AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION—EARLY LIFE—THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE—FIRST ATTEMPTS IN BUSINESS—SUCCESS—MARRIAGE.
In the social interchanges of life it is always pleasant to possess some knowledge of the antecedent history of the ones we meet; to know who and what they are; while to one who feels that there is something in his own career not unworthy of notice, there is a satisfaction in recounting the steps by which his success has been attained; especially, if in gaining it he has been called to contend with difficulties and vanquish obstacles which opposed his progress. Such narratives may prove helps and encouragements, as they show what energy and perseverance have achieved, and thus stimulate others to stronger and more successful endeavors. This was taught by the greatest of our American poets in his well-known lines:
“Lives of great men all remind us
We may make our lives sublime;
And, departing, leave behind us
Foot-prints on the sands of time.”