The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-05-30
Ell Thayer.

A writer in the London Times gives o
sketch Of the career and character of Eli
Thayer, the man who proposed to invade
Virginia with an army of Free State labor
ers:
Mr.. Thayer is young man, not moro than
thirty-five years of age. Fifteen years ago
he was at work on his fathers farm, in
town in the State of Massachusetts,, near
the borders of Rhode Island. Eager for
better education than the district school pro-
vided. he obtained leave of his father to 20
to college. We present the particulars of
his travels and experiences in search of an
education, as not beneath the dignity of our
journal, inasmuch as they may serve as an
illustration and specimen of the expedients
and adventures by which many of that class
of men expressively denominated olive
Yankees" have found their way. from the
humblest beginnings, to learning, usefulness,
and greatness.
Tying his few clothes in a cotton hand
kerchief, he placed the bundle on a canal
beat and walked to the terminus of the
canal, where he reclaimed the bundle, and
continued his walk to neighboring village,
where was situated a school of preparation
for the University. This school was the
Worcester Academy, instituted as manual
labor school, and always ready to receive
pupils who had to work with their hands
while they studied. He availed himself of
such work as the day, and of such study as
the night, gave him. After a little more
than year he passed satisfactory exami-
nation in Greek and Latin for admission to
Browns University, in Providence, r. l., it
being agreed that he might make up the de-
ficiency in mathematics, after entering upon
the college course which condition be not
only fulfilled, but graduated the first math-
ematiclan in his class. He varied his COL
lege studies with such practical labor as
came within reach, such as working during
leisure half days, and brief vacations, at
some mechanical trade, such as mailing laths
and other jobs. He occupied a few spare
days, after his admission and before the clol-
legiate stadies began, hiring himself out,
and. with coat off, and stripped-up sleeves,
digging post holes, working with the hum
blest laborers. In this way he earned enough
to buy bed, table and chairs for his room,
and the few books required at the outset
In the winter he taught district school. In
this manner he paid his way through the
college, and had a balance of we'll husbanded
earnings in his pocket, as he passed frcm the
college walls into active life. lie forthwith
established seminary for the education OF
girls, in WOrcester-an institution whose
conspicuous editice arrests the eye of the
traveller. Very soon he was recognized by
all as one who was sure to carry through
whatever he undertook, and large machine
shops and other works, in that enterprisine
and busy city, are the monuments and re-
ward of his energy. HIS extraordinary sue
cess is the result of a certain force of char
acter based upon persevering industry, a
firm faith and an enlightened and resolute
will, which docs not begin till it is sure, and
then does not stop at ALL
The North American Review, after quo,
ting this extract, adds:
Mr.. Thayer's extraordinary activity in
business pursuits has not been suffered to
bury his academic attainments in forgetful.
ness. On the same day lie has been heard
addressing his emigration companies in plain
practical directions for their conduct and
guidance, and dscoursing in Latin, to sOci-
cites of schools. He has been often honor.
ed by public trusts at the hands of his fel-
low citizens of Worcester, and, in all res
poets, has proved himself worthy of their
confidence. This is the man who conducted
the pioneer colony" from Massachusetts to
Kansas. He devotes his fortune, his strength
and his heart to the cause. While his char.
acter is the natural fruit of the institutions
and the spirit of the East, his energy, en-.
thusiasm and courage are destined to fulfil
their mission, in securing the establishment
of freedom, and all the blessings it bears
with It. in the VEST