I was the oldest of eight children, and I had to shoulder the duties and responsibilities that went along that. I don't remember exactly where or when I started school. One of my earliest things that I do remember is reading the newspaper to my father and his friends.

My father was interested in politics, and I had heard about the Ku Klux Klan, long before I knew what it was all about. I did know it was something to be fearful of, however. My mother would often pace the floor in worry whenever my father was away at some political meeting.