Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1854-11-03
The SiigshteL Scholar.

Cases like the one am about to relate
are much too frequent in our country, and
they are such, too, as should be guarded
against by all those who have an interest in
education. The incident was brought to
mind by hearing complaint made by the
parent of poor boy, who had been grossly
neglected by the teacher Of a village school,
neglected simply because he was POOR and
comparatively friendless
Many years ago, when / was a small boy
attended school in the town Of
Among the scholars was a boy named
George Henry. His father was a poor
drinking man, and the unfortunate boy had
to suffer in consequence. George came to
school habited in ragged garments-but
they were the best he had he was rough
and uncouth in his manners; for he had
been brought up in that manner; he was
ignorant, for be had never had an opportu-
nifty for education.
Season after season poor George Henry
occupied the same seat in the school room,
it was back. corner seat away from the
other scholars-and there he thumbed his
tattercd primer. The ragged condition of
his garb gave homely cast to his whole
appearance, and what Of intelligence there
might have been in his countenance was
beclouded by the outer covering oftbe boy.
He seldom played with the other children,
for they seemed to shun him; but when he
did, for while join them in their sports, he
was SO rough, he was soon showed out of
the way.
The teacher passed the poor boy coldly
in the street, while other boys. in better
garbs were kindly noticed. In school young
Henry was coldly treated. The teacher
neglected him, and then called him an "idle
blockhead." because he did not learn. The
boy received no incentive to study, and
consequently he was most of the time idle,
and idleness begat disposition to while
away the time in mischief For this he
was always whipped, and the more idle he
became. He knew that he was neglected
by the teacher. and simply becauseh he was
poor and ragged, and with sort of sulen
Indifference, sharpened by feelings Of Bit
terness, he plodded on his dark, thankless
way.
Thus matters went on for several years.
Most Of the scholars who were of George
Henry's age. had passed on TO the highest
branches Of study, while. he, poor fellow.
still spelled out words Of one and two sylla-
bles, and still kept his distant seat 10 the
corner His father had sunk lower in the
pit Of inebriation. and the unfortunate boy
was more wretched than ever.
The look Of clownsh Indifference which
L. l. -
ing way to shade OF unhappy thought
and feelings, and i, was evident that the
great turning point of his life was now al
hand. He stood now upon the step in life
from which the fate Of after years must take
its cast.
At this time man by the name Of Kel'
ley took charge of the school. He was ar
old teacher. careful observer of human
nature, and really good man. Long
years Of guardianship over wild youths hat
given him bluff, authoritative way, and il
his discipline he WAS strict and unwaverine
The first day he passed in the teachers
desk of our school was mostly devoted Il
watching the movements of the scholars
And studying the dispositions with wSicl
he had to deal Upon George Henry hi
eye rested with keen, searching glance
He evidently made but little of him th
frst day. but on the second day he di
more.
1t was during the after noon Of the sec
ond day. that Mr. Kelley observed youn
Henry impaling flies on the point Of larg
pin. He went to the boys seat, and afte
reprimandng him for his ideness, he too
up the dirty tattered primer from his desl
"Iiave you ever learned more than is
{ this book ?" asked the teacher.
"No, SIR" drawled George.
"How long have you attended school?'
! al don't know, sir, It's ever since | ca
remember"
"Then you must have been an idle. reel
less boy" said the teacher with much Sc
verify. "Do you realize how many year
you have thrown away9 Do you kno
+ how much you have lost? What sort OF
man do you think Of making in this way
One of these days you will be too old to 6
! to school. and then while your companion
are seeking some honorable employnen
you will bc good for nothing Have 70
parents?"
: ayes sir" answered the boy, in hoars
!. subdued voice.