f patrimony in
which his slaves were allowed such superior opportunities
and advantages that the less favored neighbors styled them
"Brandon's free Negroes." This distinction carried with it
its disadvantages as well, for on account of the ease and
comfort allowed them, they were despised alike by the
hard-hearted slave-owners and the less fortunate slaves.
Brandon was kind to his slaves, who were made to work enough
to keep a plenty at home to live upon. He also protected
them against whatever ill treatment begrudging neighbors
might be prompted to offer.

Brandon was a bachelor. He made a favorite and close
companion of Daniel to the extent of having him occupy the
same bed with him. This affection of the bachelor master
lasted until his death, which occurred several years after
the emancipation.

It is said that in his expiring moments this good man,
Brandon, called for young Daniel, who was then too far away
to be on hand in time to hear what was to have been said
before death ensued. Thus died a man who was brave enough,
in the midst of environments that were exacting to the
extent of active ostracism for his assertion of his belief
that the Negro is a real human being, possessed of a mind,
soul and rights to happiness, and should share in the
community of responsibilities.

At an early age Daniel became anxious to know what is in
books. This ambition was fed by his former master, who
became his first teacher. This make-shift tutelage continued
until 1869, when this rapid little learner caught a sight of
better intellectual food. Accordingly he left his rural
home, his soul charged with greater things, and entered
Biddle Memorial Institute, now Biddle University, at
Charlotte, N. C.

As a student Daniel did not attract any special attention
until he had passed the preparatory and entered the regular
classical course of that institution. It was here that he
won great distinction in his faculty for acquiring a ready
knowledge of the languages and the higher mathematics. So
rapidly did he advance in these studies that it was found
necessary to place him in a class alone, none of his mates
being able to keep up with him. This separation was from a
class of about twenty young men from the Carolinas,
Virgi