Junius George Groves facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Junius George Groves
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Born | April 12, 1859 |
| Died | August 17, 1925 (aged 66) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Farmer, businessman |
| Known for | "Potato King of the World" |
Junius George Groves (born April 12, 1859 – died August 17, 1925) was an amazing American farmer and businessman. He became one of the richest Black Americans in the late 1800s and early 1900s. People called him the "Potato King of the World" by 1902 because he grew more potatoes than anyone else! He used his success to help fight unfair treatment and create opportunities for other Black Americans.
Contents
The Story of Junius George Groves
Early Life and Family
Junius George Groves was born into slavery on April 12, 1859, in Green County, Kentucky. His parents were Martin and Mary Anderson Groves. After slavery ended, he went to public school for three months each year. He also taught himself to read, write, and do math.
As a freedman (a person freed from slavery), Junius had only 90 cents. He traveled to Edwardsville, Kansas, during a time called the Exodus of 1879. A year later, he married Matilda E. Stewart. They had 14 children together, and 12 of them grew up to be adults.
Becoming a Successful Farmer
Junius first worked as a sharecropper. This meant he farmed land owned by someone else and shared the crops. In 1884, he started buying his own farmland. By 1905, he owned about 500 acres! He and Matilda worked hard to grow their farm. They even built a large 22-room mansion on their property.
Groves bought and shipped farm products, especially potatoes, all over North America. He also had other businesses. He owned a general store in Edwardsville. He invested in mines in Indian Territory and New Mexico. He also owned shares in banks in Kansas.
Junius Groves helped start many important groups. These included the Negro Business League, the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, the Kaw Valley Potato Association, and the Sunflower State Agricultural Association. Booker T. Washington, a famous leader, wrote about Groves in his book The Negro in Business (1907). Washington called Groves "our most successful Negro farmer."
The "Potato King of the World"
By 1902, Junius Groves was known as the "Potato King of the World." He used special farming methods that helped him grow a huge amount of potatoes. In one year, he produced 721,500 bushels of potatoes. This was more than anyone else in the world at that time!
His wealth grew quickly. In 1904, his worth was estimated at $80,000. By 1915, it was $300,000. He is remembered as one of the richest Black Americans of his time.
Giving Back to the Community
Junius Groves used his money and influence to fight against racism. During the farming season, about 50 workers, both Black and white, worked on his farm. He created a community center for Black Americans in Edwardsville. He also built a golf course for Black citizens. This might have been the first golf course of its kind in the country.
Junius Groves passed away from a heart attack when he was 66 years old. A local newspaper reported that his funeral was the "largest ever in Edwardsville." He is believed to be buried in Groves Cemetery, near the community center he helped create.
