BY MARTIN A. MENAFEE

I was born on a plantation in Lee County, Ala., and, as my parents were
very poor, I was placed in the field and did not see the inside of a
schoolroom until I was twelve years old. I then had a chance to attend a
three months' school for six months, or for two years, as we usually
called it. Before this I had had one of my shoulders dislocated through
an accident and have been able to use but one arm since.

At this period I made up my mind to secure an education, and a gentleman
who was teaching school at my home took me to an Alabama college,
thinking that he could perhaps get me in school there. I told the
president of the college that I wanted an education, and offered him my
services in return for such opportunities as he would open to me, but
seeing my condition, he soon concluded that I could render but little in
the way of services. I pleaded with him for a trial, but he refused me
admittance, albeit in a very nice and polite manner.

I returned home, then at Oakbowery, Ala. Very soon after my return I
heard of the Tuskegee Institute, and I think it was in July of that year
when I made up my mind that I would start for this school, which was
about forty miles from where I lived. After walking to Auburn, Ala.,
twelve miles, I waited for the train and, as she glided up, I walked in
and took my seat. Before I left home I knew some walking would be
necessary, and preferred doing it at the beginning of the journey. I was
admitted on my arrival, after some parleying, and was promptly assigned
to work in the brick-yard. After I had been there for two days I found
that the sun had no pity on, or patience with, me; it seemed to blister
me through and through. I finally concluded that the sun, together with
the brick-yard, was blasting the hopes I had entertained and the
determination I had fostered, of securing an education. I tried to get
my work changed, but the Director of Industries did not see it as I did,
and would not do it.

The next thing that I settled upon for relief was to get sick, but a
day's trial of that showed that would not work. I decided that I would
return home, where I was sure I would at least find no brick-yard to
harass or disturb. My stay at the school was just about seven or eight
days. I would like to add just here, however, that I am very glad that I
was put on the brick-yard, as it certainly left in me the spirit of work
after I got over that first affliction of