Born into slavery in 1842 in Tennessee, Powhatan became a successful entrepreneur. He ran his own barbering business while his wife, Fannie, was a successful hairdresser. They both advertised their services in local newspapers in Huntsville, Alabama. No headstones can be identified in Glenwood Cemetery for Powhatan or Fannie, but Fannie is mentioned as the mother of Gertie McGill, whose headstone exists, although badly broken and repaired.

Fannie and Powhatan McGill were successful entrepreneurs in Huntsville, Alabama. Powhatan McGill was born into slavery in 1842 in Bedford County, Tennessee. He, along with his parents, Hamid and Matilda, and nine siblings, were likely enslaved by a family named McGill. By 1870, the young freedman had relocated to Huntsville, Alabama, as recorded in the U.S. Federal Census, which noted that a woman and a child with the surname Howard also resided in the same household.

In 1874, Mr. McGill married Fannie, who was eight years younger than him. The couple had four children: William, Pearl, Gertie, and Fannie. Their daughter Fannie passed away in childhood. Gertie graduated from the State Normal School in 1889 and was a teacher in the Huntsville Colored School. The family lived in Huntsville's 4th Ward at 408 Oak Avenue.

Despite being unable to read or write, Mr. McGill established a successful barbering business around the age of 40. He began on Washington Street and later moved to 124 Jefferson Street in the Chapman Building. In 1883, he showcased his skills in a cleverly crafted poem in The Huntsville Gazette, advertising a first-class shave for ten cents and a haircut and shampoo for twenty-five cents. Mrs. McGill was also a successful entrepreneur, working as a popular hairdresser and laundress for four decades. She advertised in the Huntsville Weekly Democrat, offering her services to clients at their homes for hair shampooing and styling.

Mr. McGill passed away on October 6, 1911, at approximately 69 years of age. The following week, The Journal, a local newspaper, published his obituary, describing him as “one of the best-known colored citizens in the city.” Before retiring from barbering, he had been a leading figure in Huntsville’s business community and later ventured into grocery sales. His death followed a lengthy illness, and he was survived by his wife, Fannie, and their two children. Mr. McGill’s funeral was held at St. John’s A.M.E. Church, and he was laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery at sunset on October 7, 1911.

As a businesswoman, Mrs. McGill faced unique challenges; at the time, women could not open bank accounts, secure loans, or vote. Yet, with a strong reputation and a loyal clientele, Mrs. McGill built a thriving business, providing services such as hair, scalp, and nail care to the women of Huntsville. She also offered laundry services, sometimes traveling to her clients' homes. Known as one of Huntsville's most “reliable souls,” Mrs. McGill stayed busy with a steady demand for her services from the city’s elite women. In 1892, The Huntsville Weekly Democrat highlighted the positive recommendations she received from satisfied clients.

For nearly 40 years, Fannie McGill’s work left a lasting impact on her community. She passed away in June 1920, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and professionalism that served as an inspiration for others in Huntsville and beyond.

The Journal, Huntsville, AL, Oct 12, 1911.

 Freedman’s Bank Records, Huntsville, AL, 11/28/1865-8/21/1874, Roll 1. 

1870 US Census, Huntsville, AL, Ancestry.com.

1920 U.S. Federal Census, Ancestry.com.

U.S. Death Index, Ancestry.com.

Huntsville Gazette, Huntsville, AL, Sat, Sep 13, 1884.

Huntsville Gazette, Huntsville, AL, Sat, Oct 2, 1886.

Huntsville Weekly Democrat, Huntsville, AL, Wed., Sep 7, 1892.

Huntsville Weekly Democrat, Huntsville, AL, Wed., Dec 9, 1903.

Huntsville Weekly Democrat, Huntsville, AL, Wed., Sep 13, 1892.

Huntsville Weekly Democrat, Huntsville, AL, Wed., Aug 3, 1892.

Huntsville Weekly Democrat, Huntsville, AL, Wed., Jun 22, 1892.

The Huntsville Times, Huntsville, AL, Thu, Aug 31, 1916.