Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1885-09-17
STUDIED HIS TOE.
How Leonard Gardeners Misfortune
Became a BOon-A Yankee CaIeu-
IaIor's Astonishing Achievements In
Mathematics Perseverance In Sell
entihe Research by n Workingman.

entihe Research by n Workfngman,
We read that blessing come in
Disguise and it is often the subject oil
comment what small events will
sometimes change the current of a
mans life. Events often transpire
which are considered tho direst mis-.
fortunes, but which subsequently
prove beneficial in the highest degree
10 the recipient. When, therefore.
Leonard Gardner, an humble, box
maker in LIQUIDS mill, South Wey-
mouth, kicked a nail key to demoIish
it, and drove a file deeply into his
foot, in 1S49, he thought that it was a
great misfortune. So, in fact, it was.
physically considered, no doubt; but
the quiet confinement Necessary for 2
successful nursing of the wounded
member gave his active mind a chance
to play, and he began, more for
amusement tnan for any practical re-
suits which he expected to derive
from it, the study of trigonometry.
The result has been remarkable.
But to clearly understand the charac.
ter and magnitude Of the work &C
co emphasized, and the apparently in,
su~rmountable difficulties overcome, it
will be necessary TO review the life of
the subject of this sketch.
Leonard Gardner IS a hale and
hearty old man, who has outspanned
mans allotted three score years and
ten by six years. He was born In
that portion OF South bingham known
as Gardner street, July Is, 1909. His
father was a farmer, and young Gard
ner early applied himself to the man,
ual labor of the farm.
His educational advantages consist
ed in attending. as he graphically des-
cribed it, "a $500 school-house IN the
summer, and a 5000 one in the winter"
His winter teacher was master Of a
hshtng schooner, and spent the sum
mel in mackerel fishing. He attended
school until he was Ia, when his SER
vices were required permanently about
the farm, and his schooling days were
over.
His love for mathematics led him al
the age Of 10 to purchase q copy Of
Flint's "sul veying." He applied hims
self eagerly to the mastery of the ele~
ment> OF geometry and trlgonometry,
studying evenings by the fitful glare
of a tallow candle. Oftentimes the
hours thus diligently occupied passed
unnoticed, until his mother would re-
mind him that ''he had better blow
the candle out and go right to bed, as
he could never do that sum" He
persevered, however, until he mas.
tered trigonometry.
In 1916 Mr.. Gardner moved with
his family to Nash's corner, South
Weymouth, and went to work in
LIQUIDS box null. He has since con
unued to reside in this vicinity, and
lived happily with the partner Of his
Joys uAtil her decease, about three
years ago.
In 1S49, while at this mill n day,
he kicked at an empty nail>keg and
severely wounded his foot. While
confined to the house he first conceiy-
ed the idea Of computing the eclipse
of the sun which was TO occurIa 1854
He commenced the work and prosecu-
ted 1t his leisure and evenings until It's
final completion in 1853.
During the progress of this work
Mr.. Gardner frequently visited a Bos'
tor bookstore and purchased from
time to time various works to assist
him in his computation.
The curiosity of the book-dealer was