Lamoille newsdealer. [volume] (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1860-1877, 1870-04-26

Henry Clews.
BRIEF SKETCH OF AN EMINENT BANKER.

tiply, the character Of their private bank
ing firms becomes Of the highest impor-
tance.
Trade watches the manipulations ef
those who handle its medium of exchange
with the keenest and most anxious scrutiny
Dstrust in reference to the processes that
transfer money, is instantly felt to the re-
motest extremity Of the body polite, and
in order to keep the latter in healthy ac-
ton, the flow must be pure and regular
in business point of view, and must
sweep through uncontaminatcd channels.
We have been led to these remarks by
careful observation Of some of our high
toned banking firms, and the saving inhu-
ence which they have exercised over bus
mess by the excellence Of their example.
Among these, the house of Henry Clcws
& Co. has become eminent, of late years,
for those qualities that should distinguish
the financial calling
! Henry Clews, Esq, the senior partner
and head of this esteemed housc--a ma
tive of England, and about thirty-six
ears Of age-came to the United States
as early as 1910, with his father, who;e
heavy connection with American trade
gave the young man an immediate oppor-
tunity Of, noting the active, enterprising,
aud yet peculiarly practical tone Of our
people. '".
The latter SO won uron him that he de-
termined to abandon the study for the min.
istry,- his first int,ntion,- and betake
himself to business, With this view he
quickly sought aud obtained a clerkship
in one Of the most prominent woolen
houses of the day, where his untiring in
dustry for probationary term Of nine
years--his integrity, prcmptitude, inteili-
igencc, and, at the same time, his excel
lent personal habits and ahiability Of
tcmperament-gave him solid position,
and won for him, literally, hosts Of frieuds.
Mr.. Wilson &. Hunt, the head Of the
house where he was thus employed, be-
slowed upon him the highest marks Of ap-
proval as his service heightened, and, at
last, when Mr.. Clews sought an indcpcn-
dent path, vouchcd for his ability and in
tegrity. ...-...t d..
At the early age of twenty-five, Mr..
Clews became II ,m,cf Of The cnterrris.
ing banking firniof Stout, Clews & Ma
son. After one or two changes of title,
but all the while rising in public esteem,
the house is now established, and respec-
ted, Far and wide, under the title of Hen
ry Clcws & 90.
The same energy, clear-sightedness, and
activity, which had given the subject Of
our sketch his first success, attended him
as he advanced. '''.' W"
From dealing in commercial paper, he
took up Government Securities, when
heavy loans were continually negotiated
for the nation. The needs of the country
were pressing, and in the patriotism and
intellect of Mr. Clews, found timely help
4 BY his arguments and ready investments,
other capitalists were encouraged to steE
forward at the moment when weaker heads
and colder hearts were afraid td endorse
the Union loan. ...g.i., ...- -
To his example, Mr.. Clews added the
influence of personal representation, and
I by his agreeable manners, as well as by
the resources of his thorough business
b. knowledge, carried many firm with hin
in the good work, which otherwise might
have stood aloof. His faith never swery'
cd in the darkest hours of the country'l
trials, and as the clouds grew more som
Der, his enthusiasm only frightened.
AT length in ls64-65, the Clews con
Germ had raised its business operations tc
several millions per diem, of which thu
National loan received goodly share.
AT last the war terminated, and Mr.
Clews and bis associates found themselves
among the wealthiest and most distinguish
ed of American bankers. This position
was easily maintined and steadily improv
ed, until 1868, when all stock operation
for members of the firm, either individu
ally or collectively, we're, by written u
greement, abandoned.uniiyIla. odi
As the country, resumng its activity
began tobrea the freely again, and the bus.
hum Of railroad preparation was hear'
from allsauarters, making ready for
6 new development of natioual prosperity
q Mr. Clews found fresh opportunities 70
beneficial investment, and Of these his 50
: gacious mind and acquired experienc
Y made brilliant use. s0 raa lig f
The national securities, which he bel