Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-10-18
Leaving the Gaieties of the
Austrian Court for the
Homestead Mill.
HERO OF FOURTEEN DUELS.
Forced to Fight His Way Through
His Class at Heidelberg, He
CARRIES TWENTY-SEvEN SCARS.
Now Lying Sick of Typhoid Fever in tn
West Penn Hospital.
HE is PROUD OF HIS ADOPTED COUNTRY

Lying on bed IN private WarQ III IN
the West Penn Hospital, stricken with
typhoid fever, is Count Camille Mercader.
He is a tall young man of noble features,
large blue eyes and a physique that any
man might be proud of. He is rather good
looking, and might be pronounced hand
some were it not for the double scar on his
left cheek. His appearance is refined and
gentle, and his language is indicative of
culture. He is the youngest son of one of
the first Counts of the empire of Austria.
Since his arrival here little over two
years ago, Count Mercader has worked for
the Carnegie Company. About two months
ago he went from Homestead to the Edgar
Thomson works at Braddock. In the words
of Mr. John G. A Leishman, Vice Chair
man of the firm, Count Mercader is one OF
the best mechanical engineers he has ever
known. He is man of the most retiring
disposition, and his noble lineage remained
asecret, except to one or two persons.
Early Life of the Count
Twenty-four years ago Camille Mercader
was born in Buda-Pesth, Hungary. He was
the youngest son of Count Mercader, who
had three other sons and two daughters.
His mother was, and her eldest daughter is
now, one of the foremost ladies of the Aus
trian court. After leaving the care of
private tutor, he entered the Jesuit College
in kaloscr, where he studied for two years
He was then but IL years of age, and re-
turned once more to the care of family
teacher Later he attended private SEM
mary in Buda-Pesth for the tuition of
noblemen's children, and here remained
for about a year and half After leaving
the seminary he went on an extended tour
through the continent with his father.
Later he settled in Dresden, Germany, and
studied for time at the local university.
Here it was that he studied the elementary
principles of civil engineering, in which be
jook more than ordinary delight.
Having strengthened his knowledge by
PRACTICAL as well as theoretical study he
eft Dresden and entered the University at
Jeipsic with acadenical honors at the age
,f IL. The history of his studies at this
Institution is best told by the certified list
If honors and medals, won by him during
lis two years of hard work. He graduated
ith the highest laurels and left for Heidel-
rg to complete his education.
Fought His Way Through College.
t the university in Heidelberg he ex-
the envy of members of his class and
tme involved in many quarrels insti-
ed by his fellow students. There seemed
be a desire among few of his classmates
# nd of him, and very, aftHn insult and
use were offered him at the dinner table.
IA different occasions he resented the
ms of his envious fellows and accepted
allenge each time to fight duel
N the left cheek of his rather proposes
face to-day are the two first scars he
,eived in settling with his opponent the
st and bitterest of those affairs of honor.
he controversy grew out of a class argu-
lent with one Herr LaHoda who is now in
ustraiia. LaHoda fought with frenzy to
ark Mercader for life, and succeeded to
pme extent, receiving in return a sword
trust in the right arm which temporarily
sabled him. In his 13 other meetings and
speriences with saber and pistol the Count
ceived in all q wounds about the head
I'd shoulders and on his breast The last
his dueling contests terminated his
reer in Heidelberg, although he returned
graduate, which he did with honors.
is diploma gives ample proof OF his
iumph over all others of his class, ac-
mpanied by several gold medals for
CHEST merit in various branches.
Came to America to Work.
From Heidelberg the young Count en-
red the university for mining engineers
Freidberg, and there remained for
arly two years, thoroughly completing
mechanical education. After leaving
llege he went to France for few months,
liking a short stay In Paris. Later he |
sited England and Scotland, stopping in |
tn London aud Edinburgh for some time.
ter returning home, he left in a short
ne for Weisbaden, and remained there
awhile. He then came to America, and |
been here about two and half years.
rning his attention to mechanical engi- |
ering, he made quite success and was
1t for by the Carnegie Company. He |
mt to Europe last year, and visited his |
atives and the Austrian court, where he |
swell received.
Becoming infatuated with the United |
,tes he returned after a couple of months |
came again to Pittsburg. In Home |
ad he proved to be the ablest mechanic |
the Bessemer converting department. |
richness and resources the Count says |
nerica is ahead Of all the nations of the |
tn. He is principally engaged in de- |
ming new machinery for the Edgar Thom- |
Company. When seen in his comfort |
room At the West Penn Hospital yes |
day by DISPATCH reporter the young |
,leman was very low, although the doc |
5 say he wiSll recover.