4 LOUIS PASTEUR 



of Louis Pasteur, however, were persons of very 

 superior quality, although occupying an obscure sta- 

 tion as did their families before them. The great- 

 grandfather had actually been a serf of the soil 

 who was given his freedom in 1763 for four pieces 

 of gold. Thenceforth he followed the occupation 

 of a tanner which continued to be a family trade 

 during the two following generations. I have an 

 especial admiration for the sturdy character of the 

 father, Jean Joseph Pasteur, a serious, hard-work- 

 ing man, with only the merest rudiments of educa- 

 tion, but with a great appreciation of learning, and 

 willing to make many sacrifices so that his son 

 might profit by the educational advantages which 

 it had never been his own privilege to enjoy. Jean 

 Joseph Pasteur had served in the armies of the 

 great Napoleon during the war in Spain. The 

 Third Regiment to which he belonged was espe- 

 cially noted for bravery, and along with many other 

 survivors of this valiant group he was given the cross 

 of the Legion of Honor at the hands of the Em- 

 peror. Through his substantial merit he had slowly 

 risen through the ranks to the position of sergeant 

 major. Throughout life Sergeant Pasteur cherished 

 the intense devotion to Napoleon that was felt by 

 so many of the common soldiers of the armies of 



