court which was held twice each year about ten miles from his home. The influence of his mother during the formative years of his character was particularly strong for good, and the general tendency of his home life was in the right direction. His admiration for eminent men, especially for Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Webster and Henry Clay, stimulated his ambition to become useful and honored in the public service of his country. He was left free to choose his profession; and he chose the law because it appeared to him both desirable and honorable. In entering public life he followed the advice of his friends rather than his own inclinations. While his reading has been along various lines he has found books on history and law the most useful in preparing him for his chosen work and in aiding him in its performance.
In looking back over his life Mr. Cullom feels that he has accomplished all that he expected to do when he began his public career. Although at one time he "had a little ambition to become President of the United States," his failure to secure that office has never caused him any bitterness or even serious regret. He believes that every young man of fair natural ability, good habits, integrity and industry, who cherishes high ideals and follows a thoughtful and conservative course of action, can win at least a fair measure of success in life.
