January 2, 1908
Pensacola, Florida

According to Uncle Evelyn, this was not by accident; he says he recognizes my potential, my humility, my dedication to hard work and the law. I thought, perhaps, Uncle Evelyn might bring me into the firm sometime; but not a partnership!

The transition to partner with my powerful uncle is a very big deal — and now — I don’t feel so indentured, or as if I still have years of atonement ahead of me to prove my worth as a good lawyer. Uncle said it was a trial by fire, much like what his grandfather did with him and his siblings. No matter, I told him; I’m simply appreciative and grateful.

For the first time in years, I feel grounded and steady. Uncle’s approbation means so much; he believes in me. It’s huge: Even my brother Cephas is a bit in awe, my being offered a partnership with Uncle Evelyn. And so, I feel confident enough to move forward on my own somewhat. I left the Kehoe house, and moved into a boarding house at 124 West Belmont owned by Mrs. Frances Moreno, a widow. Her son, who is with the L&N Railroad (and knows my brothers Frank and Meade, fellow conductors) lives there, along with her daughter.

It doesn’t feel entirely as if I have ventured far on my own; my uncle is just up the street from where I live. But it’s a good, fresh start to a New Year, nonetheless.

Categories: Book Family Florida History In Emmett's Words

Tagged as: Blount Building E. Meade Wilson Evelyn Croom Maxwell Frank Wilson Jr. Maxwell & Wilson

jsmith532

Professor,
Communication, Arts, and the Humanities
The University of Maryland Global Campus