." His father was Frank Herndon, the white farmer to whose Social Circle, Georgia land Sophenie was restricted. 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. Are you interested reading facts about Alonzo Herndon? He passed away on 21 July 1927. One of the results of the Atlanta Race Massacre of 1906 was that Black leaders realized that W. E. B. Herndon and his wife built an opulent Beaux-Arts Classical mansion near Atlanta University that was finished in 1910. James Oglethorpe Colonial Figures. } The family worked chiefly as sharecroppers on plantations in Social Circle, Georgia, 40 miles east of Atlanta. .last-btn #menu >li:last-child > a { #main-menu-wrapper nav .mega .thunk-widget-menu .menu a:hover { Web site: http://www.chubb.com The magnificent Beaux Arts mansion Herndon built for his first wife between 1905 and 1910 became an Atlanta landmark and tourist attraction. .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{ The firm grew rapidly in the 1920s, expanding its operations into a half dozen new states, including Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas. 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. Norris B. Herndon, his son also contributed a lot to the company since he made it into a multimillion dollar company. He hired top managers with industry experience, trained a professional sales force, and acquired smaller, struggling insurance companies in both Georgia and nearby states. Encyclopedia.com. Within the Cite this article tool, pick a style to see how all available information looks when formatted according to that style. font-size:14px; His father was a white plantation farmer and owner of Herndons mother, Sophenie. He passed away on 21 July 1927. 1858-1927 Alonzo Herndon parlayed success as a barber and as the owner of upscale barbershops into a business empire. African American History: Research Guides & Websites, Global African History: Research Guides & Websites, African American Scientists and Technicians of the Manhattan Project, Envoys, Diplomatic Ministers, & Ambassadors, http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/alonzo-herndon-1858-1927, https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/atlanta/her.htm, Foundation, Organization, and Corporate Supporters. By 1922 the company had more than $400,000 in assets. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) He used his savings to purchase a half interest in the barbershop, and then less than a year later, he purchased the balance. 20042023 Georgia Humanities, University of Georgia Press. His new venture became the Atlanta Mutual Insurance Association, and by 1907 had 23 offices across Georgia. Facts about Elias Howe make us talk about the American inventor. Age AintWhat?! United States, From Rags to Riches: The Story of Alonzo Herndon, Copyright 2023, Georgia Public Broadcasting. Herndon died in 1927, at 69. Emancipated at seven years old in 1865, his family worked as sharecroppers in rural Georgia near Social Circle, some 45 miles east of Atlanta. .home.page-template-magazine-template .navigation .menu > li > a:hover{ Alonzo Herndon was born in Georgia. 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. His barbering business thrived, and he expanded it over the years. 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. .post-share i.fa:hover, .footer-copyright .social-icon ul li a:hover, .header-bottom .social-icon ul li a:hover, .content .post-content .read-more a, a.more-link, ul li a:hover, #commentform #commentSubmit, ol.commentlist li .reply a, .th-widget-recent-post .th-recent-post h5 a:hover, .widget .twitter-user a, .standard-layout .format-link h2, .th_more_posts a#more_posts, .format-quote blockquote p:before, .widget .tagcloud a:hover, .content .post-content .description p a, .page-description p a, .multipage-links span, .content .navigation.post-navigation .nav-links a:hover, .content #main .pagination a:hover, .post-title h2:hover{color:#f4c85e;} Get facts about Alan Sugar here. Alonzo Herndon moved to Atlanta in 1883, bought a stake in a barbershop on Marietta Street, and by 1904 he owned three shops in Atlanta. Herndon was most involved on the local level. At his death in 1927, his real estate was assessed at nearly $325,000. His funeral was an extraordinary event in the city, and Atlanta Life's Memphis chief, George W. Lee, was one of a lengthy list of eulogists who paid tribute to the company founder. 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. The Herndon House is located at 587 University Pl NW, Atlanta, GA 30314 on the campus of Morris Brown College. .magazine-box header.header-style-one #main-menu-wrapper, Herndon was also active in the community in other areas. After six months Herndon purchased half interest in the shop, entering into a partnership with one of the few free Blacks operating barbering establishments since before the Civil War. "Herndon was eager to capitalize on it.". New Georgia Encyclopedia, 20 September 2004, https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/alonzo-herndon-1858-1927/. Within six months, Herndon became a sought-after talent in his new trade. Before long, he took up barbering and mens grooming, which afforded freed blacks a level of eliteness in a white world. The house's design was attributed to her in a published eulogy by AU president Ware who said, ". Today, the mansion that the Herndons built in Atlanta, known as the Herndon Home, is registered as a National Historic Place. background: #f4c85e; #menu .has-mega-sub-blog-menu .mega-sub-menu ul li a:hover{ With Herndon playing a pivotal role as president and chief stockholder, the small association expanded its assets from $5,000 in 1905 to more than $400,000 by 1922. Herndon continued his to expand his insurance empire. 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. Herndon trained as a barber, and had his first small shop in Jonesboro. border-color:#f4c85e; .format-quote blockquote, .single .format-quote blockquote, .single blockquote{ Having recently come out of slavery, many African Americans lacked formal education and access to higher education. His barbershops windows were smashed in the Atlanta Race Massacre of 1906. He also had a younger brother, Thomas, as well as a number of half-brothers and half-sisters born to other slave women on the Herndon farm. .flex-slider.button-three .read-more.read-more-slider a:hover{ His father was his mothers White owner, so he was kept on the mans farm. Alonzo and Adrienne had a son, Norris. The staff of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company Branch Office, ca. .page blockquote{ Georgias rise from the ashes of civil war sparked a debate about development and the future of the state. Progressive voices like Henry Grady promoted a more diverse economy, welcoming northern investment, while populists like Tom Watson believed the focus should remain on the needs of working Georgians, particularly farmers. letter-spacing:0.4px; Herndon died in Atlanta on July 21, 1927 at the age of 69. The Company rapidly expanded, establishing branches in Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas. It is one of a few structures associated with Herndon in Atlanta and the success he brought to the city. When W. E. B. As for Atlanta LIfe, it exists today as Atlanta Life Financial Group, located at. }. .home .navigation .menu > li > a:hover, .home .navigation ul li a:hover, .home header #main-menu-wrapper .menu-item-has-children > a:hover:after, Called "The Crystal Palace," it was a lavishly appointed barbershop, with chandeliers and marble floors, and served Atlanta's judges, politicians, and business elite. 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. letter-spacing:0.7px; Year Erected: 2017. /*inline margin*/ In 1910 Alonzo and Jessie Herndon built the Herndon Home which at the time was one of the largest mansions in Atlanta. Featured Content. } .simplesocialbuttons.simplesocialbuttons_inline.simplesocial-simple-round button{ In 1900 Herndon joined Atlanta delegates attending the founding meeting of the National Negro Business League, convened by Booker T. Washington in Boston. Alonzo Herndon and Booker T. Washington. Alonzo Franklin Herndon was born on June 6, 1858, in Social Circle, Georgia, which is located in Walton County. -webkit-box-shadow: 0 14px 26px -12px rgba(255,255,255,0.42), 0 4px 23px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.12), 0 8px 10px -5px rgba(255,255,255,0.2);box-shadow: 0 14px 26px -12px rgba(255,255,255,0.42), 0 4px 23px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.12), 0 8px 10px -5px rgba(255,255,255,0.12)} 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. 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. The Atlanta Life Insurance Company was one of the most successful and powerful Black-owned insurance businesses in America. In 1905, his property holdings were valued at nearly $325,000. The article emphasizes his competence and success as a businessman. Herndon also sought to save other failing Black enterprises. His child Norris B. Herndon eventually took over Atlanta Life, expanding the company's reach and increasing its profits. Herndon was born on July 21, 1858, to Sophenie Herndon, a slave. border-left: 3px solid #f4c85e; Finally in 1890 he opened his own place in the Markham Hotel, with five chairs. letter-spacing:0.4px; The Herndon family home was eventually turned into a museum, and was placed on the National Historic Landmark Register in 2000. .flex-slider li .caption-content h1{ U.S.A. Encyclopedias almanacs transcripts and maps. Herndon launched a business with only a formal education, but he was determined to make it. Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings. In 1905, his property holdings were valued at nearly $325,000. 191 Peachtree St #2500, Atlanta, GA 30303. Herndon bought the business for $140 in 1905, and when he deposited the sum according to the new state regulatory rules, his company became the first in the state to meet the new requirement. background:#0e0e0e; 3. Many people simply call it as Atlanta Life. {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? Those barbershops had elite customers such as presidents, judges, business men, and lawyers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); List choice 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. .footer-wrapper p, .footer-wrapper a, Herndon supplemented the family income by working as day laborer and peddler of peanuts, homemade molasses, and axle grease. background:#f4c85e; At that time, he was 7 years old. Entrepreneur Alonzo Herndon were born on Saturday, birthstone is Pearl, the seaon was Summer in the Chinese year of , it is 174 days until Alonzo Herndon next birthday. 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. The family attended the First Congressional Church in Atlanta and was closely associated with Clark University and AMA schools. Stock Exchanges: New York London Tokyo Paris Zrich Basel Ge, Hernando de Soto and the Spanish Exploration of the American Southeast, 1539-1542, Hernndo (y Palomar), Rafael (Jos Maria), Hernandez, Jaime 1959(? He also invented his money in real estate. .magazine-single-box .header-style-one .header #main-menu-wrapper{ Later, Herndon opened up his first barbershop in Jonesboro, Georgia. 1890. In 1858, Alonzo Franklin Herndon was born into slavery in Walton County. He was born, Facts about Catherine Mcauley talk about the famous person who established the Sisters of Mercy in 1831. img#wpstats{display:none} Even as a boy, however, Herndon exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit. Encyclopedia.com. In 1910, Herndons wife died unexpectedly. } How does Alonzo Herndon embody the American dream? As I have stated before, he was famous after establishing the Atlanta Life Insurance. 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. } 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. His mother was Sophenie, an enslaved woman. Alonzo Herndon was active in a variety of economic and political causes. } .upcoming-events li span { He was born on June 26, 1858 and his birthplace is Georgia. background:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.18);} Tweet. His insurance business reported more than $400,000 in assets in 1922. In 1883 Herndon migrated to Atlanta, Georgia to continue in the barbering business in the largest city in the state. 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 . Retrieved February 23, 2023 from Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/herndon-alonzo-franklin. In 1905, he purchased a small mutual aid association that eventually became the Atlanta Life Insurance Company. His full name is Alonzo Franklin Herndon. In 1905, Herndon bought the business, then named the Atlanta Benevolent and Protective Association, and renamed it the Atlanta Life Insurance Company. font-size:38px; In 1878, Herndon left Social Circle on foot with eleven dollars in savings and approximately one year of formal schooling. Encyclopedia of World Biography. Atlanta, GA 30318 Read more Reading age 8 - 10 years Print length 28 pages Language English Grade level 3 - 4 Dimensions Mcauley was, Facts about Charles I of England present the interesting information about the monarch of three kingdoms. Alonzo Herndon, a former slave born in 1858 in Social Circle, sought to better himself and ultimately became Atlanta's first African-American millionaire. "There was a growing market of White men in post-Emancipation Atlanta who were accustomed to service by Blacks," noted Merritt. Atlanta Haps Newsletter border-left: 5px solid #f4c85e; } Discuss the traits and describe how each one contributed to Herndons amazing success. With his savings replenished, he moved to Atlanta in 1883, hoping to expand his opportunities. Such financial success provided Herndon with entree into Atlantas black elite where he met his wife. Do you know that he was born into slavery? You can visit it in Vine City at 587 University Place NW. color:#f4c85e; abides by its mission to advance the Herndon legacy through education, mentoring, and preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs. 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. One of the souths wealthiest men, he died on July 21, 1927. Alonzo Herndon is one of the most well-known black businessmen in Atlanta and Georgias history. City in the Markham Hotel, with five chairs more than $ 400,000 in assets son also contributed a to. The most well-known black businessmen in Atlanta on July 21, 1858, Alonzo Franklin Herndon was born June... With his savings replenished, he was born on June 6, 1858, to Sophenie Herndon a! Return ; n=f.fbq=function ( ) { n.callMethod in 1858, Alonzo Franklin Herndon was born into in. { U.S.A. 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