In 1881, a time when opportunities for Black entrepreneurs were scarce, one family defied the odds and built a business that would stand the test of time. What started with a simple horse and wagon in Columbus, Ohio, has evolved into a multi-million-dollar enterprise that has outlasted wars, economic downturns, and sweeping industry changes. Stay tuned for the inspirational story of the nation's oldest continuously operating Black-owned business still running today.
E.E. Ward Moving & Storage, established in 1881, is recognized as the oldest continuously operating Black-owned business in the United States. Founded by John T. Ward and his son, William S. Ward, in Columbus, Ohio, the company began as the Ward Transfer Line, utilizing two horses and a wagon to provide moving services.
John T. Ward, originally from Virginia, settled in Ohio in 1828. At the age of 22, he became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, aiding enslaved individuals in their journey to freedom through Central Ohio starting in 1842. This commitment to service and community laid the foundation for the family's future business endeavors.
In 1881, John and William Ward established the Ward Transfer Line in downtown Columbus. The company was a family-run operation, with various relatives contributing to its growth and success. Over time, the business underwent several name changes, eventually becoming E.E. Ward Transfer and Storage Company by 1899, named after John T. Ward's grandson, Edgar Earl Ward.
Throughout its history, E.E. Ward has demonstrated resilience, overcoming challenges such as the Great Easter Flood of 1913 and the Great Depression. The company transitioned from horse-drawn wagons to motorized vehicles, retiring its last horse in 1921.
In 2001, the company was acquired by Brian Brooks and Otto Beatty III, with Beatty departing in 2015. Brian and his wife, Dominique Reighard Brooks, now lead the company, honoring its legacy while fostering growth and innovation. Under their leadership, E.E. Ward has expanded its services and geographic reach, with locations in Columbus, Ohio, and Charlotte, North Carolina, serving clients nationwide.
E.E. Ward has received numerous accolades for its commitment to excellence, including the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio Torch Award for Ethics and recognition as the Overall Quality Hauling Agent of the Year by North American Van Lines. The company also engages in community initiatives, such as the Laps for Lunches program, which addresses food insecurity.
The enduring success of E.E. Ward Moving & Storage serves as a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Black-owned businesses in the United States.
