Mr. Andrew Williams, a 25 year old bootblack or boot-shiner was the first free African American man to purchase land in New York City in 1825. Charging anywhere from 3 – 5 cents a shine, he worked hard, saved his earnings and purchased three lots of (Central Park) land for $125.00 from a white cartman by the name of John Whitehead. A cartman could have been a driver of a horse-drawn vehicle for transporting goods. A modern day van driver. A carter typically drove a light two-wheeled carriage or, sometimes someone who drove horse-drawn trams was called a Cartman. It was unheard of for African Americans to be able to purchase land. However, for whatever reason, Mr. Whitehead was willing to sell it not only to Mr. Williams, but also to the many that would follow. In no time, Mr. Whitehead sold off his farm acreage.
1855-56 found Mr. Williams in court being offered $3,500 for his land which was worth more than $4,000. He rejected the lower offer and settled his claim for his land by using the rights afforded under the law of imminent domain to reclaim the land.
Shining shoes was an important source of income for many children and families throughout the world. Some shoe-shiners offered extra services, such as shoe repairs and general tailoring. Many well-known and high-profile people started their working life as shoe-shiners, including singers and presidents.