Frank T. Ware was born a slave at Staunton, Va., May 15, 1843. His master "hired him out" until 1860, when he was sold to Negro traders, who took him to Vicksburgh, Miss. There he served as dining-room waiter until the beginning of the war. He was then taken as a body servant into the Confederate Army, but was soon captured by the Federal troops. He then became a soldier in the Union Army, and rose to the position of orderly sergeant and continued as such until the war closed. He then came back to Staunton and went into the express business, which he followed for twelve years. Next he embarked into the hardware and furniture business, and is now said to be the leading colored man in that line of business in the United States. His store is three stories high and is packed from bottom to top. It is in the business center of Staunton. His race identity is no barrier to his success. He buys from the best firms in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Richmond, and a large number of his customers are of his own race, but the bulk of his patrons are the white people of this city and adjoining counties. Scrupulously honest in his dealings, he has won an enviable business reputation and enjoys the implicit confidence of all. He is a man of means and influence, and every good cause receives his aid. MR. A. R. COOPER. Mr. A. R. Cooper, of Findley, Ohio, has invented a strictly water-proof shoe. Manufacturers of shoes have always claimed to make them water-proof, but who ever wore them? Mr. Cooper is a practical shoemaker, and for a long time has been giving this matter serious thought and consideration, until now his efforts have been rewarded by the invention of this shoe. It is not only guaranteed by the maker to be water-proof, but also protects the foot from any dampness whatever. The shoe will be easier, warmer, and cheaper than the ordinary make. ROBERT ORRICK. Robert Orrick owns the largest livery, sale, and feed stable in the city of Winchester, Va. Mr. Orrick was born a slave. He began business for himself in 1859, which was before freedom was granted. This he did by paying to his master a certain amount of money for his time. He married a freeborn woman, and as a slave could not transact any business, all business matters had to be done in his wife's name. The amount named for his time by his owner was $65 per year. His first business venture was hauling baggage and freight, and by degrees his work developed into a regular livery business. He now owns forty horses and some forty-five different kinds of vehicles. His residence and stable join, and are valued at about ten thousand dollars. In the country he has two farms of three hundred acres, valued at one hundred dollars per acre. MR. N. T. GANT.