WILLIAM

WILLIAM CLEMSON, who died in the early days of this year, left a deep and lasting impress upon the history of American manufactures; as he also left an honored name and grateful memories in the community of which he was a part. He came to America when a youth, and his high reputation and material prosperity came as the rewards of unusual natural abilities, industriously applied. He was born in Warwickshire, England, in 1821. Originally, the Clemson family was of Teutonic extraction, and in North Germany, its original home, was known as "Clems' sons." Mr. Clemson's ancestors settled in England in the sixteenth century, and in that country the name took the form Clemson, i. e., " Clem's son," or sons or descendants of Clem, a supposed tutelary divinity or genii of smiths. or armorers, who were regarded as individuals of the first importance in those militant times. The parents of William Clemson were William and Jane Clemson, both of whom were of English birth and descent. They were strict Calvinists, and brought up their children in the rigid principles of religion and morality which distinguish that sect. William's schooling was obtained in

CLEMSON.

England, and, although elementary, was very thorough. At the age of fourteen it terminated, and the young lad was apprenticed to his father's trade the manufacture of steel wire, which was then more remunerative than almost any other handicraft. The elder Clemson was a superior workman, and also somewhat of an inventor, and his son had the double advantage of inheriting his mechanical talents and being practically brought up in his trade under his experienced eye. At the age of twenty-one, William, having served his full time as an apprentice, and having likewise filled his legal measure of obligation to his parents, yielded to a desire to see more of the world, and, if possible, improve his condition. He sailed for America, and arrived in Boston in 1842, naturally expecting to obtain work at his trade, but finding that the manufacture of wire was scarcely in existence at that time, he accepted an offer of employment in the saw manufactory of Messrs. Welch & Griffiths, of Arlington, Mass., where he spent two years.

He then formed a partnership with a fellow workman, and together they began the manufacture of saws in a small shop of their own. Hampered

by the lack of capital, not possessing enough at first to carry out even their simplest ideas, the young men had a hard struggle for some time, and their progress was painfully slow; but, as in many similar instances, the very necessities of the case proved advantageous. Young Clemson, as has been said, inherited considerable genius in mechanics. He also possessed an unusual taste for experiment and research. Working faithfully and earnestly with these talents, he was early successful in devising an apparatus for automatically and simultaneously flattening and tempering saws, which, after seven years' operation, was patented in 1854. This invention saved nine-tenths of the difficult process of straightening with the hand hammer. Two years later he perfected a grinding machine, that is equally labor-saving and conducive of better work. From that date to the end of his life he never relaxed his efforts to perfect his original inventions; and thirty-five patents for improved methods or machinery for making better and cheaper saws granted him, attest his diligence. Mr. Clemson's inventions and improvements revolutionized the oldfashioned methods of manufacturing saws, and through them their mechanical production at the present time is on a scale of magnitude and perfection of which the enterprising young inventor could scarcely have dreamed when laboring in poverty to achieve his first success. So radi

cally and completely has the manufacture of saws been changed and extended by the genius and labors of Mr. Clemson that he is in reality the father of this important industry in America.

In 1860, Mr. Clemson formed a partnership with Mr. E. P. Wheeler and the Hon. E. M. Madden, of Middletown, well-known capitalists, under the style of Wheeler, Madden & Clemson. Later, the firm was re-organized under the corporate name of the Wheeler, Madden & Clemson Manufacturing Company, and is still conducted under that title, although all three of the original members are dead. The business of the company now extends to all parts of the United States, and to Canada, Australia and South America, and is steadily increasing. For many years this industry has been one of the most important in Middletown, where the extensive works of the company are located, and has given remunerative employment to a large force of skilled workmen, who comprise some of the best and most intelligent citizens of that thriving town.

In 1845 Mr. Clemson married Miss Amelia Wright, a young lady who had resided in Arlington, Mass., from her girlhood. This marriage resulted. in five children, all of whom are now living. Three of them are sons, now in man's estate who have already shown that they possess their father's genius to a remarkable degree. They were carefully trained by Mr. Clem

son, and their practical talents have been developed to such an extent that for some time before his death they were his valuable assistants, and are at present engaged in improving and extending the great industry of which he is the founder. Mrs. Clemson died in 1885, and in 1887 Mr. Clemson was again married, to Miss Esther M. Smith, daughter of Jacob M. Smith, of Middletown. One son was born to this union. Almost wholly absorbed by his business duties and responsibilities, Mr. Clemson never engaged in politics nor sought office, although he served several terms in the Board of Trustees of Middletown. He was an eclectic in politics, and prefered to support the best man, irrespective of party. He was a member of Hoffman Lodge, Free Masons, and for some years attended quite regularly upon its communications.

Mr. Clemson commenced failing about a year before his death, and by extended trips, and securing the best medical advice, he attempted to stay the ravages of disease—catarrh of the stomach-but without avail. He gradually grew worse, and on January 12, 1890, passed away. His loss was recognized as that of the public

at large, for he had been in all respects a worthy and exemplary citi zen. Simple in his tastes and thoroughly devoted to his interesting family, he found his greatest pleasure in the quietude of his home circle. By the people of Middletown, among whom he lived so long, his memory is held in high esteem, which is well voiced by the following, from the local press of Middletown: "Mr. Clemson was a good citizen in every respect. He was quiet and somewhat retiring in disposition, so that people had to know him in order to appreciate his worth. To those who enjoyed his friendship he was ever genial and companionable. He was a thorough master of his business, and in his early days devoted his mind largely to the invention and development of appliances for its aid. In his domestic life he was an indulgent parent and a devoted husband. His death will be deeply regretted by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. While he had no church connections, he inclined toward the Episcopal faith, and gave liberally of his money to the support of Grace Church, as well as to all charitable objects."

GEO. WILLIAMS TRAVERS.

THE thoughtful reader of this issue cannot but compare in his mind two articles that bear upon the same subject-Col. Cantwell's

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Pre-Columbian Discoveries of America," and Prof. Chapman's "Our American Aborigines." Both writers traverse in many respects the same ground, with diverse purposes in mind-one to show that the Irishman was ahead of Columbus upon the new world soil, and the other to account for the presence of the native Indian. The conclusions to which both are led show how little of actual demonstration we have touching some of these great questions of historical interest.

The incident related by both of the rescue of the Welsh minister, serves to point more directly the common ground upon which the writers have stood in making their inquiries and investigations.

THE first meeting held by the Oneida Historical Society at Utica, after the summer vacation, was full of interest. Hon. C. W. Hutchinson presided. Dr. M. M. Bagg, the librarian, announced that since the last meeting of the society there had been presented to it 20 bound volumes, 120 pamphlets, 30 MSS., documents, etc., 6 relics and works of art, and about 75 Indian relics by Hon. C. W. Hutchinson. The most valuable book received, said Dr. Bagg, was a catalogue of the collection of colonial laws of America presented to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania by the late Charlemagne Tower, which is sumptuously printed and preceded by a biographical sketch of Mr. Tower by his son Among the documents of interest was a catalogue of the officers and students of Hamilton College for 1828, with the names of five officers and forty-six students. It is in the form of a single sheet, about 12 by 14 inches, printed on one side; also the reports of the transactions of the grand lodge of masons of

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the State of New York for the years 1880 to 1889. furnished by Edward M. L. Ehlers, grand secretary. General Darling announced that an album had been presented to the society by Col. J. T. Watson, of Clinton, for the purpose of collecting the photographs of the members of the society.

Gen. Charles W. Darling, corresponding secretary, presented the following communication:

THOUSAND ISLAND PARK, ) Sept. 16, 1890. Hon. C. W. Hutchinson, Vice-President Oneida Historical Society:

My Dear Sir-You are aware that your late uncle, Hon. Peter G. Webster, of Fort Plain, left a miscellaneous collection made up of Indian implements, weapons and curiosities, mineral specimens, and many other articles of value to a museum or historical collection. The heirs of Mr. Webster's estate, viz., his widow, Mrs. Amelia P. Webster, of Brooklyn; Mrs. Helen W. Kimball, of Parsons, Kan.; Miss Isabella C. Webster, and Mrs. Joshua Webster, of Fort Plain, unite in tendering this collection, including the cases in which it is kept, to the Oneida Historical Society. The property is at Fort Plain, in charge of J. P. Grant, executor of the estate, who will, upon presentation of this letter, allow the same to be inspected and removed if your society desires to avail itself of this offer. Will you kindly lay the matter before the society, and let me know at Parsons, Kan., as soon as convenient, whether the collection will be accepted?

Very truly yours,

C. H. KIMBALL.

The generous proposition contained therein was accepted with thanks, and the chairman and Dr. Bagg were authorized to visit Fort Plain and take the necessary steps to secure the collection.

The question of a new building for the society was considered at some length, but nothing definite agreed upon. General Darling referred to the mutilation of the Steuben monument by relic hunters, and said that the society should take some interest in it. Although the society had no particular authority in the matter, he said, it would be proper to appoint a committee to ascertain the amount of damage done, and to devise ways and means to prevent its further injury. He moved that a committee consisting of Rev. Daniel Ballou, P. C. J. DeAngelis, John C. Schreiber, Dr. C. B. Tefft and exSupervisor L. G. Wauful, of Trenton, be appointed, with authority to visit the monument and report to the society. The motion was carried. Mr. Hutchinson suggested that it would be proper to call the attention of the German societies of New York city, which helped erect the monument, to its condition, and ask their co-operation in its protection. Mr. Ballou asked if any plan for protecting the monument had been thought of. Mr. White spoke of an iron fence. Mr. Hutchinson said that a fence would not be a protection, but that vandals who defaced the monument should be prosecuted. They had begun on the destruction of the Oriskany monument, but a reward of $250 offered for their conviction had stopped it.

AN organization has been formed in Washington City under the name of the "Daughters of the American Revolution." Its purpose is to secure and preserve the historical spots of America, and to erect thereon suitable monuments to perpetuate the memories of the heroic deeds of men and women who aided the revolution and created constitutional government in America. Mrs. Benjamin Harrison has been elected PresidentGeneral of the society, and Mrs. Flora Adams Darling Vice-President at Large in charge of organization. The first undertaking by the society will be the completion of the monument to the memory of Mary

Washington. Resolutions have been adopted favoring the passage of the bill introduced in the House by Representative Sherman, of New York, arranging for the marking by the government of the historical spots of the revolution; setting apart October 11th as the permanent anniversary or meeting day of the society in commemoration of the discovery of America, and requesting that a special building or space be set aside in the World's Columbian Exposition for the exhibition of relics and other things illustrative of the period of the American revolution, under the care of the lady managers, which exhibit shall afterward be brought to Washington city, and be permanently continued there.

THE One hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Lamington, Somerset county, New Jersey, was celebrated on October 8th. This church is famous among Presbyterians throughout the country, not only for its age, but also for the distinguished men in church history and public life who have risen from its pulpit and its congregation. During its entire century and a half it has had only seven pastors, but has sent seventeen young men into the ministry an unprecedented record, which makes it the banner church of the State, if not of the entire denomination. The anniversary celebration was attended by nearly every minister and many laymen in the Elizabeth Presbytery. The Rev. Dr. Mancius H. Hutton, of New Brunswick, delivered an oration on "The Flight of Time," and the Rev. Dr. K. P. Ketcham, of Plainfield, gave a highly interesting address on "The Influence of the Country Church."

REPRESENTATIVES from Chicago recently visited Washington county, Kentucky, and bought of Henry Reed the log cabin in which Abraham Lincoln lived as a boy, and where his father was married to Nancy Hanks, the certificate being preserved there yet in the county clerk's office. The price paid for the