E.E. Ward Moving & Storage

E. E. Ward Moving & Storage is currently one of the oldest, African-American owned businesses in the nation. Established in 1881, E. E. Ward has a long, rich history in the roots of Columbus, Ohio. But how did this come to be? In this series, we are going to look at how E. E. Ward has grown from a local business into an international moving company.

John T. Ward was born in Richmond, Virginia on March 19, 1820. Ward left Virginia and moved to Columbus in 1836 and married Catherine Moss in 1838. The couple lived on a farm off the National Pike (what is now known as Main Street). As early as 1859, Ward began laying a foundation for his moving company. He had hauling contracts with wholesale and produce houses. He transported goods and merchandise from warehouses and storage yards to commercial sites and markets.

Ward also had hauling contacts with the government. During the Civil War, Ward’s team hauled supplies and equipment to Camp Chase on the west side of Columbus. His son, William S. Ward, who would later establish the official Ward Transfer Lines, worked with his father during this time.

Being one of the oldest minority-owned businesses, E. E. Ward has witnessed many societal changes. When it comes to moving, trust the company that has more than 134 years of experience.

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