As principal of Jefferson School from 1895-1917, Benjamin E. Tonsler (shown here with his family) exemplified the spirit of the Four Hundreds, as he was truly a leader within Charlottesville's African-American community.
Not only was Tonsler a leader in Charlottesville, but he was associated with leadership of African-Americans on the national level, also. He was a personal friend of Booker T. Washington.
Among northerners and white southerners, Washington was regarded as the most visible leader of African-Americans, as he encouraged blacks to "cast down your bucket where you are."
Washington had a similar to many of the Four Hundreds. He pulled himself up from rags to riches, and believed others should do the same.