The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1877-03-24
A New York Merchant. Ig'

\ correspondent Ot tile Balt mo-
BHiiCkin writes: si' ...3 r.. H.."-
The mention Of Emma Abbott's name
inevitably suggests some Anectlotcs /
hearl recently concerning Mr.. George
G.. Lake, whose elegant mansion on
Fiftl, avenue she makes her home here,
and to whom she is glad to be indebted
for much of the material encouragement
that enabled her to pursue her career.
Mr.. and Mrs. Lake kecpnn apartment in
their house which they cill the "Abbott
room, and which they llnvo decorated
with number OF objects Of art, inclu,l-
ing portrait of its 0cCupnnt, painted by
Fnnk Il. Carpenter. Mr.. Lake is one
Of the remarkable men Of New York. He
is well known Ms the senior member Of
the Broadway dry gO0tls house of Lake &
McCrcary, hut ho retired from active
business some years ago. He is to-day
II millionaire. ..2d ID EEl- Eai I 2 :
ugMr. Lake came to New York n poor
boy from New England. He obtained n
situation III the old house oi Ubstlell &
Pierson, and, in the course Of time,
made contract for three years Mt five
hundred dollars per year, or MI aggre.
cute of fifteen hundred dollars for the
three years. Just after making this con;
tract lie WIS called on one day by Mr..
Crist, Of Spies, Crist 6 Go, who said to
him: "Nfr. Lake, we have had our
eyes on you for some time; your fidelity
and application 10 business please us,
We have been looking for Just such a
nun to take charge Of IN important de-
partment Of our business. We offer you
three thousand dollars for the first year,
five thousand the second, and seven
thousand the third" Mr.. Lake replied:
II am obliged to you, Mr.. Crist, for
your good opinion, but I cannot accept
your offer. !" Mr.. Crist was surprised.
"Why not, Mr.. Lakc?" " Because I
just made contract with Ubsdell L
Person" "But not on such terms as
We offer you, Mr.. ,Lako?" "No, GER
tIinly not" replied the young man.
"Is your contract with Ubsdell & Pier
sou III writing, Mr.. Lake," "No, sir. i"
"Well, then it is not binding" Sald Mr..
Crist. "1t makes no difference" was
Mr.. Lakes reply; ST have given Ubs-
dell & Pierson my word" The years
went on, Mr.. Lake supporting his wife
and child on $500 II year. They boarded
in Canal street at IS a week. Near the
end Of the three years Mr.. Pierson one
day said; "Mr. Lake, We wish to say
to you tint We are much pleased with
you. Among all our young men you
have been the most faithful. We know
where You go. When your daily duties
are over you go home. WGaro SO much
pleased with you that We have decided TO
offer you nm interest with u.s." Mr..
Lake replied: az cannot except II, Mr..
Picrson. " "Wly nOt?" s'I have no
capital and I will not borrow" 1t was
Mr.. Persons turn now to be surprised.
"But, Mr.. Lake, you will stay with
IFS. Il will stay, Mr.. Piersnn, but You
must nuke it nj Object Mr.. Lake then
for the first time told of the offer of
Spies, -CriEts& Co., three years before.
This he had kept to himself, aS faithful
to his duty Mt $500 n year aB hG would
hQvc been at 81, 900 or 81, 900, though he
could not always keep out Of his mind
the tempting offer he hal put aside.
Mr.. Pierson said: "N1r. Lake, 0u
what terms will you remain with us?"
/ cannot both buy and sell the same
thing, Mr.. Pierson. If my services nro
desired by you, make mo an offer" !"
They parted. The next day Mr.. Picrson
said: "Mr. Lake, my partner aud my
self have determined to make you this
offor-S10, 900 per year for ten years"
"All right, Mr.. Pierson, I accept"