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However, in the Fall of 1885, when George arrived at Highland University to register for his classes, the Reverend Duncan Brown, surprised to find that George was black, refused to admit him to the Presbyterian school.

George, having spent all of his money on transportation, went to work for a woman named Mrs. John Beeler. She took an active interest in George's future, and proved herself to be quite a friend. She encouraged George to follow her son's example and travel to Western Kansas to homestead government land. George took her advice, and filed a claim on 160 acres of homestead.

After two years, he found that the land would not be productive for agricultural products. He then mortgaged it for $300 dollars and set out for Iowa.

He Discovers His True Potential

In September 1897, George was admitted to Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa, and enrolled for the regular course of study, taking classes in music and art as well. Here at last was the environment that he had long been seeking; structured classes, excellent instructors, and the fellowship of students who, like himself, were pursuing knowledge.

George was not only accepted in full fellowship by the students at Simpson, who were white, he was accepted by the whole town. His determination and high standards won everyone's respect. He participated in many extracurricular activities such as baseball, the school's literary society, and concerts.

In referring to Simpson College in a speech many years later, Dr. Carver said, "the three years at Simpson is where all of my life's work really began."

Miss Budd, who was a faculty member at Simpson, became very interested in George, and was concerned for his future. She observed that his devotion to art studies rather than science would not afford him opportunities to earn a living when he completed college. She communicated with her father who was a professor of Horticulture at Iowa Agricultural College at Ames, and arranged for George's transfer, so that he might study agricultural science.

He Turns A Setback Into Victory

After registering at the new University, George faced the same old difficulty; that of finding a place to stay. The difficulty proved to be a blessing in disguise. Dr. James Wilson, the Director of the Agricultural Experimental Station, who was later to serve as Secretary of Agriculture in the Cabinets of Presidents McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, and Taft, heard about George's difficulty and invited him to use his office for sleeping quarters.

The arrangement developed into a valuable and lasting relationship. When George received his degree, Dr. Wilson made a place for him on the school's faculty.

George then devoted himself to assiduously studying geology, botany, chemistry, bacteriology, zoology, entomology, and kindred subjects.

His proficiency, particularly in botany and

[[image - black and white photograph of a meeting between Carver and President Franklin Roosevelt]]

[[image - black and white photograph of Carver painting at an easel.]]