Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-09-27
ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE
SELF-MADE MEN.

to the poor youth Of the country. The list Of
names which have struggled by self-e1ertion,
from the depths Of poverty aud obseurity TO emf
hence, fortune and renown, might be almost in
definitely increased, particularly from our own
country and England, the only lands whose in
situations are favorable TO the rise OF humble me
| rit. Cromwell was the son Of brewer, Harri-
son OF butcher. Ireton Of untracea5Ie inesge.
| While France was tree. New and Ausereau rose
to the command Of armies, from the stable. In
the United States innumerabc are the instan
ces of Industrious merit. self.uade. Mr. Wirt's
parentage is humble, and Mr.. Clay is tauntingIy
pronounced the son Of dancing master! Pa
tick Henry was the son Of poor starved parsOn
Daaiei Webster Of New Hampshire farmer, Sd
poar that he Kept him at plough, while Mr.. Clay
abon, the time was going to mill-and the
sage of knderbook himself among all his arrogant
claims, has, we believe, put in none TO high de-
scent, or early advantages Of education or as
sociation. McDlffie never would have been edu
Gated, but that he first struck out some sparks
which promised genius; and the halls Of lesis'a-
I
pies, hardly less shining and equally meritorious,
in their degree.
| Do we mention these cases 10 draw reprOach
upon the origin of the persons named? Heaven
forbid! Their early obscurty is tina. fact in their
respective histories, which renders each ard all.
mos, truly iilustrous, most especially worthy of
admiration and esteem. We mention them to
add force to the article from the Quarterly Re-
ulster, and to contribute our mite 10 fire
! emulation and excite cxertiun. wheresoever the
spark Of genius may exist, throughout the regions
of poverty and obscurity. Bu' let US at the
same time, discharge pleasant task. IN return
ing grateful acknowledgements to Heaven and
our ancestors, and rendering congratulations to
our couu.rymen, that we live under institutions
which secure to all, the reward Of honorable ex-
er,ion, which encourage the aspirations OF GEM.
us aud which open the way for the poorest TO
become the richest, the aumhlest the greatest land
the most unknown the most famous.
From HE Quarterly Register.
sELF-MADE MEN.
The late Professor Heyne of Gottineeu was
one OF the greatest classical scholars OF his own,
or OF any are. He succeeded the great John Ma
tina, Gesner as Professor of Eloquence al Coffin.
gen, an office, which he held for fifty years, and
in which. By his publications, and The attractions
of his lectures, he placed himself nearly al the
head of The classical scholars of his age. Yet the
first thrty-two or thirtythree years Of his life. he
spent in almost incessant struggle with the most
depressing poverty. HIS father was Il poor wea-
II II, L.
has often seen his mother return home on Satur.
day evening, FROM an unsuccessful effort to sell
the onoGs, which his father had manuiact ured,
weeping and wringing her hands, lie entered
the University Of Lepsic with bu, four shillngs
in his pocket. and nothing to depend upon but
IN. small assistance which he might receive from
his godfather. a parsimoDious old gentleman, who
scarcely ever wrote to him. except to inveigh
AGAINST his ,ndoence-otcn actually addressing
his letters on the outside TO Mr. Heyae. Lier,
Lei SIC During all this while he allowed HIM
self only two nights sleep in a week
Epctetus. the celebrated Stole Philosopher,
was born slave, and spent many years OF ms
Inf. i, srYr,tude. Thus was the fact also with
E.op. pubiius Syrus, and Terence.
The Able Hany, who died in Paris. few
wears since, celebrated for his writings and dis
coveries in ChrysiaiOgraphy. attained his di,in-
guished elevation IN spite OF every disadvantage
of birth.
Winckeman. one of the most distinguished
writers on classical antiquities and the line arts,
that modern times have produced. was the SON Of
a shoemaker. He contrived TO keep himself at
/! College, chiefly by teaching some Of his younger
fellow students, while at the same time he, 10
part. supported his poor father at hospital.
Amigo. an Italian Poet. Of the sixteenth CEN
tury, OF considerable genius and learning. fol-
lowed his fathers trade Of blacksmith, I'LL he
was eighteen wears old.
Benedict Bardonia. one of the learned men of
the 10th century, worked for many years at his
fathers trade. that of shoemaker; and IN the
course OF his life published very elaborate work,
on the Shoemaking Of the Ancients
! The celebrated Italian writer, Cell when
holding the high dignity Of Consul OF the Floren.
tine Academy, still continued to work at his ORR
gioal profession of a tailor.
| Metasiassio was the son Of common mschan-
ic, and used when little boy to sing his extern