Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1858-02-18
HOW MAJORlwILLIAMs BE-
CAME A CONDUCTOR.
by JOHN, OF LANCASTER.


the sane name, gentleman named MAJ.
Williams. He was very much esteemed
by all who knew him, on account OF his
agreeable and social disposition. In fact,
be was extremely popular. and beloved
and respected by large circle OF friends
and acuuainlances. He was tolerably well
off being possessed Of sufficient property
to enable him to live comfortably; while
an amiable wife and several interesting
Ichidreu still farther aided to contribute to
his happiness.
About the time spoken Of above, q
Scotch gentleman, named Campbell, came
TO reside iu the same village. Hewas EN-
ployed by the wealthy firm of Phelps,
Dodge & Co., N. Y, city, to superintend
one Of the numbering establishments near
that place. Mr. G. was strictly tempe
tate, an excellent business man, and ad'
mirably adapted to discharge the duties
assigned him in highly satisfactory and
creditable manner
1t was but a short time after his arrival
that he became acquainted with Mr. Will
lianis, and in few mouths they were fast
friends. The Major delighted 70 be in
his company, and frequently accompanied
him about the country, when in the dis
charge of bis duty, aud embraced every
opportunity to make presents Of various
little articles.
In the course Of year or two, Mr.
Campbell. who became a very efficient and
trustworthy agent for the company, was
removed by them to neighboring town,
some distance south, to snperintend the
erection of a rev numbering establishment
on more extensive ecale.
He took an afectonste leave of his par
ticular friend, the Major, who was 10th to
see him depart from the village.
1t was seldom that he bad occasion to
visit that portion Of the county, and he
had not been in the village for several
years; but still remembered his old friend
ltbe Major, who had been so kind to him
and embraced every opportunity to make
inquiries concerning his health, DC. AT
asst the unweeome intelligence reached
him that the Major had taken to hard
drinking, was negecting his business, aud
rapidly squardering his meaus,
Fiveyears had now rolled away when
one pleasant autumn afternoon, Mr. Camp
bell found himself at the hotel in the
pleasant village of Tioga. where he had
spent SO many happy hours of his life III
the company of bis friend. He had scarce
" alighted from his carriage and stepped
on the piazzs, when he was me. by mar
in a shocking bad hat, tattercd garments
and bIeared eyes who walked up and slap
ped him on the shoulder and accosted bin
as follows:
"Campbell, my old friend how are?"
Why, Major Williams is this you?
can scarcely recognize you. How hav'
you been|
"BUt middling. l am ashamed to NEE
you; have been unfortunate. In worC
7 am poor, and miserable druukard."
II am verysory, Major, to find you ii
this situation replied Mr. Campbell. 'Wba
- do you follow?
drinking liquor! But want to re
r form won't you give Inc work at you
: millsY"
III "Yes, can give you plenty of work o.
or one condition
uI What's that3" the poor man eagerly III
e' quired.
" "Wby, that YOU will pledge me never t
go taste liquor again, and l am your friend q.
,g The Ma ojor elasped bis hand with dC
ee light while tear gliStened in his eye, an
e. replied;
oe II will swear, Mr. Campbell-liquor sha
y never enter my mouth again"
Gu "Good goodr' exclaimed Mr. c., ths
is glorious resolution; and | pray Go
you may never break it. You can hay
work and good wages too. Get in to m
". carriage aud come right along with me.
vi "But my clothes are too poor, and m
ue v family are in want" exclaimed the Maj
VI in Responding tone:
ny "Don't grieve about that, here are fift
dollars go and buy yourself new sui
,o and provide something for your wife an
us children"
Of The Major did as directed, and the me-
Of day he was ready to start with his frienl
ar. Suitable employment was given him, an
in he worked faithfully and accumulated col
. siderable money.
lse Happiness again reigDed in his famiI
and he frequently thanked his friend Fl
rescuing him from the downward road
ors ruin, and the brink of a drunkard's grav
by NobIy did he keep bis resolution.
In the course of couple of years he r
raj quested bis friend to recommend him
ol. Mr. Dodge for a situation on the N.
ne, & Erie Railroad. This he gladly did, Il
Or very first time this gentleman came fro
Ire the city, in the following manner:
rts "Mr Dodge you are we'll aware th
a Major Williams has worked for us for son
y" time, and has kept bis pledge"
ne Il am sir" was Mr. DIS reply.
'ol' 'Well, sir, be is anxious to get stu
ton on the railroad, and as the firm h
largely invested in it, has requested me
n.y. speak to you upon the subject. He is
its very worthy man and I would like to 6
ug- him promoted"
md Mr. D. made no reply for some minut
,ra- but seemed buried in thought, when
ERE desired the Major to be sent for.
ON On his arrival he addressed him as f
wer lows.
the "My dear sir, I understand you woG
60 like to get a situation on the railroad?"