Ebenezer Webster had several sons. But at the time that he was appointed
judge there were only two at home. The older ones were grown up and were
doing for themselves.

It was of the two at home that he was thinking when he said, "I am going
to try to educate my boys."

Of the ten children in the family, the favorite was a black-haired,
dark-skinned little fellow called Daniel. He was the youngest of all the
boys; but there was one girl who was younger than he.

Daniel Webster was born on the 18th of January, 1782.

He was a puny child, very slender and weak; and the neighbors were fond
of telling his mother that he could not live long. Perhaps this was one
of the things that caused him to be favored and petted by his parents.

But there were other reasons why every one was attracted by him. There
were other reasons why his brothers and sisters were always ready to do
him a service.

He was an affectionate, loving child; and he was wonderfully bright and
quick.

He was not strong enough to work on the farm like other boys. He spent
much of his time playing in the woods or roaming among the hills.

And when he was not at play he was quite sure to be found in some quiet