Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-09-21
his shakes and fever. Thus passed


winter.
In the spring James intended to
gage as a sailor on the Lake, but
Bates had become impressed with hif
ability and urged him to turn his a
ton to study. The purpose to beco
sailor was firmly held, and the appes
the teacher for some time had little
But his health was not firm and .
Bates urged that the hardships o
Lake would be too severe for him;
he might better attend school one
improve his learning and recruit
health and then 90 on the Lake II
fall. His mother vigorously endorse
plan, and it was finally adopted.
decided to accompany his teach
Geauga seminary. His mother ftte'
ont with facilities to board himself,
his cousin and another young fl
about the same age, joined him il
new departure. Mr.. Bates intro' I
him to the faculty, with this sugg
remark, "He is decidedly smart, IT,
rather green and awkward" He
tall, sallew, emaciated, and awkt
but eager to learn, sober and wakefu
saw little of him in his classes that
but heard good reports from the tea
to whom he recited. He made the s
mar class especially lively. Cha
grammar was in use, which called I.
sitions and conjunctions verbs and
all the notions of Kirkham and B
Young Garfield thought it quite law
upset Chaplin in return, and Miss A
Curtis, his teacher, though skillfuE
resolute, found it impossible to d
her author, and frequently express
wish that his book was in ashes.
the close of the term he took part i; :
rhetorical exercises with credit. ~
His health was now improved, q
again turned his face to the Lake.
faithful friend anticipated the DANCE
piled him with new arguments.
urged that another term would fit b
teach a district school; that he Y
earn but little on the Lake that
any way; that navigation would Gle
three months, and then he might be
all the fall and winter; that if he
once qualified to teach he could
summers and teach winters and
have constant employment. The
was successful; the pledge was mao
return-to school again in the fall.
delight of Mr.. Bates made his black.
fairly dance with JOY.
saw more ofhim during the fall
as | had full charge of the school,
and Mrs. Branch having retired OF
count of failing health. He was il
advanced arithmetic class, and rec
that he was accustomed, not on
master the lesson, but explore outsi
his text book and enrich his recits
by quotations, references and sugge'
bearing upon the problems in ]
This was characteristic Of him in al
studies and has been a habit with
ever since. At that early day the or
was often expressed that he would
tinguish himself as a scholar and c
if once cured Of the passion. for sa
His friend Bates watched this poii
danger with vigilance till another anc
ter passion expelled the thought froi
mind.
The ensuing winter he laugh
school in the Ledge district" no
from the seminary, and succeeded adj
bly,. In the spring he resume
studies. During the winter he had
fessed religion and united with the
ciples, and now cherished no desire
than to complete his education andt
vote his life to usefulness. 1t was
next fall, / think, that he went to Il
Institute which the Disciples had
opened, and where he remained unit
to enter the Junior year in college.
kept watch Of him from that
onward. but did not meet him for
than dozen years. In 1868, thi
was, while on my way to Washin
we met again. | was going from
Northern Central depot, to the Ca
st. depot, in Baltimore, inst in ad,
of several army officers, and turned
quire my way. A stout, full be;
General led the company, and inq
of him. Instead of answering, by
shoulders and looking me eagerly il
face exclaimed, George H. Ball
this you: God bless you: am
to see you. Don't you know me: ]
you recollect James A. Garfield:
need not speak of my delight; of II
vitation to breakfast with the Ger
and our fraternal visit. II was su
only a great hearted, noble man like
field could afford, and | refer TO
occurrence to illustrate the warmt
his nature, the simplicity of his man
and sincerity of his friendship. Tn
not particle of gliding, aristocrat
sham about him. His great talents
quirements and honors did not sep
him from common people, nor chill Il
dor of his friendship in the least.
Another incident which came Il
knowledge some time since illustrate
same trait of character. Years had
sed since he had met his early FIR
S. d. Bates. Being in Washington
hearing that Gen. Garfield was Their
tending court martial, Mr.. Bates
thinking to listen to the trial and SEE
friend. 1t CHANGED that Gen. Gai.
responded to the bell. At first hi
not recognize the visitor but on me