Both of these statesmen were born in log-cabins, built by their fathers, in the wilderness, for family homes. Both were poor as mortals can well be. Both were born with talents of the highest order; but neither enjoyed early advantages of schools and teachers. At eight years of age Lincoln lost his mother; and when Garfield was eighteen months old he lost his father. Both worked on a farm, chopped wood, and did whatever else was needful for a livelihood, when eight years of age. Both improved every leisure moment in study and reading. Both read all the books that could be borrowed for miles around; and each was known, in his own township and time, as a boy of remarkable mental ability and promise. Both of them early displayed great tact and energy, turning a hand to any kind of labor, farming, chopping, teaming, carpentering. In his youth, Lincoln ran a flat-boat down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans, eighteen hundred miles, on a trading expedition; Garfield, at about the same age, served on a boat of the Ohio and Pennsylvania Canal, driving mules and acting Both were well known for their industry, tact, perseverance, integrity, courage, economy, thoroughness, punctuality, decision, and benevolence. Both taught school in the backwoods as soon as they knew enough to teach. Each of them studied law when pursuing another vocation for a livelihood, as steersman. Lincoln a surveyor, and Garfield a teacher. Each became a member of the legislature in his native State before thirty years of age. Both served the country in war, when about the same age, Lincoln in the "Black Hawk War," and Garfield in the "War of the Rebellion." Each was the youngest member of the legislature, and the youngest officer in the army when he served. The talents and eloquence of both made them members of Congress, - Lincoln at thirty-seven years of age, and Garfield at thirtythree; each one of them being the youngest member of the House of Representatives at the time. Both of them took high rank at once as debaters and eloquent speakers, as well as stalwart opposers of slavery. Both, also, won a reputation for wit and humor and geniality, making them popular with both sides of the House. Neither of them were candidates in the National Conventions that nomi. nated them for the Presidency, - both were com promise candidates when it became apparent that union could be secured upon no others. Their names were introduced amid the wildest enthusiasm; thou sands cheering, hats swinging, handkerchiefs waving, and the bands playing national airs. The nomination of each was hailed with demonstrations of joy throughout the country. And now, the most remarkable of all coincidences in their lives we record with sadness, both died in the Presidential office by the ASSASSIN'S SHOT History has no parallel for this amazing fact. We search in vain the annals of all countries for a kindred record. Beginning life in the obscurity of the wilderness, and ending it on the summit of renown! Their first home a log cabin! their last, the White House! Beloved by a trusting nation, and shot by the assassin! A more inspiring example to study and imitate cannot be found in the annals of our Republic. As a model of whatever belongs to noble traits of character, heroic achievements, and the highest success fairly won, we present him in this book. FRANKLIN, MASS., 1882. W. M. T. NOTE. This book has been revised, greatly enlarged, and embellished with new portraits and illustrations, and is printed from new electrotype plates. CONTENTS. School-Who was Mehetabel?- Carrying James to School on her Back How this Family came in woods of Ohio- Ancestors of James - Thomas and Abram Garfield - Widow Ballou — Abram and Eliza - Moving West - The Journey described -Abram going West - Meeting Eliza Married Bride taken to Log-Cabin - Description of Cabin - Buys Tract in Orange - Removes there in 1830- Description of the New Cabin - Abram Garfield described "Fire in the Forest"- Sickness and Death in the Cabin - - What can be done - Advice from - 37 The Spinning-wheel - Coming Home from School - Com ments on the School - Ohio Schools described What Books in the Family - The Locality of the School-house described -Chagrin Falls - James ir.quisitive - Question- ing the Scholars on the Bible - His remarkable Memory - Sharp Observation - Great Imitator - The Winter School-James did not go- Long Evenings in the Cabin -James' Mother teaching him - The child's Volume -- round" Making a General of James What is a Gen- eral? - The Revolution - His Great-grandfather in War -A Wonderful Revelation to him-Relations between Teacher and James — The Strict Rule― Trying to Sit Still - A Failure - Mother's Disappointment - The Teacher's New Idea - The New Trial and Results - Interview with Mrs. Garfield-James Nervous and Restive - Kicking off the Clothes in Peace - Kicking off the Clothes in War- -- James at Farming - More Money needed Plans suggested |