Unable to follow the pursuits of manhood, Sequoyah now faced the humiliation of donning petticoats and of performing the servile labors of woman’s lot among the Cherokees. Such a prospect would, indeed, have broken the spirit of an ordinary Indian, and especially so if a stain had been affixed to his character such as that which Sequoyah had incurred in his youth by assisting his mother. But it must be remembered that Sequoyah was not of common clay. The traits manifested in infancy and boyhood now stood him in good stead and opportunity was given to bring them to fruition. One trait, an extraordinary mechanical ability, was first pressed into service; the other, a remarkably analytical and philosophical mind, was given leisure in which to become mellow, until, in the ripeness of time, it should find its proper exercise. The Cherokees were a people fond of display. It occurred to the intuitive mind of Sequoyah that an opulent livelihood could be secured in the manufacture of silver ornaments. As a hunter he had visited the white settlements and had seen the blacksmiths smelt ore and fashion trinkets. Endowed with good powers of observation and possessed of an innate skill with his hands, he set to work without the aid of an instructor to make his own bellows and tools. Within a comparatively brief time he became a master in the art of silver working and in the end became such an expert artisan that he developed this art to the highest point attained by the Indians of North America. Astonished, his people came to gaze upon one of their own race who possessed the skill and ingenuity of the white man. Such uncommon accomplishment merited high recognition. He became a wonder in their eyes. The fame of his handiwork spread far and near, and they flocked to his door, eager to give him employment. Then it was that Sequoyah began to enjoy an unprecedented popularity. Affable, accommodating, and unassuming, having a nature too truly great to be spoiled by the recognition of his superiority, success only nourished the greater qualities within him. The women especially attracted by his skill, bestowed their smiles upon him, but, like Alexander, “he found a counter charm in the beauty of self-government and sobriety and on the strength of this passed them by, as so many statues.” The braves of the tribe likewise courted his friendship and his shop became the center for male gossip. Since Sequoyah was not lacking in the social graces of his tribe and since the munificence of his table increased with his fortune, he came more and more to spend his time in receiving visitors and in discharging the duties of hospitality. Lastly, even the elders of the tribe sought his favor and welcomed his voice in their councils.