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POPULAR feeling has ever been strongly attracted and deeply stirred by the sight of the sturdy youth who, by intellectual ability and force of character, makes his way from a humble home to a position of eminence. His early struggles, his mastery of obstacles, his gradual attainment of power, his final success, all contribute to thrill the reader of the story. And if, as has happened twice

in American history, such a career is crowned with martyrdom, the mind finds relief from the tragedy and elevation in the thought that the hero's reward is undying fame.

James Abram Garfield was born in Orange Township, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, November 19, 1831. His family on the father's side can be traced to Edward Garfield, who emigrated to Massachusetts in 1630. His mother's family is traced to Maturin Ballou, a Huguenot refugee. Garfield's ancestors through seven generations were frontiersmen, moving westward with each tide of emigration.

James Abram was the youngest of four children, and when but two years old, lost his father. The widowed mother by industry and economy succeeded in keeping the family and educating her children. Brought up within sight of Lake Erie, James was ambitious to be the captain of a schooner, but after a brief experience in a canal-boat, determined to become a teacher. Hiram College, in Portage, Ohio, had

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