George Washington Carver (1863?-1943), Tuskegee Institute’s Resident Genius.
Born into slavery in Missouri, the great botanist, chemist, scientist, and teacher first learned his profession at Iowa Agricultural College where he received a B.A. and M.A., eventually joining the faculty as its first black member.
In 1896, Booker T. Washington was concerned as to how poor farmers could sustain themselves in the South and invited Carver to come to Tuskegee Institute. Even as fame spread he passed up lucrative offers to work for large corporations.
Many years later, the renowned scientist worked with fellow octogenarian and inventor, Henry Ford, in developing soybean-based alternative fuels, and they formed a close and lasting friendship. When the aging and diseased Carver found it difficult ascending stairs to his lodgings at the school, Ford had an electric elevator installed for him.
The Mitchell Collection also has Carver’s touching, Sept. 29, 1941, two-page letter of appreciation to Henry Ford.