From Enslavement to Entrepreneurship: The Legacy of Charles H. Burns
- Veronica Carr
- Aug 12
- 1 min read
#CharlesHBurns (c. 1855-1917)
Charles H. Burns (1855-1917) was a successful African American entrepreneur, who owned #BurnsOysterHouse at #34WestGayStreet in West Chester, PA.
Burns was born enslaved in Culpepper, Virginia to Judy and Charles H. Burns, Sr. Judy and the children were enslaved on one plantation in Culpepper, while the father was enslaved on a nearby plantation. Sadly, the Civil War tore the family apart when Charles, Sr. was forced into service for the Confederate Army, driving an ammunition wagon. His wife and children never saw him again.
After the Civil War, 4 year old Charles, his mother, and two siblings traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and then to West Chester, Pennsylvania. In 1891, he purchased the West Gay Street property for $5,250 (equivalent to over $187,000 in 2025) and operated a thriving catering business until 1916.
In 1894, Burns catered an event for the
#InvincibleRepublicansLeague, a white political group which called Burns the "premier colored caterer."
In the 1895 contract for fire insurance, the $700 policy is equivalent to over $27,000 in 2025. The Nanny Jack & Co Archives also has 5 checks from the 1890s signed by Burns, two of which are pictured here.
He was also an active member of #BethelAMEChurch and a political activist who oppressed school segregation.
In 2019, West Chester demolished the building (along with several others) and began constructing #44West, a mixed use site. The #SedonaTaphouse stands on the former site of Burns' restaurant.
Courtesy of Nanny Jack & Co Archives
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