Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1866-11-28
WHOLE NO. .2617.
Theodore Tl,ton


\ This gentleman viii deliver the opening
Lecture of this winters regular course, in
Warren. on Friday evening, Nov. Both
inst The subjoined brief sketch of the
''rise and progress Of Mr.. Tilton, will
no doubt be read with interest by some of
our readers. 1t is from the LITERARY
ALBUM:
Theodore Tilton is native of Staten
Island, and is now il the thirty frst year
of his age. In bis early youth he enjoyed
no other advantages than those that are
open to any boy Of industrious habits,
with energy enough to work into a posi-
tinn of honorable usefulness.
He was educated IN our public schools.
and made such progress in the primary
studies rs to be admitted at an early ace to
the Free Academy. Here be was equally
industrious and successful in attaining the
higher branches of learning. and gradua-
ted with eredir. carrying of Whatever of
honOrs that institution had TO bestOW-
Among the studies of the Academy is that
of photography. or shOrt-han writing.
for which young Tilton exhibited an anti
tude and fondness that made him pre-.
Rcient in the art, and had much influence
In shaping his subsequent career At
school he exhibited the qualities Of correct
subOrdination. diligence in his studies,
atfability to his associates. and profound
respect for his teachers. Never was there,
perhaps, a more willing student No
tasks, however arduous, discouraged OF
wearied him, and he was never known to
be voluntarily absent from MS class.
Soon after leaving school it became
necessary for him to choose q vocation,
for he had neither the ability nor the dis
position to be drOne. and be sought for
and obtained position as reporter on the
New York Tribune. In this capacity his
extensive reading and perfect knowledge
of short hand proved of great advantage
to him, and qualified him to discharge IN
n very satisfactory manner duties usually
assigned to older and more experienced
persons. 1t also surrounded him with
genial associates and made him acquainted
with men and measures, in which he did
not fail to take the deepest interest.
In the discharge of his duties on the
Tribune he attracted the attention of the
Rev. Henry Ward Beeeher, whose disci-
pie and protege he soon became. And
the two men, kindred Spi-its as they were,
seeking with a sincere and ardent nature
the same laudable objects, become fast
friends. 1t was not long before, Mr.. Tl-
ton transferred his services from the F,-i6-
ls1ls to the New York Observer; but the
policy Of that Journal not beng as fully in
consonance with his views as he could
wish, and influenced no doubt by theOff5r
of better position, he left them to assume
the editorsbip of the Joatr7IGL of Coaunsres.
Becoming intimately acquainted with
such gentlemen rs DR.. Thompson, DR..
Lefferts. Lsnard, Bacon, DR.. iStorrs, and
Others, in whose religions and political
views he cordially sympathized, be was
induced to take position on the editorial
staff Of the Independent, of which Journal
he Is now the chief editor.
From his earliest youth Mr.. Tiltoa gave
evidence Of an enthusiastic and progressive
mind /; and from being the disciple and
DrOtegs Of his great teacher, Henry Ward
Beecher, he soon surpassed in excessive
ness, and The two came into direct conflict.
A distinguishing charac seristic of 5fr.
TiltOn has ever been his never yielding to
any suggestion of craft or expedienev,
however entIcing.
His whole life appears to have been gov
srned on the principle thai absolute right
is the highest expectancy" But it must
be carefully borne in mind, and certainly
10 Mr.. Tilton's credit, that n difference in
opinion between him ard Mr.. Beecher.
however extreme, has at all changed the
regard, respect, goodwill and cordial re-
latIons which have so long existed between
these two eminent men. SOS ~
Mr. Tilton ha original and radical ideas
IF elemental liberty and the right of man
hood OF every description to an intelligent
lsserton of It's interest and power.
With great frmness he maintains any
,ositioI be assumes, and bravely does bat
le for whatever he deems right, no matter
ow impossible it may be.
III his words and acts are characterized
nth the enthusiasm of youth, and this
makes him, as Speaker. somewhat ford
nd more exhuberant than is at sIl times
onpatible with the subject Of which he
reats. % VIZ l-l
rev men have been more naisrepresens
I'd. villiied and abused, and vet few enjoy
more extended esteem and regard
hose who know him best have the finest
1Sard tor him, as q man of sincere intag-
", whose first and strongest desire is 70
e useful worker among men, and as one
no, ut every hazard and through all trib-
lation, viii stick TO the right, or what is
sYeaied To him to be. the ritrht