At seventeen he had charge of an engine, with his father for fireman.

He could neither read nor write, but the engine was his teacher, and he a faithful student.

While the other hands were playing games or loafing in liquor shops during the holidays, George was taking his machine to pieces, cleaning it, studying it, and making experiments in engines.

When he had become famous as a great inventor of improvements in engines, those who had loafed and played called him lucky.
Without a charm of face or figure, Charlotte Cushman resolved to place herself in the front rank as an actress, even in such characters as Rosalind and Queen Katherine.

The star actress was unable to perform, and Miss Cushman, her understudy, took her place.