At the tender age of seven, ansel was deprived of a father's care and protection. His mother, at the same time, was subjected to the trials incident to poverty. Three children, of whom the subject of this narrative was the youngest, were dependent upon her, and these circumstances naturally contributed to decide the measure and character of their education. Their privileges at school were some what abridged by the stern necessities which controlled the mother, and. The education which she was able to give her children partook largelyr of practical ideas.