CONTinuum of change
Thomas C. Miller
Entrepreneur | Property owner
1849
–
1903
Thomas C. Miller "worked himself up from slavery to become a financial giant who regularly bought and sold land, loaned money, and entered into mortgages with both blacks and whites." He was the wealthiest Black man in Wilmington and owned businesses and property. His presence and wealth seemed "undesirable to most whites."
During the massacre of 1898, Miller was one of the men on the banishment list and was pulled from his home in front of his daughter. As he was escorted to the train, while a crowd cheered and hurled racial epithets at him. He was not allowed to return to the city and settled in Virginia.
Of note: Miller wrote to John D. Taylor, clerk of Superior Court in 1902, saying "I have been treated not like [a] human but worse than a dog and someday the Lord will punish them that punished me without a Cause."
Larry Reni Thomas
Wilmington, N.C. native and author Larry Reni Thomas discusses Thomas C. Miller’s importance to the community in 1898 when he was banished during the massacre. Miller’s portrait was painted by artist Jermaine Powell. Video by William Paul Thomas.
Larry Reni Thomas
Wilmington, N.C. native and author Larry Reni Thomas discusses Thomas C. Miller’s importance to the community in 1898 when he was banished during the massacre. Miller’s portrait was painted by artist Jermaine Powell. Video by William Paul Thomas.
