Benjamin Richards, Sen., of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, forty years ago, was one of the leading business men of the place.  Being a butcher by trade, he carried on the business extensively, employing a white clerk, and held a heavy contract with the United States, supplying the various military posts with provisions.  Mr. Richards possessed a large property in real estate, and was at one time reputed very wealthy, he and the late general O’H. being considered the most wealthy individuals of the place,—­Mr. Richards taking the precedence; the estate of general O’H. now being estimated at seven millions of dollars.  Mr. Richards has been known, to buy up a drove of cattle at one time.  By mismanagement, he lost his estate, upon which many gentlemen are now living at ease in the city.

William H. Topp, of Albany, N.Y., has for several years been one of the leading merchant tailors of the city.  Starting in the world without aid, he educated and qualified himself for business; and now has orders from all parts of the state, the city of New York not excepted, for “Topp’s style of clothing.”  Mr. Topp stands high in his community as a business man, and a useful and upright member of society.  His paper or endorsement is good at any time.

Henry Scott & Co., of New York city, have for many years been engaged extensively in the pickling business, keeping constantly in warehouse, a very heavy stock of articles in their line.  He, like the most of others, had no assistance at the commencement, but by manly determination and perseverance, raised himself to what he is.  His business is principally confined to supplying vessels with articles and provisions in his line of business, which in this great metropolis is very great.  There have doubtless been many a purser, who cashed and filed in his office the bill of Henry Scott, without ever dreaming of his being a colored man.  Mr. Scott is extensively known in the great City, and respected as an upright, prompt, energetic business man, and highly esteemed by all who know him.

Mr. Hutson, for years, kept in New York, an intelligence office.  At his demise, he was succeeded by Philip A. Bell, who continues to keep one of the leading offices in the city.  Mr. Bell is an excellent business man, talented, prompt, shrewd, and full of tact.  And what seems to be a trait of character, only to be found associated with talent, Mr. Bell is highly sensitive, and very eccentric.  A warm, good hearted man, he has not only enlisted the friendship of all his patrons, but also endeared himself to the multitude of persons who continually throng his office seeking situations.  One of his usual expressions to the young women and men in addressing himself to them is, “My child”—­this is kind, and philanthropic, and has a tendency to make himself liked.  His business is very extensive, being sought from all parts of the city, by the first people of the community.  It is said to be not unusual, for the peasantry of Liverpool, to speak of Mr. Bell, as a benefactor of the emigrant domestics.  Mr. Bell is extensively known in the business community—­none more so—­and highly esteemed as a valuable citizen.