the same year to the Constitutional convention to frame a new constitution, under an act of Congress. His legislative career begins with 1866—'68. He has since served in that capacity from '68 to 72,' 76 to 78, and '86 to '88. He was defeated in 74 and 78, and '88, owing to party differences each time. He was a justice of the peace in his state for years, a position of considerable responsibility in North Carolina. For ten years he was a member of the county board of education, and a school committeeman of his school district. He was also a delegate to the National Republican conventions of 72, '84, and '88, In 1881, he was elected secretary of the North Carolina Industrial Association, holding that position for seven years, managing its affairs with ability and success.
His course in journalism has been of an extensive nature, and is worthy of mention. It begins with the founding of The Banner, April 14, 1881,—of which he was editor and proprietor. It was the organ of the Industrial Association, and as such it was devoted mainly to educational and industrial pursuits. The Banner met with great favor throughout the state, its circulation running up in a brief period to two thousand, the majority of subscribers being laborers. While the paper was devoted mainly to the industrial interests of the race, it did not fail to speak boldly upon all questions where the rights of the Afro-American were involved.
In 1883, to promote its interests and accomplish more good, believing in the maxim—"In union is strength,"—The Banner united with The Goldsboro Enterprise, controlled by George A. Mebane, and E. E. Smith, now minister to Liberia. This paper assumed the name of The Banner Enterprise, and was published at Raleigh, N. C. It was devoted to politics, and other matters pertaining to the race, and had a most successful carter for quite a while, a powerful influence being
