Ireland. the early years of his life were passed in that beautiful but unhappy country. where he acquired such schooling as was possible to a youth of his intensely industrious habits. and where under the guidance of his father. who was a merchant. he was made familiar with the rudiments of a mercantile education. and imbibed a taste for active business pursuits. In the year 1850. before he was yet 20 years of age. he came to the United States. landing in Philadelphia. A stranger in a strange land. with no friendly hand stretched out to receive him. with no one to counsel or encourage him. with no capital but health. strength. intelligence. and determination to succeed. this young Irish immigrant encountered and proceeded at once to solve the same difficultproblems that have been encountered and solved by thousands of his countrymen who have adorned with imperishable honor the history of their adopted country. and who today constitute one of the most valuable elements of its citizenship. Tarrying but a short time in Philadelphia. his keen discernment pointed his course to the rapidly growing West. and he was shrewd enough to avoid the mistake so often made of losing his identity by seeking employment in the crowded cities of the seaboard. In the selection of a proper location in the West he was equally alert and farseeing. and was guided by the samp discriminating judgment that dis iinguished his after years.
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immigrant