The history of the first locomotives in America. From original ...

48 HISTORY OF THE FIRST LOCOMOTIVES IN AMERICA.
Mm as the fireman. At that time he never suffered an
opportunity to pass vrithout improving himself in the
knovi^ledge of his engine.. When not at vp'ork, and vphile
others, employed in and ahout the mines, would be
spending their time and earnings in drinking and idle
sports, George employed himself in taking to pieces his
engine, to possess himself of knowledge and of every
peculiarity ahout it. By these means he became thor-
oughly acquainted with his engine, and, if at any time
it got wrong, he was able to adjust and even repair it,
without calling in the aid of the chief engineer of the
colliery. At this time (for want of an opportunity),
George Stephenson, now entering upon the very thresh-
old of manhood, could not read, nor did he even
know his letters. The first rudiments of his education
were derived from one Eobert Cowen, who had a night-
school in the village of Wallbottle ; with him he took
lessons in spelling and reading, three nights in the
week, paying threepence per week for his tuition.
Notwithstanding these obstacles in his way, George
labored, studied, and persevered, and at eighteen he
was able to write his ovm name.
In 1799 he attended another night school, at Newburn.
His teacher was one Andrew Robinson, from
whom he learned his arithmetic. During his leisure
hours he employed himself in working out the sums
set him by Robinson, and in the evening handed in his
slate to the master for examination and a fresh supply
of sums for his study. George's wages now amounted
to £1 15s. 6d. to £2, per fortnight. To this he added
his earnings for shoe-mending and shoe-making, which
he had taken up.
In 1804 he walked on foot to Scotland, to take
charge of one of Bolton & "Watt's engines. He re-
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