The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1868-06-26
MistelIaneors7 Seleetions.
Lessons from an old Merchant


That veteran and honorable merchant,
Jonathan Sturges, of New York, at the
dinner given in his honor on the occa-
sion of his retirement from active bust
ness, gave the following golden counsel
to young men: 49, tl.a
snow, gentlemen, since there is moth
ing that l can talk about that you do
not understand great deal better than
l do, l propose to say a few words for
the benefit of the young men outside,
and if you approve of what is said, let
it be considered as said by this grand
jury of merchants now assembled.
One of the first lessons | received was
in 1918, when l was eleven years of
age. Ny grandfather had collected a
fine flock Of merino sheep, which were
carefully cherished during the war of
1925. l was a shepherd boy, and
my business was to watch the sheep in
the fields. A boy, who was more fond
of his books than of sheep, was sent to
me, but he left the work to me, while
he lay in the shade and read his books.
1 finally complained of this to the old
gentleman. / shall never forget his
benignant smile as be replied, Never
you mind; if You will watch the sheep,
you will have the sheep Thought to
myself-what does the old gentleman
meant l don't expect to have any
sheep. Ny aspirations were quite mod
crate in those days, and first-rate
merino buck was worth 81, 900. / could
not make out exactly what he meant,
but 1 had great confidence in him, as he
was judge, and had been to Congress
in Washington's time; SO concluded
that it was all right, whatever he meant
and went out contentedly with the
sheep. After l got to the field | could
not get the idea out of my head. Final
ly 1 thought of my Sunday lessons:
Thou hast been faithful over a few
things, I viii make thee ruler over
many things Then l understood it (;
never you mind who else neglects his
duty; be you fai.hful and you will have
your reward! l do not think it will
take many lads as long as it did me to
understand this proverb.
+ l received second lesson after l
came to this city, as a clerk to the late
Luman Reed. A merchant from Ohio,
who knew me, came to purchase goods
of Mr.. Reed. He expressed his gratif-
cation at finding me there, and said to,
me, ''you have got good place. Make
yourself SO useful that they cannot do
without you.' l took his meaning
quicker than l did the proverb about
the sheep. Well, 1 worked upon these
two ideas until Mr.. Reed offered me an
interest in his business.
The first morning after the co-part-
nership was announced, Mr.. James
Geery, the old tea merchant, called to
see me, and he said to me, You are all
right now; have one word of advice
to give yoa-be careful who you walk
the streets with That was lesson num-
Der three.
In this connection | must repeat an
anecdote told of the late Robert Len
nox. A country merchant came into
the store of Mr.. Morton, a highly re-
spectacle Scotch merchant, to purchase
goods. He spoke about credit refer
ences, etc. Mr.. Morton said: 4 will
give you what credit you wish"
But said the surprised merchant,
4 am an entire stranger to you Mr..
Mr.. Morton. replied Did not see you
to church with Robert Lennoxg Yes,
| was at church with him. well, l
trust any man whom Robert Lennox
will take to church with him.
[ hope these three lessons of watch
fulness over the interests of their en-
ployers, watehfulness over their part
ners' interest and their own, after they
are joined, followed by an intense
watchfuluess that no black sheep creep
into their folds, may be impressed by
these anecdotes upon the minds of those
for whom they are intended.
One other lesson feel it very neces-
sary to inculcate-that of patience.
With a little patience most young
men will find position as high as they
have fitted themselves to fill.
In all the changes which have taken
place In my firm since 1922, no partner
has been brought in'who has not served
as clerk in the establishment. And
now leave my. house well organized,
prosperous, and free from complications
and in the hand of those who have
served in it as clerks for longer or
shorter period. l mention this as an |
encouragement to young men to per-
severe in the faithful performance of
their duties