Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1873-11-06
Pittsford Merchant $.
WILLIAM B. SHAW.

Every community feels an interest in
its public men. The politician, the oc-
capant of public office, and. the pro-
fessional man, must expect to be studied
and criticised by the community in
which he moves. The merchant whose
calling brings him in contact with all
other classes, is subjected to the same
| scrutiny within a limited circle, as other
and more prominent men in a larger
sphere. The citizens of every town
manifest an interest in their me chants,
and carefully study their history and
character, for they feel that their pecu=
MARY interests are likely to be more or
less affected by the business character of
this class of men. The merchants of
this town have been favorably known
for some time; but they have acquired
their business capacity and standing in
the estimation Of the people by a long
process of training and faithful devotion
to business. l.- q. ,'.'.,-;~.
William B. Shaw is the senior mer-
chant in the town. He was born in Rut-
land in 1914, and his earlier years were
spent upon his fathers farm in that
town. His school advantages were Inn
tied Being the eldest of "a family of
five children, he was for some years re-
tanned at home to assist in their care and
support. His first experience in. trade
| was that of peddler, first of tin, and
| afterwards of silver ware. He devoted
| his energies to this business several
years, during which time he accumulated
little money, with which he purchased
in 1S48 the store he now occupies and
placed within it small stock of goods.
But he had had no experience in con-
Quoting the business of country store,
and the result was that the little capital
invested was soon trusted out; he had TO
purchase goods on credit, and, his col
lections not being sufficient to meet his
expenses, he soon found himself in en-
barrassed circumstances. He laid the
matter before his creditors, who were
disposed to deal with him leniently, and
he was soon able to effect an honorable
settlement with them. He then COM
menced business anew. and with an ex-
perience that has, no doubt, largely con-
tributed to his subsequent success. His
mind is almost wholly absorbed in his
business, which is so systematized that
he is able to transacta large amount with
little help.
He still sells many goods on credit,
but understanding as he does the finan-
cial condition of almost every person in
the town, he sustains few losses. His
eye is ever fixed upon the suspicious
debtor, and shrewd indeed must that
debtor be who evades t1e settlement of
the claim. At the same time Mr.. Shaw
is generous to the poor, and is ever
ready to assist those who are trying to
help themselves. iIeis man Of sound
judgment, and well understands what
traits of character insure success in
business. He feels an interest in the public
affairs of the town end is ready to con-
tribute literally toward the support of
our educational and religious institutions.
He has never sought Office or onor eX-
cept what comes through strit fidelity
to business; but his trained judgement
gives to his opinions much influence in
the town.
Such are some of the characteristics
of a man who probably has his share of
the public patronage. Long may he pros
per and do good. CLIO.