City Directories and History: Richard D. Beckham (Almeta), 131 Pond St. (1925), Columbus Hunt, Record Pl (1917), John W. Hunt (Lucy), Record Place, (1908); S. J. Bell (1917 ***), Reuben H. Hunt (Annie), Columbus Hunt, Record Pl. (1917); 1 W. Moore St. (1925), Hunt & Hemphill (John W. Hunt—Esther, wife & Sidney J. Hemphill—Daisy D., wife), 107 W. Black St.(1925), John L. Lewis (Dollie), 201 S. Railroad Ave. (1913)
Information written and submitted to R&R by George R. Garrison, Ph.D. – Kent State University
The Rock Hill Record reported on Jan. 6, 1908 – “Mr. S.J. Bell has bought the interest of C.G. Plexico in the shoe making and repair business of S.J. Bell and Company and will continue at the old stand.”
The Rock Hill Record reported on March 30, 1908 – “Mr. H.W. Smith, who for two or three years has been in-charge of McElwee’s Restaurant has resigned and he and Claude Plexico will go to Union, S.C. to open a moving picture show. Mr. Plexico does not expect to stay in Union, but will continue with Mr. S.J. Bell the shoe maker.”
The 1908 RH City Directory list: Samuel J. Bell (Lula), S. J. Bell & Co., shoemaker, home 330 Flint St.
The Rock Hill City Directory in 1913 had the following ad: S. J. Bell says “custom shoe maker and everything in shoe repairing. If you are about to lose your sole you had better call on him.” First door Record Place near Main.
The Rock Hill Herald reported on Jan. 31, 1935 – “Samuel Jackson Bell (White not African American), age 73 known as Uncle Jack, passed away at his Flint St., home on Jan. 20. He was a pioneer in shoe making and repairs. He was a Chester Co., native born in 1862, the son of Samuel J. Bell. He came to Rock Hill over fifty years ago, and was in business for 49 years. For 20 years he operated his shoe repair business on Elm Ave., before retiring and selling to Roy Baker. His wife, Lula Owen Paul Bell, died fifteen years ago. His sister is Mrs. A.L. Neely of Ogden.”
Visit the More Information link found under the primary image, to see additional data on African American businesses, in Rock Hill from 1908 – 1972. This list was researched and submitted to R&R by P.M. Gettys – 2015 / Subsequent research shows that S.J. Bell listed was not an African American shoe maker!
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