Junius G. Groves, born into slavery in 1859, rose to prominence as one of the wealthiest Black Americans of the early 20th century. After gaining his freedom, he joined the “Great Exodus” of freedmen moving to Kansas in 1879. Starting as a farmhand, his hard work impressed his employer, who offered him nine acres to farm on shares. By 1884, Groves and his wife Matilda had saved enough to purchase 80 acres of land near Edwardsville, Kansas. Their farming venture quickly became a success, and within four years, they expanded their holdings to 2,000 acres.

Groves earned the title “Potato King of the World” by producing a record 721,500 bushels of potatoes in one year, a remarkable achievement that far exceeded other farmers of his time. In addition to farming, Groves diversified his interests by operating a general store, maintaining orchards, and investing in mining and banking. His success allowed him to replace his modest home with a 22-room mansion, a testament to his perseverance and the hard work of his family. Groves continued to manage his farm until his death in 1925, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, innovation, and economic empowerment in the face of adversity.