The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-10-29

His second venture I'm practical telegra-
ply was the turning point Of his life.
| The story is told as it was related 60 the
| writer by Mr.. j. T.. Mackenzie, who
| during the early sixties was the station
agent and operator at Mount Clemens,
Michigan.
AS a newsboy Edisons run took him
twice a week through Mount Clemens on
the train known as the mixed division.
This train reached that station between
10 and IL A. NJ, and returned 20 Port Huron
between 4 and =. NJ. Young Edison
was popular with the railroad men, whom
ne delighted to entertain in his train lab
oratory with chemical experiments, and
had made a staunch friend Of the Mount
clemens operator. Mr. Mckenzie and his
wife and family lived over the station.
II was a summer day. The mixed ar
rived i'm good time, and the train was cut
loose ahead Of the baggage car In order 70
pick up a car Of freight on les way 10
Jackson. This left the passengers and
baggage car at the North end Of the plat
form. The engine and freight cars backed
I'm on the freight house track and pulled
out the car on the main track without a
brakeman. giving II a gentle push toward
the baggage car. The track was very
level
my son. then two and a half years
Old" said Mr. Mackenzie, 'unobserYed by
his nurse. had strayed upon the main
track and was amusing himself throwing
pebbles. when Edison, who stood near
with papers under his arm, turned and
saw the childs danger.
Throwing aside his papers, he plunged
between the cars just I'm time 20 drag him
self and the child clear Of the approaching
cars Excepting scratches. both escaped
fs,tt Npa
our gratitude was unbounded. l was just
then unable, however, 10 substantially re-
ward the young hero. Then I rendered
his absorbing interest I'm telegraphy. Many
a time l had driven him from the Office,
for his curiosity led him into all sorts Of
mischief, 20 my annoyance.
Al l said, stop at Mount Clemens
from II A. NJ. until =. VI. several
days each week. and 1 will perfect you as
an operator and get you position The
offer was eagerly accepted.
Edison soon had erected a line from
the station tank 10 my brOther-in-law
sleeping room over the station. The in
struments used were made by Edisons
own hands at a gun-shop in Detroit. In
construction and operation they were
perfect. Subsequently the boy put up a
perfectly equipped working line from the
station 10 the village drug store-a dis
taLce Of one mile. IL worked very well in
fine, dry weather during which Il was
built but the first rainy day rendered II
useless.
zone day while the line was in opera
ton Al rushed into my Office his eyes
electric sparks
"'Mr. Mckenzie he cried. I can send
two messages at the same time over a
single wirer
Away with your nonsenser I replied,
and drove him out Of the office After the
Boston trial IN which Edsons claim 10
the invention OF the duplex was con-
tested. recalled 20 him the incident.
HAD ! had your evidence. Mckenzie
said the inventor in reply, II would have
saved me $4,000
IN three months the pupil excelled the
master. who had no hesitation IN recon-
mending him 20 the telegraph superinten-
dent. Edison became night operator at
Stratford. Ontario Young Mckenzie now
rides the largest bicycle In the United /
States. and Is a trusted man IN his res
cuers employ