The man who is known in his neighborhood as "Uncle" is never a cold, crabbed or selfish character. He is sure to have a generous heart, and wear a cheerful smile--there is integrity in him which men trust, and warmth around him which little children love to gather, and the term is a title of honor--more to be desired than that of honorable. "BILL" NYE. Edgar Wilson Nye, known to his readers as "Bill Nye," was born in Shirley, Maine, August 25, 1850. He removed with his parents to Wisconsin in 1854. As a mere school boy, he loved to say those things which afforded amusement to his associates and his family. In an article in Collier's for April 10, 1915[3], his mother tells the following anecdote concerning him when a boy working on the Wisconsin farm: The two boys, Edgar (Bill) and his brother Frank had been working in the field, but were separated on their return to the house at noon time. They met again at the pump, when the following conversation ensued: "Edgar looked at Frank as if surprised, and inquired: 'Your name Nye?' 'Yes,' replied Frank, with perfect gravity in order to lead his brother on. 'That's funny; my name's Nye, too,' observed Edgar. 'Where were you born?' 'In Maine,' answered Frank. 'I was born in Maine myself,' said Edgar. 'I wouldn't doubt at all if we were some relation. Got any brothers?' 'Yes, I have two brothers.' 'Well, well, this is growing interesting. I've got two brothers myself. I'll bet if the thing were all traced out, there would be some family relationship found. Are your brothers older or younger than you?' 'I have one brother older and one younger,' replied Frank. 'Oh, well, then we can't be any relation after all,' declared Edgar with a look of disappointment; 'my brothers are both older.'" While a young man he went to the then territory of Wyoming, where he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1876. He later returned to River Falls, Wisconsin, where he engaged in newspaper work. Some years later he traveled with James Whitcomb Riley and gave entertainments in which mirth was the essential feature. He later removed from Wisconsin and made his home in New York City. He died at Asheville, N. C., Feb. 22, 1896. His writings appeared under the following titles: Bill Nye and Boomerang, in 1881; Forty Liars, in 1883; Remarks, in 1886; Baled Hay and Fun, Wit and Humor, with J. W. Riley, in 1889; Comic History of the United States, in 1894; Comic History of England, in 1896. To illustrate his humor due to the mingling of fact and nonsense, we reproduce here a portion of his chapter upon Franklin as published in his Comic History of the United States. FOOTNOTE: [3] Reprinted through permission of J. B. Lippincott Co. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN