Page:The Afro-American Press.djvu/222

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
214
THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS.

graduation in 1858, but for some cause he was not permitted to do so.

While in school he acquired the trade of boot and shoe maker, also that of a barber, in which he is now engaged. He is a great Society promoter. His career as editor of the Secret Society department of The Echo dates from 1883, which he has filled with credit and ability. He has proved a most valuable accession to the editorial staff of The Echo, and being well informed as to the workings of various secret orders, he is good authority in matters of that kind. The Echo regards him as essential to its existence.

Abel P. Caldwell, the business manager of The Echo, was born in Chapel Hill, N. C., January 1, 1865. His training was had through many difficulties, at the North, as well as South. He is a young man of fine sense and business ability. While managing editor of The Echo, he was selected by the U. S. Director General of the American Exhibition, held in London, England, to represent the young Afro-Americans, which he did with credit.

Responding to an inclination to do something to his liking, with three others, he began the publication of The Echo in 1882. It was then a small quarter-sheet, with Charles W. Simpson as editor, while Mr. Caldwell became business manager. Thus The Echo commenced what has proved, after more than seven years' experience, a staunch champion of the rights and privileges of the Afro-Americans. Mr. Caldwell assumed control as editor and proprietor, with his brother, in 1884.

Dr. B. T. Tanner, formerly editor of The Christian Recorder, and now Bishop Tanner, says: "In more ways than one, The Echo is a model which larger and more pretentious journals of our people could imitate to their advantage. With the motto—'To preserve an equable mind,'—it pursues the even tenor of its ways, as though it came to stay."