S.J. Gilpin
January 5, 1895
Summary
Local Richmonder finds success in making shoes and is now the owner of one of the largest “colored” shoe establishments.
Transcription
S.J. Gilpin.
S.J. Gilpin was born in Richmond, Va., Dec. 30, 1850 of free parents. He was instructed for about 18 months by Miss Elizabeth McCannon. He attended the public school after the evacuation. He learned the trade of the shoe-making from his father. He opened a shoe-shop for himself in 1873, and continued at it about 14 years.
Then he entered the shoe-business with Mr. T. A. Miles under the firm name of Miles and Gilpin. He withdrew from the firm about 1889 and soon after wards opened at 506 E. Broad street., his present location. Mr. Gilpin now conducts on the largest shoe establishments owned by co’ored men in this country., and despite the prejudices existing succeeded in securing a place on the main thoroughfare of this city.
He married Miss Cordelia A. Reese in 1875. They have been blessed with nine children, eight of whom are living. The first seven children were boys. Mr. Gilpin is a progressive business man, retiring in his manner, but thoroughly reliable in all of his dealings. He has built up a trade that is permanent and profitable. His standing in this community is of the best. Carrying a stock valued at $3000 he attends strictly to business, is quiet, unassuming and has made hosts of friends among the populace. May the new year bring many blessings and abundant prosperity.
S.J. Gilpin was born in Richmond, Va., Dec. 30, 1850 of free parents. He was instructed for about 18 months by Miss Elizabeth McCannon. He attended the public school after the evacuation. He learned the trade of the shoe-making from his father. He opened a shoe-shop for himself in 1873, and continued at it about 14 years.
Then he entered the shoe-business with Mr. T. A. Miles under the firm name of Miles and Gilpin. He withdrew from the firm about 1889 and soon after wards opened at 506 E. Broad street., his present location. Mr. Gilpin now conducts on the largest shoe establishments owned by co’ored men in this country., and despite the prejudices existing succeeded in securing a place on the main thoroughfare of this city.
He married Miss Cordelia A. Reese in 1875. They have been blessed with nine children, eight of whom are living. The first seven children were boys. Mr. Gilpin is a progressive business man, retiring in his manner, but thoroughly reliable in all of his dealings. He has built up a trade that is permanent and profitable. His standing in this community is of the best. Carrying a stock valued at $3000 he attends strictly to business, is quiet, unassuming and has made hosts of friends among the populace. May the new year bring many blessings and abundant prosperity.
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Upper Left Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Cord Fox
Citation
“S.J. Gilpin,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed January 21, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/80.