Connecticut western news., 1875-06-25

POOuAAoAA AetIlH u1tSS LII COuuIOu lS0'l Uy the "Friends in that day: "John, this is not thy right place-a man like thee ought to know how to write-and know better than to make cross mark !""
 John was stung by this reprsof, his latent ambition was aroused and step- ping forward, he took thepen and signed his name in rapid, pfacticed, and ele- gant hand. His employers were aston ished, and said to him: "John, this is not the place for thee-stop drinking, and we will take thee into our employ as clerk, and at once double thy wages. :" These were the first kind and helping words which he had heard in America their life-giving energy went through ment he never drank drop. He proved himself fully worthy their confidence, and became distinguished for his effici- ency. The morning of prosperity began to dawn upon him. His wife recovered her health. His progress toward great success began. He subsequently, went canal as partner to prominent citizen leading member of Congress. The writer
 
 before railroads were generally in use, mon mode of passenger transit, that he could not pass day anywhere between Schenectady and Buffalo, without meet ing one or moro neatly built and well loaded boats, with the golden letters on the side, "John -'s Clinton Line" ]" In short, the young Irish clerk and stew o,.l &lo 1,I of the beautiful and accomplished young lady prostrated by sickness in the log hut-had become the owner of success full fleet of canal boats. Before twenty years had elapsed. he was mayor of one of the largest cities of western New York; was eminent for his en erprise and public spirit, and took prominent position in public affairs.
 After lapse of years, and when he had become eminently prosperous in business, the father of the lady was stricken with lingering disease which finally proved fatal. In the midst of this sickness he relented, and divided a portion of his property for his daughter. After his death, John went to Ireland to secure it, and took his little boy with him. While there, he visited his own father and mother who were still living. They had not heard from him in time, but knew he lived in certain city in western New York. He resolved not to announce himself, to see if they would recognize him. The stage in which he and his little boy travelled passed within a mile of their home. They reached the house by walking this distance, partly across the fields, about sunset. He said hot o nights lodging. The old people were excuses. He continued to urge until they finally yielded. By agreeable con versation on his part they became inter- found he came from America "What part of America s'' they inquired. He told them. "What did you indeed come from R.? Why, is it possible9 We have son living there And you be that you know our son?" "What is his name9' inquired the traveller. "John -" "Oh, yes, I know him. " The interview now became deeply in teresting; throng of questions were asked and answered, and their guest be- came more and more welcome. But still they had no guess who he was the changes of years had obliterated the recollection of his features.
 He thought best not to divulge the secret till next morning, believing that if he did they would not sleep that night. He waited till after breakfast. The scene cannot be described, and we shall not attempt it. It was one of intense emotion. Our lady informant, who was well acquainted with him, m him on the canal packet (the chief mode of journeying in those days), on his return from Ireland on this journey, and he gave ife-ike description of the scene in his own eloquent words, and in speak ing of his relation of the occurrence she said to us "I do not believe any one could have listened to his recital with out tears"
 She has since made to us the remark, which accords with what those who re- member him in his days know of him, that if the ladies of R. wished at any time to get up 8 subscription or start any benevolent enterprise. they al ways went first to John -, and were never denied, his generosity always go- ing quite as far as his means would warrant.
 What an instructive history was his. and what an encouragement for young men in habits of industry, temperance, integrity, and virtue.
 We need only add to this narrative that the name of the place referred to as "R-" is Rochester, and the man whose history is so Interestingly told, was John Allen, chosen Mayor of Rochester in 1844.-Coatsstry Gentle man.