The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1874-09-18
George Wilson.

Some years ago, as Mr.. Gallaudet ,vas
walking in the streets of Hartford, there
came running to him a poor lad, whose in
telligent eve fixed the gentleman attention.
The boy inquired, please, sir, can you tell
me of any one who would like boy to
work for him and learn to read?''
Whose boy are you, and where do you
live?''
II have no parents, SIR was the reply,
sand have just come away from the work
house, because they would not teach me to
read?''
The gentleman made arrangements with
the authorities of the town; and took George
into his family, where he soon acquired his
benefactor's confidence by his faithfulness
and honesty.
George soon learned TO read, and was al
lowed the use of his masters library. where
by he made rapid progress in the acquisition
of knowledge.
1t became necessary, after a while that
George should leave Mr.. Gallaudet. when
he was apprenticed to a cabinetmaker in the
neighborhood. There the same integrity
won him favor.
To crafty his inclination for study, his
kind master had little room fitted up for
him in the upper part of the shop, where
George devoted his leisure time to his favor
lite pursuits.
He made rapid progress in mathematics,
as well as in French and in various branches
of learning.
After being in this situation some years,
as he sat at tea with the family one evening,
he all at once remarked that he wanted to
go to France.
$50 to Francei' said his master; sur
prised that the apparently contented and
happy youth had thus Suddenly become dis
satisfied with his situation-''for what pur-
pose2''
''Plcase, sir. will you ask Mr.. Gallaudet
to call?'' continued George, land will ex-
plain
His kind friend was invited accordingly,
and at tea-time the apprentice presented
himself with his manuscript, in English and
French, and explained his singular intention
to go to France:
''ln the time of Napoleon" said he, "a
prize was offered by the French Government
for the simplest rule for measuring plane
surfaces. Tie prize has never been award
ed, and that method have discovered"
He then demonstrated his problem, to
the surprise and qualification Of his friends,
who Immediately furnished him with means
of defraying his expenses; and with letters
of introduction to Hon Lewis Cass; ther
fllo Ann IN, ,l.r nj
France. He was introduced to Louis Phil
ippe, and in the presence Of the king, no.
bles and plenipotentiaries, this youth de-
monstrated his problem, amid the plaudits
of the court: He received the prize, besides
valuable presents from the king.
He then took letters of introduction, and
went to the Court Of ST. James, and gained
a similar prize; offered by the Royal Society.
He then returned to the United States.
Here he was preparing to secure the benefit
of his discovery by patent, when he received
a letter from the Emperor Nicholas himself,
one of whose Ministers had witnessed his
demonstrations ait London, inviting him to
make his residence at the Russian Court,
and furnishing him with ample means for
his outfit.
He complied with the Invitation, repaired
to St. Petersburg. and became professor of
mathematics in the Royal c ,llege, under
the special protection of the Emperor Of all
the RussiaS
One to-day Is worth two to-morrows,
Boys. u~e your spare moments well Had
George Wilson been an idle boy, spending
his evenings in the streets, or lin bad COM
pany, he would never have "stood before
kings"