H. A. Tandy is a successful contractor and builder of brick buildings. Some of the largest brick structures in Lexington, Ky., where he resides, have been built by him. Mr. Tandy has a partner whose name is Bird. These very successful contractors have in addition to many other large buildings been awarded the brick-work on the new court house that is now in progress of building in the fall of 1898. The court house is to be one of the finest and largest in the United States. Several million bricks will be used to complete their part of the work. There were many other bids put in for this work by contractors from all over the State, and some from other States. The fact that the firm of Tandy & Bird got the contract shows in what high esteem they are held by the public in a business way. In order that my readers may fully appreciate the importance of Mr. Tandy's work there are a few things that must be considered. First, one must take into account the extreme and uncalled-for prejudice against the colored man in a business way, both North and South. Then all of the labor unions have refused to admit colored members. That in itself would have much to do in discouraging any colored man to try to compete with white men as contractors and builders. Then, too, a colored man would find it harder to secure skilled mechanics to help him complete the work after he had obtained the contract. But all of the things referred to that would hinder a colored man has been overcome by Mr. Tandy. He is a first-class workman in his line, and by doing business in a straightforward manner he has made men recognize his true worth as a man, regardless of color. [Illustration: H. A. TANDY.] Mr. Tandy has made himself both helpful and useful to his race, not only by giving employment to many of them, but he has taken an active part in church and Sunday-school work in the A. M. E. Church. He has also been active in the Masonic Order, and is serving his second term as State Grand Master of the Order known as U. B. F. and S. M. T. Mr. Tandy is also connected with the Colored Fair Association of Lexington, which is the largest thing of its kind in the world carried on by colored people. DANIEL PURDY. [Illustration: DANIEL PURDY, CHESTER, PA.]