When the urban Negroes in northern communities had emerged from their crude state they easily learned from the white men their method of solving the problems of life.

This tendency was apparent after 1840 and striking results of their efforts were noted long before the Civil War.

They showed an inclination to work when positions could be found, purchased homes, acquired other property, built churches and established schools.

Going even further than this, some of them, taking advantage of their opportunities in the business world, accumulated considerable fortunes, just as had been done in certain centers in the South where Negroes had been given a chance.[8] In cities far north like Boston not so much difference as to the result of this migration was noted.

Some economic progress among the Negroes had early been observed there as a result of the long residence of Negroes in that city as in the case of Lewis Hayden who established a successful clothing business.[9] In New York such evidences were more apparent.