Talladega County AlArchives Biographies.....Dickerson, Samuel Newton 
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Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 September 16, 2008, 1:34 am

Author: Clement Richardson, Editor

S. N. DICKERSON

  Optimism and pessimism, are to be found in all the walks of life and are not
confined to any race, class or profession. While this is true to find a business
enthusiast among the colored race is a rarity. Such a one is Samuel Newton
Dickerson of Talladega, Ala. A business rather than a professional life appealed
to him and he has put into his business that energy, zeal and intelligence which
wins success.

  Mr. Dickerson was born in Talladega, the city where he began his business
career and which has been the held of his business activities.

  He was born at the close of the civil war and received his education at the
Talladega College. He first entered the public school where he was prepared for
the college course. Like most young colored men his way to an education was not
a rosy path.

The educational facilities of the town were ample for his purposes but the
question of a livelihood made it difficult for him to avail himself of them. In
addition to his own support he had the care of his mother and sister to whose
comforts he devoted his life. One of his outstanding traits is his devotion and
loyalty to his family.

  Difficulties are not fatal to a strong man but act as a tonic to spur him on
so it is not surprising that Mr. Dickerson succeeded in the face of difficulties
in securing an education.

  Mr. Dickerson s first business venture was that of a painter which he followed
for fifteen years from 1890. He then entered the Drug business which he
continued for ten years with marked success.

  From this line of business he entered the general mercantile business which
now occupies his time and attention.

  While push is his watchword in business conservatism steadies his place and it
is to these two characteristics that he has scored so great a success.

  Concerning life as a poor man through thrift and good management he has
accumulated a good property. Besides his home he owns a store, six rental
houses, several city lots and one hundred and ten suburban lots. He also owns a
share of stock in the Chinabar Cotton Mill.

  He is a great advocate of the Negro entering the marts of trade and encourages
the establishment of individual firms but his ideals of business take a wider
range than the individual and reaches out to the community life. He believes in
co-operation and takes the position that the colored citizen has a part to play
in the development of the civic life of the community and should take part in
all enterprises of a public nature which has for its end the upbuilding of the
community life.

  He sees in this way the best method to win recognition and respect for the
worthy colored citizens.

  Mr. Dickerson's talent as a business man and promoter is recognized by his
friends who constantly come to him for advice, and they always find in him' a
friendly and sound adviser.

  Aside from his personal business connections he has headed a number of
business associations.

  He has served as President of the Talladega Business League, President of the
Farmers Investment and Benevolent Association, President of the Negro Merchant's
Association, and Vice-President of the Alabama Negro Business League. He has
given much time and thought to these organizations and they have profited
through his wise counsel.

  In business matters he is a leader, but in the domain of religion he prefers
to follow. He is a member of the Baptist Church and does his part in keeping up
the church enterprises. He is also a Mason and has served as Worshipful Master
of the Mariah division.

  Mr. Dickerson s home life is happy though deprived of children. In 1890 he
married Miss Alice Camp of his home city. Although they have no children of
their own, childhood makes a strong appeal to them and they spend much time and
money in helping the children of others. They are the children's friends.

  He gave his sister, Mrs. T. B. Barnett, the best of educational advantages and
fitted her for teaching. She is now a teacher in the Swayne College, Montgomery,
and ranks high in the profession.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

The National Cyclopedia of The Colored Race

Editor-in-Chief

CLEMENT RICHARDSON
President of Lincoln Institute
Jefferson City, Mo.

ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Dr. C. V. ROMAN,
Nashville, Tenn.
Professor of Meharry Medical College.

W. T. B. WILLIAMS, Hampton Institute, Va.
Field Agent of the Jeannes and Slater Funds.

H. M. MINTON, M. D., Philadelphia, Pa.
Board of Directors Mercy Hospital.

SILAS X. FLOYD, Augusta, Ga.
Principal of City Schools.

DR. R. E. JONES, New Orleans, La.
Editor of South Western Christian Advocate.

DR. A. F. OWENS, Selma, Ala.
Dean of Theological Dept. Selma university.

FRED MOORE, New York City.
Editor New York Age.

ADVISORY BOARD

EMMETT J. SCOTT, Chairman,
Secretary of Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee Institute, Ala.

N. B. YOUNG, Tallahassee, Fla.
President of A. and M. College.

DR. J. W. E. BOWEN, Atlanta, Ga.
Dean of Gammon Theological Seminary.

J. R. E. LEE, Kansas City, Mo.
Principal of Lincoln High School.

J. S. CLARK, Baton Route, La.
President of Southern University.

DR. M. W. DOGAN, Marshall, Texas.
President of Wiley University.

Volume One
NATIONAL PUBLISHING COMPANY, Inc.
PUBLISHERS
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
1919

COPYRIGHT 1919
NATIONAL PUBLISHING CO., Inc.
MONTGOMERY, ALA.


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