Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1900-11-20
About VIM. [. Wilson's BOyhood.

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Rev. DR.. c. N. Campbell writes an
article in regard to the late Hon, VIM. L,
Wilson as pupil at the Charles Town
Academy under him. from which NE take
the following extracts:
would hardly feel justified, however,
10 appearing to seek prominence by con-
Meeting myself with his honored name
if did not think that there are some
features of his boyhood aud school life
that ought to be known and emphasized
and in regard to which it is in my power
to say something. do not now refer 10
his diligence aud his habits of study and
his intellectual attachments. In these
respects, indeed, he was far beyond the
average. Though then only in his 14th
year, he read with me, intelligently
and well, Cicero de Officiis, and had made
such progress in mathematics as to be
studying analytical geometry. he was
the most advanced pupil in school and
was alone in almost, il not all. his studies,
though at the time there were bright boys
among his schoolmates. several of whom
have since risen to distinction.
pass by all this, however, and wish
to give the prominence that it deserves to
the fact that he was always gentleman
ly, well-behaved boy, seeing clearly the
conduct that was becoming in his posi-.
ton and acting in accordance with Ili.
sense of propriety- boy as is the
joy of teachers heart, towards whose
seat he always takes pleasurein looking,
whose appearance in the class brings re-
freshment. such a one, indeed, as makes
bright spot, an oasis in the desert, as i
is too often, of The human nature around
him.
In the memory of all my connection
with him there lis nothing disagreeable.-
In all his conduct there was nothing that
left an impression to come up in after
years with any other feeling than one of
pleasure, or that would desire to have
effaced. Boys are found sometimes whose
delight it is to draw upon themselves the
notice of their teacher in order TO weary
him, and who take pride in endeavoring
to make him appear in the wrong or RI
diculous in any matter. Far enough WAS
he from any such spirit or conduct Man
ly and independent he was in all his
bearing, but, at the same time, always
pleasant, respectful and appreciatiye.-
Such is my recollection of him after the
lapse of almost half century. Though
most of the particulars of my intercourse
with him have passed from memory there
remains this impression of the Singular
propriety of all his behavior in school !;
and doubt not, if my predecessors at
the Academy could speak, they would
bear like testimony respecting him.
And there was the same kind, sensible
and considerate treatment of his COM
panions as of his teachers. He was so,
ciabIe in nature, and mingled freely and
cheerfully with all about him, but in his
play and in all his conversation he was
gentle aud thougbtinl careful not to
wound the feelings of any, or give pain
of any kind Such, believe, was the
character of his school life as long as he
was a member Of The Academy
The lesson then of President Wilson's
early life to boys is that period of way.
wardness and rude independence and
reckless conduct is not essential or even
conducive to true manliness, and high
in subsequent life, but, on the contrary,
a hindrance.