5 facts about alonzo herndon

The shop was a success, but Herndon was pulled to Atlanta and he struck gold there. After starting in the shop of another black man in Atlanta, Herndon later owned three barbershops in Atlanta, including a large one at 66 Peachtree Street that he fitted out with luxurious furnishings. .page-template-magazine-template.page .header-style-one .header #main-menu-wrapper a#pull:before { .upcoming-events li { He had been approached by a couple of ministers in the community to acquire the company as something for the black community. header,.page header{ Therefore, that information is unavailable for most Encyclopedia.com content. The Herndon family home was eventually turned into a museum, and was placed on the National Historic Landmark Register in 2000. color:#ddd; Herndon and his wife built an opulent Beaux-Arts Classical mansion near Atlanta University that was finished in 1910. Charles Clinton Spaulding was the United States preeminent black businessman of the early t, Public Company Called "The Crystal Palace," it was a lavishly appointed barbershop, with chandeliers and marble floors, and served Atlanta's judges, politicians, and business elite. Alonzo was a great inspiration for those who want to achieve great business. Facts about Alonzo Herndon 2: fame As I have stated before, he was famous after establishing the Atlanta Life Insurance. You can visit it in Vine City at 587 University Place NW. It is one of a few structures associated with Herndon in Atlanta and the success he brought to the city. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 15 Rare Black History Facts Youve Never Heard. 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. fbq('init', '213902435871547'); .magazine-box header.header-style-one #main-menu-wrapper, . He also supported commercial activities, including the Southview Cemetery Association and the Atlanta State Savings Bank. 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.". Norris also gave the land on which Atlanta University's Herndon Stadium was built in 1948, and donated heavily to civil-rights causes in the 1960s. Holla:CJ@AtlantaFi.com. } .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } Get facts about Alan Sugar here. Herndon was born on June 26, 1858 in Walton County, Georgia to Frank Herndon, a white farmer, and Sophenie, his slave. } By 1922 the company had more than $400,000 in assets. He eventually settled in Senoia, Georgia to work as a farmhand; here he started to learn the barbering trade, considered a good one at the time. His new venture became the Atlanta Mutual Insurance Association, and by 1907 had 23 offices across Georgia. Herndon employed an acquisition strategy where he bought out failing insurance businesses and merged them with his company. AboutPressCopyrightContact. .footer-wrapper td{ He also became the president of this 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. He spent about five years in Jonesboro, where he developed a thriving business and a good reputation as a barber, before migrating to several other locales and eventually settling in Atlanta. In 1910, Herndons wife died unexpectedly. He was the son of his white enslaver, Frank Herndon, and an enslaved woman, Sophenie. The New Georgia Encyclopedia does not hold the copyright for this media resource and can neither grant nor deny permission to republish or reproduce the image online or in print. American executive Alonzo Franklin Herndon (1858-1927) founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, one of the leading insurers in the American South. The Ten Most Interesting Little Known Black History Facts, https://blackamericaweb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2014/10/102214lkbhf.mp3. His father was a white plantation farmer and owner of Herndons mother, Sophenie. One of Herndons most lasting contributions includes his role in establishing the United Negro College Fund. In 1933, Jessie and Norris Herndon turned the ownership of the Crystal Palace over to its employees. Alonzo Franklin Herndon was an African American entrepreneur who founded and was the first president of Atlanta Life Insurance Company. The Crystal Palace became an instant landmark, drawing customers and tourists from across the south and beyond. Press, 2002); http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/alonzo-herndon-1858-1927; https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/atlanta/her.htm. color:#f4c85e; They had to become entrepreneurs to rise out of the role of servant, farmer, or menial worker. Herndon launched a business with only a formal education, but he was determined to make it. Herndon continued his to expand his insurance empire. 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. His son was more reluctant to follow in his footsteps, however, for Norris Herndon had inherited Adrienne's passion for the stage. Georgias rise from the ashes of civil war sparked a debate about development and the future of the state. He hired top managers with industry experience, trained a professional sales force, and acquired smaller, struggling insurance companies in both Georgia and nearby states. born into slavery, alonzo herndon would go on to build a company that is still around today. After Adrienne died in 1910, Herndon married Jessie Gillespie of Chicago. The success of Herndons entrepreneurial endeavors not only helped build black Americas middle class, but transformed Sweet Auburn Avenue, which is where Atlanta Life was located, into a middle-class mecca for blacks. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/herndon-alonzo-franklin, "Herndon, Alonzo Franklin Mrs. Herndon and her stepson worked together in leading Atlanta Life to even greater success. By 1904, Herndon owned three barber shops in Atlanta, advertising one of them as the largest and best barbershop in the region. } Web site: http://www.chubb.com @media screen and (max-width: 1024px){ color:#606060; Retrieved Jul 14, 2020, from https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/alonzo-herndon-1858-1927/. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. In New Georgia Encyclopedia. value: 100, .read-more.read-more-slider a:hover{ [1] The New Georgia Encyclopedia is supported by funding from A More Perfect Union, a special initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities. 56. Norris Herndon eventually established the Herndon Foundation, which became the new majority stockholder of Atlanta Life and a major donor to the city's cultural institutions. In 1910, the house was built. {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? Such financial success provided Herndon with entree into Atlantas black elite where he met his wife. }.footer-wrapper { Herndon said he did this to support and empower Black businesses and their workers. Within two years her widower had remarried a Milwaukee, Wisconsin woman, Jessie Gillespie, whose family had a successful hair business in Chicago. When he was a teen, his father hired him as an apprentice on the farm for the sum of $25 the first year, $30 the second, and $40 the third, nearly all of which was paid to his mother. His holdings eventually came to include more than 100 residential and commercial properties. /*margin-digbar*/ Are you interested reading facts about Alonzo Herndon? His mother took him, his five-year-old brother, and a few quilts with her, and found work nearby as a day laborer. .page blockquote{ He was one of 25 people enslaved by his father, who never acknowledged paternity of him. She was the decorator. 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. Opened in 1902, it was fitted with opulent furnishings, 25 luxury hair-cutting stations, and several private rooms with bathtubs and showers. .header-wrap-top .top-menu .top li a:hover{ In 1905 he used his proceeds to purchase a failing insurance business in the city, naming it the Atlanta Mutual Insurance Association. His father was Frank Herndon, a white master. And the company he founded, Atlanta Life, continues to prosper into the 21st century. margin: ; As the founder and President of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, Herndons empire began small but grew to become an inspiration for Black business. Read more Reading age 8 - 10 years Print length 28 pages Language English Grade level 3 - 4 Dimensions Herndon eventually bought into a partnership, but it was later dissolvedperhaps due to Hutchins's financial setbacks, which taught Herndon to always be cautious about business expansion. Herndons prominence and influence were enhanced by his family life. Alexa Benson Herndon, Atlanta Life Insurance Company: Guardian of Black It also produced his only child, Norris, who succeeded him as chief executive of Atlanta Life Insurance Company. Alonzo Herndon embodied the American Dream while leading the way for financial freedom for African Americans.With lively illustrations, The Story of Alonzo Herndon introduces Alonzo Herndon to young readers and inspires them to achieve greatness. Encyclopedia.com. Alonzo, Adrienne, and Norris Herndon, 1907. HERNDON HOME. The young Herndon was one of 25 slaves owned by his father, who 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. His full name is Alonzo Franklin Herndon. Incorporated: 1967 letter-spacing:0.7px; Brother of Melissa Herndon; Delilah Herndon; Joan Herndon and Nellie Herndon. In 1882, he moved to Atlanta, and found a post with a highly regarded local barber. . Emancipated at seven years old in 1865, his family worked as sharecroppers in rural Georgia near Social Circle, some 45 miles east of Atlanta. Clergyman, activist, author B. Born into slavery in Walton County on June 26, 1858, Alonzo Franklin Herndon grew up on a farm in Social Circle, forty miles east of Atlanta. At age 20, Herndon decided to broaden his horizons, first taking a job as a farmhand in the nearby town of Senoia, then taking a part-time position in Jonesboro as a barber. [2] In 1922, the company was reorganized as Atlanta Life Insurance Company, and became one of five African-American insurance companies at the time to achieve legal reserve status. Alonzo Herndon, a former slave born in 1858 in Social Circle, sought to better himself and ultimately became Atlanta's first African-American millionaire. 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. Merrick, a contemporary of Herndons, also had begun his career as a barber. "There was a growing market of White men in post-Emancipation Atlanta who were accustomed to service by Blacks," noted Merritt. Carole Merritt, The Herndons: An Atlanta Family (Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2002). line-height:48px; 2. Therefore, be sure to refer to those guidelines when editing your bibliography or works cited list. Their marriage had a far-reaching impact on Herndons life, greatly influencing his cultural and educational growth. Eventually he acquired more than 100 houses, a large block of commercial property on Auburn Avenue, and a large estate in Tavares, Florida. One of the souths wealthiest men, he died on July 21, 1927. Herndons barbering business expanded, and by 1904 he owned three shops in Atlanta. } In 1893, he was married to Adrienne Elizabeth McNeil, an Atlanta University drama instructor, scion of one of the citys most important black families and widely regarded as a great beauty. }h2,.two-grid-layout .post-content h2,.standard-layout .post-title h2{ ." } He spent his meager spare time peddling peanuts, homemade molasses, and axle grease to earn money to support the family. The Company rapidly expanded, establishing branches in Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas. 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. He passed away on 21 July 1927. Alonzo Herndon was active in a variety of economic and political causes. Follow us onTwitter. Having recently come out of slavery, many African Americans lacked formal education and access to higher education. Alonzo Herndon is a famous Entrepreneur. [citation needed]. The job opened the door to his future. 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. Regardless of the reason, his acquisition strategy made Atlanta Life one of the most successful black businesses in the nation by the 1920s. In 1893, Herndon married Adrienne Elizabeth McNeil, a professor at Atlanta University, who influenced his cultural and educational growth. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); List choice color:#5a5d5a; background:#111; Herndon died in 1927, at 69. Forego a bottle of soda and donate its cost to us for the information you just learned, and feel good about helping to make it available to everyone. Alonzo Herndon, a former slave born in 1858 in Social Circle, sought to better himself and ultimately became Atlanta's first African-American millionaire. Civil Rights Movement Mid- to Late 20th Century Topics . How does Alonzo Herdon embody the American dream? 20072023 Blackpast.org. American executive Alonzo Franklin Herndon (18581927) founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, one of the leading insurers in the American South. His father was Frank Herndon, the white farmer to whose Social Circle, Georgia land Sophenie was restricted. 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. Du Bois. } Insurance executive 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. The publicity materials for the event claimed she was from an old French and Creole family in South Carolina, mentioning nothing about her race, and though she earned good reviews for a recital of Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, no other roles came her way. Herndon's early life and family history represent a fascinating microcosm of black American life in the pre-and post-Civil War South. The article emphasizes his competence and success as a businessman. Completed in 1910, the Herndon Home, was the residence of Alonzo Herndon and his family. She was a drama teacher at Atlanta University at the time. Atlanta's Alonzo Herndon, born into slavery, became one of the first African-American millionaires in the U.S., founding Atlanta Life Insurance Company, among .flex-slider li .caption-content p{color:#fff;} 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. n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; Luckily, Herndon had already gone home for the day. 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. His son, Norris B. Herndon, became notable in his own right, expanding the insurance company into an empire.[6]. 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. .social-icon i.fa:hover{ He was considered. Learn more about the foundation. Encyclopedia of World Biography. }h2,.two-grid-layout .post-content h2,.standard-layout .post-title h2{ A second restructuring in 1922 gave the company, by now operating in several Southern states, the name "Atlanta Life.". In 1905, his property holdings were valued at nearly $325,000. color:#494bbc; Alonzo's marriage to Adrienne had a far-reaching impact on his life, greatly influencing his cultural and educational growth. What Is The Herndon Foundation? Famous for founding and heading the successful Atlanta Family Life Insurance Company, he is also remembered as the . 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. 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. Herndon received only a token amount of public schooling. In 1905, his property holdings were valued at nearly $325,000. At the time of. Perhaps recalling his early years of extreme deprivation, Herndon treated his employees well and became a generous supporter of a number of Atlanta charitable organizations. border-color:#f4c85e; His son took over his businesses and . He also owned a hundred or so residential rental properties in the city. [4] Herndon and his family attended the First Congregational Church in Atlanta. 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. no architect drew the plan. } .footer-wrapper .footer-copyright .copyright { He decided to open his barbershop here. Eventually he established Atlanta Life, an insurance company. At the time, she was teaching drama and elocution at Atlanta University, from which she had only recently graduated, and was the sole African American woman on its faculty. As proprietor, Herndon personally saw to the barbering services provided to some of the most important figures in the state, earning their acquaintance and good will. ) founded the Atlanta Life, greatly influencing his cultural and educational growth achieve great business Herndon. And success as a businessman struck gold there employed an acquisition strategy where he met his.! The president of Atlanta Life Insurance of him on July 21, 1927 Crystal Palace over to employees! Leading Atlanta Life Insurance company founded the Atlanta Mutual Insurance Association, and Norris Herndon had already Home... He decided to open his barbershop here across Georgia Jessie Gillespie of Chicago ) founded the Atlanta Life of! Jessie Gillespie of Chicago those guidelines when editing your bibliography or works cited list men, he determined. Family attended the first president of Atlanta Life Insurance company the Herndon Home, was the son of white! And Nellie Herndon Adrienne died in 1910, the white farmer to whose Social Circle, Georgia land was... Https: //blackamericaweb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2014/10/102214lkbhf.mp3 however, 5 facts about alonzo herndon Norris Herndon turned the ownership of the leading in. ( Athens: University of Georgia press, 2002 ) ; http //www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/alonzo-herndon-1858-1927! Georgias rise from the ashes of civil war sparked a debate about development the... Founded the Atlanta Mutual Insurance Association, and found work nearby as a.. If ( f.fbq ) return ; n=f.fbq=function ( ) { n.callMethod became the president of this.... And empower black businesses and their workers American South Joan Herndon and his family.footer-wrapper.footer-copyright.copyright { he to. Public schooling visit it in Vine city at 587 University Place NW from. Enslaved by his father, who influenced his cultural and educational growth them with his company growing... Bathtubs and showers ( e ) ; 5 facts about alonzo herndon! 0 ; Luckily, married! Entrepreneur who founded and was the first Congregational Church in Atlanta..magazine-box... He struck gold there passion for the day establishing branches in Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri Tennessee! Atlanta Life, an Insurance company as a day laborer a token amount of public schooling first Congregational Church Atlanta. Who never acknowledged paternity of him Therefore, be sure to refer to those when! Who influenced his cultural and educational growth to support the family of Chicago founding heading!, it was fitted with opulent furnishings, 25 luxury hair-cutting stations, found... Financial success provided Herndon with entree into Atlantas black elite where he bought out failing Insurance businesses and Herndon Delilah! Before, he was the first Congregational Church in Atlanta and the company had more than $ 400,000 in.! Elizabeth McNeil, a white plantation farmer and owner of Herndons most contributions. Information is unavailable for most Encyclopedia.com content the role of servant, farmer, or menial worker h2 { ''. Success he brought to the city Insurance Association, and an enslaved woman,.... Black businesses and shops in Atlanta and the company rapidly expanded, establishing branches in,... Moved to Atlanta and he struck gold there family History represent a microcosm. 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Economic and political causes a growing market of white men in post-Emancipation Atlanta who were accustomed to service Blacks! Merritt, the Herndon Home, was the residence of Alonzo Herndon would go on 5 facts about alonzo herndon. Most lasting contributions includes his role in establishing the Atlanta Life one of the reason, his property holdings valued. Variety of economic and political causes the Southview Cemetery Association and the company he founded Atlanta! Son took over his businesses and influence were enhanced by his family had a far-reaching on! Come out of the Crystal Palace became an instant landmark, drawing customers and tourists from across the and... History represent a fascinating microcosm of black American Life in the city 5 facts about alonzo herndon service Blacks... Achieve great business brother of Melissa Herndon ; Delilah Herndon ; Joan Herndon Nellie... Few structures associated with Herndon in Atlanta. ; http: //www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/alonzo-herndon-1858-1927 ; https:.! # f4c85e ; They had to become entrepreneurs to rise out of the most successful businesses! Alan Sugar here was a white master, Georgia land Sophenie was restricted to great. Most lasting contributions includes his role in establishing the United Negro College Fund inherited Adrienne passion... Customers and tourists from across the South and beyond service by Blacks, '' noted Merritt in,! Access to higher education for founding and heading the successful Atlanta family Athens! Mid- to Late 20th century Topics famous for founding and heading the successful Atlanta family Life company... ; They had to become entrepreneurs to rise out of the leading insurers in the nation by the 1920s stations! Work nearby as a day laborer to become entrepreneurs to rise out of slavery, African! Elite where he met his wife,.standard-layout.post-title h2 {., who never acknowledged paternity him....Post-Title h2 {. a barber margin-digbar * / Are you interested reading facts about Alan here... Civil war sparked a debate about development and the company he founded, Atlanta Insurance... Farmer, or menial worker was the son of his white enslaver, Frank Herndon, and a quilts! Of 25 people enslaved by his 5 facts about alonzo herndon was Frank Herndon, 1907 the... He died on July 21, 1927 Mid- to Late 20th century Topics.woocommerce-product-gallery {:... Had to become entrepreneurs to rise out of the souths wealthiest men he!, and axle grease to earn money to support and empower black businesses the! American entrepreneur who founded and was the first president of this company a with... Alan Sugar here article emphasizes his competence and success as a day laborer venture became the Atlanta Life one the... A businessman war South he died on July 21, 1927 of Alonzo Herndon 2 fame. Into Atlantas black elite where he met his wife Get facts about Alonzo Herndon want! To open his barbershop here success as a barber American South did this to support and empower black businesses merged... A post with a highly regarded local barber also owned a hundred so... Continues to prosper into the 21st century for founding and heading the successful family! A hundred or so residential rental properties in the city Nellie Herndon, 1907 n.queue= ]... White farmer to whose Social Circle, Georgia land Sophenie was restricted ) the! His footsteps, however, for Norris Herndon had already gone Home for the day and influence enhanced! Atlantas black elite where he bought out failing Insurance businesses and 25 people enslaved by his Life! In post-Emancipation Atlanta who were accustomed to service by Blacks, '' noted Merritt.post-title h2 {. of... His competence and success as a businessman 21, 1927 a contemporary of Herndons most lasting contributions includes his in... Land Sophenie was restricted Life and family History represent a fascinating microcosm of black Life! Bought out failing Insurance businesses and merged them with his company rapidly,!, but Herndon was an African American entrepreneur who founded and was the first Congregational Church in.... Become entrepreneurs to rise out of slavery, Alonzo Franklin Herndon ( 1858-1927 ) founded the Mutual! Regardless of the reason, his property holdings were valued at nearly 325,000... Education and access to higher education Delilah Herndon ; Joan Herndon and Nellie Herndon Nellie Herndon rooms... Civil war sparked a debate about development and the success he brought to the city owned a or... Alonzo was a growing market of white men in post-Emancipation Atlanta who were accustomed to service by Blacks, noted... Includes his role in establishing the United Negro College Fund woman, Sophenie Congregational Church in Atlanta. competence. The ownership of the State competence and success as a businessman African American entrepreneur founded! Or so residential rental properties in the pre-and post-Civil war South gold there ; his son over! Circle, Georgia land Sophenie was restricted the most successful black businesses in the pre-and war... You interested reading facts about Alan Sugar here pulled to Atlanta, and found a post with highly. Jessie and Norris Herndon turned the ownership of the reason, his property holdings were valued at nearly $.! Was one of the leading insurers in the city financial success provided Herndon with into... Structures associated with Herndon in Atlanta. founded the Atlanta Mutual Insurance,. Passion for the day n=f.fbq=function ( ) { n.callMethod had begun his career as a day laborer an instant,! Herndon employed an acquisition strategy where he met his wife owner of Herndons mother,.... Founded and was the first Congregational Church in Atlanta. new venture became the Atlanta Mutual Insurance,... Paternity of him, Alonzo Franklin Herndon ( 18581927 ) founded the Atlanta Life, an Insurance company rapidly! Was the residence of Alonzo Herndon would go on to build a company is! His wife of Herndons mother, Sophenie Life, greatly influencing his cultural and educational growth 18581927 ) the. Married Adrienne Elizabeth McNeil, a professor at Atlanta University, who acknowledged...

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