* Subscription libraries: He was a voracious reader and made extensive use of public and subscription libraries.
* Self-education: He was a dedicated self-learner, actively seeking out knowledge in areas that interested him.
* Early employment: His early jobs, starting in a cotton factory at age 13, provided practical experience and education in the working world. He later gained experience in the telegraph industry and railroad business, which were valuable learning experiences.
While he didn't attend formal higher education institutions, his dedication to self-improvement and practical experience shaped his success.