Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1872-07-11
HENRY WILSON.
q Var Reminiseence.

Hon. Henry Wilson is man who
never gets promise or friend. Nc
better illustration of his character can
be given than by the narration of an
incident, we'll known in the little town
of Natick, where he has 80 long resided,
and where he is so deeply beloved.
Some time in the year 1888, when Mr..
Wilson was engaged in the manufac-
ture of shoes, he was accosted by a
bright little fellow of perhaps a 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 a man of intemperate
habits, who neglected to provide for
and cIuelly ill-treated his family, and
that the boy, whom we call Rogers, de-
sired to do what little he could to aid
in their support. Hewas instantly en-
gagged, and wprked faithfully andeheer-
fully for several weeks, until he had
earned whatin those days was thought
a neat little sum of money, which to
his poor mother would be of the great
EST assistanees .s I E3 -foilr
When, however, the fondly antici-
pated "pay day" came, Rogers was
cruelty disappointed by bis father en-
tering the factory and demanding his
sons wages of Mr.. Wilson, to whom, of
course, he was obliged to aecede. The
father then commanded his soH to re-
turn home that night, and left the
factory. 4.o.4tF. ..r-tI s.lf s..sF
Completely crushed by this blow, the
boy wept bitterly, and began his prep
aratfon for departing. While thus en-
gagged, Mr.. Wilson approached him
and said: "Rogers, you have been q
good, faithful boy, and / am sorry to
have you 60. If ever you want friend,
come to me-" Then, placing in his
hand the full amount of his 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.
LII lOOO1 mtiAAO GCAS SCcthS 4sO9OAo9 vi
the Massachusetts, was serving in
the Army of the PCtOmac, he became
detached from his regiment. While
plodding wearily along in the effort to
regain it, he passed by carriage in
which were two gentlemen; one of
them he recognized as Senator Wilson.
Being little ashamed of his forlorn
plight, Rogers hung his head to escape
recognition. This movement attracted
the attention of the Senator, who stop
ped the carriage, and calling the ser
geant to him, he inquired:
"What regiment do you belong to ?''
&c Massachusetts"
"Where is it stationed 2"
s'I do not know, sir; 1 have been de-
tached, and am trying to find it."
For q moment the Senator seemed to
be trying to recall his features, and
then said:
sis your name Rogers?"
Receiving an affirmative reply, he
exclaimed: 'sMy friend, where have
YOU been these years?" and the hands
of the Senator and the sergeant were
cordially clasped. Mr.. Wilson's next
question was one which many a poor
soldier has heard him ask:
"Rogers, do you need any money?'
ssNo, thank you, Senator; know
that look little rough, but 1 have a
tew greenbacks left yet" sJl Tl
"Well, that is good. / will see you
again." and, with hearty goodbye,
the Senator drove on. 1867
The same day Rogers rejOined 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 ofpresent-
ing to you your commission as Lieuten-
ant in your regiment, and If your
future record is as honorable as in the
past, shall never regret the appoint
ment." Utterly surprised at his good
fortune, SO utterly unexpected, the re-
cruit could find no words to express his
thanks; but his brilliant after career
was asuffieient proof that the confidence
placed in him was well bestowed, and
he will ever remember with gratitude
the kindness extended to him by one
whose whole life has been spent in aid
ing the poor, and in the services OF the
down-trodden and oppressed.