# Beacon Lights of History, Volume 12: American Leaders

Author: Lord, John, 1810-1894

Genre: Category: Biographies

Language: English

License: Public domain

Source: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10647

Amazon editions: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Beacon+Lights+of+History%2C+Volume+12%3A+American+Leaders+Lord&tag=cyberlibrar00-20

## Summary

It is very seldom that a man arises from an obscure and humble position to an exalted pre-eminence, without peculiar fitness for the work on which his fame rests, and which probably no one else could have done so well. He may not be learned, or cultured; he may be even unlettered and rough; he may be stained by vulgar defects and vices which are fatal to all dignity of character; but there must be something about him which calls out the respect and admiration of those with whom he is surrounded, so as to give him a start, and open a way for success in the business or enterprise where his genius lies.

## Chapters

- [Chapter 1](https://www.cyberlibrary.org/en/books/beacon-lights-of-history-volume-12-american-leaders-10647/chapters/1/index.md)
- [Chapter 2](https://www.cyberlibrary.org/en/books/beacon-lights-of-history-volume-12-american-leaders-10647/chapters/2/index.md)