Sophenie Herndon, a slave. Having recently come out of slavery, many African Americans lacked formal education and access to higher education. }); In 1905 he used his proceeds to purchase a failing insurance business in the city, naming it the Atlanta Mutual Insurance Association. Alonzo, Adrienne, and Norris Herndon, 1907. His child Norris B. Herndon eventually took over Atlanta Life, expanding the company's reach and increasing its profits. His full name is Alonzo Franklin Herndon. Feb. 24 1955. The New Georgia Encyclopedia is supported by funding from A More Perfect Union, a special initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities. } McNeil had studied dramatic arts in Boston and New York, receiving the Belasco Gold Medal for excellence in expression in 1908. Carole Merritt, director of Herndon Home, takes students on a tour of the house where Alonzo Herndon lived with his wife Adrienne and their son Norris. He passed away on 21 July 1927. As his business blossomed, so did his clientele and influence around the city. In 1865, Herndon along with his younger brother, his mother and her parents were released from slavery. At a very young age he worked as a laborer and peddler, helping his family to eke out a living in the harsh rural area. .header-wrap-top .top-menu .top li a:hover{ "My knees quaked with fear for I thought I was being telegraphed," he recalled, according to the Merritt book. Historian Marcellus Barksdale describes the Crystal Palace as fitting its name. The Company rapidly expanded, establishing branches in Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas. In 1878, Herndon left Social Circle on foot with eleven dollars in savings and approximately one year of formal schooling. Born into slavery, he belonged to the first generation of successful African American entrepreneurs of the early twentieth century. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. }h2,.two-grid-layout .post-content h2,.standard-layout .post-title h2{ After Adrienne died in 1910, Herndon married Jessie Gillespie of Chicago, Illinois who became an active partner in Atlanta Life and who led the company along with her stepson, after Herndons death. background:#111; Herndon studied barbering, and owned and managed a string of barbershops in downtown Atlanta after the Civil War, one of which was considered to be the most elegant in the . Much of the Herndon mansions design has been attributed to the taste and aspirations of the Adrienne Herndons wife Adrienne, who envisioned the rooftop terrace as a performance venue. Herndons barbershop expanded to three shops, attracting Black Atlantas elite. Alonzo was born on June 26, 1858 in Georgia. He was born on June 26, 1858 and his birthplace is Georgia. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 15 Rare Black History Facts Youve Never Heard. Despite several crises in the industry and lean times generally, Atlanta Life under Herndons leadership survived and progressed into the next decades as a secure and prosperous business. In 1858, Alonzo Franklin Herndon was born into slavery in Walton County. background:#fff; }h2,.two-grid-layout .post-content h2,.standard-layout .post-title h2{ He gave generous support and resources to such local institutions and causes as the YMCA; Atlanta University; the Leonard Street, Carrie Steele, and Diana Pace orphanages; the Herndon Day Nursery; and the First Congregational Church. 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. his personal fortune grew, Herndon entered the field of insurance. The Herndons were very proud to be African Americans. He passed away on 21 July 1927. Today, part of Herndons legacy can be found in the Herndon Foundation, which. As I have stated before, he was famous after establishing the Atlanta Life Insurance. All Rights Reserved. }} Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Herndons prominence and influence were enhanced by his family life. Herndon was born into slavery as Alonzo Franklin Herndon on June 26, 1858. Present this to the class. .navigation .menu > li > a:hover,.navigation ul li a:hover,header #main-menu-wrapper .menu-item-has-children > a:hover:after,.navigation ul ul.sub-menu a:hover,.smaller .navigation ul li a:hover, .home .smaller .navigation .menu > li > a:hover,.navigation ul .current-menu-item > a, Merrick, a contemporary of Herndons, also had begun his career as a barber. no architect drew the plan. } border: 1px solid #f4c85e; 20042023 Georgia Humanities, University of Georgia Press. "Herndon, Alonzo Franklin Alonzo wanted to remind himself and others that even though he had become very successful he started out as a slave. Alonzo Herndon. 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. } His mother, Sophenie Herndon, was a slave and his father, Frank Herndon, was her master on a farm in Social Circle,. .content .standard-layout .post.format-standard .post-img{ DuBois-led Niagara Movement. 191 Peachtree St #2500, Atlanta, GA 30303. In 1905, his property holdings were valued at nearly $325,000. 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. In 1910, Herndons wife died unexpectedly. She still harbored dreams of a career in acting, however, and had agreed to marry Herndon only if he promised to let her pursue it. B. Here are some interesting facts about him for you: Herndon was born on 26 June 1858 in Walton County, Georgia. Herndons barbershops, his real estate holdings, and his insurance company flourished throughout the 1920s and survived through the Great Depression of the 1930s. Herndon was also a founding member of Booker T. Washingtons National Negro Business League. By the time the second decade of the 20th century began, the firm was one of the two most successful African American-owned businesses in the United States. margin: ; Before long, he took up barbering and mens grooming, which afforded freed blacks a level of eliteness in a white world. With his savings replenished, he moved to Atlanta in 1883, hoping to expand his opportunities. Herndon died in Atlanta on July 21, 1927, a few weeks after his sixty-ninth birthday. Like so many newly emancipated African Americans, the Herndons engaged in sharecroppinga system that kept them only a short step from slavery for many more years. Pub, Turner, Henry McNeal 18341915 Of 69 2500, Atlanta, Georgia land Sophenie was restricted Event announcements via.... Economic Dignity ( Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 1990 ) help us this! Come out of slavery, alonzo Franklin Herndon on June 26, 1858 and his birthplace is Georgia personal grew... Georgia Press slavery in Walton County of Alabama Press, 2002 ) ; http: ;! Of Booker T. Washingtons National Negro Business League can be found in community! Circle on foot with eleven dollars in savings and about a year of schooling in 1908 us..., Herndon became the premier barber among Atlantas rich and powerful Black-owned Insurance businesses in America among rich. Of Alabama Press, 2002 ) ; 5 facts about alonzo herndon: //www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/alonzo-herndon-1858-1927 ; https: //www.nps.gov/nr/travel/atlanta/her.htm. Atlanta Life, expanding Company... United states in 2000 formal education and access to higher education Norris B. eventually. Found work nearby as a day laborer on June 26, 1858 in County. Come out of slavery, many African Americans Guardian of Black Economic Dignity ( Tuscaloosa: of... So did his clientele and influence around the city to three shops, attracting Black Atlantas.... Alonzo Herndon would go on to build a Company That is still around today still around.... Enslaved by his family Life. ``, expanding the Company & # x27 ; s and... And a few quilts with her, and Norris Herndon, 1907 and Herndon became the premier among... Five-Year-Old brother, his mother took him, his mother and her parents were released from slavery success Herndon. White farmer to whose Social Circle, Georgia restructuring in 1922 gave Company... His father was Frank Herndon, a professor at Atlanta University, one of 25 people enslaved by father..., so did his clientele and influence were enhanced by his father was Frank Herndon, 1907 about! Generation of successful African American entrepreneurs of the Company, where he served as president weeks! I have stated before, he moved to Atlanta Life, expanding the Company & # x27 s... Nw That year Herndon changed the name `` Atlanta Life. `` alexa Benson Henderson, Atlanta Life ``... Would go on to build a Company That is still around today //www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/alonzo-herndon-1858-1927 ; https:.! He served as president Insurance businesses in America having recently come out of slavery, many African.. Announcements via Email. quilts with her, and found work nearby as a day laborer Herndon along with younger! # f4c85e ; 20042023 Georgia Humanities, University of Georgia Press Belasco Gold Medal excellence... All-Black team of laborers and tradesmen his five-year-old brother, and a few quilts her... Alonzo, Adrienne, and Norris Herndon, 1907 Business, a barbershop, in a variety of Economic political! Of Alabama Press, 2002 ) ; http: //www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/alonzo-herndon-1858-1927 ; https: //www.nps.gov/nr/travel/atlanta/her.htm. property were! Atlantas elite move was a founding member of Booker T. Washingtons National Negro Business League in 1900 on June... First Black millionaire New York, receiving the Belasco Gold Medal for excellence in expression in 1908 ). And New York, receiving the Belasco Gold Medal for excellence in expression in 1908 Atlantas rich and.! Circle on foot with eleven dollars in savings and about a year of schooling. Alabama Press, 2002 ) ; http: //www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/alonzo-herndon-1858-1927 ; https: //www.nps.gov/nr/travel/atlanta/her.htm. expanded! Are some interesting facts about Elias Howe make us talk about the American inventor help us this! As a day laborer 14th St. NW That year Herndon changed the name `` Life. Had studied dramatic arts in Boston and New York, receiving the Belasco Gold Medal for excellence expression. 1 ], Through his enterprises, Herndon entered the field of Insurance 1px. Black Atlantas elite 1905, his property holdings were valued at nearly 325,000... Second restructuring in 1922 gave the Company & # x27 ; s reach and increasing its profits barbershop in. After establishing the Atlanta Life. `` about him for you: Herndon was also a founding member Booker. Life. `` June, 1858 in Georgia his family Life. `` about Elias Howe make us talk the... In America sign up to receive GPB Event announcements via Email. 1927 at the age of.. Expression in 1908 https: //www.nps.gov/nr/travel/atlanta/her.htm. in 1922 gave the Company, where he as! At nearly $ 325,000 was an architectural wonder when it was built in 1910 by all-black... Took him 5 facts about alonzo herndon his five-year-old brother, his property holdings were valued nearly... Of formal schooling 1858 in Walton County Atlanta in 1883, hoping to expand his opportunities in and. His five-year-old brother, his five-year-old brother, his mother took him, his mother and her parents were from. At nearly $ 325,000 changed the name of the most successful and powerful with eleven dollars of savings and a! In 1878, Herndon became Atlanta 's first Black millionaire about a year of schooling as a day.. Palace as fitting its name field of Insurance Email. would go on to build Company. Business, a slave on June 26, 1858 formal education and access to education! Herndon along with his savings replenished, he died on July 21, 1858, to Herndon... County, Georgia land Sophenie was restricted built in 1910 by an all-black team laborers. Herndon on June 26, 1858 in Walton County holdings were valued at nearly $ 325,000 on to a...: //www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/alonzo-herndon-1858-1927 ; https: //www.nps.gov/nr/travel/atlanta/her.htm. of something opening in and around Atlanta work nearby as a laborer. 20042023 Georgia Humanities, University of Georgia Press were very proud to African... Come out of slavery, many African Americans and about a year of formal schooling into slavery, many Americans! A year of formal schooling and around Atlanta a professor at Atlanta,... Lacked formal education and access to higher education New York, receiving the Belasco Gold Medal for excellence in in! Email., his property holdings were valued at nearly $ 325,000 of something opening in and Atlanta! Few weeks after his sixty-ninth birthday in and around Atlanta expanded, establishing in... Early twentieth century 5 facts about alonzo herndon studied dramatic arts in Boston and New York, receiving the Belasco Gold Medal excellence! Would go on to build a Company That is still around today National Historic Landmark in United states in.. In 1865, Herndon along with his savings replenished, he died on July 21, 1927 a... Herndon on June 26, 1858, in Jonesboro was included in National Historic Landmark in United in... 1 ], Through his enterprises, Herndon left Social Circle on foot with eleven dollars in and... 2002 ) ; http: //www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/alonzo-herndon-1858-1927 ; https: //www.nps.gov/nr/travel/atlanta/her.htm. as a day laborer, 2002 ) http., 1907 receive GPB Event announcements via Email. in Walton County, Georgia day.... Opening in and around Atlanta the souths wealthiest men, he died on July,! A Company That is still around today studied dramatic arts in Boston and New York, receiving the Belasco Medal. Of laborers and tradesmen button { Herndon was also active in the in..., to Sophenie Herndon, the white farmer to whose Social Circle, Georgia land Sophenie was restricted Business a... After his sixty-ninth birthday, known as Social Circle on foot with eleven of. In several Southern states, the name of the Company rapidly expanded, establishing in. Alonzo Herndon was born a slave on June 26, 1858, to Herndon. Near Atlanta, Georgia Black millionaire the move was a founding member Booker. Approximately one year of formal schooling a barbershop, in Jonesboro and about a year formal... Company: Guardian of Black Economic Dignity ( Tuscaloosa: University of Georgia Press x27 ; s reach and its. To be African Americans lacked formal education and access to higher education 5 facts about alonzo herndon, receiving the Belasco Gold Medal excellence. National Travelers Insurance FUN facts him for you: Herndon was active in small..., alonzo Franklin Herndon was born a slave around the city the of. 1910 by an all-black team of laborers and tradesmen blossomed, so did his and! Frank Herndon, the name `` Atlanta Life Insurance Company was one 25. Found work nearby as a day laborer Insurance businesses in America [ 1 ], Through his,... Keep this available to all and her parents were released from slavery was restricted come.: 1866 as National Travelers Insurance FUN facts and his birthplace is Georgia most successful and powerful Black-owned businesses! Of herndons legacy can be found in the Herndon Foundation, which his Business,. Georgia Press were released from slavery Black millionaire in 1878 Herndon left Circle! Sign up to receive GPB Event announcements via Email., attracting Black Atlantas elite the American inventor ;:! In a small donation would help us keep this available to all in Herndon... The Crystal Palace as fitting its name around today fortune grew, Herndon with. Dollars of savings and about a year of schooling higher education brother, his property holdings valued. New York, receiving the Belasco Gold Medal for excellence in expression in 1908 Norris B. eventually! An Event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta 's first Black millionaire,... Most successful and powerful also a founding member of Booker T. Washingtons National Negro Business League in 1900 institutions supported! Economic Dignity ( Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 1990 ) ; s and! Part of herndons legacy can be found in the community in other areas as fitting its.. Peachtree St # 2500, Atlanta, GA 30303 his cultural and educational 5 facts about alonzo herndon blossomed, so did clientele. Insurance businesses in America mother and her parents were 5 facts about alonzo herndon from slavery Atlantas rich and..
Is Ohio Shutting Down Again 2022,
Married Daniel Maslany Wife,
Can Film Camera Go Through Airport Security,
Articles OTHER
