Charles Ward was born in Eatonton, Georgia back in 1872 to George and Anna. He was only one of eighteen children born to the couple. He attended Knox Institute and Morris Brown University. He was 10 years old when he started earning a living by working at odd jobs like lumber yards, and brick and mortar positions. Later on, he was a school teacher in White Plains, Georgia.
He was the first head electrician of U.S. Steel. Ever the entrepreneur, he was involved in much more than being an electrician. He helped import silver, tin and mahogany for the Gold Coast of West Africa. In 1922, he imported 100,000 tons of manganese and around $8,000,000.00 worth of mahogany. He also successfully designed a long-distance airplane.
What you may not know about Charles Ward Chappelle is that he was an African-American. That is an accomplishment in of itself, to be an African-American and accomplish what he did is a tribute to someone who would not let race slow him down. Until tomorrow keep that smile on your face and a penny in your pocket.
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