Alfred Douglas Price facts for kids

Alfred Douglas Price, Sr. (1860–1921), also known as A. D. Price, was an important African American businessman and community leader. He lived in Richmond, Virginia, during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Price owned a blacksmith shop, a funeral home, and a livery (a place where horses and carriages could be rented). He was one of the largest African American real estate owners in Richmond. Today, the A.D. Price Funeral Home is a national historic site.

Early Life

Alfred Douglas Price was born on August 9, 1860, in Ashland, Virginia. A historical marker in Richmond says he was enslaved when he was born. However, this claim doesn't have strong evidence to support it.

Price went to public school for only a few years. He left home at age seven to work in Richmond. Later, he returned to his hometown to help his mother in their store. From 1874 to 1877, he learned the trade of a blacksmith.

Building a Business

By 1881, Price was able to open his own blacksmith and wheelwright shop. A wheelwright is someone who builds or repairs wheels. In 1886, he added livery and undertaking services to his business. In the late 1800s, it was common for businesses to offer many different services. Many types of tradesmen also handled funerals.

Many African Americans did not own their own transportation back then. Price's livery service helped by providing horse carriages for rent. He also had a wagon delivery service for local businesses. In August 1894, Price became one of the first funeral directors in Virginia to get an embalming license. Embalming is a process to preserve a body.

By 1898, Price's business had about 40 horses. It also had the most funeral carriages and equipment in Richmond. The Richmond Planet newspaper reported that African American funeral directors in the city owned more carriages than all the white undertakers combined. By the early 1900s, Price was even holding funerals for important white people. This helped him gain more respect in society.

A.D. Price Funeral Home

The A.D. Price Funeral Home was located in Jackson Ward at 208 East Leigh Street in Richmond. A historical marker outside the building now tells its story. The funeral home was even shown on a postcard. This postcard is part of a collection at the Boston Public Library.

A mortician bought the building in 2008. In 2010, the main building was turned into 14 apartments. In March 2022, a new five-story apartment building was approved for the funeral home's parking lot. This new building will have 63 apartments, a clubroom, and a rooftop deck.

Later Life and Impact

Price had a growth on his foot. He tried to remove it himself through surgery. This led to an infection. Doctors had to remove his foot to try and save his life. He died on April 9, 1921.

Alfred Douglas Price was one of the biggest African American real estate owners in Richmond. He built his businesses and buildings close to each other. This helped him save money. It also helped build a strong community, especially among African Americans in Richmond.

Price was a director on the boards of several organizations. He was a director for banks that served African Americans. He was also the president of the Southern Aid Society of Virginia insurance company from 1905 until 1921. He was active in many groups for business and community.

Price also mentored Robert Crafton Scott, Sr. (1888–1957). Scott later became another important African American businessman in Richmond.

One of A. D. Price's hearses was part of "The Story of Virginia" exhibition. This exhibition opened in 2015 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. He also owned a 1918 Kline Kar. This car was made in Richmond. It has been restored and is now on display at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. The Kline Kar was also featured on the official Virginia History Christmas ornament for 2022.