Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-07-11
pOY AND MANA LIFE STORY.

We do not relate the following for the
purpose, particularly of pointing moral
though there is a moral most emphatic
in the case nor do we present it as a
rule Of life for the guidance of influential
men-though many men might protitably
take hint therefrom. We tell it as the
simple story of real life, and though it
may by some be deemed an exceptional
case, yet all will admit that the exception
is very pleasant one Some will read
ths, to whom the story will not be new,
but they will enjoy its perusal none the
less for that
In the year 1852 there was upon the
Poor Farm of Wintord, a boy named
David Carlton. He was child of mis-
fortune, and dark cloud had rested upon
the early morning of his life. His mother
had been bright, winSOme girl, betrayed
and forsaken, and finally cast upon the
town for support. So her child was born
n pauper. She had lived to nurse it few
short months, and had then died. and
from that time the child had been in the
charge Of the superlnte of the Farm.
Whatever had been the developed charac-
ter of the father of that child. he must
have possessed strong and manly qualities
OF heart, for the boy betrayed hereditary
points of mental power which could not
have been derived from his mother. Yet
from his mother he had inherited mild
ness and evenness of temper which served
him well in the trying ordeal of his boy
hood.
The children from the Town Farm (ol
Poor Farm attended the common schoo
of the district within which the farm was
located; but they could not be like othel
children. Even the parents Of the more
fortunate schoiars-Christian men anC
women they were--did not wish that tneil
children should associate too freely witt
the paupers; and we cannot wonder thai
the children themselves took the lessor
and acted upon it. As a rule--and undeI
the circumstances very natural rule
these alms-house children did not pro
gress very much in the way of usetu
education; but there were exceptions tt
the rule; and David Carlton was one o
the exceptions. In spite of the slight
which were put upon him, he learne,
rapidly, and he was good boy. Itwa
his goodness and mildness which helpeC
him. He never complained but bore hi
unfortunate lot with meekness, and triec
TO merit the good opinion of those VIII,
had him in charge.
Capt. Tom Richards WAS the oversee
Of the Poor Farm and he liked the boy
And Capt. Toms wife liked him, too
and they helped him to study and learn
Poor boyr said Mrs. Richards
and she said it more than Once,-" he'll
never make much way in the world
I wish he had more spirit. He bear
too much. He's too meek and tender
hearted altogetherl"
In May of 1862, David Carlton wa
twelve years of age. The date of hi
birth was set down in the record of tn
aims house, and on this twelfth anniver
sary thereof Capt. Tom, from his ow
purse, gave him new suit of clothes
and when the lad had donned the gar
the captains wife declared that ther
wasn't better looking boy in the tow
40! if he only had little more spirit !
Andrew Bishop was the leading mel
chant, and in fact, the leading man {
Winford. He was capable business nal
and he had been fortunate, and his wealt
gave him power and station. Mr. Bisho
bad signifed his desire to take a SINAI
intelligent boy into bis store, to bring hin
mp to business Capt. Tom thought her
wonld be chance for David, so he too
the lad with him to the village, and Gale
upon Mr.. Bishop at his dwelling. I'll
boy was introduced to the merchant, an
when the captain had explained his e
rand David was directed to retire int
another room.
Now, it so happened that in the part
ton between the Two rooms was viii
dow--and this window was open-al
thus the boy heard distinctly all that wi
said by the men in their consultation
He heard Capt. Tom speak in terms
praise and commentator. There was
deep pause, and then Mr.. Bishop reptile,
mo, no, Captain Richards, cann'
take him, | do not blame the boy.