Amanda
Washington’s sister.
Booker Taliaferro Washington
Washington is the first-person narrator (of this autobiography).
Booker Taliaferro Washington
This younger Booker is Washington’s eldest son and second child.
Ernest Davidson Washington
This is Washington’s third child.
Fannie N. Smith
She is Washington’s first wife and mother of Portia. She also graduated from Hampton Institute and died in 1884.
General Samuel C. Armstrong
The General is referred to as one of many significant influences on Washington’s life and was the founder of the Hampton Institute.
James
Despite the family’s poverty, James was adopted into the Washington family by Washington’s mother.
John
John is Washington’s brother and he helped to support him while he studied at Hampton.
Margaret James Murray
She is Washington’s third wife and is a native of Mississippi and a graduate from Fisk University. They married in 1893.
Mary F. Mackie
As the head teacher of Hampton Institute, she was a formative influence on Washington.
Mother
Washington’s mother is depicted as impoverished, hard working and always supportive of her children. Despite their dire circumstances, she managed to secure a book for her son and gave him her encouragement in his wish to have an education.
Olivia A. Davidson
Olivia is Washington’s second wife and mother of Booker and Ernest.
Portia M. Washington
She is the only child of Washington and Fannie, and his first.
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