ter as students are required to do, but had
gone ahead, thinking the presentation of myself all that would be
necessary. I had no recommendations, but mustered courage enough to ask
for a trial before being refused. My request was granted, and I became a
student--proud event in my life!--of the famous Tuskegee Normal and
Industrial Institute.

I had always wanted to be a carpenter; as long ago as I can remember
this was my ambition, but when carried to the office of the director of
industries he refused to assign me to work there, as that division was
filled, but assigned me instead to the sawmilling division. I was not
angry, of course. I was too glad to be at Tuskegee; but I was bitterly
disappointed, especially after I had seen the carpenter shop, some of
the work of the young men, and the imposing buildings on which they had
been and were working. I was promised the first vacancy, and that
temporarily eased my sorrow. A vacancy did not occur for one and a half
years. In the meantime I had become reconciled, and had worked as
earnestly as I could to please the instructor in sawmilling. I tried to
learn all there was to learn in that division, and at the end of that
period could adjust and run proficiently every machine in the sawmilling
division. The school cut then, as it does now, most of the lumber used
in the carpentry division, and efficient students were needed and
desired. My instructor was so well pleased with my progress that he
recommended, over my protest, to the director of industries, my
retention in the division.

I had kept so busily after the director during those eighteen months to
allow me to enter the shop that he could not well refuse to grant my
request when a vacancy occurred. I was admitted to the carpenter shop.

For five years I was an apprentice, doing work of every kind. I also
took mechanical drawing along with carpentry. When I graduated in 1900 I
received not only a diploma from the academic department, but a
certificate from the carpentry division as well. I had improved every
opportunity, and had a fair knowledge of architectural as well as of
mechanical drawing. This latter instruction I had made a place for along
with my other studies.

Maj. J. B. Ramsey, the Commandant, had been so well pleased with my
general deportment that for years I was commissioned by him to command,
as captain, one of the companies of the Tuskegee Institute battalion of
cadets. This had pleased and encour