nd the family once more
enjoyed their favorite beverage. When neighbors called they were, of
course, invited to partake, and the fame of Vassar's ale steadily
increased, until finally the father concluded to manufacture the ale to
sell. Mathew, for some reason, disliked to go into the brewery to work,
and the irate father bound him out to a neighboring tanner. However,
when the time came for young Vassar to go, lo, he was nowhere to be
found.

He fled to Newburg, where he remained four years, learning to keep
books, and saving his money. He then returned to his home and, having
demonstrated that he could both earn and keep money, was duly installed
in his father's establishment as book-keeper. All went well for some
time, till at last a fire came, destroying all the property, ruining his
father, and worst of all causing his brother's death. The father now
returned to a farm, but Mathew determined to retrieve the business. He
began business in an old shed. The supply was of necessity small, but it
was an A 1. article, and its fame increased, making the ale of Vassar
known far and near. From such a beginning the business developed into an
immense establishment, with a profitable business, which he carried on
for over thirty years, when he retired.

In company with his wife he made an European tour, and on his return
resolved to do something with his money for the betterment of society.
On the 28th of February, 1861, twenty-eight gentlemen received from
Mathew Vassar, a box containing $408,000, in trust, for the
establishment of a college for the education of young ladies. The result
of their efforts was Vassar Female College, afterwards changed to Vassar
College. His entire donations for the establishment and maintenance of
this institution of learning amounted to about $800,000. It was the
first Female College ever established. His influence will be felt by the
numerous generations which will follow him.

JOHN JACOB ASTOR.

Not far from the lovely Heidelberg on the Rhine, is the picturesque
village of Walldorf, which is the birth place of John Jacob Astor, who
was born in 1763. His father was a peasant, thus it is seen that he had
not the advantages of family influence or assistance. He saved what
little money he could earn, and at sixteen set out on foot for the sea
coast, where he took passage in a vessel for London. He had a brother in
that city who was, in a small way, a manufacturer of musical
instrumen