John S. Trower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John S. Trower
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John S. Trower, c. 1911
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| Born | October 3, 1849 |
| Died | April 11, 1911 (aged 61) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Caterer and businessman |
John S. Trower (1849-1911) was an important American businessman. He became one of the wealthiest African Americans in Pennsylvania. At the time of his death, he was possibly one of the richest African Americans in the entire United States.
Contents
Early Life and New Beginnings
John S. Trower was born on October 3, 1849. His birthplace was Eastville, in Northampton County, Virginia. His parents, Luke and Anna M. Trower, were free black farmers. They had a mixed background, including white, Native American, and African American heritage.
From age 16 to 21, John worked hard on his family's farm. He saved all the money he could. His family had a debt, and young John wanted to help. By the time he was 21, he had saved enough to pay off this debt. He gave the farm deed to his mother and left home.
Many people were moving from Virginia plantations to cities. John traveled to Baltimore. He arrived with only $52, and he was new to city life. Luckily, he met the Mack family there. They let him live with them and gave him good advice. In Baltimore, he found work opening oysters at a restaurant. Even with a small salary, he started saving money. In 1870, he decided to move to Philadelphia. He hoped to find even better opportunities in a Northern city.
Building a Successful Business
John Trower chose to settle in Germantown. This was a wealthy and busy part of Philadelphia. With his savings, he opened his own restaurant. It was a small place on Chelton Avenue. His business quickly became successful. Soon, he was also a popular caterer. He earned the trust of many fashionable people in Germantown. His business grew rapidly.
Near his restaurant was an old bank building that became empty. People in Germantown needed a high-quality catering service. John Trower had already gained the support of some rich citizens. With their encouragement, he bought the old bank building. He spent $25,000 to turn it into a first-class catering hall.
This was a big step for his business. He started making money very quickly. Around this time, he met officers from William Cramp & Sons, a large shipbuilding company. In 1889, Trower got his first chance to cater for the Cramps. They were so impressed that they hired him regularly after that. John Trower catered for the trial trips of many famous warships. These included the Yorktown, the Philadelphia, and the New York.
Trower's business was one of the best of its kind. On the first floor, he had offices, a dining room, and an ice cream plant. The ice cream plant ran on electricity! The second floor had a reception room and a dining hall that could seat 150 guests. This floor also had the baking department. The third floor was for storage and laundry. In the basement, he kept china and more storage.
He employed five clerks in his office, all young African American men and women. His kitchen, ice cream, baking, and delivery teams employed 20 people. John Trower always worked to improve and expand his business. His catering was not just for Germantown and Philadelphia. He served clients across the state. Sometimes, he even took large orders in the South and West. He once catered a very fancy reception in Washington, D.C. for the Postmaster General, John Wanamaker.
Besides catering, John Trower also had a successful real estate business. He owned many properties in Germantown. He also had a summer home in Ocean City, New Jersey.
Community and Personal Life
Outside of his work, John Trower was very active in his community. He was a member of the well-known Cherry Street Baptist Church. He served on the board of deacons and trustees. He was also the superintendent of the Sunday school. The National Baptist Convention named him the National Baptist Superintendent of the World. He was also the President of the Sunday School Convention of Pennsylvania for many years.
John Trower helped build many Baptist churches in his city and state. People often asked him for advice on money and church matters. He was president of the Cherry Building and Loan Society. He was also treasurer of the Reliable Mutual Aid and Improvement Company and the Reliable Business Men's Building. He served on the board of trustees for the Home for Aged and Infirm Colored People. He was also a trustee for the Olive Cemetery.
As president of the Pennsylvania Sunday School Convention, he suggested starting an Industrial and Theological School in Pennsylvania. He bought a farm in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and held it until the Baptists could take over the purchase. John Trower was also very involved in charity work.
John Trower was married to Miss Matilda Daniels from Haymarket, Virginia. Matilda Trower helped with the business. She also raised their six children.
Death and Legacy
John S. Trower passed away in Philadelphia on April 4, 1911. He was 61 years old. He was known to have about $1 million. This made him one of the richest African Americans in Pennsylvania and possibly the entire United States at that time.
