Brothers William, Robert, and Cicero Harris, were African Americans born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, who later moved to Ohio. All three brothers taught for the American Missionary Association (AMA). After teaching in Virginia, Robert and Cicero returned to their native Fayetteville, where they each headed schools. Only twenty-three years old when he authored this report, Cicero’s school numbered over 200 students. Cicero and Robert soon established their own school in Fayetteville, which was pronounced the best school in the state in 1870 by the State Assistant Superintendent of Education. Author Charles Chesnut credited Robert with keeping him in school and encouraging his talents. Chesnut succeeded Robert as principal of what was then known as the State Colored Normal School.