My Life in Many States and in Foreign Lands, Dictated in My Seventy-Fourth Year Informative Summary

Overview:

George Francis Train’s autobiography is a compelling tale of a life lived on a grand scale. His story begins with tragedy, losing his mother and three sisters to yellow fever in New Orleans when he was just four years old. Sent to live with his grandmother in Waltham, Massachusetts, Train was forced to mature quickly and became self-sufficient at a young age. His business acumen emerged early, and he rose through the ranks of his uncle’s shipping company, eventually taking on ventures in Australia and pioneering the use of clipper ships for the California gold rush. Train was a bold entrepreneur, investing in railroads and streetcar lines, both in America and abroad, becoming a major force in the development of the American West. However, he also exhibited a rebellious spirit, often clashing with authority and challenging the status quo. He became involved in several political movements, even making an independent run for president against Ulysses S. Grant in 1872. His outspokenness and unorthodox views led to multiple arrests and even a court-ordered declaration of insanity. Train remained a larger-than-life figure, constantly pushing boundaries and seeking new challenges, traveling the world multiple times and breaking travel records. His autobiography paints a vivid picture of a man who lived life on his own terms, a testament to his relentless spirit and determination.

Key Findings:

Train was a self-made millionaire who started his career at a young age. His experiences as an orphan forced him to become independent and resourceful, leading to his early success in business.
He was a pioneer in transportation, investing in railroads and streetcar lines. Train saw the potential of these new technologies and played a crucial role in their development, particularly in the American West.
He was a fearless and outspoken critic of authority. His unconventional views and rebellious spirit led to multiple arrests and legal challenges, including a court-ordered declaration of insanity.
He was a prolific traveler who broke travel records. Train’s passion for exploring the world led him on numerous voyages, culminating in his circumnavigation of the globe in record time.

Learning:

Resilience in the face of adversity: Train’s early loss of family and his subsequent journey to a new life in New England are an inspiring testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Entrepreneurial spirit: Train’s early successes in the shipping industry demonstrate the power of initiative and hard work. His willingness to take risks and embrace new technologies propelled his business ventures.
The importance of challenging convention: Train’s outspokenness and defiance of authority, while sometimes leading to his downfall, also highlight the importance of questioning the status quo and fighting for what is right.
The impact of travel and exploration: Train’s world tours showcase the power of exploration and the enriching experiences it provides.
The complexities of human nature: Train’s autobiography reveals his own contradictions and inconsistencies, demonstrating the complexities of the human spirit and the struggle for self-understanding.

Historical Context: Train’s autobiography provides a unique perspective on the major historical events of the 19th century, including the California Gold Rush, the Civil War, the rise of industrialization, and the growth of the American West. His account of these events is often intertwined with his own personal experiences and reflections, offering a glimpse into the social, political, and economic transformations taking place during this dynamic period.

Facts:

Train was born in Boston in 1829. He was orphaned by yellow fever at a young age.
Train’s grandfather was a Methodist preacher who freed his slaves. This early exposure to religious principles and social justice influenced Train’s moral compass.
Train earned his living on his grandmother’s farm from the age of four. This early experience instilled in him a strong work ethic and a sense of self-reliance.
Train sold Ralph Waldo Emerson a ticket for Liverpool in 1847. He later used this encounter to highlight the importance of taking risks and pursuing new opportunities.
Train smuggled opium into China in the 1840s. He later regretted this action, recognizing the destructive nature of the opium trade.
Train was responsible for building the Flying Cloud, a ship that set a speed record for sailing between New York and San Francisco. He was a pioneer in the development of clipper ships.
Train introduced canned goods to Australia. He recognized the potential of this new technology and helped to establish a global trade in canned food.
Train was accused of trying to steal $2,000,000 in gold from Australia. This incident demonstrates his willingness to act decisively and challenge conventional practices.
Train was the first person to introduce streetcar lines to England. He faced significant opposition from those invested in traditional transportation methods, but his vision ultimately prevailed.
Train was a fervent supporter of the Union during the Civil War. He gave numerous speeches in England, challenging British sympathy for the Confederacy and exposing blockade runners.
Train was a strong proponent of the abolition of slavery. He debated with Cassius Clay about the institution of slavery and its impact on American society.
Train was involved in the French Commune of 1870. He actively participated in the movement, even facing arrest and an attempt on his life.
Train made an independent run for president of the United States in 1872. He campaigned on a platform of independence and integrity, challenging the political establishment.
Train was declared insane by six different courts in 1872-1873. This declaration was fueled by his outspoken views and his defense of Victoria C. Woodhull and Tennie C. Claflin.
Train circumnavigated the globe four times, setting speed records for each journey. His travels demonstrate his restless spirit and desire for adventure.
Train was a firm believer in the importance of speed and efficiency. He sought to improve transportation systems to reduce travel time and promote progress.
Train was a champion of the American West. He played a pivotal role in the development of the Union Pacific Railway, which opened up the Western frontier and led to the growth of cities like Omaha.
Train was a passionate advocate for social justice and equality. He supported Irish independence and championed the rights of women.
Train was a man of contradictions and complexities. His life was filled with both triumphs and failures, highlighting the complexities of human nature and the inherent struggle for self-understanding.

Statistics:

196 pounds: The weight of the “bonanza nugget” found by a starving miner in Ballarat, Australia.
$90,000: The price Train sold the Flying Cloud for and the amount he made from his first year of business in Melbourne.
$60,000: The cost of the three-story building Train constructed in Melbourne.
$25,000: The cost of the six-story warehouse Train shipped to Sandridge, Australia.
$95,000: Train’s commissions from his first year of business in Melbourne.
200% profit: The return Train made on a shipment of canned goods to Australia.
£4 sterling: The price Train sold a barrel of flour for in Melbourne.
$1,000,000: The amount Train paid for 25,000 tons of iron from Crawshay Bailey in Wales.
$1,200,000: The amount Train paid for 30,000 tons of iron from the Ebwvale Company in Wales.
$1,000,000: The loan Train secured from Salamanca, the Spanish Rothschild.
$100,000: Train’s commission for negotiating the loan for the Atlantic and Great Western Railway.
$15,000: The cost of the banquet McHenry hosted for London bankers at Delmonico’s.
$1,700,000: The amount of stock Train controlled in the Union Pacific Railway.
$5,000: The price Train paid for a vacant square in Omaha where he built a hotel.
$60,000: The cost of building the Cozzens Hotel in Omaha.
$10,000: The yearly rent Train received for the Cozzens Hotel.
$100,000: The estimated cost of building Train Villa in Newport.
$2,000: The estimated weekly cost of living for Train at Train Villa.
$1,300: The amount taken at the box office for Train’s debate with Cassius Clay at Cooper Institute.
$500: The amount Train was paid to deliver a Fourth of July oration in Portland, Oregon.
$1,000: The amount Train was offered for a lecture in Tacoma, Washington.
$4,200: The amount Train made from his lecture in Tacoma.
$1,500: The cost of chartering a special train car in New York.
$40: The cost of Train’s telegram to Dublin from Victoria, British Columbia.
$300: The cost of a uniform Train bought for General Cluseret.
$350: The actual cost of the uniform.
$100: The amount Secretary Seward sent to support Train’s London newspaper.
$80,000: The amount of Train’s bail bond in Boston.
£500: The credit Train received from the Barings bank.
£20,000: The letter of credit Train received from the Bank of New South Wales.
$10,000: The amount Train paid for the London Morning Chronicle.
$2,000: The yearly salary of the editor of the London Morning Chronicle.
$90,000: The total Train made from admission charges during his presidential campaign.
$800: The amount of the debt Train was arrested for in Boston.
$1,500: The amount subscribed in Chicago for Train’s trip around the world in 1890.
$3,500: The amount subscribed in St. Paul for Train’s trip around the world in 1890.
$4,200: The amount Train made from his lecture in Tacoma in 1890.
200,000 miles: The length of the railway network in the United States by 1902.
500,000 florins: The amount Holland had spent to subdue the Achinese in Sumatra.

Terms:

‘Longshoremen: Workers who load and unload ships.
Barratry: Fraudulent acts committed by a ship’s captain.
Triangular Run: A shipping route involving three ports.
“Truck”: Farm produce and vegetables.
“Chits”: Small cards used in China as informal invitations.
“Godowns”: Warehouses in China.
“Fankwai”: The Chinese word for “foreign devil.”
“Boy”: The Chinese word for a servant, male or female.
“Bull chilo”: The pidgin-English term for “boy” or a male servant.
“Cow chilo”: The pidgin-English term for a female servant.
“Number one”: The superlative degree in pidgin-English.
“Skis,” “offs,” “neffs”: Russian names.
“Bakshish”: A tip or gratuity.
“Troika”: A Russian carriage pulled by three horses.
“Samovar”: A Russian urn used for making tea.
“Tramway”: A British term for a streetcar line.
“Bus”: A British term for a bus.
“Mob”: A term for a crowd of people.
“Monocle”: A single eyeglass.
“Copperhead”: A term used during the Civil War to refer to Northerners opposed to the war effort.
“Nepotism”: The favoritism shown to relatives.
“Tweed Ring”: A corrupt political organization in New York City.
“Communards”: Supporters of the Paris Commune.
“Guarde Mobile”: A French military unit.
“Préfet”: A French government official.
“Ligue du Midi”: The Southern League of the French Commune.
“Zouaves”: French soldiers.
“Legion of Honor”: A French military decoration.
“Bastile”: A French prison.
“Dictator”: A supreme leader with absolute power.
“Sedan”: A town in France where Louis Napoleon was defeated.
“Fenians”: Irish nationalists.

Examples:

The story of the “bonanza nugget” illustrates both the allure of gold and the potential for despair and tragedy.
The incident of the Red Jacket shows Train’s bold actions and willingness to defy authority, even in the face of accusations of piracy.
The introduction of streetcars to England is a classic example of Train’s entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to overcome opposition to achieve his goals.
Train’s confrontation with the French soldiers in Marseilles demonstrates his courage and his willingness to stand up for his beliefs, even in a dangerous situation.
Train’s presidential campaign serves as a testament to his belief in his own abilities and his willingness to challenge conventional politics.
Train’s experiences in jail illustrate the injustices he faced and the resilience he demonstrated in the face of adversity.
Train’s world tours highlight his passion for adventure and his desire to push the boundaries of human achievement.

Conclusion: George Francis Train’s autobiography is a remarkable journey through a life of daring ambition, entrepreneurial ventures, political intrigue, and relentless exploration. He defied convention, challenged authority, and embraced adventure, leaving an indelible mark on both the business world and the social and political landscape of his time. His story is a testament to the power of self-belief, the importance of challenging the status quo, and the enduring spirit of a man who lived life on his own terms.

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