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184 THE COLORED AMERICAN MAGAZINE noble father of Americus Lodge, No. 2149, of Americus, Georgia. He subsequently became a member of the K. of P. and the Masonic order and is now Worshipful Master of the Soloman Temple No. 24, Chancellor Commander of Charles Sumner Lodge, K. of P. No. 87, and all of these positions tell far better than words what estimate the people place upon him as a competent, honest and zealous young man. In the year 1900, seeing the need of a business awakening in our city, community and State, the idea grew in the minds of some of the more thoughtful of our citizen body to organize a kind of loan and trust company. Among the number of gentlemen who gathered to discuss the feasibility of such an undertaking was the subject of this sketch. The conferences of these gentlemen materialized in the organization of the Wage Earners' Loan and Investment Company, with Mr. Williams as Vice-president. This in the midst of older and experienced heads, was a high compliment paid to a young man. But, in this young man there was seen to exist that sublety of thought, keenness of sagacity and business tact that outmeasure his age and experience. The reasonableness and originality of his suggestions in these meetings were indicative of latent genius and native aptitude for the work outlined, and the veterans there assembled yielded to irresistible fate and not to young Williams or self in the selection. "He also serves who only stands and waits," provided he works while he waits, for verily genius is labor. Mr. Williams labored and waited and in due time became president of the company aforesaid, and is now its official head. And it was he "who touched the dead corps of racial resources and abundant streams of revenue burst forth," and men wondered at the volume of the flood. The Wage Earners' Loan and Investment Company is now no longer considered or styled a project, but it is a stern witness of the wisdom, sagacity and foresight of its splendid management. It is a potent factor of the municipal life of Savannah and a monument to the race, upon whose patronage, through the honesty, justice and equity of its president and its coterie of officers, it lives and thrives. During the years that Mr. Williams has been the official head of the Wage Earners' Loan and Investment Company, his course has not always been clear of obstacles. Enemies have frequently tried his steel and tested his strength with the people. Potent influences have been generated and heaved against him, but being rooted and grounded amid the fastnesses of honor and integrity, these opposing influences vanished like a vapor, leaving him looming aloft. "With malice toward none, with charity for all," he spent his power in push, and as a result, he advanced the personal interests of his company beyond the mark of financial disaster. Some years subsequent to the organization of the Wage Earners' Loan and Investment Company Mr. Williams conceived the idea that an insurance company would not only pay handsome dividends, but that it would also fill a long felt want in the community. As the result the Guaranty Aid and Relief Com- [[end page]] [[start page]] THE COLORED AMERICAN MAGAZINE 185 Company was organized, chartered, and is being profitably conducted. Complimentary to him for his valuable suggestions as to the methods of manipulation, he was elected president and is now its chief executive. The company is a paying one, both to its owners and the patrons thereof and the public feels secure. For all just claims against the company are paid and absolute satisfaction is given all concerned. Mr. Williams is president also of the Royal Undertaking Establishment, a concern of no small proportion. By a noteworthy stroke of diplomacy he succeeded in merging the well established Johnston Undertaking Establishment and the Royal Undertaking Establishment and by this combination formed a company that defies competition. Of this combined company he is president. The company is a fixety in the city and conducts a tremendous business. Its stables are ample, its offices are up to date and the employees are competent and courteous. The company carries a complete stock of coffins, cases and fixtures of all designs, grades and shades, and is amply prepared to satisfy the taste of the most fastidious. All of these concerns are mile stones along the way of Negro progressiveness in his community, and show as noting else can, the possibilities of Negro manhood, push and pluck. Knowing the origin, growth and attainments of all these concerns, and the matchless energy of the president and manipulators thereof, I can see no ground upon which the pessimists can permanently find footing in this community. I cannot conceive of a mind or intellect so dull as not to be able to see that push and pluck override apparent obstacles and of their "dead selves" build a highway that leads into the portals of success. SPRING'S SINGING SPRING once more is here - Joyous, sweet, and clear - Singing down the leafless aisles To the budding year. Now the Goddess Spring Makes the woodlands ring, Bringing with a hundred voices Joy to everything. - Lloyd Roberts, in Appleton's Magazine.
