The weekly Oskaloosa herald. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Iowa) 1855-1885, 1874-06-18

| Civ SofO AiLu d IcspeCtlul NEARING.
He told them that, four years pre-.
viously, he had lost his father.
They had, up to the time of his faith.
er's last sickness, been in comforta.
BILE circumstances. His father was
man Of education and obtained a
livelihood by school teaching. He
had laid up but little ahead and his
death occurred after a long illness,
which left him and his mother desti-
tute. For two years his mother
struggled with poverty, but finally
succumbed to poverty and disease,
and the pale messenger kindly re-
lieved her of her sufferings, leaving
the boy friendless and alone. Since
his mothers death, until short
before he came TO that neighborhood,
he had lived with hard taskmaster,
who treated him cruelty, overwerked
him and would not allow him to at
tend school and finally became SO
brutal that he was forced to leave
him. He had made his way to that
village and obtained a temporary
home with Mr.. Sheldon, mechanic.
He did not complain of his home,
especially as he was allowed to at
tend school. His father had taken
great pains to have him learn what
was suitable for a boy of his age,
and his mother had followed this up
during her widowhood, but since
her death he had advanced but lit
tie.
This simple story, which we have
condensed, created no little sympa-
thy for him among those school
children who had never known want.
AS his prosecutor, Charles Foster
stood by and heard his recital of
hardships, and saw the tide of feel
ing in his favor, he hung his head
for very shame. The scholars were
not very slow in expressing their
condemnation of his conduct, and
one of the loudest in condemning
him was his sister Kate, a sweet,
blue-eyed girl of ten syears of age.
She told him unless he asked the
poor boys pardon before all the
scholars and befriended him thereaf-
ter, she wonld acquaint her parents
with his conduct. He was glad to
avoid this on any terms. The schol-
ars consulted together and resolved
they would furnish him with decent
and comfortable clothing, as not a
few were able to do SO from what
they had outgrown, or from some
other reason had ceased to use.
In his story he expressed great
desire to learn, and indeed, since he
had attended school, he had been
noted for his studiousness, and Miss
Emma Sheldon, the daughter and
only child of the man with whom
our hero found home, volunteered
to help him in his studies. She was
two years his senior in age, we'll in
formed and competent to assist him.
When the scholars resumed their
studies on that afternoon, little
James felt less lonely and more
cheerful than he had since his moth
er's death.
At recess that afternoon the schol-
ars completed their arrangements to
assist their little friend, and that
night committee visited him and
bestowed on him presents in cloth
ing and books, all that he needed !;
and he made his appearance the next
morning much improved and with a
buoYant countenance, as a new hope
and renewed ambition had sprung up
in his heart.
During the remainder of that term
no member of the school had more
friends than had he, and none made
more rapid advancement in their
studies. He improved his leisure
hours and out stripped many who
had superior advantages. Miss
Emma did not forget her promise,
but rendered him essential aid.
We will follow the fortunes of our
hero still further. After the close of
the school, a stranger came to the
town who proved to be celebrated
lawyer from the county of Delaware
in the same State. James heard
him, in the course of some converse
ton, remark that he would like to
obtain the services of u boy compe-
tent to write, keep accounts and the
like, and he would be willing to give
him a home, and if he did well, to
instruct him in his profession. James
eagerly caught at the opportunity,
and an inspection of his chirography
and recommendation of his
former teacher being all that was re-
quired, he accompanied the gentle
man to his home. In the year that
followed neither had reason to re.
gret the.step they had taken.
Ten years passed. Many were
the changes that had taken place in
that time. Our friends Maggie
Bently, Kate Foster and Emma
Sheldon had grown into womanhood,
and were indeed beautiful and ac-
complished ladies. AT this time, in
the Winter of 1856, these ladies, in
company with others, and a party of
gentlemen, made visit to the city
of Albany during the sessian of its
Legislature. They visited the State
house-were ushered into the hall of
representatives, and from the seats
in the lobby, surveyed the men who
had been selected as law makers by
the people in different parts of the
State.
An important matter was under
discussion, and not a little debate
was indulged in. At length a men,
ber arose and addressed the house.
He was tall and commanding, and as
he proceeded in his remarks it was
plain to all that he was no common
orator. For full two hours he held
the audience, members and specta.
tors spell-bonnd by his mastery elo-
quence. Our friends sat, listened and
wondered. There was something
about his appearance that seemed ia.
miliar, and yet, tax their recollections
as they would, they could not recall
him to their remembrance. At the
close of his speech the house ad-
journed. The eyes of the orator fell
upon the group in the lobby. One
glance was sufficient for him. He
came forward with extended hand,
greeted them all cordially and call
ed them by name. They were
obliged to confess they did not rec
ognize him. ''It is no wonder you
have forgotten little James Tenly,"
he remarked with smile. At the