The Twin City star. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1910-19??, 1914-07-10

Early Struggles Of Professor
william PiCkens.
HIS RISE TO PROMINENCE.
Interesting Story Of a Yale College
Graduate Who Was Born on Plan.
tation In Anderson County, South
Carolina, "over the River"-Gifted
Orator and Finished Scholar.


Orator and Finished Scholar.
Talladega, Ala.-From obscurity and
meager circumstances to q position of
prominence and influence is the record
Of one of the most remarkable men of
the race, Professor William Pickens of
Talladega college in this town. He IA
an example of what can be accomplish
ed by young man through industry,
honesty and reliability. Professor
Pickens, like most men Of the race who
have made place In life, was not
born in palace, but comes from slave
parents. His life is an inspiration to
the boys of his race. As an orator and
entertainer he takes his place In the
front rank and his services are very
much sought in all parts Of the coun-
try.
Anderson county, South Carolina,
near the little town of Pendleton, Is the
place of Professor Pickens' birth, Jan.
25, 1881. 1t was in the neighborho0d
called "over the river and on farm
at that. 1t is needless to say that his
parents were not educated, but they
could read and spell little in large
print New Testament. n
Mr.. Pickens was about two years old
when his parents moved from ''over the
river to ''Price's place" There they
lived in a one room cabin, near the
great house of the landowner. After
a year or two another moving day was
inaugurated, and his parents moved
from Prices to Clark's place, more
desirable location and nearer Pendle-
ton. 1t was at this time that William
got his first sight into education and
became acquainted with the English
alphabet, which was learned so readily
that his sister took delight in leading
him to school, although he was then
In the neighborhood Of two years under
school age.
The schoOlhouse was, Of course, the
characteristic school building Of that
period-built of logs, with one door and
one window, the window having no
panes and being closed by a board
shutter, which swung on leather
hinges. Persuasion to study and good
department consisted Of well season
ed hickory switch, cone shaped paper
Ounce cap" and stool on which the
offender must stand on one foot for an
enormous length Of time.
The Pickenses changed residence
oftener than any family in that sec
ton of the country. In speaking OF
their moving William Pickens himself
says that his parents must have moved
at least twenty times up to the time
he reached the age Of eighteen years
The next move was to Argenta, Ark.
in the winter Of 1890 This was real
move cityward and with view Of car
rying out what the parents so much
desired. and that was educat ting their
children. This prospect so stirred the
heart Of young william Pickens that
he learned to write at home before the
school opened in the fall or before he
could enter. because there was work
to be done and means had to be got,
so that all started to school I'm the fall
Of 1891. IL
/. Many were the experiences of the
young man between that time and the
time Of his finding his way. to TalIa-
dega college, for he had determined
that 1t was possible to make it
through college Although he did not
have wealth he had health and muscle.
and that with three ten dollar bills.
This was the beginning for higher
things. His impressions made on the
teachers. his making the freshman
class and many other things OF merit
by this young man attracted the at
tention Of all connected with the col
lege, and step by step he was put to
the front, sent to the north and east
until he found his way into. Yale col
lege. a
Professor Pickens' record at Yale Is
well known. All will remember how
he carried of the prizes. how he won
fame and how at this time through
that work he Is regarded as one Of
the most finished scholars of the race.
He is a worthy example for the young