Samuel Dent escaped slavery in Alabama in 1862 and worked for a surgeon in an Illinois regiment. He moved up to Chicago, which he fled after the Great Chicago Fire.
In Lake Forest, he borrowed money from a Lake Forest college professor to start a livery service, driving wealthy people between their country mansions and the train station. The business was so successful that he reportedly paid off the 99-year loan in 3 months.
Dent built this stable for his livery service a few blocks from the train station. It’s now a high-end fitness studio.
He died in 1890 and is buried in the Lake Forest Cemetery.
You can follow @Dennis_Rodkin.
Tip: mention @twtextapp on a Twitter thread with the keyword “unroll” to get a link to it.

Latest Threads Unrolled:
Those who think consciousness raising & movement building are disconnected, or even a distraction from electoral politics have not paid attention to the history of social change.In this thread, we
Read more
The 2020s will be known as the Remote Work decadeA few predictions of what is likely to emerge[ a thread ] Third Space: Office and Working from Home will
Read more
1/29: Have you ever had a concept explained to you that helps frame complex issues you’ve been wrestling with and opens your eyes to new possibilities? A concept that I
Read more
By continuing to use the site, you are consenting to the use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy to improve your experience.