Eaton weekly Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1866-1875, 1870-05-19
HENRY CLEWS.
A Brief Sketch Of an Eminent Banker.

A bf1o1 SkeLcn Oh an Eminent bAnk6r
As nations advance4in wealth and num-
bers, and as their commercial affairs null
tiply, the character of their private bank
ing firms becomes of the highest impor-
lance.
Trade watches the manipulations of
those who handle its medium of exchange
with the keenest and most anxious scru-
tiny. Distrust in reference to the pro-
cesses that transfer money is instantly
felt to the remotest extremity of the body
polite, and in order to keep the latter in
healthy action, the flow must be pure and
regular in a business point of view, and
channels.
We have been lead to these remarks by
careful observation of some of our high
toned banking firms, and the saving in
huence which they have exercised over
business by the excellence of their ex-
ample. Among these the house of Henry
CleWs & Co. has become eminent, of late
Vars. for those qualities that should dis
tinguish the financial calling.
Henry Clews, Esq, the senior partner
and head of this esteemed house-a native
of England, and about t~hirty-six years of
sge-came to the United States as early
as 1849, with his father, whose heavy con
nection with American trade gave the
young man IN immediate opportunity of
noting the active, epterprising and yet
peculiarly practical ton of four people.
The latter SO won upon him that he de.
termined to abandon the study for the
ministry, which bad been his first inten-
ton, and betake himself to business.
With this view he quickly sought and OBJ
tanned a clerkship in one of the most
prominent wooden houses of the day,
where his untiring industry for a proba-
tionary term of nine years-his integrity,
nrnmntff1dn infaIfrannn and ok fho ~
time, his excellent personal habits and
amiability of temperament, gave him solid
position, and won for him, literally, hosts
of friends. Mr.. Wilson G.. Hunt, the head
of the house where he was thus employed,
bestowed upon him the highest marks of
approval as his service heightened, and,
at last, when Mr. Clews sought an indie
pendent path, vouched for his ability and
integrity.
At the early age of twenty-five, MI.
Clews became a member of the enterpris-
ing banking firm of Stout, Clews 6 Ma
son After one or two changes of title,
but an the while rising in public esteem,
the house Is now established, and respect
ed, far and wide, under the title of Henry
Clews g Co.
The same energy, clear-sightedness and
activity, which had given the subject OF
on sketch his first success, attended him
as he advanced. From dealing in com
mercial paper, he took up Government
securities, when heavy loans were con
tinually negotiated for the nation. The
needs of the country were pressing, and
in the patriotism and intellect of Mr..
Clews, found timely help. By his argu-
ments and ready investments, other CAPT
talists were encouraged to step forward at
the moment when weaker heads and
colder hearts were afraid to indorse the
Union loan. To his example, MI. Clews
added b influence of personal represen-
tation; and by his agreeable manners, as
we'll as by the resources of his thorough
business knowledge, carried many a firm
with him in the good work, which other
wise might have stood aloof. His faith
never swerved in the darkest hours OF
the country's trials, and as b clouds
grew more somber, his enthusiasm only
frightened. - :
AT length, in 1s64-65, the Clews con
Germ had raised its business operations to
several millions per diem, of which the
National loan received a goodly share.
At last the war terminated, and Mr..
Clews and his associates found themselves
among the wealthiest and most distin
guished of American bankers. This posi-
ton was easily maintained and steadily
improved, until 1858, when all stock
operations for members of the firm, either
individually 81 collectively, were, by writ
ten agreement, abandoned. AS the cOun.
try, resuming its activity, began to breathe
freely again, and the busy hum of railroad
preparation was heard from all quarters
making ready for a new development OF
national prosperity, Mr.. Clews found fresh
and of these his sagacious mind N &C
quired experience made brilliant use. The
national securities, which he held, were
sold by him to an extent sufficient to sci
free a considerable amount of the capita
that he had placed in them, and these
funds were, at once, reinvested in railroad
loans AT the present time, the Clewt
firm are the financial agents of some o
the most important roads in the United
States. -
The passing visitor in Wall street hal
but to glance at the busy throng which
hurries in and cut of their spacious offices
in the edifce formerly used by the United
States Treasury, through the working
day, in order to feel satisfied that MI
Clews has a large measure of public con
f1dence and esteem. The impression il
connection with any projected improve
ment, all is well. MOI is Mr.. Clews un
accustomed to express his financia
opinions with terseness and power. III
wields a trenchant pen and the highes
financial intellects in the land have
profted by his suggestions.
Still in the prime of manhood, MI
Clews stands upon an eminence to which
few others have been able to climb. Be
hind and around him lie beautifully
ordered, the evidences of untiring exer
tions, that have sustained and extended
the welfare of the country, and filled hi
own Golfers with well earned rewards.
The future brightens at his feet, full o
noble opportunities. Who can doubt tina
the after- career Of so gifted and valued
citizen will reflect still fairer honor upol
the name of the American merchant, an,
the estimate in which the world shall holt
the characteristic type of the America
gentleman. - The Neao York; Mercantil
/ Journal