Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1838-07-19


DANIEL SHETFEY was born in Fredcr.
ick Maryland IN no. His education
va. incousiderIble. AT an early age, his
father taught hun the trade OF .hocma-
kcr. He continued 10 work with him
vail he ailoincd manhood. The house
yet stands. where he spent, in this occu-
patton, many long aud wearisome years
ofhp life. While engaged on has bench.
he was frequently observed during leisure
moment. TO be intensely occupied IN the
lsrusal OF some author tor his instruction
u amusement. BY moonlight be was 10
bs found III hi, fathers garden, making
o5servs,ions Of the heavenly bodics with
telescopes, which ho had borrowed: and
then again he was buried "a profound me-
citation, while detecting the errors OF
mathematical or philosophical works
which occasIonslly met bis eve. The
Areana OF nature, and the mysteries OF as.
tronomy, c1n'tanIy exercised his strong
and fertile genius. His more discerning
friends saw that he would one day be-
ranked among the distinguished men OF
bus country; yet none were so generous
ind dIsIntefeS;ed 10 as assist his efforts " it'll
= fhcir pecuniiry resources. or 10 polish the
Of education. His time was chiefly spent
a, his trade. Arrived q, manhood, he
Is'i his fathers house. with no other pro-
psfy than his tools, and travelled on foot
70 Winchester Virginia. uhere he work
ed a. journeymsn for some months in
The shop Of respectable mechanic
inving thus raised funds sufficient - sup.
Ily his ~ants. he sat out again ia pursui:
- employment hating at the different
villages through which he passed. on his
route along the Valley. in order 10 raise
bus expenses by bis labor. until he arrived
~ AbbcvIlle, Wythe county, ~ poor as
'vsI lie knew no one; bore no letters
II Introduction; was ffiendlcss and desti-
t., stranger IN strange land. Here
ic Commenced al his trade once more -
The novelty aud originality Of hs oharac-
'rr and the flashes Of seniu, which rnli-
f-1cd hes conversation, ol'en compelled
hI' ncNly acquired friends ~ look on the
eccentric youth with woadcr ard amaze
u'nt lie became popular, and vas ii e
HaIly received asa student INTO The office
90 Alexander Smyth. ESQ. an eminent
lawyer u that par, Of the state. and al.
'.rgafis commander OF our Northern ar
rF 40 The war Of lSl2.
Shelley was now IN hi, long desired
''11uon. Opposing Of his toul' he toll.
- Iucewanily IN las new vocation. and
irprpved rapidly. Here With bis own
.iii Dad he lay tho bass Of his failure
f.nc AID resolved 20 avoid tho applies
Con 10 binseli OF the verse of Gray:
'Fou m,ay YEN 81 purst f.y sofsrs
TIE HIfH U.f Iff.Yu. 81 raeea tl sfean hFnp.
fuIi mrrf 1iF,r IS S,fa CO. blush unseen
And ~ss'~ iis sseetHtss on The te.eu arr"
Who supplied TO-. ants during his re-.
silcucc with M Snyth. have not been
ale 90 learn. Soon after his admission
90 the bar Of Wythe county. he wa, call.
"a 900 10 enter tho lists with h,s oil iflend
aa1 patron. whom he handled with 90
much deKicuty and adsoitness that IL
vl' generally said among the mass 81 the
Community. the apprentice will soon sur
TfV the master SO u happened Mr..
shelley vas employed in ell the import
at causes Of that court. and soon exiead.
o. hls Practice 90 several adjoining ooun.
te' It's professional brethren. however
eminent admired his powers, and tfesied
iHn on all OCCASIONS with respect and
kindness il tho county end superior
courts of law and obanoery, he vas uni.
iHrIy heard with unaffected pleasure.
t1.h by court snd jury lis humble orr.
s1 meagre education. snd The singular
incidents Of his life. awakened the feel
iasi ADD eofiosIty Of bis audience, while
hey we're 81 oncs delighted and enhght.
'''s By tbs efforts Of his powerful and