American History

THE FIRST WEALTHIEST BLACK FAMILY IN THE US:
Junius G. Groves 1859 – 1925.
Farmer, landowner, and businessman Junius G. Groves was among the wealthiest Black Americans of the early 20th century. Born into slavery in Green County, Kentucky, Groves was later liberated and joined other freedmen in the “Great Exodus” to Kansas in 1879, eventually finding work as a farmhand. Impressed with his strong work ethic and production, Groves’ employer offered him nine acres of land to farm on shares.
By 1884, he and his wife Matilda had saved enough to purchase 80 acres of land near Edwardsville, Kansas. So successful was their venture that, just four years later, they had acquired 2,000 acres and replaced their one-room hut with a 22-room mansion.
Groves made a name for himself as a potato grower, producing as many as 721,500 bushels in one year – far and away more than any other farmer – and earning the title of “Potato King of the World.” He also operated a general store, maintained several orchards, and invested in various mining and banking interests. Groves worked the farm until he died in 1925. He attributed his success to the endless hard work and devotion of his wife and 12 children.