Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1913-08-05

grocer's assistant In the days Of the
first Stuart king, while among other
proud peers whose progenitors served
behind the counter are the Earls
Brownlow, Denbigh and Leicester.
Perhaps one Of the most remarkable
romances of the baronetcy Is that pro-
vided by the history of the Cummings.
the representative of which Sir Ken
meth William Cumming, has seen SER
vice in all parts Of the world. Sir Ken
meth entered the medical service of the
army in 1852, and retired twenty years
later becoming Hon. Brig. Surgeon.
The first baronet was ruined in the
South sea bubble; and sold the family
estates in Aberdeenshire. The second
baronet emigrated to North America.
where he was elected chief of the
Cherokee Indians and 1t was his alb
sence from England which led to the
baronetcy being deemed extinct. But
1t was assumed In 1877 by Sir Kenneth
Cumming. E
The house which is now represented
by the Marquis Of Landsdowne and
Lord Fitzmauric really originated
through William Petty, son of a Hamp-
shire clothier, while the first Lord Ell
don was the son Of Newcastle coal
merchant, who commenced life by
making a runaway match with the
daughter OF Newcastle banker. VI
timately he was called to the bar, and
his brilliant capabilities led him rap
idly to the woolsack.
1t is the fashion In certain circles to
twit Lord Darlington, one Of the prime
movers in the small holdings move
ment with his sympathies for the
workingman. The scoffers rarely get
the best of the encounter. however for
the radical earl to a good humor that
Is seldom ruff1ed, adds ready wit that
Is seldom at fault. .-,fYF aars
Tut, tut!" is his usual answer. Il
was one myself two or three genera
tions ago" Which is quite true. for
the founder of his family was one John
Smith, respectable draper of Not
tingham.
To these examples of peers who have
sprung from the people In bygone days
could, Of course, be added quite a num-
Der of instances Of men who during
the last few years have won peerages
by reason Of their great business capa-
bilities. There is Lord Deyonport, who
started life as the son Of an Uxbridge
carpenter, with very little money.
When 21 he went into business on his
own account. Keen, resolute and de-
voted to work, he forged ahead until
he became, as Mr.. Hudson Kearley,
the principal part owner in the great
wholesale house Of Messrs. Kearley
and Tongue, the great tea importers
and merchants, being made baronet
in 1908 and baron two years later.
Then mention might be made Of the
fact that Lord Brassey's father was
the humble son of Cheshire yeoman,
who first achieved wealth and fame by
successfully exploiting "navvies." or
navigators as they were termed, in the
construction of railway tracks. Engi-
neers in England, Europe and America
sought his services, and so many were
his undertakings that he came to have
an army of $4,000 In his employ. Neith-
er must one. forget that amazing trio
Of captains Of industry, Lords Mount
stephen, Strathcona and Pirrie, men
who, starting on the lowest rung Of the
ladder, have astounded the world with
their wonderful capabilities.
Lord Mountsthephen's father was a
small carpenter in the little Banshire
town of .Dufftown. Lord Strathcona's g
father was a struggling tradesman In
small way of business as saddler;
while Lord Pirries father died when he
was quite young, and his mother mort
gagged her small savings to educate
him. But these men triumphed over all
difficulties. and today figure among
the greatest in the land.