Samuel Charles

"Speaking of shoe stores, the largest shoe and findings store in west Florida is located in Pensacola and is owned by Mr. Samuel Charles, a colored man, a native of the city. Several years ago, after serving some years as an apprentice, Mr. Charles opened a repair shop on Palafoz street. It was not long before be was the leading repairer of the city, spending as much in the daily press to advertise his shop as most shoe stores around him spent to advertise their shoes. Three years ago he opened his present establishment. He owns valuable property in the city of Pensacola, and has unlimited credit." --The Colored American Magazine, Negro Universities Press, 1906

"...Samuel Charles of Pensacola, Florida, told how in twenty-five years he had built up two successful shoe stores in a Southern town, both of which are well supported by white and colored people. Mr. Charles employs eight persons and carries a stock valued at $10,000." --The Southern Workman, Volume 45, Issue 11, October 1916