The Life of George Stephenson and of his Son Robert Stephenson Comprising Also a History of the Invention and Introduction of the Railway Locomotive

CHAPTER XIX.

Chapter 2283 wordsPublic domain

CLOSING YEARS OF GEORGE STEPHENSON'S LIFE--ILLNESS AND DEATH.

George Stephenson's Life at Tapton.--Experiments in Horticulture.--His Farming Operations.--Affection for Animals.--Bee-keeping.--Reading and Conversation.--Rencounter with Lord Denman.--Hospitality at Tapton.--His Microscope.--A "Crowdie Night."--Visits to London.--Visits Sir Robert Peel at Drayton Manor.--His Conversation.--Encounter with Dr. Buckland.--Coal formed by the Sun's Light.--Opening of the Trent Valley Line and its Celebration.--Meeting with Emerson.--Illness, Death, and Funeral.--Statues of George Stephenson.--Personal Characteristics. 460