some Black Jamaican businessmen - out of the past

   Clearly not satisfied with his prospects at the JGR, he decided in 1895 to go out on his own. At 21 he started his own small shop in Spanish Town. Wilson Coore, then a schoolteacher but later a Baptist minister, became his good friend at this time, and later commented on his young friend’s high standards, and careful use of his money.

   Stewart operated his one store, and by the time of the death his first wife, Sarah, in 1908, he was known as a ‘successful and enterprising storekeeper’. He was left with a family of three sons and two daughters to bring up on his own, but within a year he married again. His second wife, Emeline Burgess, was, like his first wife, a schoolteacher’s daughter, and proved to be a most valuable partner in his business ventures. Mrs Stewart became identified with the Marble Hall Hotel, which she and her husband established in Spanish Town. The hotel, which catered especially for tourists, became a favoured venue for banquets, dinners, luncheons, wedding receptions, honeymoons, and even, occasionally, weddings, for Jamaicans from all over the island. It continued to flourish into the 1930s.

   By the 1920s Stewart’s retail business had expanded to take up three stores, on French, Hanover and Wellington Streets, where customers could buy a wide range of fabrics, clothing and footware; one store specialized in hardware and ironmongery. The proprietor supervised his businesses personally and promised speedy and courteous service. In July 1924 Stewart’s fourth store, New Victoria House, was opened. One of the speakers at the function regretted that there were so few Jamaicans with the business ability of Jacob Hume Stewart.

   Hume Stewart and his wife were devoted members of the Anglican Church, but they gave support to the efforts of other religious denominations. They were involved in a wide range of local activities, especially involving schools and sports. Mr Stewart was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, attending its meetings and functions in Kingston. He took an interest in politics at all levels and was a JP in St Catherine.

   When he died in September 1935, after a brief illness, hundreds came to his funeral, from all over the island. The service was conducted by the Revs R O C King and Walter L Brown, the latter expressing the hope that Hume Stewart’s life would be an example to every young man and woman.