James Garfield, Canal Boy
The book tells the story of a young boy named James Garfield who grows up on a canal boat in Ohio during the mid-19th century. Through his experiences, he learns valuable lessons about hard work, determination, and perseverance that help him become one of America's greatest presidents.
By Grant Allen · First published 1892 · Genre: Biography, Historical, Inspirational · 8,269 words
First lines
At the present time, the neighbourhood of Cleveland, Ohio, the busiest town along the southern shore of Lake Erie, may fairly rank as one of the richest agricultural districts in all America. But when Abram Garfield settled down in the township of Orange in 1830, it was one of the wildest and most unpeopled woodland regions in the whole of the United States. Pioneers from the older states had only just begun to make little clearings for themselves in the unbroken forest; and land was still so cheap that Abram Garfield was able to buy himself a tract of fifty acres for no more than 20 pounds. His brother-in-law's family removed there with him; and the whole strength of the two households was immediately employed in building a rough log hut for their common accommodation, where both the Garfields and the Boyntons lived together during the early days of their occupation.
What this Textopian page supports
James Garfield, Canal Boy is listed on Textopian as a short story by Grant Allen, dated 1892 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Grant Allen
- Date: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Biography, Historical, Inspirational, Educational, Political
- Length: 8,269 words
- Structure: 1 section, 60 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for James Garfield, Canal Boy by Grant Allen
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering James Garfield, Canal Boy?
- How does this short story by Grant Allen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Biography first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Blind Jack Of Knaresborough by Sabine Baring Gould
- William Herschel Bandsman by Grant Allen
- The Worked Out Mine by Edward Dyson
- With Young Germany On Shipboard by John Arthur Barry
- Thomas Telford Stonemason by Grant Allen
- The French Soldier Boy by Frank R. Stockton
Genres
- Biography — The book details the life and achievements of James Garfield, focusing on his journey from humble beginnings to becoming President of the United States.
- Historical — The narrative provides a historical context of 19th-century America, including the socio-political environment and events like the Civil War.
- Inspirational — The story emphasizes themes of perseverance, hard work, and self-improvement, serving as a motivational account of personal success.
- Educational — The book discusses Garfield's educational pursuits and the importance of learning, reflecting on the educational systems of the time.
Tags
biography · historical fiction · American history · 19th century · presidential biography · coming of age · self-made man · canal life · rural America · education · perseverance · politics