Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1876-01-21
Story Of o Boston Merchant.
THIRTEEN VARS BLANK EXIsTENCE-A RI
HARKABLE CAREER.
From the Boston Herald


Few of the many men who have risen
from small beginnings to afHuence by their
own tact and energy, combined with fortui-
tious circumstances, can show more pecu-
liar life history than Augustus Hemenway,
who up to about 10 years ago was a mer-
chant of Boston and a most successful busi-
ness man, but who, shortly after, suddenly
from sight, to return once more
to familiar haunts some Is months ago.
About so years ago, when mere lad,
Mr.. Hemenway was in dry goods store
in Charlestown, where his aptitude and
smartness attracted the notice of the late
Benjamin Bangs, who was at the time en-
gagged in an extensive trade with South
America. He took the bov into his EMPLOY,
placing him in his counting house on Cen
tral wharf, in this city, where he continued
till he grew TO manhood. Yourg Hemen-
way was sent to Valparaiso on Mr.. Bangs's
business, where be acquired a thorough
knowledge Of the same. 1t is said that
about this time Mr.. Hemenway aspired to an
alliance with his employer by marrying his
daughter, but that his hopes were not favor
ed and the result was that he ''struck OUT
ior himself and established a business on
his own account in Valparaiso. His business
was similar to that in which his employer
was engaged, and consisted of purchasing
all kinds of South American products, such
as hides. wool copper, etc, sending them on
To- the United States and bringing back an
assortment OF American manufactures. The
business, from its very nature, must have
been profitable one, and under his shrewd
and careful management in very Few years
became so extensive and yielded such large
profits that he decided to come back to Bos-
ton-and he arrived here richer man than
his former employer He sent his brother,
Charles P. Hemenway, to South America,
to manage the business there, while he re-
manned in Boston and enlarged his operations
until their magnitude became almost colOs-
sal. He had ships built for him, and did
his own carrying business. He owned cop
per mines Of large extent in South America
and sugar plantations in Cuba, and 1t seem
ed as if every enterprise he engaged in turn
ed out we'll. He managed his own business,
and, what was almost peculiar with him, 1t
is said that during his whole business career
he never gave promissory note.
About Is years ago Mr.. Hemenway be
gan to develop all a sudden species of
mania. He had evidently overworket his
brain and nervous system, and felt he was
becoming unable to meet his obligations,
which was, Of course, all the fiction Of the
One of bis friends on State
street, to whom this condition became mani
fest, told him frankly what he feared. and
Mr.. Hemenway seems to have had sense
enough to see the force of the apprehension
He accordingly prepared for the worst, and,
TO place his affairs In a proper position. sent
for his lawyer and had him draw up power
ot;attorrey, confding the, management of his
business TO Francis Bacon and Mr.. Tilestou,
his father in-law, of the firm Of Spafford 4
Tileston. Having done this he retired to
Conn, where he placed himself
in charge of an able and experienced physi-
clan, with whom he remained for IL years,
receiving such attention as those suffering
from a mind diseased should receive from
skilful and patient attendant. He passed
his time in quiet, having some amusement
to occupy his time, and occasionally glanced
at the daily papers, though matters pertain
ing to business were never allowed to trouble
him. He appeared to be hopelessly insane,
and the fear was that his disease would de-
velop softening of the brain. During his
term OF confinement the civil war broke out.
was fought to an issue, and the whole politi-
cal and monetary systems of the country
underwent severe strains or radical changes.
The patient still continued on in the even
tenor of his way being carefully attended to.
when, about IL months ago, more suddenly,
il ANYTHING, than the attack came on, a
change took place, and Mr.. Hemenway,
much to the delight and surprise of his
friends, was suddenly restored to reason.
He telegraphed on to his brother Charles in
Boston, Bring on your trial balance
Augustus Hemenway." This was the first
intimation that bis friends had of the change,
and was such surprise that the physician
in charge of Mr.. II. was telegraphed TO, and
returned answer that he had recovered. The
brother went on with the trial balance, and
in few days afterwards Augustus Hemen-
way walked into his Office on Lewis wharf,
and resumed his place, as if he had been
absent only few weeks. He reviewed the
business transactions of his house during the
l3 years Of his absence. and was satisfied
with the result, as well he might, for bis
DuslneSS nuu kTOWu W sucu PtotViso"9
make him one Of the very richest men IN
America.
Soon after resuming business Mr.. Hemen-
way went to England to secure improved
machinery for the production of his copper
ores. He was absent on this affair just %
days. and then started for Cuba to look after
his sugar estates. lie sold his whole crop
Of sugar to London house on strong
and made good transaction. He
then went to Valparaiso, and from thence to
London, where his transactions are very
heavy. He u once again in Boston, in familiar
haunts. and is ssid BY those who knew him
before his sickness to have great
ly changed in disposition-to have become
more ufhane and gentle in manner As well
q charitabls-s ease In point being ciseo
whore, o. Hospital Sunday, he handed IN .
contribation 70 the amount Of 81 900. AsAf'
Hsmsuway b . hals. hearty man. ana nav
ine sppassssly recovered his faculties, hs
ID 1air 10 live long ed eassy oss nsa' o.
he eieaasis asssassils epssasioas'