g at my trade. I
had never earned in money more than the small amounts referred to in the
first part of this paper, and so was delighted with my earning capacity.

I then sought work in the blacksmithing-shop, the shop I had first
desired to enter, so that I might become a first-class blacksmith in
addition to having a working knowledge of wheelwrighting. After
completing the school term I went to Montgomery, Ala., and worked as a
wheelwright and blacksmith. This outside experience was most helpful to
me. My last school year was that of 1899-1900. I was very happy to
receive, along with my academic diploma, a certificate also from the
blacksmithing division. I was now fitted to begin my life in the great
outside world.

My first work was as instructor in blacksmithing and wheelwrighting in
the Hungerford Industrial School at Eatonville, Fla. I then secured work
at my trades in Birmingham until August, 1901, when three of us who had
been classmates at Tuskegee decided to form a partnership and conduct on
a large scale a general blacksmithing and wheelwrighting business. I
was deputed to select the place where we should locate. After
interviewing a number of persons, Anniston, Ala., was suggested, and I
decided to go there to personally investigate conditions. After getting
there and going about the town, I agreed that at Anniston we should find
a place that would properly support our business. There was no place
vacant that we could rent, so after some further consideration we
decided to purchase a place. This we were fortunate enough to do, and
came into possession of a building for our shop, 50 by 60 feet. We met
all obligations after opening the shop and secured the most flattering
support. Our work met the most exacting requirements, and I was very
much disinclined to accept an offer which reached me from Mr. Nathan B.
Young, who had had charge of the academic work at Tuskegee during a part
of my stay there. Mr. Young, however, represented that I could render
much more effective racial service by reaching a large number of
persons, young men, daily. After much hesitation I went to the Florida
State Normal and Industrial School, to which Mr. Young had been called
as President, as instructor in blacksmithing and wheelwrighting, where I
have since been employed. I have done well, and am proud that I can say
so.

Of my stay at Tuskegee, what shall I say? It was all in all to me. The
lessons in shop and class-room, the