Joseph Casey, a broker of considerable acumen, also accumulated desirable property, worth probably $75,000.[19] Crowded out of the higher pursuits of labor, certain other enterprising business men of this group organized the Guild of Caterers.

This was composed of such men as Bogle, Prosser, Dorsey, Jones and Minton.

The aim was to elevate the Negro waiter and cook from the plane of menials to that of progressive business men.

Then came Stephen Smith who amassed a large fortune as a lumber merchant and with him Whipper, Vidal and Purnell.

Still and Bowers were reliable coal merchants, Adger a success in handling furniture, Bowser a well-known painter, and William H.Riley the intelligent boot-maker.[20] There were a few such successful Negroes in other communities in the State.