Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1860-10-25
MOTHERS OF HISTORY.

women OF uncommon talent, or great energy,
thus proving conclusively, that the charac-
ter Of man takes its cast from that of the
mother. First impressions are the strongest,
and no matter what causes are brought to
bear in after life, the lessons learned in
childhood are sure to leave their indelible
impress on the mind of man. Few mothers
realize the responsibility of rearing fami
ly of children. They are conscious of the
trouble, the vexations, the sorrows they have
to undergo, but how o (ten do they reflect that
they are forming the characters, for good or
evil, of men who will, perhaps, distinguish
themselves in the world? Mothers will do
we'll to think deeply on this important sub
ject.
Itis said of Sir Walter Scotu's mother, that
she was small, plain, we'll educated woua-
an, of excellent sense, very charitable, and a
great lover of poetry and painting-ard on
the whole superior woman. 'Tis evident,
from the writings of Sir Walter that he had
an uncommon gift in word: d:painting.
1t Is said of Byron's mother, that she wa s
a proud woman, basty, violent and Hnreason>
able, with not principle sufficient to restrain
her temper. Unhappily, Byron inherited
his mothers inAamable temper. and instead
of being subdued and softened by the harsh
ness with which she often treated him, be
was rendered more passionate by it.
Thus we see that this infrmity, which by
gentleness and kind treatment might have
been greatly checked, if not cured, was fuf-
fered to enslave one of the most talented,
brilliant, poetical minds which has ever
shone among men, entailing life Of misery
upon is possessor, and an early Termination
to his career!
The mother of Bonapart was q woman of
great beauty and energy of character. This
last trait has been strikingly eSenpIifed
throughout his whole life.
The mother of Robert Burns was woman
of moderate personal attractions-but in evr
cry other respect q remarkable woman. She
was blessed with singular equauimity Of
temper, and her religious feeling were con-
slant and deep. They used TO give wings to
the weary hours of her checkered life by
chanting old songs and ballads, of which
she bad large store. Her PERCEPTION Of
character was very quick and keen, and she
lived to good old age, rejoicing in the fame
of her poet son, and partaking of the fruits
of his genius.
| Lord Bacon's mother is said to have been
woman of superior mind, of great learning
and deep piety.
| Little is said of the mother of Nero, except
that she murdered her second husband, the
Emperor Cladius, about four years after hel
marriage. Do you wonder that Nero was 6
cruel Emperor, if bis mother was a murder
ess? How strongly does the mother of Ne,
no, an ancient tyrant, contrast with the moth
ers of our modern philanthropists and states
men the mother of Washington, whose
history is familiar to every reader of history
the mother of John Jay, who deserves place
by the side of Washington. Mrs. Jay is sale
20 have bad a cultivated mind, fine imagi-
nation, and affectionate temper.
The mother of Patrick Henry was wom
an of great excellence of character, ant
marked by superior conversational pow ers
Hence, doubtless, the oratorical gift of hel
son. With the mother of the Adamses al
are acquainted. Where will we find more
real practical common sense than Jno. Quin
cy's mother possessed? :? The mothers i'm
press was truly STAN ped upon her son.
ANECDOTE OF WEBSTER.
1t being one of the delights of Daniel Web
ster to annually visit the Granite hills of biz
native State to rusticate for few days, hi
usually favored Conway with his presence
where resided the famous Billy Abbot, bott
small of stature and old of his age. For hil
humorous wit and wonderful knowledge O
every little incident that made this or tha
place particularly charming and Interesting
to the historian and the antiquarian which
he was very fond of imparting, heso ingraft
ed himself into the good favor Of the grea
expounder of the constitution, that be always
gave him a seat in his carriage when he rods
out to view the beauties of nature. Billy
associates, feeling envious ON account of tn,
honor conferred upon him by this distin-
guished man, one day after Webster's de-
parture Sarcastically asked Billy, in th'
crowded barsroom, what he and his frient
Webster found to converse about as they rod,
about the country? Billy replied AVE usu
ally talk about horticulture and agriculture
and the different breeds of cattle and horses
and upon these subjects derive from him {
great deal of information; and upon sucE
topics find him little more than my mattel
but the moment enthusiastically with {
gesture, and tone of voice becoming the or
ator himself-sbut the moment he alludes tt
the constitution, can floor him in a min
ute;" which was received with applause
and the Banquo of Envy never again af-
fronted Daniels rustic favorite. -
@ Now, then, hearties, said gallan
captain, "you have tough batte befol,
you. Fight like heroes till your powder
| gone, then-run p I'm . little lame ant
J PR sta,t nosO r'