Allan Ramsay, the poet, was also the son of a miner.
George Stephenson worked his way from the pithead to the highest position as an engineer.

George began his life with industry, and when he had saved a little money, he spent it in getting a little learning.
What a happy man he was, when his wages were increased to twelve shillings a week.

He declared upon that occasion that he was "made a man for life!" He was not only enabled to maintain himself upon his earnings, but to help his poor parents, and to pay for his own education.

When his skill had increased, and his wages were advanced to a pound a week, he immediately began, like a thoughtful, intelligent workman, to lay by his surplus money; and when he had saved his first guinea, he proudly declared to one of his colleagues that he "was now a rich man!" And he was right.

For the man who, after satisfying his wants, has something to spare, is no longer poor.