Grand River Times

AMERICAN YOUNG MEN.

American history presents many remarkable instances of young men taking prominent and commanding stations at an age which would be thought very young in other countries. We subjoin a few striking examples, from the list of those who have passed off the stage of human action.

At the age of 29, Mr. Jefferson was an influential member of the Legislature of Virginia. At 30, he was a member of the Virginia Convention; at 32, a member of the Continental Congress; and at 34, he wrote the declaration of Independence.

Alexander Hamilton was only 20 years of age when he was appointed a Lieut. Colonel in the army of the revolution, and Aid-de-camp to Washington. At 25, he was a member of the Continental Congress: at 30, he was one of the ablest members of the Convention which framed the Constitution of United States; at 32 he was Secretary of the Treasury, and organized that branch of the government upon so complete and comprehensive a plan, that no change has since been made upon it.

John Jay, at the age of 29, was a member of the Continental Congress, and wrote an address to the people of Great Britain, which was justly regarded as one of the most eloquent productions of the times. At 32, he prepared the Constitution of the State of New York, and in the same year, was appointed Chief Justice of the State.

Washington was 27 years of age when he covered the retreat of the British troops at Braddock's defeat; and the same year was honored by an appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Virginia forces.

Joseph Warren was 29 years of age when he delivered the memorable address on the 5th of March, which aroused the spirit of patriotism and liberty in this section of the country: and at last he gloriously fell in the cause of freedom on Bunker Hill.

Fisher Ames, at the age of 27, had excited public attention by the ability he displayed in the discussions of questions of public interest. At the age of 30, his masterly speeches in defense of the Constitution of the U. States, had exerted great influence, so that the youthful orator of 31 was elected to Congress from the Suffolk District over the Revolutionary hero Samuel Adams.

Joseph Story entered public life at the age of 26: he was elected to Congress from the Essex District when he was 29: was Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives at 32 and the same year was appointed by President Madison a Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States.

De Witt Clinton entered public life at 28; Henry Clay at 26. The most youthful signer of the Declaration of Independence was William Hooper, of North Carolina, whose age was but 24. Of the other signers of the Declaration, Thomas Heywood, of South Carolina, was 30: Elbridge Gerry, Benj. Rush, James Wilson, and Matthew Thornton were 31; Arthur Middleton and Thomas Stone were 33.

It will be observed that we have confined our illustrations to persons under 35 years of age, and have only alluded to those with national representations.

Boston Transcript.