The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1903-05-20

lcts, failures and wrecks of men along
the way, but the great trouble is in
getting started up. Everything seems
to contribute to hold man down un-
til he starts, then everything turns to
boost him up after he has secured o
start. This is the way of the world.
my fathers farm was located four
miles south of lockwood Ont, Cana
da. James Dunbar Hill, nv father,
was not very prosperous. The farm
was not very fertile, and my early
experience was that of q very little boy
on very big farm.
II recall that my father frequently
remarked that he could trace our
family tree back 16 generations
through Scotland and Ireland. To
this I attribute my mental and physi-
cal vigor.
II had to walk four miles to the
Quaker academy at lockwood. The
average boy today would think this a
mighty hard way to get an education,
and it was.
lone winter, arrangements were
made by which I remained in Rock
wood. T paid part of my tuition by
doing chores around the little old
academy. I don't think I studied
any harder than any other 14-year-
old boy, but I had much work to
do.
"Then the exigencies of my family
required me to begin to make q return
for my living. That was in the spring
of 1858, and I began to clerk in
general store at the crossroads. I
continued this employment, occa-
sionally varying it with a little
work on the farm until I was 10
years old.
II was dissatisfied, and yet, when
I look back to those days, 1t was
very pleasant. Altogether, life is al
ways pleasant in youth, little matter
the condition. But I had concluded
to 60 to the United States.
II made up my mind that I would
have better chance In the Western
states, which were then just Begin
ming to attract settlers. Perhaps I
might have done just as we'll in
Canada, but I did not think 80.
Others remained there and prospered.
1 have many relations today around
Guelph.
IT had not saved sufficient money to
make the trip West. 30 went over to
Syracuse, N. Y, and worked a few
months on the farm. That was the
spring of 1858. 1t was July 4 Of that
year started West. I can never for
get that day, for it was big day in
the life of the American republic
their independence day.
"When reached st. Paul, week
later, I practically had not dollar to
my name and knew not single In
dividual here. This was the outpost
of civilization In the Northwest then.
I liked it, and I, enjoyed particularly
the rough cordial welcome, the West
erners gave all newcomers.
my progress was mighty slow for
ten years. 1t consisted Of some rough
experience. 1 was without what is
known as trade and this was
against me. Twas forced to do manu-
al labor. Still, mingled with
rough-and-ready people, and it sharp
ened my wits.
THAT was my matriculation into
the Western college of life, and my
education was rapid and thorough.
When 7 was handling baggage as q
railroad employee in those days, l
cannot say that I ever expected to
own q railroad. T did intend, how
ever, not to work for another man all
my life, though believe ] work hard
er today than did then.
"Then, at least, had no cares II my
wages were small. With increased in
come came additional burdens. I be.
came shipbuilder in small way.
Dhis was my introduction into the
transportation world.
"My hours of work &? Well, I try to
work as much as I can as I have q
good many things to look after. Of
course, I don't get up like used to on
the farm before daylight, though I see
many stories to that effect. l. rise
at 7 o'clock. I can't sleep after that,
and I get around to my office about 9.
Sometimes I get away by five and
sometimes not until midnight. That
just depends.
"But American boys should make
up their minds that they have as fine
opportunities at home today for get.
ting rich as anywhere in the world.
1t is usually easier to acquire fortune
in a new country than an OLD.
1.-THE West is the center of great en-
terprise at present. Great fortunes
are to he made there in the next de-
cade. My final advice to the young
men of America is to be alert, keep
abreast of the times and grasp op-
portunity when he passes by, hold
ing on to him firmly. Prepare your
self to recognize him when you
see him, too. That is quite impor-
tant."
President Hill has an eye always to
advancing merit, even though he at
the same time advances bis own IN
terests. 1t is related that be had
more than once observed the enor-
nous expense of his different roads
for the long lines of rubber hose used
at nearly every station for filling
tanks of cars, sprinkling lawns and
kindred work.
He bought an improved quality of
hose, but the dragging of the line
over the platform surface usually wore
it out in o short time. Away out on
q mountain division at small station,
he observed a day laborer filling the
tank of dining car with a piece OF
hose, around which was wrapped an
old piece of telegraph wire, coil-like.
He asked the man what that was
for.
ITO allow me to drag it around
without destroying it," was the re-
ply.
The problem was solved, and the in
vention saved the company thousands
of dollars annually. The laborer is
now one of the chief mechanical men