New-York tribune., 1891-09-23
SKETCH OF Mr.. WHITES CAREER.

SKETCH OF MR. WHITES CAREER.
HIS PROMINENCE IN WALL STREET DUE TO HIS
DEALINGS IN DELAWARE AND LACK
AwANNA STOCK.
Stephen Van Cullen White has been an active
operator in Wall Street for about quarter of a
century His prominence, however, was achieved IN
comparatively recent years, and he is most widely
known through the long identification of his name
with operations in the stock Of the Delaware, Lacka
wanna and Western Railroad. He has been bold
and brilliant speculatOr at times, and while his
nervous, impulsve temperament has led him into
sharp personal controversies, he has many
friends by his generosity and his eagerness 10 assist
those who got into financial trouble. lie preserves a
clean record for integrity, and his sklfuness in manp-
uatlng stocks has not detracted from his reputation
for straighforwardness and frank business dealings.
Mr.. White born August 1, 1881, in Chatham
County, n. C. His father came Of Pennsylvania
Quaker family which removed to the South after
the end OF the Revolutionary war; and his mother was
member of Of the Oldest families in North
Carolina. Owing 10 their hostility to the lnstltu-
ton of slavery, the family found it advisable to
remove to IllOnOs after the birth of stephen.
Tho first eighteen years Of the boys life passed
on his fathers farm, and his first money
was earned in trapping wild animals and sell
ing their skins. He graduated from Knox
After an experience Of few months as a book
Keeper he studied Law in the Office of b. Gratz Brown
and John A. KassOn, and after admission to the bar
he attained some local prominence practising at
torney
The Wall Street career Of Mr. White began when on
January 8, 1865, he entered into partnership with
Charles B. Marvin, under the firm rame of Marvin Is
White The house failed in 1865, but Mr. White paid
ell his debts and continued business alone. lie joined
fha EYch on Nav s
ton fire Of 1872 carried Mr. White down. but he com
promised with his creditors and subsequently dis
charged all his obligations with interest deferred
payments. In 1882 the firm Of S. V. White Co.
was organized with Arthur B. Clalin and Franklin W..
Hopkins as Mr. Whites partners. On December 81,
1885, the present partnership of Mr.. White and Mr..
Hopkins formed. Both men are members Of the
Stock Exchange, Mr.. Hopkins having Joined it on
December 8, 1881. Mr.. Hopkins is a sonin-law Of
Mr.. White. The Chicago firm Is composed of Mr..
White his son Arthur, A. W. Allen. nephew, and
F. w. Hopkins. The Chicago branch was opened in
April, 1882 at Nos. and Sheruan-st
Mr.. White achieved his prominence in Wall Street by
his successful manipuatlons Of Delaware, Lackawanna
and Western stock. He was supported by Jay Gould
in his original ventures and one of the operations Is
reported to have cleared 81 100000. Mr. Whites last
brilliant stroke I'm Lackawanna was on March L. 1884
when he invited the shorts TO step to his office
and settle, long and melancholy procession obey
ing the command. Mr.. White had bought the stock
for Irregular delivery and had through brokers
sold it freely on option for the seller to deliver the
stock in three days. Mr.. White forced the shorts to
accept his terms and by the selling on options was
able to relieve himself of the stock usually accumulated
in attempted corners. The success Of Mr.. White in
his operations in Lackawanna gave him an important
place as "bull' leader but ehe stagnaton in Wall
street for several years led him to turn his attention
to the promoting of Industrial enterprises. The firm
was not prominent In the recent upward movement
and the venture in grain which has had unfortunate
result, was the first made by Mr. White on any scale
Of magnitude.
Mr.. White was receiver of the GrOcers' Bank when
failed several years ago account Of forgeries and
held a receivershp of the Sugar Trust last January
pending its reorganization into corporation. lie was
president Of the w. l.. Green Commission Company, Of
ST. Louis, which concern is not In any way Injured by
the failure of S. V. White d Co Mr.. Whites personal
wealth has been estimated at S@O0OooO.
Mr.. White has long been one of the most active
members of Plymouth Church. When he came 10
New York and made his home in Brooklyn
Heights he went to hear Mr.. Beccher preach
and was at attracted to the church.
lie and his wife enrolled members Of the church
in 1866, Mr. White being No. 2,2OO on the roll oil
membership. lie has always occupied one OF the best
pews In the church. and In the daSs o lne tIll9al M
auction OF choice OF pe~s ne frequently Dld leh iOI
the first choice, being competitor with Horace H.
Clahin and r. T. Bush. lie frequently paid 800 a
year in addition 10 the rental OF the pew. lie has sat
for years the aisle from the pew reserved Tor
Mr.. Beechers family in the best part Of the church
For large part Of the quarter OF a century dur
ing which he has been connected with the church
he has been trustee Of the society. lie has held the
place of treasurer Of the church for many years but
handled only the receipts from collections, the pew
rents benrg I'm the hands Of Augustus storr, treasurer
OF the society. Mr.. White has been identified with the
Brooklyn Home for C0nsumptyes, OF which his vile l.
president and has been interested in other charitable
works lie has always been liberal in his gifts
In politics Mr.. White has always been strong Re
publican. lie worked and voted for Fremont in 1886.
In the Presidential campaign of 154 he grand mar
shal OF the great Blaine parade In Brooklyn In los5
he elected to Congress from the lid District lie
recently retired from the Republican state Committee
OF which ne treasurer. Mr. White finds recreation
from business in astronomical observations and he has
fine telescope in the Of his house No. 2lO Co
lumbia Heights. since the failure OF George Seney
financial event has startled Brooklyn people q, the
failure OF Mr.. White. Mr. White is Identified with
County Trust Company Of which he /, one of the
Il. -. IL