Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1870-04-28
HENRY CLEWS,

AS nations advance in wealth and mum.
bers, and as their commercial affairs multi.
ply, the character of their private banking
firms becomes of the highest Importance.
Trade watches the manipulations OF
those who handle its medium of exchange
with the keenest and most anxious scruti-
ny. Distrust in reference to the processes
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 business point of view, and must swe, ID
through uncontaminatedc channels.
We have been lead to these remarks by
careful observation of some of our high
toned banking firms, and the saving ipfiu-
ence which they have exercised over busi-
ness by the excellence of their example,
Among these, the house of Henry Clews &
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 house-a native
OF England, and about thirty-six years of
age-came to the United States as early as
lo4o, with his father, whose heavy connec-
ton with American trade gave the young
man an immediate opportunity of noting
the active, enterprising, and yet peculiarly
practical tone Of our people.
| Ihe latter SO won upon him that he de-
termined to abandon the study for the min
istIy, which had been his first intention,
and betake himself to business. With this
view he quickly sought and obtained q
clerkship In one Of the most prominent
woolen houses of the day. where his un-
niine industry for probationary term of
nine years-his integrity, promptitude, in.
telligence, and. at the same time. his excel
lent personal habits and amiability of tenn
perament, gave him solid position, and
won for him, literally, hosts of friends.
Mr.. Wilson G. Hunt. the head of the house
where be was employed, bestowed upon
him the highest marks of approval as his
service heightened. and, at last, when Mr..
Clews sought an independent path, vouched
for his ability and integrity.
At the early age of twenty-five Mr.. Clews
became member of the enterprising bank
ing firm of Stout, Clews & Mason. After
one or two changes of title, but all the
while rising in public esteem, the house is
now established, and respected, far and
wide, under the title of Henry Clews Il Co.
The same energy. .clear-sightedness, and
activity, which had given the subject of
our sketch his first success, attended him
as he advanced From dealing in CONNER
cial paper, he took up Government Secur-
tiles, when heavy loans were continually
negotiated for the nation. The needs of
the country were pressing, and in the pat
riotism and intellect of Mr.. Clews found
timely help by his arguments and ready in
vestments, other capitalists we're encour-
aged to step forward at the moment when
weaker heads and colder hearts were afraid
to endorse the Union loan. To his exam-
pie, Mr.. Clews added the influence of per-
| sonal representation, and by his agreeable
manners, as well as by the resources of his
thorough business knowledge, carried
many firm with him in the good work.
which otherwise might have stood aloof.-I
His faith never swerved in the darkest hours
OF the country's trials, and as the clouds
grew more somber, his enthusiasm only
frightened.
At leng1h. in 1S64-5 the Clevs concern
had raised its business operations to sew
eral millions per diem, of which the Ma
tional loan received goodly share.
At last the war terminated, and Mr..
Clews and his associates found themselves
among the wealthiest and most distinguish
ed of American bankers. This position
was easily maintained and steadily Ia
proved until 1858. when all stock ope rs-
tlons for members of the firm, either ID
dividually or collectively. were by written
agreement abandoned. As the country. re-
suming its activity, began % breathe freely
again, and the busy hum of railroad prepa-
ration was heard from all quarters, making
ready for new Developments of national pros.
prity, MIR. Clews found fresh opportunities
for beneficial Investment and OF these his
sagaclous mind and acquired experience
made brilliant use. The national securities
which he held. were sold by him to an ex-
tent sufficient to set free considerable
amount of the capital that he had placed
In them, and these funds were at once re-
invested In railroad loans At the
| present time the Clevs frm are the
financial agents of some Of the most inn
portant roads in the United States.
The passing visltor in Wall street has
but to glance at the busy throng which
hurries in and out of their spacious offices
In the edi6ce formerly used by the United
states Treasary, through the working day,
In order TO feel satisfied that Mr.. CleWs has
large measure of public confidence and
esteem. The impression is general that
wnen his name appears in connection with
any projected improvement. all is well. Nor
Is Mr.. ChevB unaccustomed to express his
financial opinions with terseness and DOW.
er. He Yields trenchent pen. and the
highest financial intellscts in the land have
profted by his suggestions.
Snll In the prime of manhood Mr.. Clevs
stands upon an eminence to which few 9TH
ers have been able to climb. Behind and
around him lie beautifully ordered the evil
dences OF untirtng exertions, that have
sustained and extended the welfare of the
country. and filed his own Golfers with
well earned rewards.
T. The future briehtsns at his feet, full of