Page:History of Charles Jones, the footman (3).pdf/2

 HISTORY OF ____

My father, George Jones commonly called Black George, on account of his swarthy complexion, was one of the most industrious men in the whole vilage. His cottage, which was his own, and partly built by his own hands, stands on the common, about a stone’s throw from the road, near the great Oak tree, in the parish of King’s Charleton in Somersetshire. — The Lord of the Manor having granted him leave to inclose a bit of the common for a garden, my father had got a thriving young orchard and a long strip of potatoes, besides his cottage, all the produce of his own industry. It used to be a favourable saying with him, that no man to whom God had given two hands, had ever need to want. ‘For my part says he, I never knew what want was— When I am sick, the club supports me, and when I am well, I warrant I’ll support myself. My mother, besides being equally industrious, was much more religious, and therefore much happier. She was as good and sweet-tempered a