Page:George Collins - A Strange Railroad Wreck.pdf/18

, a typesetter, a job printer, a newspaper correspondent, and the editor, publisher and proprietor of the Roscoe Ledger.

When but sixteen years old, and confined to a rolling chair, Mr. Collins started his first paper with a little leverhand press. The nature of the lad was evidenced in the choice of a name for his paper. He called it "Little Sunshine." His office was in a little news, stationery, confectionery and tobacco store, which he also conducted himself; while he acted as correspondent for a number of outside papers, including some of the Pittsburg [sic] dailies.

His busy life was interrupted from time to time by visits to hospitals, for he was always hopeful of relief of some kind, but after months of intense suffering the result was the same.

Finally Mr. Collins took up the study of shorthand and typewriting, and after two months of this work he was induced to become a student in a railroad telegraph office, and after a very short studentship he was given a position. He is a remarkable operator.

Naturally, the rarity of the case is what appeals most strongly to surgeons; but the nerve, the heroism, the patience, the persistency, the cheerfulness, the industry and the intelligence displayed by Mr. Collins