The Portland daily press., 1864-09-07
John Lynch-The Boy and the Man.

JUN byncn-l ne boy anu the man.
The .desperate forts OF the Democratic par
~ TO secure the defeat OF Mr.. LYNCH, occa-
sion so many Misrepresentation about him
aud bis position, that, although he Is well and
iavorably known throughout this Congression-
al district, we have been induced TO prepare for
the readers Of the Press, a brief sketch OF his
life. There may be some who would be mis-
led, without this, aud who only need to be put
IN possession of the facts, so honorable to the
Union candidate, to be safe against every
malign and cunning appeal to passion or preju-
dice.
JOHN LYNCH was born Ia Portland In the
year 1875. His parents were poor, and had
numerous family to support, but took care to
instil into the hearts OF their children, a re-
gard for morality and virtue, which is the
noblest Inheritance men can secure to their
offspring. The circumstances of his home
demanded from every member habits ofindus-
try and economy, and an unusually active and
energetic temperament made the acquisition
OF these habits an easy matter for john. He
was instinctiyely civil and kind in his deport-
ment, and by his uniform propriety OF conduc,,
and ready obedience to the requirements of
his parents, while bat eight or nine years Of
age, attracted the favorable notice of Nj
Abraham Osgood, at that time leading and
influential mechanic in this city. so much
did the manly bearing ofthis Unattended and
poverty oppressed boy, win the good opinion
OF MIR. Osgood, that Notwithstanding his ten
der age, Mr.. 0sgood desired TO adopt him in
10 bis family. After some conversation WITH
the child, an arrangement was made with his
apprenticeship, ill of suitable age to enter into
aeoniract understandiugly. He was to be sent
10 school, furnished with suitable and neces-
sary clothing, and board in his employers fsm-
lily aud perform such tasksas might be imposed
upon him, and he was to be instructed in the
craft OF a house-carpenter, and il he remained
% the service ill his majority, was to be re-
warded, according to the usage of that time,
with set Of the tools Of the trade, and other
simple outfit.
Before be was nike years old, he was thus
taken from his home and placed among strsI-
gers-an early induction into the labor Of
llie His patron Tor Short time continued
10 carry on the business of carpeniering, and
John was sent to school 10 Master Jackson.
In his leisure honrs doing such small chores
as were suited to his strength, and familiar.
z'ng himself with The use OF the tools which
1t was supposed were to carve for him his for
tune In life. In school he maintained his char
aeter as an industrious, truthful and trust
worthy boy, and exhibited u quickness of IL
tellect and love of learning which won the
generous and discriminating announcement
ana approval OF his teacher. and secured ra
70 advancement in his classes. Among lis
playmates he was cheerful, brave and consid
crate, and enjoyed great and deserved popL-
lariiy. In the workshop he manifested an a D.
utude for the use OF tools, and ready under
standing OF mechanical operations, which gave
promise that he would become superior work
man. Persons who knew him at that time
and who Remember pieces of his workman.
ship, speak enthusiastically OF the neatpo,s
and thoroughness Of every thing he made
Alter short time Mr.. Osgood abandoned
the business Of carpenter, and turned his a,
tention 10 trading. He opened grocery
STORE on Green Street, where for many years
he kepta general variety of West India GOOD
and groceries, and country produce Much
OF the trade was carried on by barter with
the farmers, who exchanged their farm ard
dairy products for the articles they required
Here John, though less than dozen years
oio, could be made more profitable to his
master than In the work shop, and he was
soon taken from school altogether, and EN-.
pioyed constantly at the shop or doing errands
about the house. He took care of the horse
and COW, prepared the wood Tor the fires dup
the paths in winter, opened aud swept the
shop, and waited upon the customers.
In his new calling, he gave evidence Of ,bs
same readiness 10 learn and power of adan.,.
tion, that bad before so strkingly characteriz
ed him. In very short time the customers
attentive, and trustworthy. He knew the
quality of the commodities bought and sold,
and their just value; and he was never known
10 take advantage of any one. He soon be-
came the Chief dependence of his employer.
Upon him deyolyed the principle care of the
business. lie was sent on long tours through
Inc country to buy butter, eggs, cheese, fruit,
potatoes, pork, and all the articles bronoht "a
market by farmers. Ia this way he very early
became widely acquainted with the people Of
this District, with their pursuits, their re-.
sources and their interests. Between him
and the people Of Maine mutual regard was
thus cultivated. Wherever be went his eager.
ness ior knowledge prompted him to learn all
le could And what to inferior men have