the "Lone Star State." I was working to secure means to pay the fare,
but father failed in being paid promptly, and this forced me to borrow
money for the purpose. Many tried to discourage me in my plan as it
was what is sometimes termed as a "wild goose chase." I remarked,
though, that if no schools could be found, there were other things to
be done--cotton to be picked; wagons to be driven; and ditches to be
dug. So the work-clothes were not forgotten when my trunk was packed.

On September 30, 1886, I arrived in Henderson, a stranger to all save
one, and with a very small purse. Then commenced my trials. I was in
my twenty-first year, but had a young appearance, and the trustees of
most schools objected to me for that reason. I walked many miles in
search of work, and it was not till the middle of November that my
first school opened.

Owing money for schooling, for fare to this State, and for board after
coming here, caused me to start far below the surface in pecuniary
matters. As I had made large plans, that was quite discouraging.

The school proceeded nicely and a Sabbath-school was organized in
connection. The latter was quite small, though there was a large
attendance in the day school. At the close of school, March 23, 1887,
all expressed a willingness for me to teach the next session, but
there was a trouble ahead which changed their views. The question of
prohibition was to be decided by the people in August. I am sorry to
say the majority of our people were on the wrong side. But most of the
teachers and preachers fought with an untiring energy against the
saloons. For this act of ours, many refused to give us work. Some even
sneered at the "prohib. teachers," as we walked along the streets.
Those were days of discouragement as our labor seemed to be in vain.