to take his place

in the factory where his parents worked, and earn

his own livelihood. las mind, however, was one

of those which must have knowledge, no matter

what obstacles may stand in the way.

Even white a factory operative, lie helped to esta­

blish a debating society, and also contributed to the

columns of the local paper; which he subsequently

edited. In 1842, anti Ungfollowing five years, he was

brought foment as :Democratic candidate for As­

" sembly from his native town, but was defeated every

year. Any one leas persevering would have been

disheartened. by six successive defeats, but General

Banks tried again, anti the seventh time he was

triumphant, and accordingly took his seat in the

ASsembly, of which, in RSA he was elected Speaker.

In 1852 he became a member of Congress, and was

•chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives

after a contest of more than two months and a hun­

dred ballotings. The - onerous dutiest of Speaker

were perforged by him with great skill, firmness,

and impartiality. After serving his term in Congress,

be Was elected Governor of Massachusetts, and was

a prominent candidate before the Republican Na­

tional Convention at the time when John C. Fremont

was nominated for the Presidency. Subsequent­

ly he accepted the post of superintendent of

the Illinois Central Railroad, in