The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1876-04-27
Anecdotes of the Late A. T. Stewart.

A friend of Mr.. Stewart related an anec-
dote yesterday which showed the methods
that the merchant adopted when carrying
on small business, to increase the nun
Der of his customers. Mr.. Stewart made
inquiries among his friends, and learned
the name and residence of the leader of
fashionable society in the city and also
the church that she attended. He then
sought out the sexton of the church and
leased pew directly in front of that of
the lady. Regularly Sunday after Sun
day thereafter he sat In his seat and took
part in the worship. A few months
passed, and one Sunday as the congrega-
ton was about leaving the church it sud-
denly began to rain. The fashionable
lady had carriage, but the sidewalk be-
tween the church door and the roadway
was wide, and she stopped jrresolutely at
the door upon perceiving the drops of
rain, dreadiDg injury to her costly dress
The frequent mists and rain of Ireland
had caused Mr.. Stewart to form the habit
of carrying IN umbrella on all days of the
year, and he had one ON this day. Raising
it, he told the lady he would shelter her
beneath it until she could walk to her
carriage, if she would accept the service.
The proffer was accepted, he took
her to the carriage, and was heart
lily thanked. The following Sunday,
alter the service, she addressed him
and again thanked him for his kindness.
A short conversation followed, and occa-
sionally on Sundaysthat succeeded, as they
were coming out Of church, q few words
passed between them. While talking with
a member of the church one day the lady:
learned Mr.. Stewards occupation, and the
next time she met him said:
8 Mr.. Stewart, have you any articles in
your store that YOU think / would like to
y No" he replied; II don't think 1
have anything"
II would like TO aid you in your bust
ness in some way" -. .,,3 a
. J" You can in this way: l have noticed
that your cOachman exercises your horses
every day, and you not caring always to
take ride, presume, the carriage is FREE
quently empty. If ON the days when you
do not wish to use the carriage you will
order your coachman to take it to my store
and remain in front Of the store for half
an hour, you will do me q good turn"
The lady was amused by Mr.. Stewards
suggestion, and cheerfully granted the re-
quest. The frequent appearance of the
N0AA A0SO II iAOxs " tuO StOIS, Auu tue pre-.
sumptive presence ofthe fashionable owner.
of it within the store, was soon noticed by
other women, and Mr.. Stewards scheme
was speedily successful. Carriage after
carriage stopped before the store, and the
stream of fashion was started that has since
run ceaselessly in and out its doors.
Personally Mr.. Stewart was very I'M
assuming man. He dressed plainly and
with good taste and never wore rinOe nr
diamonds The only costly article he
carried about was gold watch, and this
was not fastened to achain, but to q black
silk cord. II he saw one Of his clerks
displaying much jewelry, this was con-
sidered Sufficient cause by him to estab-
lish inquiry into the habits 81 the man,
the amount OF his salary and his mode of
living. IT, his salary and circumstances
did. not warrant such outlay Mr.. Stewart
would have watch vet a. ID sections,
and the result in many cases proved that
the clerk was dishonest Many instances
could be recounted in which be discovered