The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-07-13
A REMARKABLE MAN.

Cyrus W. Field, twenty years ago, says
the World, was held to be one of3the most
remarkable men OF the day. II his work is
borne in mind he will be recognized by
future generations as one OF the greStess
men the nineteenth century has produced.
The father of Cyrus W. Field, Rev. Mr..
Field, had nine children. They were David
Dudley, the eminent lawyer; Amelia, who
married Rev. Josiah Brewster and died
shortly after; Timothy. who became an Of
ficer in the United States navy aud was
lost at sea in 1885, Matthew, a noted en-
ginser. who died in 1875; Jonathan, also
dead, who was once president of the Massa-
chusettS Senate; Stephen Johnson, now as
sociste justice OF the United States supreme
court; Henry Martin. the editor and
preacher; Mary, who died unmarried, aud
Cyrus West. David Dudley, Stephen,
Cyrus and Henry have all had remarkable
careers.
WORKED FOR 50 A WEEK.
Cyrus West, the most remarkable of this
truly remarkable family, was born in
Stockbridge, Nov. 80, 1919. He was edu-
Gated In his native town, after which, at
the age Of Is, he came to this city, where
he obtained employment as q clerk for A.
7. Stewart at 80 per week. He became
dealer in paper and failed two OF
three times. His native energy and ex-
ecutivs talents soon put him in possession
Of an ample fortune, so that in 1858 he
practically retired from business and made
an extended tour over South America.
On his return in the following year he
was solicited to engages in the establish.
ment OF telegraph line in Newfoundland.
After mature consideration he entered upon
the great work. He procured charter
granting an exclusive right for fifty years
to establish telegraph from this continent
TO the colony and thence to Europe.
THE ATLANTIC CABLE.
After consulting Lieut.. Maury of the
navy and Prof. Morse as TO its practical
bility, Mr.. Field formed company with
$1,000 900 capital. Peter Cooper was the
first subscriber TO this fund. He visited
England in 1854 and in 1856 for the further
prosecution of his pet schemes.
He accompanied the expeditions of 1857
and 1858. fitted out to lay a cable across the
Atlantic between Ireland and Newfound-
land. The announcement that the cable
had been laid sent a lightning thrill through
all the land, and men wept for joy. But the
success was only temporary. Four hum
dred kilograms were transmitted and the
cables vitality ceased.
On its temporary success an ovation was
given Mr.. Field on bis return to New York
Nothing daunted by this dark cloud he
went to Europe again. Capital was pro-
ciers, but he knew how grand and practical
BILE his idea was. and persevered.
SUCCESS AT LAST.
In the latter parE Of the COS, the Great
Eastern, after repeated failures. completed
the tssk Of laying the great cable on July
q, 1866.
Cyrus W. Field was then the lion of the
day. He received from congress q gold
medal and the thanks of the nation. But
Mr.. Field did not rest on his laurels. The
pioneer Of the Gable, he became the pro-
moter Of rapid transit. He secured CON
trolling interest in the old IL" road com
pany stock, and worked wonders in spread
ing the great system. In 1887 Jay Gould
forced him out Of the management, aud
since then he had taken no prominent part
in any great enterprise. He owned fine
country seat at Irvington on the Hudson,
where his special fad was the raising of
chickens. An edifoe which bears his name
is the great Office building at the foot of
Broadway, whose upper windows look far
out upon the ocean, which was bridled by
his indomitable genius for head work.