The Portland daily press., 1864-09-07
proved adverse circumstances, were turned


proved adverse circumstances, were turned
to so good account, that to-day JOHN LYNCH
stands among the foremost Of those who have
studied the varied and extensive occupations
and interests of the State of Maine. In spite
of all difficulties he worked his way through
Master Jackson's school and gained admission
TO tha High School, then under the charge of
Deacon Joseph Libby, who stlll lives to rejoice
at the rewards that have already attended and
still await the fidelity and industry Of his pu-
pill. During all these days of labor and ser
vice, the condition of Mr.. Lynch was hard.
He endured cold and wet, and hard work,
went coarsely clad, and lacked the tender care
suited to his age. But he was always cheer
full, always courageous, and never lost an OPP
portunity for Improvement.
While quite young, he was elected mem
Der of club of young men who had ASSOCIATE
ed together for intellectual Improvement, ana
who had weekly meetings for literary exer-
clses aud debate. Notwithstanding his close
attention TO his business duties, and they were
of the most laborious kind, he found time TO
prepare for the discussions of the club, and
entered ardentIy into its exercises. Whatever
question was proposed for debate, he sought
to inform himself upon it, and to be prepared
TO take q side and maintain 1t. One thing Is es-
pecially remarked upon by those who remem-
Der this part Of his training-he always argued
? in defence of his honest convictions. No
temptations Of self-love ever betrayed him in
to the pernicious habit of showing how iu-
geniously and cunningly he could defend er-
ror or wrong. II assigned TO maintain any
proposition IRON which he dissented, be sought
some one with whose sentiments the proposition
accorded, and effected an exchange. Then be-
ing relieved from false petition, he bore his
part honestly and well. For several years he
continued to meet with the society, and al
ways took prominent part The training in
the art OF speaking thus acquired and the
study 1t led to, have not been lost or forgotten.
When he was about seventeen years old
with the consent of his employer, he made
an engagement with Messrs. Tinkham & Ross
who were doing the most extensive grocery
business in the State. Here again he es-
tablished his worth, and in a very few years
was associated as a partner with Mr. Rose
Mr.. Tinkham having retired from business
The firm of Ross d Lynch was too widely
and fayorably known to demand more than
the mere mention. 1t is sa well known
that Mr.. Lynch bore conspicuous and hon
orable part in the business, and contributed
l.roaig 90 tho suneass and oradit of tho noo
Germ. In few years Mr.. Ross, having gain
ed fortune. retired, and LEFT the whole bust
ness to Mr.. Lynch.
Since that time his progress has been rapid
and without interruption. 1t has, however
been the result of no fortunate accidents, Blu
has been won By hard work, Intelligence an,
enterprise, Joined TO unswerving iutegrit
and fairness in all his dealings. Twice tn
| citizens Of Portland Jamestown their conf
dence by selecting MI. Lynch as a represen
tstive to the State legislature. His cours
there has been alike satisfactory and usefu
to his constituents and creditable to hims II
He was ready and iorcibe in debate, dillgen
4 and sagacious on committees. and courteou
/ III MS luleICUuIcG WIN All Uub At WIZ Oui
spoken and bold in condemnation of ever
wrong. aud in exposing dangerous measures
Throughout the present national trial h
has been conspicuously loyal, and has give
his money, his time, and his powers to tn
support Of the nation. No man can accus
him, truthlully, of any conduct dnling hi
whole life, which Is dishonest or dishonorabl,
His birth, his education, his conduct and hi
character are all New England, and any a.
/ temple, from any source, to misrepresent an
iDjure him viii surely fail.
1T is proper, perhaps, that we should &C
knowledge the aid Of au old school.fello'
and familiar friend OF Mr.. Lynch in bringin
together the facts In the foregoing sketch
and it may also be stated that The publicatio
is made without the consent or even know
! edge OF the Union candidate for Representa-
! tive to Congress. We trust he will not fee
chagrined at the use We have made Of hi
name.