Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1853-04-29
DAILY EVENING STAR.
ANIrC1DEHr IN REAL LIFE.

"A
with the following interesting narrative of
one of those real struggles Of the young, to
assist their parents, which sparkle like
diamonds along the pathway of human life.
In traits like these there is natural hero
ism manifested. Which marks the pure
gold of human character.
Business called me to the United States
land office; while there, awaiting the COM
pletion of my business, lad apparently
about sixteen or seventeen years old came
in, and presented to the receiver certifi-
cate of purchase for forty acres of land 1
was struck with the countenance and gene
raj appearance of the lad, and inquired for
whom he was purchasing the land; his
reply was.
''For myself, sir.''
1 then inquired where he got the money
he answered.
81 earned it by my labor
''Then," said 1, 'you richly deserve the
land"
then inquired, "where did you come
from?"
s'New York." said he.
Feeling an increased desire to know some
thing more of this lad, asked him whether
he had parents, and where they lived; on
this question, he took a seat, and gave me
the following narrative:
81 am from New York State-having
living there, father, mother, and FIVE
brothers and sisters. l am the oldest child
Father is a drinking man, and often would
return home from his days work drunk;
and not a cent in his pocket to buy food for
the family, having spent all his days earn
ings in liquor with his drinking companions;
the family had to depend chiefly on mother
and myself for bread; this distressed mother
much, and had powerful effect on my
feelings. Finding that my father would
not abstain from liquor, 1 resolved to make
an effort to relieve my mother, sisters and
brothers from want. After revolving things
over in my mind, and consulted with mo-
Their, l got all the information could about
the far West, and started for Wisconsin
with three dollars in my pocket. I left
home on foot After spending my three
dollars, l worked occasionally day, and
renewed my travel as long as money lasted.
By labor occasionally and the charitable
treatment 1 got on the road, 1 landed in
Wisconsin. Here got an axe, set to work
and cleared land by the job-earned money,
saved it till gathered $50, which money 1
now pay for the forty acres of land"
"Wsll, my good lad" flor by this time 1
became much interested in his story,)
"what are you going to do with this land p.
"Why, sir, will continue to work and
earn money, and when have spare time,
prepare some of my land for culture, raise
myself log house, and when prepared, will
write father and mother, brothers and sis
tiers, to come to Wisconsin and enjoy this
home. This land now bought by me, 1
design for my mother, which will secure
her from want in her declining years.
What" said I, "will you do with your
father if he continues to drink the ardent
spirits to excess?"
''Oh, sir, when We get him on the farm
he will feel at home, will work at home,
will keep no liquor in the house, and in
short time he will be sober man.
Young man." then replied, "these
being your principles so young, l recon-
mend you to improve them, and the blessing
of God will attend you. l shall not be sur.
prised to hear of your advancement to the
highest post of honor in the State, with
such principles as you have you are deserv-
ing Of the highest commentator"
BY this time the receiver handed him his
duplicate receipt for his forty acres of land.
Raising from his seat on leaving the Office.
he said: at least I hare home for ma
mother"
MAY AND DECEMBER-We were informed
yesterday, says the Baltimore Sun, of
hymenial operation which is little beyond