Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1874-09-19
George Wilson.

Some years ngo, rs Mr. Gallaudet was
walking in the streets of Hartford, there
came running to him poor lad, whose in
tellisent eye fixed the gentleman S attention.
The boy inquired, please, sir, can you tell
me Of any ono who would like q boy to
work for him and learn to rcad?'
"Whosc boy are you, and where do you
live?"
81 have no parents, sir" was the reply,
"and 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
bencfactor's confidence by bis iaithfulncss
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 while that
George should leave Mr.. Gallaudet. when
he was apprcnticed to n cabinetmakcr in the
ncishborhood. There the same integrity
won him favor.
To CRAFTY his inclination for study, his
kind master had Il little room fitted up for
him in the upper part of the shop, where
! George devoted his leisure time to his favor
itc pursuits.
lie 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 tue family one evening,
he all at once remarked that lie wanted to
go to France
SEQ to france! ~ said his master, sur
priSed that the apparently contentcd and
happy youth had thuS suddenly become dis
satisfied with his situation-'lor what pur-
po>c?''
''PleaSe, sir. will You ask Mr. Gallaudct
to call?'' continued George, "and will ex-
plain
His kind friend was invited accordingly,
and at tea-tine the apprentice presented
himself with his manuscript, in English and
French, and explained his singular intention
to 90 to France.
In the time Of Napolcon," said he, "a
prize was offered by the French Government
Tor the simplest rule for measuring plane
surfaces. The prize has never been award
cd, and that method have discovered"
lie then demonstrated his problem, to
the surprise and qualification of his friends,
who Immediately furnished him with means
of delraying his expenses, and with letters
of introduction to Hon. Lewis Cas-, then
the American Minister to the Court of
France. lie WAS introduced to Louis Phil
ippc. and in the presence of the king, no.
bIcs and plcnipotentiarics, this youth de-
monStratcd his problem, amid the plau,lits
OF the court. FIc received the prize, besides
valuable presents from the king
lie then took letters Of introduction, and
went to the Court Of St. James. and gained
similar prize. offered by the Royal Society.
lie 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 at London, inviting him to
make his residence at the Russian Court.
and furnishing him with ample means for
his outfit.
lie complied with the invitation, repaired
TO St Petersburg. and became professor of
mathematics in the Royal C,llegc, under
the special protection Of the Emperor Of all
the Rus>iaS.
One to-day is worth two to-morrows,
Boys! use Your spare moments well Had
George Wilson been an idle boy, spending
his evenings in the streets, or in bad COM
pany, he would never have ''stood before
kings"