Richard Fillmore Tancil facts for kids
Richard Fillmore Tancil (1859-1928) was an important doctor, builder, and community leader in Richmond, Virginia. He started several important organizations, including the Nickel Savings Bank in 1896. His office was located at 601 North 30th Street.
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Becoming a Doctor
Richard F. Tancil was a very smart student. He graduated from Howard University in 1882. He earned a special degree in medicine. After finishing his studies, he worked as a doctor at Freedmen’s Hospital in Washington D.C. This hospital helped many people.
Helping the Community in Richmond
After working in Washington D.C., Dr. Tancil moved to Richmond, Virginia. He wanted to help the community there. In 1896, he started the Nickel Savings Bank. This bank was in Richmond’s Church Hill neighborhood. It was important because it helped many African Americans save money and get loans when other banks would not.
Leading Other Groups
Dr. Tancil was a true leader. He was the president of the Virginia Medical Association. This group was for doctors in Virginia. He also helped manage the Memorial Burial Ground Association. This group took care of a special burial ground.
Fighting for Fairness
Dr. Tancil was also very involved in civil rights. This means he worked to make sure everyone had equal rights. He helped with a protest in 1903 and 1904. People boycotted, or refused to ride, the streetcars of the Virginia Passenger and Power Company. These streetcars were segregated. This means Black and white people had to sit in separate sections. This happened during the Jim Crow era, a time when laws kept Black and white people apart.
The Bank's History
The Nickel Savings Bank was very helpful for a while. However, it closed in 1910. This happened after a "run on it." A run on a bank means too many people tried to take out all their money at once. Other people who worked at the bank included Richard J. Bass and Roscoe C. Brown. Another bank that helped African Americans was the True Reformers Bank.
Remembering Dr. Tancil
Dr. Tancil was a very important person in Richmond. A special historical marker now remembers his work. This marker shows where one of the properties he bought and helped develop was located. One of his daughters married Rev. R. J. Langston. Richard F. Tancil is buried in Richmond, Virginia.
