John Merrick and Daughters Geneva, Mabel and Martha, 1909

John Merrick and his daughters, Geneva, Mabel, and Martha, taken in 1909.

John Merrick (1859–1919) was an American businessman. Born into slavery in Clinton, North Carolina, Merrick founded various companies in the Raleigh, North Carolina and Durham, North Carolina areas, most notably the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company. Portions of his wealth were channeled back into the black community through philanthropy. His business acumen and social consciousness made him one of the most influential members of the African-American community in his lifetime. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Merrick_(insurance)