The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1860-10-10
The Mothers of History.

The Mothers OF History.
II is noticeable fact in history that the
mothers of all the truly great men, were
women of uncommon talent or great ener.
gy, lhus proving most conclusivey, that the
character of man takes its cast from that of
the mother. First impressions are the stron.
gest, and no matter what causes are brought
10 bear in after lie, the lessons learned in
childhood are sure TO leave their indelibe
impress upon the mind of man. Few
mothers realize the responsibility OF rearing
family of children. They are conscious
Of the trouble, the vexations, the sorrows
they have 10 undergo, but how often do
they reflect that they are forming The char
acters, for good or evil, of men who win,
perhaps, distinguish themselves in the
world Mothers will do well 10 think
deeply on this important subject
II is said of Sir Waller Scott's mother,
that she was small, plain, well educated
woman, Of excellent sense, very charila-
bic and great lover of poetry and paint
ing-and on the whole a superior woman.
'Tis evident from the writings of Sir Walter
that he had an uncommon gift in word
painting.
1t is said of Byron's mother, that she
was proud woman, hasiy, violent and un-
reasonable, with not principle sufficient 10
refrain her temper. Unhappiry, Byron in
heriied his mothers inhamable temper, and
instead of being subdued and softened by
the harshness with which she often traeted
him, he was rendered more passionate by
| it. Thus we see that this infirmity, which
| by gentleness aud kind treatment might
| have been greatly checked, if not cured,
| was suffered 10 enslave one the most of
talented, brilliant, poetical minds which
! has ever shown among men, entailing life
1 of misery upon lis 2ossessor, and an early
| termination to his career
The mother of Bonaparie was a woman
/ OF great beauty and energy of character
This last trait has been s:rikingly exempli-
! fed throughout his whole liie
! The mother of Robert Burns was a wo-
man OF moderate personal atlractions-but
! in every other respect remarkable woman.
] She was blessed with singular equanimi-
/ ty of temper, and her religious feelings
/ were constant aud deep. They used TO
! give wings 10 the weary hours of her
/ checkered life by chanting old songs and
ballads, OF which she had large store.-
/ Her perception Of character was very quick
and keen, ard she lived to a good old age,
rejoicing in the fame of her poet son, and
paraking OF the fruits OF his genius.
/ Lord Bacon's mother ia said to have been
a woman of superior mind, OF great learn
ing, and deep riety.
/ Little is said IF the mother OF Nero, ex-
cept that she murdered her second husband
the Emperor CIaudius, about four years
after her marriage. Do we wonder that
Nero was cruel Emperor, if his mother
was murderess How strongly does the
mother of Nero, an ancient tyrant, contrast
with the mothers OF our modern philanthro-
pists and statesmenl-the mother of Wash
ington, whose history is familiar to every
reader of history; .he mother of John jay,
who deserves place by the side of Wash.
ingion. Mrs. Jay is said 10 have had cuI>
tivated mind, a fine Imagination, and affec-
tionate temper.
The moiEer OF Patrick Henry was a wo-
man Of great excellence of character, and
marked by superior conversational powers.
Hence, doubtless, the oratorical gift of her
son. With the mother of the Adamses all
are well acquainted. Where will we find
more real practical common sense than
John Quincy's mother possessedl The
mothers impress was truly stamped upon
her son.