My two grand-fathers, both of protestant denomination, were undoubtedly outstanding characters.

Erdman Etéki, a dynamic businessman and early feminist, not only had "the nerve" to resist the social pressure exerted on him to take a second wife because his " was not able to give him a boy" (he had five daughters !!!), but in addition, he "wasted his money" sending his "five scourges" to school in the mid-1920's ...

As to David Mandessi Bell, a recognized very intelligent man and brilliant businessman in those days, he was quite influenced by the rules of protestantism. He is often quoted in the academic studies carried out rather recently on the native entrepreneurs of the times as one of those who, during the colonial period, got involved in extensive agriculture (cash crops) in spite of the reluctance of the colonial administration. His house (*), still existing in the business and administrative centre of Douala, Cameroon, was built between 1904 and 1910.

To see them, click here.

(*) picture on the right side of the home page