Francois Xavier Martin was a native of France. In early life he
emigrated to the United States, and fixed his residence at Newbern,
North Carolina. He was poor, and without a trade or profession by
which to sustain himself, or to push his fortunes in a strange land.
He labored under another exceedingly great obstacle to success: though
pretty well educated, he could not speak the English language. But he
had a proud spirit and an indomitable will. He sought employment as a
printer, choosing this as a means of learning the English language.
Though he had never fingered a type in his life, he had that
confidence in himself which inspired the conviction that he could
overcome any difficulty presenting itself between his will and
success.
He found the editor of the newspaper kind, and apparently indifferent;
for he asked no questions relative to his qualifications as a printer,
but, requiring help, gave him immediate employment. He went to
work--was very slow, but very assiduous and constant, never leaving
his stand until he had completed his work. There was a compositor near
him, and he watched and learned without asking questions.
Pages:
813
814
815
816
817
818
819
820
821
822
823
824
825
826
827
828
829
830
831
832
833
834
835
836
837