Kenosha tribune & telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1856-1859, 1858-03-25
How Mai. Williams became Conductor.
BY JOHN OF LANCASTER.

J. About ten years ago, there resided in
}, the little village of Tioga,s in the county
4 OF the.same name, o gentleman named
j Mai. Williams. He was very much es-
Z teerned by all who knew him, on ae-
cosnt of his agreeable and social dispo-
sition. In fact, he was extremely pop
ular, and beloved and respected by a
I large circle of friends and acquaintances.
He was tolerably well off, being pos
sessed of sufficient property to enable
II him to live in comfortable style; whilst
an amiable wife and several interesting
children aided to contribute to his hap
i piness.
i About the time spoken of above, a
4 Scotch gentleman named Campbell,
came to reside in the same village
He was employed by the welthy firm of
Phelps, Dodge & Co, New York city,
to superintend one of their numbering
establishments near that place. Mr..
G. was strictly temperate, an excellent
/ business man, and admirably adapted
to discharge the duties assigned him,
in a highly satisfactory and creditable
manner.
1t was but short time after his arri-
val that he became acquainted with
Major Williams, and in few months
they were fast friends. The. Major de-
lighted to be in his company, and FREE
quentls accompanied him about the
country, when in the discharge of his
duty, and embraced every opportunity
to make him presents of various little ar
ticles.
In the course of wear or two, Mr..
Campbell, who had become a very eff
cient and trustworthy agentfor the COM
pany,' was removed by them to neigh
boring town, some distance south, to
superintended the erection of a new
| numbering establishment on more ex-
tensive scale. Ga go
He took an affectionater leave of his
particular and warm hearted friend, the
Mavor, who was 10th to see him depart
from the village. ~ 2a
| 1t was but seldom that he had occa-
and he had been in the little village for
several years; but Ire still remembered
his old friend, the Major, who had been
so kind to him, and embraced every OPP
portunity to make inquiry concerning
his health, &c. At last the unweleome
intelligence reached him that the Major
had taken to hard drinking, was neg
lecting his business, and rapidly squan-
dering his means.
Five years had now rolled away,
when, enc pleasant autumn afternoon,
Mr.. Campbell found himself at the
hotel in the pleasant village of Tioga,
where he had spent so many happy
hours of his life in the company Of his
friend. He had scarcely alighted from
his carriage, and stepped on the piazza,
when he was met by a man in shock
! ing bad hat, tattered garments, and
bleared eyes, who walked mp, slapped
| him ON the shoulder, and accosted him
rs follows:
Campbell, my old friend, how are
your
'Why, Major Williams, is this you:
/ can scarcely recognize you. How
have you been:'
But middling. I am ashamed to meet
you; have been very unfortunate. In
a word, am poor, and--a miserable
d,unk0rd?'
4 am very sorry, Major, to find you
in this situation, replied Mr.. Campbell
'What do YOU follow?
Drinking liquor? But I want TO re-
forn-won't you give me work at your
nills?'
Yes, I can give you plenty of work
upon one condition.
Whats that?' the poor man eagerly
inquired
why, that you will solemnly pledge
me never to taste liquor again, and I'm
your friend
The Major clasped his hand with de-
light, whilst tear glistencd in MS eye,
and replied:
Il will swear, Mr. Cambell-liquor
shall aeUer enter my mouth again.
Good! good!' exclaimed Mr.. Camp
bell that is a glorious resolution, and !
pray God you may never break it
You can have work, and good wages,
too. Get into the carriage and come
right along with me- ....
But nay clothes are too poor, and my
family is in want exclaimed the Major
in responding tone.
Don't grieve about that; here are fifty
dollars-go and buy yourself new suit
and provide something for your wife and
children
The Major did as directed, and the
next day he was ready to start with his
friend. Suitable employment was Civ
en- him, and lie worked faithfully and
accumulated considerable money. Hap
piness again reicned in his little family,
and he frequently thanked his friend for
rescuing him from the downward road
to ruin, and the brink Of drunkand' S
gave.
! Nobly did lie keep his resolution.
In the course of couple of years he
requsted his friend to recommend him
to Mr.. Dodge for situation on the n.
Y. and Erie Railroad. This he gladly
did, the very first time this gentleman
came from the city, in the following
| manner:
i Mr. Dodge, are you aware that Major
/ Williams has worked for us sometime,
and has kept his pledge
a 4 am, SIR was Mr.. DIS reply.
}, well, he is anxious to get situation
on the railroad, and as the firm is large
ly interested in it, has requested me to
speak to you upon the subject. He is a
very worthy man, and ] would like to
j see him promoted.
Mr.. d. made no reply for some min
utes, but seemed buried in deep study,
when be desired the Major to be sent
/, for. On his arrival he addressed hin
a as follows;
r NY dear Sir, I understand yot
i,-o,,lJ 1;l-o -, era- n s;4rotior, -, 4ba III