Page:The Afro-American Press.djvu/170

162 he also held a clerkship in the Revenue Office under Collector Stone, but was decapitated because Cleveland believed a public office a public trust and correctly surmised that dyed-in-the-wool Republicans could not be depended on to do Democratic missionary work. His early connection with The Venture was an excellent school of preparation for his after labors on The Plaindealer, and much of the early success of the paper is due to his terse, witty and well-written articles.

William H. Stowers was born February 7th, 1859, in Canada, where his parents had fled to escape the persecution of slavery. His parents returned to Michigan when he was seven years of age. He attended the county schools until 17; then came to the city to attend the High School, which he did under difficulties, having to walk eight miles each way in hot and cold, wet and dry weather. He graduated in '79. He then became Receiving Clerk for Root, Stone & Co., which position he held for seven years. Mr. Stowers has had some experience in amateur journalism, having been associated with Mr. B. B. Pelham in issuing The Venture, an amateur sheet. He has a practical knowledge of stenography, having taken a course at the Detroit Business College. He has been Deputy Sheriff since '86. With all his other duties he has ably held up his end as one of The Plaindealer editors. It is safe to add that there is no more able or forcible writer in Afro-American journalism than he.

Robert Pelham, Jr.,—our hustler—was born January 4th, 1859, in Petersburg, Va. At an early age his parents came to Detroit. He attended the public schools, graduating from the High School in '77. He commenced his labors with The Detroit Tribune at 10 years of age, as carrier boy. By faithful, energetic service he has risen in their employ, and now has control of its mailing and subscription department and gives employment to a number of Afro-American youths. Last year he was made Deputy Oil Inspector. Ever since