White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1860-07-19

terations and additions, making IL
far more truthful than the
originAl.l
The Douglas family is descended from
ancient stock. Il was introduced into
America by three brothers, who came
over from Europe about the time st.
Patrick banished the snakes from ireland.
They brought some Of the snakes over in
their boots, and introduced them into this
country. Their descendants have ever
since adhered to the practice Of carrying
snakes in their boots, as . distinctive
Douglas trait. One Of the brothers set
tied in New England, another in Mary
land, and the third in North Carolina.
There is q male descendant Of each broth
err now living-Stephen A. Fred, and
the man with q white hat, and . scab on
his nose.
Our sketch has to do with the first
named of these descendants. Stephen
Arnold Douglas was horn in "Vsr-
mount" about the time the Federalists
and Hartford Convsntionists burnt blue
lights; thus bis life began in the midst
of suspicious events. He was born in
the month Of April-not on the 23d, as
has been generally supposed. but on the
LIST. He has often been heard to say that
this was the most important event Of his
life.
Mr.. Douglas is descended, on his mo-
theirs side, from q distinguished Rsvolu-
tionary hero-Gen. Benedict Arnold.
who gallantly fought at Quebec and Ssr-
stoga, and performed feats Of valor so
numerous. that Washington became jesl-
Gus Of him. planned successful conspir-
scy against him. and compelled him to
fee the country. Il will be remembered
that Major John Andre lost his life in
this affair, having been arrested while
travelling under the assumed name Of
John Anderson. Douglas. in early life,
was so much affected by 9 recital of the
melancholy event. that he wrots the touch
ing song entitled "John Anderson. Ny
Jo." Douglas possesses many traits Of
character precisely similar to those Of bis
ilIustrious relative. He has never forgiv-
en- Washington for his treatment of Ar
mold, but has made it his constant endea-
vor to overthrow every principle cherish
ed by the Father of his country.
Douglas, in his infancy, was a remark
able child. although puny. Those bowels
Of his troubled him, even at that early
stage of his life. From the first days Of
his existence, it was found necessary to
administer copious doses of paregoric,
Batemsn's drops. Godfrey's cordial, lau-
danum, and number six-all of which
drugs he swallowed down like q little
hero. Indeed, he soon became so fond
of them. that he took them in preference
to his mothers milk.
In his youth, Douglas evinced far
greater facility in imbibing matter into
his stomach than into his mind conse-
queutly, an uncle who had kindly offered
to send him to school, concluded that II
wouldn't pay. and finally split the differ.
ence by getting married. Young Doug
las then spprenticed himself to q cabinet
maker. and applied himself diligently for
three whole months. He took q great
fancy to the business-he liked the smell
of the alcohol they used in staining and
vanishing the furniture. During this
apprenticeship, be exhibited that indom-
ital energy in surrounding difficulties.
which has characterized bis Subsequent
life. It was his pride to work up the
knottiest lumber into furniture. It is
known that shellsc vsrnish is about the
only kind that is readily absorbed BY
knots. Mem. Alcohol is a principal
ingredient in the preparation Of shellac
Varnish.
After q time ne emigrated to Western
New York. where be spongsd for year
or two on brother-in-lsw. While there,
he tried to distinguish himself BY making
Jackson speeches. He exsrtsd power
fol influence. even at that early day. In
the town where be resided, jackson re-
ceivsd one vote, which was said to have
been cast BY Douglas brother-in-law,
douglas being not yet Of age. } in cousid.
GRAFTON Of promise made BY Stephen,
to quit sponging. and leave the country.
after the election. This Douglas the
moro readily agreed to do, from the fact
that he found there were too many people
in those parts smarter than himself.
He hauled up ct Cleveland. and Get to
work at cabinet making. There was 9
singular phenomenon observed that sea-
son, the like Of which had never been
heard of before, nor has been since. The
alcohol about that particular shop mys-
teriously evsporated from the bottles, no
=. 49,. L. ks-ksI- A..