Polished and professional, they often rose from desperately poor origins to become the elegant consorts of Japan's most powerful men.

Martin rose from obscure origins to see service during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Lincoln made you think of Abe, therefore suggesting the wisdom and the integrity of men who rose to greatness from humble origins.

He has risen to a position of power and wealth from humble origins, though not as humble as he claims.

His official public bio mentions it; he's proud of rising from humble origins, apparently.

He rose from relatively humble origins as an ashigaru (a foot soldier) to become a daimyo.

Upon her death the property was bought by Matthew Lath, a man who had risen from humble origins through hard work and good fortune.

Her mother, Alma Gluck, rose from humble origins to fame as a soprano.

And American life is built on the faith that others can do it, too: rise from humble origins to economic heights.

Like many a hip-hop star, Kozlowski rose from humble origins, too, and according to his lawyers, he has done nothing wrong.