He died, leaving James the
eldest son to aid in supporting his mother and several children.
James Ingram was now over fifty years of age. Could he, or his children,
retrieve their family prestige was a question he often asked himself. He
still had energy, unconquerable determination, and faith in himself.
These are some of the essential elements in a successful character; but
the fates thus far had decreed adversely. His early education was not of
the best, but by carefully devoting not less than two hours a day to good
reading, he had not only kept pace with current history, but had also
acquired a helpful knowledge of the sciences.
When his oldest son George was born, he planned to give his children the
best education possible. Two of his three daughters were teaching in the
public schools; May Ingram taught music. Two of his sons worked in the
mills, one as chemist and one as an electrician; a third son was
conductor on a passenger train, and a fourth was studying to be a
physician.
The father and his son, George, after the day's work at the mills
was over, spent much time over a problem which, if solved, would
revolutionize many things. Twice they thought they were on the eve of a
solution of the subject, but unforeseen obstacles were encountered, and
still they struggled on.
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