Jim Aiken – A Prominent Black Businessman from the County’s Early Days

James “Jim” P. Aiken (1862-1909), a prominent Black businessman 

James P. Aiken (March 1, 1862 - August 25, 1909) was born into slavery in the midst of the Civil War. His enslaved mother Jane Aiken didn’t publicly reveal the identity of Jim’s father, but it was believed to be Jane’s enslaver, B.F. Akin of Dunn’s Rock. After Jane, Jim, and others were emancipated at the end of the Civil War, Jane married Ben Hall in 1876. This was the man that acted as a father to Jim throughout the remainder of his childhood.

Jim married Dafna Bailey Keyth in May 1884. There is little documenting their union, though it might be assumed that they had children based on 1900 Census records listing Ida and Jennie as children with birthdates after 1884 and before his second marriage. Jim married his second wife Mary Magdalene Smith in 1891. Mary was a biracial descendent of the Allison family of Transylvania County.

Depending on the source, Jim is credited with having 14-16 children. Not all names appear in records, but those that are known to have come from his marriage to Mary include William, Jesse, George, Betty, Loretta Mary, Frank, Mary, and Melvin. Loretta Mary Aiken went on to become a comedic star under the stage name “Moms Mabley.” Loretta’s story has been covered in previous articles.

His enterprising nature led Jim to sell apple cider and homemade gingerbread at the start of his retail career. He became so successful that after five years, he built a store on Main Street (located at what is approximately 15 West Main Street today) which was a combination mercantile store, café, and barber shop. It was especially popular on court days when he would assist lawyers, judges, and other court officials with lunch and a shave. He later expanded to include a dray service, using a horse and wagon for transportation of luggage and mail to and from the railway station. A familiar and well-liked businessman who served all, Jim was known for always being immaculately dressed and for his sense of humor and fun.

Jim was the member of several civic groups, the most prominent being the Masons. His grave marker, which can still be found in the New French Broad Baptist Church Cemetery, includes an emblem for the honorable order. He was the only black member of the volunteer fire department, and it was in service to his community that he perished. On August 26, 1909, a fire broke out at Jim’s cousin’s house. The fire department brought their two-wheeled chemical engine down what is now known as Jailhouse Hill in order to fight the blaze. The steep incline was unbalancing to the chemical process used inside the tank, and when it arrived at the scene, too much pressure had built inside. When Jim went to attach a hose to the tank, it exploded, killing him and injuring several other firefighters. Just as with exact biographical details for Jim, there are varying accounts of exactly how and why the accident occurred, but this is the most accurate version that could be surmised from a close reading of many historical records, with preference given to local and timely resources.

The funeral for James P. Aiken was held at the white First Baptist Church and was well-attended by a variety of people of all backgrounds. In his will, he left his six houses and business to his widow Mary, who continued to operate the business after his death. She eventually remarried and moved to Cleveland, Ohio. Jim Aiken was a pioneer, achieving great success and having a lasting impact in Transylvania County, despite his humble origins and life obstacles.

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library. This article was written by Local History Librarian Laura Gardner. For more information, comments, or suggestions, contact NC Room staff at ncroom@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-1820.