[Illustration: MR. BOOKER T. WASHINGTON AND HIS FAMILY.] THE STORY OF MY LIFE AND WORK BOOKER T. WASHINGTON PRINCIPAL OF TUSKEGEE NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY DR. J. L. M. CURRY COMMISSIONER PEABODY AND SLATER FUNDS COPIOUSLY ILLUSTRATED WITH PHOTO-ENGRAVINGS ORIGINAL PEN DRAWINGS BY FRANK BEARD W. H. FERGUSON COMPANY, 230-232 East Fifth Street, CINCINNATI, OHIO. 1900 Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1900 BY BOOKER T. WASHINGTON In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. Sold only by Subscription, and not to be had in book stores. Any one desiring a copy should address the Publishers ALL RIGHTS RESERVED [Illustration: HON. FREDERICK DOUGLASS.] [Illustration: DR. J. L. M. CURRY, WASHINGTON, D. C.] INTRODUCTION. I have cheerfully consented to prefix a few words introductory to this autobiography. While I have encouraged its publication, not a sentence has been submitted to my examination. From my intimate acquaintance with the subject, because of my connection with the Peabody and the Slater Education Funds, I am sure the volume has such a strong claim upon the people that no commendation is needed. The life of Booker T. Washington cannot be written. Incidents of birth, parentage, schooling, early struggles, later triumphs, may be detailed with accuracy, but the life has been so incorporated, transfused, into such a multitude of other lives,--broadening views, exalting ideals, molding character,--that no human being can know its deep and beneficent influence, and no pen can describe it. Few living Americans have made a deeper impression on public opinion, softened or removed so many prejudices, or awakened greater hopefulness in relation to the solution of a problem, encompassed with a thousand difficulties and perplexing the minds of philanthropists and statesmen. His personality is unique, his work has been exceptional, his circle of friendships has constantly widened; his race, through his utterances and labors, has felt an upward tendency, and he himself has been an example of what worth and energy can accomplish and a stimulus to every one of both races, aspiring to a better life and to doing good for others.