Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1876-09-08

ROBERT PoRTNER ESQ The following is
the skvtcn OF tie ale OF our enterprlSlug 1cllo"
ciizoo, Robert Portn,r, which accompanied
hl, porra t ir the Chimney Corner, as hereto
fore nnntlon IL the Gaze tc:
Mr.. Former Was born ~ Rahdcu, Wcstpha-
liza. Prussia, March 20, 1887 lis tati. teid
an humble postlou under The Government, aod
Robert was educated at the expense oil the King,
at the Anraburg Military Academy, Saxouy.
He left the HON: Of his childhood in 1858 and
came t. New York, where he touod ruploy
meet as clerk, bookkeeper, e.. Iu 1861, short
ly after the breaking OUT ol the war, he left
New York and went 10 Alexandria aud engaged
10 the grocery business, 10 which he met with
moderate success, aud contlnucd the business
for TWO years.
While carrying on the grocery he invested
some little capitals silent parner-lu the
"Alexandra Brewery" on King street. But
he was unsuccessful in the venture. ln 1866,
still c0nhicnt that brewery would prove III.
crative, be resolved t. undertake ii alone, and
bought out the other partners, bu: he lost
again al i!r had (SI6.OOOj in the short space
OF two years
SILT believing there was money iu it, - with
an unsuIlled reputation and tlrclCss energy,
be found those willing to aid him, and with
borrowed capital he built a small brewery 10
the northern part Of Alexandria. which became
the nucleus of the present establishment the
extent OF which will be appreciated when it is
stated that last year he paid to the Govern
meut lu revenue taxes $40 900, and for the
present year his returns already exceed SIS 900.
By energy and integrity Mr. Former has thus
amassed fortune and woa az enviable rcpu.
atloD.
But he mas DOT confined his talents TO one
| business aionc He has Il uud other fields Of
enterprise calculated to promote the growth OF
| the city aud the interests IT her people. Two
Or three prosperous building associations owe
their orIgiu TO bis eoergy ADD business tact.
Tie Alexandria ship yard was started by him,
aud the German Bankiog Company, with a
capital Of 800 900, ever which he is president
and wbcn is dong prosperous business, owes
lis origin y him. Mr. Portne: presents one OF
the most conspicuous examples OF legitimate
business success to De found in America, and Is
withai a. modest as he Is capable.
MARIN r. INT II L l. &; Il y G II
,Su. rose......... 5 81 .Hoon rises ........ 5 81
! ,Sm sets ........ E l6 High vtter. . Ol
ARRIVED.
Steamer Lady of the Lake, Norfolk, to
| Red
Steamer Mattsno, lower Potomac to N Bousl
! il son.
Schr Earl ? Mason, Providence, to American
| Coal Co.
Schr Jhos Stone, Boston, to master.
Schr J V Wellington, Boston, t. \ Reed
schrs .Aargtre; c Lyons Sallie W Kay, W
d Hilton and JOAN Z sanford, for Georgetown
SAILED.
Steamer Lady Of the Lake, Norfolk, by a
! Reed.
Stramer John w Thompson lower Potomac
| by + a Reed
Steamer Express, Baltimore, by Jos Broder
s. Co.
Schr VIM Allen, New Haven, by American
Coal Go.
~chrs VIM Marvel, Hamilton. T Morri:
PERT md Clara, from Georgetown.
Schr Bravr, Boston, by Z B Hoe
Schr Maggie Baltimore, by p 3 Hooe.
MEMORANDA.
Schr Helen Rommel for Norwslk, hence, a
| Nav ! ork 9Th
Schr Estc.lar hence, at New York 9Th.