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258 organ of the race, west of the Ohio river. It is the recognized organ of the Afro-Americans of Illinois, and wields a potent influence in politics.

Three Afro-American journals have been started at Springfield, but with ill success. Mr. Turner has succeeded, because, as he himself states: "Energy, perseverance and individual attention to the enterprise, will eventuate in success. Any man with good business habits, a fair education, and pleasing address, who will not subordinate his advertising columns to trashy local news, can bring to his support a reasonable share of business patronage, which always pays well. Short editorials, brief correspondence from other cities and towns, a high moral tone, condemning wrong, defending right, urging the payment of subscriptions due, dropping from the list the always-promising and never-paying subscribers, will insure success."

Mr. Turner resides with his family at Springfield, where he is known for his strict business integrity; the best evidence of which is, his word commands any sum of money desired in the management of his business enterprise. About the Afro-American in politics and in business, Editor Turner says truthfully: "When the negro in America begins business for himself, and accumulates wealth and intelligence, the race problem then will be solved. Business must be first and politics last."

The subject of this sketch was born near the little hamlet of Portland, Ashley County, Arkansas, December 26, 1859. His mother died when he was only one year old. Two years afterward, his father, having some knowledge of books, was whipped to death for teaching and "spoiling the good niggers."