Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes Co., O. [Ohio]) 1870-1895, 1872-08-01
A Story of Senator Wilson.

Hon. Henry Wilson is man VINO
never forgets promise or friend. No
better illustration of his character can
be given than by the narration Of an
incident well known in the little town
of Natick, where he has so long resided
and where he is so deeply beloved
Some time ago in the year 1888, when
Mr.. Wilson was engaged in the manu-
facture of shoes, he was accosted by a
bright little fellow perhaps dozen
years of age, who earnestly desired en-
ployment. The boy was poorly dressed,
and his whole appearance denoted ex-
treme poverty. Mr.. Wilson made some
inquiries of him, and learned that his
father was man of incorporate habits,
who neglected to provide for and cru
ely ill-treated his family, and that the
boy, whom we will call Rogers, desired
to do what little he could to aid in their
support. He was instantly engaged
and worked checrfully for several
weeks, until he earned what in those
days was thought nice little sum OF
money, which to his poor mother would
be of the greatest assistance.
When, however, the fondly anticipa-
ted "pay day. came, Rogers was cruelty
disappointed by his father entering the
factory and demanding his sons wages
of Mr.. Wilson, to whom of course, he
was obliged to accede. The father then
commanding his son to return home
again that night, and left the factory.
Completely crushed by this blow, the
boy, wept bitterly, and began his prep
arations for departing. Whilst thus en-
gagged Mr.. Wilson approached him and
said "Rogers you have been a good
faithful boy and I am sorry to have you
go. If ever you want friend come to
me.' Then, placing in his hand the
full amount of wages he had already
paid the father, he hurried away before
the boy could reply. The two did not
meet again for more than twenty years.
In 1868, while Sergeant Rogers of
the Massachusetts, was serving in
the Army of the Potomac, he became
detached from his regiment. While
plodding wearily along in the effort to
regain it he was passed by carriage,
in which were two gentlemen; one Of
them he recognized as Senator Wilson.
A little ashamed of his forlorn plight,
Rogers hung his head to escape recog-
milton: this movement attracted the at
tention of the Senator, who stopped
the carriage, and calling the Sergeant
to him, he inquired:
.'What regiment do you belong to-"
"-Massachusetts."
"Where is it stationed?"
II do not know, sir; l have been de-
tached, and am trying to find it."
For moment the Senator seemed to
be trying to recall his features, and
then asked:
ais not your name Rogers?" Re
ceiving an affirmative reply he ex-
claimed, "My friend, where have you
been these years? and the hands of the
Senator and the Sergeant were cordial
ly clasped. Mr.. Wilson's next ques-
ton was one which many poor SOL
dier has heard him ask. Rogers, do
you need any money!"
"No, Senator; / know that l look q
little rough, but 1 have few green
backs left yet"
swell, that is good, will see you
again." and, with hearty goodbye,
the Senator drove on.
The same day Rogers rejoinsd his
regiment. About week later he was
summoned to the tent Of his Colonel;
repairing there he once more found
Senator Wilson. Sergeant Rogers,
he said, 81 have the pleasure Of pre-
senting to you your commission as
Lieutenant in your regiment, and if
YOUR future records is as honorable as
in the past, 1 shall never regret the ap-
pointment." Utterly surprised at his
good fortune, so unexpected, the re-
cruit could find no words to express his
thanks; but his brilliant after career
was sufficient proof that the confi-
dence placed in him was well bestowed,
and he will ever remember with graft
tude the kindness extended to him by
one whose whole life has been spent IN
aiding the poor, and in the services OF
the down-trodden and oppressed.