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Hereditary Genius
297
Usher, James, D.D., Archbishop of Armagh (1580—1656, aet. 76). As a child he
showed a remarkable attachment to books, and he became a great student as he
grew older. He was the subject of universal admiration for his great erudition
and wise and noble character. He was a first-rate man, and played a
conspicuous part on many stages. His constitution was sound and healthy.
F. Arnold Usher; was one of the six clerks of the Chancery in Ireland, and a man of
parts and learning.
U. Henry Usher, also Archbishop of Armagh, was highly celebrated for wisdom
and knowledge.
g. James Stanihurst; was three times Speaker of the House of Commons in Ireland,
Recorder of Dublin, and Master in Chancery. He was highly esteemed for his
wisdom and abilities.
u. James Stanihurst; was a philosopher, historian, and poet.
B. Ambrose Usher, who died in the prime of life, was a man of very extraordinary
powers; he had attained great proficiency in the Oriental tongues.
[2 U.] The Archbishop was taught in his childhood by two blind aunts, who knew
the Bible by heart, and so contrived to teach him to read out of it.—Ingenious,
persevering ladies! James Usher was, therefore, a remarkable instance of
hereditary ability associated with constitutional vigour, and apparently of a
durable type. Unluckily for the world, he married an heiress,—an only
daughter,—who appears, like many other heiresses, to have inherited a
deficiency of prolific power, for she bore him only one daughter.
Welch, John (1570—1623, aet. 53). He was profligate in his youth, and joined the
border-thieves, but he repented and grew to be extremely Puritanical. The flesh
upon his knees became “callous, like horn,” from his frequent prayings upon
them. He was “grievously tempted” throughout the whole of his life, and
prayed and groaned at nights. His constitution was robust, and he underwent
great fatigues. Married the daughter of John Knox* (see above), and had three
sons by her. The eldest son was accidentally shot when a youth.
[S.] The second son was shipwrecked, and swam to a desert
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