My home, Marion, Ala., was also the location of the Lincoln Normal
Institute, and fortunately I had attended that school for several
years. Being next to the oldest of eight children, my parents decided
to take me from school in '83, that I might earn something. I had
often heard of Talladega College, and wanted very much to enter there,
but my father being only a poor carpenter, it was impossible for me to
get the means to accomplish my desires.
However, by the aid of Northern friends I entered the above named
school, October 2d, 1883. Evenings and Saturdays I worked by the hour
to help defray my expenses. Unable to obtain a school, I could be
found at the college, during the summers of '84 and '85, working about
the buildings or on the farm. The money earned there was used for
schooling. During my last year in school I had job work--sweeping and
caring for lamps. This work was done early in order that I might have
time for study. And each morning, before day, my broom could be heard
moving through the corridors. At the close of school, I had paid by
work, and a prize gained in speaking the year before, about $52.75. It
was agreed that the balance should be paid after leaving school. In a
class of ten I received a diploma from the normal department, June 17,
1886. My time during the summer was occupied in working with my father
at the carpenter's trade.
Texas was said to have good public-schools, and it was my plan to try
the "Lone Star State." I was working to secure means to pay the fare,
but father failed in being paid promptly, and this forced me to borrow
money for the purpose. Many tried to discourage me in my plan as it
was what is sometimes termed as a "wild goose chase." I remarked,
though, that if no schools could be found, there were other things to
be done--cotton to be picked; wagons to be driven; and ditches to be
dug. So the work-clothes were not forgotten when my trunk was packed.
On September 30, 1886, I arrived in Henderson, a stranger to all save
one, and with a very small purse. Then commenced my trials. I was in
my twenty-first year, but had a young appearance, and the trustees of
most schools objected to me for that reason. I walked many miles in
search of work, and it was not till the middle of November that my
first school opened.
Owing money for schooling, for fare to this State, and for board after
coming here, caused me to start far below the surface in pecuniary
matters. As I had made large plans, that was quite discouraging.
The school proceeded nicely and a Sabbath-school was organized in
connection. The latter was quite small, though there was a large
attendance in the day school. At the close of school, March 23, 1887,
all expressed a willingness for me to teach the next session, but
there was a trouble ahead which changed their views. The question of
prohibition was to be decided by the people in August. I am sorry to
say the majority of our people were on the wrong side. But most of the
teachers and preachers fought with an untiring energy against the
saloons. For this act of ours, many refused to give us work. Some even
sneered at the "prohib. teachers," as we walked along the streets.
Those were days of discouragement as our labor seemed to be in vain.
My summer's work lasted only a month, and being an independent school
the returns were quite small, $6.00 only. Having to aid my parents,
and a two months' sickness, caused me to be below the surface again at
the opening of my school, November 14. This work continued for six
months. A Sabbath-school was organized; and, unlike the previous year,
outnumbered the daily attendance.
It has been said that it is better to turn up something than to wait
for something to turn up. So I bought a small outfit for making
photographs. It is incomplete, but enough to get an idea of the art.
After looking at some of my work, our county Judge was heard to say.
"That's a good picture for that nigger." My summer school was nine
miles away, and I came here every Friday evening, that I might
practice at my new trade. To save the hire and feed of a horse, I
always walked here and back. The way at times seems dark, but I take
courage from the fact that roads to success must lead through
hardships.
The Chinese.
Review Of The Year.