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THE Life And Voyages Of Columbus. CHAPTER I. BIRTH, PARENTAGE, EDUCATION, AND EARLY LIFE OF COLUMBUS. Christopher Columbus, or Colombo as the name is written in Italian, was a native of Genoa, born about the year 1435, of poor but reputable and meritorious parentage. He was the son of Domenico Colombo, a wool-comber, and Susanna Fontanarossa his wife; and his ancestors seem to have followed the same trade for several generations in Genoa. Attempts have been made to prove him of illustrious descent, and several noble houses have laid claim to him since his name has become so renowned as to confer rather than receive distinction. It is possible some of them may be in the right, for the feuds in Italy in those ages had broken down and scattered many of the noblest families, and while some branches remained in the lordly heritage of castles and domains, others were confounded with the humblest population of the cities. The fact, however, is not material to his fame; and it is a higher proof of merit to be the object of contention among various noble families, than to be able to substantiate the most illustriouslineage. His son Fernando had a true feeling on the subject. " I am of opinion," says he, " that I should derive less dignity from any nobility of ancestry, than from being the son of such a father." Columbus was the oldest of four children ; having two brothers, Bartholomew and Giacomo or, as his name is translated into Spanish, Diego and one sister, of whom nothing is known, excepting that she was married to a person in obscure life, called Giacomo Bavarello. While very young, Columbus was taught reading, writing, grammar, and arithmetic, and made some proficiency in drawing.He soon evinced a strong passion for geographical knowledge, and an irresistible inc...
