Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-09-15

Especial to the Kennebec JournaD
So. Gardiner. Sept. 14.-Prophets
may not be without honor save in
their own country. but John T. Stew
ems, formerly of West Gardiner and
since of the world. is not a prophet
however he may be endowed with
prophetic vision and he is to receive
a warm greeting from the folks or
his native town tomorrow.
Under the auspices of the town
and the Grange public reception Is
to be held in honor of Mr.. Stevens,
who was born in West Gardiner, was
educated in the schools here and
from here went out into the world
with splendid equipment of physique,
brains and grim determination.
Out in Murias Pass in the Rockies
the Great Northern is erecting a
monument to this man who went
there at the risk of his life to locate
the railroad. TIE sanre ma. Who's
big collection of medals was recently
enriched by the John Fritz media,
the highest recognition for scientific
and industrial achievements award
ed by American engineers.
He battered his way to fame
through Natures barriers" is the
caption of the account of John F.
Stevens achievements, which was
published in the June Popular Sci
ence monthly. The author. Haw
thorne Daniel. relates graphic, in
spring story; how young Stevens
decided to abandon school teaching
for something for which sterner stuff
was demanded, and how he persisted
in his purpose over all obstacles.
For months he weighed the ques-
ton: Teaching or railroading? Then
lat last he made his choice. He left
home. found his way to Texas. and
started his career as a railroad man
at the very bottom of the ladder-as
a section hand.
That was more than a half century
ago, but he never has swerved from
the career he chose, nor has he had
any reason to regret his choice. For
today that country boy who never
went to college, who learned all he
knows of his profession from prac-
teal experience and from weary por-
ing over textbooks at night after la
borious days in the field, is one Of
the worlds most noted engineers.
xxx
"a few weeks ago I saw him step
to platform in the Engineering So
cieties Building, New York City, ac-
companied by a group of distinguish
ed engineers. His breast was liter
ally covered with medals and decora-
lions awarded him by his own and
foreign governments for his achieve
ments in the field of engineering. The
purpose of the gathering was to add
one more honor to his remarkable
collection-this time the John Fritz
Medal, the greatest recognition of
scientific and industrial eminence
given by American engineers.
Stevens is ~ now. His hair is iron
gray. He has taken on the gravity
of bearing that marks the man who
has borne tremendous responsible
ties and has accomplished great
things. And yet the buoyant youth
fulness of his movements added to
the kindness of his smile as he re-
sponded to the many tributes Of the
speakers at the presentation cere-
monies, seemed to indicate that for
all the amazing accomplishments of
his busy life his spirit remains that
of the enthusiastic, adventure loving
country boy who left his home to
seek career in the unknown West
He was obviously self conscious
and i'll at ease because of being the
center of interest at the presenta-
ton.
"I must look like a Christmas
tree he said before he appeared on
the platform. referring to the medals
he wore. His speech was short and
modest. but one very much to the
point, as, l found out later, is every
thing he says"
I've never done my work with a
brass band he told me. I've Just
done what there was to do I've
realized that a good days work fills
just one day, and I've never per-
mitted myself to worry about what
might lie ahead
There seemed little ahead for him.
possibly, when he was working as a
section hand on railroads in Texas.
The only white man in the gang. And
yet, though he may not have worried
about 1t, Stevens, nevertheless, must
nave been looking into the future at
we time, for he was spending his
spare time studying books on. enei-
neer1ng-a discouragingly slow pro-
cess of acquiring an education. for
the working hours of the section
gang were long and the pay of work
ers was low. But Stevens persisted.
He became a foreman. Then came
an opportunity to attach himself TO
surveying party, his first chance to
make practical use of his painfully
acquired engineering knowledge. The
surveyors were astonished when one
whom they believed to be only a
common Iaborer was able to solve !
problems that left them puzzled.
stevens became an instrument !,
H.