Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1866-05-11
A Welcome Homo.

Inc Citizens Of Danvers, Ms, recently had
nieetlng TO make arrangements for public
reception to their townsman, Mr. George
Peabody The biography of this eminent
merchant is highly instructive and his Gu
reer OF honorable and successful business is
an example and incentive. His life rises
lar above that Of the mere scheming trader
and is characterized throughout by solid
virtues. 1t is also marked by powerful con-
trasts in outward circumstances. Early in
the century, he left his humble home at the
age Of fifteen, with the knowledge he picked
up in the district school and as clerk in the
village groaery store, and went forth to en-
gage in more extended business. He now
returns loaded with the esteem of European
statesmen and the COMMUNICATION ofroyaltv.
The biography which bridges the beginning
and close of his business career, is a verv
Impressive lesson to the American youth.
The success of Mr. Peabody will be found
chiefly in his aptitude for business. His for
tune was the result of his character and ca
pacltles. In 1914 he became q partner of
Mr.. Elisha Riggs, and using the capital
which his senior put into the firm. he built
up an extensive business. In 1897. he took
up his residence permanently in England
and soon took rank among the first bankers
At different times he was intrusted with inn
portaDt negotiations for the State of Mary
land, which were invariably conducted with
success. But to unusual business capacitv
he added high moral qualities. He is more
than the successful merchant. Many men
OF interior moral fibre have made very large
fortunes. lie did more than this and affer
gaining wealth, had used 1t for The hcncIi,
of Others The same foresight he tnnuloved
in his business has been exhibited in his be
nevolence. In 1852 at the bicNntennial of
his native town he sent toast Ia n sealed
envelope. The fact was known, bat as no
one was permitted to read it until Me an
pointed day, speculation was rife. Curi-
osity was on tiptoe. The day came the zeal
was broken, and these words, on the back
ground of q check for $4,000, were read
"Education-a debt from the present to ftI-
ture generations" This sum, given for the
founding of an institute, lyceum and library,
was subsequently, increased to 100000, and
an addition of $4,000 to North Danvers for
a branch library His wealth flowed into
various channels. Ten thousand dollars
We're given 10 the Grinneil expedition. Then
100000, with a pledge to increase it to
100000, to found an institute in Baltimore,
and more recently his well known London
charity, amounting to more than u million
of dollars.
As thus the banker returns, he comes
bringing the memory Of noble deeds. He
has made the name American honorsd in
Europe; he has ennobled the calling OF
merchant he has illustrated the Christian
idea of the uses of wealth. Our common
humanity is ennobled by such an example
We see here man who is not content with
using his wealth for personal ambition, show
OF qualification, but devotes is to the public
good. He chooses 50 be his own executor
Such man is a public blessing. He casts
bright light on his pathway. The world
is the richer in good deeds. As thus he
comes bringing the letter Of Englmd's queen
and with character enobIed by farsighted
benevoIencc, the nation at large joins witt
his fellow-townsmen in cordial welcome tC
George Peabody--Christias Register.