He made an early marriage, and reared and educated ten children on the proceeds of the few acres of land which he farmed.

This large family were remarkable for great physical strength, and much personal beauty.

Even in his old age, Mr.Bronte is a striking-looking man, above the common height, with a nobly-shaped head, and erect carriage.

In his youth he must have been unusually handsome.
He was born on Patrickmas day (March 17), 1777, and early gave tokens of extraordinary quickness and intelligence.

He had also his full share of ambition; and of his strong sense and forethought there is a proof in the fact, that, knowing that his father could afford him no pecuniary aid, and that he must depend upon his own exertions, he opened a public school at the early age of sixteen; and this mode of living he continued to follow for five or six years.